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 — July 1937
1937
, The Murdoch Trail in Kentucky Alvin E. Magary What Rural Churches Are Doing w. H. Thompson Pioneering for Christ in Kwangsi A. C. Snead China and the New Life Movement Generalissimo. Chiang Kai..shek Thinking Yellow vs. Acting Yellow Geoffrey W. Royall The Problem of the Rural Church in Canada J. R. Watt A Brahman Christian……Nehemiah Goreh 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember September 27 – October 1 – Houston, of her service to Japanese women
Texas. Dean, Mrs. A. B. Haynes, the field of education. M>iss Loomis July 5-16-New Jersey Summer 618 Highland Ave., Houstori, Texas. was principal of Doremus High School School for Christian W 0 r k e r s, for girls in Yokohama from 1901 until Blairstown, N. J. October 5-6- Warren, Ohio. Mrs. her retirement last year. She is the George Konold, 314 Scott St., N. E., second missionary in this school to be July 8-13 – International Christian Warren, Ohio. so honored by the Emperor, the first Endeavor Convention, Grand Rap- being Miss Julia N. Crosby, one of ids, Mich. October 21 – Baltimore, Md. Mrs. the founders of the mission, who went David D. Baker, 410 N. Calhoun to Japan in 1871. July 11-16 – Anniversary, First Con- St., Baltimore, Md. ference of American Methodism. *** Old St. George's Church. Phila- Personal Items Dr. Tom Lambie, recently in charge delphia. Dr. E. Stanley Jones expects to be of the work of the Sudan Interior Mis- July 12-26- World Conference on in China for six months from August sion in Ethiopia and a naturalized Life and Work. Oxford, England. 15. He goes at the invitation of the citizen of Ethiopia, has recently re- National Christian Council of China. turned from a visit to Africa to sur- July 14-17-National Council of Fed- He will be asked to give attention vey the Nigerian field with a view to erated Church Women. Lake Ge- primarily to the strengthening of opening new stations to be occupied neva, Wis. church leadership in evangelism, lay by missionaries who will no longer be service and the Christianizing of the welcome in Ethiopia. Dr. Lambie has July 19-30-Religious Education Con- home, with such work for non-Chris- applied to have his American citizen- ference. Northfield, Mass. tians and students as may be carried ship restored. During his trip he and on without diversion from this main Dr. Rowland V. Bingham went up the July 24-31-Conference of the Asso- Nile to Khartoum and later flew from ciation of Christian Youth Move- objective. there to Kano, 1,800 miles across ments of America. Stony Brook, *** Africa to the west.
L. 1. Mrs. Orrin R. Judd, a member of *** the Board of Directors of THE RE- July 31-August 6-General Confer- VIEW, has been elected president of Rev. Hafiz Abood Faris, elected to ence. Northfield, Mass. the Woman's American Baptist Home represent Syria at the Centennial cele- Mission Society at its recent annual brations of the Board of Foreign Mis- July 31-August 7-Annual Interde- meeting in Philadelphia. sions of the Presbyterian Church in nominational Young People's Con- the U. S. A., is pastor of the church ference. Stony Brook, L. I. *** at Horns, Syria; president of the Synod Dr. William J. Reid and Dr. Wil- and moderator of the Syrian Evan- August 3-18 – World Conference on gelical Church. Through his leader- Faith and Order. Edinburgh, Scot- liam J. Reid, Jr., as father and son, ship federation among the Protestants land. in Syria has been effected and included have continuously led the First United the Covenantor churches (Reformed), August 16-23 – Christian .Endeavor the Irish Presbyterian Mission and the Conference. Northfield, Mass. Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh Danish Mission churches.
August 21-29-General Bible Confer- for 75 full years, the father holding As a schoolboy Mr. Faris attended ence. Stony Brook, L. 1. the American Presbyterian Mission the pastorate for 40 years. This School at Sidon and received his the- Sept. 28-30 – Annual Interdenomina- unique anniversary has recently been ological training at Suk-ul-Gharb. He tional Missionary Institute, Wom- is related to the talented Abood fam- an's Interdenominational Union of celebrated in Pittsburgh. In a curious ily which has furnished the Christian Philadelphia and Vicinity. First way the younger man has reproduced Church in Syria and Palestine with Baptist Church, Philadelphia. six pastors, several teachers, and a his father's work. The father was for number of workers along other lines. SUMMER CONFERENCES AND 15 years editor of the United Pres'by- He spent a number of years in Amer- SCHOOLS OF MISSIONS terian; the son has edited the same ica (1903-07), and organized an Arabic-speaking Presbyterian Church Council of Women for Home Mis- paper for 16 years. The weekly Bible among the Syrians of West Hoboken. sions and Affiliated with the Committee on Women's Work, School at the Y. M. C. A., which the *** Foreign Missions Conference elder taught for 30 years, was after- Rev. and Mrs. Phineas B. Kennedy, July 7-15-Northfield, Mass. Miss v.ho have spent forty years in Al- Amy O. Welcher, 796 Prospect Ave., ward led by the son for almost 20 bania and Macedonia as missionaries, Hartford, Conn. years. The U nit e d Presbyterian first under tHe American Board and Handbook, which the father prepared later in the Albanian Evangelical July 10-17 – Mountain Lake Park, Mission, are now in America and are Md. Chairman, Mrs. J. M. Knight, annually for many years, has been available for addresses on conditions 207 Roane St., Charleston, W. Va. and work in Albania. Mr. and Mrs. issued by the son for 22 years. The Kennedy have a fine lot of stereopticon July 17-24–Mt. Hermon, Calif. Mrs. slides and a large fund of interesting N. J. Forsberg, 1144 Eddy St., San father sent a full-page weekly discus- Francisco, Calif. information in regard to this little- sion of the Sunday school lesson to known part of the storm center of July 19-23 – Bethesda, Ohio. Miss Europe. Their address is 718 Ken- Mary 1. Scott, 310 Tomlinson St., his paper; here, too, the son has car- sington Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Moundsville, W. Va. ried on. *** ••• August 15-22 – Chautauqua, N. Y. Chairman, Miss B. Louise Wood- Dr. J. D. Jones, long pastor of one David Griffin, son-in-law of Rev. ford, 930 23d Ave. North, St. of the leading Con g reg a t ion a I Paul Rader, Chicago evangelist, ex- Petersburg, Fla. pects to make a 20,000-mile tour of churches of England, and well known Asiatic and African frontiers in a August 19-25 – Kerrville, T e x a s. three-wheeled motorcycle truck, ac- Chairman, Mrs. T. M. Cunning- in America as well as Great Britain, companied by Hubert Mitchell, of Los ham, 618 West Sydamore, Denton, Angeles. From Singapore their Texas. has been elected to the presidency of route will take them through the Ma- lay States, Burma, Tibet, across September 20-24 – Minnesota (Min- the National Free Church Council. Khyber Pass, through Persia and neapolis-St. Paul). President, Mrs. finally across the mid-section of Charles L. Grant, 610 Aurora Ave., *** Africa. St. Paul, Minn. Prof. Arthur H. Compton, eminent September 20-24–Southern California young physicist and Nobel Prize win- (Los Angeles). Mrs. H. M. Horn, ner, has been installed Chairman of 1955 Carmen Ave., Los Angeles, the Laymen's Missionary Movement, Calif. Chicago. Prof. Compton has served on the Committee for eight years. September 27 – October 1 – Dallas, Texas. Pres., Mrs. E. R. Alderson, *** 561 Goodwin St., Dallas, Texas. Miss Clara Denison Loomis, for thirty-five years a missionary in Japan under the Woman's Union Mis- sionary Society of America, was re- cently honored by the Japanese Gov- ernment by being presented with the Renju Hosho, the highest decoration
MISSIONARY for your magazine as a whole. lt IS Fastest
REVIEW OF THE WORLD well for all of us to keep before us to the DELAVAN L. PIERBON, Editor the general trend in the missionary world, as well as to know some of the ORIENT VOL. LX JULy-AuG., 1937 Nos. 7 & 8 speclllc pieces of work which are be- ing carried on by other churches Japanese Publication and Business Olllce– throughout the world. Your MISSION- Girl Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. ARY KEVIEW helps to keep us informed with at these points." Editorial and Executive Olllce– lantern. 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. MABEL NIEDERMEYER, Entered as second-class matter at Director of Children's Work, Go direct fromVancouverand Victoria in 10 days by Em- Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under United Christian Missionary press oj Asia or Empress oj Act of March 3, 1879. Society, Indianapolis. Russia. Only 3 more days via Hawaii by Empress ojJapan 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. *** (fastest ship on the Pacific) Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. or Empress oj Canada. Con- Published monthly, except August. "You are surely issuing a most nect at Honolulu from Cali- All rights reserved. Copyrighted 193 7. splendid magazine. I bind the copies fornia ports. Low round-trip British agents – Marshall, Morgan so as to maKe constant use of them. fares include passage from and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, I have known of interest and contribu- and to Seattle. London. E. C. 1 shilling per copy, tions through people learning of needs 10 shillings a year. as given in THE REVIEW." ~r;4 MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- REV. WILLIAM H. ENSIGN. For rates and sailings, see LISHING CO., INC. Los Angeles, Calif. YOUR TRAVEL AGENT or Cana- dian Pacific: New York, Chi- BOARD OF DIRECTORS "I think ever*y *Ch*ristian ought to ca~o, San Francisco, 38 other ROUERT E. SPEER, President citIes in U. S. and Canada. A. L. WARNSHUlS, Vice-President read THE REVIEW. It is the best thing I have ever seen on missions. Many WALTER MCDOUGALL, ~'rea8urer of my congregation are oecoming en- thUSIastic over it. One night when a DELAVAN L. PIERSON. Secretary speaker disappointed me I talked for an hour on mIssions, giving informa- SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT tion gleaned from THE REVIEW."
WILLIAM I. C'luMBERLoUN PASTOR F. L. SHANNON.
D. J. FANT Beckley, -W.-V-a.- – – – MRS. ORRIN R. JUDO THE SECRETS OF SUCCESS WM. B. LIPPHARD ERIC M. NORTH "Push," said the button. "Take pains," said the window. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER "Never be led," said the pencil. "Be up to date," said the calendar. Editorial Chat "Always keep cool," said the ice. "Do business on tick," said the clock. Our June (Rural America) Num- "Never lose your head," said the ber has already had a large sale and is still in great demand. Order your barrel. extra copies before the supply runs "Do a driving business," said the out. Here is only one of the many favorable comments we have received: hammer. "Aspire to great things," said the nut- "Allow me to congratulate you on the splendid issue of THE REVIEW for meg. June in which you present a fine pic- "Make light of everything," said the ture of rural America. This will be of great help to the rural church fire. movement." "Do nothing off-hand," said the glove: "Look up," said the telescope. THOMAS ALFRED TRIPP, "Make much of little things," said the Associate Director, Town and microscope. Country Dept., The Church Ex- "Look ahead," said the spy-glass. tension Boards of the Congrega.- tional and Christian Churches. Obituary Note.
*** Emma Belle Dougherty Pierson, for forty-two years the beloved and Other articles on "Christ and Rural faithful wife of the Editor of this America" appear in this present issue REVIEW, fell asleep in Christ at her and more will follow later, since the home in Montclair, New Jersey, on subject is to cover a year of Home June 18, after a serious illness, last- Mission study. ing over five months. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December *** 15, 1871, and early gave herself to Christ,., trusting in Him for salvation As usual, in recent years, there will and all her daily needs. For nearly be no August number of THE REVIEW. fifty years she was a remarkably suc- Instead the June and July numbers cessful teacher of little children in the each have a larger number of pages. Sunday school and led many of them Many subscrioers are away in August to Christ. Her personal charm and and the summer months are less (un- many talents were dedicated to His fortunately) active in church circles. service. Mrs. Pierson was deeply in- The omission of the August issue is terested in the work of Christ at home also a help in meeting publication ex- and abroad, was active in the missionpenses. ary work of her own Church, was an officer of the Montclair Missionary *** Union and for some years a mem.:er of the Board of Foreign Missions of Our October number will be looked the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. forward to with great interest as it will be devoted to the very important (Concluded on 3d cQ'/Jer.) topic, "Christ and the Moslem World." [337 ] Other recent *com* m*ents on the RE- VIEW show that God is using it to stimulate interest in the Cause of Christ. The following are some extracts from letters: "I wish to express my appreciation
© International Photo
A RECENT PORTRAIT OF GENERALISSIMO CHIANG KAI-SHEK AND MADAME CHIANG (See article, pages 356 to 362) REVIB ORLD AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS VOLUME LX JULY-AUGUST, 1937 NUMBERS 7 AND 8 Topics of the Times YOUTH – WHITHER? The situation is not wholly new except in the complacency with which many parents, teachers This is ideally the golden age of youth. Never and even professing Christians look upon it. have the young men and young women had such There are many who have high ideals for the opportunities. They are awake to this new day, Church, the school, the home; what are we going with its problems and possibilities in education, to do about it? Boys and girls are capable of in politics, in science and business. Youth is also great things and their interest is not difficult to awake to the new license and opportunities in capture for the best in God's creation and procrime and lust, in war and lawlessness. It is well gram. Left alone or misled they naturally run known that the age of convicted criminals has de- wild. creased by one-half in the past twenty-five years. The widespread use of the automobile for vice and The Christian Church has a responsibility for crime, the pernicious effect of intoxicants and the the guidance of youth because of her commission degrading influence of much that is found in from God and the ideals for which she stands. At movies and theaters and in modern literature; a crime conference held in Albany, former Justice the decrease in the influence of the Church; the Alfred J. Talley said that judges of the bench laxity in parental control, and the new disregard declare the main cause of criminality in Amer- ica is the "indifference of our people to the need for God and His laws fostered in too many schools of the American child for daily religious teachand colleges – all these have not only helped to ing." He continued: further inflame "flaming youth" but now endanger the whole life of the coming generation. Recently Why is it not time to make a fresh start? In the some high schools in Greater New York and else- policy of the State, religion is kept out of the schools, where have been the subject of shocked investi- because, unhappily, one religion was fearful that another gation because of the widespread immorality that religion would get some advantage and the fatal course was reported. Such immorality is not new but was adopted of wiping out religious teaching altogether. modern tendencies have made it more prevalent Pagan divinities and their amours may be glorified in the and open and less disgraceful in the eyes of youth. school- Nero, Cresar, Hannibal, Napoleon, Henry the In one city alone five tons of salacious books and Eighth-with all their human frailties, their wars and pictures, chiefly intended for boys and girls, were devastation, but the Almighty Father, the Divine Archirecently seized, while many tons more have barely tect, the Merciful Creator who holds the destiny of the escaped a similar fate. In New York certain de- American people in the hollow of His hand must not be grading "shows" have been closed but still the mentioned before an American child in an American State refuses to exercise <censorship in behalf of school. Why is it not time to make a fresh start? the youth. While we enact and enforce laws to protect physical health, lawmakers still permit The Hon. John C. Maher, Chairman of the the deadly germs of moral and spiritual diseases Parole Commission of New York, speaking of the to be spread by those who seek to grow rich there- influence of religion in the life of the criminal, said: "To me religion stands preeminently above all the police forces and all the armies that the world has ever conceived. It has an influence on by. Who can wonder at the wave of banditry, an individual that cannot be injected by a prison, murder and increasing sex crimes that have but can be injected by those who are experts in spread alarm all over the United States? the art of reaching the inner man. The aid of the [339 ]
Church and the clergy should be definitely en- Today superstitions are breaking down before listed to help solve the problem of crime." modern education; harmful social and religious customs-such as infanticide, child marriage and A member of the New York Parole Board re- the burning of widows-are outlawed by growing cently called attention to the need for cooperation. public opinion; caste is breaking before the ad- vance of modern progress and the awakening of While it is highly desirable that something be done on a the outcastes; women are coming out of purdah religious basis, practical experience shows that not much and are taking part in public life; Christ and His can be done unless the religious groups actually will be- teachings are coming to be honored by multitudes, come interested in doing something for the criminal. Judg- even of those who are still Hindus. All these ing from my personal experience of five years in New changes have come about by the patient teachings York City, in which we have dealt with now some ten or and influence of Christian missionaries and by twelve thousand cases, I believe that generally speaking the laws and education promoted by the British the individual clergymen of all the different groups are Government. definitely disinterested in the criminal. These and other signs of progress in India are Christians have tremendous opportunities and especially evident to those who have visited the duties of service which have not yet been accepted great peninsular continent at intervals during the adequately. Some of the greatest achievements past half century. Dr. John R. Mott, who has reever accomplished, not only in science and public cently returned from his fifth visit, first went out life but in religion, have been under the energy there in 1895 in the interests of the Student and leadership of youth. Jesus Christ and the Christian Movement. Again he visited India in apostles were young men; General William Booth 1901-02 to conduct an evangelistic campaign, and was a young man when he started the Salvation eleven years later to help organize the Christian Army; the Y. M. C. A. and the Student Volunteer forces of missionaries and Indian leaders. In Movement, the Missionary Education Movement, 1928-29 he went again to help interpret the J eru· and many similar activities were initiated and led salem Conference and to form the National Chrisby young men. Where are those today that will tian Council. Now he has returned from a three organize and carry forward a new Christian cru- months' visit in connection with the International sade to enlist the youth of today in the service of Y. M. C. A. Convention at Mysore. He returns Christ and their fellowmen? with great burdens on his heart for India. The new impressions he has received have brought The responsibility for the proper training of deepened convictions and a sense of wonderful youth is divided between the State, the Church opportuni ty. and the home. In most instances the influence of the State and the school is nonreligious and non- 1. There is the conviction that the work of the Christian, if not positively antireligious and anti- missionary is not yet done in India. It is only be- Christian. The churches today have little oppor- ginning and is of prime importance. With the tunity to train the youth because the breach has new constitution the land is progressing toward been widening between them. It is necessary that independence and is struggling to attain greater the clergy and Christian laity go after the youth unity and power. In view of the new possibilities and win them, rather than expect the youth gen- in material advancement in education, in ecoerally to come to the Church for instruction. But nomic, political and social life and in religious the key to the situation is the home, the funda- attitudes, it is no time for Christians to relax their mental unity of society. If the home is character- efforts. ized by unity, purity, honesty, love, joy, faith and reverence for God, and by a true understanding 2. The present-day opportunities of evangelism of Christ and His Way of Life, then there need offer a greater challenge than ever – especially be no fear as to the way youth, under the guidance among the Depressed Classes and the students. of God, will react so as to build a Christian world The Indian Church is in the midst of a five-year for tomorrow. campaign of evangelism. This calls for a clearer understanding of the needs of India and of the THE MODERN CHALLENGE OF INDIA power of Christ to meet those needs, both indi- vidual and social, temporal and eternal. India It is diffi<;ult for many today to realize the re- needs the whole Gospel adequately presented. markable changes that have come in India in the through united Christian effort. past half century. Things that were considered impossible then have now come to pass and 3. There.is the challenge presented by the Lindchanges that seemed could only be brought about say Commission to unify, extend and improve the in a century of effort are now taking place. This Christian educational work. There are today very is true in regard to religious superstitions, and unusual opportunities to reach the college students social customs, the stranglehold of caste, the low and to train them for Christian service. position of women, the immoralities of Hinduism and the strong antipathy toward Christianity.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
4. There is the challenge presented by the med- the Mexican republic have been unusually strin- gent against the practice of religion, some States ical opportunities in India. The physical needs of having enacted legislation that is a drastic at- tempt to throttle all public worship and religious millions of people are still uncared for, and the teaching.
medical missionaries are now looked up to and Certain states have limited the number of priests to about one for every 80,000 of the poptrusted by all classes. This work is practical ulation. In others, as Chiapas and Chihuahua, only one priest has been permitted for the whole Christianity that opens many closed hearts and state. Such limitation has now been declared il- legal by the supreme court of Mexico. In the case closed doors. of Roman Catholics, who form the greater part of the population, the number of priests allowed 5. The rural probtem in India presents a tre- by law has been far below the needs of the people. In at least two states, Tabasco and Campeche, mendous challenge in a country that is ninety per the law permitted only married priests to officiate in religious worship and to administer the sacracent rural. Here is a basic problem that affects ments, so that no Roman Catholic priest could celebrate mass unless he violated his oaths of the whole work. It calls for "new investigation, celibacy and broke the discipline of his Church. In Tabasco, which is perhaps the state in which agitation, experimentation and demonstration" by antireligious legislation was most extreme, church edifices have been razed, the bricks and stones those who have the best interests of India at used for paving the streets, and the sites converted into public playgrounds. Even children have been heart. obliged to take part in the public burning of cruci- fixes, and rewards have been given to those who 6. There is the challenge of the growing literacy informed against Mexicans who privately prac- ticed religion in their own homes. Now, however, and the need for good literature. With a rapidly the governor of this same state reports that he increasing number of readers, ~nd the influx of proposes to assume an "attitude of conciliation to cheap and harmful literature, Christians must the Church." So far, that conciliation is limited to granting the privilege of private devotion; provide better periodicals and books for the read- there has been no published statement lookina- toward the renewal of permission for public reing public. With a growing Church there must ligious exercises. In other states, as San Luis Potosi and Sonora and in the Federal District, be more funds provided to supply the members masses may be celebrated in most of the churches, and there seems to be a considerable relaxation with wholesome Christian reading. in the stringent enforcement of antireligious laws. In the State of Vera Cruz, some months ago, the 7. There is the challenge for an increase in the people forcibly opened the churches after a young girl had been shot by the police during a religious missionary staff in India. The economic depres- celebration. The President of the Republic sus- tained the people and the churches have remained sion has led to a decrease in workers and a con- open, although still under police surveillance.
sequent increase in the burdens borne by those Although there are indications that the rigor of the antireligious laws of Mexico is being rewho remain. While the Church of Rome is in- laxed, the concessions thus far made are of com- paratively little importance, except so far as they creasing her missionary activity, the Protestant show a desire on the part of some officials to be less strict and unreasonable. This more lenient Church is curtailing hers. There is danger that attitude may pave the way for a more liberal interpretation in the future, or for the abrogation as the older missionaries retire younger men and of legislation that has proved ineffective because obnoxious to the majority of the people. women will not be sent out'to take their places. During the period of antireligious agitation in The result will be an alarming hiatus. . Mexico, the Protestant work has suffered very 8. There is the' challenge of new opportunity for native leadership in India. At the coming Hangchow Conference in 1938 there will be fifty Indian delegates to ten missionaries. The Indian churches are eager for help and the Christians of other lands must stand by them. The National Christian Council of India, Burma and Ceylon has now formed provincial councils that have a most important field for service – but they need help to do effective work.
India, without doubt, offers one of the greatest challenges to Christians of the present day. The progress already made, the great vital needs of the people especially along spiritual lines, the dangers that come from anti-Christian sources, the new attitude of Indians toward Christ and the Gospel, and the readiness of the Indian Church to take up the burden of responsibility-all call on the Christians of Europe and America to in- crease rather than relax prayer and sacrificial effort.
THE .CHANGING SITUATION IN MEXICO In Mexico, as in Soviet Russia, the antireligious movement seems to have lost something of its former strength and vigor. The Federal laws in
_ THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD [J uly-August
little in comparison with that of the Roman Cath- social strife in America, show that it is high time olic Church. This is largely due to the fact that for the Church of Christ to reveal His power to Protestants are a small minority of the popula- transform human society as well as to save indition, their ministers are g.enerally married, they viduals. have been careful to comply with all laws affecting registration and those that regulate public The missionary work of the Church has always worship, so that foreigners have refrained from been greatly affected by the attitude of the govconducting what have been defined as religious ernments in non-Christian lands, by the social services. Recent letters from Mexico indicate conditions and customs, and by the state of relithat there are now unlimited opportunities for re- gion and the influence of religious leaders. At ligious work of all kinds, and that ministers of the same time, missionary work has greatly af- Protestant churches, even foreign missionaries, fected these phases of life. Christ desires to transmay come and go when and where they will, form politics, society and religion in order that preach and otherwise help in conducting services, all life may be brought into harmony with the without restrictions on the part of public officials. will of God. It has always been stated by government officials that the drastic legislation was not aimed at the THE EDINBURGH CONFERENCE on "Faith and Protestant minority, which has always been law- Order" (August 3-18) will emphasize the reasons abiding and in no way has tried to exercise politi- for Christian uni,ty and the beliefs held in comcal power; it was directed against those mem- mon where all followers of Christ may unite. bers of the Roman hierarchy who presumed to consider themselves above the law and refused to The first World Conference on "Faith and submit to the laws, especially that one which de- Order" was held at Lausanne, Switzerland, in manded their registration. The main object of 1927 with 400 delegates present, representing over the lawmakers, it has been asserted, was to oblige 100 churches. The delegates of Edinburgh inthe Church to limit its work to the spiritual realm, clude representatives of Protestant churches in rather than attempt to control the State, and that, many lands and also from the Greek, Armenian in so far as it has obeyed the law, there has been and Assyrian communions. no thought of persecution. Today Christianity is being challenged as never WEBSTER E. BROWNING. before since the days of Constantine. From the fourth to the twentieth centuries a steady advance PROBLEMS AT OXFORD AND EDINBURGH was made in winning the allegiance of mankind to Christ, but now tkere seems to be a renewal of While Christians are told to be "in the world activity in non-Christian and anti-Christian but not of it," that does not relieve them from re- forces. The 1937 Conference 'must be conducted sponsibility for proclaiming truth, lifting stand- in such a way as to face realistically the present ards and righting wrongs. Jesus Christ not only situation of the Church in the world. preached the Gospel but rebuked sin wherever found and helped meet the material and temporal One of the definite achievements of the Conneeds of men, as well as those that were spiritual ference ten years ago was the conviction that and eternal. unity will not come by glossing over differences of belief. Now the churches must go on to the Important conferences of Christian church task of trying to share with one another what it leaders are to be held this summer at Oxford and is that the various confessions mean until we dig Edinburgh to consider how Christians, especially down through the rocks .to the Eternal Rock. of the Protestant churches, can work together more harmoniously and effectively to give Christ The first task is to realize the urgency of the the preeminence in our thinking and in following challenge of the world situation to Christendom His teachings and spirit in every walk of life. as a whole, and in the face of that challenge to discover and accept the underlying unity which At Oxford (July 12-26) about eight hundred binds Christians together through common loyalty delegates from North America and Europe, Af- toone Master, Jesus Christ. The second task will rica, Asia and Latin America, are to gather for be to press forward to help the Christians of all two weeks in a conference on "Life and Work in churches to realize, in things both outward and the Church, the State and Society." The presiding inward, the true unity of the Body of Christ. officer will be the Archbishop of Canterbury. The main lopics to be discussed at Edinburgh The conditions in the world today clearly call are: for more effective Christian testimony. The wars that devastate Spain and the threats of more Jesus Christ and His Grace. widespread and destructive conflicts in Europe, The Church of Christ and the Word of God. Africa and Asia, and the growing industrial and The Ministry of the Church of Christ. Church Unity in Life and Worship-visible and invisible.
A VIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN CENTEH AT BUCKHORN
The Girls' Dormitory (Englis Home, accommodating forty students), McKenzie Hall, and the Domestic Science Building The Murdoch Trail in Kentucky By the REV. ALVIN E. MAGARY, D.D., -<t&f Brooklyn, New York Pastor, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church T HERE is a new state road in Kentucky, called Kentucky mountains to investigate conditions for the Murdoch Trail. the Board of Home Missions and, once having Thirty-five years ago a young Presbyterian seen the possibilities around Buckhorn, the life minister arrived at the little mountain hamlet of of an assistant minister in staid old Brooklyn was Buckhorn, Kentucky, with $250 in cash and un- far too tame. He proposed to some of the men of searchable riches in Christian faith. His name the church that they back him in a modest way was Harvey Murdoch. in a missionary adventure. They consented, and Today, Murdoch is gone, but the fruits of his since that day the people of the church have been faith remain. There is a school of 400 pupils, the main financial support of the work. Until more than half of whom are in the high school Harvey Murdoch died, in October, 1935, he came department, there is an orphanage, a hospital, a back to Brooklyn each year to tell the people how large farm on which most of the food for the things had gone in their beloved Buckhorn since school and orphanage is raised, and a church with last they saw him.
800 members. When Harvey Murdoch came to Buckhorn, Murdoch had been, for some years, a member there was no railway station within twenty-4ive of the pastoral staff of the Lafayette Avenue Pres- miles. There were no roads worthy of the name.
byterian Church, in charge of the work at the If you could afford transportation you rode on Cumberland Street Chapel. He had gone into the mule-back up the bed of the creek, realizing the [343 ]
while how much a mtile wouid 'be-impr()ved' if it a rare thing and even fUIieralsweI'EHioinftequeht could be equipped with springs. But most people as to be marked occasions. Usually, the body was walked and a tramp of thirty miles to school was put into the ground without even a prayer and not regarded as anything out of the ordinary. the funeral service was held at any time, from Conditions in that country are still primitive. The one to five years later, when a minister happened railway is still a dozen miles aw.:f1Y and the mule to be in the neighborhood.
Five years after Murdoch's coming the Buck- horn church had been organized and he was for- mally called to be its pastor at a salary of sixty dollars a year. To pay a minister anything was entirely against the traditions and practice of the people in those days. Today there is an entire Presbytery of 37 churches that has grown out of that first work. :.'Since the beginning, more than a church per year, has been organized. The first little log-house structures have been ' supplanted by buildings still extremely inexpensive and simple, but adequate and comfortable. To the eyes of some of the children from distant hamlets, children who have never seen a railway train, nor a building larger than a mountain cabin, they doubtless seem grand enough.
Buckhorn has worked a transformation in the country round about, but there is still much to be done. The old days, when the country was the scene of murderous mountain feuds, have passed, but even now the resort to gun-play is by no THE LATE HARVEY S, MURlDOCK (Grist Miu.. KEY "&Saw Mill Ir Eleeme Pta"… 10. Boys Dormitory.(, StoriQ) has by no means lost his place in the economy of life; but, when the season is not too wet, one can 2.Churth. " . Presidenb HOme . (l3tonea) get in by automobile in these days. Boys and girls still tramp over the mountains, a score of miles 3.6ymtlClsium. 12.. ReseY''Ioir. and more, at the opening of school. Sometimes a dozen of them will be brought in by truck, hav- A..LafClyette School Hell' (.t.1te'*~ 13. H~spitClI. ht St,rie') 10 Sm. ing ridden at least a part of the long way. There 14. G~ "s Home : (~t S"."'5) is often no other way to bring the sick to the hos- 5. M"nuo' Trofni"" H"JJ 15. G,,15 Dormitory. (5 St'Or,,,) pital except to carry them on a litter over the mountain trails. When the writer was there re- 6 . PrimC)1"V Hall. cently, a little procession, with mother and father leading, came in carrying a boy of six from his 7. Ki"d."fJOrt.".. 16. Oin,f't9 ,Hall. ~JL' Sto,let) home eight miles away. While we looked, as the 8. Boy~ Horne. (a 5…..iH) IT. Dome$tlc Sclenc.e. Hcdl (,a S"'lc~ little cortege stopped, we heard the mother utter a cry. Her little boy had died within a hundred e.Vie. Presidenb Home. (2 S't"'_ yards of the hospital. They had not reached it soon enough. THE BUCKHORN · PLANT In the old days freight was brought up the river in little hand-pushed boats, traveling a mile and a half an hour. For many children of the district almost no schooling was available and only one person in seven or eight was able to read or write well enough to be called literate. Harvey Murdoch was the only ordained minister of any denomination along the middle fork of the Kentucky River for 'a distance of sixty miles, from Athol to Hyden. Before his coming a religious service was
JAKE WOODS, THE OUTLAW
means a rare occurrence, particularly when plenty Church, Dr. Dinsmore, proposed that the class of mountain whiskey is mixed with the situation. undertake the support of a boy at Buckhorn. His The people are still desperately poor. The farmer proposal was adopted and the youth selected was may have ten acres, planted in corn. The arable a mountain boy, Elmer E. Gabbard. Through land runs along the creeks and is so steep that school and college and theological seminary they much of it can be cultivated only by hand. Many stood by him. Now, after a successful ministry, of the parents of the young people at Buckhorn he has left the pastorate of the North Side Preshave the best will possible toward the idea of edu- byterian Church of Chattanooga and has gqne cating their boys and girls but it is impossible for back to Buckhorn. He knows the people and them to pay as much as ten dollars a year for tui- they know him, and we may believe that he will tion. Yet the school takes them, so far as its carryon the work to yet more notable achievestraining capacity will permit. They work on the ments. farm, in the kitchen, everywhere; they do the baking, the cleaning, the plowing and harvesting. In these thirty-five years 6,000 persons have They are busy from dawn until night, with neces- professed their faith in Christ and 4,000 young sary time for rest and recreation. No busier, hap- people have been educated in this work started by pier, more attractive lot of young people will you a young man with $250, some good friends, and a see anywhere. They come out of poverty-stricken resolute faith in God. The influence of Buckhorn mountain cabins, knowing as little of the civilized is felt throughout the state of Kentucky and it world as a squirrel and, after a term of years at was a proper tribute to its founder that the state Buckhorn, go back as teachers, doctors, leaders in road passing near by was named "The Murdoch their communities, to change the whole aspect of Trail." It leads to Buckhorn; but the trail of life among their neighbors. Harvey Murdoch leads straight to Him who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the One Sunday, some years ago, the leader of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Men's Bible Class in the Lafayette Avenue me."
Jake Woods, the Outlaw* By J. S. BURNETT, Chattanooga, Tennessee Superintendent, Tennessee Mountain Home Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church O NE night high up in the Smoky Mountains other preacher ever had; you must try to save of Tennessee I was lost in a snowstorm. Jake Woods." Though I was frozen into unconsciousness, my horse carried me to a house. When conscious- How should I begin ? Jake was sitting before ness began to dawn again, I heard a fire cracking the wide fireplace as I packed my saddlebags. I and looking up saw a bearded man bending over, walked over to him. Taking a bill from my pocket, swearing because I would not open my mouth to I said, "Mr. Woods, I regret to offer you so little admit the neck of a bottle. In the moment of when you and your good wife have done so much delirium, I thought I was dead. for me, but this is a little expression of my ap- preciation for what you have done. I could not When my senses returned, I recognized the man pay you even if I were rich." asa notorious outlaw, with a price on his head, a man who had vowed that physical violence would He looked me over from head to foot with asfall heavily on any preacher who dared to enter tonishment. his house. "Put up your money, Doc," he said; "what we My rescuer and his wife did everything possible done for you was because we wanted to be clever for me. When bedtime came, he took me in bed to you. If you had come to my house last night with him and held me .against his great warm as a preacher, I would have turned you away in breast all night, never relaxing his vigilance for the storm and been glad if you were frozen to a moment. In the morning, I was little the worse death. Twenty odd years ago, when the Almighty for my experience, but the sun shone and the snow took our little boy, our only child, I swore that no was melting, and I was ready to go. Then it was man representing Him should ever come under that a Voice said, "You have a chance that no my roof. I kept my word till last night, but when your horse brought you I couldn't turn you away. • Condffilsed from The ahri8t~an Advocate. Now, you can go and have it to say that you have stayed all night with Jake Woods."
His last sentence was hissed through clenched I gave him the book and turned away saying, teeth. I never saw a man look so fierce. I had that his ','old woman" might come to hear me failed, so I picked up my saddlebags from the bedside and started toward the door. But some preach when I returned to the Flats School House. Power gripped my conscience like steel. "You Several times before I had preached at the Flats must try it again," the unmistakable order came. to but a few good souls, but when I arrived this I walked the floor, trying to find a ship to time the whole schoolyard seemed to be covered Tarshish, but none was in sight. I was sure that with people. The first man who gripped my hand, Jake guessed what I was suffering but he never until I thought I would fall off my horse, was Jake turned his head. Finally, I walked over to him Woods. "Doc, I fetch 'em," was his greeting. again, and with voice trembling from emotion, I said, "Mr. Woods, I have a little book that I want I walked into the schoolhouse. The women were to read and talk to a Friend of mine before I go, on one side of the aisle. On the end of the second will you let me?" He turned in his chair with his bench from the front there was one who caught back to me. His wife, sitting in the corner, said, my coat sleeve as I passed. It was Nancy Woods, "Doc, it's all right; go ahead." I began reading at church for the first time in more than twenty that wonderful fifteenth chapter of Luke, about the one sheep that had strayed, but was found. years. "Doc," she said, "there is something the matter There was the story of the Prodigal Son, too. When he came home, in tatters within and with- with Jake." out, his father was so happy that he would gladly "What like?" I asked. have killed everything on the place to make merry "I don't know, but he hain't like he used to be because his son had come home; maybe to spend some more. since you were there. He's been real good to me. Doc, please call for mourners today; maybe Just then I looked out of the corner of my eye Jake'll go up." and Jake Woods had turned around and was looking' at me with eager interest, as much as to say, The tears came to my eyes as I walked to the "Why are you talking about me?" He had sneered table and laid my saddlebags down. Jake Woods in the messenger's face who came when his father had beaten that woman almost to death once bewas dying and begged his son to come home. cause she had given a coin to a preacher. Many I dropped on my knees and took hold of God times he had driven her off in the storm. Once, while I tried to reach Jake Woods with one hand, but he was too far away. I held on until I re- in a drunken delirium, he had thrown her in the membered that the sin of lacking hospitality is fire. Now, she had been in heaven for three whole unpardonable with us in the Southern mountains. I said, "0 God; I came here more dead than alive weeks! last night, and this man and his good wife took The men came, with Jake Woods at their head, me in and nursed me back to life, and now they refuse to accept anything for their kindness. But walking like he was on air. Just behind him was Jesus Christ has stood at their door, ever since an old soldier of the Civil War, hopping on a stiff they have had a house, with outstretched hands knee. He hadn't been ih church since the war bleeding, and with thorncrowned brow, and they have slammed the door in His face. Help Jake closed. Woods sat on the end of the front bench Woods to tell Jesus Christ to come in today." and the old soldier by his side.
When I got up, Woods was sitting on the floor, The house was full of the good and the bad. looking at the door. I followed his gaze but saw The sermon that I had prepared would not fit, so nothing except the open door, with sunshine and I took for my text, "The Son of man is come to melting snow. After a minute, he said, to Someone apparently in the door, "Come in." Then seek and to save that which was lost." turning to me, he added: "He came in," as much as to say, "You can't throw it up to me any more." One standing by that·table at my side, preached that day, with convincing power. When I left the cabin Jake followed me to the gate. "Doc," he asked, "have you another of those When I let down the net, Jake Woods sprang to little books like you read out of awhile ago? My his feet and went down the aisle, speaking in a pap used to read about that boy and I guess I've voice that drowned mine: "Men and women come been him. If you'll lend me one and turn down a on! Doc's telling you the truth for I saw that leaf, I might find someone to read, and I think I Man when Doc prayed in my house. When I would like to hear it again." opened my eyes, He was standing in the door, with His hands stretched out and there were holes in them with blood running out. I saw thorns on His head, too. I told Him to come in and He came and I haven't been the same man since." , They came until it seemed that all would come. The result was thirty-five candidates for baptism.
Jake Woods went out to exhort and save the peo- ple of his acquaintance, and he reached more of that class in two years than I could have reached in a lifetime.
Some Rural Churches Are
By W. H. THOMPSON, Columbus, Ohio Field Secretary, Ohio Council of Churches SCATTERED widely over. the land are out- meetings, such as Day of Prayer for Missions, standing examples of what Christ can do for Youth conferences, annual business meetings, and country people through pastors who have social fellowship and creative leisure activities.
been born of His spirit of sacrificial service, and The pastor and his coworkers, the Rev. Rowland who have been endowed with consecrated intelli- Jones and Miss Elizabeth Streid, share their time gence. They have been scientifically trained, and in personal and pastoral parish visitation, each have answered the Divine call to country fields as church sharing in financial support according to foreign missionaries have dedicated their lives to ability. The pastor joins with pastors of other Africa, Asia, or the Islands of the Sea. denominations of the area in community-wide Parish of Templed Hills projects of religious and social welfare. He co- operates with the Agricultural Extension Service, Until eleven years ago when this parish was Farmers Institutes, Four-H Clubs, public school organized, there were in the region near Oak Hill, leadership and the county ministerial association.
southeastern Ohio, from eight to twenty Welsh "As prosperity seems again to be coming upon Presbyterian churches on a circuit served by a us," says Mr. Bicksler, "and the cities are beck- group of ministers, each living on a farm or hav- oning our youth to jobs, we feel we can send them ing some other occupation. with a background of respect for the church, be- Urider the advice and counsel of the late Warren cause locally the church has kept abreast of other H. Wilson, six of these churches and a mission things such as the schools and adequate equip- chapel were brought into a definite cooperative ment. Though we cannot expect to keep all of parish relationship with two pastors and a full- our youth on the farm, we can, with our spirit, time social worker. program and equipment, at least prepare them Five years ago the Rev. Harry E. Bicksler* was as Christians and church leaders." t· .
called as director of the Parish of Templed Hills. Ohristian Fellowship Parish At his coming the churches cooperatively purchased a fourteen-acre tract of land in the open A second example of the transforming power country, including five acres of dense thicket and of Christ in village and rural communities in Ohio a fine piece of clover mea,dow. Under Mr. Bick- through cooperation of a group of churches is sler's direction, a modern manse with every con- found in "The Christian Fellowship Parish" in venience was built, the thicket was transformed the southwestern part of the State. Six Christianinto a picnic grove in which a shelterhouse was Congregational churches entered into a "Parish erected, with table and kitchen equipment, with a Fellowship" two years ago under the joint passeating capacity of 600, for use by local organiza- toral leadership of the Rev. Ralph A. Brandon as tions, and as a meeting place for youth training Minister of Parish Administration, residing at conferences for southeastern Ohio. Hamersville, and the Rev. Theron A. Zimmerman as minister of Christian Education, residing at Each church in the Parish is organized and Pt. Isabel. cares for its own local business. There are three councils-the Elders' Council, Council of Women, The constitution under which these churches and Council of Youth. Parish Trustees are the work includes the following: holders of property which is owned jointly by all the churches. There is also a parish Federated Believing that friendly cooperation between our several churches in their religious, moral and social work would make possible a program of Christian activities that would Flower and Garden Club. The manse and the vitally strengthen the Kingdom of God in our several com- parish grove are used as a central meeting place munities, bring about a more efficient church and i:>etter build into the lives of our people the teachings of Jesus for the councils, and as a center for various group Christ and the principles of the Christian Church, we, the • Mr. Bicksler had completed a term of service in a Home Mis- following churches . . . do hereby pledge our loyal supsion Rural Parish in the far West, had been sent by his Board of port to the following Constitution and By-Laws. . . . National Missions to Europe to visit the great rural parishes of the ~~~~~~~?tt{es~nd had spent a year in graduate work in one of our pa~i~r'Or~:~~r~ 1r7Ils~,~ory is published in his recent book, "The [347 ]
The object of this organization shall be to promote the now joint studies are being made by all the pas- Kingdom of God through systematic and persistent meth- tors of the area, exploring the possibility of enods of Christian education, evangelism, worship, and com- larging the parish group to include churches of munity services; and to bring about a better religious, other denominations. Here again is a case of moral, and social atmosphere in our communities through especially trained pastoral leadership for the pasthe coordination of our efforts. tors are dedicated to town and country work, backed up by their national and state denomina- A Council, consisting of six representatives tional Councils, and have in their hearts the Spirit from each church, six members at large, and one of the Christ who "came not to be ministered unto, representative from each denomination included but to minister." in the Parish, chosen by the State head of that denomination, and the members of the staff, meets Example number three is the Federated Church quarterly and acts as the executive body. in the village of North Jackson, in. northeastern Ohio. More than ten years ago the Spirit of Christ moved the hearts of the denominational leaders and the members of three of the four local churches-Church of Christ (Disciples), Presby- terian, and Reformed in the U. S., to recognize the sin of local competition and division, and to work out a plan of union whereby the three churches united under the leadership of one pastor.
Each church retains its denominational connec- tion and benevolence contributions are divided equally among the three State and national offices. The Presbyterian building was selected ·as the place for united public worship. Sunday school classes use the public school classrooms. The Church of Christ building is used for Women's So- . ciety activities. The Reformed Church building is being razed and materials used to enlarge the Presbyterian building.
The present university trained pastor, the Rev. James D. Wyker, was formerly a member of the staff of Groton Larger Parish, New York. He came five years ago and under his dynamic lead- ership, and that of his unsalaried wife, a varied program of constructive Christian leadership is being developed with the many groups in the com- munity.
Horse-sheds Transformed ELDERS' COUNCIL, PARISH OF THE TEMPLED HILLS Two features of the program at North Jackson are worthy of special attention. A camp has been A program of systematic pastoral visitation, developed in a natural beauty spot, with creek, regulaz: Sunday school and worship services, an- woods and hills, with cabin, mess-hall and craft nual .evangelistic meetings and preaching mis- shop, vesper spot and recreation field. Here local sions, vacation church schools, youth activities, groups, including youth and farm women, asleadership training institutes and mission study, semble during the summer for from two to fiveis provided for each church. day- courses of study of the Bible, personal and community problems, recreational leadership, and A mimeograph machine, owned cooperatively, for social fellowship. The camp is also used for is used to publish a parish paper and by it the community picnics and family reunions. reports of all departments and committees are made available to all members. Was it not the Spirit of Christ who inspired the men of the church and community to dismantle These pastors cooperate with pastors of the the obsolete .horse-sheds of the Disciple's church' other churches in the area so that the program and use the materials in the construction of the for the whole community is coordinated. Even camp mess-hall and craft shop and the bridge leading to vesper hill?
As an expression of the ideal of Christian unity in local community Kingdom building, Mr. Wyker
AWAY WITH SORCERY AND MURDER IN PAPUA
has helped to develop a community coordinating absent in parsonages, and parish travel obligacouncil of character building agencies in North tions ten times greater than that of the average Jackson. Frank study of local problems has been city pa~tor. undertaken and allocation of responsibility for service programs has been made looking toward Through the le:;tdership of these pastors, town wise use of available resources and talent. and country youth are being won to Christ through evangelism and religious teaching, and The pastor also has assisted in developing "folk schools" for the study and practice of the prin- HORSE SHED TRANSFORMIDD INTO MESS HALL ciples of Christian cooperatives in his own and AND CRAFT SHOP neighboring communities. He is one of the vicepresidents of the Ohio Pastors' Convention and a are trained in the Christian use of leisure time member of -the executive committee of the Ohio and in high civic and economic and social ideals. Rural Pastors' Summer School maintained at Neighborhood feuds are being healed by their Camp Ohio by the Extension Service of the Col- ministry; lonely souls are befriended; comfort lege of Agriculture of Ohio State University. and counsel is brought to the sorrowing and the disillusioned. Churches having fallen into dis- The picture would not be complete if recogni- repute are being restored to the respect and contion were not given to scores of high-minded and fidence of their communities. devoted town and country pastors and their wives who, without special technical training of colleges and seminaries, never-the-less by diligent reading and frequent attendance at summer schools, short courses, and rural institutes, have kept abreast of the times in techniques and programs and ideals of religious education, youth activities, community cooperation with public schools, the Grange, Farm Bureau, Four-H Clubs, and Boy and Girl Scouts. They have served wisely and effectively in fields where the odds and handicaps have been terrific, salaries inadequate, modern home conveniences Away With Sorcery and Murder in Papua* A Story of the Work of God Under the Kwato Mission of Papua T HE Bohutu Valley, in Eastern Papua, long grasped him by the wrist, crying, "What are you presented a problem which no Government doing?" forces could solve. Fear of sorcery and spirits had led to the complete depopulation of the It was Lobai, the sorcerer, who was out to do valley, the tribes having fled to live in small the village policeman to death that night. Think- ing Merari was another sorcerer he pleaded for groups in the mountains around. No offers would his life, but Merari explained that he did not want possibly induce them to return to their villages. to harm" him. He told him about God, and ar- Reason is helpless before fear in Papua as in ranged to meet him next day at the village. Be- Europe. . fore the night was out he had surprised two other It was Merari, a tall, athletic Papuan of twenty- sorcerers on similar errands and arranged to meet eight, who first saw how these deep-seated prob-_ them the next day as well. lems could be answered. God told him in his time When they met at the village, two of the sorof listening to go up into the valley and investigate. So he went and lived in one of the villages. cerers immediately produced their ginauri, de- stroyed them, and gave their lives to God. But One evening he was out in the bush, and, as he Lobai held back, the sacrifice being too great. walked, heard some one approaching along the Then Merari did a daring thing. "We'U put it to track from the opposite direction. Stepping off the test," he said. "You say your charms are the track he waited, and as the man passed strong; I say God is stronger. Over there is the • From the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society Quarterly. This platform on which I sleep. You may come tonight Mission, founded by the late Rev. Charles W. Abel, has American headquarters at 156 Fifth Ave., New York. and put any charm on me you like. Then we will
see which is the stronger." Lobai hesitated, then life has been changed the death-blow to adultery answered slowly: "No, you are right. I tried has come because the sexual life of the natives is them all last night. But every time I threw my God-guided and released.
magic at you it came back at me." So he too was Eighteen months ago it became clear that new changed, and is one of the most fearless leaders ground must be found for the activities of the in the valley today. teams already mobilized. The Abels were granted Merari immediately sent an S 0 S to Kwato, permission to take on the mountain district of and a team came up to help him. They stayed a Abau, where the tribes still practice their homi- month, moving from group to group, bringing a cidal customs. Before a man was considered new life to hundreds in personal interviews. Some eligible for marriage he had to have killed or time later thirteen sorcerers and sorceresses came helped to kill some one. "Every male I met,"
to Mr. Cecil Abel of the Kwato Mission, and vol- writes Mr. Abel, "-and I met a great many-had unteered to give themselves up to the Government, served sentences of between two and ten years for sorcery being a punishable offence. The Governor murder."
pardoned them, and none of them have gone back Here the tribes have no background of teaching to their old ways. In the same way those changed whatever. No missionary had ever been into the in the little hamlets in the mountains received area. Everyone predicted the greatest difficul- spontaneous guidance to return to the valleys. ties, but when Cecil Abel went in with a team of Their fear had disappeared. Now they are gath- Papuan leaders the response was immediate. The ering into three large villages. The Government patrol lasted threll1 weeks, and at the end of that Patrol visiting the valley recently said that they time five chiefs came together, said how they could not recognize the place; the people and the agreed with the new way of life, but wanted to distribution of them had changed so utterly. see how it was lived out in the villages of the After four years the new life is increasingly Kwato district. "Only send a messenger," they active. A new corporate life is developing. In said, "and we will come down to you."
some villages the day starts with the blowing of When Abel sent for them, not five but forty a conch-shell in the dark morning stillness. A wanted to make the three days' journey to the sleeping village rouses itself and goes to bathe- coast. Only six could then be accommodated, but a reform which neither Government nor mission- for two months these chiefs mingled in the vilary could ever have enforced. Half an hour later lages and watched the everyday life of the inanother note on the shel.!, followed by complete habitants. When the time came to return home silence for about half an hour, indicates that the they got together for a farewell party, and Bawhole village is having a quiet time of listening ruma, their leader, made this speech: "The Govto God. Twice or thrice a week they meet cor- ernment tried to make friends with us, inviting porately as a community. us to feasts and 'Christmases' at Abau, but we It was in this way that guidance came to one went back unchanged. Then they took us off to previously poverty-stricken village to make one jail, four, five, six years. We didn't mind. Gov- corporate holding of all the land where their crops ernment rice and biscuits are very good. We were produced. Private interests gave way vol- came back unchanged. At last God's children untarily to community guidance, and the village came out of love for us and changed us right flourishes. Another village was guided to give round inside. Your food ·at Kwato is very good, its large surplus of produce in a bumper year to but we have good food too in Dorevaidi. We another village that was hard hit by a local bad haven't come for that. Your schools and works harvest. The men loaded their canoes, and the are very good. We would like to learn too, but we emotions of generosity and gratitude produced haven't come for that. We have only come for more spontaneous delight than the old communal one thing. To learn about God. Our hearts are orgies, for which the appetite has been lost. burning to go back and tell our friends all we In another community a common pool of coco- have learnt."
nuts, the only form of capital the native possesses, The true task has just begun. In Kwato are be- was made to inaugurate a new corporate manage- ing trained leaders adequate to changed the whole ment of the village consequent upon the change in course of Papuan life, while in the district itself the individuals composing it. The damage done the way is clear for a God-directed civilization to'
by civilization has been in some measure repaired. come into being. For the changing of lives is but Adultery, which was unknown under the old tribal the clearing of the undergrowth and the setting morality, became common when these ancient of firm foundations on which God may build a sanctions were removed, and the only penalty was culture of amazing richness, perhaps the pattern a fine. In many villages where the community for the Pacific.
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KWANG .TUNG PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN MISSIONS IN THE PROVINCE OF KWANGSI, SOUTHWEST CHINA The Chcistian and Missionary Alliance has ten centers where 26 missionaries reside; in thirty other towns and cities chapels have been opened, lllanned by Chinese Christian workers.
Nine other societies are at work in the Province: Church Missionary Society (Kweilln); C. of E. Zenana Mission (Kweilln); Bible Churchman's Missionary Society (Nanning, Noming); Southern Baptist (Kweilin, Wuchow); Seventh Day Adventist (Nanning); Assemblies of God (Chungshan and Hohsien- both vacant); Independent (Wuchow, Kwelhsien). These societies report 34 missionaries.
Pioneering for Christ in Kwangsi By the REV. ALFRED C. SNEAD, New York I Foreign Secretary of the Christian and Missionary Alliance 11i- ~==========================~ SOME years ago Old Eagle, a Chwang tribes- but still earnest and active, has been tramping man of the Province of Kwangsi, southern over the mountains and hills as a colporteur of China, came with ten other men from their the British and Foreign Bible Society, visiting the country homes to the city of Liuchow. There they wildest parts, wherever he could find members of heard the Gospel message. As he listened to the his own tribe. The Lord has blessed his efforts Gospel night after night Old Eagle accepted and a number of his people have been converted Christ and the joy of salvation filled his heart. and are now faithful members of the Christian He became eager that his own Chwang people Church. should hear the Good News and later accompanied The large southern Province of Kwangsi was the missionary on many tours of exploration and formerly one of the most backward in China. In preaching trips. There are nearly three million recent years, however, the province has become of these tribesmen in the Province and for the one of the more advanced in education, enlightpast few years Old Eagle, now seventy years old ened government, engineering projects, and the [351 ]
building of roads. The honor of having one of there is now a membership of more than 320 the first resident missionaries in the then hostile Chwang tribesmen in the Alliance Mission in and forbidden Province of Kwangsi fell to the South China. On an 800-mile trip in Western Christian and Missionary Alliance when its mis- Kwangsi, the .missionaries and Chinese found that sionary entered Wuchow in 1896 and resided in a thousands in the country markets could under- "haunted house," the only place then available stand scarcely a sentence of Mandarin, the pre- for residence. vailing language being Chwang. The Yao is one The city of Wuchow was built in A. D. 592, so of the least known and most primitive of the tribes that more than 1,300 years passed before the and there are many subdivisions. The Tung Church of Christ began to fulfil' the Lord's com- tribes, estimated at 300,000, live in the wild moun- mand, so far as Kwangsi was concerned. Today, tain fastnesses of Kwangsi and the neighboring besides the Alliance, the Southern Baptists and Province of Kweichow. These people, among two other American societies, there are four Eng- whom a missionary couple and Chinese workers lish societies, and a few small independent groups have been ministering for six years, listen to the working in the province. The Bible Societies are Gospel eagerly and some have accepted Christ.
Various divisions of the Miao tribes are scattered through the northern and western parts of the Province· and some of these, as well as other less well-known tribes, are being brought to the atten- tion of the Mission through long and often la- borious itinerating trips into hitherto unreached territory. The spirit of those who make these trips is shown in a letter written by the intrepid pioneer, Rev. W. H. Oldfield, the Chairman of the Alliance Mission in South China: "Here we are in the wilds of the west ready to start out with a party of thirteen for a tour among the tribesmen. The whole trip has been a time of blessing. First, we made a tour in the moun- tains of the north, which is commonly called Miao- land. There we came in contact with six differ- ent tribes, two of which we had never seen before.
The Gospel message was given and tracts .were left among them and we trust that this seed will be watered by the Spirit and will bring forth an abundant harvest to the glory of God.
Photo by A. F. Desterhajt "On the entire journey of over 1,000 English TUNG WOMEN OF KiWANGSI miles on foot through all kinds of mountain ter- cooperating with the various missions in circu- ritory, we were led in safety, but the very last lating the Word of God. Today after more than day, when almost within shouting distance of the forty years, there are still millions in the province city of Poseh, we were held up by robbers and two who have not been brought into vital touch with of the three loads we were carrying, containing the Gospel of Christ; and in the northern and bedding and clothing, were taken from us by these western portions of the province, where the Al- evil men. It occurred the day before Christmas. liance is responsible for evangelizing the people, It seems strange that this term of service should wany.tribes are entirely unreached. begin and end with a highway robbery, but I am glad we still have clothing. We do not change our During the past few years, pioneering trips plans, but in spite of somewhat disturbed condihave brought to light many tribespeople in the tions, we plan to leave day after tomorrow for the fastnesses of the mountains and the valleys of the last few weeks among the tribesmen of the west, interior, and these the mission and the Chinese and we trust through the prayers of faithful Church are making earnest efforts to reach. friends that we may be saved from further ·The population of Kwangsi is approximately trouble, though trouble or not we go forward in 12,000,000, according to the latest government His Name to the many peoples of the west that census. There are believed to be at least 5,000,000 have not yet heard the saving message of the tribespeople in the Province. The Chwangs, Gospel."
members of the great Tai race, are the most nu- With the growth of the Chinese Church in merous and easy of access. One hundred mem- Kwangsi, there has been a very encouraging debers of this tribe were baptized last year and velopment along true indigenous principles. Mis-
PIONEERING FOR CHRIST IN KWANGSI
RED-HEADED YAOS OF THE LOH-LI AND SI-LIU DISTRICTS, MR, YUEN, THE' EVANGELIST FROM POSEH, IS STANDING, HOLDING HIS ACCORD'EON siOonaries and Chinese workers are earnestly the church treasurer a sack of pennies amounting laboring to make the Church fully self-supporting, to $5.00, hOoping that other members might be wisely self-governing, and zealously self-propa- stimulated by his example, so that they could have gating under the leadership and by the enabling their own building. Mrs. Tseng, the treasurer, of the Holy Spirit. had a flourishing business and every comfort, yet she gave nothing. She was ashamed as she gazed When a congregation is able to supply six- on the sacrificial offering and a few days later she tenths of all its running expenses, including sal- left her shop and hurried off to see Dr. Moh, a aries, it passes from the oversight of the Joint prosperous man and a member of the church com- Committee (Chinese and Mission Executive Com- mittee. She Ooffered to give a plot Oof land fOor the mittee) to the direction of the Chinese Commit- building and to help buy the brick and lumber, if tees. The goal is to attain full self-support within Dr. Moh would take time to direct the workmen. four years after the church has become sixty per cent self-supporting. Finally a spacious street chapel was completed and furnished. The prosperous members felt a One group of Christians in the inland town of little ashamed of their ragged brother Lan and Kong Cheng rented a building as a chapel but urged him to wear better clothes. He quietly rethey often had to change their place of meeting plied that he had frequently been tempted to buy because the landlords blamed them for any calam- clothes but that he felt he must lay aside his penity that might befall their households. Finally nies for the church. As Dr. MOoh listened and Mr. Lan, one of the poorest of the members of remembered that he himself wore silk and fur the church, declared that they must build their garments while his brother member WOould not ownchapel. Daily he prayed to God to help him even buy a cheap padded gown because he was so think of some plan by which he might save money intent on His Lord's interests, Dr. Moh invited for the building. His fOOod was only such as the the poor man tOo his home where he gave him a poorest of men could affOord even in China, but good hot meal and a new gown. His son also was finally he and his wife decided to eat less and lay given work in the doctOor's office. NOoW a happier aside a few pennies saved from time to time. The man than Brother Lan can scarcely be found in poor man's body was weakened from the lack of all the countryside. He and his fellow church nourishing food and he was often chilled because members have found that giving is the Father's of insufficient clothing, yet he rejoiceq as his sav- way to added blessing. ings grew. After several months he brought to
Eleven organized churches, with a total mem- provided by the converts for continued meetings bership of 993, are now under the direction of the before the Bands have finished their ministry in Chinese committee. The combined membership the section. of all the Alliance churches in Kwangsi is 2,539 and many of these are expected to come into full In recent tours in Kwangsi and Kweichow, seven counties have been traversed, great moun- tain ranges were crossed, where the foot of a white man had never tramped. Thus, the search for new tribes and peoples goes ever onward in the confidence that, when they are discovered, mis- sionary volunteers will not be lacking and through the prayers and assistance of loyal friends at home, earnest efforts will be made to reach these tribes with the Gospel message.
One of the encouraging discoveries of recent trips is that a number of the tribes can be reached through the Chwang dialect, the Chwang workers had no difficulty in being understood by the vil- lagers and people along the pathways to whom they spoke.
During one part of the trip, four tribes were found of which the missionary writes: "The Heh-i, the Loh-Loh, the Ta Pan Yao and the Lan Tien Yao are still practically as much A CHWANG WOMAN AND HER BABY relation with the Chinese Conference within two MR. LAN, FORMER TAOIST PRIEST, NOW or three years. AN EARNEST CHRISTIAN The great unevangelized Yao Mountain terri- He is seated beside; some of the idols that he formerly worshiped. tory in Kwangsi, with its many thousands of unreached tribesmen has been entered by repre- neglected as they were a thousand years ago. It sentatives of the Chinese Church as their field for is true some Gospels and tracts have been distribevangelization. The Church publishes the Al- uted to some of them, but they have not as yet liance Weekly in Chinese, Sunday school papers, had an opportunity to hear and understand the and other helpful literature. Some of these have Gospel. On this tour we determined to get in a circulation reaching into nearly every province of China, as well as into foreign countries where Chinese have emigrated.
The Bible Training School, under Chinese leadership, often has among its student body representatives from many other missionary societies and church groups. It is recognized to be of a high standard and absolutely loyal to the Word of God and the fundamental truths of our Christian faith. Two important phases of work are the Short Term Bible Schools held in various districts and the ministry of the Chinese Evangelistic Bands who labor both among the Chinese and the tribespeople. In one month members of one of these Bands gave a brief Gospel message in 1800 homes and preached in all the towns and villages of the section in which it was laboring. In some places the work of the Bands is so fruitful that several groups of converts are baptized and places
PlWto by A CHWANG TRIBESMAN'S HOME IN THE' MOUNTAINS-HERE A MISSIONARY OFTEN SPENDS THE NIGHT. PIGS AND COWS ARE FREE TO ENTER THE FRONT DOOR ON THIID GROUND FLOOR.
close contact with them. On other trips we have long so as to discourage travelers, especially met them on the mountain pathways and have soldiers or robbers, from going that way. Though found them usually timid and retiring. On this the Miao carrier did not wish to continue the trip, however, we left the main pathways, secured journey, the Commission of the Lord still reads guides to take us back behind the mountain ranges "unto the uttermost part" and so the messengers to where the tribesmen have their homes, lived pressed on. Tribes in these distant places are with them in their huts, ate with them, slept with them, sat with them around their' camp fires, almost 100 % illiterate so the Gospel must be given dressed their sores, bound up their wounds, and told them the story of the Gospel. In a few days them by word of mouth. they became so friendly that they flocked around How do the tribespeople respond to the Gospel us as if we belonged to their tribe; when we left one tribe to pass on to another, there was a hearty message? A Tung tribesman, having been told invitation to call again, and we felt that another that a strange white man who loved his people tribe was ready and waiting to receive the Gospel was living in a distant town, left his mountain when we have men to send and means to support home and came to the city where he cautiously inthem." quired for the missionary. That tribesman is now studying the Word of God and looking forward to The Timber Yao people differ noticeably from the time when he can tell his ownpeople the glad other tribes in their language and in the women's new Story which he has so recently heard. Many dress. Their houses are scattered in groups of who hear the Message are eager to tell it to their two to five, with only an occasional small village. people in the scattered villages, and they find a The women of this tribe, as well as the Miao and hearty welcome as they sit around the camp fire Tung tribes, wear trousers instead of pleated evenings and tell to their friends and neighbors skirt like those worn in other tribes. Their silver the story of God's redeeming love. ornaments include a number of Hongkong coins, beaten plates of silver and earrings. Another young Tung from the hills of Kwangsi, who had studied in the City of Canton, returned to After passing through a valley, far beyond the his mountain home among fellow tribesmen, and contacts of civilization, the party came to a moun- was so oppressed by the dullness of his surroundtain pass where the natives had spiked the road ings that he planned to seek escape through suiwith sharp spikes of bamboo four to six inches cide. Then it was that a Chinese preacher, Mr. Loh, visited the village and gave the young stu- dent some Christian books. Through reading
these, a desire was created to know more of the This answer to prayer made a powerful impres- Gospel and finally the young man expressed his sion, not only on the sick man's household, but purpose to follow Christ and to become a teacher also on many other members of his tribe. They of the Gospel to his own tribesmen. had never seen prayer answered in this fashion and reasoned, "If the Lord can answer prayer in Through the witness of two Chwang converts, this way, surely we ought to trust Him for the Mr. Lan, formerly a Taoist priest, and Mt. Chiu salvation of our souls and our future happin!,!ss." Tak-sun, an earnest Christian farmer, a consider- Before long about forty of the tribespeople asked able number of Chwang tribespeople have been to be enrolled as inquirers and from this number converted, twenty-seven being baptized on one twenty-seven were baptized. occasion. Mr. Chiu constantly urged his tribespeople to accept this Jesus who worked such won- Many similar instances could be given as eviders when on earth and who is still the same dence of the saving grace of God among the tribestoday. people of Kwangsi. Millions of Chinese and tribespeople are yet unreached and the Mission One day a neighbor became very ill and the with its thirty-four missionaries and the 102 sickness increased in severity until the family Chinese wor-kers, 29 of whom are women, have a feared that he was going to die. After tribal large task before them. We commend to the remedies had failed, the family sent for Mr. Chiu, Lord's people for prevailing prayer these earnest who went at once to the sick man's bedside. After missionaries and Chinese workers that, as the exhorting the family to cast away their idols and new-born souls are instructed in the essential trust alone in Christ, the Christian farmer kneeled truths, they may be established in the Christian down and prayed to God for the tribesman's re- life and become effective witnesses to their fellow covery. The next morning he was much better tribesmen. and in a few days he was well.
China and the New Life Movement* CHINA'S present attitude toward religion and nificant Easter message is significant of the atti- toward Christ is somewhat confused. Con- tude some of China's leading spirits take toward fucian ideals, though a factor in the New religion. The country is more widely open to Life Movement, do not function religiously any religious propaganda than ever before. Though more than they ever did. China does not promise there may be some discrimination against gradto be more Buddhist than at any time past, nor uates from unregistered Christian schools there is is it turning Christian. To promote religion in none against qualified Christians for important China is no easier or simpler than in "Christian" governmental and commercial agencies. Furthernations. Nevertheless, the attitude of China to- more, there is apparent a desire for Christian day toward religion is different from what it has and church cooperation in reconstructive projects been in the past. No religious system is receiving that implies recognition of the religious dynamic the special favor of the state, nor is the state at- as one of the essentials to China's rebuilding. In tacking religion. Prominent Chinese, including other words, China has passed from a mood ansome Christians, do not in their attitude distin- tagonistic to religion. guish as sharply between Protestantism, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism as some Christians Present-day China is more aware of religion might wish. Official courtesies are paid to rep- than once was the case. There is an inarticulate resentatives of all religions when occasion re- feeling that economic, social and political changes quires. One hears little discussion of religious are not enough. Thus for all kinds of aggressive liberty yet it seems to be a fact in China though religious movements the hour is propitious. some deem it infringed upon as regards educational freedom. China is not aggressively anti- Three years is too short a time in which to religious at the moment. judge the New Life Movement which has set itself a stupendous task under unusually difficult cir- There is something to be said of a seeming cumstances. It is not an organization but a movefriendliness on the part of China to religion. ment. It cannot be judged solely in terms of its High officials participated in the platform ad- purpose- and a summary of its achievements bedresses given before a Catholic Action Congress longs to the future. Nevertheless, it has moved a year or so ago. General Chiang Kai-shek's sig- forward as regards the clarification of its purpose and understanding of what it should aim to do in • The first part of this article is freely quoted from an editorial terms of reconstruction. Taken generally it is in The Chinese Recorder. "An attack on the fundamental moral problem in
THE MOVEMENT OFFICIALLY DESCRIBED
China's social life." As a matter of fact insofar as program are already cooperating with the New the Movement tries to reform manners it has both Life Movement. All churches not so engaged to curb the exuberance of modernized Chinese might well consider how they may participate. manners and jar the inertia out of traditional What can Christians add to the New Life Moveones. In some places, however, the Movement ment is a question. But cooperation in any field has disturbed gamblers and those promoting com- can only be worthwhile if it is reciprocal. So the mercialized vice to the point where they have question, What can the New Life Movement conurged that the Movement should show less zeal. tribute to the churches? needs also to be consid- This is an indication of its possibilities as a moral ered. The Movement provides an opening for the force. The program outlined indicates how the manifestation of the religious dynamic hardly Movement is becoming a positive force for re- equalled heretofore in China. It offers to tie up building life as well as an obstruction to evil Christian energy and moral fervor with the life agencies and a reformer of manners. So far it is of China in new ways. As an indigenous movelargely urban but the direction and scope of its ment it is setting out to endeavor to do along sevactivities are turning to rural centers also. eral lines what Christians have been trying to do for many years. Church response to the Move- It has been said that "The New Life Movement ment's appeal for cooperation should aid in keepaims at the revival of the traditional virtues of ing it creative. If in places the Movement is more China." But those responsible for it also feel the sound than success the church should help give need of a religious fervor to energize these tra- the sound a deeper note. If, on the one hand, it ditional virtues and that they seek the aid of those is a revival of traditional virtues it is, on the other motivated by the Christian faith in particular. In- hand, a search for ways of developing and manideed, while his Movement is not set on building festing a modernized and vitalized life. It cannot up a religion or a church as such, Christians are go far in this without the deepening of spirit and to some extent active in directing its activities. consciousness that religious faith can give. Chris- The time has come for the churches to give it tians can help by demonstrating how their faith serious attention as a force in the life of China works in the simple or elaborate forms of reconwith which they can work. struction.
Churches engaged in activities as given in the The Movement Officially Described* By' GENERALISSIMO CHIANG KAI-SHEK President of the Chinese M'litary Affairs Commission THE New Life Movement aims at revolution- such traditional virtues as Li, Yi, Lien and Chih, izing the mode of life of the whole of the they are living today under conditions. which sug- Chinese people. It seeks by the application gest that they have just emerged from savagery. of the simplest and most effective methods possible to eradicate from the people those habits that China has 35,000,000 square liof territory and are no longer suited to the times and to replace abounds in natural resources, which if developed, them with a new mode of living in accord with could easily make this country one of the wealththe spirit of the age in which we live. In other iest nations of the world. Yet there is widespread words, the movement stands for the rationaliza- poverty and misery in the land. This again is due tion of the lives of the people, and is based on the traditional virtues of China as expressed in these to the neglect of the traditional virtues of China, characters, Li, Yi, Lien and Chih. namely, Li, Yi, Lien, and Chih.
The Chinese people used to set great store on China has 400,000,000 people who used to be these traditional virtues, the revival of which is well organized in all the essentials of life. But imperative and essential to the welding of China what spectacle do our people present to the rest into a modern nation. of the world today? They are disorganized, in- dolent, cowardly and torn between conflicting per- With a civilization of more than 5,000 years the verse teachings, leading a life little better than Chinese people attained long ago a high degree of that of savages. This again is due to the neglect refinement in matters of food, clothing, shelter of Li, Yi, Lien, and Chih. and deportment, but owing to their neglect of While it is true that the removal of the existing • From ChAnese Affairs, Shanghai crude and degrading modes of life of the Chinese people in favor of one of refinement depends to a
great extent on the revival of the old virtues of anything else. This work may be described as Li, Yi, Lien and Chih, it is equally true that under the work of the New Life movement. The extenpresent circumstances, when society is in a state sion and progress of the movement depends upon of chaos, when perverse ideas have permeated the the extent to which the people realize its need. It country, and when the great majority of the peo- should begin with individuals and later spread to ple are sunk in pleasure and indolence, immediate families and the community at large. It serves success can hardly be expected to attend the in- as the vanguard of the political authorities, but it troduction of political measures or the inculcation should not depend upon the latter for its success. of teachings of the right sort. If the modes of living of the people are to be improved, a start Objects of the Movement must be made first with the rectification of their bad habits. For this reason, the New Life Move- The attitude of mind of the great majority of ment offers the only road to the salvation of Chinese today is marked by drift and insipidity. China. This expresses itself in acts which do not distin-. guish between good and evil, right and wrong, Our late Chungli, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, said: "Min and private interests and public welfare. Hence, Sheng means the life of people, the existence of our officials are hypocritical, greedy and corrupt; society, the livelihood of the citizens of the country our people are disorganized and indifferent to the and the welfare of the masses." Although the welfare of the nation; our youths are degenerate problem of the livelihood of the people, or Min and irresponsible; and our adults are vicious and Sheng, may be considered from four angles, the ignorant. The rich are given to pleasure and exquestion of life is really the manifestation of the travagance, while the poor are low, filthy and other three aspects of the problem of the people's groping in the dark. All this has led to a complete livelihood. For the continued existence of so- breakdown of authority and discipline, resulting ciety certain guarantees are necessary. As re- in social unrest, which has in turn made us helpgards the problem of the livelihood of the people, less in the face of natural calamity and foreign there must be room for development and expan- aggression. If this state of affairs is allowed to sion. For the continuity of life, propagation is continue any longer, it will be impossible for us necessary. Life is the manifestation of all these even to lead the present kind of existence for very activities. In other words, life is a general term long. . . . . for all human activities. To rebuild the life of the people in accord with All activities arising from the propagation of modern conditions, especially to build a new social the race, from the preservation of life and also order, resort has to be made to political reform, from the development of the livelihood of the peo- particularly education, but in the past education ple assume different forms at different times and and politics in China have suffered from one beunder different conditions. Sometimes the en- setting sin, namely, cant and hypocrisy. This vironment also changes. Not until a man "renews has led to the ineffectiveness of laws, the uselesshimself daily" can he hope to have a rich and ness of technical talent and the impotency of abundant life. The life of a people must accord machines. Where a C.hinese is placed in the post with the time and environment in which it lives. formerly Occupied by a foreigner, it invariably A new life is possible only when there is a com- happens that the Chinese official cannot attain the plete break with the old modes of living. same degree of efficiency .as the foreigner. This is true of machines. Run by a Chinese, a machine Whether the people have a rich and abundant cannot yield the same output as it does when life depends primarily upon the existence of good under foreign· supervision. If we want to make government and on the extension of sound politi- our laws effective, the thing to do is not to imcal institutions, but this has a close connection prove the laws, but to get the right· men to adminwith customs and usages. ister them. The same is true of machines; Struc- turally, there is nothing defective about them: If during the transition from an old social what is needed is the right men to operate them. order to a new one nothing is done to assist the It is true that politics and education have an imintroduction and spread of new political· institu- portant role to play in the formation of character, tions by the introduction of new customs and but at the same time it is equally true that social usages, such new institutions are liable to be stul- customs and usages exercise a more important tified in their development. In other words, they influence over the lives of men. must be assisted by the inculcation of new ideas, preparing the minds of the people for their recep- That the Government will exert itself for potion. For this reason, every country makes the litical reform goes without saying. Unless we are task of changing the customs and usages of the prepared to let the nation go under without a people its first concern during the transition from struggle during the present national crisis, we the old to the new, for this is more important than
must act resolutely to put a stop to the present of food and clothing will not bring about social state of affairs and throw ourselves into the work peace, and if any proof is needed to substantiate of social reform. In short, we must make a clean this statement, it is an unquestioned fact that sweep of the existing social abuses and evils and crime abounds always in cities where there is take prompt measures to foster what is best and plenty and abundance. Moreover, can one serivital in society. This is the mission of the, New ously maintain that many of those who have Life Movement. turned to brigandage or become traitors and greedy officials have done so owing to fear of Contents of the Movement hunger and starvation? . . .
The New Life Movement advocates a mode of Li, Yi, Lien and Chih are general principles in living based on the principles of Li, Yi, Lien, and the establishment of states. This was true of Chih. In other words, it seeks to apply those ancient times and is true of the contemporary age.
time-honored principles to the daily conduct of Of course, each age has its own interpretation of men and women, especially in matters pertaining those principles. Let us explain them in the light to food, clothing, shelter and deportment. Any of modern conditions of life. Briefly, Li means one who fails to order his life in accordance with polite manners, Yi, chivalrous or upright conduct, this code is bound to fail. This is true also of Lien honesty or a moral sense 'of right and wrong, nations. and Chih, decency or an appreciation of moral There are people who are skeptical of this view. values. It is contended that Li, Yi, Lien and Chih, undoubtedly excellent virtues in themselves, may be There are two conditions associated with food, able to produce men of exemplary character, but clothing, shelter and deportment, namely (1) tanif we are backward in technical knowledge, no gible things, such as food, houses, roads, carts, amount of virtue can save China. This line of steamers, etc., and (2) manifestations, such as reasoning is untenable. It is true that knowledge eating and drinking, living, ·walking. is power, but knowledge is liable to be abused in The word Hsing, or deportment, however, has the hands of those who have no moral scruples. two senses. In its narrow sense it means walk- Li, Yi, Lien and Chih are the guiding rules of ing. In its broad sense it means behavior. Inconduct for individuals, society and the state. deed, in this sense Hsing ~ncludes food, clothing, shelter and deportment.
When educated men act contrary to these rules, The "San Min Chu Yi" ("The Three People's both the public and the nation will suffer. In Principles") in the chapter dealing with the short, Li, Yi, Lien and Chih are able not only to questions of food, clothing, shelter and deportsave China but to remake her. ment, emphasizes the material aspect of the prob- There are others who declare that Li, Yi, Lien lem. If there is any doubt on this score, it should and Chih are empty principles and can hardly be be dispelled by a perusal of this passage in "The expected to serve as rules of conduct for those Fundamentals of Reconstruction" which says: who live from hand to mouth and do not know The Government should assist the people in the where their next rice bowls come from or what development of agriculture so that they will have the morrow may bring. This fallacy is due to the enough to eat. It should promote the textile inteachings of Kuan Tze who maintained that be- dustry so that the people will have enough tovvear. fore a man can know decency he must have enough It should help the people to solve their housing to eat and wear, or as the Greek philosopher Aris- and transportation problems by building more totle said, before a man can be expected to be houses and repairing canals and roads. The virtuous he must have a competence. The funda- "Hsing" in the present New Life Movement is mental fact seems to have been overlooked by used in both its narrow and its broad senses. these skeptics that Li, Yi, Lien and Chih are the "foundation" of a man, and that if he does not Methods of the New Life Movement possess these attributes, he cannot have food and clothing. Leadership.-The direction of the whole New Life Movement is vested in the hands of the New In a society based on Li, Yi, Lien and Chih, one Life Movement Promotion Association in Nancan make up the lack of food and clothing by hu- chang. Branches of the association may' be estabman means, whereas in a society where these lished in the various parts of the country, but in principles are not observed, no amount of wrong- order to avoid confusion and to ensure common doing, such as robbery and theft can bring suffi- action, district branches should be subject to the ciency and abundance to the needy: Acts of Li, control of provincial New Life Promotion Asso- Yi, Lien and Chih are correctives to acts of strife, ciations. theft and robbery. In cases where Li, Yi, Lien andChih are flouted, even sufficiency in matters District and provincial branches should be jointly organized by representatives of various
public organizations, such as the Provincial and Chinese should have a decent standard of living, District Kuomintang headquarters, Bureau of which is another term for an artistic mode of liv- Public Safety, Social Welfare and Education, and ing. In ancient times China used to have the somilitary commissions. Subject to the direction called six arts and sciences: Rites, Music, Archof the l~al district New Life Promotion Associa- ery, horsemanship, calligraphy and mathematics. tion, the various guilds, schools, women's organi- These six things today have made the Western zations and rural groups may start separate New powers great and strong, although the Chinese Life groups. people for centuries used them as guiding prin- ciples of action in life. The reason why there is The work of the New Life Movement consists so much suspicion, jealousy and animosity in of investigation, planning and promotion. Chinese society today is that we have forgotten the teachings of our ancients. There is no hope The expenses of the movement should be re- of improvement unless we order our lives in acduced to a minimum and borne by those respon- cordance with the principles of Li, Yi, Lien, and sible or raised by the authorities of the locality in Chih. which there is a branch of the New Life Movement Promotion Association. Solicitation of con- (2) The poverty of China is due to the existtributions from outsiders is forbidden. ence of so many people who cannot produce any- thing of their own and who live on others. The The program of the New Life Movement will be productivity of the people must be increased. We drawn up by the New Life Movement Promotion must develop our immense natural resources and Association in Nanchang. The Movement will avoid waste. Everyone should consider it a first begin with a campaign for cleanliness and shame to depend upon others for his support. In orderliness. other words, everyone must work for his own living. There is no other way to relieve the pov- The formula of the Movement.-The Movement erty. of China and remove the source of civil strife should start with oneself and then extend to than to practise the principles of Li, Yi, Lien and others, with officials first, and then the masses, Chih in our daily lives. from simple things to more important tasks, and from public organizations, schools, etc., to the (3) In advocating Li, Yi, Lien and Chih as the lower classes of society. code of our daily conduct, we are inspired by the How the Movement may be promoted.-Per- or desire to "militarize" the life of our people. When sonal example, oral instruction, illustrated posters, campaign literature, plays and motion pic- a nation cannot fight for the defence its soil tures are some of the means by which the Move- against foreign invasion, it cannot be considered ment may be promoted. The New Life Movement a nation. We must cultivate martial arts if we Promotion Association will send delegates to visit are to overcome the present weakness of our counthe various provinces and districts from time to try. China today is overrun by Communisttime and inspect the work being done by the re- bandits. Civil war has not yet been completely spective New Life groups. In order to promote banished from the land. Our national territory a healthy spirit of rivalry between the various is growing smaller and smaller every day. Imgroups contests will be held. There will be prizes perialists join with traitors and Communists in for the winning groups. oppressing our people and undermining our coun- try. If we wish to deliver China from ,the present No compulsion should be employed in extend- crisis and bring peace and order to the land, we ing the Movement. Persuasion should be the must prepare to "militarize" the whole country. watchword of the "New Life" canvassers. Before this is possible, the people must be trained in habits of orderliness, discipline, cleanliness, Conclusion simplicity and accurate thinking. They must be law-abiding, conscious of their responsibilities and To sum up, the New Life Movement aims at the ready to die for the country. substitution of a rational mode of living for the present irrational mode of living of the people. A rational mode of living is realized when the How can this be effected? My answer is: by principles of Li, Yi, Lien and Chih are applied to making Li, Yi, Lien and Chih, the code of our the daily conduct of the people, especially in matdaily conduct. ters pertaining- to food, shelter, clothing and de-. portment. A great revolution will have been ef- (1) In advocating the revival of our traditional fected and the foundations of new national strucvirtues such as Li, Yi, Lien and Chih, the object ture laid when every Chinese lives in accordance in view is an artistic mode of living for all our with the principles of the New Life Movement, people. Many are apt to think that only a few which are based on the traditional virtues of Li, privileged persons can lead an artistic life. This Yi, Lien and Chih. is a mistake. It is within the reach of all. Every
Chiang Kai–shek's Interpretatiqn
of the New Life Movement in China* T HE New Life Movement was inaugurated medireval into the modern world. Those who have three years ago to quicken and to deepen the failed us are those who have refused to pay the work of reconstruction in China. Since then price of living the New Life. "You cannot serve the nation has progressed farther than we had God and mammon"; you cannot live a regenerated dared to hope, giving us a new faith in the future vitalized life and at the same time maintain a of our race. After these three years of experience selfish attitude toward society. we are more than ever convinced that the most vital force in the reconstruction of our nation is On this our third anniversary it is fitting that the spiritual life of the people. we should review some of the accomplishments of the past and perhaps more important still outline It has been a long and difficult task, and one the most pressing needs of the nation. that has required the cooperation of all the leaders of the nation, to unite China's scattered troops First and foremost let us mention the needs for into one strong national army. It has not been unity and internal peace. easy to improve communications, remodel cities and set forces in motion that will eventually im- The policy of the National Government is enprove the living condItions of farmers and work- tirely one of harmonizing, composing and settling ers. Yet in the long run these are the outward all differences through peaceful means, thus presigns of a new controlling principle, a new law of serving national resources and strengthening the life which we are slowly learning to follow. faith of the people in the ability of the nation to weather any storm. The unification of the armies This energy and courage animating our people, is not sufficient in itself. There must go with it and sometimes referred to as the national renais- that oneness of purpose and broadmindedness that sance, has been at work in China for two decades. enables men of all parties and of every faith to In a very real sense, the New Life Movement is keep in step, regardless of conditions, and while gathering together spiritual forces that are partly keeping in step to work together for the commonindigenous and partly from abroad. The New wealth. Life Movement is slowly winning the confidence of the people, for we are still very conservative, Throughout the country there are still minor and is fast becoming a centre where all agencies, disturbances where hungry men, masquerading both governmental and private, interested in the as bandits, take by force from their neighbors and welfare of the people, may find a common meeting from travelers what society should provide for ground. them in some other way.
Heretofore various organizations shouldering Economic Betterment and Education the burden of building a new social order have not only been scattered but they have oftentimes Benjamin Franklin has well said, "Poverty been perplexed by what seems to be cross-currents within the life of the nation. The river of New often deprives a man of all spirit and virtue; it is Life released three years ago in Nanchang is gradually gathering into one great flood embody- hard for an empty bag to stand upright." ing the currents of life and thought that go to unify and reconstruct the nation. Idleness, intemperance and extravagance are A year ago, on the occasion of the second anni- not the only stones that pave the road to poverty. vers.ary of the New Life Movement, the Generalissimo emphasized three immediate needs of the Corruption, inefficiency, oppression, malnutrition nation: sincerity, efficiency and living of the New Life. During the same year mistakes may have and an unjust social order also help to depress been made but none can question the sincerity of our national leaders. Most Of them have been the economic level. When the New Life Movelending. a hand as the nation emerges from the ment was inaugurated in Kiangsi, one of the first • Radio broadcast speech by Madame Chiang on February 19, 1937, In commemoration of the Third Anniversary of the launching things it did was to establish welfare centers st~::h~tW Life Movement. Reprinted from The Peoples' Tribune, where the economic and social needs of the people might be studied and gradually relieved. Through- out the nation it will continue to focus attention upon the economic factors underlying the needs of the masses. Without this there can be no in- ternal peace. Banditry and rebellion will cease only when nt heex tpteoopt hlee have enough to eat. inte rnal Second, need for unity and peace I should place education.
[361 ]
The growth of the modern school system Almost anyone of us can gather together a few throughout China is phenomenal. Everywhere we see the children with their school books com- friends interested in social service and through ing and going. The fact· remains, however, that the vast majority of the people are not informed pooling resources can bring new life to many a on many matters that concern their every-day life; ignorance and superstition still influence them to community. Incidentally in so doing you will find an alarming extent. great joy and lasting satisfaction. The New Life Movement last summer presented this challenging situation to the college students , A group of well-equipped devoted national leadof East China and received a hearty response. College students, both men and women, spend time ers without your help cannot bring new life to our in their own or neighboring villages teaching summer schools for both children and adults and nation. Such a social revolution calls for the coholding popular lecture courses in the evening. In time our educated people will catch this spirit operation of every intelligent man and woman of service and voluntarily will do 'what they can in their immediate neighborhood so that in a short throughout China. time illiteracy will be greatly reduced. What the national and provincial governments are doing to Many a great movement has slowed down bemeet this gigantic problem is very encouraging but we wish to make this appeal to our educated cause it has failed to grip the imagination and to people everywhere, that they must not rely solely upon the Government but should also carry re- enlist the enthusiasm of the rank and file. This sponsibility for those closest to them. I, myself, have found deep satisfaction in mothering a few is not true of the New Life Movement, and from hundred students in the schools for the children of the revolution and I recommend this form of the bottom of my heart I hope it never will be social service to my friends throughout China. true. You know as well as I do that the great Games and Healthy Sport failure of democracy is that we rely too much We all know that we receive much valuable education outside of the schoolroom. Last summer a upon a fe,w chosen leaders. In democratic China student from a Shanghai college, visiting his home village in Kiangsu, discovered that a large per- you are showing your appreciation of the nation's centage of the people were spending their leisure time gambling; without discoursing on the evils leaders in many ways and we are deeply grateful, of gambling he hastened back to Shanghai where he purchased and borrowed a few outdoor and in- for it makes us doubly sure of the solid foundation door games, including a small radio. He worked with the young men of the village in cleaning and of unity upon which we are building. I beg of whitewashing an old temple and in levelling a playing field. Within a few days he had games you not to take too much for granted and not to and competitions in progress for the younger members of the community and victrola and radio expect too much of a few leaders. If New Life entertainment for those who preferred to be less active. From his knowledge of the outsilje world really comes to all our people throughout the provand from newspapers and magazines he gave a series of evening lectures on subjects of interest inces, it will come because it has been unanimously and value to the community. When the time came for him to return to his studies at college the vil- supported in the heart of the country. lage schoolmaster had already taken charge of these activities and they are doubtless still in The last and most important thing that I have progress. to say to you is something that the President of Through the social-mindedness of another college student in providing a village radio, the peo- the New Life Movement has said over and over ple of his community have just heard the President of the N~w Life Movement speak to them. again. "New Life is something we live, not some- thing that we promote." It is a quality of life within ourselves, a standard of ·values that in- fluences every thought and action. The greatest Teacher that ever lived has told us that "what goes on in a man's heart determines the quality of his life." If New Life implies a change of heart then let us all make that change together on this the third anniversary of our great spiritual move- ment. A change of heart within each of us will soon prOduce the :riew and prosperous nation that we all long to see. .
*** A Missionary Resolve – By the Grace of God: We will "maintain the spiritual glow."
We will depend on spiritual means to achieve results in God's work.
We will not magnify statistics nor glory in mere numbers.
We will be slow to criticize others, but will seek to be our best and look for the best in others.
We will earnestly try to be free from race prejudice.
We will show love to others and devotedly seek their high- est good. _ We will ask God's help to solve our own spiritual problems so as to be more free to help others.
We will not be too impatient for visible results, but will steadfastly trust God to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think."
We will tarry until we are "endued with Power from on High" and then go forth to witness for Christ.
"He giveth power to the faint." Isaiah 40: 29.
Yellow vs. Acting Yellow*
By GEOFFREY W. ROYALL, Chao-Cheng, Shangtung, China Missionary of the Church of the Nazarene THE eyes of the world are turned to China to- ventions, raising money, holding bazaars in order day more than at any time since the Boxer that the Gospel (!) might be taken to the poor Rebellion, a generation ago. So much has heathen – these slit-eyed, flat-nosed, oily-faced happened in the last five years and so much more Sons of Han included!
seems about to take place. . . that' even the Span- A tragedy! Yes, and one that is enacted too ish situation has not turned the attention of the often in other churches. Can it be true in yours?
people away from the land of Sinim. If we are not vitally interested in the salvation Now, instead of attempting to transport you of the ",heathen" who live on your street, your to the Orient and thrusting you heart first into the neighbors and fellow-citizens, then why try to fool intriguing life of the Chinese, we will stay in the ourselves into believing that we are really con- Occident, and spend a few moments "Thinking cerned in the redemption of heathen ten thousand Yellow." We have "thought white" for so long miles away? If one cannot "think yellow" at that it will be no easy task to suddenly "think home, it is useless to try 'imd stretch one's reli- yellow." gious imagination across the Pacific. It will prob- Having just returned from the Middle King- ably be drowned before it reaches Honolulu!
dom, I was in a store in Toronto purchasing a Cincinnati, the metropolis of Ohio, is a great daily paper. A lady of large dimensions came in centre of religious activity. Some years ago at and asked for one of the popular weekly'maga- the annual district convention of one of the larger zines. As the news agent handed her the maga- denominations, the largest auditorium filled to zine and her change, he pointed in my direction hear a missionary of national repute lecture on and said: "This is the Reverend Geoffrey Royall China. The two front rows were reserved for who has just returned from China." ecclesiastical dignitaries – bishops, superintend- "Why how strange," she replied, responding to ents and the like.
my recognition. "I have just come from the Chi~ A passing Chinese, with a staggering burden of nese laundry. You know, Mr. Royall, I have a laundry, was attracted by the bright lights' and horrid sensation run down my spine every time I paused to read the announcements. When his enter that place. That yellow face that pops up eyes caught the word "China" and noted that this behind the counter when I hand over my husband's evening was to be devoted to an address on his shirts is enough to scare anyone. Slit eyes, flat own country, he passed through the doors and noses, oily face . . . ugh! I'm glad I was not walked down the aisle towards the front, with the born a Chinese. How awful it must be for you to bundle of clothes. The speaker was waxing elo- have to live among such people." quent when his eye caught the face of the Chinese I opened my mouth to reply but the words laundryman beaming celestially into his own.
clogged in my teeth and I was silent. . With a quick gesture he motioned the visitor to a "Well, we have a meeting of the Women~s Mis- seat and the visitor promptly sat down next to a sionary Auxiliary at three, so I'll be running corpulent bishop, at whose feet he unceremoni- along," the woman continued, picking up her ously planted the laundry. A few minutes later magazine. We watched her sail out of the store the good bishop discovered that one end of his with the trail of a Pekinese dog in her wake. frock coat was caught beneath the individual next "Mrs. Jones is one of the best workers in her to him an,d, as he turned to look and he discovered church," remarked the storekeeper. a Chinese, he rose to move to another seat. Near- My mind followed her down to her missionary sightedness prevented him from seeing the bundle meeting. Here was a church woman, busy week at his feet, and he tripped ungracefully over it after week, no doubt, year in and year out, work- with a resounding thud.
ing on garments, preparing boxes, visiting con- Can we doubt that at the moment the bishop moved away from the Chinese, Jesus came and * C()lldensed fram a missionary address given In the First Church sat down in his place? To separate ourselves in ~Is~~oena~:z~~~~':;nk~:, ~~~~~~s'19~~~lfornia, at the annual District pride from our fellowmen because of the color of [363 ]
his skin is to segregate ourselves from the Son of the window display. His hand was on the door- knob, when he looked up and saw a plain notice, Man, the "Friend that sticketh closer than a in English and Chinese, nailed just above the door: "Chinese and dogs not allowed." The suit brother." There is danger that a "paternal" at- in the window was most inviting, but the words above the door were not. titude toward the heathen prevents us from being The same ancient tram took the prospective "fraterna1." . customer back to the Chinese quarters and the next day his customers noticed a new sign tacked In the city of Los Angeles I heard the following above the entrance to his restaurant: "Europeans and dogs not admitted." story. The new Chinese Vice-Consul decided to As we think over these four incidents we are patronize American stores during his residence in forced to admit several things.
California and visited one of the American bar- First, the average American church member does not appreciate the wonderful advancement bers. The shop happened to be without other his cousins of Cathay have made in recent years. There is also a tragic lack of soul passion for their patrons on his arrival, and the head barber was redemption. When we have learned that we are our "brother's keeper" in America, only then can seated on a chair reading a newspaper. Hearing we accept this responsibility for our neighbors in other lands. a customer enter he lowered his paper and looked Second, a spirit of aloofness and feeling of suover his glasses. The Chinese official smiled, but periority is a great barrier to Christian progress in foreign fields. How much of our missionary the proprietor growled: activity is superficial? There is a vast difference between being "interested in foreign missions" "What do you want in here." and in being vitally burdened for those of other races tor whom Christ also died. How often we "Oh, just a hair-cut today," smiled the Chinese foolishly interpret the former for the latter!
Vice-Consul. Third, the influence of Christian civilization that we endeavor to send to the Orient is often "Well, we don't cut Chink's hair here, so get nullified by our pagan attitude of superiority to- ward those who come to our own shores. out," was the reply. Fourth, many representatives of so-called "And may I enquire the reason," asked the Christian business houses that trade in the Far East, are a positive hindrance to the efforts of the Celestial, his smile disappearing. Christian missionary.
"I've got no time to argue," snarled the hair- "Thinking yellow!" does not mean "acting yellow!" It is a fallacy to suppose that Christ dresser. "Suppose our best customers from Holly- was a white man. In the book of Acts we read that when the Apostle Paul was standing on the wood should see me cutting your hair; what would steps of the castle waiting permission to address the Jewish rabble, the chief captain of the Roman they think? Do you suppose they want their hair guard asked: "Art thou not that Egyptian?" Christ and Paul were contemporaries and if the dressed with the same tools as I use on you? The chief captain mistook Paul for an Egyptian, it seems that he might well have mistaken Jesus for trade I have built up through years would be one also!
ruined in a day." The seventy-five thousand Chinese in America today constitute an outstanding challenge to the . "Before I leave I want to ask you a question," Christians of America-a challenge that has never been adequately accepted. said the Vice-Consul as he turned to the door. Christians can-learn to "think yellow" by learn- "Make it snappy then," grumbled the barber. ing to understand and to' sympathize with the Chinese. We need not "act yellow" in a sense of "I'm expecting a customer any moment." doing what is unworthy of a follower of Jesus Christ. The same Gospel that transforms us will "If my country came to you, as it has in the burnish the Chinese into gold fit for the King's crown. past, and gave Uncle Sam an order for five million dollars worth of machine guns and ammunition, seventy-five aeroplanes, two million dollars worth of scrap-iron and half-a-million dollars worth of modern factory equipment, would your people re- fuse the order? Would they say, 'We don't take Chinks as customers?'" Without waiting for the answer the Chinese stalked out of the shop. .
The tragedy was that at the same time he slammed the shop door he also slammed his heart's door on Jesus Christ. Today, that Vice-Consul is a chief executive under Emperor Henry Pu-Yi of Manchukuo. One of his tasks is to interview mis- sion board representatives who come with re- quests for government grants of land for hospitals and for other concessions. We wonder if he ever says to himself: ". . . We don't serve white for- eign devils."
Now let us take a boat to a foreign port in the "Dragon Kingdom," "thinking yellow" in Hong- kong. A young Chinese restaurant owner needed a new suit, and noticing a special sale advertised by a prominent down-town tailor, he planned to investigate. An antiquated street car took him to the foreign concession where he eagerly viewed
of the Rural Church in
~-.. I By REV. J. R. WATT, D.D., Kingston, Ontario I Registrar in Queen's Theological College EXCLUDING Greenland, Alaska and New- gave the ratio of urban to rural population as 53.7 foundland (a separate British Dominion), to 46.29 (urban, in Canadian census terminology, Canada comprises the entire northern part includes any separately organized municipality of the North American Continent. It has an area regardless of population). Since 1881 there has of 3,729,665 square miles as compared with the been a steady decline in the ratio of the rural pop- 3,776,700 square miles of the United States and ulation. In many of the older townships the rural . its dependencies and is slightly smaller than the population has declined as much as 50 per cent.
Continent of Europe. The estimated potential Even so two-thirds of Canadian congregations are agricultural land is 2,218,747,200 acres. rural or semirural in character. For this reason Occupying this vast area are 10,376,786 people, alone the welfare of rural congregations is a an average of 2.99 per square mile, but because major concen of the Canadian Church.
large areas are unoccupied this figure may be mis- It seemed necessary to state the foregoing facts leading. Prince Edward Island, with little unoc- that non-Canadian readers, unfamiliar with con- cupied land, has an average density of 40.3 while ditions here, might have some background against Ontario, with great areas unsettled in the North, which to look at the problem. In many respects has 9.45. East of the Great Lakes most of the the problem of the rural church is the same in population is found south of the 50th parallel and China, India, Canada or the United States. But in the West south of the 55th. the approach to and the solution of it must always Of this population 5,381,071 are of British take into account the local background with its origin, 2,927,990 of French, 2,067,725 of other unique local characteristics. Climate, density of races. The largest non-Anglo-Saxon groups are population, religious complexion, racial traditions, German 473,544, Ukrainian 225,113, Dutch 148,- are all factors of prime importance to workers in 962, Polish 145,503. The largest infiltration of this field, and must be taken into account in any non-Anglo-Saxon population is in the West. efforts at betterment. Some of these factors are Prince Edward Island is almost solidly Anglo- permanent, others are modifiable, and the problem Saxon while of the people of Manitoba, Saskatche- will change as they change.
wan and Alberta half are of non-Anglo-Saxon In a contribution as brief as this must neces- origin. sarily be, many significant elements must be In religion the population is 4,285,388 Roman passed by without reference. For example, there Catholic (of whom 2,853,117 are in Quebec and are in not a few communities the changing racial the Maritime Provinces), Jews 155,614, Greek complexion. Areas that once were solidly British Orthodox 102,389. The United Church is the and populous enough to maintain adequate reli- largest Protestant group with 2,017,375 persons, gious services are by steady infiltration becoming and the Anglicans second with 1,635,615. French or Ukrainian or some other racial color.
The climate varies with the latitude and other Then follows inevitably the ethical confusion and factors. Compared with Europe, except in the uncertainty that accompanies the clash of cultures territory on or near the Pacific coast influence by and the, difficulty that a thinning Protestantism the warm waters of the ocean, Canadian winters has to support its own religious usages.
are colder and longer with shorter, warmer and Since this and many other problems of the same drier summers. The temperature of the Pacific order are local to certain communities, they must Coast is identical with that of the British Isles in yield place here to other handicaps much wider in the same latitude. Of Canada as a whole it may their influence which effect all rural work. Of be said that the climate is healthful and invig- these denominationalism must be given first place.
orating, favorable to hardy bodies and vigorous Denominationalism is an inheritance. Histori- minds. cally Christianity was propogated and maintained Agriculture is the chief industry. In a single in the Dominion on a denominational basis. It year the value of the total agricultural production would serve no good purpose to quarrel with a has reached $2,000,000,000. The Census of 1931 fact that was, perhaps, in the evolution of Prot- [365 ]
estantism inevitable. But inevitable or not de- In these overchurched communities the work nominationalism in spite of much that was ad- suffers in several directions. Ministers are undermirable and praiseworthy must be debited with paid. If three men have to be supported where some things inimical to the rural church. When only one is needed stipends are inadequate and a pioneer community found itself, because of de- home mission funds that ought to go to new nominational zeal and prejudice, supplied with all pioneer work are expended in communities that the branches of Presbyterianism, Methodism, the might and ought to be self-supporting. Because Baptists and Anglicanism, it was not well of competitive denominationalism ministers have churched but shamefully overchurched. The con- to minister to areas too large for efficient work. sequence was a burden of maintenance that over- Serving, as many must, three, four and five points taxed the financial resources of the community, there is not a full program of religious work at inadequate buildings, and ,a conception of religion any place. Sunday school and Young People's that would be difficult to justify from the New work suffers because the groups are too small Testament. This condition has been improved for effective work and the minister's time is too greatly by the various unions that have taken much dissipated. Buildings once adequate when place. In 1876 the Presbyterian churches united preaching was the only function of the church to form the Presbyterian Church in Canada. In Gan scarcely be maintained and seldom are re- . 1883 the various Methodist bodies came together placed with modern buildings in keeping with in the Canadian Methodist Church. Then in 1925 present-day conceptions of church function. the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and the Congregational Churches merged their A second handicap that adversely affects all identity to make the United Church of Canada. rural work is the measure of disesteem with which The Methodist Church as a whole entered this society and the Church regards the country and union, practically all the Congregational Churches country life. As a generation we are urbanand two-thirds of the Presbyterian Church in minded. The proof and causes of this fact cannot Canada. be here examined. It must stand biuntly while the consequences are set forth. The consequences of this latter Union for the rural work affected by it were far-reaching. The Very few men voluntarily and deliberately degreatest single incentive in achieving Union was vote themselves to country work. In too many the religious needs of the rapidly expanding fron- cases it is accepted as a second best because nothtier. In anticipation of Union hundreds of con- ing else offers. It is accepted with the hope that solidations took place and in the three years fol- a few years apprenticeship will open the way to lowing Union 560 amalgamations, rearrangement an urban appointment which carries with it the of fields, or uniting of charges were affected, in- hall mark of success. When this ambition is not volving 2,000 congregations. One Presbytery, realized there is a measure of secret disappoint- Kamloops, B. C., reported a saving of $2,750 per ment and a restlessness which most men strive year in Home Mission Funds. Within the area of heroically to conceal. But concealed or admitted the former Presbyterian Synod of Toronto there it reacts on the work and robs men of the joy in was a saving in money of $50,000 while 126 men service without which no man gives his best. required on a competitive basis were released for work elsewhere. In part society is to blame for this deprecation of rural life and service. The stage farmer with In spite of this improvement there still remains hayseeds in his uncombed hair is a libel that gets in the older parts of the Dominion much over- raucous laughter from cr'owds who appreciate churching in rural areas. The Union of 1925 af- very little the farmer's part in national economy. fected only three of the national churches at work "Who's Who" is a roster of city names – even in Canada. But within the United Church itself though many are farmers' sons. It is difficult to there is a natural enough reluctance on the part imagine any farm achievement that would earn a of many people to close unneeded churches, hal- man a place beside those who have achieved prolowed by'memory and long association, in the in- fessional distinction or made money. Urban newsterest of an efficiency that was not demanded in papers frequently publicize city pulpits while earlier days or encouraged by older conditions. rural utterances of equal merit go unnoticed. For this reason it is not impossible to find many hamlets of six or seven hundred people striving In part our Theological Colleges are to blame. to maintain four or five churches where only one They graduate students hopeful that they will add is needed. Eventually this anachronism will cor- lustre to the school by winning tall city pulpits. rect itself, but when it comes it must be without Among the courses they offer there is little serious too much overhead compulsion and so it will be effort at instruction in rural background or rural slow. psychology; and as little to impress students with the contribution that the farm makes to national character, culture and stability. Little pains are
PROBLEMiS OF THE RURAL CHURCH IN CANADA
taken to correct the silly heresy that country pas- Church at large. Today the average urban church torate,is a proof of mediocrity. has at its command much more adequate and In larger part than either society or the theo- steady resources than its rural neighbor.
logical college the Church itself is to blame for Today the farmer is not prosperous in Canada.
accepting these standards without vigorous pro- When taxes are paid and necessary living expenses test or effective resistance. Whatever it may have are provided for there is little left over for the held in theory in practice it has consented to such Church or any other community enterprise. Why a judgment. This is to be seen first in the scale agriculture should remain the Cinderella among of salaries in town and country. The average in industries is a question that clamantly calls for an the city has been always very much higher than answer. Of its truth there can be little doubt and anything attempted in the country. This, doubt- neither the Church nor the nation will be steadily less, is justifiable in a measure but the spread is prosperous until such adjustments are made as greater than can be justified. Because of the will secure for the farmer a fair return for his larger stipends and other advantages that urban investment risk and labor.
life offers the city exercises a selective power that It is obvious, then, that this problem cannot be tends to bring the ablest men to its pulpits. This solved by Church action alone. The economist and happens not because city posts are more difficult statesman must lend their aid before this handi- or more important but because of very definite cap can be removed. When it is corrected, as it financial and social advantages. The rural min- must be in the national interest, a new day will ister, frequently isolated, serving a community dawn for the country church. For the farmer is with a declining population of three or four small essentially religious. He is too close to the vital discouraged groups, who provide little effective processes of the world to be much impressed by a local leadership has a task far more difficult than godless humanism. His religion may be touched the average urban minister and needs, if he is to with fatalism but he knows that it is only the fool carryon, courage of the highest order. Yet the that says in his heart there is no God. If his Church is content to send its weakest men to the Church is meagerly supported it is by necessity most demanding tasks and remunerate them on and not by choice.
the lowest scale in the Church. That rural pas- Three conditions that enter into the rural torates are brief, too brief to face and solve the church problem have been briefly noted. What problems they present, is not to be wondered at. of the future? It is pleasant to be able to state in It is the direct consequence of the factors we have closing that definite progress is being made. The been considering and will not be corrected until outlook is promising. Overchurching is on the de- the Church wins back a true perspective and cline. The generation that takes up our work is creates sufficient spiritual dynamic to remove going to see some changes that the boldest prophet these abuses and inspire men to choose as Oberlin did not dare to anticipate a generation ago. The did more than a century ago. Church is slowly opening its eyes to the need and A third major handicap which touches the pros- profit of strengthening the rural base. More men perity of the rural church is the depressed status are hearing and responding to the call of the coun- of agriculture as an industry. The Church as an try without apology or the old sense of inferiority.
institution cannot carryon without suitable build- And governments are slowly learning that pros- ings, equipment and trained leadership and for perity and national greatness are not products of these a sufficient measure of financial support mass production in city factories but have their must be found in the community served or in the roots much deeper in the life of the soil.
FOLLY OF BEING POWERLESS If an electric car stands motionless on the tracks, it is nothing against the power of electricity. If an invalid has no appetite, and cannot go out of doors at night, it is no argument against things good to eat and the joy of starlit air. If a man does not know a flower by name nor a poem by heart, it is no indictment of the beauty of a rose or the charm of some poem. If we bear the name of Christ, but give no other sign of Him; if we go through the forms of Godliness, but live powerless lives, it is a thousand reproaches to us. To be powerless when Christ has all power, and we can have all we want, is an arraignment to which we can make no answer that is not self-incriminating.-Selecfed.
Service for Rural
~-.. I By the REV. LOUIS C. HARNISH, Standish, Maine IPJ…- W HERE shall we spend our honeymoon? Why should so much outside help be needed in This was one of the questions that two carrying on the work of the rural church? young people discussed as they made plans This question involves two other questions: for their wedding. One was a recent graduate of "Why not depend on local leadership?" "What a well-known college who was serving as Dean of are the special or unusual needs that ought to be Women in her Alma Mater. The other had pre- met?"
pared in a midwestern college for teaching. The In other words, what are the conditions which answer to their question came from the American make the revival of the rural churches so difficult, Friends Service Committee to whom the Sebago and why is there need of such a large amount of Lake Regional Parish of Maine had applied for volunteer work that can be done only with the help vounteer summer workers. Arrangements were of leaders from outside the community?
completed and the young bride and groom arrived The task of the Christian Church might be deon the scene. They found themselves in a colony fined as "ministering to the abundant life." Chris- of eight volunteer summer workers, housed in the tianity is a religion of culture. Ministering to hu- large parsonage at Standish. man needs in the spirit of Christ makes religion The Sebago Lake Regional Parish was one of vital. It was in this way that Jesus began the a number of so-called "Larger Parishes" founded work of the Kingdom in His day. People are led largely through the vision and energy of the Rev. from the needs they recognize to the needs that Hilda L. Ives who, in this case, served as one of are more fundamental, that is, spiritual needs. the volunteers. Other members of the colony In spite of all the advances and facilities of were a mother and daughter, two young women college graduates, and a young Harvard student. modern civilization, there are multitudes who need the ministry of health, of sympathetic understand- The mother was a woman of culture and of ex- ing, of encouragement, of wholesome recreation, perience in higher education, who served as house of social satisfactions, of culture, including music, mother. Her daughter was a teacher in the pub- beauty, literary appreciation, etc. Homes need to lic schools of a large city. be made more livable, more attractive, more com- The group lived together as a family, each par- fortable, more sanitary, and in many cases, more ticipating in the household duties. Daily confer- commodious. Parents need assistance and guid- ences were held at which reports of the preceding ance in the care of their children and in habit day were received and plans for the day discussed. training of their children from infancy. They With the aid of cars in various degrees of senility need cooperation in dealing with youth and in the group scattered over the field. Every home in family problems along many lines.
the entire region was visited and studies were This is a spiritual ministry and can never be made of the needs and problems which were re- made fully effective by any other ministry than vealed as a result of the home or individual con- that of Christ-directed lives prepared for the spe- tacts. cific task to which their energies are to be de- Partly as a result of the summer's experiment voted. It is this phase of Christian service that the Church must meet if its ministry is to be efa call for student volunteer Christian service was fective. This is true especially of underprivileged sent out through various channels. An article in sections. Nowhere is this service more needed the Boston Transcript brought many responses. than in many rural regions. More than thirty-five young people have served on the Regional Parish staff, mostly on a non-salary The lack of competent local leadership in many basis. For the past three years the whole staff rural sections..is obvious. The reasons for this. has been serving without salaries. Ordinary liv- lack are also obvious. ing expenses are provided and the staff live as a family in the Standish parsonage. Each person First: The membership of the rural churches is allowed ten dollars a month for strictly per- is for the most part pitiably small. Those who sonal use, but it is understood that no one will be constitute the membership are as a rule older peoallowed to suffer in case of emergency. ple. Many have lost their vital touch with the younger generation. There is also, to a large ex- [368 ] tent, a spirit of pessimism that weakens the in- sick. This is one of the greatest opportunities fluence of the group. for devoted service in the rural field. One member Second: At least one generation has lost out of our present staff is a registered nurse and has both in religious and cultural training. The demonstrated clearly the demand for such servyounger generation, including the young married ice and its practicability as a means of spiritual people, are not even connected with the church, service. except in a few of the more progressive parishes in very recent years. Even those who are mem- There is great need for people with home ecobers often do not take their religion very seri· nomic training, especially fitted to deal sympathetously. ically with families. Here is an opportunity to really transform homes and to instill in them the Third: Those who have the qualities and capac- religious atmosphere. Another line of service is ity for leadership have left their homes to find em- for people with nursery school and kindergarten ployment in other places. Some of these have training. The Regional Parish was instrumental become religious leaders in other churches. in securing Federal Aid for a nursery school which has been carried on for over two years in very Fourth: In rural communities people are scat- close and sympathetic relation to the leaders of tered, many living at a distance from any center, the Parish. It seems almost impossible to overmaking it inconvenient or impossible to attend estimate its value. Elementary Christian educagroup meeting with any regularity. tion must be closely related to the home and Fifth: The demands for Christian service in should begin in the earliest stages of the child's thinly populated regions of Maine and other parts life.
of New England are especially great. Facilities We recognize the value of music in the church that are available in cities and more advanced and in the home and in almost every phase of neighborhoods through schools and clinics, and neighborhood life. Whole generations have lost visiting nurse associations, through settlements out in music training. The schools have made a and civic centers are almost entirely lacking in beginning. Here is a great opportunity for the many country districts. Some "homes" are even Church. Every child that has the capacity ought worse off than those in the congested districts of to have the opportunity to learn to playa musical cities. instrument and to sing. We have done something Sixth: In most country districts there is a lack along this line, but very inadequately. There is need of, and in fact, a demand for many other of social responsibility on the part of the more lines of cultural service. A Harvard graduate privileged people. There is a tendency to regard interested in oriental pottery spent a summer in the people of lower standards of living as "no our parish teaching "coil and pat" method of good" and incapable of rehabilitation. These conditions are, in a way, similar to the making pottery. The response was astonishing. conditions that gave rise to the settlement move- There is demand for all lines of manual work ment in the cities fifty years ago; They give the' for both boys and girls. Recently our boys' Church its opportunity for the revival of the rural worker became very popular teaching the boys to church. Here is a situation that calls for the same make airplane models which could really fly.
heroic service as the foreign field. It is a service The call for volunteer service on the part of that demands the very highest qualifications of younger (and older) Christians is a reasonable character, consecration, spiritual development, one and is certainly in keeping with our Christian and technical training. It calls for the "mission- traditions. It has saved the Church in more than ary spirit" in the highest sense. But it is espe- one crisis. Why should not our young Christian cially in these sections that money is not available students and graduates give one or two years of for the employment of trained workers. How, free service in recognition of the privileges they then, can the situation be met? have enjoyed? Has the Christian Church less The experiment of the Sebago Lake Regional claim on its youth than the Mormons whose young Parish suggests one way of meeting the situation men are called upon to go out without scrip or which is, perhaps, worthy of consideration. It purse or remuneration to serve for a year or two involves, in the first place, sending out to our col- as missionaries? Has the Christian Church less leges and technical schools a call for volunteer right to such service than the State that drafts its service on the part of men and women of excep- young men for military service and training? tionally fine Christian character, technically Moreover, there are many educated Christian peotrained for some specific task. There is need for ple who are economically independent who might nurses with public health training to do educa- well practice their profession without salary.
tional work, serve as visiting nurses, and in case But how are these people to be maintained who of emergency to care temporarily for the very have not the means of their own? This leads to
370· THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD [July-August
the second suggestion which has been tried out on is a project that ought to appeal to many people of a small scale in our Sebago Lake Regional Parish. larger means.
A staff of workers can live as a group or colony, The life of a group living as a family is an inunder good leadership, on a very small allowance. teresting experiment in many ways. It calls for The funds usually provided for two salaries will the exercise of. the finest Christian virtues. It maintain a staff of four or five. There is the pos- also provides the very maximum of social and culsibility, also, in rural regions of doing a little subsistance "farming." People in the country can tural satisfactions.* often give produce where they cannot give money. Evep so, funds are likely to be needed from be- • The Director of the Sebago Lake Regional Parish will be glad nevolent minded people outside the region. This to correspond with people who wish to consider giving themselves for volunteer rural service. It Is hoped that the Parish may become a training field for those who enter such service. .
Saving ~ Whole Rural Community* The Life and Work of John Frederic Oberlin T HE biographer says: "The story of Oberlin The soil was poor, the roads were bad, th€ peo- is that of a man who stayed in a remote valley ple were sick and ignorant – the only school- and did his work so well that the world made teacher was a man whose job had been pig herda path to his door. ing but he had become too old and weak for that so they sent him to care for the children. "John Frederic Oberlin was Franco-German. He never came to America; but an American col- Oberlin took a census which showed five villege was named for him. lages, 100 families, and 400 inhabitants.
"His salary was less than that of a teacher in Service. Oberlin said in his first sermon that our grade school; put, more than a hundred years "minister" meant "-servant" and he had come to after his death, the New Standard Dictionary lists serve. He told the congregation that men serve him as a 'philanthropist.' God by doing good to their neighbors. "Dear friends, one especially please-s God by good works. "He founded the first 'infant schools' on record. To do good works one does not need to have "He was a pioneer in scientific 'agricultural ex- money. Everything that is done for the public tension.' good or to ease the burdens of man or beast, when "In an age of intense religious animositie-s both it is done for love of God, is a good work which Protestants and Catholics worshipped together in rejoices his heart." his church. "He shielded Jews from persecution, and per- Road building. "Such a work, especially," sonally indemnified them for injuries -suffered in Oberlin continued in that fi:r:st sermon, "is the rehis parish. pair and good upkeep of roads." "Although in peril of his life during the French Revolution, he was given 'honorable mention' by He raised money in the city to buy gunpowder the National Convention for his work as an edu- to blast the rocks; he asked villagers to work with cator. him and when only two or three came, he started "He was nominated for the Legion of Honor the job alone. before the fall of Napoleon, and was given this decoration by Louis XVIII. Others joined him; a good road was made; a "He was awarded a gold medal for his work in bridge built and the Valley of Stone was connected agriculture and community betterment. He re- with the outside world. ceived messages of endearment from the Tzar of Russia." The other villages asked Oberlin to help them build roads. Work in a Country Church Schoolhouses. Oberlin bought a lot for a new Oberlin went from a city to live in a small vil- school building; raised the money to buy the malage and work in a rural community. He planned terials. to remain there 30 years. He worked as a carpenter and finished the job • From "Good News-Well Told," a pamphlet published by the in two and a half months. National Christian Council of the Philippine Islands. The facts are taken from Dawson's book entitled, "John Frederic Oberlln-A Prot- Next he built schoolhouses in the other four estant Saint." villages.
SAVING A WHOLE RURAL
Sanitation. Oberlin concluded one of his ser- the villagers, continued to dig. When the trenches mons thus: were four or five feet deep he lowered young trees "My friends, remember what I have told you. into them, mixing and pressing lightly around The pestilences which from time to time have car- their roots the kinds of soil believed to be best ried half the people of this valley to their graves suited to their rapid growth. He alsO" procured are not caused by witches. They are caused by slips of a few pears, plums, cherries, and some filth. Some of you, showing love to God by a re- nuts, and turned one of his gardens into a large gard for the common welfare, have heeded what nursery. Then he waited. The mountaineers had I have asked everyone to do and are keeping your never seen trees grow so fast. At last their premises free from filth that is a public nuisance. curiosity got the better of them. Of their own Others, showing an obstinacy that fills Satan with accord, they came to express their astonishment joy, have continued in their old and detestable and to ask him how they could raise such trees ways. What shall I say, then? Shall I leave them ' for themselves."
to start another pestilence, and let them learn Next Oberlin gradually introduced scientific from the Angel of Death when that messenger agriculture. comes to their door? Indeed, they well deserve "He was interested primarily in the character such teaching; but alas, when calamity comes the of the inhabitants of the Valley of Stone. He had good must suffer with the bad. No-I must try seen a vision of perfected humanity' in the char- again to save you. I cannot command you. But acter of Jesus unfolded in the Gospels. His con- see, dear friends and compatriots, what I hold in suming passion was the desii'e to lift all men to my hand ! Yes it is money – money that came that level. But it did not take long for a man who through the sale of grain from my fields. I offer had trained himself both in medicine and theology it as prizes to our countrymen whose yards, upon to see that bodies enfeebled by a degrading desti- inspection, are found to be free from filth." tution cannot go far on the road to spiritual per- An educational system. Oberlin changed office fection. Oberlin heard a voice that said: 'I was of teacher from standard of a pig herder to that hungry, and you fed me.' He must feed these peoof highest honor in the village. He wrote new ple. 'God is immensely rich!' It is not necessary textbooks; he organized "infant schools," the first for any child of his to go hungry. Wherever there kindergartens in the world. Thus he established is a need, there is also a supply. Apply the Golden in his rural parish the best school system in Rule and the scientific method, and everyone will Europe. have enough and to spare."
A demonstration in farming. When the people Then Oberlin's wife taught the people how to saw these things, they began to believe that their spin. In one year the small Valley sold to one manufacturer about 12,000 pesos worth. leader knew what he was doing. "The mountaineers were ready to admit that "Visitors to the Valley of Stone discovered that the inhabitants were more intelligent, honest, and Oberlin could lay a stone wall, clear a road, build polite than were any other peasants they had ever a bridge, construct a school, and teach them to seen. The schools and the church had done their read and write. But there was one thing a peas- work! A distinguished Swiss patriot, who had ant, living in the eighteenth century, would not founded a ribbon factory at Basle, was attracted believe that a city man could do. He could not to the Valley of Stone by the fame of its minister. teach them anything about farming. He urged his two sons to move their ribbon fac- tory to this place. . . . "Oberlin knew this feeling on the part of the peasants. He was wise enough to respect their prejudices, where these were deeply rooted. He "The factory was located in the Valley of Stone would not start by telling them about new meth- without further ado. (In 1812, Legand's entire ods and undreamed-of possibilities. But there establishment was removed to the Valley of was nothing to prevent his setting out some trees Stone.) The prosperity of the region was then as- and plants in his own gardens and fields. sured."
"One day there was much merriment in the vil- Called to America, Oberlin decided to remain lage of Waldsbach. Two fields, noted for the bar- in his Valley. He lived there sixty years (1767- renness of their soil, belonged to the parsonage. 1826) and won the whole Valley to Christ. Prot- These fields were crossed by paths much fre- estants and Catholics worshipped together in his quented by the peasants. The passers-by noticed, church. .
on the day in question, that the minister, with the This remarkable life of a Christian preacher help of a servant, was digging deep trenches shows how effective witness may be borne to through the barren fields. What did he expect to Christ through service that helps to elevate men grow in that place? . . . intellectually, economically and socially as well "Oberlin, disregarding the sly amusement of as spiritually.
BELLINGHAM PREACHING AND PRACTICING AMONG BEDOUINS OF
Medical Work Among Arabs in Iraq* -·of/ifJ.!,;;;1====B=Y=W=.=B=EL=L=IN=G=HAM=====~lll>o- -THE vast expanse of the Shamiyah Desert, gists, geologists, also search and journey with .. which lies west of the River Euphrates in high hopes of adding a little more to our knowl- Central Mesopotamia (the Kingdom of Iraq) edge of the almost unknown.
extends far into the Nejd (in Arabia). It is There are a very few who are called and sent bordered by the Syrian Desert to the north and to heal the sick and to preach the Gospel among by all the mystery of Arabia to the south. the widely scattered tribes of Nomad Arabs.
A trip into that supposedly empty desert would Nothing can turn them aside from their objective seem rather reckless to the ordinary individual; once the "call" is upon them and so long as their a sojourn over a period of years~whatever one's trust is in the Risen Lord. To them the way is objective-would appear nothing short of mad- old yet ever new with new and exciting dangers ness. Yet people do travel there, though one often and difficulties. There are the unpleasant sensawonders what attractions those great arid wastes tions in the burning sun at midday; terrible footh.ave to offer, and why people endure untold hard- soreness, thirst, fevers, loneliness-all new with a grim unexpectedness. The aches and pains, the ships, wandering about its vast empty spaces. sufferings and anxieties experienced along the Some travelers seek something new by way of wayside in the journeyings of a missionary are adventure: they experience queer itchings in the never fully told. Nor need they ever be told, for blood known to many as wanderlust. Organized they are forgotten mid blessings derived from parties of explorers, anthropologists, archreolo- ministering to the greater sufferings of those to * Condensed from 'The EvnngeHcal Ohristian, Toronto. whom they are sent. For those sick bodies and [372 ]
MEDICAL WORK AMONG ARABS IN IRAQ
sicker souls to whom they journey know not the women; they are moving off at the sight of uscomforts and love of the Risen Saviour. single file, along a well-worn track, carrying skins of water. The water in the water-hole is dirty But come with me-or rather with us, Christ and stagnant, but oh, how precious – water is and myself-if you would know something of the Life !.How sweet on the desert! "Let us hurry desert. We will take you into its unquenchable and tell them of the sweet water of Eternal Life." life as we live it, and as it really is. It is only a thought and cannot be done, for sud- denly we think of the. unwritten laws of the desert The journey requires a little over three hours and content ourselves and follow on, not daring by either camel or horse and is just as uncom- to mention them more than once to our Arab comfortable on either. Leaving our little home of dried mud, dwarfing itself in the distance, we THE MISSIONARY IN ARAB DRE.SS sway off into the wilderness, soon to lose sight of everything one connects with mankind. There is panion, who in the roughest voice he can muster, not a structure, mechanical contrivance or human is bidding them ,move from our path.. "It's easy being within sight. On every side is sun-scorched for us to go aroun~," we protest with a feeling of desert, dry, empty, silent, uncanny and bare but pity. .But t~y h~ve scrambled aside. One has for the presence of a few clumps of camel-thorn fallen over, and we pass on trying hard not to and ourselves. The sun beats down with a pitiless hear the oaths muttered by the Arab at our side. glare, and the surface of the desert becomes so hot that it will fry an egg. 'Perspiration oozes from The tents of the other Arabs are not to be seen. every pore; a gentle breeze from the south lifts The path winds and, twists through the thorns for up particles of sand that adhere to every inch of another four miles and we cross a rift in the desour uncovered skin. Even the thought of water ert, and there, to our relief, are the tents, black as makes us thirsty, but we refrain from drinking– the lean goats moving around. Our thoughts we shall only perspire more freely if we do. Our Arab companion comforts us with an Arab prov- flash to Genesis, arid we think of Jabal, Abraham erb: "Don't drink-less thirst; don't eat-less hunger?" So we sway along to the rhythm of the and Jacob, who were plainsmen dwelling in tents. gurgling water in our waterskin. To talk is a Surely they must have used tents like these even fatigue, so we rock and think, think and sway, Oh, why were camels made to walk so oddly? It's such an uncomfortable ache we feel across the belt. The glare hurts our eyes. We wish we could talk; we wish we could drink. Oh, if only there were one shady tree where we could rest. If only we could see something new or other nomads in the distance. Why, oh why, do people waste so much water over the simple washing of hands? A thousand and one thoughts flash on through the mind-we straighten up-relax, close our eyesmeditate-. We shall not get lost, Christ is at our side and even if there is no track we are comforted somewhat for our Arab companion is with us. On and on! .
Over a ridge and dpwn into an indentation. There is more thorn now:, and there-away in the distance-camels-"El Hamdu lillah"-unto God be praise. Further ~n are flocks of sheep and goats that 'appear to be grazing on sand for we see no grass. We begin to wonder what the black hundles are that move, for from where'we sit they appear to be framed between the camels' ears. It's a water-hole-no need for the Arab to tell us. The camels smeUed it long before we crossed the ridge and had we been unconscious from thirst the camels would have taken us there even if they themselves did not want to drink. They are wonderful, in spite of being awkward at times.
But there! we see that the black bundles are
in those long ages past. There they stand in all is in God. "God is great," they mutter, and now the stark loneliness of the desert. is the time to tell them of God's greatness. They love a good story and will listen with patience; Someone is running to meet us; a shout goes but in like manner we have to listen to their up, others follow. Several barking dogs race to stories, with patience equally as great, or they will show their teeth, but the first to greet us are the not listen to our next. Usually their stories are flies. We attempt to speak. Several flies are in about the prophet Mohammed and Jimree, and our mouth, but we soon get used to it. what they lack in propriety they soon gain in amusement. The Arab has perfected the art of The Arab at our side mutters: "Allah Wakeil" telling a story; much gesticulation, gasping and (God our Trustee), and touches the camel's neck. repetition goes with everyone. The following is With a series of grunts it kneels at an alarming typical of the kind that tickle their imaginations, angle, head down and forelegs first; we hold tight and this, by the way, is believed by them to be until we get a jolt from behind and know then she true. is properly settled. We alight with relief and have the feeling that it is good to he on mother One mullah, such a good mullah he was, never was there earth. But before the feeling has rushed around a mullah like him. Never! our aching limbs we must give our greetings with "Peace," which is answered by "And on you be He was always most careful in his ablutions, and always peace." washed his hands before going to pray. And as was his ha0it he always held out his hands, always held out his A dozen or more dirty palms are thrust into hands he did. But the sparrows belonging to the mosque ours and in our pockets with impunity. The bag knew, and at prayer time always flew down to rest on his with the medicines is in the safe-keeping of the hands and cling to his fingers to drink the drops of water Arab, who freely clouts one and then another of that gathered at his finger ends, until not even a drop rethe besieging crowd. A score of questions are mained and his hands became dry. asked in as many seconds about our health and welfare, and what we have brought. We are then At the end everyone gasps, and the teller, to led to the Sheikh's tent where some measure of confirm it, will swear by his Prophet that it is not peace is assured. Greetings and questions are re- false. peated and a dusty rug is placed at our disposal. So we relax. A new dung fire is lighted right at Finally we tell our story, a guest's, privilege. our feet; coffee beans are roasted and pounded. Then comes our time for medical treatment and We ask someone to bring our water but sour milk more Gospel. These Arab nomads suffer from alis brought in a filthy container instead, with flies most every ailment it is possible to imagine-sore swimming on its surface and every inch of its ex- eyes, open sores, the only covering of which are terior covered. To brush them off would send the flies; infected wounds; cuts, burns, skin dismore diving into the beverage, so instead we blow eases and internal complaints too numerous to them to the far side and take sucking drafts of mention. Very seldom do they wash and never the milk until our thirst is quenched. If we should with soap. They are so poor that one cannot be weak in the stomach and complain about the imagine how poor until they are seen-no money, flies, we may hear comments to the effect that we no stores. They live mostly on dates and the have been given both food and drink and that meagre supply of milk from their flocks. Perhaps they were sent by' Allah. twice a year they take wool, hair and skins to the town, which may be a handred miles away, and But we have come to preach the Gospel, but preaching, in the ordinary sense of the word, there they exchange their pJoduce for clothes and cannot be done, so we shall have to win them by cheap luxuries. tact. If we can first attend to their sadly-neglected bodies they will then listen with eagerness Those diseases for which we have no cure we to the wonderful healing power of the Great Phy- commend to God in prayer and He honors the sician, for they never forget a kindness. faith of His servants. The men and boys are treated first; then we go to the women and girls. First we must have coffee and discuss the latest It is pitiful. But a half can never be told. We news; then follows a general talk. They know leave messages of comfort and promise to come why we are here but it's beyond them to know again, if God so wills. "Inshallah" they repeat why we are not afraid. Government officials visit from their hearts. them on rare occasions, but always with an escort of several armed police. After giving our treatments we return to the Sheikh and ask permission to go. He presses us "Are you not afraid of being stabbed and to stay the night, but we have had the experience robbed," they often ask, for they love talking of before. We pick off a few lice that are visible on such subjects. We tell them briefly that our trust our dress and make excuses. We return home as the. coming night chases another passing day to
HANS EGEDE-MISSIONARY TO GREENLAND
the west, to bathe in four gallons of water. If Their trust is in a dead prophet while ours is in that is not available-be patient, Brother! Christ the Risen Lord. bore our sufferings on Calvary and made one sacrifice once and for all; therefore no sacrifice is too When next we visit the spot we find the water great for us to make for Him. We think of the hole dry and the desert empty and bare. All is Arabs we have left behind, and our hearts ache. quiet. They have gone, Gone! GONE! BUT WHERE???
Hans Egede – Missionary to Greenland Last year was the 250th anniversary of Hans Egede's birth. We are indebted to Dr. O. M. Norlie of Luther College, and to the News Bulletin of the National Lutheran Church for the following sketch of this interesting and inspiring Lutheran missionary of long ago.
H ANS EGEDE, the Apostle to Greenland, Gardar, Greenland. Then, for a long and dreary was born January 31, 1686, at Senjen, stretch of over three hundred years, nothing is Northern Norway, 250 years ago. This said about Greenland.
busy world will do well to pause a moment to It was Hans Egede who brought the question up listen to a brief tale about his life and labors. He again. A graduate of the University of Copenwas a hero and saint whose monument is the hagen at 21, he at once married and accepted a ChuroCh of Greenland, of which every person in pastorate in the fishing town of Vaagan, Lofoten Greenland, except two, is a baptized member. Next to Australia, Greenland is the largest island Islands, Norway. While there he read about the in the world. It is more than one-fourth as large Greenland settlements and the Church that had as the United States. It is the most northern once been planted on that remote island. He beland in the world, and perhaps the coldest, for its gan to think about it and to talk about it, and, interior is covered with an immense shield of ice after much careful and prayerful consideration rising from 4,000 feet to 11,000 feet. Its mon- concluded that he ought to go there as a missionstrous fjords discharge numberless icebergs, some ary to his countrymen. He laid the matter beof them ten miles long and a mile or more deep. fore the bishops of Trondheim and of Bergen, but The habitable portion is a thin fringe along the their replies, which were delayed a whole year, southwestern and the southeastern coasts, an area were just honeyed words. His parishioners at first thought his views interesting, then they proof 46,740 miles, or 5% of the total island. tested, later became angry and finally regarded him as deranged. His wife, Gertrude Rask of The first settlers in Greenland were the ancient Bergen, at first did not share with him his desire Norsemen. GunnbjflSrn, Ulf Krage's son, the sages to go to such a desolate and unknown field, but say, was driven by a storm to the coast of Green- through prayer she became convinced that God land in 876 and wintered there. Erik the Red willed it and never afterwards wavered in het made a settlement there in 983, and called the support of him. To this day she is reckoned as land Greenland, hoping to attract settlers. At one of the noblest missionaries in all the annals one time there were six thousand Norsemen liv- of nineteen hundred years of mission work.
ing there. In 1715, Egede wrote a pamphlet defending his In 999, King Olaf Trygvasson of Norway sent idea as to the need of mission work in Greenland and resigned from his pastorate in order to arouse Leif Erikson to Greenland to Christianize it. In- interest for the mission cause. People regarded cidentally he made a voyage of discovery and him as a madman. Church people would not listen found Vinland, and his name is best known as the to him anymore. He turned to the merchants. discoverer of America in 1000. In the Norse He went to Bergen to enlist the merchants in an sagas and the Vatican archives are found occa- expedition of trade with Greenland. It was all sional notices of the Church which Leif established in vain for they dared not make the venture. in Greenland. Thus, in 1112, Pope Paschal II ap- Now, fortunately, the King of Denmark-Norway, pointed Eric Knutsson Bishop of Greenland. In Frederick IV, had started a mission college and 1121, Bishop Eric left Iceland for Vinland. The had sent two missionaries, the German Pi~tists bishops after him are mentioned in the Icelandic Ziegenbalg and Pliitschau, to be missionaries vellums by name in regular succession down to among the Tamils around the Danish trading set- 1409. In a letter of Pope Alexander VI, dated tlement at Tranquebar, South India. The sending 1492, the year of Columbus' discovery of America, of these two to India is considered as the beginthe sad condition of neglected Greenland is reviewed and Matthias is appointed Bishop of
ning of modern Protestant missions. Egede be- ing venture rather than a missionary enter,prise, took himself to the King, who at first refused to and for a year they had not been able to do any consider the Greenland project, but later prom- trading with the natives. In fact, they could not ised to give an annual amount of money to it and even buy provisions and as their supplies were gave Egede public endorsement. With this back- .getting dangerously low, were firmly determined ing, Egede began to get a more respectful hear- to leave for home on a certain day. But, on the ing and by 1721, after thirteen years of agitation, day set for leaving Greenland, three Norwegian he had a trading-colonizing company organized boats came into sight. They brought supplies and and a ship purchased for the voyage. With his reinforcements, and took home such of the colfamily and forty men on board he set sail from onists as were discontented. And so the work Bergen on May 3, 1721, and arrived off the south- went on. At length through the children Egede west coast of Greenland on July 3, 1721, two was permitted to do some small acts of kindness months later. As the natives seemed fearful and among the Eskimos. Fear of him waned and he fled at the approach of the newcomers, he occupied became a welcome guest. He was a hard student a little island off the coast, which he called and made good progress in their language and HaabetsjiS (Island of Hope). This island was to began to understand their ways. At last, on Janbe his headquarters for seven years. uary 10, 1724, he gathered some seventy of them in one of the larger houses and for the first time The Greenlanders, Egede found to be, I).ot de- preached to them in their own language. scendants of the old Norsemen, but an Indian tribe called Innuits or Eskimos. The Norsemen Four years later Egede moved his colony from had disappeared, and their sixteen large churches the little island to the mainland and named the and their houses were all gone. As stated, the new station Godthaab (Good Hope). It is still natives were timid and afraid and unapproach- one of the chief towns of Greenland and the seat able. They had had experience with strange of the Greenland Lutheran Theological Seminary, ships, with whalers and merchantmen who had which trains the native ministry of today. Other often come to rob and kill as well as to barter. stations were added as time went on: one at On one occasion, according to Egede's "Dagbog" Christianshaab in 1734 by Hans Egede, several (Daybook) a whaler came and set fire to an by his son, Paul, later on, as at Frederikshaab in Eskimo village, came again the next year and re- 1742, at J akobshavn in 1749, at Claushavn in peated the crime. No wonder they were afraid 1752. The king gave Hans Egede the title of of Egede and fled to the hillsides when he came Bishop of Greenland, later applied to his son, Paul ashore. In fact, the first year he was on the Island Egeqe, and other successors. of Hope the village on the mainland near by was emptied of its inhabitants. It was mainly through But though Egede had won the confidence of his children, Paul and Nils and the two daughters, the Eskimos, there were many hardships. Buildwho played with the Eskimo children, that ing material and many kinds of food had to be imfriendly relations were gradually established. ported from Europe. There was often danger of starvation and real famine. There was sickness Egede set to work to learn the language, which and even plague. The opposition from the native was not then written. He started to translate the priesthood was deep-rooted. Some of the colonists catechism and portions of the Bible into their and traders that had come over were not morally tongue. It was a difficult undertaking, for their what they should be. In 1727 the trading comvocabulary was very meager. How, for example, pany which Egede had organized dissolved, as it could he render "Lamb of God" to a people who was not a paying venture. This was a hard blow, had never seen a lamb and had no word for it in but Egede asked his king in· faith to send him their language? There were other obstacles too. more workers, and he sent him two new mission- The native priests did not welcome the new re- aries, Ole Lange and Heinrich Milzong. In 1731 ligion. The people, like ignorant heathen else- a ship came to port with the sad news that Fredwhere in the world, were prone to superstitious erick IV, the friend of missions, both in "Greenbeliefs and practices. One superstition was that land's icy mountains" and· on "India's coral sickness was due to witchcraft. So, when some strands," was dead. Egede got orders to return one got sick, the thing to do was to find the witch to Norway. The royal support was withdrawn. that was causing the trouble. Usually some poor, But the Greenlanders urged him to stay, and Gerhelpless old woman was seized, tortured to death, trude, his wife, agreed with him that it was their her heart taken out, her body sawed to bits and duty. So they stayed on. The new king, Christhrown into the waves of the sea. There was tian VI, joined the Pietist movement and became no hope of curing a sickness until this had been friendly to the mission cause. Count Zinzendorf done. Such superstitions died hard. was present at his coronation and witnessed the baptism of two Greenland boys that Egede had Again, the expedition had been at base a trad-
HANS EGEDE-MISSIONARY 1'0 GREENLAND
sent to Denmark to be trained. This gave Zin- and enlightened people, due to the solid foundazendorf an idea, which his Church, the Moravian Brethren, then and there began to .put into action. tions laid by Hans Egede and his son, Paul. The idea was to bring the Gospel to the heathen. Zinzendorf pleaded with King Christian VI to When Hans Egede came back to Norway he was support Egede, and from then on Christian was a staunch friend of the Greenland mission. Zinzen- engaged in speaking about the work of his misdorf went a step further. He himself would send missionaries to Greenland to help out. He sent sion. The University of Copenhagen established three good men to start with who made their first station and headquarters at a place they called a Greenland Seminary and made" him the director New Herrnhut, some distance north of Godthaab. Strange to say, their coming was in many ways a of it, a position he held until 1747, when he asked hindrance to Egede's work, for they opposed him, notwithstanding that he was always kindly and to be relieved. In his retirement he lived at Stubhelpful towards them. The worst hardship that befell the mission during Hans Egede's stay was bekj~bing on the little island of Falster, Denmark. the smallpox plague in 1735. A boy came down with this dread disease, which spread rapidly from There he died on November 5, 1758, at seventyhut to hut and laid waste whole villages so that there was not a man left to bury the dead. Some two and was buried beside his dear wife in the three thousand died of the scourge, including Gertrude Rask Egede, the beloved and faithful Nikolai Cemetery. The Eskimos to this day call wife of Hans. Then, at her death, broken down by untiring labors and sorrow, he asked that he him the "Unforgettable Father." " might return to his homeland for a season of rest. He preached his farewell sermon on July 28, 1736, A DOCTOR'S NIGHT AT FATEHPUR* vona.mth.e. s.a.d"text Isaiah 40: 4-"1 have labored in (By one who sleeps on the Hospital roof) But had he labored in vain? Although after The birds have hushed their sweetest bedtime songs, fifteen years of work he had baptized only twenty For dusk has quickly faded into night. people, he had prepared the soil and had /'lown much good seed that was to bear abundant fruit. The monkeys, crooning, moaning in the trees, Said one native to him: "You have done for us Are soon to hush, until the break of light. what none of our own would have done. You have stayed by us in our sickness and fed us out of A traveler on his way to cheer of home, your store. You have buried our dead who other- Goes singing down the now-deserted road. wise would not have received burial and would have been devoured by dogs and ravens and foxes. Anon come jingling bells and trotting hoofs- But above all you have told us about God and the An ekka driver clicking-on his load. Saviour and Heaven, so that we can die in joy and have a sure hope of a better life in the world When time has come for sleep, a jackal howls, to come." And then the pack let out blood-curdling cries His work was continued by his son Paul Egede, 'Til all the dogs awake and start to bark; who spoke the Eskimo like a native and was a It seems as though they echo round the skies. truly great linguist and administrator. He wrote in the Eskimo language a dictionary, a grammar, And from the distance comes the rhythmic drum Luther's Catechism, the New Testament, the Of tom-toms, of some Hindu wedding feast. Church Book. He extended the missions along the whole west coast of Greenland over one thou- And long into the night their frenzied beats sand miles. The Church in Greenland has ever Grow faster, when all else from sound has ceased. since been a living Church, although like the churches in the homeland it was at low ebb dur- Then wearied from their play, 'tis silent night ing the period of Rationalism. The first heathen And all sleep on, but those who guard the townin Greenland to be baptized, a Protestant, was in 1725, the last was in 1856. Heathenism has been The chaukidars, who call abruptly out, driven from the land. They are a God-fearing While others answer, walking up and down.
And then-sometimes-that sleep disturbing cry: "Oh, chaukidar, oh, come unlock the gate,"
And heavy wheels come crunching down the path. The prodded oxen stop, and then I wait.
And muffled voices soon are heard below, The lights flash out, with tasks soon under way, Inevitable footsteps to my roof Of nurse who calls, "A patient's come to stay."
And then below, the night becomes as day, And we all work to save that woman's life, The baby's too, if haply it still lives 'Spite villagers with ignorance so rife.
And just before the dawn there comes a lull, The woman resting, sleeping after pain; Before the birds their morning chatter start, There's stillness and some peaceful sleep again.
Upon my sleep there breaks a glorious hymn; It is the nurses at their start of day.
"So soon, another day in which to live?" Oh yes, to praise and pray, and work and play. GERTRUDE J. SMITH, M.D.
• From The Missionary lAnk, New York.
Martyrs of
1- 1Ilf By the REV. MURDOCH MacKINNON, D.D. Il~- THREE generations ago Erromanga, a large tions of war. Now we have built a vessel to carry island in the South Seas, was in the grip of the Word of Life, a more excellent thing, and no heathenism. Domestic life was practically vessel has ever been built in this historic dockyard unknown; the tribes were at war, and victories with more pleasure than John Williams V."
were celebrated by public feasts at which the The report of this happy event stated that as bodies of captives were served as a delicacy. But the vessel struck the water the Scottish pipers, the cries of little children and the groans of without direction beforehand, struck up the Scot-'
strangled widows were wafted hither by the warm tish air, "Off to the Isles," amid a hearty burst of breezes from the South, and found response from cheers.
the heart of Christendom. Eighty years ago Mr. and Mrs. George Gordon "I am received with the utmost respect," writes arrived at Erromanga on the mission vessel, the Dr. H. A. Robertson, in one of his recent reports. John Williams, and for upwards of four years "Peace and goodwill prevail all over this fair they lived and worked there. Three months later, isle." he had translated the Ten Commandments. Mrs.
The secret of this change may be deciphered Gordon began by teaching two small boys, who from a tablet erected within "The Martyrs' Me- afterwards became faithful Christian teachers. morial Church," Erromanga. A part of the in- Kindness and unselfishness never yet failed to scription reads thus: disclose hidden worth in the human heart. The younger people listened to the story of Jesus and SACRED TO THE MEMORY the love of God; the old people heard of the cross of the Missionaries who died on this Island of Calvary and the Home of "many mansions." They were intensely interested, and the work GEORGE N. GORDON seemed to prosper. ELLEN C. GORDON But heathenism dies hard, especiaiIy when the Killed by the people of Unepang greed of civilized men allies itself with it. The May 20th, 1861 cruelties and falsehoods of the sandalwood traders JAMES D. GORDON. outstripped anything that benighted Erromanga Killed at Potnuma, March 7th, 1872 could produce. The influence of the missionary tended to make the dishonesty of the trading more difficult. Hence the trader prejudiced the people George N. Gordon and his devoted wife were against Mr. Gordon, saying, "He brought the the first European missionaries to live on Erro- measles to you for did he not tell you that God's manga and to John Williams belongs the honor judgment was coming? He also caused the earth- of having been the first to suffer martyrdom quake and your other misfortunes."
there. He had carried on successful work for The poison had the desired effect. A plot was over twenty years in other islands of the South laid and speedily executed by nine savages, Lovo, Pacific, but no sooner had he and his friend Harris a chief, being party to it. What are one unsus- landed on Erromanga than the murderous people pecting couple against Erromangans with toma- fell on them. Thus they consecrated the island hawks. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon sleep on the banks with their blood, and the little streamlet flowing of the Williams River but no heathen celebration, red that day spoke of peace to the dusky sons of no cannibal feast disturb their dreams. The the South. Christian young men who laid them to rest vowed The launching of John Williams V at Grange- that they would win Erromanga for Christ or mouth, England, a few years ago, forms a sig- perish with their missionaries in the attempt. .
nificant commentary on the saying that "the blood The mother of George Gordon, of Alberton, of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." A rep- Prince Edward Island, had still another son, and resentative of the shipbuilding company said: the heroic spirit which she communicated to her "We have built vessels for commerce, for pleas- children was not crushed. By the grace of God ure, and, I regret to say, vessels to carry muni- she was ready to give this other son to Christ in [378 ]
SIXTY YEARS IN THE CONGO BELGE
so great a cause. J ames Gordon was preparing to them and the Spirit of God worked directly ort for the ministry, and when he heard of his broth- their hearts. He who called Williams called his er's death, he said, "Now it is my turn, I must successors. The Gordon brothers were nature's go." He sailed from Halifax on the famous Mis- noblemen, tall, handsome, athletic. They were sion ship, Dayspring, and in 1864 arrived at the men of intellectual power, with a genius for lanscene of his brother's labors and martyrdom. He guages. They were eloquent, persistent, fervent. gave himself to the work with enthusiasm, pre- They were men of prayer. senting the Gospel to the people in its simplicity and power. Progress was evident on every hand, The Church lives by spiritual conquest, and the and the Word that was sown in weakness was be- Gordons were bent on conquest in the name of the ing raised in power. But the spirit of heathenism Christ and in the power of the Cross. Their death was not yet appeased. It called for another vic- seemed premature and the sacrifice great, but tim. Disease broke out and the missionary was Erromanga is now a Christian island and today again blamed. Nerimpaw's two children died sends out missionaries. The heart of our people after Gordon had given them medicine. (The was stirred and the church at home was wakened hundreds of other children whom he treated, re- out of sleep. covered.) Enough! While he was translating the Acts, and had reached the account of Ste- The foreign missionary not only extends the phen's martyrdom, Nerimpaw's tom a haw k Church abroad, but also is used to save the Church plunged deep into his head, and he too "fell at home. In an age when the world is too much asleep." in evidence, it is inspiriting to hear of these brothers, who gave themselves to the service of There is nothing that calls forth the heroic Christ for the sake of redeeming men. The one spirit like a manifestation of heroism. The Gor- was the first missionary to live, and the other the dons had heard of Williams and as growing boys last martyr to die, on Erromanga. The Church had listened to the voice of John Geddie. The re- that gave the Gordons has other heroes awaiting ports of his work in Aneityum appealed strongly the call of the Master. The Christ who has saved Erromanga can save the world.
Sixty Years in the Congo BeIge By the REV. THOMAS MOODY Missionary of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society AFTER Henry M. Stanley crossed equatorial Congo, with one thousand mISSIOnaries superin- tending the work. The church members in all .L'. Africa and came out at Bauana in August, Belgian Congo number over 250,000, in addition 1877, the English Baptist missionaries to Christians under instruction who number 275,- started for the Congo in 1878. The missionaries 035. More than ten thousand village schools enof many other societies have also entered until roll over 350,000 boys and girls. they have practically occupied the Belgian Congo Many of the mission stations have had very for Christ. great blessings. Sona Bata, of the American Bap- From that day to this the progress of the work tist Foreign Mission Society, where I spent the last few years, was opened in 1890. After several has been wonderfully blessed of God. The mission- revivals we had an exceptional turning to God of aries have gone in with the idea of preaching the the natives in 1921 in which for ten years in suc- Gospel of Christ to the natives and giving them cession over a thousand people were baptized each the Word of God in their own tongue as soon as year and were received into the church on confesit was possible. As a result today the Christian sion of faith. At present there are 10',309 memchurches are in every part of the Belgian Congo, bers connected with this station, with 303 village a large number being self-supporting, self-propa- schools and 7,874 pupils. Besides the church gating, self-sustaining, indigenous churches and boarding school there is a school for medical aswith schools, from the common bush school to the sistants and nurses. The Sona Bata field covers schools for the preparation of teachers and 10,000 square miles with 100,000 people and 2,000 preachers to carry on the work. A large amount villages. We have preached the Gospel in one of the work is done entirely by the African teach- half of their villages but the other 1,000 we have ers and preachers, the oversight of the mission- not entered. When I went out in 1890, there were aries, often being limited to one or two visits a less than 5,000 church members in all the Belgian year to the churches in charge of the natives. Congo and now they number 250,000.
At present there are some forty different Protestant missionary societies working in Belgian
GIFT REVEALS THE GIVER-A
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3: 16.
This verse tells of the greatest Gift the world has ever known. Other passages from God's Word march in procession before the mind : "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, b.ecause that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." 1 John 4: 9.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15: 13.
"Without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9: 22. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him."
Hebrews 7: 25. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, . . . he hath declared him."
John 1: 18.
The mind clings to the thought, God's Gift, even Jesus, reveals God to me; then is it not true that my gifts reveal me to God?
Jesus, God's Gift, reveals to the human heart far more of God than mere paper and ink can ever convey. Four characteristics of God the Father are definitely revealed in His Gift and are all suggested in the words of John 3: 16.
1. GOD'S GIFT REVEALS GOD'S LOVE "GOD SO LOVED . • . that he gave his only begotten Son." "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
2. GOD'S GIFT REVEALS GOD'S VISION "God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his only begotten Son." "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
3. GOD'S GIFT REVEALS GOD'S WISDOM "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH." "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
4. GOD'S GIFT REVEALS GOD'S POWER "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in hi1n should not perish, but HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life."
If Jesus, the Gift of God, reveals to us God's love for us, God's vision of the needy world, God's wisdom in providing a way of escape from sin, and God's power to save, surely our gifts also reveal us to God.
Take a. backward look at your gifts of the past year, to test yourself by them. Center your thoughts on the gifts which you plan to bring in the coming year as gifts to Him, week by week and month by month. Ask yourself: What do my gifts reveal of my love for Him who gave all for me, of my vision of this sin-stained world, of my knowledge of the way of salvation, and of my faith in God's power through Christ to save all men everywhere. If you are not sure that the revelation made through your gifts is in line with what you feel in your heart, will you sacrifice even more, until you are confident that, seeing the gifts, God will know the depth of your love. Then you will know the secret which Jesus sought to disclose, but which has been kept from many of us: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." -Adapted from Janie McCutchen, in "The Presbyterian Survey."
[380 ]
A Brahman Christian-Nehemiah
The Father of the Author of Uln the Secret of His Presence"
I T WAS a great victory for the Christian mis- the fame of Pandit Goreh, had an interview with sions when Nilakanta Sastri, the Indian pandit him at Benares and took him to Europe as his and scholar, abandoned the Brahmanic reli- tutor in 1854. ,In England, the Goreh was allowed gion of his forefathers and accepted Jesus Christ. an audience with Queen Victoria along with the Nilakanta was born on February 8, 1825, in a Maharajah. He also attended theological lectures village near Jhansi. He belonged to a high class at Islington. This stay brought him into contact konkan family and his father, though born in with some of the great men of the Church of Eng- Poona, migrated early to the north. Soon after land and he had the privilege of meeting with Prof.
Nilakanta's birth the family moved on to Benares, Max Muller at Oxford.
the citadel of Hinduism. Here Goreh was brought For thirteen years Goreh worked as Headmas- up in the lap of luxury as an uncle became Dewan ter of a school under the Church Missionary So- of a State and he was given the best of education ciety., In 1861 he was ordained a Deacon and at that time. He studied Sanscrit under learned sent to start a mission at Mhow in Central India Shastris, specializing in the Vedas, the Nyaya and and later to Chanda in Central Provinces. At grammar. He had a strong prejudice against Cawnpore he came in touch with the Brahmo Christianity as he thought it a "religion fitted for leader, Keshub Chandra Sen, and in the course ignorant Mlechchas only." But Goreh began an of discussion discovered to his surprise that earnest study of the Bible to pick holes in it and Keshub had not read books on the evidences of strengthen his position as a st,aunch advocate of Christian faith. This interview made Goreh Hinduism. The Sermon on the Mount captivated take a special interest in Brahmo Movement and him and drew him near to Christ. His interest write pamphlets to win them over to the Christian steadily grew and contact with missionaries con- faith. He criticized Brahmo Movement as a com- vinced him that Christ's religion is the only satis- promise between Hinduism and Christianity.
fying faith. His father and uncle implored him In 1883 Goreh wrote his important work in not to desert them and their religion, but Nila- Marathi entitled, Is there any proof that Chris- kanta stood firm in his conviction. He challenged tianity is a divl~nely given religion? to meet cer- the pandits of Benares to debate the truth of the tain religious difficulty of Pandita Ramabai who Gospel of Christ. Though his deep affection for was not then a Christian. Later he published a his father made him hesitate to embrace Chris- series of his lectures entitled, Christianity not of tian religion, he finally was baptized on March man but of God. Among his many other publica- 14, 1848, by the Rev. Robert Hawes at Jaunpur tions, and one of the most useful to missionaries, and was given the Christian name of Nehemiah. was-The genuineness of the Holy Gospels. His It was not easy to bring his wife to the new health gradually failed and he passed on to his faith. After his baptism she was supposed to be Rest on October 29, 1895, at the age of 70. It widowed and was kept in privacy. Later, by great has been remarked of him, "The intensed devotion efforts, the husband and wife were brought to- and self-denial of the Brahman missionary, his gether though she remained Hindu for some time. genuine humility and modesty, as well as his pro- Finally, she saw the light revealed in Christ and found erudition, set off the eternal mode of his was baptized with their only daughter, Ellen life, his poverty, his emaciated look, his plain Lakshmi, shortly after joining the Goreh Church. mendicant-like attire-made him to be regarded Unfortunately the mother died soon, leaving the by the people generally, European and Indian, as orphan girl who was the father's pride and joy. a Sadhu, the beau ideal of a Christian missionary."
This daughter has immortalized her name through By his example, and the vigor and persistency her great hymn, "In the Secret of His Presence." of his advocacy of the Christian Gospel, he was She passed away recently at Cawnpore, after a able to convert several men who afterwards be- long period of distinguished service in the cause came his colleagues in the great task. Christian of Christ. evangelism to be truly effective and fruitful in Nehemiah Goreh was an excellent writer and our present day calls for Christian Indians of a used his profound knowledge in Sanscrit in trans- rare type like Nehemiah Goreh with intense de- lating some work to justify the ways of Christ to votion, deep conviction and self-denial.
his fellow-countrymen. Maharaj Duleep Singh, By T. D., in "The National Missionary himself a convert to the Christian faith, heard of Intelligencer."
[ 381 ]
Ways of
'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO The Place of Missionary Edu- ary interest and motivations that outlook. Circulation of the right sort cation in Church Enterprise will withstand winds of criticism of books will help. and droughts of spiritual aspira- Shall missionary education be tion. There is a lack of qualified teachers integrated into religious educa- of missionary education. Three things tion? "This," says Bulletin Dr. T. H. P. Sailer and a com- are needed by these teachers: Mis- No. 5 of the Professional Ad- mittee consisting of Leila Bag- sionary information, knowledge of visory Section on Missionary ley, Genevieve Brown, S. F. missions, and contagious missionary Education of the International Mack and J. L. Lobingier (chair- interest. A s'U!bje'ct like missions Council of Religious Education, man) have gathered together the needs not only the material that can "is a perennial subject." Among results of the discussion of the be found in the teacher's quarterly, the bulletins of this Section, topic at a meeting of the Profes- but a broad background. Few teachprevious issues of which dealing sional Advisory Section, in Chi- ers have this. Methods other than with specific, interdenomina- cago, and supplemented them those in Sunday school classes and tional methods have been re- with suitable new material for group meetings will be needed. . . . viewed in this Department, the the pamphlet. Here are a few present one is far and away the high lights indicative of the Without leaders of this type missionmost comprehensive and schol- motif, method, trend and sub- ary education will be integrated only arly and deserves careful study ject matter: in name but not in fact. The most on the part of pastors, Sunday ideal curriculum on paper will be deschool superintendents and de- The principal aim of education is vitalized if presented in a perfuncpartmental heads, as well as tory way. Therefore the first move leaders in men's and women's to expand our interests and help us should be to concentrate on securing organizations in the local church leaders and improving their quality. and denominational executive to see things in a broader perspective. boards. It goes deeper than any Has missionary education a real mere "ways of working"-down Missionary education should not seem contribution to make to work that is to the undergirding religious already being done in religious eduand educational principles which to be a competitor with issues that cation? Let us not seek to introduce render mere patterns secondary are more immediately important, but missionary applications, illustrations and relatively inconsequential in and talks because missions must be that the trained person can work an aid in broadening our vision so gotten in somehow, but because it out his own methods on any really enriches experience. Chrisgiven subject – whether it be that we shall see thin~s more as God tianity is essentially a world religion "Rural Missions" or "The Mos- sees them. The essential thing that . . . and is needed by the whole lem World." world. . . . The material should not missionary education contributes to be lugged in by the ears but help to The claims of this new Bul- add significance. . . . The five min-' letin to citation in a methods religious education is a sense of uni- utes a Sunday or 20 minutes a month department are valid in that talks to a whole department or school very fact and also that in its versality, with a knowledge of the should not seek merely to add variety latter portion it dips deeply into or furnish information, but to make specifics for every department needs of all mankind and a growing religious education more vital by supof church endeavor. It is a plying the elements that are needed large-sized, twenty -three – page participation in the meeting of those but too frequently omitted. pamphlet that will challenge the understanding of simple folk as needs. . . . Missionary education The new courses of study for the well as the most intellectual church school are inserting specifically workers who desire to dig more rests on the assumption that Chris- missionary lessons or short units. deeply and discriminatingly into tianity has something of supreme . . . The present arrangement offers the human soil of all age inter- a great opportunity. Well qualified ests in order to implant mission- value for all mankind, and that this teachers can arouse such interest in the subject that outside work will be will not be transmitted without spe- undertaken. This may lead to church schools of missions, independent dis- cial effort. It holds that Christianity cussion groups on missions, campaigns of missionary reading and special is a universal and not merely a na- projects. The only way to secure time is to make the subject so attractive tional or racial religion, that what- that people will give time.
ever efforts are worth making to pro- The best way to deal with such a situation (where the atmosphere of vide religious education for ourselves local churches is depressing to the missionary spirit) may be to trans- and our communities are equally de- plant individuals temporarily to other climates such as summer conferences sirable for other groups throughout where they mary catch the heOJ1Jenly the world. . . . Without the knowl- edge of Christ for personal guidance or social cooperation, their (the ma- jority of needy mankind) welfare be- comes a major concern of a Kingdom- centered curriculum. – The attitude of the pastor and other church leaders will be very important (in securing an adequate ideal of a basis for this new curriculum). The issue may be faced in meetings and discussion groups. Delegates may be sent to summer conferences and in- stitutions where they will get a larger [382 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
VtstOn. Where this is not possible it 3. Do I carry these brotherly Methods Briefs for Primary may be best to concentrate on a small, ideals into my daily rela- Teaching select group. Under these conditions tionships with people of the temperature may be raised as it other racial, national and Mexico: On table covered would not be for the staid majority. social groups? with serape or other colorful Manifestly, missionary education 4. Am I adding an intimate woven scarf, arrange pottery, will never be effectively integrated knowledge of a race or unless people will bestow brains and people to my intellectual plain or painted gourds, clay pains on the process. At the founda- assets each year? tion of the whole matter must be the hats used as pin trays, cans of effort to bring people to care deeply 5. Do I feel that other people string beans, Mexican pictures for the thorough integration of mis- have a contribution to cut from magazines, etc. Make sionary education. Churches which make to my life, or do I posters of cut-out pictures to iltry to operate machinery without suffi- feel that missions implies lustrate talks. Tell how the rovcient steam will surely be disap- a one-way relationship? ing vegetable pickers live in povpointed. erty and squalor, children- 6. Does my conception of home working hard like their elders- Then follow "Practical appli- missions inc 1u d e the do not even know the meaning cations of integration for church Christian solution of such of "home." Adapt stories from organizations"; some "Practical problems of our national "The Laughingest Lady," by questions for discussion" such life as social and economic Elinor Cowan Stone; "From as: the use of costumes, curios, justice, race relations and Every Tribe and Nation," by stunts, etc., for entertainment or the alcohol problem? Belle M. Brain (using the story, decorative purposes, employ- "Dona Carmen, a Living Episment of conventional methods, 7. Am I endeavoring to secure tle") and denominational leaflets outlining a year's programs for for missionary education on the subject. Have the chila women's association so as to its normal, integral place dren cut small adobe houses integrate their work into the in the worship, the in- from bogus paper and make a whole program, best plans for struction, the offerings Mexican village on sand table or linking up the Sunday school, and the activities of all in window, adding trees, a donetc. ; "factors essential to in- departments of the local key, chickens and children. Posttegration"; some practical cur- church life? ers may be made of children riculum suggestions as to form, feeding donkeys or chickens, material and methods; "Over- 8. Am I increasingly seeing picking beans or carrying hamhead counsel and cooperation"; and using opportunities pers of them, and donkeys bear- "Integration from the viewpoint for the disseminating of ing panniers loaded with beans. of the denominational program" ; missionary knowledge and Women may be making pottery. questions proposed to executive interest through the loan- Have offering taken up by darkboards of the Presbyterian, the ing of missionary books haired boy in white suit with Congregational and Christian, and magazines, the choice wide, bright sash tied over the United Lutheran and the of hymns at meetings shoulder and under arm, the Methodist Episcopal churches where I preside, the em- gifts being received in highare given with summaries of the phasis in my pub lie crowned beach hat with little replies; and a very concrete prayers, the collecting and balls on edge of wide brim. He specific section devoted to plans sharing of pictures, sto- may be assisted by girl with for children's, young people's ries, pageants, p I a y s, straight black hair, wearing red and adults' programs in mission- curios and costumes? or yellow dress and bright scarf ary education. This last is well tied over hair. Chicken sandworth the price of the pamphlet, 9. Have I read at least one wiches, small servings of string which is only 25 cents. Send book the past year in the beans with oil dressing, sliced orders to Miss Leila Bagley, 810 general field of missions? hard-cooked eggs or sman bowls Broadway, Nashville, Tenn. of chile con carne, both of the 10. If I work with children or latter served with crackers, may Measuring Myself-A Mission- young people have I read be used as refreshments. "Jesus ary Efficiency Test at least one book on mis- Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves the sions in my specific field? Little Children of the World" 1. Do I have thoroughly Chris- are appropriate songs. tian motives for my mis- 11. Am I sharing my resources sionary activities? Are with the missionary cause Indians: Give local color with they definitely based on in a systematic manner? pottery, baskets, beads, mocca- love for God and love for sins, tiny totem poles, etc., ar- man? 12. Have I made any actual con- ranged on table covered with tribution to the cause of Indian blanket, and with bright 2. Am I cherishing more broth- missions during the past posters made from cut-out pic- erly ide a I s concerning year other than my finan- tures. Feathered headdresses other peoples each year? cial contribution? may be made by the children Can I see the worth of the from craft paper or even com- individual regardless of -United Christian Mission- his race or culture? ary Society Leaflet.
mon brown wrapping paper, from "The World's Children for for Indian and South American Jesus." Refreshments of pop- studies (which were used in the ornamenting with feathers and corn balls or plain popcorn, United Study Course last year) drawings with colored crayons. candy in shape of pumpkins or may be had from denominational Large or small wigwams can be grains of corn. One may some- missionary literature headquarmade from the same paper. times find little candy turkeys. ters or the Missionary Education Color long strips of paper first Movement, 150 Fifth Ave., yellow, then orange, then brown South America: Keynote, a N. Y., at 75 cents each. "Stories (several children working on large map of country with inter- South of the Equator" will be same strip), making all strokes found very helpful. lacing letters, A, B, C, for Arin same direction. Soak paper gentina, Bra z i I and Chili, Groups not adhering to the mounted down front. Leader current United Study courses two or three minutes in water, may form their plans from such open carefully over bucket, drain points out location and tells suggestions as the foregoing; off water and crumple between something about each of three while workers using the new fingers as fine as possible. countries, then says she has a Spread flat on folded news- bag of gifts from South Amer- topics of "Rural America" and papers, coat with orange shellac, ica from which the children, "The Moslem World," noting the coming up one at a time, may principles involved, may be aided using large, flat bristle brushes select something. For this a in working out their presentawhich may be cleaned in alcohol, going-away bag has previously tions to little folks at the age the shellac being diluted with been paeked with a bone button, when eye-gate, ear-gate and a-lcohol if too thick. When dried bone-handled toothbrush, leather hand must be made teammates. coin purse, little red shoe, billthis paper looks and feels like fold, band from sewing machine, The suggestions are from skin and makes a fine wigwam. leather-covered boo k, jacket, Annye L. Allison's work among Large one very effective made chipped dried bee f, gelatin, juniors. over framework of poles, tied together at top and fastened to coffee, chocolate, cocoa, Chili The outlines raise the quesfloor. Fasten paper securely to pepper, mixed spices, orange, tions of the Church's responsipoles at bottom and lace together bility in relation to social condiwith raffia or twine, using large lemon, grapefruit, Brazil nuts, tions, to what extent such re- silver spoon, glass set in lieu of sponsibility can be formulated raffia needle not too sharp. Have a diamond, ostrich feather, into a universally applicable sys- monkey fur, rubber bands, children draw on 9'xI2' paper eraser, comb, phonograph rec- tem of Christian social prinfigures of Indians, wigwams, ciples, what our personal and shocks of corn, fish, pumpkins, ord, bright feathers, sea beans, group responsibility is, where toy snake and other appropriate we obtain our criteria and data deer, bears, turkeys, ponies and objects wrapped in tissue paper in arriving at judgments, and large Indian heads. They may to look like gifts. Have each how we can implement these string popcorn or macaroni principles in terms of social ac- gift opened, laid on table and tion. The programs are inbroken into small pieces, with explained. When bag is empty, tended primarily for the monthly disks of construction paper in meetings of the women's or- give talk on the country, discuss- ganization, but have additional lieu of beads, to be worn with ing the things it needs from us suggestions for their more exthe headdresses. They also en- – Bibles, religious literature, tensive use in general group joy making posters of wigwams churches, Sunday schools, hos- meetings. Pastors would find pitals, etc. English books not them heJpful for the midweek or cliff dwellings, trees, corn, church services. pottery, rugs, baskets, etc., these available because the language to be drawn, painted or done in is mostly Spanish. Names of *** paper-cutting. Let them bring missionaries may be given, prayer offered for their work "Prayer in the land of the fir such things as arrowheads, bas- and Bible verses found begin- tree and pine. kets, beads, shells, etc., from home. Indian nature writing ning with A, Band C. Prayer in the land of the fig always interests them and they tree and vine. like to learn the signs. Have The results of an imaginary dark-haired boy wearing head- trip to South America were vis- Prayer where the waves dash loudly and cold. dress and blanket collect offer- ualized by the writer in an iming in basket or jar. A box for provised moving picture – pic- Prayer where the lion stalks fearless and bold. some Indian mission may be tures pasted on strip of paper packed. If a victrola is avail- with explanatory cap t ion s, Prayer in cathedrals whose able, play such selections as names of missionaries written spires tower high. the "Love Call," "Marcellina," etc. Use selections from "Hia- and verses chosen for each Prayer in kirks and cabins watha," "Lady Yea r dIe y' s country, the ends of this long close by. strip being fastened to two Guest," "Joc's Coals of Fire" broomsticks turned by boys to Prayer where two are gathered (from "The Rules of the Game" show the entire reel. The leader to pray. by Lambertson), and various read all script aloud for the benstories of mission work among efit of the little folks unable to Everywhere, eve r y w her e, prayer today." Indians. Close devotional part read for themselves. Textbooks of meeting with Indian stanza The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK "I Was a Stranger" the curt 'Move on, you!' of the transient bureaus and camps in sheriff at the county line, or ac- operation-295 bureaus and 190 "For I was hungry, and ye tual arrest and sentence to the camps. With the reduction in gave me to eat; I was thirsty, workhouse or the chain gang, relief spending in 1934-1935 and ye gave me drink; I was a have been and still are the pen- came the order to the states "to stranger, and ye took me in; alties too frequently exacted close intake at the transient cennaked, and ye clothed me; I was from the victim of unguided mi- ters and camps and to liquidate sick, and ye visited me; I was in gration. Having no responsible the entire program as of Novemprison, and ye came unto me. agency to direct him to oppor- ber 1, 1935. Then shall the righteous answer tunity for personal employment, him, saying, Lord, when saw we he drifts or is shoved in this di- "During the 20 months of life thee hungry, and fed thee? or rection or that. ' of the transient program, state athirst, and gave thee drink? and local authorities had been And when saw we thee a "Not all those who move from completely absorbed in adminisstranger, and took thee in? or place to place are mentally or tering ERA, CWA, and various naked, and clothed thee? And physically competent to under- other related activities under when saw we thee sick, or in take to fend for themselves in a 'emergency' legislation. No prison, and came unto thee ?" new field. But men are not al- thought had been given to an Matthew 25: 35-40. ways at fault for having no adjustment of the old poor laws money saved on which to sup- to meet new conditions." "Move On, You!" * port themselves after months in the lumber camp, or on railroad "By March, 1936, many states "Traditionally the American construction, or following the had become thoroughly alive to people have regarded the stran- crops. Often enough the wages the fact that it was not enough ger who asked for alms as a for which they work are grossly to ask for federal funds with ne'er-do-well whose own fault it inadequate to meet their needs. which to meet the needs of tranwas that he found himself in Compelled as they are to take sient relief, but that there must such sorry straits. Let him help the only jobs they can get, there be a sharing of responsibility himself ! Was there not oppor- are times when they need help between national and state govtunityand success for every man from the society which tolerates ernments and that the states to take care of himself if he these conditions." must face the fact that their 'had it in him'? own laws of legal settlement The depression years of 1930 were, by their rigidity and lack "The man who takes to the and 1931 saw a tremendous in- of uniformity, creating some of road' today in quest of work crease in the numbers in those the very problems of which all carries with him, unaware, the illegally "riding the rods." Still states complained." ball and chain of the settlement more were "thumbing a ride." laws of Old England. If work is The budgets of private agencies Three interstate conferences not found and, need develops, he which had been aiding these have been held. suddenly finds himself in an transients were steadily declinalien community, unwelcome, ing and the numbers needing "In all these conferences the with no legal claim for aid, with help were steadily increasing. Committee on Care of Transient limited private charitable re- A National Committee on Care and Homelesst kept up a drumsources available to him, and of Transient and Homeless was fire on the objective of federal, with suspicion directed toward composed of individuals from state, and local responsibility in him as a dangerous character. national agencies concerned with this field, together with em- The hospitality of the police some phase of the problem of phasis on the basic remedies of station, the 'two meals and a transiency and homelessness. 'surer direction and guidance' flop' in a municipal lodging Through the efforts of this com- for men in search of employhouse or second-rate mission, mittee the Federal Transient ment. Unification of the laws Program was formulated. of legal settlement throughout • Excerpts from "After Five Years," pub- the United States was urged, as lished by the Committee on Care of Tran- By 1934, forty-four states and was the vesting of responsibility sient and Homeless, 1270 Sixth Avenue, New the District of Columbia had York, price 10 cents, t The Council of Women for Home Mis- [385 ] sions Is represented on this Committee. in the state governments to de- was a desire to express the spirit Kingdom of God under the captermine settlement. The federal of the Preaching Mission-unity tion, "Thy Kingdom Come." Dr. and state authorities were asked of effort for the Kingdom of Lyman said that to Jesus the to prov'ide the necessary funds God. Kingdom meant living the will with which to meet the relief of God and that His was one life needs of the unsettled person. The four organizations, The lived in harmony with God. An Council of Women for Home ideal was held before this great "Each of these conferences Missions, the Women's Commit- group of city women to leave the appointed a continuing commit- tee of the Foreign Missions Con- distracting small things and live tee charged with carrying out ference, the National Council of lives in harmony with God, decertain recommendations of the Federated Church Women and voted to the interests of His conference and with bringing the Women's Cooperating Com- Kingdom. What could not be the resolutions of the conference mission of the Federal Council accomplished by this challenge to the attention of the proper of Churches, combined to bring to seven hundred women put authorities. together the church women of into action? metropolitan New York. Nearly "The Council of State Govern- 700 sat down in fellowship. The second speaker of the day, ments, meeting in its Third Gen- While the greater number were Rev. Joseph R. Sizoo, D.D., lately eral Assembly in Washington in from metropolitan New York, come to New York from Wash- January, 1937, with representa- including cities and towns in ington, D. C., brought rich extion from 45 states, adopted a New Jersey, We s t c he s t e r periences from his contacts with series of resolutions favoring County, New York, and Long varying groups. All he found 'uniform and reciprocal state Island, there were guests from going back for satisfaction of laws to iron out some of the con- Poughkeepsie, New York; Stam- heart-hunger to the Christian flicts in the field of social se- ford and Norwalk, Connecticut; faith. Dr. Sizoo had as his topic curity.' It recommended a stand- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; "For Such a Day as This," and ard requirement of one year to Washington, D. C. ; the Bay pointed out how Christian womgain settlement; a provision for region and Southern California; anhood in such a time must meet retaining the old settlement un- Atlanta, Georgia, and Toronto, the heart-hunger of the world til a new settlement was ac- Canada. for the Gospel. He said we quired; relief and service dur- have got to develop a new kind ing any period of inquiry as to The luncheon was planned of heroism. settlement; authority vested in the state public welfare depart- under the chairmanship Of Mrs. Dr. Robert M. Searle, as secment to determine settlement; retary of the New York Federafunds available to the state for Augustus Trowbridge, who was tion of Churches, offered the inreimbursement of local commu- vocation, and the benediction nities for service rendered to also the charming presiding was pronounced by Rev. William transients; and approval of the officer. By her long-range plan- Adams Brown, D.D., Chairman 'Uniform Transfer of Depend- ning Mrs. Trowbridge was able of the Committee on Universal ents Act.' These resolutions, to bring to the luncheon group a Life and Work. bearing as they do the stamp of cable message from India from approval of the official delegates Dr. E. Stanley Jones as follows: In closing we quote from a from 45 states,constitute the "Personal gratitude your signifi- letter of Dr. Brown's received crystallization in government of cant move toward unity. Light after the luncheon, for it exa sense of social responsibility in that direction. Follow it." presses what so many feel: for the non-resident." Another cable message of bless- ing on the undertaking from I do not know when I have attended May Luncheon for Church Maude Royden and a third mes- a meeting which seemed to me more sage from across seas, from vibrant· with thrilling possibilities. Women Lady Astor, "All we who profess It was not merely the fact that the the Christian faith will unite large company assembled was an ir:.- On May 10 at the Hotel Bilt- when we understand and apply dication of the resources of far-reachmore, New York City, a really Jesus' message, 'Now are we the ing and intelligent service which the significant luncheon took place. Sons of God,' and follow His Church possesses in her consecrated There had been several May Day command." President Mary E. womanhood, but still more the fact luncheons sponsored by one Woolley was prevented by the that your meeting together, instead interdenominational organiza- one hundredth anniversary of of separately, was an indication of tion for the missionary women Mount Holyoke College from be- your recognition that whatever difof metropolitan New York but ing present. In her place at the ferentiation of function may prove this luncheon sponsored by the guest table was Mrs. William wise from the point of view of effecfour interdenominational or- Adams Brown. tive administration, the cause is at ganizations . t h r 0 ugh which heart one. Dr. Mary Ely Lyman, just rechurch women have been work- turned from receiving an hon- May this cause which is one ing, symbolized a new epoch. orary degree from Mount Hol- be served whole-heartedly by The thought back of this effort yoke, brought a strong message every woman who has taken the on what church women can con- name of Jesus Christ upon her, tribute toward bringing in the and may she give herself entirely to Him in "Such a Day as This."
EMMA JESSIE OGG.
~ Our World–wide
I A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO EUROPE the influence of a book by the restore the crucifixes to their original headmaster of a Jewish girls' places on the walls. The Bible in Spain secondary school whose study of anti-Semitism has led him to In his May Day speech Hitler In the latest report of the realize that the only solution to is reported to have declared: "I British and Foreign Bible So- the Jewish problem is to be will not tolerate that the German ciety, reference is made to the found in Christ. Two hundred people's authority shall be mentriumphs of the Bible in Spain Jewish families in Bucharest are aced from any quarter. . . . during the present conflict and prepared to become Christians, That holds good above all for distress. Although the civil war but the State church refuses to the churches." was raging in Spain for half the encourage the movement. . year with which the report As to the children of Chrisdeals, a circulation of 211,000 -Watchman-Examiner. tian people he said: volumes was achieved. The Bible Society's depot in Madrid Religious Education in Sweden We will take their children and was kept open during the siege will educate them to become new Gerand the Society's agent remained The Lutheran Church is the mans. We will not permit them to at his post. State Church in Sweden and in lapse into the old ways of thinking. all high schools and colleges re- We will take them when they are ten Evangelism in Belgium ligion is a required subject. It years old and bring them up in the includes Bible study, church spirit of the community until they are Within the past few months, history, comparative religion eighteen. They shall not escape us! the Belgian Gospel Mission, and missions. School work befounded by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph gins every day with a religious -New York Times. Norton, has opened seven new service lasting about fifteen mincenters, making a total of sixty- utes, with a view to training What of the Waldenses? six in which the Gospel is reg- pupils to do serious thinking on ularly preached. M. Vansteen- religious and ethical questions. This oldest evangelical church berghe, one of the directors of in the world, a church that has the Mission, was converted from Teachers of religion are re- withstood more than 30 organatheism in England during the quired to be members of the ized persecutions, today has 250 war, through the reading of the State Church. Great demands churches and missions in Italy. Bible while in a hospital. are made as to the teacher's per- Because of retrenchment in sonality; he must preach by his other churches, the Waldenses M. Vansteenberghe tells how character the same ideals that are carrying more responsibility one center was opened as typical he teaches. for Christian witnessing in Italy of all the others: A brushmaker, than ever before. Last year living near Ypres, heard the -The Christian Advocate. they provided over 88 per cent Gospel at a meeting last June, of the money spent upon their was converted, and straightway The Cross in German Schools Missions throughout Italy, their asked if a hall could be opened H 0 s pit a 1s, their Children's in his village. With his small An order to replace the cruci- Homes, their Homes for the life savings, he enlarged a brick fix in classrooms in Germany Aged, their College at Torre Pelshed attached to his house, so with pictures of Adolph Hitler lice and their Theological Semthat it is capable of seating forty has resulted in great excitement inary at Rome. Their congregapeople. On the opening day, and open resistance. The Liv- tions are larger than ever, and sixty crowded in, and others ing Church says: Italians in increasing numbers stood outside the door listening. are joining their churches. The unyielding attitude of Roman -Life of Faith. Catholic parents forced the authori- It is clear that an evangelical ties at Konnersreuth to restore the agency, such as the Waldensian Jews Turn to Christ crucifixes to the classrooms in that Church, is more needed in Italy city. Upward of 100 irate townsmen than ever before. The Barbican Mission to the marched to the home of the school Jews, London, reports that sev- superintendent and chanted in unison AFRICA eral hundred Jewish families in their demand for restitution of the Rumania are prepared to accept Christian symbols. The intervention 11 Duce and the Moslems Christ. This is largely due to of the police, with drawn revolvers, failed to intimidate the townspeople. A New York Times corre- The upshot of this demonstration was spondent in Egypt declares the an order from the local authorities to majority of Moslems are unal- [387 ]
terably opposed to Mussolini's Protestants Not Wanted Tea With Tracts claim to be "defender of the in Tripoli Moslem faith." Sheikh Musta- Dr. Burkitt of Nairobi in pha el Maraghi, rector of the The medical mission for Mos- Kenya Colony, Africa, is a dithousand-year-old Azhar Uni- lems and Jews in Tripoli has rector of a tea plantation and at versity in Cairo, and recognized been closed by Italian authori- the same time carries on Chrisas the ecclesiastical head of Mos- ties, and the missionary doctor tian work. He is promoting an lems throughout the world, says: was ordered to leave the terri- East Africa Colportage Society "Only a Moslem who believes in tory. For half a century the for the distribution of Scripture the religion of Mohammed and North Africa Mission has main- portions and evangelical booklets lives up to the laws of the Koran tained this healing and preach- among the blacks from many can be the defender or protector ing center, the only evangelical tribes who pass through on their of Islam. No other person, no witness in the whole of Libya. way to mines and plantations. matter of what race or religion Complying with Government re- They eagerly read anything they or nationality, can be our de- quirements, the purpose of the can get in their own dialects. fender." mission was described as: "Ex- Dr. Burkitt has an attractive plaining the way of salvation depot in Nairobi which he hopes Their religion forbids Moham- through the Lord Jesus Christ to duplicate in other centers of medans from being ruled by non- in obedience to His commands, East Africa. -So S. Times. Moslems, and those of that faith and also endeavoring to show the in the Near East are not at all love of God in our medical con- WESTERN ASIA interested in Mussolini's pro- sultations." nouncement. After Fifty Years A' government ordinance of Cairo's College for Girls Two reports from North Syria August 26 authorized the mis- prove that progress may appear The American College for sion to continue under three con- over a stretch of half a century, Girls at Cairo, administered by ditions: (a) No religious prop- which cannot be seen from year the American Mission in Egypt aganda. (b) Nurses to have to year. The first is that of for the United Presbyterian Italian diplomas. (c) Premises Rev. D. M. Wilson in regard to Church of North America, is the to conform to Hygiene Inspec- Tripoli, written in 1853; the lineal descendant of the first tor's regulations. The doctor other, written fifty years later girls' school in all Egypt. The was unaware of this Ordinance by Rev. F. W. March, who died cornerstone of the first building until it was read to him at the last year after 60 years in Syria. was laid February 25, 1908. The police station; after which, original college building fund charged with disregarding its "We mention schools not bewas raised through the personal terms, he was ordered to leave cause we have any, but to state efforts of its founder and first and the Mission was closed. the reason why we have none. president, Miss Ella O. Kyle, Near the close of the last year supported by a committee in -Moslem World. our school in Tripoli was broken Pittsburgh and individuals in up by the Greeks…. At none both Egypt and America. The Good News from Nigeria of the villages is there any proslargest single contribution was pect that a school would open the $30,000, a gift from Mr. John D. H. G. Farrant, field secretary way for a preaching station; and Rockefeller, Sr. It is the most of the Sudan United Mission, to sustain a school for the sake advanced Protestant missionary gives an encouraging account of of the influence of the school school for girls in North Africa, present conditions in northern alone, under any native teacher occupying a strategic position in Nigeria. Although a few years we can. employ, we regard as a a city that is the largest in the ago a missionary would be able waste of missionary funds. . . . continent, and that is, at the to give the names and histories Since last spring the Christians same time, the intellectual and of all the converts, today that have lived in constant fear of spiritual center of the Arabic- would be impossible. By far the their Moslem neighbors, indeed speaking Moslem world. greater number of converts of a large part of the Christian recent years have been won, not population fled in midsummer The student body numbers by Europeans, but by Africans. to the mountains where many of mor~ than 400; courses include It is the aim of the Mission to them still remain. . . . If asked the whole gamut of a girl's edu- "blacken" the work as much as whether there be signs of a cation, from the Beginners' De- possible. Thirty men with their brighter dawn our answer would partment through the equivalent wives and families are being be very unsatisfactory." of an American Junior College trained at Gindiri for evangeliscourse. Among graduates are tic work. Two centers in the "The Tripoli field has eight found doctors, nurses, lawyers, heart of one Moslem district, organized churches, most of musicians, teachers, office work- which had not been available for which include groups of villages, ers, an artist of note, Egypt's missionary effort during thirty so that the eight churches take sole aviatrix, and a host of effi- years, are now occupied. The in all the church members of the cient wives and mothers. opening of a new leper colony at whole field. Each church has a Maiduguri means the possibility native preacher. There are 23 of reaching 1,000,000 people. outstations including 25 schools -The Christian.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
which are visited regularly. In suggested that since the mission- threw herself on the body of her the eight churches are 767 mem- aries had discovered the source dead husband prepared for crebers. . . . During the year, 31 of disease, doubtless they would mation. God knows what else persons have been received on provide a new and safe fountain. she did in the name of Christ the profession of faith. The eight "Unfortunately," said the mis- Great Physician." churches working together as a sionary, "our mission has no Presbytery have established a money for such projects, nor Physical Training for Women Home Mission work; a commit- have we as individuals." tee composed wholly of Syrians The Physical Education Colhaving been appointed to receive Finally it was agreed that if lege for Women in Bengal is an and disburse funds and direct the missionary could provide the experiment financed in Canada. the work. They have raised cement for a sealed fountain, the It has made a beginning with 9,000 ps." headman would provide the 16 pupils, Europeans and In- labor. Now the 2,000 people of dians, from various parts of In- -Syria News Quarterly. the Moslem village get clean dia, women of good educational water and the Christians are standing who think it worth American Mission Press welcomed as friends. while spending time and money to obtain this extra qualification. The year 1934 marked the -Monday Morning. Even for girls, education is no centenary of the American Mis- longer confined to books; they sion Press in Beirut, Syria. The INDIA AND SIAM are the healthier and happier Press was founded in 1822 on for the change. Calcutta has the Island of Malta for service Seeing Below the Surface had a physical education college in the Near East, but it was not for men for a few years, and its until 1834 that it was actually "World travelers who visit influence is already felt throughmoved to Beirut, where it has port cities, stay in good hotels out the province. The girls' colnow completed over one hundred and follow guides may have an lege will soon be as well known. years of missionary publication interesting time, but they learn and printing for Arabic-speak- little of human suffering and its A recent demonstration of the ing lands. Its literature now amelioration," writes a corre- College was largely attended by goes to some twenty-five differ- spondent of the Christian Evan- prominent people of Calcutta. ent countries. gelist. -Indian Witness. Many missionaries and in- "My saddest experience has digenous workers have aided in been to note the look of fear, as New Methods in Rural Work various ways. A zealous young well as suffering, in the faces of Swiss has recently printed at the teeming thousands-a look born Evangelistic work in rural Press a useful leaflet, "How to of ignorance, disease and under- areas seems to be taking a new Read the Bible." Dr. N. Nucho, nourished bodies; a ghastly look turn, and promises well for Director of Hamlin Memorial of futility because there is no building up the Church. In gen- Sanatorium, has distributed in physician, no hospital, nurse or eral, the emphasis is: the past several years thousands medicine; and worse yet, no of copies of a tract on "Tuber- courage that comes from the (1) Seek to concentrate evangelistic culosis and Its Prevention," Spirit of Christ. In most orien- effort in villages and seek to build largely at his own expense. tal countries, as well as in Cen- up the old Christian communities; tral Africa, there is probably no (2) oDtain a mediating leadership; -Syria News Quarterly. more than one trained physician (3) make a decisive and deep im- to every 200,000 people. pression on chaudhri leaders by liv- Disturbing the Village ing with them; (4) aim to make them "A few years ago I spent sev- the firebrands that will set the villages When a missionary came to a eral hours with a medical mis- aflame, and (5) get them to take re- Moslem village in Syria, it did sionary in India. This delicate sponsibility for follow-up work. not take his trained-nurse wife woman gave herself and her long to tell him that much of the service to people in their filth, It is a new experience for old disease rampant in the town was ignorance and abysmal super- converts from the sweeper class due to the public fountain, where stition and suffering, packed in to live in the same tents with the women dipped hands and poverty like rabbits in a warren. city folks, and "break caste" by jars to draw the family water She dressed wounds many times eating with them. It is also a supply. after having taken out the mag- new experience for them to work gots. She cleansed the fly larvae to schedule and obey the call of "It is the will of Allah that from the festering eyes of little the bell, and in the evenings to there should be sickness," said children and bound them with get the exer_cise afforded by the village headman when it was healing lotions. She gave con- games of football. urged that he take steps to rem- solation and sedative to a dying edy this condition. "You stran- man who had hold of the tail of -Indian Witness. gers are disturbing our village. the sacred cow which had been Please go away and do not come brought into the house to help Andhra Christian College back." in his dying moments. She com- forted a wailing widow as she The United Lutheran Church On second thought he shrewdly of America and the Church Mis- sionary Society of Great Britain have worked out a plan of coop-
eration in Andhra Christian Fruit of Leper Work and shot them. Their bodies College. The first C. M. S. pro- were dumped in a lime-filled fessor will join the staff on Dr. and Mrs. J. W. McKean, trench, and the village was looted July 1. Lutherans will provide now living in retirement at and burned. A smaller group a dormitory for C. M. S. stu- Claremont, California, were mis- was slain near Canton, and Candents. sionaries in Siam for thirty ton authorities are also said to years, establishing the first or- be engaged in making a round- It is hoped that the American ganized work for lepers in that up of all lepers. Lutheran Church Mission, the kingdom. About 2,000 lepers American Baptist Mission, the have since entered the asylum at Military authorities had long English Methodist Mission, the Chiengmai. There are 450 there threatened to end the little Canadian Baptist Mission and now and nearly all have become Happy Valley colony in their efthe American Methodist Epis- active, praying Christians, mak- forts to wipe out the disease. copal Mission will also coop- ing regular contributions to the work out of their very limited Mission to Chinese Buddhists erate. allowance for food money. The Christian Mission to Bud- Women Elders in Siam A recent letter from Chieng- dhists is now fifteen years old. mai Leper Asylum includes this Its first headquarters were in The Leper Asylum, Chieng- statement: "Mr. Pia begs to Nanking, but in 1926 the center mai, Siam, has the distinction of hand to Dr. McKean two ticals was moved to Shatin, near Honghaving the first women elders in and to Mrs. McKean two ticals kong. The influence of this work the Presbyterian Church. Nang to be used in God's work." (A extends to every large monastery La and .Nang Kan Gao were tical is worth about 50 cents.) in China and even reaches elected to eldership in April, Japan, Malaya and Formosa. 1925. At that time Siam formed -Monday Morning. Since the beginning of the mistwo presbyteries of the synod of sion over eighty Buddhist and New York. These two saintly CHINA Taoist monks of "lay-devotees" old women went about the duties have been baptized as Christians of their high office with a hu- "The Bread of Life" and some have become pastors mility and joy touching to be- of churches. In addition, there hold. A cracker manufacturer of are several thousand "Tao Yu" Hongkong encloses in each tin -interested men and women. There had been good reason of his wares, shipped throughout for their election. Many leper China and the Netherlands In- Until recently this work has women were so crippled they dies, a small paper on which is been supported by funds from could not come to the chapel, and printed in four languages- Norway, Sweden and Denmark, missed the comfort of the weekly Chinese, Javanese, Malay and but it is expected that the Anservice. These women therefore English-the text, "Jesus said, glican Church will help next asked that two of their number I am the Bread of Life." year. The plan is to form a be made elders to comfort, teach brotherhood of converted Budand administer sacrament to When a representative of the dhist monks, already accustomed helpless shut-ins. The two most British and Foreign Bible So- to celibacy, who will live together loved were Nang La and Nang ciety called on this man recently and be available for special evan- Kan Gao. Nang La had been a he showed him a drawer full of gelistic· work among educated wretched beggar. Her near letters which he had received, Buddhist lay folk in the cities, relatives did not care for her asking for more information and among the hills of Yunnan. and at the progressive signs of about this Jesus, "the Bread of leprosy drove her away from Life." In reply, he always sends .-Chinese Recorder. her home. Her only recourse a copy of St. John's Gospel, with was holding out her twisted a personal testimony to its in- Results from Small Efforts hands for alms. Then she found fluence on his own life. Christ and began to "serve the During her stay in China, Lord with gladness." -Alliance Weekly. Muriel Lester says the most re- markable piece of work she saw Nang Kan Gao lived in He~then 'Cruelty was the transformation of a vil- Chiengmai where her husband lage in twelve months. Two was an elder in the church and Presbyterian missionaries re- missionaries lived so close to the she herself was a great Bible port the execution of 80 mem- Chinese in fellowship and so student and ardent Christian. bers of a leper colony in Yeung- close to our Lord in spirit, that Her husband died and Nang kong, Kwangtung Pro v inc e, by using only their spare time· Kan Gao carried on alone. China, by civil and military au-_ and spending almost no money When it was discovered that she thorities. These lepers lived in they were able to evoke from the had leprosy, still in its early a little cluster of huts known as peasants of a neighboring village stage, she immediately started Happy Valley, and existed by sufficient confidence, communal on foot to Chiengmai. Because their own efforts, aided by the ambition and initiative to set up the disease was caught in its missionaries. A lone survivor three schools, a library and early stage, it was arrested. told of hiding in a sewer of the reading room, a daily clinic, a village while soldiers bound his -Siam Outlook. associates, carried them to a hill
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
public exhibition of agricultural Better Conditions for Women "I told her that the baby produce in which five or six other villages cooperated, and a A Woman's Life Improvement seemed well and strong, a finegroup of voluntary actors, stilt Association is being sponsored looking little fellow-I thought walkers, conjurors, to enliven by the Kiangsi provincial gov- she was doing a good job. She the long days of the New Year ernment. For six months the holiday. Association will investigate the said no, he was spoiled. She living conditions of women in couldn't feed him properly, she A leading medical man had Kiangsi. Then plans will be couldn't train him properlybeen helping the peasants near the grandparents wouldn't allow his hospital set up a credit and worked out for the promotion of it. Every time she tried to cormarketing cooperative. Amazed the welfare of women. From rect him, they interfered and at the resourcefulness and re- July, 1937, to June, 1942, is to scolded her! I tried to sympaliability that was forthcoming be the period of enforcement. thize with her, but I told her it In the first year a home econom- was her job, and a tough one. he summed up his whole ex- If only there were any hopes of perience of China: ics' school will be established. training the grandparents !" The second year will see the ex- "There is no country like it. tension of the program to ten JAPAN-CHOSEN Here one gets such big results more districts: the third year to 20 more districts; the fourth from such small efforts." year to 25 more districts; and Intensive Rural Campaign -The Christian Advocate. the fifth year to 27 more dis- In experimenting with ways Mui Tsai Slavery tricts, thus finally covering the and means to carryon its cam- whole province. Special stress paign for "100,000 new men and boys for Christ in ten years," For some years the British will be laid on needs of farming the Brotherhood of St. Andrew Government has been trying to and working women. Physical is giving a full half of its energy education, civic training, indus- this year to stirring up activity end the practice called Mui Tsai, trial and farming production, whereby young girls are sold useful social activities and set- in rural evangelism. An Insti- ting up of good habits will all tute for training rural workers into service – to work for the receive attention. will be held in Tokyo, August purchasing household without pay and without the right to -China Critic. 16-21, when a well-planned, leave. Yet in spite of legal en- practical demonstration course actments, ways and means have How Would You Answer This? will be conducted by rural workbeen found to continue the prac- ers in such problems as evantice, which cannot be considered What is the proper way to de- gelism, woman's work, young anything but a mild form of cline taking a baby to bring up? slavery. The recent findings of This is what a missionary in men's work, church school meththe Royal Commission appointed Hainan would like to know, and ods, and health and occupational to investigate this matter make here is why. schemes. Only three rural work- ers, lay or clerical, from each of clear such a conclusion to any A young Christian mother the ten dioceses, will be invited has been much interested in the to participate in the first instiimpartial investigator. feeding and care of her baby, and came to the Mission at in- tute. The Onabake Mission was The Manchester Guardian gets tervals with questions. She had chosen as being best suited for to the heart of the problem when asked for a book on "Care and demonstration purposes, being it says: Training of Children." Let the missionary finish the story: located five miles from the rail- If it were possible to discover what way station, in the midst of a girls are Mui Tsai, the present legis- "She was the fi'rst mother I countryside completely population in Hongkong and Malaya, properly enforced, would be sufficient to lated by small farmers. This abolish the practice. The difficulty, had known to intimate that she little mission was made possible as the Commission and all other in- was not fully qualified to bring through a gift of $1,000 secured vestigators have realized, is that the up any number of children. But by Bishop Dallas, following his possessors of a Mui Tsai naturally claim that the child is something else I had not seen her for several visit to Japan last year.
-an illegitimate daughter, a child left weeks, when she came up one -The Living Church. in their care by relations, or, gen- Sunday after church. When I erally, "an adopted daughter-in-law" went downstairs to greet her, More Japanese Deities -that is, a girl child adopted until she said, 'I've brought my baby she is old enough to marry a son of to hand over to you, so you can To Japan's national pantheon, the house. The only practical meas- bring him up properly,' and she which is said to include "eighty ure that has ever been suggested to myriads of gods," 1,148 new stop this is to register. all adopted pushed him into my hands, con- deities were added in solemn daughters-in-law and, if necessary, all tinuing, 'I don't know how. I ceremonies last April. They children transferred from their par- want you to teach him and feed were soldiers of the empire who ents' care. The Governments in Hong- him and train him-it wouldn't had died during the past year. kong and Malaya have always resisted be hard for you. It's hard for this on the ground that such measures me. I'm not equal to it. Oh, The ceremonies in form and would logically lead to the registration and supervision of every girl in meaning have no Occidental the colony. I'll pay you,' she added.
counterparts. The rites were Even before the tent meetings ISLANDS OF THE PAOIFIO carried out in darkness. Against the local congregation had felt the black background of the the old church building inade- Demon Possession in shrine the white-robed Shinto quate, and had taken up a sub- South Seas priests and military officers who scription, at great sacrifice, of assisted made striking, ghost- one hundred yen. A wealthy A missionary in the South Sea like figures. Three thousand Christian woman in Taiku Evangelical Mission, working in members of the families of the who had grown up in that village the Solomon Islands, thinks that dead and the highest officers of gave another hundred. Follow- those who scoff at the reality of the army and navy were present. ing the Sunday service all joined Satan and demons, would revise in a parade. "A couple of hun- their theology if they could be First, the chief priest of the dred strong we marched a half in a heathen village for a few shrine invited the spirits of the mile to the river-bed," writes days. He tells of a notorious departed to enter the sanctuary. Mr. Adams, "We each, men, old witch doctor whose mind was Rites were held to felicitate the women and children picked up a incapable of grasping spiritual new deities on their elevation. stone according to our strength. ideas. When he was convicted In solemn procession, with a mil- We marched back to town, while of sin and he accepted Christ his itary band playing a funeral an- non-Christians lined the streets mind cleared, and his joy was them, a small portable shrine, to see the strange parade. We unbounded. But Satan did not conceived to contain the spirits deposited the stones in the easily release him. Next day a of the new deities, was carried church courtyard, and then held man hurried to the mission, crythrough the courtyard to the a brief service dedicating these ing: main temple. All lanterns and first offerings to the future place other lights were extinguished of worship to the one and only "Come quick! Old Mae-hui during its passage. When the true God and His Son. It was shake-shake too much; old fell a ark was placed in its proper a witness of solidarity among devil come back." niche the shrine lights were relit Christians." and offerings of fruit, vegetables The old man was found graspand wine were placed before the Stages of Growth in Korea ing the rafters of his low dwellnew spirits. ing, shaking the building with The figures tracing Presby- great power, and crying out in Those deified in the recent terian Church growth in Korea an unearthly way. Prayer was ceremony brought the total so since 1900 are significant. The offered and soon Mae-hui called worshipped to 130,967. first decade of this century saw out, "Lord Jesus, save me from a growth of 1,1000/0 in adher- this devil's power." Immediately -New York Times. ents, but in the second decade he fell exhausted to the floor and slept heavily for a few hours. A Witness of Solidarity the increase was only 3 %. Dur- He soon recovered and has gone on since a happy Christian. Edward Adams writes from ing the third, the figure advanced Taiku, Korea, of results that fol- to 26%, while in the six years of NORTH AMERIOA lowed a week of tent meetings this fourth decade there has ten miles from Taiku, where a been the almost unbelievable in- Oommission on Unity church had been established ten crease of 75.5%. years ago, but they were ten Largely as an outgrowth of years of struggle for bare exist- Baptized membership has not the National Preaching Mission, ence. A little farther into the kept pace with this. While it a new "Commission for the mountains are two more groups was 1,000% between 1900 and Study of Christian Unity" will -about three miles apart-very 1910, the next decade shows carryon. "a continuous educamuch in the same condition. Too 76%, the third 33%, and the six tional program," both as to the far from the main currents of "conditions that create the de- Christian activities, and with the years of the fourth 24 %. There mand for a greater unity" and strong and overwhelming back- as to the various proposals by ward pull of a hostile society, it were no native pastors in 1900; which unity may be achieved. has been a discouraging strug- there were 40 in 1920; then an The educational program would gle. A native pastor, four lay increase of 3500/0 in 1920, of strive to produce attitudes favorworkers, two women and two 127% in 1930 and 29% in 1936. able to an advance in unity, and men made up the Gospel team. readiness to give open-minded For three days the tent was filled These figures reflect the great consideration to whatever plans (500-800 people) morning, noon revival that followed loss of in- seem most promising. and night. Workers took turns dependence; the period of conin addressing the multitudes solidation that followed, a period Some of the conditions behind· with time out only at meals. By that has now passed and the the demand for greater unity Sunday night 140 decided to ac- Church seems to be entering an– are: cept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. other forward movement. Mis- Two evangelists ~tayed to do fol- sionary work in Korea began in Overchurching in local areas. low-up work, and the next week 1884; Christians now number Inefficient use of resources. 20 more decisions were made. 520,000. Since the total popula- The meaninglessness of our divisions tion is 20,500,000, each Chris- tian must win 40 others! when transplanted to the mission fields, where new churches are -Christianity Today. being created.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
The lack of moral authority in a British Army by a man named been studied very little, if at all. Church which appeals for unity Jackson at the time of the Amer- The results of their research is in the world at large, when it ican Revolution. Today one can then compiled, and used by gov- find albinos, mulattoes, as well ernment agencies, universities, has such insufficient unity within itself.
Progress in Kentucky's as combinations of these, and Bible translation societies and negroid and Indian features. scientific research societies. Mountains Little was done concerning This offers opportunity for their physical, mental or spir- Rapid changes are being made itual needs until the Episcopal service and discovery seldom in the Kentucky mountain com- Church began work there sev- surpassed in the realm of scienmunities. Many county seats eral years ago. Two years ago, are connected by good roads; tific research, as there are hunrivers once crossed only by fords Rev. Albert Chillson took hold dreds of extremely interesting have been bridged. Many good of the work. He found malnu- languages about which very schools have been erected. trition was widespread, high mortality among children and little is known, and long-sought 'rhe College at Berea operates destitution in general. Mr. Chill- secrets about the relationships a "book car." One who travels son gained their confidence by of people and streams of migrain it writes: tion. The Institute's headquar- repeated visits, and when he ters are at 506 Commonwealth During my almost six years of trav- proposed a religious service in Building, Philadelphia, Pa.
eling I have seen six new school build- the near-by schoolhouse on Sun- The Mormon Program ings replace old ones. In three in- day afternoons they responded of Today stances a two-room building has taken amazingly, both in numbers and the place of a one-room school. With It is well to know just what the new buildings, conditions have im- in their participation in the serv- the Mormons are up to in these proved. The better light and freshly ices. So far, only a beginning United States: painted walls seem conducive to clean- has been made. liness. In one school a small kitchen 1. Nearly 2,000 emissaries at work, has oeen equipped for serving hot -The Living Church. without salary. lunches.
Transportation of pupils to Saving the "Shreds" 2. Using deceptive radio talks mis- leading many.
county high schools is becoming Said Horace Mann in a lecture 3. Using millions of copies of perimore common. For the Cumber- on education: "The ash e s, odicals and tracts, all craftily written land National Forest the govern- to lead people to believe things utterly shreds and wrecks of everything contrary to the Bible. ment has already purchased are of some value." A California 300,000 acres, and plans even- reformatory is acting on this 4. Having a great building era; theory, and results are in sharp while it has already seven so-called tually to buy a total of 1,338,000 "temples" costing an average of acres, in seventeen counties of contrast to most misnamed "re- Kentucky. formatories" from which youtps $770,000, it is building soon a $525,000 plant in Los Angeles, another in Idaho, a new meeting-house in Chi- There are still very many commonly come out worse than cago costing half a million, besides its regions in which "the roads run when they entered. two $100,000 ones there; has another planned in Philadelphia; owns Manup the creeks, and the creeks run At the Preston School of In- hattan Congregational Church, New down the roads," many regions dustry, as this institution is York.
in which one must abandon all called, the boys are "cadets" in- 5. Has doubled its numbers twice thought of a car, and travel on stead of "inmates." Its cluster and one-third since the census of 1890 mule back or in jolt wagon to of buildings, with campus and and teaches that it is to rule the one's destination at some settle- world. ment or schoolhouse. athletic field, resembles a pleas- ant little college. Bars and 6. Has nearly all its Senior high- WILLIAM J. HUTCHINS. school students in its "Theological armed guards are only for a few Seminaries" one hour daily. "Jackson Whites" in sullen and vicious ones. The 7. Has millions of yearly income, rest have classes and military from tithing and large secular busi- ness interests, with which to do all New Jersey drills, learn trades, and are made this. 8. Has enough control over its peo- An isolated, backward group to feel that society is not against known as "Jackson Whites," liv- them, but on their side to aid ple to keep its proselyting force filled; ing in New Jersey, a few miles them to b e com e physically~ every young man expected to serve from the most heavily populated morally and mentally fit for use- two years or more. section of the United States, pre- ful citizenship. sent an ethnological puzzle. To -Light on Mormonism. -Evangelical-Messenger. Economic Freedom for Indians the original Indian settlers were Linguistic Research Hundreds of Navajo Indians added at least two other strains; met early in April in the Navajo Hessian deserters who in fleeing Each summer there is held an capital, Window Rock, Arizona, from their British masters had Institute of Linguistics, for the to draw up a new constitution.
settled in the hills and a part of purpose of training practical They desire a Legislature instead the 3,500 women, some white, linguistic investigators, and to of the old Tribal Council, which some black, imported under con- locate them among indigenous is claimed not to be representa- tract as camp-followers for the tribes whose languages have tive of all the people. Some of
the delegates were draped in torial officials, as well as mis- Fellowship will take part. The blankets, and some, college edu- sionaries, are deeply concerned campaign, lasting five or six cated, appeared as business men. over the situation. years, is designed to reach the All discussions were in the The Alaskan Native Brother- entire population of 16,000,000, Navajo tongue. hood, a Christian organization, which includes 3,000,000 of non- Seventy years ago this tribe has appealed to the missionaries Spanish – speaking Indians. A numbered 8,000; today there are for help in applying such restric- large circulation of the Scrip- 50,000 members. Their reser- tions to the traffic in intoxicants tures will be a feature of this vation includes 16,000 acres in as would afford the native people great effort.
Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. some measure of protection, and -Christianity Today.
Their land is rich in coal and save them from the moral de- oil. They own a million sheep, struction with which they are In the West Indies threatened. Victories over tempand their blanket business is ap- tation are being won by Alaskan The Presbyteries of Puerto proaching a million dollar indus- Rico and Cuba have been contry. Their constitution will be church members, who are sub- ducting evangelistic campaigns j ected almost daily to the sever- far more extensive than ever besubmitted to the "white fathers" est tests of the genuineness of fore. It is estimated that about at Washington. their Christian profession. 2,000 new members will be re- -Alliance Weekly.
Canadians Plan Federation Point Barrow Hospital Burns ceived as a result. These mem- bers have been trained for the Plans for a Canadian Federa- The hospital at Bar row, most part in the Sabbath schools. tion of Churches, fashioned Alaska, erected in 1921 by the The campaign has been carried somewhat after the Federal Presbyterian Board of National Council of Churches in the Missions, has been totally de- on by the pastors after weeks of United States, have been sent to stroyed by fire. The patients preparation. the heads of the Anglican, Bap- were removed safely, but meditist, Presbyterian and United cines and surgical equipment The Presbytery of Cuba or- Churches, the Salvation Army were destroyed. The loss is cov- dained two new ministers this and the Disciples. This proposed ered by insurance. Until July 1, year. They were members of federation would provide for 1936, when the operation of this the Sabbath school years ago, "the setting up of some coordi- hospital was transferred to the received their training from the nating council, so that in mat- Office of Indian Affairs of the ters of common interest we may U. S. Government, it provided mission schools of Cuba, and have the means of expressing the only health service available their seminary training in the ourselves, through one voice, to some 2,000 Eskimos. which could speak for the Prot- Evangelical Seminary in Puerto estant Church of our country." Emergency quarters h a v e Rico. One of them has estab- been fitted up, and medical sup- It is hoped thus to formulate plies and surgical equipment lished a church in what was fora united front of all Protestant have been shipped by dog team merly a garage, the only buildbodies on social questions, such from the Kotzebue Hospital. ing available when he was comas war and temperance, and for Mrs. Fred S. Klerekoper, wife pelled to move from a rented national evangelical work. of the missionary at Barrow, building, because of the annoy- who is a fully trained, registered -Advance. ance of a public cafe. The gar- age has been transformed into a nurse, will respond to emergency very attractive church audi- calls. Encouraging reports. have torium. The young minister and been received from the Klere- kopers regarding the progress his wife represent the new gen- Liquor Evils in Alaska of church work in the Barrow eration of Cubans, well prepared area. With characteristic devo- intellectllalIy, thoroughly identi- "The repeal of the Prohibition tion, the congregation continues fied with their own people, and Amendment was a major calam- definitely committed to the ideals ity for Alaska," says Dr. John of the Kingdom of Christ. M. Somerndike, Secretary for Alaska under the Presbyterian -The Presbyterian.
Board. "Ketchikan, for example, to carry forward the local pro- New Deal in Dominican with a population of less than gram of community worship and Republic 4,000, has 65 saloons where service. -Monday Morning. liquor is dispensed. Similar conditions prevail in every Alaskan LATIN AMERICA Long before the present gov- ernment used the term "New town and city. It is claimed that Evangelism in Mexico nearly two-thirds of the ship- Deal" it was a reality in the ments of Alaska steamship lines A cooperative effort in wideconsist of liquor. Its devastat- spread evangelism is being ar- Dominican mission field, and sixing effects are seen especially ranged, in which, among others, teen years of united action on among the native population. the National Bible Society of the part of United Brethren, Methodist and Presbyterian forces have proved its value. Immorality and every form of Scotland, the Scripture Gift Mis- Operating under four departvice follow in the wake of this sion, the Evangelical Churches ments – evangelistic, medical, evil. Government and terri- and the Latin America Prayer educational and social, the Board
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
for Christian Work in Santo Do- Need for Nationals in its annual feast and bull-fight. mingo has moved forward in a The constant noise and din of unified program w h i c h has The general situation in Cen- the drunken band all night long reached every stratum of Do- tral America directs attention to made sleep well-nigh impossible. minican life, and has become a the need for national Christian With the governor's permission vital factor for improvement. workers. Efforts are being made I was able to preach in the pub- There has been a substantial in- to send Christian workers into lic plaza as well as sell books, crease in the number of evan- several new Departments in before the bull-fight began. We gelicals. English Wesleyans are Guatemala, EI Salvador, Nic- had a good congregation and the now incorporated in this union aragua and Honduras. Foreign people were quite keen to listen church, and this year there was missionaries will take part in the to our message. held in Samafia the centennial advance, but the importance of celebration of the founding of the Bible Institutes at Pana- "The governor is a slave to the Wesleyan Methodist Church jachel for Indians, and that at drink. His wife asked if we had in that district among the Eng- Guatemala City and at San Jose a cure for this curse, and turnlish-speaking colored people, who in Costa Rica for Spanish-speak- ing to the two boys with me, I had migrated there from Penn- ing students, is increasingly ap- said, 'Senora, there are two of sylvania, New Jersey and the parent. Moreover, travel be- them. Ask them,' and Matias Carolinas in 1824. In 1837, tween the republics becomes Arela warmed my heart with his England sent a pastor who more difficult by the application splendid testimony. He was a founded a church with 60 char- of measures chiefly designed to known drunkard, but is now a ter members. The oldest mem- exclude foreign competitive im- free man through Christ. ber is 96 years old. Hanging on migration. News from Costa Rica the wall of her home is this indicates that the Government is "A seven hours' horseback motto, painted by her husband: taking drastic measures to limit journey took us to Copapata, "Childron United you stand de- the number of incoming mission- and here we saw the nucleus for vied you faull. Childron when aries; and the Minister of For- a growing work. We visited this you see remember me-E. eign Relations of Colombia has other small towns and made con- Anderson." Thus the idea of also announced that no more tacts with some who are really unity is foretold. -Advance. missionaries are wanted in Co- keen to know the way of salva- lombia. His veto is particularly tion. I always think of the town Woman's World severe against any further in- of Santa Rosa as the place where crease of single women workers. Satan's seat is. The ]ileople are The Presbyterian Board re- exceedingly bitter against us ports great progress in the West -World Dominion Press. and are very fanatical Catholics. Indies during the last few years In 1931 we held meetings there, in the organization of women's Belated Eft'orts in Guatemala but owing to continued persecu- tion the Indians stopped roming. societies in the churches. There Roman Catholics are making However, on this visit we had are now 18 church societies in every effort to regain lost ground the joy of baptizing five from Cuba, with 491 members, re- in Guatemala. Their efforts are the town itself, who professed porting more than 700 meetings commendable in many ways: a faith in Christ as Saviour. So during the past year. On their better type of clergymen; more keen were they that we hold a own initiative they have con- active rural work; better educa- convention there, that we did so. ducted seven Sunday schools and tion for children; certain im- Some fanatical women turned distributed 7,000 pieces of litera- provements in the quality of up, hoping to disturb the meetture. Each society has estab- their press; and even a strong ing; but we sang hymns until lished a "wardrobe," collecting party within the church, work- they went off in disgust. They and distributing used clothing to ing to purify the church, or at repeated the experiment the folthe community. Miss Edith M. least to remove the objections lowing day, but a terrible hail- Houston, worker at large, re- that laid it open to'complaint and storm drenched them and they ports that while visiting in the favored the advance of the made a hasty retreat. Not once home of one of the members of Evangelicals. Meanwhile, the were we disturbed again. Later, the societies, she found the evangelical cause continues to a son of one of these fanatical woman of the house examining grow by leaps and bounds. women who had attended the her coat and murmuring, "It meetings for the first time exwould make three little pairs of -Guatemala News. pressed the desire to know the pants." She lost no time in res- Lord. cuing her coat from the modern In Southern Peru Dorcas. Afro-Cuban Cult Alex. Jardine, writing for The Many of the societies have Neglected Continent, tells of a According to the Literary Diprayer groups, meeting once a new Christian group at Macu- gest there is in Cuba a cult month with the sole purpose of sani, southern Peru, who had whose rites sound like a page praying for the evangelization sent a special reque>st for an from pagan Africa. Kidnapof Cuba. -Monday Morning. evangelist to visit them. Mr. ping white children and human Jardine responded and says: sacrifice are a part of the cere- "We found the viUage occupied
monia!. Forty of their witch (66.79 %) are of the opinion aries in fourteen different fordoctors were arrested last De- that religion is losing ground. eign countries. Of the 2,728 cember and twenty others are churches in these foreign counalready serving long terms in World Religions tries, 2,000 are self-supporting. the Government prison. The total membership is 204,894. World Dominion has recently Rumania reported 6,050 bap- This cult originated at Sabee, published tables as authentic as capital of the West African slave are available of the percentages tisms, which was the largest coast kingdom of Whydah. It and numbers of the religions of number reported for the year. claims 500,000 votaries in Cuba, the world: of whom 100,000 are whites. – Watchman-Examiner. Catholic …….. 350,000,000-17% Gospel Bus in Chile Orthodox ……. 150,000,000- 7% Asia's Children in Sunday Protestant …… 230,000,000-11% School For the past three or four years the Presbyterian mission Of the non-Christian religions India has the largest Sunday in Chile has taken an active part school enrolment in Asia, with in the work of distributing the the Confucianists form 17 %, Korea a close second. There are Scriptures throughout r u r a I Hindus and Moslems 12 % each, 285,000,000 children in Asia areas by means of a gospel bus. under fourteen years of age They have made long trips with Buddhists, Animists, Shin- (excluding Asiatic Russia), out through the country whenever toists, Jews and others making of which number 2,800,000 beweather permitted traffic away up the remainder of the 2,040,- long to Protestant communities from the central highways. 000,000 in that class. -that is one in a hundred. Only Hundreds of New Testaments about one-quarter of these chilhave been left in the homes of Lutherans Go Forward dren have been touched by the country people, many of whom Sunday school. Some have been never leave their thatched huts. The American L u the ran receiving religious instruction in In each place the missionaries Board of Foreign Missions in day schools, but such privileges take the opportunity of telling adopting its budget on April 22, in day schools are rapidly disthe story of Christ, reading from removed a 10ro cut in mission- appearing. -Alliance Weekly. the Bible itself, training new ary salaries, and voted to send Christians, and opening new during the year one new or re- Women's Missionary Magazine avenues of interest. placement missionary to each foreign field, and also to make After years of discussion and -Presbyterian Banner. to each field a special contribu- planning, the Women's Mission- tion of $1,000 during the year ary Magazine of the United MISCELLANEOUS ($500 for British Guiana) for Presbyterian Church issued its buildings or general work. Ar- first number in August, 1887, Is Religion Losing Ground? gentina gets $1,500 because of with 2,300 advance subscrip- special needs at Eldorado. The. tions. Mrs. Sarah Foster Hanna In the January Fortune ap- total financial advance for the had the honor of first advocating peared the results of a survey on year is $30,000. such a magazine. Mrs. W. the status of religion in the Clark Hutchison, of Xenia, Ohio, Other indications of renewed was its first editor, and served United States today, based on progress are the building of a for 27 years. She was followed 4,500 interviews secured by For- church in Kobe, Japan, and three by Mrs. George Moore, who tune's investigators. new buildings at Zorzor, Liberia. served for 21 years. A fund The erection of new buildings at raised as a memorial to her sup- An equal number of men and Tsingtao, China, will proceed as plies illustrations for the magawomen were interviewed in all soon as the Luther League of zine. It is now under the capable major geographical areas, in America has attained its objec- editorship of Mrs. J. P. White, both rural and urban communi- tive of $10,000. formerly a missionary in Egypt.
ties. The various economic A special effort to cancel the o Lord our God, thy mighty hand levels were represented as fol- Board's debt is making headway. Hath made our country free; lows: prosperous, 10%; upper The treasurer was able to report that indebtedness had been re- From all her broad and happy land middle class, 27 %; lower middle duced to $80,000 by last March. The regular budget of the Board May worship rise to thee; class, 38%, and poor, 25%. is $471,727. The question: "Is religion in Fulfill the promise of her youth, Baptist Gains Her liberty defend; , America today gaining or losing .More than 17,000 persons, the By law and order, love and truth, ground?" The consensus of largest number in one year in judgment: the history of the Foreign Mis- America befriend! sion Society of the Southern Religion gaining……….. 24.8% Baptist Convention, were bap- The strength of every state increase Losing……………….. 49.90/0 tized by the Society's mission- Same ………………… 17. 20/0 aries and native workers last In Union's golden chain; Has no influence ………. year. The Society has mission- Don't know…………… 1. 3% Her thousand cities fill with peace, 6.8% Her million fields with grain- The virtues of her mingled blood Of those definitely believing In one new people blend; that religion is either gaining or losing, more than two-thirds By unity and brotherhood, America befriend! AMElN. -Henry van Dyke.
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Christianity in the Eastern Conflicts. Eastward. The Story of Adoniram tions and achievements of the A Study of Christianity, National- Judson. Portrait. 8vo. 240 pp. next thirty-seven years fill the ism, and Communism in Asia. By Round Table Press. New York. volume. Judson's first wife died William Paton. 224 pp. $1.50. 1937. after fourteen years in Burma Chicago, Willett Clark and Co. and he later married Sarah 1937. There is no more fascinating Boardman. After a few years she too entered into rest and This is a very timely book. or more stimulating reading Judson married a third time. Mr. Paton is a secretary of the The dangers and the difficulties International Missionary Coun- than good missionary biog- overcom~ in pioneer mission cil. Last year he made a trip work for Christ present a very which took him through the Far raphies. They contain stories different story from that of East, India, and the Near East. most modern missions. Those The letters which record his im- of adventure in new fields, sac- were the days of giants and of pressions are among the most heroes and heroines. informing documents of their rificial service, love and rokind that this reviewer has seen. mance, information about new The biographer is a graduate At the insistence of his friends, of Brown University and now Mr. Paton put the substance of peoples and strange lands and professor of missions in Berkthose letters into book form. eley Divinity School, California. Here, then, is a record of what customs, and the study of char- He naturally sympathizes with a thoughtful observer has seen acter development under many Judson's change to Baptist of present conditions in the adverse conditions and toward views, which was the immediate most populous parts of Asia. high ideals. The life of Adon- reason for the founding of the Mr. Paton's concerns are pri- iram Judson, pioneer mission- American Baptist Missionary marily missionary. He is, how- ary to Burma, is such a treas- Union. The biography is vivid ever, interested also in the set- ure house. He has furnished and sympathetic, revealing the ting in which missions must material for many biographies, way God works to build up His work. These chapters contain, histories and historical novels Kingdom "in spite of dungeon, therefore, pictures of trends in in the past eighty-five years. fire and sword." politics, economics, and thought This is a well written life his- tory, documented, with clear The Israel Promises and Their Fulwhich affect the life of the purpose and abundant human filment. By Samuel Hinds Wilkin- Church. interest. While not a spiritual son. 195 pp. 88. 6d. John Bale, interpretation, it is a sympa- Sons, and Danielson. London. 1936. The book does not end with a thetic record. travelogue. The author has What is the teaching of the properly added an interpreta- The subject is too well-known Bible regarding the future of tion. The second half of the to require extended comment. the Jews? The answer would book he terms "Reflections." Going out with his young bride, seem to be simple enough. It is Mr. Paton states what he be- in 1812, as one of the first in fact far otherwise. There are lieves to be the Christian mes- American foreign missionaries, in general two main views held sage. He discusses the relation he found they were not wanted by Christians. One follows the of Church, community, and state by the British East India Com- Jewish interpretation of the in the Far East. He describes pany that controlled foreign re- ancient prophecies concerning the present condition of the lations with India. Moreover, Israel that there will be a recon..; younger churches as he has seen Judson and his wife decided stitution of the Jewish nation in them. He also gives space to that they could not work as Con- Palestine under the Messiah the relation of the Church to the gregational missionaries but when the Jews will reach the changing social order. Mr. must work as Baptists. This highest pinnacle of earthly do- Paton is always soundly evan- cut them off from home support minion and glory. Some Chrisgelical and always sees below for a time. Forbidden to work tians maintain that this will be the surface to the significance in India, after they had come realized at the second coming of of the transient scene. 12,000 miles and were five months away from home, finally K. S. LATOURETTE. after trying Mauritius and Pen- ang, the J udsons found a "crazy old vessel" to take them to Ran- goon. The trials, horrors, hero- ism, joys and sorrows, priva- Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the Rl!VIIlW publishers on receipt of price.
[ 397]
Christ. The other view holds that have taken place. Arabia, terest. Dr. Corey is one of the Syria and Palestine, Egypt and recognized leaders of the foreign that the old covenant was abol- Africa, Turkey, Iran, India and m iss ion a r y enterprise, and the Farther East are then con- writes out of long and rich exished by Christ and under the sidered specifically in illumi- perience, first as secretary and nating chapters. While Islam is now as president of the. United new covenant the Church is the still considered an almost impos- Christian Missionary Society of sible field for Christian advance, the Disciples of Christ. His legitimate heir of the promises this book gives an encouraging knowledge of missions is wide record of the progress made. and accurate. He shows the made to Israel. Instead of an The Moslem attitude to Christ is wider range of world missions, changing but Mohammed's fol- "beyond statistics." His clarity earthly dominion and glory, the lowers are becoming more ma- of literary style, wealth of facts terialistic. The weakness and and illustrations, and cogency Church has come into possession strength of Islam are clearly of argument make delightful shown. The absolute necessity reading. So good a book should of a spiritual Zion and a richer of life through Christ might be have an index. more positively stressed. Mosspiritual inheritance. lems who become Christians ARTHUR J. BROWN. know that there is no hope in One of the ablest exponents of Mohammed. The Young Moslem Looks at Life. By Murray T. Titus. 8vo. 181 pp. the latter view is Philip Mauro, Christ and the W orId Today. By $1.00, cloth; 60 cents, paper. Wm. E. Doughty. 12mo. 126 pp. Friendship Press. New York. 1937. whose volume, "The Hope of Methodist Book Concern. New York. 1937. Moslems are an interesting Israel: What Is It?" has had a people. They follow one of the Dr. Doughty was for some most positive religious systems wide circulation and a potent in- time a secretary of the Laymen's in the world and are exceedingly Missionary Movement and later missionary-minded. Many Mosfluence. It is because of this in- of the Near East Relief. He is lem youth are wide-awake and a man of missionary vision and are in training for leadership. fluence that Samuel Wilkinson a clear and convincing speaker In the first chapter of this study and writer. This little volume book for young people in Amerhas written his book to counter- describes the "New Age" in ica, the author introduces Mo- which we live – with its good hammed Bey, a young Moslem act its effect which he regards and evil; "The Changing World" of Kashgar, who desires to see that offers a challenge to Chris- the world by making a pilas harmful and misleading. tians; the "New Destiny" that grimage to Mecca. The book is faced by the Church and the describes his experiences and As director of the Mildmay various nations and races; the reactions and shows that while "World Mission" of Japan, India his eyes were opened to many Mission to the Jews, of London, and other lands; "America in weaknesses in Moslems, his ex- the New Age" and its vast op- perience at Mecca overwhelmed Mr. Wilkinson brings to bear on portunity; the "New World So- him with Islam's greatness. ciety" seen as the Kingdom of the problem a deep interest in God and "Christ's Summons" to Dr. Titus then goes on to show a new departure, calling for a clearly the main facts about Mothe Jewish people and the re- new crusade. hammed and his religion, the practiC'es of Islam and the results of a life-long study of the It is a book of facts, carefully sults seen in the family, in poli- selected and interpreted to show tics and religion. He closes with Scriptures concerning the m. the author's views as to why and a Moslem view of Christianity how the world should be made and Islam's challenge to the He undertakes to establish on over to conform to the spirit and world. Young people will do purpose of Christ. The facts well to read it. They will then impregnable foundations the in- are impressive but we believe have deeper appreciation of that the Bible leads us to expect Christ and Christianity. violability of the promises con- the complete fulfilment of Christ's purposes only when lie What Is the Moslem World? By cerning Israel and the certainty returns to reign. Charles R. Watson. 8vo. 207 pp. $1.00, cloth; 60 cents, paplr. of their plenary fulfilment. His Beyond Statistics. By Stephen J. Friendship Press. New York. 1937. Corey. 188 pp. $1.00. Bethany book is a very valuable contri- Press. St. Louis. Mo. 1937. Few men know the Near East Moslem world better than Dr. bution to the study of the sub- Here is one of the best of re- Watson. He was born in Egypt cent missionary books, small in of missionary parents and has ject, but we wish that its mes- size, but large in value and in- been a missionary there for twenty years. In this adult missage had been less controversial and less limited in its scope by the arguments which he seeks to meet. These books by Philip Mauro and Samuel Wilkinson are keen and interesting ex- amples of diverse Biblical inter- pretation. J. S. CONNING.
Mecca and Beyond. By Edward M. Dodd and Rose Wilson Dodd. IlIus. 12mo. 222 pp. $1.00, cloth; 50 cents, paper. Central Committee on the United Study of Foreign Missions. Boston. 1937.
Mecca, the "Forbidden City" to Christians, is a name to conjure with for Moslems. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd have both lived among followers of Mohammed in the Near East and have been in touch with them ever since they left Persia (Iran). This popular and well-written study book is good reading for it deals, not with abstract, but with concrete facts and incidents. First the authors view "the Moslem and his world" as a whole and show the remarkable changes
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
sion study book he has given the the churches and missions are well told, always attract children main facts about the lands and included, with 2,298 mission- and at the same time educate peoples where Islam holds sway. aries. The information is un- them and develop their human He points out many peculiarities avoidably and unfortunately in- sympathies. A child naturally of the Moslems and the "grip- complete. has no racial prej udices and can ping power of Islam." He also Bust., Until Seventy Times Seven. By be deeply interested in the way May Wyburn. Illus. 12mo. 192 presents the main facts as to the children of other lands live and contact of Christians with Mos- pp. $1.25. Loizeaux Bros. New talk, work and play. Here, by lems. Where Dr. Watson fails, York. 1936. means of captivating pictures we think, is in dealing with the The Water Street Mission, on every page, with attractive New York City, has long been verses and stories, the reader is weakness of Islam, its increased introduced to children from antagonism to Christ as known known as a place where modern Greenland, China, Japan, India, to Christians, and its supreme miracles are wrought. The story Africa, the Philippines and from of lives and natures transformed Palestine. Here are friendly, need for the Gospel. In looking and regenerated there have a attractive stories for very young to the future he calls on Chris- perpetual thrill and will never children, suitable for use in the grow old. Here the widow of home and Sunday school, as well tians to make better use of their as by teachers of young children resources, to understand the the former superintendent, a in day school. true man of God, gives some of task and its difficulties, to use these wonder tales of city mis- Kill or Cure. By Muriel Lester. 135 more strategy with a united ap- sion work, under the subtitle of pp. $1.00. Gokesbury Press. Nashproach to the problem. Mission- three Biblical names of three ville, Tennessee. 1937. aries to Moslems know that un- superintendents – J ere m i a h failing faith and prayer and lov- This is an avowedly "peace (McAuley), Samuel (Hadley) tract," by the woman who has ing sacrifice are required, but and John (Wyburn). These men been called "the Jane Addams" that the fruit must come from of England and who had become the Spirit of God opening blind are worth knowing and the eyes and bringing new life to dead souls. stories of their lives and the In the Jungles of New Guinea. By harvest that resulted from their internationally known not only Missionary R. Hanselmann. lllus. seed-sowing and watering fur- for her remarkable Christian Pamphlet. Lutheran Book Concern. nish good illustrations for ser- Columbus, Ohio. mons as well as excellent read- service in the tenement district ing. Here is a place where men New Guinea is still unknown were truly converted. They of London but for her eloquent to most Americans, in spite of knew it and others knew it by the fact that it is an immense the way their light shone before advocacy of world peace. In island and has great wealth and men and glorified God. Read interest for explorers, anthro- these "wonder tales" and pass this little book she convincingly pologists, scientists, exploiters them on to others as a witness and especially for missionary- of the redemptive power of shows the utter futility of war minded Christians. Christ. and the urgent need of develop- Mr. Hanselmann, a Lutheran Just Like You Stories. For Boys and missionary in the Mandated Ter- Girls. By Mrs. Henry W. Peabody. ing attitudes and methods for ritory, gives here his impres- Illus. 186 pp. $1.50. M. H. Leavis. sions of the flora, the fauna and Boston,. Mass. 1937. preventing it. Some readers the natives. A little is told about his experiences with them Eyegate is one of the most ef- may feel that she carries her and the effective work of the fective means of entrance into Lutherans. the mind and heart and soul. pacifism to extremes, but they will respect her sincerity. Dr.
Stanley Hunter adds an inter- esting biographical sketch of the author. ARTHUR J. BROWN.
About the Old Faith. By Henry W.
Frost. 12mo. 128 pp. $1.25.
Fleming H. Revell Co. New York. 1937.
The Evangelical Handbook of Latin Wise guidance in a child's read- In these days of new man- America. Paper. Quarto. 119 pp. ing is therefore one of the most made cults and of militant un- 48. Committee on Cooperation in belief there is need for short, Latin America, New York and the important avenues of learning. clear studies in revealed truth. World Dominion Press, London. And yet multitudes of children 1937. today, even in Christian homes, Those who are experimenting in With excellent maps, statisti- are having their tastes vitiated, new creeds need to avoid the cal tables, general information, their standards lowered, and toadstool variety of philosophy and directory of missionaries in their future endangered by the that carries death. each of the Latin American silly, distorted and often degrad- For half a century Dr. Frost countries, this volume gives val- ing reading they find in news- has tested the brand of faith uable up-to-date information. papers and books. Dr. May which he presents here in simple Everyone interested in the Lazar, research assistant of the outline. It has, m 0 reo v e r, progress of missions in these Board of Education, New York proved its value for two thoutwenty-one countries (including City, warns against many fairy- sand years and continues to islands in the West Indies) tales and "series books" that bring life and strength today to should have this Handbook for distort their ideas about life. those who follow it. Here is an study and reference. Most of True stories of children, when elementary volume for students,
rather than an advanced treatise Immensity. God's Greatness Seen in With Christ in Africa. By Rev. D. A. Creation. By Clarence H. Benson. McDonald. Illus. 158 pp. 28. 6d. on the Christian faith. Dr. Frost Illus. 8vo. 140 pp. $1.50. The Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd., bases everything on the Bible, Scripture Press. Chicago. 1937. London, Edinburgh. Obtainable in though in many cases the refer- America from Zondervan Publishences are lacking. His general The wonders of God's uni- ing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. verse can be grasped only faintly $1.00. 1937. topics are: The Godhead, Christ, Man, Sin, The Scriptures, Fun- -its magnificence, its order, its "The persons who say, 'Let design, its harmony in immen- the Africans alone; they are damental Doctrines, The Church, sity and in minuteness. There quite happy,' have never lived Christian Experience, Christian is fine opportunity for unending close to African life." For Privileges, Christian Services, forty years (1892-1931), Rev. Vital Topics, The Unseen World, study for it is a study of the D. A. McDonald lived among the works of God. Mr. Benson here people of South Africa, daily Prophecy and the Final State. gives glimpses of the wonders adding to his evidence that "The For most purposes the studies of astronomy and the lessons we dark places of the earth are full learn as to God's character and of the habitations of cruelty." are too analytical. There is no purpose. The author is director The story of his life and work argument but rather a series of among the peoples of Kafraria numbered statements to set forth of Christian Education Courses and North East Transvaal rethe author's interpretations of in Moody Bible Institute, Chi- veals a genuine understanding and appreciation of the Zulus the Bible teaching. There are cago, and is author of "The and Vendas among whom he almost no extra Biblical illustra- Earth, the Theater of the Uni- faithfully and victoriously contions or examples of the way verse" and other volumes. Here ducted his business of "life- is a book that makes infidelity changing." these truths work out in life. impossible to an honest, intel- Young people who wish to know From the point of general in- ligent thinker. It is also fasci- terest the effectiveness of the what the Word of God says will nating reading and furnishes an book is somewhat hampered by find Dr. Frost's studies illumi- immense amount of material for nating. Missionaries will also sermons. Every chapter is linked up to Bible passages and find them of real value to clarify the closing chapter is on the their own thinking and as a text- book for use with converts.
Except Ye Repent. By Harry A. "Star of Bethlehem" – not yet a too exact emphasis on the Ironside. 8vo. 191 pp. $1.50. clearly identified. names of obscure places and American Tract Society. New York. people. But the genuineness, the 1937. Pioneering in Kwangsi. By W. H. Oldfield. Illus. 8vo. 208 pp. whimsical naIvete and the splen- The number of strong and Christian Publications, Inc. Har- did Christian vitality of the man convincing evangelical preach- risburg, Pa. 1936. make his narrative a real testi- ers seems to be diminishing Kwangsi is one of the larger mony to the joy of courageous rather than increasing, so that and generally unevangelized Christian living.
volumes of sermons, like this, provinces in southwest China. FLORENCE LERRIGO.
are prizes worth having. Dr. Here The Christian and Mission- Ironsides, pastor of the Moody ary Alliance has done and is do- Cross of Christ. By George P. Pier- Memorial Church, Chicago, is a ing a remarkable work among son, D.D. $1.50. 173 pp. Amer- ican Tract Society. New York. powerful evangelical and pop- Chinese and aboriginal tribes. 1937. ular preacher and a clear ex- The courage, sacrifice, and perpositor. This series of sermons severence of these missionaries This timely little volume is , on Repentance won the $1,000 have produced some remarkable well worth a young Christian's prize offered by the American results. (See the article by Rev. examination and p ray e r f u I Tract Society. They are worth A. C. Snead in this issue of THE study. Dr. Pierson, for forty years a missionary in Japan, it – short, evangelical, Biblical, REVIEW.) practical, arresting, adapted for The Rev. W. H. Oldfield, one places the Cross where it should present-day needs. This series of the pioneers, describes vividly be, at the center, and he focuses takes up the meaning of repent- the land and people, the material the divine light of God's Word ance, Christ's call to repent, the progress in recent years and the upon it from all angles-"from teaching of various apostles and work of the Alliance in its vari- above, from the background, Biblical writers on the subject ous stations and outstations. It from its very self, from either and the results of preaching re- is a story of faith, of courage, of side, from the foreground, from pentance today. Ministers and adventure and of achievement. below, and from the ensuing missionaries will do well to study There are still millions who are centuries." In doing so he brings this volume carefully and to unevangelized and one can travel forward the essentials of the preach on the same subject hundreds of miles without see- Christian faith that need emoften. It is too much neglected ing a Christian chapel. Some phasis and restatement at the and too superficially treated. of the best work is being done present hour.
"Except ye repent, ye shall all by Chinese Gospel Bands that Dr. Pierson is well qualified likewise perish," are the words are trained and then go out to for this work not only from a of Christ to religious leaders of evangelize their fellow country- scholastic standpoint but also His day. men. from personal experience. After
from Princeton Uni- The Deeper Life. Max I. Reich. 115 of this Course
versity and S e min a r y, he pp. $1.00. Wm. B. Eerdmans. Young People's Society may preached these truths in Japan Grand Rapids, Mich. , converted into a School for and America. A. H. P'ERPE1'UO. Bible Training. Four Point Project Program. Based New Book. on Missionary Heroes Course No.1. 1936 STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Theodore L. Conklin. 30 pp. Board But, Until Seventy Times Seven. S. of Education, American Baptist Four Parts-52 Lessons. Part I, The Bible-The May Wyburn. 192 pp. $1.25. Asso. New York. God of the Bible. Part II, The Christ of the Bible Loizeaux Bros. New York. -The Holy Spirit. Part III, Man-Sin and Redemp- God's Methods for Holy Living. tion. Part IV. The Church-Future Events. Christ and the World Today. Wm. Donald Grey Barnhouse. 93 pp. E. Doughty. 126 pp. Methodist 50 cents. Revelation. Philadelphia. Send 15c in stamps for current issue. Book Concern. New York. The History of Sin. Happy Though HRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS.IN(; My Servant Moses. E. Ray Cameron. Poor. History of Temptation. Men 187 pp. $1.50. Revell. New York. Whom God Struck Dead. The 1502 N. Third St., Hlrrisburg, PI. Marks of, Sonship. When Winter Then and Now in Kenya Colony. Comes. Donald Grey Barnhouse. Bishop Lauress J. Birney, retired, Willis R. Hotchkiss. 160 pp. $1.50. 16 page leaflets. 10 cents each. of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Revell. New York. Revelation. Philadelphia. died in Pasadena, California, on May 10 at the age of 65. He was born in James Hudson Taylor. James J. Living in the Ministry of Song. Tom Dennison, Ohio, and after graduation Ellis. 96 pp. 18. Pickering & Jones. 180 pp. 2s. 6d. Pickering from Boston University School of Inglis. London. & Inglis. London. Theology, served several pastorates. He was elected Dean of Boston Uni- Pioneering in Kwangsi. W. H. Old- Obituary Notes versity in 1911 and in 1920 was ele- field. 208 pp. Christian Publica- vated to the Bishopric, with China as tions. Harrisburg, Pa. (Concluded from page 337.) his special mission field. Mr. Frederic F. Helmer, editorIal Christendom and Islam. Their Con- secretary for North America for the tacts and Cultures Down the Cen- China Inland Mission, died in Toronto, turies. W. Wilson Cash. 205 pp. Canada, March 19. Mr. Helmer had $2.00. Harpers. New York. filled various positions in the C. I. M., among others Publication and Prayer Church Unity. F. H. Knubel. 86 pp. Union Secretary. He remodeled 75 cents. United Lutheran Pub. China's Millions and founded Young House. Philadelphia.· China.
OBJEOTIVES AND PRINOIPLES FOR YOUTH We earnestly commend the following personal and social objectives for. the enlistment of youth: .
I surrender my life to Jesus Christ and His way of living and I enlist in His service.
I believe that it is the purpose of God to make Christ known in all the world so that all human relationships will be controlled by God's law of love. I propose to live, so far as He enables me, as if His Kingdom were now recognized.
I will faithfully observe a "quiet time" each day for meditation and prayer and the study of God's Word.
I will regard my lifework as my share in extending God's Kingdom. I will choose my life- work in accordance with what I can discover to be God's will, and not for personal selfish gain. I will practice restraint and self-denial in all my personal nabits.
I will keep my friendships on a high level, not conforming to lower standards of the world, but helping to lift the standards of my group to the best that I know, as God has revealed His way of life.
I will serve Christ through the Christian Church, doing all that I can to make it the effec- tive instrument that it must be if God's world is to be truly Christian.
I will oppose the war system as murderous and selfish, and will work ceaselessly for the establishment of peace based on righteousness and love.
I will refrain from the use of alcoholic liquors, and will work to rid the world of the degrading liquor traffic.
I will treat those of all races as my brothers and sisters made in the spiritual image of God.
I will give myself to the creation of better economic and social conditions wherein every member of society shall have opportunity to earn a livelIhood for himself and those dependent upon him and wherein every member of society shall have sufficient to meet his economic needs.
I will use my leisure time only for such recreation as is wholesome and will enrich and uplift personality, and will refrain from amusements which injure or degrade myself or others.
I will give of my time, as far as possible, to working for the building of a Christian world -in personal work, public speaking, writing, and circulating literature, and in every possible way evangelizing for Christ.
I will give sacrificially of my earnings and other possessions to support the enterprises which are working to build a Christian world.
I will conscientiously seek to obey the Will of God as revealed in His written Word and will put Him first in all things-that Christ may have the preeminence. -Adapted from "The Evangelical-Messenger."
THE SPECIAL uMOSLEM NUMBER"
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 • James Haldane My Experience with Moslems Frank C. Laubach Christ and Moslem Homes . Eleanor Calverley What Christ Has Done for Me • S. Khoobyar A Sermon by a Former Moslem 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 Streel:s, Harrisburg, Pa.
ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor READ THE MOSLEM WORLD SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Editor SOME ARTICLES IN THE JULY NUMBER Patience (Editorial) George Swan The Arabic Version of the Bible Paul Erdman The Bible and Moslems • J. Christy Wilson The Bible in the Balkans • James Oscar Boyd The Koran as Magic Bess Allen Donaldson Moslem Chronology in China Isaac Mason Shi'a Standards of Hyderabad • • Kate Greenfield A Statistical Survey Carlo Gasbarri Why Not Canonize Mohammed? Mounir R. Sa'adeh Egypt Tastes Independence Pierre Crabites Book Reviews ••• Current Topics••• Survey of Periodicals __-+)0 SUBSCRIBE NOW ~~-._ 50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 a Year (postpaid) In combination with THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City $3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents.) British Agents: MARSHA!.!., MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Paternoster Buildings, !.ondon, E. C. Price in Great Britain, Eight Shillings a Year, net
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.
[274 ]
NARY
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.
The Church in the Heart -_.~.g~f~~B~Y~M~BRy~SM~.~RRS~.U~RT~UH~TCH~.~CM~.U~ML~ULL~'L~,A~AS~shh~llaan~dn~,dK~'a~nKs~aas~n_sa~s~I~JIie~- ~==========================~'
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
Partnerships and Hssured
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.
Inquiries concerning ANNmTIES AND LEGACIES may be addressed to SAMUEL BRYANT, Treasurer THE AMERICAN BAPTIST HOME MISSION SOCIETY 23 East 26th Street New York City ORDER THE SPECIAL "MOSLEM NUMBER"
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 — 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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BOARD OF MANAGERS Rev. Sdmuel M. Zwemer, D.D., President Delavdn L. Pierson, Dr. Robert E. Speer, of New York, Vice-Presidents Mrs. Willidm Bancroft Hill, Honorary Vice-President Rev. James Cantine, D.D., Corresponding Secretary Miss May S. Blduvelt, Recording Secretary Miss Constdnce J. Brandon Arthur Y. Meeker Rev. Robert W. Sedrle, D.D. Rev. A. C. Snead Rev. William I. Chdmberldin, D.D. Rev. Mills J. Tdylor, D.D. Rev. Thomds S. Donohugh Rev. John H. Raven, D.D. Mrs. Finley J. Shepdrd John W. Wood, D.C.L.
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The Missionary Review of the World — January 1937
1937
A Missionary Appraisal, January 1937 Robert E. Speer A Doctor's Tour in Neglected Arabia w. Harold Storm Some African Evangelists in Training L. Paul Moore, Jr.
Highlights of a Century of Presbyterian Missions Arthur J. Brown Story of an Afghan Christian Martyr Alfred Zahir When Japanese Buddhists Pray , Winburn T. Thomas Ethiopia Under Italian Rule James L. Rohrbaugh 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember WILL ROGERS
January 1 to Easter-Local Follow- ~~ I M MORTAL I TV" up Meetings of the National Preach- ing Mission. "A~(JARY ISS(JE OF January 4-10-The Nation Wide Week CHl1RCH MA~A6EME~T of Prayer. Subscriptions: Six months William H. Leach, Editor January 4-6-Committee on Women's $1.25; one year $2.50; two Order direct or- through Work of the Foreign Missions Con- years $4; single copy 25c. AUDITORIUM BLDG., CLEVELAND, O. your Religious Book Store ference of North America, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Missionary Council. He is an Amer- Mr. Homer Rodeheaver has re- ican citizen, a Gentile layman, who turned from a music mission trip to January 6-8-Foreign Missions Con- was graduated from the University of Africa, which covered over 16,000 ference of North America, Asbury Wisconsin and for a time served as miles by air. His special interest was Park, New Jersey. general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. the study of native music, and he is of Kansas University. more than ever convinced of the effec- January 11-14, 1937-Annual Meet- tiveness of music in spreading the ings, Home Missions Council and * '" * Gospel. His experiences in Africa The Council of Women for Home have been gathered into a little book Missions. Asbury Park, N. J. The Rev. Robert Lee McLeod, Jr., called "Singing Black." The Rode- has been elected to succeed Dr. John heaver Company offers to give a free February 7-13-Negro History Week. A. Rodgers who recently retired as copy to ministers and missionaries. February 8-13-International Council secretury for Annuities and Special Gifts under the Board of National Mr. Hugh Re*dw'o" od'", Religious Edi- of Religious Education, Executive Missions of the Presbyterian Church, Committee and Associated Meetings. U. S. A. Dr. McLeod is a graduate tor of The London Times-Ghronicle- Chicago, Ill. of Davidson College, North Carolina, a daily paper with 1,500,000 circula- February IS-Annual Meeting of The and of the Presbyterian Theological tion-and author of the best sellers, Missionary Review of the World, Seminary in Louisville, Ky. For the "God in the Slums" and other vol- 156 Fifth Ave., New York. last five years he has served as pastor umes, has recently been on a preach- of the Presbyterian Church at Winter ing tour in America under the au- FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- Haven, Florida. spices of the Salvation Army. ARY ASSEMBLIES * '" '" A WARNING January 16-19, 1937-Jacksonville. We regret to learn from a corre- January 19-Z0-Lake City. Miss Mildred Cable and her com- spondent in Venezuela that Mr. Elie- January ZO-ZZ-Daytona Beach. panions have been obliged to leave cer Fernandez, the converted priest in January ZO-ZZ-Deland. Suchow, Northwest China, in haste, Venezuela whose story was told in the January 23-Z7-Miami. owing to Red activity in that locality. November issue, has not proved January Z6-27-Ft. Lauderdale. They have reached Lanchow safely. worthy of confidence. He is reported January Z7-Z9-Palm Beaches. tv have turned against the mission- January 30-February 2-0rlando. Dr. Harry E'". W'" oo'"lever, until re- aries and to have led astray some February Z-4-Winter Haven. Venezuelan Christians because of his February 4-5-Ft. Myers. cently editor of the National Meth- eloquence. February 4-5-Sarasota. odist Press, has become executive sec- February 6-11-St. Petersburg. retary of the American Christian February 7-l0-Clearwater. Foundation, and editor of its publi- February 10-12-Tampa. cation, These Times. February 13-16-Tallahassee.
Personal Items The Shepherd.Prince 1'''~ M~tt~ Dr. L. P. Dame, of Arabia, has re- signed from the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church to take charge of the Standard Oil Company of California hospital "hich the company A historical novel Qf love in Zion during the times of the Prophet Isaiah proposes to erect near the Katif Oasis By in eastern Arabia. ABRAHAM MAPU * '" '" Translated from the Hebrew by The Rev. Andrew T. Roy, a Presbyterian missionary in Nanking, B. A. M. SCHAPIRO China, now at home on furlough, is the interim general secretary of the Introduction by PROF. ROBERT DICK WILSON Student Volunteer Movement. The new secretary to succeed the Rev. Jesse R. Wilson has not yet been Phillip Whitwell Wilson, "N. Y. Times Book Review"
selected. '" '" '" "It is one of those spacious stories which have been written for all times."
Dr. Conrad Hoffman, Jr., Secretary William T. Manning, D.D., Bishop Diocese of New York of the International Missionary Council's Committee on the Christian Ap- "It is fortunate that Abraham Mapu's novel has found so scholarly and "iflcd a proach to the Jews, has accepted the translator as Mr. Schapiro, for the rendering of this masterpiece of mode,.;Jewish call of the Board of National Missions literature into English has peculiar value at this time." of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., Hundreds of othcr such tributes frOID eminent men.
to become Assistant Secretary in "Beautifully bound and superbly illustrated·-Limited De Luxe Edition, $.).25. Popular charge of Jewish work. He succeeds Edition, $2.75. 400 pages. Send for FREE 24-page prospectus. Dr. John S. Conning, who has filled this position with consecration and ORDER DIRECT FROM ability for the past eighteen years. Dr. Hoffman will also continue his BROOKSIDE PUBLISHING CO.
association with the International 676.678 Bible House Astor Place New York City
J. Hickey, an
THE MISSIONARY Tell Me About Moody who founded the "League of Another REVIEW OF THE WORLD Chance" and brought many exconvicts DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor to Christ, died in New York on De- VOL. LX JANUARY, 1937 No.1 An International Centenary Tribute cember 7. to the Publication and Business Office- *** Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. Foremost Evangelist of Modern Times The Rev. Charles H. Derr, a mis- Editorial and Executive Office- D. L. MOODY 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. sionary to Chenchow, China, under the Entered as second-class matter at By Board of Foreign Missions of the Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under WILL H. HOUGHTON Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., Act of March D, 1~7~. President of The Moody Bible Institute died on November 15 at the age of 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. of Chicago 'fifty-nine, in Chenchow. Mr. Derr Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Published monthly, except August. and was a graduate of Park College and All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan CHARLES T. COOK McCormick Theological Seminary and and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, went to China in 1904. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, Editor of The Christian, London 10 shillings a year. THE NATIONAL WEEK 128 pages in easy reading type, pictorial OF PRAYER MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- covers, full-page illustrations, LISHING CO., INC. sewed binding, net 40c. January 2-The Reality of God. John BOARD OF DIRECTORS 14 or ColOSSians 1. BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASS'N ROBERT E. SPEER, Pre8ident January 5-The Wisdom of God. Job A. L. WARNSHUIB, Vice-President 848 North Wells St. Chicago, Illinois 28: 12-28 or 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31. WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary "We greatly aupreciate the REVIEW. January 6-The Love of God. 1 John You are rendering a magnificent serv- 3 or Roman.s 5: 1-11. SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT ice in many ways." January 7~The S~fficiency of God. WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN H. KERR TAYLOR, 2 Corinthians 11: 18-12: 9 or Ephe- D. J. FANT Educational Secretary, Exe'cutive sions 8.
MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Committee of Foreign Mwsions, Januar; 8-TheS~viourhood of God. Presbyterian Church' in the WM. B. LIPPHARD U. S., Nashville. John 3: 1-21 or Romans 10.
ERIC M. NORTH January 9-The Comradeship of God. John 14.or John 15. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER January IO-The Kingdom of God. Editorial Chat Matthew 6 or Revelation 21.
A joyful New Year is our wish for Obituary Notes (Full programs may be secured every reader of The Review and from the Department of Evangelism Dr. E. S. Tipple, minister, educator of the Federal Council of Churches of every follower of Christ throughout and administrator, and from 1912 to Christ in America, 105 East 22nd 1928 president of Drew University at Street, New York.) the world. Madison, New Jersey, died on October 17 in New York City. Dr. Tipple II If you use *** was a member of the Methodist Board of Foreign Missions, the American PRINTING At least one regular reader of THE Bible Society and president of the Methodist Historical Society of New Y OU will profit from an ac- REVIEW u!les it as a daily prayer re- York. quaintanceship with us. We do the job complete in our own minder. He prays for the editor and *** plant, whether it be large or those associated with him; for the small. Sir Arthur Yapp, national secretary authors of articles and the work and of the British Y. M. C. A., died in While our specialty is Books, London, November 5, at the age of 67. Magazines and Pamphlets, yet needs they present; he prays for the He began his work with the Y. M. we have a variety of modern places and persons, the missionaries C. A. 46 years ago, and wrote several equipment to meet all the re- books on the movement, including quirements of your particular and converts in each field mentioned "Romance of the Red Triangle" and job. You will find our service in every department. If each reader "The Adventure of Youth." prompt, careful and courteous.
would do that it would not only mean *•• Will you allow us to estimate on your next printing? We benew vision and power to the editor Dr. John Hutchison, appointed to lieve you will be delighted with the Church of Scotland Mission in the our product, price and service. and authors, but would bring the Punjab in 1869, died JUly 26 in his blessing of God on Christian workers 89th year. He retired in 1929, but The EVANGELICAL PRESS continued to care for lepers in all over the world. Chamba, where he had spent the Printers of greater part of his life. The Missionary Review of the World *** *** PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE We call especial attention to the Third and Reily Strub HaITI,bur., Pa. paper in this number by Dr. Robert E. Mrs. Guy W. Hamilton, who, with Speer. It presents the subject of an her husband, Dr. Hamilton, spent 24 address given at a prayer conference years in missionary service at Shunof missionary executives meeting in tefu, North China, died in Cincinnati, Lakeville, Connecticut, last autumn. Ohio, November 17. Dr. and Mrs. Everyone interested in the problems Hamilton went first to Siam under and progress of the missionary enter- the Presbyterian Board in 1899, and prise should read it. a few years later were transferred to China to organize a' new station at *** Shuntefu.
THE REVIEW receives many com- [ 1] ments from readers, showing that the publication is widely read and highly valued as a world-wide survey of present-day conditions and activities, from a Christian viewpoint. Here are a few extracts from recent letters.
*** "Dr. Kagawa, and his circle of as- sociate and volunteer, missionaries en- joy the MISSIONARY REVIEW. It is a source of light, and of inspiration to us." HElNRY TOPPING.
Tokyo, Japan.
by the St. Louis Globe
AUDIENCE OF 10,O(JO AT THE NATIONAL PREACHING MISSION MASS MEETING IN THE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, OCTOBER 11, 1936 REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 1 JANUARY, 1937 Topics of the Times TRAIL BLAZING FOR 1937 Missionary trail-blazers have also an opportu- nity to try new sacrificial methods, or to follow old Everyone admires a trail-blazer but compara- but difficult paths-for evangelizing and training tively few have the courage or are ready to pay youth; in turning labor and capital to Christ; . by the price required to be the true pioneer. T?e a dedication of all talents and resources to HIm; price is usually high in endurance, da;nger and dl~ in converting politicians and governments to the comfort whether the trails blazed be III geographIc way of Peace, righteousness and Godliness; in feats in science in spiritual realms or in Chris- promoting Christlike race relations even at the tian 'missions. 'Many are ready and enjoy the sacrifice of pride and prejudice; and in selfless fruits that grow up where the few have led the love and unity that will emphasize only loyalty to way in breaking ground and planting new areas. the Head of the Church and true harmony in His service. When God directs His pioneers to go forward it is always in the face of difficulties, never on the To reach the ideals of Christ in each of these easy down-hill road. This was true when Abram directions requires courage, self-sacrifice and was called to go from Ur of the Chaldees into faith. The dangers and difficulties in the way are Canaan; when Moses was told to lead Israel out not easy to overcome, as they were not in the days of Egypt; when Joshua was commissioned to en- of Livingstone, Carey, Hudson Taylor, Florence ter the Promised Land. Jesus Christ set the Nightengale and Lord Shaftsbury. Most of these greatest example in sacrificial pioneering when difficulties are more subjective than objective and He temporarily laid aside His eternal robes of come from ignorance, selfishness and fear-all to deity and came from Heaven to earth in the garb be conquered by following the great trail-blazer, of a servant. When He commissioned His dis- Jesus Christ. ciples to "Go into all the world to preach the Gospel," and when Paul and Bar.nabas .were sent The rewards to pioneers are real and abiding. forth from Antioch it was to pIOneer III the face They are seldom found in wealth, not always in of hardship, difficuity and persecution, but with fame for great success achieved, but they are exthe promise of victory. perienced in the satisfaction of achievement, in the knowledge of blessing brought to mankind and Is there not great need today for the manifes- in the Master's "Well done." tation of this pioneering spirit-this readiness to blaze new trails-in missionary work? To be sure What trail-blazing will be undertaken and acthere are difficulties and adversaries in the way, complished in the face of the present-day colossal as there have always been. There are not only physical difficulties and the spiritual adversaries new and difficult mission fields to enter – as in that form the great opportunities of the year Tibet, Afghanistan, Arabia, Central Africa and 1937? New Guinea-but there are old fields to reconquer as in Soviet Russia, Siberia, North Africa and SUCCESS OF THE NATIONAL PREACHING Turkey. In other fields the Christian trail-blazer MISSION must face danger and some form of oppositior. from governments and anti-Christian leaders-as Enthusiastic reports come from all over the in Germany, Spain, Portuguese territo~y, Japar. United States as to the effectiveness of the Naand Chosen, China, Iran, India and MeXICO. tional Preaching Mission, the first phase of which closed in New York on December 9. It was a [3]
notable campaign, not to promote any special eco- power to cure present-day evils and to solve modnomic or political, denominational or theological ern problems. views, but to present Christ and His Gospel as the solution of all our personal, national and world Great mass meetings, such as that which filled problems. Under the auspices of the Federal Madison Square Garden, New York, with 18,000 Council of Churches of Christ in America, seventy people, were demonstrations to the public at large well-known Christian advocates, men and women, that the living Christ has not lost His drawing served the cause without remuneration. They in- power when He and His Gospel are stripped of the cluded Americans, a Chinese and Negroes, Brit- grave clothes with which many secretarians and ishers and a Frenchman who visited twenty-eight nominal Christians have sought to bind Him. But centers-North, East, South, Central and West- the most effective meetings of the campaign were to proclaim the "unsearchable riches of Christ." those for ministers and for high school students. The preachers, who came in large numbers, Preliminary preparations had been made by seemed to receive new encouragement, a fresh pastors and local communities, some churches understanding of the Christian message, and holding crowded daily meetings for prayer, for power to preach the unadulterated Gospel. Many dependence was on God and not on effective or- were challenged by the necessity for leading their ganization and wide publicity, good as these were. people in victorious living and in more sacrificial Then teams of varying numbers descended on service. In practically every city visited the high these twenty-eight cities for campaigns of two to schools were thrown open to the Missioners and four days each, extending over a period of nearly the pupils listened eagerly with alert minds and three months. The largest auditorium in each hungry hearts to the Good News, which few of city was secured for a mass meeting and was them had ever before heard so clearly and conusually packed to capacity with from 2,000 to vincingly presented. 18,000 eager listeners. There was also street preaching in many cities; other gatherings, and Dr. Stanley Jones, in summing up the results of usually the most fruitful, were held in high the campaign, says that it put new heart into schools, churches, at luncheons and clubs – for many churches and put evangelism again at the ministers, young people, women, businessmen and center. The essential unity of the Body of Christ teachers. In Philadelphia, 300 university profes- was manifested to the world by bringing together sors met to hear the Gospel. In every place min- members of practically all evangelical Christian isters came in large numbers – Chicago alone churches, North and South. They included Protbrought together 1,500. Many people traveled estant Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, hundreds of miles in hope of receiving new in- Presbyterian, Congregational, Friends, and Disspiration and to learn the secret of power. In ciples, and revealed their common fellowship and Portland, Oregon, it was found that 164 outside primary message, exalting Christ as the Son of towns and cities were represented. Uncounted God and the one Saviour and Lord of men. Such multitudes were also reached through the news- a fellowship and common loyalty, said Dr. Jones, paper reports and over the radio. In practically should be the means of bridging the gaps existing every place the Preaching Mission was front page between (1) the Church and youth, (2) the news, the press cooperating by giving wide pub- Church and labor, (3) the racial gap, (4) belicity and full reports, even in the midst of the tween the so-called personal and social Gospel, presidential election. (5) between the various denominations and va- ried theological concepts. All forces and factors, From other lands and races came some of the so far as they represent phases of truth, are one most effective speakers – E. Stanley Jones, the in Christ. missionary from India; Muriel Lester, the Chris- The success of the National Preaching Mission tian social worker of Kingsley Hall from London; was due, first of all, to the spirit of prayer that T. Z. Koo, the Chinese evangelist and Channing characterized leaders and other participants; sec- Tobias of the Negro Y. M. C. A. The whole com- ond, to the emphasis on the common need of all pany was knit together and ably organized and men for Christ and His Gospel; third, to the thorough organization and adequate publicity; directed by Dr. Wm. Hiram Foulkes, of Newark, and fourth,_to the unity and readiness of the Misthe chairman of the committee, and Jesse M. sioners to serve Christ and His Cause, without Bader, of New York, the dir.ector of the cam- thought of self. These should characterize every paign. The workers and the participants in every Christian and every church. city testify to the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ that actuated all the participants and to the This Preaching Mission has shown a new reaeagerness with which His message was received son for the existence of the Federal Council of by the audiences. There was evident a hunger for Churches. Such a united campaign could scarcely the Word of God and for the experience of His have been carried out successfully without such a
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
cooperative body to promote it. The campaign ters could be reached by the seventy Missioners also had and will have beneficial effects in home in a three months' campaign. Only the surface missions and in foreign missions. It has uncov- was scratched and in that in but few places. Most ered defects in national life, has revealed needs, of those who attended the meetings were Amerhas stimulated spiritual hunger, has sounded the ica's most earnest Christians. While all need spircall to serve, has united the Church and has proved itual awakening, the Gospel must also be preached anew the power of the Gospel to reach all classes to the unsaved multitudes. and conditions of men. The work of evangelizing, educating and enlist- WHAT NEXT IN NATIONAL ing Americans for Christ has scarcely begun. EVANGELISM? Therefore the campaign is to go on with renewed vigor. Already local eight-day preaching missions It is too early to report on the lasting effect of have followed the National Mission in many places the National Preaching Mission on the 2,000,000 and plans are under way for similar follow-up people who attended the meetings. These included work between January first and Easter. Small 25,000 or 30,000 pastors, beside the nearly two teams are to visit many new centers, with pastors million laymen, women, teachers and students. of local churches cooperating to evangelize their Much encouragement came from the responses to own districts. Then, following Easter, there will the platform and personal appeals – in decisions be seven weeks' campaigns and next autumn the for Christ and in rededication of life to Him. It Federal Council plans to continue the work on a was clear that many wanderers are eager to go national scale. Personal acceptance of the chalall the Way in consecration, if they know how. lenge of the Gospel is clearly needed to bring into At the same time the Missioners learned many practical operation national and inter:r:ational lessons in methods of approach, in emphasis and peace with good will and racial, economic and technique. Two weak points in the campaign are social justice. Only so far as pastors, with the felt to have been (1) the failure to reach, in any official boards and church members, are truly adequate way, the students and teachers in col- aroused and filled with the Spirit of God, can leges, universities and professional schools. These America be brought into harmony with the will present and future leaders in business, science and of God as revealed by Christ. philosophy must be brought face to face with the challenge of the Gospel. They were scarcely THE FEDERAL COUNCIL BIENNIAL touched in this campaign. Where they were, as with professors in Philadelphia and students in In a three-day session at Asbury Park, New Los Angeles, there was an encouraging response. Jersey, some two hundred and fifty delegates and friends gathered at the Biennial Meeting of the (2) There was a failure to reach the working Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in classes, most of whom seldom if ever attend America. Among many topics brought up for rechurch or hear the Gospel. Many of them are port and discussion the most vital was the recent hesitating between Fascism, with its dictatorial National Preaching Campaign. The reports, and state, and Communism with its godless philosophy the plans for a continuance of the work, are most of social revolution. They do not realize that enheartening. AmoLg other subjects, that are Christ, understood and followed, is the solution perennial, were evangelism, race relations, proof their problems. In Portland, where laboring motion of international good will and peace, work men as strikers were contacted by Stanley Jones, for economic justice, the remedying of social evils, they were quick to respond to the appeal to apply work for youth, and the development of Christian the teachings of Christ to settle their difficulties. unity and cooperation in the churches. Another campaign should give more attention to the spiritual needs of both capital and labor so The officers elected for the next two years were that these forces may be led to follow Christ and Dr. Edgar Dewitt Jones, pastor of the Central His Way of Life. Christian Church, Detroit, who succeeds Dr. Ivan Lee Holt, of St. Louis, as president. The new (3) There was a weakness in the program to vice-president is Dr. Joseph R. Sizoo, pastor of break down racial barriers. While Negro Mis- the Marble Collegiate Church of New York; Mr. sioners were included as members of the teams Frank H. Mann was reelected treasurer, and Dr. in almost every center, the 12,000,000 American Rivington D. Lord, recording secretary. The Negroes were not reached in any large number; executive secretary is Dr. Samuel McCrea Cavert. neither were the Jews, the Orientals or the vari- The twenty-eight denominations that are memous European language groups. Multitudes of bers of the Federal Council include about 24,000,- these are unchurched and form the mainstay of 000 Protestant church members which the Council antireligious radicalism. is eLdeavoring to bring into closer harmony and more effective action in righting the evils of pres- (4) The Preaching Mission was Lot truly national in scope. Not more than twenty-eight cen-
ent-day life and in promoting the Kingdom of God The effect of all this on the work of Christian on earth. missions cannot be foretold but the probability is that the work will go on as usual without increased NEW INDEPENDENCE FOR EGYPT difficulty. The aim of the missionaries is to turn Since the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty men's thoughts and allegiance to God as He is reon August 26, last year, Egypt has become an in- vealed in Jesus Christ. They work to build up dependent state; foreigners will be subject to Christian character and a high type of healthy, Egyptian laws, law courts and taxation. An in- intelligent citizen but they have no desire to mix ternational court will be continued for a short in local politics or international affairs. They detime during the period of transition. Egypt and sire religious freedom, including the right of Great Britain have formed a military alliance minorities to think and worship according to the which gives Great Britain the right to establish dictates of their individual consciences, no percamps along the Suez Canal and to move troops secution, discrimination or interference because in time of war, while Egypt agrees to build mili- of religious affiliations and the right of propatary roads. The control of the Sudan will be co- ganda by appealing to reason, without any atoperative and the country will be administered tempt to bribe or force anyone to conform to any "for the welfare of the Sudanese." sect or form of belief. Whether or not this ideal will be reached under Egyptian rule, it is im- The effect of this new treaty on foreigners, for- possible to say at present. Certain it is that the eign business and Christian missions is being spirit of tolerance has been growing under Chriscarefully studied-especially as regards discrim- tian influence. The seniors in the American Uniination, "minority" rights and the preservation versity in Cairo, composed of Armenians, Copts, of law and order. The Copts represent one in Greek Orthodox, Moslems and Protestants, refourteen of the population. Before the coming of cently expressed their common belief in God and the British, they were subjected to petty persecu- religion, but only one student assented to the tion and injustices and with the withdrawal of statement, "My religion is perfect." The majority the British many fear that certain elements will rated moral conduct above intellectual beliefs. renew the old religious rivalries. Others think that the State has become so secularized and so Egypt has entered upon a new day, with new unified by nationalism that religious persecution freedom for women, new opportunities for youth is no longer a great danger. and, it is hoped, a new spirit of liberty, tolerance, justice and goodwill.
With reference to law and order, in recent MARKS OF A GREAT TEACHER years, each political party has sought to reinforce its position by appealing to the student classes and Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher the world the youth movements, so that there has developed has ever known. Some of the marks of a great a far-reaching organization of the youth. The teacher have been noted by the president of one of dominating organization today is that of the Blue the great American universities: Shirts, said to number 15,000. At first unarmed, latterly they have begun to carry weapons. Their 1. The great teacher never ceases being a humorganization heads up under the leadership of ble learner. three students, assisted by three ex-army officers. Numerous clashes have occurred between them 2. He establishes a personal relation with his and the Green Shirts, a rival organization. Such students. an organization as the Blue Shirts is viewed with anxiety by all who hope that an independent Egypt 3. Whatever he may be teaching, is a window through which he looks out upon the whole uniwill move along lines of law observance. verse.
4. The merchandising of information will never seem to be his main purpose.
It is going to take wisdom and tact on the part 5. The great teacher will not think he has failed of all foreigners to avoid hurting the national feel- unless the students have not wanted to learn.
ings of a generation jealous for its rights ar:d for 6. He will not think it beneath his dignity to the full recognition of its new status of inde- pay attention to the art of presentation.
pendence. There will be manifestations of politi- 7. He will never speak of his work as routine cal excitement, agitations over trivial issues; some teaching. – will try to swing the Nation along antiforeign na- 8. He will ir:spire without sacrificing a rigid tionalistic tendencies; others will try to make realism of fact and idea.
Egypt a distinctly Moslem State with attendant 9. The great teacher has a gracious spirit and anti-Christian influences. Probably there will be is a tonic to his students.
a lowering of the standards of administrative effi- ;LO. The great teacher's aim is to bring his stu- ciency, due to the characteristic Oriental reluct- dents into harmony with the truth of God and into ance to assume responsibility for decisions. full obedience to His will.
A Missionary Appraisal as of January 1
By ROBERT E. SPEER, New York Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions 1""'… A MONG the glorious aphorisms with which the time. In this view, the old Student Volunteer Ignatian Epistles abound, there are many Movement watchword, "The evangelization of the as relevant to our day as they were to the World in this Generation," is both reasonable and days of Ignatius: necessary. There is no other way that the world can ever be evangelized. The world for us is the "Find time to pray without ceasing." world of our generatfon. The only agency that "Every wound is not healed with the same can evangelize it is the Church of that generation. remedy." "The times demand thee, as pilots the haven." I stand at the end of the past; where the future begins "The crown is immortality." I stand; "Stand like a beaten anvil." "It is part of a good athlete to be bruised and Emperors lie in the dust; men may live to command; to prevail." "Consider the times: look to Him who is above Over my head the stars, distant and pale and cold; Under my feet, the world, wrinkled and scarred and old; time." Back of me all that was, all the limitless past, "Slight not the workers." The future awaiting beyond, silent, untenanted, vast; "Let your stewardship define your work." I at the center of all that has been or that is to be- "A Christian is not his own master, but waits The task still unfinished and now God and man are de- upon God." pending on me!
"Consider the times" is essential counsel to the But though each time stands alone and needs foreign missionary enterprise as it enters this new to be considered by itself and in itself, it needs year. Such consideration involves two things. The first is our duty to see things as they are in to remember that what it is to itself, other times truth, with objective and dispassionate accuracy. No one is free from preconceptions and mental have been to themselves and that each time must bias in his approach to any subject and neither consider its own significance, not to itself alone, friends nor enemies, believers in, nor critics of but to and in the long movement of all the genforeign missions come to the consideration of the erations. How can we know until the end which present issues with empty minds. Those who were the most crucial and critical of all the times? have most at stake, however, are the men and We are both right and wrong in claiming the women who are putting their lives into the work. uniqueness and crisis-significance of our own We can least afford to be self-deceived. Of all time; right because it is our time and our one oppeople we are the ones who are most concerned to portunity, wrong because our strength and wisknow the truth and to see things in and about the dom for our own time require a calm and discernmissionary enterprise in themselves, as they really ing appraisal of other times. It is easy to fall are. into a panic and regard our own day of disorder and confusion as the supreme and critical day. It But it is not enough in considering the times is good to think this to the extent that we are to look at things as they are in themselves. We made earnest and resolute by the thought, but bad can see the present situation veraciously only as to the extent that we grow fe~erish and fearful we see it in its relations and perspective. No time and forfeit our sense of proportion and perspec- tive and lose our calmness of judgment and our confidence as to the future.
is isolated from its antecedents and its conse- We listen to "the challenge of the present quents. In one sense, to be sure, every time is crisis." We are told that "We are living, we are separate and unique and supreme to those who dwelling in a grand and awful time," that "Once live in it and in it alone. It is their one oppor- to every man and nation comes the moment to detunity to fulfil their task. It is indeed the past cide." But we forget that all these declarations which they are completing and the future which are quotations from another age. They are no they are preparing, but they were not here in the more real and true to us than they were to the past, and will not be here in the future, as they men of three generations ago. Is our time really are here now. Today is for them the accepted any more significant to us and its history than [7]
the fall of the Roman Empire was to the fifth cen- and in great outbreaks the mob of London or Birmingham tury and to all the centuries? Will some future .ournt houses, flung open prisons, and sacked and pillaged Chesterton say as much of our age as G. K. said at their will. . . . The introduction of gin gave a new of that one? impetus to drunkenness. In the streets of London gin- shops invited every passer-by to get drunk for a penny, or For the end of the world was long ago dead drunk for twopence. When the ends of the world waxed free, In no· field more than in the enterprise of for- When Rome was lost in a waste of slaves eign missions do we need to see things in true pro- And the sun was drowned in the sea. portion and relationship. Here, as elsewhere, men are filled with panicky fear or with the thought, When Caesar's sun fell out of the sky, whether reluctant or welcome, that the foreign And whoso hearkened right mission movement, as we have known it, is draw- ing to an end. Assuredly in foreign missions we Could only hear the plunging need to "consider the times." And it is proposed Of the nations in the night. here in the opening number of the REVIEW in 1937- And are we sure that even the upheaving ideas and discoveries of today are of any more signifi- (1) To suggest an historical review of the cance to us and to history than the great germinal, "crises" which the foreign missions movement has creative concepts and enlargements of the fif- already survived in the matter of its apologetics, teenth century, when the Reformation shattered its motives and methods; the bal~s of human liberty and new worlds, visible and invisible, opened to mankind? Or if we think (2) To suggest a diagnosis of features of the that this age is charged with unprecedented ex- present situation and its difficulties and problems; ter:r:al threats to the Christian faith, are we not forgetting the glacial movement of deism in the (3) To suggest an outline of missionary policy eighteenth century and the suicidal forces which for the immediate future. again and again, in the past and perhaps also today, are more dangerous to Christianity than any I. Crises Survived in the Past force from without? Of the religion of the clergy in England in the eighteenth century Bishop Ryle The idea that the foreign missions movement wrote: has in the past enjoyed the full support of the Christian Church but that today this interest and The vast majority of them were sunk in worldliness, support accorded by the Church in general has beand neither knew nor cared anything about their profes- gun to wane, is a fallacious idea. Foreign mission. They neither did good themselves nor liked anyone sions have never been the concern of any large else to do it for them. They hunted, they farmed; they part of the Church. At the beginning, in spite of swore, they drank, they gambled. When they assembled the fresh enthusiasm of the first Christians and it was generally to toast "Church and King," and to build the memory of the last commands of Christ, the one ano~her up in earthly-mindedness, prejudice, igno- foreign missions proposal met with determined rance, and formality. When they retired to their own opposition. It enlisted but a small minority suphomes, it was to do as little and preach as seldom as pos- port and there might have been no real foreign sible. And when they did preach, their sermons were so missions movement at all if it had not been for St. unspeakably bad, that it is comforting to reflect that they Paul pulling the Church out of Jerusalem and the were generally preached to empty benches. destruction of the city expelling it.
And J. R. Green wrote of that time: Medieval missions, from the early centuries until the Reformation, were not the enterprise of In the higher circles "everyone laughs," said Montesquieu the entire Church pressing out in a great and on his visit to England, "if one talks of religion." Of the united effort to evangelize the world. They were prominent statesmen of the time the greater part were the work of heroic individuals, some supported by unbelievers in any form of Christianity, and distinguished ecclesiastical or political influence, and some for the grossness and immorality of their lives. Drunken- single-handed – men like Patrick, Columba, Auness and foul talk were thought no discredit to Walpole. gustine, Boniface, Alexis, Anschar, Cyril, Metho- . . . Purity and fidelity to the marriage vows were sneered dius and Raymund Lull. The Church as a whole out of fashion. . . .. At the other end of the social scale had no missionary program and provided no suplay the masses of the poor. They were ignorant and brutal port for the devoted souls that went out to the to a degree which it is hard to conceive, for the vast in- non-Christian peoples. crease of population which followed on the growth of towns, and the development of manufactures had been met The Reformation was an upheaval within 'the by no effort for their religious and educational improve- Church and not an out-going missionary propulment. Not a parish had been created. Hardly a single sion. Neither under Luther nor under Calvin new church had been built. Schools there were none, save and Knox was any attempt made to launch forthe grammar schools of Edward and Elizabeth. The rural eign missions either in Asia or in Africa. The peasantry, who were fast being reduced to pauperism by Huguenot colony in Brazil in 1554-1558 was not the abuse of the poor-laws, were left without moral or religious training of any sort. "We saw but one Bible in the parish of Cheddar," said Hannah More at a far later time, "and that was used to prop a flower pot." Within the towns they were worse. There was no effective police;
a foreign mission nor were the colonial settlements seem to me alike founded in error; and, therefore, I must in North America, and when the latter turned to consider them both equally romantic and visionary. foreign mission work, as in John Eliot in 1646, and David Brainerd in 1743, and David Zeis- In America also foreign missions did not spring berger in 1739, it was only to reveal the more from or rest upon an awakened and devoted clearly that foreign missions were the concern Church which ardently supported the cause. Samonly of devoted individuals or small minority uel J. Mills and his four companions at Williams groups and not of the Church as a whole. And of College drew up the constitution of their Society the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation the for- of Brethren pledged to go as missionaries in eign missions were the work of the Jesuit mi- cipher, "public opinion then being opposed to us." nority. A small voluntary group undertook to send them and became the American Board. As similar When our modern foreign missions movement movements later developed in the various denombegan it was, as foreign missions have always inations it was always under the earnest advocacy been before William Carey and since, the interest of individuals or small groups who invariably met of the "Remnant," not of the body. The German with lethargy or opposition. Never in the history Pietists who founded the Danish-Halle Mission in of foreign missions has there been a time when 1705, and the Moravians whose foreign mission the work rested on the conscience, commanded the work began in 1732, were small minority groups, conviction, and enlisted the support of the whole illustrative, as foreign missions have always been, body of anyone of our denominations. It has been of St. Paul's principle in 1 Corinthians 1: 26-28: the burden of the "Remnant" in every case, often having a general official approval, but often meet- For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many ing direct or indirect opposition, and always for wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, real support by gifts and prayer and life, deare called; But God hath chosen the foolish things of the pendent upon a minority, often a small minority. world to confound the wise;. and God hath chosen the weak Let anyone read the biographies of men like Jerethings of the world to confound the things which are miah Evarts, Elisha P. Swift, William Taylor and mighty; And base things of the world, and things which Matthew Tyson Yates, and he will cease from conare despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are trasting the situation today with an inspired not, to bring to nought things that are. "golden age" when there was no lukewarmness or hostility and when everybody believed in for- William Carey and his supporters very dis- eign missions and gave liberally for their support. tinctly fall under Paul's characterization. Their movement was no enthusiastic general movement Again and again in the last hundred years forof the Christian Church. The respectable and eign missions have had to meet almost identical authoritative elements looked askance at this issues with those which we confront today. Since small company of "twelve obscure Northampton- 1819 the secretaries of the Foreign Mission Soshire ministers attempting the propagation of the cieties with headquarters in London have held gospel among the heathen." The London Mission- meetings regularly for counsel and fellowship. At ary Society began with three ministers – Bogue, the centennial of these meetings in 1919 it ap- Stephen and Hey.· The Church Missionary So- peared that there had been some 680 meetings ciety sprang from a small evangelical group of held and in a review of their history Dr; J. H. sixteen in the Church of England and could get Ritson, then one of the secretaries of the British none but German Lutheran missionaries for the and Foreign Bible Society, called attention to the first sixteen years of its history. Not one bishop problems discussed in the early years and their gave the group "the slightest recognition beyond resemblance to the problems of today. He is what he was officially obliged to give." In Scot- speaking of "Difficulties and Criticisms": land the very basic conceptions of foreign missions were at first rejected by the Moderatist ma- Missionary Societies have never been free from perjority. George Hamilton's well-known, and still plexities of finance, and these have not been their only familiar argument in the General Assembly of difficulties. The year 1823 was marked by terrible mor- 1796, was: tality at Sierre Leone, the C. M. S. and W. M. M. S. suf- fering heavily. The two best German missionaries of the To spread abroad the knowledge of the Gospel among C. M. S.-Johnson and During-were lost at sea. Twelve barbarous and heathen nations, seems to me highly pre- men and women went out, of whom six died within the posterous, in as far as it anticipates, nay, as it even re- year, and four more in the following six months. The verses, the order of nature. Men must be polished and C. M. S. report in May 1824 began, "The Committee have refined in their manners before they can be properly en- to display a chequered scene." No wonder the secretaries lightened in religious truths. Philosophy and learning of 1823 enquired, "What indications have been observed of must, in the nature of things, take precedence. Indeed, it the particular working of the great enemy against the should seem hardly less absurd to make revelation precede cause of missions, and how can such influence be best civilization in the order of time, than to pretend to unfold guarded against and counteracted?" to a child the "Principia" of Newton, ere he is made at all acquainted with the letters of the alphabet. These ideas At this period the whole outlook of missions changed from enthusiastic expectation of world-wide success to a
humble hope that a few elect might ;;e saved. A good deal its havoc, ignoring its implacable warfare on of hostile criticism was leveled against the Societies. In opium and idolatry, were charged to missions. It 1825 the Association was enquiring, "In what light are was held that Hung-su-tsuen, its founder and we to regard the opposition now so generally excited leader, had derived his ideas from Christianity against the diffusion of divine truth, and in what mode and that the wildness of the movement was an should it be met?" and then in 1826 they tried to profit illustration of what might happen anywhere if from the opposition – "What practical lessons may be Christian missions were free to let loose their relearned from the recent animadversions on benevolent in- actionary influences among unrestrained and stitutions?" Again a little later they discussed, "What ignorant races. "It is no chimera," wrote Alexare the causes of that distrust which has been excited re- ander Michie, "that the Chinese dread in Chrisspecting the management of religious societies, and what tianity, but a proved national peril, their vague is the best mode of removing it?" There is a tone of intuitions of which ripened suddenly into a terresignation in the title of a paper read in 1849, "The rible experience. . . . Much of the same evantrials of missions-the reason of these afflictive dispensa- gelizing proceedings, so far at least as the Chinese tions and the beneficial results of them." But they were Government can be expected to distinguish, which not allowed to work in peace, for within three years it was incited the Tai-ping rebels, are being carried on said, "A notion prevails to some extent that the mission- without intermission over a vastly wider field; ary enterprise is a comparative failure. Is there any truth and the missionaries today know perhaps as little in it, and what are the best methods of dealing with it?" of the ferments which they may have set up in The minutes of this meeting record the conviction that thousands of minds, as they did of the incubation "missions had been successful beyond expectation, and of Tai-pingdom." probably far surpassing the hopes of the fathers and founders of them." The unfavorable effect of the criticism of mis- sions, based on the Indian Mutiny and the Tai- The storm oroke out again in 1858 after the Indian ping Rebellion, was aggravated in the United Mutiny-the friends of missions urging a bolder Chris- States by the difficulties due to the Civil War. tian policy on the Government, and the critics declaring The war absorbed attention and resources. It dithat the Mutiny was caused by proselytism. In the same vided some of the largest denominations, diminyear the Secretaries were also driven to examine "Some of ishing their contributing constituencies and parthe principal objections made against the management of alyzing, by the blockade of the South, any foreign Religious Societies such as-the cost of deputation work, missionary effort of the separated churches of the publications and periodicals, etc." Criticism from without Southern States. Foreign exchange was disadlIas never ceased, but for half a century the Association vantageous. The American dollar was worth has not spent much time in discussing it. Of course it has only forty cents in China and one rupee in India. not always come from without. There have always been With mutinies and rebellions, the Civil War in critical and argumentative and candid friends in the inner America, the Crimean War in Russia, an old order circles. In 1825 Edward Irving's famous L. M. S. sermon and world-view dissolving and a new order with a declared that the current methods were all wrong, and a new idea of man's place in nature coming in, that few years after there was a topic of discussion which generation spoke of itself in the same terms in sounds peculiarly modern-"What line of conduct should which our generation speaks. One Board said in be adopted by Missionary Societies in order to obviate the its report: dangers, which may be apprehended from the agitation among their friends or agents, of those controversies Here is need of prayer; here is room for Christian libwhich have recently been moved in the Christian Church?" erality. Both are called for by the Word, the Providence, and the Spirit of God. The Committee cannot doubt that The Indian Mutiny brought with it an avalanche in both, the members of our Christian body, generally, of criticism of foreign missions. It was declared might make large advances on their past efforts. To refer that it was the fear and dislike of the Christian particularly to the pecuniary means required for increased propaganda of the missionaries that had brought labors, the Committee does not doubt that the churches on the Mutiny. Lord Ellenborough, "the vain and which now support these missions could really double their bombastic Governor-General who had preceded gifts, in a great number of instances; and the churche:, Lord Hardinge, and who was now the leading which have made no offering in aid of this cause, might advocate in Parliament of an anti..Christian policy surely do something for its support. Let this report with in India, on hearing of the Mutiny at once jumped its many and varied statements of what God is doing by to a conclusion as to the cause of it, and pro- his servants, be regarded as an earnest call to the considpounded it in the House of Lord. Lord Canning eration of Christian duty. This will also lead to greater (the Governor-General) had subscribed to mis- hopefulness in the missionary work of our beloved church. sions !" And Ellenborough's hostile voice was only one of many. The Committee are closing this Report in the midst of times that are filling the minds of men with apprehension. At the middle of the century and later the low Kingdoms are shaking. Our own country was never in tension of spiritual life, the weakened Christian such awful calamity. But the Church need not fear, her conviction, the indifference of students-and many members being found in their lot, at the post of duty. The other causes no doubt-brought missions to a low kingdom that shall never be moved is rising. He that has -ebb in Great Britain. For a decade the C. M. S. all power in heaven and in earth is now on its throne. ,could get an average of only two university men a year for foreign missionary service.
Paralleling the Sepoy Mutiny in India, came the 'Tai-ping Rebellion in China. This Rebellion and
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
His Almighty Spirit is now in the world, as the great who are the unfortunate victims of unemployment the agent of converting the souls of men. thousands of dollars which are expended annually in one And those who believed that they could interpret of the most foolish and needless institutions in this wise, prophecy and read the signs of the times, pre- up-to-date country-foreign missions. dicted our Lord's immediate coming, as some do today, while others talked of chaos and social rev- While millions of Christians in our own country are in olution in the language so familiar to us and, dire distress through no fault of their own, we (some of what is more, effected revolutions as truly as us at least) are sending straight out of our country thou- Lenin and Mussolini and Hitler have done since. sands of dollars to heathen who don't give a —. Oh, the bitter, bitter irony of it! Of course if we ever did abolish foreign missions and give the money we waste on missionaries to those who desperately need it, the poor Again and again, through the century since dear missionaries would be unemployed. And that is as it Carey died in 1834, waves of criticism have should be. broken forth on foreign missions, which anticipated essentially all the criticisms which we meet Oh, you self-satisfied church members who so ardently today. Some of these criticisms sprang from support the foreign missions, turn your simple eyes from ignorance but many came from full and intelli- the naked Indians who revel in their heathenism, and cast those eyes upon the wretched hungry folk in the slums of your prosperous country's cities! Does Christ, when such gent knowledge, such as Alexander Michie's books conditions as today exist, appreciate the dollars you deon "China and Christianity" and "Missionaries in liberately send away in His name, from the emaciated China," and R. N. Cust's "The Gospel Message," hands of your own fellow countrymen? No, a thousand "Notes on Missionary Subjects," "Essays on Re- times no! ligious Conceptions," and "Missionary Methods." Many of those so-called followers of God-ministers- also have it in their power, by taking their children out Michie was editor of the Tientsin Times and knew of some of the most expensive private schools in the East what he was talking about. Cust had been one of and sending them to public schools, to aid, with the sevthe Punjab school of British civil servants in In- eral hundred dollars "saved" thereby, their needy brethren. dia and had retired in England, where he became Scarsdale, September 30,1931. A. O. P.
a member of the C. M. S. Committee and a con- Only one other period may be s'poken of-the structive but relentlessly unsparing critic of missionary policies at home and abroad. These men Boxer Uprising in China and its aftermath in the were only representative of hundreds. The mis- Church at home. As in the case of the Indian sionary enterprise is today under far less criti- Mutiny the guilt of government and trade was cism-less in volume and less in harmfulness- shifted to foreign missionaries, and missions were than it has met again and again in the past. What blamed for the consequence of political and ecowe have heard in recent years is only very old and nomic invasion and of the imperialism of opium very tawdry stuff, such as that of Will Rogers and oil. Mr. Sidney Brooks was a good represenwho, in the New York Times of March 23, 1932, tative of the attitude of missionary antagonism at said: "Has your town or city investigated this the time. In his opinion missionaries were not great scheme called 'block-aid' that they have in well educated, were untactful, careless of local New York City? Each person with a job that prejudice, speaking a "bastard Chinese," guilty lives in that block is asked to contribute a dime, of "blundering provocation," ignorant of the phiquarter or not more than a dollar a week. Your losophy they were "intent on overthrowing, the block is so organized that each block helps itself. language which must be their chief weapon"; It's practical and it works. they were bigoted and sectarian, "enthusiastic girls who scamper up and down the country. Of "Every city, town and even country townships the needless causes of irritation the missionary is should organize and use it. You know absolutely easily the most prominent." Brooks began his where your money is going, it's helping your next article by discrediting the plea which the mission- door neighbor. That's one trouble with our chari- aries might make, that the political pressure of the ties, we are always saving somebody away off, West and the seizure of territory and "the endless when the fellow next to us ain't eating. Same demands for concessions are the real occasions of thing wrong with the missionaries. They will this semi-national uprising."
save anybody if he is far enough away and don't A new type of anti-missionary propaganda apspeak our language." peared in attacks by Westerners hiding behind Or as A. O. P., in the New York Sun of October Chinese nom-de-plumes – such as Lowes Dickin- 1, 1931, wrote: son's "Letters of a Chinese Official," and Simpson's A REMINDER THAT CHARITY BEGINS- "A Chinese Appeal concerning Christian Mis- AND IS NEEDED-AT HOME sions" which was a barefaced and deliberate fraud, appearing under the name of Lin Shao To THE EDITOR OF The Sun. SIR: Yang. The newspapers were full of such antag- I am presenting no solution of the unemployment prob- onism, some blase and some bitter. Sometimes the lem. I merely am trying to raise a cry to give to those papers would admit replies and sometimes they
would not. Even an American Secretary of State, study and (3) he found a deepening purpose Mr. John Sherman, shared in the derision. It was among the chosen few to exalt the missionary well that the Ecumenical Conference in New York enterprise to a place of supreme importance in in 1900 came when it did, with its unimpeachable church economy, "but unfortunately not many of witnesses from all over the world and with the ap- these men and women of faith are possessed of proving presence of President McKinley and Ex- large pecuniary means." President Benjamin Harrison, Governor Theodore Roosevelt of New York, Governor Beaver of Penn- If this diagnosis were not dated thirty-four sylvania, Lieut.-Governor Bates of Massachusetts, years ago it might be regarded as contempora- Governor Northen of Georgia, and some of the neous. There has no conflict or temptation or most trusted leaders of the Christian Church crisis befallen the foreign missions movement tothroughout the world. day essentially or fundamentally different from what it has had to meet, generation by generation, But how like our own condition that genera- since foreign missions began with St. Paul when tion's was may be seen from the careful analysis he concluded that it was the duty of Christianity of the missionary situation then by Dr. J. P. to turn to the Gentiles. Even depressions and J ones, one of the wisest and ablest missionaries curtailments and presidential elections are not in India, who wrote from America in 1903 to The new: Harvest Field in India. He had traveled on furlough 20,000 miles in twenty-one states and had I have read with much interest the pamphlet you sent, addressed 200 gatherings. The facts which "fre- which gives such encouraging reports from the field and quently obtruded themselves upon him and which reveals such aUuring opportunities to press forward in the he could not ignore," were: extension of the work. It must be hard, indeed, not to respond to these splendid opportunities, and instead of (1) The appalling fact that so few of the members of advancing, to have to order retrenchments, but that policy seems to be the order of the day in all business enterprises the churches have any knowledge whatever of, or slightest in these days, and I see no other course open to you. We have found it hard here to get people to give what they interest in, foreign missions. gave last year towards maintaining the fixed charges, to say nothing of new work. I think therefore it would be (2) That the old doctrines of the past, upon which the wise for you to defer any extension of the work until after election, when we confidently expect to see financial conmissionary movement of a century ago was constructed, ditions greatly improve.
have been entirely swept away or have lost their emphasis. This letter is dated July 28, 1908!
There is no gainsaying the fact that the missionary move- II. Factors in the Problem Today ment of a hundred years ago no longer obtains and is But in each generation the basic issues have to be grasped afresh, the conditioning environment being supplanted by another, or at least is yielding to it shifts its emphases and proportions, and new ele- ments of difficulty replace the old. What are the preeminence in its influence upon the Christian mind. main factors which constitute the problem today?
(3) Americans have become great travelers; as such 1. The general low spiritual tension due to many things-the great diversity, diffusion and their examination of missionary activity is superficial or superficiality of human interests, the heightened speed which dissolves continuity and promotes wanting altogether; and on returning home they hide their vacillation and change of concern, the excitement of new toys and tools, the mania for amusement, bold ignorance of what might have been seen and studied the spectator attitude to life, the diminished re- gard for fixed conviction and principle, the eninte11igently by cool assumption or bold assurance that the grossment of men's minds in economic and politi- cal issues regarded as the really significant things missions either do not exist or are practicaUy doing noth- -and much else.
ing. The blasting influence of these traveled people upon 2. An inadequate conception of the nature of Christianity, its finality and absoluteness, its true the missionary cause at home is much greater than many character as a revelation and not a religion. John MacMurray quotes a remark of Collingwood in of us think. . "Speculum Mentis" to the effect that when Chris- tianity becomes a religion, it ceases to be Chris- (4) Many who were indifferent to the missionary cause tianity. Even among Christians, and of course outside the Church, there is wide rejection of the a decade ago are now its pronounced enemies. They are Christian view of the uniqueness, the sole ade- quacy, the universal necessity of the Gospel of found in churches. the New Testament. There is avowed or uncon- (5) Anti-missionary spirit has been caused by the seeming ingratitude of alien peoples responsible for mas- sacres of missionaries sent to do them good; and more- over the growing prevalence of belief in the doctrine of evolution. carries in the mind of many an argument against missions to non-Christian peoples. These say, "Why do you not let peoples with ethnic religions graduallY evolve their own religious destiny rather than thrust upon them a foreign faith and introduce a revolution of religious life and conceptions among them?"
(6) A great deal of the commercialism of the age has entered into the Church of America, and this spirit is im- patient with the remote and not very articulate appeals of the missionary in foreign lands. : . . The apathy and indifference can in part be traced to the indifferent-and sometimes worse-advocacy by missionaries of their cause among the churches.
On the other hand Dr. Jones was encouraged (1) by the better attitude of the ministry which he attributed to the better attitude of the theological seminaries, (2) by the increase of mission
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
scious rejection of the position stated in the Mes- is a personal matter, and I am not going to ask another sage of the International Missionary Conference man to become a Hindu or Parsee. in Jerusalem in 1928: It does not matter, according to this view, The Gospel is the answer to the world's greatest need. whether men become Christians or not, and there- It is not our discovery or achievement; it rests on what fore it is superfluous if not impertinent to mainwe recognize as an act of God. It is first and foremost tain an enterprise which seeks to evangelize and "Good News." It announces glorious truth. Its very na- convert them. ture forbids us to say that it may be the right belief for some but not for others. Either it is true for all, or it is 4. There is the idea of a self-contained Amernot true at all. ica, living its own life aloof from the rest of the world. No one can really defend such a view, but We believe that men are made for Christ and cannot it is set forth by men who ignore its absurdity and really live apart from Him. Our fathers were impressed impossibility but who mean by it that we are to with the horror that men should die without Christ-we get what we can from the outside world but have share that horror; we are impressed also with the horror no duty to it. Let us suck up all the gain we can that men should live without Christ. from the nations, but we owe them nothing and our business is to let them alone! Let us go on Herein lies the Christian motive; it is simple. We can- our way and leave them to go theirs. We have not live without Christ and we cannot bear to think of men fallen on an age of an ingrown national soul. living without Him. We cannot be content to live in a Here indeed we have a new political mind, shrivworld that is unChristlike. We cannot be idle while the eled, selfish, afraid. What a contrast this is to yearning of His heart for His brethren is unsatisfied. the outspoken words of President Grant in his second inaugural: "As commerce, education and Since Christ is the motive, the end of Christian missions the rapid transit of thought and matter by telefits in with that motive. Its end is nothing less than the graph and steam have changed everything, I production of Christlike character in individuals and so- rather think that the Great Maker is preparing cieties and nations through faith in and fellowship with the world to become one nation, speaking one lan- Christ the living Saviour, and through corporate sharing guage-a consummation which will render armies of life in a divine society. and navies no longer necessary. I will encourage and support any recommendations of Congress Christ is our motive and Christ is our end. We must tending towards such ends." Well, General Grant give nothing less, and we can give nothing more. would get none from the last Congress or the next.
These truths are not adequately grasped. And, 5. The influence of the current political phialas, some foreign mission boards seem to have losophy of the State, as the organ of the social, adopted the view that their work is henceforth to educational, economic and cultural life of the nadwindle. tion, is revealed in their taking over the philan- thropic and cultural activity and responsibility 3. Therefore, and in consequence, the prevalent hitherto borne by society functioning nonpolitiidea of religious equalitarianism-that religion is cally. Already this philosophy has done far more a relative thing with no criterion or valid claim than is realized in breaking down the sense of reof absolutism anywhere, that if people have any sponsibility in individuals and in disintegrating religion it is best to let them alone in it and not some of the most precious functionings of a livdistuvb them, that "religion" in its general sense ing society. "Why," men ask, "should we try any is enough without allowing any specific religion longer to do what the State is now doing or proa place of exclusive preeminence, that there is a posing to do." The State does not propose to common stratum under all religions that is the carryon Christian missions, but its philosophy sufficient and essential thing, and that propaganda undercuts the human attitudes on which foreign and proselytism are inappropriate. Mr. Gandhi's missions must depend. untenable view, which would in reality disallow all religions except man's original and primitive 6. And furthermore, this expansion of the funcfaith, is too common. He said to a group of rep- tions of the State requires resources which must resentatives of the British missionary societies be provided by increased taxation on the very at the time of the Round Table Conference: people who had cared for these ministries. Even if they would continue them they cannot, because The idea of converting people to one's faith by speech income and inheritance taxes take away the caand writings, by appeal to reason and conviction, and by pacity to do so. The late Jesse Strauss, American suggesting that the faith of his forefathers is a bad faith, Ambassador to France, cancelled legacies of in my opinion, limits the possibilities of serving humanity. nearly a million dollars which his former will be- I believe that the great religions of the world are all more queathed to educational and philanthropic causes, or less true and that they have descended to us from God. and for these two reasons: the expansion of gov- . . . While I criticize part of the missionary work, I willingly admit that missionaries have done indirect good to India. There is no doubt about this. But for my having come under Christian influence, some of my social work would not have been done. My fierce hatred of child marriage and "untouchability" is due to Christian influence. I have come into contact with many splendid specimens of Christian missionaries. . . . Though my conviction i.s strong enough in me to die for that conviction, that force does not carry me to the goal of believing that the same thing should be believed by my fellowmen. . . . Religion
ernment functions, and the diminution of individ- again for our justification. The old idea was to ual resources due to taxation required for the ac- Christianize international and all other human tivities of the State. relations. The present idea is to internationalize and humanistically secularize our Christian con- 7. Just as the conception of the deep spiritual cepts. Collective and social ideas supplant the need of man for Christ has grown dim with many, personal and redemptive, not more so than in the so also there has been a discontinuance of the rep- past, but just as really, and just as resistantly to resentation of the moral and social need of the New Testament foreign missions as in the past. pagan world. The words "pagan" and "heathen" have fallen into disuse. Dr. Ambedkar, of India, 10. The home church has been confused and denounces the present generation of missionaries misled by the just emphasis that is laid in foreign for sparing so tenderly the abuses of Hinduism, missions on the native or national or indigenous and contrasts their timidity and overcharitable- church, as aimed at and in such glorious measure ness with the downright declarations of their already partly., achieved. "Why not let these predecessors of the horrors of idolatry and caste. churches now do the work?" it is asked, not real- It is not necessary to correct this present-day izing that they are still so unequal to the task that tendency by harsh denunciations of "heathenism." has to be done that they themselves are the strong- The true view is to comprehend all men in all est and clearest voice calling for the expansion of lands under one common condemnation and need. the missionary enterprise. On the other hand "All have sinned and come short of the glory of there are lands where excessive nationalism in the God." It is because so many people in the Church joins with these home critics in their queschurches themselves feel no deep need of Christ tion. But these very churches are quick to urge as the only Saviour that they feel no constraint to that it is not a cessation of foreign missions which send missionaries to save others. they want but the acceptance of a principle, which in reality is neither wise nor right, namely, the 8. Our missionary freedom is increasingly dissociation of authority and responsibility. The abridged by the nationalistic and secular move- very idea is proof that the work of foreign misments which are limiting religious liberty. We sions has not yet been perfectly done. are losing, in many lands, the freedom of worship and conscience and of religious expression which 11. There is also the situation in the home the last two generations won, and are returning churches. Many of these churches are suffering to the darker days of a century ago. In some from a regimentation of benevolences which sublands, as in Mexico, the limitation is chiefly on stitutes mathematical ratios for vital education foreigners, but in other lands, as in Russia and and living motives; which subordinates causes in Germany, it is on the nationals as well. In some common treasury pools, which increases overhead lands the limitation is only partial and is indeed charges, which removes the donor to a fatal disnot religious. In some countries, as in some of tance from the cause which he is asked to support, our own states, no foreigner can practice medi- and which weakens and threatens to destroy the cine. In some he can carryon schools only under power and persuasion of the appeal of the living special regulations. In a very few, as for ex- work. In many denominations there are conflictample, Russia and Turkey, all Christian propa- ing parties which sacrifice the missionary work of ganda is disallowed. Passport and vise regula- the church on the battlefield of their doctrinal contions are increasingly hampering. A missionary tentions. In all the churches foreign missions are, has just been forbidden admission to Japan be- as they have always been, the burden of the micause he was declared to be an extreme pacifist. nority and are too often sacrificed by the power Martyrdom is not the option of missionaries any of the majority to the interest of causes near at more. No vise thitherward can now be secured hand – the very right of the minority to direct and without a vise the martyr is not allowed to their gifts to foreign missions being sometimes sail from home. frustrated or abridged.
9. The missionary motive has thinned out in 12. The situation in the missions-is it worse many quarters. Humanitarian concepts, appeals than in the past? Are the missionaries really for world peace and international and interracial, "weary" or disheartened? They might well be if and even interreligious, good will have been sub- their reliance were upon the home church. In stituted for the evangelical ideas. Instead of the some denominations missions have suffered reconstraining love of Christ, which included the duction of from 30 to 60 per cent in their staffs. love of human brotherhood, human brotherhood Are missionaries today less effective than in' the is urged as sufficient without the hampering and past? The answer to these questions is NO! The separating addition of the love of Christ; or if average of foreign missionary character and cathe love of Christ is kept, it is only as an ethical pacity and devotion has not fallen. The relation symbol. Christ is no longer the Christ of the of missions and boards is better than in the past. New Testament, crucified for our sins and raised Most missions are functioning more effectively.
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Their policies are clearer and more continuously III. Our Future Missionary Policy pursued. Right principles are more surely discerned. The forces of indigenous Christianity are Many of these elements in the contemporary immensely multiplied. There are indeed counter- missionary situation are beyond our control and vailing weaknesses, although they are less in for- perhaps even beyond our influence. Others are eign missions than in the home church. There is not, but lie wholly within our area of action and need of a spontaneous, sustained, evangelistic mo- responsibility. Roughly, there are four modes of mentum. Schools and hospitals should be still influence open to us: more dominantly evangelistic (instead of less, as has been recently advised) in purpose, character (1) Prayer. Perhaps with many of us prayer and influence. The furlough complex needs re- is in the same category as the weather, as Mark straint. The problem of mastering the language Twain characterized it. We talk of it but we has been made more difficult by short terms of don't do anything about it. There is probably no service or long and frequent furloughs, the prev- greater peril to the church than this theoretical alence of the use of English and the probationary acceptance of the reality of prayer as a force and and experimental conception of foreign mission our neglect to use it. service which has become too common. There is need for spiritual and intellectual leadership, tak- (2) Publicity, not in any narrow promotional ing the place of influence and authority based on or advertising sense, but as the ceaseless and effecfinancial and administrative control. There have tive proclamation of the essential nature and the been surveys enough to last for some time. fundamental principles of Christianity, and of the facts of human need and of the adequacy of the 13. This analysis is far from complete. Many Gospel. more aspects of the contemporary situation could be cited. One must suffice. The world is increas- (3) Wisely conceived and steadily executed ingly one world in the problem which it presents plans for presenting the cause at home and proseto the Christian apologist and evangelist. Wil- cuting it abroad. liam Hung, of Yenching University in Peiping, may be overestimating the declension and debility (4) Personalities. It is on personalities rather of the non-Christian religions, although what he than on programs or policies that this and all says is inevitably and rapidly verifying itself, but great work rests. When John Lawrence was he is describing accurately the main issues of the asked by what methods he had saved the Panjab present and coming days, when he says: and broken the Indian Mutiny, he replied, "It was not by my methods but by my men." Personali- It seems to me that we have arrived at a stage in the ties have been God's instrumentalities from the history of missions when it is no longer worth while for beginning. "The Word was made flesh and dwelt the missionary leaders to study the Christian approaches among us." "I am the Light of the World." "Ye to Buddhism, Confucianism, etc. The scientific study of are the lights of the world." Paul, at the outset, these non-Christian religions will have historical and aca- the long list of the medieval pioneers and the moddemic interest, but it has ceased to have the same practical ern company-Carey, Duff, Martyn, Livingstone, importance in missionary work as it used to have up to Anderson, Lowrie, Lambuth, and the men and twenty or even ten years ago. We must realize that the women we know today – these are God's living frontier of our missionary enterprise has changed, and forces. with it we must also change the old tactics. Too much praise cannot be given to the growth in the study of com- But there are specific endeavors and courses of parative religions in the missionary training centers of the action which suggest themselves in this appraisal West. Thus prepared, the missionary movement has been for our present scrutiny and care. enabled to deal with the non-Christian more effectively. It is partly due to the educational activities of the Christian 1. Every mission board and its officers must movement that the other religions are losing the grip they themselves discern and work with and by a true had in non-Christian lands. While Christianity is making conception of the real basis of missions in the inroads into these religions from one side, these religions New Testament Gospel. There should be fresh are suffering a great deal in the rear from a group of and definite statements of this basis made in new enemies, who have advanced so far into their terri- forms that will reach the intelligence and contory, that, for all practical purposes, Christianity must science of the Church. No such statements will ignore the incapacitated older religions and think of its reach and convince all. There are Christians and frontier work in terms of what it will have to do with Christians, but the true sheep will hear their Masthese same new forces; scientific agnosticism, material- ter's voice in the truth about Him and its mission istic determinism, political fascism, and moral iconoclasm. to the world. It will be disastrous if in any mis- sion board there is uncertainty or unbelief as to If we are not prepared to meet these issues on the evangelical supernaturalism of the Christianthe foreign mission field, where two-thirds of the ity of the New Testament and the missionary human race are involved in them, we may as well enterprise. abandon hope that we can meet them in the United States. 2. Every missionary secretary ought to satu- rate his mind and spirit in the literature and his-
tory of the foreign mission· enterprise from the istry depleted by the withdrawal of the inspira- apostolic days until today. He ought not to have tion of the foreign mission appeal. There are to remake discoveries already made long ago. He hundreds of men in the home ministry today who ought not to see the foreign mission enterprise in would not have turned from other work to full- any distorted or unrelated form, but should know time Christian service if it had not been for the enough of the history of the Church and of the influence of the foreign mission call upon their world, and enough of the contemporary life and lives. The national churches on the foreign field movement of the world, to understand the times are appealing more strenuously than ever for and the place of the missionary enterprise, neither more men and women from the Western churches.
exaggerating it nor undervaluing it, in the will of The voice of India was uttered by the Bishop of God. It would be well for him to read Rufus Dornakal in the appeal which he sent to the meet- Anderson's "History of the American Board"; ing of the British students in Edinburgh in J an- Eugene Stock's "History of the Church Mission- uary 1933: ary Society"; Dr. Arthur J. Brown's Centennial We cannot, therefore, at this time restrain ourselves "History of the Presbyterian Board"; Volume IV from sending you a call to "come over and help us" with of the Edinburgh Conference Report of 1910; all the earnestness and passion at our command.
Volume I of the Report of the Jerusalem Confer- 1. There are vast regions in many parts of India and ence of 1928 and the volume published some years Burma into which the message of God's revelation in ago by the Committee on the War and the Reli- Christ has not yet penetrated. gious Outlook, entitled, "The Missionary Outlook in the Light of the War." 2. There are still whole classes of people, even in already evangelized regions (like the middle class Hindus, Mus- lims, Buddhists and Untouchables), to whom Christ and 3. The promotion and cultivation of missionary his message have not yet been demonstrably put.
interest by the mission boards should not be less 3. The small church in India needs outside aid to train general and diffusive, but it should be more per- its manhood and its womanhood and its ministry for misonal and individual. There is need of far more tional Christian service and for effective witness to the specific, careful and continuous education of indi- regenerating power of Christ. vidual pastors, women and laymen, to raise up a new generation of intelligent and consecrated 4. The rural churches and those established among classes of people once despised and suppressed need guid- ance and help to enable them to play their part in service givers. for rural India.
4. The effort should be made, afresh or in repe- 5. Doctors and educationalists are needed for mission tition, to secure on the part of every pastor, at hospitals and colleges-to serve India towards stronger least once a year, a clear presentation of the es- and saner citizenship. sential missionary character of Christianity, its relation to the so-called world-religions with We fear that the strong national feelings exhibited in which it is not to be classified as though it be- recent years in India may estrange even the disciples of longed to their category, and the basic principles Christ from the call to serve Him in a land that is full of racial antipathies. We may assure you that, while that is true to a certain extent in the sphere of politics, it is of the Church's mission to evangelize the world. not true in the sphere of religion. At no time has there been a greater friendliness among the people towards 5. The literature of the missionary enterprise, Christians and Christian messengers than at the present already effective and appealing, needs to be still time. British missionaries of the true type-missionaries more qualitatively sharpened and empowered. who endeavor in the spirit of our Master to come to India The circulation of the MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE with sympathy and discernment and to serve her people WORLD, the only popular, interdenominational with that peculiar self-effacing love and power that issues missionary periodical left to the Church, should out of the Cross of Christ-such are in greater demand be multiplied tenfold. now than ever before.
Again we fear that some may be deterred by a con- 6. New missionaries should be called for and sciousness of personal inadequacy for the needs of India, sent out. The day for this is not past. It is true and by a procrastination that makes them wait for some that in the recent years of depression many boarels inward guidance and special call before they respond to have had to reduce their staffs. It is also true an appeal for service in India. But surely the crying needs of this great country and its peoples, and especially that this reduction has been lamentable. The at a time like this, and the possession of that life and good of it, in throwing responsibility upon the power which issued from Calvary and the Upper Room native churches, could have been secured without coupled with consciousness of ability with the help of God the appalling loss to the work in the withdrawal of to meet these needs, constitute a call the Divine source of thousands of qualified and experienced mission- which no one. can easily doubt. aries. Young men and women whom God has We therefore plead with you to consider whether Chris- tian students can now fail to give India what they alone manifestly called ought not to be hindered from can give, and whether they do not owe India this immeanswering that call. diate help at the present crisis of her history. We pray that the call to come over and help us may touch the hearts The home church will suffer in her own life of some of you, resulting in your surrender for missionary and will find the supply of men for the home min- service in India.
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This is an authoritative voice, quite different which shall be self-propagating, self-supporting and self- from the irresponsible statements of non-Chris- governing; to cooperate, so long as necessary, with these tian students studying in Western universities. churches in the evangelizing of their countrymen, and in bringing to bear on all human life the spirit and principles In these appeals the National Churches deal of Christ.
very specifically with the idea that missionaries Missions and all their institutions and the naought not to go except where they are invited. tional churches with which they cooperate need, The National Christian Council of Japan at its all of them, in common with the Church at home meeting last December spoke these manly words: and all of its institutions, to be caught up in the The work which Foreign Mission Boards have started in momentum of a powerful and sustained evan- Japan has by no means reached a full-round goal. Much remains to be done to bring it to full completion. Weare gelism expressed, not in the living deeds of Chrisanxious that they shall finish it fully and happily. The tian service only, but also in a direct, persuasive, reason self-support and the spirit of independence lags convincing and unremitting proclamation of the among our churches is the tendency to lean on friends and truth and the truths of the Christian faith.
funds from abroad. The Japanese Church should cut loose S. The problem of the establishment and relaand launch out for itself. This has been done in every tionships of an independent national church has other sphere of life in the Empire; diplomacy, education, not been solved fully under any board. Each commerce, industry go forward through Japanese initia- system has its advantages and its disadvantages. tive and effort. Why not the church? Mission organiza- tions and missionaries should act from an irresistible sense Any approach to a satisfactory solution has lain of mission and not wait for an invitation. The missionary attitude of American Christians motivated by an impelling not in any program or scheme and has been forinner urge should be positive and aggressive. Regarding warded, not by conferences and compromise, but policies for evangelism in Japan, we believe that the Jap- has been achieved through persons and personal anese Church should in the main take the initiative. How- relationships. There are impersonal principles ever, we welcome assistance from abroad which is moti- involved; and no one has ever set this forth more vated by a positive urge. We fail because there is too clearly than Henry Venn, for thirty-one years much of a spirit of compromise with the "Japanese spirit." honorary secretary of the Church Missionary So- If Christianity were to become a Japanese religion it would ciety. But it has required persons of Christian cease to be Christianity. When this is put squarely to the student, for example, he is attracted by it. We need to mind and spirit to discern these principles and be more forthright in our presentation of the essential dif- how they could be applied, and these persons must ferences between Christianity and Japanism. arise in the native church, as well as in the mis- And these calls are for men and women like sion. Noone from without can make a native those who have gone in the past, not for the super- church living and free. Life and liberty are not men sometimes recommended, who are to go out qualities that can be donated by man to man. No and, without the language, accomplish in a few mission can give them to a church, and no mission months what other men, just as able as they, have can withhold them when a church wants them failed to accomplish in years. The great ones and will take them from God by whom alone they have gone again and again: Joseph Cook, J. H. can be given and who is more ready to give them Seelye, Henry Drummond, and others in our own than we are to take them. time. But the men who made the deepest impression on India, and the same thing is true of every 9. In almost every mission field new national or other land, were not visitors like these, but ultra-nationalistic regulations are affecting the Schwartz and Carey and Bowen, who went out to tenure or title or terms of mission property hold- India and never came back to learn the new phi- ings. In Mexico many clear titles have been losophies and psychologies of the West. Schwartz simply wiped out by the Government with no reserved forty-three years with never a furlough muneration or redress. Elsewhere increments of out of India; Carey forty-one years, and Bowen, value have been denied or imperilled. In many forty years. It is service like theirs, with or with- lands the national churches are disposed to argue out furlough, that leaves its mark. that all mission property is held in trust for them, even though it was wholly provided from the 7. The fundamental evangelistic aim of the for- West, or by people who gave it, not for the endoweign mission enterprise must be kept clear and ment of the church in some one land, but for use made even more dominant. In spite of advice to in the evangelization of the whole world. It would subordinate this aim, or to regard it as fulfilled seem to be wise for each boardin humanitarian service, the declaration which a number of boards have made in their Manuals (1) To examine all its property holdings to deshould stand unaltered in its letter and meaning: termine what should be held for the present and future needs of the work; The supreme and controlling aim of Foreign Missions is to make the Lord Jesus Christ known to all men as their (2) To have a clear and just understanding Divine Saviour and to persuade them to become his dis- with the national churches as to what, if any, is ciples; to gather these disciples into Christian Churches to be turned over to them and when and on what terms and to what title-holding body;
(3) To dispose of the rest while it is still pos- 12. We need to give, with real national leaders sible to do so. It must be realized that in some (such, for example, as the late Erasmo Braga in countries there is a difficult inheritance of pater- Brazil, and the late Masahisa Uemura in Japan), nalism and dependence to be overcome. Here is a careful study to the problems of training leaders fragment from a letter from Cawnpore, India, for the church. Are we simply duplicating Westdated June 25, 1936: ern modes and ideals? Can we do anything else? Are missions deciding questions which are church Ages ago the word of God was preached by the for- problems rather than mission problems and which eigners in India. As a matter of fact our Lord Jesus no illusory merging of church and mission can Christ was revealed to the inhabitants of the country by qualify us to solve for a really indigenous church? the most zealous Americans. They left their dear home Would we approve in America in the training of and came out to India convinced of the Holy Spirit-lived our ministry the duplication here of the former in a strange place, though so unfavorable. They faced schools of the Orthodox Church in Russia, or of great trouble in introducing the historical Christ as the the schools of any of the continental churches? real Saviour of the world. By and by through their efforts Or again, can we act otherwise in our mission many were brought to the blessed feet of Jesus Christ. training schools? Here once more we wait for the Thus missions were organized and worship places erected development of an adequate autonomous church at their own expense. such as is already foreshadowed in autonomy, and also in a measure in true indigenous originality, Next they took upon themselves to arrange for the in Japan and Brazil. boarding schools to be established in various cities of the land, and thus feed and give education to the children of 13. The problem of the relation of missions to the poor, altogether free of charge. They further solved government, which was one of the central probthe problem of the medical need of their native Christian lems two and three generations ago, is back again brethren, and opened hospitals and dispensaries, where with a vengeance. The meaning and limits of they considered it fit, for free treatment of the sick. They religious liberty must be restudied and the attidid all this and many other good deeds for the sake of the tude of missions to government limitations and One who opened their hearts to so do. They ran all such control. How many of the following rights may institutions with their own hard-earned money and greatly be justly demanded as included in the claim of benefited the countless people of the world especially our religious liberty? country. No doubt they sent out more than enough of money to India, whereby several were saved and educated. (1) Freedom of private opinion; (2) Freedpm of private worship; Then follows an appeal for continued free edu- (3) Freedom of assembly and public worship; cation and medical care and subsidy of the church (4) Freedom from requirement to participate in India. There have been many arguments in in objectionable worship; the Indian Christian papers to the effect that mis- (5) Freedom for propagation (the new Russion property should be regarded as the property sian constitution of 1936 allows only antireligious of the Indian Church. It is bad for the Indian propaganda) ; Church to take this view. And mission boards (6) Freedom in education, to be exempt from must do, in this matter as in all else, only what is state schools and to conduct our own schools; right and just in itself, and what is best for the (7) To hold property for use; Christian cause, whether doing this is easy or (8) To hold property for endowment; hard. (9) To sell property freely at what price can be obtained; 10. We should limit the quantity and improve (10) Freedom from all discrimination upon rethe educational quality and the Christian char- ligious grounds. acter and missionary influence, and should reexamine the type, of all our educational work, How far shall we go against a government? lower and higher. This is a different issue today from the earlier days, because now we cannot cross a national 11. We must evidently restudy the work of boundary line without government consent. We medical missions. Already they are discontinued can't die any more for rights for which our fain some fields, either through government hin- thers could die. What shall our course be ? Well, drance or through displacement by indigenous de- one thing is clear-we must exhaust every effort velopment. Elsewhere the economic problem to obey what we believe to be God's will and leave becomes increasingly difficult. The inadequate the consequence to Him, and we must use to the appropriations compel mission hospitals and dis- full and without delay all our still allowed liberty pensaries to achieve a measure of self-support of Christian witness. which diminishes their ability to give charitable service to the poor and increases their competition 14. The problem of cooperative and union work with native practitioners. Again the problem becomes increasingly difficult. Large sections of arises of diffusion or concentration; of quantity or quality, of competition or supplementation; the solution is to be found by asking "What will best serve the fundamental Christian missionary aim ?"
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
some of the churches are moving in a doctrinal or mild. Some missions complain of too much direction that makes cooperation with them by home direction and control, and some of too little. others, in some forms of work, impossible. The What we all need is to hold fast to David Livingfundamentalist group in some churches demands stone's doctrine that judgment and responsibility withdrawal from cooperation that we believe go together and that whoever exercises the judgought to continue, and the opposite groups do the ment must bear the responsibility and whoever same, and also demand cooperation that is im- bears the responsibility must exercise the judgpracticable. The situation is tragically confused. ment. In reality the work is an integer and all The fundamentalist and independent groups are of us together must seek the wisdom which we divided among themselves. The modernistic can achieve collectively alone and all of us must group is inchoate and inarticulate. The great bear each his own burden and also the burden of evangelical body goes on its way but is harassed us alL from either side. It could be wished that we would all assemble on the platform laid down by 16. Probably every mission board has from Charles Hodge at the great meeting of the Evan- time to time surveyed its whole work, in the light gelical Alliance in New York City in 1873: of its situation in relation to its home church and the areas of the world where it is at work, and has Finally, there is the duty of cooperation. In union is sought to outline a comprehensive and continuous strength. All Christians and all churches are engaged in policy, asking itself where the emphasis should the same work. They are servants of the same Master, be laid, whether any of its work should be disconsoldiers of the same Great Captain of their salvation. If tinued, whether it should press out on new roads, the several corps of an army should refuse to cooperate whether any change in policy or program should against the common foe, defeat would be the inevitable be made. The archives of some boards are rich result. What then is to be expected if the great denom- in such surveys and appraisals. More than once inations into which Christians are divided keep contending in the Presbyterian Board we have tried to attain with each other instead of combining their efforts for the to the height of a grand missionary strategy and overthrow of 'the kingdom of darkness? . . . If all Chris- statesmanship. In 1896, Dr. Ellinwood made tians really believe that they constitute the mystical body such a careful and comprehensive study. In 1920 of Christ on earth, they would sympathize with each other another careful analysis and projection of work as readily as the hands sympathize with the feet, or the was made, based on a study of all the fields of the feet with the hands. If all churches, whether local or de- Board in regard to occupancy, responsiveness, nominational, believe that they too are one body in Christ strategic importance and human need. All such Jesus, then instead of conflict we should have concord; studies are useful but they need to be handled with instead of mutual criminations we should have mutual an easy touch and with an open and ready mind. respect and confidence; instead of rivalry and opposition Paul went to Europe against his previous plan, we should have cordial cooperation. The whole visible and not by his deliberated program. It is well for Church would then present an undivided front against us to heap up the wood symmetrically for the infidelity and every form of anti-Christian error, and the altar. But the fire! Lord, we wait for the fire. sacramental host of God, though divided into different corps, would constitute an army glorious and invincible. The aphorism of Ignatius was a double ad- juration: "Consider the times. Look to Him 15. The mission boards will do well to maintain Who is above time." in their relations to their missions and to the churches with which they are working on the field, the principle of a democratic equality, and not be led into an attitude of autocracy whether stringent SOME SEORETS OF POWER Before power can come into the lives of men and women, they have to become channels through which the power can work. To be that channel, one has to get rid of self. Self has to be crucified. The heart and life have to be cleansed. Then the clean vessel has to be presented in consecration for service. Paul had experienced something of this power, and appealed to the Romans to present their bodies upon the altar as holy, living sacrifices. The purpose of this consecration was to perform the Will of God. They could not be channels through which the power of God flowed until they were willing to lose their lives in His great cause.
God will not try to force Himself into the life of anyone. He stands at the door and knocks. He is seeking and wooing and loving, but does not use force. God created man and redeemed man when he transgressed. It is a twofold ownership which God has over man, but still He waits until the heart is opened before He comes in to cleanse and abide there.
Power is never given to be wasted.-Ralph Pfister, in Gems of Cheer. s Au D I ~ NEJ D ~ Hofu!d"it~~~_ _ _ _/fL-T'–':~—l ~ Ri.'a.'.d'.'hD-··················l 'A.'…~ … ····R R I A J~ . ~ ……………
liddah 1 Mecca ……… : …~ .0.······· Taif / 20°~~–~~·~ '~—-~~~~-SAN-DY–DES-ER-T ~~~:r/~ 200 AN/~_ m~~ ~ ~ / .'
I ~ '7 -<if lA AUT / SUDAN •….•…….
p II p.. ..'••/ …..
"~ 'r =. . .~–~,'————-~>=~~.~…~.. -~.-'.'.-….-.~ —–t———–~ 15° ARABIA Showing Route of Dr. Harold Storm Socotra~ o'===="5=0S=CA=1L0~0E=OF1=5M,0""I=L2E0=0S<==:2d50 Route of Or, Storm …………….
45° Longitude East of Greenwich 50° Prepared by C.S.HAMMOND & Co.,N. Y. [20 ]
A Doctor's Tour in Neglected Arabia*
By W. HAROLD STORM, M.D., Bahrain, Persian Gulf Missionary of the Reformed Church in America A MOST interesting and important journey On August 23 we left Taif for Jiddah and the across Arabia and around the western and sea. The more direct and easier route is spoken southern shores of this great unknown of as the Derb EI'Muslameen (road of the be- peninsula, has recently been made by Dr. W. lievers) and leads directly through the holy city Harold Storm of Bahrain. He was accompanied of Mecca. The other, which is longer and more by three Christian hospital helpers to make a sur- difficult, is called the Derb Elkafireen (road of the vey at the request of The World Dominion Move- unbelievers) and makes a circuitous detour ment of London and the International Leprosy around Mecca. We, of course, were taken by the Association. After spending Sunday, June 23, longer route.
1935, in Riatih, the capital of Saudia Arabia, the Jiddah has an estimated population of about party of four started out on this unusual tour of 30,000 and is the chief seaport and commercial territory, much of which had never before been center of the Arabian coast on the Red Sea. In visited by Christian mission- recent years it has become the aries. This survey is made after diplomatic capital of Saudia forty-five years of missionary Arabia. Its importance can be work in this difficult field where judged best when we realize that Moslem fanaticism combines all pilgrims coming to Mecca by with desert, mountains, a torrid sea pass through this city.
sun and primitive life to raise Here we were called upon to barriers against the progress of treat a young member of one of the Gospel of Christ. The jour- the most influential families in ney was the answer to many Hedj az. Their history is as earnest prayers for the opening dramatic as it is romantic. Four of Arabia and Arab hearts to or five generations ago they the Gospel. were slaves in the home of an in- The travelers came from Bah- fluential member of the Sheri- rain on the Persian Gulf to fian family, who was the local Riadh in central Arabia; from representative of the r u lin g thence they journeyed to Taif, house in Constantinople. One near the west coast, to Jiddah, member of this slave family the seaport of Mecca and then DOCTORS DAME AND STORM. WITH gained the favor of his master down the west coast and through MRS.STDOARMME, AATNDRIRAODBH ROY and was given his freedom and southern Arabia until they re- property. He combined a shrewd turned to Muscat, after many adventures and win- business mind with a likeable personality and ning many friends. Dr. Storm writes in Neg- finally amassed a great fortune. It was not long lected Arabia as follows: until those who formerly had been vassals became Our trip from Riadh to Taif was the same as feudal lords and gained more and more favor i~ that followed by Dr. Dame in 1932. Taif is sit- the Sherifian court.
uated about 6,000 feet above sea level and is a Political upheavals change the destinies of men.
haven of rest from the stifling heat of the coastal The Sherifian house fell as the great Wahabi King plain and especially from Mecca and Jiddah. It Ibn Saud entered Hedjaz and those who had be- is the summer capital of Hedjaz and would be an come equal to kings suddenly found themselves ideal location for permanent mission work. We with neither fame nor fortune. Shrewd diplo- spent six weeks in this delightful city and experi- macy, however, combined with unquestioned abil- enced a splendid reception from both Arab royalty ity, soon gained for them the confidence of the and the Bedouin. new Saudian authorities and today they are – *' Condensed from Neglected Arabia, 25 East 22nd St., New York. trusted counsellors and among the wealthiest and [ 21 ]
most respected families on the eastern coast of so placed as to give the greatest advantage to Arabia. prevailing winds. Never have I had such per- The influence and friendship of this particular family opened the way for a visit to Yenbo. They sonal satisfaction in carrying on medical work arranged all the details and sent us in their own car, one of the very few privately owned cars in for nowhere in Arabia have I met people who Saudia. Yenbo is a small but important center as it is the seaport for the holy city of Medina. No- are poorer or more needy. Their gratitude was where have I seen a cleaner Arab town. It is surprising almost to the point of a shock when, upon touching. . being awakened by the early morning prayer call of the Muezzin, you look out of the window and J eizan presented a new problem in missionary see a street cleaner diligently at work with his donkey cart and broom. This is obviously a re- touring. Various kinds of animal life frequently sult of Turkish and Western influence. trouble the traveler. Plagues of locust, in swarms Rumors of political instability in Sana, capital of Yemen, spread throughout Hedjaz, encouraging so thick that often the sun is hid from sight, deideas of the possibilities of an open rupture of relationships between Saudia and Ye- scend from the unknown upon the Arabian desert. men. If hostilities actually broke out our movements would all be stopped Every green thing is eaten. Here we were conand even the rumor might be ample excuse to check and frustrate our plar s. fronted with another plague – scorpions were Everybody became excited and na- everywhere. Literally dozens would be seen in tive Arab troops poured into Jiddah from Mecca. The chief Saudian rep- the streets if one strolled out of an evening. We resentative in Hedjaz proved to be a friend in need for he greatly appre- even found them in our beds. My hospital boys ciated what had been done for his family in Taif and gave an order that we frequently amused themselves after the day's be carried on the S. S. Fetak along with three hundred Saudian soldiers work was over by seeing how many they could who were going to the Nejran frontier. DR. STORM'S EYE CLINIC AT ASIR The time of departure from Jiddah was sunset. Soldiers and more soldiers catch and bring to me by use of a flashlight and a came aboard until they were packed pair of operating forceps. tighter than sardines in a tin. One inquisitive soul turned a winch valve and imme- Again wars and rumors of wars threatened to diately steam poured out. An alarm of fire spread. stay our progress. The !talo-Abyssinian contro- Pandemonium broke loose. Those nearest the versy was working itself up to fever heat and the railing literally dove into the waters or into sail- Red Sea was becoming a scene of intense acing dhows standing alongside the Fetak. Con- tivity. Kameran Island, four days by a sailboat, fusion reigned until a member of the crew re- is the International Quarantine Station for the vealed the source of trouble. The entire trip was southern end of the Red Sea and is administered both pathetic and amusing. One minute we were by the British as directed from Geneva. It was laughing at the absurd situations they managed to of special interest because of the leper problem. get into, and the next our pity and sympathy were Everything and everybody was in a state of aroused. They disembarked at Kunfida where anxiety, suspicion and fear. ~aravans awaited to take them on a long fifteenday trek far into the interior, across an unknown From Kameran we set out for Hodeidah by saildesert into an equally unknown future. boat, but a sudden inconsiderate thrust of a sword fish or mighty blow of a huge stinging ray &ank We continued on to J eizan, chief seaport of one of our boats off Ras Esa, Yemen. Everything Asir which has served as a buffer state between was lost excepting a very small part of the cargo Yemen and whatever power held sway in Hedjaz. and we were forced to go overland by camels. Our route took us over a portion of the Tahama, a We stayed in Asir three weeks living in a native wild desert country. The people are very illiterate hut. These are made hy loosely tying together and are only nominally Moslem. In one village we branches of trees in the shape of a cone, and then covering them with grass, which is in turn secured by a close network of rope. There are two doors
A DOCTOR'S TOUR IN NEGLECTED ARABIA
noticed a most unusual sight – an emissary of Yemen is to anything foreign and especially mis- Iman Yahia, ruler of Yemen, had been sent to sionary.
teach the natives how to pray. With a huge club The next stage of the journey found us aboard in one hand he marked out a line on the sand and the S. S. Africa, bound for Aden. Rihani gives a had the men and boys line up. Then using the most amusing description of this antiquated rat- club as reinforcement he taught them the positions tletrap in his book, "Around the Coasts of Ara- and words of the Moslem prayer. bia." In the early days of Arabian mission We were unwelcome guests and were ordered history, many of the missionaries traveled on this from the village. But suffering humanity cares same boat. Patience and a calm sea made pleasant not for caste nor creed and while deciding upon what might have been an unpleasant journey.
the best move to make we were asked to see a lad The formidable peaks of mountains surround- suffering from a bad leg ulcer. It had been treated ing Aden typify the obstacles encountered in Mos- by the application of grape leaves under which lem mission work, over which the Ion Keith Fal- was a mixture of dates and coner Mission of the Church powdered dog brains. We of Scotland and the Danish cleaned the ulcer and treated Mission, both located in Aden, him and through the patient's stood out as great beacon gratitude we won the friend- lights. Here we spent fifteen ship of the entire village. days and during that time When we reached Hodeidah saw their work in detail. Both in the early hours of the missions are ready to move at morning only Pariah dogs the first opportunity into the welcomed us. We could not unoccupied areas of Makella find our host's house and de- and Yemen. Pray that the cided it was best to wait out- doors to these unoccupied side of the city wall until sun- areas may be opened. These rise. Suddenly, as though two missions along with the coming out of nowhere, we Arabian Mission of the Amer- were surrounded by a group ican Reformed Church – are of agitated men. It was un- the only Protestant groups usual if not an unheard-of working among the 10,000,000 thing for a European to be people of the Arabian Penin- wandering about the city in sula.
the early hours of morning in While we were with the Ion a camel caravan. They be- Keith Falconer Mission, the came more excited and I oldest of these three, they talked and talked, stalling for celebrated their 50th anniver- time. We finally persuaded sary. Their Jubilee program them that we possessed bona calls for medical dispensaries fide letters from Ibn Abbas throughout the Aden Protec- and that we were to be the torate and for a reading room guests of a certain Hodeidah TWO BEDOUIN CHIEFS AT ASIR and church building in Sheikh merchant. One of the men Othman.
guided us to our host where Arab coffee and rest Our next goals were Makella and Hadramaut.
ushered in the dawn of another day. Twice has a representative of the Danish Missions The next few days in Hodeidah proved only too been in Makella but on each occasion he was al- short but we met the Governor several times and lowed to stay but a few days. Dr. Samuel M.
visited among the merchants. As everywhere the Zwemer stopped at Makella in 1891, in the early medical bag opens seemingly locked doors. Ye- days when a survey was being made to determine men is undoubtedly the most closed of all sections where the mission should begin its work. As far in Arabia to anything savoring of the Christian as available records show, the interior of Hadra- mIsSIOnary program. Neither the ruler nor his maut has never before been visited by a mis- prime minister has ever been away from the con- sionary.
fines of Sana and has never seen the sea, despite We traveled to Makella by a small native the fact that Yemen borders on the Red Sea, and steamer carrying a cargo of sheep. Makella many Yemenites are seafarers. Narrowed out- harbor is one of the most picturesque spots of look, plus strong religious fanaticism added to a Arabia, reminding one of the harbor of Naples.
deep rooted egotism, create a warped mentality. The city is one of the most cosmopolitan of all It is therefore not difficult to see how antagonistic Arabia. A babble of tongues, clashes of color and
smells of all kinds greet you as natives from all Women guard the trenches while their men-folk parts of India, Africa, Java and Netherlands care for the gardens.
India. The city is a beehive of activity, a great Religiously everything centers ahout either the trading center. How long-how long-before the tombs or the Sayyids (direct descendents of the Gospel of Christ can be preached here? prophet). Thousands gather from every part of The word Hadramaut means "place of death." Hadramaut, coming on pilgrimages made to the It takes six long tiresome days to travel by donkey tombs at appointed times when a four- to five-day or camel over the waste djol (barren plateau be- fair will be held in connection with religious ob- tween the coast and Wadi complex of Hadra- servances.
maut). A wonderful unique watering system A Weli or saint is buried in some spot desig- broke the monotony of the desolate path at fre- nated by himself before death and a shrine is quent intervals, placed by pious Mohammedans built and frequent pilgrimages made to it. All either just before death or ordered put there right property and money in Hadramaut are in the after death. Suddenly without any warning you hands of the Sayyid class. Thus a combination of stand on the edge of a precipice and below you lies a dead religion and foreign money have deadened a most amazing sight. It seems like a fairy para- progress in one of the great potential sections of dise. Fertile fields of dhurra (maize) and verdant the Peninsula. The obstacles and difficulties for patches of palm groves flank the sides of the white missionary work are tremendous but the challenge Wadi (valley bed). Along the sides of the cliffs are built the villages, the houses are gray or clay color with whitewashed frieze work.
In and around Wadi Doan we discovered lepers, but leprosy seems to be on the wane inasmuch as nearly all the cases are of an ad- vanced type. A method of isolation has been adopted for years and thus continued contact is thus pre- vented.
The Wadi complex of Hadramaut presents one great surprise after another; the majestic beauty of Wadi Doan is in such direct con- trast to the monotonous waste of A VIEW OF MAKELLA HARBOR, HADRAMAUT the Djol. Shibam, one of the three great cities of Hadramaut, reminds one of an is great in proportion to the difficulties. Need, American city with its five hundred seven-story ignorance, and false religion cause 100,000 people buildings. One is amazed to find that these are in one of the most interesting and picturesque built entirely of clay. Everywhere dotted among parts of Arabia to call out with clear clarion voice the date gardens are villas of modern European the fact that they know not the Christ nor have style, electrically lighted and equipped with inside they had any chance to know Him.
swimming baths. From Makella we set out in a sailing vessel on Many of the ancient mysteries of the southern a trip that may be done in three to four days with end of the Arabian Peninsula lie buried among persistent favorable winds. Thirty-three days the ruins of Meshed and other parts of Hadra- later we arrived in Dhufar intact yet rather maut. Here the secrets of the early history of weather beaten. We experienced every conceiv- Arabia as well as the truths about early trade able delay possible – terrible storms, absolute routes will some day be unearthed by arche- calms, loss of three anchors, deceptive captains, ologists. etc. I have never experienced such loneliness any- As one rides along in a modern automobile there where in Arabia as when I realized that I was is pointed out a villa where lives a man who re- alone and five hundred miles from the nearest ceives ten to twelve thousand rupees monthly from known Christian at Christmas time. Still the joy the East Indies. Near by are two families which that was mine because of this rare privilege over- are still carrying on a feud that has been going on shadowed all sense of loneliness.
for years. We heard a bullet shot being fired as Dhufar I had visited for two months in 1932-33.
we passed by. Trenches have been built from the Sayyid S-, Sultan of Muscat, had granted per- houses out to the gardens because it is unsafe for mission for my trip. Forces of opposition had the men-folk to appear in sight of the enemy. changed his attitude, but, true to an Arab trait,
he would not rescind a promise once given. My The general attitude completely changed and a hospital helper, M-, who recently took his stand new house (the finest in Dhufar) was ordered to for Christ, arrived some weeks before I did and be made ready for the doctor on his arrival. One was denied customary Arab hospitality. The Sul- morning when the Sultan came to greet his countan refused to see him. For three nights he had selors he noticed M- coming to care for his eye to sleep on the medical cases on the sea front. and he said to this hitherto hostile crowd, "See His greetings were not returned – a discourtesy M-! I don't want an unkind word said or an unthe greatest of which an Arab can be capable. kind act done to him." Here was a young Moslem They assigned him a house which was hardly fit ruler actually defending a Christian convert. It for animals. He was paying the price of having was an act of the Lord and truly marvelous. taken his stand for Christ but he stood firm, praying that they who were persecuting him might Two months spent in Dhufar helped to bind come to know the joy that was now his. more closely the friendships already made. The Sultan's attitude and the growing friendships re- Days passed. The Sultan was suffering from sulting from two medical tours opened wide the badly infected eyes. As there are no medical fa- doors. A clear clarion voice calls out, "Come cilities in a place like Dhufar, he called in M-. to Dhufar and help us.." This is a challenge to Although only a hospital helper the lad was able our faith. Are we ready? to relieve the intense pain and by his gentleness and care he completely won the Sultan's favor. After fifteen days on a sailboat we arrived at Later the Sultan said to me, "M- was so careful Bahrain on March 28, thus ending a 5,000 mile and so clean and so gentle, I can never thank him medical tour which took ten months to complete. enough." Our total treatments numbered 10,406; opera- tions, 224, and outcalls, 558.
THE CROWN PRINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA SON OF IBN SAUD OF RIADH Friendly to Dr. Storm and Dr. Dame, medical missionaries of the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church in America.
ONE OF THE PALATIAL PRIVATE RESIDENCES in Hadramaut, the unevangelized field in Southern Arabia, recently visited by Dr. Harold Storm.
Lights in a Century of
Foreign Missions By the REV. ARTHUR J. BROWN, D.D., New York Author 0/ The Centenary Volume, "History of the Foreign ~. Mission Work 0/ the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A." * I I T IS easy to be deceived by temporary fluctua- legacies. Of all causes, hospitals are the closest tions in the interest and support of home to the hearts of the American people; but Mr. churches. They naturally bulk large to those Robert Jolly, retiring president of the American who are living at a given period. The course of Hospital Association, reported to the annual meet- Foreign Missions has been like that of the Mis- ing of the Clinical Congress of the American Col- sissippi River with its alternations of sluggish and lege of Surgeons, October 28, 1935, that donations rapid currents, its tortuous channels, and its many to the support of hospitals had fallen off seventy- bends, some of them so long that, in the old days, five per cent, gifts having dropped from $185,- a steamboat sometimes traveled a whole day only 000,000 to $49,000,000 between 1929 and 1934.
to find itself at evening within sight of the place There was no such slump as this in contributions from which it had started in the morning. But to the Presbyterian Board. Manifestly, whatever that the river would eventually reach the sea is the causes of the decline were, they were not due never in doubt. Contributions do not tell the to loss of confidence in the Board.
whole story, but the record is, nevertheless, sug- It is clear, however, that the main financial degestive. Beginning with $5,431 in 1833, total re- pendence of Foreign Missions must, to an increasceipts from all sources for the year ending March ing degree, be upon the rank and file of church 31, 1936, were $2,910,908.00, and the Presbyterial1 member,ship, people of average incomes who can total for the whole period is the huge sum of contribute comparatively small sums. Death has $131,276,70l. removed many of the wealthy men and women Misleading inferences have been drawn from who in the preceding generation gave generously the recent decline in receipts from living sources to Foreign Missions during their lives and left of $4,757,590 in the peak year of 1924. It should great sums in their wills-John S. Kennedy bebe noted, however, that the year 1924 was the queathing to the foreign missionary work of the culmination of a special campaign to cover a large Presbyterian Church $2,725,976; Mrs. Kennedy, deficit; that, if the exceptional contributions for $1,608,645; Mrs. Russell Sage, $1,613,672; Mrs. the deficit were left out of account, the receipts Anna M. Harkness, $2,639,285; and Mrs. A. F. from living donors in the following five years were SchaufHer, $229,481 – these five legacies aggrelarger than ever before; and that for the year before the business collapse in 1929, the receipts gating $8,817,059 in. twenty-one years (1909from living donors were actually greater than 1930) . Are there to be future legacies like these? they had been for the four preceding years. It Perhaps so. In 1934, the unexpected news came was during the depression that the Board suffered that the will of Mr. C. Sidney Shepard had bemost heavily; but even then, the Board suffered queathed to the Board one-third of his large residless than religious, philanthropic, educational and uary estate, the amount realized being $2,841,- secular enterprises in the United States. Gifts 617. But many of the living donors who gave liband legacies for religious and philanthropic pur- erally before the depression of 1929-1935 lost poses fell from $14,777,747 in 1932 to $6,411,311 most, and in some instance all, of their fortunes in 1933. Gifts for education fell from $59,498,828 during those disastrous years. Whereas special to $14,552,988, and most of the latter sum was in individual gifts to the Board averaged $372,773 a year for the fifteen years ending with 1929, they * One Hundred Years—<A History of the Fareign Missionary Wark shrunk to $142,881 in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1933. President Nicholas Murray Butler, in af the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., With Same Account af a message to the alumni of Columbia University Countries, Pooples and the Palicies and Prablems of Modern Missions. in 1934, said: By Arthur Judsan Brown, Secretary Emeritus af the Board. 1,140 pages. $8.00. Flemiug H. Revell Campany, New York. The survey In the history of Columbia University we have arrived here given includes the rise and develapment of foreign missionary at the end of an era. That era was one during which most interest in the home churches, the history of the Board and the women's societies, and the founding and pragress of missionary work AamsioangandtheLatAinmeArimcaenricaIn. dians and in sixteen cauntrles In Africa, [26 ]
HIGH LIGHTS IN A CENTURY OF PRESBYTERIAN FOREIGN MISSIONS
generous and great gifts were received from many differ- of Guatemala and National Presbyterian Church ent individuals for the endowment and enrichment of the of Mexico. Each of these national churches is work of the University. . . . That era has come to an end. ecclesiastically independent of the Presbyterian The great fortunes which made these benefactions possible Church in the U. S. A., elects its own officers and are either dissipated or destroyed. The economic and controls its own work as a self-governing body. financial crisis which grips the whole world has made The missionaries help by counsel but not by autheir return quite impossible, certainly for a long time to come, if not forever. . . . Columbia University must, thority. therefore, depend for its prosperous continuance upon Of course this does not mean that missionary thousands of relatively small gifts. work in these countries is no longer needed. None It is equally true that in the support of Foreign of these autonomous churches are yet able to Missions the lessened number of large givers will maintain unaided the educational and medical inhave to be balanced by an increased number of stitutions that are essential parts of the Christian small givers. This class has from the beginning program, and all of them need the cooperation of furnished the bulk of the Board's income. Indeed, the missions in their evangelistic work. Even in Robert R. Doane, in his book on The Measure- Japan, where the national Church is strongest, its ment of American Wealth, shows that persons of leaders emphasize the fact that, while their moderate means are usually more liberal than the churches are relatively strong in the cities, there rich. He declares that in 1929 thirteen and a half are thousands of rural towns and villages that per cent of the total gifts to all religious and phi- are still untouched by Christian effort (Dr. Willanthropic objects was contributed by persons liam AxIing, of Tokyo, places the number at whose incomes exceeded $25,000, eighteen and a 9,976), and that more missionaries are urgently half per cent by persons whose incomes were be- desired to take the Gospel of Christ to them. tween 3,000 and 25,000, and sixty-eight per cent by those with incomes of 3,000 and less. The in- In my history of "The Foreign Mission Work come tax returns for 1935 showed that the total of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A." (just pubgifts for all religious, educational and philan- lished) I have not failed to stress the character of thropiccauses of the men and women who made the Christians in all the mission fields. They are the returns were only two per cent of their re- not perfect-neither are Christians in America. ported incomes, and that, with the exception of We of the West should be generously appreciative about half a dozen individuals, the wealthiest gave of our brethren in non-Christian lands. Their only a small fraction of their incomes and noth- leaders are not our "agents" or "helpers," but our ing from the principal of their large fortunes. coworkers in a common task. It is harder for People of moderate means suffered more griev- them to follow Christ than it is for us. Many of ously than the rich in the depression years, many them have had to endure social ostracism, loss of losing a considerable part of their incomes and business and disownment by their families. Some others losing their employment. In these circum- have borne stripes and imprisonment. If the stances, their contributions to all causes naturally eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews shrunk, but tens of thousands of straightened were to be brought down to date, it would surely Christians continued to support the work of their add many names to the list of those who were churches. "afflicted, ill-treated, of whom the world was not worthy" and who have manifested a devotion be- Development of Churches in the Missions Field fore which we may well stand in humility. We would not exaggerate their good qualities. They Since the ultimate aim of the missionary enter- have imperfections. But one cannot fairly think prise is the establishment of the Church in each of them in a critical mood. They are so much non-Christian land, we should note as one of the better than we might have expected them to be, "high lights" of the present situation not only they are witnessing for Christ in such difficult that churches have been founded in every mission circumstances and with such patience and fortifield where Presbyterians are at work, but that tude that criticism is disarmed. They are doing, the Board and the missions under its care are now to say the least, quite as well as any of us would cooperating with thirteen autonomous national do in similar circumstances. If one wants to churches on the foreign field – Church of Christ know what their failings are, let him ask himself in China, Presbyterian Church in China, Presby- what his are. They are the same, and he can cataterian Church in Chosen (Korea), United Church logue them at his leisure. But surely God who of Northern India, South India United Church, tempers His judgments with kindly consideration Church of Christ in Japan, United Evangelical of circumstances, who "knoweth our frame and Church of the Philippines, National Christian remembereth that we are dust," will deal more Church of Siam, Syrian Evangelical Church, mercifully with the Christians in the mission field Presbyterian Church of Brazil, Presbyterian In- than He will with us. Some of them have come dependent Church of Brazil, Presbyterian Church "out of great tribulation," and they will surely be
among those who stand "before the throne of cooperative movement. Secretaries of the Board God." have been among its recognized leaders. Presby- terians gladly recognize their partnership with Cooperation and Union Work other Christians in world evangelization. They realize that they do not represent such an exclu- A marked feature of the century under review sive type of obedience to Christ that they should is the development of cooperative planning for a ignore the presence in any field of a sister evanmore effective use of men and money. Recent gelical church, and that it is no part of their misdecades have seen the International Missionary sionary duty to extend and perpetuate on the for- Conferences in London in 1888, New York, in eign field the sectarian divisions in America. 1900, Edinburgh in 1910 and Jerusalem in 1928; regional conferences in Shanghai, Panama and Loyalty to the Evangelical Standards Montevideo; the Foreign Missions Conference of North America, begun in 1893; the Student Vol- The Presbyterian Board and the missions under unteer Movement which, since its beginning at its care have steadfastly adhered to the declara- Mt. Hermon, Massachusetts, in 1886, has seen tion embodied in the Board's Manual: more than 16,000 students of American colleges go to the foreign field; the Laymen's Missionary The supreme and controlling aim of Foreign Missions Movement which followed the World Missionary is to make the Lord Jesus Christ known to all men as Conference in New York; the Missionary Educa- their Divine Saviour and to persuade them to become tion Movement which, starting in 1902, has en- His disciples; to' gather these disciples into Christian rolled over 50,000 persons in mission study churches which shall be self-propagating, self-supporting classes; and the Central Committee on the United and self-governing; to cooperate, so long as necessary, Study of Foreign Missions which, in the thirty with these churches in the evangelizing of their countryyears of its existence, has published 3,500,000 men and in bringing to bear on all human life the spirit volumes. The foreign missionary enterprise has and principles of Christ. led the modern movement toward closer cooperation of the people of God, nobly expressed in grow- This led the Board to emphatic disagreement ing comity and cooperation at home and abroad in with the basic principle of the report of the Apseveral organic unions, the Universal Christian praisal Commission of the Laymen's Foreign Mis- Conference on Life and Work in Stockholm in sions Inquiry. While the Board recognized what 1925 and the World Conference on Faith and was good in the volume, it declared with regard Order in Lausanne in 1927. The International to the chapters relating to the basis of the mis- Christian Press and Information Service in Ge- sionary enterprise, that "these chapters do not neva, June 17, 1935, listed forty-four international conform to the fundamental aim of Foreign Mis- Christian organizations.t The recent volumes on sions as expressed in the Manual of the Board." "Cooperation and the World Mission," by John R. In a further action, January 15, 1934, "the Board Mott, and "Conspectus of Cooperative Missionary definitely disavows those parts of the volume, 'Re- Enterprises," by Charles H. Fahs and Helen E. Thinking Missions,' which are not in harmony Davis, show that no less than 338 cooperative and with New Testament teachings and not in agreecoordinating enterprises are now functioning in ment with the doctrinal position of the Presbymissionary work, and that they are no longer re- terian Church." By the end of 1934, it was clear garded as tentative and experimental but as essen- that the effort of the "Modern Missions Movetial and permanent factors in missionary policy ment" to galvanize "Re-Thinking Missions" had and practice. In the educational field alone, there failed. In the Presbyterian Church, the Report are 153 union institutions in fifteen countries. is dead. There are indeed individuals who still Seventy missionary boards share in these unions. advocate it, but their number is relatively neg- The Presbyterian Board is in forty-eight, the ligible. An overwhelming majority of the minis- Methodist Episcopal Board in forty and the ters and members who have studied the book now American Board in twenty-four. In two of these know that its sound recommendations were the institutions, Cheeloo University in China and the policy of the Board long before the Appraisal Woman's College in Madras, twelve boards are Commission went to Asia, and that if the prinworking together. There are more (forty-five) ciples which determine its character and viewunion theological seminaries and Bible schools point had prevailed, there never would have been than any other class of union institutions. a missionary enterprise for modern appraisers to appraise. – Presbyterians hold no narrow inter- The policy of the Presbyterian Church, as rep- pretation of the Gospel. They gladly recognize resented by the General Assembly and its Board that it includes a wide variety of missio~ary work, of Foreign Missions, is in full harmony with this not only direct evangelism but educational, med- ical, literary, and social service activities. They t Figures given by Dr. A. L. Warnshuis in The Chr'istian Century, recognize, too, the wisdom of adapting their meth- May 13, 1936. ods to the changing conditions of the modern
world. But they insist that all must be done in deed, not only critics of foreign missions who asthe name and in the spirit of the risen Christ and sert but some anxious supporters who fear that it that their missionary enterprise shall not be per- is not a tide but a river that is flowing away not mitted to degenerate into a mere cultural and hu- to return. But the effort to give the Gospel to the manitarian effort. Non-Christian governments world will not be, cannot be, permanently arrested. can give secular education and non-Christian re- Many, and we believe an increasing number of deligions can promote reforms. Foreign Missions voted ministers and church members, realize both have no adequate justification unless they pro- the peril and the opportunity of the crisis. Theclaim the redemptive Gospel of Christ. ological seminaries are giving increased attention to missions. The purpose of God for men is not If the space limits of this article permitted, it to fail. The numerous changes in the political, would be easy to extend this short list of "high economic and intellectual life of the world, and in lights" of Presbyterian missions. I do not claim the attitude of "Christian" nations toward the that they are peculiar to Presbyterians. In my non-Christian do not impair in the slightest de- History, I have frequently referred to the splen- gree the impera,tive character of the missionary did missionary work of other evangelical denom- obligation. Rather do they increase it. There inations. Nor should we ignore the fact that may and should be changes in methods and emthere are not only "high lights" but deep shadows. phasis, but no present or prospective conditions Secularism, nationalism, totalitarian state policies, can modify the world's need of Christ or lessen denials of religious liberty, a denatured Chris- the duty of the Church to persuade men to accept tianity and skepticism regarding other peoples' Him. He is still the answer to the deepest human need of Christ are rife. To change the figure, the need, the goal of all true progress, the Lord and tide of missionary interest is apparently receding. But it will turn. Tides always do. There are in- Saviour of men.
THOUGHTS ON RECENT EVANGELISM IN INDIA Accounts from different parts of India regarding evangelistic efforts leads the National Christian Council to draw the following conclusions: 1. The Church is realizing afresh that the glorious Gospel of the blessed God has been com- mitted to her trust.
2. The lay forces of the Church are coming steadily into action.
3. Evangelism is accepted as the primary concern of every branch of the Christian enterprise. Some of the most striking illustrations of evangelistic effort come from schools and hospitals.
4. The "Week of Witness," preceded by serious preparation, has come to stay. It has made cooperation possible and indispensable. It has also been the means under God of re- storing many lapsed families to the fellowship of the Church – a most important service.
5. The need of good ,Christian literature is felt everywhere. Distribution must be expedited.
6. Significant as is the "Ambedkar revolt," of even greater significance is the movement among the Bhils, Ezhavas, Balahis and other communities. Systematic instruction of inquirers must be maintained.
7. There is a new spirit of expectancy abroad and a new zest for corporate prayer.
8. There can be but one adequate motive in Evangelism – "the love of Christ constraineth me" – but the methods may be many. For example, Bible Weeks, Book Weeks and Rela- tive Weeks have come hopefully into the scheme of things. So also has newspaper evangelism and evangelism by pictures. Intervisitation by carefully selected teams has proved a great success. Pledge cards have met with a surprisingly cordial reception. Personal witness is still the most effective method.
9. While spiritual unreadiness is a bar, it is not an insuperable bar to a Forward Movement. In going out to save others the Church herself is saved and finds the grace she needs.
10. The Gospel must be carried to all who are in need, irrespective of caste, creed or color. The time is ripe for a concerted Christian attack on illiteracy.
11. "We must not forget the enemy." The open door means that many adversaries are aroused. 12. Forward Movement is just beginning. The Holy Spirit is leading and as Christ's followers cooperate with Him the next step becomes clear. In this cooperation we discover afresh our essential unity.
African Evangelists in
By REV. L. PAUL MOORE, Jr., :1 -·"._'if,'–==E=de=a,=C=am=ero=un=, W=e=st=A=fri;ca;;;;;;j'I!JJ.- W HEN Herman Ntamak, one of the elders strong character from the days when the Leopard in the native congregation at Nkom, set Society, the sorcerers, and the tribal chieftains out one morning, long before it was light, had things pretty much their own way. He stood bearing a large burlap bag of cocoa beans on his . high in the reigning house of his tribe and had head, one would hardly have surmised it was he. every prospect of some day fulfilling a successful Ntamak was not making his departure from the career as an influential chieftain. But when Jesus village while it was still dark because he was Chris·t became not only the transforming but the proud. Even though he had been ordained as an all-consuming desire of his life, Hans Biyik re- elder, he did not chafe because he was carrying linquished all claims as successor to the seat of a load of produce to a European trading center, authority in his tribe. With the passing years he like any other ordinary native. But his early de- has manifested such a deep love and reverence parture was a matter of necessity; he wanted to for his Lord that he has indefatigably sought op- go and get back before the missionary and his portunity for testimony, not only and alone to the company of native elders, evangelists, preachers, people of his own tribe, but he has eagerly sought and others assembled at Nkom for the next Bible opportunity in tribes formerly despised and hated.
conference. When Ntamak met him that morning in the midst Of course the road he was following in the of the jungle Biyik was just returning from two darkness was nothing new to him. If it was in- weeks of self-sacrificing itinerary among what his terspersed with many hills and valleys, many people considered inferior and backward tribes, a crude log bridges to cross, much overhanging venture unattempted by any of his fellow elders.
forest, he would hardly feel conscious of any of "When are they going to arrive at Nkom 1"
these details. It was still dark, but this path was enquired Ntamak, hoping that he might get back so familiar that Ntamak could easily let his mind home in plenty of time for the final preparations.
wander where it would. "Oh, it will be at least three weeks, perhaps Soon after the first streaks of the dawn began four, because the missionary and his company to appear overhead, off in the jungle to the right have gone to the villages far to the north."
Ntamak thought he espied the light of a lantern With this the two men continued their journey swinging into view and out of view, as it passed through the forest together. Biyik extinguished through the heavy vegetation. When he arrived his lantern, for it was now light enough to see, at the place where a small bypath joined itself to and Ntamak was full of further interrogation. the main road, Ntamak waited until the lantern and its bearer came out to him. "They tell me that you have a new catechist in your village." "0 thou that bearest a lantern, I salute you," he called out, as the would-be stranger came with- "0 yes, he is a 'catechist homiletique,''' rein earshot. sponded Biyik.
"Is that Ntamak, a person of the Nkol tribe? "What do you mean by a 'catechist homi- The voice sounds like his." letique'1"
"Biyik I" cried Ntamak with undisguised joy, "Why," said Biyik, "he has just come from the Mission Bible Training School, and he has a black steadying the sack of cocoa beans lest it lose bal- notebook in which he prepares his sermons, and ance on his head. "Where are you coming from 1" to which he refers when he stands before us at "Oh, I have been traveling with the missionary service. That is what 'homiletique' means."
for almost two weeks 1 We have been holding "I heard it said that the missionary has brought Bible .conferences among the Makumak tribes. a new thing for us, a book which explains every People have been thronging all the meetings in verse in the Book of God." .
every place. But now I must get back to my wife "Well, it is not exactly that," explained Biyik, and children across the river. I just went to help "but the missionary has brought out a book which the missionary." explains the Book of Romans, and it is from this book our catechist prepares his sermons. It has Biyik is a strong character, and has been a [30 ] a good many new words in it, and new explana- hearts, so great our debt to God, that we have tions we never heard of before." nothing to give Him to pay for His gift of ex- ceeding generosity, complete and permanent for- "What do you mean?" interrupted Ntamak. giveness through the death of His Son. The Book "First of all, it cuts across all ideas of fetishes." of Romans tells us that God's gift comes first, "But we Christians don't believe any longer in giving us release from punishment, and a new fetishes," was Ntamak's quick reply. life, and a new nature. It is this new nature, the "Yes, but you and I as elders know how many very life of Jesus Himself within us, which gives of our people are even yet held by the hand of a us the power to live the Christian life. The memgreat fear, trembling in terror of witches and orizing of the catechism and of the verses from many other invisible enemies. And oh, how many God's Word gives this life strength, and causes it of our church people believe that the water of bap- to grow, and to conquer the old nature. tism is like a great river which carries away all their guilt. And many people look upon the bread "Our 'catechist homiletique,' " continued Biyik, and wine of the Lord's Table as though these had "has been at the mission station -in training for the same power as the 'soya' of our fathers, an about nine months and he has all sorts of books antidote which dispels guilt and repels disaster. to help him now. He has not only the translation God's Word itself says that the blood of Jesus on of Romans, and the book I told you about, but he the cross has once and for all exhausted the wrath has the same thing for 1 Corinthians, with teachof God against every sin we have ever committed, or still commit, or may in the future commit; that A PASTORS' TRAINING CLASS AT DONDI, ANGOLA we are saved and safe by His 'exceeding generosity.' " ing about the Lord's Supper, about the death and By now the two men had come to a large resurrection of believers, and many other things. stream, over which a gigantic tree had been felled He has, as well, books on Matthew and John. Then in order to give passage over the water. Without there is the new book of Bible verses which excomment, and as though this, too, were quite plains our catechism. You've seen it, haven't usual, one after the other the men planted their you?" bare feet upon the fallen tree, passed over the trunk, then followed one of the main branches "0 yes," replied Ntamak – "the one with all where the tree forked up and down, and were soon the Scripture verses, the one which has the 'Five walking again in the half light under the tall Steps to Salvation and Life' at the back of it?" trees of the jungle. "I tell you truly," added Biyik, "this teaching "What do you mean by His 'exceeding gener- in Romans and 1 Corinthians is revealing sin to osity'?" asked Ntamak, after the interval of the me in a new way. It is exposing the hypocrisy crossing. "Where did the missionary get that of lip worship, and makes me realize that Jesus combination of words?" Himself must dwell in the heart, for He longs for us to be holy as He is holy. And that just reminds "It means that through the exceeding gener- me. I wish I could find out who those fellows osity of God, a generosity to us who merit nothing were who stayed in my village while I have been but punishment for all our sins, we now can ob- away. They were from over on this side of the tain forgiveness and a new life, and shall never river. The catechist wrote me about them. He come into God's judgment for sin. That is a gift sent the letter to me while I was at Bodipo with of exceeding generosity, an unmerited favor from the missionary. Think of it! These fellows, four God to all who will reach out the hand of faith and accept it."
"But," interrupted Ntamak, "do we not have to do something to obtain this gift of exceeding generosity? I am an elder, even as you, and I know the steps into the church. One must know the catechism, the Lord's Prayer, the Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments. He must live for two years in the light of this teaching without a 'palaver.' He must present himself daily at prayers and church service and give regularly to the church. Then he is worthy to be baptized and to partake of the Lord's Supper."
"Even so," replied Biyik, "but this new book on Romans shows us that so great is our sin and so sinful our every thought and the desires of our
of them, were on their way to the trading center. through us. Why, if we could get that teaching, While under the sweat and exertion of carrying, that life, into the hearts of all our young people, they wore old, worn-out clothing, but when they our women, our men, our children, then sensual came to a town, they would hide their bags of sin would no longer hold its powerful attraction cocoa beans somewhere, dress up in new shoes, over our people, and they would be free from fear- trousers, sport shirts" and even hats, which they ing witches, ghosts, water sprites, and the rest of had carried wrapped up in a towel on top of their the invisible host.
loads, and then promenade around our villages, "Why, do you know, Ntamak," continued Biyik, enticing our young girls to sin. I wish I had been so grieved over present conditions, so fired with there. I wish I knew who they were." enthusiasm at the possibilities of the future since "That's not the worst I have heard," replied he had experienced the power of the new nature Ntamak. "These young fellows who are working in his own life, "unheard of things are happening as clerks in the stores at the trading centers keep to those who have fully accepted this teaching.
bread and cube sugar, small tins of sardines, and You know that our fathers used to say, 'No hu- even cigarettes in their rooms of the huts they man being ever goes anywhere unless he has occupy. Knowing that women and girls have something somewhere about his body, something come from great distances, are hungry, and have which can protect him and save him.' But today a hankering for the thrill of 'city life' as well, actually many are putting their confidence in these fellows very cordially direct our women to nothing but what they hold in their hearts, that make themselves at home out back of their shop invisible something which they believe. To many and rest until the work is finished. You know, this seems like unheard of foolhardiness, I know.
Biyik, many people think that when they are in a And others will not believe that we actually do large place where no one knows them, it doesn't not have something somewhere about our persons.
matter what they do. Who will report it to their And still others say that God does His part in sav- husbands or fathers, fifty or sixty miles back in ing the soul, but is not concerned with keeping the bush?" watch over our bodies. We must do that. But "Do you know," reflected Biyik, "there are to those who really know the Jesus way, who many things of trouble which we are called upon really talk to Him and trust Him for everything to face these days. Some of these troubles en- there is no need of amulet or charm, no need even courage us, some discourage us. For instance, of casting one's confidence on the Lord's Supper down where I come from there is a feeling-and as though in itself it had power to keep from it is daily becoming more evident-that many physical danger or calamity. I am not talking Christian people do not want to sell their daugh- about my own experience only. Talk to Abraham ters into marriage for so many goats, so much Telep, Mose Bikai, Martin Um, and many others money or gifts. They believe that if their chil- I could mention."
dren are gifts from God, and if they themselves "Is the missionary going to call another class are believers in Christ, their daughters· should not of catechists together in January for Bible train- be sold like so many slaves. But the trouble is- ing?" asked Ntamak, hoping that the catechist in the young people. All of them, perhaps, do not his village might take advantage of the training have as much light as their parents, and perhaps other catechists in other villages had had, and marriage without the dowry will not hold them that thereby he and his own people could get more to each other as it does now." light upon this new teaching of Romans and 1 "But," continued Ntamak, whose people were Corinthians.
one of the tribes further in the interior and hence "I don't know how he can," replied Biyik, "at somewhat more backward than those of Biyik, least not until another ordained missionary comes, "even among us· our young men are wanting to when either one or the other of them can be set marry girls who are chaste. Time was, you know, aside for this kind of work. You know there is that if a girl had had an illegitimate child, she no one now to take care of the 150 congregations had proved her worth as being able to have chil- in this field, and so the school has had to be closed dren, and therefore was the more desirable. Times indefinitely."
are changing." When these two native elders had reached the "I think a great deal is due to the catechists bank of the Sanaga River, which separates the among us," suggested Biyik. "These fellows who Babimbi tribes from the tribes to the south, they have been to the mission training school have separated. Ntamak turned to the right and shown our people a new teaching from the Bible wended his way to the European trading center which makes Jesus real. Think of it! His resur- not far distant, while Biyik crossing the river in a rection life in us ! We are no longer our own. large dug-out canoe, hastened along the road to He must not be hindered in living His life in and join his family in the village of Nkofia.
E. Vail, the Beloved
By REV. R. C. RICHARDSON, D.D., Miraj, West India Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
AMONG the Christian missionaries in India by obtaining high grades in his studies and in be- coming tennis champion and was a good baseball ~ who have completed their work during the player. He was a member of Clio Society and present year, perhaps none has been better Colonial Club. Graduating from Princeton in 1902, he entered the College of Physicians and known than Dr. Charles E. Vail, who went to his Surgeons the same year and was graduated in reward on March 21, 1936. His body was laid to 1906 after a strenuous four-year's work. At the rest in Miraj, where he had labored ir:cessantly conclusion of his course he received the much covand whole-heartedly since 1910, not only to relieve the bodily suffering of the people, but to lead them eted appointment of an to a knowledge of Christ, internship at St. Luke's the only Saviour of man- Hospital, New Y 0 r kkind. having won this honor in competitive examination. Dr. Vail was a devoted Christian as well as a most After two and a half skilful surgeon. When he years in this hospital in volunteered for mission- surgical work, .he spent ary work in India, his six months in Sloan Machief reason for going was ternity Hospital and anto lead the people of India other six months studying to a saving knowledge of the eye and ear. During Jesus Christ and he wish- his years of study in meded to use his medical ical school Dr. William J. knowledge and surgical Wanless (afterwards Sir skill to assist to the utter- William) came home on most to this end. Many furlough from India and an Indian Christian has when Dr. Vail heard him testified publicly to the speak of his work he was fact that Dr. Vail's com- so impressed that he deing to India was r:ot in cided to go to Miraj to vain. work with Dr. Wanless who had started the work On July 1l,1880,Charles there in 1889. It had E. Vail was born at Corn- grown to be one of the wall – on – Hudson, New best known medical mis- York, the son of Dr. and sions in Asia. Dr. Vail Mrs. William H. Vail. Charles Vail came of good stock. His grandfather on DR. CHARLES E. VAIL applied to the Presby- his father's side was also terian Board of Foreign a physician and his grandfather on his mother's Missions and was assigned to work in India in side was the great evangelistic and educational 1909. He sailed from Philadelphia in September missionary in Constantinople – Cyrus Hamlin. 1909 and stopped in England to study tropical dis- Charles Vail's early education was obtained at eases, medicines and for practice in cataract Blairstown Academy. While there he came under operations.
the influence of Miss Anna Scudder, one of a No medical missionary had arrived in the great and well-known missionary family of India. Western India Mission any better prepared for He took kindly to out-door sports, as well as to work than was Dr. Vail. Few have had as great his studies, and was well prepared for entrance a task set before them as he found ready to his to Princeton University in 1898. During his four hand when he arrived in 1910. Dr. Wanless and years in the university he distinguished himself his associates had built up a wonderful piece of [ 33]
work at Miraj-a work that was known through- ing back to Miraj, the doctor's car would be out India and neighboring countries. The equip- crowded with the poorest of the people needing ment included a hospital, dispensary, several out- operations, which could be performed only in the station dispensaries throughout the district, a hospital operating room. Reaching Miraj at one Nurses Training School and the only Christian or two or three o'clock in the morning, Dr. Vail Medical School for men in all India. Many a man would begin the regular work of the day as usual would have felt the work too great to attempt- a few hours afterwards. This included prayer for Dr. Wanless was leaving on furlough in six service for medical students at 7: 30 a. m., teachweeks and Dr. Vail was to be in charge of all this ing from eight o'clock to nine or sometimes until work, with the responsibility for raising the 10 o'clock; then hospital rounds until nearly noon, money in India for its support. Moreover, the seeing new patients until about one o'clock, then great majority of the patients knew no English the noon meal, after which operations would begin and Dr. Vail knew no Marathi. Yet, he took hold and continue until evening, oftentimes until ten of the task with such earnestness and prayer, that or eleven at night. he not only maintained the high standard of work, but also raised more money than had been raised On alternate days, there would be eye operain any previous year – a marvelous accomplish- tions and occasionally work would close about five ment. o'clock. Then it was really refreshing to see the great and gentle surgeon, relaxing on the tennis He soon established a great name as a Chris- court, showing that he excelled his fellows in tian surgeon. A few years after his arrival in tennis, as he did in surgery; or he might jump India, he held a record for cataract operations, into his car and rush out to a jungle, thirty or including those on members of the families of forty miles distant, in search of a panther or tiger many Maharajahs and princes of India and on that had been troubling the people of that district. chiefs of Arabia and on high English officials. Dr. Vail, while on his work in the outstations or But his greatest work has been for the many thou- villages, was always ready to share his meals with sands of the poor, who otherwise might have had his neighbors or share the meals of the Indians, no medical aid. whether rich or poor.
All who have come to Miraj Christian Hospital This beloved physician was taken away in the have received the same kindly Christian treat- midst of a wonderful work, when he was used of ment, whether they have been princes or paupers. God to bring much relief and comfort and joy to The spirit of Jesus Christ has dominated all his many thousands of people. This is one of those work and from early morning until far into the Divine mysteries we shall understand only when night for these twenty-five years and more, he we come into God's presence. has given the best that was in him to relieve bodily suffering and at the same time has sought to Dr. Vail was undoubtedly one of the greatest lead patients to a knowledge of the Great Phy- surgeons India has known. People came from all sician, who can heal both body and spirit. over India, from Africa, from Arabia, from Per- sia and other countries to be under his care. Most Outstation dispensary work has been of ines- of these have been helped, not only physically, but timable value to the people of India and Dr. Vail's spiritually. weekly visits to these places have been a great boon to many thousands. The writer well remembers one case especially -that of a cultured Parsee, an author who had Starting at noon in his car from Miraj, after written a life of Jesus Christ. After having been his morning's work in the hospital and Medical around the hospital the best part of two months, School, he reaches an outstation about two hours he said that he wished he had not written some of afterwards. There he finds a crowd of people the things in his book about Christ for now he waiting at the dispensary. (The medical assistant knew better, having seen true Christianity in the of the place having notified the people of the dis- lives of the doctor and his assistants. When this trict of the doctor's coming.) He commenced his Parsee family left the hospital they asked for and work by the reading of a passage of Scripture, received a picture of Christ to take to their home. usually from the Gospels telling of the wonderful Later Dr. Vail was called to their home to treat a work of the Lord Jesus Christ-and, after prayer member of the family although there are many for God's blessing on the people and the work, he Parsee doctors in the city in which they live. would treat the many people assembled faithfully, skilfully and lovingly. After prescribing, he The gentle Christian spirit of Dr. Vail was what would operate-oftentimes under great difficulty, impressed Christian and non-Christian alike. A not having the best equipment and sometimes with high caste Hindu young man who attended the light only from a kerosene lamp. This work would Medical School for four years, openly confessed often go on until nearly midnight and when start- his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at the close of his four years in Miraj. Dr. Vail always
CHARLES E. VAIL, THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN
gladly took his turn conducting the English Gos- been cured and one day while operating he acpel service conducted every Sabbath evening espe- knowledged that he was tired and went to his cially for medical students and nurses from other house. After a few days God took him "home." parts of India. This service was always assured of a good attendance, for he never failed to give a The deep love the people of India had for this message that was uplifting and made his audience man of God was clearly evidenced when he rerealize the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. turned from Berlin. The railway station was crowded with people of Miraj-Hindus, Moham- The doctor never could have accomplished the medans, Parsees, and Christians – to welcome great work he did, had he not had the most loyal back the beloved physician. A great procession cooperation of all who worked with him and had escorted him to the Christian Church, where the not Mrs. Vail relieved him of much of the details multitudes filled the churchyard, as well as the of the work of administration. church to unite in thanksgiving to God for bring- ing the doctor-friend back to them. In January, 1935, there was noted the first sign of the disease that brought an end to this Christ- Again, when his work on earth was finished and like life. A prompt consultation with the mis- his body was waiting for burial, several thousand sion's physicians resulted in Dr. Vail's being sent people assembled to pay their respects and to show by airplane to Berlin, where he received special their deep love for one who had given his life in treatment for about two months. He returned to service for them, for he saw them as those for Miraj apparently cured and worked as before. whom Christ died. .AJbout nine months afterwards, however, a sign again appeared which caused him again to fly to The work in Miraj needs another such man. Berlin. On his return he entered on his work, as Who will come and continue this work that has if quite well again-but, the dread disease had not led so many to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ?
IS GOD WAITING FOR YOU? * By JAMES H. MCCONKEY Standing on the wall of a great lock of the Sault Sainte Marie ship canal, I saw a huge lake vessel about to enter. At my feet lay the empty lock – waiting. For what? Waiting to be filled. Beyond lay great Lake Superior with its almost limitless supply of water, also waiting. For what? Waiting for something to be done at the lock ere the great lake could pour in its fullness. In a moment the lock':'keeper reached out his hand and touched a steel lever. A little wicket gate sprang open under the magic touch and at once the water rushed into the lock and began to boil, and seethe, rapidly rising. In a few moments the lock was full. The great gates swung open and the huge ship floated into the basin now filled to the brim with the fullness from the waiting lake without.
Is not this a picture of a great truth about the Holy Spirit? God's children are like that empty lock, waiting to be filled. And, as that great inland sea outside the lock was willing and waiting to pour its abundance into the lock, so is God willing to pour His fullness of life into the lives of His children. But He is waiting. For what? Waiting, as the lake waited, for something to be done by us. Waiting for us to touch that tiny wicket gate of consecration through which His abundant life shall flow in. Is it hard to move? Does the rust of worldliness corrode it? Do the weeds and ivy-vines of selfishness cling about and choke it? Is the will stubborn, and slow to yield? God is waiting, and once it is done, He reveals Himself in fullness of life even as He has promised. He has been all the time willing and ready, for all the barriers and hindrances have been upon our side, not upon His. They are the barriers not of His unwillingness, but of our unyieldedness. You may say that you received all of Christ when you were saved, but did Christ get all of you?
* Adapted from "The Surrendered Life." which will be sent free to anyone addressing Silver Publishing Co., Bessemer Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., U. S. A.
MASAYUKI A JAPANESE HERO SHRINE AT KANAZAW A
A Statue of a Faithful Subject, in Tokyo, Venerating the Emperor This Is One of the Objects of Worship Daily Revered by Hundreds When Japanese Buddhists Pray -~ I By WINBURN T. THOMAS, Kyoto, Japan I }~o._ ~==========================~J A LL Japanese are not Buddhists, but the na- phasis upon national unity, faith healing, and .r-. tive religion, Shinto, has become so inter- other popular ideas, appeal to young Japanese woven with the Buddhism brought from who lack any great object to which they can give China and Korea in the seventh century, that the their loyalty. From 1925-32, Marxism was the two are today virtually indistinguishable. The "gospel" that challenged the courage of youth. non-Christian Chinese answers the question, Beginning with the efforts of the government to "What is your religion?" simply, "I worship suppress all "dangerous thought," nationalism has idols." He does not differentiate between Con- held the center of youth's affection until recently. fucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Due in part Capable observers now claim that this hold has to the efforts of the government to separate the been broken and that youth is again on the march, two, Japanese Shinto and Buddhism do have cer- seeking some great idea which can sweep it off tain distinctive characteristics; and while an of- its feet. Of the hundreds of students who fill out ficial statement has ,been issued, stating that the cards for my file, most write in the space for reformer is not a religion, Japanese subjects classify ligion: "Nothing." Excepting Buddhist priests, themselves religiously as Buddhist, Shinto, or perhaps half of those who do indicate any reli- Christian. Superficial observation leads the gious faith list Christianity as their religion, or as writer to believe that Buddhists are largely old the philosophy or social creed which most appeals persons and professional priests. Young people to them. – are scarcely ever seen worshiping at the Buddhist This sketchy introduction to the religious mind temples. They are attracted more by the various of Japanese youth is necessary if one is to undersects of Shinto that have been forming during the stand the answers recently given when a group of last few years at the rate of about four each week. students were questioned concerning prayer. We These semireligious organizations, with their em- had spent the evening in a study of Christ's ideas [36 ]
WHEN JAPANESE BUDDHISTS PRAY
on the subject. The group of Christian and non- addressed. These prayers do not voice praise for Christian Japanese students was then asked to the gods, nor are they petitions on behalf of the list points of similarity and difference between souls of the departed. They are prayers offered Christian and Buddhist prayers. While the an- in self-interest for money, proposerity, health, the swers are admittedly the ideas of a sophisticated nation, or even to satisfy lusts. Sometimes there is confession of sins, and a plea for forgiveness, THE TORI! LEADING TO THE HEIAN SHRINE IN KYOTO but this is rare. The prayers are seldom prompted by a sense of humility. In Japan the highest god group of college men, and thus are hardly repre- to whom a petition can be addressed is the Emsentative of the views of the masses, they do sug- peror. All deceased ancestors are looked upon as gest an objective valuation of the subject. There dead gods; as are Christ and Buddha. The Emwas little contradiction found in any of the pa- peror being alive is therefore considered superior pers; they rather tended to supplement each to all spiritual gods. other. The contrasting view of Christian prayer There are Japanese who feel, with Henley, that throws light on the common saying that Christhey are masters of their own fate and have no tians in Japan are different. The Christian stuneed of prayer. These are perhaps truer to the dents believe that God is aware of our needs bespirit of Buddha himself than are those who fore we ask Him but that we need to pray so that pray, for he did not find in the universe sufficient God will answer our petitions. The sense of sin evidence of a God to whom he could pray. There is much more real in Christians than in nonis a sect of young Buddhists who, reasoning from Christians. the atheism of Buddha, are offering Buddhism to the world as most compatible with the agnostic Some feel that in educated circles prayer habits point of view of science. and ethical standards have been vitally influenced by Christian concepts, and therefore Buddhists Multitudes of Buddhists do feel the need for and members of Shinto sects now address their prayer. It is offered before the shrine in the prayers to deity and ask for things no less worthy household, each morning and evening, by the than those found in the most petitions of Chriswoman of the family. There are few who do not tians. The filling of Buddhism and Shinto with at some time during the day pause in front of a Christian ideas, insofar as it is a reality, is one of shrine, temple, gravestone, or likeness of some the valuable secondary results of Christian mishero or ancestor, and offer a short prayer. At the sions in Japan. occasional services held in the temples, prayers are said by the priests. Usually "a prayer is not A BUDDHIST PLAQUE BEFORE WHICH JAPANESE WORSHIP offered save in front of some object." But since they "worship everything in nature" it is not difficult to find an object to which requests may be
Story of An Afghan Christian
-~I By ALFRED ZAHIR !Ja.- : ~==============================~ T HE pale, broad disc of a summer sun was hand in hers and pressed it with the tenderness sinking silently behind the dark line of ma- of wifely affection. jestic mountains that bounded the landscape "Yes! my dear," she said composedly, "the gloon all sides. Slate-colored hawks and eagles rious sun is hidden from our eyes, but its efful- floated peacefully through the motionless air and gent rays are now illuminating other parts of our the dismal wail of the screech-owl deepened the world. We are deprived of its light, but not for- gloom of the passing day. ever. It will be morning again, and the beautiful In the sequestered little village of Quetta in sun will rise once more in its grandeur and glory."
Baluchistan (the scene of the recent devastating The comforting words had such a ring of hope- earthquake), nestling picturesquely in the bosom fulness and cheer that her husband, turning to of the mountain fastnesses of North India, Dr. her, said: "Do you think then, that our discour- Summerhayes and his wife were sitting in the agement will one day change into hope, and that porch of their little bungalow, talking over a cup we may yet live to see some fruit of our labors?"
of tea, and recounting the events and adventures "Yes, indeed I do," answered Mrs. Summerhayes of the day. in a voice resonant with cheerfulness. "Haven't The evening wore quietly on. The soaring birds you seen how the people around have changed in gradually alighted silently on treetops and bare their attitude and are beginning to have confidence rocks. The screech-owl, having procured its eve- in us. More than once I have heard them say, ning meal, ceased its distracting plaint. As the 'We are convinced now that Christians are a truth- massive cliffs hid the glory of the setting sun, a telling and honorable people.' The people are deep yellow tint overspread the scene and brought visiting our hospital in larger numbers every day what the natives call a "false evening." The two and are willing-as they have never been before- missionaries sat entranced under the mystic spell to trust their lives to our care. Is it too much to of the dying day, and gazed spellbound at the vast say, then, that some day they will more fully ap- panorama illumined by the glory of the setting preciate this service of love, and in the end will sun. find Him in whose name we serve? My faith Suddenly, as though waking from a haunting leads me to believe that I shall yet see it with dream, Dr. Summerhayes moved restlessly in his these eyes of mine."
chair, learned forward and peered intently into After dinner the little family gathered round the gathering darkness. Presently he sank back, the fire for family prayers and Dr. Summerhayes and glancing at his wife, sighed heavily and said: poured out unrestrainedly the thoughts of his "Was not that a glorious sunset!" Without wait- heart before God. He begged for forgiveness of ing for an answer he added: "Yes, the beautiful his weak faith, and implored His Master for a new day has drawn to its close and so do our lives; and baptism of the Holy Spirit and for a spirit of yet in all these years we have not led one Moslem greater devotion and wholehearted fidelity to his to Christ. During the past few years that we Lord. On rising from his knees he felt that he have toiled amongst these people all our efforts had indeed received the divine anointing for which seem to have been in vain. Not one soul has re- he had prayed.
sponded to our message. This very day, as I sat The two missionaries sat down to read and dis- watching by the side of a dying patient, and saw cuss the different aspects of their work and to his soul go out, I realized that was the end of all consider plans for larger undertakings. They the efforts we had been making to bring him to were in the middle of an interesting discussion, Jesus Christ. Are we flinging our lives away, when the sound of footsteps was heard outside.
vainly attempting what we shall never accom- They were somewhat startled for the night 'was plish?" already far advanced and the whole city was This pathetic moan of distress deeply touched wrapped in silence. They had heard many stories Mrs. Summerhayes' tender heart. Anxious lest of ghastly murders and nightly ambuscades by the her husband should see her grief she quickly wiped fierce highwaymen and cut throats of Baluchistan.
away the tears and, turning to him, she took his But they soon regained equanimity and laughed [38 ] at their fears. Dr. Summerhayes unlatched the "He is the Saviour, Isa Masih (Jesus Christ) ," door and walked into the vestibule. What he saw replied the doctor, "who came to this world to excited his sympathy more than either his doubts suffer and to die for you and me, and for all sinor fear. Four men had borne a sick patient on a ners, that all of us might be saved and set free covered cot and set him on the verandah. On see- from sin." ing the doctor, the men saluted him respectfully, bowing to the ground. Then one came forward The uncultured Pathan had never heard of such and making another low salaam, humbly peti- a Saviour before. His heart was gripped and he tioned the doctor saying: kept the Sahib for a long time answering ques- tions and satisfying the curiosity that had begun "Sir, in the name of Allah, we beseech you to to burn in his heart. have mercy on us and on this sick man for he is in great agony." For many days after his discharge, the young man clung to his benevolent patron, visiting him Saying this, he lifted the cover and showed the at intervals and eagerly learning more and more sick man's face. After a close examination, Dr. of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Summerhayes ordered the patient to be removed to the hospital while he followed and there spent The young man's name was Nasar Ullah Khan, two or three hours trying to relieve his suffering. a full-blooded Afghan, tall and stalwart. He had When the patient had fallen asleep, the kind- once served in the ranks of the army of the Amir hearted doctor returned to his bungalow for a few of Afghanistan and had fought in many a battle. hours rest. He had abandoned the military profession and be- come a merchant, carrying on trade between Ka- Next morning while the stars were still shin- bul and Quetta. On one of his business tours, he ing, Dr. Summerhayes rose and went to see his had suddenly been taken ill and was brought to patient again. This early visit, the vigilant care the mission hospital at Quetta. and the touching love, won the patient's heart. Through the long days of his stay in the hospital, The message of the Gospel, which the life of the the unselfish devotion of the missionary filled him missionary physician had commended to his heart, with a sense of deep reverence for the good man. transformed Nasar Ullah into a new creature but there were many vital issues to be considered be- When the patient had nearly recovered from his fore he became a professed Christian. His zeal sickness, and the date of his discharge was an- was so great and his faith so strong that he put nounced, the patient began to be very sad. He all considerations aside and requested to be baphad become so deeply attached to the loving phy- tized immediately. When it was suggested that sician that he was grieved at the idea of having it was better to wait till he was more adequately to leave his care. One day the grateful patient instructed in. the faith, he clasped his hands in caught the lapel of Dr. Summerhayes' coat and despair, and naively declared, "Well! all right, said: just as you please, but if my Saviour comes in the meanwhile and says to me: 'Nasar Ullah, why art "Sahib, please sit down for a minute. I have thou not baptized?' remember the fault will be some things to ask you." yours."
When the doctor had seated himself on the bed After he had received baptism, Nasar Ullah the patient said: was filled with a new passion for souls and with a desire to preach the Gospel. He forsook his occu- "Tell me, Sahib, what makes you so kind and pation as a merchant and devoted his time to loving. We are all very poor and humble folk; working in the hospital, preaching to the patients, you charge no fees, nor do you accept any re- and becoming more thoroughly grounded in his wards, and yet you have been kinder to me than new faith. my own father and mother would have been. Tell me I adjure you by the great name of Allah, the A few months later, Dr. Summerhayes sent him reason of your wonderful love!" to Lahore to be trained as an hospital assistant. While at Lahore, young Nasar Ullah had a second The missionary's heart glowed with joy. Was attack of his old disease and became so ill that he God answering his prayers after all, and sending had to be admitted to the big government hospital. an encouragement to his faltering faith? With a Here he often felt very lonely and his young faith silent prayer for guidance, he glanced towards the went through a fiery trial. Not only was the physpatient and smilingly said: ical pain very great, but a whole group of mis- chief-making and unsympathetic Mohammedan "My friend, it is a joy to me to be of service to workers and ward coolies made sport of his faith you and your people. My life has been dedicated and jeered at his Christianity, causing him great to the service of a loving Saviour who gave His spiritual agony. They repeatedly asked him to life that you and I and all mankind may be saved." renounce his religion and to return to Islam. When he refused to listen to their entreaties, they "And what is his name ?~' questioned the patient in amazement, lifting himself on his elbow to get nearer the doctor. "Tell me, who is this Saviour who makes you work such miracles of love?"
neglected to attend him and did all they could to It so happened that on the very day they had hasten his death. But with the true fortitude of planned to start, Nasar Ullah had an unexpected an Afghan and the forbearance of a disciple of visit from a group of friends. In the early morn- Christ, Nasar weathered this storm of persecu- ing Nasar Ullah's nephew made his sudden ap- tion. In his trouble he often called the name of pearance in the courtyard and, after the usual his friend, Dr. Summerhayes, but more often on form of salutation which in Baluchistan involves the name of his Saviour, asking Him for strength embracing, kissing and touching the feet, the to continue faithful. nephew intimated the purpose of his unannounced Nasar Ullah's prayers were answered and to the arrival, as follows: surprise of his enemies, he recovered. After com- "I have come accompanied by four other pleting his medical training he returned to work friends, who are waiting outside, to carry you in the mission hospital at Quetta and spent many home with us. There is serious sickness in the a day of happy and close fellowship with his family and your people have desired your imme- friend, working in the love and spirit of their diate attendance."
great Master and touching many a heart by the Without waiting for any further explanation or apostolic zeal and tender affection with which they asking for any guarantee of good faith, Nasar ministered to the sick and suffering of Balu- Ullah immediately made arrangements to return chistan. with his nephew, and sent his family to his wife's Then came a call from the government, and home. It was a long and tedious journey, and Nasar Ullah was asked to fill a position in a re- most of the distance had to be covered on foot, but mote government hospital on the Afghan fron- the sturdy mountaineers were accustomed to tier. It was an unsafe position and the remu- such hardships.
neration was meagre. But Nasar Ullah was long- They journeyed along, cheerfully talking over ing for increased opportunity to penetrate further the events of the past few years, discussing the north and reach the hardest type of his country- numerous family and tribal feuds, and the man- men, to whom the Word of Life had never been ner in which some had been settled and others left carried. He was aware that murder and larceny unavenged. Despite the thought of sickness at was a regular profession among the frontier tribes home, Nasal' Ullah could scarcely help feeling and that to them, all who possessed any money peculiarly happy. His joy was largely the result were hated infidels and especially so were Chris- of the feeling that he was going home. After all tians whom every Afghan hated. "But," said these years of silence and hostility, his people Nasar, "God has called me and I have answered, were at last willing to open their door to him.
'Here am I, Lord, send me'; so I am going, come "This is a promise of great opportunities," he said what may." to himself in exultation. "Maybe this is the first He said "Good-bye" to his great friend and with step my people are taking towards opening their his wife and family went to the frontier village to hearts to the great Saviour." His joy was great.
take up the duties of his new position. In a few On the third day, as the travelers crossed the months he won the confidence of his hard-hearted frontier and entered the Amir's dominion, Nasar countrymen. The sincerity of his motives and the Ullah saw a sudden change come over his hitherto love and honesty with which he served amongst jolly companions. They became sullen andmo- them, made them his friends. His fame spread rose, and sparing of speech. Unwilling to allow to great distances, even across the frontier to any doubts against the love and honesty of his Afghanistan. People came in ever-increasing own nephew, Nasar ascribed the change to weari- numbers to be treated by his kindly hand and ness resulting from the toilsome march and did many were healed by the touch of his love. Many his part in trying to cheer them up. About mid- found the Lord Jesus through the ministry of this day, the men stopped beside a shady spring to humble Afghan, and were openly admitted to the partake of a hasty meal from the provisions they Christian fold. But while many of his country- carried with them. They had hardly set down men were impressed by his exemplary life, his their burdens when Nasar's nephew made a sud- popularity was a source of annoyance to others. den spring and planted himself in front of his They felt bitter jealousy against him because he uncle. Then holding his wrists tightly, and look- was an apostate Moslem and was engaged in ing into his face with eyes full of fire, he said spreading the Christian Gospel. harshly: – One day Nasar Ullah's wife persuaded him to "Chacha (uncle), you are now in our control, accompany her to her parents' home further in and we can do with you what we like. You have the interior and to spend a few days there in order become an accursed Kirani (literally a Christian that he might have a little rest. Nasal' Ullah con- dog) and have disgraced the entire household.
ceded to his wife's request, and the family made You have choice now, either recite the Kalima ready to go. (the Mohammedan creed) or prepare to die."
ETHIOPIAN MISSIONS UNDER ITALIAN RULE
Nasar Ullah was astonished by this treacherous I turn unfaithful to Him and forget His great assault by one of his own kindred. Several at- love. No! Never! I am willing, yes happy to tacks had been made on his life in previous years, lay down my life for His sake, for I know that but Nasar's devotion to his Master and his love thereafter I shall go to live with Him forever. for his countrymen had long effaced their memory But as for you, you can gain nothing by killing from his heart. Of all the trials that he had been me." through this last seemed to be the hardest. Was he to choose life, and turn a traitor to his Saviour, These words of Nasar Ullah did little to assuage or should he choose death and win His everlasting his nephew's anger, on the contrary they incited approbation. His expression of perplexity testi- him to greater brutality and confirmed him in his fied that he was debating this question and wait- murderous resolve. The last words were still on ing for guidance. Presently his expression Nasar's lips, when the nephew's eyes gleamed like changed into one of great serenity. liquid fire. He whipped out a deadly kirch (a large pointed knife) from under the folds of his "Do you wish to end my life, my son," he at last garment, thrust it ruthlessly into his uncle's body. answered with a smile of perfect happiness, "because I am a Christian? If so, I am only very After their deadly mission of hatred and malice sorry; because rest assured that one day you will had been fulfilled, the Afghans resumed their regret your action. Remember, that it is only my march to their home, while their brother and wellbody you can destroy, for you cannot touch my wisher went to His heavenly Home. A tablet to soul. My body is not my own. It has been bought the martyr's memory was erected in the little with a great price-the blood of my Saviour who church at Quetta, with the inscription: laid down His life for you and for me. How can "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Ethiopian Missions Under Italian Rule By REV. JAMES ROHRBAUGH, _J~'- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia T REMENDOUS changes are being wrought in terian and thirty were with the Sudan Interior Ethiopia. The land in which the long-eared Mission. Before the war there were about one mule was the beast of burden and the slow, hundred and fifty, the SIM having grown to sevtedious trek the means of travel is undergoing enty and the Bible Churchmen's Missionary Sosome startling transformations. The Ethiopia, ciety and a number of independent groups having which continued the same for two milleniums, is entered. Today there are about sixty in the SIM, definitely no more. Modern roads are beginning five in the United Presbyterian Mission, the same to stretch over the rolling plateaus and up the number in the BCMS, three Pentecostal ladies winding valleys. Aeroplanes soar constantly over- and two under the Independent Presbyterian head. A system of schools and hospitals is being Board. There are also a few Germans and Adplanned which promises modern education and ventists. Independent workers and many others medical treatment to millions who have never have gone, so that about half the number here beknown it before. Sleepy Ethiopia, which produced fore the war remain. The United Presbyterians not a builder, scholar, artist, or scientist, is being withdrew two of their workers in obedience to the compelled to sit up and watch changes which, request of the American Government that Amerwhen completed, will have utterly transformed all icans leave, and later withdrew all of their workwhich she heretofore knew. ers in the west when danger threatened and the British Consul requested them to go. They plan "What part will Missions play in the new Ethi- to send these missionaries back into the country opia?" is a question often asked by those who have in the immediate future. Incidentally the United been watching the growth of missionary groups Presbyterians paid more attention to the requests and their work during the past decade. Six years of governments than did the other Missions and ago there were approximately seventy mission- by so doing, their workers were not in grave aries in the country of which about twenty were danger nor have any lives been lost other than Dr. Swedish, another twenty were United Presby-
Hockman of Chicago, killed in Red Cross service. countries, the Government is taking over the func- Of the SIM's nine stations in the south, seven tion of education and in addition the ministry to have had to be abandoned, the occupants of three the sick. In many primitive countries missions having fled for their lives and hidden in the moun- have undertaken these tasks. Heretofore many tains until rescued. Their two stations in the of the Ethiopian Government's trusted servants west are intact as is one of their two stations in came from mission schools and the care of the the north. Two of their workers have been killed. sick was entrusted almost wholly to mission so- The BCMS abandoned both their stations outside cieties. Within the first week of the Italian occu- of Addis Ababa. At present all but twenty-eight pancy of Addis, a Government school was opened of the missionaries in the country are in the cap- and rapidly grew to over a thousand pupils. Such ital, and the majority of those are concentrated at schools are planned for the whole country, yet Wolamo awaiting the coming of the Italians. here in Addis no religion is taught in the school.
It is apparent that Christian missions in this Pupils have perfect freedom to learn religion land are at their lowest ebb in some years and where they will. Similarly, hospitals have been very little in the way of missionary work is being opened; poor are treated free and an obstetrical carried on outside of Addis Ababa. Here three clinic has been established. Hospitals are to be mission schools and three hospitals are all oper- erected in the big cities and movable hospital ating as usual. The SIM has about thirty workers units are being devised to patrol the roads. Mis- here learning the language, preparing to reoccupy sion hospitals and schools have done a great work and rebuild outstations as soon as permission is in Ethiopia but it is plain that their day is passing.
given. The United Presbyterians are sending Mission schools and hospitals still operate in Ad- some of their workers back via Addis and they dis and have not been interfered with. Yet, if hope to reoccupy both of their stations in the west they cease to exist, children will learn and sick very soon. But all have been waiting a statement will be treated. Their main raison d'etre is gone.
of Government policy so that they may know what Established schools and hospitals may not be to expect. The Italian Viceregal government closed, but they must prepare to occupy an in- kindly gave a statement of general missionary creasingly small part in community life.
policy especially for this article in order that peo- Missions may still evangelize. That fact should ple both here and at home may know what to be enough to cause the downhearted to take expect. heart and cause missions to prepare to bring their Following is an English translation of their work back to normal and to look forward to ex- policies as given to the writer: pansion. The Roman Catholic Church has already Missions may carryon their work in Italian East Africa made it plain that she plans a vast missionary so long as they limit themselves to religion and do nothing enterprise for Ethiopia. There is no doubt that against the law of the state. many will prefer to be taught religion by the emis- Protestant missionaries will always have liberty to saries of the Church of Rome, Rome having con- quered. In the past Protestant and Catholic mispreach without special permission so long as they confine sionaries have worked without friction in this land themselves strictly to the sphere of religion. The official decree of religious liberty includes the right of missionaries to make converts among the pagans of the and we hope that it may continue so. Protestants country. have been permitted to work and evangelize. This is a vast country, with millions of people and no Missionaries who abandoned their stations due to the matter how many workers various societies send, war or riots will be permitted to return and occupy them if in the past they have spread no anti-Italian propaganda and if their former term of occupancy has not demon- it will be decades before all have heard the Gospel.
strated any unfitness to continue their work. The qualifications applying to those who hope The Italian Government will not forget the nations who to return to their stations are very interesting. Naturally the Italians do not want those who have maintained an attitude of good will toward Italy during spread propaganda against them. Very, very few the ltalo-Ethiopian conflict. If any distinction is ever made among the missionaries of different countries, cer- tainly those of the United States, will be favored within thought it their duty to do this and such cannot the limits of possibility. expect to work under the new regime. But – the It is clear that a policy of religious liberty will questions, What part should a missionary play be followed in Italian East Africa. The Italian when the country in which he is working is at Government has definite political and economic war? Should he go home and be considered plans for this country but has demonstrated cowardly1' Should he remain neutral when. pas- leniency in the sphere of religion. Inasmuch as sions run high and have no following? Should all missionaries are ambassadors of Christ and he help to keep up the morale of the people and Christ alone, the thing for which they came to face certain expulsion if the opposing country con- this country is granted to them. The idea, held quers? Should missionaries obey the advices of by some, that missionaries are the emissaries of their home governments during such time? etc., civilization, is out of order here. As in civilized would be worth a careful study treatise by some
experienced missionary leader. It is certain that Roads are being built, and in the most literal if the advice of governments had been heeded sense this country is being opened. Territories during this struggle, many lives would neither which saw few white men in the past millenium have been risked nor lost. will see thousands daily. It will mean mission- ary opportunity and the sphere of activity of each What the Italian Government means by "Unfit- missionary will be widened. The writer, who has ness to continue their work" will not be definitely a school in Addis will have no regrets if teaching known until decisions have been given to numerous is unnecessary and if he is privileged to go by applicants who wish to return to their stations. automobile from village to village preaching the I have been unofficially informed that a good Word of God. In the rainy season we can teach recommendation from one's consul will be one of the Bible in Addis and during the dry season we the things required. I have also heard that per- can tour. It is an entrancing possibility. sons wishing to come to this land will be required to secure a recommendation from their respective No one knows when this land will be safe for Departments of State. However, until we see ap- general travel and until then permits to travel will plications approved or rejected we will know little not be given. In the year that lies ahead probably of the Government's desires in this matter. little can be done. This is a perfect time for fur- loughs. But it behooves missionaries to learn the Finally it is clear that Americans will be in the languages of the regions in which they hope to favored nation class and that there will be no dis- work, and then when the rebels are cleared from crimination against us at any time. We owe a the country and travel is safe, once more the Way deep debt of gratitude to our American Govern- of Salvation can be proclaimed by those who are ment for its wise foreign policy in which they ready. The Italian Government is kind in giving have sought to live at peace with all men and take us these assurances. If missionaries seek to be a up the quarrels of none. Noone can appreciate help to those in authority and teach that subjecthis as well as the missionary. It is unfortunate tion to governments is the law of God, they may but true that persons residing in foreign lands as soon find their presence appreciated and their libguests of other governments either gain or lose erties extended. If they prove to be a disturbing by the foreign policy of their own nation. factor there is no doubt that their stay will be Obviously the future of institutional mission short. work in Ethiopia is not bright but we should be Missions are being given the opportunity to glad that the new government is willingly undertaking these functions. We have the privilege of prove their worth in this land. If societies at doing the greater work for which we came to this home give support and if missionaries loyally cocountry and should be grateful for being per- operate, the missionary future of Ethiopia may mitted to do so. be brighter than it has ever been.
THE MISSIONARY * Far from the lar:d that gave him life and name He only labors on and is content; He makes his home, amid an alien race. Happy to go the way the Saviour went.
He comes, not seeking worldly wealth or fame, Where sin and ignorance hold baleful sway, But by a mandate from the Throne of Grace- Or superstition grips men in its thrall, "Go forth to all the nations of the earth, He strives to guide their steps into the way Bearing glad tidings of the Saviour's birth." That leads to Him who lived and died for all.
A man like other men, not set apart "Come unto Him ye burdened and oppressed, As one above the common human plane; Come unto Him, and He will give you rest."
He too is subject to the tempter's art; And some there are who lend an eager ear He too is burdened by life's stress and strain- To catch the Message that new hope imparts; Yet feels himself preserved from worldly harms While others stand aloof or mock and jeer Supported by the Everlasting Arms. Because it finds no echo in their hearts; Day in, day out, he labors-oft in vain; Yet all alike are human souls in need, Stony the ground and thorny where he sows. The sheep that Jesus once bade Peter feed.
Perchance some other hand will reap the grain Nor is the spoken word the only art Sprung from the seed he diligently bestows. Wherein he seeks to carry out God's plan; • From Syria News Quarterly. The school and hospital both play their part In showing forth the Saviour's love for man.
Exconvict Who Made
EDITORIAL MICHAEL J. HICKEY, the converted pick- From the beginning Mike had his own ideas pocket who founded the "League of Anoth- concerning reform work. He fought hard against er Chance." "Mike" Hickey served over the practice of police in those days of hounding nineteen years behind prison bars before he "went exconvicts, even when they obtained jobs, and straight." So successful was he in his work with against the general attitude of most persons to- exconvicts that he was a welcome visitor at pris- ward any man who had served a prison term. He ons and jails throughout the East, and detectives thought that if it was possible to change a crim- occasionally told exconvicts, who complained that inal's viewpoint and his purposes into honest they were being persecuted, to "get an okay from lines, and if he could be led to surrender his life Mike Hickey and we'll let you alone." to Christ, then reform was assured.
Michael Hickey was born in New York City News of Hickey's work spread rapidly among sixty-four years ago, and started out on his career exconvicts, who saw in him a friendly combination of crime early. His first wrong step, he said, was of vocational guidance bureau, employment agency when he stole 25 cents from his sister and lied and relief bureau. Hickey, although himself an when she questioned him about it. He blamed that earnest Christian, never forced religion on those first theft and lie for his downfall. After his con- who came to him for aid. He suggested the need versions he would never lie concerning any mat- for God's guidance, but his primary interest was ter. By hard experience he learned the value of in reforming the exconvict.
strict honesty. After twelve years Hickey's following became Mike became a very clever pickpocket and could so large that it was necessary to move it out of the extract wallets and watches even from the most Y. M. C. A. and the "League for Another Chance"
wary. During the years prior to his conversion, was founded by him and Mr. Eldridge. Into the Hickey was in and out of prison and jail con- small office a steady stream of exconvicts poured, tinually. While serving a ten-year sentence in receiving advice, jobs, a little money or an over· Sing Sing, he had the cell next to the late Billy coat, but never being turned away empty if in McQuere, subsequently head of the McAuley Cre- real need. morne Mission. McQuere wrote poetry that In his spare time Hickey spoke in church and Hickey liked and this was the beginning of a long charity gatherings and in mission meetings. His friendship-. Sundays were devoted to jail meetings, and the On getting out of Sing Sing prison McQuere last time he visited Sing Sing, thirty-three con- was converted by the late Jerry McAuley, but victs stepped forward when he called for decisions Hickey went back to picking pockets and was sent to surrender to Christ and follow Him. Warden to Dannemora Prison. When released he returned Lewis E. Lawes, former Prison Commissioner to New York and a friend told him that McQuere, Mulrooney and the late Dr. Walter N. Thayer, by this time superintendent of the Cremorne Mis- State Commissioner of Correction, were among sion, wanted to see him. his many advocates.
"I'm not interested in going to that place," he With the depression, Hickey four.d it more dif- muttered. "I'm not looking for religion today. ficult to obtain jobs for his followers, but he kept I'm looking for money." trying. During the last few years a recent checkup But Hickey went to see Billy and walked out of showed that 700 exconvicts had stood by their the Mission a converted man. Fred 1. Eldridge, promise to Mike Hickey to go straight. He was a then connected with the Bowery Y. M. C. A., New shrewd judge of character and could spot a man York, got him a job as a watchman, and was so pretending penitence.
impressed by his work that he offered him a post "I can look through a stone wall," was a favorite as religious secretary at the Bowery "Y." This expression of his, "when it comes to faking. If was twenty-four years ago. you don't want to go straight don't come to me."
Hickey's job was to handle exconvicts and va- On November 12, Hickey was guest of honor at grants, and he tackled the job with enthusiasm. a meeting -celebrating the twenty-fourth anniver- His first step was to organize the "Make Good sary of his conversion. During his last illnes's he Club," with forty men with a prison record of was making plans for sending Christmas cards twenty and a half years each as charter members. and a "little money" to those behind the bars- Of that number only three went back to crime; "they like to be remembered and it means a lot the other thirty-seven found legitimate employ- when they get out."
ment and went straight. Mike Hickey died in New York on Dec. 7, 1936.
[44 ]
South as a Missions
-·-t6f11 By REV. JOHN R. SCOTFORD, New York il~'- THE religious needs of the South are rapidly situated as those in the northern states. The eclipsing the "call of the West" in their ap- South has come much closer to the lives of church peal to the interest of the people in our people than has Montana and Wyoming, which churches. This shift may ultimately produce a are commonly thought of as being "out west someradical change in home mission aims and methods. where."
From the American Revolution to the World The present administration at Washington has War our land of dreams lay towards the setting dramatized both the need and the possibilities of of the sun. The ambitious turned their backs the South through the TVA and the Norris Dam upon the East. But today the stream of venture- has been a magnet drawing an endless stream of some youth flows from West to East. Young men visitors into the mountains. Many have seen once demonstrated their pluck by staking out a something besides a gigantic wall of concrete. homestead and growing up with the country, now Recently the agitation concerning the plight of they exhibit their nerve by daring to seek a job the "share-croppers" has stirred the conscience of in some eastern city. The West lingered long on the nation. The socially minded have come to the movie screen and in the pages of magazines, think of the South as a region of dire need and as but even in these hectic regions it gives signs of a section of the country where many interesting flickering out. The rising generation seems to developments are on the way.
find gangsters more interesting than cowboys. The bane of large sections of both the West and Home missions were born of the frontier. South is poverty, but it is of a different sort in the two regions. The West seems to be in the plight Through them the churches of the East sought of a gambler who has played for large stakes and to meet the emergency created by the rapid ex- lost; much of the South is a pauper who has pansion of population across a continent. They began as the heroic effort to plant Christian been reared on hunger and who has never known churches and schools amidst the inevitable dis- the feel of a good warm coat on his back. In order of the frontier. In some instancs their am- terms of per capita wealth and per capita income bition developed into the effort to claim new em- the South is the poorest section of the United pires for particular denominations. Home mis- States. sions in the past have been commonly associated For years many home mission boards have car- with the meeting of the religious needs of the ried on work in the South, usually as a sideline West. to their western activities. The emphasis has been upon the Negro and the Southern Highlander Florida is now the mecca of many who are aged -a figure that has always stirred the imagination. and opulent. Drouth has followed drouth with Recently the vision of our people has expanded to such deadly monotony that the East has grown take in the rural white population and the multi. weary of the woes of the West. Many have con- tudes of country folk who have been herded into cluded that the best thing for the settlers to do the. mill villages during the past twenty years. in a land where grasshoppers thrive is to move Ultimately mission boards reflect the interests of out! Certain it is that the Eastern churches have their giving constituencies and the growing connot been as deeply stirred by the plight of the much plagued West as the facts of the case would cern of our churches for the South will lead to an seem to warrant. Part of the reason is that their increased interest and effort in this area. attention is turning in other directions. In two respects home mission work in the South Several circumstances are making our churches differs from that in the West. The South is not increasingly conscious of the needs of the South. a field for denominational expansion. She already In the wintertime Florida is a popular resort, possesses a superabundance of both local churches with the automobile as the most satisfactory way and denominational affiliations. In addition to getting there. Only a small fraction of the mil- most of the groups found in other portions of the lions who drive across Georgia get a clear con- country she has three great denominations of her ception of the poverty, illiteracy and human need own. She has nothing to offer the denomination- of that state, but all know where it is and most of alist who is yearning for new worlds to conquer them realize that its people are not as favorably for his church. From the point of view of home [45 ]
missions this may be fortunate. The bugaboo of Christian ministry? The northern ideal of one home mission promotion is the widespread suspi- minister serving one church is economically imcion on the part of some that home missions are possible. The prevailing practice in many secmerely a name for denominationalism. The tions of the South is for a minister to preach in a easiest way to dissipate this notion is for home different church on each Sunday of the month, missions to advance into an area where there is while he farms or follows some other pursuit no hope of denominational profit. through the week. Preaching is often almost the sole religious activity of a preacher; a church The problem of the West has been to awaken building is merely a place where people go to sit and organize religious interest; that of the South and listen. Both pastors and congregation need is to direct religious devotion into channels which to be trained into a larger conception of organized, are profitable to the whole community. In the practical Christianity. Ways must be found for South great faith and dire poverty live cheek by either training laymen to preach, or for training jowl. The Church has a prestige and power which preachers so that they can preach and make a it lacks in many other sections. Church member- living in an honorable way. ship is a form of respectability; the mores of the people are favorable to the Church. As the say- The mill village presents another problem. ing goes, "It is easy to do religious work in the With $12 a week as the prevailing wage it re- South." quires either a large membership or great sacri- fice for a church to support a pastor. One way of On the other hand, there is no section in which easing the difficulty is for the minister to be given the church faces more problems which have spir- free house rent and a financial grant from the itual implications. Most of the population is mill. But can he serve his people effectively when caught in a bog of hopeless poverty. This is not he is on the payroll of their overlords? Leaderthe passing "bad luck" of the frontier but a per- ship is a pervasive problem of both town and counmanent state which sears the soul of self-respect. try. Where education is scanty in quantity and deficient in quality how can the Church find teach- There is also the loss of individuality on the ers for its Sunday Schools and leaders for its part of those who take up their abode in "com- young people? Puzzling problems such as these pany houses" that they may serve as servants to the all-powerful machines which spin and weave abound in the South. our cloth. Something is likely to happen to the Because the South is the neediest section of our soul of a man when his fingers become a cheap supplement to a mechanical process. country today an increasing proportion of home missionary effort should be directed to the South. Over all the South there also hangs the pall of Such a change of emphasis may help to purge race prejudice-one of the most sinister phases home missions of charges of expansionist and secof American life today. These are some of the tarian ambitions of the past and lead them to an tangible problems with which the Church must attempt to solve in a Christian way the problems grapple in the South. of poverty and ignorance in the most needy sec- tion of our country. How shall a vast rural population living close to the poverty level be provided with an adequate HOW TO MAKE AMERIOA OHRISTIAN?
For the first time in all recorded history I should say, we are living in an almost completely secularized world. We have separated ourselves from the living past. The Bible is a neglected book, even as all the books of the past are neglected. Weare no more historically minded. The past, for this generation, is as dead as yesterday's daily press. We have broken not only with authority but with continuity. We are not only sep- arated from Jesus and the prophets – we are also separated from Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Their names are still in vogue, used by the preacher and by the politician, but they are not rooted in the minds and hearts of Christians today, nor in the minds and hearts of Americans. History is being taught, but it is purely secular history, used primarily to instill war patriotism.
As a result of our break with the past we have lost, in fifty years, everything which may be called a reli- gious culture. We have everything to make life comfortable, but in working we are quite empty. We know no other values except those of size, speed, and cost. So big – the biggest. So fast – can you break the record? It must be good because it costs so much!
The task for Christian workers will not be easier in the ten following years; it will be harder. The eco- nomic struggle will further separate man from God and, still more, pe~haps, men one from the other. We shall have to face more of prejudice as men become less religious, for prejudices grow among people who have no. Christian faith. To the degree that passions are inflamed in the struggle for living, the more we will have to face a narrow Americanism, or nationalism, at war with the spirit of Christ.
Our task is to keep alive the loving, tender, compelling spirit of the Christ; to stand in the midst of the war and take the nrount of the fight. Our work will be a success in the degree that Americans and all the rest of the races and creeds and nationalities become more and more one in Christ, and help people to find a one- ness in Him.-From an address by Dr. Edward A. Steiner.
Ways of
I 'rested Metlwds for Increasing Interest at Home I EDITED BY Mas. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'==-=================——I~ CONCERNING THAT church School of WorId Friend- mer conferences and in local ship. Attempting to equalize communities, the Editor has "NEW LEAF" leadership responsibility among asked clergymen and Sunday the cooperating denominations, school superintendents without Do we need to turn it over? here is a tabloid transcript of number for their organizational Assuredly, Yes! Missionary what she encountered among and promotional plans. In only interests in the local church are "the brethren" : a very few cases has she met not at flood tide. with a response indicating a defi- What should be inscribed No.1, university professor of nite plan or well attested meththereon after it goes over? such broad culture that it was ods. How can "Thy Kingdom Many things, among which are reported, "You cannot tap him come" by hit-or-miss kangaroo the following: on any subject on which he is activity? not thoroughly informed." He 1. Making missions a main said, "0" (with a slight laugh), In the past two years, a few proposition instead of an op- "mission study is entirely out of outstanding exceptions h a v e tional corollary in personal en- my line. I shouldn't care to at- been discovered and reported in listment under the standard of tempt that." this Department – Sun day the Author of the Great Com- schools with a systematic plan mISSIOn. This means that pas- No.2, university professor of of missionary cultivation, men's tor and church officials will have broad horizon: "You see my missionary leagues in the local a definite program for mission wife's leading one of the younger church, etc. To those will be study, informational and inspi- classes and one in the family is added in the February issue of rational culture and missionary enough." THE REVIEW the following disbenevolences instead of letting cussions, all prepared by "the things go hit or miss in pulpit No.3: "I'm missionary in brethren" : as well as departmental life. spirit but my present work is too "Check" ? arduous for me to undertake "Missionary Activities of a anything more." (Quite true to 2. Climbing out of the ruts of fact.) Men's Bible Class." "the usual missionary meeting," "Socratic Evenings – aNew banishing the Faithful Tradi- No.4: "I don't know a man tionalists or else converting in our church who is qualified to Venture in Adult Education." them, and lining up under the do that. We leave mission study "Making C h u r c h Members most efficient plans issued and entirely to our women. They do promoted by the missionary edu- plenty." Missionary." cational departments of your "How the World Came to own denomination as well as the No.5: "Our minister is teach- United Mission Study courses ing a class. That represents our Portland." which now are fully up with the van in approved pedagogical church." Please send me your own conprinciples and methods. Again, No.6: "I always think of that tribution of attested plans and "Check" ? programs for (1) making mis- as a woman's job!" sionary endeavor an essential in 3. Parsing "missions" in the church membership; (2) getting masculine as well as the fem- And so with one accord, they out of traditional ruts; (3) makinine gender – in fact common all said, "I pray thee, have me ing missions masculine as well gender is the ideal. Too long excused." Those six sessions as feminine. Departmental mathave "the sisters" shouldered the suffered in interest and attend- ter giving down-to-date suggesresponsibility for cultivation of ance because of lack of mascu- tions for young people's and chilthe home field. Hark ye: Your line cooperation, though it must dren's work is always welcome. Department Editor recently had be said to the credit of all the"'e The ensuing timely articles are occasion to organize the adult dissenters that they were giv- from outstanding leaders in foreign mission study depart- ing to missions personally or junior endeavor. ment in a community inter- through their families. Down to Date Junior Plans Pastors are not wholly blame- less in this state of affairs. In The children interested in her perpetual quest for "effec- missionary work today. will be tive ways of working" at sum- [47 ]
the young people who enjoy his people. We shall also make candle to indicate how short a serving others tomorrow and "Treasure Books" of poems, time the man had to serve; then the church workers of the day songs, names of paintings and he lights a large one to show how after tomorrow. So we must in- painters, books and articles we long a child giving his heart to terest the children today in order have received from Africa and Jesus may serve. All the chil- to have them carryon what we the American Negro. By cor- dren come forward singing, have started. Our best mission- respondence with Negro schools "Jesus Bids Us Shine," and ary workers should be their lead- we shall learn how they cele- kindle their candles at the Christ ers. When you have found a brate Christmas, Easter and light. Close with Mizpah bene..
leader who loves Christ and His other special days. We hope to diction. The children love this children, she will follow these learn direct of other young peo- service at rally day in the mis- ple who have gone from schools sionary society, at Christmas, missionary B's: helped by our boys and girls Easter or the last meeting of the Be prayerful. through their mite boxes, dues year. Be early. Be regular in attendance. and pledges. We shall make The United Brethren Women's Be well prepared. maps showing the schools in the Missionary Association, 1412 Be prompt in beginning and ending. U. S. and Africa where our mis- United Brethren Building, Day- sionaries have gone, then choose Be interested in each individual. ton, Ohio, publishes good Afri- Be faithful to other church activities.
This year we are studying the some school and write to it to can Primary Picture Stories for Negro child and working with find what we can do to help at 25 cents. "Gifts of Black Folk," him. There is a wealth of ma- Christmas time. We make beau- by DuBois, will furnish material terial at hand. As we start the tiful posters which tell the for treasure books. In "Junior work we may use an invitation Christmas and Easter stories. Talks for Special Days," by to gain attention. Make it in the Treasure books of pictures and Arnold Westphal, is an interestshape of Africa with a picture poems, made by the children, ing teaching program called of a Negro child on the front and will be sent to mission schools. "Missionary Quartette." I use the invitation giving date, place material wherever I can find it, of meeting and the words, "Come Children like to give chalk ordering through my own deand help make an African vil- talks. I have used C. O. Brown's nomination so they may receive lage," on the back. This village "Easy Chalk Talks," also his the profit. I should be very consists of a set of drawings to book on paper tearing, with grateful to know of material be cut out and assembled and Bible verses. "Eye~ate Ser- others have used in junior work, can be bought for 25 cents at mons," by Rev. H. Reed Shep- for use in my home church and The Department of Missionary pen, is also helpful. What chil- my classes at the Epworth Education, 740 Rush St., Chi- dren do or see will be remem- League Institute, Lakeside, Ohio. cago. The following stories may bered long after what we have be told (never read): "Camp- told them is forgotten. This is MRS. E. R. BROWN. fires in Congo," by Mrs. John further illustrated by candle- Akron, Ohio. Springer; "In the African lighting services, at least one of Bush," by Jewel H. Schwab; "I which will be held this year, More Junior Studies Would Sing America," by Ma- using Bible verses on Light. The and Projects rion Cuthbert. following plan may be used: An interesting course in For- Learn some Negro songs such Have children seated in half eign Missionary education was circle facing a cross with tall given the children of the junior as "I Want to Be a Christian in candle at one side, at back of department of the United Breth- My Heart" (book of "Southland stage. A picture of Christ is ren church in Westerville, Ohio, Spirituals," 25 cents) and have placed near at hand. Then the with Africa as the subject. The children tell Negro stories. children sing the first two children met for one and a half These may be purchased for a stanzas of "Jesus Loves Me," hours in a midweek session, for few cents each from the Meth- with added verses, eight weeks. Families gathered odist headquarters at 420 Plum Jesus loves the children dear, for dinner together, after which St., Cincinnati, Ohio. Use the Children far away or near. the children were dismissed for leaflet, "The Finding Out Box" They are safe when in His care, this instruction. (5 cents), and "The House of Every day and everywhere. A brief worship period was Their Hands" (2 cents), pub- Jesus loves me, this I know, And my love to Him I'll show, followed by the telling of an lished by the Lutheran Women's When my happiness I share African story-"In the African Missionary Society, 723 Muhlen- With His children everywhere. Bush," by Schwab. After the berg Building, 1228 Spruce St., story a three-reel film was Philadelphia, Pa. Collect poems Ten or more children then shown. In cooperation with our and stories written by Negroes. come forward with their Bibles, public schools we were able to One that I shall use is "Give a each reading his verse and light- secure educational films telling Thought to Africa," by Hosea K. ing his candle from the large the story of Africa, her people, Nyobongi, son of an African one. The leader tells of a man her climate and products. After king, at Clark University fitting who gave his life to Christ when this film, the children were given himself for larger work among 80 years old, and lights a short a rest period and taken to the
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
recreation room where African themselves, deserving respect as finale came when, on a Sunday folk games were played. Then well as interest and help. afternoon, the department held groups were formed around the MRS. ONA MOCLOY, open house and explained the work tables where an outline Supt. of Junior Department, exhibits, furnished music from map of the country was studied, First U. B. Church, Wes- India, Mexico and China, and terville' Ohio. served tea to the church memcolored, discussed, with outline bership who called in large numpictures (also colored) mounted bers. Surely missions were thus in the proper places thereon. An Elaborate Junior Project woven into the very warp and Larger pictures were mounted woof of the children's thinking, and other handcraft projects The specific details of the fol- and parents who had remained completed. One group had as lowing expressional work devel- aloof from the greatest Adventheir project the finding of the oped by Mrs. Helen Leach, of ture in the world gained some names of those in the denomina- Granville, Ohio, for her junior idea of its importance. tion who were entitled to places study last year, are not imporof honor on the map. tant as the method and prin- Inbringing Day ciples involved are universal and A trip to the museum of Otter- may be used equally well with The First Baptist church of bein College to see the Mrican our current topics. They consti- Dayton, Ohio, used a plan (decurios was made. A college stu- tute a de luxe attempt to make scribed in Missions,) to help dent who is a native of Africa the themes part and parcel of children understand the need for gave an interesting talk. We are the children's lives and to moti- systematic giving. At a meetfortunate in having a large num- vate future action. ing of junior and primary deber of returned missionaries partments, baskets filled with from Africa who are most gra- With South America as the the coins the children had cious in lending their curios, na- first theme, photos and objects brought during the year were tive costumes, pictures and were collected such as pictures displayed on a table. At one baskets. showing points of international interest, tissue paper flags of the A "browsing table" was kept nationalities, data about the side stood a shadow box containfilled with National Geographies, Columbus Memorial Lighthouse ing a picture on glass of the books of travel and pictures. to be erected by Pan-American church. Explaining the need of Two books the children enj oyed countries as a Friendship Me- the church for money, the leader were "Camp Fires in the morial, cacti, objects loaned by drew from a box a sheaf of bills Congo," by Mrs. J 0 h n M. friends and an elaborate poster incurred for heat, supplies, etc., Springer, and "Children of the of the products of Mexico, this and suggested that children Chief," by Mary Entwistle. "In latter project requiring weeks come up and drop money from the African Bush" was inval- of work. the basket into the box marked uable as it contains outlines for The foreign study following for light and heat. As they did teaching, stories, worship ma- this covered four countries in this, the light was switched on terial, hand work, drum calls Asia celebrating their centenaand folk and game songs. The ries in missionary work. One in the shadow box and lo! the children dramatized some of the church was illuminated! Next a stories they heard. That these class whose teacher was a mis- missionary map was displayed, tales of the intimate home life of sionary's daughter from Podili, African children and their ac- with electric bulbs marking mistivities made a vivid impression South India, made a beautiful sion stations. Little wooden on our group was very evident. reproduction of the mission com- chests in front of the map were Some of the boys whittled out pound where the girl had spent call drums, native canoes and her early youth. This proved a each marked with the name of paddles: the girls made gourd a station. Children took more and cucumber dolls, baby straps real work of art. A class of collection money and dropped it and modeled huts of clay with boys made a moving picture reel into any chest; whereupon the dried grass and leaves for roofs. corresponding bulb on the map which, worked back and forth, furnished the basis for two dif- flashed on, the coins making the ferent talks on China which connection with the metal bot- were later given by young lads. tom of the box. The children Certainly a closer bond was Stamps from many countries were "electrified"! When boxes drawn between our children and were collected, cut up and pasted were left empty, and correspondthe little ones in Africa by these on letters to form the te~t, "Go ing stations remained dark, the activities. When children por- ye into all the world." This leader explained that this is tray such scenes from the home handsome ten-foot frieze was what happens when gifts are not life of African children as the eventually taken to the Northern equal to needs of the field. way they travel, care for their Baptist Convention and exhibsick, work and play; the way ited before hundreds of inter- A Oorrection the women prepare the food and ested delegates. All the juniors In our December issue it was stated the songs they sing to their cooperated in making up White that Miss Elizabeth 1. Fensom would babies, an indelible impression furnish a year's subscription to her is made. They begin to realize Crossl supply boxes that were that these people are much like sent to Arizona, Puerto Rico, Program Pointers for 25 cents. She Assam and Africa. The grand states that the next five issues will be sent for 15 cents. The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK A PRAYER FOR THE This be our prayer as we face liminary conferences will be NEW YEAR the new year! Prayer that com- held. On Sunday afternoon, bines love of God with love of January 10, the Conference of By Mrs. Orrin R. Judd our fellow men! Prayer that the Committee on Young Peo- identifies ourselves with the ple's Work and Conference of "If Thy presence go not with wounds and suffering and sins Presidsnts and Executive Secme, carry us not up hence." of humanity! Prayer that knows retaries of Women's Home Mis- Exodus 33: 15. the Presence that avails for sal- sion Boards are scheduled, and vation, sustenance and guidance. are to be followed by a devo- For those who are charged tional service. Presidents of with responsibility of leader- It is not an easy prayer. The women's and young women's ship, this prayer uttered by way to the answer is long and missionary societies of Asbury Moses many centuries ago offers beset with obstacles. It is prayed Park and Ocean Grove will be a significant pattern. Shaken with few words, but with much by the events that followed his living, and with utter sincerity. the guests of the Council at this return from Mt. Sinai, he with- Like Moses, we shall have to be devotional service and the feldraws to solitude to find again stabbed wide awake by pain to lowship tea which follows. peace and direction for himself make it ours. May we be willand a wayward people. ing like him to bear the pain of In preparation for the Annual corporate delinquence, and in the Meeting a Service of Worship He is aware of God. The un- conscious, blissful companionseen is real to him. He knows ship of the Presence be led for- will be held Sunday evening. from frequent communions "the ward continually to triumph, for On Monday afternoon, while upward reach in the soul of the redemption of our country man." To talk with God is the and the world. Joint Committees are meeting, a habit of his life. He is therefore popular meeting is being set up quickly sensitive to any veil that "If we have found favor in comes between him and God. Thy sight, show us now Thy way for church women throughout that we may know Thee; but if that area of New Jersey. A He is conscious of one supreme Thy presence go not with us, graphic account of the World need. Nothing else matters. carry us not up hence. 0 Lord Day of Prayer observances, the Like the psalmist he cries out: Jehovah, show Thy servants Thy "Whom have I in heaven but greatness and Thy strong hand." challenge of the united Protes- Thee? And there is none on -A New Year's Eve Prayer, tant work in the United States earth beside Thee." His suffi- from" A Chain of Prayer Across Indian Schools, and motion picciency is to be realized only in the Ages." this Presence which is to him tures of the interdenominational friend, companion, counselor ANNUAL MEETING service in Migrant Labor Camps,. and guide. are all features of this program. January 11-14, 1937 His need is too great to be On Monday night, January 11, satisfied by personal well-being. Berkeley-Carteret Hotel, Why not be satisfied? He has Asbury Park, N. J. the Annual Meeting of the Counalready received the assurance: cil of Women for Home Missions "My presence shall go with thee, The Committee on Annual opens officially with the Fellowand I will give thee rest." It is Meeting of the Home Missions ship Supper. On that evening a gracious word, but promises Council and the Council of Womnot enough. He needs more. en for Home Missions is develop- the Home Missions Councils will The destiny of an entire people ing unique plans for this Annual meet in joint session and reports is his concern. He is their Meeting. Methods of presenting of Indian Work, and Young Peomediator with God. His life has reports are to be different and ple's Work and City and New no value save in and for them. ample time is to be allowed for Americans are on the agenda. "If Thy presence go not with interesting and encouraging de- Tuesday, January 12, is to be deme, carry us not up hence." The velopments on the field. Pre- voted entirely to the separate Presence that strengthens him, ceding the Annual Meeting pre- business sessions of the two must sustain all. Councils. Interesting plans are [50 ] under way for unique methods of presenting the work of the Council of Women for Home Missions for 1936. A panel dis- cussion will combine the presen- tation of the work of committees
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
on International Relations, Race church women of all denomina- schools in the South, in Cuba, Relations and Legislative Mat- tions, in both Canada and the Puerto Rico and Alaska; from ters, a graphic presentation of United States united in a Day of mission stations among Indians the World Day of Prayer, study Prayer for Missions both Home of the West, Christian Centers books and Schools of Missions is and Foreign. in the East and many of our being arranged. The Migrant In 1921 there were published great northern cities come the Committee is working on a dra- and distributed 62,425 pro- same heartening letters, some matic presentation. On that eve- grams. One offering of $25 was with tiny offerings, others with ning the Home Missions Councils sent to the Council of Women considerable sums but all carrymeet again in j oint business ses- for Home Missions. In 1927 the ing cheering messages of faith sion for dinner and the evening World Day of Prayer was ob- and love-love for God and love session. served and special objects were for His work.
National Conference on designated for the offerings. As The Call has gone out for the the City Church information concerning the 1937 Day of Prayer to be ob- needs for Christian Literature served February 12th. Over Wednesday, January 13, in- in Foreign Lands, C h r i s t ian 300,000 copies of the Program cludes the opening of the Na- Work Among Migrants, Union have been printed. The theme, tional Conference on the City Christian Colleges for Women "Thou Art the Christ, the Son Church, the part of the Annual and the Indian American Youth of the Living God," has been de- Meeting that is given over to a of Today, the response has been veloped in a program prepared detailed consideration of one more and more generous until by Miss Mabel Shaw of Northphase of home mission work last year the offerings for the ern Rhodesia, Africa. each year. A remarkable pro- work of the Council of Women In sending the program Miss gram has been planned with ex- for Home Missions amounted to Shaw writes, perts on various phases of the City Mission field scheduled to $12,291, a like amount going to The program is supremely an act of the Foreign Missions Confer- worship. I feel more and more that present the situations and lead the thinking of the group as the ence. There were reported ap- our hearts must be stirred to adoraissues are considered. proximately 2,200 observances. tion before prayer can be of real power. We must dimly see the un- There are four themes relative One cannot read the letters ac- bearable wonder of the greatness of to the City, those on Wednesday companying the offerings with- Him to whom we pray, the unutterincluding The Urban Process, out realizing the spiritual uplift able majesty of the Son of God, and The City-a Field for Social and of such union meetings. Often the shattering humility of the Son of Religious Adventure, and The a small offering carries the fra- Man. I have tried to reveal that. Social Ministry of the Urban grance of real sacrifice. A little There are two periods of meditation Church. The closing Session on town in Kansas sends 67 cents in the program which will need care- Thursday, January 14, will be with the remark, "We had one ful preparation if they are to serve devoted to The Interdenomina- of those terrible Kansas dust their purpose. The unity of the protional Approach to the Modern storms that day and there were gram depends upon them. I suggest City. not many out." each period to be seven to ten minutes long. I have had in my thought a WORLD DAY OF PRAYER From a city in Alabama comes background of praying women. a description of a "program with As we read of the growth of beautiful music, earnest prayers Twelfth Conference on the the World Day of Prayer which in a quiet atmosphere of faith Cause and Cure of War is sponsored jointly by the Wom- and trust," which, the writer en's Committee of the Foreign says, "grows dearer with each JANUARY 26-29, 1937 Missions Conference and the observance." Negro women in Council of Women for Home this city held their meeting at Plans for the Conference to be Missions, we are reminded of night in their own church and held at the Palmer House, Chithe parable of the "grain of sent an offering of $2.00. They cago, January 26-29, are promustard seed, which, when it is were working women, most of gressing. The program will whom have large families. center around the theme, "Today in Peace and War," and will in- clude discussions of the issues which have come to a head be- sown in the earth, is less than all From Manitoba, Can a d a, cause of the revolution in Spain the seeds that be in the earth. comes the word, "We held the and other critical situations in But when it is sown, it growetp first Day of Prayer in Flin Flon Europe and the Far East. up and becometh greater than last Friday" ; from Hartwell, Al- If you are interested in being all herbs and shooteth out great berta, "I am enclosing $1.00 as one of the 200 delegates reprebranches so that the fowls of the my offering for the World Day senting church women at this air may lodge under the shadow of Prayer. I am very isolated Conference, further information and unable to meet with other may be secured from the Forof it." Evidence of this appears if we women so had my meeting all by eign Missions Conference, 156 follow reports back to earlier myself. I am sure God will hear 5th Avenue, New York, or the days. Previous to 1920 mission- my prayer but now I miss the Council of Women for Home ary societies encouraged days of inspiration of church and con- Missions, 105 East 22d Street, prayer but during that year gregation." From m iss ion New York. jil Our World–wide Outlook A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~,,~======E=DIT=ED =BY=MR=S. H=EN~RIE=TTA=H=. F=ERG=USO=N, =XE=NIA=, O=HIO========,~"
MISCELLANEOUS Bible. Attention will be focussed Missions, Then and Now on the "Injunction of 1538," or- Six World Conferences dering that all must have free Dr. James Endicott, who has access to the Bible. Archdeacon just retired as Foreign Mission A chain of six Christian world Storr, of the Anglican Church, Secretary of the United Church conferences – three in Asia- says in reference to the celebra- of Canada, contrasts expendiwill be held during the next tion: tures on foreign missions today three years. Early in January, with those of forty-three years Dr. John R. Mott will preside at The Bible has made the English ago. The church is giving nearly the conference of the World's nation. This generation does not read seven times as much to mission- Alliance of the Y. M. C. A. at its Bible as our forefathers did, but I ary work in central India today Mysore, India. "The center of see signs of a return to the Bible. as it was 40 years ago, and 28 gravity in Christian world af- Local education authorities are ar- times as much to African misfairs is shifting from the mis- ranging courses of lectures on the sions. "Conditions now," he sionary societies in the West to Bible for teachers. Seventeen Uni- said, "are inexpressibly better in the younger churches and their versities in England and Wales have coordinating the work with other auxiliary agencies in the East," put the Bible on their lists of Uni- churches." World conditions says Dr. Mott. The plans for versity lectures. It would be an evil also are far better than they these conferences reveal the day if the Bible should be crowded were 40 years ago. world-wide sense that there is out by the rush of modern life. Thereneed for Christian organizations fore, as an act of thanksgiving for the -Presbyterian Banner. to get together – nationally, in- Reformation, we propose to set on ternationally, interracially, de- foot a back-to-the-Bible movement. ChTistian Literature Needs nominationally. Our problems are world-wide and we all need "Citadels of Darkness" A representative gathering of each other's help in solving them." J. Merle Davis, in the Inter- various missionary pre sse s, national Review of Missions, church publishing houses and The second of the six is ar- calls attention to difficulties persons interested in missionary ranged by the Universal Chris- which confront missionaries to- vernacular literature meeting in tian Council for Life and Work, day of which their predecessors Bloemfontein last June made on Church, Community and never dreamed. several practical suggestions: State at Oxford next July; the third on Faith and Order meets Since the first Protestant mission- 1. Churches should cooperate to at Edinburgh in August, 1937; aries sailed for non-Christian lands produce one good Christian newspaper a year later, in August, 1938, the more than one hundred years ago, the World Student Christian Fed- work of foreign missions has become within each vernacular area. eration is to meet in Japan; in an increasingly complex undertaking. 2. For religious purposes, more use the autumn of the same year the Then, broadly speaking, mission strat- International Missionary Coun- egy called for a frontal attack upon should be made of the African secular cil will meet at Hangchow, heathen citadels of darkness. Today press, which is, on the whole, very China. Finally, in 1939, there is the missionary's task is rendered far sympathetic. to be a great gathering of Chris- more intricate by a formidable array tian Youth Movements, when the of new factors that have come upon 3. Provision should be made for the Christian youth of aH nations the field-anthropology, the compara- production of (a) simple Bible picwill be able to "size up" the tive study of religions, the renaissance tures, and (b) pictorial helps for Day findings of the preceding gather- of indigenous cultures, nationalism, School work. ings. disillusionment with western civiliza- tion, secular idealistic cults and the It was also urged that ma- Back to the Bible Movement whole network of influences let loose by the investment of western capital terial be supplied on the follow- Preparations are under way in mission lands with the disorganiza- ing topics: for the celebration in 1938 of tion of society and traditional ways of the fourth centenary of the life that have resulted from them. Missionary Development and Biog- Reformation, and of the English The church in mission lands finds its position undermined and its claim raphy. upon the allegiance of society chal- lenged by citadels of darkness that Notable Deeds of Africans. exist behind the missionary lines in the homelands. These, through the Nature Studies for Children. moving picture, literature and a hun- dred other ways have a rapidly in- Family and Home Life. creasing influence throughout the world. Hygiene (within smaller areas).
[52 ] Christian Conduct, and other purely Religious Subjects. .
The need for introducing lit- erature to the attention of the people was seen to be as urgent as the need for greater produc- tion.-South African Outlook.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
NORTH AMERIOA bring the missionary enterprise Mormons Oall for Sabbath into the heart of the program Observance Million Unit Fellowship was warmly welcomed. It was said that student movements Has anything like this oc- The "Million Unit Fellowship" needed the cutting edge of the curred in any Protestant denomof the Methodist Episcopal missionary appeal to deepen and ination of America? Church was formally launched strengthen their work. at Scranton, Pa., in November. Six thousand Mormon youth Renewed devotion to the stand- The most significant outcome gathered in a Sabbath observards of Christ; a study of social of the Oberlin meeting was the ance assembly to launch a cruand economic problems; and strong and positive conception sade for the recovery of the Sabgreater interest in world mis- of Christianity to which it gave bath! The leaders of the Morsions are among the goals of the expression. New emphasis was mon church are shocked at the Fellowship. Financially these placed on the effort to know and widespread desecration of the are to be expressed through follow the will of God, in place Sabbath and the growing spirit the underwriting of 1,000,000 of centering student work in the of lawlessness in America. This "units" or subscriptions of $1 a carrying through of related pro- movement is the result. Fifteen month to Methodist missions and grams of many sorts. states were represented by delebenevolences. gates at the conference. The -Missionary Herald. Mormons expect to push the cru- -Christian Advocate. sade in all the states where they Southern Baptists Send have any considerable popula- The Bishops' Orusade 15 Missionaries tion. Their goal is – no sports on the Sabbath, no movies, no The I a r g est simultaneous Fifteen new missionaries have dancing, no feasting, no type of Methodist project in recent been appointed to serve in the self-indulgence, no work that is years will be the "Bishops' Cru- foreign field under the auspices not absolutely necessary. The sade" to awaken the churches to of the Foreign Mission Board of meeting was called the Aronic their responsibility of winnning the Southern Baptist Conven- Priesthood Sabbath Observance the unchurched masses in Amer- tion. Thirteen were assigned to Assembly, and was held in the ica. Plans for the evangelistic China, one to Africa, and one to Mormon tabernacle. movement, to include the entire Brazil. A reduction in the mis- South, will be drawn at New sion debt during the past four -Presbyterian Banner. Orleans, January 5 to 7. Rallies years from $1,115,000 to $400,- in key-centers from coast to 000 is also announced. America's New Heathenism coast will then be held in the interest of foreign missions and During the past four years Dr. Samuel L. Joshi, noted the forward movement in the eighty-three new missionaries educator and East Indian, said churches. have been appointed, twenty- recently in Chicago that a hea- eight others reappointed, mak- thenism, worse than any anti- E. Stanley Jones, B ish 0 p ing a total of 111 reinforce- Christian movements or faiths Oxenham and others are to be ments. in the Orient or Europe, is growpresent at New Orleans to plead ing up in Christian America. for more evangelistic fervor. A Thrilling Work for Indians This heathenism is manifest chiefly in the utter disregard for Student Ohristian Advance Sage Memorial Hospital at the spiritual, and an exaltation Ganado, Arizona, is the only In- of the material and of natural- Last September, 0 be r lin, dian hospital in the southwest ism. Dr. Joshi urged church Ohio, was the scene of a meet- fully accredited this year by the people to seek a balance between ing of student Christian leaders American College of Surgeons. these elements in society, with that is certain to have far-reach- Its School of Nursing, the only greater emphasis on the spiring effects. The delegates were training school in the United itual. -The Living Church. representative of the principal States for American Indian student Christian organizations nurses, enrolled this year 19 Metlakahtla Independent – the National Intercollegiate students from 12 different In- Mission Christian Council of the com- dian tribes scattered fro m bined Y M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. Alaska to Arizona. The execu- Rev. William Duncan founded and the General Council of the tive of this Presbyterian Mission the Metlakahtla Independent Student Volunteer Movement. writes: Christian Mission on Annette Overtures were made to the Na- Island, twelve miles from Ketchtional Intercollegiate Christian Can anyone imagine a greater ikan, Alaska, in 1891. The enter- Council, asking that the Y. M. pioneering thrill than gathering in prise prospered materially and C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. join these splendid girls from their hogans, spiritually, until its far-reaching with all other interested bodies "wickiups," igloos, and tepees, from significance was recognized and in an effort to evolve an ade- all over this western country, and acknowledged by Christian leadquate plan of work in the inter- after three years of intensive training ers in distant lands. At the time est of world Christianity. This sending them back to establish a new of his death in 1918, Duncan's was agreed upon, and the plan to outlook on modern medicine on the last will and testament be- part of their people, and to have an active part in setting up new stand- ards of health and hygiene among their tribes?
queathed his accumulated prop- The people had been advised to many of their workers have erty and financial assets in trust deny them even a glass of water. passed through extremely diffito three co-trustees, appointed The following morning the whole cult experiences owing to the by him, with power to choose town turned out to see the here- fanaticism which still reigns in their successors, who we r e tics. In spite of the fact that many of the less accessible parts charged with certain clearly de- they had to pay five times as of the country. It is reported fined administrative responsi- much as the food served them that work which the Franciscans bilities: perpetuation of the was worth, they were gladdened carried on in the region of the Metlakahtla Independent Chris- by the response of the crowds. UcayaIi in the eighteenth centian Mission, and the support of tury is to be reopened by misits religious, educational and The priest endeavored to draw sionary priests. charitable activities; also, the the people away by ringing the support of similar work for such church bells, but they turned a The Christian and Missionary other native people in Alaska as deaf ear to the bells and listened Alliance has devoted a number these trustees may deem wise to the message of the colpor- of years to an attempt to found and proper. teurs. In one house where the work among the Campa Indians, colporteurs spent the night, the one of the few groups of numer- For a number of years, follow- landlady and other visitors ical importance. ing the death of William Dun- bought Bibles. On leaving the can,' the Metlakahtla Mission next morning their hostess EUROPE was supervised by Dr. Henry J. treated them to a royal break- Minthorn, a well-qualified Chris- fast because she said she be- British Pronouncement on War tian physician, uncle and foster- lieved them to be real ministers father of Herbert Hoover, for- of God, and worthy of the best Evangelical Free Churches of mer president of the United she could give. In one large city Great Britain have issued the States. -Christian Advocate. they spent four days. Doors following statement: were opened everywhere, and LATIN AMERICA from the highest government The Federal Council of the Evan- officials and lawyers, down to the gelical Free Churches, believing that The Missionary Spirit in Cuba poor cholo on the street, all the ultimate sources of war lie in un- heard the Good News of Salva- regenerate human nature, appeals to Children at the Protestant tion. Christians everywhere to rededicate Episcopal Mission in Cardenas, themselves to win men and women for Cuba, received Christmas gifts "Good Neighbor Policy" the Lord Jesus Christ and the acceptfrom the children of Trinity and Missions ance of the full obligations of Chris- Church, Seattle, and in return tian discipleship as the final guarantee made up a scrapbook of photo- Charles E. Maddry, Executive of world peace. graphs and notes about their Secretary of the Southern Bapmission. They have a plain little tist Foreign Mission Board, says The council not only refuses to acchapel in a rented house in Car- that Uncle Sam's "good neigh- knowledge that war is inevitable, but denas, a city of 40,000. More bor policy" has done much to reaffirms its conviction that universal than 100 children are in the open doors of missionary oppor- peace is the mind and purpose of mission school. tunity in South America. Dr. Christ. It holds that Christians Maddry spent four and a half everywhere should not support any Without waiting until they months on a missionary journey war with regard to which the governhad a better church themselves, through the four countries of ment of their country has declined to in 1930 this Mission started a South America in which South- submit the dispute to impartial settlemission of its own at !tabo, a ern Baptists have work, namely: ment by judicial decision, conciliation, village of 1,500 about 35 miles Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and or arbitration. . . • away, holding services in a Chile. As a result of his messhabby old bakeshop. For the sages, 1,500 turned to God. Dr. It urges Christian people in our past five years they have been Maddry described Bahai, Brazil, own land actively to cultivate to their working to build a little brick the Catholic capital of South utmost power friendly relations with church at Itabo, to cost $1,700. America, as the most fanatical the people of other nations, especially city he had ever visited. There with those who share with them a Pioneering in Ecuador are 365 Catholic churches in this supreme loyalty to Jesus Christ, and city of 400,000 people. . to this end to support such work as is A Christian and Missionary carried on by the British Christian Alliance worker writes of a trip -Baptist Message. Council for International Friendship,. with two native colporteurs Life and Work. through southern E c u ado r, Peruvian Indians where there is great need for the -British Weekly. Gospel. In the first town where The Synod of the Iglesia the colporteurs passed the night Evangelica Peruana, which is Evangelicals in Spain the police authorities had to composed exclusively of nacompel a man to rent them a tionals, reports a year of con- Spain has only 22,000 Evanroom and give them their meals. siderable b I e s sin g, although gelical Christians. Before the' recent uprising there were less than fifty ordained Evangelical ministers and under a hundred full-time evangelists and colpor- teurs. There are 6,000 full members in the churches, and up till recently there were nearly 7,500 children in Evangelical schools.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Most of the foreign workers The Christlicher Volksfreund boys – Christians, Moslems and have now been expelled from the says that a Conference of the Jews-are grouped in four "Y" country. Meanwhile meetings Societies of the Godless has de- clubs, each with a university stu- continue in private h 0 use s. cided to award a prize of 25,000 dent as leader. One club of 25 Neither the Evangelical churches rubles for the best antireligious recently elected as president a of Spain nor the foreign organ- poem. Mohammedan; sec ret a r y, a izations interested in their work Copt; sports leader, a Jew, and have attempted to take political The Deutches Pfarrerblatt social leader, a Presbyterian. sides in the present tragic con- says the Soviet Government will flict. -The Life of Faith. permit entry into Russia of Bi- In Alexandria a group of 47 bles in non-Russian languages. came from 20 schools, 12 na- German Church Cause Lost? Bibles in French, English or tionalities and seven religions. Dutch would pay a tax of about Accommodations are needed in Pastor Niemoller expresses six rubles in foreign currency- Cairo for 300 boys to demoncomplete discouragement over a prohibitive impost. While strate the value of a Christian the Church and State situation 12,000 ecclesiastics are still at program on a large scale. in Germany. No religious paper their posts, over 40,000 have in Germany, he says, now dares dropped out of sight; many are Converts in Ethiopia to publish what it thinks. No in concentration camps. man dares to speak without first Mr. Allan Webb, of the Sudan looking anxiously around to see AFRICA Interior Mission, writes: who may be listening. "The stroke of a pen is now sufficient Moslem Expansion One amazing thing is the ready sale to dissolve synods and church for the Word of God in this country. councils, and no one can know An event of wide religious im- Comparatively few can read, but a what church buildings, in two portance is the movement for crowd quickly gathers to listen to any years, may not be turned into Moslem missionary expansion one who can read aloud. These people theaters." The neopagan move- which has its sou r c e and also love listening to a story well told ment, whose most outspoken ad- strength in the University of the around the fire,s at night. One story, vocate is Baldur von Schirach, Azhar at Cairo. Not only in of which they never tire, is that of the official leader of the Nazi youth Cairo, the intellectual center of Prodigal Son. It is wonderful to organizations, grows constantly the Moslem world, but in other watch the expressions flit over their bolder, and no one now dares to centers of Moslem influence it is faces and to hear the grunts, as each speak openly against it. The maintained that Islam has a point makes its appeal, and is clearly Buppression of Pro t est ant much needed message of peace, understood. This opens a mighty schools in Wiirttemberg and in brotherhood, sharing, sobriety sphere for a native evangelist, who Bavaria has been scarcely no- and a slowing down of the com- will move from place to place, telling ticed. petitive rush and heartless rival- the same story and returning peri- ries of the European people. odically to the mission station to learn The New York Herald-Trib- another Bible story. une contrasts the courage of One of the latest plans of the Evangelical Christians with the Moslem missionary movement is Mr. Harry Glover, of the same ,opposition groups. to send missions of students Mission, tells of helping to exam- from the Azhar to study in the ine six candidates for baptism, No group of men of science, no universities of Europe, in order five of whom were lepers. On :academy of teachers or of artists, no to gain knowledge and experi- the following Sunday these were bar association, has risked concentra- ence for European indoctrina- baptized, and with them Man- tion camp for scientific, academic or tion in the tenets of Islam. Mis- gasha, Dr. Tom Lambie's per- :artistic ideals. One group, and one sionary efficiency of a high order sonal servant. alone, inside Germany, has had the is a recognized necessity if th~ courage and the daring to attack European peoples are to be won. -Moody Institute Monthly. fundamental theses of the totalitarian state, and attack them openly, read -The Indian Witness. An African's Parable -them publicly, sign their names and give their addresses, in the face of the The "Y" in Egypt A letter from Kenya, East dictatorship and for Germany and all Africa, says that African Chris- the world to see . . . the pastors of There are many points of ten- tians frequently speak in par- the Confessional German Evangelical sion among Jews, Moslems and ables which have originated in Church. Christians, and this is felt keenly their own minds, and gives as an in Egypt. Anti-Semitic feeling illustration one -from a former Situation in Russia is growing there. A prominent herdboy. Egyptian Christian said recently The Reformed Constitution that even he is becoming con- It was this boy's custom to -for Russia promoted by Stalin, scious of this animosity-some- take the cattle and goats to the which grants a measure of re- thing he had never felt before. water to drink, about noon. One ligious freedom, recognizes the day the river had risen suddenly declaration of Lenin that "it A Y. M. C. A. secretary in after heavy rain, and a large was just to consider religion as Cairo, Wilbert B. Smith, says crocodile appeared. It ignored an idea and personal sentiment that hope in this realm lies with the goats, and deliberately seized -that could not be forbidden." the boys. A hundred Egyptian and tore to pieces a fine cow. "Satan is like a crocodile," said he. "He is very strong and is afraid of nothing. And he is
like a hunter; if he is out to kill A missionary Retreat and a have been driven to their knees an elephant, he won't bother native clergy Retreat are first under conviction of their lack of about small deer – he can get steps in preparation for the Dia- faith in the God of miracles. them any time. And just as that mond Jubilee. Further steps Revival always began in confes- crocodile did not want goats will be taken when missions will sion of sin–confession which is when he could get a cow, so be held in every district, cul- edifying, true scriptural confes- Satan does not mind about minating in a central service of sion. No revival would result if heathen if he can get a Chris- thanksgiving and renewal in the Christians would not humble tian. While we are still in dark- cathedral, probably in Septem- themselves before God. ness we are his already, and he ber. can have us any day; but when At the final meeting the mes- we come out and join Jesus Christian Council of sage was "The Cross of Christ." Christ, then Satan tries his hard- South Africa est to get us back. So don't WESTERN ASIA think that being a Christian Following upon the Edinburgh means an easy life." Conference of 1910, National One Hundred Years' Christian Councils have func- Bible Work -C. M. S. Outlook. tioned with increasing useful- ness. They act as a bond of fel- The mission school in Scutari, Dictionary for Umbundu lowship between the different Turkey, recently celebrated a Christians churches and missionary agen- century of service of the Amer- cies, and accomplish important ican Bible Society in the Near In compiling a dictionary, just results in the coordination of East. Most of the American off the press, Mr. R. L. Wilson, Christian work. In June, 1936, Board missionaries were pres- of the United Church of Canada the Christian Council of South ent, as well as native pastors and Mission, has rendered real serv- Africa was established, and al- colporteurs. Dr. F. W. Mac- ice to Umbundu Christians. This ready twenty – seven churches Callum, now engaged in com- will make it possible for them and missionary societies have pleting the new translation of to profit by the considerable beeome affiliated. Committees the Scriptures in Turkish, pre- amount of evangelical literature will deal with Education, Evan- sided. Selbi Aghassian, read the now published in the Portuguese gelism, Literature, M e d i c a I Scripture lesson, Luke 4: 16-37, language. Equally important is Work, Native Welfare, Women's from the old Armeno-Turkish the fact that a knowledge of Work and Youth Movements. translation of 1831. Pap e r s Portuguese will open to Um- were read on the work of the bundu Christians those parts of South Africa will now be offi- great translators, Riggs, Schauf- the Scriptures which have not cially represented for the first fler and Goodell. yet been translated into their na- time at a world meeting of the tive language. The new diction- International Missionary Coun- -Bible Society Record. ary has nearly five thousand cil, and the Christian Council of carefully selected Portuguese South Africa is entitled to send International College words, with Umbundu terms to nine delegates to the next world Transferred represent their equivalents in meeting in 1938 at Hangchow. that language. Plans are in hand for the com- International College, which pilation of a Direetory of South for many years has performed a -United Church Record. African Missions, through the valuable work as a Christian in- cooperation of the World Do- stitution in Smyrna, is being Sixty Years in Uganda minion Press. transferred to Beirut, Syria, and affiliated with the American Uni- It was in 1877 that Uganda's -South African Outlook. versity there. Due to govern- first missionaries walked up mental regulations relating to from the coast. This year is the Revival in South Africa all educational work, it was diamond jubilee of their arrival. found increasingly difficult to Could they have looked into the The South African campaigns continue the work in Symrna. future they would have seen in of Mr. J. Edwin Orr are still The new ararngement is to con- Uganda a flourishing church producing results and over 5,000 tinue on an experimental basis with some 7(J native clergy, people professed decision for for five years. 17,000 baptisms and 6,000 con- Christ in seven weeks. From firmations each year; and close every center comes news of spir- Giving Criminals a Chance . to the site where many of the itual quickening among Chris- early converts were done to tians, especially at Durban, Kok- Turkey is trying an experi- death stands a magnificent ca- stad and Bloemfontein, capital ment in the treatment of crim- thedral. Persecution now is of the Orange Free State. It is inals. The plan is being carried rare and a generation of Chris- reported that the results of his out, under the direction of the tians has arisen, many of whom preaching at Bloemfontein, a Minister of Justice, on Imrali have had no experience of con- difficult place for aggressive Island in the Sea of Marmora, version, nor of the stabilization work, are amazing, astounding about 20 miles from Istanbul. A of character through Christian even the most optimistic, who Turkish paper says: Every con- home training. vict is regarded as a pathological
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
case, with a tendency to moral are desperately poor the Bible is in men mISSIOnaries. This dedisease through birth or environ- in many cases given to them cline is a serious matter in view ment. When the sickness is es- without charge, though they pay of the unprecedented opportunitablished through legal channels in them, a little when able. They ties which exist in India today. it is necessary to confine him for greatly appreciate the Society's Literally tens of thousands of ina period in a psychological sana- interest in them, and often it is quirers are pressing for admistarium, where he is protected with tear-dimmed eyes that they sion and there are not enough from harmful elements in so- accept the gift. One of the spe- workers to deal with them. The ciety and where he can be made cial needs of the Iran field is a large mission boards have many into a useful member of society. motor car, that the work may be vacancies, but few candidates. Every convict will be given the more effectively supervised. opportunity to prove by his con- A Movable School duct that he is no longer a dan- -The Christian. gerous character. From this For over 20 years the Sangli point of view, prisons will be re- INDIA-BURMA Industrial and Agricultural garded as hospitals; the word School has been tackling the punishment will be discarded, The Indian Opium Trade problems of rural life. It has and the idea of cure will be sub- been offering courses in agriculstituted. As the stay of a pa- This year a notable step has ture, blacksmithing, carpentry, tient in an insane asylum is not been taken by the Government masonry, motor mechanics and a matter of a fixed period, so of British India to curtail ex- tailoring to boys of middle and must it be in the sanatarium ports of opium to limit its use high school age, chiefly of "unwhich is called the prison. First for medical and scientific pur- touchable" origin. For more offenders who pass the examina- poses. This will contribute much mature young men there are spetion of good conduct will be toward the solution of one of cial short courses in intensive treated leniently. Second of- the great social problems of the agriculture and motor mechanfenders will be looked upon as world. In 1900 the Government ics. Most of the students are natural enemies of society and of India decided to reduce opium either Christian, or from Chriswill be subject to the usual sys- exports to China by progressive tian background. For five years tem of punishment and expia- steps and to stop them alto- the school has been offering spetion. gether by 1917 if China give cial courses for Leadership clear evidence that she had Training in Rural Reconstruc- In about one year, this experi- ceased to cultivate the poppy. tion, lasting six weeks, a longer ment has netted some excellent In 1913 the exports were abol- period than that of any similar results. ished in spite of the continued course in India. manufacture of opium by China. Torchbearers for Iran The Indian Government, since In addition, the Sangli School 1915, has sought to limit opium has been carrying on extension It is among the youth of Iran exports to governments of im- work. Its outstanding agency that the new spirit is most evi- porting countries that agreed to for this work is the Sangli Movdent. Many a young man buys its use only for legitimate pur- able School. This consists of a a copy of the New Testament in poses. This is further than in- Ford 11f2-ton truck, in which is Persian and one in French for ternational conventions require carried almost every article usethe purpose of language study. and has reduced Indian revenue ful for village uplift work. Before long the message grips from opium from 81,000,000 There are numerous illustrated him, and he finds himself chal- Rupees in 1910-13 to 1,900,000 charts and posters, touching uplenged by the Truth. Rupees in 1934-5. The con- on various phases of village life; sumption per capita in India has a medicine chest or traveling The nomad tribes offer an es- also been reduced 16 per cent in dispensary for the more compecially needy field. Rev. A. three years.-British Informa- mon ailments; a circulating li- Nakhosteen, a colporteur for the tion Service. brary and books for sale; a British and Foreign Bible So- crate or two of chickens and a ciety, describes a visit to one of Decline in Missionary Force couple of good milk goats. the largest of these. Great was their delight upon receIvmg The new Directory of Chris- The truck, charts and posters Scriptures in their own tongue. tian Missions and Churches in are Sangli-made, and a great Ten expressed a desire to follow India, Burma and Ceylon, just deal of the equipment is pro- Christ and later asked for bap- published, shows that there are duced right there. There are tism. now 4,467 missionaries com- all kinds of seed samples for pared with 6,030 at the end of field and garden crops and speci- Then there are the lonely 1933. This decrease consists of mens of improved cotton, wool, islanders in the Persian Gulf. 324 men, 295 women and 944 sweet potatoes, bunch-type pea- So far as known, a colporteur is wives. This latter figure is nuts, etc. This Movable School the first Christian worker to go partly due to the enumeration has its own portable generating there. He has sold about 2,000 only of those who are engaged unit, stereopticon and movie books. in full work, but one-third is cer- projector. At night the sur- tainly due to the large decrease There are thousands of Russian refugees in Iran, and as they
roundings are lit up like fairy- much discussed scheme for a powerful one, but this year a land, and there have been as mass change of religion on the new one has been installed, and many as 3,500 people sitting out part of India's 57-70 million Un- for nine hours every day this in the open for the illustrated touchables to a new phase. station is sending out its pro- lectures. The aim is to touch -Christian Science Monitor. gram, which can be heard not only in China, but in Japan, the every phase of rural life, eco- Philippines, Australia, New Zeanomic, physical, mental, social From Pagoda to Clinic land and all over the Far East. and religious. Bible classes have in Burma been conducted for the men of Bricks of an old pagoda are While the chief aim of the stathe village as early as five a. m. being used to build a new clinic tion is "evangelizing China by The Indian crew consists of in Mong Yang, Shan States, radio," the programs are varied, three fine leaders, and the mis- Burma. Rev. Raymond Buker and comprise music, talks on sionary director is frequently writes that several evangelists homemaking, child problems, along. His first assistant is an in that area are clinically cured outstanding Christian, so valu- lepers, and their influence for health, nursing, biographical able that he has had many talks, Bible study and a daily tempting offers from elsewhere. Christ is strong. He believes children's period. At fixed times that a movement among the peo- talks are given in local dialects -Pre8byterian Tribune. ple of that great area is immi- nent. Translation of the Gospel for the benefit of those who do Indian Christian Witnessing of John in the Hkuin dialect is not understand Mandarin or "Shanghai."
Indian Christians take their being started, and other founda- Letters received indicate the religion seriously. Called upon tion work is being attempted in favorable response. A shopkeepto bear personal witness to their addition to station and medical er who had been listening while faith, about half the communi- work, and touring. at work wrote to ask how he cants of the diocese of Dornakal should proceed to become a responded by going from village – Watchman-Examiner. Christian. A department manto village in bands to carry the ager of a railway made his demessage of Christ to nearly a CHINA cision to become a Christian bequarter of a million men and cause of messages heard at his women. New Venture in Evangelism office. A home broken with dis- cord has found peace, and the The results were as follows: The Market Town Evangeliza- husband and wife have enrolled tion Campaign is a systematic, in the Bible Institute as a result Two thousand, four hundred and thorough, seed – sowing cam- of the radio. fifty-seven villages were visited by paign, designed to go to every bands of people telling of Christ. market town in China, of which -The Chronicle. there are said to be 40,000 and, Two hundred and fifty-nine thou- stopping in these market towns, Movies for Literacy sand (approximately) heard about reach out in house-to-house visi- Christ.
Three hundred and four new villages are asking for instruction as to tation, open-air and indoor Moving pictures have been enhow to become Christians. preaching until every home in listed by the Chinese Govern- ment in a fight to the finish with Four thousand and fifty-one have every village surrounding the handed in their names as being desirous of becoming Christians in the market towns have had the Gos- Kistna Area (about half the diocese). pel taken to them. These work- illiteracy. They will be used es- pecially to meet the problem of Fifty thousand pamphlets, etc., were ers not only distribute and ditributed. Of these, 18,415 were Gos- preach the Word by the wayside, educating adults, under the supel portions. pervision of the Chinese Min- Twenty thousand Gospels were in the fields and in the homes, istry of Education. A special either sold or given to people. but also constantly seek every committee has been organized to -The Living Church. opportunity of personal appeal. purchase production and proj- Each market town is said to ection equipment, and to super- Maharaja Leads Reform have an average of 25 villages vise the training of technical The Maharaja of Travancore, surrounding it, which makes a staffs for the educational picture celebrating his 25th birthday on studios. total of about 1,000,000 villages November 13, issued a proclama- Nanking's movies are to be tion wiping out caste distinction in this great field of 483,000,000 100 per cent educational. Suit- . in Hindu temples of his State. able topics for the educational souls. productions, according to prin- He gave the depressed castes- ciples laid down by the education the so-called "Untouchables"- Special courses of training are ministry, are chapters from his- the right to enter and worship tory, especially those with a pa- being given the workers in this in the temples on an equal foot- undertaking. _ -Oriental Missionary Standard.
ing. This marks a unique occa- Church of the Air triotic moral or lesson. sion in the history of India. Some authorities predict that The first transmitter of the The films are to teach also elesimilar measure~ will follow in Christian Broadcasting Associa- mentary scientific and sanitary tion, Shanghai, was not a very principles, modern methods of other states. This brings the farming and industrial methods.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Motion pictures thus produced even the strongest would do well in Milwaukee. The Brotherhood will form a major part of the to combine with others. China has set for itself the dbjective of curricula of the adult mass edu- has thirteen Christian colleges winning 100,000 converts to cation institutes which are to be and universities, and about 250 Christianity in the next ten opened throughout the country middle schools. years.
during the coming five years. Beyond this, "In the near fu- General Chang on Bible Study Bible Schools in Manchuria ture," Mr. Kaneko declared, "we have a vision of a Christian General Chang Chih-kiang, Two short-term Bible schools after an extended trip through were held recently in Manchuria Japan. Think what a step that the United States and Europe, by the Canadian Presbyterian Mission. Over fifty men, includ- will be toward a C h r i s t ian world." -The Living Church.
speaks with clarity and enthu- ing many evangelists, gathered Japanese Christian's View siasm of the place of Bible study at Cheng Chia Tjun for six in personal, family and national weeks' intensive Bible instruc- Rev. T. Takamatsu, in the progress. "The great message tion. The evangelists showed English preface to his book, of these Scriptures," he declares, progress in their knowledge of "Building the New World for "is summarized in the words, the Bible and in their spiritual God," published in Japanese, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as lives. For the women's Bible- says that in the era since 1860 thyself.' When this becomes the school, Bible-women and teach- too much emphasis has been laid universal rule international dis- ers a t ten d e d from over on science, with the result that cord will give way to world-wide seventeen centers, and entered the present generation is suffergoodwill." heartily into study of the Word. ing the loss of religious faith.
General Chang is chairman of The importance of the s e The whole nation is facing a the National Callisthenics' As- schools, in instructing and en- great spiritual crisis. The need sociation, and the primary pur- couraging native evangelists is for religious faith has suddenly pose of his journey was to in- apparent when it is realized that been expressed from various vestigate methods of physical at present the mission has only quarters, and many insist that training used in Western coun- two missionary families on the any sort of religious faith will tries. While in America and field, while throughout the same do. Even a fish head is thought England he accepted many invi- district the Roman Catholic worthy to be an object of wortations to address church and Church has over 100 priests and ship. Recent tragedies, howstudent gatherings, and was the nuns from Quebec. ever, have proved how important -Life of Faith. is the object of faith. Nothing guest of honor at numerous functions.-Chinese Recorder. is more harmful than a mistaken Religious Education belief. . . .
Christian School Fellowship Nobody is satisfied with the A writer in the Chinese Re- The Religious Education Fel- present condition of the world. We all want to have a better corder is not satisfied with the lowship in China now has a world to come. But in order to membership of nearly 700. The bring a better world everyone in present status of China's Chris- purpose of this fellowship is to the world must be filled with the seek to link together those who spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, tian schools. He summarizes the are at work in the various fields and determined to offer the situation as follows: . of religious education. It is open world to God.
1. The Christian schools as a whole to those who are nominated by a Progress Is Slow are making a large contribution. They member present. The duties of have considerable prestige, are well the members are (1) to pray for managed and are growing steadily.
2. A large minority are small and weak, with poor equinment, and are not able to meet the increasingly diffi- each other, (2) to share with Bishop Heaslett, of South cult problems of reduced mission sup- each other the problems and re- Tokyo, says: port and competition with government sults of their work, and (3) to schools. form local fellowships wherever Advance is slow everywhere in Japan. This is the experience of all 3. The Christian character of the schools has suffered owing to a de- possible. Dr. T. T. Lew is chair- Christian bodies. Statements that creasing proportion of Christian stu- hundreds or thousands have been condents and faculty. man. -Sunday School News. verted or won for Christ through a 4. Programs of religious activities campaign are easily misunderstood.
are disorganized as a result of JAPAN-CHOSEN The most that can be said of the rechanges in government relationships, sults of campaigns running into large and in administration. Test of a Ohristian numbers is that so many have ex- 5. It is possible by cooperative plan- pressed a desire to hear more. In no ning and mergers of weak schools to "In Japan we do not consider sense are these people converted, and maintain the present prestige and a man a practicing Christian position. until he has won his man to a percentage of five baptisms out of a hundred such inquiries is good gain. 6. It is possible by wise, vigorous Weare handicapped by the poverty measures to greatly enhance their Christ," was the challenge laid of our mission, by our lvck of sllffi- Christian contribution. cient personnel, by our shortcomings down by Tadao Kaneko, general in educational and literary activities, This writer believes there are s.ecretary of the Brotherhood of find by the smallness of our social ef- too many weak schools, and that St. Andrew in Japan, speaking forts. . . . The divine origin of Chris-
tianity is proved abundantly in the kuo. Money was given freely to ually to fall into disuse, and to fact that we see such good results from such feeille efforts. help in many different parts of replace it by regional colonies which, they believe, will be -C. M. S. Outlook. the land, and the various com- closer to the people and more mittees reported well-thought- The Ainu Race out plans for meeting the many easily managed. The Elders of The Ainu, despised class of needs of the native church. This the United Evangelical Church Assembly proved conclusively in Culion Colony have now sent Japan, seem destined to extinc- that the Korean Church has a memorandum to the General tion, unless something is done. come of age, and is seriously try- Moderator of the United Evan- They have been the victims of ing to care for her own needs. gelical Church in the Philippine compulsory servitude and com- Islands. After citing and appulsory tribute, under penalty of -Christian Observer. proving of the new law in regard death. Formerly, for many to the care of lepers, the Elders years, they were not even per- ISLANDS OF THE SEA beg the Moderator to help them see to it that there shall be Protmitted to cultivate the land, and Religious Awakening in estant workers in each of the to educate them was a criminal the Philippines new leprosaria. Such workers offense. They were regarded as would be chosen lepers within a blot upon Japan's escutcheon. Representatives of a number each colony whose living would of Evangelical churches in the be provided by the government. This is not the government's Philippines met last August to It is believed that $65 a year view, which now desires to af- pray and plan for an evan- will suffice for each worker. ford them opportunity to rise; gelistic campaign to last from but public opinion deems them November 2, 1936, to February -Without the Camp. unworthy of preservation. Al- 28, 1937. Preparation was coholism, largely due to the in- made by special prayer, group Concerning the Oollection troduction of sake, is a factor in study of a pamphlet on spiritual their poverty and disease, and revival and by sermons, during A recently appointed worker tuberculosis is making heavy in- the pre-Pentecostal per i 0 d- in the mountain area of the roads upon their numbers. fifty days preceding November Philippines says it would almost 2. A careful follow-up is to suc- make one weep to see Christians -Alliance Weekly. ceed the revival campaign. putting their gifts into the col- lection plate. Money is terribly New Life in Korea This pamphlet is rich in sug- scarce. An egg is a rare and gestion, challenge and spiritual choice possession to most of the There is renewed enthusiasm people, and eggs are their fain the younger generation of the stimulus. Among other things, vorite form of offering. Some- Korean Church, and Christian the forty-two page booklet, of times there is a piece of rope put Endeavorers have been espe- which thousands of copies have on the plate, signifying that cially active. The total member- been purchased, contains the fol- there is a fowl or animal of some ship of the Epworth Leagues is kind waiting outside the church reported to be more than six lowing: door as an offering. thousand. The primary duty of the Christian -Syirit of Missions. The fifth summer conference Church is to witness to Christ. . . . for religious instruction was If it fails to do this it will spiritually Pioneering in Canary Islands held at Union Christian College, decay and die. . . . All kinds of Pyengyang under the joint au- Christian work are only different spices of the College Y. M. C. A. ways by which we witness to the ade- quate Gospel of Christ.
Jesus is the Master Teacher and shows by His example how to work and the Christian Endeavorers with individuals and with groups. The Canary Islands (in the of that city in August. More North Atlantic Ocean), noted as than 600 members were enrolled Examples are given of the a source of cochineal dye, are and a devotional spirit was methods and fruits of personal also a needy mission field. Rodeeply manifest throughout the work and of cases in the Philip- man Catholicism has had undis- pines of witnessing by organ- turbed sway for centuries, until conference. -Korea Mission Field. ized Gospel teams composed of two years ago when William F. church members; of witnessing Sirag, a graduate of the Moody Korean General Assembly in homes and by Christian Bible Institute, answered the The General Assembly of homes; of the use of evangelistic call and settled in Santa Cruz de . Presbyterian Churches in Korea literature and through Christian Tenerife, a city with a populawas held in Kwangju last fall, schools. tion of 38,000. The whole island with 200 Koreans and 34 for- An interdenominational na- has more than 200,000 people. eigners. There were divisive tional convention will be held in Last July, special services forces that caused sharp debate Manila the second week in Feb- were held in the theater of Santa and threatened to disrupt the ruary. Cruz, where gatherings of na- Assembly, but the moderator's Leper Work in the P. I. tives, most of whom had :r:ever tact preserved the peace. The heard the preaching of the Gos- foreign mis~ion program was The new Philippine Govern- pel before, listened attentively to expanded to include a worker ment plans to allow the great the stirring messages. among the Chinese in Manchu- Leper Colony at Culion grad- -Moody Institute Monthly.
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. I,i Our Missionary Bookshelf 1_ l Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~,====~=–===-==-====""",-===—=—==–==–=~-=-,~ India and the Christian Movement. it be preached? What will be vation, sanctification, consecra- By V. Z. Azariah. 128 pp. Paper. the result? tion, but these are made clear 8 annas. Christian Literature So- by Mr. Goodman's simple, brief ciety for India, Madras. 1936. The ninety-six pages (in large definitions, wit h appropriate type) are divided into three Scripture references. Under the The Anglican Bishop of Dor- parts: The Gospel We Preach, head of "Accretions" the author nakal is an Indian Christian of The Beauty of the Christian deals plainly with ecclesiastical great ability and consecration. F'aith, and The Accretions. The formalities, ceremonies, and or- He notes the great changes that fifteen chapters are subdivided ganizations which obscure the have come over India and in par- under various topics, with nu- simplicity of the Gospel. ticular over the religious situa- merous supporting quotations tion and the shift of emphasis and cit a t ion s of Scripture. Taken as a whole, this is an from the mission to the church, These divisions and subdivisions excellent handbook for one who in the last quarter of a century. almost make the book appear like aspires to win souls, and also for Here the Bishop has given us a an analytical chart of the sub- the inquirer about the Way. brief but comprehensive and ject, were it not for the author's thoughtful study of the land and brief, pointed comments, ex- ROBERT M. KURTZ. peoples, the religions, the wom- planations, and exhortations. en, Christian progress in India, Short sentences are the rule, and New Testament Principles and Modthe Church, the problems of the they are forceful and to the ern Missions. By a Missionary future and the unevangelized point, as for example these, ad- Secretary. Pamphlet. 6d. World areas. Among the problems as dressed to preachers, upon the Dominion Press. London. 1936. he sees them are (1) spiritual subject of appealing for dequickening, (2) evangelism, (3) cision: The question of the ideal mischurch union, (4) Christians in sionary aims and methods is civil life, (5) the missionary and "There is nothing in which the still debated. The World Dothe Church, (6) Indian youth, young preacher errs more readily than minion MovemeI:t stands for (7) Rural reconstruction, (8) in this matter of appeals to his hear- what it conceives to be the New education, (9) literature, and ers. His earnestness and desire for Testament methods for extend- (10) unoccupied areas. The their salvation leads him to keep on ing the Gospel and planting inmost needy provinces are Cen- urging them to take the all-important digenous churches. The anonytral India, Punjab, Rajputana, step. But appeals fail of their pur- mous author of the present trea- Kashmir, Baluchistan, Sin d, pose when they are reiterated so often tise contends that we have failed Gwalior, and Bihar. as to become wearisome and to lose all to extend the realm of Christ in effect on the conscience; when they proportion as we have failed to "In many parts of India there are so mixed as to cause confusion; follow the methods of St. Paul, are still entire communities, when they follow an address in which the great apostolic missionary. classes and castes that are al- little or no instruction is given or His method was to plant living most untouched even in so-called Gospel preached." (P. 32.) Seed in great centers and then 'occupied areas.' " go forward to plant elsewhere. Or take this statement, sim- He proclaimed the living Gospel The Gospel We Preach, and the plifying things for the layman: of Life and soon his churches Beauty of the Christian Faith. By became self-supporting, s e I f- George Goodman. 96 pp. 1s. net. "Here is a threefold reason for com- governing and seU-propagating Pickering & Inglis. London. 1936. ing to Christ. For salvation, service, under the guidance and power and sanctification. To rest from guilt of the Holy Spirit. Most mod- In his introduction Mr. Good- and sin. To submit to Him in the obe- ern missionary societies have man tells us that this book was dience of faith; and to learn of Him, succeeded in building up foreign written in response to requests so as to become like Him. supported and controlled instifrom several persons who com- tutions. The pamphlet is worthy plained that "Our young men "For God has a threefold aim in of careful consideration. are not preaching the Gospel." our salvation. Our relief from guilt He has therefore given us here and sin; our obedience to His will; Portuguese East Africa. By Ed- our character, having predestinated wardo Moreira. Maps and Statisan outline of Christian truth, de- us to be conformed to the likeness of tics. 8 vo. 104 pp. 3s. 6d. World signed to answer the questions, His dear Son, from Whom we must Dominion Press. London. 1936. What is the Gospel? How must learn." (P. 34f.) Portugal is a small country, The layman often has a very comparatively weak and insig- vague idea of the meaning of the terms, repentance, conversion, justification, regeneration, sal- Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[61 ]
nificant in Europe but with im- and the sufferings of those who cases, also, he spent so much of mense possessions in East and were its victims. his time in refuting what he West Africa. These territories deems erroneous opinions, that exercise great influence on the "On Sunday, February 22, he left himself little time to exfuture of the continent. This 1931, the bandits decided they plain what he wanted his hearsurvey deals only with East could wait no longer for the ran- ers to accept as the right view. Africa. Portugal has been in som, so they led Rev. Tvedt and For example, nearly ten of the control here for four hundred Rev. Nelson to an open space, fourteen pages of the chapter on years but until recently did little tied them with ropes, and made "The Triune God" are devoted to develop her colony. It has a them kneel on the ground. Us- to preliminary discussions becoastline 1,615 miles long on the ing bamboo poles the tormentors fore he comes to the Trinity. He Indian Ocean, and the country beat them across the shoulders effectively advocates the deity of consists of forested hills, high until they were so bruised and Christ in several chapters, but a mountains, plateau, lakes, rivers, sore that they could not sleep listener who heard only the radio fertile valleys, a temperate cli- for many nights. The bandits address on "What is the Deity mate and a total popUlation of claimed that if supplies or ran- of Christ?" must have been be- 4,028,946 in an area of 287,756 some money did not come soon wildered when all but the last square miles. Evangelical mis- they would do worse things." two minutes were given to exsion work began in 1823. Today plaining what it is not and only eighteen Protestant missions This was only a portion of a few assertions at the close have work there and four Ro- their measure of suffering. The show what it is. As usual, Dr. man Catholic organizations; be- six months of captivity dragged Machen interprets the Bible sides there are eight independent out into twenty-two months of from the viewpoint of sevennative bodies. The largest Prot- exile. His companion was re- teenth century theology and estant mission is the Swiss with leased, but Nelson paid the price philosophy. He discusses at 45 missionaries and the next is with his death. length other and later interprethe American Methodist with 19. tations, but he rejects them and The total number of Protestant A final chapter deals with regards all who differ with him communicants reported is 19,- Communism or Christianity as as "Modernists" who deny "the 696 with about the same number the alternative for China. The faith once for all delivered." He of probationers. Roman Cath- book is in every way attractive, is, however, less belligerent in olics work in 40 stations and 179 especially as it gives facsimile this book than in most of his outstations, with 132 mission- copies of the first and last notes writings. Indeed he is occaaries and 241 native helpers. sent out by Mr. Nelson during sionally genial and almost ironic. his captivity, The book contains much that is This survey gives a brief his- admirable, par-ticularly the chaptory of mission work in the col- We regret that the English ters on God, the resurrection and ony, describes the character of style of the book is so faulty, es- the testimony of Paul. Readers the work and the attitude of the pecially in the use of the abbre- who accept his basic assumpgovernment. The appendices viation "Rev." without personal tions will undoubtedly regard deal with statistics, Bible work, name or article. It jars the mind the whole as entirely convincing. and the legal status of missions. to read that the missionaries The northern part of the terri- spared no effort "trying to con- ARTHUR J. BROWN. tory, with over three millions, is tact the General . . . and they still largely unoccupied for did not forget to contact the The Only Hope of Church or World. Christ. Source of Power." What Is It? By W. B. Riley, A.M., D.D. 158 pp. 2/ net. Pickering The Apostle to the Chinese Commu- S. M. ZWEMER. & Inglis. London. 1936. nists. By Daniel Nelson. 139 pp. $1.00. Board of Foreign Missions The Christian Faith in the Modern The author, who is widely of the Norwegian Lutheran Church ·World. By J. Graham Machen. known as a Bible teacher and a of America. Minneanolis, Minn. 256 pp. $2.00. Macmillan. New writer upon evangelistic sub- York. 1936. jects, has published "The Peren- The Nelson family is well nial Revival," "Revival Serknown for their missionary ac- Dr. Machen's ability, firmness mons" and an extensive work tivities in Central China. The of conviction and facility of ex- called "The Bible of the Exfather came to Hupeh in 1890 pression are illustrated in this positor and the Evangelist." and died a martyr's death after series of addresses, given over Dr. Riley here gives a series of thirty-six years of service. Bert the radio. In a clear, persuasive sermons on the premillennial Nelson, the hero of this volume, and colloquial style he speaks of doctrine of our Lord's return. served as a missionary from God, the Bible, Christ, the Holy They cover the subject in a 1916 until he was killed by the Spirit, and related topics. He fairly logical order, as this list communists in 1932. The author admits that his limited radio of the seven chapters shows. is his brother. time did not permit him to deal Christ, the Church, and the adequately with these large sub- Kingdom; The Church and the The book presents in detail j ects and that others had to be Kingdom – a Distinction; The the development and present omitted. Still, it is odd that, in Gospel and "That B I e sse d state of communism in China a book which purports to present "the Christian faith," the atone- ment is left out. In several
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
Hope"; Grace and "That Bless- tration of Kenya is told vividly and Spaniards are interesting ed Hope"; "That Blessed Hope" and the Moslem problem is clear- and important. In the past they and the Resurrection Bod y; ly set forth. Mr. Philp has played an important part in his- "That Blessed Hope" and our spent a large part of his life in tory, both secular and religious. Behaviour; The Apostasy and Kenya as a medical missionary The present political condition His Soon Appearance. of the Church of Scotland. He is greatly disturbed, the eco- enables the reader to see the nomic condition is low and the The layman to whom this sub- country and the people, the in- religious situation is weak and j ect is new will find the style fluence of the World War and uncertain. Form and superstisimple and direct and the mean- the progress of evangelization. tion still rule the massE:!s, and ing clear. As indicated by the The maps and statistics enable agnosticism or irreligion grips chapter titles, the author is at the student to picture the forces the upper classes. Here we some pains to distinguish be- at work and the land yet to be have a reliable picture of the tween the Kingdom and the possessed. Everyone interested situation and of the need for Church, about which the ideas in the study of Africa should evangelism. There are today of many laymen, and perhaps have this survey for reference. only 166 I 0 c a I Evangelical some ministers, are very hazy. churches with 6,259 communi- Sources of Power in Famous Lives. cants. The total Protestant The closing chapter laments By Walter C. Erdman. 12mo. 160 community, out of a popUlation the lack of faith today and urges pp. $1.00. Cokesbury Press. Nash- of 23,563,867, is only 22,000-or readiness for the return of our ville, Tenn. 1936. less than one in a thousand-as Lord, which the author believes the result of 64 years' work. will not be long delayed. Fifty-two brief sketches of Twenty-five societies are at work lives of famous characters of with 25 foreign and 123 national ROBERT M. KURTZ. history make up this stimulating workers. The maps and sta- series. They include a wide va- tistical tables in this survey are So Half Amerika. Die Auslandshilfe riety – Abraham, Bunyan, Co- valuable for students. der Vereinigten Staaten 1812-1930. lumbus, Robert Dollar, Glad- von Hermann Stohr. Stettin: Oku- stone, Robert E. Lee, Jenny Oil Lamps Lifted. By Pearl Dorr menischer Verlag. 1936. Price, Lind, Pasteur, Shackleton, Liv- Longley. 86 pp. $1.00. Fleming 5.60 marks. 327 pp. ingstone, Mary Slessor, John H. Revell Co. New York. 1935. Wanamaker and Charles Wes- This careful statistical study ley. In many walks of life these Mrs. Longley's more than of the relief and help given by men and women showed that twenty years of ministry to the America for the past one hun- they were believers in God and women and children of South Indred years to other nations, is all achieved by faith something dia have given her insight into based on government statistics definite for the benefit of man- the very heart of the race. Her and reports of the International kind. The sketches are chiefly poems are delicate word paint- Relief Committee, the American factual, not homiletical, and of- ings, descriptive of India's Red C r 0 s s, the Rockefeller fer excellent material for read- thought. Throughout this vol- Foundation, etc. There are spe- ing aloud or for brief ten-minute ume the earthen lamp and its cial chapters on the work of the talks in church, Sunday school need for oil, is made symbolic various Christian groups, Cath- or day school. They were orig- of the Indian woman's desire for olic and Protestant, and a con- inally given over the radio in light. The parable theme was cluding chapter on the Carnegie Cleveland at the request of the suggested by seeing a timid Foundation, the Millbank Fund, president of a large business outcaste child, on the night of the Commonwealth Fund, and firm. They are thoroughly the "Festival of Lights," carrythe Golden Rule Foundation. Christian and practical and re- ing a broken pot with a rag for America has been "a good neigh- cord facts that show the secret wick, but with no money to buy bor" for over a century. of power. oil. Impulsively a child of wealth shared her oil with the S. M. Z. Religion in the Republic of Spain. outcaste. C. A. Garcia and Kenneth G. Grubb. ANew Day in Kenya. By Horace R. 109 pp. 28. 6d. World Dominion H. H. F. Philp. Illus. Maps. 58. World Do- Press. London. 1935. minion Press, London and New Daily Devotions. By William Bren- York. 1936. This series of surveys is ex- ner. 8 vo. 337 pp. $1.75. Zon- ceedingly valuable. The re~ults dervan PuiJ. House. Grand Rapids, Kenya Colony, British East of careful research and expres- Mich. 1936. Africa, borders on Ethiopia, "ion of view by experts are of- Italian Somaliland, Uganda and fered to the general reader in an These prayers for each day in Tanganyika. It is made up of attractive form and at small ex- the year are spiritual and heartseven provinces, with forty- pense. Spain receives more at- searching. They will be a real eight tribes and over 3,000,000 tention from Roman Catholics, help to those who have difficulty population. Fifteen Protestant Communists, artists, historians in expressing to God their adoramissionary societies are at work and travelers than from Evan- tion and their deepest heart with 303 missionariec:; and Chris- gelical Christians. But Spain hunger for light, strength, putian adherents numbering 112,- rity and fellowship. 127. Roman Catholics also have a strong work almost as large. The story of the Christian pene-
New Testament Commentary. One ers, attractive pictures and de- Mackay and Aggrey of Africa; Volume Complete. Edited by Her- scriptive text to show how the Baedeker of Russia, Underwood bert C. Allerman. 8 yo. 720 IIp. Christian Church is observed in of Korea, Neve of Kashmir; $3.00. United Lutheran Publica- Brainerd, Grenfell and McCul- tion House. Philadelphia, Pa. 1936. mission lands. logh of America; and Hill, Pol- lard and Dr. Main of China. Many have desired a scholarly, Lesson Commentaries, 1937. They are short stories of misyet reverent and conservative sionary pioneers who lived heroione-volume commentary on the The International Sun day cally in the midst of many priva- New Testament. Here it is, pre- School Lessons (improved uni- tions and dangers. Boys and pared by twenty-eight Lutheran form series) are expounded in a girls will find them thrilling and scholars. There are also nine in- popular, illustrated commentary will find in these life histories an troductory essays on the New by Eugenia LeFils. They are excellent introduction to mis- Testament, the C h r i s t ian conservative, Biblical, practical sions and missionaries. Church, the Life of Jesus, the and illustrative helps for teach- Virgin Birth, the Life of Paul, ers. (Fleming H. Revell Co., George Miiller, The Man of Faith. Cardinal Doctrines, and intro- Frederick G. Warne. Illus. 8 vo. ductions to each book. Bible $1.00.) 239 pp. 28. Pickering & Inglis. students will find this a very il- "Points of Emphasis" is a Glasgow. 1935. luminating, handy volume. vestpocket commentary on the The remarkable story of Children of Sunny Syria. By Myrta International Sunday School George Milller, the founder of H. Dodds. Illustrated by Margaret Lessons for the coming year by the orphan homes at Ashley Ayer. 8 vo. 148 pp. $1.50. H. C. Morse, D.D. It contains Downs, Bristol, England, is all Thomas Y. Crowell, New York. maps, expositions and teaching ready well known to those of the 1936. points for each department. It older generation, but it is worth is wholly Biblical and has val- repeating. The story here told Children are interested in uable suggestions. (Southern is not so complete as the official other children the world over. Baptist Sunday School Board, biography written by Dr. Arthur The author of this story has Nashville, Tennessee, 35 cents.) T. Pierson, but it narrates the lived in the East as a missionary main facts about the man and and writes understandingly and Scripture Calendars and Almanacs his work, his method of supportattractively. It has not a definite and Diaries. Pickering & Inglis. ing the orphanages, his hints on missionary message but has a Glasgow, Scotland. 1937. Christian living and the con- Christian tone, and will interest tinuance of the enterprise. Many children in Syrian boys and These attractive annuals are have already been stimulated to girls. practical helps to keep engage- new faith and service by the story of the profligate young Christmas in Other Lands. Compiled ments with men and to keep the man who, after his conversion, by Dorothy M. Horne. Illus. 64 daily tryst with God through His determined to show by experi- pp. Paper. 18. 6d. S. P. G. Lon- Word. The calendars (1 shilling ence that God is a prayer-hear- don. 1936. each) include a "Daily Text ing and prayer-answering god. Young Folks Calendar"; "Words The book would be more valuable The celebration of the Birth of with an index. Christ has spread to all lands of Grace and Truth," a daily leaf and is observed in many ways. calendar; "A Choice Daily In Seven Nations. Twelve mission- Here we have pictures by 22 Text," a "Morning and Evening ary studies for use in church ordrawings, by verses and descrip- ganizations. Pamphlet prepared tive text the ways in which Text" calendar and a "Choice by the Literature Dep.artment of S. P. G. missions of the Church Text and Thought" (each Is. the United Lutheran Church in of England celebrate the event America. Baltimore. 1936. in Africa, Malaysia, I n d i a, 3d.) and a "Choice Text and Burma, China, Japan and else- Daily Meditation" (Is. 6d.). India, Liberia, Japan, China, where. Churches and Sunday Argentina, British Guiana and schools will find here unique and These latter have messages from the United States are the miseffective ways of celebrating such spiritual teachers as J. sion fields of the United Lu- Christmas in America and Great Stuart Holden, Andrew Bonar, theran Church. The secretary Britain. Alexander White, Arthur T. of literature has prepared these Pierson, J. H. Howett, D. L. brief, informing stUdies, with "Thine Is the Kingdom." By Ed- maps and photographs, which ward D. Sedding. Illus. 125 pp. Moody and Alexander Mac- leave no member of that church S. P. C. K. London. 1936. Laren. with any vestige of excuse for ignorance as to their mission Christian progress is thrilling The Golden Grain Diary is a work, the fields, workers, needs, to those who know the facts. opportunities and results. The This little booklet pictures the leather-bound vestpocket edition mission study questions at the ways in which the Church of end of each section will be a help Christ is being built up around with a pencil (Is. to 68. 6d.). to teachers. the world. The march of the months is followed, with pray- The various almanacs include Bible verses and religious poems by various authors. _ Heroes of the Cross. Series 5, 6, 7, 8. IlIus. 12 mo. 40 cents each. Mar- shall, Morgan & Scott. London, also Zondervan Pub. House, Grand Rapids, Mich., 1935.
These four volumes tell briefly the s tor i e s of Hannington,
STUDIES mine the Christian faith." If Gordon. A Drama in Three Acts. E
he had lived up to the present he J. Richter. 50 cents. Capano Press. IN THE would have seen many more an- tagonistic forces at work in the God in the Everyday. Hugh Red- OLD TESTAMENT world today. wood. 28. 6d. 117 pp. Rich and Cowan. London. With a Hebrew·Christian Commentary Christianity and the Malays. By Containing Talmudical and Rabbinical In· Laurence E. Browne, D.D., London: The Hidden Treasure. Lucy E. terpretations on the Hebrew Words of the S.P.G. and S.P.C.K. 1936. 78 pp. Guernsey. 2s. 6d. 340 pp. Picker- Old Testament. Price, one shilling. ing & Inglis. London.
by Here is an illustration of the Kagawa in Lincoln's Land. Edited B. A. M. SCHAPIRO fact that the best type of mis- by E~erson O. Bradshaw, Charles sionary literature may be had E. Shike and Helen F. Topping. Each book contains 28 large pages. size for an English shilling – "good 121 pp. National Kagawa Cooperl1x87~ inches, art pa'per. Three 'Volumes measure, pressed down and run- ating Committee. Brooklyn, N. Y. now ready, 50 cents each. ning over." Dr. Browne paid one visit to Malaya, but he is Loaves and Fishes. (S. P. G. World PAMPHLETS thoroughly acquainted with the Wide Series.) 1 penny. 16 pp. literature of this part of the S. P. G. in Foreign Parts. London. "Love Begets l."ove"; "V'hat the Rabbis world. The Malays number Have to Say on the 53d of Isaiah"; "What 1,644,000 Moslems, and prac- My Beloved Armenia. Marie S. Ails My Peopler"; "The Sure Word of tically no effort is being made to Banker. 205 pp. $1.25. B. 1. C. A. Prophecy"; "Sacrifices, Their Origin and evangelize them. Chicago. Significance"-Prof. Robert Dick Wilson of Princeton said of this tract that it is the The author sketches the his- Points for Emphasis. H. C. Morse. best treatise he has seen on the atonement; tory of the peninsula, the char- Southern Baptist S. S. Board. HThe Higher Critic's Hebrew"; "Without acter of the inhabitants, their Nashville, Tenn. Him Ve Can Do Nothing"; "Jesus and primitive religion, Shamanism, His Kinsmen"; "The Faith of Noah"; which has left deep impress on The Rebirth of a Nation. Jacob "Saul the Pharisee, and Paul, the Chris· their present faith, Islam. The Gartenhaus. 75 cents, cloth; 40 tian"; "Jesus Christ, a Historical Character, present missionary situation is cents, paper. 132 pp. Broadman as Proved by the TalmudH ; "Gethsemane described in two illuminating Press. Nashville, Tenn. in OUf Lives," containing twenty-six por- chapters, and a plan for adtraits of "Eminent Christian Jews"; "Why vances proposed, which is both A Study in Gold. Grace Pettman. I, a Jew, Am a Christian"; "The Miracle practical and challenging. 320 pp. 2s. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. of the Jew"; "Jesus, the Light of the London. World"; "Some Objections Raised to Jew~ S. M. Z. ish Evangelization"; "Must Christians Keep Thine Is the Kingdom. Edward D. the Jewish Sabbath ?"; "A Symposium Con· The Way of Partnership. With the Scdding. 125 pp. S. P. C. K. Lontaining America's Great Menace"; "The C. M. S. in Egypt and Palestine. don. Mission of Israel"; and "The Messiah Ac- By S. A. Morrison. 87 pp. One cording to the Old and New Testaments," shilling. Illustrated. Church Mis- With Christ into Tomorrow. Hunter and many others. sionary Society, London. 1936. B. Bla~ely. 50 cents. Presbyterian CommIttee of Publication. Rich- 16 pamphlets, $2.00 This brief account of the work mond, Va. of the Church Missionary So- DR. I. M. HALDEMAN ciety in Egypt and Palestine was The Way of the Witnesses. Edward written before the present crisis Shillito. 152 pp. $1.00, cloth; 50 "Under Mr. Schapiro's skilful pen, each in the Holy Land. Three chap- cents, paper. Friendship Press. word in Holy Writ blooms and blossoms ters tell of the ministry of recon- New York. out like a flower." ciliation carried on by this So- ciety in Palestine, and three Christian Giving. Clarence E. Ma- THE MISSIONARY REVIEW chapters deal with Egypt. The cartney. 16 pp. 15 cents. Zonder- emphasis is rightly placed upon van. Grand Rapids. OF THE WORLD the importance of the Oriental churches in winning Moslems. Christ's Seven Letters to His Third & Reily Streets Harrisburg, Pa. In Palestine the work has five Church. William McCarrell. 86 centers. In Egypt it is limited pp. $1.00 cloth, 50 cents paper. Miracles in a Doctor's Life. By to two, Cairo and Menouf. Zondervan. Grand Rapids. Walter L. Wilson, M.D. 120 pp. 20 cents. Paper. Bible Institute S. M.Z. Campfires in the Congo. Mrs. John Colportage Assn. Chicago. 1935. M. Springer. 128 pp. Central Com- New Books mittee on the United Study for For- These are stories of soul doc- eign Mission. Boston. toring by a medical man. They Are You Awake? Florence E. Marare stimUlating and offer good shall. 96 pp. 50 cents each or $30 Daily Devotions. William Brenner. incidents for sermons. a hundred. Lansing, Mich. 337 pp. $1.75. Zondervan. Grand The Silence of God. By Sir Robert Christian Brotherhood in Theory and . Rapids. Anderson. 8vo. 216 pp. Is. Pick- in Practice. Toyohiko Kagawa and ering & Inglis. Glasgow. 1935. E. R. Bowen. 36 pp. Tokyo, Japan. The Gospel and the African. Alex- ander Hetherwick. 48. 6d. 176 pp. The late Robert Anderson was T. & T. Clark. Edinburgh. for some years the head of "Scotland Yard," the famous India and the Christian Movement. British police force. He was an V. S. Azariah. 128 pp. Christian earnest Christian and a con- Literature Society for India. Madservative Bible student. This is ras. a ninth edition of his helpful consideration of what light the Livingstone Memorial Pic t u res. Bible throws on some mysteries Sepia, 9×13 inches, $1.00 per set. which are not yet fully explained Colored postcards, 50 cents per set. – the problems of oppression and evil in the world, unan- A set of nine pictures of outswered prayer, and human un- standing events in the life of the belief. Sir Robert brings out great explorer-missionary. many helpful truths on such subjects as miracles, Satan, Picture of David Livingstone. 12×14 temptation and prayer. When inches. 20 cents. he wrote this study over twentyfive years ago, he said: "The A lithograph suitable for tide has turned which in recent framing. years has threatened to under-
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SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Editor CONTENTS OF THE JANUARY NUMBER: The V aI1'dl' ty and N eCCss'lty 0 f MI' ss,lons to MosIems { DJowhIn.ghWt ,MB,ooDwnmaanldson Back to the Old Qibla Samuel M. Zwemer The Relics of the Prophet Mohammed David S. Margoliouth Has Westenl Culture a Debt to Islam? W. A. Zoerner A Survey of the Netherlands Indies Hendrik Kraemer Literature and Evangelism 'Villiam N. Wysham Islam in the Balkans G. H. Bousquet Christ in the Chinese Koran Rolf A. Syrdal The Hebrew Philosophical Genius Henry S. Gehman Book Reviews ••• Current Topics Survey of Periodicals Sue Molleson Foster . – -•• SUBSCRIBE NOW +(-…
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The Missionary Review of the World — December 1936
1936
A Young Church in Old Egypt E. E. Elder What Results in Central Africa?
Virginia M. Clarke The Evangelistic Value of Medical Work Rolla E. Hoffman Wanted, A Demonstration of Unity John J. Banninga Sen Lai Tsang, Missionary to Korea Mrs. C. S. Deming Home Missions in Modern America E. D. Kohlstedt Roman Activity in Pagan Africa Kenneth G. Grubb 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
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M"N"GEMENT> Christ:mas Present: for Your December 9-11 – Biennial meetiDg, Federal Council of Churches, As- Past:or and Missionary bury Park, N. J. '::~::."~: ,. ~~: :.W GIVE him a year's suhscription to Church Janu.ary 4-6–Committee on Women's Management. A hright, dynamic profes- Work of the Foreign Missions Con- ference of North America, Asbury sional magazine for clergymen which keeps Park, New Jersey. them in touch with the newest developments January 6-8-Foreign Missions Con- ference of North America, Asbury in the home field. Park, New Jersey. A recently added "Minister's Wife Department" brings in material January 11-14, 1937 – Annual Meet- on programs and methods for the women's activities in the church. ings, Home Missions Council and The Council of Women for Home $2.50 per year; $1.25 for six months Missions. Asbury Park, N. J. (We will send an attractive gift card to your heneficiary if you so request) February 8-13-International Council of Religious Education, Executive CHURCH MANAGEMENT Committee and Associated Meetings. Chicago, Ill. Auditorium Building :: Cleveland, Ohio NATIONAL PREACHING Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- Mrs. A. L. Wiley, Presbyterian MISSION sions. For almost 60 years, Dr. Mc- missionary of Ratnagiri, India, on Afee has maintained some form of June 23, received the Kaiser-i-Hind Nov. 29-Dec. 2-Philadelphia. official connection with the foreign medal, third class, in recognition of Dec. 3-6–Boston. missionary enterprise of the Presby- her faithful work among the children Dec. 6-9-New York City. terian Church in the U. S. A.-first as in that area. Many tiny tots have Foreign Missions chairman of his grown to Christian manhood and FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- presbytery and then, in succession, ARY ASSEMBLIES synodical chairman, Board member, . womanhood under her care. October, and for the past six years, one of its January 16-19, 1937-Jacksonville. 1936, marked the end of 41 years of January 19-20–Lake City. • • • secretaries. service which she has given in India. January 20-22-Daytona Beach. Dr. John A. Rodgers, Secretary January 20-22-DeIand. for Annuities and Special Gifts on the … … January 23-27-Miami. Presbyterian Board of National Mis- January 26-27-Ft. Lauderdale. sions, retired on October 1. .T~e Rev. Charl~s Hodge Corbett, January 27-29-Palm Beaches. mInIster of educatlOn of Bay Ridge January 30-February 2-Orlando. ••• Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., February 2-4-Winter Haven. has been elected to succeed the late February 4-5-Ft. Myers. Dr. Edmund B. Chaffee as editor of February 4-5-Sarasota. The Presbyteri4n Tribune'. He was a February 6-11-St. Petersburg. missionary in China for seventeen February 7-1o-Clearwater. years, teaching in the North China February 10-12-Tampa. Union College. He returned to Amer- February 13-16–Tallahassee. ica in 1925.
Dr. Charles E. Maddry, a secretary of the Southern Baptist Foreign Mis- Personal Itellls sion Board, is home after a tour of Rt. Rev. Frederick Rogers Graves, the Board's missions in South Amer- ica. of the American Episcopal Church, • •• has been asked to continue hiB service in China where he has been for fiftyfive years. He had submitted his Mrs. A. K. Reischauer, of the Pres- Obituary Notes resignation because of advancing age byterian Mission in Japan, has been (now 78) but the House of Bishops awarded a special diploma for distin- The Rt. Rev. HoefnrMy eDxaicmo,eredlieAdveis~ asked him to hold on until the general guished service to the deaf. She was retired Bishop the pioneer in introducing oral educa- Houston, Texas, September 20, in his • • convention. • tion for the deaf in Japan, and 83d year. He had retired in 1928 founded the deaf-oral school, "Nippon Working quietly and steadily for 20 Geo. Evangeline Booth left Lon- Rowa Gakko," in Tokyo. years, during a period of one revoludon in November to undertake a world campaign, calling first at Port Said .::sFREE FOT tionary ~risis after another, Bishop to inspect one of the newest Salvation Min;"eT. Aves guIded the struggling missions Army centers. She expects to spend of the Episcopal Church in Mexico more than a month, including Christ- Why God Used D. L. Moody isnatmoestoilmidearmitiyniasntedrinsgtretnogtthh~' at the mas, in India, and conduct no fewer By R. A. Torrey British than sixty-five public gatherings at and American colonies in the critical various centers. The General will The Shorter Life of D. L. Moody years when open warfare was an al- Itllend six days in Ceylon, thence to By Paul R. Moody and A. P. Fitt most constant threat. Java, Singapore, Hongkong, Shanghai and Peiping. She will go on to Th_ two hooks will he given [0 the fint 1000 * … … Korea, reaching Japan on March 10, miniatere who will agree to conduct a "'Moody Day" and return to England across the lervice on Sunday, February 7, 1937, and win Dr. Bruce Kinney, recently retired preach an appropriate message in oheenance of the as on!! of the representatives of the United States. .> . . CeDtenary of D. L. Moody's birth. ~merIc~n ~aptist Home Mission So- CIety, dIed In Cleveland, Ohio, on Oc- Dr. Cleland Boyd McAfee reached W,.ite A. F. GaylorJ. Director tober 15. He was for 43 years a minhis 70th birthday on September 26, D. L. MooJy Centenary Celebration. ister .of Christ and 38 years ago was and on that date retired from the secretaryship for Japan, Siam, Chosen The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago w: appomted as a frontier missionary in and the Philippine Islands under the 153 INSTITUTE PLACE CHICAGO. ILL. the e~ whe!e he was superintendent of mISSIons In Utah and Wyoming (Concluded on 3d CO'IJer.) REVIEW OF THE WORLD High Speed DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor at Low Cost VOL.LIX DEC., 1936 No. 12 Speed is often so important when crossing to the Orient. That's-why Publication and Business Office– busy travellers go by Empress. You Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. go faster . . . in maximum comfort . . . and at surprisingly low cost. Editorial and Executive Office- 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. Only 10 days to Yokohama by Entered as second-class matter at Empress of Asia or Empress of Russia. Or via Honolulu in just 3 Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under days more by Empress of Japan Act of March 3, 1879. (largest, fastest liner on the Pa~ific) or Empress of Canada. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. low round-trip fares . . . First, Publlsbed monthly, except August. Tourist and Third Class. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. British agents – Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, When your Call London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy. 10 shillings a year.
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by Willard
LISTENING TO THE GOSPEL ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE (REV. OSCAR BOYD PREACHING FROM THE IBIS) Photograph by Willard Price EAGER LIDARNERS IN THE BOYS' SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA BUILDING MATERIAL FOR THE CHURCH IN EGYPT
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 12 DECEMBER, 1936 Topics of the Times THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE OF PEACE sponsible for the war spirit. Russia, the commu- nistic Union of Soviet Republics, denies God's au- Thousands of sermons will be preached in thority and ideals and depends on armaments to Christian pulpits on Christmas Sunday, advocat- maintain peace with neighbors and within her own ing "Peace on earth, goodwill among men." But, borders.. Japan, the militaristic monarchy, seeks while God is the God of Peace, and the Gospel is to attain her ends by regimentation and force of the Gospel of Peace, Christ distinctly said, arms. Germany and Italy, the fascist totalitarian "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; states, declare for an "armed peace," with their I 'came not to send peace, but a sword." This armaments able to defy all antagonists. Even startling statement has been proved true, for England and America are joining in the race. strife has characterized national life during the There may be an armed truce, and a restraint whole Christian era-though war is contrary to from active warfare, but it is due to fear of force Christ's mission of peace. and not to the spirit of friendly harmony which Look over the world. Never were nations so fe- underlies all true peace.
verishly arming themselves and preparing for war What then is the Christmas message of peace?
as they are today; never was so much spent on It is that Christ came to proclaim God's love and armaments and war materials; never have there His desire that men should cease from rebellion been so many wars and rumors of wars-political, against His will and should be at peace with Him.
economic, social and religious. This is in spite of This is the only effective basis of "peace among the influence and ideals of Christ and the peace men." The sword of strife will be sheathed, or propaganda and pacifist movements. There can turned into a plowshare of peace, when men join be no doubt that Christ desires peace, but if He in allegiance to Christ and yield their wills and came to establish general peace among men and their lives and their possessions to the Will of nations, there does not seem to have been much God. There is no other way ; all peace movements progress toward reaching His objective. Never- promoted on any otlier basis are futile. As long theless God is the God of Peace; Christ preached as men fight against God they will naturally fight peace and bequeathed His peace to His disciples, against one another, if they can and dare. "There and they "preached peace by Jesus Christ" (Acts is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." God 10: 36). and the State cannot both rule supreme over men's What, then, is the answer to the present prob- wills; neither can both God and self be supreme.
lem ·of disunity and strife in the world? The an- The most effective emissaries and promoters of swer is that there is only one basis of human peace on earth today are not "pacifists" who decry peace and that is "peace with God." The reason all conflict, or social workers who merely seek to for the "sword" that divided households as the bring about better living conditions. but they are result of Christ's coming to earth over nineteen the peacemakers who are recognized as "children hundred years ago-and that still divides families of God"; they are the Christian missionaries and and nations-is the fact that men are out of har- others who are seeking to win men to Christ and mony with God., We have neglected the one neces- to a life in harmony with God's will. Christ came sary basis of unity. As long as we-as individuals primarily to save men from sin-the sin of disoor as nations-are each seeking selfish ends, so bedience to the Will of God. He proclaimed for- long will we fear one another and put our trust giveness and peace by His sacrifice on the Cross in armaments. No one form of government is re- and so opened the Way of Life in God.
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Christmas is a time to preach peace, but only ity, must be taught in the home, the school, the the peace of God based on loving obedience to His church and the place of business. Law must be revealed will and manifested by love to our fellow shown to be not an enemy to liberty but a protec- men. It is love that brings peace because love tion and an ally to progress.
works no ill to one's neighbor. The Star of Beth- (7) Belief in God as a loving Heavenly Father, lehem and the Cross of Calvary are both the Chris- . and the just Ruler of human affairs, must be tian symbols of peace. taught to children from their earliest years. The movie and the streets often make crime seem easy, STILLING THE CRIME WAVE pleasant and profitable. Self-control and rever- ence for God must be shown by precept and ex- The government, social reformers, parents and ample as the Way of Life that brings happiness Christians everywhere are greatly disturbed be- and success. cause of the extent of crime and its spread in all Public libraries must be purged from unwholeparts of the world. The cost of crime in the some books and newsstands must be cleared of United States is estimated at thirteen billion dol- papers that present low ideals and lawless heroes. lars a year, seven times as much as we spend for Good reading is more influential than most forms education. The number of condemned criminals of good advice. It is a matter of record that only in penal institutions runs into hundreds of thou- two per cent of criminals!, when brought to trial, sands and lawbreakers out of jail are even more have been active members of any church. numerous. The worst feature of the situation is that youthful criminals are increasing. In Great As the basic cause of crime and lawlessness is Britain, a recent report states that forty per cent sin, so the only cure for these evils is a. turning of the crimes were committed by persons under to God and an intelligent regard for His laws. twenty-one years of age; and the situation is even The New Testament gives us three definitions of sinworse in America. The chief causes of crime and lawlessness are (1) "Sin is transgression of the law"-a posi- tive disobedience to the revealed Will of God. idleness, ignorance, lack of high moral standards, broken homes, a desire to obtain money for power (2) "Whosoever knoweth to do good and doeth and: self-indulgence, and· an antipathy to all re- it not to him it is sin" ;-it is failure to follow the straints. But the basic causes of lawlessness are light we have. selfishness and a disregard for God as the Heavenly Father and Lawgiver. (3) "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin"-it is doing what we believe to be wrong, and failure What then is the cure for the present-day law- to live in harmony with faith in God as He is relessness and crime? Prof. Robert H. Miller of vealed in Jesus Christ. Manchester College, Indiana, gives a seven-point program: It has been the experience, both of individuals and of communities, that when the Gospel of Christ is accepted, and men take Him as their (1) Increased appropriations for education. Saviour and Lord, crime and lawlessness disap- Chicago has established a special school for "in- pear and men become good neighbors and good corrigible" boys-a school that instructs and citizens. This is evidenced in the word that has keeps them busy with wholesome technical train- recently come of the transformation of a very ing and recreation. . primitive, lawless people of Papua (in the South (2) Keep young folks busy. Do not let them Seas) . These people were sorcerers and took a be idle and out of work. Six million between the pride in murder. Their women all refused to acages of sixteen and twenty-one are now out of cept a man as a husband until he had murdered school and out of work. someone. They were superstitious and ignorant (3) Vocational training-teach every child to in mind and filthy of body. They were shiftless use his or her hands and mind in some useful em- and poor, and filled with fear and enmity. The ployment-something creative in which he or she Australian Government attempted to control. to can find satisfaction. discipline, to cajole or to punish offenders but (4) The Church must increase her ministry to without success. All the men served jail sentences youth-in the home, school, church and business. and then returned to their old life. Then came Environment must be improved and leisure hours messenger§ of the Gospel of Christ-people of occupied to profit. their own race who had experienced Christ's (5) Punishment for wrongdoing must be made transforming nower. These messengers did not more sure. swift and fitted to the crime. Senti- begin by teaching the savages to build better ment must not interefere with justice. Youth houses and to make better gardens, nor did they must learn that crime does not pay but that crimi- begin by teaching them the evils of crime and adnals do. vantages of law observance. They simply told (6) Respect for law, and for those in author. them of their own experience of Christ, the Son
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
of God, who so loved them that He came to give 800,000 people in Travancore moving Christward. His life for them; they revealed the effect of His The leaders express a desire to see their whole love and His power in their own lives by their un- community embrace Christianity and a large selfish, joyful service. The pagans were astound- body of Indian Christians have offered to give ed at this new way of peace and power and they their services as volunteer evangelists and teachresponded to the teaching. Before long they de- ers for this ingathering. The difficulty is to care stroyed their paraphernalia of sorcery, gave up for their transportation and training. "Hundreds their evil ways and began a new life. Crimes of of villages are crying out for teachers and tens violence and theft and sins of impurity have now of thousands are seeking Christ." The awakening been discarded. Of their own accord whole vil- is reported also in the Punjab, the United Provlages now rise early in the morning, go for their inces and elsewhere. The Bishop of Dornakal bath and have their "quiet time" to learn God's estimates that in his district alone one million will. They have discarded fighting and send their people are moving Christward. children to school; some have built new, clean villages, with communal gardens, and live as one The opportunity and challenge is likely to grow great family. during the coming months as the disillusioned Untouchables seek some escape from the oppres- Here is an example of the natural fruit of Chris- sive bonds of Hinduism-already they are turntian teaching, without any attempt to coerce or ing to Christ and asking for baptism at the rate persuade the people to accept any specified rules of 15,000 every month. This is influencing the or regulations. These former savages are al- caste Hindus also as they see the new birth and ready an example to civilized America and the re- new life of those whom they have despised. sults have astounded government officials. Where are teachers to be found to train these "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is lib- open-minded seekers? The Indian churches are erty." He who stilled the stormy waves on the poor and the mission boards are still short of Sea of Galilee is the One who can still the crime needed funds. There is still money available for wave today, if men will but obey Him, as did the the things men want most. The boards at home winds and the sea. might unite in presenting the facts to Christian stewards at home and offer, if suitable teachers MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF INDIA are found who will volunteer to give their time, to finance one-half the expense for their board Because of its ancient culture, the number of and travel for a five year campaign if the Indian religions, the size of its population and the multi- churches will care for the other half. The mistude of its unevangelized villages, India presents sionary forces in these areas also need strengtha peculiar and powerful challenge to the Church ening- and new vernacular literature must be supof Christ. The first Christian testimony is re- plied for the growing churches. ported to have come to India nearly 1900 years ago and Christian missions have been carried on It would be unwise for American and British there for the last six hundred years. Protestant Christians to assume the whole financial responsiwork began in 1706 and the first British mission- bility and control but they can still act as true aries entered one hundred and forty years ago; partners of the Indian churches in the work of yet today not more than one in one hundred of winning and training these under-privileged the people are even nominal Christians and the classes for Christ. Prayer circles should also be number of non-Christians is at least double that started in churches at home and in India. The of 100 years ago. The encouraging fact is that National Christian Council and the National Misthe knowledge of Christ and His teachings has sionary Society of India might be the clearing permeated India and the general attitude of the house for a united campaign that will be cooperapeople has changed from one of bitter hostility tive and will avoid waste and overlapping effort. to one of respect and inquiry. "The task before the Church in India. is tremen- dous," says the Bishop of DornakaI. "It will tax Christian missions are largely responsible for all our available resources; but God is our partner the development of modern education in India, and will not fail. In the work of His Kingdom for the advance in modern medical service and nothing is impossible." for the elevation of women and children. The British Government has promoted peace, justice, DISAPPOINTED CANDIDATES education and economic betterment. Candidates for political office are not the only Great mass movements toward Christ have been ones who suffer disappointment when election reported in many places during the past fifty time passes. Missionary candidates are also too years, with whole villages of the Depressed often disappointed-sometimes even after their Classes ready to come under Christian instruc- election, but more often because of failure to be tion. Today the Rev. T. G. Stuart Smith reports selected and given a field of service.
Among the elect some are disappointed when mission field. One applied who had nursing qualithey reach their field, because they find that they fications, but not the spirit Of Christ. She was are not adapted to the work or field assigned. sent at large expense but within one year had In spite of carefully prepared candidate papers to be recalled after having done harm rather than and examinations, their physical, mental or spir- good. A lesson was learned. When a doctor apitual equipment may be inadequate. Others, who plied for the same field, a frank letter was sent have an ambition to devote their lives to preach- to him, setting forth plainly the difficulties of ing the Gospel to the unsaved, are sometimes pioneering without much modern equipment; he called upon to fill vacancies in schools or colleges was warned of the financial sacrifices necessary, to teach purely secular subjects-and little time the problems involved in living in a small intimate and strength is left for evangelism. One mission- circle, the need for vital prayer life and Bible ary in India bewailed the fact that an under- searching, and the fact that evangelism by word staffed teaching force in the mission college neces- and life is the primary work of the mission in sitated his being called to teach and to neglect which all were expected to take a part. That evangelistic work for which he had volunteered. doctor went prepared for what he was to face. Or the business or executive end of the mission may be so absorbing that there seems little or no Disappointments of candidates and in canditime for purely Gospel work. dates, and disappointments on the mission field and at home cannot always be avoided but they Disillusionment also sometimes comes because can be greatly lessened by greater care in the of false ideas of missionary life gained from ro- study of the fields, more frankness in dealing mantic authors and speakers who present the with candidates and more earnest prayer and cause at home. The needs, opportunities and sacrifice, with a determination to know and follow rewards, of field work are sometimes so attrac- the spirit and mind of Christ in the work to tively presented that young men and women vol- which He has called us. The missionary enterunteer who are not ready to endure the hardness prise is not a human undertaking but a divine of pioneering, who do not realize the difficulties calling to follow a divine Leader. No man or of the field to which they are going; they are woman, called of God to work for Jesus Christ in not prepared for the disappointments due to work- the salvation of men, need be idle or disappointed ing with and for uncongenial and unresponsive because of lack of support and opportunity. Even people, or to live without the comforts and cul- invalids may have a great part in the work tural opportunities of the homeland. through prayer and gifts and personal testimony wherever their lot is cast. "For if there be first Other disappointed candidates are those who a willing mind, it is accepted according to what never reach the field because no one will take the a man has, not according to what he has not." responsibility for sending and supporting them. But at times general appeals come from the field D. L. MOODY CENTENARY which arouse interest that cannot be harnessed to action. A recent article appeared in THE REVIEW The life of D. L. Moody, the famous Evangelist, which told of the religious destitution in many finds its lengthening influence in the Moody Bible districts, in Maine. Two missionary-minded Chris- Institute of Chicago, founded by him fifty years tian teachers wrote to the author of the article, ago. The year 1937 will witness a world-wide offering their services freely to conduct summer celebration of the centenary of the birth of the Daily Vacation Bible Schools. The reply failed great Christian evangelist and educator. His to mention any needy towns or any way of serv- ministries in Great Britain and America added ice. Disappointment and failure was the result. many thousands to the ranks of those accepting A similar experience is noted with regard to of- Christ as Saviour and awakened sleeping profers to help other churchless communities in the fessors of the Christian faith to vital action. United States. The Hartford Band has offered to go to any needy field but no one is ready to On February 2, 1936, nearly six hundred send them. churches in the United States and six other lands, celebrated "Moody Day" with heart-kindling serv- What is the remedy for these disappointments? ices that resulted in the winning of many to Christ Is it not first to be found in accurate information? and in aw!kening or deepening interest in the The fields must be studied in detail, as Robert study of the Word of God, and the winning of Arthington studied them, so that the facts will souls. Another "Moody Day," with a much wider be known; the candidates must be studied indi- observance, will be celebrated on the centenary vidually as to fitness and they must be fully in- of Mr. Moody's, birth, February 7, 1937. It is formed as to facts. There is no excuse for hoped that more than a thousand pastors and knowingly sending out unqualified candidates churches will join in prayer and action for the merely because a place needs to be filled. One spiritual good of all who participate. case in point-a nurse was sorely needed on a
A Young Church in Old Egypt*
By the REV. E. E. ELDER, Cairo Missionary of the United Presbyterian Church T HIS young Protestant Church in Egypt, the Christian church as the ultimate aim. The city cradle of one of the oldest civilizations, has of Assiut, 250 miles south of Cairo, and a strong passed its seventy-fifth birthday on April 13, Coptic center became his base of operation. A last year. The first American missionaries ar- number of vigorous churches sprang up in the rived in Cairo a little over eighty years. ago. In southland and by 1885, a year before his death, five years portions of Arabic Scripture and reli- there were in all Egypt nineteen organized con- gious books were dirstributed, a few mission gregations-six of them having pastors of their schools started and religious services organized. own. Most of these congregations were in the In September, 1859, the Lord's Supper was first immediate vicinity of Assiut, although there were administered by missionaries using the Arabic also mission workers in Alexandria and Cairo.
language and the first four converts were received The total membership was about 1,700.
into the evangelical fellowship. These included During the second quarter century many other a Coptic monk, an Armenian, a Syrian and an towns and villages further north in the neighbor- Egyptian. The first Evangelical congregation hood of Minya and al-Kom al-Akhdar, towns midwas organized in Cairo in 1863 and that- same way between Assiut and Cairo, were opened to year the Presbytery arranged for training classes evangelical preaching. The number of missionto prepare young men for Christian service. aries connected with the American Mission in- From these small beginnings, three-quarters of creased about threefold, some of them being loa century ago, there has de,veloped a church which cated in the great unevangelized centers of the numbers over 21,000 members, meeting in 143 Delta where more than half the population of organized congregations and 201 unorganized Egypt lives. Struggling churches, dependent circles. Of these congregations 114 have their largely on the encouragement and guidance of the own ministers; fifty-nine are self-supporting, and missionary, were organized in the provincial capcontribute to the general work of Synod. itals. A few months ago the editor of one of the prom- During this middle period the number of stuinent religious weeklies of America visited the dents in the Sunday Schools grew steadily until seminary for the training of pastors and was in- in 1910 there were almost 17,000 enrolled. At terested to learn that the building was erected al- the turn of the century the presbytery was dimost entirely from funds collected in Egypt by vided into four presbyteries and they in turn were the Egyptians. He was happily surprised to find organized into the Synod of the Nile. From the that the inscription over the building did not read, very early days of the American Mission's efforts, "The Seminary of United Presbyterian Church of Egyptian cooperation and leadershiJf had been the North America," but "The Theological Seminary longed for goal. By the close of these twenty-five of the Evangelical Church." years a plan had been formulated looking to finan- The seventy-five years of the Evangelical cial independence of the EgYl>tian Church. Church's history may be roughly divided into By 1910, seventy-two organized churches with three equal periods. During the first twenty-five many other centers could boast of more than years the dominant figure in the development of eleven thousand members. Twenty-two were self- Evangelical Christianity was Dr. John Hogg, a supporting.
Scotchman who believed that the method of win- The third quarter of the church's history conning the Moslem population to Christ was to evan- tinues the increase in organizations in the southgelize the Coptic Christians. Often a stumbling- land, but the remarkable growth again moved block to Moslems, they had long since lost under northward. At the opening of these last twentypersecution any incentive to preach the Gospel. To five years there was but one ordained Egyptian gain Egypt for his Lord, Dr. Hogg thought not pastor in Cairo. In March, 1912, just seventeen only of converting individual souls but of planting years after his ordination, another minister was an independent, self-sustaining, self-propagating called to become the pastor of a second congrega- • See Frontispiece. tion in the capital city. In March, 1929, the Prot- [567 ]
estant leaders of Cairo were gathered for the or- pose for His Kingdom knows no boundary of dination of another Evangelical pastor over a geography or race of social position or former church newly organized. One of the speakers re- religious loyalty. Facing the 13,000,000 Egyptian minded the audience that during the seventeen Moslems, we know that the work is far from be- years seven more congregations had been organ- ing completed. Just now the great problem of ized. If one is surprised at the remarkable our American economic life is the reemployment growth of these seventeen years, he may be of people without work. No one would consider amazed to learn that in the six years that have that the problem for 13,000,000 unemployed was since elapsed five other congregations have been solved by putting a meagre 50,000 to work. The formed, thus bringing the total of Evangelical present Evangelical Church in Egypt is only the congregations in Cairo and suburbs up to four- "seed corn" of an abundant harvest.
teen. All but four are financially independent. The young church, with all its strength and One of them, in addition to supporting the usual leadership, is still weak because of the conditions church work of a city congregation conducts a that surround it. Christians in America, although thriving day school for girls, and gave in 1934, largely outnumbering the Jews, have had little $850 to the mission work of the Nile Valley. success in persuading them to acknowledge and Many movements in the Church show that the follow as Lord One who was of their own race.
aim of the early missionaries for a self-govern- In Egypt the small Evangelical Church, drawn ing, self-propagating church was being realized. largely from the ancient Coptic race, is confronted A Laymen's and Elders' Society, organized in with an overwhelming Moslem majority whose 1918, contains the following paragraph in its first history is full of bigotry and persecution. How annual report: much more difficult is it to persuade members of The work in the cities and districts has steadily pro- a proud majority to accept teaching presented by gressed. There have been fruits of a spiritual awakening, a vigorous yet suspicioned minority of a despised the grace of giving, and"the spirit of brotherhood. May we not be able to prove to America that we are a worthy people. It is hard to find a strong enough analogy child able to carryon the plans of the church by the to picture the extreme difficulty of winning Mosstrength we have gained from her. Our Egyptian Church lem Egypt to Christ. Imagine what would be the now spends $75,000 annually on its work, why should it situation in America if the Negro population were still continue to beg $5,000 from the church in America commissioned to win the white people to a differfor the work of Synod when by fostering the Laymen'~ ent religion than that which they now profess. It and Elders' Movement we may be able to arrive at self- would be twenty times harder if only one in support and progress towards the greater work of reach- twenty of the Negroes had even a slight conceping the millions of unsaved in Egypt for the glory of the Lord. tion of the reality of their commission. Add to In 1926 the Synod assumed full responsibility that what would be the case if the convert must for the education of its ministry and the new not only change his religion but his social posi- Seminary building was occupied. One of the tion, his family relations and even his race. We missionaries has acted as chairman of the faculty might say, "We know the Negro has deeper reliand another serves on the Board. In Basil Mat- gious emotions than white men, but must we bethews' "Forerunners of a New Age," an inter- come Negroes in order to follow his religion?" pretative report of the 1934 Conference on Train- The thinking Moslem may admit the excellence of ing of the Ministry of the Younger Churches, he Christ's teaching, but very often he questions its expresses an fdeal that fits the situation in Egypt. application to him.
The real shaping of the life of a seminary-if it is to Missionary retrenchments and withdrawals of produce a life-giving ministry~must be in the hands of workers have led the young church in Egypt to the people of that lang. The control must be national. wonder how keenly America appreciates the crit- But to concentrate on control as such is not the Christian ical situation in Moslem lands. The attitude of way, for fellowship is the root of the ministry, and fellow- Americans seems often to be expressed: "In sevship transcends the chasms of East and West. enty-five years a church should reach maturity.
In spite of its seventy-five years the Evangelical 'It should now be left by itself to finish the work Church of Egypt is a young church. The task so well started." The ministers of the young of bringing the teeming population of the narrow church, almost to a man, believe that foreign mis- fertile valley of the Nile and its delta into fellow- sionary help is needed to complete the work so ship with Christ, the Saviour, has only begun. well begun. The Cairo Ministers' Association On the other hand a church with a community of gave to a missionary going home on furlough the 50,000 members and adherents, with an educated following message for the church at home: "Sup- ministry and its own church buildings, is well ad- port your work abroad; send out more mission- vanced towards the Christian ideal. Christ's pur- aries."
Results in Central Africa?
By VIRGINIA M. CLARKE, Bolenge, Africa Teacher in the Congo Christian Institute JOHN A. MACKAY has said that, "the evangel- brotherhood, a deepening of their characters and, istic task is, therefore, to make infinitely above all, a growing church which is rapidly be- meaningful and inescapable the heart of the coming more truly indigenous and has a real con- Gospel, God's revelation of Himself in Jesus viction of the need for a continued spread of the Christ in such a way that personality in its whole- Gospel by means of a more adequately trained ness shall respond to God." Innately religious, Christian leadership. the African has responded to the stimulus of God's love by becoming a Christian who is con- In the Mondombe field Bontamba Mark was scious that his whole life should be influenced by sent as an evangelist to a remote village. After Christ's principles. The Bible has become for only one year the things he had accomplished were him an inspired Book, guiding his thoughts and very evident. Seventeen new houses of better conactions through every hour of every day. This struction and with more adequate ventilation had consciousness of the impelling power of God's been built in the Christian village, sanitary con- Word has resulted in many changes in the Afri- ditions were improved and a clean water supply can's heart, character, attitudes and environment. was assured. A new church building had been erected, two schools were flourishing and fifty- The particular Africans whose progress we are three inquirers were ready for baptism. In the now considering belong principally to the Bank- Bolenge Christian village a number of wells have undo tribe dwelling in the Belgian Congo along been dug, many of them with good clear water. the equator where the Congo River crosses it for New little houses are being built of brick which the second time, in a territory which extends east each home builder has shaped and burned himfrom four to five hundred miles, and reaches self. An ingenious method of building is often north and south about two hundred miles. Living followed. While the family continues to live in grouped together in villages ranging from two the old mud house the brick walls are erected hundred to a thousand people, these Congolese are around the house. When the new roof is in place hearing the Gospel story from teacher evangelists the old home is torn down and the new house entrained in one of the six principal mission stations closes the family. Mark Njoji, the pastor of the which are seeking to serve this great field, Bo- Bolenge church, has just completed a fine brick lenge, Coquilhatville, Lotumbe, Monieka, Wema house, well pointed with cement on the outside and Mondombe. Although many of these evan- and the inside walls smoothly plastered with white gelists have received as yet only a quite limited clay. There he can shelter the many friends and education, their few months or years at the mis- relatives who seek his "house by the side of the sion station in close contact with the missionaries road." and other leaders have resulted in a zeal to win their people for Christ, a desire to improve their In Congo from time immemorial the birth of moral, physical and economic conditions, and a twins has necessitated a complicated ritual, but feeling of brotherhood with all rather than with one year twins were born to a. Christian couple just one closely affiliated group, such as the family attending the Congo Christian Institute at Boor clan. lenge. The parents were brave enough to disobey the heathen superstitions. The mother went to Because of the consecrated efforts of the mis- the mission hospital for the confinement. and sionaries and the native Christian workers rested quietly in bed for ten days instead of takthroughout more than thirty years of this mis- ing a twin on each hip and dancing the length of sion's existence some very definite results of the the village the day after their birth as custom dicimpact of the Gospel on the lives of these particu- tated. These twins were bathed and fed like reglar Congolese are now becoming evident. These ular babies and were not forced to fast at interresults encompass the whole life of the people, for vals. Each baby had a basket bed covered with a we are finding not only better homes, hygiene, piece of mosquito netting. The father actually sanitation, gardens, but also an increasing respect continued to go to school and to study as though for womanhood, a larger measure of charity for he were the father of only one. those outside the family, an expanding feeling of In addition to these exterior aspects of better [569 ]
hygiene and better homes there are more subtle "The women here are the rej oicing of this changes. There is a growing companionship be~ church!' That is very unusual praise for a tween husband and wife and a mutual respect for Congo man to give to women and so marks an each other's personality. One elder in the Lotumbe advance in the men's attitude. As a result of the church and his wife always begin and end the day continued spread of Christian ideals throughout by praying together. Numbers of young couples the Congo its womanhood is being gradually en- are learning through their association in the Sun~ nobled.
day school class, known as the Brave Hearts, to In a heathen society the Congolese feel no reeat together and to share their joys and problems sponsibility for those outside their own immediwith each other. No one who has not known ate families. But after they have heard the story Africa intimately can realize how radical is this of Jesus they learn to care for others. As a change in attitudes and customs. The establish- church or as a missionary society they share troument and development of the Christian home, as bles of their members and try to help them. The the parents learn to nurture their little ones in church at Lotumbe took up a collection for some the faith, is one very outstanding result of the of their members whose houses had burned down, Gospel in Central Africa. they paid for medical treatment and finally burial What About the Women? for a friendless old man who had wandered into town; they brought food and clothing for a sick Someone has said in substance, that no nation and crippled woman who was without a home, and can rise higher than its womanhood. In Congo they gave money each week to a former evangelthe woman's place has always been a degraded ist of the despised Batswa tribe who was ill with one. She is considered a piece of property, a tuberculosis. These are only a few of this housekeeper, a gardener, the bearer of children, church's charitable deeds, and they might be dubut never as a loved companion to be respected plicated in every church in Congo.
and cherished. A Congo proverb says, "To eat The Women's Missionary Society of the Bolenge with a woman is to eat with the devil himself." Church decided to give some gifts of food to one In spite of these traditional attitudes, Christ's of their members who had recently been left a love and principles are resulting in an increased widow with nine children. They brought live fish, respect for women, their personalities and abil- dried fish, manioc, onions, plantains, palm nuts, ities. Manners and little courtesies are often in- two kinds of cakes made of sweet manioc, corn dicative of an inner spirit or attitude, as in a and other food as well as a money gift of fifteen situation which occurred at Lotumbe two years francs (about fifty cents). On their regular meet- ago. A number of the young married couples had ing day the women gathered at the church with just finished a feast in the open air. The Sunday their gifts in large baskets and basins and went vesper service was soon to be held there. Before singing to her home. She had been warned in ad- the meeting the young men were sitting together vance so was wearing a clean dress for the first visiting while the women were putting things time since her husband's death. The house was away in a nearby house. When the women came freshly swept and the children were clean. One out of the house most of them took places some of the women made a little speech presenting the distance away, but the wives of the graduates of gifts and two others prayed. The widow was the Congo Christian Institute came over to where so moved by this expression of their Christian their husbands were sitting. There were not love that tears came to her eyes. The women had enough chairs so those husbands stood up cour- to explain to her that these were outright gifts teously and gave their chairs to their wives. Of and no one expected to receive anything from her, course that little incident doesn't sound a bit for in Congo a gift means that something must strange or unusual to the American woman who be given in return.
is accustomed to every courtesy, but for a heathen The Gospel has meant to the Congolese that in- Congo woman-well, it is simply unheard of. stead of being members of many unrelated tribes Some missionaries were going up the Ubangi with fierce jealousies, hatred and strife predom- River on the mission steamer, "The Oregon." They inating, they now belong to one fellowship with reached Bobolo, where there is an evangelist and love, loyalty and mutual helpfulness as their a good church. Captain John Inkima told them watchwords. This idea has been very aptly ex- about the church there and how the women had pressed by the students of the Congo Christian In- done most of the work of building it. He said stitute, a secondary school established seven years that at one time the men all went back to heathen- ago at Bolenge for the training of a higher type ism, but some of the women kept the church go- of Christian leadership. To that school come stu- ing. Later an evangelist was sent to them and dents of many tribes whose fathers and grand- the church reawakened. Then Captain John said, fathers were traditional enemies. In one gradu-
WHAT RESULTS IN CENTRAL AFRICA?
ating class of fourteen there were nine distinct ries on the affairs of the church with only occatribes represented. From the beginning of the sional counsel from the missionary. To attend the school they have marveled at the strong bond of Sunday morning service at this church is a real Christian love which bound them together and experience; for the pastor, the choir of ten male made them as one tribe. One student in writing voices and the audience join together to make a home to his parents said, "Here we do not belong truly inspiring and reverent period of worship, to different tribes, but to one tribe-the tribe of of which the celebration of the Lord's Supper is God." made the climax. Churches like this one are being duplicated by the score in many outstations This unity was put to the acid test when the throughout the Congo. very first Batswa students entered the school. The Batswa constitute the semi-pygmy slave tribe of Fortunately many government officials realize Congo which for generations has been despised the importance of the Christian evangelist and by the Bankundo and with whom no social inter- give him their support. One government official course was possible. But when these Batswa stu- after visiting with an outstanding evangelist of dents stepped off the boat they were greeted as the Lotumbe field aoout how best to stop some long lost brothers by those in the upper classes. objectionable heathen practices, said to him, Later when one of the Batswa wives was ill and "After all, one of you evangelists can accomplish could not go to the garden and prepare food for more than many soldiers because the people have her husband and four children one of the Bank- learned to respect and love you." Undoubtedly undo women volunteered to help her. She had a the lives and work of some of these earnest nabusy day, for there was water to carry from the tive evangelists, as well as the growth and despring, cassava to dig in the garden, bread to be velopment of the Christian Church in Congo, are made, and greens to be prepared. Having finished outstanding results of the Gospel in Central the household duties she sat down and visited Africa. with the sick mother, telling her all that had been done in school that day. What a revolutionary In the final analysis the very finest results of thing it was for her to have such close contact the Gospel are to be found in the changed lives with a woman of the Batswa tribe! The Gospel and characters of the people who have been message is being exemplified in these young folks' touched by its power. It is impossible to mention lives as they daily practice actual Christian all of the splendid Christians whose lives have brotherhood. been an inspiration to others, for their number is legion. Elima Salome is a deaconess in the Lo- A Phenomenal Growth tumbe Church. Her husband, Mbomba David, is an elder. For years they have kept their Chris- Thirty-one years ago an early missionary of the tian light shining before all people. Elima is a Disciples of Christ Mission, who was leaving leader among the women and was president for a Congo to go on furlough, left one mission station, long time of the Missionary Society, which sup- Bolenge, and about two hundred Christians. To- ported an evangelist in a distant village. She is day there are six stations and over forty-two thou- a Sunday school teacher as well, giving every Sunsand Christians. In the whole of the Congo the day of her radiant personality and Christian ex- Protestant Christians and adherents number more perience to the little ones of Lotumbe. Visiting than a million. All of these, of whatever mission, the sick, sharing with others her food and her belong to one church, L'Eglise du Christ au knowledge of Christ's love, Elima Salome exempli- Congo. This forward step has meant a great deal fies what a true Christian should become. to each individual Christian, for now each one feels more closely bound to his brothers in Christ Among the graduates of the boys' boarding throughout Congoland. This union has likewise school in Bolenge in the early days was Mpoku been a challenge to the Christians to continue Enoch. Early in 1908 he became a Christian and their efforts for a more truly indigenous Church has never once wavered in his faith since that in the Congo. day. A week after his baptism he went to a dis- tant village as a school-teacher. The next year At Coquilhatville, one of the provincial capitals he returned to the mission station and learned to of the Congo, there is a splendid Protestant set type and finally became foreman of the mission Church group which is an inspiration to all be- printing shop. Later Mpoku became enamored cause of the fine way these Congo Christians are of machinery and spent several years as an enconducting the work of their church. The board gineer on river steamers. When he returned to of elders, deacons and deaconesses called as their Bolenge in 1920 he was made a deacon of the pastor Bokomboji Pierre, a graduate of the Congo church. Then while acting as foreman of the Christian Institute, who is one of the five ordained sawmill he was chosen as assistant pastor of the ministers in the Bolenge field. This church is Bolenge Church and in 1927 was ordained to the now self-supporting, and the board of elders car- ministry. While continuing his pastoral duties
he attended the Congo Christian Institute and There are many more in this fine company of graduated in 1933. Since his graduation Mpoku's Congo Christians. There is Lokofe Moses and ministry has been continually blessed. He travels his wife, Weci Marie, who are both supervising for months at a time through the back country schools in Lotumbe; there is Imbanda Joseph villages, strenthening the churches, encouraging who, although holding a government position, is the evangelists, preaching the Gospel and building finding time to build a church in a village where churches. Everywhere Mpoku Enoch goes his there was none; there is Litele Samuel, who is winsome smile, his loving character and powerful the first traveling Sunday school secretary of this words bring many of his brothers to Christ. particular group of churches; there are innumer- able others, men and women, preachers, teachers, A young school-teacher, a graduate of the nurses, carpenters, brick masons, mechanics, Congo Christian Institute, went home and began hunters, fishers and clerks who are living changed his work. Perhaps he expected to find conditions and more abundant lives because of the redeeming very different, for he wrote the following to his power of Christ's Gospel. However, these Congo white teacher: "I am weary in spirit because I Christians and their missionary leaders have a wanted to begin teaching and preaching at once. certain worry deep down in their hearts as they see the present shortage of missionary funds with r find there is no house in which I may live, no its corresponding shortage of both missionary and native leaders to guide the ever increasing numchurch in which I may preach, and no school in ber of young Christians along Christ's difficult which I may teach. Now I must start right at the path. One of Congo's proverbs is, "Bambola very beginning. I have labored in the forest itswa, ioiya, wijima." (Light the lamp, put it bringing in poles for building, and I have cut out, darkness.) The Church of Christ has lighted boards for blackboards. I can't open my school the lamp of God's love in those hearts. Is the materials for there is no place to keep them, and Church in America going to let them drift into they would soon be spoiled. How much there is darkness again for the lack of sufficient guidance to do! We write the lessons on the sand of the and counsel? Or will the Church at home supply village path." What a strong spirit that young the lamps to enlighten Africa? teacher must have! Although he is disappointed in his situation, he is going to work to do and dare for Christ whom he serves.
Into the Forests of Central Africa* What a Pioneering Trip Means to a Missionary REV. A. G. MILL and his wife have lived in his wife have held this fort. Several times a year the Upper Congo for the last twenty-six he makes long trips into the dense forests back years as respresentatives of the English of the river. In a recent letter to his sister he de- Baptist Missionaty Society.. Fifty-five years ago scribes one of these journeys: ThOl:'):las J. Comber and George Grenfell started "As you know there is no summer and no winter in Africa in the generally accepted sense of these work'on the mighty Congo. In his little steamer terms. We made preparations for our tour in June when the intense heat is tempered by the the "Peace," Grenfell explored the Congo Basin heavy rains. We had no road maps to consult and wd~ the discoverer of the great Ubangi trib- since there were no roads. We lra-d no worries about taking dress-up clothes since we would have utary.N'o;wmission .stations, not only of the no social functions to attend-no grand churches in which to worship and no high-class hotels to English Baptist Society but the Disciples of patronize. All our baggage must be carried on the bare backs of the natives and our meals found Christ, the Atnerican Presbyterian Church South, as we went through the forests. We were going back from the great river highway-back into the the Methodist,(:Episcopal Church and the Congo hinterland tribes, some of whom had never seen a white man. Balolo Mission, are working harmoniously. "My wife and r went on bicycles and the na- Mr. Mill is Ideated at a small village situated at tives on foot. Back there tucked away in the the confluence of the Lomami and Congo Rivers. jungle are people with no civilization and with- About ten years ago he asked leave to push for- ward one hundred miles and plant an outstation at Yalikina, his preseJltstation, ,He realized that this was a sttategic lotation if the peoples on the banks of the great !Lomami were ever to be reached with th~ Gospel. Single ,handed he and . t! 1 '. '" .'.
• A letter seDLly, Aofrs. Cla,ra.' Anna Sinclair, of. Caldwell, Kansas.
INTO THE FORESTS OF CENTRAL AFRICA
out knowledge of the heavenly Father. Our faith- started out, the traveling adding to the pain of ful boys led the way, carrying packages. Soon the the injured wrist. road became narrower till only a path was left. Camping for the night under our mosquito net- "On our arrival at the appointed meeting place ting, we were up bright and early the next morn- we found the doctor had not come. We waited all ing. We traveled for several hours when the that afternoon and till the next morning. Our winding trail suddenly became a steep descent. supply of provisions was exhausted by this time Not only so but the ground under us turned into and we were obliged to eat the native roasted loose sand and before long my wife was going monkey and cassava. Suddenly the steamer headlong down the incline gaining momentum at rounded the curve of the river and our hearts every turn. She was thrown forcibly from the leaped for joy. The doctor advised that my wife machine at the foot of the hill, saving herself go back with him. At my wife's request I resomewhat by throwing out her arms as she was frained from going with her, but put her on board pitehed over the handlebars. As I picked her up in the care of our best boys, and with a prayer I could see that her wrist was limp and knew my left her to be taken down river to the mission fear of a fracture to be confirmed. The pain was hospital at Yakusu, 150 miles south, while I reconsiderable. I tried my best to knit the bones traced my steps. With a lonely feeling I ate supbut was not successful. Where should I turn for per and retired, giving instructions for the mornhelp? Behind us there was no doctor for the gov- ing's march. We were plunging into dark forest ernment doctor had left for the upper river some land and soon came to the first of the isolated vildays befoJj'e. Before us there was less hope. The lages. The sight of a white man terrified the only· thing I could think of to do was to send out natives and,· my wife not being with me, made it S.O. S. messages to the government doctor by a harder to reach them. Like frightened children few trusty native carriers. they had to be coaxed out of their grass huts. God's palaver was explained to them and the chief "Off they went while our caravan waited; my passed on the message as he alone knew the trade wife in great discomfort. After five long days language. the messengers returned with the news that the doctor would meet us at a certain point on the After three months Mr. Mill returned to his river in two days. Taking two boys with us we station to find his wife recovered but with a more or less crippled hand.
AN ADVANTAGE OF THE NATIVE PREACHER The color of the preacher weighs far more with the native than we realize. Even in the .. mind of the best natives, even in the hearts of those most warmly attached to us, there is a definite though perhaps often subconscious prejudice against our color; I know of many in- stances where a message full of urgency and power has produced very little effect from the lips of a missionary while that of a native has produced immediate results. A native listen- ing to a moving and powerful address from a white man can quiet his conscience and harden his heart simply by saying, "That's all very well, that's a white man's point of view. It may .0 impress you like that but it is not what we blacks need." But when he hears a black preach with conviction, he is driven from this refuge and has to face the message on its own merits.
Again and again I have come across instances where the final link in bringing a native to Christ has been supplied by a native. He has listened to the white man for years and seemed little affected but one simple remark from a fellow native has gone home like an arrow. I would not belittle the white man's influence but it is unquestional;>le that the native evangelists have advantages over us.
Native preachers are often greatly improved and their value added to by thorough train- ing. In my experience this has been under the three headings: Bible knowledge, general knowledge, the missionary's example.-Rev. W. Singleton Fisher, in Congo Mission News.
Evangelistic Value of Medical
By ROLLA E. HOFFMAN, M.D., Meshed, Persia, On the Staff of the American Christian Hospital DURING my first years on the mission field I they have been reached? "Medical missionary was expected to draw large crowds of pa- work," said Dr. Dugald Christie, of Mukden, "is tients and friends of patients to whom our no mere adjunct to the work of preaching, but is senior clergyman could sell Scriptures and preach an essential and integral part of the work of the the Gospel. This was in the most fanatical Mos- Church." Our Presbyterian Board Manual says, lem city of Persia. The best strategy seemed to "Medical work is not merely a key to open the door be to push forward the medical work and to ac- into non-Christian communities, but is an integral company it with as aggressive preaching as the part of the missionary enterprise." people would tolerate. I was expected to draw the crowds, and the evangelistic missionary was to We have been thinking of the medical work too preach to them. He was treasurer of our little much in its relation to outsiders. We must realize hospital and I occasionally preached and led daily that its usefulness to professing Christians should prayers so that our pioneering went on happily. be no less, especially in the midst of a non-Chris- tian society. Even after fanaticism is dead, and Later the clergyman died, the medical work in- the church has become popular and men flock into creased and a second doctor was sent out. One of it and want to be known as Christians, medical our clergymen expressed the hope that instead of work will still be needed as an integral part of the taking on more patients, the medical staff would work of the church, as a continuous expression of now do more evangelistic work. Instead of that the healing love of our Lord. The new church will we find that the medical work has more than be far stronger, more practical, truer to Christ, doubled, so that now a third doctor has come. The more useful to the nation, if it grows up in close clergymen have most faithfully carried on evan- cooperation with a genuine Christian medical gelistic work in the hospital; the church has been work, which becomes more and more a part of the born and other openings for evangelistic work work of the Church. Perhaps a medical man's have thrust themselves forward. Finally we are antipathy toward doing more "evangelistic work"
advised that "the entire work of healing, both arises from holding to the old idea that it is to conphysical and spiritual, should be carried on by the sist in spending an hour or more a day reading the doctors and their assistants." Scriptures to and haranguing men, pleading with them to "flee from the wrath to come," and, since While this view may not quite represent the our time is limited, neglecting medical treatment attitude of most of our clerical missionaries, it has rather depressed me to realize that our hos- to do it! pitals are looked upon as not such alluring places We might analyze the function of medical misto work. As one of the missionaries puts it, "Given one hundred well men as against one hun- sion work, as composed of its influence upon undred sick men to preach to, I would choose the evangelized outsiders, and its influence upon the well men every time." The preaching mission- members of the church; but after all these ex- press to man the love and spirit and healing of aries' task is to build up the church and more and our Lord, and so bring them to the knowledge of more of their attention is demanded by the prob- Christ. The medical work reaches people who are lems of the growing church and the instruction of not touched by our schools or "direct" evangelistic inquiries. For the rest, the Gospel can be preached workers. They come from conservative Moslem openly through the land; the day of pioneering families, driven by pain and despair; also from has past. Yet at the meeting of medical workers the ultramodern class, who have lost faith in all some years ago in Teheran, protest was made religion. – Men who would never darken the door against the failure of our clerical brethren to ap- of a Christian school, or of a clergyman's house, propriate the .fine opportunity for evangelistic lay aside their pride and come pleading and be- work in our hospitals. seeching for that which they believe Christian doc- What is the exact purpose of our medical work? tors are able to give. It is true that they are in Is it merely a means of attracting people within spiritual need also, and no doubt doctors often range of the Gospel message, or is it useful after miss the underlying spiritual disease, and give [574 ] cascara when what the patient really needs is a with a course in chemistry; an essential part of "mental cathartic." No doubt we often fail to the course, a place where the things explained in add to our medicines the skilful spiritual touch lectures are actually carried out in life. that would remove the real cause and bring a per~ manent cure. We are apt to think too closely merely of the evangelistic effect of our medical work upon pa- For some have more sin than fever, tients; it should be looked for rather in the com- And some have more grief than pain. munity. The great spiritual value of our Lord's healing did not come to those actually healed, but God help me make whole both body and soul to the healthy who beheld the Power and Spirit of Before they go out again. what was done. Men who come to us for physical healing are not often seeking spiritual healing. We must remember that a host of Christian For this reason the work seldom yields spiritual t~rms carry to the Moslem mind a far different results in proportion to the effort expended. The meaning from what we intend. If, as we are fact that our hospitals render a valuable physical sometimes urged, we "joyfully give to them the service in the spirit of love, which requires no mamessage of eternal Life in Christ, through whom terial reward, not even gratitude, shows the peoalone they can attain to perfect harmony and ple that this is Christianity in life, and that Christ health," we shall be merely casting our pearls be~ is not a dead prophet but a living force in the fore swine, with the usual result. How will they world today. This is a very important factor in understand our earnest evangelistic appeal? The the Christianization of the land. It furnishes a man whose disease has not been entirely cured good background for the preaching of the Gospel will put us down as charlatans, trying to cover up in reading room, chapel, school and private conour inability to cure him by introducing another ferences. It softens hearts, not so much the hearts subject! Many a one who has been healed will of the physically ill as the hearts of the commusay to his friends: "Bah! Sons of dogs! These nity's healthy, thinking men. They thus come to Christians treat the sick, but why? They first see the religion of Christ as something living, cure your disease to put you under obligation to vital, essential to their own welfare. Let us emthem, then they insult you by insisting that you phasize anew our real evangelistic task. ought to turn your back on Islam and the greatest of the Prophets and join them with their corrupted Indispensable Elements and altered gospel, with its talk of three Gods, the Son of God (Who begets not, neither is begotten, There are three definite and indispensable elepraise His Name!) and other notions as ignorant ments in a hospital as "an integral part of the and ridiculous. They want to foist on us their missionary enterprise" – efficient medical treatpig~eating and wine-drinking, their immorality of ment, including good nursing; the spirit of Christ women who go about half dressed and with shame- throughout; the simple verbal explanation that less open faces, their money-worship, and denial this is Christian, that He is our strength, and that of the oneness of God !" He is to be praised and thanked rather than the doctors. Is this out of date? Not at all. This is true of many who find their first Christian contact in our With the rapid advance of Persian standards of hospitals. Any attempt to force spiritual results medical work and the passing of the pioneer stage, here results often in the enmity of the patient and we need improved equipment, better laboratories, his friends. Seed sown upon hard, impermeable better assistants; and must limit ourselves to ground will not grow. One task of our hospitals fewer patients. The standard for the hospitals of is that of ploughing, breaking up hard clods, win- Syria has recently been suggested as thirty outning confidence by deserving it. Persistently urg- patients and twenty in-patients per doctor! ing men to become Christians carries to their minds the suggestion that we are getting paid so Our hospitals must be different from the govmuch per head by our government or supporting ernment hospitals, in the Christian love manisociety. Our definite contribution is to bring men fested among ourselves and our helpers. We to the knowledge of Christ; not to persuade them must be the fathers and mothers of our helpers, to become professing Christians. and must teach them Christian principles of life and work. They must learn to serve the poor as In our treatment of professing Christians, it is well as the rich, to be careful, thorough, truthful, our task to lead them to a better knowledge of the sympathetic, clean, patient, cheerful. We need to riches of love in Christ Jesus. We must do a lot develop helpers who are not only efficient in medof teaching and explaining; but we must avoid ical technique – a formidable task in itself – but mere "proselytizing." We need more faith: hav- who will enter into the Christian spirit of the ing ploughed, and sown a little seed, we must work. From the time when a patient enters our await the harvest, not trying to force it. The hospital until he is dismissed, we must make all medical work is like the laboratory in connection contacts with him courteous, patient, Christian.
To this end some form of daily "family" prayers individuals, and the nurses would do more and is essential, when all the hospital force come to- better religious talking with the patients. gether, preferably in the morning, for a few minutes of quiet thinking and worship. Most of our Copies of the Gospels should be available for the Presbyterian hospitals in Persia do not have daily patients to read in the language they know. Often prayers of the whole staff. one man will read to a room full which may be better than for an outsider to do much reading. This is not enough. While showing men the We have found a small cupboard useful as a de- Spirit of Christ, they must be told that this is pository for the books along with various other Christianity. Otherwise this fact, so obvious to books in charge of the senior ward nurses. If the us, will not occur to them at all! Obviously, their Christians are nurses and reasonably intelligent, preconceived ideas of Christianity are not very they will explain passages as patients ask quesfavorable, else many of them would already have tions. The doctor also may occasionally explain a been Christians. Here careful definition is neces- passage. sary. Our task is not to persuade them to become professing Christians, in order to "flee from the A certain amount of social service work is wrath to come," by the magical Name of Jesus, greatly needed, and it sometimes seems that spebut they must learn that it is He who has equipped cial workers ought to be available for it. Without and empowered us for this task. In all fairness this, the medical work often fails to do quite we must give Him the praise and glory for what enough. For example, a young, illiterate daywe are able to do, as much for the sake of our own laborer suffered from a broken leg when a wall integrity as Christians as that they may thank fell on it. He was in the hospital seven weeks, Him for their cure. making a satisfactory recovery. He was well fed and nursed and heard the Gospel explained daily; As to the technique of this, opinions will differ. but he seemed depressed and apathetic. Some- We must appear frankly and openly before our thing else was needed that the hospital was unable helpers and patients as Christians. We may lead to supply. The meagre family income was suda prayer service, preach occasionally, make it a denly cut off and his wife and two children were practice to have a word of prayer before each op- destitute. When he went home he found that one eration, or in other ways reveal our dependence on of the children had died, and his wife had wan- Christ. But in praying for patients we should dered away to another city with the other child. avoid praying before them that they become He was unable to work for a week after his dis- Christians. That will spoil things and lead them charge, as the leg was stilI weak. Had his family to think that after all we are not so much inter- been relieved during his illness and had he been ested in healing their diseases as in trying to given some hand work to do to earn a little money proselytize them for the sake of the bonus that while recovering, and had he been taught to read, our government gives us. This was reported in using the Gospel of John as a textbook, he might Meshed a few years ago to be $400 a head. We have been definitely enriched instead of embittered should pray for their recovery; that the blind eye toward life. Here is a problem that frequently may be made to see, the pain and disease removed, presents itself in a land where the wolf hovers too and the heart made perfectly happy by finding near the door. What a service the Persian Church real peace. might render the community by tiding such folks over their time of need! A clergyman should be connected with each hospital, for several reasons. The teaching possi- In every station where there is medical work bilities of our hospitals have been largely lost there should be a committee on evangelistic work sight of because too much time has been given to in the hospital, consisting of the medical staff and trying to "win" men to an open profession of a man and a lady evahgelist to plan the work and faith. This teaching work is properly the task of draw the general picture. The medical workers the clergyman who should plan it and carry out should be members and attendants of the local a schedule of addresses, lantern talks, etc. He church. A clergyman and a lady evangelistic could profitably make rounds with the doctors worker should be assigned to evening work in the once a week, thus appearing before patients as hospital on a more definite schedule. The evanone in real sympathy with them. He would thus gelistic work should consist in instruction rather keep in touch with the medical work, see any of than "proselytizing," and special care should be his friends who happened to be patients, see the exercizea. to avoid injuring the sensibilities ef even Christian members of the staff at work, and keep the most fanatieal patients or their friends. The the evangelistic side of the work regularly before whole missionary effort should be directed toward .the doctor's mind. He should also stand ready to making the medical work genuinely and wholly talk with any who ask for him. The doctor would Christian, in spirit and in fact, an "integral part have occasional suggestions to make about certain of the missionary enterprise," and a part of the coming Christian society in Persia.
Are Jews! *
The Challenge of American Jewry to the Church By the REV. JOHN STUART CONNING, Secretary of Jewish Evangelization, Board of National Missions "WHY, they're Jews!" was the astonished What America Means to the Jews exclamation of an urban pastor when re- America, however, has spelled more than oppor- tunity to the Jew; it has signified a new environ- minded that he had probably several ment and all the things that go with it-adapta- tion, modification, change. Things are not as they hundred members of the race of Jesus living in were among the Jews. The traditional Jewish life of Eastern Europe has gone beyond recall. Under his parish to whom he might be spiritually help- the constant pressure of American industrial and commercial life, traditional Jewish customs are ful. Another pastor,. in response to the same re- generally disregarded, while the acceptance of modern scientific and philosophical concepts has Tmhineydegr~ said: "We have no contact with Jews. robbed the ancient faith of its sanctions. The their way and we go ours." A third re- Saturday Sabbath no longer dominates Jewish communities. The dietary laws are less and less plied: "Really, I 'have never thought of that!" rigidly observed. Inter-marriage is on the in- crease. And what is giving Jewish leaders grave And this last reply is doubtless the reason so many concern is the disspiriting drift from the syna- gogue. Rabbi Goldenson, of Temple Emanu-el, pastors and churches are not Jew-conscious and New York City, recently expressed his disappoint- ment that in a city with two million Jews, not have not sought to share with their Jewish neigh- more than fifty thousand were in regular attend- ance at synagogue services. bors the spirit and faith of Jesus as Saviour and Side by side with these trends away from the Lord. And this is the reason also why there has ancient Jewish heritage and the decline of the old reverences there has been observable in many grown up in this country a Jewish situation that areas of Jewish life a real yearning and search for spiritual satisfaction. The Jew today is openchallenges the best thought and statesmanship minded as he has not been for generations. He will listen to anyone who offers surcease from perthat the Church can command. sonal or social ills. Christian Science has won so large a Jewish following that a movement within The situation has grown upon us so gradually. Judaism called "Jewish Science" has been devised to stay the drift. Socialism with its doctrine of The few thousand Jews in America at the middle human brotherhood and practice of social equality has enlisted in its ranks tens of thous'ands of of the last century have increased through immi- young Jewish working people. Every modern cult has a Jewish following. gration, mainly from Eastern Europe, until ~o~ay Christianity, too, has its chance. There is a we have in the United States nearly five mllhon spirit of inquiry among Jews which is leading them by thousands to read the New Testament, Jews, about one-third of all the Jews in the world. visit Christian churches, listen to sermons over the radio and give consideration to the claims of New York, with its two million Jews, is the larg- Christianity. There is an encouraging response of Jews to the Gospel when presented with symest center of Jewish life known to history, while pathy and understanding. The neighborhood house approach has been found particularly ef- Chicago has more Jews than Warsaw, and Phila- delphia than Vienna or Kiev. And here the Jews have prospered phenomenally. They have taken commercial and educational advantages to the full and have come to the fore in many de- partments of our American life. The clothing, jewelry, tobacco and other industries are largely in their hands. Their influence is felt in the pro- fessions, in law, medicine, education, journalism, art, literature, wherever the call of opportunity appeals to their eager, restless spirit. The amuse- ment business, as represented by the theater, mov- ing picture, and radio are largely controlled by Jews. And when we look at our public life and think of such names as Lehman, Morgenthau, Brandeis or Cordozo, we realize the high place occupied by Jews in national affairs. We have here not only the largest Jewry in the world, but the most influential. What happens to the Jews in America will effect every Jewry on the globe. Is not this a challenge to the Church?
• From The Presbyterian, Philadelphia. fective. When Jews are dealt with as friends and [577 ]
neighbors with whom it is a privilege to share the way of Pharaoh and Haman, of deTorquemada through the fellowship of daily association the and Pobyedonostev. But it is not the Christian Good News concerning God's love in Jesus Christ, way. His Son, there are spiritual results that gladden the hearts of all who are concerned for the re- The challenge to the Church is clear. Christians demption of Israel. Not only rabbis and orthodox must rebuke racial prejudice and create Christian Jews, but atheists, radical socialists, and commu- attitudes toward the Jewish people. We have in nists have come under the spell of Jesus Christ our hands the key for the solution of the Jewish and have yielded their lives to Him as Saviour problem. It fits every ward of the complicated and Lord. lock. We possess a Gospel, born of infinite love for all mankind, which can subdue prejudice and The First Hebrew Christian Church, of Chi- ill will and conquer all aversions and hatreds. To cago, organized last year, is a demonstration of apply that Gospel to the healing of the world's the fact that Jews can be reached with the Gospel sorrows is the task of the Church. It must be and that they are willing to share in the extension applied to the healing of the age-long sorrows of of the cause of Christ, not only among their own the Jew. The place to begin is in the Church itpeople, but throughout the world. The minister, self. Little progress can be made in commending officers and members of this church are all Jews, the faith of Christ to His own people if those who as are the officers and teachers of the Sunday are its witnesses deny its fundamental ethic. school. Each individual has come into the church through a definite religious experience and can This is a time of crisis for the Jew. It is a time bear personal testimony to the reality of the faith of testing for the Church. If the Church awakes he has confessed. to its unparalleled opportunity a work may be done here in America for Christ's own people far There are many pastors who have discovered transcending anything that has been attempted that Jews are not only approachable, but respon- since the days of the Apostles. sive to the claims of Christ when presented with a loving heart. More than two thousand mem- "BY HAND PICKING" bers of the Hebrew race are now connected with the Presbyterian Church as ministers, mission- There is much significance in these sentences aries, church officers, and members, loyal in her from Bishop John M. Springer's account, in The service and generous in the support of her work Christian Advocate, of recent widespread converat home and abroad. The fact that there are sions in Africa: over 3,300 Presbyterian churches alone that are located in places where there are Jews, and have "All we students at the theological seminary the opportunity to render them service, calls us recently went to Maranke for ten days, and there to accept this God-given opportunity to share we had a wonderful time in our camp meeting," with our Jewish neighbors, as with other unevan- Demas Chama, of the Congo, student at Old Umgelized people, the Gospel of divine love, God's tali, Rhodesia, wrote me recently. answer to the cry of every human heart. Demas continues: "Then we went to Gandan- Not the least part of the challenge that comes zara, where we had another chance, and spent ten to the Church in relation to the Jewish people is days preaching to them the word of life and the the rising tide of anti-semitism in America. Hith- everlasting Kingdom. . . . We all came closely to erto, this country has been singularly free from Jesus, our Saviour; the people numbered 2,500. organized anti-Jewish movements. What little we have had has been short-lived. Prejudice has ex- r saw an old woman stand up and begin to preach, isted, but has found little expression beyond the utterances of individuals. Now, however, anti- and another old man did the same, till all the semitism has become a menace, not only to Jews, camp meeting became on fire for God the Father but to American ideals and the peace and harmony of all nations. There were three great chiefs, of our people. Jew hatred that has spread its Gandanzara, Mukahanana, and Chikuruwo. These blight over Germany, Poland, and other Euro- Christian chiefs stood and said that their feelings pean countries has made its appearance in our were no more as great men we call chiefs, but as own land. Nazi propaganda has planted its cells the servants of Jesus Christ." … in many American cities. Other anti-semitic movements bear the brand, "Made in America." It is During the past five years, in spite of the wholesaid that no fewer than six hundred centers of sale depression which the French more aptly call .anti-Jewish, propaganda exist to foster prejudice :;tgainst the Jews and impose upon them racial a La Crise, there has been what might· well be 'disabilities. It is the old, old way of meeting the Jewish problem, the way of hatred and oppression, termed "mass movement" of converts to ·Christ in all of our African Conferences. But it has come about in the natural way prescribed by our Lord: the going out by the converts to tell the good news to others. This great harvest has not been brought about by a windfall but by hand picking.
Catholic Activity I•n Pagan
I By KENNETH G. GRUBB, Survey Department, The World Dominion Press, London -··~t I ~========================~ THE Roman Catholic Church has been giving in the Belgian Congo, speaking reeently at Leo- constantly increasing attention to missionary poldville, said: expansion. The Church is no longer content to remain within traditional bounds, if she has The Catholic Church is not Belgian, or French, Eng- lish, Italian or American; it is Catholic; Belgian in Bel- ever been. The passing of centuries has witnessed gium, French in France, Italian in Italy…. In the Congo the stay of the advance of Islam in Europe. The it must be Congolese; in the construction of sacred ediweakness of the (Greek) Orthodox Church has fices, in the manufacture of objects for use in liturgical long been apparent. The Protestant churches functions, lines and colors and all the elements of Congo- lese art must be scrupulously observed. . . . When the have been hampered by the catastrophe of the natives are in church they must not feel that they are in World War and the limitation imposed upon Ger- a strange house; they must feel that they are in their own man missions for economic and political reasons. church.
The chaos of the times has thrown into strong The year 1936 marks the tenth anniversary of relief those advantages which accrue to central- the publication of the encyclical Rerum Ecclesiae,: ized control, while concealing the disadvantages. in which world-wide evangelization was stressed, Under these circumstances the Roman Catholic with special emphasis on the training of native· Church in recent years has rightly seen an un- clergy and a general "indigenous" policy.
precedented opportunity for expansion. The The Propaganda controls considerable financial whole administrative machinery of the Vatican, resources. The financial settlement which was a headed by the Pope, is known as the curia, the part of the Lateran Treaty in 1929 between the highest body of which is the College of Cardinals. Italian State and the Vatican involved the pay- The political affairs of the curia are handled by a ment to the latter of about $87,000,000, and it is Cardinal Seeretary of State, and the spiritual af- understood that the greater part of this is to be fairs by eleven congregations or councils. One of devoted to missions. As Catholic clergy areceli- the latter is the Congregation de Propaganda bate the expense on personnel is relatively light.
Fide, known as the Propaganda. It was organ- Extraordinary efforts have been made to arouse ized in the seventeenth century, reorganized in the interest of the faithful in the cause and thus 1908, and is the missionary arm of the Church. to gain their support. The union of clergy on It meets twice a month and has charge of those behalf of missions has been recommended in the regions where the hierarchy is not established. most authoritative quarters, and regional con- Its auxiliaries, or mobile forces, are the various gresses are held to concentrate attention on the religious orders, and it has its own funds. appeal and the opportunity. Along with "Catholic The first advantage possessed by Roman Cath- Action," the mission field has been the cause olic missions is unity of control or direction, in- which has most often been kept before the troducing co-ordination into the work of the re- Church.
ligious orders which otherwise would consume These considerations naturally constitute a their energies in mutual jealousies. It is quite background to all Roman Catholic expansion in possible that a certain amount of flexibility and the mission fields of the world. In reeent years spontaneous spiritual impulse is lost through this especial attention has been given to Central unity of direction, but its advantages must be ad- Africa. Of the funds which the Propaganda con- mitted. Not the least of these has been that the troIs about one-quarter has been devoted to Africa well-known missionary interest of the present -equal to the amount allocated to China, and Pope has been reflected in an increase of activity. twice that given to India.
The Roman Catholic Church is also following The expansion of Roman Catholicism in Cen- a policy of "nationalization" designed to harmo- tral Africa has been great, although it would be a nize the development of the Church with the cul- mistake to exaggerate it. It is helped by certain ture and outlook of each land. A number of in- powerful factors in the political situation. In digenous bishops have been consecrated, although British Africa the Roman Catholic missions are not, as yet, an African. The Apostolic Delegate on the same footing as other religious bodies; [579 ]
they receive, for example, educational grants-in- frequent. But Protestanism rarely benefits to aid, provided their schools reach the requisite any great extent from a political hostility which standard of efficiency. Their standing before the is directed primarily against the Catholic Church.
law is the same as that of Protestant missions; Governments should treat all churches alike under they are treated with s.crupulous fairness and a legislation which is really intended only to re- impartiality by administrative officers; and it strain offenders. If, therefore, Protestants do not should also be added that the fact of the Anglican suffer from political pressure on the accusation of Church being an established Church in England "denationalization," they are apt to be ground brings no appreciable advantage to Protestant between the nationalist policy of governments and missions. No discrimination is made against mis- the interests of the dominant Church which are sionaries of any religion on the ground of their opposed to it.
nationality, now that the postwar restrictions Italian Africa against German missionaries have been removed. In January, 1936, the departure of the last of the Swedish missionaries from Eritrea was an- It is unfortunate that, in the colonies of powers nounced. Their home going was undoubtedly acwhose religious traditions have been molded by celerated by the international situation; but for the Papacy, the same fair treatment has not al- many years it had been clear that, unless the sitways been given to Protestant missions. Roman uation changed, the work would be closed. The Catholic spokesmen have sedulously inculcated the Swedish Mission was founded in 1865, before idea, in season and out of season, that Catholicism Eritrea had come under Italian control. The early is the hallmark of good citizenship; and that, as Italian governors viewed the mission with favor a consequence, not to be a Catholic is to fail in and benevolence. A church with a Christian comloyalty to the State. Telling examples of this in- munity of some ten thousand souls was built up; sidious propaganda are given below. Thus Prot- a notable literary activity was developed, to which estant missions are attacked on the grounds that the native Christians made a solid spiritual and they "denationalize" the native, and pressure is intellectual contribution; and a chain of schools exerted to compel local administrations to impose was established. But these very activities, linhampering conditions on their activities.
Moreover, the colonial policies of Great Britain guistic and educational, provoked official hostility.
and of the Latin nations are different in their gen- They were precisely the activities which, from eral outlook. The "Dual Mandate" fostered by one point of view, hindered national assimilation, Britain in Africa, and so successfully tried out in placing membership in the Kingdom of God above Nigeria, provides for a proper recognition of the' that in the Kingdom of Italy. About 1917 the constructive ideas in native social customs, and Italian attitude to Protestant missions changed; encourages the use of native languages when they missionaries on furlough could not return and are widespread and obviously of general utility. new recruits were not admitted. The Italian The policy of assimilation followed by most Latin Franciscans were able to strengthen their staff, governments, notably the French, Italian and and Roman Catholic propaganda increased.
Portuguese, is inimical to the perpetuation of Portuguese Africa tribal identity, and seeks to supplant native cus- toms and languages by those of the colonizing For a long time a systematic attempt has been power. Protestantism, with its emphasis on the made in both Portugal and its African colonies Word of God, has tended in its mission work to to discredit Protestant missions. The Angola make much use of the presentation of Christian press, especially in Luanda, is constantly publish- truth in the natural language of the people. The ing articles setting forth the necessity of Catholi- result is that Protestant missions in the colonies cizing the colony. Statements, manifestly devoid of "Latin" nations are open to a double attack. of foundation, are continually made in Portugal The Roman Church attacks them on the ground to the detriment of Protestant missions, and the that Catholicism best ministers to the religious widespread medical, educational, social and evan- and cultural traditions of the State; political gelistic work done by the Protestant missions is pressure is apt also to bear adversely on them on completely ignored. Here is a recent example.
the ground that they are instruments of "dena- At a pub.Iic meeting on colonial questions, on Feb- tionalization." When, therefore, the interests of ruary 20 of this year at the Geographical Society Catholicism can be made to agree, if only tempo- of Lisbon, which was reported at length in the rarily, with those of nationalism, as in Portugal papers; the lecturer opened by quoting the Min- today, Protestant missions are faced with a grave ister of Colonies in 1935 to the effect that Prot- issue. Nationalism, however, is fundamentally in- estant missions were working against Portugal, compatible with the ideals of Roman Catholicism, whereas the pupils of the Catholic schools of Ben- and clashes between the Church and State are guela were proud to repeat, "Weare Catholics and
ROMAN CATHOLIC ACTIVITY IN PAGAN AFRICA
'Catholic' is synonymous with 'Portuguese.'''* Christ. On the outcome of this struggle will de- This kind of thing could be multiplied indefinitely, pend the type of Christianity which is to prevail with examples from both the East and West Afri- in this great area of Central Africa.
can possessions of Portugal. In 1934 121,109 adults were reported baptized Roman Catholic baptisms in Angola numbered in Catholic missions. There are 805 foreign and 43,000 in 1934, and the number of adherents is 37 native priests, in addition to numbers of lay put at 425,000. The figure of 291,000 was given brethren and sisters. The total missionary force in 1931. If these figures are accurate, it is evi- already numbers over 2,000. From one boat dent that a notable increase has taken place. The which arrived at Matadi in November, 1935, 80 prelature of Mozambique, which owing to special disembarked, representing 19 orders. Over 1,200 circumstances does not depend on the Propa- young native men are in training for the priest- ganda, but on the Congregation of Extraordinary hood. Pupils in Catholic schools number 454,969.
Foreign Affairs, reports only 9,250 Catholics in Ruanda Urundi is mandated territory, where 1932. The subsidy of approximately £40,000 is conditions are somewhat different. Article 8 of given to Roman Catholic missions in Angola, with the Mandate binds the mandatary to ensure "comprivileges, such as workers' exemption from cus- plete freedom of conscience and the free exercise toms dues and hut taxes. No subsidies are given of all forms of worship which are consonant with Protestant bodies. public order and morality." There has been some Belgian Africa controversy over the nature of the rights thus guaranteed, and the question was recently raised The difficulties of the last few years in the at the Permanent Mandates Commission in Ge- Congo have received much attention, but the pres- neva. The Governor-general of the Congo has ent Governor has shown himself well disposed to decided on a policy which should insure to Prot- maintain the provisions of the Colonial Charter estants the liberty to which they have a clear title.
and the Convention of St. Germain-en-Laye, guar- Spanish and French Africa anteeing freedom of conscience and the free exer- cise of all forms of religion. In recent years The trend of events "in this limited sphere illusgrave cases of abuse have occurred, whereby trates the other tendency, namely, the determina- Protestant natives have been subjected to unfair treatment, and even physical violence. But the tion of the government to limit some of the pre- tensions of Roman Catholic missions. A o.ecree real question has been educational. The situation was issued in 1935 in Madrid which has also limis peculiar in the Congo inasmuch as all education ited the activities of some of the Protestant misis left in the hands of missions. There has been sionaries. But as some of these questions are now no legislation against Protestant schools, but no being considered, it is not wise to discuss them government grants have been available for them, and few, if any, government posts have been open in print. to their graduates. The educational system set up in 1927 recognizes. only "national," which in There is evidence to show that, although in cerpractice means Roman Catholic, schools, and con- tain regions of French Africa the Roman Catholic fines all government eoucation to Roman Catholic Church is making great efforts, its success will teaching orders. Any capitulation to the threat depend on the legitimate use of its own energies contained in this situation on the part of Prot- and resources. If local authorities show bias, or estants would have the effect of leaving all educa- favoritism, this is generally due to local circumtion in the hands of the Roman Catholic missions. stances, and receives censure rather than en- dorsement from higher officials and from the colonial ministry when the circumstances are ex- The Annuaire des Missions Catholiques au plained. Nevertheless, perhaps in. no part of Congo Belge states that Catholics in the Belgian Africa is it so necessary that missionaries should Congo and Ruanda Urundi now number 1,232,018, have an adequate knowledge of the language of and catechumens 1,032,660, making a total of over the governing power, and a proper acquaintance two and a quarter millions. In another article in with the colonial traditions which have molded this report it is shown that there are about a mil- French policy in Africa. For this reason all mislion Protestants in the Congo; three and a quar- sionaries are advised to study in Paris, if possible ter million Christians therefore exist in the region for two years, and certainly not for less than six today, among a population of some fourteen mil- months. A more detailed discussion of consideralions. Ten and three-quarter millions are still tions which affect all intending missionaries and in paganism, and the struggle which lies ahead all secretaries and board members of missions will be an effort to bring to these spiritual life in which carry responsibilities in French territory • As reported in the Diario de Noticias. Lisbon, February 21, may be found in a paper by M. Leenhardt, of 1'936. Paris, Initiation des Missions Etrangeres en
Colonie Fran~aises. The essential points raised ture will lie in one or other of these directions. by M. Leenhardt are being set out in the review, This article should not be construed as a po- World Dominion. lemic against the Roman Church. That Church Although we may consider that Catholicization has every right to use all the legitimate means is a superficial form of evangelization, and is, within her power to advance her cause and the therefore, of little importance to us, its impor- Christianization of pagan peoples. But it is evitance arises precisely from its superficiality. The dent that the Protestant and Catholic communions point at issue is, whether we shall regard the hold ideas of liberty and tolerance which differ in evangelization of Central Africa as that of a theory and clash in practice. Further, to the expagan people whose grosser superstitions are tent to which modern governments are influenced bound in any case to disappear; or must we, in by these ideas, to that extent do they embody a years to come, contemplate a Catholic-pagan pop- broad-minded or a narrow policy in colonial legulation and expect either a Reformation such as islation. It may yet prove possible to resolve Europe experienced in the sixteenth century, or some of these differences in a spirit of Christian the type of evangelization that now characterizes charity. In the long run, however, it is as well Latin America or southern Europe. If we con- to remember that Christian love alone can claim sent to the present rapid spread of Roman irresistible power; without it the attempt to move Catholicism in Africa the prospects of the fu- mountains by faith is but wasted labor.
What Christ Has Done for Banyankole ANKOLE is only a small district of the Uganda who still follow that custom, but there are many .r. Protectorate, and the writer belongs to this Christian men having each but one wife who are living pure lives. Children who used to grow up country. The Banyankole, the inhabitants in their heathen homes and so learned all the evil of this district, are divided into two tribes: Aba- of such homes are now taken to school and are hima, the cattle-people, and Abairn, agricultur- taught about Christ and His love. ists. The former is the ruling tribe. To estimate what.Christ has done and is doing for my people, As already stated, Ankole is only a small dis- I must touch nearly every department of their trict of Uganda Protectorate, and there are many lives, and compare it with the pre-Christian state such districts in Uganda. There used to be conof things. The government used to be despotic. tinual wars and disputes between the various dis- The king had all power in his hands, and had some tricts, and even among the people of the same chiefs under him. Most of the kings were cruel district. The Abahima despised the Abairn and tyrants, and the chiefs who ruled under them were could not even eat with them. Now the love of very much influenced by their king in the way Christ has been shed in their hearts and the wars, they treated their people. One is likely to at- disputes and all other things which separated peotribute the good government of the country, since ple are ceasing. I am writing this article while Christianity came, and the peace and satisfaction on a mission of preaching the Gospel with a team in the people's hearts only to the British govern- of friends, some of whom have traveled over three ment. There is much truth in that view, but it is hundred miles, and the team is made up from difnot the whole truth. I know that the rulers have ferent tribes, a thing which my father some forty feelings of their own, influenced by their belief in years ago would not have dreamed of. Christ. Now there is still a king who rules the country, but not despotically, and he and the chiefs Several things are greatly needed for winning are quite different from their predecessors. There Africa for Christ. We need keen missionaries, are many chiefs who are honest, truthful and just, men and women who are out and out for Christ and who sympathize with their poor people. and the Africans. We need money to help with the work. People have not yet learned to give as The next thing to consider is the religion of the they ought, and in many of the districts of people. In olden days they worshiped the evil Uganda- people are very poor. But I think the spirits and the spirits of their ancestors, and were greatest need is to get Africans who are really very superstitious. Today there are thousands who converted and on fire for winning their brother have become Christians, and to these the time of and sister Africans to Christ. These would know spirit worship and superstition has passed. the difficulties of their' people, and they could deal with them and show them how they themselves In home life Christ has done and is doing much have been helped to conquer those same difficulties. for the people. Men used to have several wives, and even today there are many of the Christians REV. ERICA SABITI, Ankole, Uganda.
I Am a
By FLORENCE WALNE, Shimonoseki, Japan T o STAND at a crossing where all the road- full measure of the skepticism which has this peo- ways of the world come together to follow ple in its grip; a meeting of mothers who have them with the mind to those far corners to no conception of the meaning of a home with God which they lead-across the shining waterways in it (though gods they may have a-plenty!); an of the earth-to lands unseen and peoples unmet: organization of young girls so apt to go adrift to know, somehow, that one of those roads is with nothing by which to steer their course. I yours; to definitely set your face in the direction stand before them with the Bible in my hand- in which it goes; to companion by the way with mine the privilege, mine the sacred duty, mine Him who said, "Let us cross to the other side," the high honor of interpreting the Message of all and to find at the end that one service you were men's Father to these His children who know Him put here to find I-Who but a foreign missionary not. Mine the Bread of Life to give, mine the Liv- can know what it is like and what foreign mis- ing Water, mine the Abundant Life which comes sionary can really tell anyone about it? with the possession of Christ. Like Frederic My- "Why do you do it?" an English neighbor in ers' Paul, Shimonoseki (Japan) used frequently to ask me. Then, with a rush, the intolerable craving The question was accompanied by a deeply puz- Shivers throughout me like a trumpet call, zled look which indicated the sincerity of the ques- and the desire to give them something, something, tioner's desire to know. She was a former actress before they go away-some of them never to reon the London stage, whose life had held no place turn-amounts to a passion terrific and exhaustfor religion in any form, and in Japan only be- ing. cause her husband was in business here, chafing constantly at the necessity which kept her in this And how could I tell of that joy,-surpassing part of the world. My being here as a matter of other joys in depth and solemnity-which comes deliberate choice was something utterly beyond with the knowledge that God has let me lead one her grasp; how could I tell her so that she could of His seeking children to where He might be understand? That understanding in some meas- found. The illuminating effect, in one's own spirure, did come to her, as she told me in a letter after itual life, of such an expe~ience is beyond the moving to another town. "I went to a reception power of words to convey. I never felt this more recently," she wrote, "and met only one woman strongly than when one of our loveliest girls died, whose face attracted me. I was not surprised a little over a year ago, very soon after she had when I learned that she was the only missionary found Christ.
present that night. I think that before I left Until a few short months before she died, Shimonoseki I got a glimmer of why you are over The Christ to her was all unknown. here and why you are happy to be here and no But she made such haste to open wide where else." How that glimmer reached her I do Her heart, and sweep it clean of faiths outgrownnot know, for truly one does not, cannot, speak Legacies of a pagan age, far past and dim, of the great forces which wrestle with one's soul Of quests for the truth her forbears sought to knowwhen once the hand of God has fallen upon it. And give all its generous room to Him, Whose beauty in that first hour filled her so. There is the silence of a spiritual crisis, That when (so soon it seemed to us) there came Through which your soul, exquisitely tortured, That last great call from Him-to leave all on earth Comes with visions not to be uttered And earth itself-it was with just that same Sweet readiness, that quick response to worth Into a realm of higher life. Revealed in Him-the Bridgegroom of the soul- That she obeyed. And tired young body all forgot, How could I, for instance, ever communicate Pain all forgot, in garments, shining, whole, that feeling which comes over me with a rush Bride-like, her spirit went to Him, tarrying not.
some ntiomnebse1wl· ehveenrsI -satacn1dasbsefoofreyoaugnrgoumpeno,f Japa- While I, who on a darkened way nese eager Sought to give a fellow-traveler light, and thoughtful regarding life, but endowed with a Sharing the strength of my own dim ray, [583 ]
Find the road grown luminous and bright ,happy, beyond words, that it led me to Japan. I With a radiancy which far outshone have found, I know beyond all doubt, my service My own! here. The sense of belonging is so complete and satisfying. There is no question of sacrifice. That Not that a missionary is a constant dweller on would come in having to go away, leaving my task unfinished. To retrace one's steps over one's road, rarified spiritual heights! I wonder if it is possi- away from "that one service" in which one found so much joy-that would be a sacrifice which I ble to imagine blacker des-pair than I have known pray may not be asked of me.
in hours of questioning my fitness for the task to When Time's little day has slipped away into the shadows of a forever-closed past-when the which I am committed? I heard Dr. Speer say, endless Tomorrow has dawned for souls at home with the Father, I fancy that a large company at a Student Volunteer Convention many years will gather about the Master, and, just as the dis- ciples did on their return from missions upon ago, that a missionary's preparation for his work which He had sent them, they will tell Him, each one, of what happened on the one road each had consists in getting possession of the Gospel Mes- taken, of what each had seen, and felt, and said, and done! How free then will be the talk-of forsage. (1) In his mind, "he must know what he is est trails and lonely huts in Africa, and of black men joining the "Tribe of God"; of how India's to say and be clear that he believes it, for the day many faiths and creeds gave way before "The Christ of the Indian Road"; of how China broke will come when he will stand with it,all alone, through a fog of bewilderment and uncertainty, superstition and strife, to the light shed by the speaking to men who are absolutely secure in their personality of the Prince of Peace; of how all the many "systems" in Japan-the social and indusposition of challenge and of doubt." (2) In his trial, educational and religious, bec'ame permeated with the spirit and thought of Jesus; of how He life, ". . . for the people to whom he goes can- was made to walk again in Bible lands, under- stood, received and adored; and so on around the not see a Christ who is not incarnated for them." world which God so loved that He gave His Son to save. How easy it will be then to break the Doubt as to whether one has the first of these silence of years and how sweet the understanding and fellowship! I would rather have a seat in two qualifications may, perchance, never trouble that gathering of "returned missionaries" than a throne in the greatest kingdom on earth! one, but how often the doubt as to whether one "PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER" can lay claim to the second requirement brings JAMES 5: 16 on sleepless nights and hours of agony! If we I cannot tell why there should come to me missionaries were only more completely in pos- A thought of someone miles and miles away, session of the Message in our lives, the peoples of In swift insistence on the memory- Unless there be a need that I should pray. these lands to which we have come would not be Too hurried oft are we to spare a thought, so long in opening their hearts to receive the For days together, of some friend away, Christ whom we preach and then deny! Perhaps God does it for us, and we ought To read His signal as a call to pray. Another difficult but, to my mind, very essen- Perhaps, just then, my friend has fiercer fight, tial thing in a missionary is the ability to give his Some overwhelming sorrow or decay life to the people and to the particular task to Of courage; darkness, some lost sense of right; And so, in case he needs my help, I pray. whom and to which it has been dedicated and, at Friend, do the same for me! If I, unsought, the same time, keep a place in his heart for fields Intrude upon you, on some crowded day, and phases of missionary endeavor other than his Give me a moment's prayer, in passing thought, Be very sure I need .it: therefore, pray. own. A missionary should be the most broad- MARIANNE F ARNINGHAM. minded, the biggest-hearted, the most widely and deeply sympathetic man on God's earth. How can a true missionary be otherwise? The missionary vision must necessarily include a world won for Christ. The Master's thoughts were never only for those to whom He happened to be ministering at any particular time, but "other sheep have I which are not of this cfaorled,"trHemeesnadi~dusalnYd embraced all in His love. To about the world, even as P·aul, and Livingstone, and other great missionary souls have done! "Read your home letters first," said Stanley. "You must be impatien.t for them." "Oh," said Livingstone, "I have waIted for years for letters. I can wait a few hours longer. No, tell me first, how's the world getting on?"
Forbes Robinson, in his Letters, s'ays that his father on his death bed cried, "If I had a thousand lives to give I would give them all all to the min- istry!" If I had a thousand lives to give I believe I would want to give them all to missionary work for Christ. But since I have only the one, and so could follow only one of the many roads, I am
Christ Found Me in
The Story of Ajitadass, Translated by MASON OLCOTT, Vellore I WAS born a Jain in Banyan Village, six miles shady place where with great joy I prayed, was from Tindivanam, South Arcot District. My quiet and read my Bible. I carried my school family are the strictest of vegetarians, eating textbooks outside of my Bible and used to read no meat, eggs, onions or radishes. They never eat them when anyone came near. During the year I after dark and strain all they drink, so as not to used to walk every Sunday to attend the mission kill any animal life, however small. They gave church, six miles each way. I made no distinction me the name Ajitadass, Servant of Ajita, the Un- in my treatment of Untouchables and was deconquerable, the second of the great Jain saints. spised for doing this.
I was scrupulous in performing all my religious The following June I was allowed by my family duties. to return to Tindivanam and went regularly to Up to the third class I studied in the Banyan church. One Sunday I decided to remove my Village school. Then I was sent to live in the Jain caste mark and sacred thread; even when the Dis- Hostel at Tindivanam where we learned Sanskrit trict Educational Officer came to our hostel, I reand studied the sacred books of my religion. At fused to wear a caste mark. For this the J ains that time I joined the Arcot Mission High School. troubled me. Once I returned late from a Chris- I now rejoice that I had this chance to study Eng- tian meeting and ate food after dark, for which lish and hear of Christ. But for years it was only I was severely reprimanded by the hostel superin.. out of compulsion that I studied the Bible. One tendent. Cast out by my own people, I went to day when I made up my own verses and pretended live with a Christian teacher. The Jains tried to they were from the Bible, I was severely punished put me to shame but I took courage to read the because I had failed to study Christ's words. Bible in their presence. I failed in my college entrance examination partly because of severe iB- When I was in fifth form, my Bible teacher was ness from typhoid fever two months earlier. I Mr. Sundaram, the Headmaster. At 11 o'clock on went to Madras where I completed my eighteenth the morning of September 24, 1932-1 was fifteen year and the next few months were spent at Katyears old, and I remember the time since it was padi and Chittoor. Then I wrote a long letter to the turning point of my life-he told us how Jesus my family explaining why I had confessed faith was scourged 39 times, was spat upon, tortured with· a crown of thorns and nailed to the cross. in Christ. He also read Isaiah 53: 4-7; "He was wounded In September, 1935, Mr. Archibald's Gospel adfor our transgressions. . . . By His stripes we are healed. . . . When he was afflicted, He opened dresses in Vellore made me want to hear further, not his mouth." so I went to Trichinopoly. Missing the train and being delayed, for two days I went without food; When I heard this, tears came to my eyes and but Christ sustained me and gave me peace. On my heart was deeply stirred. Without speaking to hearing Mr. Archibald speak on Jesus shedding anyone, I returned to the Hostel stunned, not his blood to give us the Water of Life, my heart knowing what to do. As I read frOom the Bible, was broken and I found fuller peace and joy. This peace came to my mind. I spent so much time on was the second great change in my life.
the Bible that I neglected my other lessons, about Later, going to Madl'as, I preached Christ to the which the Headmaster warned me. Two mOonths despised and neglected, going to the Outcaste later I went secretly to him and said that I wanted quarter with Christian friends. Hindus started to become a Christian. He replied, "You are only to insult and stone us, and I underwent other per- 15. Wait for three years until legally yOou can secutions, having my box, some books and my make your own decision. Then we shall see. In Bible fOorcibly taken from me. A preacher sent the meantime, don't tell anyone." Before I was me to Chittoor by a roundabout way and there I 18, Mr. Sundaram had died. Gradually the Jain coached some Christian young men in the songs religion lost its hold Oon me. Many noticed this for a Christmas drama at Katpadi, and gave a but of the inner change of faith they did not know. kalatchebam (songs and explanation) on "The . The next school year, my uncle took me from Other Wise Man." Thank God for giving me His Tindivanam High School to shield me from Chris- joy, courage and power of speech.
tian influence. But every day I used to go to a In January, 1936, false charges were brought [ 5851
against me but I opened my Bible and read the to identify the guilty person and their description words, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, did not at all fit me. Because of the delay in my whom shall I fear?" Several police officials came reaching Trichy the end of October, I had not to the house to take me in a car to the police sta- been there when the forgery was committed. tion. Before leaving, I prayed in their presence. Thus God guided me and delivered me from these They accused me of having obtained Ros. 250 on false charges. false pretenses from a Jain abbot and of having forged a police inspector's signature. They asked Going to the Bible Training Centre of the Interme to admit this crime and promised that, if I did Varsity Fellowship in Madras, I awoke at 4: 30 so, my uncle would come to my rescue and pay the one morning for my devotions, and was in the money. I asserted my innocence and when they courtyard when two rowdies broke in and put a asked me to go back to the Jain religion, I an- cloth round my neck. I said, "If you do me no swered that I had come to Christ trusting Him, further harm, I shall go with you." They covered and would not leave Him, even at the risk of my face and' put me in a jutka and took me death. They kept me locked up from 4 p. m. on through the streets for two hours. When day beone day until 10 p. m. of the next, asking me many gan to dawn they took me out and walked by my questions, mostly about my personal life, to which side. When two motors passed, the men crossed I answered nothing. I spent my time reading the the road, and I was able to escape from them. I Bible and praying. There were no bounds to my stayed in a mango orchard until noon and finally joy, for like Paul I was considered worthy to suf- was sent back to the Training Centre. Next year fer for Christ. Men came later from Trichinopoly my hope is to study the Word of God, for I have learned that He alone is the Unconquerable.
Wanted, a Demonstration of Unity By REV. JOHN J. BANNINGA, D.D.
M.issionary of the American Board, Pasumalai, South India T HE Church of Christ throughout the world should have churches expressing their faith in desperately needs an actual demonstration of Chr,ist in their own national ways. what union in spirit and service can do for the extension of the Kingdom of God. In a mul- Especially since the Great War, these Christitude of ways the Church seems to have reached tians have realized that Christianity is not. the a deadlock in spiritual power, in social activity, product of western civilization, but that Jesus and in world fellowship. Something desperate Himself was born in Asia and that therefore the needs to be done to break this deadlock, or correct people of Asia need not go to Europe for their this atrophy. On the foreign mission fields the Christianity but that they can go straight to the work has largely been carried out by division of New Testament for it. Perhaps a new, direct apthe territory into mission areas so that each proach to Christ, by those who have not been Church has practically had a field to itself. bound by all the graveclothes of European tradi- tion, may enable them to follow Him better than Bishop Azariah, of South India, saId at the they would if they followed European churches Lausanne Conference in 1927, that most Indians first and Christ second. are members of one Church or another, not because of theological opinions, but because of geo- India has been cut up into innumerable divigraphical location. He said, "I am an Episco- sions by all the forces that have entered that counpalian in the first instance because my father and try. Not only has the caste system divided India mother lived in a district where the Church of into very throughly segregated groups, but her England took up work. Had they lived one hun- religiol!s differences, even within Hinduism, have dred miles further north I would have been a made them go further in those separations. In member of the American Congregational Mis- South India the division of the followers of Vishnu sion.'" Since that is true the Indians, as well as into the Cat-doctrine and the Monkey-doctrine the Chinese, Japanese and other national Chris- schools has brought great bitterness. Even at the tians, feel that they should not take the denom- annual festivals at Conjeeveram the followers of inationalism of western countries but that they the one doctrine are ready to fight those who hold the other for the honor of certain positions near
WA.NTED, A DEMONSTRATION OF UNITY
the temple car as it is dragged around the city. others see it. We are wrong in our differences Denominationalism is known within Hinduism and separations. We will find ourselves more and this gives all the more surprise to the Hindu nearly right in our agreements and in our unities. when he finds the same in Christianity where he expects to find unity and peace because of the his- For some fifteen years the churches in South toric character of its Founder. Not a few Chris- India have been working on this problem and tian converts today are hesitating to join any they have evolved a scheme which seems pracchurch because they say that by joining one ticable to the representative Committee. Each church they cut themselves off from communion group have given to the Scheme what they thought in another. They feel that the followers of Jesus best in their experience. The Methodists (for- Christ should all belong to one great fellowship, merly English Wesleyans) have insisted that in and that a Christian in one place should be wel- all parts of the Scheme and in the duties of all its officers and church bodies the spirit of winning comed as a: Christian in another. When one really men to Christ (Evangelism) must be dominant. The Presbyterians have said that, in their expericomes to look at it, how terrible it is that we fol- ence, the position and work of the Presbyter (or lowers of Christ have such exalted opinions of Elder) and that of the Presbytery have been of ourselves and our ancestors that we think we great value to the Church. The Episcopalian says have the real truth in Christ while all others have that throughout their history the position of the at most only partial truth. Would it not be much Bishop, as the Father in God of the Flock and the better if we all would unite into one great body leader in spiritual and administrative work, has and recognize each other as fellow-Christians, fol- brought unity within and effective work without lowers of the one Lord, and sharing with each the Church. While the Congregationalis:ts have other the gifts that God has given each of us. felt that Christian forces can best work when each What a rich body the followers of Christ would local group find themselves free from all outside be if they would share their visions and their ac- authority and carry the full responsibility and encomplishments with each other. The prayer of thusiasm for founding the Church in that locality Christ would then be answered soon, "that they and there setting forth Christ as the Saviour of all may be one – that the world may know that men. In this South India Scheme these various Thou didst send me." elements 'have been brought together in a plan that the Committee believes to be harmonious and And why does each denomination assume that well-balanced. No one of the elements of the it is right and all others wrong? I recognize that uniting churches has been taken over in its origithat feeling is slowly dying out, but there are still nal form, but each gift from the churches has many who essentially hold that they are right and been so modified that it fits into the whole Scheme. that, therefore, all others are wrong. What is the basis for such a feeling? It seems to me axio- There are still many minor details that must be matic that worked out and time and again the Scheme has been submitted to the governing bodies of the 1. All denominations are essentially equal in intellectual churches concerned; then it has been brought back to the Committee for rewording or rewritability. ing, It is hoped that no Council will repudiate the Scheme or vote to stop negotiations. It is 2. There is no essential difference in the denominations in recognized in South India, as well as in other parts of the world, that there must be a definite setting their loyalty to Christ. . forth in actual practice of what can be done to bring the separated branches of the Church of 3. All are practically equal in their spiritual insight and Christ closer together.
their resultant devotion to God through Christ. The Next Step 4. All denominations try to work out practically in their What then should be the next step in the Church Union movement? It seems to me that the thing daily lives what they have seen in Christ. we all want is some actual demonstration which will reveal to us what is possible in this great There is no great difference between the Evan- movement. We have so long lived in our separagelical denominations in intellectual, moral, so- tions that we scarcely believe that union is poscial, or practical understanding and application sible. In the San Francisco Bay, engineers are of the principles of Christ. Why then should any building two great bridges across the waters. denomination assert that their interpretation of After the engineers had prepared their plans and a particular doctrine is the only one that is cor- estimates, after all their scientific research work rect. The very fact that other intelligent, devoted had been done, neither they nor the general public Christians can interpret some doctrine differently from the way I interpret them gives me pause in asserting my interpretation. Perhaps there is something that I have not yet fully understood and perhaps I ought to fellowship more with those who differ from me in order that I may learn from them. The trouble is we have all built fences around ourselves and have carefully protected ourselves and our followers from seeing truth as
were willing to go forward with this work until perfect the Scheme are satisfied that they have models had been made to show how the bridges found a way in which this work can be begun. would look and how they would be able to stand They all agree that great improvements are still up against the weather, and the traffic that would possible in that experiment, but they also realoperate on them. When these models and experi- ize that something must be done besides Wk. ments had been completed, then construction on There has been plenty of consultation and discusthe bridges themselves began, with the absolute sion. What we want now is something that we assurance that the bridges would accomplish the can see with our eyes and handle with our hands purposes for which they were built. -something that will be really a working model. If that proves successful, well and good, others In the same way we need an experiment in can follow its example. If it proves faulty then Church Union. We need to have a model set up, changes can be made and failure prevented. so that we can see what it would look like, how it While unions have succeeded where there were would work, and what may be wrong with it. similarities in polity and doctrine, we must now Then larger and better models can be built until go further and unite those that differ in these the fundamental laws of such union are discov- things, and by actual union we will learn how to ered and we can go ahead and complete the great unite, until all Christians can again live together work. in one family. Yes, that is a hard task. That is an impossible thing for men. But it is not im- South India seems nearest ready to adopt such possible when the· Spirit of the Almighty finds a model. Both the Christians who are directly concerned in that union in South India and all men and women that are willing to be led into the those in authority in the home churches of which fulness of His truth. He cannot have two truths these mission churches are offspring, should feel or two interpretations of truth. But He can show the great responsibility that rests on them and forth a great spirit of love that will level all should endeavor to consummate the present move- roughness, and straighten all crooked ways. ment. Those who have spent years in trying to Missionaries as Seen by a Zulu By JOHN L. DUBE, Founder of Ohlange Institute, Natal U P TO the present time the missionary in nomic resources of a State. It provides larger this country has taken upon himself the markets and greater skilled labor. task of educating, civilizing and Christianizing the Bantu. This race looks upon the mis- Some races are inferior, but their inferiority sionary as Christ's messenger, and not only the is a matter of comparison. Missionaries are not teacher of the people but as a father in whose frightened by theories of inferiority, for their steps they walk to the enlightenment which is his work among primitive races has borne good fruit. through Christ. Missionaries educate and Christianize all races, for they have been charged to "go and teach all Although missionaries work under different nations." To them primitive races and those comgovernments they have a brotherhood which is paratively in a lower state of civilization receive not subject to the State government. The law greater sympathy because they deal with all men and example of Christ are theirs, and this is the not according to nationality, but as followers of basis of the stability of their policy. They are Christ. not obsessed with a fear complex, for they know that even primitive people, under good intl.uence The hardships missionary work has to encounand guidance, can reach a state of responsibility ter, with the meager support it gets, are well and peace to all men. known, but undaunted the missionaries have pressed forward, opening schools and churches Christianity raises the status of a man, and in and repdering sacrificial service to the people. this manner increases his needs with regard to There is a great need of this spirit among our health, food, occupation and recreation. It, there- own people, for the time is ripe when the Bantu fore, cannot be regarded as endangering existing should shoulder greater responsibility in Chrisgovernments by inj uring their economic resources tianizing and educating their own people. The by raising an inferior race to the plane of a need for the extension of missionary work within higher; but it increases and stabilizes the eco- the Union of South Africa and the Protectorates is great.
Memories of Jean
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T HERE was great rejoicing in our West into practice. Meeting a native boy she innocently Africa Mission when in 1904 we learned of said, in a friendly way, "I am going to hell, will the appointment of a new young woman mis- you walk with me?" The affrighted boy said, "No. sionary to our field. One of the senior workers, I refuse to go with you." Somewhat puzzled at having just returned from furlough, recalled this attitude, she reviewed her words and found meeting her in the United States. She had ap- the mistaken name of the place she intended to proached him with questions about the work and visit. When this was corrected the boy gladly had expressed a desire to join us. In time Jean joined her and they journeyed together to the town.
Mackenzie came and began her Adj ustment to the food of a work for Africa. Since then new country is always difficult she has been a blessing to two and the new missionary missed whole continents. Trials as her American favorites. Coffee well as her joys began imme- was felt to be a necessity and diately upon her arrival on on a long "bush" trip, when shore. Her trunk was wet with very hungry, she espied a sea water and we all knew the trader's house and shop on the results that would follow. The top of a high hill. We remem- colors of a little silk American ber how she wondered audibly flag that a friend had given her whether he might have some ran through her wardrobe, coffee. The house cook was with the result that African wont to tell us how fond she women received gifts of the was of his cookies. I remember variegated cloth. Jean took her a time when we were rooming disappointment as a part of together that I was awaked by African mission life. Jean one night asking if I sup- Being assigned to the first posed we could find something inland station, she made the to eat. A midnight prowl re- jungle-trip by hammock and sulted in a "find" in the host- afoot, and then settled down in ess' cookie jar.
one of the tiny rooms of a bark- Jean once told of a long, walled cottage. Here she be- weary day in the jungle, when came intimately acquainted Bachrach physical strength was over- with the family and loved them JEAN KENYON MAOKENZIE taxed. Upon reaching her desdearly. When some sympa- tination she called for a pan of thizing friends in America offered to sponsor the water, removed her shoes and stockings and building of a little house for her to occupy alone plunged her poor, aching feet into the water, and she realized that this sacrifice would involve a in her own words "wept into it too."
sac:dfice of time needed for the evangelistic work At one time she was assigned to one of the coast and she dismissed it with the same fortitude that stations where the contact .with the white man she had shown in the loss of her clothing. had changed the people from the ignorant type of Jean Mackenzie began immediately to adapt bushmen. She spent long hours with the old herself to the place, the customs, and language of pioneers gaining folklore and many reminiscences.
the people and spent many hours in visiting huts She had remarkable ability to construct most in- and villages where she acquired the language teresting stories from a little material. She con- firsthand. How the people learned to love her! fided to us one day that sometime she would write One day, after having spent hours in language a book. Faithfully and well she has used her won- study, she sallied forth to put her new knowledge derful talent as the Church at home well knows.
[589 ]
Her story about writing her father's biography to see her "walk and not faint." Surely the words is unique. She quietly questioned him at inter- of her Saviour to Mary of Bethany may be said vals about his early life, he never suspicioned her of our Jean, "She hath done what she could."
motive. One day when the Atlantic Monthly came Jean Kenyon Mackenzie – Interpreter* to her father's home she saw him don his glasses to read it. Covertly she watched him from behind Jean Kenyon Mackenzie was for eleven years a her book, saw his gaze at the title-"The Story of missionary in Africa. a Fortunate Youth"-scan it a minute and then She was born in Elgin, Ill., the daughter of began to read. With riveted and dilating eyes he Scottish parents, Rev. and Mrs. Robert Macread and then began to frown, smile, chuckle, and kenzie. Her school years were spent in San Franfinally he called her a rather uncompli.mentary cisco, and later she studied at the Sorbonne, in name. Their love and mutual understandmg were Paris. Her father, who came to America when he great, and finally they had a good laugh together. was nineteen years of age, became pastor of Rut- When the monthly mail steamer arrived in West gers Presbyterian Church in New York, and dur- Africa everything else gave way to the reading of ing his pastorate his daughter volunteered for home letters. How she did enjoy them and the service as a missionary in West Africa under the magazines! Some will recall Jean's style of pen- Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. . manship, with her broad pen and lines written at In 1904 she went to what was then the German wide intervals on thin stationary. Once when colony of Kamerun (Cameroun), where she saw visiting a neighboring station, she sat by a co- service for the next ten years in four different worker and both were busily engaged in writing for the outgoing mail. Suddenly Jean paused and stations, all but one "bush" towns in the interior. Thirty years ago this equatorial section was still asked, "When your letters arrive home,. do .y.our "darkest Africa." Gorillas and elephants were people send them over the country to mqmrmg friends?" Upon being answered in the negative, common, travel was on foot or by canoe, or at best in the one-wheeled chair called a "push-push," or she said: "Well, mine do but they will not do so with this one." Then taking her blunt pen she in a hammock swung from a pole borne by porters. printed across the page in a horizontal line, in In 1914, because of ill health, Miss Mackenzie large letters, a slang word sufficiently prohibitive retired from service in Africa and devoted herself to writing about that part of ,the continent which to prevent broadcasting. . is still so little known. After the outbreak of the World War, however, and with the capture of We ever marveled at her self-control; but once, Kamerun by French forces, her return was asked by the mission staff. In the transfer of property when overexasperated at a coworker of the sterner and the establishment of missionary work under a new regime, Miss Mackenzie's fluent French sex she shook her little fist at him and said, "I and her experience on three continents would be of value. The submarine danger was at its height, am'very angry at you." The argument closed im- but by going via Spain and the Canary Islands she made her way eventually to the African coast. mediately. Perhaps the brightest spot in her fir~t This emergency year of service ended, Miss term was the visit of Dr. A. W. Halsey and hIS Mackenzie returned to New York, settling down to a career of writing. The vivid recollections of wife to our field. This was our first secretarial her experiences in Africa resulted in a series of articles and essays in the Atlantic Monthly. She visit and we all greatly enjoyed his season with also wrote several books: "Black Sheep," "An African Trail," "African Adventures," "African us, but no one so much as Jean. Clearings," "The Story of a Fortunate Youth" (an account of the early life of her father), "The . Great was our sorrow when she returned home. Venture" (poems.), "Friends of Africa," "The Trader's Wife." Later how deeply we appreciated her heroic and In 1923 Miss Mackenzie was elected a member brave service as she again heard the call to Africa of the Board of Foreign Missions, and three years later was appointed as its speci.al representative and answered it during the World War. She told Le to the international and interdenominational conus of being alone in the lower part of that big ference held in Zoute, Belgium, which discussed ship, in the submarine zone, and we knew that the future of mission work in Africa in view of only He whom she served had kept her for us.
The results of her services are written in our Mission's war history. When she again left us, she explained that she had promised her father that when he called her she would return, and the time had come. But orice when I was on furlough she confided to me her great desire to return to the field. Each time she followed a company of coworkers to the steamer to say "Good-bye" her streaming eyes followed the boat, as it wended its way Africaward.
. The home Church and literary world knew how, in the words of the Prophet, she "mounted upon wings" but to us who knew her there, it was given • Condensed from Women and Missions, October, 1936.
INTIMATE MEMORIES OF JEAN KENYON MACKENZIE
rapidly changing economic and social conditions realm of human nature. We often saw through over the continent. Here her gift of understandingall sorts and conditions of people came into a her eyes and felt drawn with her nearer to tpe full play. Out of this conference grew many of the most valuable modern developments in African mind and heart. No one else served Christian work in Africa, including the founding country or people more wholeheartedly, or re~ of a committee to provide Christian literature. Miss Mackenzie died in New York City on Sep- dered more acceptable service to her Lord and tember 2d of this year. Master, than did our coworker, Jean Kenyon Mac- Recollections of a Fellow Missionary kenzie. (MRS. W. S.) ANNA M. LEHMAN. Of the many high recommendations proffered at the time of Jean Mackenzie's 'appointment to A Tribute from a Friend the West Africa Mission, one given by her own father spoke of Jean's "adaptability." Jean Mackenzie was the gifted daughter of a gifted Scotch "domsie," a real child of the manse. Traveling with her down the West Coast, trek- She was as Scotch as if she had been born in king through the bush for days in the rain, living Thrums. Her father never outgrew the traits with her under the same leaky roof, experiencing which made him so definitely a Scot, and Jean intogether a smallpox epidemic, only served to illu- herited from him his rare and delicate humor, his minate her many choice characteristics and to keen insight and lofty imagination, his deeply make us value more and more our new friend and spiritual nature. They looked alike and thought fellow worker. Sympathetic and understanding alike, and in her later years, as she grew older, she was, practical and efficient, ready to share she had so perfectly his ruddy color, his round with black or white not just things alone but her face crowned with soft white hair, and his serene philosophy and attitude toward life, her friends blue eyes, that the resemblance was very striking. and family, and her findings in the African heart Her "Story of a Fortunate Youth" is a beautiful and forest. All who have read her writings know tribute to him. how keenly observant she was, and how much she got as well as gave during her sojourn in Africa. When she came back from Africa on her first furlough, in the fall of 1906, she, who was never Arriving at her station, she gave herself scant very strong, during that winter in New York she three days to unpack her small iron trunks, to establish herself at a rough homemade desk and JEAN MACKENZIE TOURING IN AFRICA arrange her belongings in a third-hand chest of drawers. In the cramped space of a 10 by 14 did a good deal of work and speaking. Among room, she allowed herself but one or two at a time of her treasures and bits of art, living through other duties, she taught a class of girls in the Sabthe calendar with now a brass bowl, next a "Boy and Violin," or some hand-catved panels. bath school of Rutgers Church. It was a rare Self-discipline ranked high in her catalog of privilege for those girls to have such a teacher! virtues. She disciplined herself to a routine of hours and days, sometimes stepping out and fac- One can easily believe that the fascination, the ing "right about" in an opposite direction from that in which the precious monthly foreign mail charm, the devotion of that frail, earnest young was expected. What a wealth of love and friendship, of warming one's self at ,the home hearth woman lent a compelling force and an unforgetthere would be in store for her, with the opening of that tin hamper of mail from across the sea! table impression to the message she taught, which One has only to read her "Exile and the Postman" to know what it meant to her. Yet we saw her has had an influence beyond computation in that deliberately walking away from it, to return only after her self-appointed task of the day was done. mission in Africa. She always schooled herself to the more difficult way. If perchance there was some individual We of Rutgers Presbyterian Church had the who just naturally "rubbed the wrong way," then it was her practice to make an especial effort to rare pleasure of seeing her frequently as she came be friendly or do a favor for that one. to the meetings of the Women's Guild, and other She was a sharer of good things-as much as one can share of family, privilege, appreciation of church services during her first, second, and third beauty, and happy discoveries one makes in the furloughs. She brought the story of God's love to eager listeners, and through her the Sun of Righteousness began to shine in many darkened hearts and home1l ' ..
Of all the missionary speakers I have ever His love, gentle in her own indescribable way, cheerful as she made her efforts for the happiness heard, no one has ever so moved me with the feel- of others, but above all, as a creative mind at work, enriching and interpreting human life. ing of the world's need and the power of God's "The Word of God is a real word," she would love. With such extraordinary gifts of mind and often say. She heard it in the creative process of the natural world, for her it was hidden in the heart and tongue, it has been hard to understand course of things. She heard it in her girlhood, in the African forest, in her home in Riverdale. She why she was not given commensurable bodily recognized the word of God in the Bible. "I found in the Biblical stories, while at work in Mrica, the strength to use her powers to the utmost. She actual word of God to those people,"· she said.
always worked to the limit of her strength, and She shared the sufferings of the Master. When she was writing the devotional studies for Women when she found herself unable to do much speak- and Missions, she worked in great weakness and almost continuous physical discomfort. She ing she gave herself to writing as long as she would come down the stair, obviously pale and worn with her wrestling in prayer. There was in could. A large audience, in secular and religious her studies, in consequence, an almost angelic tenderness and heroism. There was in them the magazines and in her books, have felt the spell adoration of one who had met the Lord in the flame, and been marked with the secret fire. of her pen. GEORGE M. DUFF. In her the natural body could change to the spiritual body with less change than for most of us. (MRS. JOHN H.) MARTHA B. FINLEY.
A Word from Her Pastor Jean Mackenzie meant to the Church what high talent dedicated to a high task can mean. During the more than twenty years that she lived in Riverdale after her return from Africa, she appeared as a shining being amid the daily round of duties-reticent as one truly absorbed in God and Signs of Progress in West Africa By REV. R. S. ROSEBERRY, Kankan, French West Africa "CUT her throat! Cut her throat!" was the ered by this account, namely, Senegal, Guinea, command of the slave driver more than a Sudan and Ivory Coast. These colonies have a hundred years ago, as the long caravan of population of approximately ten million people.
slaves wended its way across the Sudan to Prior to the forward movement of missions, Gambia. The little slave girl could no longer keep Mohammedanism had captured the territory along up with the caravan that Mungo Park was ac- the banks of the Niger westward to the Atlantic.
companying on his return trip from his first visit Entering this region from the north about the to the Niger. The slave girl's throat was cut, and eighth century, they had hundreds of years to the scanty clothing that covered her body sal- press their conquest before the advent of the mis- vaged. It might be said that Mungo Park's first sionary of Christ. Rome had also followed closely trip to the Niger was the beginning of the over- the French conquest and was installed in a num- throw of the slave traffic in West Africa. The ber of pagan centers.
advent of civilized government accomplished it. The great Harris mass movement had stirred The hinterland was held by powerful Mohamme- the southern part of the Ivory Coast, carrying dan war lords who did not yield without many a everything before it like a hurricane. Pushing battle. The closing years of the nineteenth cen- back from the coast about three hundred miles, it tury saw these conquered and the land opened to had turned many people from their fetish wor- commerce. ship, leaving them, however, with very little con- French West Africa, a colonial empire of vast ception of real Christianity. In many places extent, borders the Atlantic Ocean on the west where instruction failed to arrive in time they and stretches east to the Egyptian Sudan, reach- drifted into other forms of paganism.
ing from the Mediterranean on the north to the In 1918, at the close of the World War, the Gulf of Guinea on the south. Only four of the evangelical advance into the interior was begun.
colonies comprising French West Africa are cov- A line of stations was opened from Faranah, near
SIGNS OF PROGRESS IN WEST AFRICA
the source of the Niger River, down to Timbuctoo books which mean to them a new life. They in and across the buckle of the Niger to Gao. This turn become teachers to help others. The call move placed us in strategic centers, giving us a comes from far and near for help to reap the har- working base in at least twenty-five of the more vest. In order to meet the emergency workers than one hundred tribes in this territory. The have been shifted from less responsive Mohamme- number of tribes, increased the usual language dan tribes to the awakened areas. This has some- barrier. Here were many distinct languages, times meant leaving good buildings vacant, but some of them subdivided into dialects, a decided what is a building in comparison with an oppor- obstacle to rapid evangelization. By evangelizing tunity? The missionaries are willing to live in we do not mean proclaiming the message in a ter- grass hut training camps that they may teach the ritory once or twice and then passing on to the needy ones. What a pleasure it is to visit these next district. True evangelization raises up and same sections where the devil reigned so long, and establishes groups of believers who can carryon meet earnest followers of Christ who sit by the for themselves. This was the New Testament hour and listen to the Word! Oftentimes many method. It is not the drilling of men and women tribes are represented in these gatherings, all in a creed with the hope that they will gradually meeting at a common mercy seat.
develop into a Christian community. Evangeliza- Pagans and Ohristians tion means the transformation of men and women by the direct power of God. Anything short of The way has not been easy. Persecution has this is a waste of time and money. broken out which has shown the intense hatred Fortunately the major part of the societies that that always follows a real work of God. The entered this territory belong to strong funda- pagan forces have rallied in some sections to drive medal groups, with a resulting unity of program out the native workers. In one town especially which greatly aids in the evangelization of the their hatred became so intense that they not only territory. Beginning with two workers in 1918, drove the native teacher away, tearing down his the Christian and Missionary Alliance, before the house, but even threatened the missionary with close of 1928, had placed a force of sixty on the violence. The native teacher was not to be so field. Other societies soon entered, so that now easily set aside and returned again and again more than one hundred and thirty missionaries until they beat him severely. He told them that are at work, representing at least eight societies. a beating on the left side was silver money, on The larger language groups have been entered, the other side, gold. He became rich in that kind and much has been accomplished toward giving of money before they grew tired and let him go. them the Word of God in their own tongue. His face shines with an inner light as he tells of Translating has been, for the most part, pioneer his experience. work and consequently has required much time and persistent effort. Into at least four of these In order to encourage these tried ones, conferlanguages the entire New Testament and a part ences have been convened in different districts of the Old Testament have been translated. Other with profit. This affords them an opportunity to pagan tribes have one or two Gospels and the get together and talk over their difficulties and story of some of the Old Testament portions. recite their victories over sin. It shows their strength as a body of believers and encourages After ten years of plodding and sowing the them to press forward through trials and suffergood seed the awakening came. It swept almost ing. It also provides an opportunity for Bible inlike a wave over the entire field. Section after struction and prayer for the isolated ones who section reported a turning to God from dumb do not have the privilege of a great center where idols. Paganism began to break and crumble on continual instruction is carried on. In a recent a wide front until it became exceedingly difficult conference the Spirit came upon those gathered to care for the instruction of inquirers, and many in prayer until strong men called aloud upon God fine opportunities were lost for the lack of to have mercy upon them. It is in hours of this reapers. kind that a new vision is imparted that gives the In order to take advantage of the movement, work new vigor and strength. Many of these training camps have been opened in many parts simple-hearted folk travel miles to attend such of the field to teach the people to read the Word gatherings. The Christians are encouraged to of God. It has been no small task to teach grown bring a love offering, which provides for those men and women from illiterate, pagan tribes. who are called of the Lord to go as evangelists After a busy day on the farm they come from and teachers into the district. The offering con- their fields to study the simple primers printed sists of grain, peanuts, and cowerie shells, which for their benefit. Their goal is a New Testament take the place of money in the more backward all their very own. How they treasure these districts. Many of the Christians are very poor,
and consequently their offerings are not large j did not grasp the message until I heard the Evan- gelist Bokari." This fiery evangelist makes Christ but they are a great help to their spiritual life. real and causes them to fear the wrath of God that will come upon them if they do not repent. No man can make progress in his spiritual ex- In order to get a sick man to a recent native con- ference he loaded him on his horse while he perience who does not bring an offering to the walked beside him, footsore and weary, over the hot, sandy trail. To hear him pray, "Lord, call Lord. forth shepherds to feed the sheep; call them, Lord, black or white! the sheep are many, but the Our hope for every town is to get at least one shepherds are few," is an inspiration indeed. One can well understand the burden that rests on his man to stand true to his faith. He becomes a heart.
rallying ground for others who perhaps are weak- While the results among the Mohammedans have not been as great as those among the pagan er in faith and not so courageous. The great work tribes, yet, strange to say, our foremost evangel- ists, men who have been trail blazers among the of the missionary at the present time is the train- pagans, were formerly bigoted followers of the false prophet. Is there not a lesson in that fact ing of native men and women as leaders. A cen- for us? The strongest fortifications once won in turn make the best strongholds. The Touaregs tral Bible school is being erected in the Sudan for and Arabs on the borders of the great Sahara, the pagan cliff dwellers of HabM land, the Bambaras this purpose. This will not replace the short term and Miankas with the Black and Red Bobos, the great Mossi tribe of the central Sudan, with the Bible training camps already established, but will Kissien, Toma, Gberese, Baouli and other tribes of the forest country, are forming to raise a supplement them. It is not proposed to give them chorus of praise to the Lamb of God who has re- deemed them. These delegations will hail the a higher education, which often seems to unfit King's arrival. Faithful God-ealled men and women are on the march over the burning sands men and women for real village work. Rather we of the desert, on the great open plains of the Sudan, in the somber forests, ever going forward would that they have a thorough knowledge of the to reach the last tribe with the message. Toiling on translation work at night, teaching men and Word of God, with a heart set on fire by the women to read, helping to build houses and chapels, bridging streams, opening new roads, Spirit. . slowly and oftentimes with breaking hearts, the Gospel army presses on to a sure success. The second session of one of these Bible train- ing institutes in HabM land was convened from March 24 to April 19 in 1936, with an enroll- ment of thirty-five regular and eight special stu- dents. Thirty-two of this number took the ex- amination at the close of the session. The course was not conducted without opposition from Satan which threatened at times to disrupt it altogether j but prayer prevailed, and not one left until the close. One can understand the urge that seizes the native to go back to his farm when a heavy rain falls and prepares the soil for sowing the seed.
Only the Lord can impart faith on these occasions and cause them to wait a little longer at the Mas- ter's feet and learn more of His Word.
A true and loyal native worker is a priceless boon to the missionary. The only hope of West Africa is men and women of this type. Again and again we hear the testimony of the natives: "I A TRIBE OF GOD In his letter to the Romans Paul writes, "And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my children; there shall they be called the children of the living God" (Romans 9: 26).
This prophecy is surely coming to pass in Africa. For many generations her people have been abused by all other nations. They have been harassed by merciless slave traders, ex- ploited by ruthless traders and industrial organizations, and divided up among the various nations of Europe. With the downfall of Ethiopia, Liberia is the only bit of independent ter- ritory in all that great continent. But God has blessed the Africans with a spirit of hope and optimism so that they have endured persecution and oppression, patiently awaiting the day of deliverance. That day is dawning now, for out of every tribe in Africa God is calling forth a people for Himself and through these people Africa will be delivered out of her age-old bondage. One old woman made the remark, "A new tribe is arising in Africa in our day- the tribe of God."-Clarence E. Carlson, in Gems of Cheer.
Lai Tsang, Missionary to
I _oo-lflf By MRS. C. S. DEMING, Seoul, Korea I fB.- ~==========================~ SOME years ago we first made Mr. Sen's ac- I thanked God, and took courage. Then it quaintance. Our little mission to the Chinese seemed not right to send a young man like that in Seoul had been opened only two Sundays alone into a hard place, for the Lord sent out the and, when passing through town on his way to disciples two by two. I prayed that some Chris- the steamer at Chemulpo, he came to morning tian might be found at Chemulpo, who would be a service. He was a member of Dr. Mateer's church help to him. The very next prayer meeting night, in Shantung, and had been engaged in a little a young man appeared in foreign clothes who said bakery, but as business was bad he was returning that he had served his apprenticeship at Chemulpo home. Just a young lad, insignificant looking, we as a tailor, and then returned home to Shanghai.
did not expect to see him again. His family were all Christians, and he became a Years passed. Our hearts became heavily Christian also, and had been baptized. Hearing burdened for Chemulpo, the nearest port to Che- that we had started a church in Seoul, he had foo, China, with its large Chinese settlement, for come to join us, having returned to Chemulpo nothing was being done for them. We had to start in business for himself. He told us that neither man nor funds to start this new work, but the other half of the house he occupied was vawe had God who hears and answers prayer. It cant, and that we could probably get it for our was not long before I saw Mr. Sen at one of our work. We went to Chemulpo the next day, had a evening prayer meetings in Seoul. He had just re- time of prayer in the tailor's shop, then rented the turned from China to try his hand at the bakery next door place for a little church. business once more and he was asked to bring a It was wonderful to see how the children flocked around Mr. Sen. He taught them to pray word of greeting from the home church. sentence by sentence, and got them to pray at It was a remarkable story he told. On going to home morning ar..d evening and at their meals, out China, he had met with a certain evangelist who loud so as to influence their parents. The children had been in an important position in a consulate spent so much time at the mission that the schoolbut reading the war news in the papers, felt con- teachers complained that they were neglecting vinced that it was one of the signs of the Lord's their lessons. Mr. Sen told them to come to the speedy return. He gave up his post, and set him- church after school and he would help them preself to do the work of an evangelist, trusting en- pare their home work, after which they had their tirely to the Lord to supply his wants and those daily Christian Endeavor service. He taught them of his large family. Mr. Sen joined him and in to pray over their lessons, so that one boy who preparation for his work, spent hours studying was bad in arithmetic, got 100 in his examination. God's Word and praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Before long the answer came and When the influenza epidemic was about, Mr. the evangelist went out to do a great work for Sen was taken sick. His friend the tailor was God. away at the time and there was no coal. The weather was bitter and he was too ill to move. After speaking, Mr. Sen led in prayer, the most The children came and found the doors locked. wonderful prayer I ever heard. As he was pray- Mr. Sen called to them that there was no coal, so ing, the Lord said to me, "He is the man I have they would not have their r.egular meeting. When sent you for Chemulpo." they came the next day, and heard the same thing After the service, I asked him, "Are you will- they knew that something was wrong, and asked ing to go and start work for God in Chemulpo?" him why he was not up. When he told them that It was a hard task. He said, "I will pray about it, he was too sick and could not move, one of the and see if it is the Lord's will." The next week boys climbed to a second-story window and man- he told me that the Lord had appeared to him in aged to get in. Some of them went to their homes the night, telling him to be strong and of a good and brought wood and coal while others brought courage,' that He would stand by him and food. Others carried water, as he had had noth- strengthen him, and that he had called him to this ing to drink. Some mothers came around also work at Chemulpo. and cared for him.
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Mr. Sen spent his mornings visiting in the Korea to our knowledge, when marriage brought homes and places of business, preaching Christ a China missionary to Korea. His prayers that everywhere. There was no place in Chemulpo someone might come and start work among his where the name of Mr. Sen was not known and people in Korea were answered by our coming, loved. The girls and boys would go out with him, and I believe were the cause of it.
preaching after school hours or on Sunday after- Through the years, Elder Chee, and Mr. Sen are noons. They became splendid little workers and the two men who have felt the burden and re- then the parents began to get interested. One sponsibility for the whole Chinese work. Every whole family was won through him and many week the officers of the church would meet with others. them. Down on our knees, we would each one Mr. Sen had great power in prayer, and a pray in turn over the matters coming up for de- simple childlike faith in the power of God. There cision, so in an unusual way felt we had the mind was a young man in town who had terrible pain of the Spirit,because of our unity. Shoulder to in his ear for a fortnight and could neither eat shoulder we have carried the burdens and re- nor sleep for the pain. He went to the hospital sponsibilities in a fellowship that has been most but could get no relief. A church member, a young precious. We have sorrowed together, and re- blacksmith, said, "I will take you to Mr. Sen and joiced together. In time it was felt that Mr. Sen he will pray for you and you will be healed." He should be ordained, and at the request of the went to the evening service with the man, but Union Chinese Churches in Korea, now grown to found that the tailor was about to conduct the five in number, the Synod of the Union Chinese service. He had come in and found Mr. Sen over- Christian Church of China ordained him in Mouk- come by the fumes of the charcoal stove he was den. Having started the work in Chemulpo, he using to cook his food. He was lying unconscious became its pastor, but was later called to the pas- on the floor. The tailor put him in bed, with torate of the Seoul Chinese Church, where he is plenty of fresh air in the room, but Mr. Sen was now carrying full res.ponsibility together with El- too sick and weak to move when it came time for der Wang.
meeting. The blacksmith came and said, "I have In the fall of 1929 we were transferred to North brought you a man who is sick; we want you to Manchuria, the mission field of the Korean Meth- pray for him to be healed." Mr. Sen replied, "I odist Church. It was hard to leave the fellowship am too sick to get up." Then it occurred to him of the churches in Korea, but Miss Quinn who how foolish he was not to trust God for his own retired from work in China had been asked to healing also. He asked God to heal him, so that help with the work up the east coast, and was he might go upstairs and pray for the sick man. asked to reside in Seoul, and help all the Chinese Immediately the sickness left him and he went up churches. Pastor Sen worked with her loyally for and knelt beside the sick young man in prayer. five years, during much of which time her work When the young man went home, the pain had had to be done from her bed.
gone. He had a good night's sleep and in the The young Chinese carpenter has developed morning a great abscess burst in his ear and he into Manager Wang of the Gospel Building Com- had no further trouble with it. pany, started to help support the church. Ten Mr. Sen used to get up at five in the morning per cent of all profits go to the church. He is now to study the Bible. While we were on furlough Elder Wang. Recently in building the Music he studied for a time in the Korean classes at the Building of Ewha College, he found he had over.
Pierson Memorial Bible School. A letter from estimated the cost of the building. An improved Mother who visited him, reported that he had price of building material had reduced the cost.
started a Bible class with his classmates, a per- Without being asked, he returned several thou- sonal work prayer group, and an evangelistic sand dollars, which were more than legitimate band. A man who was won by him was a young profits.
carpenter named, Wang Kong En, who suddenly Miss Quinn died on August 31, 1934. That day came under convicti6n of sin as Mr. Sen was ill health necessitated my starting for America.
praying, and gave himself to God. Standing on the platform at the station among Later Mr. Sen went to Nanking, and after Chinese, Korean, and foreign friends, Pastor Sen graduating at the Theological Seminary, returned and Elder Wang stood as the two pillars of the to be the Chinese evangelist for the whole of Chinese Church, clergy and laity. The two moth- Korea. He opened the work in Pyengyang, and ers of the church had been removed by God. The in Fusan also. churches could walk alone, under the direct guid- Thirteen years. have passed since the above ance of the Spirit. Thank God for both these men.
story was written. Sen Lai Tsang has proved Dr. Chee retired to Peiping. Pray for them as himself indeed called of God. Dr. Chee, a Chinese they carryon, and send them help for entering herb doctor, was the only Chinese Christian in new areas when God so guides.
HOIl1:e Missions' in Modern America*
_.46t Ii By the REV. E. D. KOHLSTEDT, D.D., Philadelphia I Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, Methodist JB- Episcopal Church I~==~======================~'
T HE United States of America is an excep- sions, than to develop constructive citizens. tional field for Home Missions. No other Specialists sustain our contention that, without nation can duplicate the intricate, exacting discounting the effectiveness of what Government task that confronts organized Christianity in this men were doing toward the suppression of crime country, with its unique historical heritage, reli- and criminals, the cause and cure of crime in the gious background, territorial expansion, govern- United States is a matter of more immediacy; mental development, racial mixtures, cosmopolitan that preventive rather than punitive phases of sopopulation, changing economic and social situ- cial service demand major emphasis; that Chrisations. Constructive statesmen remind us that no tianity has no more imperative obligation than a nation can hope to withstand the test of time that faithful ministry to child life. lacks at least three fundamentals to perpetuity: The late Senator Long said, concerning the solu- A capable foundation of race; tion of criminal problems: A high standard of private and public morals; A spirit of fidelity to tried and long-established institu- "I understand that crime is costing our country $12,000,000,000 annually. We spend about $40,- tions. 000,000 a year on the prosecution of federal crimes alone. The approach to this problem of Despite gratifying gains, Christian constitu- reducing crime should begin with childhood, in our encies record a disproportionate ratio of our total public and private schools, where children should population. Mindful of the variable value of sta- be taught a greater respect for law. There should tistical summaries, we marshal the most depend- be a revival of religious training in the home, a able data available, as a reasonably reliable yard- reorganization of our correctional institutions, stick with which to measure religious progress, with a revision of our judicial methods. We want and to determine the validity of missionary re- to punish, rather than to correct conditions by sponsibilities. using common sense in administering justice."
Missionary Review of the World (June Issue) Home Missions and National Life 1935: Present population of the United States …. 134,000,000 Secretaries of American missionary agencies Pre-High School Group, no Church Contacts 13,400,000 record seven facts that magnify Home Missions: Non-Church Members, including children … 75,000,000 1. Democracy may be a promise or a peril: without reli- The International Council of Religious Educa- gion, a peril.
tion estimates our United States youth population 2. The utter failure of substitutes for religion. (ages 5-17) to be 30,034,308, and the number in 3. Applied Christianity solves social problems. that classification unreached by the Christian 4. Increasing recognition of the Christian Church. church, 15,000,000-a tremendous challenge to 5. The national significance of Home Missions. 6. The challenge of unmet missionary needs in America.
Home Missions! If the Federal Government 7. Christianity's ability to survive depressions.
deems it advisable to spend millions of dollars on Home Missions and Social Safety emergency education and student aid, the Chris- tian Church must undergird that program with an Economic security and social safety are the adequate religious ministry. rightful heritage of humanity. The supreme pur- Social education and crime prevention was the pose of our Master's ministry to mankind was "A theme for a series of discussions in the White more abundant life." A progressive realization House at Washington, May 17-18, 'participated in of that objective is one of the major responsibiliby 75 mission and social agency representatives. ties of Home Missions. Methodism's ministry to Juvenile delinquency is a social problem that can- the masses has always been characterized by a not be solved by punitive methods; such a pro- tender solicitude for their physical, social and cedure is more likely to engender antisocial obses- spiritual welfare. Her concern for the totality of life is convincingly stated in a challenging docu- • Condensed from The Pastor's Journal, January. 1936. ment: The Social Creed of the Church!
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Sincerely appreciative of Federal Administra- relief work, care of the handicapped and unfortunate, will tion efforts to stabilize chaotic conditions in this be greatly expedited by sympathetic encouragement on the country, and with absolutely no thought of any part of the great body of the church who, I believe, are political emphases, the results fro~ several.years for the social gospel, if they can see that its feet are on of experimentation ought to convmce well-mten- practical ground. tioned economic experts of the futility of a philosophy of scarcity that involves: the destruction The Consumers' Cooperative movement, conof food stuffs and supplies in certain sections, for cerning which much has been written, is based want of which humans are suffering in other parts upon these principles: a democratic organization of our fair land; substantial subsidies to a selec- of economic processes; an unrestricted membertive list of actual and absentee agriculturists as a ship; a limited rate of return on caI;>i~al inve~t reward for nonproduction, while grain, meat and ments; one vote for each member; dIVIdend dISmilk-product imports show percentage increases; tributions, determined by patronage. The Coopthe twofold delusion of drinking and spending erative League.of the U. S. A. claims to have 6,600 ourselves into prosperity, regardless of social lia- societies; 1,800,000 members, and an annual bilities. Our Government's main problem is not business of $365,000,000; to reverse our economic the disposition of a bugbear surplus, but a justifi- order by paying profits to the buyer, producing able allotment of the available necessities of life. goods in the interest of the consumer, instead of the promoter, taking out of business the elements Federal Social Security legislation embodies of speculation, in the hope of eliminating peaks several humanitarian proposals, which merit sym- and depressions, the despair of our present syspathetic consideration. tem.
The Social Security Bill is the first law of such scope to Every major Home Missionary project in our be enacted in this country, although Great Britain, Ger- program is an attempt to meet urgent needs in many, France, Austria, Bulgaria, Irish Free State, Italy, some actual area of human life: ministries to neg- Poland, Russia and Switzerland have long had some such lected or underprivileged communities throughform of protection. out Continental United States; in allocated sec- tions of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the The bill includes these items: Dominican Republic; specialized evangelistic and social services to bilinguals, Indians, Latin Amer- Old-age Pensions, Unemployment Insurance, Dependent icans, Migrants, Mormons, Mountaineers, Ne- Children, Health, Clearance of Slum Residence Areas, and groes, Orientals, Polyglots. Share-Croppers Rehabilitation. Methodist social service proposals must, of The Exaltation of governing principles is a mat- course, accord a primary place to that outstanding ter of moment to the Christian ministry; the busi- humanitarian enterprise initiated thirty years ago ness of blueprinting procedures belongs to special- by Dr. E. J. Helms, founder and director of the ists, who have earned the right to be heard and heeded in this phase of civic responsibility. That Goodwill Industries fact stresses the significance of services that ought to be rendered in the field of statesmanship by which furnish a fine foundation for the developthoroughly equipped churchmen. But direct hu- ment of cooperative economic and social life, man contacts in the realm of religious activity particularly among groups that have much in comought to enable discriminating ministers to say something tangible about the application of Chris- mon, whose interests readily respond .to constr.uctian principles to the business of life. United annual conference sessions afford a real opportunity tive efforts toward economic and soclal securIty. for joint appraisals of economic and social situa- This Christlike project is a convincing, composite tions. expression of practical Christianity.
The Gospel of Christ proclaims a complete sal- The Quadrennial report: vation: enrichment of life in all of its essential relationships-physical, social, spiritual. Scores For opportunity wages to handicapped people, of sincere lay leaders are as anxious as any of us Goodwill Industries paid $1,628,486.11; for servto find a satisfactory solution to this intricate ice wages, $392,920.97. The following service has problem, but cannot see the advantage of tearing been provided: down the superstructure in order to make needed repairs. Different persons employed ……………. . 46,510 Hours of employment ………………… . 6,580,495 Senator C. O. Holmes of Gary, Indiana, says: Sales in Goodwill Stores ………………. . 3,315,376 Goodwill bags filled ………………….. . 2,733,709 The church must make greater social contributions than Homes from which bags and furniture came .. 1,333,642 ever. Some of the success that ought to be made possible Aggregate attendance daily Chapel service … for social security measures in State Legislatures, for in- Adults enrolled in community service activities 545,596 telligent use of employment exchanges in coordination with Children enrolled in community service activities 5,862 12,306 Superintendent R. E. Scully says: "Everybody knows that only by the help of the Board of Home
THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL IN JAPAN
Missions would we have been able t'O continue the were effected between the colonial settlements of religi'Ous work in the Cincinnati Goodwill Indus- Salem and Plymouth, characterized by divergent tries." creedal concepts, local leaders discovered the real- ity of a practical basis for Christian fell'Owship. Social situations in America threaten the de- Puritan Governor John Endicott wrote to Pilgrim struction of fundamentals to the perpetuity of our Governor William Bradford: national life. Christianity is challenged by: a slump in ethical ideals; an indifference to cardinal God's people are all marked with the same mark; they virtues; the propagation 'Of pagan phil'Os'Ophies have the same heart, guided by the same spirit of truth; 'Of life; the ravages of an uncontrolled, federally where this is, there can be no discord, but sweet harmony. fostered liquor traffic; the menace 'Of m'Ovies that May we, as Christian brethren, be united by unfeignetl persist in the unpatriotic pastime of disc'Ounting love, bending all our hearts and forces in furthering a their country in the eyes of the world by mag- work beyond our strength. nifying the worst features 'Of American life, idealizing crime and criminals, caricaturing Christian Federal Church and Home Missions Councils leadership, c'Onfusing the ethical ideals 'Of impres- were organized in 1908, when a new spirit 'Of cosi'Onable children; the divorce evil, with its tragic operation among our evangelical communions and trail from Reno to Hollywood and Washington. their respective missionary agencies began to reg- ister. We have witnessed practical applications Cooperation and Church Comity of the principle of cooperati'On until office files are cluttered with c'Onvincing cases 'Of progress. More Christian cooperative movements in America has been accomplished during the past twenty are a fulfilment of early ideals. When contacts years than in all the earlier years of American church history.
The Handwriting on the Wall in Japan A Story Told by A. E. AURELL, Tokyo Agent of the American Bible Society T HE following story is told by a Japanese "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavily young man who was discouraged and planned laden and I will give you rest."
to commit suicide. Those gr·acious words of Christ made me recon- N'Ot being able to see eye t'O eye with my father sider indeed and almost unbeknowingly my feet there was often strife leading to divisions in my began to take me to the Christian church, the home. In moments of quiet reflecti'Ons it did seem address of which als'O was given on that wall. awfully regrettable that a son should be so obstinate.. It was ruinous not 'Only to me but to the Upon arrival at the church I was kindly welwhole family and an annoyance to the neighbor- comed by a man 'Of G'Od, and, to make the story h'O'Od. One day in desperation I decided to run short, I was born again! What an experience! away from home and day after day without rest It seemed to me I had awakened from a bad and sleep I traveled afoot till I reached Atami, dream! By the P'Ower of the Holy Spirit obstinacy the place widely known for "casting away 'Of life." and wickedness were removed from my heart. For a few moments bef'Ore taking the fatal jump Bitterly crying over the good-for-nothing past into the deep water at the f'O'Ot of the famous cliff life I repented fr'Om my innermost being, and the s'Omehow I was able t'O control the terrible feel- bright star of hope shined forth on the pathway 'Of ings of excitement of my heart while I took paper life. and pen out of my pocket to write a farewell note. In anguish I flung my head back and what should I was awfully ashamed 'Of the way I had treated happen but that my eyes fell on the words written my parents, and at once I set out 'On the way home on the smoothly cut mountain wall to the very detouring a bit to see an uncle in Tokyo. Finally, right 'Of me: in true humility and shame, in torn bodily garb, I "Wait a m'Oment! Reconsider!" returned t'O the presence of my longed-for parents. Reading those words again I read what followed I had run away hoping to wash out sin and un- righteousness in the ocean waters at Atami but them. instead of that mistaken attempt I met J €Sus Christ who renewed and clothed me with the robe
of His salvation. What a joy has come into my Word of God, written on the above mentioned heart! wall about twelve years ago–rewritten many times since-by an elderly Japanese man of God. "Next I called on the pastor of the church in His implicit confidence in the saving power of the our community and met with wonderful kindness. pure Word of God has been abundantly honored Now I am praising God for the power of the Gos- and he and his wife have had all they could do pel of Jesus Christ which was first brought to in dealing with the lost who have come to them my attention on the mountain wall at Atami." for instruction and guidance into the restful peace of Christ which He promised in Matthew 11: 38. This is one of hundreds of similar stories of lives that have been saved by the reading of the Korean Christian Te'stimony By F. S. MILLER, Chungju, Korea W HEN one of the Korean evangelists was interest in the Bible, their Sabbath observance working among Chinese across the border and their zeal for souls. in Manchuria, a Chinese woman asked: The Korean Presbyterian Mission in Shantung "Are you preaching what these Koreans be- Province, China, has helped to change the neighlieve?" borhood and has proved that self-support will work in China as in Korea. Reports come also "Yes, the same Jesus." that Korean Christians who migrated to Mexico have wielded the same helpful influence there and "Then I want you to tell me more about it. I a missionary in India recently translated and have been to their church to find the secret of their printed stories of Korean experience to stimulate happiness and peace but I cannot understand the Christians of his own province. what they say."
After listening to the Gospel she started home- A former Jewish rabbi writes in a recent book ward. The evangelist visited her on the following that one day he entered a store in Philadelphia and day when the woman gathered all the family to saw two Koreans in very earnest conversation.
listen to the Christian message. He asked what the trouble was and was told of In the early colonial days in America, the the struggle of the Koreans for freedom. The story won his sympathy and he invited the Ko- Scotch-Irish scattered through the forests of the reans to his home to talk further over the matter. new territory built churches and schoolhouses When they met, one of the Koreans said, "Let us everywhere. In the same way the Koreans are pray first." As the rabbi listened to that prayer scattering their churches and schools over Man- he became convinced of the power of Christ even churia and East Mongolia. As in America, many in the non-Christian world and eventually gave leading men in business, politics and the profes- himself to the Master. sions came from those little log churches and schools so we confidently expect that the young The Korean Christians take their new faith now being trained in the Christian churches and seriously and simply. Prayer is a real and regschools of Manchuria will take a leading part in ular part of their lives. They have their faults, the development of Eastern Asia. Some years ago and we missionaries, with thirty generations of a young Korean who moved to Manchuria from a Christianity behind us, may expect too much from Choong Chung church became a magistrate and first generation Christians, but we thank God for boys reared in the first Christian schools of Korea their genuine qualities and for their widening inhave become physicians in Manchuria. fluence. The story of what Christ has done in Korea has given new faith, courage and hope to As God chose little Judea, set in the midst of Christians scattered all over the world. what were then the world's largest nations, to be The results of Christian missions in Korea are His seedbed from which He sent evangelists to all the fruit of conservative, spiritual Christianity the known world, may He not have chosen Chosen which accepts the Bible as the Word of God, beto be His seedbed for the Far East? Japan has lieves in the miracles as the workings of an everalready felt the influence of Korean Christians and present and active Creator, and is convinced that Japanese Christians say that they have something there is "no other name under heaven, that is to learn from the Korean Church – from their given among men, wherein we must be saved" prayerfulness, their liberality, self-support, their than the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Missionary and His Native
FIFTY or more years ago it was comparatively His own people are beginning to attain to easy to lead and guide a people newly con- heights in education and scholarship which were quered, not only in warfare and material regarded by his forefathers as only the rights of things, but also in those deeper spiritual beliefs the white man. He is therefore becoming very which had been there since time began. The white conscious of these achievements and is beginning man and his science had brought doubt to the to wonder if he really needs the white man to minds of even the most conservative as to the work out his salvation, whether the trust he has reality and truth of his own magic, his religion, placed in him so long has not been in vain, in the and his ancestor worship. The white settler be- real things of his everyday life. He is beginning side him was uninfluenced by his superstitions; to look to his own black fellow men for guidance he prospered in spite of his unbelief and his jeer- and help, and the white man at the head becomes ing at the much feared witch doctor; his cattle a mere figurehead to whom only certain things increased; his fields were fertile; his children can be told and the rest left untouched. He is lived and were healthy, without his depending in literally becoming "difficult." He is learning every any way on those things on which his black neigh- day to be like his white fellow worker, outwardly bor depended. This was bound to affect the Bantu polite and civil, hiding a great deal of what he adversely and make him doubt very seriously his thinks of him, but nevertheless seeing through a own background and his ways of living and think- great deal and despising much, thus creating a ing, and an almost complete lack of confidence in state of affairs in which real harmonious and cohimself and his fellows was sure to take place. operative effort is an impossible task. He and his fellows discuss fully what they think of their The missionary, in his most admirable zeal and white colleagues, their work amongst them and ardor to civilize and Christianize, helped to in- their influence, but it is in very rare cases that crease this doubt, and in breaking down as savage the Bantu worker will be frank enough to tell his and barbaric all native institutions and customs, white fellow workers what he and others of his helped to increase this ever growing lack of con- race really think. They have found to their sorfidence in what belonged to the people and was row that such frank declarations on their part are part of their life. This process has gone on for greatly resented. They are considered inferior, over a hundred years in some parts of South and any suggestion of criticism of their superiors Africa. But now the Bantu has got used to the is considered altogether presumptuous. The relanew ways. Many of the young people of today tions between the two parties are therefore so have grown up knowing no other life but that strained and stiff that very seldom do you find which the missionary preached so well to their real intimate friendship existing between white great-grandfathers and their sons. He has grown and black in our native missionary schools and up with a clearer vision of what life really is and churches. If this state of affairs is as I have has been able to view his white neighbor, not as pictured it and as m~ny others know it to be, the some wonderful god who knows all, but as a inevitable question amongst Bantu youth workhuman being with faults and misdeeds like his ing under such conditions is, UApart from his own. Hence the old state of worship of the white man because he is white is fast dying off, and the academic qualifications, which he uses within the Bantu is becoming more critical and ever so much precincts of his classroom and therefore to a very more "difficult to manage." He is becoming mis- limited group, what is the gain in having white trustful of even the best .amongst his white friends teachers in our native schools? Is it not far betbecause he has so often trusted and been disap- ter to have men of our own race, perhaps not so pointed. He is suspicious, and is more confident well equipped academically, but yet giving of their in himself and in gui'ding his own life. His secrets all, being one with their fellow workers and with are now his own and not to be shared with the the students and making life much more natural missionary who used to be his father's trusted and easy, as the Bantu like it to be." This quesguide and helper. He is becoming race conscious tion will have to be faced more and more in fuand nationalistic, nor does he now hide his head ture and resentment on the part of either white in shame when the "immoral customs and habits" or black over frank discussions of some of these of his race are mentioned, because he has learned topics will only help make the situation more that such customs and habits are to a greater or lesser degree the heritage of all people, his white acute. neighbors included. MRS. F. Z. MATTHEWS, a member of the Xosa race, wife of a native professor, and her- self a teacher.
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Ways of
'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO World Peace and Evangelism results, this statement is ac- feres with missionary endeavors. cepted by many as even more Thinking Christians are aware Never before was the subject true than it was fifteen years of Peace and War so integral a ago. If there ever was a time that the last war dealt a severe part of the Christian program when warfare was necessary or blow to the churches and mission for World Redemption as now. desirable, that time is now past. work. How can we, as disciples The testimony of missionaries is The peoples of the world are of Christ, send the Gospel of love universally to the effect that ov- waking up to the fact that twen- to other peoples and at the same ergrown nationalism and its off- time condone and support the spring – the war spirit – are tieth century warfare no longer destruction of our neighbors and well-nigh insuperable obstacles exemplifies the spirit of glory, of ourselves by prejudices, lies, to progress in spreading the Gos- discriminations and violence? It pel of Christ, the Prince of patriotism and supreme sacrifice is difficult to conceive of a more Pe'ace. Without exception the that has characterized past wars insincere or two-faced situation. missionary plans and literature of humankind. War today is a of the denominations that have "racket"; and the sins of greed, It was proclaimed that the sent material for use in this de- falsehood and suspicion, hatred World War was going to make partment give a prominent place and murder are its very lifeto endeavors for shaping up the blood. If wars are still inevita- the world more "safe for democ- Peace Mind. It is especially fit- ble it is because people are unting that in this month which racy," but the opposite has been commemorates the birth of Je- willing to abandon selfishness, or proved more nearly true. Not sus Christ and echoes the An- are blinded by greed and profit, gels' Song of "Peace on earth: or crazed by racial prejudice and only have dictatorships flourgood will to men" we should pre- false propaganda, all of which ished since the conflict but relisent materials majoring upon gion itself has been jeopardized. that great theme. Your Depart- are at variance with Christian In addition, nationalism with its ment Editor's earnest injunction teachings. The time has come is that every reader should do deification of the State is becomsomething to stimulate the pur- when the Church must choose ing so nearly a substitute for repose and forward the plans of between Christ and Mars, for the Mind for Peace. We are glad war is everything that Chris- ligion that, if it continues, govto present herewith an article ernments will take precedence written especially for the depart- tianity is not. over the claims of conscience and ment by an outstanding leader in The deep abiding spirit of this line. of faith in God. Christians must Christ and His way of life is ex- not allow patriotism to degener- CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY FOR pressed in the word "love." It includes not only love for God ate into selfish, un-Christlike na- PEACE and love of neighbor but love for tionalism.
Fifteen years ago the former one's enemies. Out of this fun- We should be reminded of the American Chief of Staff, Gener- damental spirit of IQve spring existence of a peace movement al Tasker H. Bliss, said: "The within the Church. Three deresponsibility is entirely on the two Christian concepts: first, professing Christians of the belief in the supreme worth of nominations-the Church of the United States. If another war every human being; and, second, B ret h r e n (or Dunkards) , like the last one should come faith in the brotherhood of man they will be responsible for without regard to race, color or Friends and Mennonites are every drop of blood that will be known as the historic "peace shed." Now that we know more political state. In contrast war churches" because from their beabout how wars are made and ginnings they have opposed" war, understand their far-reaching thrives on hate. It violates hu- man personality and regjments upheld freedom of conscience and have placed allegiance to human beings. Because of the new hatreds and new problems God above allegiance to ea.rthly it creates, war is the relentless rulers. Members of the s e foe of human brotherhood. churches who refuse to partici- pate in war are called "consci- Not only must followers of entious objectors." Very reluc- Christ oppose war because of its repudiation of His teachings, tantly other denominations, in- cluding the Methodists, Congre- but because it seriously inter- gationalists and Christians and [ 602] the Unitarians have asked that
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
the same exemption from com- tion, not a decision, and often that several were on their feet to batant service be accorded their achieves its results better by be- speak simultaneously until time conscientious objectors. The ing an indirect appeal, in the had to be called and the meeting spirit of the early Church, up- form of a discussion among a closed. The participating panel- held by the small historic peace platform group, talking as if ists then took their places at a churches during centuries of spontaneously a m 0 n g them- peace literature table and dis- strife and persecutions, bids fair selves. Sending for an abund- pensed free leaflets and pamph- to become the prevailing force ance of varied peace literature, lets and recommended pay ma- of modern Christendom in its organizing and assigning it to terials to an eager throng. In turn toward the nonviolent way several good woman speakers at the foregoing, the speakers had of Christ. the Lakeside, Ohio, chautauqua, notes (but no manuscript) con- With the coming Christmas last August, the Editor led such cealed beneath the fancy work season it is incumbent upon a panel after this fashion: in their laps. Comments and re- churches and missionary organ- Everything was carefully pre- marks were made all through izations everywhere to make pared but not memorized or redefinite provision in their pro- cited as in a dialogue. Five the talks but not in such a way grams for the proclaiming of women entered and sat down in as to throw the speakers off their a living room scene to do fancy line of thought, as, "I believe Christ as the Prince of Peace. work under soft shaded lamps that too"; "I don't quite agree Every church should have a with you"; "That looks feas- peace committee headed by a while they talked as if sponta- ible," etc. wide-awake, interested chair- neously. The leader explained man. Encourage your paster to her motive in calling these The following literature is preach peace on Armistice Day friends together to counsel with recommended: Sunday, Christmas, Goodwill her on the peace-and-war situa- Day and other appropriate tion, expressing her own trou- The W. I. L. discussion group out- bled confusion of mind. She line, "World Peace the Responsibility dates. First there must be the called on Mrs. A- to give the of the Church," with study packet, will for peace. If your church gist of a private conversation 35 cents. they had had the other day, and has been slow in teaching peace, the latter responded in an eight- "Publication List with Prices," free. minute talk covering the peace "World Citizenship and the Relistrive for an impressive Christ- educational plans mnd methods. gious Program," free. mas program on international "Women's International League for goodwill and for at least one Mrs. B- breaks in at a pre- Peace and Freedom – Programs and program on peace each quarter arranged point and says that is Policies," free. all very well but something more The foregoing may be ordered from during the coming year in the p r act i c a I – something with The Women's International League, 1924 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. church school. The young people "teeth" in it-must be done. She "What Can Christians Do for talks for another brief period on Peace?" by Theodore A. Greene; a will enjoy giving one of the many auxiliary political, legislative sylla.JUs prepared for use by church and organizational methods. discussion groups. 25 cents. excellent peace plays now avail- "Is War the Way?" by John L. Mrs. C-is so full of enthusi- Lobingier; a six-session course for inable. If the will for peace is well asm she can hardly wait to tell dividual reading and church study established in your congregation, of ways for attacking the subject groups. 25 cents. from the purely religious side. then embark upon a plan of ac- "Proposed Roads for Peace," by tion. Study groups are recom- The leader then asks Mrs'. Richard M. Fagley; adult education mended among young people and D-, who has been listening in- series. 35 cents. tently and taking notes from adults to make clear the social time to time, to give the group Order the above three from The Piland economic causes of war- the benefit of her tabulative, sys- grim Press, Boston, Mass. fare and suggest peace action tematic mind; whereupon Mrs. programs and projects. The D- partly talks and partly "The Price of Peace," by E. Guy reads a well organized outline Talbott; a handbook on America's need is great for intelligent international relations. 25 cents. Na- Christians to pioneer in this vi- tional Council for Prevention of War, tal and urgent field of goodwill 532 17th St., N. W., Washington, D. C. among nations and help the idealistic lovers of peace to keep "Thinking It Through," by Evelyn R. their feet on the gI'ound through Nicholson; a discussion on World practical achievements. Peace. 10 cents. Methodist Book Concern, New York. MRS. OLIVE SMITH BOWMAN, of the things churches, young people's groups, Sunday schools, "Youth Action in Building a War- Pennsylvania State Chairman of women's missionary organiza- less World." 15 cents. International Religious Contacts Committee, Council of Religious Education, 203 Women's International League tions, clubs and community citi- N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. for Peace and Freedom. "What Shall We Do About War,"
zens in general can do. by Sherwood Eddy and Kirby Page.
The leader then rises and ad- 15 cents. Eddy and Page, 347 Madi- son Ave., New York. dresses the audience for the first PLANS AND MATERIALS time, asking them f,or their re- List of Material and Suggestions The Department Editor has for Exhibits, free. found the panel discussion one "Peace Action" – a monthly paper of the best ways of arousing in- action upon the subject. giving news and suggestions for prac- tical action. 5 cents per copy. Order the above two, also a variety terest and spreading informa- The Lakeside audience as rep- of plays and pageants, from The Na- tion. This form of discussion resented in the women's club, tional Council for the Prevention of aims at education and inspira- was so enthusiastic and eager War, 532 17th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
"Suggested Selections for Programs Prevention of War (address as pre- God's great gift to us. (The use of a for Armistice Day, Good Will Day viously given). Christmas tree on which each story- and Other Peace Days," for Sunday "Christ Is Born in Bethlehem"- teller places a large gold star to repschools, elementary schools and high beautiful nativity play introducing resent her field adds to the interest.) schools, free. American Interracial prophets, shepherds, kings, angels and For a woman's missionary meeting. Peace Committee, 20 S. 12th St., Phil- a chorus singing familiar carols. Open meeting by singing "Hark, the adelphia, Pa. Three scenes, 16 or more characters. Herald Angels Sing," followed with 50 cents. Woman's Press, 600 Lex- prayer. Christmas carols played on Much is being attempted by ington Ave., New York. "Eagerheart"-Christmas play suit- the Qrgan are echoed to adjoining lec- able for use on Sunday evening. Fifthe Youth Division of the Emer- teen or more characters. 1% hours. ture room where audience is seated. gency Peace Compaign, in which Chappel and Co., 41 E. 34th St., New Devotional period culminates in cornet solo, "Silent Night." Van Dyke's more than 225 college men and Christmas story, "Let Us Go Even women spent two months last York. unto Bethlehem," is told or read; summer organizing, instructing "Long Ago in Judea" -unusual then a mother holding her baby reads working over of the Christmas nar- a Christmas poem. At this time the and stimulating people all over rative. Two scenes. Seventeen char- room is darkened and a star shines the U. S. to work for peace. acters. 30 cents. Samuel French, 25 out revealing the spirits of Christ, They tried to "strengthen the W. 45th St., New York. Love and Service bringing gifts. A pacific alternatives to war, make Similar list of 60 good Christmas lighted cross brings to view a small political and eoonomic changes dramatizations, also lists of Easter, Christmas tree covered with tinsel but Children's Day, Thanksgiving, tem- no ornaments. During singing the necessary for a just and peace- three spirits distribute to audience ful world order, and unite in one perance, stewardship, Mothers' Diy, tiny white stockings. Place offerings dynamic movement all those in- Home and Foreign mission and gen- in these and marching to the tree, dividuals and organization.s will- eral plays and pageants in a pamph- hang stockings on it, thus decorating ing to work against war . . . tree and receiving the offering. A SQ- let entitled "Catalog of Plays and cial hour mav follow. They plan to work on 1,000 col- Pageants," a veritable treasure house lege campuses in the U. S. Twen- of usable material. 10 cents. Send "Christmas Around the World." to The Baptist Board of Education, This program consisted of tableaux Department of Missionary Education, behind a large veiled frame, giving the ty-five field secretaries covering 152 Madison Avenue, New York. appearance of a picture. A chorus of every state in the union will re- women sang the accompanying carol . cruit volunteers for next sum- Program Suggestions: while tableau was being shown and mer's program – peace patrol between tableaux. (1) Carol, "God "The Life of Christ in Song." teams to do work in the commu- Hymns and songs given by young Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen." Tableau, nities surrounding the colleges." people, with appropriate Christmas (Woman's Home Missions.) Try readings between each two numbers. six carollers grouped around tall Eng- lish lamp post, holding books and ap- "Tuning in on Christmas." Plat- pearing to sing. (2) Carol, "Tannento have your church young peo- form arranged to represent broadcast- baum." Tableau, The Home of the ple link themselves up with this ing studio with microphone, etc. Christmas Tree. A little German boy Leader taking part of announcer and girl, each with a toy, stand near promising movement. stands at microphone as program be- lighted tree, a table, chair, etc., add- PLAYS AND PAGEANTS gins, her opening announcement in- ing home touch. Joy is the theme. cluding call letters suitable for the (3) Carol, "Silent Night." Tableau, particular group and statement that a Among suitable plays and pa- Christmas program is about to be A Christmas Eve Midnight Service in geants for Christmas meetings broadcast from the studio (place of France. An altar with cross and are the following: lighted candles in center of picture meeting) . As each number is an- suggests cathedral interior. Worship- nounced the person taking the part pers kneel in prayer. (4) Carol, "A Christmas Car 0 1" – original should be ready to step to the micro- "While Shepherds Watched Their dramatization of Dickens' charming phone that there may be no awkward Flocks by Night." Tableau, Christstory portraying the true Christmas pauses. Announcer reminds audience mas in a Chinese Mission. American spirit. 20 characters. 1112 hours. 35 at the start that there can be no missionary seated holding open Christcents. Christmas obt':ervation where the mas box from which she is handing Christ story is unknown and that the out gifts to Chinese girls grouped "Christmas for All Nations"-intro- program will bring messages from around. Use Chinese costumes, furducing children of all nationalities our representatives who are telling nishings, curios. Fine for stressing who describe their customs and be- the Story around the world. (This White Cross gifts. liefs. 15 or more young folks. 40 plan fine for incorporating material minutes. 25 cents. (5) Carol, "Up on the Housetop."
Order these two from March from THE REVIEW and denominational Tableau, Christmas in the U. S. Little Brothers, 208 Wright Ave., Lebanon, missionary magazines.) boy and girl in night clothes peek Ohio. "The Real Christmas Tree" (Tree through door watching Santa Claus "A Christmas Mystery"-finest of of Life). Its branches spread over empty his pack in front of fireplace. Christmas songs and carols sung by all lands and its leaves are "for the Lighted tree at side. (6) Carol, "The audience while Christmas story is healing of the nations." After song First Noel." Tableau, Unity in presented in pantomime culminating service of the familiar music, read Adoration. Manger scene. Carol is in final tableau. 15 cents. Isaiah 9: 6 and the Christmas story sung as introduction preceding show- as told by Luke, followed by the sing- ing of picture. When curtains are "At the Door of the Inn" – good reader and 30 or more characters. ing of "Hark, the Herald. Angels drawn at close of scene, audience joins 1 % hours. 20 cents. Sing." Leader points out that as our in singing "In Him There Is No East Order these from The Pilgrim missionaries tell the Christmas story Nor West." Press, Boston, Mass. . they see the fulfilment of the promise, All the foregoing suggestions are "Around the World with Santa "light and life to all He brings." Sev- taken from "Progr~m Pointers," a Claus"-American boy and girl per- eral members then tell (not read) mimeographed sheet issued monthly suade Santa to take them on his jour- stories of the work at home and by Miss Elizabeth I. Fensom, Program ney around the world, a typical scene abroad (see THE REVIEW and denom- Secretary, Baptist Council on Finance in each country thus visited being inational leaflets). Close with hymn, and Promotion, 152 Madison Ave., shown. Four adults, 10 or more chil- "In Christ There Is No East nor New York City. Subscription price, dren. 10 cents. National Council for West" and prayer of gratitude for 25 cents per year.
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BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK Bring an Old and Crippled Prayer home life, why Mary and the Child '!When wilt Thou save thy peo- angels sang, why the Shepherds ple, Lord?" When we behold and wise men came bringing Alfred Noyes in "A Spell (An gifts. May no Christmas gift of Excellent Way to Get a F'airy)" the wonder of the Christ-child, ours to the children be unworthy leads one through man's various born among good, poor folk and of thee, the gift from God. For attempts to capture the quality the sake of the little children of in life often symbolized by "a outside an inn, and consider the world, help us to consecrate fairy." Each unsuccessful trial, what the life of our Lord Jesus ourselves to Thee and thy Way he concludes with the words, Christ has meant to us and of Life. Amen. myriads like us, and then re- If this fail, at break of day, member before thee, our sin Call to the Twelfth Conference There remains a better way. against thy love and sin against on the Cause and Cure of War our fellowmen – yea, neglecting The "Spell" is concluded by The Twelfth Annual Conferwords, the wisdom of which even the little ones of our own neighborhood, we cry for thy cannot be escaped, and the coun- loving kindness! "Be merciful ence on the Cause and Cure of sel of which few persons accept unto us, and bless us." War will take place in Chicago, lest someone call them "foolish!" Cause us to see and serve the at the Palmer House, January But during the "Christ-child" children, Lord, not only those of 26-29, 1937. The theme will be festival, we seem more free than our own household but even "Today in Peace and War" and at other times. Our hearts are these little old ones who are crip- delegates from the eleven namore gentle and our wills are pled and wizened at seven. Keep tional organizations of American more swift to perform lovely us from shirking our responsi- women participating in the Conacts. The poet in his "Excellent bility for these hurt children. ference will consider the barriway to get a fairy" suggests that Make us see the futility of bring- ers to international cooperation, we act so- ing children into the world only and the building up of effective Bring an old and crippled child to spoil and despoil them. Help peace machinery. Some of the Ah, tread softly, on tiptoe!- us to do what we can to feed highlights will be the "Interro- them-clothe them-leave them gation Luncheons," the Univer- Tattered, tearless, wonder-wild, "for an hour alone." Teach us sity of Chicago Round Table, and From that underworld below, how to tell them aright the the Marathon Round Tables Bring a wizened child .of seven meaning of this saying, We will luncheon. The number of dele- Reeking from the City slime, Out of hell into your heaven, Set her knee-deep in the thyme. listen, Lord. Thou art the Way gates allocated to the church Feed her-clothe her-even so! -the Truth-the Life! Thou groups, is only two hundred. Set her on a fairy throne. hast said we all must be more Register early. The fee is $5.00 When her eyes begin to glow childlike in order to enter payable at the Conference. For Leave her for an hour-alone. Heaven. Teach us the stories of the first time the Conference is And then Noyes concludes "A the Christ-child, of his early to be held in the Middle. West thus enabling many Spell" with the assur- ance that women to attend who Though her head have been unable to be old and wise, got 0 Washington.
You shall know Please write immedi- that she has ately either to the For- seen them eign Missions Confer- By the glory in ence, 156 Fifth her eyes. Ave., New and that ….. ———– York, N. Y., or When she lifts her THE ONLY CHIUSTMAS THIS MIGRANT FAMILY WILL HAVE The Council of head and sings, ., Women for Home Mi s- You shall h ear sions, 105 East and un der- 22d St., N. Y. stand.
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Introducing Miss Lowry old friendships strengthened. remedied the difficulty or made And I thank you one and all. On October 15, your editor the matter understandable as a "The work lies in what I call closed gently the doors on the the religious-social area, diverse part of the process of growth last five years of "life and work," enough in factors and flexible and turned toward the new paths enough in form (although thirty and change. True, there has not ahead. Of first importance is years old) to be considered a the remarkable fact that on the genuine 'laboratory' for effective been eough financial resources to same day Miss Edith E. Lowry, Christian service. In this area my associate in the work of the of service are definitely new care for advance in work which forms of cooperation among Council of Women for Home quite different church groups; seemed essential. That has MissioLs, became Executive Sec- also, there are unified programs retary, and the new Editor of caused the Executive Secretary the Bulletin, and Miss Charlotte EDITH E. LOWRY Mary Burnham became 'concern' both in the general and Associate Secretary. secured through the coordina- tion of varied social skills and the Indian work. Nevertheless, What may be called resources, and other programs in the making; and the cowork- each year has seen advance in "full tide of life" moves ers are consecrated Christian through all the work of leaders. If asked to do so, I the conception that this interdethe Council of Women for could make specific the descrip- Home Missions. It seems tion of the area just given. nominational work is denominato the Editor, signs of tional responsibility. Many good health that her resig- "The program of work places nation could take place in ~ clear emphasis on the functions -, of you receive me as a June, that a Committee on of the Christian Church _with a program rather than per- mission to proclaim the Gospel member of your own de- of the true way of life. Organi- nomination, reporting to sonnel was named, that zational difficulties, personality the new Executive Secre- clashes, financial worries, have your membership either tary could accept a ready during the years found secondadjustment to be made in ary emphasis, except occasion- in person at Annual Meetthe set-up of the work ally, and then the good spiritual ings or Institutes, or by (Miss Lowry continues to health of the whole work SDon direct the Migrant Work) written reports. And this and that the farewell has greatly helped in the luncheon was also the wel- work of the Council .of come luncheon to the newly elected secretaries. Women for Home Mis- The last days were like a sions. prolonged festival wit h friends – flo w e r sand "The work is one of ingifts, laughter and tears, creasing com i t y among and altogether of more significance t han words the Boards. It was thrill- ing to come into a work can tell. In response to the gra- which was closing a Five- Year Period of Survey cious and witty expression of appreciations at the Luncheon and Adjustment (and adfollowing the last Administrative j ustments had actually Committee meeting, your Editor gave briefly an explanation of taken place); and now to her personal satisfaction in the have participated in a secresponsibilities that had been ond period of five-year hers since January, 1932. planning known as Strat- In introducing Miss Edith Lowry to you, the brief explana- egy and Planning for adtion is again given on request: vance on the whole task "The work of the Executive of the church. Then, too, the beginnings of coordi- Secretary of the Council of Women for Home Missions has nation in pro g ram of been one of teaching, preaching, w r i tin g and administrative four interdenominational work, both on the field, as we bodies as shown in the acsay, and at h e a d qua r t e r s. tive Inter-Council Fie I d Through this work, many new friendships have been made, and Committee indicates, at the very least, the will to good spiritual health of Protestant church forces. And this took place when national life was characterized by what we call 'the depres- sion.' " You will find the Editor at home, The Westchester, 4000 Cathedral Avenue, Washington, D. C. ANNE SEESHOLTZ.
*** The Annual Meeting of the Home Missions Council and the Council of Women for Home Missions, including the National Conference on the City Church will be held at the Berkeley Carteret Hotel, Asbury Park, New Jersey, January 11-14, 1937.
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO NORTH AMERICA single persons; and single lower Scripture Hunger in Virginia Cutting Suicide Rate than' widowed or divorced per- A group of Christian workers last year opened a Sunday school Some one in the United States sons. -Literary Digest. in an abandoned church near commits suicide every half-hour. Beldor, Virginia, in the Blue Annually, for thirty years; 20,- Boys' Gospel Team Ridge mountains. Last May, ac- 000 persons have taken their companied by a minister, they lives; 40,000 more have tried The Asheville Farm School for held a service at the mountain and failed. But The Spectator, Boys has a Gospel Team. Five home of a cripple, when 66 were insurance agents' magazine, es- active, and eleven associate present. This cripple promised, timates that suicides had ebbed members have divided into three if he knew when the minister to 17,000 in 1935, lowest number groups for the work for the fol- would return, to have 100 presin ten years. Next to economic lowing month. One group is ent. Two weeks later, 104 came. upturn, the chief factor in this working on the morning devo- The next visit, a week later, was decrease is the National Save-a- tions program, the second group rewarded with an attendance of Life League. Ministering to 400 on the program for the young over 150. People came from would-be suicides. a month, Doc- people at Marshall, and the third various directions, while only tor Harry W. Warren, the presi- on the program for the mission- one house is visible from the dent, has saved 30,000 persons ary society at Farm School. The place where the meeting is held. since he founded his organiza- boys have set a definite goal to tion thirty years ago. work toward, and are trying for One family living more than vast improvement over last year. four miles away has not missed Some cases require medical or a service since the work began. psychiatric treatment; others -Owl and Spade. The parents and two of the chillegal or financial aid. Last year, dren walk, while the three staff workers called on 1,387 Helping the "Share Croppers" smaller ones are placed on an old Greater New York homes where mule, which the father leads. suicide had been committed, Moved by the suffering of the 1,991 homes where it had been "share croppers" in the South, The best pew is a flat board attempted. Sherwood Eddy, from funds about six inches wide, and many raised by appeal, purchased over in the audience are seated on Dr. F. L. Hoffman, statistician 2,000 acres of rich delta land in round poles about six or seven attached to the University of the State of Mississippi, and has inches in diameter. The work- Pennsylvania, has clipped sui- invited dispossessed families· to ers say they have never seen cide items for 25 years and come and settle, in cooperative such a hunger for Scripture makes the following deductions: communities. These poor peo- truth. the west coast had a rate nearly ple, largely Negroes, who have double that of the New England cultivated small sections of land -Moody Institute Monthly. states. of large owners under a share system, have been so systemati- Increased Gifts Suicides, depressed by winter cally ground by the owners that discouragements, tend to pick they have joined hands in self- For the first time since 1929, summer and late spring for their defence, and have as a result one year's contributions of the acts. been evicted from their tenan- local churches of the Presby- cies. The whole South seems to terian Church in the U. S. A. Men make up three-quarters be suffering from the evils of showed an increase of more of the deaths. Main cause: busi- this sharecropping system, and than $1,000,000 during the year ness failure. But girls, more this effort to help them on a ending March 31, 1936. The often than boys up to the age of large scale on a cooperative plan 8,975 local churches contributed nineteen, take their lives. Main is described by one expert as $36,801,474. This is a gain of cause: unrequited love. Up to "on the verge of the biggest $1,082,943 over the preceding thirty-nine, only one-half to one- thing in human welfare in this year, which had registered an third as many women commit country. The possibilities of increase of $421,304 over the suicide as do men; beyond forty, this constructive program are year ended March 31, 1934. only one-sixth. Married people staggering." From 1929 to 1934 an annual show a lower suicide rate than decrease had been reported. -United Church Review.
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More communicant members bution of higher education un- paths to that highway and the were added during the year, der Christian auspices to such outside world. There are almost both on profession of faith and conservation; the responsibility no doctors, only a few schools, on certificates of transfer from of the Presbyterian Church in and only six churches, three other churches, than in the pre- the U. S. A. to play its part in Baptist and three Catholic. Lack ceding year. Additions on pro- making this indispensable confession totaled 78,207 and on tribution to the conservation of of Christian education have left certificate 43,940. these spiritual values." these people debased and degen- erate in the extreme. Of the $36,801,474 contributed -Presbyterian Banner. by the local churches, $25,539,- -So S. Times. 999 was used for local congregational expenses. Gifts to benevo- A "Million Unit Fellowship" Moody Still Speaks lence causes made by living givers amounted to $4,852,481. The Methodist Episcopal About forty-two years ago Per capita the church gave for Church, comprising 4,000,000 Dwight L. Moody founded the all purposes $19.18, which is 62 communicants in the U. S. and Bible Institute Colportage Assocents more than during the pre- I,UOO,OOO in 40 mission fields, ciation of Chicago. The extent ceding year. is launching a new movement to which this service of the to be known as the "Million Unit printed page has grown is shown -Presbyterian Tribune. in the latest annual report of the Fellowship." Plans for Presbyterian association. During the past fis- Centennial The purposes are: (1) the in- cal year, the association has pub- spiration and renewal of per- lished and distributed no less On June 24th the Presbyterian sonal devotion to the ideals, life than 4,184,357 copies of its own General Council, meeting in pUblications, (a gain of nearly Philadelphia, adopted several and social standards of Christ; basic principles to be followed (2) to mobilize the resources of 450,000 copies over 1935), bein the raising of $1,000,000 or sides the sale of thousands upon less for the world-wide work of the church for study of, and ac- thousands of Bibles, books and the church and $10,000,000 or tion· upon, the social and eco- magazines printed by other less for Christian higher educa- nomic problems of the day; (3) evangelical publishers. All this tion; among them the following: the stabilizing of Methodist literature was dis t rib ute d opinion in support of the "Chris- throughout the United States (1) That the centennial cele- tian Way" and (4) the renewal and several foreign countries as bration of the Board of Foreign of personal devotion among a missionary effort. Those re- Missions is primarily inspira- ceiving free literature include tional and educational, and that Methodists to the world mission prisoners, patients in federal, the financial aspects of the cen- of the church. state and city hospitals and santennial will be subordinated to atoriums, children in mountain these primary purposes. (2) Bishop Frederick T. Keeney, and pioneer schools, seamen on That during the calendar year . ocean vessels, young men in CCC 1937 the Board of Foreign Mis- who is Director of the new Fel- camps, and the neglected peoples sions in presenting its financial lowship, says: of Alaska, Africa, India, Latin program will make reference to America, the Philippines, Spain the "Capital Purposes Fund" of "So far as the 4,000,000 comthe Boards of Christian Educa- municants of the Methodist and French Louisiana. Teachers tion and National Missions Episcopal Church are concerned in 115 mountain counties rewhich is to be raised in the three ceived during the year 210,696 following calendar years, 1938- and three to four million other copies of the Gospel of John 40. (3) During the calendar persons who are the natural conyears 1936 and 1937 a publicity stituency of our church, we are approach to the church will be going to try for the spontaneous, made by the Boards of Christian creative and internal type of or- Education and National Mis- dered living." sions in reference to the "Capital Purposes Fund" which is to The Sabine Field (with helps) for their scholars, be sought in the three years fol- together with 82,881 colportage lowing. This approach will be against a background of "con- An area known as the "deep books and 72,858 Evangel book7 servation of the spiritual values woods of the Sabine River bot- lets, and to those scholars who which are necessary to the pres- tom," lying between Louisiana read the Gospel of John and ervation of American democ- and Texas, has a population al- memorized selected passages, racy; the free church in the free most as needy as the dwarfs of 47,561 New Testaments and state; the indispensable contri- darkest Africa. On the Texas Pocket Treasurys were given as side of the Sabine River the rewards. These teachers re- Spanish language is spoken; on port about 250 conversions, and the Louisiana side there are some many others have been estab- 6,000 people speaking English. lished in their faith.
They are a people apart. The Gospel car "Evangel" has There are settlements in the visited sixty-seven cities and "deep woods" that are only fif- towns of Florida, Georgia and teen miles from the highways, the Carolinas during the year, but in which are men and women traveled over 5,000 miles, and who have rarely, if ever, ridden participated in 238 services.
or walked through the wood -The Presbyterian.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK '609
Carville Leper Hospital Weare not faced with illiteracy- and asked for prayer that they nearly all can read. TJley seem to Dr. H. E. Hasseltine, Director have learned to read in some extraor- may find Christ. of the Leper Hospital at Car- dinary way – how, I do not know. -So S. Times. ville, La., says that a leper can Weare working among a people who come anonymously, change his cover an area greater than that of Seven Year Campaign name while at the Hospital, and, the British Isles, where there is only if cured, leave the place to re- one Mission Station working among The Latin American Prayer sumehis real identity, his ex- two or three thousand people, the maperience never to be known out- jority of whom are inaccessible. Yet Fellowship is undertaking to side of the hospital's secret a large proportion of them come to records. When patients wish to the Mission Station at least once a place a Gospel and a tract in conceal their identity, the hos- year when in the city to obtain suppital authorities cooperate. plies. Then we bring to them the every home in Mexico, in a syste- Word of God. We do not yet have the Since. the founding of the in- whole Bible in Eskimo. . matic house-to-house visitation. stitution, 1,130 lepers have been sent (or gone voluntarily) to They expect to complete this Carville. The inmates are :from 37 states. Four states have each task within seven years. The furnished more than 100. These are: Louisiana, 507; California, work began with three weeks of 158; Texas, 121, and New York, LATIN AMERICA prayer and preparation. One 10l. SJnce 1921, 196 lepers have leader tested the plan in the been paroled, apparently well. Conversion of a Merchant fanatical town of Patzcuaro. Thirty others, also apparently cured, remained voluntarily. Of Don Feliciano is a general In two days over two hundred these.;sent out apparently well, Dr. Hasseltine said, 23 have re- merchant in the Indian village homes were visited, and men and turned with active leprosy. women gladly accepted the Since 1921, 235 have run away. of Cacahuatepec, in an isolated Eighty-five of these are recorded Word. -So S. Times. as still "out," Dr. Hasseltine section of Oaxaca, Mexico. To said, although it is known that some of them have died. get needed medical treatment he Ingathering in Guatemala traveled by airplane and bus to Marked advance is reported in the work among the Quiche Puebla, and during his stay Indians of Guatemala. Las t February there were twenty- started reading a book that eight professions of faith. Two weeks later, at Huehuetanango, gripped him. After returning more than fifty Indians joined the church. During the week home he wrote to Dr. F. L. preceding Easter nineteen more Meadows (medical missionary, became active Christians. In May there were thirteen at in Puebla), asking for a copy Barillas, twenty-one at Retal- hulen, and seven at the dedica- of this book. It was a transla- tion of a new chapel. In three tion of Paul Kanamori's "Three months Rev. Paul Burgess saw 167 publicly dedicate themselves Hour Sermon," which covers to Christ. His own congrega- tion, at Quezaltenango, became the whole scheme of salvation. so large that a new church edi- fice had to be built. Other books followed this one. -The Presbyterian. Czechoslovak Center-Chfcag9 He wrote that he had been a slave to his own ignorance, but At the annual Czechoslovak that now he was free and could Baptist Con v e n t ion of the talk to others on religion. A United States and Canada, held year later Don Feliciano re- in a Czechoslovak church in Chi- turned to Puebla, and on a Sun- cago, several thousand dollars day night in the Baptist church were collected for missionary publicly accepted Christ as his work which the Convention is Saviour. He has now asked an un~ertaking in America, Can- evangelist to come to his little town. -Missions. ada, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Evangelical Work in Paraguay This meeting commemorated 40 Hopeful Signs years of Czechoslovak Baptist It is hoped that the end of the Senor Gonzalez, the secretary Chaco war will allow Christian work in America. to President Cardenas, in an enterprises to go forward un- open letter to Mexican Catholics, hamperea, but the chan,ge to Chicago is a great Czecho- insists that the Catholic clergy military government may cause are inconsistent in demanding some embarrassment to evanslovak center, as 300,000 Czecho- liberties that they cannot, ac- gelical missions, and there is a cording to their dogmas, grant possibility that the religious slovaks live there, and there are to others. He says: "The gov- question will be handled after ernment guarantees to every- the Mexican model. On the seven Czechoslovak B apt i s t body the free exercise of his re- whole, 'however, Evangelicals are ligious beliefs." satisfied with the favorable aschurches, with eleven meeting surances that have been given -Missions. Christian work is now permit- them. Evangelical work in places. ted among "the 5,000 prisoners Paraguay is limited in extent, of the penitentiary in Mexico. but that among the Indians in In Baffin Land One visitor has a list of 120 who the Chaco has acquired :awide have 'accepted 'Gospel potitions, Baffin Land, probably the northernmost of all missionstations, is one of 128 countries to which tl1eScriptureGift Missitm has sent the Bible. Speaking of Scripture distribution there, Mr. Duncan says:
reputation. Evangelistic effort, eign territories, notably in Sene- mit. In these there are more social activity and a mission gal, New Caledonia, Tahiti, than 1,500 scholars, and over among lepers are all represented, and the Loyalty Islands in the 150 teachers.-The Christian. and the International College in South Seas, where, as in Madathe capital is one of the best of gascar, it took over the missions Protestants in Bulgaria such institutions in South Amer- founded by English, American ica. and Norwegian Societies. After Protestantism is stronger and the War, it shared with Amer- more progressive in Bulgaria Vital Work of Bible Societies ican missions the German mis- than in any other Balkan state. sionary work in the mandated The Bible School grew out of a The British and Foreign Bible Cameroun territory. Some of Bib 1e Conference supported Society has been at work in its missionaries labor in Togo- annually for twenty-five years Chile for almost a century; the land and on the Ivory Coast. by the Bible Lands Missions' Aid American Bible Society joined Society. It has two sectionsthem later. Their remarkable -The Life of Faith. one for the training of Biblecirculation of the Bible has led women (some of whom are pasa zealous priest, the Rev. Cosme The Bible in Germany tors' wives); and a three-year Julien, to urge the Archbishop Biblical Theological Seminary of Chile toward a nation-wide The German Bible Societies course for pastors. In the five campaign of preaching based on had a remarkable year in 1934. years of its history, fifty-five stuthe Bible. A Chilean correspond- Persecution has driven the peo- dents have enrolled, and many ent for the Presbyterian Banner ple to the Scriptures. In face of are now working effectually for says: "I have just received a repressive measures of the Hit- Christ as ordained pastors, itin- Roman Catholic edition of the ler regime on churches and the erant evangelists, or lay workfour Gospels which bears the ministry, the Bavarian Society ers. imprimatur of the Bishop of issued 15,269 Bibles as against Argentina. In the introduction 11,970 the preceding year; the There is an annual summer to this attractive little Biblical Saxony Society, 46,994 against school, to which over 100 pasmanual the Bishop writes: 'To 31,062; the Prussian, 169,762 tors and Christian workers make the reading of the word of 'againist 138,990, and the Wurt- gather for a season of Bible God easy is to prepare the way temberg, 844,383 against 715,- study and Christian fellowship. of the Lord. Heaven grant that 542. -Christianity Today. it may reach the hands of the -The Christian. people and great numbers of The Church in Poland them. There is no other way of Polish Jews' Demands reconquering the w 0 rid for The annual conference of mis- Christ.' " sionaries and delegates from the The Jews of Poland have re- indigenous churches in Poland, cently made ten demands of the EUROPE connected with the Russian Mis- government. Among these de- sionary Society, was held this mands are (1) That the name Paris Evangelical Society year at Lutsk. "Christian" shall not be used in any inscription where Jews and For the first time in thirty The conference, which is held Gentiles live side by side; (2) years, with the exception of as much for the teaching and in- that the Jewish Sabbath shall be 1915-16, the Paris Evangelical spiration of the workers, and for officially recognized and that the Foreign Missionary Society has the preaching of the Gospel, as Jews shall have the right to conclosed a year without a deficit. for the conduct of business, cov- duct their businesses on Sunday Pastor Andre Monod writes: "It ered a full week. as if it were a workday; (3) is no longer a question of ampu- that schoolbooks objectionable tating our work; we are able on The record showed that over to the Jews shall be prohibited the contrary to send out all our thirty mission stations had been from the schools; (4) that the missionaries on leave and to send opened during the year, and that title "Christian" as applied to out the indispensable reinforce- there were thirty-four new land, nationality, or church shall ments." workers. The total membership be totally prohibited. is now over 9,000, and the num- This Mission has a long his- ber of evangelists, preachers -World Outlook. tory behind it. At a time when and workers is about 250, most Protestant missions were for- of whom are supported by in- AFRICA bidden in French Colonies the digenous churches. During the Society, founded in 1822, was year these raised a large sum of Cooperation in Egypt given an opening in British money for the support of the South Aft;ica, where it estab- workers, and the maintenance of Rev. E. G. Parry, of Cairo, lished stations in Basutoland, the girls' orphanage at Constan- writes in the C. M. S. Outlook and later in Southern Rhodesia; cin. Sixty-nine Sunday schools that churches in Egypt are beand when the way was open, are now established, but there is coming more and more unity started missions in French for- need for many more, which can conscious, and that so fal:! as pos- be opened as soon as funds per- sible the two great missionary societies in Egypt, the American
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Presbyterian Mission and the Literacy-Test of Progress further training before being C. M. S. have so arranged their in Egypt placed in little churches in the work that there shall be no over- Illiteracy in Egypt is slowly district." -C. M. S. Outlook. lapping. decreasing. In 1917 the census The E gyp tInter – Mission showed that less than 10 per cent New Church at Nshinga Council, formed in 1920, has of men and only 5 per cent of done most valuable work and, women could read. Ten years Christians of Nshinga, Portuthrough its Committee on "Mis- later (1927) the census showed guese Congo, now have their sions and Government," has that 17.5 per cent of men and 2 own substantial house of worbeen able to present a united per cent of women were literate. ship. In 1932 there was but one front on many questions. Today Egypt has a national Christian there; today there are eighty-eight loyal followers Under the inspiration of the An- school system largely through of Christ. At the first service in glican Native Church, effective work the new building four hundred is being undertaken with members of the generosity and interest of the late King Fuad. Thirty-nine and fifty people were' present to the Coptic Church among both Moslems, and Copts. This is chiefly a lay dailies and 257 journals are pub- share in the dedication of this movement, led by the Secretary of the new church. Several incidents C. M. S., an Egyptian priest and an lished. A new book comes off gave the occasion special signifievangelist from Old Cairo Hospital. the press every day. Illiteracy is A group of Anglican and Coptic lay- not an unsurmountable bar to in- cance. A boy of about twe!ve men are being trained to preach and struction, for, as in seventeenth- recited the whole of the Scripto conduct services in village homes ture lesson faultlessly in excelin districts where there is no church century Eng 1and, the fluent lent Portuguese, and a woman within close distance. The work is shared with four men in the extending, and there is a children's reader reads aloud to illiterate singing of a special hymn. meeting run by English and Egyp- groups in coffee houses, shops, private houses, or even in the tians from the Old Cairo Hospital. street. The desire for general The service was not without literacy is growing, and Egyp- its touches of African humor. Fellowship of Unity tian women are demanding The paramount chief was pres- It is some seventeen years schools, equal educational privi- ent, and expressed in a speech leges for girls and marriage re- the joy of himself and his people since the Fellowship of Unity forms. The Egyptian Univer- at possessing at last a prayer- sity has 2,500 students; Govern- house of their own. "But our was inaugurated in Egypt as a ment secondary schools, 16,000 bell is cracked and won't ring. students; high schools, 4,100 What about a new one?" he means of cooperation for the students, and Al Azhar Univer- asked. Quite determined to members of all the Christian sity, 2,600 students. strike while the iron was hot, a communities. It has regularly little later he preferred another -World Survey. request. "What about a docheld services where all the Chris- tor?" He seemed to' think that tian churches, with the exception A New Opening one could produce a church bell of the Roman Catholic, have and a medical man at will. worshiped together. Three years New work has been opened up in Kibondo, an isolated place -C. M. S. Outlook. ago the united service was cele- about 150 miles from Kigoma. brated in the Armenian Church The people are primitive, but Quick Results in Nigeria in Cairo, in 1934, in the Greek ready to listen to the Gospel. Orthodox Cathedral and in No- The ruler of the district is a A native evangelist has revember, 1935, in the Coptic Or- woman, very intelligent, and cently started work among the Eggon people in the district thodox Cathedral of St. Mark. No less than eight Archbishops and Bishops were present on this last occasion, and clergy from French, Lutheran, Anglican, friendly towards the mission- around Lafiya, connected with American, Greek and Scottish aries. She and her husband are the Sudan United Mission. One Protestant churches. The Cop- Moslems; but she is a "hearer," of the first results appeared tic Choir opened with a hymn, although her husband at present when a great man among the which together with the thanks- shows no interest in the Chris- fetish worshipers cam e, and giving prayer that followed, de- tian message. One of the work- with his wife asked the evanlivered in Arabic by the Coptic ers writes: gelist to help him to burn his Bishop of Beni Suef, are from "We have many out-schools idols. After this open profession the ancient Coptic Liturgy. All with African teachers in charge, of faith in Christ, the convert joined in the Lord's Prayer, and we are hoping to train asked that his son-in-law, who made unusually impressive by young evangelists each year. lived two days' journey away, the unique appeal of French, Only this week eight young men might be visited and told. As a English, Armenian, G r e e k, have been placed with good result he, too, asked that his Egyptian and German spoken teachers for twelve months' ex- fetishes should be destroyed, simultaneously. The address perience, after having had three while yet a third idolater folwas given by the Wakeel of the months' training. When they lowed suit. In this district a Patriarch on the subject of the have gained this practical ex- number of raw pagans who are reunion of Christendom. perience they will come in for being trained by the Government
as schoolmasters, are attending the spiritual life inth~ . whole enable the Protestant churches the missionary meetings. sec t ion has been. g rea t I y strengthened and· enriched ; to present a united front in their -The Life of Faith. many have been restored and many: others have been encour- governmental and other public Appreciation of Missions aged· to desire to return to the relations, and to unify the treat- Lord. -Congo Mission News. ment of legal matters. In eccle- The Governor General of the siastical and doctrinal matters Belgian Congo has expressed his WESTERN ASIA the different units composing the sincere appreciation of the excel- synod will retain independence. lent work performed by Prot- Christian School Contacts estant missions, and emphasized Social Changes in Iran the importance of their medical Two of the six members of the work done in cooperation with graduating class at Aleppo, Mrs. Cady Allen, Presbyterian the Government. He thanked Syria, Presbyterian High School missionary in Kermanshah. tells missions for the service they are girls. This may not seem how radically social life has were rendering to the colony, worthy of mention, but probably changed in Iran. and commented on the fine no, other high school in Syria Christian character of many of can make the same boast. Also, Men and their wives call and rethe Congo converts. He further two are Moslem boys; both will ceive callers to gether. At first it all assured the Council that no con- be speakers on the commence- seemed delightfully new and interestfessional discrimination would ment program, one in Arabic and ing, out I soon began to realize that be exercised in the choice of can- the other in French. Th~ father the men made most of the conversadidates for the medical schools of one of· them was a prisoner tion, the hostess was always too busy at Leopoldville or elsewhere, and during the recent nationalist serving the guests to sit down and Protestant boys attending these demonstrations in Syria. The really visit with us. Lately I have schools would be able to follow other is a nephew of one of the been to several parties where just their own religious instruction. high officials in the Department ladies were present, and they have all of Education. One of the great- seemed to enjoy the greater freedom The Governor does not con- est. ~periences these two Mos- and informality, for as yet they are sider the Evangelical Church in lemboys have ever had is their not at ease in mixed crowds. I am the; Congo strong enough to being in a class with two very glad for the removal of the veil be– $tand on its own feet. If, for nice Christian girls. cause I have felt quite a change in aIiy reason, the missionaries some of my friends-it seems as were recalled at this time to Moslem Morality League though they feel closer to us, more their own countries, leaving open and ready to take us into their their converts to struggle alone, A Morality Lea g u e, with lives, more ready to share with us native Christians would not long branches in the towns and vil- their problems. When I visited one withstand the backward pull of lages of Palestine, has been of my veiled friends, or walked with paganism. formed by Moslems under the her on the street, however near and name of "Do and Don't," to dear we might be to each other, there Church Discipline in the Congo maintain the purity of public was a difference. But now we visit morals and insure proper be- each other, or walk together on the Perhaps if the church at home havior in public. The league has street – the difference has disapwere as strict in discipline as the asked the Palestine Government peared. Congo .Church there would be to ban immoral theatrical perfew left on the roll. Native pas- formances. Doctors Go to Church tq1".S and elders are even more s~yere in such measures than ·:",Toward a United Front Here is a church with 10% of are the missionaries. its membership in the medical A plan of organization has profession. In Hamadan, Iran, Because of these very strict been agreed upon by the is a Protestant church with 150 rules about Christian life and churches at work in Syria. members, including Iranians behavior there are necessarily Churches affiliated with the who were former Moslems, Asmany backsliders. At Luebo, a British Reformed Presbyterian syrians, Armenians, Americans personal workers' class has been and the American Reformed and Jewish converts. Fifteen of organized, and each week every Presbyteri3n . miss ion s, the the members of this church are worker is given a list of five or Frie.nds' Yearly Meeting, the doctors and three of the four ten people to hunt up, talk with, Damascus Church of the Irish elders are doctors. This is partly pray with and endeavor to bring Presbyterian mission, the Lu- explained by the fact that in the back to the Lord. Responsibility theran churches connected with earlier years of medical mission for a neighbor's spiritual life is the Danish Mission to the Orient work,; before there was a gova new idea in the Congo, but it and the Evangelical Synod, are ernment. medical school, ambiis growing, and young men, represented in this move toward tious. young men were taken into working with pastors and .evan- unity. The chief purpose is to the mission hospital, and trained gelists, have Peen literally comb- as physicians by the medical ing Luebowith the ,result that missionaries. Most of· these young men, through their Chris- tian contacts and training, be- came earnest Christians them- selves, joined the church, and take an active part in the vari- ous departments.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
INDIA tian children, making it possible lems of Christian literature in Oonverts Among the Bhils for rural children to attend India is that of distribution, and school. Opposition has arisen to do this more effectively vari- The Bhils of Central India of- to the use of this grant and the ous experiments have bee n fer special opportunities for Legislative Council has voted to tried; among them is a motor evangelization. Their homogene- suspend all payment under the caravan provided by friends in ity and, comparative isolation present terms of the resolution. England. Throughout 1935 the make less difficult the spread of the Gospel; their concepts seem The fear has been expressed that caravan was touring India. It to have no subtleties that re- it would operate as an induce- started in the Madras Presidenquire explaining away before ment to members of the De- cy in January and during its they can accept the truth in pressed Classes to become Chris- two-and-a-half months there it Christ, and they respond eager- tians in order that their children sold 10,369 Scriptures. It spent ly to the Gospel. Furthermore, might receive a grant. Under April in the Mysore State, with the acceptance of Christ means the present agitated state of af- a circulation of 2,694 portions. no very great change in their fairs in India regarding the con- Then during May, June and general life. Simplicity is the v e r s ion of the Depressed July it was in the area of the order of their being. A change Classes, it is easy to understand Bombay Auxiliary, finishing in of religion is mostly a change that both Hindus and Moham- the Central Provinces. It was of loyalty; there is no social up- medans would oppose such a hampered by monsoon condi- grant. tions both in actual traveling heaval. and in its selling work, but 7,529 It is characteristic of the At present Hindus and Mo- portions were sold. It then hammedans are receiving over spent August and September in Bhils that so many new converts a hundred thousand 'l"Upees a the area of the North India Auxare eager to carry the message year in the United Provinces for iliary, with sales of 9,155 porto other members of their fam- the support of their communal tions. During the last quarter ily scattered over the villages of schools. -Indian Witness. of the year it was in the Punjab. the area. The need for arousing interest no longer exists; but Triplets in India One Ohamar's Witness teaching is required. The arrival of quintuplets The C. M. S. Outlook has an Where the question of a school would not have been welcomed account of a Chamar, who, two building has been raised, the at this Chamar home where a years ago had been led to Christ people themselves have come Bible woman reports that when through a Christian sweeper, triplets came the caste relatives and started a movement among forward with an offer to erect said: "No woman should have his own class. Through this it, and plans are being made to triplets. The mother must be man's testimony, C ham a r s secure a group of promising punished." The babies all died from neighboring villages be- Bhils who will be fitted to give in a few days, yet the punish- cause inquirers. A group of ment was given. The mother about fQrty";men and women elementary education. S u c h was ordered to bathe in the from two, villages expressed teachers will serve a group of sacred Narbudda River in order their desire to become Chris- to help atone for the sin she tians. Later, fierce persecution villages. must have committed in a past from the caste people partially At a conference, arranged by incarnation. The Panchayat stamped out the movement; but (council) of five demanded during the past year it has rethe Mid-India Christian Coun- twenty rupees, which the family vived and has spread from vilcil, it was decided to make an was too poor to pay. Then they lage to village. ' put the mother on a donkey and effort to secure the cooperation made it run to the home of its Many new Christians are of all Missions working among owner, a washerman. The par- learning to pray; the few who ents were informed that the bai can read are not only feeding on Bhils, with a view to coordinating methods of work, pooling experiences, and establishing common centers for training along special lines, wherever this may prove possible.
-National Christian Coun- could be rescued by the payment the Word of God themselves, but cil Review. ' of any amount which the wash- are teaching others; they are erman demanded. That, too, learning to give t,o God's work Rural Education Problem would be difficult. In vain the out of their, ,qeep poverty, to Bible woman tried to make them The Christians of India are stand persecution, and to win, greatly concerned because of the see the Christian ideal. difficulty in providing primary -World Call. others for Christ. None of them has yet been baptized, except education for the rural Chris- Literature Oaravan' the original Chamar. tian community. In the United Provinces the Government set The year 1935 brought a new Lucknow Ashram aside a sum of ten thousand venture in the work of the Brit- The latest development of the rupees (about $3,300) to be ish and Foreign Bible Society work, which Dr. E. Stanley used as scholarships for Chris- in India. One of the great prob- J ones has been doing among ed'-
ucated Indians for 22 years, has asked to be supplied with equip- Ohefoo School for Deaf been the founding of an Ashram ment for home treatment. This at Lucknow, from which medi- gave the missionaries the idea Those who contributed to the cal, educational and social work of establishing clinics in various Chefoo School for the Deaf have of various kinds is carried on. districts. Twenty of these have made it possible to keep in lt grew out of the Ashram which been opened, all under the super- school fourteen children from he had founded in the Himalayas vision of former leper patients, destitute homes, ten 0 the r s where some 200 people live to- treating more than 500 patients. whose relatives cannot pay more gether in Indian fashion. They The only cost involved is that of than five or ten dollars towards include, he said, Europeans and medicines, but no medicine is food, and fifteen who cannot pay Indians, Government officials given any group which fails to more than one-half the cost of and ardent nationalists, funda- report monthly on the number food. Fifteen of the children mentalists and modernists, con- of injections given. Practically come from homes where one or servatives and radicals, high all clinics show increased at- both parents have died. Fiftycaste and low. "Leave behind tendance, in some instances over five deaf children, eleven girls all race and class distinctions, 100%. and forty-four boys between the all ye who enter here," is one of ages of seven and seventeen, the mottoes on the wall. "Chris- One of the most important have made satisfactory progress tianity has many critics," says and encouraging features of the in learning the language neces- Dr. Jones, "but no rivals in the work is the evangelistic oppor- sary to communicate with their work of human redemption." tunity offered by these estab- home people. lished clinic groups. All the pa- Under the supervision of Dr. tients come from non-Christian An hOUl; and a half is spent on E. Stanley Jones and those as- homes, but the majority, upon Saturday mornings in preparing sociated with him in the Ash- leaving, have accepted Christ. for the Bible lessons which they ram, a series of pamphlets and Christian centers have thus been have on Sunday. One little boy tracts on the Christian message established and two churches from a very poor home in the is being prepared for mailing, have been built. country asked for a Bible when month by month, to the leaders leaving for vacation. As he had of the Depressed Classes and the -Siam Outlook. been in school only two years, aboriginal tribes of I n d i a, his ability to read it was quesgroups numbering perhaps 70,- OHINA tioned, but when by the use of 000,000 people. speech, writing and pantomime, Successful Preaching he made it plain that he would Among the first materials not knock his head to idols and printed and mailed are: the Rev. R. W. Porteous, of the he wanted to learn how to pray Gospel of St. Luke, with helpful C. I. M. Bible Training Institute to the true God in Heaven, he comments and the story of Ditt, at Nanchang, reports that a new was given a copy of the Gospels, a humble Chuhra convert, who Gospel Hall has been opened and and his delight was unbounded. refused to be segregated in the a chapel seating 200. The Gosmission compound, and led, un- pel message has been delivered -Chefoo School Report. der God, a mighty movement of there to attentive crowds almost his former caste fellows into the every night for four months and OhTist Speaks Through the Christian Church. hundreds have indicated their East desire to accept Christ as their -Christian Advocate. Saviour. This provides oppor- An American woman who has tunity for students to do per- lived fifteen years in China, Leper Olinics in Siam sonal work. Two student bands Miss Helen W. Dutton, testifies were assigned to evangelize two to the contributions which that Various estimates of the num- neighboring markets and as a country has made to her life; ber of lepers in Siam have been result several families destroyed best of all, she says, her discovmade from time to time, but their idols. ery of the Christ of the East, none of these is accurate. Fear the Jesus who bade men go the of discovery, leading to ostra- Mr. Porteous writes: second mile; who bade men forcism, persecution, and much give their brother unto seventy suffering, causes large numbers God has been doing a great work times seven; who told men to to go into hiding or to cover all among the wounded soldiers in the love God and their neighbor as signs of their affliction as long military hospitals in the city. Many themselves, who told the rich as possible. However, an esti- have responded to the Gospel appeal, man to sell all his goods and feed mate of 20,000 is approximately though quite a number who, we be- the poor if he would gain the correct. lieve, were saved, did not have an Kin g do m of Heaven'; who opportunity to De baptized before sou g h t the lost sheep and The number of patients being they were called to rejoin their regi- brought it to the fold again; who treated at present in leprosy ments, be discharged. or return to bade men lose their lives for hospitals in Siam is less than their homes; we had, however, the others that they might save 1,000, or only 5% of the esti- joy of seeing 114 baptized in the them – this Jesus the East unmated leper population. For C. 1. M. Church. These have all left derstands and will accept. "The the past three or four years for other provinces or different parts most of the patients on leaving of Kiangsi, and some to their homes, but each with aNew Testament or Bible in his kit.
-The Christian.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Oriental is truly a literalist," Christian training to the chil- Chinese democracy, which is so real as to be unconscious, all meet together says Miss Dutton. "He expects dren and youth of China. Their not only for service but enjoy meetto see in an individual who calls pupils represent 950,000 Protes- ing afterwards, and do so with great himself Christian those qualities tant Christian families. savoir taire. The group is often which Jesus called 'blessed.' Let Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, in joined by lamas, some of whom come him exemplify those traits in his his report on financial conditions from very distant lamaseries in Tibet.
daily living-he will have no in China, fully corroborates the Students' Problems substitute. . . . I see more of report of the American Econom- the gentle, patient Jesus in these ic Mission that "a vast change Prof. D. L. Phelps was recent- Eastern friends of mine. I am is coming over China, a modern- ly asked to address a mid-week glad for my years in China, ization that as compared with assembly at West China Union where I have come to under- ten or even five years ago marks University, Chengtu. He asked stand bet t e r the Oriental many centuries." This opinion the students to send in questions -Advance. is confirmed by those familiar about religion in advance, and Christ."
Child Slavery Today with conditions in widely sepa- in the hour allotted, attempted rated provinces; beyond ques- to answer them. So many ques- It is thirteen years since Mr. tion, China's youth is in the fore- tions were handed in that Prof. Winston Churchill told the front of the struggle for prog- Phelps was given the following House of Commons that he in- ress. week's assembly hour.
tended to abolish child slavery The determined attack upon Dr. H. Bruce Collier of the in the British possession of the opium scourge is part of this faculty analyzed these questions Hongkong within one year-and effort for national salvation. and found that they could be distill the evil continues. A spe- Mr. Hoo, the Chinese delegate vided into five groups: funda- at Geneva, stated last May that mental questions of God, prayer, cial commission has now been nearly 1,000 drug addicts, and meaning of religion, 29 per cent; sent out from England to look drug traffickers were shot in doctrines, miracles and superinto the whole problem. It is China last year. The life of the stitions, 23 per cent; personal doubtful whether there is any- Chinese nation, he added, de- relations to religion, and personthing within the realm of slave pended upon victory in this fight systems so revolting as child again opium. -World Survey. al benefits, 20 per cent; necesslavery-the sale of thousands sity of religion, and uniqueness of little girls say of five years of "Central Asia Trio" of Christianity, 14 per cent; poage, at half-a-crown apiece- litical problems, 14 per cent.
bought for "appreciation" – The British Weekly publishes The largest percentage related bought for sale again at eight to to the nature of God and prayer. ten years of age, for drudgery- a letter from Miss Mildred Ca- Typical questions were: ble, written July 1 from Kansu or worse, without the glimmer province, where she and her col- "Why do you believe in God 1" of an understanding of what leagues, the Misses Francesca "What is the real meaning of awaits them. The cruelties im- and Evangeline French, have prayer?" "Can religion really posed upon them are of such na- arrived after their journey ture that pUblication of them through the Gobi desert. She discover the 'way out' that is the would be prohibited in the Brit- goal of all life?" There were ish press. writes: several very searching ques- tions: A wealthy Chinese gentleman, We have left the "great and terrible "Jesus said that 'whosoever desert" behind us for the fifth time. shall smite thee on the right who has decided to devote his As Christ's ambassadors we have been life and means to the abolition able to tell the Good News in every cheek, turn to him the other alof this gigantic evil, declares oasis on the main trade route. We so.' Now Japan has occupied by that there are more than 4,000,- have had a most touching welcome force our three eastern prov- 000 pitiable little slaves within everywhere. The people last saw us inces ; should we not take the China proper; probably there hurrying away from the "Thunder- five northern provinces and give bolt" and his troops, and many saw are about 10,000 in British me on that same journey with my them to Japan, too?" And "The head bandaged, after the bad kick Powers of Europe and America Hongkong and Malaya. It is which a donkey belonging to a Moslem the job of this new commission gave me. The fact that we have re- are nations that worship God. turned after all this has made many Why, then, are they guilty of to discover their numbers and whereabouts, and to propose to realize. the urgency of our commission. acts of aggression toward the Weare now once again in Tunh- weaker nations?" the government means for put- wang, the City of Sands, and have ting down the unholy traffic go- been able to revisit the beautiful Lake The experiment revealed the ing on between Chinese in China of the Crescent Moon and the Cave of type of religious problem wmch and Chinese inhabitants in Brit- the Thousand Buddhas. occupies the student thought.
ish territories. Every afternoon we hold a service -United Church Record. -The Chronicle. in the large room of our rented house Difficult Mongolia -we call it the Blue Palace. You Changes Show Progress would be interested in the crowd which Seventy-nine missionary soci- gathers there. It always includes a Work among Mongols was strange variety of listeners, from beg- started about a century ago, and gar maids to the wives of the prineties are engaged in giving cipal military officials. Thanks to taken up afresh by James Gil-
mour in 1885. A little over a prohibition was continued for blow to the propagation of civic year ago the new capital of In- another five years, which came idealism; but many older, exner Mongolia was opened at to an end on March 31, 1936. perienced missionaries hold that Pailingmiao formerly a caravan During that period it is esti- "preaching, teaching and philancenter, but nothing more. Mis- mated that the village has saved thropy" sum up the missionary's sionary work had never been 173,000 yen, although most other whole duty, and they disapprove carried on there, but Prince Teh villages have "gone into the all activities capable of arousing Wang granted permission on red." Of this sum, 45,000 yen political suspicions. this occasion. The opposition was spent on the new school, from the lamas caused the lib- 50,000 yen on new homes, 74,000 -New York Times. erty previously granted to be re- yen was invested in cooperative stricted, but good s e r vic e s associations, and 4,000 yen in Rural Newspaper Evangelism among the Mongols, and much the postal savings bank. In adinterest in the Gospel are re- dition, the mayor proudly re- Dr. Daniel C. Buchanan of ported. For several months a ports that the children of the vil- Kyoto finds a wide field for rural Bible Class was carried on lage are better fed and clothed, new spa per evangelism. He among government secretaries, that the children's death rate as writes: and medical treatment has been well as the general death rate given. Today, Pailingmiao is has decreased, that the number The personal interview is the methdeveloping rapidly and boasts a of persons seeking medical at- od par excellence in our work of newstemple, with more than 1,000 tention has decreased 40ro, that paper evangelism in rural districts. lamas. lawsuits, illegitimacy, crime, If a member lives in another part of gambling, police court cases and the Empire, too far away for us to JAPAN election offenses have been done call on him when the time seems away with. propitious, we send his name and ad- "Year of the Monkey" dress to the nearest missionary or -Japan Christian Quarterly. Japanese pastor with the request that Once every twelve years comes he call on the inquirer and try to get the "Year of the Monkey," when American Missionary him linked up with some church. young people ask "whom shall I Excluded Those members who live in our field copy this year?" with a some- we try to call on as often as possible. what sincere belief that thus The refusal of the police to We also encourage them to come to they may improve. The seventy- readmit into Japan Rev. Dr. J. our office whenever they visit the city, five children in the Morning Spencer Kennard, American Thus we have found that the best Star Kindergarten at Yamagu- Baptist missionary, is in the na- way to win a man for Christ is to chi do not wait for the twelfth ture of a bombshell. It is have heart to heart talks with him, year. When they "play kinder- thought there may be a blacklist pray frequently with and for him, garten" there is the piano teach- of other American missionaries and love him into the Kingdom. er, the teacher who leads the cir- suspected of anti-war or labor cle hour and the one who con- sympathies. These missionaries Newspaper evangelism is es- 'ducts the prayer period. The do not expect to be deported, but tablishing groups which willlatlittle mimics do not forget to be fear their next furlough may er develop into churches. The gentle and smiling; the three terminate their careers in J a- work is carried on through ad- 'real teachers looking on are pan. They are social workers of vertising in newspapers and struck by the skill in mimicry, Kagawa's type, but the police mag a z i n e s, correspondence, smiling as they see themselves draw a distinction between a na- monthly magazines sent free of so perfectly portrayed with all tive, like Dr. Kagawa, and for- charge to all members of the their little mannerisms. It is eigners who come on what many church and for three months to not to be wondered at when they Japanese consider the superflu- all inquirers who have not joined say to one another. "Well, if ous mission of bringing Japan a the church, by tract distribution, they copy even us as closely as new religion. and through a loan library, as that, we'll have to see to it that well as through the use of sterewe lead them to copy in all seri- There is no fear that any mis- opticon and moving pictures, ousness the One who is Best." sionaries will run personal risk and personal interviews. or find their freedom of preach- A Model Village ing interferred with, but in the Christian Literature future they will have to' avoid . .A notable experiment in tem- quasi-political activities, such as A group of far sighted misperance was made by the village the propagation of peace or in- sionaries and Japanese Christian of Kawaidani. In 1925, the ternational idealism of the type leaders began in January, 1935, mayor proposed that the village represented by the Fellowship of as one of the activities of the "go dry" for a period of five Reconciliation and kindred or- Christian Literature Society, a years in order to rebuild the vil- ganizations. They may preach Central Christian Library to lage school, which had been de- their faith and teach English, house a collection of Christian stroyed in a fire. So successful but nothing more. A number of books, especially those published was the plan that the term of younger missionaries regard the in Japan since the beginning of police action as a shattering Protestant work. About 4,000 columes have been purchased or received as gifts to date and cat- alogued, the expenses being met largely by Japanese Christians.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Some of the books assembled are voted to intensive. teaching of safe now," but really because of records of martyrdoms, others what the Christian life means. their deep-rooted pagan fear tell of methods of expressing the that if they move away, the spir- Gospel. A reading room well – Watchman-Examiner. supplied with reference books in its of the 73 who were killed will English for the use of clergy, ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC pursue and punish them. Bible students and evangelists; commentaries, dictionaries, etc., Samoan Schools Due to the perseVerance of and a loan library by mail for the Rev. Clifford Nobes, the prodistant workers is part of the For nearly a century the peo- vincial government has taken a ultimate plan. ple of Samoa have been able to hand and by the latest report read and write their own lan- has given the people thirty days Another timely piece of work guage, through the untiring ef- to move away, promising help in Christian literature is the ag- forts of their own Samoan vilgressive program of the five- lage pastors, who have acted al- in moving expenses and in getyear-old Brotherhood of St. An- so as village schoolmasters. In ting new land. The situation is drew in Japan. More than 22,- addition to ordinary school sub- really perilous for there are big 000 copies of the Forward Move- jects the boys are given practiment booklets, adapted and cal training in agriculture, car- new cracks in the mountainside, translated from the American pentry, music and craft work. waiting for a typhoon to start series, have been printed and It is the secret desire, however, more slides. distributed throughout the 271 of nearly every schoolboy to beparishes and missions of the come some day an ordained pas- Protestant Strength in Episcopal Church. tor. Philippines -The Living Church. There are two schools for The National Christian Coun- girls; the one at Papauta ac- cil of the Philippines gives the Result of Teacher's Testimony commodates 150, who enter only on recommendation of village following numerical strength of Mr. Sakata, Principal of the pastors. The school itself is a Protestantism in the Islands: Mary L. Colby School for Girls village where all food supplies in Yokohama, arranged a series are grown on the hillside planta- United Evangelical Church 42,910. of evangelistic meetings with tions and the girls take their (including all members in 82,910. Mr. Kimura. Thirty-five years part in caring for the gardens. regions w her e Presbybefore, Mr. Sakata, a young sol- All practical training can be car- terian, Congregational and 18,0.0.0. dier about to be called into serv- ried out by the girls in their own United Brethren mission- 15,0.0.0., ice, was converted by Mr. Ki- homes when they leave school, 10.,0.0.0. mura and made up his mind that after four or five years' resi- aries are serving) …… . 8,0.0.0. instead of spending his life kill- dence. Methodist Episcopal …… . ing people he would spend it 2,50.0. showing them how to live. Al- Atauloma school has the three- Iglesia Evangelica Metodista most immediately he was called fold aim of helping the students, en las Islas Filipinas …. 250. to Manchuria and was there for finding ways for them to help the ten years. When he came back school and of keeping in touch Iglesia Evangelica de Cristo he trained himself to become a after they leave. Graduates Christian teacher. work to give financial aid. By Baptist ..•……….•….. bazaars or direct giving from Mr. Kimura told of going to their funds they have raised Disciples of Christ ……. . see the young man off when he enough to give four Aladdin was about to leave for Man- lamps for the main hall, £14 to- Association of Baptists for churia. He clasped his hand, ward other improvements. Evangelism in the Orient never expecting to see him again, but God had work for him -L. M. S. Chronicle. Philippine-Borneo Faith Misand brought him back. sion …………..•….. Typhoon Damage The effect of this story was Total …………….. 179,570. direct and fruitful. Almost the With the return of typhoon whole school stood to indicate season in the Philippines, it will "God Hath Spoken" that they too wanted to follow be recalled that last year a great Christ. Mr. Sakata had them landslide buried 73 people in the In a letter received recently go to their class rooms and town of Balogang, near Sagada. from a worker in the Philippine there, if they so desired, they At the time and ever since then Islands, the following story is were to write out their decision, the missionaries at Sagada have told: signing their names. When they been trying to get the remaining were counted there were 307. people of the town to move to a "Soon after our arrival here Committees set to work imme- new site, but the old men, domi- we came across a young man diately and the result is that nating the situation, have re- who had no other book except there is one period a week de- fused, ostensibly because "it is the booklet 'God Hath Spoken.' In all his conversations with his friends he always tried to find God's guidance in this little book, so much so that his friends gave him the nickname An Dios Nag- yakan. Needless to say he soon became an Evangelical Chris- tian, and the proud possessor of aNew Testament." This booklet is issued by the Scripture.Gift Mission in many languages.
-Life of Faith.
MISCELLANEOUS pointing out that the Bible is not those in Japan, Canada, Aus- Faith Missions· merely a Protestant book, as so tralia, South Africa and other often alleged. The remarkable countries. A large proportion A recently published pamphlet thing is that her work is com- of the South African police are summarizes the service of pop- mended by the Cardinal Arch- members of the Association, and ularly called Faith Missions. bishop of Paris. The movement about 1,000 joined last year, The Interdenominational For- had its origin in Italy, where a while more than that number of eign Mission Association of Waldensian pastor describes it New Testaments were circulated North America was formed in as a real Reformation within the among the men, besides thou- 1917 by a group of foreign mis- Catholic Church. Roman Cath- sands of tracts and leaflets. In sionary societies that were not olic writers have also been draw- Japan the work has gradually denominationally related, but ing attention to archreological been becoming more difficult, which held identical doctrinal discovery and its bearing upon chiefly because the police are convictions and adhered to sim- the truth of the Bible. under the military authorities. -The Christian. Each week Captain Gerrard ilar missionary principles and visits the Tokyo Police Training practices. Prayer fellowship, Jews of the World School, where he distributes conferences concerning mission- tracts and Testaments among ary policy, and united appeal for Jews throughout the world to- 200 men. When the men leave world evangelization are aims day number 16,291,000 as com- they are often drafted to remote of the organization. pared with an estimated 4,200,- country villages, and may be the 000 in 1850, according to a sum- only possessors of God's .Word Listed in the order of their in the place. inception, the sixteen societies mary of the work of the noted Jewish statistician, Dr. Erwin There is also a work for wives that are now members of the Rawicz, appearing in the C.-V. of policemen.-The Christian. Association are: The Woman's Zeitung, of Berlin. The rapid Union Missionary Society of America, the China Inland Mis- increase coincides with the A Century's Achievements sion, the India Christian Mis- emancipation of the Jews in sion, the South African General most European countries and the The American Baptist For- Mission, the Central American growth of industrialization, it is eign Mission Society sums up Mission, the Sudan Interior declared, following a heavy de- its achievements of the past cen- Mission, the Ceylon and India crease in the Jewish population tury in a comparison of figures General Mission, the Africa In- in the previous twenty or which include the work of both land Mission, the Bible House of twenty-five centuries. Since the General and the Women's Los Angeles, the Inland South 1800 the general population of Societies: America Missionary Union, the Europe rose from just below Number of missionaries 1836 1935 Bolivian Indian· Mission, the 190 millions to some 500 millions on the foreign fields. 46 590 today. The summary shows Number of organized 3,226 North East India General Mis- 352,413 sion, the Evangelical Union of that there were about three Jews churches ……….. 9 South America, the American per thousand in 1800, about Members of churches abroad …………. 888 European Fellowship, the Ori- seven in 1900, and about eight Number of schools of all 4,372 in 1935. grades ….•…….. 11 noco River Mission and the 10,529 The Jewish population of Number of native work- 32 Latin America Evangelization Great Britain, according to the Campaign. ers ………..•..•. Number of hospitals .. , '" The pamphlet contains a list survey, is 340,000. The Jewish NumiJer of dispensaries … 55 of the officiary of each Mission, population of Germany is given Patients treated …… '" 344,560 and a brief statement concern- as 400,000, compared with an The number of baptisms by ing each society's origin, aim estimated 550,000 at the time of decades indicates the steady and ministry. Copies of the Hitler's advent to power. Jews growth on the mission fields: pamphlet may be secured with- in Palestine numbered 395,000 in 1935-1844 ………•……. 6,653 out cost from the headquarters 1855-1864 …•………•… 12,617 1935. By continents, there were 1875-1884 …………….. 42.,762 of the various mission agencies 1895-1904 …………….. 68,375 listed, or from the Secretary of 9,736,000 Jew in Europe, includ- 1915-1924 …………….. 125,743 the Association, George H. Dow- ing Turkey in Asia and Russia; 1925-1934 …………….. 187,536 knott, 113 Fulton Street, New 560,000 in Africa; 936,000 in York, N. Y. Asia; 5,031,000 in North and Many churches have developed -The King's Business. South America; and 27,000 in their own leadership; among Australia and New Zealand. these are the Chekiang Shang- Bible Reading for Catholics hai Baptist Convention, East A "back-to-the-Bible" tend- -The Jewish Chronicle. Japan Baptist Convention, the Convention of Philippine Bap- International Christian Police ency is noted among Catholics. Founded 53 years ago the In- tist Churches, Inc., the All- A noted archreologist's wife- a ternational Christian Police As- Burma Baptist Convention and Roman Catholic-has published sociation is now world-wide in the Bengal-Orissa B apt i s t some booklets, commending the its activities, and binds the Yearly Meeting. -Watchman-Examiner. reading of the Word of God, and Christian police in England with Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Indian Thought and Its Development. its world- and life-negation in If we must look for another, By Albert Schweitzer. Translated its later development. The book by Mrs. Charles E. B. Russell. pp. is thought-provoking, and is what about the thought of Jesus 272. Price, $2.50. Henry Holt and Company. New York. 1936. packed with accurate informa- Christ? Paul's philosophy was tion regarding the philosophy Dr. Schweitzer has distin- and history of Indian thought. based on it and is still valid and guished himself as philosopher, musician, and doctor in the equa- We believe, however, that the potent. S. M. ZWEMER. torial primeval forests of Africa. author does not place due em- He tells us that Indian thought phasis on the debt of Western Levucka Days. By C. W. Whonsbon attracted him from his youth, es- thought to Christianity. The er- Aston. pp. 95, Paper, 40 cents. pecially through the writings of ror of Hinduism and Buddhism Society for Promoting Christian Schopenhauer and his conviction is not world- and life-negation Knowledge. London. that Indian ethics were con- only, but the denial of worldcerned with the behavior of man and life-reality. In Jesus Christ This small book recounts the in relation to all living beings we have both the affirmation and experiences of a clergyman of and not mer~ly to his fellow negation. His disciples are not the Church of England who man. to be taken out of the world, but spent three years in the Fiji to be kept from the evil that is Islands. The Bishop of Polyne- He speaks of in the world. The Son of Man sia writes a commendatory in- came eating and drinking. The troduction. The narrative illus- "the difficulty of describing defi- world and life in the New Testa- trates the various interests and nite lines i)f development in a ment are not maya, illusion, but problems which face a missionphilosophy which possesses in so re- a great reality. We are not to ary in a field which includes numarkable a degree the will and the leave the world, but to overcome merous islands separated by ability not to perceive contrasts as the world. Weare not to sup- broad ocean spaces in which such, and allows ideas of heteroge- press life, but to seek its fullest navigation is rendered dangerneous character to subsist side by side development. The things that ous by currents and coral reefs. and even brings them into connection are seen are real, but they are with each other. But I believe that also temporal. The things that A. J. BROWN. we, the people of the West, shall only are not seen are real and eternal. rightly comprehend what Indian There is only one reference to Korean Young Folks. By Frederick thought really is and what is its sig- Paul's philosophy and ethics, and S. Miller. pP. 189. $2.00. Fleming nificance for the thought of all man- the author always uses the word H. Revell. New York. 1936. kind, if we succeed in gaining an in- Jesus, not Christ, when referring sight into its processes." to our Lord. These glimpses of life in Ko- rea are not dry descriptions but Beginning with a comparison At the close of the preface the are a series of interesting of Western and Indian thought, sketches of real young people. Dr. Schweitzer sketches the rise reader is told that neither in With such quaint names as of world- and life-negation in Western nor in Indian thought White Dragon, Great Mountain, the Vedas, the teaching of the Seven Stars, Jewel and the like, Upanishads, the rise of Jainism, do we find the ideal or the final- these young folks figure largely Buddhism and its later develop- ity. in the stories of country and vilment outside of India. There are lage life. The reader learns also chapters on present-day "For there must indeed arise a about rice farming and fuel cut- Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, philosophy profounder and more liv- ting, paper-making and house and modern Indian thought. ing than our own and endowed with building, how candy and puffed greater spiritual and ethical force. In rice are made and how kites are The basic distinction between this terrible period through which flown; about weddings and fu- Western thought and that of In- mankind is passing, from the East nerals and ancestor worship. dia is that the former makes th~ and from the West we must all keep affirmation of the world and life, a lookout for the coming of this more We read about Seven Stars while the latter makes its nega- perfect and more powerful form of who butted the goat; about Pigtion. This negation, he holds, is thought which will conquer the hearts gie who rolled off the bridge in void of ethical value, and there- of individuals and compel whole peo- his sleep; about Skylark the donfore Hinduism itself, and more ples to acknowledge its sway. It is for this that we must strive." key who could bray noiselessly especially Buddhism, modified and helped distribute tracts by holding them in his lips; about Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RllvIllW publishers on receipt of price.
[619 ] Kim the gambler and how he ficial relationships brought him ger. It is a true picture of that knew he was a Christian; the into contact. ARTHUR J. BROWN. heroic type of work which has narrow escape of Pak who wouldn't hit back, and a score of Christian Giving. By Clarence Ed- been done in Brazil for more than ward Macartney, D.D. 15 cents. other stories of humor and Zondervan Publishing House, Grand half a century. The author, Wilpathos, rascality and heroism Rapids. 1936. liam Anglin, himself a legiti- mate descendant in the long line and victorious Christian living. Children and adults alike will This is a sermori-;nd – the of missionary pioneers, has writ- ten these simple stories of conread with profit and pleasure preacher being Dr. Macartney- version to give a fresh sense of how a missionary works, how the saving grace of our Lord and Gospels and tracts are distrib- it is in approved sermonic style, the wonderful power of His Gosuted, how Christ changes lives, pel. It will inform, and inspire how Christians testify to non- Scriptural, clear, cogent. It is the reader and stimulate a great- Christians and how and why the er missionary passion. Gospel spreads in a foreign well that it has been published, land. J. E. MORELAND. so as to reach a wider audience. Those who have been enter- Ethiopia. By John H. Shaw, Consul tained and instructed by reading Giving is, of course, only a seg- General of Ethiopia. HOur Korean Friends," by the same author, a veteran mission- ment of the circle of Christian This paper-covered booklet on ary in Korea, will need no urg- Ethiopia, comprising ninety-five ing to secure his new book. Stewardship which Jesus pre- pages, is, as the author states ir his Introduction, an attempt "to WALTER C. ERDMAN. sented whole in his teaching, but portray an honest, truthful pic- ture of this comparatively un- Across the Years. By Charles Sted- giving is the trait Hlikest God known Christian empire, with a man Macfarland. An Autobiog- short outline of the historic raphy. pp. 367. $2.75. The Mac- within the Soul," and it deserves background, the natural re- millan Company. New York. 1936. sources, the people, the govern- to be stressed in "at least a ser- ment, and some of the undercur- Dr. Macfarland was for sev- rents that have led to the preseral years secretary of the Fed- mon every year," as Dr~ Mac- ent difficulties." The aim is too eral Council of the Churches of broad to be carried out success- Christ in America, a post to artney plans, making this the fully in so short a volume and which he was called from a Con- the book as a result is very gregational pastorate in 1911, first of the series. D. McC. sketchy. when forty-five years of age. The Federal Council was then a new A Story of Child Life in Old Peking. The author is very open in his venture, small, weak and with By Margaret Rossiter White. pp. pro-Ethiopian sympathies and no dependable revenue. It was 91. $1.0Q, cloth. Fleming H. Revell makes many statements highly strenuously opposed by some de- Ci. New York. 1936. commending the Emperor Haile nominations and by many min- Selassie The First. Had it been Every child who likes a good story will find this one of the best. In picturing the home life of a well-to-do Chinese family the author gives the pattern of Chinese culture and civilization in a way that the grown-up, as well as the child, will find inter- esting; and the result cannot but develop a bond of under- standing between the races.
H.B. F.
isters and I a y men in the Stories From Brazil. By William possible for the author to place churches which gave it scanty Anglin. With eleven illustrations. this book on the market before support. But its secretary 96 pages. $1. Pickering and Inglis. proved to be a born promoter, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh. the cataclysmic downfall of the: Ethiopian Empire the book and was strongly reenforced by In Brazil there are two dis- would have filled a greater need the growing demand for unity tinct types of missionary work. than at present. Events moved and cooperation in Christian The first is carried on in the so rapidly that even this booklet, work. By his energy and execu- great centers of population and published in 1936, is out of date. tive ability Dr. Macfarland de- at certain points along the At- The predictions made, such as veloped the Council into a large lantic coast where civilization "this nation of warriors would and influential organization. and customs are only slightly fight to the bitter end. The After twenty years, he retired dissimilar to those of North Ethiopian Empire can only be in 1931 as Secretary Emeritus. America. The second is being subdued by killing every man Now, at the age of seventy, he carried on, for the most part, and woman in it" ,have proven reviews his life's work, describ- among the more backward sec- false and the author is no doubt ing his early career and varied tions of the population. as keenly disappointed in the personal experiences, and the These "Stories from Brazil" unexpected collapse of the mocontroversies in which he and relate distinctly to the second rale of the Ethiopian army and the Federal Council were often type. They bear the authentic the flight of Emperor, and as involved. Of special interest is stamp of pioneer missionary ex- disillusioned in the outcome of his account of the various inter- perience, including travel after the struggle and the altruism of denominational and internation- the most primitive fashion and protector nations, as is the al movements of recent decades preaching the Gospel to under- writer of this review, who has and the eminent men in America privileged people, despite 'Perse- himself spent five years in and Europe with whom his of- cution and ever imminent dan- Ethiopia. STUART BERGSMA, M.D.
Booles Popular Commentary on the Interna- An Unusual New
tional Sunday School Lessons. As I Saw Africa. Eva Alice Springer. 1937. 90 cents. 224 pp. Revell. MY BELOVED ARMENIA 243 pp. }>owell & White. Cincin- New York. By MARIE S. BANKER nati, Ohio. . The King's Palace. Pen Pictures A thrilling testimony of her jrirlhood days Almanacs-Daily Light, 13hd.; Our from Ephesians. H. E. Anderson. in the caves of Armenia hiding from the Home, 1d.; Bible Almanac, 2d. 125 pp. 18. Pickering & Inglis. Turks, the suffering of her people in the Pickering & Inglis. London. London. deserts, her remarkable escapes from death, her perilous trip to Smyrna at the time of China Year Book. Edited by H. G. With Christ Into Tomorrow. Hunter the World War, the loyalty of her parents Woodhead. 510 pp. North China B. Blakely. 1GO pp. GO cents. Pres- to Christ, and the persecutions whIch the Daily News and Herald Co., Uni- byterian Committee of Publication. Armenians endured even unto death. Cusversity of Chicago Press, Chicago. Richmond, Va. toms of the Turks described and their hatred of Armenians revealed. Remarkable an- Christians in Other Lands. Compiled China Calling. Frank Houghton. 200 swers to prayer recordet!. How Got! supby Dorothy M. Horne. lB. 6d. pp. $1.00 cloth; 50 cents paper. plied her needs folt!. S. P. G. in F. P. London. China Inland Mission. Philadelphia and Toronto. Intensely Interestln,. and unusually Informing. True to life but reads Calendars-Daily Meditation~ lB. 6d.; The China Inland Mission. like fiction. Stimulatinl to faitb and Golden Grain, lB. 3d.; Golaen Text, By Love Compelled. The Call of the Christian fortitude. lB. 3d.; Daily Manna, lB.; Grace & Trust, lB.; Young Folks Calendar, China Inland Mission. Marshall Beautifully bound in blue cloth ,gold letter- lB.; Pickering & Inglis. London. Broomhall. 12G pp. 85 cents. China i1B, tinted edges; attractive two-color jacket; Inland Mission. Toronto and Phila- illustrated; photo of author; 208 pages; The Church and the Churches. Karl delphia. $1.25. Barth. 92 pp. 75 cents. Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., Grand Rapids, Obituary Not.. YOU WILL APPRECIATE THIS Mich. OUTSTANDING BOOK!
THE BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASS'N 848 N. Wells St. Chicago, Ill. David and Jonathan. Lucy Laing. (C01UJluded from sd cO'IJer.) 9G pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. and director of Indian missions. He Dr. William S. Bovard, Secretary London. was the author of "Mormonism, the of the Methodist Board of Education from 1924-1932, and since then the Golden Grain Almanac. Small-type • • • Islam of America" and other books. head of the Board's promotion work edition, 2d. and Gd.; large-type Bishop Wilbur Patterson Thir- until his retirement last June, died at edition, ~d. and lB. Pickering & kield, retired, of the Methodist Epis- Sierra Madre, California, on Septem- Inglis. LI. ~don. copal Church, leader in Negro educa· ber 16. tion in the United States, died on ••• Golden Grah'. Diary. Vest-pocket November 9th, after several months' edition. lB. to G8. Gd.; Standard Hon. Hampei Nagao and Rev. M. Edition, lB. t<. GB. Gd. Pickering & • • illness at 82 years of age. Inglis. Londoh. Akazawa, two Japanese Christian • High Lights in the Near East. leaders, died recently. The former Reminiscences of nearly 40 years' Col. George Wingate, the founder used his political influence to further service. Abdul-Fady (A. T. Up- of the Central Asian Mission, and a the temperanee cause; and the latter son) • 128 pp. 28. 6d. Marshall, highly honored Christian and promot- was Bishop of the Methodist Church. Morgan & Scott. London. er of Christian work, died recently in England at the age of 84. He was Mexico Today. Col. Irving Speed a member of the board of the Regions Wallace. 364 pp. $2.00. Meador Beyond Missionary Union. Pub. Co. Boston. JUST OFF THE PRESS! My Robber-Captain. C. G. Kilpper. 166 pp. $1.00. Wm. B. Eerdmans The Presbyterian .!,mn~ Pub. Co. Grand Rapids.
New Testament Principles and Mod- A weekly religious newspaper in of tbt ern Missions. By a Missionary its lo6th year of continuous pub- Secretary. Gd. 22 pp. World Do- (!Cbri~tian minion Press. London.
New Testament Commentary. Edited lication under the same name. 1Lift by Herbert C. Allerman. United Lutheran Pub. House. Philadel- It is conservative and evangel- ell BOOK of worship in song, com- phia,l'a. ical, gets its news by telegraph bining a hymnal for general and keeps abreast of the times. church use, and a song book for evan- Portuguese East Africa-A Study of gelistic purposes. Owy songs sound Its Religious Needs. Eduardo Mor- It goes into every state of the in the faith and inspirational-in char- eira. 104 pp. 28. Gd. World Do- Union, the District of Columbia, acter included•••emphasizing Evangel- minion Press. London. and U. S. possessions. ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life. Many of the new._.the best of the old. Reftections of a Pioneer. W. R. S. It goes to Asia and Africa, South Miller. 58. 22G pp. C. M. S. Lon- America, Canada and New Zealand don.
The Silent Oak. Armine Gabriel. 298 pp. $2.50. RevelL New York.
What Maurice Found. Laura A. and into twelve countries of Eu- Barter-Snow. 189 pp. lB. Gd. rope. Pickering & Inglis. London. 504 Songs Responsive Readings Why Quit Our Own. Geo. N. Peek, Subscription Price, • • .' $2.50 Samuel Crowther. D. Van Nos- Ministerial Rate, • • • $2.00 Topical Index Gold Embossed trand Co., New York. Published in round notes and Roxite cloth Christmas in Other Lands. Compiled 50e. extra..·Canadian postage by Dorothy M. Horne. Illus. 63 $1.00 extra•••foreign postage edition only at $65.00 per lOQ….·an especially pp. lB. Gd. S. P. G. in F. P. Lon- low price. Single copy, SSe. postpaid. don. THE PRESBYTERIAN Write todal/ fOT .etumable sample cop, 11'11 Through the Eye to the Heart. 1217 Market: St:reet, Philadelphia, Pa. j Edited br Hy Pickerin~. 28. 1G4 CHRISTIAN PUBUCATIONS. pp. PIckering & Ingbs. London. INCORPORATED Third and Reily Streets Harrisburg, Pa.
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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.
[523 ]
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 — September 1936
1936
Six Chiefs Come to Kwato Emma Belle D. Pierson The Bethel Bands in China Andrew Gih Difficulties of German Christians Conrad Hoffmann, Jr.
What IndianWomanhood Owes to Christ Mohini Dass The New Era of Foreign Missions Julius Richter Hinduism as Seen from Within v. R. Chandra 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
NEWS! Dates to Remember president of the General Council
October 12-18-International Con- the Congregational and Christian Churches of America at the biennial for the Children's Division vention of the Disciples of Christ. meeting of the Council, June 16, at Kansas City, Mo. South Hadley, Mass. Dr. Mary E. Woolley, retiring president of Mount of your Sunday School October 14-15 – Annual Meeting, Holyoke College, was elected honorary American Mission to Lepers, New president. Standard's three completely correlated York City. closely graded courses for the Children's *** Division are outstanding in beauty and October 21-24-National Council of completeness. They offer the important Young Men's Christian Associa- Dr. Webster E. Browning, after and vital advantages of being (1) Christ- tions, Cincinnati, Ohio. forty years of service in South Amer- ica. has been called to act as Record- Centered in that the life of the child is November 17-19 – National Confer- ing Secretary of the Board of Forguided toward the attainment of the ence on the Rural Church, Ames, eign Missions of the Presbyterian Christ ideal through the lessons, and Iowa. Church. He will temporarily share (2) true-to-the-Bible as the revealed responsibilities in the administration Word of God. November 23-24 – United Steward- of the work in Latin America and Af- ship Council Meeting, Dayton, Ohio. rica. BEGINNER'S – PRIMARY JUNIOR CONFEREI'TCES AND SCHOOLS *** OF MISSIONS Rev. Ellsworth M. Smith, of An- THE BEGINNER'S COURSE, fully Affiliated with the Council of Women dover-Newton Theological School, has re-edited, profusely illustrated, with for Home Missions and the Com- been elected field worker of the Amerstory papers in full color. mittee on Women's Work, For- ican Baptist Home Mission Society in the Department of Town and Country THE PRIMARY COURSE. Brand eign Missions Conference Work. He is a graduate of Colgate University (1926) and of Andover- New – the last word in Sunday School Baltimore, Md.-October 19-21. Newton Theological School. lessons. The first year of the new three year course is now ready. Mrs. David D. Baker, 410 N. Cal- *** houn St., Baltimore, Md. THE JUNIOR COURSE, popular in Miss Margaret Wrong, Secretary thousands of schools, has been com- Houston, Texas – September 28 – Ocpletely revised this year. tober 2. of the International Committee on Christian Literature for Africa and Dean – Mrs. A. B. Hynes, 618 who has been visiting Africa during the past few months, is contributing THE STANDARD PUBLISHING CO. Highland, Houston, Texas. an article to our October number on Africa. 8th & Cutter St•., Cincinnati, Ohio, Dept. MR 836 Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul)- *** Please send Free Prospectus and complete informa- September 21-25. tion on Standard Courses along with sample lessons Dr. William E. Shaw, a Methodist and lupporting materials for the______Dept_ Ex. Sec. – Mrs. C. E. Heard, superintendent for the Peoria, Illinois 3020 Colfax Ave., Minneapolis, District, has been elected correspond- Name ………………………………………. _ Minn. ing secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Address …………………………………….. . Southern California (Los AngeZes)- Church. September 21-25. *** City …………………….State …………….. . Mrs. H. M. Horn, 1965 Carmen Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Karlton C. Johnson, the organizing secretary of the South African Na- Warren, Ohio-October 6-7. tional Sunday School Association, is now in Durban leading a campaign The Presbyterian Mrs. George Konold, 314 Scott for the improvement of Sunday St., N. E., Warren, Ohio. schools in that district. He will visit each Sunday school, and following A weekly religious newspaper in Personal Items each visit will meet the staff and sugits lo6th year of continuous pub- gest possibilities for the work. lication under the same name. Mrs. Ruth Stafford Peale was re- cently elected president of the Wom- The Rev. E*dwa*rd * Weeks Cross, It is conservative and evangel- en's Board of Domestic Missions of ical, gets its news by telegraph the Reformed Church of America. pastor of the Union Church, Richand keeps abreast of the times. She is the wife of Dr. Norman Vin- mond Hill, N. Y., has been elected cent Peale, pastor of the Marble Col- president of the Home Mission Boards It goes into every state of the legiate church, New York, and suc- of the Congregational Church in place Union, the District of Columbia, ceeds Mrs. James E. Graham, of Up- of William Horace Day, retired. Mr. and U. S. possessions. per Montclair, N. J. Cross was born in Minneapolis and was graduated from Carlton College It goes to Asia and Africa, South *** in 1907. He took his degree in the- America, Canada and New Zealand ology at Oberlin four years later. His and into twelve countries of Eu- The Rev. J. L. Dodds, Secretary of brother, Roland M. Cross and a sister, rope. the India Council for Northern India, Laura B. Cross, are missionaries in Punjab and Western India Missions, China. Subscription Price, – has accepted the invitation of the Ministerial Rate, Board of Foreign Missions of the *** Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., to be- 50e. extra—Canadian postage come one of the secretaries of the Dr. Harold Storm of the Arabian $1.00 extra—Foreign postage Board in New York. Mission of the Reformed Church in THE PRESBYTERIAN *** America, arrived in Bahrain at the end of March after making a tour 1217 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Herbert B. Clark, of Massa- across Arabia and all around the coast chusetts, has been elected president from Jiddah to Bahrain. He started of the Northern Baptist Convention. on June 10, 1935, and traveled approx- He is a graduate of Williams College imately 5,000 miles. and a business man of very wide in- terests. *** *** Bishop John W. Robinson of the Methodist Episcopal Church in India Roger Ward Babson, eminent sta- has resigned from the office of mis- tistician and lecturer, was elected (Concluded on page 385.)
MISSIONARY Christ' and gives us the
REVIEW OF THE WORLD zeal to go on in this service."
DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor FORD G. LASSE, Missionary of the Africa Inland VOL. LIX SEPT., 1936 NO.9 Mission, Congo Beige. Publication and Business Office- Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. *** Editorial and Executive Office- Miss Mary E. Markley, President of 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. the American Section of the Govern- Entered as second-class matter at ing Board of St. Christopher's Train- ing College, Madras, India, will be Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., undel glad to give information about the Act of March 3, 1879. school. Mrs. F. G. Cook, whose name is mentioned in the footnote of an 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. article about the school in our July Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. issue, died some time ago. Published monthly, except Aug••st, All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935, Personal Items British agents – Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, (Concluded from 2d cover.) London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, 10 shlllings a year.
MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- sionary bishop to which he was elected LISHING CO., INC. in 1912. In 1920 he was elected gen- BOARD OF DIRECTORS eral superintendent. Bishop Robinson ROBERT E, SPEER, l'rcsident went to India as a missionary in 1892 A. L, WARNSHUIS, Vice-PreBident and has rendered very efficient, loving WALTER MCDOUGALL, 'l'reasurer service for the past 44 years. DELAVAN L, PIERSON, Secretary SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT *** WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN Miss Jenny de Mayer, the Russian D. J, FANT MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Christian, has at last been released WM. B. LIPPHARD by the Soviet after "three banishments and eight prison stays." Miss de ERIC M. NORTH SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Mayer is now in Palestine and is eager When your Call comes from the East … to do something for Moslems and SAIL BY P&O others out of Christ. Her hope is to Choose the convenient and traditional Editorial Chat look up the numerous Onsbek refugees way, to whatever part of the East the from Turkestan who have settled in work of the Faith may take you … to Egypt, Sudan, the Persian Gulf, India, In view of the necessary absence of Jerusalem, Haifa, Beirut, Damascus, Burma, Ceylon, Straits Settlements, the editor from the office of THE RE- and to distribute among them the China,Japan, Australia, New Zealand, VIEW for several weeks, Mr. Robert stock of her Onsbek tracts. East or South Africa. Just cross to M. Kurtz, recently editor of The Bib- England by Cunard White Star and lical Review of New York has kindly *** sail from there in any Liner of the undertaken to edit THE REVIEW for great P & 0 fleet … including the new October. Mr. Kurtz's work on the Rev. F. Raymond Clee, D.D., pas- sister-ships Strathnaver, Strathaird quarterly has made him well and fa- tor of the Old Bergen Reformed and Strathmore. You'll enjoy the utvorably known to a wide circle of Church of Jersey City, the oldest Prot- most comfort of this western world, readers. He is a member of the estant church in New Jersey, and one all the way East! Executive Committee of the American of the leading younger men in the de- Tract Society and is busy in many nomination, was elected president of Convenient through bookings can be arranged other forms of Christian service. the 130th General Synod of the Re- by your local travel agent or any office of formed Church in America this year. *** Rev. John R. Mulder, D.D., Professor CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE of Pastoral Theology of the Western Our next issue, October, will deal Theological Seminary of Holland, General Agents with the foreign mission study topic, Michigan, was made vice-president. 25 Broadway and 638 Fifth Avenue, New York Africa. Many interesting articles have *** been prepared by missionaries, mis- • Dr. G. Campbell Morgan will celesion executives and native African brate his sixtieth anniversary as a Christians. This issue of THE REVIEW, preacher next December. He began to with its wealth of information on Af- preach when he was thirteen years rica, will be a stimulus to many. Spe- old. Few living preachers have decial rates for quantities ordered at one livered as many sermons, lectures, and addresses, as this honored Bibletime. teacher, whose ministry still attracts 1,800 people every. week. *** The August issue of THE REVIEW was omitted-to save expense and be- Dr. Henry H*. R*igg*s of the famous cause many readers are away from home. To compensate for this the June, missionary family of Turkey, has ac- July, September and October issues cepted the invitation of the Near East each contain sixteen extra pages. Christian Council to become its exec- *** utive secretary. He succeeds Dr. RO.J- . ert P. Wilder who very efficiently filled What our readers think is shown in that office for six years. letters. "We not only keenly enjoy THE RI!l- VIEW but cannot help but realize how Dr. Wi11iam* F.* Fr*azier who has narrow and limited would be our view- been Congregational Superintendent point and our vision out here in Cen- of Vermont and Connecticut, was tral Africa were it not for these chosen by the General Council of the glimpses that give us Current Events, Congregational and Christian Church- Spiritual Teaching, and that benefit es to fill the position of executive that deepens the understanding and vice-president of the Home Mission broadens the sympathy resulting in Boards. He is a graduate of Oberlin.
the edification that brings us day by His headquarters are to be in New day to the 'stature of the fullness of York.
[385 ]
A RECENT TOUR—–<CECIL ABEL AND HEATHEN MEN OF
THE KWATO EVANGELISTIC TEAM, WITH CARRIERS AT AMAU VILLAGE The Rest House, built for the team by Blruma, is on the right. Davida, the Kwato Evangelist, is in the center with a gun. The team crossed the mountains in the distance. REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER, 1936 Topics of the Times PLANS FOR THE I. M. C.-HANGCHOW, 1938 hensive endeavor. Groups will also be formed in Western countries to study the problem of evangelism, and keep Plans are being made to hold the next general in touch with the general investigation.
meeting of the International Missionary Council c. The Life of the Church. Preparation under this head in China-ten years after the important meeting comprises: in Jerusalem in 1928. The Ad Interim committee of the Council met (June 4 to 8) at Old Jordans, (1) Studies of the inner life of the Church, its worship, the religious life of the home, and the problem of religious education.
near London, England, and the principal decisions (2) The enlisting of lay voluntary leadership; the re- regarding the 1938 meeting may be summarized cruiting, enlisting and training of lay voluntary service as follows. * in the upbuilding of the Church and in evangelistic work; the raising up of more lay service in so-called homebase 1. The place of meeting is to be Hangchow, China. This countries in furtherance of the main aims of the 1938 is a modification of the earlier proposal to hold the meet- Meeting.
ing in Kowloon, near Hongkong. The change was made (3) The nature and meaning of the Church. Here it is because of the strong recommendations of both the Chi-· proposed to encourage the publication of individual and nese and Japanese National Councils. The holding of this group studies by national leaders on the subject of the meeting in the Far East is significant in that it is evi- Church.
dence of the growth of the churches in Asia, and of their (4) The relation of the Church to Christian movements place in the future program of the whole Church. The outside the Church such as are found in Japan, China, "homebase" of missions is now world-wide, and East and India, Latin America and elsewhere.
West must work together for the evangelization of the (5) The relation of the Church to the cultural heritage world. of the different countries.
2. The meeting will be held during approximately a (6) The bearing of education on the life of the Church.
fortnight through the closing days of September and A definite effort will be made to survey the findings of the opening days of October, 1938. recent Commissions on different aspects of educational 3. The central theme is to be the Church. This means policy as they bear directly upon the life of the Church.
the universal Church, for the central issue all over the (7) The bearing of medical missions on the life of the world is the Church's life and witness in the face of the Church as shown in connection with studies on medical world situation. The meeting, being held in Asia, while missionary work recently undertaken in China, India and maintaining its ecumenical outlook, will have as its pri· other countries.
mary and immediate interest the development of the (8) The work of the missionary and his training for younger Christian communities as living members of the service under present conditions.
universal historic Christian fellowship. d. The Church and Its Environment. Here there are 4. This central theme comprises five main subjects: four main problems on which it is necessary that work a. The Faith by which the Church lives. It was agreed should be undertaken.
that the statement of the Christian Message as the basis (1) The economic basis of the Church will be studied of world-wide evangelistic work accepted at the Jerusalem in order that definite information may be made available Meeting has been so widely used throughout the world for the leaders of the Church as they face such problems that it is needless to repeat the work that was done there. as the support of the ministry and the maintenance of The need is to relate that message to the changing condi- Church life and worship.
tions of the time. (2) The Church and the changing economic and social b. The Witness of the Church. It is proposed to pro- order. In view of the pressure of the economic situation mote in all countries a study of evangelistic work, to be throughout the world, it is proposed that J. Merle Davis carried out under the guidance of the National Christian should transfer his office to Shanghai, spending the next Councils. All mission boards will be invited to urge upon two to three years in the Far East and India, and that he their missionaries the fullest cooperation in this compre- shall confer with the leaders of the National Christian Councils and of the younger churches as to the nature • The minutes of this meeting have been published and may be ob- of the service which the Church should perform in this tained on application to the Secretaries, 156 Fifth Avenue, New field. York. (Price 10 cents.) [ 387]
(3) The problem of war. In all countries alike the duism re-absorbed much of this reform movement danger of war and the question of the duty of the Chris- and it became possible for Hindus to take over tian in relation to war are matters of urgent concern. what they wished of Christian teaching, provided Regard will be paid to the need for representing Chris- only that they adhered to caste restrictions. tian th'Ought on this subject. Thereafter the Christian movement in India be- came more and more a movement among the low- (4) The challenge of the modern State to the Church. caste or outcaste people; and for two generations Definite study will be undertaken in regard to the diffi- now multitudes of these people have been coming culties of maintaining Christian education under regula- into the Christian Church. By reason of their tions enf'Orced by some governments, and the menace poverty and ignorance they have constituted a offered in certain countries to conversion and to religious great problem for the Church. But, on the other freedom. hand, the obvious transforming influence of Christ working among them has been the most effective e. Closer Cooperation. Under this head three main sub- apologetic for Christianity in India. jects are to be studied: New terminology is now coming into use. In- (1) How to enlist groups of people who stand outside stead of being called the "lowcaste" or "outcaste" the fellowship of the Council and its related bodies. people, these unprivileged millions are now called the "depressed" classes or, in a phrase suggested (2) The financing of cooperative enterprises. by Bishop Azariah, perhaps the foremost Indian (3) The question of cooperation in practical work, the leader in the Christian Church, the "exterior" promoting 'Of more vigorous united activity, and the se- castes. curing of more common planning of Christian work in areas where the situation demands it. Now a new situation has recently arisen of (4) Every effort will be made in carrying out these which the Rev. William Paton, who has just repreparations to observe two principles: First, no attempt turned from India, writes: will be made to lay upon overburdened people fresh labori in the study and preparation unrelated to what they The movement among the depressed classes is both deep are now engaged upon. Second, it is vital to the success and extensive. The regions in which I happened to hear of this work that it should be conceived of, not as prep- most about it were the United Provinces, the Central aration for a meeting, but as the embarking of Christian Provinces, the Telugu country and Travancore. A meetpeople throughout the world upon a combined adventure ing of representatives of the Indian Church and the Misof work, thought and prayer related at every turn t'O the sions in the United Provinces agreed that while in the practical needs of the day, and bent upon the discovery western part of the Provinces the movement of the deof the will of God. In this combined adventure, which pressed classes toward the Church was strongest, and was must extend over years, the meeting will occupy a central rapidly growing in such a way as to demand Christian place, f'Or in it will be gathered up the lessons of experi- reinforcement, the attitude of the same class in all parts ence, and through it fresh light will be thrown upon the of the Province was such that consistent witnessing by problems of the day, and a new incentive gained in the the Christian Church would be attended by n'Otable results further carrying out of the work. everywhere. In the Central Provinces Bishop Pickett has followed up his Mass Movement Report by spending s'Ome The participation of the American churches in weeks in different parts of the Central Provinces studying this adventure will be organized under a special the evangelistic opportunities with Indian Christians and committee appointed by the Foreign Missions missionaries in the light of the principles 'Of his report. Conference of North America. Both missionaries and Indian Christians assured me th8" a number of groups, some depressed class, some aborig-· The need for prayer is emphasized and the wid- inal, were moving as communities towards the Church, ei' use of the Council's "Call to Prayer" is desired. and the Mid-India Christian Council is taking steps to press forward with a campaign of evangelism combined Two other actions of the Ad Interim committee with an attempt to bring to bear the principles of the will be of general interest: first, a new statistical Pickett Report in the study of what had been regarded survey was launched. The last world-wide statis- as sterile areas. tics of Protestant foreign missions were published in the World Missionary Atlas in 1925. The new The great movement in the Telugu country is familiar survey will" be based on the situation as of the to all. It is estimated that in the last two years 112,000 year· 1935. The committee responsible for the persons joined the Church in different parts of the Telugu study is internationally representative; the exec- area. As is well known, the depressed class movement utive offices will be in New York and the Director has in this part 'Of India been so strong and well led that is Mr. Joseph 1. Parker. it has had a profound effect upon the Sudra, or middle caste people, and the considerable accretions to the Church Second, the Archbishop of York was invited to which have come from these groups have been drawn, it serve as a Vice-chairman of the Council in place is interesting to note, mainly from the lowest group of of the late Bishop of Salisbury. the Sudras who are nearest to the depressed classes, and from the highest groups where there is leadership and A. L. WARNSHUIS. understanding sufficient to recognize the great issues at stake. THE "EXTERIOR" CASTE MOVEMENT IN INDIA Possibly the largest single movement by which the Church is confronted in the whole 'Of India is that of the In the early years of the missionary movement Ezhavas in Travancore, Cochin and British Malabar. in India many of the converts were from the higher castes in Hinduism. Then the Hindu reform movements began which supplied a half-way place between Hinduism and Christianity. Later Hin-
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
These people are not strictly "Untouchable" or "De- madiyas and others spoke through representapressed," and are rather similar in status to the Nadars tives. Two Christian speakers were heard, of of Tinnevelly, who have been the backbone of the Tinne- whom the Rev. John E. Wallace, of Mainpuri, velly church. Their lower grades are nearer to the Un- who was present, writes: touchables in status, but in their higher reaches they have men in the professions. I was told in southwest India Owing to the crowd, the heat, and the great length of that the total community numbers 2% millions, though this the meeting the speakers did not have an easy time in may be an exaggeration. There is deep unrest among putting their messages across. Our Christian representathem, and a steadily increasing movement for breaking tives were handicapped in coming on the program almost with Hinduism. I understand that they have been pass- at the last after four hours of continuous meeting, and ing resolutions by 90% majorities in groups all over the the Rev. John Subhan was able to present only a part of territory, expressing their desire to become Christians, his message because of the noise. Mrs. Mohini Dass, howand already their leaders have been in touch with Chris- ever, was aDle to get better attention and gave a powerful tian leaders in Kottayam. A special conference held in talk. The next day we heard from several different sources March in Alwaye considered ways by which the Syrian, that the Depressed Class leaders themselves considered Anglican and South India United Churches could coop- the addresses of the Sikh representative and Mrs. Mohini erate in meeting this gigantic opportunity, and it is fully Dass as the two best. On Sunday morning a number of recognized that nothing less than an enormous outpouring the leaders accepted an invitation to attend church service of voluntary service can be of any use. at one of the English churches, where the Rev. Abdul Haqq of our (Presbyterian) church gave a strong message The latest developments of the movement among the "exterior" castes may be said to have A number of us too received permission to attend the begun with the meeting of low castes at Yeola, meetings of their representatives, not open to the gennear Nasik, in the Bombay Presidency in October, eral public. From these personal contacts and conversa- 1935. At that time Dr. Ambedkar, Principal of tions it is apparent that there are many of the Depressed the Law College in Bombay and representative Class leaders who are very strongly inclined towards of the outcastes at the Round Table Conference, Christianity. The Conference in Lucknow took action declared that while he was born a Hindu, he did supporting Dr. Ambedkar's resolve to leave the fold of not intend to die a Hindu and advised the low- Hinduism, but to take no definite step for at least a year. caste people to reject the religion which had been the cause of their misery and to choose for them- The Lucknow Conference took no final action selves some other religion that would guarantee except that the exterior castes would not remain freedom and brotherhood. On November 10, within the Hindu fold. The following are the first 1935, Dr. Ambedkar had a conference with some two of the six resolutions adopted by the Conferprogressive caste Hindus who had been appointed ences: at a meeting on October 26. The report on his position in this interview was summed up by (1) (a) This Conference expresses its full confidence in Dr. Ambedkar, as follows: Doctor Ambedkar, the world renowned leader of the De- pressed Classes. (b) It also supports the resolution passed In brief, being born in the untouchable community, I at the Yeola Conference of the Depressed Classes in the deem it my first duty to strive for its interest and my District of Nasik declaring in favor of a change of reliduty to India as a whole is secondary. I have strong gion. (c) While this Conference declares that for their religious sentiment according to my own conception of salvation the Depressed Classes should not remain within religion, but I have no faith in Hinduism and I hate hy- the Hindu fold it further enjoins that the Depressed pocrisy. I have therefore decided to renounce Hinduism, Classes of this country must not embrace any religion, but I do not intend to do so immediately as I want to until the matter of their conversion is finally decided by carry my community with me. The Harijan army is not an All-India Depressed Classes Conference under the marching today and it is watching and waiting for a leadership of Dr. Ambedkar, after careful study of everysuitable opportunity. In the meanwhile, the "touchables" thing involved. may go on making their efforts on the lines chalked out by you … (2) In order to consider the whole question of the con- version of the Depressed Classes to another religion; this From the point of view of the interests of my commu- Conference appoints a committee consisting of the follownity it is necessary that it should be united with and ab- ing persons, with power to coopt other members. (Ninesorbed into some powerful and living community. It is teen names are given.) This committee after examining my intention to make this movement for change of re- the different aspects of all the religions and considering ligion an all-India one. If my community does not follow the whole matter in the interest of the Depressed Classes me then I will alone change my religion. should submit their report to the All-India Depressed Classes Conference. This committee will also work as From these beginnings agitation has spread the Executive body of this Conference. far and wide among the lowcaste people of India. In many local gatherings the question was de- Following the Lucknow Meeting there were bated as to which religion should be chosen, and meetings both in Madras and in Bombay. The after several postponements an All India Con- Times of India reports that the Bombay Conferference was held at Lucknow on May 22, 1936, ence, of nearly 10,000 men and women, urged on at which representatives of the different religions its members to stop worshiping Hindu deities, of India were invited to speak. The Mohamme- stop observing Hindu festivals, and stop visiting dans, Buddhists, Bahais, Sikhs, Quadianis, Ah- Hindu holy places.
Another great meeting was held at Dadar in the Bombay Presidency at which Dr. Ambedkar
spoke and at which similar resolutions were King displayed a keen interest in the proceedings, adopted. Mrs. Updegraff of Nipani writes of this personally attending a number of sessions and meeting: entertaining the leaders at a reception at the royal palace. Bishop Lunde, Primate of the Church of Although there were from fifteen to twenty thousand Norway, presided at the opening session and took people present everything went off like clockwork, quietly an active part in the convention arrangements. and sympathetically. Another presiding officer of distinction was Hon. Lord Kinnaird of England. Among the greetings Many special thoughts from Dr. Ambedkar's speech had received, was one from King Edward VIn and been printed beforehand and posted in prominent places an extended and striking message from Generalin the Audience Hall . . . Here are some of the above issimo Chiang Kai-shek of China. mentioned sentences in his speech: The reports place the present membership of 1. Why do you stay in a religion which does not allow the Sunday schools connected with the Associayou to become educated? tion at thirty-eight million-an army of peace far exceeding, numerically, all the standing armies 2. Why do you stay in a religion which comes between of the world. More than one-half of this vast you and employment? membership is in the United States, but impor- tant advances are reported from China, Africa 3. If you wish to live happily, change your religion. and other lands. There are 419,000 pupils in the 4. If you wish to gain independence, change your re- Sunday schools of South Africa alone, and 200,- ligion. 000 children in the Sunday schools of China, with 5. The religion that says to the illiterate, remain illit- 6,500 teachers. By way of contrast there are but erate, to the poor, remain poor, and gives this teaching, 7,500 Sunday school children in Italy, with 579 is no religion-it is punishment. teachers. 6. The religion that does not feel defiled when it touches impurity but feels defiled by touching a man, that is no The Convention theme was "Christ the Hope religion, it is foolishness. of the World" and the addresses were largely on 7. Why do you remain in a religion which at every step this lofty evangelical plane. Sir Harold Mackindestroys your self respect? tosh, President of the Association, proved an able The speaker making the address of welcome said: "In chairman. His brief addresses were marked by getting ready to change their religion (to prepare for it) unusual felicity and tact. Among the leading even old men and women in villages have thrown out of speakers, in addition to those mentioned, were their houses like rubbish their Hindu shrines and religious Hon. Nils Hjelntveit, representing the Norwegian books, etc.! People have become so ready to throw over Government, Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa, of Japan, Dr. Hinduism that whenever Dr. Ambedkar or his leaders D. Willard Lyon, of China, Dr. S. W. Hughes, of will say so, the Mahars will do whatever they say and London, Professor Daniel Lamont, Moderator of join whatever religion they tell them to join." the Church of Scotland, Dean Luther Weigle, of It is evident that a movement has begun, Yale Divinity School, and the very Rev. Garfield freighted with almost boundless possibilities for Williams, D.D., Dean of Manchester Cathedral. good or evil. The National Christian Council of The General Secretaries, Dr. Robert M. Hopkins, India is seeking to provide wise guidance for the of New York, and Dr. James Kelly, of Glasgow, Christian forces, and there should be prayer in interesting addresses dealt with the progress through the whole Church throughout the world of the movement and the challenge for the future. for all missionaries in India who are related in Workers from many lands gave encouraging reany way to the deep stirrings of the sixty million ports of progress, though in certain countries of people who may be affected by these movements Europe as well as of Asia they labor against alin their attitude toward Christianity. most insuperable obstacles. As Dr. Kelly ex- pressed it, "In some countries evangelical Prot- ROBERT E. SPEER. estantism is fighting for its life with its back against the wall." THE WORLD'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION A large number of departmental conferences dealing with methods, details of administration, The twelfth quadrennial convention of the and other topics, were held in different churches World's Sunday School Association, held in Oslo, of Oslo, led by specialists in the various branches Norway, July 6-12, was a striking manifestation of activity. Growing out of all these sessions there of the solidarity and influence of this world-em- appeared to be a consensus of opinion that the bracing movement for the spiritual welfare of missionary enterprise had been in the past too childhood and youth. The attendance of 3,000 largely an adult movement and that a vastly more delegates taxed to the utmost the accommodations fruitful field was to be found among the children, of the Norwegian capital. Representatives were present from practically every nation on the globe, the largest delegation-820-being from the United States.
The land of the Vikings presents a particularly happy setting for a world convention of Christians. Ninety per cent of its people are said to be connected with the Evangelical Church. The
who in all parts of the world are keenly alive to opinion on points of teaching and emphasis, the new influences and who are especially looking to cause of division was the question of obedience to the more advanced countries for light and guid- constituted authority. Ballington Booth, the son ance. of the founder of the Army and commander of Officers for the new quadrennium were elected the forces in North America, resigned from the as follows: President: Sir Harold Mackintosh, Army rather than to obey the order transferring Halifax, England; Vice-Presidents: Dr. Charles him to India. A result was a split in the Army Anderson, Capetown, South Africa; Sr. Jose Luis in America, with much bitterness and strife. Effi- F. Braga, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; James Cun- ciency and discipline were endangered. In the ningham, J. P., Glasgow, Scotland; Dr. Bayard midst of this dispute one officer, a major, then Dodge, Beirut, Syria; The Rt. Rev. Dr. Erling later commissioner of the Army, Samuel Brengle, Eidem, Archbishop of Upsala, Sweden; Charles stands out as an exponent of the Spirit of Christ. He was a graduate of DePauw University and of Francis, Montclair, N. J.; Theron Gibson, Toron- Boston University School of Theology and was to, Canada; The Rt. Rev. Johan Lunde, Oslo, devoting his rare talents to the saving of souls Norway; Sir John A. Roxburgh, Glasgow, Scot- and the promotion of spiritual life in the ranks. land; Rev. Dr. Sven O. Sigmond, Brooklyn, N. Y.; In the midst of this crisis Samuel Brengle refused Dr. Tadavki Yamamoto, Tokyo, Japan. to be turned aside from his main purpose and to be involved in fraternal strife. He wrote at this A Convention Edition of the New Testament time: and Psalms was furnished by the National Bible Society of Scotland, a copy being presented to each delegate. A richly bound copy of this Tes- "God is calling us to heart-humbling prayer…. We tament was also presented to the King of Norway. must beware and not let love leak out of our hearts, and The New York Bible Society also presented each bitterness and ill-will creep in. If we do, the devil will delegate with a copy of the Gospel of John in have accomplished his purpose even though our rivals should disband tomorrow. . . . It seems to me that now English and Norwegian. is the time to strike root; to deal with our people to make The next Convention of the Association will be them mighty in God." held in South Africa in 1940. This was decided He launched no diatribes against his rivals-even with- drew to another street when meetings were started obupon in view of the present opportunity for Chris- viously designed to embarrass and draw away his crowds.
tian service in Africa. The month tentatively "I am praying God," he said, "to thwart his efforts to suggested is August and the city is likely to be do us harm, but to bless him if he devotes himself to get- ting souls saved." either Capetown or Johannesberg. HUGH R. MONRO. A woman in the flat over Officer Brengle heard him preach in a Methodist church and asked if she might come down to his family prayers. One morning she was late CHRISTIAN UNION AND DIVISION and listened outside the door. "The Lord poured out the spirit of prayer mightily" on Brengle that morning, and In spite of the standards and ideals set up by the woman was brought to her Saviour's feet. Officer Brengle "trembled for days at the thought of how she Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, the tend- might have been lost" if his prayer had been unloving or ency among many of His professed followers vindictive as he mentioned the rift in the Army. seems to be to divide rather than to unite. The ideal of the Christian army is not only loyalty to Is there not great danger today, in the Presby- the supreme commander, but unity and coopera- terian and other churches, that Christians will be tion in the campaign to win men to God through hindered in their testimony by being turned aside Christ. The ideal of the Church as the Body is from the one great purpose of the Church to win unity-but not uniformity-under the absolute men to God and to cooperate under the Divine control of Christ, the Head. Yet how far we come, Head in carrying forward His campaign?
as Christians, from reaching this ideal! The Prot- In the past twenty-five years many movements estant Church, with all its education in the Word have sprung up all over the world to reunite the of God, is divided {nto over 200 separate sects, followers of Christ and so to avoid even the aptoo often engaged in rivalry and disputes, rather pearance of strife in the Church, and waste of than in a common campaign against sin and for money and effort that reduces efficiency and hin- the salvation of men to the glory of Christ. ders her testimony to the world.
In view of the most recent division that has As in the Salvation Army forty years ago, the taken place in one of the largest and most influ- chief cause of strife in the Church seems to be ential Christian bodies in North America (The due, not so much to a desire for freedom in fol- Presbyterian Church); it may be helpful to note lowing the leadership of the Holy Spirit, as in a the lessons taught by a similar division in the desire to decide for others in matters of Biblical Salvation Army, forty years ago. Then as now, interpretation, in the fitness of candidates and as while there were doubtless many differences of to who shall exercise authority in the Church.
The desire to rule as dictators to others or to important to note the methods employed in anti- Christian teaching in America. There are those refuse to recognize any human authority seems who pride themselves on their liberalism and broadmindedness who would be called zealots and to be characteristic of some otherwise good men. fanatics if they were extending the knowledge of Christ in the same way that they attack Him. Is not the great question in the Church today, The General Secretary of the International How can we best exalt and glorify Jesus Christ Christian Crusade, Maud Howe, of Toronto, has contributed to The King's Business an article as Lord and Saviour and how can we best fulfill headed by the question: "How Can the New Athe- ism Be Met?" We give a few striking quotations: His desire expressed in His high-priestly prayer: "That they all may be one … that the world may believe … that the love wherewith thou lovest me may be in them, and I in them" (John 17: 21-26) ? D. L. P.
"WHEN YOU BECOME A UNITARIAN" Christian parents, Christian young people, and leaders in evangelical churches too often regard as "alarmists" Presumably every enlightened person would those who warn of the deadly peril of an aggressive contend earnestly for the right of everyone to "under-cover" atheism. We of the International Christian believe as he saw fit, and to express his beliefs Crusade (formerly the Canadian Christian Crusade) would freely. However, freedom of speech should be call attention to the fact that in this day there is a "New governed by high ideals, a thing many preachers Atheism," a world apostasy that embraces far more foland teachers seem to have overlooked. If a man lowers than do merely the communistic groups or the does not believe the Bible it is his right to say visible organizations such as the "4 A's" (American Assoso to those he meets in a general way, but it is ciation for the Advancement of Atheism). This new athenot his right to express his unbelief to students ism already claims a membership of over seventeen million in a conservative Christian school which may, members, placed in sixty-four countries of the world, workthrough some oversight, have engaged him as a ing, as many atheists have told me personally, "night and teacher. day" to bring about world revolution.
So also the preacher or missionary who has The "new atheism" is not the classical free thought of never accepted Christ as His Divine Saviour, or the seventeenth century in any sense of the world; it is a who has afterward abandoned that faith, has no far more subtle and dangerous thing. The new atheism right to proclaim his disloyal views, in his pUlpit invites into its membership every cult and ism under the or elsewhere. Outside its religious aspects, this sun, except the teaching of salvation through the cross of is a matter of fundamental ethical principle, and Calvary. Its elasticity reaches out to Evolution, Humanno man of high personal honor will continue in ism, Pantheism, Iscariotism, Spiritism, and the like. A the pulpit of a church whose faith he denies. Dr. universal religion is more than welcome, as it opens the Samuel M. Lindsay is credited with these search- way to ultimate acceptance of the tenets of the new atheing little paragraphs on this point, under the ism, which is based on human effort to attain human heading, "When You Become a Unitarian": ideals. The new atheists boast that those who deny the Calvary atonement will soon, under the tuition of versed Join the Unitarian Church. Do not try to convert your atheists and radicals, lose any faith they still possess….
church to Unitarianism from a Trinitarian pulpit. What are the methods employed? Members of the new atheist cult visit hospitals, even in some cases help ped- Do not try to convert your pupils into Unitarianism dlers to propagate atheism as they go from door to door. In almost every well-known school and college in the world while teaching in a Trinitarian seminary. there is an theist member; they have atheist workers in Christian organizations; they have atheist members at- Do not try to broadcast Unitarianism while serving as tending churches to offset any appeal from a Christian pulpit. Everyone of these statements can be proved up a Trinitarian missionary. to the hilt.
Men have the right to change their minds regarding the The Second Annual Report of the A. A. A. A. states: "We have representatives in the principal nations of the Deity of Christ, but when they do so they are under the world . . . the 4-A seeks to establish branches in every community … the hOlding of large meetings is not necesobligation to move from one denomination to another. sary. The silent individual propaganda with the use of 4-A literature is the hardest to counteract. . . . When Charles Francis Potter and Addison Moore be- But the attack is not merely upon young people of colcame Unitarians, they founded the Unitarian Church and lege age. Let us remember that years ago there were 1,700 known atheist Sunday schools in Canada and many continued their ministry in Unitarian pulpits. While we more in the United States. Statistics now give as a very conservative number 4,000 atheist Sunday schools in Cancould not approve their theology, we could appreciate their ada. They are of course "under-cover" societies, running in many cases as "social clubs," "camps," and the like. sincerity. R. M. K. A woman and a young Christian man called in the same AN ANCIENT FOE week from different districts in Toronto, to report a new atheist Sunday school begun in each of their separate The propagation of atheism in Russia has been neighborhoods. The young ma~ asked help to win back the subject of a vast number of protests ever two boys of twelve years who had been bribed to leave his since the present order of things there was estab- Sunday Bible class to attend the atheist school near at lished. But we have the same vicious propaganda hand, a group meeting in a private home. nearer home, and not only so, but it is carried on with a zeal that the Church may well regard R.M.K. as offering a serious obstacle to its own advancement in this country. In this connection it is
Heathen Chiefs Come to
Reports from Recent Letters from New Guinea By EMMABELLE D. PIERSON Montclair, N. J.
'RIDING on a west-bound train that was en- lime kiln and show the Papuans how to utilize tering mountainous Colorado, I sat beside the coral reef in building the hospital; to exa young man from the plains of our middle plain the workings of different engines, or to states. "I couldn't be happy living among mountains," install electricity; to equip a kindergarten, or to assist in nursing, or to do the work of an absent he volunteered. "They shut off my view." teacher. The mission is vibrant with consecrated "Oh, but think of the surprises that lie the young life, and carries on in the spirit and faith of the founder. The boat-building, printing, other side of the mountain," I said. "Mountains weaving, studying, nursing, houseworking, garare so challenging." dening, all go forward in an atmosphere of song. It is a place difficult to leave. "No," he said, "I like to see my work all laid out before me, and then tackle it. With a broad horizon I have plenty of time to consider and pre- pare for the 'what next' coming toward me." The Papuan Government is highly paternal, It was not an unnatural and the Governor gladly ac- step from that beginning to a knowledges the help Kwato few anecdotes of youthful pio- missionaries have given when neer missionaries who revel in he has wished to parole young scaling mountains of difficul- murderers instead of throw- ties in a great cause, -inspired ing them into jail. Two lads by the thought of what lies from an inland tribe, who had beyond. murdered their grandmother, were sent to the mission sta- ** * * The challenge of the unex- tion at Duabo. Their fright plored mountainous country was pitiable, for they thought of New Guinea, where air- their last hour had come when plane scouts frequently report they saw a g rea t kettle the discovery of new tribes, brought out in preparation for gripped the group of young the school dinner. Two years missionaries who live in Kwa- later they were returned to to, Papua, in the southeastern GADO, DANIEL, BIRUMA, their mountain home, happy end of the huge island. For a a native a Kwato a Dorevaidl Christians-the only members Christian generation Charles Abel and Guide Chief of their tribe with a knowl- his wife trained converted Papuans to work edge of Christ as Saviour. Whenever the Govern- among their own people; as a result, twenty-four ment is at its wit's end to know what to do with stations, manned by self-supporting Christian wife-stealers, murderers and other persistent iIl- Papuans, are now flaming torches around Milne doers, young Kwato Christians, brown and white, Bay and the China Straits of New Guinea. Two offer the best solution of the problem.
sons and two daughters came into the work thor- In the mountains of Papua, back in the interior, oughly equipped, and within the last six years to the west of the mission, live the Dorevaidis and after Mr. Abel's death in 1930, eight other young the Keveres, murderers all because of a tribal cus- people have thrown in their lot as teachers, nurse, tom which requires every young man to win his doctor, accountant, architect, business manager spurs by murdering some one. Then he can wear and engineer; but first of all they are evan- a white cock's feather in his bushy hair. The gelists, out to win these people to their Lord. more his murders the smarter his headdress, and In a most remarkable way casual visitors have the greater the young man's prestige among mar- changed their plans and have stayed on a month, riageable young women. The Government has a season, or even a year with them to build a tried to root out this custom, but both kindness [393 ]
and severity have failed. The prisons are usually meeting in the evening, and several of our group full of the murderers. At last the challenge came of Christian Papuans gave their testimonies. to the Kwato mission group just when they were Gado, a new inquirer, seemed to impress them considering plans to open up a new field. An ear- most of all. They listened in rapt silence until nest mature Papuan Christian and his wife volun- the speaker had finished; then they discussed teered, and the mission sent out Davida and what they had heard among themselves in low but Eauvenibo, his wife, with prayer and joy to settle emphatic undertones. We had to wait until they in Duram, on the Duram River, five miles inland, had said all they wanted to say, and then conwhere the trail from the mountains comes through tinue. The singing they seemed to enjoy, but to the sea. For a year these faithful witnesses could not understand. In every place we had to worked, influencing those near at hand, and con- tell them that it was not necessary for them to tacting the Dorevaidis and other tribes from the close their eyes while we were singing. Some mountains. women would forget, and then there would be a scolding and a slapping, or a man would pick up Davida is a cheery soul, so warm-hearted and a handful of pebbles and throw them at the bowed understanding that he makes friends quickly. heads of the women! Poor souls, they seemed Rumors of the new teaching and of his way of desperately anxious to do the right thing. Mothliving drifted back into the mountains and a ers and fathers put their hands on the eyes of Dorevaidi chief sent word asking him to come up. little children lest they should peep while the mis- The chief was interested, but still a bit doubtful sionary was 'making prayers,' as they put it." about the Message, so he said: "My wife and I will come down and stay awhile with you in your Chief Bidau gave a testimony: "Look at all home and see how the new way works out in your these young men! (indicating the Papuans of our team). They are my own age, and are doing life." God's work. What am I doing? Still following They came to Duram and must have been satis- the way of death?"
fied, for soon an invitation came for Davida to That same day he prayed his first public prayer. climb the mountain and meet the tribe in assem- He said how he was still ignorant of God's way of bly. A rare letter from Davida describes this first life but was glad that he had been allowed to come encounter. Men, women and children sat before along with us, for he was already beginning to see him so caked in dirt that the evangelist felt he the Way, and asked that as he went along his eyes could not give them the pure words of God. He might be opened, and that he might find life. put the matter before them, and then, with his disarming smile, marched all the children to the In the Dorevaidi villages, Mun, the ex-murderer, river where he scrubbed them well with sand and and Alice,.a Papuan girl of the group, gave telling grass. When they returned with shining faces, messages. Mun could speak on the subject of the men fell in line, laughing, and proceeded to their terrible customs, and Alice appealed to the remove some of their dirt. Then Davida gave his women "to help their men instead of degrading message to an outwardly clean and eager group, them." Cecil Abel writes that the "women's eyes and used the little episode to illustrate his talk. never left her face, and the men nodded approv- Ceeil Abel says that no one but Davida could have ingly as she spoke of the awful carnage resulting carried out such a program as a joke and not an from women inciting men to kill, and of the years insult. Chief Biruma was dead in earnest, and the their men had to spend in jail because of this hornext few months saw four ex-murderers petition- rible custom. Her final appeal was to cut it out ing Davida to forward an invitation to his Kwato because of God's law, 'Thou shalt not kill.' " friends to visit their mountain villages. As the Papuan team went on their way, chief For two years the Kwato "Power House" had after chief joined their party and went to the next echoed with prayers for these people, and now at place with them until they had acquired six. As last the time seemed ripe for a team to set out. the team set sail in the Lantic all six announced A Gospel group of six Papuans and Cecil Abel that they would go with them to Kwato and learn took the mission boat, the Lantic, and sailed miles more of the new life! around the coast and then six miles up the Duram River. There they were joined by Davida and So it came to pass that in the afternoon of the four mountain men whom he had interested in the day before Christmas, 1935, just as the Kwato true God-Chief Biruma, Chief Bidau, Mun (a Christmas festival was getting underway, the triple ex-murderer) ,and Gado. All were just Lantic was sighted, bringing the evangelists' and ready to learn more and to take further steps in their new seekers after God. Suddenly a bloodgiving their testimony. curdling war cry from the six chiefs came over the water!-rather a grim joke for people only A picture of one meeting will help us to realize one generation removed from cannibalism. some of the obstacles to be overcome. "At the peoples' request," writes Cecil Abel, "we had a As I read the description of Christmas at Kwato, the early morning carols, the communion
SIX HEATHEN CHIEFS COME TO KWATO
THE TOUGHEST CROWD WE MET-IN THE VILLAGE OF KEVER!
service, the simple feast, the representati.ons of very good; but we have good food at Dorevaidi the Manger Scene, and of the worshipping kings too. We have not come f.or that. Your schools of the East, I tried to see it all through the eyes and shops are very good. We would like to learn of those chiefs. Their contribution to the Christ- too; but we have not come for that. We have mas party was a repetition of their war cry, and only come for one thing-to learn about G.od. its horrible echoes had hardly died away when the Now our hearts are burning to go back and tell strains of the beautiful Christian anthem, "Send our friends all we have learned.' out thy light," sung by the Kwato children, fell on their ears. The contrast was thrilling. "You would not recognize these six chiefs as the same men who came to Kwato at Christmas For three months the visitors stayed at the mis- time," Russell Abel continues. "They are so sion station, hearing God's word and seeing the changed in appearance. They are going ahead Christ-life in action in most amazing ways. Rus- splendidly. An invitation came from the Chrissell Abel writes: tians at Sariba, asking them to spend the week- "Chief Biruma, one of the Dorevaidi converts, end with them there. * It was a fine opportunity gave a marvellous testimony in the morning service. He felt the Lord speaking to him, telling him for them to experience purely village, and not to testify, and at first would not .obey. Then the mission hospitality. It was also a great chance Lord told him that he would not grow any more for them to see village Christianity where it was until he obeyed, so he got up and spoke. There touching elbows with heathenism, and not only was quite an awe over the audience while he was Kwato Christianity at our mission head station. talking. One thought of all our prayers for that So they went to Sariba. We took them over on work and here was the fruit. Two missionaries Friday and they came back on Monday afternoon, who understood Motu were at Kwato at the time simply bubbling over with the marvellous time from another society. They were very much im- they had had. Chief Biruma went into lengthy pressed, and told us afterward what Biruma had descriptions, shaking his head and making exclabeen saying. He told how the Government had mations of wonder. I could not understand a been trying to make friends with the Dorevaidi word of it, until finally I got an interpreter. and Kevere people, inviting them to feasts at Biruma told him how wonderful it was wherever Abau, but they had gone back to their murderous they went to meet friends-friends for Christ's ways. 'Then the Government put us in jail, four sake. He could not get over it. years, five years, six…. We did not mind. Government rice and biscuits are very good.' They "The Chiefs were taken for a tour of the vilhad come back home still unchanged. 'At last,' lages, each village taking charge of them and said Biruma, 'God's children came out of love for showing them the next bit. There was a wonderus and brought us the real light that has changed ful feast in their honor, and a huge meeting on us right round inside…. Your food at Kwato is Sunday at which they were thrilled. There was • Sarlba Is a large island about ten mnes trom Kwato. It now has several l!ttle Christian communities with schools and churches min- Istered to by Christian Papuans.
not room in the church building to accommodate Sibodu and Labu, set off for the interior, stopping the crowd. Judging by the description, the serv- en route at villages, holding meetings, praying ice must have lasted hours. The chiefs all spoke, with the sick and dying, and working individually and many of the people spoke too. The Dore- with the people till nightfall-God working with vaidis used their own language which Sibodu, the them confirming their message by signal answers Chief of Kuroudi, interpreted into Motu which to prayer. most of the Sariba men understand. Then Viki, another Sariba man, translated it into local dia~ Davida writes, and Russell Abel translates: lect. They had a grand time, with no end of an "Sibodu and Labu reached Kuroudi, their home uplift. Finally, and I think this is most interest~ village, and had a meeting with the people. They ing, the Dorevaidis said that they never wanted told them all the news and testified to what they to lose touch with the Christians of Sariba. They had learned at Kwato. The meeting lasted till asked the church leaders to write regular reports midday, when the people scattered to get food for of their work and send it to them, so that they a feast the following day, to which they invited could pray for them regularly. They said that their neighbors from Nebulu village. The feast while they themselves could not read or write, was in honor of Chiefs Sibodu and Labu, and gave they would send their news to Duram to Davida, them an opportunity to speak to all the people. and ask him to write back to Sariba for them. The words were well received, and unanimously Fancy the Christians of Sariba being helped by the people decided to build a new village in which the prayers of erstwhile murderers! If one uses both Kuroudi and Nebulu will combine. They will one's imagination a bit, it is very thrilling. There break up their old villages and rebuild on the main is real romance in it." trail, with a school for the children and a play- ground. Shortly before Easter the chiefs left Kwato for their mountain villages, and the first report of "While Sibodu was at Kwato he was impressed with the belief, during his quiet time, that when DAVIDA, SE'ATIDD AT THE RIGHT, TAKES A he got home he would pray for a sick woman and CENSUS OF DOREVAIDI CHILDREN she would be healed. When he returned to Ku- roudi he asked his wife, 'Is there a sick woman The Chief, Ofekule, Seated in Front. Tobernome, here?' 'Yes,' she said, 'so-and-so is ill with a Next to Him Wears a Big "Pigtail" swollen leg, and her entire body pains. She can't even come out of her house.' It happened this them from Davida, the Papuan missionary at way: She was in a rage with a child and had Duram, has come through. After spending four been thrashing the child, and chasing it with a fruitful days with Davida and his wife, holding stick. The child ran into the thick scrub, and meetings with the people, two of the chiefs, when the woman followed into the bush her pain began."
"Sibodu said, 'I will not hasten to see her. I will pray about it first.' For two days he made it a matter of prayer; then he went to see her. He said to the sick woman, 'I will not pray to God to heal you yet. I will talk to you first.' Then he explained to her what was her great sin in God's eyes. 'This child,' he said, 'that you were beating and chasing is a creation of God's hand. He has sent you this sickness to make you realize. When the missionaries came here they wrote down the names of all the children on a paper. At Kwato they are praying for our children, but you are abusing them.' He taught the woman new respect for children, and her eyes were opened and she understood that God had something to teach her through her sickness. Then Sibodu prayed for her, and she was healed. Her swollen leg burst and pus drained away quickly and she felt better and was able to walk about. She said, 'Truly the power of the missionaries is great.' Sibodu too marveled on account of this power.
"When I heard of this I sent for Sibodu' and warned him to be careful and show the people that
SIX HEATHEN CHIEFS COME TO ICWATO
he had no power, nor have the missionaries, but their sacred day. Again the white man was angry only God is powerful. Sibodu told the woman and said, "Where did you learn this fashion? that God had healed her by His power in answer You are bushmen!" to prayer, and that we must know and obey Him." Finally he picked up some Morima* boys who Labu and Ofekule, another chief, had an expe- had gone to Abau to work for Dimdims. They rience with a Dimdim (white man) who was were old Methodist mission boys. On their way prospecting for gold. He wanted carriers and they came upon a large wild pig and the white visited all the villages looking for "boys." But it man, who had a big dog, set him onto it. Both dog was Sunday and the villages were empty, for all and pig disappeared. They waited so long that the people had gone to Dorevaidi to worship, and finally the "Dimdim" sent one of the boys to look only feeble old men were left. He asked them, for the dog and pig. He too did not reappear. "Where are all the people?" and they answered, The white man sent the other boys to search for "They have all gone to Dorevaidi to the Mission- him while he himself went on along with his cook ary chiefs to pray." So he went to Dorevaidi and boy to Kauru. harangued the people, saying, "What are you doing? Who taught you this idea?" They ans,wered, They searched for the lost boy two days. Then Chief Sibodu, from Kuroudi, met them on the DAVIDA GIVING HIS TESTIM:ONY AT KUROUDI-A HEATHEN VILLAGE "This is our holy day, and we have all met to- main road and asked what was the matter. They gether to worship God. The missionaries taught said, "Our master must be ill-deserving, for first us and God taught us." The white man was angry his dog and then his boy has been lost." Sibodu and told them they were deceived, and it was all said, "What people are you ?" They said, "Weare untrue. "You don't belong to any mission," he Morima." "Do you know God?" "Yes, we used said, "you are only bushmen." Then he told Labu to live with missionaries." and Ofekule that he was not going to listen to them, but insisted on getting the carriers he They all sat down together while Sibodu prayed wanted. But they answered, "We are chiefs here, with them, and prayed specially for the missing no one will move without our consent." He was boy. While they were praying this boy appeared very angry and called them liars and said they from the bush. He told them he had been dizzy were mad. They said, "So be it; we are mad. Go in the head for two days and had not been able to your way, and one day God will give you some find his way. At last he had remembered to pray, sign and speak to you as He has spoken to us." and after prayer his head had cleared and he had The Dimdim set off without a single carrier. found his way quite easily. Sibodu asked him if he When he reached Kuroudi the same thing hap- knew about God. "Yes," he said, "I have known pened again. Chief Sibodu told him that it was a long time." "You have known about Him a long • Marima is on Ferguson Island in the Archipelago, northeast of Kwato.
time, but have you really got His salvation in your old things ar~ false to me. There is only one real heart?" power, and that is God's. I tell you, throw those things away today; they can only bring you Sibodu led the eleven of them to Kauru and death." back to their master. When they met him they said to him, "It was your fault that this boy went Sibodu took the charms in his hands and prayed astray. The Kuroudi missionary met us and over them and said, "These are now powerless. through his prayers all is well and we are arrived God's power is greater." here. In future respect God's day, for we too are the children of missions. We have seen God's F1inally Naula said, "Take these things away. hand in this." I have already repented." Sibodu told him all that the New Way the missionaries had brought The Dimdim answered not a word but called would mean in his village, and Naula confessed Sibodu and offered him rice and two sticks of to- his sins. bacco, which Sibodu declined, saying he did not smoke. So the white man took it back, and asked Chief Biruma worked in Amau, Domara and him where he was going. "To Duram, to my mas- Eava. Then he became ill. In his illness he was ter, the missionary there." He said, "What mis- very down-hearted and said, "I have not even sion ?" Sibodu replied, "Kwato Mission." begun my work in Dou and sickness has got me. I have lain in a house for a week and done noth- Let us pray earnestly for Sibodu. He doesn't ing." He was weary of this and said, "How is this? Does God test me? Why is this sickness?" BE'LEI, A CHEERFUL CHIEF OF AMAU Weak as he was, he cloaked himself in a nogi and He accepted the Gospel and gave his life, his set off to Amao. He gathered the people together but felt too ill to talk to them. Just then Chief village and all his people to God. Ofekule arrived on his way to Dorevaidi. Biruma was much encouraged and said, "Ofekule, it is fear his old friends and just now is on a tour of well you have come to do my work for me. I am villages. His great longing is to learn to read. He too sick. I have gathered the people. You do the has had some lessons and some teaching about work here." how to work. He tried to win Naula, the chief at Makaia, for God. Naula showed all his magic The following day Biruma went to Domara. things to which he pinned his faith. Sibodu said, Here he stayed eleven days teaching the people. "My friend, what are these things?" He an- He taught them to pray and to have their quiet swered, "What I use to kill people." times of prayer in the morning. He won a man called Du'ubo, whom he brought to Duram later. "Are they dead things or living things?" This man is a case of real out-and-out conver- "They are living things." sion. He has given himself entirely to God, and "My friend, in God's eyes those are the things is a challenge to us all at Duram because he of death; don't say they are things of life. Give is so whole-hearted. He has won his wife, and yourself to Christ. He is the true Way of Life. she publicly cut off her heathen signs and de- Those things there I too used to believe in very stroyed her magic charms. Du'ubo longs to visit much. Then I went to Kwato and found life and Kwato and learn more. God's power, and I saw His wisdom, so now those The Chief of Domara needs prayer. His name is Bobogoni. He is not yet converted, but Biruma brought him to Duram and he is staying a few days in our home.
Here in God's new garden the harvest is ripe; where are the reapers to cut and gather it?
Greetings: I am Davida of Duram.
**** In response to this S. O. S., Russell Abel has set- tled the first contingent of Kwato-trained Papuan leaders in the Dorevaidi mountains, to strengthen the work so zealously begun by the six chiefs.
This is not an ended tale. The story of the six seeking and witnessing chiefs told in England this summer by young missionaries now on furlough from Kwato, has been the means of turning six British lives to God. Undoubtedly more surprises await behind the mountains to the west of Kwato.
of German
Naziism, Anti-Semitism and Foreign Missions By CONRAD HOFFMANN, Jr., New York Director of Committee on the Christian Approach to the Jews "B LUT und Boden," the Nazi slogan fre- the paper has recently been purchased by the quently heard, has dread significance for "Propaganda Ministerium," and we are told that many thousands in Germany today. It a large sum was paid to Streicher; but if the first implies purification of Germany from all traces few issues under the government management are of Jewishness or Jewish contamination. The any index of future policy, we are forced to con- Nazis, who do not necessarily represent all Ger- clude that the Sturmer will continue in much the mans, are determined to eliminate everything same vulgar fashion as heretofore, unworthy of Jewish from the "Dritte Reich." If consistent what one knows as German Ritterlichkeit. It does they will not stop at elimination of J ewishness not improve matters that in view of the Olympic from their physical life – race, commerce, civil Games' visitors this summer, many of the service, etc.-but will proceed to eliminate Jew- Stiirmerboards in the large cities have been re- ishness from their cultural, ideological, and spir- moved or are being used for other purposes.
itual life as well. In Berlin-Zehlendorf-West* a statue or monu- They fully recognize that Christianity is a dom- ment was recently unveiled in the presence of the inant factor in the field of ideology, and because local mayor and other municipal authorities. It Christianity is "Bluts-verwandt" with Judaism, is dedicated to Theodore Fritsch (1853-1933), a they have decided that Christianity also must be pioneer agitator of anti-Jewish sentiment and eliminated. Accordingly the fight against Jewish- represents a crocodile-like monster with a mali- ness and Judaism includes the fight against Chris- ciously exaggerated Jewish head. Sitting strident tianity, which in its origins and content is so on this monster is a man with uplifted sledge largely Jewish and Judaic. hammer in the act of crushing in the skull of the The racial purity ideal of Adolf Hitler demands monster. The pedestal carries the following in- that Jewish blood be eliminated from German scriptions which are extracts from addresses or blood, or at least must be made innocuous by a writings of Theodore Fritsch: sufficient infiltration of virile German blood. 1. No improvement of race without disappearance of Hence only the third generation from a mixed Jewry. marriage is acceptable to the Nazis. For the 2. The Jewish question is fundamentally a struggle be- Nazis, J ewishness is a scourge or plague like cancer, which must be exterminated at all costs tween the honorable and the dishonorable. and without mercy. 3. If it is proven that the lower race (meaning the Jews) deteriorates the higher (German), then the higher must display sufficient pride in its purity as well as Nor can Hitler escape responsibility for the will power and determination to keep the lower from brutal anti-Jewish madness which has' swept its life.
through large circles of Germans. Some would One hears stories from reputable people which seem incredible and the inventions of the devil. excuse Hitler, but he is the one who set things on One such is that of a schoolmaster compelling an unfortunate Jewish or non-Aryan child in his fire, a fire which apparently has got utterly out class to read aloud to the class some of the obscene anti-Jewish fomentations of the Sturmer. All of control. With all his autocratic power, for ex- one can say if such is true is that it is devilishly horrible. ample, Herr Hitler could easily have put an end That this anti-Jewish campaign does not stop long since to the vile, vulgar, and pornographic short of becoming anti-Christian as well is evi- denced in many ways. There are some who mainanti-Semitic Sturmer, edited until recently by tain that Jesus and all disciples but Judas were non-Jews, and that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, Julius Streicher. Instead, not only has the paper • AlleeI,n Cahatrmiabnegrlualianr,anladndWscianpteedrfepldlatc-setrbaossuennd.ed by Theodore Fritsch been permitted to continue publication, but also the posting of each issue of the Sturmer on special bulletin boards throughout the country has per- sisted. On these bulletin boards all the pages of the paper are displayed to serve as virulent poisoning of the minds of adults as well as of I. nnOCen t an d suscept 'b le ch1'ldreno It'IS t rue that 1 [399 ]
only did what the typical Jew would do. Others age. The issuance of the first number of their would debar all consideration of the Bible in- magazine was the occasion for a house investiga- cluding the New Testament because it is all tion by the police and Gestapo. April 28 and 29, Jewish. Some weeks before Easter, Professor their chairman attended the meeting of the Inter- Hauer, of the German Faith Movement, spoke in national Committee on the Christian Approach to Hamburg at a big mass meeting in a public hall, the Jews in The Netherlands. During' the first with permission of the local authorities, on the week in May the Society was ordered to liquidate!
question, "Can a German Be a Christian?" His These are signs of the times. In the face of answer was in the negative. Among other things them it is obvious that the whole foreign mission- he declared that ever since Christianity was in- ary enterprise of the German churches is bound troduced into Germany, one thousand or more to be seriously handicapped if not in actual danger years ago, it has done harm to the soul and fibre of liquidation. One must admire the many Ger- of the German people; moreover that religion man missionary friends for their continued faith, must be racial, each race having its own religion, hope, effort, and courage. There are forces at and that a German who is Christian in faith is no work which threaten to crush out their very exist- longer German but a bastard. All of these re- ence. To combat these forces is at the risk of marks were loudly applauded by the vast audience. liberty, if not of life.
When leaders of the Confessional Church move- Foreign Mission Difficulties ment applied for permission to hold a counter- meeting in the same hall, it was refused. They Among the major difficulties resulting for the then organized a church meeting in protest, using German foreign missionary enterprise, the folthe same topic but answering it in the affirmative. lowing merit mention. They are taken from an So many turned out that it was necessary to hold article by Professor Julius Richter in the October, two overflow meetings – evidence of the feelings 1935, issue of the Neue Allgemeine Missionsand convictions of many Germans. Zeitschrift. The title of the article is "Die Kri- tische Lage der Deutschen Evangelischen Mis- It is well to voice the caution that one should si.onen." never generalize when talking or writing about Germany, or for that matter about any country 1. Financial: First because no public appeals or people. Not all Germans are anti-Jewish or or collections for funds can be made. Second, anti-Semitic, nor are all Germans necessarily anti- owing to the foreign exchange regulations of the Christian. Moreover, whereas most Germans to- German Government, the thirty societies federday probably regard Hitler as their only hope, ated in the German Evangelical Missionary Althat does not mean that they agree with all his liance, and responsible for one thousand missionaims or policies. aries (not counting the wives), are permitted only 172,500 marks per month for foreign transmis- But having said that, one must add that there sion. That equals 172 marks ($43.00) per misare powerful forces at work in Germany today sionary family per month. This means roughly which, if not checked, will undoubtedly make·Ger- but 2,000,000 marks per year can be forwarded many anti-Jewish and anti-Christian and force all from Germany to the foreign mission stations Germans to become subservient to the extreme maintained by the German societies. In 1933, totalitarian concepts of Hitler. These violate hu- however, before the exchange regulations were man liberty and rights as well as annihilate all enforced, the actual remittances and expenditures freedom of conscience. It is here where the men- were 11,000,000 marks. ace lies. This menace, like the sword of Damocles, swings with scientific precision ever lower and An analysis of present income prospects reveal lower, lopping off all possibilities of a livelihood the following: in Germany for increasing numbers of Jews and non-Aryans. Ultimately, if unchecked, it will Assured from Germany ………….. marks 2,000,000 reach the heart of the Christian faith as well. In prospect from friends in Switzer:and, 1,400,000 Already religious publications, such as Y. M. Holland, Alsatia, etc. ………….. Government appropriations for schools C. A. monthly magazines and even the Missions- and hospitals and contributions from 3,000,000 Zeitschrift ("Missionary Review") of Professor native Christians ………………
Julius Richter, are classed as political publica- A total income of 6,400,000 marks is available tions. They are therefore subject to the rigid to meet expenditures of 11,000,000 per annum.
censorship of the Gestapo. Some time ago the The German Exchange Bureau allows merely for German Jewish Missionary Society of Berlin was the existence minimum for German missionaries reorganized in an attempt on the part of its mem- but nothing for the 10,951 native workers and bers to manifest Christian love and neighborliness nothing for maintenance or upkeep of the mis- to the unfortunate Jewish and Christian non- sion stations.
Aryan friends. One can only admire their cour- 2. All stations are undermanned. From 1914
DIFFICULTIES OF GERMAN CHRISTIANS
to 1925 no new young missionaries were sent out. The greater the difficulties and the opposition, the Hence missionaries on the field are largely old veterans, many of them near seventy years of age. greater the resistance. Today there are fifteen German Protestant mis- "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor sion stations in South Africa, six in China, and five in East Africa entirely unoccupied. Whereas life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, the Gossner Mission had thirty main stations with nor things present, nor things to come, nor forty-three ordained missionaries in 1914, today height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall it has but four stations with only seven ordained missionaries. The other societies without excep- be able to separate us from the love of God, which tion report similar reductions. is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38, 39.
3. The lack of unity and federation among the Let us thank God for the marvelous stamina German missionary societies in the face of these and faith of so many Germans. It is truly a mirsituations is disastrous, even if in some cases at least excusable. Origins, traditions, all these can- acle that so many Germans have stood so loyally not be suddenly pushed aside for the sake of unity by even in the face of unpopularity if not actual without serious consequences. danger of persecution and imprisonment. We who are Christians outside of Germany should appre- 4. Finally, there are the great difficulties in the home field arising out of the present currents ciate more our freedom; we need to pray for our in German life, to some of which reference has German colleagues as they fight for the faith. already been made. These hamper the Christian Church and missions. There is much propaganda During the summer a lull is anticipated, due to against Christianity as we have seen, in spite of the plea of Hitler for "positive Christianity." new developments in international affairs, and the Books like "Salvation from Christ," by Mrs. M. presence of many Olympic Games' visitors. But Ludendorff, and Alfred Miller's "Deterioration of most people with inside information agree that Race Under the Cross," help to undermine Christian faith. Men like Wilhelm Hauer, Graf Revent- a renewed tightening of the reins will come in the low, Ernst Bergmann, exercise unusual influence autumn. Should such actually occur, the Jews in many circles. Former Bishop MUller's "Deutsche Worte," while utterly discounted in and non-Aryans will probably suffer first and Confessional Church circles, is nonetheless read increasing difficulties will follow for the Church by many, and notably by youth. The difficulties and its auxiliary foreign missionary enterprise. put in the way of Christian youth organizations, and the increasing pressure brought to bear to More trials and tribulations are thus likely to force all German youth into the Hitler Youth come. But in the end the Christian faith will Movements, do not serve to promote Christian faith or interest in Christian missions. triumph. Indeed, may it not emerge purified as gold by fire, freed from all hampering dross and And unfortunately, at this critical time when positive Christendom should present a united so able to go forward with new courage, new confront, there are increasing divisions within the viction, and with new dynamic power to help ranks of the Confessional Church circles. build the Kingdom of God among men in Ger- Anxiety is felt. Fear exists, but not despair. many as well as throughout the world. * * "There were twenty-four large evangelical missionary conferencGs held in Germany in the year 1935. The missionary forces supported on the foreign field by these societies number 1,571, whereas German Catholic missionary societies support abroad 3,673. As there are twice as many Protestants as Catholics in Germany. the Catholics are four times more numerous on the mission field than Protestants. Against 515 ordained Evangelical missionaries the Catbolics have 999 missionary priests. In contrast to the 851 feminine Evangelical workers on the missionary field the Catholics have 2,002 Catholic sisters. There are 205 Evangelical nonordained workers as contrasted with 672 Catholics. The German Evangelical societies are respon- sible for 61 mission fields whereas the German Catholic societies have 50. The total number of Evangelical native Christians is 1,176,381, with an additional 64,553 to be baptized. The Catholic native Chris- tians In the missionary field number 742,716 with 126.144 to be baptized." Data taken from Die Deutsche Evangelische Heiaenmis- sion. Der Vereinigten Deutschen Missionskonferenzen. 1936.
LEADERSHIP MUST FEED ON DIFFICULTIES The leaders in momentous days like these must be able to feed on difficulties. Probably never has there been a time in the history of the expansion of the Christian religion when the leaders of the home base, in fact in every country, were confronted with such a consentration of unsolved problems and impossible difficulties. We have all too many among them who have become expert in seeing lions in the path, men who have become habituated to taking counsel with their fears. Great is the need of more men and women in positions of leadership who; while not failing to see with clear and steady gaze all the adverse or opposing facts and factors, are even more determined to take counsel with their faith. In reality is not this one of the chief functions of a leader? The true leader is at his best under most baffling circumstances. The board secretaries and board members to whom the churches are most indebted are not those associated with so-called strategic retreats but with steady, triumphant progress under conditions where the majority insisted that the advance was impossible.- John R. Mott.
Bethel Bands in
Experiences of Chinese Evangelists in Manchuria and in the Provinces By REV. ANDREW GIl:I, Shanghai A Chinese Evangelist of the Bethel Mission I N 1931 the official members of the Bethel Mis- North Manchuria near the border of Siberia, with sion Band were praying for the Holy Spirit's a total membership of about twenty-five, including guidance as to a particular field to which we preacher and elders. It would take three nights should go with the Gospel. We were impressed and two days on the train to reach that place, and with a verse about Jesus being led by the Spirit it did not seem very wise to spend so much time, into the wilderness. We remembered that Man- money and energy for our team of five people to churia was in many respects like a wilderness- go to preach to twenty-five. We wanted to divide not densely populated-so we . our party by sending one of our took it to be the place where we Band to this small church and should go to conduct an evan- The Bethel Mis s ion 0 f the others to some big city. gelistic campaign. The tem- Shanghai was established But as we prayed we felt imperature in winter was fifty or some years ago through the pressed that we should keep tosixty degrees below zero, so we min is try of Miss Jennie gether, even though we could prepared for the cold weather Hughes, formerly an Ameri~ not understand why the Lord and started out the last of Au- can Methodist missionary, wanted us to go together to gust. and Dr. Mary Stone, the first such a small church. When we Chinese woman to receive her When we arrived at our first medical degree in America. arrived at the place where we stopping place we found a con- This mission has now grown should make connections with ference of Christian leaders to large proportions and ex~ a train going to our destination gathered there for s p e cia I erts a nation~wide influence. we learned that Mukden had meetings. It was a wonderful been captured by the Japanese. opportunity, for if all of these It includes a large church, While we were waiting for the hospital, schools, theological leaders could be filled with the seminary and evangelistic train the Lord spoke to me, tell- Holy Spirit and be set on fire bands that go all over China, ing me to go to find some for the Lord Jesus Christ there working in cooperation with church near by. My co-worker, might be a wonderful revival missionaries and Chi n es e Mr. Frank Lin, and I walked in the whole of Manchuria. Christians of many denomi~ over to the town and found a nations. It is a "faith mis~ But the Lord led us another sion," believing in the full small church. The preacher way. The door was suddenly Gospel, depending on prayer was away but his wife asked us shut and we decided to turn and the Holy Spirit, and to wait until her husband got our steps to the City of Muk- trusting God for the supply home. We replied that we did den. There was a large Chris- of every need. Mr.. Andrew not have time because we were tian church there but our sud- Gih is now in America hold~ waiting for the train. Fortu- den arrival gave little time for ing evangelistic meetings. nately the preacher returned preparation. The elders and soon and very kindly said he leaders got busy in the morn- would accompany us to the rail- ing, riding on bicycles to make these meetings way station. There we found two members of the known. The first night about three hundred peo- Band sitting beside our luggage, surrounded by pIe came, and night after night the meetings grew policemen, but one member of the Band-the until the large church was packed with eager lis- youngest-=-was missing. An officer had suspected teners. People had to sit on the window sills and this group of young people and had taken this to stand outside the doors. The meetings closed young man for cross-examination. They could not on September 18th with over one thousand people understand why, in the time of war, this group of professing salvation and rejoicing in the Lord. young people had come with no other motive than We prayed again that the Lord would lead us to preach the Gospel. We had not been invited by to other places. There was a small church in any church or promised our expenses, so the Chi- [402 ] nese authorities thought that we must be Commu- And yet they had not bothered us nor questioned nists. The young boy was frightened; he had us, but had let us in.
been told by the police that if he could produce During the Manchurian war great numbers of some one from the city to guarantee that we were people were killed and there was much confusion evangelists they would let him go, otherwise the and turmoil. People were fleeing here and there!
whole Band would be taken to prison. I whis- yet for more than three months the Lord guided pered to the local preacher, "Now this is some- us, protected us and delivered us from all dangers.
thing you can do for us." So he went with me and When we were ready to go back to Shanghai, we told the officers his name and his church. When did not have enough money for our passage, s.o asked by the police if we were really the Bethel we prayed that as the Lord had given us souls, Band Evangelists here to preach the Gospel, he re- now He would provide passage back to Shanghai.
plied, "Oh, yes." We did not want to burden the Manchurian Chris- "Do you know them?" tians, so we prayed that the Lord would, in some "Yes, I know them." way, send us the money. The owner of a steam- "Are you willing to guarantee them ?" ship company was converted in our meeting and "Yes," he said, and took his pen and signed his was s.o happy that he gave us first-class tickets on name. Two minutes later we were free. one of the steamers sailing for Shanghai. The Now when we arrived at the town where we Lord is faithful. For His glory about five thou- were to hold meetings the rumors of war were sand people were saved during that period, during everywhere. The Japanese airplanes came flying the time of war and trouble. God delivered us in the air and the people there were much fright- from all dangers. He is still on the throne and ened. They wanted to flee somewhere for refuge proved His faithfulness.
so we could not go on with the meetings. We had Dear Christian, if we walk after the Spirit and to flee with them to another city. The war was are spiritually-minded we will know the will of so bad that communications were cut off. The God. We ought to be like the handmaiden of money we had was spent and we leaned hard on whom the Psalmist speaks, whose eye is always the Lord for needed guidance. We wanted to go watching the hand of her mistress so as to catch to another city but didn't have any way of inform- any indication of her will.
ing the people there because the telegraph and In the Gospel of John we learn in the third chap- telephone offices were guarded by the Japanese ter that the Holy Spirit gives life to the soul. In and the Chinese were not allowed to send mes- the fourth chapter we learn that the Holy Spirit sages.. We had to go on by faith trusting God to becomes a fountain within the soul, keeping the protect and to lead us. When we arrived in the Life renewed. In the seventh chapter we learn evening we hired a horse and cart to take us into the Holy Spirit becomes "rivers of living water,"
the city. We found the church and the residence bringing this Life to others.
of the pastor, but the doors were shut. We The Holy Spirit, when I was yet a sinner, dead knocked but the pastor could not believe when we in trespasses and sins, came to quicken my soul told him that we were the "Bethel Band." and to give me life, so that I was born again.
"Where do you come from ?" He also works in me as an abiding fountain "Weare from North Manchuria." springing up unto everlasting life. This is a won- "How did you come?" derful experience. But He promises to do an even "By train." greater work through me by causing me to over- "How did you get into the city?" flow in blessing to others. There is no reason why "By horse and cart." we Christians cannot testify to others and bring At last he opened the door and said, "Now are souls to God. Jesus Christ gives us these experi- you really the Bethel Band?" ences because He wants us to tell others about His "Yes, we are." salvation. He has not only given us an experi- "Now how did you come?" ence that we can talk about, but He has promised "We came by train." to give us power to witness for Him.
"But how did you get into the city?" When we should be "rivers of living water"
"By horse and cart.'" many times we are like the Samaritan woman's "Did you· see the Japanese soldiers at the city pitcher which was continually becoming empty gate ?" and had to be brought back to Jacob's well. Our "Yes, four of them, two at each side, fully capacity is so small that we easily become dried armed." up. We go to special meetings to be filled up; and "Then," he said, "how did you get past them, then go home to become dried up again. There is for the soldiers have been told not to let the Chi- water down deep in the well but we must go there nese go in or out without being examined and to draw it up. In the modern days we have the searched?" pump, but when we stop pumping the water stops
flowing. It is sadly true in the churches today sengers. They already had forty passengers and that somebody must pump all of the time or spir- the little boat was top-heavy, but that was the only itual life dries up. We must pump to keep the way we could go, so we committed ourselves into prayer meeting going; pump in the song service; God's care and went aboard. There wasn't any pump in the testimony meeting; all the work of private cabin so we had to sleep on the floor like the church has to be pumped, otherwise it will not sardines. There were crying babies all around go ahead. But the Holy Spirit cannot only fill our that took turns crying so that we could not sleep. hearts but will make us rivers of living water that The Yangtze River has many rapids. When we naturally flows out to others. A river does not came to a strong rapid the launch could not go on, need to be pumped, it flows itself and nothing can so cables were thrown out and the villagers, a coustop it. If each Christian will realize his need and ple hundred people, helped to pull the launch up come to the Lord Jesus Christ with a thirsty heart the rapids. Going through one of the rapids the and freely drink of the Water of Life, rivers of people were pulling and the engine was going to living water will flow out through him to others. its limit of power. Suddenly there was a terrific shake and a noise-the cable had broken. Our The prophet Ezekiel had a wonderful vision of ship was carried down by the power of the swift the river of living water (chapter 47). He saw stream and it seemed as if it would be dashed water issuing out of the altar of the temple. The right on a big rock. Then suddenly the ship was Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost so that lifted by the water and was landed right up on the 120 were filled with power. The Spirit came from rock. It was a miracle. The next question was the Holy of Holies as a river of living water. This how we could get the ship off the rock. The pas- River still flows today and we can have the same sengers were taken ashore in a rowboat and were privilege as the early disciples. Paul tells us that told to pull, but we could not move the boat. our bodies are temples of God when the Holy Spirit lives in them. If we want to overflow with Then I went behind the rocks to pray. I respiritual power and blessing we must be wholly minded the Lord that we were on His mission and dedicated to God. Then the Holy Spirit will be a should not delay any longer. The Lord told me to river flowing out through our lives. attend to my business and that He would attend to the boat, so I went back to distribute tracts and to There are four steps to the overflowing life as preach. Finally the boat was pulled off the rock pictured in Ezekiel. First the water reaches to to a place of safety. It was about four o'clock in the ankles. This means the guidance of the Holy the afternoon and we were told that the boat Spirit. How many times we so-called Christians would not go on that day, so we went to the vildo not walk after the Holy Spirit, but after the lage to preach and distribute tracts. We felt that flesh. Weare worldly and are interested in the our boat was not reliable so we again knelt on the things of the world; but if we would walk after river bank and prayed that the Lord would send the Spirit we would be spiritual. God will guide us a better ship and take us to our destination in us by the Holy Spirit, by His Word and also by time to keep our appointment. His providence, to the "green pastures beside the still waters" where our experience c~n be en- Before we had finished praying we heard a larged. whistle and suddenly a large steamer appeared. This was not a place where it usually stopped, so Next Ezekiel says that the water came up to the we asked the Lord that it might stop if this was knees. This denotes prayer. Christians and the boat for us. We watched with joy when it did churches do not have much power today because stop in the middle of the river. We hired a small they neglect prayer. The prayer room is less used row boat to take us to the steamer and asked if than the dining and social rooms. When we pray there were accommodations for us. Then I heard in the Holy Spirit prayer will become power, a man calling out, "Jesus man, Jesus man." A bringing real fellowship with God. We don't few seconds later a man with a smiling face, came know how to pray but the Holy Spirit can help us. and took my hand and said, "Are you Pastor When He leads us to pray we forget time and our Gih ?" souls are lifted up. The windows of Heaven are opened and blessings are poured down upon us. "Yes," I said. "How do you know?"
Members of the Bethel Band have experienced "I was in Shanghai and attended your confermany answers to prayer. The Band started out for ence and- heard you preach." West China, arrived at the Yangtze River, where we were to catch a boat going up to Szechuan. "That is good," I replied, and asked him if he We were in a hurry and wanted to catch the first could help us to get accommodations on this boat. boat. The river was so low that the large steam- He went to the manager and told him that our ers had to wait for the water to rise. There was party came from Bethel Mission. only a small river launch scheduled to sail up the river, and this launch could only carry twenty pas- "Why, my wife talks about Bethel Mission," re- plied the captain, "because she has a friend study-
THE BETHEL BANDS IN CHINA
ing there. If they are from Bethel Mission I will Many a soldier found the Lord before he was make special accommodations for them." killed. Many prized the tracts and Gospel por- tions given them, and read them in the trenches. We thanked God for the answer to prayer and went back to the small river launch to get our The Japanese airplanes were able to destroy the things. The next day we safely reached our desti- strong defensive lines and the Chinese had to renation. Later we learned that the day after we treat. The Bethel Band had to flee for their lives, left the small launch it went to the bottom of the and on their way they passed through a village river. where there was no way of getting out of danger. As our boys stopped to give a short message of In Ezekiel's vision the next measurement of the the Gospel, they heard the planes coming. The water was "up to the loins." This, I think, de- villagers asked the boys to go with them to hide notes humble service in the Holy Spirit. At the in the dug-outs which they had made but the boys "last supper" Jesus girded Himself with a towel refused to go. They remained in a little Gospel and washed the feet of His disciples. When we Hall, saying that if they were going Home they are obedient to the Holy Spirit, we will know how would rather go from the heavenly Father's to serve the Lord. How often we work in our house, so they knelt there in prayer and were preown power! We labor, but do not see any results. paring their hearts to go to Heaven at any mo- Before the day of Pentecost the disciples worked ment, when they heard a terrific noise and felt and preached, but there were no conversions; the foundation of the building shake. Something when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, in one hit the roof of the little Gospel Hall and they day three thousand were saved. . thought it was a bomb; but everything quieted down and they opened their eyes; they were still In 1932 there was war in North China between alive and so they thanked the Lord for His deliv- Japan and China. The papers reported the erance. The villagers who had hidden in the dugslaughter of Chinese soldiers because the Japa- outs had all been killed. The little Gospel Hall nese had airplanes and big guns while the Chinese was the only building left standing. They thanked lacked these modern weapons. Our Chinese boys God that before they returned to Shanghai they and girls at Bethel Seminary were greatly stirred had been able to lead over 2,000 soldiers to the and four young men especially seemed to have a Lord Jesus Christ. The time was war, the place definite call from God to go to the front to preach was dangerqus, the hearts were hard, yet they to the Chinese soldiers. They said, "Weare here worked in the power of the Holy Spirit and saw preparing for the ministry, yet our soldiers are over 2,000 soldiers converted. dying by the hundreds every day." We prayed for them and everything was ready for them to In our seminary young men and young women go except the money. Our mission is a "faith are trained to be evangelists, full of the Spirit of mission" and we don't keep reserve funds; so God. Their aim is to go out and preach to the these special undertakings must have special lost the message of the Gospel. May the Lord funds to meet them. Dr. Mary Stone was invited bless these young people, provide the needed funds to preach at a church in Shanghai and took two to take in those who cannot support themselves, of these boys, who called themselves Bethel War- and give them proper training so that they may zone Band. They told the people of their call and go out to preach the Gospel, to evangelize China. asked the people to pray for them. The people not only prayed for the boys but prayed that be- The last measurement that Ezekiel reports is a fore the soldiers should slip into eternity they river that he could not pass over, water to swim might have a chance to hear the Gospel from these in. This may denote the life lived wholly in the young people. The next day a special messenger Spirit. It is a life of liberty, a life of trust, a life came to Dr. Stone with an envelope containing of fruitfulness and power. Christians must first $300, with a note saying that since the sender be obedient, second must spend time in prayer, could not go to preach to the soldiers the money third in work for Him, and then we will have the was being sent to enable these young people to go. secret of living in the Holy Spirit. When we live in the Holy Spirit our life will be naturally fruit- The Bethel Warzone Band started forth to ful and the results will be far-reaching. The preach the Gospel, not only risking their lives in tragedy today is that many people want to expethe dangers of the war but also facing Chinese rience the Holy Spirit while in the church, but soldiers some of whom were angry. One soldier when they go back home, to business, to school, loaded his gun, threatening to shoot them if they to hospitals or to their societies they do not seek preached again. He said that China was invaded to have the Holy Spirit control them. We must by a foreign nation and yet these Chinese boys had not only believe in Christ, but we must live Christ. come to preach a foreign religion. It required bold- We should so live in the Holy Spirit that we will ness, with tact and wisdom, but the Lord was car- live victoriously. ing for them and they preached to the soldiers.
The prophet Ezekiel tells us that "at the bank catch nothing because the nets are broken. We of the river were very many trees on the one side not only need to go to preach to others but we and on the other." If there is not water the land need to take care of our nets by spending time in is dry and barren, but when the water comes the devotions, prayer and Bible reading so that our trees, grass and flowers will grow; the place will nets will be able to hold the fish. become beautiful and fruitful, for the water is life-giving. The water in the vision flowed into Ezekiel tells us about the fruits-new fruit a sea and the salt and bitter sea water was healed every month and leaves that shall not fade. We and made sweet. How many lives are filled with are to bring forth fruits all of the time. Green bitterness because of suffering and disappoint- leaves represent fresh testimonies because we rement. If Christians are filled with the Holy ceive new blessings every day. Some people give Spirit, their bitterness is turned into sweetness. as testimonies the yellow leaves many years old and repeat them over and over; people get tired Ezekiel also tells us that there were many kinds of hearing the same thing, but green leaves are of fish in the river. The Holy Spirit enables us new experiences. The leaves can be used for to become fishers for men, to lead souls to Christ. medicine for some needy souls who hear our testi- mony and are healed. Spiritual diseases can be There are several ways of catching fish. First cured by this medicine. with a hook-personal work, hooking them one by one. But sometimes the fish hooks just on the Do we desire to live in the Holy Spirit? Do we skin of the nose, and the fish is hurt-the skin is want to be fruitful and victorious and powerful? broken, and it flees away and never comes back. Do we want to live a life of joy and liberty? Then, When we do personal work we should not argue. beloved, let us give ourselves wholly to the Lord, We should be careful not merely to hurt the feel- so that our lives become sanctuaries of our heavings of the people, but gently to lead them by giv- enly Father. From the Holy of Holies these rivers ing them food. of Living Water flow out until many souls are won to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the life that He There is another kind of fishing, by casting nets wants us to live-lives of faith, of joyful satisfacto catch a number of fish. This is preaching in tion, of service and victory. public. Many times we preach in public and VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR AFRICA* Young men and women with the spirit of adventurers and the devotion of crusaders; who are not afraid of hardship; who can play the game as goodspirtsmen; who can carry on as good soldiers-men and women, eyes aglow with vision, faces agleam with high resolve, hearts ready for service here in Africa, a good, good land even though Christopher Columbus didn't discover it.
The need is urgent. Reinforcement must be had. Our total working force numbers eighty-five. Only fifty-three are on the field. Our responsibility is enormous.
We need doct.ors. Only two are on the field, one away off on the periphery of the mis- sian; the other in charge of the large, modern hospital at Elat, itself a job for two doctors, and with the care and oversight of eleven of the mission stations,-an impossible task. We need some of the sterling stuff that had its counterpart ten years ago in young men return- ing from the wars. Where are they?
Four years ago we began a French Normal School at Foulassi with the expectation of placing there a force of three teachers. Instead, presently, there will be but one. We need teachers-men who, were the War still on, would be doing their bit as interpreters at the front.
Ten years ago we began an Agricultural School. For two years it has been closed- no agriculturist. Where is the Christian graduate of one of our Agricultural colleges who will volunteer for this big job, tremendous, rich in opportunity and promise?
This past year money has been pouring in for new buildings and repairs. Almost every station has large unused appropriations for buildings, urgently, pressingly, needed. Mis- sionaries now have more demands made upon them than they can meet, they can not build. We need builders. – Young men and women with the spirit of adventurers and the devotion of crusaders- come! The missionary enterprise calls, and above all Christ calls-"Who will come and work today" Come!!
• A call from The Drum Call, pubJished by the American Presbyterian Mission in Cameroun District, West Africa.
as Seen from
-'~l!;11 _In_d_ia===~II~- ===_B_y_V_._R=._C_H_AN=D=R_A_*,=M_a_d_ra_s_, I am sending to you a manuscript written by V. R. Chandra, The community acts like one man. They are cal- B.A., one of Dr. Ambedkar's men from Madras. I hope you can CUlating about the religious, social, political and economical consequences, should the eighty thoumake use of it in some publication as showing how Hinduism looks sand Untouchables join their fold. So do the Christians; so do the Sikhs. from the Inside and the bottom. Mr. Chandra went with us to the Malerkotla Jalsa, and was duly Impressed by the neat church and On the other hand, what do I find in the Hindu society? The Hindus are sleeping and snoring clean appearance of the Christians there, who are the sweepers of soundly. They are indifferent. They are immov- able. They are believers in "Karma" or "Kismet" the city streets. Indeed, I learned later that during the communion (or Fate); they think that what should happen will happen and so why bother! On the other service he wished to take part. One of our workers reminded him hand their religious leaders, the Sankaracharis that he was not baptized as a Christian; but he said, "But why should I not remember the Lord Jesus who gave His life for us Untouchables." He took part reverently, and no one wished It otherwise. India is indeed being shaken from the very foundations, and all religions are In the Providence of God being judged by these "who are not." The Christian Church is slowly awakening, but I feel we are not nearly so alive to the significance of all this as are the Sikhs and Mohammedans. I may add that It Is very diffi- cult to get such an article published in any except our Christian papers out here, as most of the larger publications are financed by Hindu money. REV. CLINTON H. LOEULIN, American Pre8byterian Mission, Jullundur City, Punjab.
SOCIALLY, religiously, politically, economi- and the Brahmin Pandits, are advising the Un- cally we, the people of India, have been the touchables to join any other religion which is a .slaves and helots of Hindu society, and branch of Hinduism or to start a new religion of consequently of other societies as well, for ages their own. This is unsolicited and unwanted and are even today being crushed down in spite advice to the Untouchables who know by now of the British Government. We have found out what to do and what not to do. Having crushed that the remedy for these wrongs lies in our hands us too long and too much, and incapable of eradi- and not in others. Dr. Ambedkar, than whom cating the darkest blot on humanity in the name there can be no better, nobler, worthier leader for of God and religion, it is not for them to advise us, has suggested a very easy remedy and it is for us now when we have already decided upon giv- us to carry out that suggestion into execution. ing up Hinduism and all its paraphernalia.
Ever since the great doctor made his announce- Now what are our sins that merit this great ment that emancipation of the Untouchables lies curse? We have been of great service to Hindu in the desertion of the Hindu fold and embracing society from time of yore. Weare washing your any other religion according equality and broth- latrines, we are sweeping your roads, we are erhood there is a stir in the religious, social and ploughing your fields, we are stitching your shoes political atmosphere unparalleled in this country -in short, we are a band of very useful servants or for that matter, in any other country, ever be- of human society, being also hewers of wood and fore. All other religions and societies are agi- drawers of water, working like bulls during day tated over the situation, except Hinduism and and night. The wages that we get are nothing Hindu society. rfhe Moslems, the Christians, the to the hard and the dirty work that we perform.
Sikhs and others have begun to think furiously Our position is nothing better than that of the and seriously about the situation created. I am slaves of Abyssinia and helots of ancient Greece going about the country for the last four months. and Rome. To such useful servants of the society Wherever I go I am struck by the wonderful mil- what is the treatment accorded? It is worse than itary dicipline that is actuating the Moslem com- the treatment meted out to pigs and dogs and munity in matters social, religious or political. donkeys! We are called "Untouchables"; we are excluded from society and are made to dwell in • An address by a Hindu, delivered at the Jullundur District Con- dirty and unsanitary slums both in towns and ference of Untouchables, June 15, 1936. A large number of dele- villages. Why? Is it because we eat beef? Do gates, numbering about 500, attended and great enthusiasm prevailed. not Europeans also eat beef? Do not some Mos- Hindu, Mussulman and Christian public watched the p·roceedings- lems eat beef? Don't you touch them? Then why the audience numbering about 1,500. Three resolutions were not touch us? We alone are untouchable. Why? adopted: the first expressing loyalty to the British throne, the They say we are unclean. They say we do dirty second voting full confidence in the leadership of Dr. Ambedkar work. They say we are latrine cleaners. Do not and condemning the misleading manumvres of almost all the so- your mothers and sisters clean the filth and excalled nationalist papers and the press of all and sundry denomina- creta of their children? Do you call them "Untions to pooh-pooh the activities of the accredited leader and the touchables"? Do they not serve you food? If we uncrowned king of the Adl-Dravldas (Untouchables) of this land. The third resolution appealed to the Untouchables throughout the land, saying that unless and until they give up completely the Hindu religion and all the paraphernalia of Hindu ceremony and worship, the so-called sacred books and beliefs, superstitions and pilgrimages to the so-called holy places and tltirthas, the community has no chance of any advancement either spiritually, socially, economically or politically.
[407 ]
are unclean, thanks to the nature of our work, it try there was a civilized race, the aboriginal race, is for society to allow us sufficient water conveni- an agriculturist race, called the Dravidians living ence and sufficient wages to keep us fit and neat in this country. Overpowered by numbers, and to be respectable members of society. You do not overpowered by bows and arrows of the Aryans allow us even drinking water. You do not allow (who lived by hunting) the Dravidians had to us to draw water from public wells and get into submit to the barbarous Aryan brute force. Those public tanks to wash off our dirt or to wash our of the Dravidians who meekly submitted to the clothes. Aryan yoke were given superior ranks, such as Kshatrias Vaisias and Sudras, and those who Anyone may be made an untouchable under stood strong and long and fought sternly and firmsuch conditions. Even if Mahatma Gandhi, Ma- ly were reduced to eternal slavery and dubbed lawiya, and the Sankaracharia could be shut up "Untouchables" or Chandalas. This historical in a room without any water facilities for three truth was recognized by even Mr. Winston days together they will be as clumsy and dirty Churchill in one of his speeches, meeting the castesmelling as any of the worst among the so-called Hindu-ridden-Congress-wallahs' threat of driving "Untouchables." Such being the case it is for the out the foreigners from this land bag and baggage. municipalities and union Panchayats and other The Aryans are as much foreigners to us-the agencies in charge of sanitation and health to see aboriginals-as Europeans. Perhaps even worse, that sufficient water is supplied to the "Untouch- being unsympathetic. able" quarters. But what do we see in actual practice? It is the touchable quarters that are sup- Then, the Aryans concocted the institution of plied any number of taps in towns and any num- Varnashrama Dharma or caste system, placing ber of wells in villages and the "Untouchables'" premium on birth. They divided the community quarters go almost without any. Under such cir- as the Head-born, Hand-born, Hip-born and the cumstances how can we fail to be unclean? Dogs Heel-born of the God-Head. They assigned no and pigs that eat the human excreta (including place in the God-Head as the origin of the Un- Untouchables') enter your houses and temples, touchables. The obvious inference is that the Unbut your conscience is not pricked, though you touchables came from the obviously understood are touched to the quick, as if by an electric shock, natural place, viz., from the womb of their moththe moment you consciously or unconsciously ers. No physiologist, no doctor would dispute this touch an Untouchable. The reasons that you as- inference. What about the four castes said to have sign to damn us as "Untouchable" are unreason- burst from the God-Head? Coming as they did able and unconvincing. What, then, is the real from unnatural places and non-human sources, cause for this unprovoked animosity against a it is not surprising that they have been behaving whole community for ages together? There is an from time immemorial, including the year of grace historical cause. There is a racial cause. 1936, unnaturally and inhumanly towards the nat- ural-born Untouchables. I was once discussing with a Sanathanist the question of Untouchability. I told him that due The Bible, the Koran, the Granth Sahib is open to Hindu conservatism and intolerance, the Hindu to all. They are published in different languages population which was the only population in In- of the world and everyone is requested to read dia, once upon a time numbering about 330,000,- including the Negro of Africa, and the Red Indian 000, has now dwindled to about 210,000,000, and of America. But the Vedas has been the monopthe rest of the Hindus have become either Mussul- oly of the Head-born, the Brahmin, and a sealed mans, Christians, Sikhs or Buddhists. He replied book to the otherwise-born. Noone but a Brahthat it was not so, that the number of Hindus min should read the Vedas, nay, not even hear it were only about 210,000,000 from the beginning chanted, lays down the Manusmirithi-the ancient and the rest of the population, viz., 120,000,000, law book of Hindustan. Pray what is the penalty? were formerly Rakshasas who gradually changed The tongue that reads the Vedas would be pulled into either Buddhists or Moslems or Christians or out, and the ear that hears it chanted should feel Sikhs and that Sanathanism was a divine crea- the molten lead. This is Hindu Dharma! Still, it tion; therefore no Sanathanist could ever be con- is the Hindu politicians that glorify the India of verted to any other religion. the past and attack the present administration of racial prejudice and discrimination. Yes! my brothers, there is no use of laughing over the statement. That only shows you have Mahatma Gandhi wants Sewarajya to be turned forgotten the history of your forefathers and that into Ram Rajya of old. He calls the present Raj the Sanathanist has not, for what is the historical the Satanic Raj, devoid of sympathy and imagbackground for this? You must remember when ination. Now I feel it my duty to illustrate Ram the barbarous Aryans, in search of food for Rajya by a story in Ramayan in the interests of themselves and for their cattle, entered this coun- Truth which Gandhi is never tired of experi-
HINDUISM AS SEEN FROM WITHIN
menting upon. During the reign of Ram over assertion when his own eldest son, Hira Lal Gan- Ajodhya, and Ram is considered the tallest of dhi, stands transformed into Abdulla Gandhi be- Aryans, a Brahmin and his son were bathing one fore an awe-struck and wondering world! No day in the Ganges. A crocodile stealthily snatched better reply, no more convincing answer need be away the boy. The broken-hearted Brahmin ran given to the Mahatmic egoism. to the palace of Ram and broke out thus: "Oh Ram Chandra! While I am living, my son is dead. The very people, the caste Hindus in general This should not happen in your Rajya, Ram and the Brahmin politicians in particular, are Rajya. There is something wrong with you, never tired of asserting Swaraj and self-deter- 'something is rotten in the State of Denmark.' mination to be their birth right, but it is they that Find out the cause and deliver my son into my deny, in the name of their religion and God, even hands, else be_ prepared for the curse of a Brah- the elementary civil rights to the so-called "Unmin." The great Ram, the great Avatar, began touchables." All temples are closed to us, some to shake in his shoes and commanded his brother roads are blocked to us, no wells and tanks are Lakshman to find out the cause at once. Laksh- open to us, riding on horses is not for us, no shoes man hurried out of the palace, and returning for us, no jewels for us, no umbrellas for us, no after some time told Ram that he had found chapels for us, etc., etc. Still no man, no nationout the cause for the incident-that a Sudra alist, no Hindustani, no congressman, and no Sonamed Samhoog was making Tapasya, or meditat- cialist came forward to form any "civil liberties ing upon God, in the forest. Ram asked his Brah- protection league" for us. The great president min Guru, Vashishta, regarding the punishment of the so-called Indian National Congress talks tall for such a crime, viz., the breaking of the Varnash- on Socialism but he had no word to say against ramadharmic rule. Vashishta turned the pages of Varnashrama or Caste System. He has only one Manusmirithi, the then law book of India, and sentence, and that a very short sentence, in his read out that capital punishment alone could meet long presidential address to say about untouchthe ends of justice and commanded Ram to carry ability which is considered to be the burning quesout the punishment by his own hand. Ram ac- tion of the day. He carries on a tirade against cordingly hastened to the forest and did "justice" imperialism, landlordism and capitalism but has by chopping off the head of the "criminal." And entirely, and, conveniently forgotten Brahminism lo! and behold the crocodile restored the child! which has been corroding the very vitals and This, my brothers, is Ram Rajya and Dharma poisoning every department of Indian Society in Rajya for which the great Mahatma is yearning general, and Hindu society in particular. Blood day and night, in and out of jail as well as in and is thicker than water, and the great Kashmiri out of politics! Pandit has only proved it to its very hilt. It is the irony of Indian politics that the political ex- And when our leader suggested conversion to tremists prove social reactionaries, as the late Dr. some other religion as the only proper remedy to T. M. Nair of revered memory once observed. get relief from such a Ram Rajya and from such a religion and society that is trying its best to Socialism is a thing by which the Untouchable bring about such an unfortunate contingency, has everything to gain and nothing to lose and the Mahatma said that none has any right to as such he wiII never be shy of being a Socialist change one's faith and that one's faith dies only but then, if the agitators, with the slogan of Sowith one's death. What an extraordinary dictum cialism on their lips, should try to distract the this! If there should be any rhyme or reason or present determined position of the Untouchables any logic in this, then, all other religions except to renounce Hinduism for obvious reasons and Hinduism, which is as old as barbarism itself, embrace any other religion based on equality and stand condemned. According to Mahatmic asser- brotherhood, then such deep diplomacy should tions, Lord Budda, Lord Jesus Christ, Prophet meet with strong resentment, and should be Mohammad, the Ten Gurus of the Sikhs, etc., (all treated with the contempt it deserves. of whom, so to say, revolted against Hinduism or heathenism, conservatism or barbarism and . We have tasted enough of Hindu diplomacy. preached perfect fraternity) ought to have gone We have found it so bitter and suffocating that on bended knees before this great Mahatma to we do not want any more. By now all Untouchget sanction for breaking away from their re- ables should have come to know the deep and the spective faiths in which they were born and es- dark diplomacy underlying the Poona Pact. How tablishing new ones for the glory of humanity did it come about ?-the Communal Award grant- ed separate electorate to the Untouchables. Mahatand to the eternal shame of Hinduism. Alas what ma Gandhi protested against such a "calamity" an open revolt against Mahatmic inj unctions! and began his now notorious fast unto death to and now comes the fatal knock to the Mahatmic coerce the unfortunate Untouchables to walk into the joint electorate. Days and weeks passed. The
Mahatma was choking. His son, Mr. Deva Dass a garland of human heads round her neck, a Gandhi, was weeping. And other Hindu leaders tongue a yard long hanging out, four hands, one assembled round Gandhi's bed were shedding with a raised blood-stained sword, another holdtears-but only crocodile tears. That was the ing a chopped off human head, the third with a scene created before the eyes of Dr. Ambedkar vessel to hold the dripping blood. This figure is adand other Untouchable leaders. How could the dressed by the crowding devotees as the Loka doctor, coming as he does of the Untouchables, Matha or the Great Mother of the Universe! who, historically as well as practically, even unto Daily sacrifices of goats and buffaloes are made this day would rather submit to all sufferings at to appease her thIrst. Even human sacrifices others' hands than retaliate, persist in the midst were made in pre-British days. It is indeed a of such a heart-rending scene? At last Dr. glowing tribute to the British flag that Kali has Ambedkar "succumbed" to the coercion. A very lost taste for human blood now! Among her enchanting picture was drawn that a new heaven devotees may be counted eminent Bengalees of would be created on this old earth and that every light and leading, such as Arobindo Ghose, Dr. conceivable social, religious, political, economical Tagore, etc. Still, "what Bengal thinks today and educational facility would be given to the the rest of India thinks tomorrow," boasts the Untouchables on a par of equality with the Hin- Bengalee. I stared at the figure. The more I dus. It is now nearly five years and nothing has looked at it the more I disliked it. She is obviousbeen done, not even one promise carried out ex- ly to my mind a great enemy of mankind wearcept that a new name "Harijan" has been coined ing a garland of human heads and holding a hufor us and a big fund collected in our name for man head dripping with blood. Perhaps she rep- Congress propaganda or perhaps it has gone the resents a bloodthirsty Aryan "demon" in womanway of Tilak Swarajya Fund and other such form who should have massacred a number of funds. Poona Pact is a bundle of broken pledges. my ancestors-the Dravidians. For no other rea- It is another Manusmirithi written with the blood son would an Aryan, a Brahmin, a High Caste of the Untouchables to tie them to the intolerant Hindu worship such an ugly, atrocious and aweand tyrannical Hindu yoke and to reestablish a striking figure. I was wondering why Gazni Mo- Hindu Raj, a Ram Raj, once again in this coun- hammad should not have paid a short visit to try. The Untouchables are going to taste the bit- Kalighat! ter fruits of the Poona Pact for the first time in April next when the new constitution sets to work. One day as I was bathing in one of the ghats It is the Peters and Judas Iscariots among the near the Howrah Bridge, I saw two people emp- Untouchables that are going to be backed by the tying two big vessels of milk into the Ganges Caste Hindus; it is the Vibhishanas and Hanu- costing at least Rs. 10/-1 coul~ not bear the mans among the Untouchables that will poll heav- sight, and asked them why they did it. They said ily, thanks to the Divide and Rule policy of the that Ganga Matha liked such offerings and that Hindus; it is the traitors and betrayers of the they only carried out a former promise to her. sacred cause of the Untouchables that will be re- Just then some coal dust was coming along the turned to the legislatures to be but the hand- waters obviously thrown out from some steammaids of Hindu politicians. boat. I pointed the spot to them and remarked that their Ganga Matha could not discriminate Apart from the social and religious inferiority between milk and dust! They simply smiled and and superiority complex nursed and nurtured by went away. Hinduism, economically also it is a big waste and drains the hard-earned resources of rich and Another day I witnessed in one of the bazaars poor alike. Besides, it breeds and encourages all two Hindus feeding cows and bulls with gur from foolish ideas, inhumanities, superstitions and im- two big baskets. Just then about four or five possible beliefs. Ever since I went through Miss beggars, including two children-all skin and Mayo's "Mother India" I desired to go through bones-dressed in tatters, stood stretching their North India to see things for myself. Since the boney hands begging for a piece of gur. The two last four months I am going around. I spent a Hindus would not give them anything but only scolded them, stretching their hands and legs and month in Calcutta. The first place I visited in heads to beat them and asking them to run away Calcutta naturally was the Kalighat. The moment from the place. This was appalling to me. I ar- I set my foot into the precincts of the temple I gued with them and pointed out to them their felt the atmosphere so deadly and nasty-smell- unreasonable and unsympathetic attitude towards ing that I had to close my nostrils as if I had their own kind while being so over solicitous and entered some fish market or beef market. I ap- over charitable to nonhuman beings. They said proached the sanctum santorum and I saw the in reply that the beggars and the sufferers in this huge figure of "Goddess" Kali with a huge head, world were condemned by God as a result of their
"Karma" and that it was a great sin to go against ers, camphor, incense, bread, fruits, sweetmeats, the will of God and that He would be angry with and what not. "Mother India is poor" is the slothem and displeased with them should they help gan of the "patriot" and he stretches his hands the poor. What a high and soul-stirring philos- towards the west for this poverty. I wish a pubophy! lic enquiry committee would look into this waste and place it side by side with the much maligned While crossing the Ganges bridge near Be- military budget! There are innumerable Dharamnares, my nap was slightly disturbed by sounds salas Chatrams and choultries throughout India. as if several stones were thrown on the carriage. There are nearly 360 Chatrams in the "holy" city Just then I saw the one sitting by my side throw- of Benares alone. Poverty is no basis of feeding ing something into the river. I asked him what. in these Chatrams. Birth and caste alone is the He said that he threw a rupee into the Ganges as deciding factor. "For Brahmins only" is the writpromised. I remonstrated with him that while ten and the unwritten law of these so-called charhe had not the mind to give a pice to the old and itable institutions. So much is made of color bar blind beggar, yet he was so liberal with the and the Brahmin politicians attack the Govern- Ganges which could have no use for it and from ment and the Europeans for it. Has anyone which it could never be recovered. He assured among them till now said or done anything against me that in return for the one rupee that he gave this discriminative feeding. Still they swear by Ganga Matha was going to bless him with a lakh Socialism! All sorts of imaginary exploitations next year. What a fine investment! Such "in- by Europeans should be violently condemned but vestments" range from one pice to one rupee and the actual exploitations by Brahmins in every one hundred rupees, and in the case of merchant walk of life should be silently ignored! That is princes and Maharajas and Maharanis even sov- the Brahmin ethics, that is his social game, his ereigns and precious jewels costing thousands of political game, that is his dirty game everywhere. rupees are deposited into the depths of the Ganga He is not only exploiting the people in every pos- Matha. Still, "Mother India" is poor, thanks to sible and conceivable way but has made them the Satanic Government," prates the Hindu poli- fools and idiots in the name of religion and God tician! and is daily injecting, inventing and encouraging all sorts of false beliefs and foolish ceremonies "Dressing the Ganga Matha" was another of and customs. The Brahmin has captured religion, the scenes that I saw in Benares. A long line of captivated the society and even today dominates boats were stationed in a line from one bank of politics. There are parties and parties and the the river to the other and all the boats were cov- Brahmin politicians figure prominently in every ered by a long stretch of new cloth. After the party. They may make nice distinctions between pooja was over, lasting for nearly an hour, the parties, they may carryon even some word-fights whole cloth was bundled and thrown into the -all pillow fights-with a view to mislead the center of the river and proper care was taken to public as they have done in the religious sphere, see it was well drowned. The cloth could have but all of them, if you slightly scratch them, will easily dressed at least 200 beggars appearing be black communalists. The Brahmins have been almost naked in the streets of Benares, but then, the lagos of Indian affairs either in Hindu Raj, Hinduism and Hindu society wills it otherwise. Muslim Raj, Sikh Raj or British Raj. So long The burning ghats in the midst of human habita- as the designing and unscrupulous Brahmin tion in Benares, causing nuisance and poisoning priest and politician is occupying the present the atmosphere and spreading disease, speak vol- strong position that he does today and the other umes of the civic and sanitary consciousness of misguided Hindus follow his lead, only one course Hinduism and Hindu society! And the Govern- is open to us Untouchables, viz., to give up the ment is pledged to non-intervention in religion! Hindu fold completely with all the paraphernalia of Hindu ceremony and worship, the so-called While bathing again in the Ganges at Harid- sacred books and beliefs, superstitions and pilwar, I was horror-struck to find a Marwadi wom- grimages to the so-called holy places and Thirthas an throwing five shining fresh silver rupees into -all which were invented to drain our poor rethe waters-perhaps to propitiate for the sins of sources-and embrace any other religion practicher husband or son dealing in money-lending busi- ing as well as promising equality and brotherhood ness which is of a blood-sucking nature. There is and salvation not only after death but in this life no end to what the Hindu people throw into the as well. Ganges from its very sources, all along its course, and up to the point of its emptying into the Bay of Bengal-money, milk, honey, curds, ghee, flow-
Indian Womanhood Owes to Christ*
~J,!,;;l=====B;o;;Y;o;;M;o;;R;o;;S;o;;';o;;M;o;;O;o;;H;o;;I;o;;N;o;;I;o;;D;o;;A;o;;S;o;;S====~II~'- T HE only, reason why I am standing before In the so-called depressed races of the world to- you today is that, though a nominal Chris- day there are many who are not in the least tian for many years, it was just five years "depressed," who hold their heads high, but, view- ago that I discovered for myself the wonderful, ing the situation as a whole, I maintain that, as life-changing power that Jesus Christ can bestow for suppressed individuals and races in general, on those who accept Him whole-heartedly. Since so for women, Jesus by His teachings and His then, the greatest desire of my life is that others, life opened a new door of opportunity. Listen to too, may know of this marvellous Force which has what Jesus proclaimed at the very outset of His transformed the lives of so many individuals and ministry. He said, "The spirit of the Lord is upon races, from a life of suppressed potentialities to me, because He hath anointed me to preach the one of power and usefulness. Gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the Glance for a moment at the history of the world, broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the cap- with special reference to the condition of women, tives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set and you will see that in olden times there was at liberty them that are bruised." He taught hardly a country where women were not treated therefore that oppression and the suppression of more or less as members of a Depressed Class. the individuality of anyone is wrong, be he man Look at Japan. There was a time when no Jap- or woman. In the olden days it was customary anese woman was allowed to scale the sides of for the Jews to have more than one wife. Jesus the sacred mountain, Fujiama, for fear of defiling realized that this "bruises" the self-respect of a it. woman, so, when questioned by the Pharisees on Turn to China. In olden days, more often than the subject, He laid down that a man should have not, girls, when born, were exposed to die. Dur- one wife and "they two shall be one flesh . . .
ing the days of the Old Testament the Jew gen- therefore they are no more two, but one flesh."
erally prayed as follows: "Lord, I thank Thee Listen to what is laid down for the guidance of that Thou didst not make me a woman, or a leper, the followers of Jesus in the New Testament: or a Gentile." "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither In our own India it has been taught that if a bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, man's deeds in this life are not what they should for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
be, he may be born a woman or dog in the next. Jesus proclaimed this new principle to the world Turn to Europe, to Africa, and, indeed, to any -this principle of equal opportunities for all- country the world over before the coming of for all whose individualities have been sup- Christ, and you will find that generally speaking, pressed, whether they be men or women, and the condition of women at that time was more what was the result? Wherever His teachings or less that of a depressed class. They were often took root the condition of woman began to alter.
classed with "dogs" and "lepers"; Their condi- She became not just a glorified courtesan and tion in every way was, generally speaking, the housekeeper, but a home-maker, a companion to condition of a "depressed" or "suppressed" race. her husband and a fit mother for bringing up his I stand here to witness, and I challenge anyone children.
to repudiate the statement, that it is Jesus and A famous European scholar has propounded His teachings which have permeated the world the theory that, very probably, the ancient civ- and have caused the women of the world to stand ilizations of the world crumbled away because in erect as useful members of the community, and of those days woman was not given her proper the race. place in the home and in society as a whole', Con- True, this does not mean that in the years be- sider the proposition for a moment and it will fore the Good Tidings that Christ brought to the strike you as one that is reasonable because it is world, all women were classed as dogs and lepers. the woman in the home who has the care of the • An address delivered at the All-India Depressed Classes Con- children in their most impressionistic years and ference in Lucknow. May 22. 1936, it is the children who are the promise of the fu- [412 ] ture. What your children are, not only physically Indian Christian women drawn from the Debut morally and intellectually, will be what your pressed Classes, but now teaching, among others, race is, and your children will be more or less the children of Brahmins-looked up to and rewhat their mothers are. It is the woman too who spected by them. And this one example is typical outside the home must help in tackling the prob- of many institutions in the Punjab and in this lems which affect her and her children, for it is Province, and in fact, all over India. she who has the best knowledge of these problems. Again, the Indian Christians of one of our prov- The new idea regarding women, which was inces chose a woman to represent them in their thrown out into the world by Jesus Christ, has Legislative Council because of her outstanding resulted in a revolution the world over, a revolu- ability, and that woman was drawn from the Detion that astounds one in its tremendous implica- pressed Classes, but she was now an honored tions. I have time to cite only a few outstanding member of a Christian group which probably incases of the effect of this revolutionary teaching cluded some formerly Brahmin and Kshatriya on the women of the world in general and of India converts. in particular. Right here in this very city about five or six Listen-the very first college for women estab- years ago the Legislative Council was meeting in lished in Asia was established by a Christian the magnificent Baradari, once the home of the woman. I refer to Isabella Thoburn College for Women, in this very city. The first hospital Ruler of Oudh and his 150 wives. A resolution founded in Europe was founded by a Christian woman. The Red Cross, an association that has was put to the house regarding the entry of womdone such invaluable work for the alleviation of en into the Council. One of the supporters of the suffering, was initiated by Florence Nightingale, resolution rose, and looking up at the ladies' gala Christian woman. lery, thronged with visitors, mostly past and pres- ent students of our Isabella Thoburn College for True, and we thank God for this, the flower of women, said "How can we do anything but pass emancipated womanhood is now blooming every- this resolution with the pressure that is being where, but from whence came its seed? It is ob- brought to bear upon us from the galleries." This vious to a student of history that the seed was "pressure" was from the past and present stuthe principle of equal opportunities for all, in- dents of a Christian college for women! jected into the world by Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago. Brothers, we are quite conscious, just as you are, that there are many so-called followers of the Why turn to other lands? Just consider our Lord Jesus who are not really His followers, and own motherland. Of the three communities in who are surely crucifying Him afresh by their India which rank the highest with respect to num- actions and their words, but we would entreat you bers, the Indian Christians are placed third in to consider what the Lord Jesus has accomplished order of numerical value, but rank first of these the world over as well as in India through those three communities with respect to the literacy of who have sought to follow their Master wholetheir women. And, mark you, 90 per cent of this heartedly. And we would assert once again that Protestant Indian Christian community are from not only did Jesus initiate the idea of release from the so-called "Depressed Classes"-once sup- bondage to oppressed men and women the world pressed but now equal members of a glorious over, but that He has accomplished through His Kingdom. sincere followers this release, this newness of life in India and the world. Stop for a moment and see what is happening. In both mission schools and hospitals the daugh- Brothers, have I helped you to see, even in a ters of so-called Depressed Classes, now Chris- small way, the potentiality of that Force released tians, are teaching and tending the children of nearly 2,000 years ago, and still energizing in the Brahmins! Untouchables? What has happened? living present ?-the Force that worked as leaven They are Untouchables no longer, for Jesus has and revolutionized the position of women, as that touched them! Come with me to Kodikanal in of all suppressed peoples? If so, my purpose is South India, climb its highest peak and you will accomplished. I am not here to make glowing see stretched out on the plains below many vil- promises. I only point to the sources of tremenlages nestling among the trees. These villages dous power, power that has transformed those of have schools run by local boards, and three out your number who have accepted Jesus, power that of every four of the teachers in these schools are has tremendous possibilities, if accepted by you who are the leaders of your people.
New Era of Foreign
By JULIUS RICHTER, D.D., Berlin, Germany Author of "Missions in India," "Missions in the Near East," etc.
THERE is widespread agreement that we are nearer proximity and greater eagerness than ever passing through a new crisis in the foreign before, and when humanistic or atheistic or anti~ missionary movement. Since the first com~ religious philosophies at the same time are claim~ mon experience of the whole race in the World ing world-wide allegiance, it is becoming more War, the rapidly extending communications, tele~ and more a question of life and death for the graph, radio and wireless, railroad, steamboat Christian Church to proclaim triumphantly and and airship all compete to bring individuals and with new tongues that there is no other salvation nations all the world over near to one another as for the human race than in Christ Jesus.
one big family with the same problems and It is true that at present there are many achievements. The occidental civilization, like a hindrances which impede any rapid advance and rising tide, is penetrating even the remote corners that threaten to bar the way of further advance.
of the globe and is irresistibly changing its back~ The financial stringency in consequence of the ground. world depression is immediately pressing into The system of the family of nations is out of view; in Germany it is excluding all financial joint. Agriculture and industry easily produce subsidies for the foreign field, beyond a meagre overwhelmingly more than the impoverished race allowance for the missionaries' salaries. Shall is able to buy. So half the race is lingering on our foreign missions be starved out, just at the the point of starvation whilst the other half is time when the rapidly advancing impoverishment ruthlessly discarding its useless surplus and thirty of the peasant millions of Asia are iess than ever or more millions of unemployed have no scope able to provide church finances? Nationalism neither for life nor for death. Whilst world everywhere creates pride in one's own cultural traffic is laying down all separating walls, nation~ heritage, but in many countries this goes hand alisms are everywhere building up even higher in hand with a recrudescence of the primitive re~ barriers and dire necessities of self-preservation ligions so that Christianity is looked at askance are squeezing down interchange of commerce to as a part of foreign imperialism, all the more ab~ paltry barter between neighboring countries. The horring because it is looked upon as creating for~ missionary movement of the Christian churches eign . cultural groups in the heart of a nation.
falteringly is seeking its way through the gen~ During the greater part of the last century Prot~ eral confusion and the kaleidoscopically changing estant missions had a fairly free field, distances scene. being great and the field large; the Roman Cath~ There are large tasks and alluring vistas be~ olic competition, though hitting sorely in many fore us. The more than one hundred fifty mil~ places, was not considered particularly dangerous.
lion primitive and animistic peoples, in Africa, This situation is changing rapidly. Under the Oceania and many parts of Asia, are rapidly dis~ ingenious leadership of the popes Leo XIII and intregrating religiously and culturally. It may Pius XI, the Roman Catholic propaganda is cov~ be a question of only a few generations before ering the globe with a close net of missionary they will be absorbed by the stronger religions dioceses, vicariates, prefectures, and missions.
busying themselves about them. A carefully Year by year new monastic orders, missionary planned campaign and an energetically pursued societies, brotherhoods and sisterhoods are enter~ crusade might cause these millions to be integrated ing the foreign fields; hundreds of priests, breth~ into the Christian Church. The Roman Catholic ren and sisters are swelling their ranks and al~ Church is already dreaming of a Roman Catholic ready in many fields they outnumber the meager continent of Africa. Many mission fields seem Protestant forces. This advance of Roman Ca- slowly to pass from the period of a slow knocking tholicism in the world-wide crusade is a loud at closed doors to a landslide when mass move- challenge to the conscience of Protestant Chris- ments sweep tens of thousands into the church tians. .
and the missionaries look around for companions What then shall we do in this emergency?
to bring in safely the breaking nets. The task of Some parts of our duty appear to be evident. Let world-wide and powerful evangelism has never evangelical forces join ranks; cooperation is the been greater than at present. When the great call of the hour. If Protestant missions are in world religions are confronting each other at danger – as they really are – it is disastrous to [414 ] dissolve into unorganized, independent groups, state of adolescence, are acknowledged as of full without a concerted plan of action; it would be age there remain the hundreds of millions of their own fault if they are pushed aside and their pagans so that the task of the "sending countries" praiseworthy endeavors, sanctified by prayer and is not diminished but is rather increased. We self-sacrifice, prove futile. The work of the In- may ardently hope that the "younger" churches, ternational Missionary Council and of the Na- in their youthful vigor and enthusiasm, will . tional Christian Councils in many countries and grapple energetically with their surrounding mis- of similar enterprises has never been more needed sionary problems but it is clear that every bit of than at present. The leadership of the Christian help that the sending countries may be able to movement in many countries, particularly in Asia, provide will be needed in an enterprise far sur- is passing from the "older" to the "younger" passing even the most strenuous exertions. churches. On the side of the "older" churches there will be a generous acknowledgment of the Syncretism has always been a lurking danger particular responsibility of those "younger" when Christianity was confronting foreign re- churches and an unreserved willingness to give ligions; even so, agnosticism was a danger when them full scope for the development of their yet the young Christian religion for the first time untried forces and inexperienced methods, even emerged into the world of Greek philosophy. if their ways sometimes may seem curious and Wide-spread relativism also resulted from the not very practical. The older generation of the rapprochement of Christianity, Islam and Juda- missionaries has learned much from its failures ism at the time of the crusades. Similar syncre- and mistakes. There are many complicated ques- tistic tendencies will be unavoidable in the mixing tions with regard to church property, colleges, and meddling of various types of religions and universities, hospitals, literary undertakings, and philosophies at the present age. Perhaps at no other establishments and organizations, where time has there been greater need for a hallowed knotty problems are to be solved through further theology soundly based on the divine revelation in cooperation; this includes the handing over of Holy Scripture; the task of the theological fac- partial or complete ownership to the "younger" ulties at home and abroad was never more urgent churches, and maintenance of their original scope. than in the present emergency. Often there will be a wide divergence of the opin- ions, or even convictions, on both sides; their In view of the world-wide issues, the dwindling readjustment needs an exceptional measure of missionary forces, the threatening hindrances, sanctified common sense in an unbiased considera- and the overwhelming tasks to be solved, our con- tion of the common end in view. Even if all fidence is only in the Lord of lords. "younger" churches, which are at present in the It is Thy cause, Lord Jesus Christ, The cause on which we stand, And as Thy cause alone, in the end it cannot fail.
DR. CARROLL'S CODE AT EIGHTY * [EDITOR'S NOTE: In publishing the following "Code" exactly as it has came to us-title and all~t is perhaps necessary to say that "Carroll" is Rev. Charles W. Carroll, D.D., Superintendent Emeritus of the Middle Atlantic Cowference, widely knrYWn u,nd well beloved throughout the Congregu,tional !ellow'ship. The "Code" has worked so well in his case thu,t it may be wisely c01nmended to others.] I. BE PREPARED to live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people. Never become embittered by any calamity; even the death of your beloved. For these things must come.
II. START OUT to live a victorious life. Like Paul, smile in the face of every disaster. Never whine. III. FIT YOURSELF for an occupation which you love. Then learn to work and play and pray, and live the Jesus way. IV. GIVE YOUR BODY and mind every possible chance to get and to retain their normal vigor. Avoid all enslaving habits. Be a free man, or woman, even in this cigaret age. V. KEEP FIT; Think straight; Get a competence; Found a home; Find a faith. VI. SET OUT TO FIND and to stress the good in the world and in the people. Recognize evil only when you can mend it. Be an inveterate optimist. VII. PLAN TO HELP all needy folk you meet, by helping them into self-mastery. Ask little; give much; and make all the people with whom you come in contact glad they have met you. VIII. FEAR NOTHING but sin. An honest man or woman has nothing to fear, for he or she is guilty of nothing. The worst the world can do with such a person is to hasten his death. Soon or late that comes to everyone. Fear is our most enervating foe. Perfect love casteth out all fear. IX. BEHOLD a personal Father in all nature: His tender love in the sunshine and the flowers; His magnificent power in the tempest. Let His world teach you beauty and strength. X. TRUST GOD in every experience of this life; and fall on eternal sleep assured that the mystery of the future is in the keeping of One who loves you with a perfect love.
"I know not where God's islands lift Their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and care."
• From The Congregationalist.
Youth Looks at
By the REV. CHAS. A. PLATT, ~, East Orange, New Jersey I Assistant Minister of the Munn Avenue Church A CONFERENCE table! Around it are gath- effect he has upon the personal, social and political ered a group of twenty young people of lives of the people, and what motivating power college age or older. They have come to- sent him there in the first place. 'These are factgether to begin a study of some definite religious finding queries, not argumentative footballs to be topic each week during the winter. What sub- kicked about a conference table. They lead to a ject will best enable us to view Christianity in the greater understanding of the whole enterprise and face of today's problems? Is Christ's faith and are fundamental in determining questions of pol- life being carried along by the momentum it icy after the subject is mastered. To argue gathered in a by-gone age, or has Christianity whether missions are good or bad is to attempt to within itself a power strong enough to face our determine a policy before we know the problem.
materialistic world? Every thinking person will agree, regardless of To answer such questions we must view Chris- his other convictions on the subject, that the mis- tianity on the frontier where it stands or falls on sionary enterprise is the most unselfish activity its own merits. Stripped of local tradition, and in the world. Any man who will bury himself in having been transplanted into a new philosophical the heart of a jungle, or lose himself in the midst and social climate, one could see the workings of of a hostile mining community, without thought the Christian enterprise in its primary stages. of remuneration or recognition, is certainly un- This is just what the group wanted. What better selfish in the true sense of the word. Therefore, vantage point could be found than to look at he must have been spurred on by a great ideal or Christianity through the eyes of the missionary? loyalty which would cause him to make stich a Thus we began a year's course in missions. It sacrifice. What is that ideal? How effectively was not a select group, but one which could be has he been able to realize it? Has that ideal duplicated in a hundred different communities. helped or hindered the people to whom he has There was no common background, except youth gone? These questions point out the path which and new-found friendships, There were eight col- leads to truth.
leges represented by actual students, and a larger Youth is making a valiant attempt to fit the number of institutions by alumni. But from this whole missionary enterprise into the picture of varied background and experience, there arose one international relations. In so doing, he finds one strong common bond-interest in missions. of the strongest arguments in favor of Christian Our first question was, "Do you believe in for- mISSIOns. One glance at the panorama of this eign missions?" Instead of the usual thoughtless modern world reveals how much closer together answer, "There's too much to be done at home," people are living now than in any previous genthe group replied, "How can we know what we eration. The old world of Africa and Asia is believe or do not believe until we know something no longer a month's or year's journey by land and more about the subj ect?" They had found the sea. The peoples and problems of these lands are key to understanding the missionary enterprise. a part of our daily life. We read the news, we Before making up' their minds, either for or see the pictures, we think of them as neighbors. against the great work, they determined to study We recognize the folly of any attempt on the part the subject from an inductive point of view. of America to live a self-contained, self-sufficient When youth looks at missions he does not neces- life. We must approach the other peoples of the sarily argue. In fact, if he does, he is apt to world as_ part of one great family. This implies spend all of his time polishing arguments instead industrial and political intercourse. Should'it not of searching for truth. Therefore, to approach also mean religious fellowship?
the subject from an inductive point of view is the Youth reasons that if we are sufficiently inter- most helpful because it is the most progressive. ested in Africa to develop its natural resources We want to know, says youth, what the mission- and use it as a market for industry, why should ary does for a community, what he teaches, what we not be just as much interested in sharing with [416 ] these people what we believe to be the best phase view of our religion opens the door to a blessed of our civilization, namely, Christ and His teach- faith. ings? Too often the industrialization of a primi- tive land means its exploitation. We too often Then there arises a more batHing problem. send our worst; let us also send our best. The What about missions and Christianity's modern balance of influence must favor righteous living competitors? No ancient religion is encroaching . and the ideals of brotherhood if America is to upon the realm of Christianity, but materialism, build for a better future. rationalism and secularism are its most potent enemies. How does Christianity measure up when Youth is idealistic. He is seeking to adjust his confronted with Communism, Fascism, or ma- thinking and his actions to the ide:;tls which he terialistic humanism? What has the religion of cherishes. And in missions he sees a purely un- Christ to offer a world just awakening socially selfish attempt to help make mankind better. He and industrially? In many a mission land, the sees other religions holding civilizations on the modern trend is away from its established reli- low level of ignorance, hatred, indifference, gion-Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, or Confucian- selfishness, and Christianity raising humanity in ism. Will the people of such a land embrace to- every instance to higher levels. Christ-through talitarianism, a superpatriotism, an aggressive His missionary-must be the answer-the only nationalism, or Christianity?
answer. Is the moderp youth interested in missions? Religion is a complex thing in even its simplest Of course he is! He loves romance, he longs for news from strange places and about strange peo- forms. Yet behind its outward aspects and within pIe; he thrills at courageous adventure; and the its ramifications, there seem to be two funda- fire of his interest is kindled anew by reports that mentals absolutely necessary for effective life and stimulate his imagination. Paint a vivid picture fellowship with God: They are sincerity and of life on the Tibetan frontier or in the wilds of truth. Without the former in the heart of the Africa, or a winter in northern Alaska, or among believer and the latter at the heart of the religion, the Indians in the great southwest, and you have there can be no real progress to higher things. captivated youth. Give him facts, something defi- Youth takes these two principles and uses them nite to cling to; give him a practical, working ap- as a test of all religions. He sees evidences of the plication of the abstract truth in religion. He sincerity of millions who worship a multitude of wants to be definite, he wants to know. Expose gods. He sees some truth in every faith, but him to the Christian missionary enterprise and amid them all, he sees faith in Christ as the reve- you bring his soul closer to the Kingdom of God. lation of God standing far above and beyond the others. He sees in that faith a basis for an THE SCULPTOR OF THE SOUL eternal hope which spurs men on, and a love which is as broad as humanity itself. As the sculptor works in wood and stone I would devote myself to the living soul. Let there be no mistake. Youth also sees many But I face the solemn thought that the sculptor evidences of insincerity, hypocrisy, sham, and in- difference hiding beneath the cloak of Christian- cannot carve either in wood or in stone any- ity. But being idealistic, he recognizes these thing better than himself. faults as evidence of human weakness rather than All the lines of my carving as signs of theological fallacy. Christianity, he Will but reveal my own soul. says, is the true solution of the world's problems, Gazing at my hand, at my chisel, I shudder. and the work of Christian missions is the .method How long will it take for this human sculpture by which its frontiers are advanced. which I can never carve better or finer than my own soul? .Furthermore, the missionary approach to reli- How shall I escape! how escape from my pitiable, gion is the positive approach. It counterbalances limited self, and rise to become a carver of the vast amount of current religious argument. God! In a very real sense this approach is the evan- gelistic approach. It must be. No youth can Happily there is a guide for me, understand Christian missions until he has probed One Who has opened the door of the sanctuary, deeply into the positive statements of faith with One Who in His living flesh which the successful missionary is armed. He Has given us an Image of the living God. must understand and know the importance of hav- ing great convictions about the Sovereignty of -Toyohiko Kagawa. God; the Person of Christ and His Mission; about sin and the needs of men; as to divine power and the place of the Holy Spirit. Such a
Filipino Superstitions
I -&( By MASON LOWE, Mount Vernon, Iowa I)at- ~==============================~ T HE break between the older and younger In the same province an image of the Virgin in generations today is very noticeable in the one of the churches was supposed to have the Philippines. Newspapers, magazines, schools miraculous power of showing approval or disapand churches, travel, and contact with foreigners, proval of the parishioners by a change in its facial have caused the younger, educated young people expression. Generous contributions to the church to discard most of the superstitions harmful to caused the image to assume a benignant expres- progress, but some of these still crop up and oc- sion. Immoral acts brought on an expression of casionally are a positive menace. sadness. The image was reputed to wander Many superstitions are connected with animals around the streets at night, watching over the and nature. The enormous ant hills that one sees village and protecting its inhabitants. In proof when traveling thrpugh the country are objects the people pointed to a small burr which appeared of superstition, and the peasants give them wide on the hem of the virgin's gown on the mornings berth when working in the fields. Owls and but- after her expeditions.
terflies are very much feared, especially if they One older high school student, who was acting come into the house. The tiny house lizard is as a supply pastor in a Protestant church in one regarded as a symbol of longevity, and houses of the isolated districts, went to a town in the are full of them. Their cries are supposed to hills. In the rainy season the town was particuforecast the coming of a visitor or some other larly susceptible to floods and this year the river unusual event. was especially threatening. The Roman Catholic Sneezing is looked upon as a bad omen. A de- priests took advantage of the situation by telling vout woman will always cross herself and mutter the people that the floods were a punishment from a prayer before going down steps. God because some of them had been listening to Everywhere night is considered favorable to a Protestant preacher.
demons. The aswang is an evil spirit that is be- Certain magic is known as anting-anting, and lieved to go abroad at night looking for victims. its medicine men are called arbolarios. Anting- Like the "banshee," he can be heard wailing on anting includes belief in incantations, amulets, windy nights. During the day he may assume and black magic. One of the more harmless forms some familiar shape such as that of a pig, a dog, is the belief that on first entering a new town one or a monkey. This may account for the fact that should taste a handful of earth from that town Filipinos, usually not over humane, are careful so as not to become homesick. In some districts not to harm certain animals. the more ignorant people find it difficult to dis- Just as the ignorant American mothers fright- tinguish between anting-anting and Christianity.
en crying children by telling them that the gypsy A constabulary officer was sent to investigate will get them, so does the ignorant Filipino fright- the activities of a certain young "wonder-healer"
en hers, using the "Bombay" as the bugaboo. The who was attracting hundreds of people with his "Bombays" are big hairy, turbaned Sikhs who cures. The officer, a graduate of the public high travel the countryside carrying packs on their schools and of the academy for the training of backs, the contents of which they peddle about. constabulary officers, took his wife, who suffered Many people, even high school students, attribute from headaches, along to consult the apo before crimes and misdemeanors to "Bombays" or per- proceeding with the investigation.
sons with an evil spirit. The apo, a psychopathic case, began to have Superstitions vary greatly according to locality. visions from God demanding that he cure people, In one place near Manila I found practically none. by touching them and prescribing a bottle of soda In another province my students were contin- water. The vendors of soda water wheeled their ually quoting local taboos. A senior high school carts up to the house and did a thriving business.
girl, who was absent one day, on her return ex- Anting-anting is also used as first aid to jilted plained that the night before she had seen a ghost lovers.
and had to go to bed. A mixture of salt and Many of the beliefs in the Islands have their garlic, rubbed on her body, had made her immune counterparts in other countries. Riding with a from harm! Filipino friend in a district only a few miles from [418 ]
IF I WERE BLACK
Manila, I passed through a rather out-of-the-way adds: "It is hoped that the people can be induced village near Laguna de Bay, which specializes in to eat them as the Tagalogs do. Bulletins describwitchcraft. Many old people can be hired to do ing their preparation can be obtained from the harm to an enemy. They make wax effigies, and Bureau of Agriculture." after mumbling incantations stick pins into the effigy or melt it over a slow fire. The torture that When a typhoon and earthquake almost wiped the enemy undergoes corresponds to the treatment out the town of J 010, a serious outbreak against of the images. the government followed and many soldiers and Moros were killed. The Filipino reporter who The minority races in the Philippines present went to investigate the situation, sent back word their own peculiar problems. For example, some that the Moros were disturbed because they be- Moros in Mindanao caused trouble for Bureau of lieved that the catastrophes came as a punish- Agriculture officials who were sent there to try ment from God because their spiritual and temto control the locust pest. Believing that the lo- poral head, the Sultan of Sulu, had taken to cigacusts are protected by Saint Augustine, the Moros ret smoking and cabaret frequenting while he was were doing their best to prevent the officials from supposed to be attending to his legislative duties exterminating them. The newspaper dispatch in Manila.
If I Were Black* By LEILA AVERY ROTHENBURGER The Wife of the Pastor of 'the Third Christian Church, Indianapolis, Indiana A VERY alert and widely read Pullman porter more," in which he tells of the chilling blight of told me that he would hate to be a white racial hatred as it falls upon the heart of an erst- man. His reason, stated without trace of while happy lad of eight. It is this downright rancor, was that while the Negro has a hard time meanness, passed on to child from parent, that I physically and economically he does not in addi- should not be able to endure unless indeed my soul tion have to battle his own meanness. It was an had wings. evaluation of the relative spiritual calibers of two races. I am the wife of a minister, belong to the so- called middle class, university trained, and I am About four years ago I listened to a Christian rearing a family. Suppose my skin were black? Endeavor group discuss the question, "Would you How would the picture change? As a family we rather be born black or blind?" Concentric circles would sink in the scale of living. We would be of thought produced by that incident are still wid- forced to move into a neighborhood much less deening in my brain. If I were black? Trying to fit sirable. Economically we would sink to the verge into this mood I have read books, searched tables of poverty. If my children were to continue their of statistics, listened to speakers white and black, education I would have to join my husband as a made a seminar journey into the Southland and wage earner. Culturally we would be cut off from repeatedly have found myself submerged in a sea practically every fine feature of advancement and of discouraging facts. entertainment that the city offers, other than the public library. Many of these facts the whites need to know in order that they may understand how underprivi- I begin to list Negro families I know in which leged the Negro is physically, economically and the parents are trained folk – doctors, teachers, culturally. But when all such facts have been religious workers; people whose positions are inpresented, I am inclined to think that, if I were dicative of their character and preparation. black, it would not be these handicaps that would concern me most. They would no doubt worry The first is a dentist who maintains a home me but they would not crush my heart. The thing comparable, in this case even as to location, to that would dishearten me is that which is made mine. Recently during the illness of the little vocal for us in Countee Cullen's poem, "In Balti- child in that home, the mother, unable to leave, telephoned to the nearest grocery, explained the • From World Oall for February. 1935. situation and asked that certain much-needed articles be delivered at her door. The grocer re-
fused. The delivery boy, touched by sympathy, Negro came in and, after purchasing and paying surreptitiously took the things to the mother. for several articles, asked for a soda. In a voice that could be heard by everyone present the clerk Next Miss X comes to mind. She is a univer- said, "If you want a soda you'll have to go outside sity graduate and a high school teacher. When to drink it." "Green Pastures" was booked to appear in my city, the theater sent letters to all high school I am not presenting an argument with reference teachers urging them to see this remarkable play to the policy of the drug store or the above-menby an all-Negro cast. Unable to go herself but tioned theater. We are dealing with this matter thinking the invitation sincere, Miss X notified a of meanness. If commercial concerns are going friend who would want to see the play. This per- to pursue the segregation policy, why are they not son ordered a ticket by mail and on the afternoon decent enough to do it when it means the loss of before the performance made a trip of one hun- money as well as of what they think is social dred twenty-five miles to the theater. At the door status? she was refused admittance because her ticket was for a part of the theater where a Negro might not Could This Happen? venture and the limited section to which they were restricted was sold out. A member of the board Not long ago the Federal Council of Churches of management of a large Y. W. C. A., and an- put out a pamphlet entitled Could This Happen in other high school teacher had the same experi- Your Community? We studied the leaflet and ence. They were free to walk the streets while found it all too easy to duplicate the instances of they meditated upon the land with "liberty and human meanness that the dominant race in our justice for all." land shows to its minority groups.
Do you remember the thrill that was yours as a But why go on? Such a recital always irritates child when you rode on a merry-go-round; how certain groups who either accuse one of being you picked out the particular charger you desired sentimental or fling back with, "Why don't you to ride? The tantalizing music set your toes danc- tell the good things the whites are doing?" The ing. Pictures of lovely ladies whirled by so fast fine things done are blazed forth. If I were black you could not tell which was the loveliest. It was I should try to talk about them more; being white hard to watch both the ladies and the horses. I need to find where I am at fault. When your turn came, how you wished that nickels grew on bushes that you might ride and ride. I am concerned to know what I would do if day My third name is that borne by a little lad who after day such things had to be faced. For a long gazed with shining eyes a long summer through. time I halted between the pronouncements of two Why could not he ride? Rather than tell him his other gentlemen whom I might have quoted in father took him along on a trip to New York. At preference to the Pullman porter. One of them Coney Island the ride went on and on until the is the late Dr. John Hope whose sensitive face pocketbook was cleaned of the last nickel, but comes to mind as he says, when speaking of a rewhether the lad or the watching father enjoyed it buff, "Such things are so common in our lives more only the gods can tell. This father is a that they no longer cause resentment, only fatrained executive, head of an institution that is tigue." The other is Dr. W. E. B. DuBois who, doing a most constructive work in community up- looking us squarely in the eyes, speaks in his beaulift. Judged by his training and what that train- tiful, well-clipped English, "We grant you whites ing is doing for the civic body, his child should superiority in only one thing, the technique of have every right that mine has. If I were black, personal insult." it would be denials of a child's right to happiness that would give me the Pullman porter philosophy. If I were black would I be able to show the world a face beautiful as an etching with suffer- Speaking of the child brings to mind the case ing and weary patience? Or would I, with an asthat runs the closest parallel with mine. It is a surance born of the knowledge that I was right, minister's home. Both parents are college trained hurl the javelins of bitter truth? Or would I goodand shepherding a large church. One of the chil- naturedly give thanks that I was not born into a dren has defective eyesight. I can think of noth- race whose soul is mean? ing that I as a mother would struggle so hard to keep for my child as that bit of precious vision. When I repeated the Pullman porter's sentence When the one class for the conservation of eye- to a well-known Negro writer there came a sudsight was opened this child was rejected because den illumination of the face that told me this eval- her skin is brown. uation of the white race struck a responsive chord.
One intolerably hot day we sat cooling ourselves Is it true? Do I belong to a race whose soul is in one of the well-known chain drug stores. A mean? Carrying in my mind's mirror the faces of a Hope, a DuBois, a Negro poet and a Pullman porter, I am not at ease.
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL STATISTICS, ISSUED FOR
A blank was sent to the officials of the communions named below and the statistics are from their replies. Gifts reported are from living donors. Interest and legacies are not included. Budget benevolences are those in the denominational national budget. Denominational benevolences include budget benevolences and such other contributions as are made for denominational missionary and beneficent work outside of the budget. The statistics are for the denominational fiscal year.
The column headed "Total Gifts for All Purposes" in some cases contains gifts from living donors which were given either for non-budget denominational benevolences or for non- and interdenominational benevolences, and there is no method of dividing them.
PER CAPITA GIFTS I .,TOTAL GIFTS :IIi , ., gj '§6 1&::>lc'b1 ~1 oo I ..!.6 I Q:,6 r:>.:<I I I '0": >'I r:.:I 13 .. >'I 'E~ 10 Ii'; "'0": .A0.O.,:>f"f'iI ! I i I I … -3 ,,0":0": .0.".. :~- : <il .E <il <il -.3. I ~0§:-oo I <il I .."0: IA>'I ~~0~'"I ! 0: Communion Itl 0: 0: oo "0: ! I I 0: I I p"'"o", '" .>.".'I,I~~ :3~ :3~ ~ & I :3 00 "" I""'" ,s;;1 "'" " '"§"~ ! """00 & do: I0 >."..'I, ~"; I -e:;;;8 0 '":a "0 rgs:lO'J 0"0,1O""l ,"00 I I A I 0~:.,=,0.;: I J"''l"."< 00 ">'I " ""0"10'1" , «Is:l~1 ""oo I ,13 .. '§-3 "" , '" ~.2 ~ ~:3~ i ."'0" '0 '"'" ~~s:l "0":0": , Jl.< """ g 1°0:~ 0'" 0"0,:0"": § ~I :::: "0 00 0: ": _" I 010<:> I :;a 13 "0 Z A Z I 0 I "'1 ">'I I o"Ol 00 ' " :;";: I 01 liZ< !Z ;.< I Baptist, Northern ……………………. $1.55 1 $1.59 . ….. $9.74 $11.341 $2,290,247.00 $65,611.00 , 1,480,231 April 30, 1935 4,277,052 April 30, 1935 $0.04 , $2,355,858.00 ……………. $14,423,290.00 $16,779,148.00 Baptist, Southern ……………………. 0.99 …… I 0.99 …… 4.77 5.76 4,251,668.00 ……………. 4,251,668.00 ……………. 20,401,608.00 24,653,276.00 Brethren, Church of …………………. 1.22 0.63 1.86 $0.44 6.28 8.58 195,376.00 100,000.00 295,376.00 $70,000.00 1,000,000.00 1,365,376.00 159,128 Feb. 28, 1935 Brethren in Christ, United …………… 1.37 3.641 1.73 1.84 8.81 10.72 562,505.00 147,556.00 710,061.00 75,520.00 3,609,181. 00 4,394,762.00 409,874 Oct. I, 1935 1,443,942.00 157,799.00 1,601,761.00 512,816.00 13,305,260.00 15,419,837.00 Congregational and Christian ………… 1.42 0.15 1.57 0.50 13.00 15.00 1,029,002 1934 Disciples of Christ ……………………. 0.86 0.33 1.19 0.06 6.39 6.64 1,899,068.06 529,347.12 1,928,415.18 90,000.00 8,727,830.00 10,746,245.18 1,618,832 June 30, 1935 1,833,651.00 1,608,338.00 Episcopal, Protestant ……………….. 0.90 0.78 1.68 …… 13.31 14.99 3,441,989.00 ……………. 27,134,440.00 30,576,429.00' 2,038,477 1934 Evangelical Church …………………… 1.58 0.92 2.50 0.51 15.23 18.24 370,417.00 214,938.00 585,355.00 118,932.00 3,559,600.00 4,263,887.00 233,792 Aug. 31, 1935 3,310,817.73 3,836,340.63 281,598 Jan. 31, 1935 Evangelical Synod of N. A. ………….. 1.34 0.51 1.85 0.02 11.75 13.62 378,334.08 142,933.37 521,267.45 4,255.45 11,626,185.00 13,834,729.00 1,066,686 Dec. 31, 1934 9,860,727.00 12,093,094.00 994,366 Dec. 31, 1934 Lutheran Church, United …………….. …… …… 2.07 …… 10.90 12.97 ……………. ……….. , …. 2,208,544.00 ……………. 9,974,492.00 12,726,618.00 981,588 Dec. 31, 1934 Lutheran Conference, American ………. …… …… 85,125 Dec. 31, 1934 2.25 …… 9.92 12.17 ……………. ……………. 2,232,367.00 ……………. 583,240.00 737,760.00 Lutheran Conference, Synodical ……… …… …… 2.80 …… 10.16 12.96 ……………. ……………. 2,752,126.00 . …………… Lutheran, Other Synods ……………… …… …… 1.82 …… 6.85 8.67 ……………. ……………. 154,520.00 …………….
Methodist Episcopal ………………….. 1.61 0.12 1.72 0.15 12.27 14.151 5,966,817.00 435,745.00 6,402,562.00 560,805.00 45,560,265.00 52,523,632.00 3,711,702 May 31, 1934 1.64 0.67 2.31 0. 191 6.85 9.36, 18,695,683.00 25,533,820.00 2,727,485 Dec. 31, 1934 Methodist Episcopal, South ………….. 3.70 0. 191 15.90 19.791 4,476,217.00 1,843,420.00 6,319,637.00 518,500.00 3.70 …… 274,940.30 342,247.67 17,294 Dec. 31, 1934 Moravian, North …………………….. 4.52 …… 22.25 26.77 63,970.46 . …………… 63,970.46 3,336.91 2,489,800.00 2,995,572.00 111,905 Dec. 31, 1934 1.78 2.73 2,579,253.00 3,866,908.00 179,338 Mar. 31, 1935 Nazarene, Church of …………………. 4.85 1.85 6.70 0.48 14.88 21.56 199,664.00 806,108.00 505,772.00 ……………. 6,626,358.00 9,086,068.00 477,467 Mar. 31, 1935 Presbyterian, United …………………. 4.26 0.70 29,186,135.00 35,655,536.00 1,920,897 Mar. 31, 1935 Presbyterian, U. S. …………………… 2.55 0.82' 4.96' 0.19 13.88 19.03 868,893.00 333,352.00 1,202,245.00 85,410.00 Presliyterian, U. S. A………………… 3.37 …… 15.19 18.56 2,032,248.00 336,238.00 2,368,486.00 91,224.00 4,899,762.00 1,569,639.00 6,469,401.00 …………….
Reformed In America …………………. 3.15 0.15 3.29 0.59 17.58 21.46 503,902.00 23,351.00 527,253.00 94,048.00 2,814,040.00 5,435,341.00 160,065 April 30, 1935 Reformed in United States ……………. 1 1.52 0.73 2.25 0.14 10.25 12.64 527,986.01 254,968.80 782,954.81 48,118.19 3,568,769.00 4,399,842.00 348,189 Dec. 31, 1934 222,975.00 33,488.52 861,726.21 1,118,189.73 56,600 Sept. 30, 1935 Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec 3.95 0.51 4.53 …… 15.20 19.10 488,832.00 88,867.00 256,463.52 ……………. 3,026,704.00 179,548 Jan. 31, 1935 Presbyterian In Canada ………………. 2.73 0.50 3.22 …… 13.51 16. 74 1 2,424,937.00 577,699.00 …………….
United Church of Canada …………….. -3.-57 -0.-11 3.68 0.34 13.92 17.95 2,244,346.00 71,199.00 2,315,545.00 216,734.00 8,748,858.00 11,281,137.00 Ii 628,614 Dec. 31, 1934 $8,262,898.81 $50,831,296.42 — — — 1 $2,489,699.55 $251,347,435.24 i $304,692,499.21 25,174,855 …………….
$1.60 $0.47 $2.02 $0.21 $9.98 $12.10[ $35,220,820.61 Compiled for the United Stewardship Council, HARRY S. MYERS, Secretary, 152 Madison Avenue, New' York City, January. 1936.
l421 J
Notable
JAMES L. BARTON accustomed to say with great emphasis, "The missionaries are the Board in action." The thirty-three years of Dr. James L. Barton's service as Foreign Secretary of the Ameri- This attitude, and his eager interest in the work can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- of each individual missionary under his care sions, almost exactly covered the time of the greatly endeared Dr. Barton to the workers on mighty forward surge in missionary giving of the field. A little incident illustrates this attitude. men and of money that came with the growth of Early in my own missionary career I had written the Student Volunteer Movement. He was pe- an article for our missionary paper in India, and culiarly fitted in mind and spirit to enter into and to my surprise and delight I received a letter playa leading part in just such a great epoch of from Dr. Barton expressing appreciation and sug- gesting that I write more. In his busy career he advance as that in which he lived. had found time not only to read this paper from The passing of this great Christian in Brook- India, but to write a friendly note to a young line, Massachusetts, on July 21st calls to mind mIssIOnary. When we missionaries came home this remarkable period of the Christian Church we always found Dr. Barton's door open to us.
in which he was a conspicuous leader. Even though his program of work was so crowded Dr. Barton responded to the missionary call that it meant burning midnight oil, he allowed no missionary to feel that he did not have abundant while a student at Hartford Theological Seminary time to talk with him and share his problems. and went to Turkey as a missionary in 1885. He was of tbe stock and background of Northern He was always a missionary at heart. As foreign New England and had the combination of deep secretary he carried into his work the convictions religious devotion, strong common sense and vig- he had gained as a missionary, and gave effective orous executive ability that the hard soil of New encouragement to the development of strong na- England has sometimes produced. In his delight- tive churches, and of educational institutions ful "Recollections," printed in the Missionary Her- which would be qualified to train native leaderald in 1927, he tells us that he went to the field ship.
without any special missionary preparation, so Another great principle in his program was his that at least there was not a great deal for him emphasis on union efforts. He early discovered to unlearn. the loss that came through division, and he never Evidently he brought to his work the same alert could understand why all Protestant churches on openmindedness that has been an outstanding the field should not be united. He realized the characteristic throughout his entire life. He was associated with strong missionaries and native importance of union in education and was a conleaders and quickly learned that missions must spicuous and effective promoter of union colleges and theological seminaries. '
be a cooperative enterprise between these two Many vigorous and significant higher educa- groups, conducted on terms of complete equality. tional institutions on the field today, some under He also soon became' a convinced believer that a the American Board alone but more under union self-supporting, self-governing and self-propagat- boards of trustees or under independent manage- ing church is at the heart of the missionary pro- ment, owe a great debt to Dr. Barton. These form gram, and, a little later, that higher education is a remarkable and enduring monument. important for the development of leadership in As we would expect from a man of his cath- such a church. olic spirit, cooperative planning among the boards When Dr. Barton was called to be foreign sec- at home found in him a strong supporter. He was retary of the American Board in 1894 he hesi- one of the prominent leaders of the Foreign Mistated a long time before accepting, saying that sions Conference of North America. he regarded his missionary career as primary, Dr. Barton's work as foreign secretary early but the health of Mrs. Barton made it necessary took him on deputations to Japan and to India for them to stay in America and he finally ac- and Ceylon, and later to China. With keen incepted. For the third of a century during which sight and sympathy he entered into the life and he was foreign secretary he gave primary place problems of these lands and in the process himto the mission and the native church, regarding self grew to the stature of a world citizen. Indeed his own function as largely that of advocate and this became one of Dr. Barton's most distinctive promoter of the work for whose policies and con- characteristics. He was a man whose heart and duct they were primarily responsible. He was mind habitually took in the world.
[422 ] The combination of great qualities in Dr. Bar- portant place it held in the interest of the Chris- ton gave him a position of influence with leaders of American life. He was at home with statesmen tian public. and presidents as well as with business men and philanthropists. He awakened in men of large The period of financial depression came after business such a sense of confidence in his wisdom and such a desire to share in the enterprises that Dr. Barton had retired as foreign secretary and he laid before them, that they entrusted to the Board millions of dollars largely to build and en- put his policies to the severest test. I have just dow educational institutions in which he was in- terested. returned from a trip to many of the missions in He also had the art of putting into clear and which Dr. Barton was most deeply interested and DR. JAMES L. BARTON can say with assurance that the principles for convincing form the appeal of the world-wide which he worked have stood this test. The higher Christian enterprise. His first book, "The Mis- sionary and His Critics" was effective in break- educational institutions were so well founded that ing down prejudice and winning support. "The Unfinished Task," written for the Student Vol- they have continued to carryon and some of them unteer Movement was a powerful marshaling of the appeal of missions. "Daybreak in Turkey" even to go forward. The leadership training has and "The Christian Approach to Islam" were careful studies of particular areas of effort. In been done so well that many nationals have taken these and other books and in many articles for a great variety of magazines and for the daily over work formerly carried by missionaries and . press, Dr. Barton played a conspicuous part in giving the missionary enterprise the vitally im- the churches have assumed heavy new duties.
The opening of the War brought a new chal- lenge to Dr. Barton's leadership through the suf- ferings it brought to peoples of the Near East.
With characteristic ability Dr. Barton helped to organize the Near East Relief, of which he was chairman throughout its life. This great under- taking won warm support from Jew, Catholic and Protestant in America as well as from all the governments concerned. It raised and spent tens of millions of dollars and saved the lives of un- counted thousands of suffering people. Dr. Bar- ton was also prominent in organizing and con- ducting the Near East Foundation growing out of the Near East Relief and carrying on perma- nent service in that great area.
Up to the time of his death Dr. Barton was a member of many boards on which he was render- ing service of high order. His mind was alert and resourceful to the end. He was a great op- timist. That was a principal element in his strength. But his optimism was not the result of shallow thinking. It was deep-rooted in the character of God. It was his living faith in the God of Christ that made it possible to face even the hell of war experiences in the Near East and still to believe in the coming of God's Kingdom among men. There is nothing that the Christian Church needs today more than men of such deep- rooted, contagious faith as that of James L. Bar- ALDEN H. CLARK. * ton.
BISHOP LLOYD Arthur Selden Lloyd was a Twentieth Century saint. His saintliness was manifested by aware- ness of God in every phase of human life and by power to help others realize spiritual possibilities.
Born near Alexandria, Virginia, in 1857, his young boyhood was spent amid the anxieties and sacrifices resulting from the war between the North and South. As a youth he shared the physi- cal and spiritual agonies of the reconstruction • Secretary of the American Board.
period. That he came through it all with a loving telling of its successes and failures and calling heart, is sufficient indication of the quality of his upon his fellow churchmen to pray, to give their soul. He intended to study law but the influence children and their money, and to ally themselves of an older brother, who was finding joy in the with God's purpose for the world. He became a minis,try of the Church, led him to enter the Vir- great missionary to the conscience of the church. ginia Theological Seminary instead of the Uni- The old miracle was repeated-the dry bones beversity Law School. gan to live.
After five years service in rural mission In 1906-07 Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd visited the mischurches, he was called, in 1885, to St. Luke's sions in Japan, China, the Philippines and Hawaii, church, one of the smaller parishes of Norfolk, as well as some of the Church of England work Virginia. The fifteen years that followed were a in India. He found little to criticize, but much to period of unconscious preparation for tasks that be thankful for in the spirit of the missionaries, lay ahead. St. Luke's grew into the largest and and in the sound planning of the leaders. On the most active parish in the city, but better still it other hand, his rare gift of understanding, his became a parish whose rector and people were quick sympathy and his self-identification with known throughout the Southland as devoted dis- the workers, won their lasting affection and stimciples of Christ and eager to serve their fellow ulated them to do their best. They realized that men. "Mr. Lloyd," as he was affectionately they had a champion at the Home Base who unknown, became one of Norfolk's first citizens, and derstood them and the cause to which they had his walks through the business districts were con- given their all. Reinforced by first hand knowlstantly interrupted by the men of his congrega- edge, Dr. Lloyd returned enthusiastically to the tion and others who wanted a word with the "Par- work of arousing the church to the greatness of son." His influence with young men especially is her opportunity. evidenced by the number who were led by him to enter the ministry, and who are doing solid work In the period from 1904-1908, Dr. Lloyd was today in various parts of the country. elected successively to the episcopate by the Dio- ceses of Mississippi, Kentucky, Southern Virginia Arthur Selden Lloyd always taught his people and Maryland. Convinced though he was, of the that their church has a world-wide mission to high and important character of the office of bishmake our Lord known, and his intensive work in op in the church, Dr. Lloyd felt it his duty to dethe diocese was stimulated and balanced by a cline these successive calls to the bishopric, in world outlook. In 1899 he was elected to be Gen- order to continue in his missionary post. When, eral Secretary of the Board of Managers of the however, in 1909, his home Diocese of Virginia Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the elected him to be Bishop-Coadjutor, he felt Episcopal Church, whose work has been lan- obliged to accept. The following year the Board guishing for lack of spiritual conviction and fi- of Missions recommended a recasting of the adnancial support. There were some rare leaders ministrative machinery and at the triennial Genand faithful workers in the mission fields over- eral Convention of the Church in 1910 Bishop seas and at home. They faced boundless opportu- Lloyd, by a large majority was elected president nities in the field, but when they looked to the of the Board of Missions with increased executive home church they saw but half-hearted concern. authority. The office of General Secretary had been vacant for more than two years, and four men had suc- There followed a decade of notable constructive cessively declined to take up the task. To Arthur work. Bishop Lloyd visited the African mission Lloyd the action of .the Board was the call of the and on his return he devoted himself to two Church and, through it, the call of God. With major projects: one provided for a further addetermination to give himself to the work with- ministrative reorganization of all the general acout reserve, he entered upon his duties at the tivities of the church under one authority, known National Headquarters in New York City. The as "the Presiding Bishop and the National Countechnique of the task was new, but its aim and cil," the other called upon the church as a whole purpose had been the guiding principles of all to move forward to a "Nation-Wide Campaign" his ministry-to win men and women to dis- for the development of all its resources, spiritual cipleship to their Lord and Saviour. That, he and material for the extension of the Kingdom of asserted, is the mission of the Church. What men God. When these two projects were adopted by sometimes slightingly call "missions" are sim- the General Convention of 1919, Bishop Lloyd ply the means by which the mission of the Church retired from full time administration of national is to be realized. work but continued to be an invaluable member of the Department of Missions and of the Ameri- For six years he traveled widely over the United can Church Institute for Negroes. States, interpreting the mission of the Church, As Bishop Manning truly said: "His life was
TWO NOTABLE LEADERS
an inspiration and example to all of us. In the A OHINESE EVANGELIST diocese of New York to which he was elected suffragan bishop in 1921, he was universally beloved, [On page 402 of this issue of THE REVIEW will be found and was one of the most beloved and revered an article by Rev. Andrew Gih, of Shanghai. Quite opbishops in the whole church." portunely there appeared, in China's Millions, this brief account of his work, but it came too late to be given space In his eightieth year, on July 22d, Bishop Lloyd with Mr. Gih's contribution.-EDIToR.] passed into the Life Beyond. It was a great happiness to him that he was able to carryon his Readers of Chiw,'s Millions are familiar with work to the end. Not only the Episcopal Church, the "Bethel Bands"-groups of Chinese evangelbut the whole Christian community is richer for ists who from their headquarters at Bethel in Shanghai have visited nearly every province in BISHOP ARTHUR SELDEN LLO'YD China, including scores of China Inland ~ission stations. We have recently had the privilege of the life of this saintly and very human bishop, welcoming at Newington Green, London, Dr. who had such rare capacity for inspiring all sorts ~ary Stone, the Chinese leader of the work, and of people to desire and to choose the Christian her American colleague, ~iss Hughes, and on Oclife. He was a notable member of interdenom- tober 29th Pastor Andrew Gih hopes to arrive in inational gatherings, not so much because of what England from America. The duration of his stay he said as because of what he was. He was a great is uncertain, but our Deputation Secretary, the missionary leader, a great friend and above all a Rev. T. Gear Willett, has agreed to arrange opengreat interpreter to others of the ~aster he so ings for him in this country. He is a fluent Engfaithfully and joyfully served. lish speaker, and though he is primarily an evan- gelist, he has a message for Christian people also. JOHN W. WOOD.* Pastor Gih entered the Bethel High School in • Executive Secretary of the Department of Missions of the Na- Shanghai as a bitter opponent of Christianity. tional Council of the Protestant Episcopal Church. His primary object was to learn English, but gradually he began to be conscious of spiritual need, and one of the instruments used by God for his conversion was ~iss C. F. Tippet. Now for nearly ten years he has been one of the most prominent leaders of the evangelistic bands. On our visit to China last year we were constantly hearing of souls saved and Christians revived through his ministry. Last year it was arranged that he should visit the United States, not to speak at meetings, but for a rest and change after years of most strenuous work. But there too, both amongst Chinese in California, and at a large number of Bible conferences and other meetings, his time has been fully occupied with work for the ~aster. Pastor Gih specially asks for the prayers of our readers that his visit to this country may be for blessing both to himself and to others through him. We are fully assured that his one desire is to exalt Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour for sinners and for saints.
Roger Babson recently decl!!.red: "I have not been able to find a single useful institution which has not been founded by either an intensely religious man or by the son of a praying father or a praying mother. I have made this statement before the Chamoers of Commerce of all the largest cities of the country, and have asked them to bring forward a case that is an exception to this rule. Thus far, I have not heard of a single one."-The Watchman-Examiner.
Ways of
'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'==========================~I OUR SUMMER SURVEY its letter is filled in between the·· of the Department of Race Rela- From the vantage point of a dotted outlines with any color tions in the Federal Council of series of summer conferences the Department Editor has come desired. A Grade B auxiliary is Churches, a Lenten Offering to realize that the new missionary plans of the various denomi- one completing eight goals, Service and a mite box demonnations have a sizable "Greatest Common Divisor" ; that Grade A representing all the 10 stration e n tit led "The Last ecclesiastical specifics may be de- goals. With the slogan, "Doing Mite." The May program is on leted without marring some excellent program patterns; that Common Things in an Uncom- "Appreciation of Our Missioneach unit will be enriched by neighborly borrowings, and that mon Way" (a method followed ary Family" (Wesleyan Service on the road to victory we all should heed the admonition of at Tuskegee Institute for Ne- Guild, Young People's and Junthe Negro spiritual, "Walk Togedder, Chillen." groes), the women begin follow- ior societies), incorporating a ing the outline in a 59-page dialogue in which the several in- This year's study themes are practical and inspiring and lend booklet entitled "Appreciation terests are discussed under the themselves particularly well for Year Studies," each program of impersonative conceptions of a general falling into step-and a quickstep at that. It is hoped which gives the actual material Everychild, Mychild and Ourthat the blue prints of plans for its introduction, background, child. This may be adapted for given in this and the October issue may prove helpful to pro- organization of the topic and a Mothers' and Daughters' bangram builders of various theological persuasions. All mate- considerable of the actual sub- quet, although a program esperial sent in to this Department will be given impartial consid- ject matter; this reduces the cially for that use is given, to be eration and the absence of your leader's work to a minimum. illustrated with shadowgraphs. denomination's new material Thus the first program, on "An The June meeting, "Appreciawill simply mean that none has Appreciation of Citizenship," been furnished to the Editor. tion of the Year's Attainments," has a preview-introduction, an Appreciation Year article on "Origin-Background relieves the monotony of its an- nual reports by introducing an Under this unifying theme the Methodist Episcopal w 0 men -Purpose," the digest for a impersonation of the Recording have planned for their society and its affiliated or subsidiary talk on "Christian Citizenship in Angel dressed in white robes, o r g ani z a t ion s. A unique writing in a book of gold the "Achievement Poster" shows the Our Country," and a full text first few measures of the spir- for "The Challenge of the Pres- main points of the several reitual, "Lord, I want to be a ent." "An Appreciation of the ports and closing the service Christian"; but in place of notes with a poem of commendation. there appear in corresponding Value of Organization" follows; "Appreciation of Va cat ion positions on the staff the letters then "Appreciation 0 f 0 u r Days," for July, gives full direc- A, P, P, R, E, C, I, A, T, I, 0, N, Workers in Institutes" culmi- tions for high-class book rein broad outlines, each letter- nates in a monologue by Mrs. note correlated with a goal for the year. As a goal is attained, Greatheart, with a voice off- views. This booklet may be ob- stage entitled Mrs. Weakheart; tained from The Woman's Home Missionary Society, Methodist "Appreciation of the Prince of Episcopal Church, 420 Plum St., Peace" furnishes an original Cincinnati, Ohio, for 50 cents a copy, or booklet, poster and de- Christmas d ram a tic sketch; "Appreciation of Our Leader- ship" incorporates material for votional pamphlet for $1.00. the Leadership Training Course inclusive of a series of heart- The Young Woman's organi- searching questions to be an- zation has a correlated program swered; "Appreciation Studies" entitled "Youth's A Year," covers three successive pro- stressing the A's "that will help grams on the study book, "A us Attain, Achieve and Appre- ciate," even the study of the Preface to Racial Understand- American Negro fitting in. The ing," and incidentally includes a monthly topics are "All Advance true-and-false test, a paper on and Advance Along All Lines,"
"Church Women and Race Rela- "Aroused Action," "Ardent Ap- tions," by Katherine Gardner, preciation," "Adoration of a [426 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
Saviour" (Christmas program), and drawing the name of the gro"-looking toward definite efforts "Achieving Anew," "Adventur- woman with whom she is to to cooperate with others in improving ing in Negro Realms," "Acquir- share it. the conditions under which the Negro ing Appreciation of Neg r 0 lives,. plays and works; "Hindrances Achievements," "Adjusting At- 5. The King's Highway. and Helps in Education"-seeking titudes," "Appreciation of Cul- deepened interest in the education of tural Art," "Able Attainments Autumn report of house parties the Negro in our country and efforts and Accumulated Assets" and and denominational and inter- for an equality in opportunities; "Adventures in Outdoor Atti- denominational summer confer- "His Contribution to America"-the tudes." ences. outcome to be an intelligent grasp of the largeness of the Negro's contribu- The Juniors continue their Stewardship program. tion and an increased respect for the travels on the "Road of the race; "The Negro and the Church"- Loving Heart," becoming this 6. The Path to the Ballot Box. indicating that we shall never attain year "Singing Partners." More to the Christlike spirit of kindness, will be told about these youth Christian Citizenship presentation. justice and brotherliness until we programs later, but each set of Our magazine (Missions). manifest these qualities in our contheir booklets and leaflets for duct toward Negroes in all church restudy, not inclusive of the text- 7. Highways and By-Ways. lations; "Conquest of Racial Prejubook, costs $1.00. With text- dice"-which focuses the whole study book, $1.50. Christian Friendliness (Christian upon the "Golden Rule Resolution," Americanization) . adapted to meet the Negro situation. The Forward. Fund Dedication of White Cross over- These excellent programs are re- This is really a movement on land quotas (missionary sup- plete with practical application and the part of the whole Baptist plies) . activation material and are so neglidenomination to advance spirit- gibly denominational that their appeal ually and financially in a cam- 8. The Road to Bethlehem. is universal. The pamphlet may be paign of intensive education and obtained for 15c from The American inspiration over a period of Christmas gift box opening. Baptist Publication Society, 1701-03 three years. The current year's Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. program in the women's work is 9. Crowded Streets. adaptable for various mission- "Graded Material for Teachers and ary units and age interests. It Christian Centers (social service Leaders in Church Schools" and based is entitled "Roads," from the work). on current mission study themes, corkeynote: "I will make all the related with handwork, story telling hilltops a highway, and lofty January reading of an annual and visualization is covered in a pamroads shall be built" (Kent's field booklet Baptists use daily phlet furnished free by The Baptist translation). A brief resume through the month. Board of Education as cited above. It follows: would be only fair, however, for ap- Play or program put on by chil- plicants from other denominations to Opening poem, "My Path," by Eliza- dren's organization. furnish postage for its mailing. beth Kendrick Holt. 10. Jungle Paths. Baptists have made a new venture 1. Cross Roads. this year outside of denominational. African Trails, using material corrals in issuing their rather lorgs Consecration of officers and mem- from THE REVIEW for October. catalogue of missionary education ma- bers of society. terial for various young people's Marking of Forward Fund poster. gr01lps in three sections, na'Inf.Jly: "For Introduction of new study books. Baptist Groups with Organizational Distribution of gift boxes. ("Mrs. 11. World Roads. Connection," "Independent Baptist Gr01tpS with No Affiliation" and "Bap- Pickett's Missionary Box" as Evening meeting for entire church, tist Gr01lps with Interdenmninational monologue, in costume.) invitations in form of coupons, Relationship," the materials and pro- booths arranged to represent prams built thereon being provided in 2. Country Lanes and Forest Trwils. foreign countries in which the affiliation with the general Missionary denomination has work, also Education Movement. "This coopera- Luncheon with program of Afri- one for the Forward Fund, with tive enterprise representing 36 boards can and Negro stories and Ne- costumed women in each to dis- in 14 denominations produces annu- gro spirituals. distribute literature. Audience ally high grade mission study books progresses according to schedule and teaching materials based on great Assign each woman the name and on tickets. Refreshments. themes and subjects." station of a missionary of whom she is to be a prayer partner Display of White Cross quotas for Let this good work go on among the and to whom she may send mes- overseas. young people even if the older folk sages during the year. cannot think outside of the ruts and Presentation of Every-Member brain-sets of specific theologies and 3. Christmas Street. Canvass plans. ecclesiastical blue prints. .
Porch or lawn party (in July) on 12. Paths of Pleasantness. "Southland Spirituals" contains 64 Christmas in mission lands. Negro songs as arranged by The Foreign gift box opening. Rodeheaver Co., 124 N. 15th St., Bringing of gifts to be sent in Banquet for girls of church Philadelphia, Pa., and sells for 25c. Christmas mission boxes. with program on "Pioneer Mis- sionary Heroines in America" "A Little Leaven," by Elsie Line- 4. Mountain Trails. and "Youth Unafraid" (study weaver and Mary Reed, is an inter- books by Anna Canada Swain). racial play with eight characters and W. W. G. (girls' organization) to two scenes. Order from The Federal plan picnic, inviting members Material for these programs Council of Churches, 105 E. 22d St., of women's society, each girl is cited on the folder, which lat- New York City. Price 15c. putting up two boxes of lunch ter may be obtained free from The Baptist Board of Mission- Brown Birthrights ary Education, 152 Madison Ave., New York City. Specifically this is a series of four programs on the Negro "The Negro in America"-six pro- grams inclusive of dramatic presenta- tions and suggested projects (for adults and older young people's groups) and based on "A Preface to Racial Understanding" has been pre- pared by Augusta Walden Comstock. The topics are: "His Story"-a study to test the assumption of superiority and inferiority relative to Negro and White races; "Odds Against the Ne-
brought out by the Board of Na- national Forward Movement Commis- Study of social standards for Negro tional Missions of the Presby- sion of the Church, is planning to family of the South, as drawn from terian Church, 156 Fifth Ave., make this possib:e on a diocesan scale fiction of the better type. New York City, for groups de- this year, and a national scale next siring to handle the theme in year. There is no reason why the The Negro family as revealed in ficmeetings of the women's and Church should remain in the horse- tion. young people's organizations or and-buggy stage of using lantern the midweek services of the slides and such primitive methods Summarize advantages and disadchurch. Price 10c. Other study when it has at its disposal such a vantages of segregation of Negroes in theme collateral published or great and effective force as the sound- schools. handled by this Board includes: on-film movie. . . . The bishop an- nounces that he is planning to raise Prepare material for denomina- A picture map of the U. S. (50c) sufficient funds to start on an experi- tional use in Negro school, as an exwith insert sheet sketches of Negro mental scale, with the intention of pressional project. life, to be colored, cut out and used broadening it to a national and poswith the map (10c). sibly an international scope next year. Roll call, "Incidents about my N e- Films would be made of prominent gro School Friends." Plays: entitled speakers, and through portable sound movie projectors the members of small Program for general public-ar- "Under the Skin"-l man, 5 women parishes who otherwise would be de- ranged as radio broadcast, dramatic as characters; time, 30 minutes; nied the opportunity of hearing the in part or whole, etc., using material price 10c. speaker could hear the addresses. of study book. Pictures could be made of institutions, "America Grows Up"-third epi- hospitals, schools, missionary projects, The Negro in Literature, illustrated sode of pageant, based on revelation and all the membership might be ac- by one or more readers preferably. that opportunity offered Negro girl in quainted with the work done through North is made possible by white the church, that missions might be A portrait gallery of notable Newoman whose father had asked for personalized. Only a few minutes are groes. the slave grandmother in payment of necessary to set up the sound projector a debt and had taken her North, thus and begin the movie. . . . Bishop Hob- Group singing of spirituals, with breaking up the Negro family. Three son mentions that missions have not stereopticon or printed programs and characters, with chorus of colored been personalized lately, and that the able leadership. children off stage; 15 minutes; 25c. church memJers thought too fre- quently of giving only in terms of Presentation of chapters 7 and 8 as Pictures: "the red side" and "the black side" of an open forum or panel discussion for the church envelope. class members, with or without others "Sepia Tones"-Ten enlarged pic- invited to listen. Discussion must be tures on photograph mounts, with ac- While nearly all denomina- carefully prepared by leaders, incorcompanying descriptive material and porating textual material yet giving worship service, affording full pro- tions are using movies to a opportunity for personal opinion. gram material. Rental 25c, plus post- greater or less extent, this would age both ways. seem to be the first connected Our Illustration movement on a large scale and "Teaching Pictures"-Ten in set, may well serve as a pace setter shows a group of genial Negro with descriptive material. Rental 15c, children in Granville, Ohio, plus double postage. for fellow denominations. where the Baptist Women's so- ciety held its June meeting as a "The Family Goes Traveling"-pic- "Preface to Racial Under- lawn picnic with the little folks, ture story book for children. Price in standing" costumed and drilled to sing in paper, 35c. a native dialect by Mrs. J. E. From the study outlines of Geil-a missionary at home on Stories: Mrs. B. P. Heubner, of Ottawa, furlough from her work in the Kansas, familiar to our readers Belgian Congo. The parents of "The Cow That Went to School" as an instructor at summer the children were guests of (children, 2c); "Little Lost Two schools of missions at Lake Ge- honor at the picnic supper, thus Pigs" (children, 3c); "Maceo Redcap" neva, Wis., and elsewhere, we furnishing a project as well· as (young people, 2c); "The Seventh cull a few of her outstanding a program looking toward racial Turn" (intermediates, 2c); "Trou- topics, questions and devices, as appreciation instead of prejubled Waters Clear" (intermediates, dice. 3c); "Why They Laugh" (young peo- follows: ple, 2c). The Negro worker in my commu- Seven familiar Negro spirituals at 5c per copy, $1.00 per hundred. nity.
Book of spirituals, 25c. Interview a representative Negro from the professions relative to possi- Three motion pictures and two bilities for his people in the professtereopticon lectures are also available in the autumn at moderate sions and business. rental. If you were a Negro with your Movies, both silent and sound, are coming into increasing use present educational and social equipfor missionary meetings, particularly in the annual schools ment, where would you seek and perof missions. The Episcopal Church is to make large use of haps secure employment? – sound movies in its current Forward Movement. The Granville Account of a visit to a Negro sec- Times says: tion of your own city, covering hous- The Rt. Rev. Henry W. Hobson, of ing, sanitation, social and recreational Southern Ohio, and chairman of the facilities, schools, churches, places of business, etc. May include more than one person's inspection.
Talk by Negro doctor or nurse in your community.
~====~='=""=~======,'"
BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~'~I~~~~~==~~~~~ Must It Happen Again? "It Must Not Happen Again"
In Arnold Zweig's "Educa- Courtesy 0/ the Sculptor Joseph P. Pollia tion before Verdun" (1936) there is on the front page an ad- "It must not happen again" is ment was dedicated May 30, monition to "Know thy lot, know the theme of the bronze monu- 1935, in Orange, Massachusetts. thine enemies, know thyself." ment, a memorial to War Vet- There are nine so-called "books" erans pictured on this page. Listen to yourself telling chilin the 444 pages. On the very The sculptor, Joseph P. Pollia, dren the meaning of the WorId first page of the story is a de- of New York city, conceived a War! Are we among those who scription of the supposedly green monument in which a strong, "only too willingly forget"? Do fine soldier tells the boy the we go on into the forest, seeking earth as follows: truths about the WorId War in refreshment? "The earth lay like a yellow- which he took part. The monu- Will it all happen again? stained, blood-soaked disk, over [429 ] which arched the mouse trap of the merciless blue sky, caging humanity in with ,the torments of its own brutality."
It must not happen again! In the last chapter called "Envoi," we read: After years of privation, misery, and horror, mankind has indeed the right to be a little mad. The young author, Bertin, and his wife, were on their way to seek refreshment in a country that they knew and loved. But Bertin had resolved that before they disappeared into the mountains, he would go and see the Kraysing parents and tell them how their sons had died, and in how pitiful and futile a fashion; they must be made to understand that it was no deed of heroism or sacrifice, that had robbed them of two young men who would have comforted them in their old age; it was an act of villainy, and a stroke of chance … the poor souls must be left under no illusions, they must be made to reject the current coin of patriotism and the glories of war….
"I can't do it," said Werner Bertin decisively. "Com!! let us go into the forest. Weare not here to open old wounds and then to poison them….
"Besides, there are a few people hereajouts that won't forget, and they'll give the shock of their lives to certain others that would only too willingly forget."
Weare told that the wife "at the bottom of her heart did not quite approve of Werner's refusal. What a man has set himself to do, that he must do, she thought."
Marathon Round Tables, discussion groups. They are For that great day when wars shall cease, and men 1936-37 called "Marathons" because the Shall live as brothers in a unity word itself carries a challenge Of love-live in a world made splen- Announcement has been made by the Marathon Committee of to continue to educate and in- did? plans for the new Marathon form until an enlightened and Round Table Study Course, ma- effective public 0 pin ion is -Studdert Kennedy. terial for which will be ready reached. Closing Note to Reader for distribution by September "The Evolving Foreign Policy Beware of "the Roar Ma- 15th. This project of the Na- of the United States" chine," a contraption used at the tional Committee on the Cause Cleveland political convention to and Cure of War was estab- is the theme for study. The measure the intensity of sound. lished in 1932 and has gained choice of two plans is offered. Dorothy Thompson reported that a witty Frenchman considmomentum year by year until Plan A-Beginners' Marathon ered this contraption "a perfect now it has 'become necessary to for New Groups substitute for the ballot, a means plan for a graded course which will not only present simple and The ABC of world peace ma- of achieving direct democracy, basic material on the essential chinery and the relation of for here was a scientific instrufacts about organization for American foreign policy to ment, etc. . . "
world peace and the part which world organization for peace- The radio listener following the United States plays in the a simplified course which will closely the relation between affairs of the world, but which include an analysis of public ideas expressed by the convenwill also prepare a course of opinion and propaganda. tion speakers, the noise, and the study and discussion for ad- Plan B-Advanced Marathon indication of the roar machine, vanced groups whose members For Groups Already Familiar either laughed at the nonsense have progressed far enough to with the Theme of it all, or wept bitterly that the need a greater challenge to their American people measured their thinking. Three hypothetical cases will political ideas by those among us At the annual conference held be posed in which the United who could yell and howl the in Washington in January, 1936, States might become involved loudest. the Committee was able to re- because of the complications in And Jesus spake a parable which Luke the physician report 740 registrations distrib- different parts of the world. uted throughout 42 states, the Kits of material will be ready cords: Dis t ric t of Columbia, and by September 15th and will con- "Can the blind guide the tain instructions for organizing blind? Shall they not both fall Hawaii.
In answer to the question groups and carrying on discus- into a pit? The disciple is not w h i chi s frequently asked, above his teacher; but everyone "What are marathons and why sions, and subjects for meetings when.he is perfected shall be as are they so called 7"-Marathon and committee activities, in ad- his teacher. … Round Tables are small groups of ten to fifteen persons, prefer- dition to simple pamphlets, study "For each tree is known by its ably both men and women, who outlines, and bibliographies for own fruit. F.or of thorns men agree to study and discuss inter- each subject. The commi,uee do not gather jigs, not of the national issues of the moment as bra m b l e bush gather they they affect the United States. has announced that two Head- grapes. line Books are in preparation by In addition to study and dis- "The good man out of the cussion, these groups are re- the Popular Education Depart- good treasure of his heart bringquired to come to some measure ment of the Foreign Policy As- eth forth that which is g.ood; of agreement before they defi- and the evil man out of the evil nitely leave any subject, as well sociation which are to be used in treasure bringeth forth that as to translate their opinions and the beginners' course. Here is which is evil; for out of the agreements into some form of abundance of the heart his activity. In other words, a a method which will help the mouth speaketh," group tries to find a common de- people to speak so that statesnominator by means of which "The Mission of Peace," a they can act together either to men and governments will heed. service of worship prepared by educate and inform their com- Registration and subscription Mrs. William R. Buchanan, munity or, when they are ready Chairman of the International to do so, to become an effective will be the same for both Relations Committee of the courses. Council of Women for Home Missions, is now in the press. Group registration @ $2.50, Individual subscription @ 75c. Secure material from The Na- tional Committee on the Cause and Cure of War, 70 East 45th St., New York, New York.
unit of public opinion. Each Is It a Dream? The World Day of Prayer magroup, when once formed, is terial for February 12, 1937, is autonomous and the elements of Is it a dream-and nothing more- also ready. The theme: "Thou conference and action distin- this faith guish them from most study and Art the Christ, the Son of the That nerves our brains to thought- Living God." our hands to work
World,wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO 1 ~====~=========================~ JAPAN-CHOSEN have sprung into existence. He course. The afternoons are given to says: Christians Speak Their Mind practical work, such as tree-crop cul- For an extended period new reli- Japanese Christians seek a bet- gious cults have applied for recogni- ture, the preparation of ham, bacon, ter way of strengthening the tion at the Government's Bureau of Japanese people than by mili- Religions at the amazing average of and sausages, the making of furnitarism. They believe that the one each week. Some have borrowed way of Christ is the best way to heavily from Christian truth. Others ture, and weaving. In the evenings achieve national solidarity. strike a high nationalistic note. Still others are grossly superstitious, and there are group discussions of prac- The Christians at a mass others have physical healing and meeting in Tokyo recognized material gain as their major motive tical farm problems. . that Christians in the past have and goal. Some of these mushroom fallen far short of fulfilling their cults are sweeping across the nation "Those who finish the work of the great mission, and in deep re- like a forest fire and alreadY count pentance they affirmed in this their followers by the hundreds of schools return to their villages, concrisis their belief that only the thousands. Gospel of Christ can be the safe duct their own farmers' institutes, do guiding star for the people's Because of its strong internationthinking and can bring eternal alism and its high moral standards, experimental work in agriculture, arwelfare to the fatherland. the Christian Church has not shared in this forward run on the part of range lecture courses for the mem- Zealously, therefore, we bestir our- religious organizations. However, it selves, and emphasizing the love of is playing a most important role in Jers of our faculty and engage in God and the grace of Christ we pro- this significant phase of the nation's claim this Gospel to our fellow-na- life. The present phenomenon proves all sorts of village planning. Now tionals. We, the Christians of the that at heart the Japanese are pro- Empire, united and with an unbroken nounced religious. the whole Christian movement has front, propose to launch a great union evangelistic movement and carry for- Lepers in Korea taken over the model evolved from our ward a nation-wide dynamic program of aggressive evangelism. It is reported that there are experimentation and every year near- more than fourteen thousand All the evangelistic efforts of known lepers in Korea. Four ly a hundred short-term Peasant Gosthe various denominations and thousand of these are being Christian organizations through- cared for in the public hospital pel Schools and institutes are being out the country are now being on Little Deer Island, while over unified and inter-related. Among one thousand are being treated held in various parts of the Empire. the types of gatherings contem- in the two Christian leper hosplated are public mass meetings, pitals at Soonchun and Taiku. "These Gospel Schools can also be training conferences for reli- The remaining nine thousand gious leaders, special round ta- more or less, are at large un- adapted to meet the needs of the fishbles for educators and with pub- cared for, homeless beggars. lic-spirited village, town and city ing folk. There are only eleven midleaders, meetings in educational Peasant Gospel Schools institutions, and conferences on dle schools among Japan's 550,000 rural uplift and for furthering In "Christ of Japan," Toyoevangelism in industrial and hiko Kagawa describes the fishing families. In education they commercial areas. schools which are being organ- ized all over the empire. are leagues behind the rest of the -World Call. What isa Peasant Gospel School? population. I pray that the religion One Cult Each Week In my own schools-held during the short leisure season on the farm-the of Christ of the Sea of Galilee, with Writing in Missions on the forenoons are devoted to class work. current revival of religious in- There is a twenty-five hour course on its full-orbed provision for the whole terest in Japan, Dr. William Ax- the Sermon on the Mount; also ling refers to the amazing num- courses on rural sociology and village of life, may be made available to these ber of new religious cults which welfare work. The history of the Christian brotherhood-love movement long-neglected, hard-pressed toilers of is taught, as is also the history of the Christian social-love movement. The the sea. science of agriculture is a part of the Daily Christian Newspaper [431 ] Another factor making for unity among the Christian forces in Japan is the publication of the Daily Christian News, now almost a yearling. Its promoter and editor is Rev. Shoichi Mu- rao, until recently professor in the Episcopal Theological Sem- inary,more widely known per- haps in the field of newspaper evangelism, and now general sec- retary of the Tokyo Y. M. C. A. Not presuming to be a large pub- lication but purporting to be more of a clipsheet of news of religious significance from home and abroad coming daily to the study of the busy minister or layman, the Daily Christian News has brought to realization a dream more than thirty years old among the churches and be- lievers of Japan. Though as yet purely a private undertaking, it is being well received in all quar-
ters and deserves enlarged sup- of the world while as yet they ISLANDS OF THE SEA port from individuals and offi- cannot do it alone. The united cial religious bodies. thank-offering and the daily use The Way of the Shining Face of intercessory prayer are no- -Christian Century. table features." A number of Solomon Island's savages had gathered for a feast JAPAN-KOREA -The Living Church. with their heathen chief, for whom the Christians had been Enthusiasm for Forward A Worth-While Job praying for years. Suddenly the Movement chief stood uPland said, "I want A Y. M. C. A. secretary in you all to pray strong for me. I A Forward Movement is be- Korea describes an unusual hu- want to bring my people to your ing carried on under the aus- man rescue project. A young church to learn of your Master. pices of the Brotherhood of St. Korean Christian picked up I see that you all stop very good. Andrew. from the city streets about 200 I see the faces of you all shining thieves, beggars, outcasts; got as if your hearts were happy, as Ten thousand copies of a Japa- permission for them to sleep in if you were very glad. My peonese version of Discipleship an empty warehouse; extracted ple are not like that. They all have been prepared and distrib- from the mayor and chief of look as if they were sick. They uted throughout the ten dioceses police a small grant for a few look heavy, and their eyes are and 271 parishes and missions necessities, and set up his hostel. dull. They look as if they never making up the Nippon Sei Kok- The boys managed to feed them- swim (wash). They do swim, UJai. Recently, 4,000 additional selves in ways mysterious-per- but they look as if they never copies have been requested by haps nefarious. They told their swim. They look no good. Beclergy and missionaries. The escapades quite frankly to their fore you all live like us and pray enthusiasm and widespread use youthful mentor. No one ran to to our Adaros (devils). But I being made of the movement led tell the police, and somehow pil- see you find a better way. Your to predictions that when the sec- fering is dying down. The ware- way is the way of the shining ond booklet, Disciples of the Liv- house was a little less cold than face! I want very much to come ing Christ, was released during the streets outside; and within and learn of your new Master. Holy Week, more than twenty were classes, Bible stories and You all pray strong for me." thousand copies would be re- evening prayers for those who quired. chose to stay. No equipment, no -Brethren Evangelist. organization, little money. -The Living Church. Aboriginal Religion Temperance Gaining Ground The Woman's Auxiliary Have Australian aborigines Japan has a law which for- any religion? Rev. J. R. B. Love, A retired deaconess of the bids, with penalties, the selling writing for The Bible in the Episcopal Mission in Japan says of liquor or tobacco to any per- World proves that they have. that one of the most remarkable son under twenty years of age. Among the Wororas there are evidences of the success of the A movement is now on foot to sacred possessions of the tribe work of the Church in Japan is secure ,the passage of the same which express their religious the way Japanese Christian law in Korea. Pastor Song Sang strivings after the eternal and women have given their time, Sook is back of the movement. unseen. These are (1) groups their money and their personal He began last fall in Pyengyang, of artificially arranged stones at service in forwarding Christ's had meetings with newspaper various places; (2) collections Kingdom. One great manifesta- editors and other prominent peo- of pictures, crudely painted in tion of this has been the Wom- ple and secured their endorse- red and yellow ochre, white clay an's Auxiliary in the American ment of the movement; then and black charcoal, on the walls dioceses, which celebrated the went to Seoul, with the result of caves in the rocks; and (3) fortieth anniversary of its work that all the newspapers in Seoul a number of objects made of in Japan in 1934. The Auxiliary have swung into line, and com- carved wood. The stones mark is a strong organization and mitted themselves on the matter sacred places, where according well planned, supporting two with editorials. Mr. Song next to Worora belief, the spirit-eswomen workers in Formosa, and appealed to the officials of the sence of man abides in the earth. maintaining a succession of Government-General, and there Should a Worora man be camped short-time w 0 r k e r s in Man- also he found much sympathy. near one of these sacred places churia and also workers in Sag- His third step was to gather to- he may, in a dream, conceive the halein. One of the most notable gether leading Christians in Se- spirit of his future child. The features of the Japanese Aux- oul and some others interested wooden objects are kept stoted iliary is the gift of appreciation in these matters and they have in a cave, which may be visited to the mother church in Amer- agreed to back the movement only by fully initiated men of ica and England. They send heartily. This is an all-Korea the tribe. At certain ceremonies, one-tenth of their thank-offering movement, and signs point to they are brought out, carefully to the home church of the re- its success. handled and looked at by all spective dioceses, that they may grown men. join in the foreign mission work -Korean Echoes.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
The Worora have a name for Indies Mission of the Christian son and vice-president of Baba Supreme Being, but it is sel- and Missionary Alliance, who son's statistical organization, redom heard, never used in song. come from Menado in Northern ported at the annual meeting of In all their crude beliefs there is Celebes, made a tour of evangel- the Association of Statisticians an underlying element of the ism and investigation in the un- of American Religious Bodies eternal truths that the soul of evangelized part of the Celebes. that while in 1921 the Protesman came from God and returns These two young men left Ma- tants gained 1,710,000 new to God, and that man's duty is kassar in November, and visited members by confession of faith, to love and serve God, and to many of the important centers last year they gained only 990,- express his devotion through round the narrow stretch of 000. A recent survey of 1,000 love and service to his neighbor. land, which forms the curve churches made by the Commis- from the city of Donggala, to sion on Church Attendance of Tristan-Isle of Opportunity Menado. Their trip has brought the Congregational and Chris- to light considerable informa- tian Churches showed that only Tristan Da Cunha, an isolated tion concerning this field about twenty-five per cent of regisisland in the South Atlantic which comparatively little is tered members were supporting Ocean, has always been called known. Many places they vis- their churches by personal at- "Isle of Loneliness." Rev. Har- ited are without a witness of the tendance and only thirty per old Wilde thinks it should have Gospel. The expenses of this cent of the seats in United States a new name-"Isle of Oppor- trip were met by the National churches were being used. Mr. tunity." Every child on the Bible Society of Scotland. Their McCullough said: island now possesses a Bible, the sales of the Scriptures were fairgift of the Bible Society, their ly good, but colportage work is Every department of church work only book. But Mr. Wilde reads difficult because of the illiteracy depends on church attendance. If other books to them. "Since last of the people, and the bigotry of church attendance continues to peter year we have finished Alice in the Mohammedans. The Gov- out our mission societies and all our Wonderland, Robinson Crusoe, ernment has given the mission other church organizations will go Robin Hood, Grimm's Fairy permission to carryon regular overboard. To save the church our Tales, and the Christmas Carol. missionary work in this vast un- laymen must go to church. Attend- The children are very keen and occupied area, and as soon as ance at Sunday schools has declined never miss school, whatever the students are sufficiently pre- even faster than church attendance. weather. I have taught them pared, they hope to take up the Between 1931 and 1935 it declined two of my mottoes: 'You never work in this field. eight per cent, whereas church atwin by giving in,' and 'Any old tendance declined one per cent. Sunthing won't do.' In fact the chil- -The Pioneer. day school attendance reached its peak dren are doing so nicely that around 1917. The zenith of church now the older folks are asking to NORTH AMERICA attendance was in 1880. be taught, and they want me to start a night schooL" Population of the United Alert to New Opportunities The older folks have lectures S.tates When the Board of Home Mison Wednesday evenings. "So sions of the Presbyterian far" says Mr. Wilde, "I have The estimated population of Church, U. S. A., learned that talked on First Aid, Egypt, the United States on July 1,1935 the Rural Habilitation Service Shakespeare, War Reminis- was 127,521,000 as compared was planning to move 200 famcences, Coal and Oil, Things to with the official federal census ilies from Minnesota, Wisconsin Make for the Home, Cost of Liv- figures of 122,755,046 on April and Michigan to Alaska, the ing in England. The lectures 1, 1930 according to William L. Board sent the Rev. Bert J. are quite voluntary, but no one Austin, director of the Bureau Bingle from Cardova to Matamisses, and they all say how of Census. This is an increase nuska so that he was on hand to they enjoy these evenings." of 3.9 per cent. The greatest in- welcome the settlers on their ar- crease was one of 22 per cent rival. A community hall has The chaplain is also getting in the District of Columbia, at- now been built with the assistthem to work for themselves, tributed to the influx of federal ance of the settlers, and has and make all kinds of articles employes during the present ad- served not only as a place of for home use. The men and ministration. In Georgia the in- worship for the Community boys are making little things to crease was 15 per cent, in South church which Mr. Bingle has orsell to any visiting ships, and so Carolina 15.7, in Tennessee 11 ganized, but also as a hospital are the women and girls. All and in Florida 9.9. Eleven when an epidemic of scarlet feare learning to share in the work states show a loss in population, ver attacked the camp. of the mission in other fields. Arizona leading with a loss of The people are faithful in keep- 11.4 per cent. -Presbyterian Tribune. ing up private prayer. -Watchman-Examiner. The Southern Baptists -The Mission Field. Protestant Church Today there are 4,389,417 In the Northern Celebes Membership members in the Southern Bap- tist Church. The year 1935 has During the past year two stu- Charles J. McCullough, pri- been one of distinct gains.: 177 dents at the Netherlands East vate secretary .to Roger W. Bab- new churches, 202,047 baptisms; $22,264,052 given to local work,
a net gain of $1,862,444; gifts pIe were not attending any United Church of Canada to missions, education and be- church. Meetings were held, nevolences were $4,624,515, a two a day six days a week, be- During the past ten years the net gain of $372,847; the total ginning on Sunday morning and United Church of Canada has gifts to all causes increased to closing the next Friday night; received 250,378 persons into $26,888,567, a net gain of $2,- moving to a new place on Satur- church membership on profes- 235,291. day and beginning all over sion of faith-an average of a again. Every afternoon a Bible fresh Pentecost of believers The Foreign Mission Board Study group was held in the every six weeks. After deductreports 400 missionaries in the farm homes; every night a ing the losses through death and following countries: Africa, Ar- service in the schoolhouse. One otherwise, communicant memgentina, North and South Bra- district was quite pagan, where bership has increased from 600,- zil, Chile, Central, Interior, for twelve years there had been 668 in 1925 to 687,973 at the North and South China, Hun- no religious work until this Sun- close of 1934. There is also an gary, Italy, Jl:J.pan, Jugo-Slavia, day school was started. The increase in Sunday school enrol- Mexico, Palestine-Syria, Rou- school teacher said that among ment from 579,482 to 638,960, mania and Spain. her pupils only one had known Young People's Society member- the Lord's Pray~r, or had ever ship from 104,607 to 205,979, The total receipts last year seen a Sunday school paper. and families from 369,652 to were $1,294,613 and the total 459,089. The Dominion census disbursements were $1,293,426. Recently a young farmer said of 1931 reports that 2,017,375 to the leader in this work: "My persons in Canada have declared The Woman's Missionary temper has always been al- themselves associated with the Union reports the total number mighty quick, and I used to be United Church. Upwards of of Woman's Missionary Union plenty free with the stick when 1,300 congregations have been organizations in the Southern the children acted contrary, but organized in communities that Baptist Convention is 34,645, we're better pals now. I don't had no Christian service, thus with an aggregate membership know just how or when it began reaching new settlements on the of 593,766. Of this number 11,- but I've been changing the last prairies, in mining camps, pulp- 407 are Woman's Missionary So- two years." His wife, kneading wood towns, and among fishercieties, with a reported member- bread, turned around and looked folk with the Gospel of Jesus in ship of 293,833, and 23,238 are at him. "I know when you a way which the churches, sepayoung people's organizations, started to change," she said. "It rately, could never have equaled. with a membership of 299,883. was when the Sunday school It is of interest to know that These organizations contributed opened here." He is taking an the United Church preaches during the past year to denomi- active leadership in that Sunday the Gospel in Canada in thirty national causes a total of $1,- school now. different languages, while the 972,370. The total number of Bible is distributed in book and tithers reported, 95,292. Pagans in America leaflet in more than fifty dia- lects. More than 1,000 congre- -Henry W. Tiffany, Ph.D. American missionaries have gations, struggling for exist- penetrated the far corners of ence, nearly all receiving grants Crime and Church the earth, yet within our own from Home Mission Boards, borders there are more than 45,- have been united into harmoni- Judge William T. Aggeler of 000 pagans who still worship ous unions, thus destroying re- Los Angeles, for many years de- their tribal gods, according to ligious competitions, and multifender of public order in that Bishop Howden of New Mexico. plying their effectiveness in decity, declares that of the thou- They are the Navajo Indians in voted Christian ministry to their sands of men and women who Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. communities. came before him charged with every conceivable crime, only 2 "Their paganism cannot be -Presbyterian Alliance per cent were active members ascribed to any lack of proselyt- Bulletin. of any church. The other 98 per ing by the Christians," observes cent either had no religion, or the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, LATIN AMERIOA had ceased to attend church. "because since the Spaniards first encountered them in the six- Caguas Church Too Small -Religious Digest. teenth century they have been subjected to systematic cam- It is refreshing to hear from Opening Pioneer Work paigns of conversion. With the Puerto Rico that the Baptist exception of a comparatively church in Caguas is progressing In 1933 the Women Preachers few individuals, other Indians rapidly. Miss Lola Llabres Association appointed a Com- have accepted Christianity, but writes: mittee on Fields and Workers. the Navajos have remained ob- One of the developments that durate. This does not mean that We have little room to accommofollowed was a piece of pioneer they are irreligious, because date the crowds of children and adults work in southern Kansas. With atheism and agnosticism are un- who come to the meetings, and specialthe help of some local women known among them." ly to the Sunday school. Many who five Sunday schools were organ- have made their public profession of ized in regions where the peo-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
faith are anxious to join the church prison for embezzlement of the he set out to do his duty for his through baptism. Each member does public funds. He promised to his best to help others to know the give the rest of his life to the country. In the battle of Cana- Saviour. The men's society has or- da, Chile, he lost all his possesganized to work in the country dis- service of Jesus Christ in the sions, and among them his Bible.
tricts. Those who can preach help in prison. Yet he had learned from memthis way, and others give invitations ory many of the most important to the meetings. There is great en- -National Bible Society passages, and these continued to thusiasm about this activity, and it .of Scotland. bring him consolation. On July is our hope and prayer that this may be the way to oring many to Christ. Lost in Amazonian Forest 11, 1934, he was wounded, and The women too are not idle. They on September 14th he arrived at Somewhere in Brazil today the hospital in Santa Cruz, hold services in homes where the peo- three pioneers are lost, brave where he remained for several ple sympathize with our work, but men who went out under the Un- months. Following his discharge are not brave enough yet to attend evangelized Fields Missions. from the hospital, he came fairthe services held in the temple. This They are known as the "Three ly regularly to the Gospel meethas proved to be a good means of in- Freds," their names being Fred ings, and knowing of his long teresting people in the Gospel; by Roberts, Fred Dawson, and Fred association with the Gospel, Mr. and by they visit the church and Wright. Mr. Roberts, who is in Horne many times pressed him learn to know the Saviour. Seven charge of the party, is an Au- to decide for Christ. On 17th and even more Sunday schools are stralian, who has been ten years January of this year, being trouheld every Sunday afternoon. in Amazonia, working entirely bled about his sins, he retired to among Indians. His companions his aunt's home. There he found – Watchman-Examiner. are new recruits. They started a disused Bible, and opened it at last May for what would be a passage he had never hitherto In a West Indian Prison called in war an "unhealthy sec- read. As he met the words: "Be tion" in the center of Brazil. not deceived; God is not "In those beautiful islands of They were seeking the un- mocked: for whatsoever a man the West Indies," writes George touched field of the wild Kaya- soweth, that shall he also reap," Herbert of St. Kitts, "where na- pos, of whom very little is a deep conviction penetrated his ture seems to have lavished her known. They are said to shoot soul, and falling on his knees he choicest gifts of vegetation and at sight and to regard white men confessed his sin and accepted romantic scenery, it is sad to as their rightful prey. Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Althink that many must be con- though he has had to endure perdemned for their misdeeds to The three were supplied with secution from his companions, spend many months in prison. an unusual outfit which included he continues to be a joyful Their enforced confinement, a 4% h. p. outboard motor which Christian. however, offers opportunity, can be fixed to a canoe, a docwhich has been eagerly taken tor's microscope and other sci- -National Bible Soc. .of advantage of, for securing their entific instruments, a six-foot Scotland. attention to the things of the cross saw, guns and ammuni- Spirit to which, in their days of tion for use against wild beasts New Life in the Chaco freedom, they were oblivious. and for hunting game, galvan- In confinement many of the pris- ized sheet iron, rivets and tin Last January (midsummer in oners have listened willingly to cutters,-put in that the pio- the Argentine), in the cool of the message of the Gospel, and neers might make themselves the evening a company of Indian in the reading of the Book have steel shields as armor against chiefs were squatting in a circle found the way to God. The Indian arrows. Their last let- in serious conclave. A year or changes that have taken place in ter, sent over a year ago, re- two ago this would have meant the cases of a number have been ported that they had treated either a seance of witch doctors so marked that even the justices over 100 sick people and had or the beginning of a drinking and the officers in charge have held meetings that were crowded feast. But this circle of thirtyborne witness to the power of to overflowing. The Mission has five men, including ex-witch docthe Word to uplift and trans- sent out a rescue party in search tors and warrior chiefs, had met form. for the three missionaries. in the shadow of the trees on the mission compound for prayer, Never before have there been -The Christian. seeking guidance for the evanso many persons in jail for various misdemeanors. Nevertheless, not a few have had the great experience of meeting God face to face in the prison. So Conversion of a Soldier gelistic trips to be undertaken profound was the impression that week end. The universal made by the Holy Spirit during Peter J. Horne of Santa Cruz, week of prayer had just come the preaching at one service that Bolivia, tells the following story to a close.
nearly everyone of the fifty men of a young Bolivian who left It is more than a year since present made profession of his home in 1933 to serve his coun- these evangelistic trips were intention to live a new life. try in the war with Paraguay. first begun. Men and women, Among these there was a high He had received a Bible from a chiefs and their whole villages dignitary in the local govern- Bolivian Indian missionary, and have been so attracted by the ment civil service, who was in with this precious companion, Gospel message that they have
come to live here temporarily to Far East in 1938. The first ses- best to educate the entire memlearn more of Jesus and His sion was given entirely to an ad- bership of the Church in the nawords. A group of over 200 In- dress by Dr. John R. Mott. At ture of the work abroad, and to dians, living fifteen miles down the second session, Rev. William reveal its character as a deeply stream, have been asking for a Paton outlined the plans for the spiritual movement vital to the missionary for several years. proposed meeting in China, the life of the Church at home. Some of the chiefs with their general theme of which is to be They were seeking to lay upon people have been living here for "The Upbuilding and Mainte- the heart of the Church the cona few months-attracted by the nance of the Younger Churches" viction that more missionaries, work of the evangelists-four of as a part of the world-wide men and women, were urgently the chiefs and nearly forty of Christian fellowship. The five needed if the Church of Scottheir people having joined our principal divisions of this theme land was worthily to fulfil its inquirers' class which has passed were discussed in the following function as a missionary church. the 200 mark. The church is sessions. filled nightly to overflowing. Other societies find themselves Witchcraft, drinking and danc- The closing session was a tes- in a simlar position,· and it ing belong to bygone days. The timonial and a farewell to Mr. might be a good thing if once a Holy Spirit is very obviously at Kenneth Maclennan, who has year, in the churches of all dework in their lives, and there is been the secretary of the British nominations, there could be a a genuine desire to become, as Missionary Conference from its Recruiting Sunday, when a defimany so often pray, the "chil- beginning, and who now retires nite appeal should be made to dren of light." because of age limitation. His young men and women to enlist successor, the Rev. J. W. C. Dou- in the service of Christ, whether -The South American Mis- gall, who has been educational at home or abroad. sionary Society Magazine. adviser to the missions in Kenya and Uganda, will assume these -The Life of Faith. EUROPE secretarial duties next January. The conference also authorized Churches and Bibles in Spain British Y. M. C. A. its Standing Committee to call a second secretary to be associ- Thirty-six churches w ere The British Weekly comments ated with Mr. Dougall, thus burned recently in Spain during favorably on the recent conven- making it possible to reorganize the present revolution, within a tion of the Young Men's Chris- the cooperative work of the period of 48 hours and 34 othtian Association held in London British missionary societies so ers were damaged by fire; 160 which devoted itself to a study that the home base activities churches have been destroyed in of the important report on aims may be more fully coordinated, four months and 251 have been and policy drawn up by commit- and so that the work of the damaged, said Jose Maria Gil tee after a three years' survey of United Council for Missionary Robles, leader of the (Roman) Y. M. C. A. work throughout Education may be included with- Catholic Popular Action in the the country. in the responsibilities of the sec- Cortes. retaries of the Conference. There had been a growing doubt On the other hand Bible disas to whether the Y. M. C. A. had not -A. L. Warnshuis. tribution continues: lost sight of its original purpose. Partly this was due to the whole- Need for Missionary Recruits A lady missionary was hurryhearted way in which the Association ing through a crowded street in threw itself into the tasks which thc The recent reports of all the Barcelona when a smiling Spanwar imposed upon it-"serving of ta- leading missionary societies of ish woman accosted her. "Are bles" in the sense of providing social, Great Britain indicate financial you the Senora who gave me a educational and recreational facili- deficits, but, great as is the need little book the other day, in the ties for young men and boys. The of money, there are indications Calle St. Anna?" report recalls it to a renewed empha- that the need of missionaries is sis upon its definitely Christian and even greater. One of the most The missionary had distrib- Christianizing ideal. Y. M. C. A. important discussions of the uted many of these little Scripleaders have almost unequalled op- General Assembly of the Church ture booklets in the wide, busy portunities for bring young men with- of Scotland in Edinburgh was avenues of the great Spanish in the influence of Christ and His devoted to the work of foreign city. Gospel. As a result of the London missions. convention they plan to go to their "May be," she said, "Was it work with a clearer view of their op- Rev. C. W. G. Taylor, in pre- one like this?" portunities and their obligations. senting the foreign mission re- port of the Church of Scotland, The Spanish woman's face lit -Presbyterian Banner. declared that the special effort up as she saw the booklet which which they were making was the missionary held out. "Ah, British Mission Conference not, first and foremost, a finan- yes, that is it. My sons have cial drive. They were seeking, read it, and asked me to get The annual meeting of the rather, to bring all congrega- more for the other members of Missionary Societies in Great tions to the consideration of how the family. And indeed these Britain and Ireland was held at words are true," looking down Swanwick June 10-13), program at the little book with a softened being centered around the pro- expression. posed meeting of the International Missionary Council in the -Scripture Gift Bulletin.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Anti-Semitism in Rumania We have received copies of your year to learn the language be- Gospel of St. John. Understanding fore coming to Urundi, there It has become extremely dan- that 1,000 unbound Gospels are ur- is no man on the field to occupy gerous to be a Jew in Rumania, gently needed for the good of the peo- Kayero. where, out of a population of ple, we have telephoned concerning 18,000,000, 1,000,000 are Jews. them to the Foreign Minister. Our Two others from South Africa Jewish youth are no longer able great desire is that this plan might have been appointed to the to attend certain branches of be carried out, and that the books Congo in 1937, after their furcertain universities, and those might reach our camp for the use of lough. who have already studied several the soldiers. semesters are prevented from Catholicism in Angola passing the i r examinations. -Life Of Faith. Many of the ways to free pro- The Angola press, especially fessions are closed to Jews. Vio- Another Translation in Luanda, has published severlent actions have been taken to al articles lately, setting forth exclude Jewish lawyers from Rev. W. S. Martin of the the necessity of "Catholicizing" leading places at the bar, and French Sudan writes that the the colony. Catholic baptisms in similar measures have been National Bible Society of Scot- 1934 numbered 43,000, and the taken against Jewish doctors, land has now completed the number of adherents in the coldentists and builders. Mer- printing of the whole New Tes- ony is put at 425,000. The anchants are so heavily taxed or so tament in Songoi, or, as it was nual subsidy given by the Anf r e que n t I y fined on bogus formerly called, Sonhrai. golan Government to Roman charges that they are being Catholic missions is about 4,- forced out of business. Anti- This great race differs from the 000,000 angolares, approximate- Semitic propaganda takes two ordinary Negroes of the southerly ly £40,000, as well as privileges, forms: an anti-Jewish press and districts. They belong to the "Sudan" such as exemption from customs anti-Jewish meetings. The fight stock. A little above the average in dues, hut taxes for workers, etc. against the Jews has become the stature, they are well developed, black social, political and economic skinned, have prominent noses and Nevertheless, e van gel i c a I issue in Rumania. The Jews medium coarse features. In mental- work is pushing forward. The are stigmatized as Rumania's ity they are a little above the aver- Dondi church, a comparatively enemy No.1. age African, but centuries of forced recent organization, c 0 u n t s submission to conquering Arabs and 5,000 members and a very large -Alliance Weekly. Touregs have produced something of number of catechumens. The a servile nature. Bailundo church has a member- AFRICA ship of 7,000. Sunday school Songoi is the general trade lan- work is taking on a new inter- Bible Work in Addis Ababa guage for a distance of about one est and the general outlook is thousand miles along the Niger, be- hopeful. A survey by the World The British and Foreign Bi- ginning at Djenne on the Bani River, Dominion Press in 1933 showed ble Society has received news a tributary of the Niger, and extend- the existence of a Protestant from T. P. Bevan, their repre- ing down into the Niger Colony and Christian community of 240,000 sentative in Addis Ababa, con- Dahomey. in a probable native popUlation cerning the looting of the Bible of 4,141,730. There were then House last May. The trouble While the Songoi as a race are still 249 foreign missionaries and began on the morning of May 2, Mohammedan, many individuals are 2,854 national workers. and the same evening Mr. and ready to welcome the Gospel, and the Mrs. Bevan were taken to the former fanaticism is breaking down. "Little Man, What Next?" British Legation. Some men Now, at last, when the Word of God were left in charge, but two days is made available to them in their Nurses at Holy Cross Hospilater they were overpowered. own language, there is little doubt tal, Pondoland, suspected their The day following (May 5) the out that many of these fine people gardener and fac totum of wast- Italians entered the city, and will be brought into the Kingdom, ing his time; and required him that night the Bible House was and the whole tribe will be affected, to write a list of his daily activiset on fire four times, but neigh- as well as many of the neighboring ties. This is what he wrote: bors came and extinguished the tribes. flames. Next morning Mr. Be- To sweep back and front of the dinvan regained possession of the -Alliance Weekly. ing-room every day. To carry water premises, but the Bibles had all for the washer once a week. To cut been taken. Thus he was re- In the Belgian Congo firewood and chop them for the bath lieved of any anxiety concerning and ironing three times a week. To their distribution! Mr. J. W. Haley is superin- empty pig'soin twice a day. To col- tendent of the Mission Libre lect eggs once a day. To collect hens Mr. Alfred Buxton quotes Methodiste at Ruanda-Urundi, into their runs four or five times a the following letter, written by Central Africa, on the water- day, and mend their runs as many the Emperor of Ethiopia as he shed of the Congo-Nile River times a day. To get cream Monday, was starting for the front line: systems. In a news letter he Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. To writes that the government does get vegetables from the garden daily. not wish to grant official status Working flower garden, weeding it, to a mission until they have at manuring it, turning soil, planting least 10 workers on the field; flowers, watering them and tidying it on the other hand, the mission every day. To whitewash Sisters' waits for official sanction before adding to the staff. Eventually, the vice-governor gave permis- sion to occupy a site at Kayero. While the Board expects to send missionaries to Belgium this
rooms twice a month. To cut lawns One day a State official came dred thousand Jews have come to gather taxes. He saw that to settle in Palestine, but the once a week, to sweep them and tidy Bazele was well educated and two races do not get along well much more refined than the men together. Great Britain is standoff. To divide fruits from 'rnseleni of the jungle. Just before the ing by her mandate and declares State official left the village he she will keep order and enforce (store) for nursery and Mrs. Drewe called everybody together and justice at any cost. said, "I want you to know that once a week. To un:oad goods from this is a man of God. He is your Colonial Secretary William friend. He has come to help you. G. A. Ormsby-Gore revealed that Natal, such as boxes, and open them When he beats the drum every over 600 persons have been in- one come and hear him. Divide jured in the recent outbreaks, to be unpacked, twice a month. To your food with him." Because and 84 had been killed. The the white man had given his number increases day by day. carry Sisters' boxes to the Night commands the natives obeyed. Racial Bitterness Nurses' huts and to change beds to At the end of six months three men had accepted Jesus Christ In the political disturbances Mrs. Drewe's and tables twice a as their Saviour. Bazele has between Jews and Arabs, a seri- now been in the village about ous phase has been reached, month. To be a messenger to St. four years. There is a church, which calls for special prayer. and a group of people who come Because of the increase in vio- John's, Cottage, St. Monica's, St. every day to learn the Jesus lence the Jewish and Arab com- Christ way to live. munities are now practically Mary's Hospital, Mrs. Drewe and isolated from one another. The Neighboring villages are send- bitter feeling is also reacting Mrs. Hartley two times a day. To ing to Lotumbe, saying, "White seriously on Christian mission- man, send us someone to tell us ary work, one of the regrettable kill a cock three times a month. To about Jesus like Bazele is telling developments being the hostile to his people."-World Call. attitude taken by many Protesmake up French drains and roads tant Christian Arabs towards WESTERN ASIA both the Jews and the British twice a month. To take one bag of Government. Some Arab pas- Palestine in Turmoil tors are even publicly denouncmealies from hospital for nursery ing the present policy from their All Palestine is in commotion, pulpits. once a month, and grind one tin of with riots breaking out in its cities and towns. It is a highly The Arab community finds it mealies for nursery once a month. To tangled situation with roots run- hard to understand the action of ning back through thousands of the Government in recognizing carry one bag of coal for nursery years. The basal trouble is the the claims of the Jews to a coun- presence of two races and two try in which the Arabs have had once a month. To get fruits from the religions, both claiming Pales- undisputed claims for some cen- tine as their holy land. The turies. They feel that their gardens such as apples, peaches, etc., claim of the Jews goes back to rights have been ignored, and Abraham, and of the Arabs to are clamoring for what they betwice a month. To bury poisoned the invasion of the land by Mo- lieve to be justice. But, Pales- hammed twelve hundred years tine is far from being fully ocdogs, cats and dead hens any day ago. The Jews, without a coun- cupied. The incoming of the try anywhere, have always Jews has been an unquestioned it happens. To clean drains in hen- turned their longing eyes to- benefit economically. The Arabs wards it and cherished their re- have themselves profited very runs, to give meajes to the hens every turn to it as their passionate materially from the improved dream. conditions. But they recognize afternoon. To fill up seed boxes with the initiative and the aggressive- The close of the great War, ness of the newcomers, and are soil, manuring them and watering which left Palestine in the hands afraid lest they be eventually of the British, seemed to open dispossessed. them every day, when hot to put mats the door for them to return. The Zionist movement started up to -Christian and Missionon top of young plants to prevent provide the means for consum- ary Alliance. mation. But at once the difficulheat. W ALTER BUT!. ty arose because the Arabs have Modern Times in Arabia so long occupied the land. It The nurses were satisfied. was proposed to buy them out Pious Moslems in Mesopota- -The Mission Field. and millions of dollars were fur- mia used to spend four or five nished for this purpose by Jews months on camel routes to make A Transformation all over the world. Over a hun- the pilgrimage from Baghdad Bazele Daurdi, an evangelist of the Disciples Mission at Coquilhatville had a burning desire to carry the Gospel to some village where the people had never heard of Christ. The missionary sent word to Lotumbe asking what the mission there thought but before an answer was received Bazele had already started. When he and his wife got to the village they had in mind, they beat the big drum and called all the village people together. He told them of the love of God and of Jesus Christ and his love and mercy. Some of the old men came up and said, "Why are you here? Why did you come?" He told them it was because he loved them and God. They retorted that they had never known of a stranger of one tribe loving people who wore different tribal marks and they accused him of being a spy, or a thief. They refused to divide their food with him.
Bazele and his wife built a little house and started a garden but went hungry many times because the people refused to supply food.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
to Mecca. Now a motor road strongest Christian centers in felt the great challenge of his reduces the time to four or five the Nizam's Dominions. country's need and resolved to days. Last year a party of Mos- do all that lay in his power. lems came by motor all the way -The Christian. to Mecca from Delhi in north- Mr. Devadhar was President ern India. "A great increase in Growth at Ratnagiri of the Servants of India Society missionary mobility is foreshad- and has been referred to as "the owed," observed The Interna- From the West India Presby- intellectual center of Indian poltional Review of Missi.ons. terian Mission comes the report itics, which he regarded as a that the church at Ratnagiri constructive agency for building INDIA AND BURMA shows growth both in member- the India of his dreams. It was ship and in evangelism. There he who created the "Woman's Serf Saves a Village have been ten children baptized Movement" of India, which has and thirteen members received sent out over 1,300 women as Rev. Charles W. Posnett, Ni- into the communion of the trained social workers, over 300 zam's Dominions, relates the church by profession of their being medical and 1,000 nonstory of a young man named faith in Christ. A Women's medical workers. In Poona alone Punnyadass, whose father was Society, a Temperance Society the organization maintains six bound by a debt of five pounds, and the Y. M. C. A. are func- hostels for women, where there for which he had been working tioning as church activities. are 22 workers and 224 resident for thirty years simply to pay There are ten Sunday schools, pupils and 93 who are partly or the interest. Once a year he was two in the town of Ratnagiri wholly supported by the society. given a blanket, and his wife and eight in the district, con- "Lift up the women and the nawas given a cloth, and daily they ducted under the supervision of tion will lift up itself," is the had only enough food for one the church. The Y. M. C. A., slogan. meaL Anxious that his son at its own expense, made an should rise above this miserable evangelistic tour through the The Baptists in India existence, he sent the boy to Mr. district during the months of Posnett 25 years ago. Punnya- April and May. During the Dr. J. H. Rushbrooke, Secredass was trained as an evangel- Christmas holidays, the church tary of the Baptist World Alist, and the villagers of Marelli carried out the week of evan- liance, reported on his visit to begged him to come and teach gelism in Ratnagiri and the India in part as follows: them the Gospel. The village near-by villages. All the men, chief was angry, and said that women and most of the children The Telugu Mission field is the he did not want any Christians took part in this. Twenty vil- largest Baptist field in India. At the in his village. The roof of his lages were visited, many Gospels Assam Centenary celebration in J orshed was pulled down, and sold and tracts distributed. The hat, the conference was attended by everybody who went near him communicant membership is about 5,000 of the 56,000 church memwas persecuted, but the boy won largest in the history of the bers in the province. Twenty-three the love of all. church. languages were represented, though only four or five were officially used. Then plague broke out last A Great Servant It was a strange experience for speakyear, and spread to this village. ers to utter a sentence or two, and Two or three people died, and A writer in Dnyanodaya says wait until the simultaneous translathe whole village was infested that one of his richest experi- tion of the official interpreters and with rats. The chief left the ences was to attend the 60th the murmured rendering by others village and built himself a hut birthday of Mr. Gopal Krishna should cease. A veritable Babel, but two miles away in the jungle; Devadhar-who died last No- also a Pentecost; for the word but Punnyadass obtained medi- vember-and to hear his address reached "every man in his own cine and disinfectants and at- to about two thousand people in tongue." tended to all those who were which he paid tribute to the instricken. He then got the young fluence that missionaries had A Hindu editor, not a Christian, men who were very devoted to upon him in all his life work, was there to express appreciation of him to clean the village and especially the self-forgetting what the Baptist mission had done drive out the plague rats. They spirit shown by missionary for the cultural uplift of the people. whitewashed the houses, inside women. Most moving of all was He spoke of the setting up by the and out, cleaned the roads, and his statement that when he was mission of the first printing press in destroyed everything that they a young man, a missionary in the province, the publication of dicthought would encourage the the Scottish Mission compound tionaries, the circulation of books and rats to stay. Attacks of plague at Jalna pointed out to him how the promotion of education. When he subsided; the people began to the illiterate Indians were wor- had closed his tribute, he raised his feel that as long as Punnyadass shiping the idol Maruti and chal- arm and pointing dramatically to a was there they were safe. The lenged the young Devadhar with group in one corner of the enclosure, chief returned and admitted that the words: "When are you go- he cried, "Who dares to assert that the boy had done a fine work. ing to do something for your Christian missions have failed? This village is now one of the people?" It was in that hour Those men a gene1'ation ago were head that the noble G. K. Devadhar hunters." …
-Canadian Baptist.
Rest Haven in Burma Since January, 1927, when the Peabody-Montgomery Rest Haven was opened in the hills of Taunggyi, Burma, 119 young
women have received treatment al unity, with Nanking's author- Already 18,000 have been settled for tuberculosis. In the entire ity largely recognized; Commu- there and now these 35,000 who province of Burma and the Shan nism almost suppressed in many have signed as being willing to States it has been the only source of the provinces, and the Gov- go are to be transferred there. of help for people suffering from ernment looking forward to a The Provincial Relief Committee this disease. Now word .comes freely elected People's Confer- is contemplating starting emerfrom Miss Lizbeth Hughes: "A ence to adopt a Constitution. gency hospitals there. tubercular clinic has bee n (2) The improvement in means opened in a congested part of of communication in ruined rail- Inspectors in the flooded re- Rangoon. Since this section of ways restored to efficiency; an gion report that the waters are the city is nonresidential, the increased mileage in five years now receding rapidly and over usefulness of the clinic will be of 45,000 miles; and the estab- large areas it will be possible to limited, but it is a good step ishment of airways. (3) The do some sowing this spring. which will lead to a fully expansion of industry whereby However, it is also true that the equipped sanitorium in the hills China manufactures many ar- people who have returned to later on, we hope." The Govern- ticles formerly imported. (4) those parts will be in need of ment is at last realizing this The improved status of women, help for the next three months great need which Christian mis- including the right of daughters as they have no food supplies. sions has been pointing out for to inherit as well as sons; of years. . wives to own and dispose of Y. M. C. A. in Government property; of individuals to free- Schools – Watchman-Examiner. dom of choice in marriage; and the discouraging of concubinage. An immense task has been left Bible Reading in Siam (5) The expansion of improve- behind by the "Youth and Reli- ment of social services as shown gion Movement" campaigns. It The American Bible Society in a national and higher educareports an outstanding growth tional system and a national has been estimated that the toin spiritual interest in eastern health service, at least, in larger tal attendance of the Eddy and Siam. From the reading of the cities. (6) The development of the d e put a t ion meetings Word, with no teacher other a spirit of social service and civ- amounts to 339,595 and the total than the Holy Spirit, hundreds ic responsibility, with the trend number of "decisions" to 12,832. of people in this section of the definitely in the direction of hon- Association secretaries and country have accepted the Gos- esty and efficiency. church workers are simply bepel as the true way of salvation. wildered about the follow-up Whole villages have come to be- All these things are creditea work. Government and nonlieve in Christ as the true Sav- by this journalist, directly or in- Christian private schools iniour of the world, and, with the directly, to Christianity and the creasingly outnumber Christian guidance the Christian workers efforts of missionaries. institutions. This must arrest could give them, a number of the attention of those who are chapels are being built by these -Alliance Weekly. interested in student work in believers. Because of this won- China. According to the latest derful revival movement a Bible Famine and Flood statistics, there are 111 universchool for the training of colo- sities and colleges in the counporteur-evangelists is b e i n g Dr. E. H. Edwards relates try, of which only eighteen are opened in Korat. The plan is to some interesting details concern- Christian. Out of a total of have each village, where there ing the famine and flood relief about 40,000 students in these is a sufficient number of believ- carried on in the Yellow River universities and colleges only ers, select a man, or preferably area of China under the direc- 3,500 are in Christian institua man and wife, send them to tion of Dr. H. R. Williamson, tions. In regard to the middle the Bible training school for a Chairman of the China Interna- schools, only 196 out of a total year, then have them for the tional Famine Relief Commis- of 1,892 are Christian institutraining of colporteur-evangel- sion. tions, and only 30,000 students istic work for a year. This pro- out of 400,000 are in Christian cedure is to continue until each In a recent letter Dr. William- institutions. Roughly we may man has had at least three years son says that the amounts sent say that only one-tenth of our of Bible training. to him have come at exactly the college and middle school stu- right time when Government re- dents are studying in Christian – Watchman-Examiner. lief is failing. "The Provincial institutions and thereby gaining Government has issued an order some kind of knowledge about CHINA that all refugees must leave their Christianity, whereas the other camps by the end of the month. nine-tenths are practically un- Modern China reached by direct Christian in- The Provincial Government, fluences. A journalist, writing in W.orld he goes on to say, contemplates Dominion, lists six outstanding transferring 35,000 of the refu- Christians seem less able ecofeatures in the reconstruction gees to Li-Chin near the mouth nomically to send their sons and taking place in China. These of the Yellow River to help cul- daughters to Christian schools. are (1) The approach to nation- tivate the reclaimed land there.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
They are, therefore, attending Canadian Mission in an obscure neighborhood, where the non-Christian schools in increas- Manchuria people knew my friend and had ing numbers. planned for her to conduct a short- The Canadian Presbyterian term school for two weeks. One stu- -The Chinese Recorder. Mission in South Manchuria has dent would bring a bushel of rice, an- maintained encouraging prog- other vegetables from his garden, and Broadcasting the Bible ress since 1934. There were another oil or a little money. All the nearly 1,000 baptisms in 1935, offerings were pooled and they formed Not by radio but by salesmen. the largest number for any year a committee who should cook, who For many years the Presbyteri- since the inception of the work. should wash dishes, and who should an Mission has engaged colpor- Eleven new centers were opened sweep out the two fairly large mudteurs which were financed by to the Gospel, and other villages floored rooms. the British and Foreign Bible have offered to provide meeting Society in Canton. Under a new houses if the mission will send The next morning we had early arrangement evangelists, Bible them an evangelist. prayer time, communal music and women and other volunteers literacy classes in the morning. I could have taken to selling Bible por- In the southern section of the see peasants and their young children tions on their country trips. field no fewer than 464 memor- as well as their old fathers and moth- They pay the Society a fixed rate ized the golden texts for the en- ers studying out of the same book. per box of portions and are al- tire year. As a reward, those This sort of cooperative school was lowed to keep the proceeds from who could read were given a not an experiment, for the same sort the sales, thus relieving the Chinese translation of Mrs. Go- of thing was going on in many parts strain of economic pressure due forth's stirring book on "Blind of China. to the general depression and Chang." Those unable to read sudden cutting off of the usual were given a Gospel picture. -The Christian Advocate. subsidy from the Board. Al- Ten of the mission's members ready this has resulted in greatly have dedicated their lives to Turning the Other Cheek increased sales during special evangelistic work, and gone for campaigns in cities, market training, at their own expense, A missionary in Linchow towns and at festivals. The to Bible schools and theological sends an account of a young contwenty~ thousand copies ordered seminaries. vert in Pao On who in spite of were soon exhausted and anoth- persecution is steadfast and er order of ten thousand was The vital part of the women's faithful: placed. work is the annual short-term Bible training school, and since Last year he borrowed money to at- Itinerating Among the Loi Manchurian women exercise tend a Christian conference. When he considerable influence over their returned home his father beat him. The Loi people inhabit the men folk, has been the means of His family, especially his uncle, have southwestern part of Hainan equipping many women for been very mean to him because he is Island. A party of 19 which in- fruitful Christian service. a Christian. They have forbidden his cluded missionaries, an evangel- going out with the evangelistic bands, ist, a cook, three Loi school boys -The Life of Faith. but he starts out in another direction and twelve carriers, recently and meets them somewhere on the made a two weeks trip through In Chinese Villages road. He is very helpful in the church, that area. They report that not even helping sweep the floor and light five years ago the number of Muriel Lester of London re- the lamps. One day he reproved his Christians in the Ha Loi area cently completed a trip around uncle's children for mistreating their could almost be counted on the the world. From India she sent dog. His uncle became angry and fingers of one hand. Now the this comment of what she saw threw a large stone at him, injuring entire population of five villages in a Chinese village: him seriously. Despite this fact he worships the Saviour. Not three was put in prison and spent the night years ago, these same villages Among all the villages I saw in there. At first his father took no inwere threatened and their Bi- China one of the most interesting is terest in the matter. He said that his bles, tracts and hymn books pub- a place near Soochow, a city between son was always causing- trouble ever licly burned. Now the chief of Nanking and Shanghai, which is often since he became a Christian. The the whole area is an earnest in- ca'lled the "Venice of China," for there Christians secured his release and quirer. During five days' stay we use canals instead of roads, and talked to the father showing him the in this region, 87 patients were boats instead of buses. The girl whom large stone which had been thrown at treated; many inquirers were we were staying with was a singer, a his son. His heart was finally touched visited, though none were ready lover of children and a Christian. and he was persuaded to send the boy for baptism. For the first time to Linchow to the hospital for treatthe Gospel was taken to the Ha She had given up the foreign house ment. He was especially struck by the Loi tribes themselves. They in the town which was given to her for peaceful manner in which the Chrisseemed genuinely interested and her work, and built a mud cottage in tians settled up the matter. While the asked for more. a quiet village. A low shelf ran round boy was in the hospital the Christians her room, on it all manner of toys, took turns in coming to see him. This picture books, balls, and dolls dear to interested the non-Christians for it the heart of children all the world showed the love of the Christians for over. one another. The father has become interested and has attended a number One day we set out with this friend of meetings. on a little houseboat which was fitted up. most neatly with cooking stove and Fighting Girl Slavery bunks for four people. At the end of the day we arrived in a tiny village in The Methodist Conference of Foochow struck a telling blow at girl slavery. The China Chris- tian Advocate reports: Resolutions were presented on the festering subject of child slavery, pre-
viously adopted by the woman's con- the men's reception room to "dis- educational, (4) cooperative, ference. Dr. Carol Chen of Hwa Nan cuss the doctrine" with Pastor and (5) reorientation. For the College and Mrs. Ling Guong Ing at- David Sung. Mr. Jenness also most part mission hospitals are tacked the evil at every point of its writes of special meetings. still the best and most trusted pU-.Jlic and private implications, de- medical facilities within reasonmanding investigation in the high "Charles Li is thirty-three able reach for millions of people places, and a house cleaning at home. years old, a tall, strongly-built in Asia and Africa. About half man, who five years ago was a the modern hospitals of China The resolutions adopted provide that young salesman in the employ of are still mission hospitals, while all girl slaves shall be freed and shall a British firm in Tsingtao, draw- in Southeastern Asia, parts of be treated as daughters in the family. ing a high salary. He was con- India, Persia, Arabia and equa- This applies to all girls working with- verted, and almost immediately torial Africa, the mission hosout pay, whether or not they have been felt God's call to preach the Gos- pitals are in the preponderance. bought with money. They shall wear pel, resigned his position and Though reasonably classed as the same kind of clothes and eat the went out on faith. His own modern, most of them are small same kind of food as the family, and words are, 'Since then the Lord -not many have over 100 beds receive some education. has never allowed me to suffer -and their equipment varies want. When there has been any considerably. Often they are Included in this action are the lit- lack, it is because I have lacked weak in maintenance funds, labtle daughters-in-law, and provision is here,' and with that he slapped oratories, records and the finer made for their return to their parents' his knees; meaning that when elaborations of hospital adminhomes if for any reason they are not he prayed little he received little. istration and scientific medicine. married at a suitable time. Only a minority, but a rapidly "Several committees were or- growing minority, have X-rays. For The Blind ganized to plan the various phases of the campaign, a the- -Presbyterian Tribune. Mr. Homer S. Wong has an ater was leased for 15 days, the article in the China Critic de- Electric Light Company agreed A Laity Mission scribing work for the blind. He to wire the place for lights, and says there are at least a million when I reached the theater the A church mission by the laity blind Chinese, and probably two first night an electric cross for 1937-38 will be undertaken million partially blind. Fortune- blazed high on the roof. Inside by the evangelism unit· of the telling appears to have been the the ramshackle building were Board of National Missions of traditional occupation of male about 700 people. Banners and the Presbyterian Church. In Chinese blind; and so lucrative Gospel posters decorated the preparation of this mission, has been this profession that dingy old walls, and the whole church Christian fellowships some blind fortune-tellers amass place was flooded with light from will be held to discuss the followconsiderable wealth; and some two huge electric lamps. Smiling ing questions: What Christ who have been educated in ushers with pink badges greeted Means to Me; The World Situa- Braille are tempted to take up all comers at the door and helped tion as It Affects the Christian fortune-telling. Others rely on them to find seats on the narrow Church; the Purpose of the music for a livelihood. saw-horse benches that served as Christian Church; the Present chairs. A large round table near Situation in the Presbyterian Mr. Wong states there are not the rear was presided over by a Church; The Place of the Laity more than three thousand who couple of policemen who occa- in Making the Church Effective; have learned Braille, with about sionally regaled themselves with What Do I Mean to Christ? a thousand still in school learn- tea from a cracked little porceing it. These Braille students are lain pot. The objectives of the mission distributed among thirty-three are: 1. A more definite, vital schools located in fourteen prov- "We are following up the cam- and sacrificial service for Christ inces. Of these, nine are private, paign with Bible classes. We on the part of the ordained offitwenty are missionary and only have special classes in four cers in the churches; 2. A rethree governmental. There are places for the new converts. In affirmation of faith on the part also eight associations and blind all four places over 90 new con- of every member and an accepthomes of which five are mission- verts are enrolled in these Bible ance of Christ's program in ary, two private and one govern- classes." every area of life; 3. Every mental. church member trained to wit- MISCELLANEOUS ness as to his Christian experi- In Shunteh ence; 4. An invitation commit- Century of Medical Missions tee in each local church assum- Rev. Richard E. Jenness, Pres- ing responsibility for winning byterian missionary, writes that Generally speaking, medical others to Jesus Christ as Savanyone who thinks the Gospel of missions may be said to have iour and Lord; 5. A program of Christ has lost its power should had five stages or phases in their evangelism for the laity in every come to Shunteh and attend a one hundred years of history. presbytery. Sunday morning church service. These can be concisely outlined The congregation is made up of as (1) pioneer, (2) hospital, (3) -Presbyterian Tribune. about three-fifths men-farmers, merchants, government school teachers, students and clerks from the district-court. After church service five or six clerks from the court often remain in
~'=================================I'4Y
Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~=—–=—-=—-=—-===-=——=======I~ Day of Immense Sun. By Blair ment of beauty, simplicity and left! As it is, wild Patagonia Niles. $2.50. Bobbs Merrill, New strength. He adores a little girl York. 1936. of noble birth chosen to become still awaits the Christian mes- a Virgin of the Sun in the con- EI Jimmy, Outlaw of Patag~:mi!l' By vent at Cuzco. From the simple senger. SAMUEL GUY INMAN. Herbert Childs. $3.00. Llppmcott, life of shepherds and peasants Philadelphia. 1936. one is led through the complexi- What Happens After Death! By ties of life in the family of the Rev. William Striker. Cloth, 226 These two volumes are far Inca, on to the invasion of the pp. $1.50. American Tract Soapart, but they' both tell of f?r- empire by the Spaniards, to the ciety, New York City, New York. eigners going to South AmerIca execution of the Son of the Sun, -the Spanish Pizarro in 1539 and finally to the first pulse of In view of the modern tendand the English adventurer, life in that new Inca-Spanish ency of preachers to remain Jimmy Radburne, about the nation-Peru. silent on the great issues of the turn of the last century. future life, one welcomes any El Jimmy is the story of the earnest effort to grapple with Day of Immense Sun is mainly adventures of a rough and re- the really difficult questions, esabout the Inca empire. In these markable Englishman who for pecially when these are considdays of the "New Deal," a forty years lived the life of a ered from the Biblical point of "planned society" and Commu- rancher and outlaw in the wild view. The author of this volnism, Blair Niles has gone to country of Patagonia-one of ume has evidently given much Peru to study the communal life the world's few remaining fron- thoughtful study to the subjects of an ancient people. After two tiers. Jimmy Radburne went which he treats and there IS no years of intense research he has fro m England to Patagonia doubt of his own evangelical brought back to us this beautiful when he was eighteen and first convictions. Perhaps not every story, which along with its pow- got work in Tierra del Fuego in thoughtful evangelical believer erful emotional sweep, gives also the days when the sheep men will be able to follow him in all an accurate historical picture of there were brutally exterminat- of his conclusions. This is due the most remarkable of ancient ing the Fuegian Indians. Cross- to the author's occasional tendcivilizations. Readers will be ing over to the mainland, he ency to enter the realm of specusurprised at the revelations here later became a gaucho on a large lation when discussing such of the perfect organization of sheep ranch. The book tells with topics as paradise and the interthat great socialistic empire gusto of Jimmy's life at the mediate state. Nevertheless, Mr. which extended from Colombia sheep estancias, now and in the Striker is to be commended for on the north down to Chile and early dramatic days. It tells of his courage in attempting to Argentine on the south. It was the sheep industry and of the deal honestly with a very diffiso well organized that there was irresponsible, nomadic life of cult and much neglected subject. practically no want, with little the gauchos. crime, and a remarkable amount F. E. GAEBELEIN. of contentment-to which the As one follows this story he complete absence of money no lives over again in contrast the The Daughter of Abd Salam. By doubt contributed much. The great life of service given by Florence Mary Fitch. 75 pp. Illus. way this life was mercilessly de- Allan Gardner in this same raw Bruce Humphries, Inc. Boston. stroyed by the Spanish conquis- country. If only the missionary tadores, blessed by the Christian forces at home had supported The story of an Arab peasant priest Valverde, in the treacher- Gardner and not allowed him to woman of Palestine interestingly ous murder of the Inca Ata- die of cold and starvation, what pictures the inner life of. t?e peohualpa is told in dramatic terms. a different Patagonia would EI ple of Bible lands. It IS well Jimmy have found! And if written and touches the customs Such information is only inci- Jimmy himself had only used and problems of these people. dental however in a romantic his super-human strength and love story of peculiar beauty and endurance as a "sky pilot" in- H. H.F. chaste idealism. The character stead of a sheep rustler, what a of the shepherd boy Tito is one noble inheritance he might have A Wider World for Women. By that will return to the reader Lucy W. Peabody. 128 pp. Cloth, again and again as an embodi- [443 ] $1.25. Fleming H. Revell Company, New York. 1936.
To many Christian women the name of Mrs. Lucy W. Peabody
suggests an oracle whose every What woman will do with her gon" to the Uni,ted States and word is to be heeded. Her mani- suffered a martyr's death, that fold activities as missionary and present freedom is the question. missionary administrator, as his companion Spalding has founder and patron of the Wom- Despite occasional disappoint- been relegated to a rather oben's Union Christian Colleges in scure background. Dr. Drury, China, India and Japan, as inde- ments Mrs. Peabody is incurafatigable protagonist of the who is pastor of the First Pres- Eighteenth Amendment, as the bly optimistic in her estimate of byterian Church of Moscow, moving spirit in the development of the Florida chain of woman. If too much so it is a Idaho, has now brought him formissionary conferences, as mili- ward as a missionary fully entant Christian always, h a v e venial fault which women readearned for her the right to titled to share the honor which speak with assurance. Hers is ily forgive; and perhaps bethe voice of experience. Her has been showered upon his writings are therefore sure to cause of what it reveals of her better known colleague. This attract a large circle of readers. graphic and well-documented belief in them they love and fol- In her latest book, "A Wider account is not a panegyric. The World for Women," Mrs. Pea- low her. Her highest praise is body undertakes in characteris- picture is painted with the warts tic sprightly fashion to discuss reserved for her friends of the included. It is not surprising some of ,the questions which con- that nerves were sometimes on cern women and their relation missionary enterprise, who m edge and that friction developed to society: "Do women need or among strong,' individualistic want a wider world ?"; "Do they she ranks as the incomparable in America require a greater men in remote and lonely outfield for the i r activities?"; exponents of Christian interna- "How are they using the world posts where hardships and perils they already have? What are tionalism and effective advo- were the daily lot. But Spaldtheir limitations? If the femi- ing, as well as Whitman, was a nine sphere widens will the cates of the peace for which the man's sphere narrow?" big man and he did big things. world is athirst. To the Bible, The Nez Perces among whom he For the answer Mrs. Peabody turns to history; first to the as the Word to which woman labored proved to be more re- Bible and then to other records. sponsive than the refractory Her veneration for the Scrip- owes her high estate, a chap- Cayuses in Whitman's field. He tures finds expression in her thesis, that God in his program ter is devoted—eommemoration was not only a successful evanfor the world assigned to woman gelist who baptized more than a definite place as companion of the 400th anniversary of its and helper to man. A discrimi- 900 Indian converts and foundnating appraisal of notable appearance in English printed women of the Old and New Tes- ed nine churches, but he showed taments indicates how they ful- form. To it she summons re- practical resourcefulness in imfilled ,their mission. Other chap- proving the educational and ecoters call the roll of important newed allegiance, suggesting to women of the middle ages and nomic conditions of the Indians. later centuries down to our own women's organizations that they He taught their children in modern era who have rendered constructive s e r vic e to the "start the movement back to the school, showed them how to irriworld.- The rise of women's organizatfons in the nineteenth Book on whose ideals our na- gate and cultivate land, make tools, build houses and weave century traces a steadily ad- tion was founded." Thus the cloth. He brought in improved vancing interest and participa- keynote of the first chapter is breeds of animals and built the tion with increasing responsi- found in the last. first flour mill, sawmill and bility in public affairs. It is a blacksmith shop and operated fascinating pageant, inclusive of In this little volume, well the first printing press. He the humble cottage and the royal worth reading, Mrs. Peabody studied the flora of the region and made a collection of plants palace, of women as mothers, summons Christian women to and flowers which won the praise of the celebrated botanist, home-makers, teachers, nurses, rededicate themselves to a de- Asa Gray, of Harvard Univerphysicians, writers, speakers, termined effort "To mend and sity. He made records of the weather which the Government missionaries, reformers. make over a world out of re- Wilkes' Expedition of 1841 pair," which "is the major task found so accurate that it incor- of women today." B. G. J. porated them in its official re- Kagawa, An Apostle of Japan. By port. He made the first contri- Margaret Baumann. 12mo. 96 pp. bution to Indian linguistics and 75 cents. The Macmillan Co., New translated Scripture portions York. 1936. into Nez Perce. Much might be The life story of this remark- said, too, of his devoted wife, of able Christian Japanese is al- frail physique but indomitable ready well known, through Dr. Axlipg and other biographers. spirit, enduring, as a woman Miss Baumann has given us a brief but dramatic story of Dr. usually does, even more than her Kagawa and his life of sacri- husband the hardships of fron- ficial service. The book is short, tier life. It is a happy coinci- well written, sympathetic and gripping. It is an excellent in- troduction to the little man who is the subject of discussion and of praise in three continents.
Henry Harmon Spalding. By Clif- ford Merrill Drury. Illustrated. 8vo. 438 pp. $3.00. The Caxton Printers, Caldwell, Idaho. 1936.
So much has been written about Marcus Whitman as the heroic pioneer, who "saved Ore-
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
dence that this attractive vol- viated sketch of this learned cob- funds, and his labors have not ume appears in the year that is bler who became a pioneer Bap- been in vain in the Lord. being celebrated as the centen- tist missionary in India in 1793. nial of the arrival of those mis- The book reports most of the Christ and the Indian Church. By A. sionary pioneers in the Pacific main facts and incidents in the J. Appasamy. Paper. 172 pp. S. Northwest. life of this pioneer, but it would, P. C. K., Madras, India. 1935. to our mind, be greatly improved ARTHUR J. BROWN. if it were subdivided into chap- Dr. Appasamy is a well edu- ters or sections. As it is this in- cated Indian Christian and the Christ in the Great Forest. By Felix terpretation of Carey and his substance of this book are ad- Faure. 12mo. 181 pp. $1.00. work is presented in one long, dresses given in Bishop's Col- Friendship Press, New York. 1936. unbroken chapter. In the midst lege and elsewhere in Calcutta, of many difficulties, changes Allahabad and Madras. He Life in the villages of West and discouragements, Car e y seeks in this little volume to ex- Africa is full of romance and stands out as a hero who plain fundamental Christian tragedy, of superstition and achieved marvels-in preaching, doctrines to Indian readers. fear. This collection of true teaching, translating and in There are chapters on God, stories by a missionary of the opening the doors to further Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Paris Evangelical Mission gives evangelism. Church, the Sacraments, Prayer, dramatic glimpses of this life- the Bible, the Missionary Task birth, marriage and death; the Arthington's Millions-The Romance and the Future Life-all illusfetishes, medicine men and their of the Arthington Trust. By A. M. trated from the Bible and from black arts. It is a dark picture Chirgwin. Illus. 8vo. 160 pp. Indian traditions. In the s e but is illuminated by the light of Paper, 2s; cloth, 3s. The Living- chapters Dr. Appasamy at- Christ. Members of. the Nuo stone Press, London. 1936. tempts to explain Christian tribe turn to follow God and the teaching-not altogether satisway of "Yesu." They show the Thirty years ago Robert factorily but with deference to power of God to overcome the Arthington of Leeds, England, Christ and the teachings of the power of taboo and witchcraft· a "millionaire pauper," Ie f t Word of God. To our mind the and the temptations of the flesh nearly $5,000,000 to "spread the author does not make sufficiently and the devil. These stories are Word of God amongst the clear the difference between vivid pictures which help us to heathen" (excluding Moslems). Man as God and Christ as God; see life in French Equatorial Now we have a report of how nor does he make plain the Africa and the power of the this money was expended in Af- atonement of Christ on the Gospel. Mrs. Schwab, of the rica, South America, India, cross. The studies are, how- American Presbyterian Mission, China, Tibet, Manchuria, Japan ever, spiritual and interesting as furnishes illuminating explana- and New Guinea. presenting Christian truth from tory notes. an Indian point of view. Arthington was a Quaker and John and Betty Starn: Martyrs. By the son of a brewer who gave up Daniel Alexander Payne: Christian Lee S. Huizinga, M.D. Illus. Paper. his profitable business for con- Educator. By JosephUS R. Coan. 95 pp. 35 cents. Zondervan Pub. science' sa k e. Arthington's 8vo. 139 pp. A. M. E. Book Con- Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. 1935. mother was a strong influence in cern, Philadelphia, Pa. 1935. his life. He never married and The story of John and Betty lived like a pauper. He gave The story of this remarkable Stam and their "Miracle Baby" largely during his lifetime and American Negro was published, is now well known through left his fortune to trustees who in brief, in our June REVIEW. many periodical accounts of administered it through Baptist, This fuller record of his life is their martyrdom in China in Methodist, Congregational (L. worth reading. Daniel Payne 1934 and through the volume by M. S.) and a dozen other agen- was born in South Carolina in Mrs. Howard Taylor. There is cies. He was a devout believer 1811, of Negro and Indian parnot enough that is new in this in the Premillennial Second ents, and died 1893. After his record to make it of special Coming of Christ and one of his graduation fro m Gettysburg value but it is well to have the objectives was to prepare the Seminary he was pastor, church story circulated as widely as way for that second advent by historian, teacher, bishop, unipossible through many channels. the preaching of the Gospel to versity president and author of The testimony of John and Betty all nations. This story of Chris- several books and pamphlets. is still effective. tian stewardship and its results His life shows what an asset to is stimulating reading-whether civilization an educated Chris- Carey. By S. Pearce Carey. Illus. one had five dollars or $5,000,- tian Negro can be. 12mo. 127 pp. Marshall, Morgan 000 to invest. Robert Arthing- and Scott. London ls., and Zonder- ton was a student of missions, Long Live the King. By Eric Ac- van Pub. Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. not a haphazard giver. He was land and Ernest H. Bartlett. Pp. 40 cents. 1936. devoted to Christ and so was not 373. Price, $1.50. The John C. given to self-indulgence. He Winston Co. 1936. The. name of William Carey was rich in faith as well as in is known and honored wherever This stirring narrative of the the story of the Cross in India reign of George V with a sketch has been proclaimed. Here we have a straightforward, abbre-
of the life of Edward VIII, the od, the most effective use of Students and the Christian World reading, programs of interna- Mission. Report of the Twelfth present King and Emperor, tional fellowship, missions and Quadrennial Convention of the S. worship, making mission study V. M. Edited by Jesse R. Wilson. should be of interest to all those classes mean more, giving and 8vo. 333 pp. $2.00. Student Vol- missions, an interdependent unteer Movement, New York. 1936. who realize the influence and world and missions, responding to human need and building a The Indianapolis convention power of British rule. Mission- new world. marked the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the S. V. M. aries throughout the world have Best of all, for the untrained at Mount Hermon, Massachu- leader, Mr. Irwin has provided setts. It was the latest and perbeen indebted again and again information in certain chapters haps the last of these student to show ways of organizing a missionary conventions. The adto the kind officers of British group as well as interesting de· dresses varied greatly in value vices to catch the interest of the and only a few of them were officials, and next to the loyalty indifferent and uninterested. marked by missionary fire. Most This is the best source book for of the platform addresses are which they owe to the American leaders in this particular field. reported in full and will repay careful reading. They are by republic, many of them feel MARY E. MOORE. such leaders at home as John A. MacKay, Archbishop Wm. Temgrateful for the British throne The China Christian Year Book- ple, Richard Roberts, Robert E. 1934-35. Edited by Frank Rawlin- Speer and John R. Mott; there and all it has signified during son. 8vo. 458 pp. $2.00. Arthur are also missionaries, such as H. Clark Co., Glendale, Calif. 1936. Wm. M. Vories, Frank C. Lauthe past decades. The book is bach and Ray Phillips; some of To cover a nation with one- the strongest addresses are by popular in character and con- fourth the world's population in the Christian products of mis- one volume is no small feat. sions such as Gonzalo Baez tains thirty-one photographic Here, China, the Chinese and Camargo of Mexico, T. Z. Koo of z. their affairs are reviewed from China, Toyohiko Kagawa of Jaillustrations. a Christian standpoint with the pan, and Mrs. Frank Pak of help of twenty-one Chinese and Chosen. Hearts That Understand. By Louise Anglo-Saxon writers, under ar- Harrison McGraw. 8vo. 292 pp. rangement between the Chris- The convention seminars on $1.00. Moody Press, Chicago. 1936. tian Literature Society and the various important topics are in- National Christian Council of adequately presented. The sub- Here is the story of a young China. As usual the volume jects of discussion are listed woman who sought to find her (now a biennial) includes a rec- with brief notes but as a rule sphere in sacrificial "social serv- ord of principal events for 1934- without adequate "Findings." ice" without sensing and minis- 35 and a consideration of the More space is given to questions tering to the deeper spiritual current trends forward. Na- raised than to adequate replies. needs of human lives. Later the tional life, religious life, misheroine, Meriweather Hamilton, sions, education, social, medical Moody Still Lives: Word Pictures discovered and followed the and literary work make up the of D. L. Moody. By Arthur Percy higher, more inclusive way of seven sections. The seven ap- Fitt. 12mo. 159 pp. $1.50. Flemlife and service. pendices include statistics, bibli- ing H. Revell Co., New York. 1936. ography, obituaries, etc. There It is not a great piece of fic- is great variety of subject and Dwight L. Moody was a truly tion but it is a good story with treatment but no one who wishes great man and left a remarkable a purpose and a message that to keep pace with events and impression on the world. His reveals the different types of in- trends in China can afford to name, his character, his mesdividuals and the ideaIs that overlook this volume. Among sage, his work ought never to be characterize various forms of the striking sections are those forgotten and will be remem- Christian work. on "Present-day Thought Move- bered long after the men and ments," by P. C. Hsu; "Modern- women pass away who came un- The Missionary Education of Young ization of Chinese Women," by der his influence. The one hun- People. By John Irwin. $1.00. Miss Ah-Huna Tong; "Chinese dredth anniversary of his birth Missionary Education Movement. Communists," by Geo. W. Shep- will be celebrated next year in New York. 1936. herd; "The Missionary Situa- America and England by a tion," by Margaret Frame; series of memorial meetings in This is the fifth in a series of "China's Cooperative Move- which former students of the Leaders' Handbooks on the prin- ment," by C. F. Strickland; and educational institutions that he ciples and methods of mission- "Medicine in China," by E. H. founded and others who hold his ary education. The author has Hume. memory dear will participate. had a wide experience in leading young people from fifteen to twenty-five years of age in an understanding of the missionary message of Christ to the presentday world. His writings are the sharing of his own practical experiences and leaders will welcome this very helpful addition for their "work libraries."
The book contains fifteen chapters covering a variety of subjects, including the following interpretation of world events in light of missions-the dramatic method, the visual meth-
While the whole of Mr. pened a few times, he never said ten about this fascinating coun- Moody's sixty-two years is cov- a word." ered in this brief volume, it is try and people. Here we have a chiefly a series of reminiscences As to Mr. Moody's method of by his son-in-law and former preparing sermons, Mr. Fitt scholarly book which should ap- secretary. It has been written says: "Having decided upon a to help commemorate the anni- text or topic, he would take a peal to every student of the Bi- versary. Already six or seven large blue linen envelope, of biographies have been published, which he kept a stock on hand, ble. two by his son William R. and write on it the title or Scrip- Moody, one by J. Wilbur Chap- ture reference – "Sowing and The author presents well man, one by Gamaliel Bradford, Reaping"; "Psalm 23," etc. In two in the Colportage Library these envelopes he stored his thought out evidences to show by A. P. Fitt and Paul Moody, own thoughts, outlines and an- and two brief appreciations by ecdotes, clippings from papers, that not alone is Palestine the Dr. Charles R. Erdman and Dr. extracts copied from other men's John McDowell. These latest sermons and from commentaries land of the Bible dependent for reminiscences by Mr. Fitt con- and other writings, newspaper tain little that is new, omit much reports of a sermon whenever its religious concepts upon the that is important and make no it got into print, anything that pretence to literary merit, but had a bearing on the subject. civilizations of the Nile and they are interesting and entire- When he wished to preach on ly sympathetic with Mr. Moody's that topic he would go through Euphrates Valleys. He shows beliefs, aims and achievements. the contents as an auxiliary to the Bible itself and organize his that in this hitherto unknown Mr. Fitt came into contact address. Then he would take . with Mr. Moody just before the double sheets of writing paper, desert lying back of Palestine- write on these in large script Chicago World's Fair campaign catchwords or phrases that Syria is a third source which would recall his prepared mate- in 1893, six years before Mr. rial and slip these sheets into has contributed much to the Bi- his Bible under elastic bands. Moody's death. He became his Thus, with his open Bible in his ble. He says, "But there is a hand or on the pulpit, he had secretary and son-in-law and so before him the outline of his peculiar color and atmosphere sermon . . . After the ad- knew him intimately. After Mr. dress he would place the notes to the biblical life which giv~s in the envelope and write on the Moody's death Mr. Fitt was for outside the name of the town or it its special tone, so that church where the address was a time closely connected with deli vered." it is not just another "civiliza- Moody Bible Institute. Mr. Fitt shows Mr. Moody to tion," another "culture." "And have been a firm believer in the One of the best contributions inspired truth of the whole Bi- that touch comes from the ex- that Mr. Fitt makes to our ble, a man of prayer, dependent knowledge of Mr. Moody in this on the power of the Spirit, a panses and free-moving life of volume is his testimony to the great-hearted lover of his fellow great evangelist's retiring mod- men, a devoted husband and fa- what we call Arabia." esty and his self-denying atti- ther, and a humble, open-minded tude toward money-a contrast learner. Mr. Moody still lives- Under the desert sands lie to some other evangelists. Mr. for Christ lives in the institu- Fitt says: tions he founded and in the men buried many secrets which alone and women whom he led to "He never once tried to create Christ. excavations reveal. There is a sense of his self-importance, . . . compensation never en- Arabia and the Bible. By James A. therefore being revealed slowly tered into his dealings with a Montgomery. 207 pp. University committee (in his evangelistic of Pennsylvania Press. Philadel- proofs that the three eastern re- work). He would not allow any phia. 1934. sum to be set, nor any collections ligions, Islam, Judaism and to be taken for him. Before he Arabia is increasingly attract- left a town the treasurer of the ing the attention of the world. Christianity certainly had their meetings usually handed him a Many new books are being writ- sealed envelope, which he put in birth within this desert and his pocket without looking at it; no one but his wife, to whom he therefore the history and culture handed all his income, ever knew what compensation he received. of Palestine is closely allied and Even when he received no per- sonal compensation, which hap- connected with the history of this fascinating desert and des- ert people.
From such studies as Philol- ogy, early Arabian letters, trade routes, and secular history he draws his evidences. He cites many quotations from the Bible itself and shows how they agree with the recent discoveries made within the Arabian Desert. One reaches the end of the book feel- ing that Arabia and the Bible are more closely allied than scholars have hitherto admitted.
New and wonderful vistas of truth are opened.
To the missionary worker among Moslems this book adds new lustre to his pearl of hope.
In the light of Dr. Montgomery's studies such passages as Psalm 72 and Isaiah 21 and Isaiah 60 ring out with new fervor and challenge to greater faith and confidence. HAROLD STORM.
Books A Keen Look at the Last Book of the The Roman Empire-Its Coming Re-
Bible. E. Perkins. 128 pp. $1.25. vival and end. W. E. Vine. 18. 94 Apolo of the Pigmy Forest. A. B. Revell. New York. pp. Pickering & Inglis. London. Lloyd. Is. C. M. S. London. Levuka Days of a Parson in Poly- Statement Exhibiting the Moral and African Bridge Builders. Edited by nesia. C. W. Whonsbon Aston. 95 Material Progress and Conditions Williams C. Bell. $1.00 cloth, 60 pp. Is. S. P. G. London. of India, 1933-34. S. F. Stewart. cents paper. 169 pp. Friendship Map. 196 pp. H. M. Stationery Press. New York. New Life the Dead Receive. 1935 Office, London. Report of the China Inland Mission. Across the Years-An Autobiog- 58 pp. London. The Turkish Transformation. A raphy. Charles Stedman Macfar- Study in Social and Religious De- land. $2.75. 367 pp. Macmillan. Night Tragedies of Scripture. R. J. velopment. Henry Elisha Allen. New York. Smithson. 96 pp. Is. Pickering & 251 pp. University Press. Chi- Inglis. London. cago. $2.50. The Bible Triumphant. C. Urquhart. 144 pp. 2s. 6d. Picking & Inglis. Out of Africa. Emory Ross. 216 pp. Anthea's Ambition. Grace Pettman. London. $1.00 cloth, 60 cents paper. Friend- 188 pp. Is. 6d. Pickering and ship Press. New York. Inglis. London. Jacob Burkhard. Mary Yoder Burk- hard. 214 pp. $1.00 cloth, 60 cents The Only Hope of the Church of If you use paper. Published by author. Gosh- God. What Is It? 158 pp. 2s. en, Ind. Pickering & Inglis. London. PRINTING The Customs of the Baganda. Sir A Preface to Racial Understanding. YOU will profit from an ac- Apolo Kagwa. Translated by Er- Charles S. Johnson. 205 pp. $1.00. quaintanceship with us. We nest B. Kalibala. 200 pp. $4.00. Friendship Press. New York. do the job complete in our own Columbia University Press. New plant, whether it be large or York. Annual Report of the Rockefeller small. Foundation. 480 pp. New York. Christianity in Thought and Practice. While our specialty is Books, William Temple. 112 pp. $1.50. Students and the Christian W orId Magadnes and Pamphlets, yet Morehouse Pub. Co. Milwaukee. Mission. Edited by Jesse R. Wil- we have a variety of modern son. 326 pp. $2.00. Student Volun- equipment to meet all the re- A Century of Mission Work in Iran. teer Movement. New York. quirements of your particular A Report of the Presbyterian job. You will find our service Church. 170 pp. American Mission The Soul of Egypt. Allison Douglas prompt, careful and courteous. Press. Beirut, Syria. Bantros. 40 cents. Zondervan Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. Will you allow us to estimate EI Jimmy, Outlaw of Patagonia. on your next printing? We be- Herbert Childs. $3.00. Lippincott. The Story of the American Negro. lieve you will be delighted with Phila., Pa. Ina Corinne Brown. 208 pp. $1.00. our product, price and service. Friendship Press. New York. Ethiopia. John H. Shaw. 95 pp. The EVANGELICAL PRESS Ethiopian Consulate. New York. The Search for a New Strategy in Protestantism. Ivan Lee Holt. 190 PTinters of For Me to Live. Alice M. Ardagh. 208 pp. $1.50. Cokes,mry Press. Nash- The Missionary Re"iew of the World pp. $1.00. B. 1. C. Assn. Chicago. ville, Tenn. PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE The Gospel We Preach and the Swan Song of Paul. Herber Lockyer. Third Ind Reily Slreets Hlrrlsburl, PL Beauty of the Christian Faith. 93 pp. American Bible Conference George Goodman. Is. 96 pp. Pick- Assn. Philadelphia, Pa. PROMISE ering & Inglis. London. The Three Freds-Martyred Pioneers The Heritage of Saints. Herbert for Christ in Brazil. Wm. J. W. Lockyer. 127 pp. Is. Pickering & Roome. 126 pp. 40 cents. Zonder- Inglis. London. van Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Kowateekay-One Act Folk Play. The Way of Partnership. S. A. Mor- Alice Carter Cook. 16 Pp. 25 cents. rison. 87 pp. Is. C. M. S. London. Bruce Humphries. Boston, Mass. We Sing America. Marion Cuthbert. CALVERT' 117 pp. $1.00 cloth, 50 cents paper. Friendship Press. New York. "The School That Comes To You" With Christ Into Tomorrow. Hunter B. Blakely. 160 pp. 50 cents. Pres- No matter where you live, you can byterian Committee on Publication. give your child a superior education Richmond, Va. from kindergarten to high school with Calvert School home study courses. Moody Still Lives. Arthur Percy Fitt. 160 pp. $1.50. Revell. New Recommended by Mission Boards, York. Educators, State Department and Army and Navy Officials. With the use To Read of this Course, every and Keep Daily lessons, selected books, station- Young People's Society may Circulating ery, special materials and personal be converted into a School for guidance . . . by mail . . . from our Bible Training, Dr. R. A. Torrey's "HOW TO prominent and successful private day PRAY," a notable 128·page school in Baltimore. 1936 STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE – book, and receive copy for this purpose FREE. Write today for illustrated catalog. Four Parts-52 Lessons, Part I, The Bible-The God 01 the Bible, Part II, The Christ 01 the Bible • Mrs. G. S. Rhoads. ,-The Holy Spirit. Part III, Man-Sin and Redemp- Director 0/ Home Instruction tion. Part IV, The Church-Future Events, BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASSOCIATION CALVERT SCHOOL Send lSc in stilmps for current issue. 849m N. Wells St., Chicago, Illinois 189 Tuscany Rd., Baltimore, Md. HRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS. INC: 1502 N. Third St., Harrisburg, Pa.
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Notes Russia as a representative of his sion in China, died April 19th
church and, in 1931, was decorated Paoting. For years she had the dis- Commissioner Samuel L. Brengle, by President Von Hindenburg with tinction of being the oldest living mis- the Order of the German Red Cross sionary, and quite likely the oldest D.D., a world famous officer of the for his services in European relief living foreigner in all China. Miss Salvation Army, died at his home in after the War. In 1898 he married Andrews was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Scarsdale, N. Y., on May 20th. Com- Hermine E. Ohl who survives him. in 1840, and went to China in 1868. missioner Brengle has had a world- Dr. Benze was for some years asso- ciated with THE MISSIONARY REVIEW *** wide influence as an evangelist and OF THE WORLD as translator of articexponent of personal holiness. He les and news from foreign language Dr. S. D. Gordon, the widely known periodicals. and highly esteemed author of "Quiet originally came from Indiana and was Talks" died in Salem, North Carograduated from DePauw University *** lina, on June 26th after a few weeks' illness. He was born in Philadelphia and the Theological School of Boston James Hudson Edgar, a missionary in 1859 and was converted under D. L. of the China Inland Mission at Tat- Moody. He became a Y. M. C. A. University. He was for a time pastor sienlu, Szechwan, China, and agent of secretary but in 1895 resigned in or- the National Bible Society of Scot- der to devote himself to writing and of the Methodist Episcopal church of land, died last spring after thirty-five speaking on spiritual themes. Hun- South Bend, Ind., but joined the Sal- years of labor in the wild borderland dreds of thousands of his books were between China and Tibet. He was a sold and he conducted conferences in vation Army fifty years ago and was fellow of the Royal Geographical So- many lands. Mrs. Gordon survives ciety and a Fellow of the Royal Asi- him and the influence of his Bible given the unusual honor of being ap- messages will abide. atic Society. pointed to the rank of Commissioner *** in 1926. He retired from active serv- *** ice in 1931 and was decorated with The Rev. S. Parkes Cadman, D.D., The Rt. Rev. Albion Williamson one of the best known and best loved the "Order of the Founder." Although Knight, the first Missionary Bishop Christian preachers and lecturers in of Cuba of the Protestant Episcopal America, died of peritonitis at Platts- 78 years of age at the time of his Church, died June 9th. He was born burg, New York, on JUly 12th. Dr. death, Commissioner Brengle was ac- at White Springs, Florida, August Cadman was born in England seventy- 24, 1859. Bishop Knight served as one years ago and came to America tive till the last as a soul-winner and bishop in charge of Haiti, Puerto in 1895 to take up the pastorate of Rico and the Panama Canal Zone; the Methodist Metropolitan Temple in Bible teacher. His books have been a later he became president of the Uni- New York City. He went to the Cengreat blessing to multitudes. They versity of the South. In 1923 he be- tral Congregational Church in Brook- came bishop coadjutor of New Jersey lyn and was pastor there for thirtyinclude, "Helps to Holiness," "The which position he resigned in 1935 five years. Dr. Cadman was particu- because of ill health. larly famous for his lectures and radio Soul-Winner's Secret," "Resurrection, addresses and was formerly presi- Life and Power." *** dent of the Federal Council of Churches. He was very widely read *** Bishop Arthur S. Lloyd, Senior and was known for his brotherly spir- Suffragan Bishop of the Protestant Dr. John A. Snell, Superintendent Episcopal diocese of New York died it. of Soochow Hospital, Soochow, China, on JUly 22d in his eightieth year. He was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on *** died on March 2d, of pneumonia. May 3, 1857. He was very active in the missionary work of his church Mrs. Edith Fox Norton, the widow The Rev. * H* . * D.D., for- and in 1900 became general secretary of Ralph C. Norton and with him co- of the Board of Missions. He was founder of the Belgian Gospel Mis- John Kerr, elected Bishop-Coadjutor of Virginia sion, died in London on July 21st after but resigned a year later to become an operation. Mrs. Norton was a merly a secretary of the American president of the Board of Missions woman of rare Christian spirit and and for a time was editor of The great ability as a writer and speaker. Tract Society and later pastor of the Spirit of Missions. With her husband she became inter- ested in the Belgians during the War Arlington Avenue Pre s b y tel' ian Dr. James L'". B'" art*on, for thirty- and they were instrumental in found- ing a very successful Gospel mission Church in Brooklyn, died while at- three years the beloved and honored which spread to all parts of Belgium. secretary of the American Board of She and her husband were more than tending the General Assembly in Commissioners for Foreign Missions, once received by Queen Wilhelmina died in Boston on July 21st at eighty Syracuse, N. Y., on June 3. Dr. Kerr years of age. He was born in Char- and the value of their work was rec- lotte, Vermont in 1856, was graduated ognized. The Belgians who have been was 78 years of age and had come to from Middlebury College and Hart- born again may be counted to carry ford Theological Seminary. He went on the work but the great difficulty attend the Assembly and to meet his to Turkey as a missionary in 1885, will be in keeping alive interest and served at Harpoot for seven years financial support in the United States. son, Rev. Wm. C. Kerr of Korea, ex- and for two years was president of Perhaps the time has come when the Euphrates College. Dr. Barton did Belgian work should be self-supportpecting to drive back to California valient service as chairman of the ing. Near East Relief and was a valued with him. A daughter, Miss Marcia member of many other boards. He *** was author of several volumes on Kerr, is a secretary of the Presby- missions and the Near East. Julia Anna Eliza Gulick, one of the famous family of that name, who laterian Board of Foreign Missions in '" * '" bored under the American Board for 35 years in Japan, died recently in the Pacific district. Dr. Kerr retired Elizabeth P. Tenny, widow of Dr. Hawaii. She was an evangelistic mis- Charles B. Tenny, of Japan, died on sionary who did effective work for from the active ministry in 1928 hav- May 13th in Rochester, N. Y. Mrs. Japanese women. She was appointed ing served the cause of Christ for 46 Tenny was born in Okayama, Japan, by the Woman's Board of Missions to years. of missionary parents. Japan in 1873 and in 1908 was called back to Hawaii by the Woman's Board *** '" '" * of Missions of Hawaii to work among the Japanese there. She retired from Mrs. Robert F. Fitch, Presbyterian Miss Mary E. Andrews, a mission- active service 16 years ago. missionary in China since 1898, re- ary under the American Board Miscently died at Hangchow, China. Mrs. Fitch was a graduate of Wooster College and had spent all her married life in China in connection with schools and colleges, Dr. Fitch being president of the Hangchow College from 1923 to 1931.
*** Dr. John Alfred Morehead, for twelve years president of the Luther- an World Convention, died on June 1st.
The Rev. C. T*he*odo*re Benze, D.D., Professor of Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mt. Airy, Pa., died at his home on July 3d at the age of 71. Dr. Benze had been ill for some time and had recently undergone an operation. He taught Old Testament theology in the Lutheran Seminary for the past ten years; was a member of the General Council of the Lutheran Foreign Mission Board, and exerted a wide influence in his church. He traveled in India, Germany and
and Reality •In
Viewed by Africans and Missionaries ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS, CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS PROGRESS AND CHALLENGE IN AFRICA By ALEXANDER McLEISH THE AFRICAN'S VIEW OF AFRICA J. By VARIOUS AUTHORS-PREPARED BY D. TAYLOR THE PRINTED WORD AMONG THE BANTU By ROBERT H. W. SHEPHERD 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 PIONEER WORK IN AFRICA By HERBERT SMITH THE ROMAN CATHOLICISM IN PAGAN AFRICA By KENNETH G. GRUBB REVIVAL IN CENTRAL AFRICA By ANDREW MACBEATH SEND YOUR ORDER NOW ================ 25 Cents a Copy $20.00 a hundred $2.50 a year Special Price in Quantities if ordered before September 10 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
Robert E. Speer, President Delavan 1. Pierson, Editor
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.
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