The Missionary Review of the World — April 1939
1939
• A Mission in the Arctic Circle Henry W. Griest, M.D.
Outlook for Christianity in Europe-I Adolf Keller Murad and the Lost Feast Day v. Lane..Frimpole Adversaries and Open Doors in Missions C. Darby Fulton A Milestone in Missionary Progress H. Kerr Taylor "Now Concerning the Collection"
Samuel M. Zwemer Problems of Rural Life-at Madras G. Baez Camargo Toyohiko Kagawa Ira E. Gillet 2S Cents a Cop, $2.50 a Year
to Remember USED IN OVER ONE MILLION CHRISTIAN
April 26 – Uniting Conference of HURLBUT'S STORY OF THE BIBLE Amel'ican Methodism, Kansas City, BJ' .lESSE LYMAN HURLBUT. D.O. Md. Recommended by all denominations for Itsfreahness and aeeuracy forIt. simplicity of language. for Its freedom from doctrinal dleeu88lon. May 1-3 – Tenth Annual Missionary Education Institute. Third Chris- THE BEST GIFT FOR YOUNG AND OLD tian Church, Indianapolis, Ind. FOR TEACBER8-STUDENT8-POR THE HOME AND SCHOOL May 25 – General Assembly of the One hundred and sixty-eightstories. each complete in itself, yet form- Presbyterian Church in U. S. A., ing a contIDuous Darr.dye of the Bible from Genesis to Revelstion. Cleveland, Ohio. Each ofthe world-old storie. i. told by the noted author in a mannel' thati. vitaIly interesting and instructive to young and old alike. May 30-June 2-Third Biennial Insti- tute, A Movement for World Chris- Biggest _d Best mulr.ted Book EYer Sold lor tbe …..ce tianity, New York, N. Y. Beautifully illustrated with 281 pictures in colors and in black and white; over 100 famous Leinwebel' paintings. 759 pages. PrIce..f2.00 June 7-13 – Ann u a I Conference, Church of the Brethren, Anderson, At all6oolutore. or from the pu6Uahere Ind. …_THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bldg., Philadelphia _ _II June 8 – General Synod of the Re- formed Church in America, New mestic Missions of the National Dr. J. Arthur Funk, a member of York, N. Y. Council of the Protestant Episcopal the Iran Mission of the Presbyterian Ohurch. Church, U. S. A., since 1902, died from June 20-25 – Northern Baptist Con- a heart attack in Hamadan, Iran on vention, Los Angeles, O!lilif. Obituary Notes March 5th. He was born in Spring- field, Ohio June 17, 1873, and' after June 21-25-Sunday School and B. Y. Mrs. Charles W. Abel, the widow of being graduated from New York Uni- P. U. Congress of the National Bap- the famous pioneer missionary in versity and from the College of tist Convention, U. S. A., (Inc.), Papua, died in Kwato on February Physicians and Surgeons, sailed for Tulsa, Okla. 24 after a brief illness. Mrs. Abel Persia where he was in charge first of went out to Papua in 1892 when her the American Hospital in Teheran and June 24-July I-Eagles Mere Confer- husband was associated with the Rev. for the past 35 years in the American ence of Missions. Chairman, Mrs. James Chalmers in work among the Christian Hospital at Hamadan. He Earl Breeding, 24 Rugby Lane, cannibals of New Guinea. Mr. Abel did notable work in the training of Scarsdale, N. Y. died in 1930 while in England. Mrs. kbel and her four children have con- . . physicians who are recognized prac- July 3-10-Northfield Missionary Con- tinued the work and it has greatly en- ference for Women and Girls. East larged in the last eight years. The titioners in Iranian cities. Northfield, Mass. For information, Kwato Mission of Papua is an inde- address Mrs. Warren C. Taylor, 38 pendent, interdenominational w 0 r k '" Union Ave., Schenectady, N. Y. largely supported from the United States and Great Britain. Mrs. Abel Dr. Harold McAfee Robinson, Gen- July 6-11 – International Christian has seen the Papuans change from eral Secretary of the Board of Chris- Endeavor Convention, Cleveland, cannibals, murderers and sorcerers tian Education of the Presbyterian Ohio. into active and devoted Christians and Church, U. S. A., died on March 5th evangelists. at the age of 58. He was born in Shel- July 11-August 16 – Winona Lake byville, Mo., and after graduation School of Theology. Winona Lake, *** from Park College and from Prince- Ind. Dean, Dr. J. A. Huffman, 302 ton Theological Seminary he served Morton Blvd., Marion, Ind. Miss Jessie Maxwell, a missionary as pastor of the Market Square Pres- of the Woman's Missionary Society byterian Church, Germantown. In July 22-28-Baptist World Congress. of the United Church of Canada sta- 1919 he joined the Board of Christian Atlanta, Ga. tioned at Neemuch, Indi'a, died on re- Education and in 1923 was elected turning to her station from a fur- secretary of the division of education July 24-August 2-World Conference lough, early in February. Under her in the home church and community. of Christian Youth, Amsterdam, care the Girls' Boarding School at For the last four years he has been Holland. Neemuch developed into The School General Secretary of the Board.
August 13-20-Geneva Summer School . . of Home Making and was known as DO YOUR S.S.PAPERS of Missions, Lake Geneva, Wis. ~ For information write to Mrs. Paul "Sundar Ghar" (the house beautiful). BIBLE TBUTH~ H. Wezeman, 1177 S. Humphrey ~w Ave., Oak Park, Ill. '" ~ COUNCIL FIRES =~ Personal Items Dr. Clarence True Wilson, aged 66, for Young People international leader in the prohibition Dr. John R. Mott, the famous Meth- cause, died in Portland, Oregon, Feb- 1502 N. Third St. Harrisburg, Penna. odist layman, was re-elected Chair- ruary 17. Evangelical fervor and imman of the International Missionary passioned oratory made Dr. Wilson a Council at the meeting in Madras, spectacular figure in the fight for India, in December. Dr. Mott made a temperance. For more ,than 26 years condition of his acceptance the under- he was head of the Methodist Board st!l;nding that he would not hold the of Temperance and Public Morals. office longer than three years. For twenty years of this period he waged uncompromising war against '" '" '" liquor, gambling and vice, speaking in every part of the United States. President Francis Wei, of Central He frequently engaged in debate with China College, made history, when he Clarence Darrow, avowed agnostic returned to China from the United and anti-prohibitionist, on the liquor States, by preaching in Honolulu on issue, although the two were warm one Sunday and in Manilla on the fol- friends off the platform. Dr. Wilson lowing Sunday. Air travel made this maintained that Darrow would have possible. been a forcible preacher, if he had been converted. '" '" '"
The Rev. Dr. George A. Wieland, of Seattle, Wash., was elected, in February, Executive Secretary for Do-
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REVIEW OF THE WORLD course on the History of Missions." notions of race or soil or national his- tory or genius. Wherever the passion DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor PROF. J. L. STEWART, St. Andrews of national and racial absolutism is College, Saskatoon, Canada. VOL. LXII APRIL, 1939 No.4 most unbridled, there the Church *** should stand in the forefront of the Publication and Business Office- battle.-William Paton. Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. In all lands the Church should be a continual rebuke to those who would Editorial and Executive Office– 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. SPIBlTUA'· TIDE Entered as second-class matter at Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879.
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COLLEGE – EFFECT OF THE EARTHQUAKE. METHODIST CONGREGATION AT CONCEPCION, FIRST
THE TEACHERS NARROWLY ESCAPED DEATH AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE DESTRUCTION IN THE HEART OF CONCEPCION – WHERE FISSURES IN THE ROAD CAUSED BY THE EARTHQUAKE- PRESBYTERIAN AND METHODIST MISSIONS ARE LOCATED NEAR CONCEPCION THE CONCEPCION CHURCH AND PARSONAGE – BOTH THE REV. MOlSES TORREGOS AND FAMILY. HE IS PASTOR DESTROYED BY THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE OF THE METHODIST CHURCH SCENES CONNECTED WITH THE CHILE EARTHQUAKE REVIE ORLD VOLUME LXII AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 4 APRIL, 1939 Topics of the Times EFFECTS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE Rev. S. C. Henderson, of the Presbyterian mis- Letters from missionaries in Chile tell of some sion, wrote from Santiago on January 28th: remarkable escapes from death during the recent earthquake (January 24th) whioh caused wide- All lines and means of communication are cut off and spread destruction of life and property. The cen- we are desperate for information. Airplanes have brought ter of the earthquake was in the neighborhood of mail from Concepcion to some people but we have nothing Concepcion, Chillan and Coihueco-about 300 direct. This afternoon we have heard that all the congremiles south of Valparaiso and Santiago. Over gation in Concepcion are safe. The church building evififty cities and towns were destroyed. It is said dently did not suffer so much as many other buildings. to have been the worst earthquake that Chile has suffered since 1906 when Valparaiso was praoti- Chillan (with a population of 45,000) has suffered most. cally destroyed. It is estimated that one per cent The pastor, Rodolfo Vergara and all his family were in of the people of Chile perished. So far as is Santiago. We have ,practically no notice concerning the known no missionary life was lost in the earth- congregation and the properties. They say only four or quake and only one or two were silightly injured. five houses are left in Chillan which means the destruction The Evangelioal Christians also were wonder- of the church and the manse. fully spared personal inj ury but many lost all their property. According to the latest statistics, ,.The pastor in Talca, Olivero Maufras, says that all the 30,000 people lost their lives, 50,000 were wound- congregation are safe but the church building cracked and ed, many thousands disappeared, and the property the division wall out of plumb. From Curlco the pastor reports all sufe; the church walls cracked.
In Concepcion it will cost considerable to repair the church and manse; and in Chillan we will probably have to rebuild both church and manse.
Rev. Robert B. Elmore, another Presbyterian missionary, wrote from Angol on January 27th: loss has been estimated as high as $60,000,000.00 The force of the shock was felt most in Chillan and in U. S. currency. This is one of the major catas- Concepcion, where the loss of life has been great–10,000 trophesm modern times. in Chillan andi 2,000 in Concepcion. Buildings are down or badly cracked, so they can hardly be used. The railway The Presbyterian Church (North) has several service is cut, all telephone andi telegraph wires are down stations in the eal'lthquake territory, the Methodist and we depend on the radio for news. Episcopal mission is at work in Concepcion and Angol. The Southern Baptists have work in Con- The Methodist mission territory is next to the Presbycepcion and Seventh-Day Adventists in Chillan. terian field on the south, and overlaps in Concepcion (a There are a few independent missionaries-such city of 77,000). Their missionaries and national workers as those of the Soldiers and Gospel Mission. All are safe. The British and Foreign Bible Society reports workers on the field have rendered valiant s'ervice that one of their stations, Chillan in charge of a colporin giving food, shelter, medical care and other teur, suffered heavily. The whole city of 46,000 populaassistance to the earthquake sufferers. There is tion was leveled to the ground. The Baptist (Southern evidence that this physical disaster is caus1ing a Convention) missionaries are reported safe but their spiritual awakening among the people who have property at Chillan and Concepcion is either destroyed been brought face to face with death, many seeing or seriously damaged. their earthly possessions, destroyed, and as they note the loving and effective service given by the The Methodist missionaries report as· follows: missionaries in ithe name of Christ. In Coronel, churches and college in ruins; in Angol, church destroyed and many people home- less; in Concepcion college and church de- stroyed with 600 members destitute; in Chillan, [163 ]
two theaters cO'llapsed, whole audience killed, and pletion, is, however, in ruins-the work of many weeks all churches razed. Talcahuano (the port) prac- destroyed in forty seconds. tically destroyed including Methodist Church and parsonage. After the earthquake, bystanders observing the light on the face of one of our Evangelical Christians, re- Rev. Moises Torregrl()sa, a Methodist pastor marked: Miral la, calma de este gente de Dios/ ("See, in OO'ncepcion, wmte a wee~ after the earthquake: how calm these people of God are!") We hope that many may say "Let us go up with you for we see that God is Chillan is in ruins, 20,000 people dead! Concepcion with you." city, "the Pearl of the south of Chile," has been destroyed. Concepcion College is just a mass of debris and GOD WORKING IN MEXICO ashes. Church building and parsonage have been destroyed. This is a self-supporting church-600 members. Most of the daily newspaper dispatches from Today my people have no homes and have lost everything Mexico tell only of political conflicts and rumors they had. Weare all living like gypsies, sleeping in relalting to communist, fascist and other activicamps out of the city. I have no support but feel my duty ties:; of economic troubles in oil and mining disis to stay here and minister to the poor and the sick. It putes; and of the GO'vernment's restrictions on is time for a big and deep evangelistic campaign, but we religious activity. But there is another side to have no place for worship. How can we find the means the story of Mexico. Many Christians are prayto help our people who are in extreme poverty? F'ifteen ing and witnes:sing; God is working and giving Roman Catholic churches have been destroyed in the earth- signs of His power in the lives of Mexicans. Rev. quake in our city and the Vatican is helping to rebuild. W. M. Taylor of Mexico City, gives the following It is time for prayer and action. Thank God we have glimpses of quiet but effective evangelism. been saved from death. "The distribution of Chris:tian literature by mail Chile has a population of 4,287,445 (including has continued and over 15,000 Gospel portions and 98,703 Indians). Eighteen Protestant missions 45,000 Evangelical tracts have been sent to Mexare at work there, most of them north of Con- ican officials, school teachers, postmasters" telecepcion. The people of Chile, especially in the graph operators, railroad station agents and merrural regions, are very poor and in the small cities chants throughout the country. Thus 30,496 Gosand towns where this blow has fallen, will not be pels and 91,488 tracts have been distributed in able to rebuild their ruined churches and homes. this way since the work began a year and a half They need help. ago. Probably ,every village and town in the Re- public has received at least one Gospel portion. Mr. William M. Strong, director of the Soldiers Continue to pray that GO'd will fulfill His promise and Gospel Mission, with headquarters at Coihu- and will nOot allow His Word to return untO' Him eco, in the earthquake area, wrote from Ooncep- void. cion: "The results have been encouraging. FOor ex- An old historian of Chile, Daniel Riquelme, in writing ample, the secretary of an Indian village in the of the earthquake of Concepcion in 1757, when half the mountainsl of Guerrero received some Christian city was sunk beneath the waves, remarks that "the net literature, read it ·and wrote for more. He was moral result of that distressing time was that the blas- converted and began to have a burden fOor the spir:- phemy and immorality and drunkenness of the men, and itual needs of Ihis tribe. He spoke to his friends the indecency in the dress of the women was put away and. read the New Testament to them. On Aufor a long time and four hundred couples, who had been gust 7th he called a meeting of the Indians and living in sin, went to the priests to have a true marriage translated portions of the New Testament to the rite performed." We pray that a real God-given revival one hundred who attended. He reports that some may result from this, the greatest catastrophe of the West- cried out hecause of their spiritual darkness. The ern hemisphere of all time. Here in this same city of Con- Indian adds: 'Our Lord Jesus Ghrist will Slave us cepcion, there are from twenty-five hundred to three thou- by faith in Him; He will be merciful to us in sand dead. We expect to carry our Gospel tent to Chillan, these forgotten mountains.' where one half the entire population of forty-five thousand are dead and where not more than a dozen houses "Thi:s man is a Tlapaneco Indian in a region still remain standing. hitherto untouched by messengersi of the Gospel. In fact part of this district is marked 'unex- One of the remarkable phenomena of the whole tragic plored' on the Government maps. Now, as a reoccurrence is the fact that hardly one of God's children suit of this Indian's letter, two men have been sent has been touched, although some workers had most miracu- by one mislsion into that region to study the lanlous escapes. guage and translate the New Testament into Tlapaneco. Pray for this Indian, Cruz Avilez, The work, as a result of the earthquake, promises to that God may keep him faithful and use him be large. The soldiers will be in this area for months and among his own people." are already building winter quarters. We should build a regular center to take the place of the tent; it will be a place from which our workers can go out into the town to minister to the needs of the civilians.
At Coihueco, although the town is practically wiped out, our mission headquarters still stand a's a monument of God's grace–its chimneys, a few tiles on the roof, and a few broken dishes are the only reminders of the earthquake there. The new chapel which was nearing com-
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
A special Christian literature campaign has same basis of age, report 21,322,688 members or also been conducted among Believers and over 15,492,016 over thirteen years old. Jewish con- 3,600 books and 14,000 tracts have been distrib- gregations report 2,930,332 members over thir- uted. These may help to bring about a revival. teen years; Eastern Christian sects have 1,014,663 There is a very important work among Mexican members and all other religious bodies 1,453,357. soldiers, and nearly five hundred of them have This seems to indicate that the nominally Prot- publicly declared their decision to follow Christ. estant population of the United States is approxi- New Testaments have been distributed among mately 71,000,000 (or double the total church officers and in the outposts, barracks, headquar- membership), while Roman Catholics number ters and military prisons. Many converts have 30,000,000 and Eastern Christian sects 2,000,000. remained faithful and one whom I had not seen The total number of Christians in America, more for four years informed me that he had explained or less closely connected with the churches, would the way of salvation to his comrades. When a thus be about 103,000,000, leaving 30,000,000 encorporal hesitated about allowing Mr. Taylor to tirely unrelated to the Church. This is a popula- distribute literature to his men, a meeting was tion equal to those of Turkey, Afghanistan and arranged by two women who had heard the Gos- Iran combined. Here is a large and needy field. pel. Every person in the camp came and all were .greatly impressed by the Spirit of God, working At the recent Madras Missionary Conference, through the testimony of one woman whose hus.- delegates from the "younger" (mission) churches band had been converted. The Mexican soldiers placed much emphasis on the need for Church have little or no opportunity to attend church union. This is evident in the United States where s'ervices or to have fellowship with mature Chris- there are forty-two major bodies and where some tians. church families are divided into fifteen or more sub-sects. The largest single organizations are AMERICAN CHURCH STATISTICS the Methodist Episcopal Church with 4,364,142 members (after the coming merger with the Meth- Statistics do not tell the truth-especially as to odist Church, South and the Primitive Methodists spiritual conditions and growth. Life and power it will number 7,385,638 members), the Southern cannot be expressed in mathematics or it would Baptists (4,595,602), the National Baptists—Col- never be true that "one shall chase a thousand ored (3,796,645), the Presbyterians, U. S. A. and two shall put ten thousands to flight." An (1,903,747) the Disciples of Christ (1,597,797), infinitesimal germ may lay Iowa giant and a beam and the United Lutherans (1,541,841). If the of light may halt a railroad train. Baptists should all unite, and include the Disciples of Christ, they would number nearly twelve mil- But statistics, if accurate, may show trends and lion members and all Lutherans would have a reveal weaknesses. It is always interesting to membership of nearly five million. study the religious statistics-prepared every ten years by the United States Census Bureau and Among the non-Christian religious sects in those issued by the Association of Statisticians of America we note the following figures: American Religious Bodies. These latter, for the year 1938, have been summarized by Dr. Herman Congregations Members C. Weber, Editor of the "Year Book of American Churches." According to this summary the num- American Ethical Union ……. . 7 3,024 ber of distinct religious groups in North America American Moslem Brotherhood .. 1,200 have decreased, by mergers and deaths since 1926, Bahai Faith ……………… . 71 2,523 from 212 to 200. Some of the sects are insignifi- Buddhist Mission …………. . 47 30,000 cantly slIIlall and lifeless. A few of the larger Divine Science ……………. . 26 7,000 denominations are merging, like the Methodists, Mayan Temple ……………. . while others are splitting, like the Northern Pres- Spiritualists ……………… . 5 600 byterians, on matters involving leadership or doc- Theosophists ……………… . 543 41,233 trinal emphasis. At the same time new sects are Vedanta Society ………….. . arising among uneducated or underprivileged Mormons (Latter Day Saints) .. 3 5,900 classes; such are "Father Divine's Peace Mission" Reorganized Mormons ……… . 25 400 and "The Church of the First-Born of the United 1,519 Sons of the Almighty." 575 690,401 101,122 The latest reports of church membership in the United States list 35,833,475 in the Protestant Would it not be instructive to tabulate, if pos- bodies, or 31,489,161 persons over 13 years of age. sible, the increase or decrease in church attend- This is an increase of 310,169 since the previous ance and in prayer meeting attendance in the past reports were tabulated. Roman Catholics, on the year, and the observance of family worship? None of the above statistics reveal the spiritual state of the churches or the evidence of Christlike life and service in their members. We are told that the true "vital" statisti(!:;) are kept in the "Lamb's Book of Life."
A KOREAN CHRISTIAN SPEAKS tablets and most of the worship there is directed to the deified spirits of their own ancestors or the Is Christianity a religion (a way of bringing ancestors of the Imperial family. To them are man into relatiQn to God)? If Russia had de- offered various gifts, consisting of fruits of the clared that Christianity is nQt a religion, would soils, flowers acc'Ording to the season, products of that have altered the case?' These questions may the sea, or certain kinds of sacred cloth. In other seem absurd and yet they are t'O the point. Chri&- words, worship before the Kamidana 'Or spirittianity is known as a religion, b'Oth historically shelf is a modified form 'Of the worship before the and universally. I believe in Christ as the Way Jinja or Shinto shrine. tQ God and therefore, regardless of my feelings, I am known as a Christian. I have chosen The Japanese people visit the shrines of their Christianity because I believe Christ is the best own particular sect of Shinto to meditate before and the only true way to bring man into right re- the en-shrined spirits, to pray to them or to worlation to God. I regard the name of Christian as ship them by reverent bowings. This custom is a glorious hQnor, since it signifies that I belong to similar to the Roman Catholic practice of visiting Christ. It denotes a great change has taken place cathedrals and churches or shrines on certain in me as the result of new Christ-given life in re- days. As a rule the Shinto priests do not appear sponse to my acceptance of Him. The significance bef'Ore the shrines except on national holidays or of the name "Christian" is therefore Qf paramQunt on the days on which special services are held in importance, not so much as a matter of religion honor of the spirits of soldiers who have fallen as of all that concerns my s,piritual life. in battle. Government regulations, cover every de- tail of the ceremonies, including the very wording The Japanese Government has officially de- of the prayers read. clared that Shinto shrine worship is not a religious practice but is merely an expressiQn of na- It can be seen that the nature and common tiQnal patriotism. Does this declaration mean that understanding of Shinto shrine worship is inher- Shinto is not a religion and that it has not been, ently religious. It must also be borne in mind histQrically and universally, recognized as such? that there is no distinction between the act of Or does it mean merely that Shinto shrine WQr- worship or obeisance before the Sect Shinto ship, as such, is not a religious practice-related shrines, which are admitted by the Japanese Govto wQrship? ernment to be religious, and before the State Shinto shrines, before which the Government has It is perfectly clear that neither the State or declared that all must bow as an act Qf patriQtism. any other organization is qualified to decide The enshrined deities, the prQcess of enshrinewhether a religion, with a historical background, ment, the details of the ceremonies and Qften the is or is not a religion. Any State or nation can Qfficiating priests Qr ritualists are identical. reject or adopt one of the existing religions as its state-religion, as was done by the Roman Empire On special days, as for example on the Emperunder C'Onstantine; but such a decision in itself Qr's birthday, the leaders of all social organizations does not alter the inherent nature of the religion in ChQsen, including Christian church leaders or Qf the ceremonies connected with it. (ministers, elders and sometimes even deacons) are cQmpelled tQ go to the places where the Shinto One cann'Ot, therefore, accept this declaration worshippers have their religious shrine cereof the Japanese Government concerning the na- monies and to participate in the ceremonies, bQwture of Shinto at its face value but must look into ing befQre the shrine. All Qrganizations so repthe practice 'Of Shinto shrine 'Obeisance to see resented are pronounced by the Government to whether or n'Ot it is religious. It is evident that be shrine worshippers, participating in the soif the declaration by the Japanese Government is called act of natiQnal patriotism. TQ refuse to dQ true, and shrine worship has n'O reHgious signifi- so is tQ be judged guilty of dislQyalty tQ the Emcance but is merely an act of patriotism, there perQr and results in arrest, imprisonment and will be no conflict with the Christian conscience sometimes tQrture. in attendance at the shrines. But if it is not true, then Christians who c'Onform to the Government With the Japanese Empire, now to all intents regulations in this matter naturally believe that they are guilty of idolatry in doing obeisance at and purposes a tQtalitarian state, the Government these Shinto shrines. That is the issue at stake between Christians and the Japanese Government. is ruthless in its insistence that all citizens par- Most of the common people of Japan (the non- ticipate in the shrine ceremQnies. Any discussion Christians) have a Kamidana (spirit-shelf) in their homes. On it are placed the various spirit- of the questiQn is prohibited by the police. Large sectiQns Qf the Church have been cowed intQ sub- mission. The KQrean Christians need yQur prayers as never before. A KOREAN CHRISTIAN.
HENRY GRE"IST WITH A GROUP OF ESKIMOS AT BARROW
A Mission in the Arctic Circle Experiences at Barrow, Alaska, the Northernmost Mission in the World By the REV. HENRY W. GREIST, M.D., D.D.
Honorably Retired Presbyterian Missionary; Stationed at Barrow, 1920 to 1936 BARROW, Alaska, is three hundred miles north but ordinarily weekly periodicals published in the of the Arctic Circle. It is about twelve hun- States come fifty-two copies in one mail sack in dred miles from the Pole, and marks the summer. Not until 1928 was there a radio in northernmost bit of land attached to the North Barrow-at the U. S. Army Signal Corps station. American continent. It was here that Col. and Prior to that time wars, disasters, elections and Mrs. Charles A. Lindbergh landed on their flight other events might occur in the great world out- "North to the Orient." Some islands north of side but it was many months before we learned Canada are nearer the Pole, but they are unin- of them. habited. When Colonel and Mrs. Lindbergh reached Bar- Mails corne to Barrow four times a year, pro- row on their epochal flight, we invited every white vided the one ship in summer succeeds in pene- man, woman and child within two hundred miles trating the ice, and provided further the three to meet these distinguished fliers at dinner in the mails by dog-sledge during the long ten months Presbyterian manse. The total number (includof the Arctic winter succeed in getting in. Mails ing children) who sat at table were seven-in were often six months old before we received addition to the two guests-of-honor and three them, and letters mailed in New York have not Greists. All came who were invited except three infrequently been twelve months en route. All traders in Wainwright who failed to navigate the except first class mail, including parcel post, must ice. corne by ship. Occasionally the Post Office allows a lone newspaper or magazine to corne through, The Arctic is not a white man's country-and never will be. Eskimos alone can thrive there.
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The only white people at Barrow are the mission- Barrow is situated, is perhaps the largest presby- aries, two school teachers (one of whom-the hus- tery in the world in point of square miles, but it is band-is the reindeer superintendent), a trader, one of the smallest in membership. During the and the U. S. Army Signal Corps operator and writer's seventeen years of service at Barrow, his. wife, together with any children in these fam- this presbytery had only four active members, the ilies. At Barrow there are no motion picture nearest man being at Fairbanks, eight hundred shows, pool rooms, liquor stores, automobiles, traf- miles distant as the crow flies and separated from fic jams or accidents; no cows, pigs, chickens, Barrow by vast uninhabited spaces of tundra, and sheep, goats or horses within eight hundred miles. by mountains impassable except at very great hazard, by airplane. The three other Presby- terian workers serve white churches at points along the Alaska railway. To travel from our station ·at Barrow to the meeting place of presby- tery anywhere along the railroad would mean a dog-team mileage of not less than fifteen hundred miles, and would take six months, a prohibitive length of time to be absent from one's post.
The missionary at Barrow finds much to do- or did when we maintained both the medical and the religious services in this parish extending a SUMMER "PRESSURE ICE" ON BEACH AT PT. BARROW thousand miles along the coast. It is a work that The Lord's Day is kept as it formerly was· in New calls not only for high spirituality and thorough England as a holy day; all the Eskimos go to training, coupled with devotion to God and to duty, Sunday school, to church and to vespers; and all but it calls also for a plentiful supply of the attend the mid-week prayer meeting as well. The "Three B's" – Blood, Brains and Brawn. The church is. the one social center. evangelist in this isolated region should be a Jack-of-all trades, with the resourcefulness of a The long Arctic Night extends from November Robinson Crusoe. A well-known war corresponduntil late in January, and for a short time the ent twenty years ago, covering assignments in far sun does not rise above the horizon. Then, for places, who became an admirer of missionaries three months, from May to August, it does not and then a student of missions, wrote: A misset at all. These are the periods which are sionary in such a station "should be self-contained, peculiarly trying to white people. The cold in an administrator, teacher, doctor, architect, carwinter is intense but the low temperature is not penter, machinist, engineer, a practical business so trying as the almost incessant fogs in summer, man, and withal tactful and diplomatic." Not together with cold, drizzling rain, which are apt every successful pastor could be a successful misto depress one. The best remedy is to keep busy with one's duties.
The Presbyterian Mission at Barrow, in the Yukon Presbytery, has for its central purpose the evangelization of the Eskimos of Alaska. Hos- pital work was splendidly maintained for many years previous to late 1936; social welfare and community service have also been energetically and faithfully carried on by consecrated and effi- ciently trained workers,……..,but all with this chief end in view – to win the Eskimos to Christ and His Way of Life. Among primitive people the so- U. s. SIGNAL STATION AT BARROW (leftl. WITH HOSPITAL called "Social Gospel," when offered alone, is a failure. Christ must be faithfully presented and AND CHURCH; MANSE AT THE EXTREME RIGHT His cross must be carried to the fore. The arts sionary, and many outstanding missionaries and sciences of civilization may be· readily ac- would discover in the pastorate in an ordinary cepted by people, in so far as they are practically field at home to be a very difficult, if not impos.- useful, but Christian ethics, without Christ as the sible, task.
center of life, are not observed except as they The missionary in the Arctic regions must seem to serve a selfish purpose. Heart conver- travel throughout the winter by dog-team at not sion is the all important goal; then all else follows over five miles per hour. At night, for want of to make a better world. other shelter, he tents out on the ice-bound beach Yukon Presbytery, within the bounds of which in temperatures as low as sixty degrees below
A MISSION IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
zero. He must cook his scant supper as best he Jackson visited the Arctic in 1890, with snow can over a tiny oil burning stove, the coffee freez- white hair and deeply wrinkled face but with eyes ing while the reindeer steaks are being broiled. shining like stars, began tugging at the preacher's The coffee must then be warmed again while the coat. He thought it a child in a mother's arms meat is eaten. After this, with his "musher" and behind< him and so ignored the interruption. But guide, he must crawl deep within reindeer sleep- the tugging became more and more insistent. He ing bags, read the Scripttures and offer prayer; turned, and lo! it was this old grandmother, said afterwards he sIeeps,as only healthy men can to be about ninety-five years old. Asked what she sleep under these trying conditions. If a severe storm overtakes them, the travelers are forced to • build a snow-house with a tunnel entrance and a floor lowered deep in a snow bank. The whole .. is covered by a tent slipped over the walls and weighed down at the sides by blocks of snow. .I When the missionary arrives at some camp of DORCAS, A FINE CHRISTIAN ESKIMO GIRL, AT BARROW trappers or reindeer herders, or at some village, scores of miles from any other habitation, he wanted, she replied through the interpreter: makes a house-to-house visitation during the day, "Long time ago, a peddler came to this village holds medical clinics (or did prior to the taking who said he had been a preaeher. The trader over of the medical work by the Government). asked him to preach to us that night, which he Then at night evangelistic services are held in the did. After talking of God's Book, of which we schoolhouse for a week or ten days. The people had never before heard, he went into the teacher's are hungry for the Gospel-and are responsive living quarters, got a wash~basin of water, and but never emotional. They are easily led to accept poured water on my head and on every person's the truth and many wholeheartedly give them- head in that room. Then he said, 'Now you are selves to the Lord Jesus Christ. They take their Christianity seriously, and put to shame nominal Christians in the States. Crowded into the schoolroom are often three times as many as the room would hold if chairs were placed close together. The school desks, intended for one, are occupied by two adults, with children seated on the desk in front of the parents. Boys sit on bookcases or under tables. Children are everywhere, with fathers and mothers sitting flat upon the floor, knees drawn up to make room for others. All mothers seem to hold from one to three babies or older children so that· the preaeher is usually limited to the space that his two feet occupy. But there is no whispering, no sign of restlessness in the audience; the cry of a baby is rarely heard. Every eye is riveted on the minister and every ear strained to catch every word of the interpreter, for the elderly folk cannot understand English very well. Such an opportunity insistently calls for the very best that is in any preacher of God's Word. It is an inspiring experience and sends a man to his knees that he may have the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
Early in our ministry in Wainwright, a village about one hundred miles southwest of Barrow, one bitterly cold night in January, the writer was preaching to a crowded house,estimated to contain more than 200 people. Becoming warm in his efforts, he removed his reindeer parka and, in his ordinary coat, stood in the limited space left for him by the crowd. Soon an old woman, known to have been a grandmother when Dr. Sheldon
all Christians.' But 0 Missionary, 0 Missionary, proved sufficient. We have now 533 communicant I want Jesus under the skin." members of the Church in Arctic Alaska. The Eskimo are not an emotional people, but they are My sermon on John 3: 16 was only half finished, intelligent and they wish to know the reasons for but I knelt at the old woman's knees and very what they believe and do. tenderly led her along the Way to Christ. We prayed for her, but in the midst of that short Our medical service was fruitful in giving us contacts with people from far away in Arctic Can- AN ESKIMO CHRISTIAN PREPARING DINNER ada and from many hundreds of miles down the coast southwest to within fifty miles of Kotzebue prayer we were disturbed by her changed de- where there is a well-equipped government hosmeanor; looking up we saw that the Holy Spirit pital. Many of these patients came to us five had spoken to her and had given her the evidence hundred miles by dog-teams, through darkness, that He had sealed her, for her smile waselo- storm and cold, bringing their chronically ill and quent; she was seeking to tell us of the change surgical cases. When asked why they came to us in her heart. That smile did not wear off during instead of going to the government doctor, their the remaining weeks of her life. We arose to our usual reply was, "You people up here pray." They feet and saw that fourteen young married couples came from far beyond the geographical limits of were also kneeling in a circle in front of the our mission and over 52:,000 cases and clinical calls school desks; the people who had been sitting on were recorded during our sixteeen years of servthe floor having made room by changing places ice. There were some repeaters but each bedwith them. All were silently praying, their lips patient was counted only as one case. Eternity moving. Later, all arose and each gave a short alone will reveal the spiritual results. The sick testimony, without any invitation on our part. were dealt with by the missionary, assisted by the From that group three young men have been or- ruling elders, and prayer was coupled with indained as ruling elders of the Olgonic (Wain- struction. Many who were brought from a diswright) Church, and at least two of the women tance, and had only a limited opportunity to hear have been ordained as deaconesses. All the mem- the Gospel, were converted in the hospital. After bers of that group have exhibited changed lives throughout the succeeding years. Thus the Holy JAMES, A WAINWRIGHT ESKilMO, AND HIS WIFE Spirit honors the preaching of the Gospel of IN FRONT OF THEIR IGLOO Christ. We now have a splendid, organized church of believers at Wainwright with a chapel the service on the Lord's Day the young people and a manse, served by Percy Ipalcck, a product would occasionally gather in the hospital to sing of Sheldon Jackson School, and now a licentiate hymns dear to the hearts of these folk. The minof Yukon Presbytery. istryof song, if in the native tongue, often worked wonders with the old people. Friends of the sick, The providence of God and His direct answers who had brought them up to the hospital, reto prayer were remarkable throughout the years mained sometimes for weeks or even months until of our ministry on that coast. Strangely peculiar the ill were able to travel back home. In the meanhave been many of these instances so that our while these friends attended Sunday school and faith grew by leaps and bounds as we carried on, the services of the church, often becoming conabiding in Him and His Word .a!biding in us. We vinced and surrendering their lives to the Lord were far from human help, isolated and alone in Jesus. our service, cut off from those who could enter understandingly into our problems; but God alone
One young man, a half-breed, whOo resided four No tourists came to Barrow throughout the sevhundred fifty miles distant, was deeply under con- enteen years of our service. Dr. A. J. Montviction for weeks and gave his heart to God the gOomery, of the National Board of Missions, while very night before he left in his father's motor director of Alaska work, called one summer day, boat fOor his distant home. He was found drowned having traveled near eight thousand miles to visit the next morning, not far frOom Barrow. His us; but he could not remain on shore for more brothers were greatly impressed and, one by one, than an hOour on account of threatening ice at sea. surrendered to God. Alas! our beloved hOospital My brother, L. T. Greist, a Presbyterian attorney from Chicago, also visited us for three months THE MISSION CHURCH AND CONGREGATION AT BARROW in 1934; he not only won the hearts of the Eskimo along that coast, but they won his admiration as is a thing of the past, in so far as it can serve for well. evangelistic work, except by permission of the gOovernment doctor. Medical mission service else- In late August, 1936, we tearfully turned over where in Alaska has also been relinquished, dis- our medical service to the in-coming government astrously as to the spiritual well-being of our doctor and his nurses, but the new doctor SOOon A:[~ctic Eskimos. We debated during four long resigned and left the service. Another came and years the giving up of our medical work, while did excellent work but was dissatisfied with social the proposition hung fire, but the Mission Board cOonditiOons and left Barrow within the year; a thOought that medical service was costing too much third doctor has now arrived. The natives wonmoney. True, supplies were expensive, coal alOone der at the many frequent changes and fail to comcosting $55 a ton delivered in Barrow, and we prehend why a medical man does not seem to be normally required 150 tons a year. We econo- vitally interested in their religious welfare. mized, denied ourselves, cut wages and salaries frOom 25% to 60%; no one complained, including The Rev. Fred G. Klerekoper, a graduate Oof the Eskimo helpers. Our budget was reduced Princeton Seminary (class of 1934) is now the from about $18,000 tOo nearly $8,000 annually. We missionary in charge. Mrs. Klerekoper was edusacrificed gladly to maintain our beloved medical cated in Mt. Holyoke College, Massachusetts, and evangelism but we were forced to write finis in is a graduate nurse. She is the daughter Oof Presour mission's annals as to our medical service. byterian missionaries in Chosen and a capable worker; but she is not likely to have Oofficial con- In 1920, we had invested $48,000 in the Point nectiOon with the new hospital which is now being Barrow Hospital (largely obtained from the Com- built to replace the one burned in the autumn of monwealth Fund). The Sunday schOool children in Presbyterian churches in the United States had 1936.* These splendidly trained and spiritually~ donated $10,000 from their offerings on Washington's Birthday in 1920 for the equipment. We minded young missionaries are there to carry on had no isolation wards, so seriously needed in time of epidemics. and for the tubercular patients; the DR. GREIST (left), WITH MRS. GREIST, WELCOMING THEIR operating theater was merely a small room in- SUCCESSORS, REV. AND MRS. FRED KLEREKOPER tended for beds, and without prOoper light. The two pipeless hot-air furnaces, intended for small the church work along that thousand miles of bungalow residences, failed utterly tOo protect us Arctic coast. Mr. Klerekoper travels much by against the Arctic cold, high winds, and in the dogs during the Arctic night, in cold and storm thin uninsulated walls of the building. NOotwith- and darkness; he sometimes goes along the coast standing these and other serious handicaps, very in a small motor boat during the short summer. effective and faithful service was done throughout They are young, enthusiastic, hard working and the years and many lives were saved. deserve the intercessory prayers of all God's peo- ple. Theirs is not an easy task, as we knOow from experience. Let us support them.
• The government has appropriated $100,000 to build and equip the new hospital to replace the one destroyed.
A Missionary Epistle from China*
By DR. and MRS. WALLACE CRAWFORD, Chengtu, West China A T THE beginning of the war with Japan the the wire, which costs the Japanese a great sum .r- proportion of casualties in the fighting was to replace. They do no open fighting, but are conthree Chinese to one Japanese; l,ater on it tinually harassing the lines of communication, was two to one, but now it is "even going" and the making it impossible for the Japanese to consoli- casualties are terrific on the side of the Japanese. date their gains in North China.
The initial dazed condition of the Chinese peo- "The people's army" receive no pay, and want ple has given way to a steadily developing deter- none; their leaders are poor and there is no selfmination to. increase their efficiency to the place seeking among them. Their average age is not where they will wear out J.apan. There is little over thirty. Contrast this with the puppet regime desire on the part of the people, outside the main set up in Peiping, where the average age of the regular army, to see the Japanese killed off, but rather to cause them such heavy financial loss as "leaders" is sixty-four. to so embarrass their country and to make it impossible to carryon the "incident." Everywhere Over four hundred thousand of these guerrillas one is impressed with the increasing efficiency of are organized in what the Japanese would have the resistance of the people of China, for it is the us believe is the occupied territory. These men go people's struggle, and not merely the activities of everywhere in the occupied territory, uninterthe army. China is just at the beginning of a rupted by the Japanese who exert no control save colossal man-power preparation. in the immediate cities they occupy.
The Japanese have occupied practically all the The guerrillas are constantly improving their walled cities in certain parts of the country and efficiency. Now they have many miles of telehave paralyzed the normal activities as a whole, phone system and it is reported that they will rebut their control does not exceed five miles beyond ceive a wire of the starting of a train and before the walls of the cities they "control." Every male the train has gone a hundred miles, it runs into a from twelve years old and up is a potential soldier bomb and is wrecked. against the Japanese. They are organized into guerrillas, and they are the ones who control the Instead of breaking the morale of the Chinese country, and not the Japanese. Five miles from people the Japanese action is making that morale. the railway these guerrillas have become such a The spirit of the people is improving instead of menace to the Japanese as to make many of the being destroyed. They argue that the Japanese formerly controlled walled cities untenable. have come and destroyed everything so why not join with the forces opposing the Japanese? That Groups undertake the job of disrupting the rail- is what they are doing in an atmosphere of pov- erty, humility, meekness and intense patriotism.
way.'They go out and draw out the spikes so that Communism which was evident in 1935 is dif- the rails fall apart. After the Japanese found out ferent from the brand which we have in China at this trick, they made wooden spike tops which the moment. There is no more compUlsion about looked so much like tM real thing that the Jap- it than there is in a church school. Thousands anese did not suspect their trick, the result being are entering their University, either as organ- wrecked trains. These were looted by the guer- izers, or mass education leaders, or cooperative rillas, and their supplies carried off into the vil- leaders, and a few as soldiers in the Eighth Route lages to be used against the enemy. Army, which is playing havoc with the Japanese Another group will go out and take off a rail forces. They have a school of art, another for and bury it a mile or two from the railway. Of the educating of municipal leaders, another for course the Japanese replace the rail, but in the cooperatives, and many others in addition to the course of a year one can imagine what it costs actual fighting force, which have engaged the Japan to be constantly replacing rails. Another Japanese in battle. While they have won it has group will cut down telephone poles and carry off been at terrific expense in man power. As Mad- ame Chiang Kai-shek says, "The Japanese are 19;9~~e United en/wren Record ana Missionary Review (February. winning battles, but China will win the war."
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for Christianity in Europe-I
The End and the Rebirth of Churches in Central and Eastern Europe By PROF. D. ADOLF KELLER, D.D., Geneva, Switzerland THE idea of the end has never been alien to the person of Christ, and as a result there is a the Christian Church. The first Christians general abandoning of the Churches and a de- looked for the end of the present order and crease of interest in their activity. for the coming of the Lord's Kingdom. This is what is meant by the word "eschatological." It In such countries we can indeed speak of the was a tremendous tonic for the faith of the first approaching end of those branches of the Chriscentury; and again today, in such an apocalyptic tian Church. In Russia, for instance, there may mood, we say that not only thrones" political in- still be hundreds of Orthodox Russian churches stitutions, economic systems, human empires, but open and crowded. But let us not be deceived: if even Christian Churches, will come to an end. the present policy continues, especially if the pol- icy of anti-Christian education is successful, the It will not be the first time in Christian history. end of an old Christian Church of Russia will be Where is today the Church of St. Augustine, the near. That Church has lost its leader and his inforerunner of Luther in North Africa? It is gone! fluence. It has lost a large part of its episcopacy Where are those seven churches in Asia Minor and priesthood. Thousands of priests and bishops today, to whom the writer of the Apocalypse wrote have been killed or are imprisoned, or have been his seven letters? They have been swept away sent to concentration camps in Siberia. The when Islam, the great killer of Christian Church has lost hundreds of its fine cathedrals and churches, conquered Anatolia and when the last other church buildings, partly by arbitrary de- Christian Archbishop was dragged by his hair struction, partly by transforming Christian through the streets of Smyrna and put to death. churches into museums, cinemas and variety Where is the large Christian Nestorian Church in theatres. The Church has lost its theological Central China? It has died, except for a little academy; no priest can receive a theological eduremnant represented by the Nestorian Assyrians cation in Russia at present. The only theological in Iraq and along the Kabur in Syria. academy is that of Father Bulgakoff in Paris. The It is paradoxical to the Christian faith that any Church in Russia has finally lost its educational part of the Church of the living Christ should influence. It is not allowed to give a religious come to an end. But have we not to face this fact education to the younger generation before they when we see that churches come to an end in our reach their eighteenth year. The Church, being large world cities, or at least in certain strata of considered as the last asylum for obscurantism, the population, for instance among the cultured has lost its influence on public life. According to classes or among labor. Modern indifference, the desire of the present Soviet rulers she should scepticism, secularism, threatens whole Churches become a Christian ghetto in the midst of the Ruswith the end which, like the Church of France, sian people.
have been called the oldest daughters of the The Evangelical Church in Russia has been Church. France counts forty-one millions of in- practically wiped out. Out of 200 Lutheran pashabitants. The Roman Catholic Church does not tors not one is still at work. .' AU were compelled claim more than ten or eleven millions. There to leave the country or enter secular professions; are not over one million of French Protestants. or they were killed or banished and their fam- Where are the other twenty-nine or thirty mil- Hies are suffering hunger and privations. Evanlions of the French people? They are the dying gelical churches have been closed or are used for Church of France. I worldly purposes. The Lutheran Academy under Wherever modern secular ideologies, like the Bishop Malmgren had to be closed.
gospel of Marx or the gospel of Lenin or of Can One still speak of the Church of the Refor- Nietsche, are infecting the mind of the modern mation in Germany? Is not the end near? What world, such Churches feel a resistance ,against the is left of the formerly proud and active Church of preaching of the Gospel of Christ, or even against Martin Luther? There is a foreign office with [173 ]
Bis·chof Heckel; a finance department whose ad- fish on the sand to make himself known to other ministrative measures are sometimes a deadly unknown Christians. Wherever these two or three weapon when they are used against recalcitrant meet in the name of Christ, the new Church is pastors; a minister of state for the Church who born. It grows, we do not know how, in Russian is restricting the Christian Church and muzzling villages, in the woods, on the railway. The new its outspoken ministers. Theological faculties, spiritual Church of Christ will take its form, its which were once the pride of German Protestant- organization, will develop its leadership, its the- ism, today have to fight to maintain their influence ology, when such is God's will.
and to build up confidence, at least in the Confes- Simple Christian folks are perpetuating the sional Church. All over Germany there are thou- Christian Church. Russian mothers, for instance, sands of open churches where the Gospel can be seeing that their children are in danger of grow- preached but little is left today of the former en- ing up like heathen,are taking things in hand and terprising missionary spirit. The old Church of are teaching their children to believe in God, per- the Reformation, as a State Church and as a lead- haps in a very elementary way but with a sincere ing Church, is nearing its end. faith. They will save the Christian feeling in the In many other countries the Church of Christ heart of the people from oblivion and destruction.
faces such deadly enemies as individualism, mod- A new Church is being born also out of the ern secularism and indifferentism which are Church struggle in Germany. The intrepid Pas- transforming the old solid structure of the Evan- tor Niem6ller isa Church builder although he sits gelical Church into a vague religious sentimental- ina concentration camp and is closely watched.
ism and aestheticism. He cannot speak to his fellow prisoners, he can- What then is coming to an end? First of all not even see his family regularly, he cannot write there is to be an end to the unnatural relationship or publish, and yet his influence is spreading as of the Church of Christ with the modern State. an atmospheric power. He is kindling a new fire In many Churches the historic State was consid- of faith in the hearts of many people and encour- ered as the fatherly protector of the Church to ages them to resist a State which does not allow take care of the theological faculties, the religious the Church to be the Chu:r:ch. Hundreds of Ger- education in schools, build manses and pay sal- man ministers are punished for having disobeyed aries to the pastors, and therefore claiming the this autocratic State and they are preaching the right to supervise and influence Church life. But Gospel of Christ without fear. The church janitor this influence has become so strong today, and is who will not take the key of the Church out of his leading the Evangelical Church away from its pocket to open its door for an un-Evangelical original aim, that millions feel that such a com- preacher who has come to replace a believing pas- radeship is against the true nature of a Christian tor is another new church builder; so is the or- Church. An easy compromise between State and ganist who refuses to play the organ to accom- Church is therefore coming to an end. panya service which is not inspired with the spirit Second, a Church of wealth and earthly power of Christ.
is coming to an end; the Church knows today Where two or three have such peculiar courage that, in her need and poverty, she resembles much and faith, where they meet in the name of Christ more that Man who had not where to lay His in private houses, in restaurants, in the market head than she did when she was rich and powerful. place, on the railway, they build up a new Church Third, a Church which thinks she knows better of Christ.
than Christ himself is coming to an end today- It may not yet be recognized a Church as we that Church which is like the grand inquisitor, in understand it, as a great national or denomina- Dostojewski's novel, who sent Jesus Christ away tional organization; may be only a small congre- when He came back because the Church to which gation; but such cells are the living stones with He had left His task knew better than He how to which a Church is built.
handle the world. And this Church is being built even against the Instead of such Churches, which are more and will of its oppressors. It reminds us of that pic- more dying out, a new Church is born. It is yet ture painted by the German painter, Moritz von an invisible Church, with no clearly defined mem- Schwind. He shows a saint building a chapel in bership, with no structure or organization. Two the midst of the wood, continuing his work al- or three members may meet somewhere in Russia, though the devil tries to disturb him; finally the two wanderers in the streets, two farmers in the saint's faith is so strong that he compels even the market, two boatmen on the Volga, not knowing devil against his will, to carry the stones that the each other but suddenly recognizing the brother saint uses for building the chapel.
in Christ by a word, a glance in his eye, a symbolic Therefore, even poverty, isolation, pers.ecution action. This was the case in the first centuries must help to build up a new Church of Christ for when a Christian may have drawn the sign of the which we hope and pray and labor..
and the Lost Feast
-·..e{11 By V. LANE-FRIMPOLE IIi- I N ONE room of a small, two-roomed mud and Musing on his new green sateen shirt with its rubble cottage in northern Syria, lived an Arab five buttons, each of a different color, and yearn- boy named Murad. Here he lived, ate and ing to bite into a Ramazan cake, Murad had almost slept with his parents, his little brothers and his fallen asleep when he heard the sound of visitors, granny. The other room was occupied by his fa- coming in to spend the evening. Everyone seemed ther's brother, with his wife and children. happy. His own grown people had been dread- One night, near the end of the month-long fast fully cross in the late afternoon, Murad thought. of Ramadan, Murad lay on the floor in a corner, But after the sunset cannon had been fired and tucked up in his grandmother's bed, under her they had broken their day-long fast, things were wool-waded quilt. The light of the wood-fire on all right again. Now these visitors, too, seemed the hearth flickered among the shadows of the in happy mood. otherwise dark room. Murad liked to watch the Ah! they were asking Granny to chant them a firelight and to hear the sound of the rain and Mevlud-one of the long Turkish poems about the Prophet Mohammed. All the village thought wind outside. The boy's mind wandered to the approaching granny a notable woman. She could make out any feast which would follow the sacred fast days chapter of the Koran without too much halting to and his imagination played pleasantly with the spell the words, and she had memorized many thought of the cakes and other good things to eat. chapters. But she did not know Arabic and so As a little boy he did keep. the fast and did not understood nothing of the meaning. LaHnized need this abstinance in order to get hungry. He Turkish, inaugurated by the late Kemal Ataturk, thought, too, of the new clothes that his clever she could not read at all, but she could spell aunt, who sewed on the machine, had made for out Turkish words in the Arabic characters, him. In the mind of a child, whose people go by enough to read her M evlud. These Turcomans the sun year, other things would have been asso- living in the mountains of northern Syria were ciated with a holiday for under such a calendar not yet sure of the orthodoxy of the Western alevery feast falls at the same season of the year. phabet for to them the Arabic letters, in which the In America, for example, Decoration Day comes Koran came down from heaven, were the only with the grass and spring flowers; the Fourth of ones that seemed right. July is marked by hot sunshine and trees in full Murad loved to hear his granny chant the Koran leaf; Thanksgiving Day is observed in the midst because of the beautiful roll of it and the awe in of November frosts; Christmas is enlivened with her voice. But he liked far better to hear the Me1)lud because it was in his own language, and snow and ice. For Murad and for all Moslem people this is not much of it he could understand. Happily he the case. The moon year of the Moslem world watched granny go to the high shelf that ran retrogrades at the rate of about ten days every around the room and take down a manuscript sun year. In the year of which we write Ramadan written by a learned Mullah's own hand years ago. came in the middle of December, something that His mother thrust a splinter of pitch-pine into the had not occurred for some thirty-six years. Little fire and lighted the little oil lamp. Then Murad Murad, the Turcoman, had been born of Moslem watched the old lady squat down with the precious parents in a Moslem community, consequently he book on her knee and turn over the leaves with found himself in a completely nonsequential uni- moistened forefinger and thumb. She found the verse, where no effect is traced to any cause; page and in a sweet, thin voice began to chant. where each separate act and event of the day is Oh! it was the bit that Murad liked best, the lullooked upon as caused by a special, arbitrary act laby sung to the Prophet by his nurse Haleema: of the "Will of Allah." It is thought impious to It is Mohammed: let mountains and stones seek to try to understand God's will which is im- Rejoice-wild beasts, too, and birds. possible of comprehension. This concept of an Lady Ameena is his mother, arbitrary will, governing the universe, is rein- She is the fine flower of mothers, forced by the changes of the moon year. Her head is of pearls. Lullaby, my Mohammed, my high Commander, lullaby.
[175 ]
In the mountain of Mecca was his birthplace wind was blowing as hard as ever. Perhaps it At the Kaaba, at the Black Stone, in the presence of was the gusts of wind that shook the stars and made them twinkle so through the frosty dark. Gabriel, Snug under his quilt, Murad watched the two That Gabriel might praise the Beloved of God, (even women move drowsily about preparing the three Mohammed). o'clock breakfas.t–the iftar. He was not quite Lullaby, my Mohammed, my high Commander, lullaby. awake, not quite asleep. The stir and rustle that The houris, the Paradise maidens, came; the women made seemed to go on for ever. Then They bound white incense in his swaddling bands, his grandmother's voice calling his father broke They praised the Beloved of God. the spell. Lullaby, my Mohammed, my high Commander, lullaby. "Get up, my son! Get up and eat; dawn will Abd el Mutaleb was his grandfather, break before you know it and then it will l;le un- Abdullah was his father, lawful for you to eat until sunset. How will you The Lady Haleema was his nurse. be able to fast all day on an empty stomach?" Lullaby, my Mohammed, my high Commander, lullaby. The Feast Before the Fast May Satan's hands be tied, May the hearts of thy friends be fat, Murad's father rose, stretching his great arms and legs. Villagers sleep in their clothes, so there o son of Lady Ameena. was no delay for dressing. He stepped out of bed, crossed over to the hearth and sat down on the Lullaby, my Mohammed; lullaby, my beautiful Ahmad, floor. No one called Murad for he was too young lullaby. to fast. But the smell of the hot food called him; so crawling from under the quilt, he went and sat Lying there in his nest, Murad listened en- down by his father and snuggled up to him. His tranced. He was six years old and so far as he mother unfolded the woolen bread-cloth, took up knew he had always slept in his granny's bed. He some paper-thin loaves as l10und and big as two supposed that he always would. He could not re- dinner plates. She sprinkled them with water and member the time when he had to give up his cradle folded them in four;, then she flung down one at to the next baby. Granny had always been there each person's place and piled the rest in the middle and always would be, like the sun and wind and of the big tray. Granny put down a copper bowl, rain. He loved her voice as she sang about the full of steaming food, and a pan of curdled milk. baby Mohammed's birth; about the Angel Gabriel Everything was, ready. and those beautiful houris swaddling him as his mother had swaddled their own baby. As the "In the name of God," said Murad's father; quavering, sweet voice went on and on, the faces then scooping up a big mouthful of the hot food of his family and the visitors, visible or invisible with a flap of bread, he ate it. "In the name of as the flames in the fireplace rose and fell, seemed God," echoed, Murad, and did the same. The to float in the warm air. Murad felt himself float- women sat down and they used the same prayer ing. A wind was blowing him down a high, high before they began to eat. mountain-away from two goats that he was herding-blowing him like thistledown. Now the wind "I certainly thought," said Murad's father bewas singing. What was it singing? "Lullaby, tween mouthfuls, "that today was to be the first Mohammed, my high Commander, lullaby. N en-ni day of the Ramadan Byram. I was sure the feast -Nen-ni-i-i." began today and I was surprised when no an- nouncement was made in the mosque last night. Murad did not wake up when his granny came Surely it will not be later than tomorrow. We to bed; not even when she took him in her loving must get ready today; it would be dreadful if we old arms as she had taken his daddy when he was delayed and so lost one of our four great days. a little boy. A little herdboy who has been out on My brother and I will butcher the goat, and you the mountain all day in wind and rain, sleeps women must be about your cooking." Good Mossoundly. The fire died down and the room grew lem as he was, he could not help looking forward dark and cold, but he did not know it. to the end of the month-long fast, with its food- less, waterless, tobaccoless days at the plough, and He seemed scarcely to have dropped to sleep its ni,ghts of broken sleep. when he heard his mother saying to his father,: "Get up! Get up! I have our breakfast ready." "All things happen as God wills," said granny. "If he wills that the feast begin tomorrow, it will "It's not time yet," mumbled Daddy, rolling begin tomorrow." over and yawning. By this time Murad was back under the quilt "Vakit oldu. It is time, and the food is ready." again, and soon his granny and all the others also "How do you know it's time? Did you hear the went back to bed and slept until broad daylight. signal gun in Passtown?" "NO', but one seldO'm hears it these windy nights." Grandmother was up now, and had opened the door wide. The rain had stopped but the east
MURAD AND THE LOST FEAST DAY
When the December sun had warmed the air a may bake our cakes in his new bake-house. Tell little, Murad took the goats out on the mountain. him: your father will do the baking if he will show He wore untanned leather boots with toes turned him how." up, just like the toes of the Hittite boots that one sees pictured on monuments. His mother had tied "Oh! and may I go with father and help bake around his head a piece of Turkish toweling for the cakes?" warmth. In the flat gingham bag slung under his arm was his lunch – red peppers, some goat's "Yes, if you are a good boy and run to Armen's cheese, wrapped up in leathery folds of bread, like a bird and bring back word what he says. Ask and some dried figs. His people were well-to-do politely. Run, let me see. Bakalum!" and could afford to give him this variety. Murad came flying back with the permission. For the older people another hungry day had Then he helped his father load some wood on the begun, but everyone was busy preparing for the donkey for firing, and went with him to the oven four-day feast. Murad's father and uncle slaugh- to light it. Afterwards when the oven was hot tered and flayed the fattened goat and, hanging and the cakes were ready, with the spice kneaded the carcass on a tree, began to cut it up. Neigh- in and sesame seed sprinkled thick on top, Murad bors would buy whatever part they themselves did helped carry to the oven the big copper trays covnot want. The women were as busy; brazen ered with cakes to be baked. All eyes, he watched pestles clanged on brazen mortars as they pounded his father put a batch of cakes on the flat wooden spices – nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, all-spice and shovel, and then" slide them off on the oven floor. mastic gum. The younger women did the pound- Lovely! But lovelier still when father took up the ing, while granny spread the thick woolen bread- browned cakes on the shovel and slid them back cloth on the floor and began to knead a stiff mass on the trays near Murad to cool. Ah! the deliof flour, butter, sugar and leaven for the festal cious, delicious smell! And how good the bits cakes. The hours flew. It was noon. tasted that he broke off and popped into his mouth when no one was looking! If he lives another A Mistake and the Explanation fifty years, Murad will still remember that smell and taste. "Boom! Boom! Boom!"-the dull roar of the Passtown cannon rolled through the mountain. The rej oicing was general, yet every now and People looked at each other in consternation. then someone would say grievingly, "Look how we have been cheated out of the first day of our "Toap atuldu! The cannon is being fired; feast!" It was as if a cloud passed over the sun then the teast began last night! We have missed each time someone said this. The village Khoja a whole day!" The words flew from mouth to (Moslem teacher and preacher) was as vexed as mouth, "We have lost a day from our feast! We any of them. He too was baking cakes at the oven. have lost a day from our feast!" "But how did it come that you made a mistake Such a thing had never been known in the vil- about the day?" asked Armen, the Armenian. lage. To add another day of feasting never occurred to them; if an impious stranger had sug- "The big mountain to the southwest shuts out gested such an idea, they would have rejected it the view, and no one saw the new moon." as impossible. No, the lost day was irrevocably lost. Grown men and women as they were, they "Surely a man like you, who can read and felt it keenly, helplessly, hopelessly as children write, must know when the new moon will first feel a loss. But they went on with their prep- appear," objected Armen. "There are calendars. arations that should have been made the day Everyone knows that the new moon is sure to apbefore. pear on a certain day."
Murad heard the cannon and came racing home Murad's father listened contemptuously to the to ask what had happened. To him and the other Armenian's ignorant talk. Thank God the Khoja children it seemed interesting and exciting. Here, was present and would defend the faith. He did there, everywhere he skipped among his busy not like to have Murad hear such impious talk. elders. That was the worst of these Christian neighbors, Well, as the child had heard it, let him now hear "I take refuge in God," said his mother, pestered the Khoja's refutation. past endurance with his mischief as he teased his little brothers, "Go back to the mountain and look "God forbid," the Khoja was saying. "Nothing after your goats, filthy devil, or I'll murder you." is sure to be. Each event happens as the most high Truth wills it. If he wills a new moon on a "I left them with one of the Armenian boys. certain day, there will be one; if not, there will They're all right," he answered. not. Who can say beforehand-I ask pardon of God-what God's will is going to be? We did not "My nestling," said grandmother intervening, see the moon ourselves, we had no authenticated "run quickly to Armen's house and ask him if we news that it had been seen by responsible persons
elsewhere, therefore we did not know that there Murad crawled into bed and left them still eatwas a new moon." ing. He was so full that he went to sleep quickly, but in the night he awoke, crying with a stomach- "If that is ,the way of it, why did not one of you ache. go to town two days ago and stay to bring the news as soon as the moon was seen in town?" "I take refuge in God from Satan, the stoned," persisted the Armenian. said granny. "What can ail the child ?" She tried to soothe him by rubbing, but that was of no use, "Perhaps, after he had taken all that bother and so she got up and made him some mint tea with headache, there might have been no moon; then plenty of sugar in it. Then she said a charm for his labor would have gone for nothing," answered colic. The pain eased, but he was wide awake and the Khoja. could not go to sleep again at once.
"The cause of each event, no matter how small, "Grandmother," he said, "what happened to the is the will of God. I once heard a sheikh of pro- lost feast day? How does a day get lost, granny? found learning say this: 'It is an error to say that Did it wander off in the mountains like our nanny fire always burns. Fire burns or not just as God goat that the wolf ate? Or did it fall down a deep wills in each case. And the proof is that when the crack between rocks like my piastre piece that I idolaters tried to destroy Abraham by fire, far cried so hard about? How does a day get lost, from burning him the fire caused a thicket of rose- grandmother ?" bushes in bloom to grow up around him, full of singing nightingales. Likewise it is an error to "God predestined that we should lose that day. say that knives cut. A knife cuts if God wills it The Most High Truth wrote that fate on our to cut; if not, no. And the proof is that when foreheads." Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Ishmael, the knife refused to cut. There is no God but "But why?" God; without his will naught comes to pass.' " "I ask pardon of God. Listen to the child! God knows his own work. No good comes from think- Murad, listening with all his ears, thought that ing and asking questions. Please God, it be not what the Khoja said was wonderful, and looked a portent of some evil about to befall us for our triumphantly at the ignorant Armenian. "Annen wickedness! Truly, in these days godlessness has is nice, but he is a giaour (infidel) just the same," so increased that if the Supreme Truth rained he thought. He wished that he had seen Abra- fire on us it would be no more than we deserve. ham's roses and nightingales. That conversation For look how children–even small children-" by the oven laid one more great stone solidly in Murad was always bored when granny began the foundation of the Moslem faith upon which to moralize. "Granny, I kiss your eye, ehant the Murad's life was to be built. M evlud," he coaxed. "Chant the same bit that you did the other night," and he began the nen-ni, Murt-koy is only a mountain village. Murad nen-ni of the Infant Prophet's nurse. His grandhad never seen the rude Ferris wheels-outdating mother took it up and went on verse after verse: Ferris by centuries-that are set up for the children at this feast in Moslem cities, from Con- Mohammed is my heart's core, my theme: stantinople to Calcutta. No strolling gypsies If he weeps, my eye weeps blood. came, as they do to the big towns, with fife and Let me rub my face on his threshold. drum. But even in Murt-koyeverybody had new Lullaby, my Mohammed, my high Commander, lullaby. clothes, and the groups of women and children looked like living gardens. Even the tiny babies His teeth are whiter than white pearls, had new caps of every bright color; amulets were snipped off the old caps and sewed tightly on the The Paradise maidens, the Houris, are his companions; new. Families exchanged cakes; and who so proud as Murad to go from door to door offering He is the Sun of the two worlds. ' a cake with his family's greetings. He was shy and his lashes swept his cheeks; his voice could Lullaby, my Mohammed; lullaby, my beautiful Ahmad, hardly be heard, but his smile was sweet. lullaby; nen-ni, nen-ni-i-i-i-i. And what a feast they had when he returned home! He ate and ate until he was tight as a Her voice quavered like that of a nurse croondrum. He liked that feeling and would have eaten ing to a fretful child. Then she fell silent and more but his father said that he had had enough. listened to her grandson's breathing for a few All through that meal, though, with its fun and seconds. She had almost forgotten him and had laughing, someone of the grown people would sigh felt herself to be Lady Haleema-God's approval and shake the head every now and then and say, be upon her-singing a cradle song to the little "Yazuk! What a pity that we have lost a day!" Mohammed. Then her thoughts homed back to Murad. "He is asleep," she said, fondly kissing his forehead. "Sleep my lamb. Sleep in the pro- tection of God. What do I know? May this lost feast day portend no evil to us. I take refuge in God. Amahn! Amahn! Alas for the lost feast day!"
and Open Doors in Missions*
By REV. C. DARBY FULTON, D.D., Nashville, Tennessee Executive Secretary of the Foreign Missions Committee of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S.
THE Chinese word for "crisis" is written with been employed. Many, unable to endure these suf- two characters; one means "danger," and ferings, have yielded to practices they do not ap- the other "opportunity." Paul suggested the prove. Others, standing grimly amid great same thought when he wrote to the Corinthians, distress, are bearing a shining Christian testi- "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, mony. Never have we faced so ominous an out- and there are many adversaries." look as is before us in Korea. We cannot foretell Of the "adversaries" by which missionaries are what the end will be. The hour is here for prayer, compassed today, we who live in the tranquil at- earnest and unrelenting. There is no way through mosphere of this land of peace and liberty have this crisis in Korea e~cept as God moves to help not the slightest conception. Writes a missionary us.
in China : "We are in the midst of wickedness and But the greatest "adversary" to missions, the inhuman atrocities on such a colossal scale that the only one we really need fear, is the hindrance we mind is too benumbed to take it all in." Even the ourselves can be through thoughtlessness, and neg- physical survival of our missionaries amid the con- lect. Opposition from without, our missionaries vulsions of war is a daily miracle. All around expect; indifference within the Church all but them is ruin, whole cities in desolation, panic- breaks their hearts. The test of carrying on with stricken multitudes fleeing in bewildered confu- inadequate support, unable to touch the needs sion, the maimed and wounded crying for help, around them, and wondering whether the Church the whole lurid scene a part of the tragedy that has forgotten, brings them their sorest trial. They stalks in the wake of banditry, looting, murder, return on furlough and find us living in elegant rape and arson. Hospitals, schools, and chapels homes. They see our streets choked with shining have been shattered, groups of believers scattered cars. They watch the throngs that jam our to the winds, missionary homes battle-scarred, athletic fields" and reflect that the price of one and the missionaries themselves have sat in the football ticket would pay the salary of a native ruins wondering that they have outlived the de- evangelist in Africa for two months. They read struction around them. that a thrill-crazed crowd has paid in one night Unbelievable as it may seem, the Christian to see a prizefight more than our whole Church churches of Japan and Korea, except for the physi- ever gave in a year to foreign missions, and they cal hardships, are enduring an even harder lot. wonder why they are asked to operate hospitals No group of men and women ever sought to ad- on $380.51 a year and schools on $31.12 a year! vance the interests of the Kingdom under greater They are not complaining; puzzled, that is all. difficulties. The systematic efforts to stifle and They wonder if Christ has lost first place in the suppress everything that is contrary to the pro- hearts of American Christians.
gram of aggressive militarism is bringing the The Great Open Doors whole Christian movement under great spiritual persecution. Cresar is exalted above God, reli- But it is not the "adversaries" that 100m largest gious liberty is denied, conscience is no longer in the missionary's view of the present situation. free. Anyone who sets himself against the policies I have just read twenty-eight letters from China. of the government and the idolatrous exaltation of "Opportunity" is the dominant word. One group the emperor exposes himself to reprisals of the wrote: "We are not unmindful of the dangers, most drastic -character. Untold sufferings have but we are thrilled at the thought of the opporbeen endured by Christians, especially in Korea tunities before us." These they describe as "unwhere the pressure of police power has been ap- limited," "without precedent," "beyond anything plied with increasing severity. Threats, imprison- we have known." They are joining with Paul in ment, torture and other extreme measures have saying, "The things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gos- • Condensed fram the OMistian Ob$erver. pel." Like him they refer to adversaries with [ 179]
"and," not with "but," as something not to dis- of spiritual experience and a closer fellowship with Him. We are confronted by four vital and courage but to challenge more determined efforts. immediate needs.
It is no exaggeration to say that we are confront- I. A Radical Strengthening of the Missionary Force. The really critical condition with respect ing a day of unparalleled need and opportunity in to our missionary personnel is reflected in the de- creasing number of missionaries comprising our our work around the world. Here are some of the force each year.
elements of great encouragement: The seriousness of this situation is further em- phasized by the fact that our missionaries are The high spiritual purpose and morale of our rapidly becoming a middle-aged and old-aged group. We must look forward definitely to the missionaries. loss of more missionaries through old age and retirement. Add to these the normal toll through The courage and steadfastness of the Chinese sickness and death, and the urgency of a prompt reenforcement of our missionary personnel be- Christian Church. comes clear.
The scattering of many believers to the prov- A heavy strain is thrown on our missionaries as a result of this shrinkage in personnel. One inces of West China where they have carried the missionary carries the burden of two or three. An evangelist in Korea, charged with the overcontagion of their faith unto areas heretofore un- sight of forty churches, is required to take on re- sponsibility for thirty-five more as a field formerly reached by the Gospel. worked by four men must now be carried by two. Missionaries are remaining on the field without The new friendship of the Chinese people for furlough because there is no one in whose hands the task can be left. Doctors are trying to run the missionary, growing out of the helpfulness two hospitals sometimes separated by distances of sixty or seventy miles. The need for reenand service he has, shown in this emergency. forcement is urgent and immediate.
The enormously enhanced prestige of Christian- We need an immediate and vital reenforcement of personnel on all our mission fields. Nothing ity because such great national leaders as General- would so strengthen the morale of our mission- aries or prove so conclusively to the whole world issimo Chiang Kai-shek, Madame Chiang, and our unshakable faith in the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of Christ. others who are guiding the nation in the present II. A More Adequate Support for Missionaries crisis, are themselves Christians. in Their Work. The critical financial basis on which foreign mission work has, been operating The unprecedented open-heartedness of the peo- for the past several years can be seen from the fact that receipts for the last fifteen years have ple toward the Gospel, with their new longings for fallen off forty per cent.
the assurances of faith in the midst of the uncer- Foreign mission receipts have suffered a reduc- tion so radical that the very survival of the work tainties of the present conflict. has become a matter of wonder. Only by an abso- lutely merciless slashing of appropriations, and The return of missionaries to China and the heroic measures on the part of our missionaries who took one reduction after another in their supreoccupation of all our stations. port, were we able to weather these difficult years.
The large crowds attending evangelistic serv- With this greatly shrunken support we have had to maintain and conserve a work formerly estahices throughout the country, with many conver- lished and maintained on an annual income almost twice as large. sions and other evidences of spiritual awakening. III. The Replacing of Personal Losses of Mis- The deep undercurrent of heart-hunger among sionaries and Property Losses in China. No ac- curate estimate of property damage sustained in the people of Japan. . China can yet be made. However, a letter from Rev. C. W. Worth will indicate something of what The open doors in Africa and Brazil. we must expect. He is describing what he found Thousands of Korean Christians standing fast under severe persecution.
Should it be necess,ary at a time like this to sound a call to prayer and self-denial? Surely in such a day the attitude of prayer ought to be the habitual mood of every Christian. These are great moments in the history of the Christian Church.
They call for maximum Christian living. This is a time for unshakable conviction, because the foun- dations of our faith are being challenged; for great courage, because it is becoming increasingly dangerous to be a Christian; for strong faith, because the signs of the Kingdom's growth are not always easily seen; for confident Christian opti- mism, because God is the master of crises; for confession and prayer, because God will not refuse the cry of His people; for supreme self-denial, because the greatest issues of life are at stake.
The Present Crisis Missions is in crisis; both danger and opportunity are here; danger lest we fail in this time of need and allow the day of visitation to pass; opportunity to present Christ to a heart-hungry world, and to lift our whole Church to new levels
"BUT FROM THE BEGINNING IT WAS NOT SO"
at Kiangyin station which probably suffered more cases, especially where fire has swept the builddamage than any other center of work we have in ings, the loss is total. Probably all of our mis- China! "Of twenty Western style buildings., sev- sionaries have lost something, and many have lost enteen have been completely destroyed by fire. all. Some of the walls are still standing but even with my inexperienced eye I could see that most of these These, then, are definite objectives that should are unfit for use and will have to be razed. About be before us. This year should definitely mark the three hundred feet of compound walls were down end of foreign mission retreat and the beginning due to bombing and shell fire, and only two wooden of an aggressive forward movement in missions. gates were intact in the whole place. We figure We must add strength and reserves to the fastthat the Kiangyin losses are $100,000, and there thinning ranks of our missionaries; we must prohave been losses in other stations which put vide more adequately for their far-flung work together will make another $100,000." Heavy around the world; we must replace, where necesdamage is also reported from Kashing, Soochow, sary, the tools of our work that have been de- Hwaianfu, Sutsien, Yencheng and Haichow. stroyed, and as far as possible the individual losses of our missionaries. Missionaries have likewise suffered the loss of personal belongings. Even where buildings and With the doors of opportunity standing wide, residences have not been destroyed, systematic with God's clear call ringing in our ears, with looting has taken place. Homes have been com- the resources at our dis.posal for a definite adpletely stripped of every valuable thing. In some vance in our missionary task, God forbid that we should fail!
"But From the Beginning it Was Not So"
Notes by the Late ARTHUR T. PIERSON A S IN the case of human marriage, so in other of which otherwise we would be scarcely con- scious. This is seen in the tendency to lower ri.. respects, mankind often comes· to accept standards in literature, in the drama, in marriage totally different customs and even ideals and even religious ceremonials. We need to go from those which God intended and that were at back to "the beginning" as ordered by God in his first held sacred. In the course of history, by wisdom, and to look at the standards which pregradual and sometimes rapid changes, corruptions vailed in ,the apostolic church before corruptions creep in, so that God's original order becomes ob- crept in. The following features in early church scured and perverted. life seem to have been conspicuous: Professor Bernard illustrated our unconscious 1. The recognition of the Holy Spirit as the wisdom and accommodation to a vicious atmosphere by plac- power of God. ing a sparrow under a bell glass. which contained air enough to keep the sparrow alive for tbree 2. The readiness to yield immedi,ate obedience to the call hours. At the end of two hours he put a second of the Holy Spirit. sparrow under the bell; at once it fell over dead, while the former bird was able to breath for the 3. The personal, spiritual presence 'and leadership of fun three hours. In the spiritual realm, we almost Christ in the Church. unconsciously accommodate ourselves to evils which would shock and overwhelm us if we were 4. The Universal obligation of all Christians to bear witsuddenly confronted with them. If a man, like ness to the world and the ceaseless activity in Stephen, had been in a moment transported from preaching the Gospel at home and abroad. the apostolic church into the corrupted atmosphere of some present-day ohurch life, he would have 5. The courageous and unflinching witness to Christ in been stifled. face of persecution and the prevalence of the spirit of martyrdom in the early church. To save ourselves from this unconscious accommodation to a low standard of living and thinking, 6. Constant blessing attending the faithful preaching of we must get back to first principles and practices the Word. as revealed by God. We should candidly compare what is today with what was in God's plan. Liv- 7. The appeal to the testimOony of fulfilled prophecy as ing much with God, through private prayer and an evidence of the truth of God's Word. Bible study, we will breathe such a pure atmosphere that we will at once recognize the pollution 8. The prevailing power of definite and united prayer. 9. The separation Oof the Church frOom the wOorld. 10. The undisputed imminence of the Second Coming Oof Christ. 11. The equality of all Believers in rights and privileges in the Church. 12. The recognition by early Christians of their steward- ship in property and talents.
The proofs of these positions pervade ~he whole New Testament. There is no need for proof texts.
New Testament Idea of the Church*
By the REV. DR. ABDEL ROSS WENTZ, Gettysburg, Pa.
Professor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary I. According to the New Tes.tament the the way in our day for the New Testament idea Church is centered in Christ. Using the figure of the Church. Because the Church was centered of a body, the Head of the Church is Christ. If in the living presence of Christ it was not static we use the figure of a building, the Cornerstone but dynamic. It was governed entirely by the of the Church is Christ. If we use the figure of Holy Spirit of Christ. It had no fixed outlook.
a bride, the Bridegroom of the Church is Christ. Much of its power was due to its. ability to change In the apostolic ideal Christ is the bond that from time to time in order to meet changing con- binds Christians together in a fellowship with ditions. He who was the beating heart of the Christ, the Leader. There is a communion of New Testament is the pulsating center of the dis'Ciples with their Saviour. Church in our day. He is not weighted down with Recent research has taught us to guard against utilitarian programs. He is not one who binds reading too much system and uniformity into the yokes upon men. He is one who has loved and Church of the New Testament. What produced suffered and who still loves and suffers and yearns the Christian community in the first place was and woos-the great Leader of infinite power who not a constitution and by-laws, not even a set of could transform the world, not by force but by principles; it was the faith that pulsated in the fellowship, not by formulas but by faith, not by hearts of the disciples.. That faith was not at logic but by love, not by programs but by per- first drawn from a body of sacred writings nor sonalities.
set down in the form of a creed. It was a rugged This Christian Church, this Christ-centered fel- attachment, not reasoned out and not integrated lowship, we offer to the groping multitudes of the with other emotions. It was simple personal trust present world. It is plastic as the heart of youth.
in a Person, unquestioning devotion to a beloved It is the living Church of the living God. It has personality, who, they felt, had saved them from traditions· that are living and vitalizing. It is abysmal disaster and who, they believed, could kept eternally young by a living Presence. If lead them into abiding safety. This fact that the Christians would minister salvation to a dig,.
Church is Christ-centered is clear, not only from tracted world today the New Testament suggests a the Great Confession in Matthew 16, but also from Church pulsating with the heartbeats of the many passages in the writings of St. Paul and Saviour, a charmed circle that offers fellowship St. John. with the great central Friend of the universe.
But this idea of the Church as, a free pulsating The Church Is to Be Different fellowship centering in Christ has. often been ob- scured. Today the times are ripe for the recovery II. According to the New Testament the of that idea. For a long time men have lived on Church is sacred; it is holy, set apart. It is "called systems and the bracing effect of them. For sev- out," ecclesia. It is different. It is high and eral generations men have been enthralled by lifted up. The Church is holy in its calling. God ideas and the splendor of them. Today, instead called it into being and it belongs to God. It is of ideas and systems and defini.tions, instead of therefore holy, as God is holy.
programs and organizations, personalities are the The individuals who constitute the Church may centers of all great movements~leading person- show many differences among themselves, differalities. To stand outside of the charmed circle of ences of color and race and language, differences leaders today is to be homeless and unoriented. of faith and zeal and goodness. But at least one To stand within the magnetic influence of the thing they have in common, and that is the fact central personality gives the simplest laborer that their faces are turned towards, God. To be heart and motion; it lifts his life from drudgery in the Church is to belong to God. The thing that into thrilling devotion. brings Christians together into fellowship is the This change in the spiritual atmosphere opens fact that they have all experienced redemption • Aqijress ~Iven at the I. M. c;. meeting at Maqras, 1938. through God's grace. The Church is the fellow- [ 182] ship of the sanctified. All the members of the environment. The Head of the Church protested Church can exclaim with St. Paul: "It is God against the low ideals of his day. Because the who hath saved us and called us with a holy call- Church is holy, high and lifted up, it will always ing, not according to our works but according to feel a tension between things as they are and his own purpose and grace." The Church is a things as they ought to be. When the Church in divine institution, not a mere human society. our day identifies itself with some secular system The Church is holy also because the Holy Spirit of economics or social propaganda, it abandons its works in it. As Christ is the head of the body all New Testament character, because in the New the members of the body do his bidding and are Testament the Church represents the higher spir- filled with His spirit. When St. Paul speaks in itual order. The Church is holy.
the benediction of "the communion of the Holy A Missionary Church Spirit," he is thinking of the community of be- lievers where holiness prevails because the mem- III. According to the New Testament the bers harbor the Holy Spirit of their Head. Church is missionary. It is charged with a mis- Jesus made explicit mention of the Church only sion. To be a disciple, a learner confessing twice, according to our records. In both instances Christ, is to be an apostle, to stand under a special the Church is set in opposition to sin and evil. commission. And the mission of the disciples is "The Gates of hell shall not prevail." "If thy the mission of the Church, as the acts of the mem- brother sin … tell it to the Church." The clear bers are the acts of the body. The apostolic mis- implication is that the Church is holy. Christ sion of the Church is to carryon the work of required holiness of his followers.. For this reason Christ himself' on earth. "As the Father hath he entrusted his Church with the keys, the means sent me, even so send I you."
of grace. The Holy Church has the Holy Scrip- The Church, according to the New Testament, tures, the Holy Sacraments, holy laws, holy teach- is not only the product of God's grace through ings.. The single aim of its acts and its teachings Jesus Ghrist, but it is also an agency of God's is to promote holiness. grace, the keeper of the keys to the Kingdom of The New Testament, however, does not repre- Heaven on earth. As the collective body of be- sent the Church as complete or perfect. There is lievers the Church is the appointed agency for the the parable of the tares and the parable of the extension of the Kingdom of God and the salva- dragnet. St. Paul repeatedly addresses his hearers tion of men. The Church is taught to pray: "Thy as saints, and yet in the course of his letters ad- Kingdom come" and to use its life and resources monishes them about their shortcomings. and sins. ~or the conversion of the world.
According to the New Testament the holiness of According to the New Testament the Church the Church is real but not yet fully attained. The is equipped with the means of fulfilling its apos- Church is in actual process of being "cleansed tolic commission. The Church is furnished with from all sin." The Church looks forward in hope the Truth that it must teach the faith by which to the consummation when "Christ shall present the Church lives. The original Twelve were spe- it unto himself, a glorious Church, holy and with- cially trained by intimate association with Christ out blemish." to be his witnesses and they regarded this as their But the incomplete character of the Church's principal duty. They transmitted that duty to holiness does not make its holiness unreal. A their successors, and the Church throughout his- city may be a rich city while some of its citizens tory has accepted the teaching and witnessing con- are still poor. A school may be a learned school cerning Christ. In this. it has continued the while all of its students are still short of the ideal prophetical office of Christ himself.
in learning. The Church, as a society on earth, Another way in which the Church fulfils its will never be complete in its holiness. None of apostolic commission is by fostering associated its members are. Sanctification is a process.. That worship and transmitting the Sacraments. The is true of the collective body as it is true of the apostolic Church is a worshipping Church through individual member. Holiness is progressive. It all ages. It presents Christ as a mediator even shall be perfect hereafter. now. And all the Christian liturgies of the cen- In the course of Church history there have been turies are the continuance of the priestly office of many attempts to secure greater purity and holi- the great Head of the Church, an expression of ness in the Church. And more than once these the Church's apostolic character.
attempts have led to incisions in the body of Then, too, the New Testament indicates that Christ. However contrary to the New Testament, Christ committed to his immediate followers the these efforts testify to a deep underlying convic- exercise of discipline and the administration of tion that the Church must be holy. affairs in the community of believers. There are Because the Church is holy, there must always widely different views as to details but in general be a state of tension between the Church and its there is agreement that the Church must exercise
some powers of discipline and government. In Spirit, always active and energizing, and always this the Church continues the kingly office of progressively revealing himself. He reaches out Christ. in love towards every living soul. The Christian As to this aggressive propulsive quality of the idea of God carries ecumenical implications for Church, according to the New Testament it is of the Church. If God is a personal, living, ener- the essence of the Church and not merely of its gizing God, then his Church is not merely an well being. Any group of professing believers international society binding people together from that does not feel its apostolic commission to the four corners of the earth. It is more than propagate the Gospel and extend the Kingdom has that. It is an ecumenical community bearing in not inherited the Spirit of the Founder. its heart the propulsive power of a boundless love The new aggressiveness of the great non-Chris- that will not stop until it embraces the whole tian religions in our day calls for special emphasis world.
just now on the apostolic character of the New The Church of the New Testament is catholic Testament Church, its aggressive mission to its because its message is a message of divine revelanon-Christian environment. tion and transcends all forms of religion. Chris- A Universal Church tianity is not a religion. Religion is man's effort to adj ust himself to the ultimates. Christianity IV. According to the New Testament the is GoOd's answer to the quest of the human heart. Church is catholic, universal, all-embracing. It Jesus Christ is not the founder of a religion. The possesses inherent qualities that make it fit to be message of the New Testament Church is not the home of all classes of men in all parts of the simply one of several possibilities for man's pious world and in all ages of time. self-expression. It stands alone as God's message to man. It is not just a word from God or a word The Church is catholic because by its nature it about God; it is the Word of God whose content is not limited as to place or time. This idea of the is Jesus Christ. The Church does not come with Church as universal and timeless was not an after- a philosophy, nor a system of doctrine, nor an thought. It is not true that the Church was at ethic; it does not even come with a religion. It first only the group of Christians in a particular comes with a Person, a living God who speaks locality and then when this little obscure group through Jesus Christ. Our God is larger than the had expanded into a mighty enterprise the idea of founder of religion. Our Gospel transcends relia universal Church arose. From the beginning gion as well as time and place. Our Church, so the Church was understood to be the larger in- long as it is faithful to this witness, is the unicarnation of Christ, and the local congregation versal catholic Church. was simply a miniature of the whole. As a thousand different mirrors may at one and the same time reflect the whole orb of the shining sun, so A United Church the local congregations or churches are the re- V. According to the New Testament the flections of the great Church universal. Every Church is, one. This unity is a subject of enor- Church is a catholic Church unless it claims to be mous proportions, and a whole library has grown the only catholic Church. The body of Christ not up about it in recent years. only includes the believers and saints of all nations and places but it also extends, backward and The chief New Testament sources of informaforward in time and includes the saints of the tion about the unity of the Church are the high past as well as those of future ages,. priestly prayer of our Lord and St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians. From these we learn that the Again, the Church is catholic because it rises unity of the Church is a mystery. It is something above the limitations of culture and religion. It in which we believe. It transcends human underis the only community that can meet the needs of standing. all mankind. This is indicated not only by par- ticular words of Jesus and individual passages in As the Church itself is holy, not merely a volun- the New Testament, but also by the very nature tary association of men combining together to of the teaching set forth. Jesus claimed that his effect certain ends, so the unity of the Church is Gospel is sufficient for the needs of all mankind. not merely an earthly visible manifestation de- Both Jesus, and Paul taught with the background vised by men in order to increase the efficiency of Stoic philosophy and universal empire. They of the Church and to pres,ent a so-called "united made universal claims for their Gospel. They pic- front." It is divinely ordained and belongs to the tured the Church as the organ through which God essence of the Church. The unity of the Church, will accomplish His plan not only for men but for according to the New Testament, arises from the the universe. unity of God, "as I and the Father are one." The The Church is catholic because the God to whom Church is one because there is one Spirit, one the Holy Church belongs is a living God. He is a Lord, one Father. The Church is one because all
NEW STUDENT FOREIGN MISSION FELLOWSHIP
members of the Church are members of Christ Finally, the New Testament represents the unity and abide in Him, as branches abide in the vine. of the Church as a process, a growth. It is a present reality, but still imperfect. It cannot be So the unity of the Church is not something in hurried by the manufactured conceptions of men. the golden past, a lost treasure that needs to be Perfect unity will come as a growth in faith and recovered. It is not something in the rosy fu- in "the knoweldge of the Son of God," a growth ture, a high goal that needs to be achieved. It is "into him in all things" which is the Head, even something that exists now, and simply calls for Christ." External means may be used to increase fuller expression. It is something that was and that faith and spread that knowledge, but the huris and is to be. It is as eternal as the Church it- ried establishment of any external union would self. It is as eternal as the God who called the hinder the true process and would check the real Church into being. It is something that belongs growth of unity. to the essence of the Church. The true Church of Christ is one. The New Testament idea of the Church's unity brings two words of warning: first, that our ef- The source of this mystical unity of the Church forts at Church union should not degenerate into is the redeeming work of Christ for men. It is a trifling with something that transcends human not in a unified organization. It is not in a com- comprehension; second, that if our witness to the mon liturgy. The unity of the Church grows out world is to be effective we dare not permit our of a common faith, a common Gospel that centers love for our particular ideas and traditions, to dein the Cross. This, and nothing else is the source lay that growth of unity which our Lord has in of the creative power of the Church. mind for His Church. The New Testament con- ception of the Church's unity suggests that since The New Testament also teaches that this in- the Church is one, we should enter now with joy visible unity will express itself in outward and into a sense of real unity among us. We should visible unity. It is, to be a sign to the world: allow our hearts to be thrilled with the joy that "That the world may believe." The efforts to was in the heart of our Lord as we emphasize achieve this outward unity of the Christian continually the visible and invisible bonds of faith Church have engaged all the ecumenical councils and hope and love that bind us together. "That of by-gone ages and all the world conferences of they may be one,even as we are one." modern times. These efforts have good New Testament warrant and example.
New Student Foreign Mission Fellowship By DR. TOM LAMBIE of the Sudan Interior Mission Recently Missionary to Ethiopia D o WE need another missionary organiza- life of Christian service in favor of the pursuit of tion? There are already over two hundred pleasure and worldly success. In addition to this, Boards and societies in North America-in the lofty Christian appeals for a sacrificial servaddition to local church groups-that are engaged ice, involved in carrying the Gospel to the ends-of in promoting interest in foreign missions. At the earth, have too often been watered down until first blush one is inclined to deprecate the forma- there is not sufficient strength in them to stand tion of a new one, and yet many feel that there the test of opposition from those out of sympathy may be justification for a new Student Foreign with the highest type of missionary service. Missions Fellowship such as the one that had its first national meeting at Keswick Grove, New Even among many church members the gist of Jersey, early in January. current thought would seem to be ,something as follows: The youth of today is susceptable to the appeal for noble ideals and service to mankind, but there Everyone must have a philosophy of life and should try is, at the same time, a tremendous tug upon young to be true to it, having as good a time as possible without people in schools and colleges to give up these inflicting unnecessary injury on others. We ought to keep ideals and to turn aside from the prospect of a most of the laws of the land in which we dwell. Attend- ance on religious services is sometimes helpful. The heathen are probably well enough off as they are, but if
anyone feels like trying to show them Christianity, with- not because they were urged by others to do someout creating a disturbance, then there is no great objection. thing about it, but because they were conscious of Medical relief is a good thing for the heathen but charity, being moved by the Holy Spirit. after all, begins at home. Old creeds are mostly outmoded but we should be tolerant toward those who still hold them. Many more students came to the conference God is a good sort of super-rotarian who will be lenient than had been expected. Forty-eight registered, with everyone, including the heathen, as long as they do the and many others attended but did not register. best they can and are true to their own philosophy of life. The older people, professors and missionaries, were very much in the minority and kept in the Is it any wonder that, where such beliefs pre- background. The colleges represented included vail, there is lack of interest in the missionary Hampden-Sydney, Wheaton, Columbia Bible Colenterprise, that the quality of candidates has de- lege, Davidson, John Stetson University, Glassclined, that financial support has fallen off and boro Teachers', Wilson, Grove City, Drexel Instithat there is evidence of loss in devotion and spir- tute, Women's Medical, University of Pennsylitual power? vania, National Bible Institute, Philadelphia School of the Bible, Pennsylvania Bible Institute, Faced by these conditions and tendencies the Moody Bible Institute, Faith Seminary and Johns new Student Foreign Missions Fellowship has Hopkins University.* been formed in order to make a stand against such ideologies, and to promote missionary inter- A constitution was adopted and a Missionary est among the youth of today ona spiritual and Purpose Pledge was approved which reads as truly New Testament basis. follows: It has been found that in many cases Christian Knowing: young people, who have commenced their college or professional education, expooting to prepare for That Jesus Christ has saved me from my sin, foreign missionary service, have been turned aside That all men without Christ are lost, and that there is from this purpo'se while in college. It is hoped that the new Fellowship may conserve and deepen no other name by which men may be saved; this purpose and help to maintain spiritual ideals. That God's command is, "Go ye into all the world," Only those who have a definite determination to That the laborers are few in the foreign field, go as ambassadors of Christ to the foreign field And believing it to be God's will for me, will be admitted to this Fellowship. Emphasis on two points is stressed: First, absolute adherence I purpose to be a foreign missionary, and will plan accordto the Christian faith as taught in the New Tes- ingly. Until He leads me to the field, I will support tament. This includes belief in the plenary in- the work by my prayers and gifts and by witnessspiration and authority of the Bible, in the Virgin ing. If the Lord's later leading should direct me Birth of Christ, the atonement and salvation into other service, I will seek to give foreign misthrough Christ's voluntary death on the cross, and sions its rightful place of prominence in my min- His bodily resurrection. Second, it is necessary istry. that all Christians have a realization of the obligation to carry forward to completion the still un- Other true-minded students who are in symfinished task of taking the Gospel to the ends of pathy with the movement, but who are undecided the earth. The organizers of this movement be- about their own future and their own life work, lieve that every active member should be person- may attend the meetings of the Fellowship and ally committed to go to the foreign fields as a are to be admitted to an associate membership if missionary of Christ, as soon as possible after they desire. the completion of his or her education. The meeting at Keswick Grove seemed like an- Thousands of students have (in the past fifty other Haystack Prayer Meeting under the guidyears) volunteered to go as missionaries to the ance of the same Holy Spirit and moved by the foreign field but many of them have never gone. same enthusiasm for carrying the Gospel to the Some have lost their faith and vision, some have ends of the earth. There was the same deep conshown themselvelS to be insincere or unstable. secration to the task. The potentialities of that Something could and should be done to prevent meeting seemed boundless. this great waste and to crystalize and spiritualize the thinking of every student volunteer. The These students mean business. They have a young people gathered at Keswick in January felt steadfastness of purpose and a devotion to the the need of banding together for such a purpose, Will of God that is admirable. This movement will grow and be effective in proportion as God is in it and as the Fellowship is true to Him.
• The following officers of the new Fellowship Were elected: Executive Secretary, Kenneth G. Hood, M.A.; Student PreSident, Jack W. Murray, B.A.; Vice-President, Davison Phillips; Secretary, Lois Raws.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE AND SOME OF THE DELEGATES AT
A Milestone in Missionary Progress An Appreciation and Appraisal of the Madras Conference By DR. H. KERR TAYLOR, Nashville, Tenn.
-~ Formerly Missionary in China; Educational Secretary of the )It- Foreign Mission Work of the Presbyterian Church, U. S.
THE recent conference at Tambaram, a SlUb- tic and ,social work are included in the methods urb of Madras, India, was both inspiring and of this far-flung movement. revealing f:mm the points of view both of the In Madras we saw a demonstration of the sucmission field and of the sending churches. cess of it. Fifty per cent of the 460 delegates 1. Here was a diemonstration of the strength from over 70 countries and scattered areas came and success of the Chrisltian movement. For well from younger churches in mis'siol'l. lands. A better over a hundred years the modern phase of the mis- equipped and technically trained'group of admin- sionary enterprise has been in progress, during istrators and of workers on the: mission field it these last few generations constituting one of the would have been difficult to assemble. All were in maj or points of contact between Western lirfe and close touch with Christian work in their several that in Asia, Mrica and parts of Latin America. areas. Most of them spoke two or more languages There are today over 27,000 missionaries, and the and many spoke more.
annual budgets of the different societies aggregate On no other platform and in no other Name many millions.*. Colleges, hos.pitals, schools, in- could such a gathering have been held. The con- dustrial missions, and different kinds of evangeiis- ference was conscious of its unity in purpose and program, and settled down to seventeen days of quiet and earnest work on matters of supreme con- * aAt pBprroitxaiimnataenlyd $th3e5,0E0u0r,o0p0e0anfrocmontisneenndti.n-Eg DcIhTuOrcRh.es In America, '
Gre [ 187]
cern to. the life of peoples throughout the wQrld. great demQcracies" from SQuth Africa and Egyprt, Here was a remarkable fusing of cQntributions fro.m China and Japan. Here in a co.mmQn serv- from men of utterly diverse backgrQunds Qf race, ice o.f GQd fo.r mankind, fraternity and love were nationality, religiQus experience, theological views nQt only an ideal, but a fact; There was a striking and economics. FQr Qver a fortnight these hun- absence Qf vindictiveness and CQndemnation even dreds Qf workers expressed their cQnvictions and amQng thQse fl'o.m whQm this might have been ap- aspirations, and in most fraternal and earnest prehended. One of the finest influences exerted by fashion SQught, and measurably 'achieved, a unit- any delegation was that o.f the Chinese delegatiQn ed mind and Qutlook. It was an exceptiQnal gath- who. impres,sed the cQnference with their fine re- ering in our mQdern world. It sought fQr the life straint and Christian forbearance. A new empha- Qf our day the larger recognitiQn of a higher and sis was thus made to. the reaIity and the indis- mQre absolute responsibility and control. Here pensability Qf the influence of the Prince Qf Peace.
was a strong witnes,s to the potential unity of srpir- 4. The Madras., meeting was strQng in the em- it in the Lord that is PQssible to. the whole wo.rld. phasis given to. the Church. This was explicit.
2. The cQnference was sanely PQsitive and con- Christianity was nQt cQnceived as a mere perva- structive. The'delegates spoke their minds frank- sive influence; it requires concrete and definite ly, seeking to. conserve the best in the heritage of expression. As Dr. Speer said many years a'go, the church, particularly in its world-wide Chris- "Religious, life, like any other life, is, and must be tian enterprise. cellular; only thus does it conform to. biQIo.gical The positive leade'r&hip Qf the International law." The Church as a fellowship has a faith, a MissiQnary Council was shown in the publishing witness,a life and a cQmmission. In the Church o.f a prepamtQry study book, "The Christian Mes- is the his,toric and effective means for preaching sage in a Non-Christian World," by Dr. H. Krae- the Kingdom of God.
mer of Leiden University, HQlland. This provided 5. It WQuld extend the limits o.f this article un- a massive cQntributio.n to. the wQrld's missriQn lit- l'easonably to. evaluate the -cQntributiQn of the erature, and CQnserves much Qf the best cQnstruc- wo.rk Qf the sixteen commissions into which the tive thQught of recent decades. The thought of co.nference was divided and whQse reports were the conference was largely indebted to. this presen- received by the who.le cQnference. The evalua.tion tatiQn, which aVQided the pitfalls of ra to.Q Qptimis- of the,se findings i,sa WQrk for the churches and tic pragmatism and Qf the hampering weakness of missionary societies in the coming years. Suffice an Qverweening eclecticism so evident in recent it to. say that these studies and recQmmendations years. While thus the strength of much of what were characterized by great breadth Qf under- has been regarded as the current cQntinental standing Qf the phases and prQblems of this world thought was made basic in the thinking Qf the CQn- movement. In such realms rus the nature and func- ference, the gathering itself did nQt hesitate to tion of the Church, its witnesls and relatiQn to. the implement the strQng positiQns Qf this point of non-Christian systems, its wQrship, mini,srtry and view with the view frQm the North American con- literature, and its, social responsibilities and rela- tinent, which emphasizes practical social em- tiQn to. the State, together with its larger corpo- phases Qf the Christian message. rate life, the cQnference made significant contri- Here was a positive advance in curl'ent mis- butions to. current thought andprQvided for the sio.n and church cooperation. It is in such mutual Christian enterprise a compendium fQr seriQus understanding that the possibility Qf collaboratiQn and extended study during the neXit decade.
and union in our enterprises is possible. In a Unresolved Problems troubled world and time, the Madras meeting was driven back upon its basic and essential values. One hesitates to point Qut weaknesses in such a One wonders if it had been possible to. hold such a worthy enterprise. But it WQuld be to.o much to.
cQnference fifteen years, ago, whether the unfortu- hope that srUch a gathering, representing such nate rift in the American churches with regard to diverse elements and different ranges of experi- theQIQgy and methQd Wo.uld have been largely ence, WQuld not reveal elements of indecision and aVQided. Let the church in its cooperative and inconclusiveness which indicate that the final word uniQn enterprises heed the lesson Qf the past two is far frQm being sPQken on SQme impQrtant CQn- decades and not the strength of the Madras Co.l- cerns. The Church in its miss,iQn and in its labQratiQn. Cooperation is easy when the o.bdec- growth on the missiQn field has yet a long way to tives are clea:r and when Christian leadership is go. in solving some Qf its essential prQblems.
positive and unequivocal. 1. There was a recurring indicatiQn throughout 3. The conference was a demonstratiQn in a the -days Qf conference that secondary considera- war-mad Wo.rld Qf ho.W fraternity and under- tiQn is Qften being given to. the basic necesrsity on standing may be attained. It mattered little that all fields Qf a truly indigenous church life. In delegates had come from Germany and from the mQre than one cQmmission,and in the plenary
A MILESTONE IN MISSIONARY PROGRESS
sessions, the cDnference av'Oided the questi'On 'Of for a new generatiQn of workers in this a new self-supPDrt. One heard too little of church fel- day, workers who will in fraternal c'OHaborati'On lowships seeking such cDIiPorate expressi'On as is with the younger churches take up with them the pDssible now, drawing sustenance up frQm the soil service at the point which it has reached and help and life where these fellDwships exist and where carry it to a WQrthy c'Onclusion. they must give their 'Own witness. Representatives of the younger churches had a The missiDn field church shDuld n'Ot, 'Of C'OU~se, go'Od deal tQ say as to the need fQr collab'OratiQn by be a replica 'Of that in the homeland. N'Ot 'Only in wDrkers frDm abroad with the leaders 'Of the Western modes, music, architecture and ministe- yQunger churches, the desirability 'Of a shared CQnrial garb has the church 'On the missi'On fields tD'O trol in the finances of the enterprise, and the feas- 'Often given the impressiDn of being "foreign,:' but ibility of putting the life and service 'Of the mi,sthere has 'Often been evidence 'Of this want of a sionary himself under the direction of the native conditiDning a-ttitude 'Of mind and life in native church and its, leadership. Much of this was insustenance and in independence. One wonders dicative 'Of the new day ,to which we have come or h'OW this whDle attitude of some 'Of the younger are destined. But in the findings> of the commi'schurches appears tD the supporters of the nQn- sion on the unreached fields, one wished fDr a more Christian religiDus insUtutiDns. And the clash convincing caB from the yQunger churches themwith natiDnalistic aspiratiDns i,s a cQmmonplace. selves for young men and w'Omen from abr'Oad, who are undoubtedly needed, with the offer of In some of the sessiQns at Madras the hDpe f'Or challenging and significant tasks even though toadvance WQuld in thi,s respect have been fur- day there has come a new orienting 'Of the misthered had there been less discussion 'Of "grants si'Onary's PQsitiQn and :service. Wise will it be in in aid," "subsidies," and "control 'Of funds,," and the immediate days ahead if in the, calls from the a more earnest and l'ealistic c'Onsideration 'Of some field less emphasis is put on the special qualifica- 'Of the findings of the Department of Social and tiQns needed for new missionaries', and more con- Industrial Research 'Of the International MissiDn- vincing emphasis 'On their indispensability. ary C'Ouncil through its secretary, J. Merle Davis. If the unrealities of much of the 'Outmoded prac- There is indisputable need and challenging SCQpe tice of past decades, with its want of such self- for y'Oung men and women 'Of consecration and maintenance, are not discarded 'On the missiDn training, as was proved by the convincing evifield in these days of wQrld depression and neces- dence furnished by the commi,ssi'On on the unfinsary recom;,tructiQn 'Of financial pDlicy, then the ished task. And c'Onstant contac,t with the youth current oPPDrtunity fDr much real advance at this of 'Our h'Ome lands aSSUl'es 'One that there is no point will have been lost. want of heroic willingness on the part 'Of the yQung pe'Ople to meet the challenges 'Of a new 2. A cDrrelated weakness of the conference was day. But what the missionary cause in the h'Omeits failure to make clear the vital need 'Of new re- lands today requires, in the light 'Of the rapidly cruits for missiQnary service. It is true that aging missiQnary force and the sman numbers of one secti'On was concerned with the place and missi'Onary volunteers, is a clamant and convincfunction and training 'Of the future missionary; ing call fr'Om the y'Ounger churches themselves, and one cDmmission presented the yet unfinished that many of the best y'Outh 'Of the 'Older churches task. But the conference, and particularly the sh'Ould "come over and help" in a task altogether leadership of the YDunger churches, shDuld hav~ beyond the ability 'Of the y'Ounger churches to commade clear in a ringing and vivid way the admit- pass. There sh'Ould be the assurance that, fo.r a ted need for a l'ecruiting 'Of the miSISionary force. whole lifetime at least, such life investment will be cordially welcomed and challengingly em- The leadel's of the younger church wDuld do ployed. It is just here that the yo.unger churches well to keep this in mind. The present missionary force is rapidly aging, and on all sides there are in the next few years can render 'a, m'Ost valuable vast unoccupied fields. We have lived thr'Ough an era of wide mi's,sionary expansion and of enthu- service and can be the means of reinspiring the siastic support. Outstanding missionary leaders 'Older churches to an even larger adventure in the in the sending countries have laid this responsi- vast unreached task of Christian missions abroad. bility on the church and have called f'Or the heroic venture 'Of YDung life in ocoupying fields that 'Oth- 3. Perhaps the explanation of the situation is erwise would not be reached. The center of gravi- in the trend 'Of leadership n'Oticeable on some of ty of the enterprise has now shifted to the mis- the mission fields, as, revealed in Madras. PressiDn field. Inspiration fDra continuatiDn O!f the ent day leadership partakes t'Oo. largely of Western enterprise must take its rise ,there. In this wDrld- viewpoint and supp'Ort. The church on the field wide enterprise, in which the interests of younger is not native enough. It is oriented too. largely churches and the missionary societies are so iden- to the West. Its dress :sh'Ows it. The structure of tical, what is needed is the sounding 'Of a clear call its c'Ooperativeand representative enterprises is conditioned to'O largely 'On f'Oreign funds. In a
conference conducted entirely in English, and The composite nature of the gathering and the therefore reflecting so largely westernized opinion, necessity for the observance of amenities and reone often missed the careful and measured balance straints made impracticable the specific condemand independence of judgment that is the sure nation of known acts of aggression, specific areas mark of a self-supported and entirely indigenous of persecution, and like ills. One must read beenterprise. Jesus lived and died and rose again tween the lines of the finding:s to see what the conin Asia. What the missionary cause today needs is ference reaHy had in mind. After all, the meetthe careful judgment and collabomtion of a na- ing was for counsel in the doing of a specific task tive church whose life and leadership is devoid of in the world, it was not a conference to sit in judgartificiality in its structure and support. We too ment on the world. often think in terms of the churches as they ought to be, and not enough of the churches as they are. The conference was a worthy third in a great Let the Intern~tional Missionary Coundl, and series. Edinburgh in 1910 was a great missionparticularly its constitutive units on the field, re- ary conference that emphasized comity. Jerusaflect current indigenous church life and opinion. lem in 1928 recognized the importance of the The cenlters, of Christian life for these younger younger churches ,and sought a common front and churches are not, or should not be, Canterbury, platform, finding it in a unifying Christology. Rome or New York, but in the mission lands, them- Madras in 1938 conceived of the unfinished task in selves. We need to be on our guard lest we make terms of a world-wide church fellowship. Its the same mistake here that has so often been made greatest contribution was not so much its findin mission projects, 'and in our zeal for results in ings, but in a real sense its very self. The' conorganization and leadership through foreign sub~ ference was perhaps lacking in great creative sidy, run ahead of ourselves. statement. It was a great creation, representing the results of past decades of noble missionary 4. One should not look in the findings for clear service, and indicating the need for further adcut, unequivocal delineations of some of the cur- vance. It emphasized dramatically how far we rent problemslland frictions throug;hout our world. have come, and how far we yet have to go.
An Impression of Madras Conference By PROF. HENDRICH KRAEMER, Leyden, Holland Author of "The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World"
N EVER before have I found it so difficult to The second reason, as far as I can judge, is that formulate an impression about a conference such international conferences become so per- I attended as in regard to that held at fected in their technique, and so standardized in Tambaram (Madras) last December. One usually their methods, that creative explosions and stir- feels reasonably certain that one understands the rings become very rare and almost impossible. general trend and spirit of the conference, and The method adopted in these conferences seems has some definite opinion of the outcome to be to have become somewhat as follows: For a year expected. These conclusions are not clear in re- or two in advance extensive and stimulating pr~ .gard to Tambaram, possibly for two main rea- paratory work is done, which is 'One of the most sons. productive features of a world conference. Peo- ple are urged to collect material, to think out prin- First, the time allotted to handle the sixteen ciples, to criticize methods and principles, and to main subjects (and the many others added dur- outline new visi'Ons and plans. The result is put ing the conference) was far too short. This was at the disposal of the whole missionary enterprise the general feeling of the delegates. Because of in the world. This isa highly stimulating and the many subjects that had to be discussed in five productive influence. days, one was so occupied with the subjects. to be taken up in the special sections attended that it When the day of the conference dawns the delewas impossible to get a grasp of the general sweep gates are divided into sections, to study the variof the conference. ous subjects allotted and to prepare a report for
AN IMPRESSION OF MADRAS CONFERENCE
general consideration. The idea is that a small baram. It was a great privilege to meet so many group study one particular subject and, as a re- ins,piring personalities. It was inspiring to hear, sult of cooperative and creative thought and con- first-hand, how the forces of the Kingdom of God structive criticism, will present the result to. the are working everywhere, often against the greatfull session of the conference for criticism and est odds. The deep sense of Christian fellowship, revision or adoption. experienced at Tambaram, filled the heart with thanksgiving to God. The reality of the Univer- But this eX'cellent idea, in my humble opinion, sal Church of Christ in the world, as the deepest can create useful and satisfactory results only if and solely undeceiving cause for hope and joy, the general guidance of such a conference is sure manifested itself repeatedly in our dealings with and determined and if there is sufficient time. each other. Otherwise the splendid intentions of this technique will become largely inoperative as seemed, to a Probably the most abiding impression I carry great extent, to have been the case at Tambaram. with me is the expectation that from this confer- In many cases the important preparatory work was scarcely used. This does not detract from DR. HENDRICH KRAEMER AND REV. D. T. NILES OF CEYLON the value o.f the preparatory work but it is to be regretted that the conference could not use to full ence a new fire will spread through all the advantage the results of these preparatory labors. churches and mission fields, a new fire of whole- The same pressure of time made it difficult to have hearted surrender to the divine commission of a thorough discussion in the sections where a co.n- evangelizing the world in all its spheres, and of flict of ideas could be given free play in such a strong loyalty to the Church as the fellowship in way that the creative spirits could formulate a Christ. The world needs a clear demonstration common platform. This criticism applies espe- of what the Church, if faithful to its calling, must cially to the most important subjects. be-namely a new, regenerated quality of individ- ual life and of life in fellowship. Tambaram The plenary sessions of the conference were so strongly impressed this vision on the minds of limited in time that they did not bring that whole- those who were present. some and indispensable clash of ideas to enable us to discover the fundamental urges of a conference and the unifying and inspiring force that determines its energizing influence.
Conferences, like that at Tambaram, are of such great importance to the missionary enterprise and to the Church that it is important to discover where their weaknesses may be remedied. Nowadays we kno.w fairly well what the technique of a great international gathering should be in order to obtain the maximum results. Tambaram, however, teaches that this technique cannot yield its due results unless we take at least three or four full weeks for such a gathering. There is an Arab proverb which runs: Haste originates from the devil. This certainly applies to international conferences. One of the fundamental conditions for their fruitfulness is that the mind can work quietly and intensely, open to God and open to each other. Only then can the average-minded and average-gifted delegate have his due share in the work of planning and thinking; and only then can the spiritually and intellectually creative minds make their indispensable contribution.
This is not all that I have to say about Tam- Is this the time, 0 Church of Christ! to sound No! rather, strengthen stakes and lengthen cords, Retreat? To arm with weapons cheap and blunt Enlarge thy plans and gifts, 0 thou elect, The men and women who have borne the brunt And to thy kingdom come for such a time! Of truth's fierce strife, and nobly held their ground? The earth with all its fullness is the Lord's. Is this the time to halt, when all around Great things attempt for Him, great things expect, Horizons lift, new destinies confront, Whose lOVe imperial is, whose power sublime! Stern duties wait our nation, never wont To play the laggard, when God's will was found? CHAJU$S SUlfN~ HOYT.
"Now Concerning the Collection"
By the REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D., Princeton, N. J.
Editor of "The Moslem World"; author of "It Is Hard to Be a Christian," etc.
I N ALL the Greek manuscripts of Paul's first Qf thQse who. gave hilariQusly (2 Cor. 9: 7) and letter to. the Corinthians there is not even a liberally stand Qut in my memory. semicQIQn to. divide the glQriQUS fifteenth chap- 'I1here was a Sioux CQunty farmer in IQwa who. ter on the Resurrection from the statement at the heard of Arabia when I was Qrdained as missionbeginning Qf the sixteenth chapter: "Now Con- ary. His Qwn pioneer experience responded to cerning the CoUection." FQr a Christian to. be- such an appeal and I recall hQW he supported our lieve in the living Redeemer and to abound in the first native evangelist. His letters in Dutch, and wQrk of the LQrd implies regular offerings, gifts those from Kamil Abd ul Messih in Arabic, crossed and self-denial to SUPPQrt this work. Paul was the seas and after translation jQined hearts in an example and an inspiration to. all missiQnaries prayer. and to. all Christians~he was not ashamed Qf the AnQther wealthy farmer was the greatest hog- "collectiQn plate." He wrote elsewhere very raiser in his cQunty and his state. His hQgs took plainly "cQncerning giving and receiving." He the blue ribbon prizes but his heart was that of raised mQney fQr missiQnsand fQr the PQQr Qf the the Gadarenes. One day, as he himself tQld me, Church. He himself was generously supported he received an impudent and threatening letter by the Church at Philippi. frQm gangsters in the cQunty-seat. It was signed It is nQt surprising, therefore, that the mQdern with skull and crQss-bones and sPQke of murder missionary must give of his time and strength unless "YQU skinflint, yQU put two thQusand dQI- when Qn furlQugh to. secure from the Church at lars in a cigar box under a stQne at the crQSS- home mQney for the enterprise. All try it. SQme rQads." In great fear he spread the letter befQre succeed, and some fail. But the experiences Qne the Lord as did Hezekiah Qf old. He prayed that has in being GQd's beggar on the dOQrsteps Qf GQd WQuld deliver him frQm the gang, who ap- Dives and CQmpany are priceless, whether Qne parently meant business, and VQwed to. make resti- meets with liberal gifts Qr niggardly refusals. The tutiQn to. God. He paid his VQW Qver and over same plea meets with varied response. My experi- again to. the cause o.f Christian educatio.n and mis- ence (in this sheaf of stQries) is like that of the siQns; nQr was he ever mQlested.
American so.ldier in the Wo.rld War, who was suc- The largest gift I ever received fDr missio.ns cessively billeted in an Irish, an English and a was from a go.dly and wealthy lady in Chicago..
SCQtch hQme. In each place he asked fo.r mQre I was making an effQrt to. raise $10,000 fQr the sugar in his tea. The Irish WQman said, "here's Nile Missio.n Press in Cairo.. Dr. JQhn TimQthy the bQwl, help YQurself"; the English lady said, StQne, pasto.r o.f the FQurth Presbyterian Church, "pass yQur cup and I'll give you a seco.nd lump"; generQusly gave me five minutes at the close of while the SCDtch ho.usewife looked do.ur while ask- his mQrning service, to. present the need of Chris- ing, "Mon, have ye stirred it?" tian literature in the WQrld Qf Islam. No. Qne else The acid test of Qur love to Christ and His King:- responded to. the appeal at this service but this dom is stewardship. The Master still sits before lady invited us to. luncheon and to. my amazement the treasury and weighs our contributiQns as he gave her check fQr the whQle amQunt. There had did those Qf the rich Pharisees and the poor been prayer in Cairo. and in Chicago..
widQw. It is nQt an easy task to raise mQney for In sharp cQntrast to. such beneficence was an missiQns, but I have often cQmforted myself by experience in Philadelphia where, at the clQse Qf the wQrds of Dr. Arthur T. Pierson: "We knQw a service in which I had sPQken of medical mis- that the rich man opened his eyes on a different sions in Arabia, two. ladies dressed in fine seal- scene, but the beggar landed in Abraham's bos- skin CQats tarried to. meet the preacher. They om." I have met with rebuff on several Qccasions said: "We really CQuld nQt go. without giving yQU during the past fifty years, but the recollectiQns SQme tQken Qf Qur interest in yQur great work [192 ]
EXAMPLES OF SACRIFICIAL GIVING
. . ." and, believe it or not, when I had thanked they were disputing whether to give or not to give, them warmly and opened my closed hand in the I asked playfully, "Who is the head of this house, vestry, the image and superscription was that of you or your wife?" Both deferred to the other. an American twenty-five-cent piece. Then to my delight I saw a wall motto hanging over the living-room table : Jesus Christ is the The following week I was in Rochester, New Head of this house; the unseen guest at every York. It was, a very cold day; I called on an old meal; the silent listener to every conversation. friend who sold automobile accessories. He re- I pointed to it as the answer to my question. Withmarked that my light overooat was unsuited ex- out another word the farmer took a check book cept for Arabia, took down an expensive fur-lined from his overall pocket and wrote a larger sum overcoat, and insisted that I pay for it and wear than any of us had expected. The deacon was it. He looked at the sales tag and said, "the price most of all surprised and led in a prayer of thanksof this to you is twenty-five cents-no I am not giving. joking-pay me the sum and then we'll go to lunch together." I told him the Philadelphia story, and Time would fail to tell of other experiences and paid the quarter. Later the coat was bequeathed of the joy that comes to those at the battle-front to a Dakota missionary. when reinforcements of men and money are forth- coming. The Philippian Church was Paul's joy This Rochester friend kept a tithing account in and crown. How ofen they cheered him by their his bankbook (as I learned, after his death). His free-will offerings, so that even in prison he was son showed the account to me and at the top "their own missionary" and they became an exof each page of benevolences were the words: ample to all the churches of Asia Minor, even to "W. R., in account with his Redeemer." the Corinthians (Philippians 4: 15, 16).
It is a spiritual tonic to meet such businessmen. "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory He was like the Philadelphia lawyer to whose through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beoffice the late Fennell P. Turner and I went to loved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, alsolicit a gift for the Student Volunteer Movement. ways abounding in the work of the Lord, for as "Gentlemen," he said, "you need not waste your much as ye know that your labor is not in v,ain in time or mine by long speeches. I know your cause the Lord. Now concerning the collection." and believe in it. If my funds allow, I shall give you a check." Then he rang for his secretary. EXAMPLES OF SACRIFICIAL GIVING * "Can the tithing account stand another hun- King David would not surrender to cheapness dred?" when it came to his worship of God. When the prophet directed David to go up on the threshing- "No, it is overdrawn." floor of Araunah and there offer a burnt-offering, Araunah freely offered to give the King the "The special account?" threshing-floor, the oxen, and everything that was "No." necessary for the burnt-offering. David's classic "Well, then, draw a check on the special, spe- answer is found in these words: "Neither will I cial account." offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God of He explained that this account consisted of re- that which doth cost me nothing" (2 Sam. 24: ceipts from debts unexpeotedly repaid after long 24, 25). He insisted on paying for it. Where standing! there is no sacrifice there is no love and where "I owe my Lord more than these debtors owe there is no love there is no worship. me," he said with a smile. The whole transaction took less than five minutes. Mary of Bethany was at her best in worship The secret of the willing mind and the liberal when she anointed Jesus,' feet with a pound of hand is to realize the Lordship of Christ over our liquid nard, very costly, but without counting the lives and His constant presence with us. In July, cost (John 13: 1). 1918, we were soliciting gifts for missions among the farmers of Sioux County, Iowa. An earnest In "The Gardens of Life," J. R. Straton tells the deacon drove me from farm to farm and nearly following story: everywhere in that prosperous year the farmers gave liberally. We came one day at the breakfast A rich man was down at the waterfront awaiting the hour to the home of one of the wealthiest farmers departure of an ocean liner. He was joined by an acbut my guide said there was no use going in to quaintance, who said to him: ask this man. "He is very close-fisted, although his wife is a liberal soul." "You seem to be much pleased about something." I responded we would better try, since he could "Yes," said the rich man, "I do feel unusually good tonot dp more than say no. As my guide had ex- day. Do you see that vessel at anchor in the North River? pected, the farmer refused bluntly. His wife en- Well, I have on that vessel ten thousand dollars worth of tered a plea but he would not yield an inch. As * Condensed from United Ohurch R6'View of North India.
equipment for a hospital in China, and I just came down wards wrote as follows to the above-mentioned to see the vessel safely off." business man: "That is interesting, and I am glad you made that gift," "As I was for thirty-four years an executive said the friend. "But you know I also have a gift on officer of a large Board.of Foreign Missions (Presthat ship. My only daughter is on that vessel, going to byterian), and am sWI, as Secretary Emeritus, in China to give her life as a missionary." close touch with it, I feel sure that you will ap- preciate my interest in your suggestion that the The wealthy man looked feelingly into the eyes of his churches might cut their foreign missionary work friend and exclaimed: seventy-five per cent, and use the liberated money to further the cause of peace and related objects. "My dear brother, I feel as though I have given nothing, Apart from the reasons for foreign missions that when I think of what this sacrifice means to you." are basic in our Christian faith, may I suggest the following considerations that would be involved This is the spirit that delights the heart of God in so extensive a reduction of missionary work. and the spirit which He seeks to foster in His children. "There are now approximately 40,000 churches in non-Christian lands, with a baptized member- A big lumberjack once said to Frank Higgins, ship of 10,971,066. These churches are the results the "Sky-pilot Lumberjack," as he lay on the oper- of missionary work. While some of them are ating table just before he took the anesthetic: locally self-supporting and all others are contrib- "Frank, you know that we love you and want to uting part of their congregational expenses, thouhelp you. While the doctors are operating I will sands of the smaner ones need our assistance. To be at your door; and Frank, if the doctors find withdraw the major part of this assistance would they need a quart of blood, or a piece of bone, or a seriouly cripple them. They stand for the same bit of skin, they can call on me. Frank, you can principles of peace, brotherhood and righteoushave every drop of blood or every bone in my ness, for which the churches in the United States body; now don't forget, I will be at the door." stand. You eloquently stated the vital need of the cooperation of American churches in creating This is the spirit that God is seeking to cultivate the international conditions that you so ardently when He tells us that it is more blessed to give desire. If the help of the churches here is essenthan to receive. tial in securing world peace, do we not also need the help of the missionary churches to promote There is an interesting story in Philippians 4: .peace abroad? Nationalism cannot create the in- 14-19. The church at Philippi had been minis- ternational mind in churches any more than in tering to the needs of the Apostle Paul while he politics. We need the missionary churches and was in prison in Rome. Paul was very apprecia- they need us. The words of the late Lord Bryce, tive of their gift for it represented real sacrifice, former Ambassador to the United States, are as of which God himself approved. Then the apostle true now as when he wrote them. He declared: makes, as a climax, that matchless promise made to the donors, "And my God shall supply every The jarring contact of many nations in the Far East need of yours, according to his riches in glory in imperatively calls for the strengthening of foreign mis- Christ Jesus." sionary work, which must be the chief influence in smooth- ing that contact, in allaying irritation and in creating Dr. G. Campbell Morgan says, "We know the those conditions of international goodwill which are essentruth of God as no other age has ever known it, tial to the preservation of world peace. The one sure and yet there never was a time when men, know- hope of a permanent foundation for world peace lies in ing and living under its blessings, were less obe- the extension throughout the world of the principles of dient to it than now." In the wake of obedience the Christian Gospel. is rich bles<sing, but in the wake of disobedience is judgment, disappointment and failure. "As a business man, I am sure that you will appreciate the following facts: Sacrificial giving in our service of God enriches and does not impoverish us. Some Significant Facts EXTRAVAGANT RETRENCHMENT "1. The foreign missionary work of the churches has been slowly and laboriously built up In a conference several influential business men for over a hundred years until it now represents urged closer cooperation between commercial and properties and equipment in mission compounds, religious organizations in averting war and pro- hospitals, orphanages, leper asylums, schools, colmoting international goodwill. One of the laymen leges, universities, industrial and agricultural inpresent suggested that the churches might wisely stitutions, residences, church buildings., etc., to a cut down their foreign missionary work seventy- total value of considerably over a hundred millions five per cent and use the liberated money to fur- of dollars. Withdrawal of seventy-five per. cent ther the cause of peace and related objects. One of the financial support which is now being given of the members of this conference, the Rev. Arthur J. Brown, D.D., Secretary Emeritus of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, after-
EXTRAVAGANT RETRENCHMENT
would close most of the 1,092 hospitals and.56,891 now being given, to foreign missions is not in the schools and colleges. It would necessitate the clos- treasuries of churches and is not at their disposal.
ing of the numerous orphanages, leper asylums, It consists of voluntary offerings designated for s,chools for the blind, the deaf and dumb children, this specific purpose. It is, therefore, a trust fund the industrial and agricultural institutions which which is expended by the churches through their are training youth for useful service and self- boards of foreign missions and it cannot be legally support, raising standards of living, and help- or morally used for anything else.
ing poverty-stricken people better their lot. Lead- "4. The distressing conditions now existing in ers of the churches in Asia freely declare that they China, so far from lessening the need for miss,ion- could not possibly meet the expense of maintain- ary work, has enormously increased it. All the ing these numerous institutions without the help mission compounds in the area of hostilities are they are receiving from the American and Euro- thronged with refugees-penniless, starving peo- pean churches, nor do they yet possess a sufficient ple, the aged, the sick, most of them women and number of trained executives to direct them. children, many of the latter being orphans. The Comparatively few of these properties could be missionaries are toiling literally night and day to sold, except at heavy loss. Forced sales of real help them. Recent letters report 2,500 helpless estate, hard enough in the United States, are refugees in one mission compound and 7,000 in doubly so in non-Christian lands, especially when another. All are dependent on the mi'ssionaries the properties are institutions which cannot be for food 'and medical care. The Chinese have given operated for commercial profit. innumerable testimonies to their gratitude. Gen- "2. The 27,577 missionaries, of whom about eralissimo Chiang Kai-shek and his wife have 15,000 are from America, are appointed for life publicly stated their appreciation and their hope service and cannot fairly be discharged as a mer- that the resources of the missionaries will be in- chant discharges a clerk. After a missionary has creased. In his recent Christmas message to the been given a collegiate and post-graduate training people of the United States, the Generalissimo in America, and a miss,ion board has paid his said: .
travel expenses to a distant land, has provided him There lies upon us, and we presume upon you also our and his family with a house and salary for a min- fellow-Christian readers, a great weight of care which imum of three years while he is acquiring the religion alone can teach us to bear worthily. . . . Peace necessary knowledge of a foreign language and and high moral standards are inseparable, and when they people, he represents a considerable investment become an a::complished fact in the lives of all the peoples of the East and West, there will be no more war. War and becomes a valuable man. It would be costly is brutal, but it will ever be powerless. to rob any of us of the transcendent peace of men who are at peace with to lose him and, if the work is reopened at some themselves. later period, to begin all over again with new and inexperienced men. Moreover, it costs about "Why, then, should we weaken the 'religion'
$1,000 to bring an average missionary (less for and 'high moral standards' in China, which the single missionaries but more for married ones foreign missionary work of our churches is cre- with children) from Asia or Africa to America. ating there and of which the Generalissimo and If seventy-five per cent of the 15,000 American his gifted wife themselves are among the fruits.
missionaries were to be recalled, nearly if not It seems to me that, instead of lessening foreign quite $11,000,000 would be required to bring them missionary work, we should strengthen it if we home. As the mission board could not honorably are to promote both at home and abroad the inter- cut off their salaries without making some pro- national mind and the spirit of world brotherhood vision for their support for a few months until which the foreign missionary enterprise in- they had a reasonable time to secure other em- culcates. . . .
ployment, a meager allowance of at least $500 "Your advocacy of peace, as essential not only per person for this purpose for 11,000 mission- to world trade but to all ,the best interests of man- aries would require $5,500,000 more for the whole kind, is an inspiration to us who have long had number. In other words, the withdrawal of sev- that cause in .our hearts."
enty-five per cent of the 15,000 American mission- aries, so far from liberating money for other uses, It may be that there are other well-meaning would not only ruin missionary work but would church members who think that missionary money involve an aggregate expenditure of approxi- should be diverted to other causes and who do not mately $16,500,000, nearly all of which would be realize the difficulties, the injustice and the tre- a total loss. mendous loss that would result to the Gause of "3. The money that has been given, and that is Christ and the welfare of humanity.-EDITOR.
Among Hindu Pilgrims*
–<111 By REV. RAJENDRA CHANDRA DAS III!o– TAST April a small group of twelve men met in was the same – they all centered in and around L fellowship, prayer and consultation in the the Cross of Christ. The converts, "born" Chris- United City Mission at Benares. They came tians, Europeans and Indians, had each a signifi- from different centres of Hindu pilgrimage in cant story to tell. Each one had a different ap- north 'and northeast India. A few of the local proach to Christ – the Saviour 'and Master. missionaries and Indian Christians also attended Among the converts were different types-social, some sessions.t This conference was composed intellectual, political, moral, spiritual, natural, of persons' who are either engaged in work among personal-every one with an emphasis of his own. pilgrims and other orthodox Hindus in religious There were also one or two who had many of these centres or who are running Christian Ash:r~ams motives combined in determining their Christian surrender. Yet in all this diversity there was a or are interested in the study of the faith and solid and wonderful spirit of unity which all appractice of Hinduism. preciated. It was a pleasant discovery that in a group of heterogeneous elements there could be The purpose of the gathering was threefold: so much understanding and fellowship. There First, fellowship in prayer and interchange of were men of Anglican, Baptist, Quaker, Methoddst experiences and ideas. It was an encouragement and Free Church affiliation and yet there was a to hear reports of how God is using men in differ- happy, joyous and exhilarating fellowship and ent fields. Everybody noted the mighty work of unity. Thank God for this wonderful blessing. the Spirit of God in the difficult field of Brindaban among the Sadhus and Vairagis. In Calcutta the The second object of this conference was the banner of evangelism is kept high among the edu- formation of a simple organization with a view to cated. The A.shram life of Puri is developing fostering this fellowship between different peralong the line of quiet study, meditation and sons and places through the publication of a small prayer, as well as personal evangelism. In Milt- paper and through occasional conferences, as well tra, Rev. R. Templin and some of his colleagues as by interchange of workers. After a discussion are experimenting on Christian life and work of several points it was agreed that a simple oralong brotherhood lines. ganization be formed under some such title as "T.he Association of Christian Ashrams" (work- The views and spiritual experiences, as narrated ers among pilgrims and orthodox Hindus in North by the different members, were as varied as the and Northeast India) – Bhartiya Khristakula men themselves, but the core of the experience • Condensed from The Indian Witness. Samity. A small quarterly paper containing re- t Mr. Abraham Khan came from Puri. He is In charge of the quests for prayers and thanksgiving and short re- Ishapanthy Ashram which was founded by the late Rev. B. C. Sirc,,:r, ~.A., the Y. M. C,. A. evangelist. The Temple of Jagannath ports of work was felt to be desirable. It was dewith Its annual Gar Festival draws hundreds and thousands of people cided that on particular occasions of festivals .from all parts of India. Rev. M. Moses of the Church of God move- workers would be exchanged between different ment represented Calcutta where thousands of pilgrims visit the centres like Puri, Brindaban and Benares as well Temple of Kali. The Rev. J. Y. Sidley of the Baptist Mission repre- as at other normal times. A retreat-conference sented Gaya where Hindus COme in great numbers to offer Pindas like the present one – is to be repeated at least once every two years at a centre and on an occa- (balls of rice) in the names of their relatiYes for the.ir full ant! sion when practical evangelistic work could be final salvation, and Buddhist pilgrims also come to visit the place done among pilgrims and Sadhus. where Buddha was enlightened. Mr. N. N. Das of Patna, retired from Government Secretariat service and associated with the Union This conference was called upon to consider the Church work, represented ancient Pataliputra and HindU bathing feasibility of inaugurating a school to study Hincentres in Bihar. Mr. I. L. Lawrence of the English Methodist duism, with emphasis on its practical, popular and orthodox side. A few of those actually engaged Church represented Ayodhya, the birthplace of Ram, one of the in preaching the Gospel to Sadhus, Sanyasis and great incarnations of the Hindus. The Rev. G. W. Maw of the pilgrims, Pundits and Priests, Mohants and Brah- Fri.ends' Mission, Itarsi, represented not only the pilgrim centres of mins have felt the need of a unity of purpose and RaJPutana and Central India but also the great Himalayan shrines practical knowledge and training in work. It was like Kedarnath and Badrinath. Mr. Maw, in a Sadhu's dress. has traveled far and wide with pilgrims themselves. Pandit Yamua Prasad Chowbey. professor of music. came from the TheologiCal Sem- Inary of .the Methodist Episcopal Church at BareiIIy. Mr. Dldar, a young Hmdu convert of the Methodist Mission, represented Muttra. Brindaban, a most important pilgrim centre especially for Valshnava Bengalees, was represented by the Rev. A. C. Chakravarti, B.D., of the Methodist Church, who has founded a Christian Ashram on his own responsibility in that very "orthodox" place. Benares, where the retreat was held and which Is the greatest centre of Hindu orthodoxy and learning, was represented by the workers and Inmates of the United Mission-the Rev. S. R. Holt, Mr. H. K. Dey and Rev. R. C. Das.
[196 ] unanimously felt that such opportunities would be politico-cultural organization. As a Hindu he saw highly appreciated and utilized by many. The no barrier in Hinduism as regards intermarriage Benares United City Mission offers any facilities and interdining. Coming from a man of his posiit has for such a purpose. A well equipped library tion, this was remarkable inasmuch as Christian was felt necessary and there is already a nucleus circles are not usually conversant with this uniof it at Benares. The study of the faith and prac- versal attitude of Hinduis.m, its orthodox and extice of Hinduism is necessary and important for clusive ideas and practices being more commonly a right approach to Hindus. It is unfortunate that met. almost all workers, Indian or non-Indian, do general work among non-Christians with no special We were convinced of many things, among qualifications to touch effectively either Hindus which the more important are: first, only pracor Moslems. A School of Islamics started a few tical and s,incere Christianity of the apostolic type years ago has rendered valuable service for the in the sense of converted and consecrated personal cause of Christ among Moslems. No less should life through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, as be done intelligently and sympathetically to touch effective in meeting this long-lived and virile Hindus. Hinduism we find in shrines and pilgrim centres; second, only collective witness and cooperative en- There was a paper from the Rev. R. Templin of deavor disclose the secret of the power of Hin- Muttra on the subject of "Witness and the Serv- duism; third, fresh methods of evangelistic ants of the Kingdom." Emphasis was laid on approach to Hindus based on understanding and (1) the need and importance of collective witnes,s; sympathy, must be discovered. Our supreme con- (2) the Kingdom of God rather than the church viction is that the presence of the Living Christ as an institution; (3) God seeks man through among us and the guidance of the Holy Spirit is Christ; (4) no faith without faithfulness.. essential in everything said or done.
The Rev. Atul Chandra Chakravarti, B.D., of ECLECTIC RELIGIONS Brindaban Christian Ashram, in an address on Hinduism, brought out the following points:: The By REV. J. CHRISTY WILSON, D.D., Tabriz, Iran study of Hinduism as a religion and culture is necessary: (1) for goodwill and fellowship with There is great danger in electicism in religion. our non-Christian friends; (2) to equip us better The Bahais are all inclusive and all things to for preaching the Gospel and in bringing out true all men. They will agree with Moslems, Chriscontacts and real differences between Christianity tians or Jews and claim to unite the best things and Hinduism. The following vital issues and from all faiths. practical questions were raised: Should we ag- From Iran the ancient Nestorian Church cargressively s.how the superiority of Christianity ried the Gospel with burning zeal to India, China and deficiency of Hinduism? Should we condemn, and the far reaches of Asia. Very few of the attack, criticize, and find flaws? How can we Christian communities they founded remain topreach Christ-the only Saviour-without arous- day, and one of the reasons for the failure of ing antagonism? How reconcile the claims of these Christian churches to survive, is that they Christianity with goodwill for Hindus? compromised with other faiths. Some advisers believe that missions should do The Rev. G. W. Maw, of Itarsi, speaking on the the same today-"Accept what is good and true Christian approach to the Hindu pilgrims, de- in all religions and work together." But Christ scribed how he lived like a Hindu Sadhu and says we cannot serve two masters, or as the com- Sanyasi, wore the colored robe with the distinctive mon Eastern proverb has it, "You cannot hold mark of the cross on it, lived and conversed with two melons in one hand." the pilgrims and traveled with them up and down When Israel took up idol worship they did not the highways of Indian pilgrimages in North In- intend to forsake Jehovah, they merely wanted dia and the Himalayas. to be broad and get along with other religions. The end was fatal and led to degradation and It was a very interesting deviation from the or- dispersion. dinary course followed among Christians when we Here is a lesson that Christians should take to heard Dr. M. D. Shastri, Principal of the famous heart. We who are working for Christ in the Government Sanskrit College of Benares, speak Bible lands must love men of other religions, but on "How Christ Appeals to the Hindu." He we must call them to worship only God as revealed stressed the Hindu position, viz., that every reli- in Jesus Christ. Men cannot live to the glory of gion has truth and is good for its own followers, God unless they are Christian. Christ must have so that there need be no rivalry or enmity between full and complete allegiance if God is to be glorireligions. The Hindus had no difficulty in rega~d fied.-The Presbyterian. ing Christ as a great teacher and incarnation, because Hinduism is essentially not a religion in the sense of a creed or a way of life but rather a socio-
A Missionary Vacation in Rural
A Letter from a Mother to Her Sons in America By MRS. T. W. B. DEMAREE Formerly under the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Oita, Japan -1889 to 1934 SIX of us left home on Saturday for Camp and Tuesday nights with a hundred or more in Nada Hachiman, about thirty miles from attendance. The railroad station master here is Oita. We had two cars in which to load our one of our Kitsuki Christians. He copied a hymn "junk." The girls rode in one car. We brought on a large sheet of paper; we tacked it up on a all the tent and fixtures. Our cars reminded me tree, built a bonfire for light and I taught them of California tourists. to sing. They responded and listened well. The The mosquitos are pretty bad here in evenings girls and I sang some special songs for them.
but we have our nets. The beach and sea bathing Even the old priest, who is at the head of the are perfect. Our tent is stretched in the pines big temple, has been to call and has attended the which grow along the beach as far as we can see. meetings with some of his colleagues. He ex- For this big round tent we need only a center pole pressed the desire to hear more.
and a few stobs and bamboo-quickly and easily Wednesday night, after supper, the members put up, especially where we have so many trees of our party put on their bathing suits and we to which to tie the ropes. went down to the beach. Soon we were joined by The Japanese were seemingly delighted to have the station master, and later a nice looking man us and everybody turned out to help. dressed in a white suit came up and introduced "What do you need?" they asked. himself, saying, "I live on a farm back in the "First," Daddy said, "we must have a center mountains and only heard today that a Christian pole-so long-some bamboo." missionary had come to this place for a few days. I have heard something about Christ and long to Off went a man on a bicycle and by the time we learn more. Have you time to teach me?" had our tent unrolled he came riding up with an ideal pole on his shoulder. Others produced the We came back to the tent and dressed and the smaller bamboo poles and all turned in to help. people continued to gather. I took a group to Talk about kindness, I never saw anything to one side and Daddy took charge of the inquirer.
beat it. Still they came. I spread down tent cloth and All day Sunday we had callers of all descrip- rugs and soon every seat was taken. There must tions: railroad officials, principals of schools, have been fully sixty earnest inquirers, and I teachers, school children, farmers from back in never saw more earnestness. Several times I rethe sticks, some of the funniest specimens. you marked that I thought they must be tired trying ever saw, with questions, questions. Then at to understand me but they declared they under- night a large .group came and asked for a Chris- stood perfectly and begged me to continue. When tian talk and Daddy must have talked for two they were gone Daddy and I were too happy to go hours. He promised to have a real meeting for to bed so we walked down toward the sea to look them tonight when he blows his cornet. at the beautiful full moon and its reflection in the sea, when seven young men came up on bicycles Today we have had rather a quiet day with very saying they had heard in their village, several few inquisitive gazers. The principal of the Kit- miles away, about our meetings and they had come suki girls' school where I once spoke called today with a large basket of fruit, lovely plums and to learn. They seemed much disappointed to learn natsu mikan, which grew in his own garden. that the meeting was over, and asked if we would *** not talk to them a little while, so Daddy took them I stopped to play some games with the crowd. in charge.
. . Now I am seated several paces. from the tent Before I was asleep some old drunken fellows in the shade of the pines with a wonderful breeze came by and made a big hubbub. One old fellow blowing from the sea. We had meetings Monday came into the tent (side curtains were all up) [198 ]
THE NEED OF FARMERS IN JAPAN
and called out in a big loud voice, "Obasan, obasan, real country but autos and autotrucks are conare you asleep? I want your address in Oita so tinually passing and an aeroplane passed over that I can come there and learn more about Chris- my head. tianity. I'm a little drunk tQnight because today we finished putting up the big stQne torii for Qur Day before yesterday as I sat peeling potatoes temple and we are celebrating. Yes, I'm a little for supper a boy was racing his pony al'ound the drunk but I want to. hear mQre." race track beyond our tent. The horse fell and we thought the boy was killed. Daddy and I both He and Qthers hung arQund until after one a. m. started toward him taking a bucket of cold water but we finally shook them off without even mak- from the well. After some working of the bQY's ing them mad. arms and plenty of cold water he began to breathe. Then Japanese came and carried him to. his broth- The man who came early last night from up in er's home. No. bones were broken, and today he the mountains came again as we were finishing is up and has been here, with his parents, kin and breakfast, bringing some beautiful dahlias and neighbors galQre, to. thank us for having saved pears. He was a hungry looking soul and Daddy talked with him for over an hQur. "0, how I wish his life. . . . . they could know there is room for them all and Yesterday the superintendent of the railroad, that Jesus bids them come." three principals of schools, an ex-army captain This is a perfectly wonderful place to spend a and other dignitaries called. . . . summer, and I've never run up against such an opportunity. There is no church near and it is After six days we came back home; we did not get much rest but we had a good time.
The Need of Farmers in Japan* By DR. TOYOHIKO KAGAWA, Tokyo I N JAPAN we have 140 large cities and 1,200 operative. The scale of health insurance is based tQwns and villages are rural. Only 4870 of on the income of the village. The more income the total population is rural. Each year more you have the more you pay. But the treatment than 100,000 people leave the rural sections and and the number of visits of the doctor are the same go to the cities. Five million seven hundred thou- no matter what fee you have paid. sand rural people live on six million hectares. of land. (One hectare equals two and a half acres.) The farmers can now buy good fertilizers be- cause of the cooperatives. They can also buy the Our first cooperative association for farmers lands they till. In 1931 the farmers of Japan sufwas introduced from Germany a few years ago. fered from a depression and a panic. As one re- Until then the farmers borrowed money from the sult many lost the ownership of their lands and loan sharks, with interest sometimes 2570 and today about 4070 of the 5,700,000 farmers are landless. Thirty per cent of them have a little sometimes 30 % per year. The government had a regulation that interest was to he only 20 % on a land; 70 % are tenant farmers; 28 % own small debt, but the loan sharks were able to squeeze the lands; only 270 of the farmers are well off. peasants for more. Today more than 14,000 co- Sixty-five per cent of the owners of farms live in operatives have been organized for the farmers of the tQwns and cities. Therefore, we are endeav- 12,000 communities. There is one central coop- oring through cooperatives to give back to the erative union. farmers the lands which are owned by city people. Each year there are about 3,000 cases of land dis~ Today we have 8,600 storages for rice based on putes-Iabor disputes are almost stopped, but not the cooperative scheme. Through these storages land disputes – because of what the Japanese and cooperatives the price of rice can be fixed farmers suffer from the city owners of their completely. About the middle of December, when farms. Last year the Diet passed a resolution we know about the rice crop, the rate is fixed for that an owner·of farmland can sell the land to anthe year. We can fix the price of silk also.. other person only with the consent of the tiller of the soil. If the tiller of the soil will consult with Through the cooperative plan that we got from the farm credit cooperative, he can probaJbly be Denmark, we have four different forms of insur- helped to buy back his land from the city owner. ance for the people in rural areas. We have a harvest insurance for the rice crop and the silkworm The lay leaders of the Christian churches, as crop; a livestock insurance; a health insurance individuals, are active in these organizations cooperative; and a national health insurance co- everywhere.
• From an address at the 1. M. c. meeting, Madras.
of Rural Life in Africa*
By IRA E. GILLET, Kambini, Portuguese East Africa I ~.- I Principal, Cenlral Training School ~=========================.
A MAN in India was showing me photographs; cupboards and doors. The 8,000 East Indians as he hurriedly passed over some of them residing in the colony handle the major part of the he said, "These are just ordinary villagers." retail trade, and their cloth and blankets are "Ordinary villagers!" I said in amazement, largely replacing the bark-eloth and skins of "why that is all we have in Africa!" former days.
Our people are all "ordinary villagers," exc~pt Protestant Work for a few who are adjusting themselves to the lIfe and work of Durban, Capetown, and the mining Protestant Christian work is almost entirely confined to the southern districts of the colony. areas of Rhodesia and the Rand. For more than Here six long-established and four more recently four million people in Mozambique, more than half established missions are at work under increasas large as the Union of South Africa, and ex- ing limitations. tending for fifteen degrees along the east coast, we have only one high school, and that is in the Speaking for one mission, we insist that mis- sionaries sent out by the Board be rural-minded. extreme southern end of the colony. A man who prefers a game of tennis to a shower when the land needs rain, who is glad to buy eggs A large maj ority of the able-bodied men of our for less than they are worth, or who is too dainty section are continuously away from home at work to touch the manure cart need not apply. in the gold and coal mines of the Transvaal, some of them going as often as eight or ten times for Since the general standard of living, of sobriety, of trustworthiness, and of education, is much shifts of eighteen months each. At the mines the higher in the Christian villages than outside, the unskilled laborer receives about six times as much local administrators are generally sympathetic. in wages as in the colony. Some of this eventually reaches the home village but this, residue is seldom We have a central training school, based on a put into permanent village development. farm and including a Jeanes school, in which church, hospital, farm,shops and classes work as The earthly possessions of most families con- an integrated whole, together with the surround- ing community. Student candidates are examined sist of a pole-and-earth hut, roofed with grass. In and recommended by the elders of their communi- ties whether they be men or boys. Men must the one or two rooms of this house there is little bring their wives and children and establisl;t self- supporting homes for three years, after which the or no furniture beyond a few baskets, pots and more capable ones are permitted to continue for a further period. The whole family attends classes, hgroaeis~', and immediately a fter harvest there is some tills the soil under the direction of the farm leaders such as peanuts, corn, beans and millet, and according to approved methods, shares in the worship and community service of the churchupon which the owner pays an annual tax of about both locally and at considerable distance from the school center. Surveys, preaching missions, agriten dollars. cultural fairs, institutes, and tours of farm-coun- selling are carried on with faculty supervision Because of constant moving to the mines, tribal within a radius of 150 miles – all within the life is badly disintegrated and home life is broken framework of the church organization. up. Where this has not come to pass and where there are sufficient male adults at home to attend In addition to their regular school classes, the the cattle and goats, there are still herds of in- wives are taught various aspects of home-making, ferior cattle, seldom (though increasingly) used simple nursing and midwifery as well as how to for plowing. Farming methods are slow and lead worship services. In fact, nothing that is wasteful. Villagers leave the worked-out fields vital to home and village life is foreign to our proand cultivate new land or old land that has grown up again to thickets. Undecorated clay pots, g~od baskets and mats of various kinds, a little tannmg of hides and a little whittling of wooden articles are the limit of general handicraft; carpentry of the European style is becoming popular for the more progressive, for the making of chairs, tables, • Notes taken by W. W. Reid at the Madras Conference. gram and interest.
[200 ]
RURAL CHANGES IN MEXICO TODAY
Gl'OUPS of Christian villages. are joined into a permanent residences. All church buildings and circuit which, from its own funds, supplemented parsonages and medical substations are built by in decreasing proportion by the mission, makes its the local church. own budget for evangelism, health services, instruction, bulk subscriptions for vernacular news- A family trained at the school goes to a new papers carrying Sunday school lessons, pastoral village or to an old one in need of help, and sets support, home missions and connectional funds. up a permanent home. The man begins his farm There are sixteen of these circuits, including 175 work, and his community visitation as time and villages. Each meets quarterly for inspiration and resources permit, and as need appears. The cirbusiness. To suggest that any of their needs of cuit may give him fl'om two and a half dollars to life do not come within the Church's interes,t five dollars during the quarter depending upon would come to them as a surprise. circumstances; so that he need not resort to the mines to get money for his tax. He and his wife An annual consecration of hoes, seed, and other preach, nurse, teach, farm, encourage, act as implements is held in the majority of these vil- peacemakers, and in short become "lights. in the lages, usually at planting time. Thank offerings world." at the time of the harvest festival bring in gifts according to the gladness-though not necessarily Missionaries visit these Ex-students as often as according to the wealth – of these farmers. In possible and confer with them concerning their spite of evident poverty, with very meagre educa- problems. As they are given larger responsibility tion, surrounded by SOl'cery and drunkenness, they are also taken through additional courses of these units of the Church look to their school at study; and short courses and private conference& the center; to this school they send their boys and are :&requently arranged. their families, and from it they receive help. The primary boarding school for young boys Happily the African in our colony is not the- seems to have contributed little to this whole deoretically the victim of the color bar in industry. velopment, and I am convinced that this luxury The opportunity is usually there for those who is too ineffective to be continued. It must give will take advantage of it. Moreover, by the de- place to more provision for day school instruction velopment of the land the African can make his of students who live at home and so are able to claim to it secure, so that he has not to depend transmit the school influence directly and immesolely on communal holding. Many of our Chris- diately to the home. Much of this can be done tian people are taking advantage of this to erect through some such plan as 4-H clubs and adult education over a wider area.
Rural Changes in Mexico Today* By PROF. G. BAEZ CAMARGO Secretary, National Evangelical Council of Mexico I N MEXICO we are going through a social Spanish seized. The ownership of these lands was change that is greatly affecting the rural life investigated after the Revolution and resulted in of the country. Our rural problems are due to the restoration of much of this communal land to the breaking down of a land system that pre~ the villages. But in the years many new villages vailed for 400 years. The old system of cultiva- had sprung up and they had no lands; for them tion was primitive in technique, and large areas the government bought land and gave it to the of land were in a very few hands. An extreme villages. case, yet illustrating the system, was that one landowner had an area equal to about half the size This ability to own land has made a tremendous of France. change in the life of the village and of the farmer. Before that the farmer had been getting a small In 1910 the Mexican Revolution began. One of wage for tilling the land; he was paid with tickets its main objectives was. the breaking down of the and had to buy his provisions with these tickets system of land holding, the distribution of land, from stores owned by the landowners. Now with and the making of small farms. The old Indian the allocation of land to the villagers., they must villages had communal lands which all the people work their own land, and they cannot count on a of the village cultivated together. These lands the fixed amount of income each week. But the gov- ernment is getting these farmers and villagers * Extract from an address delivered at the recent International adj usted to the new system.
Missionary Conference, at Madras.
Mahka La's Story*
I -..gf By GUSTAF A. SWORD, Kutkai, Burma I ~- SUBADAR MAHKA LA of Kutkai, Burma, Subadar until he saw the thick filthy black tar- was a nominal Christian but a slave to the strong drink and opium habits. More than like substance was being washed from his body. once did he try to break the habit but without success. Associating with one of the young Ka- Especially from the tips of his fingers came a conchin chiefs, who became a Christian ten years ago and who has experienced the power of God, the tinuous stream of filth and slime. The more they Subadar felt more disgusted with himself than ever before and asked the Christian chief for ad- scrubbed the better he felt. vice and help. The chief told the Subadar that the only way of help he knew was through honest After a while the mystical visitors gradually and persistent prayer to God. And so the Subadar began to pray as never before. faded away in the light. Then the light disap- One night he had a vision; a wonderful light peared and the Subadar awakened from his filled the room and his heart and he saw some supernatural beings. In the pure bright light the dream. A wonderful sensation filled his soul. He Subadar felt filthy, mean and unclean. He looked upon his hands and his body and saw that he was felt clean; he felt free, and happy. • black with a dirty substance like opium. One of the visitors came close to him and when he saw As the Subadar got up and walked about he the filth and misery he told the Subadar to wash himself and be cleansed. The Subadar answered: spied his old opium pipe and a package of opium.
"Sir, I am not able to wash myself. I have tried The sight and the smell of it was nauseating so he but this filth sticks to me, no matter how much I try to rid myself of it. Sir, if you will wash me set about to destroy it. He also poured out the then I will be clean." strong drink. Indeed he had been washed clean. Then this supernatural being called his comrades and they set to scrubbing and washing the It is now five years since this happened and the • From The Burma News. Subadar is now a deacon in the church. All who knew him marvelled at the change; today he is a living testimony to God's saving power.
A few years ago when I was in Kutkai building the new mission bungalow, the Subadar came one evening and placed something in my hand saying, "This is my gift for the new Kutkai chapel." It was dark, I could not count the money but as I came into the grass hut we had erected while we were building the new bungalow, I counted the money and found Rs. 150. Since then he has given me Rs. 350 more for the new chapel. He has also given Rs. 300 to the new Baptist Kachin Mission enterprise in Sumprabum.
OAN A OHRISTIAN BE NON-MISSIONARY?
There is no such person as a Christian who is not making a sacrifice to support the work of the Church at home and abroad. I am not the authority for this statement. Christ is, for it was He who said, "He who would come after me let him deny himself" . . . also "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." We can't escape the fact that He called us to be ready to make a willing sacrifice in order that all men everywhere might share the Good News. . . . Christ decided this nineteen centuries ago, and all we can do is to either prove our loyalty by heeding His command, or rule ourselves out of the company of those who are truly His followers. The work of Christ needs, and has a right to expect, the united backing of every man, woman and child in the whole Church. Furthermore, I do not consider a person worthy of being presented for confirmation unless he is ready and eager to make his pledge on both sides of the envelope for the work of the whole Church. It is time we stopped turning out these generations of church members, half of whom are ignorant as to their responsibility when it comes to the support of the work of the Church.
-Bishop Hobson.
[202 ] I Effective Ways of Working Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MISS GRACE W. MCGAVRAN, 5718 OAK AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ~===============================I~ Not Too Early to Plan! light of present conditions. But mends: "The cost varies from here is a job for the Christians institute to institute, but runs to Plan what? To have at least of the world. I am coming to $25-$35 each, for the ten daysone member from your group believe that if enough Christians for room, board, and tuition. attend a Peace Institute this face this problem, we can condi- Tuition alone is generally $10, summer. tion the next generation to think which is the total cost to be and act in terms of world borne by persons from the neigh- You cannot afford to have brotherhood. borhood. your missionary organization, church and community without "I came away from the con- "Some churches are raising a the stimulation and inspiration scholarship fund to send delethat having a representative at ference, with a definite convic- gates. Women's organizations a Peace Institute will bring. tion that a free church has an might hold benefit teas or din- important function to fulfil in ners, planned in the interna- What values are there to be tional spirit with foreign cosgained? Let some of those speak this present world crisis. Our tumes, flags and posters. The who have gone to other institute American churches dare not money raised could be used to meetings. mark time. In this present crisis send the pastor of the church or the Church must challenge the one of the Church School teach- A woman says: "It was a thinking people of our country, ers. Here is a concrete project stimulating experience to have in terms of world responsibility. for those who ask, 'What can I such men as Samuel Guy Inman We must do it now while we are do for peace?' interpret South America to us; not at war – once war is deto have T. Z. Koo of China, with clared, it will be too late." "The institute is an invaluable all his charm, bring to us the experience. It affords an opporbackgrounds of oriental ten- A student says: "The spirit tunity to sit under internasions; and to have Hugo F. of fellowship was uniquely ap~ tionally known authorities; to Simon rub our thinking the mingle with people from many wrong way. Every course was parent in the way it dominated valuable in helping us to under- even the most bitter of the dis- backgrounds – ministers, teachstand underlying currents in an putes which sometimes arose out ers, librarians, peace leaders, ever-changing world. . . . We of our discussions. Therefore workers, students, religious eduleftNaperville 'instructed' and the two weeks was not only cation directors; and to receive 'inspired' to do something to help highly educational and very en- the stimulus of fresh ideas. bring about better understanding between the races and to joyable, but deeply inspirational "Then too-and not the least make this a better world for in its unity of purpose in the -there is the delightful summer others as well as for ourselves." face of sharply opposed opinions. campus on which the institute is held. All these elements com- A pastor says: "Well-out of "I must add that frequent bine to offer the institute-goer a the experience of those ten days, comments were voiced as to the rewarding time." I returned to my parish with the character of the leadership and renewal and deepening of cer- the staff members. The institute It is sound advice for all of us. tain convictions about life. I members were impressed by the Your first step is to write to your sensed anew the fact of the in- workers of the American Friends missionary or "social action" terdependence of the great hu- who were giving so much time board for information about past man family. I saw the similarity and energy to this cause. and future institutes. Second, of the problems which confront find out approximate costs for the different nations of the "As we left, we were not only the one nearest to you. Third, world. I was strengthened in keyed up to a peak of interest find the person most fitted to go the conviction that the one hope in getting out and fighting in the -your pastor, one of the leading for a way out of all this con- peace movement, but also in a laymen, an outstanding woman fusion is through world coop- feeling that groups such as the eration. American Friends Service Com- of the church-choose carefully. mittee and the Council for Social The person chosen must be able "This looks hopeless in the Action deserve our sincerest to provide leadership after re- support." turning. Do not send a simple The Missionary Herald (Con- gregational – Christian) recom- [203 ]
sponge, no matter how keen the eign Missions came to their hun- of the histo.ry of their "Christ- sponge may be to absorb it all. dredth anniversary, and wanted mas Tree in May" and presented You don't want .to. have to spend a new hymn to celebrate that oc- the plans for the celebration of time squeezing to get informa- casion, this one was chosen from it this year.
tion when your delegate returns! over two hundred hymns sub- The back page of the folder Fourth, lay plans fo.r pro.viding mitted. It was written by Dr. tells the story of the enterprise. tuition,transPo.rtation, board Jay Glover Eldridge of Moscow, and room and texts if needed. Idaho. We all rejoice with the HOW WE STARTED It is not too so.on to start plan- Presbyterian Board in its com- In 1921 Bethel Bible School sent its ning. It takes time to get infor- pletion of such a span of service mation, to secure funds, to de- and we find in the hymn an ex- first big Christmas Box to India. It velop interest, to find the best pression of our o.wn ho.pe and de- carried so much joy to the folks who sire; we therefore want to add received it that for fifteen years it to those hymns through which Bethel folks packed veritable treasure we voice our own aspirations. person to. send and to. complete stores of happiness into great wooden arrangements. Summer rolls The tune to which it is set is boxes and shipped them to India. Each around all too soo.n. * year hundreds of boys and girls, men and women, and leper patients in our mission station depended for their Display Gifts Before Sending fo.und in most church hymnals. Christmas remembrances upon the ar- It is the familiar and beautiful rival of this box. Clothing, school There is much satisfaction in "Hymn to J o.Y" by Beethoven, supplies, religious literature, toilet work completed; the value of the tune to which o.rdinarily we articles, toys, and literally thousands this we ignore when we allo.w a sing "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore of things crossed the ocean each year. co.mmittee to collect gifts, pack Thee." and send them, making a weak Several years ago an increase on verbal repo.rt, or even none. After using this hymn as a the "duty" which our missionaries had solo or qua.rtette, use it in the to pay made us decide to send the With the above procedure, next meeting as a hymn, sung by money instead of a box, thus saving contrast the following: the entire group. It should be the expense qf transportation and in- used frequently thereafter until surance. . The women who co.llected it becomes familiar. scraps for making bed covers for HOW IT WORKED flo.od relief were themselves ut- God of years, Thy love hath led us, terly amazed at the two beautiful Thou hast been our bulwark, strong, Our new plan has been highly sucand serviceable covers evolved cessful. Our members have responded from their contributions. They Wall of fire against the wicked, as loyally to this way of giving as will be ready to embark on a Sword of power against the wrong. they did when bringing articles in similar enterprise again. Christmas wrappings. In 1936 and Thou hast blest of old Thy servants 1937 we sent checks of $100, which The women who made gar- As they bore Thy message far; our missionaries have gladly turned men.ts for a migrant Christian into many useful and welcome gifts. Center, and those who had not We who follow in their footsteps joined in the actual work, were Evermore tpeir debtors are. On next Sunday, May 15th, each delighted and encouraged at the member of the Bible School will be sight of a clothes-line full of Onward lead, 0 King eternal, given a small colored bag into which pretty garments, flapping in the Lo, we heed Thy high command, to put a gift for our Christmas check breeze at their outdoor meeting to India. These bags are to be rejust before the garments were Bear good news to every people, turned on the following Sunday, May sent off. Far and near, in every land. 22nd, and hung on Christmas trees in each department as a part of our ob- Seeing the completed task Thine they are, Thy love doth seek servance of "Christmas in May." We gives a feeling of satisfaction so them, are counting on you! that in future similar tasks will be more readily undertaken. Thou wouldst bring them to the Before we turn to the other light; pages of the folder, please note No matter what your under- how skillfully joy of sending actaking, try to. give the entire or- Lead us on till darkness brightens, tual packages has been turned ganization a visual impression o.f On till faith is lost in sight. into happiness in sending a it in its finished state. money gift. Notice that the Lead us forth, a Church united, little bags in which the money is Strong, courageous, in Thy might. to be collected are bright-colo.red, They will take the place of the Lo, the fields are white with harvest, brightly wrapped packages on Sheaves to garner ere the night. the tree, and will have a dra- One our purpose, One our Leader, LeTSaodhusushsaTlohlny,loavCeh,Kuwricnohgrldseh-twealrilndean,le, vperervfaaiil.lt; The Summer Christmas Tree Enrich Your Devotionals Early in May, 1938, a fo.ur- matic value that mere envelopes for an offering cannot have. Here is a new hymn well worth page folder was distributed to adding to your devotional ma- the members of the Sunday But now let us turn to the first terials. It should be sung first school o.f a large church in page of the folder. It announces as a solo. o.r by a quartette. A Evansville, Indiana, It was not the idea – Christmas in May brief introduction may precede a surprise, of course, for they that Others May Have Christmas its first use, stating that when had for eighteen years been hav- in India in December. It is decthe Presbyterian Board of For- orated with a simple line draw- ing the fun of a Christmas tree ing of a Christmas tree hung in May. But it reminded them with bright-colored balls. That • All quotations are from The Missionary t Copyright by The Board of Foreign Mis- will be the bright co.lored bags of the offerings! Herold at Home ana Abroad and are used by sions of the Presbyterian Church. Used by permiSSion. permiSSion.
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
A little verse by the mission- their bright bags on Christ~as Reading for Children * trees small enough to be carned. ary in India closes, "whole In selecting missionary books Christmas in December, makes Then from each department, in all of us remember Him, whose for children, there are always coming brought Christmas for procession, headed by one ca~ry us all." two points to keep in mind. ing the tree, they come hack mto Perhaps the nicest part of this First tChheildarpepneaarraenceent~otlfedthtoe announcement folder is the in- the auditorium, where the trees book.' side two pages which carry a Mother's Day thought which bearing their gifts of love are beautiful books. By thIS I do links this observance of Christmas in May to a Mother and placed together on the pla~form. not mean expensive books, be- Child of long ago. Now the gifts are dedIcated. cause many less expensive bo?ks On Christmas night-long, long ago A mother's arms a baby held. It is recalled what joy ther.e will combine the good taste and SIm- A Child that was the Hope of man be in the use of the articles pur- plicity which are char~cteris~ic A prophet's dream at last fulfilled. chased with the money, or other of beautiful books-a hIgh pnce So many children since that day In many lands o'er all the eartJ:1 uses made of it, in that far-off does not necessarily guarantee Rejoice on Christmas Day and smg land of India. There is emphasis quality. But a book for a child Of Jesus and His holy birth. placed on the gift as a link of must be attractive to the eye as Yet many children would not know Of Him and what He came to be love between those giving and well as to the mind-its size and Except as men and women go those receiving. Carols are sung. shape, the siz~ and face of the To take His Word across the sea. Christmas in May is over. type the bindmg, the cover de- The Church a mother needs to be With arms outstretched to gently The groups which use the sign' and the jacket. hold Summer Christmas Tree idea The second point is the con- Each tiny soul close to her heart And with her love all babes enfold. have found that in this quieter tent. A beautiful appearance is "Christl1w8 in May" our slogan is time the carols are sung with worthless without value between "That Others May Have Christmas Too." fresh zest and enjoyment; that the covers. In judging the con- In May we bring our gifts of love there is opportunity for inter- tents of books for children, there To make their Christmas dreams come true. preting the Christmas message is one question to ask one's self: By poverty and sin oppressed to the world in terms beyond Is the content of the book with- Not many joys their own they call that of remembering the first in the ability of the child for A gift from you may make them know Christmas; that where gifts are whom it is chosen – are the That Jesus came and loved them sent more careful planning is words and the incidents within all. mpoosnseiby,le~' that where the gift is his understanding? 'Tis fitting then, this Mother's Day more generous gift is To think of India's children too The final question, which is available and eagerly offered. As real they are, though far away the deciding factor in a decision As your own children are to you. In trying any such plan it is to buy this book instead of that, In serving them, honor anew weU to remember that careful Mother and Child of Bethlehem. is : Is the content Christian? motivation is necessary. We Send Christmas cheer acros~ the sea Are Christian attitudes, sympa- To India's children-In HIS Name. cannot simply s.ay, "Lo! We will thies and conducts treated as So much for the folder. It does have a summer Christmas tree. motivate the enterprise nicely. natural and normal expressions Careful planning and work in Let everyone bring gifts for it." the departments togethe~ w!th of life? education about the destmatIOn Study the record of what this and use of the gifts comes to a In selecting missionary books culmination on the day set. church actually did, how it Each one from tiny child to for children a few factors must grandmother brings a little planned, and what its presentabright-colored bag to the Sun- be applied: (1) The facts about day school service. tions were. Work out your own other racial and national groups Everyone meets to sing carols plans with a definite reason for for fifteen minutes. Then they must be true. (2) The book go to departmen~s, wher.e a bri~f attempting it; think thoroughly service of worshIp culmmates m must not contain any statements through the introduction to it or illustrations that hold racial which you will use. ~ake ~he occasion a real celebratIOn, WIth or national groups up to ridicule.
enough ceremonial to bring the (3) Great world issues, such as atmosphere of Christmas into its disarmament, world peace, eco- observance. Do not attempt, nomic justice, and racial equal- hwohwicehvegr~ to imitate those things ity must not be minimized. (4) into the season itself, There should be no statements such as simulated snow, etc. by which children I?igh~ gener- Here is a chance to have a semi- alize and come to IdentIfy cer- tropical Christmas, such as a tain racial or national groups great part of the world has every with criminal offenses.
year anyway. Start with plans Many of the books which chil- not too elaborate, and if you find dren have been using as supple- the idea has values, let the ob- mentary readers in geography servance grow from year to are useful in this work of mis- year into one of those traditional sionaryeducation. Many secular affairs, ever recur. ring,.yet . ever publication h~uses are prod?c- new and ever mcreasmg m ing books whIch really are m- worth and value for those taking herently missionary.
hanging the gifts of money in part in its observance. • From Women ana Miss·Wn8.
A Story for the
By VIOLET WOOD, Missionary Education Movement THE GARDEN OF JOSEPH You hQnQr yourself in honoring can to make amends for my past OF ARIMATHlEA cowardness." him," said the boy. "It is the same as when Jesus NicQdemus plucked at his long Drawing their mantles about was born – no. place to. lay his them, Joseph and Nicodemus head. And nQw," Benjamin beard as he sat at the rough table went to Pilot and boldly asked wiped away la tear, "who will on which a flickering lamp for the body of Jesus. Receivtake him down from the cross? ing his permission, they went to Who will give a corner of his es- burned. It should have been still the hill called Golgotha, near to tate for the body of Jesus? He daylight outside, but a strange Joseph's burying ground, and said that he WQuld rise again. took the body from the cross. Oh, that he might rise in a darkness had covered Jerusalem Solemnly they wrapped it in garden such as that Qne of yQurs that afternoon. near to. Jerusalem, beautiful with spices and placed it in the new sunlight, flowers of lilies and "My trades will suffer if the tomb in Joseph's garden. Then palm trees!" Jews think that I am a disciple Qf the Nazarene," sighed Joseph. they rolled a great stone against Joseph of Arimathrea paced the entrance and went home to "Yes," a g r e e d Nicodemus, observe the Sabbath. Meanwhile "but perhaps we could take the Pilot placed a guard of soldiers body in the night and bury him secretly." Benjamin forgot that he was up and down as the boy was but a servant boy and cried to watch the tomb, and to prespeaking. Of all his servants scornfully, "All the wQrld will vent the body from being stolen. none was so loved as the young know where Jesus is buried. You The Sabbath passed in gloom. lad, Benjamin, because he was a cannot hide his burial pl1ace. I But on the third day a great fearless disciple Qf Jesus. Joseph have heard that he said he would commotion arose in the streets. was a believer, too, but in secret. rise again from the dead." Often the master and servant People said to one another: "The journeyed together as father "Your faith shames my grave of Jesus is empty, in spite and son. Benjamin was excused years," said Joseph. of Pilot's guard. The stone is from his work to go to the rolled away! Jesus' disciples say market and public pl1aces to hear The llamp on the table flick- Jesus speak. The boy would re- ered as the door opened and a that he has risen from the dead." turn to the inn where Joseph heavily veiled lady crossed the Hearing this rumor, Joseph, Nic- room and ran to Nicodemus, cry- odemus and Benjamin hurried to awaited him and would sit up ing: "Suchan evil day I have the garden; they saw the empty half the night telling the mer- tomb and marvelled. They also chant what Jesus had said and never seen, my husband. I have been the whole day following the heard the stories of the women done. crowds. Jesus has been cruci- who had gone early to the gar- den and were told how the fied."
A full day they had traveled "But he promised that he will guards had tried to defend themfrom Arimathrea to Jerusalem to live again," cried Benjamin. selves. the house of Nicodemus, a ruler "Judith, this ,child is a disciple "Look," cried Benj amin, "how of the Jews. He, too, was drawn of Jesus, and he would have beautiful this garden is! See to Jesus and had visited him by Joseph give the new tomb in his how the flowers are blooming. night to ask him many questions. garden outside the walls of Jeru- It is a holy place and people will "He gave all fQr me," mut- salem for the body of Jesus," ex- come to see it from over the seas tered Joseph, partly to himself, plained NicQdemus. and across burning deserts." "even his life. And I stand here "I beg it, too," said she as she Benjamin was right. Of all hesitant to give his crucified clasped her hands and turned to the gardens in the world the body a corner of my garden. Yet Nicodemus. "Let us give linens most famous in song and story if I went to Pilate, it would be and aloes to a hundred pounds." is the garden of Joseph of known that I am a disciple of She swung around to Joseph, ex- Arimathrea where the body of claiming: "I would not be Pon- Jesus was buried and where he Jesus." "Ah, but if you love him, J 0- tius Pilate for all the perfumes rose from the dead. seph of Arimathrea, you will of the East. He is uneasy in his count it an hQnor to have his soul tonight. He will not refuse Making Use of This Story body rest in yQur new tomb. In you." Children like to take part in pagthe years to come, men will "I will do it," said Joseph sud- eants, especially when they can be in denly, "for my heart tells me not costume and perform before adults. travel from far and near to see They like better often to take part in the place. 'Here it was,' they to be a coward." plays among themselves and to let will say, 'that the Lord's body "I go with you," cried Nico- their imaginations supply stage prop- was laid by his friend J Qseph.' demus, "and will do whatever I erties and costumes.
[206 ] BULLETIN Council of Women for 'Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E, LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
===============================~ "CAN CHRISTIANS BIND carry it out. It is hoped that Three members, each from the THE WORLD TOGETHER?" there may be a national radio The only answer to this is: we broadcast as a closing address. National Council of Federated can try. As we face a choice be- But for this the local papers Church Women, the Council of should be watched and local pro- Women for Home Mission-s, and tween Christianity and chaos, grams arranged accordingly. and there seems to be no other the Committee on Women's alternative, it is important that Last year the church women Work of the Foreign Missions of 414 communities in forty-four Conference. The activities and we should think and work to- states and Canada reported havgether. The National Committee ing h e I d interdenominational interests which have become the May Luncheons for the first responsibilities of its committees of Church Women brings this time. This is all the more re- include: (1) International relachallenge to the Christian wom- markable in that only one such tions, (2) World Day of Prayer, en of 77,000 communities in the luncheon was held in New York (3) May Day Luncheon, (4) The United States, and asks that they City each year during the years Church Woman (magazine), and unite in a nation-wide observ- 1934 to 1937 with an average at- (5) local programs. ance of the May Luncheon on tendance in the two hundreds. Thursday, May 4, 1939. To quote from a few of the re- The foundations for the organ- ports which came in last year: The May Luncheons may be "Westminster, Maryland. The ization of the National Commitheld wherever convenient – ho- most thrilling thing was the way tee of Church Women in its prestel, parish house, church gym- all seven churches cooperated in ent form were many years in the nasium or private home-as long arranging for the luncheon." laying. During the early part of as all "come together with one "Elmira, New York. Our main mind." It is suggested that plans address was broadcast for forty- the twentieth century a number five min utes over WESG." of community women's interdebe started immediately by a local "Lyndhurst, New Jersey. A nominational g r 0 ups were wo man's interdenominational committee was appointed to meet formed to further programs of group, a church woman's group, ten days after the luncheon to study and service. The year or some one woman. The coop~ make plans for further unity." 1924 found these groups related "Lawrence, Kansas. Twelve deeration of all Christian women nominations were represented." to the Council of Women for in the community is vital. "In- Home Missions and the Federaterdenominational" means not *** tion of Woman's Boards of Foronly members of the Protestant eign Missions, but evidencing a churches but of all churches WHY IS THERE A NA- desire to extend their programs which "accept Jesus Christ as TJONAL COMMITTEE OF into fields beyond these forms of God and Saviour," for so does CHURCH WOMEN? "Recogthe constitution of the WorId nizing the desperate need of the mission service so as to include Council define its membership. world for the leadership of Jesus all phases of the church's pro- in all areas of life, we hereby de- gram. In ord~r that church women clare that it is imperative that the country over may face the the womanhood of America be- In 1936 the National Council task unitedly, it is. essential (1) come a united force for bringing that the subject for the luncheon in the Kingdom of God and that of Federated Church Women be, "Can Christians Bind the this united body shall relate it- elected a Commission on Re- World Together?"; (2) that the self definitely to an inclusive evaluation to make a study of the I uncheon he interdenomina- united C h r i s t ian advance." whole movement of interdenomtional; and (3) that it be held These words embody the objec- inational cooperation and relaon May 4th. A program outline tive of the Committee which tionships. One of its recommenis being prepared and will be came into being January, 1938. dations was that a conference of Who constitutes the National all national Protestant interdesent to anyone on receipt of five Committee of Church Women? nominational women's groups cents in stamps.. (Address: The and denominational leaders be National Committee of Church [207] held. Out of that conference, Women, Room 63, 297 Fourth held at Lake Geneva in July, Avenue, New York, N. Y.) Local 1937, came the recommendation that a cooperative committee be leaders will have to be secured to formed. This was a,pproved by the two mission organizations,
members were appointed, and an without the aid of God, but I terms of human personality and initial meeting held September, KNOW . . . I KNOW . . . it the right of every man to be 1937. This committee was con- cannot be done without Him." treated as a God-created being stituted as the National Commit- whatever his race, color or tee of Church Women in J an- "How can we make you see," creed." uary, 1938. said he to the young people, "that this is the greatest cause you can "We need to make better use "This committee has taken dedicate your lives to today. All of our leisure time, devoting it only the first steps in cooperation about you, you see practices chal- to our cause and let people know and coordination," states its lenging your sense of right and we have a cause worth working chairman. "We dare not proph- wrong. All about you are signs for." esy as to its future, but we hope of an undermining of our prethis initial step may mean a cious heritage, the democracy in "We need to discover the truth steadily growing unity among which we live, founded in faith about monopoly control, selfish church women in purpose, pro- by our forefathers with the courgram and action, for only thus age of a real conviction." use of land which robs the soil can the respons,ibility in the of the power to bear fruit, selfish overwhelming tasks which are Where can youth find a use of privilege, exploitation of facing the Church and the church greater challenge than the call labor groups, the underpriviwoman today be faced and met." to heal the deep cleavage so ap- leged migrants,share-croppers, parent in human relations today. MABEL M. SHEIBLEY, Man's inhumanity to man, greed, tenant farmers, the unemployed, crime, oppression, strife, envy, city slum areas, the plight of the Member of the Editorial American Indian and the prob- and Publicity Committee, hate, and war, are these not ene- lems of Indian youth, unfair Council 0 f Women f.or mies enough to challenge any ad- practices in industry and race Home Missions. discrimination. All of us are in venturous soul? A "CAUSE" FOR AMER- Following Dr. Muste's ad- close touch with some of these ICAN YOUTH conditions. We may find that dress, five young people told very church people are in part respon- On January 8 there was held in Baltimore a conference for graphically what avenues of sible and therefore not willing young people, the purpose of service were open to· young peO- that our investigations should be which was to help them see a ple. made an issue. We shall need the little more clearly how they could make real the fact that Christian The young people then sep- courage therefore of our convic- Youth has, the answer to the vital arated and met in small groups tions, that is why it is important problems that face our world to- to discuss more intimately ways day. that we have convictions, and and means of participation in dare to live by them." Choosing as its theme, "Chris- the enterprises which offer optian Youth Has the Answer," the portunities for service. "We do not need to be minis- Young People's Committee of the ters or missionaries to put the Home Missions Councils spon- A number of very concrete Gospel into action." sored this conference for young recommendations were the repeople in connection with the sult of these group conferences, "We can form study groups, annual meetings of the Home some of which we enumerate: join a discussion group, plan and Missions Councils. carry out local projects, make a "We need to inform ourselves survey together, e x c han g e Dr. Abraham Muste, of the concerning conditions that are friendship invitations with for- Labor Temple, New York City, impoverishing and debasing mil- eign groups, offer our leisure was invited to pres.ent to youth lions of our fellow countrymen." his challenging message born out time to social service and recreaof a deep personal conviction "We need to demonstrate that tional centers, give voluntary that Christ is the only answer we are not willing to accept priv- service to City Mission interest man has with which to meet the groups, offer to sponsor a group challenge of present-day living. ileges and opportunities for our- selves and be content to ignore for under-privileged children, In his opening address, Dr. another's lack of privilege." but before all else, practice Muste stressed the fact of sin Christ-like living in all our perand the need of a recognition of "We need so deep a conviction sonal relationships." it as the deep seated cause for that existing conditions are our all the unrest and problems of responsibility that we shall feel "We need to give much more our day. "The Christ-way," said compelled to do something about time to prayer." Dr. Muste, "will face the fact of them." sin, man's need of God, his help- Thus did these young people lessness without God and his "We need a better knowledge express themselves. Has youth power when linked with the a cause? The greatest and Eternal. Once I too thought that of the Bible and Jesus' teachings grandest and most challenging man's way out could be found in order that we may approach existing problems in a Christ- cause in the world – one that manner." Christ died for, and one that we as young people must make ours "We need to begin by asking with a throbbing passionate con- ourselves-Am I truly Christian cern. in my attitudes and actions, in all my relationships?" JULIA HEINES, "We need to stop thinking Chairman, Joint Committee on about discrimination against one Young People's Work, Home particular race and think in Missions Council and Council of Women for Home Missions.
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO !.'p'
INDIA, BURMA AND SIAM orable man. I have observed Conference at a meeting of its that you Christian people seem Executive Committee in Lahore. Persecution Raises Its Head to know how to do this." In response to this appeal, the Executive Committee passed the Mrs. John L. Goheen, Presby- Danger to be Avoided following resolution: "This Conterian missionary in West India, ference views with alarm the resays that the Hindu world at The following quotation from cent increase in the number of Sangli has blown wide open in Bishop Lapp's book, "The Chris- marriages in cases where the its determination to prevent the tian Church and Rural India," first wife is alive. It condemns Mahars from becoming Chris- emphasizes one of the difficulties the action of those educated tian. Nightly mass meetings in in Christian work in a Hindu en- women who, setting aside all the theater were held with well- vironment: standards of common decency known speakers exalting Hindu- and sympathy for their own sex, ism, attacking Christianity, de- Christian influence is spread out have consented to marry men nouncing the missionaries, and thinly and watered down to what it whose wives are still living. It warning people against going to is considered the non-Christian staff further appeals to. all women to Miraj and the Hospital. Daily and local non-Christian opinion will discountenance and socially boyarticles in the vernacular news- stand for. The compulsory method of cott all such marriages., and do papers were full of untruth and attendance at religious teaching is their utmost to prevent the celeinuendos. Members of the Hindu practiced, which too often imposes up- bration of such marriages in Missionary Society and others on the pupils an insipid form of re- future." descended upon a group of Chris- ligious instruction. No conversions to tians at night with gas torches Christianity are expected, and the ed- -Indian Social Reformer. and tried ,to terrify or cajole ,ucational training for both Christian them into renouncing their faith. and non-Christian students is given in Conference of Missionaries Few went back to Hinduism a secularized Brahmin atmosphere. to Moslems and those who have done so were One has called it partially Hinduizing all from places where Christian our Christian boys. . . . He compared In December, under the ausservices were infrequent. The what in his opinion are futile and pices of the Henry Martyn whole experience teaches the fruitful schools and supported Mr. School of Islamic Studies, a twonecessity of strengthening the Arthur Mayhew's view that quality of day conference of missionaries Christian life by means of daily work, personality, leadership and free to Moslems was held in Delhi. worship and by training leaders experimentation should characterize The delegates (61 in all) were for every village. This has led the Christian school in India. Our drawn from Turkey, Iran, Palesto the adoption of a plan for call as Christian forces is to do some- tine, Cairo, Korea, and from al-' holding classes to develop lay thing of the finest quality and embody most every part of India. A leaders. The high quality of the Christian ideals in every part of number of those present were on those who have come into the school life for the sake of the Chris- their way to Madras for the classes makes it plain that a new tian boys as future leaders in the World Conference. Under the door has opened. Church and in new India, and for the leadership of Dr. Murray Titus, non-Christian pupils and Indian ed- the delegates discussed "The Mrs. Goheen relates a signifi- ucationalists who watch our work, Christian Enterprise, and Its Incant incident in connection with and to whom the Christian Church fluence on Islam." One session the kindergarten at Sangli. A will be either commended or con- was devoted to the need for well known nobleman asked a demned thereby. He criticized the Christian literature for Mosmember of the Mission to take Western Church for building up huge lems. Miss Constance Padwick, his grandson into her home and institutions which represent methods of Jerusalem, told of present to bring him up as her own son, alien to the Indian eye and thought, trends in literature; Rev. W. A. saying – "I want him to be a and difficult for the future Indian Zoerner described an experiment good boy." Church to manage, in the day when in newspaper evangelism in the transfer of control and manage- North India. "But, you know," said the mis- ment into the hands of the Indian sionary, "I should have to teach Church seems so near at hand. "Lord's Acre" Plan in Katpadi him in the Christian way." Punjab Leaders and Polygamy "We are so poor; the rains "Teach him what you please have failed; our young men have and as you please, but make him Several prominent leaders of an upright, clean living and hon- the Punjab have characterized polygamy as the greatest social evil of India. Not long ago a spirited appeal was made to all women by the Central Punjab Branch of the All-India Women's [209 ]
had to go away to the tea estates progressive Maharajah who died pointment of a missionary the to earn cash to pay taxes. How recently, was to make an agree- next year. It soon undertook is it possible to double our ment to prevent alcoholic bev- w 0 r k among the depressed church contribution, if the Mis- erages from going to Bombay classes in Central Travancore, sion withdraws its help and we from his state which adjoins the from whom it met ready reare to pay our pastor his $25 a Bombay presidency. sponse. Within six years, it or- month ?" Total prohibition is one of the ganized the annual Convention at This was the response to the chief objectives of the Congress Mar3Jmon which is the largest news that the Arcot Mission was for an India which they hope to evangelical Christian gathering obliged to discontinue its annual make absolutely independent of in the world. The Convention grant of $150 to a rural church. England. Writing in his weekly which lasts for a week has been A meeting was called; the mis- paper "Harijan," Gandhi says conducted regularly for the last sionary explained the "Lord's the Congress has the right to ex- forty-four years.
Acre" idea, and it was agreed to pect the sympathy "of the best The audience, which often send month-old, purebred chick- minds in the whole world in this, numbers over thirty thousand, ens from the poultry farm toO perhaps the greatest moral listens to the GoOspel truths froOm some 200 village homes, to be movement of the century." famous evangelists. The activi- raised and later contributed to ties of the association oOutgrew the church. The plan took root, To Train Women Workers the boundaries oOf Travancore and Rev. J. J. ValoOis has set within which it was oOriginally down SoOme of the tangible re- Last year the Punjab governsuIts: The IoOcal income was ment launched a five-year plan confined. In its eighteenth antrebled; the pastor received his for rural development, and as a nual meeting it decided to undersalary regularly; everyone had part of this plan a domestic take missionary activities oOut- side Travancore, and then in a specific share in making the training school for women will Bombay Presidency. venture a success, and the spir- be opened in Lahore. One stuitual life was deepened; the dent from each district has been Membership is open to all selected. Christians without distinction, work was not a "flash in the It is claimed toO be the first at- and every member is expected pan," but interest has continued; tempt of its character in India. to be a witness. "N0 debts" is purebred poultry has spread to After receiving nine months another principle lately adopted. other villages; the project at- training these women welfare tracted attention of other vil- -National Missionary lages; and it was the Indians workers will be posted to their Intelligencer. themselves, not the foreign mis- respective districts and tour sioOnary, whoO made the plan selected villages. They will teach Gospel Transforms Primitive work. -Agricultural Mission women improved methods of Men cooking, sewing, knitting, ele- Notes. mentary hygiene, animal hus- Rev. C. U. Strait, of the bandry, fruit culture, gardening, Burma Baptist Mission, says PoOrt of Bombay Decreed Dry that on his first trip to the Chin cooperatives, maternity and wel- Hills fifteen years ago, the Dewitt MacKenzie, Associated fare work. The school will be Deputy Commissioner, a fellow Press correspondent, says that run on residential lines. passenger, bluntly asked him if Gandhi's crusade to make India he knew where he was going; -The Guardian (Bombay).
dry in three years appears to be Mar Thoma Evangelistic and on finding that Mr. Strait "going places." His latest tri- Association was on his way toO undertake umph puts the world famous missionary work, added: "Do port of Bombay on the dry list The Mar Thoma Syrian Chris- you know that the Haka Chins as from August 1. This cosmo- tian Evangelistic Association of are all drunkards-men, women politan city of about 1,200,000 the Reformed Syrian Church in and children?" They were not people has for centuries provided Malabar has completed fifty only drunkards, he found, but the means of quenching the years of missionary work. 'It dirty to the point of being filthy, thirst of wayfarers from all na- preceded the National Mission- and ignorant beyond belief. Povtions. ary Society of India by 17 years. erty, too, was the natural conse- Thus far, out of the 11 prov- It was in September, 1888, that quence. inces of British India, partial twelve men met in Central Tra- A review of what has happrohibition has been inaugurated vancore and decided to fOrllli an pened in a decade and a half is in half a dozen where the nation- association to take the Christian convincing proof of the power alists-that is, the All-India Na- message to their fellowmen of the Gospel. There are now tional Congress – have gained without distinction of caste, Christians in more than a huncontrol of the governments. Ad- creed or denomination. Every dred villages; four hundred or dition of the rich prize of Bom- member of the group was to con- more are baptized every year. bay to the list will give the move- tribute according to his means, Not many of these revert to ment much impetus. as well as to be himself a witness heathenism. Drunken f e as t s One of the last acts of the bearer. Growth in membership have given way toO the Commun- Gaekwar of Baroda, the famQus and funds made possible the ap- ion Service, and it is an in-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
spirational scene never to be for- tian Homes Campaign of the Hangchow College in Shanghai gotten, says Mr. Strait, to attend Chinese Church, which aims at the Communion Service at a making every Christian home a Dr. Clarence B. Day, of Hang- Chin Hill Association meeting. center of witness. Daily family chow Christian College, writes There twelve to fifteen hundred worship is insisted upon, and is that this college, driven from Christians come together from becoming the regular custom. Hangchow by the Japanese infar and near, and instead of hair Many Chinese Christians would vasion, is now carrying on in the pulling and drunken bouts, one be greatly surprised if they Continental Emporium (a bankobserves a very devout and con- came to America and found how ing and office building) on Nansecrated service. While all are rare a thing is family worship. king Road, Shanghai. St. John's seated closely together on the College was located here a year ground, the service is conducted Missionaries Help Victims ago and Soochow University and without commotion and with the Science Departments of the reverence and dignity. The NO'rth American News- University of Shanghai occupy paper Alliance adds its testimony space in the same building. Indian Church in Rangoon to the service rendered by mis- These temporary arrangements sionaries during the war. More have been made possible by Three years ago an Indian than 4,000 Americans have American contributions. These Church was established in Ran- joined about 3,000 missionaries institutions are working togO'O'n at Judson College. This of other Western nations in gether in class work and operate church now has 88 members, of forming a highly specialized a joint library and a student whom 64 are men and 24 are corps which constitutes the only cafeteria. There are about 2,000 women. During the past year prO'tection the Chinese have in men and women students that there were 16 baptisms. Pastor the dangerous and frequently tax the seating capacity of the Devadass devotes his time to the Iong interval between the retreat classrooms and crowd the elevachurch and evangelistic work of Chinese civil and military tors and stairways. The new amO'ng the Tamils and Telugus forces and the establishment of educational posters display the within the school and in the vi- law and order by the Japanese slogan: "War or no war, Chinese cinity. There are 83 children in invaders. Often they act as Pied Youth must be educated." the Bible school. Pipers to' lead hO'meless children O'ut of the danger zone. For Communists Less Hostile – Watchman-Examiner. more than two years, in addition to Christianity to their usual evangelistic, med- CHINA ical and educational work, they Dr. Earl Cressy, in China have undertaken such special Marches Toward the Cross, Building for the Future tasks as scouring the streets for makes the remarkable statement wO'unded, thrusting themselves that anti-Christian sentiment "Button your cO'at!" is an between drunken Japanese sol- among communists is disappearorder heard frequently on the diers bent 'On looting and raping ing. It is not to be concluded street of any Chinese city. It is their victims, and generally try- that all of them are becoming part of the New Life Move- ing to ease the blows of an occu- Christians, but there is a vast ment which is waging war upon pation by an army that is a law- change from the bitter spirit of untidiness, laziness, .vice and less mob. The conduct of the 1928. Freedom has been given dirt. Anyone slouching along the missionaries is adding a remark- to evangelistic bands of Chinese street with garments half on is able chapter to the history of hu- pastors to circulate among them likely to be told by a member of man heroism in the face of gall- and preach the Gospel. This the YO'uth Brigade to straighten ing trial. sweeping change is described by up his shoulders and keep on the Bishop Roots: left side of the rO'ad. But this is "Only nationals of a foreign not all. The New Life Movement nation can meet the invaders "A short time ago I invited to sends inspectors intO' homes, and and talk to them," is a statement lunch with me one of' the comlabels are affixed to dO'O'rs in- repeated over and over again. munist generals whom I had forming the public whether the heard of in 1930 as a determined hoones are clean or dirty. Every The actual number of mission- enemy of Christianity. After child in school is expected to' do aries on the field has decreased preliminary polite remarks, but something to improve his own by only about 10ro' since the war before he would eat, he asked particular surroundings. Armies began. Board officials report the me, 'Do you remember our past?' of fly swatters strive to see who frequent spectacle of mission- I replied that I remembered him can produce the largest number aries on field trips, caught by an as one who, some years ago, had of dead' flies in a given time. advancing Japanese army, has- carried some of my friends tening frantically back to their around with him as his prison- The O'ld and mid-dle aged in posts, from which Chi n e s e ers. To this he said, 'There were night schoO'ls learn to read how armies and refugees were as many misunderstandings then. a literate people can build a new frantically fleeing away. All de- The missionaries have helped China. The war with Japan has nominations and agencies report much in Shens,i and Shansi. We only increased the ardor of both a large increase in the number are sorry for the misunderstandold and young. Paralleling the of conversions. New Life Movement is the Chris-
ings of the past and want to black lacquer tablet with the JAPAN-CHOSEN work with them for the good of four Chinese words meaning "True Source of All Created Japan Sends Buddhist Priests China hereafter.''' – Watchman-Examiner. Things." The presentation was made in A subtle move on the part of Persecution and Destruction Japan is to send Buddhist priests style. There were musicians and to China, a piece of mission work Forty years of devoted, effi- bearers in gay uniform, some undertaken by the Japanese Budcient service in one of the hard- dhist Federation, whose memest fields in the world, Chinese fine speeches were made and the bership comprises 159,000 Bud- Turkestan, has been tragically usual picture taken. To ensure dhist priests. interrupted. Fourteen of the tha,t only good influences should seventeen missionaries who have Two hundred Japanese Budbeen working under the auspices prevail while the tablet was be- dhist priests have been chosen of the Swedish Mission in Sin- ing hung, the band dared not for the work. Their activities kiang Province (Chinese Tur- stop playing while it was hoisted began October 1 with an inkestan) have been compelled to and fastened in place high above tensive three-weeks' course in return home because of the per- the pulpit. the Chinese language, this course being provided by the Ministry -London Missionary Herald.
secution of the Christians and The Resurgence in the West of Education. Since both peothe practically utter destruction ples use the same characters, the of their work. During a Moslem China's Millions makes fur- acquisition of a working knowlrevolt the station at New Kash- ther comment on the significance edge of Chinese will not be an gar was burned; later the rebels of the westward trek of refu- insuperable task for these J apwere suppressed or driven into gees, which has included per- anese priests.-The Guardian. India. But local authorities re- sonnel of government departvived the persecution, scattering ments, leaders of education, or imprisoning the Christians finance and industry, seeking re- Korean Village Campaign and closing the printing office establishment in "free" China. The plans of the Oriental Misand the hospital. The British A government commission made sionary Society include the send- Foreign Office sought to remedy a survey of these western prov- ing of bands of students to the the situation, but as there was islands off the coast of Korea. no improvement only three mis- inces, and found that their rich- The islanders are very poor, as ness in natural resources is far sionaries have remained to beyond the imagination of those they suffer frequent drouths and watch developments. living in eastern China. They live chiefly on barley instead of Honoring the Church have remained unexploited for rice. Many of them live and die on the island where they were VVhen the Japanese forces lack of good communications, born, without ever making a trip but there are now strategic to the mainland, and therefore were attacking Tsinan, the UTa motor roads linking the large know nothing of such modern cities; one 1,400 miles long ex- things as railway trains and Huai Shu" Christian center shel- motor cars. The students were tered more than 1,000 women tends to the Burmese frontier, often mistaken for government and girls. for over a month, and and it was along this highway officials or police, and many fed those destitute. To show their gratitude, the citizens came that our American ambassador places they had to work for some made the first trip by private car time to assure the people that to the mission and said: "Let us it was all right for them to acpresent you with a red silk um- on his return to the United cept the Gospel tracts. which they States. brella on which the names of the were distributing. donors are inscribed in golden There is an astonishing num- ber of Christians among these letters." "VVhat could we do fleeing refugees, and like the with a red silk umbrella," the "scattered brethren" of the early As they journeyed here and church, they are "everywhere there they sometimes arrived on missionaries asked. "Then we will present you preaching the word." As to stu- an island at midnight, and would find all the inns closed and the with an inscribed tablet that will dents, a missionary writes: extol your virtues to a hundred "If you can imagine all the occupants asleep. They would generations," they said. school boys and girls and univer- then climb the rocks above the "That won't please us," re- sity students of England scat- sea and spend the rest of the plied the missionaries, "we don't tered over the capitals of Europe night praying for all those asleep want to be glorified. VVhy not you get some picture of the ex- below in sin and ignorance. buy a bell to call people to wor- tent, although not of the number, Statistical reports show that ship? If you must present a of refugee students." Another these bands walked 3,519 miles, gift, let it be one in praise of the missionary in Yunnanfu empha- dealt personally with 4,242 perheavenly Father who kept us sizes the spiritual changes that sons, held 218 open-air meetings, safe." So it was decided and have come about, and says that with the result that 918 persons these words were embossed on so strong is the national unity definitely sought the Saviour.
the bell: "The Bell to Rouse the that China can never be con- -Oriental Missionary VVorld." They also prepared a quered by an enemy. Standard.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ISLANDS OF THE PAOIFIO NORTH AMERIOA ing to the religious faith of their families. The bill further pro- Going to New Guinea Is America Becoming Pagan? vides that pupils be credited with the time so spent, as if in The latest word from Captain Here are a few facts that actual attendance in school. Ellis Skolfield says that the pro- would seem to substantiate Dr. jected New Guinea trip of the William Adams Brown's claim A Nation-Wide Reading Poll Gospel Ship is now definitely that "America is progressively under way, and the Ship is now becoming pagan." Nearly half The American Institute of at J 010, the last outpost of the of our present population claims Public Opinion has recently com- Philippines b e for e entering no sort of relationship to the pleted a poll on the question: Dutch waters. At J 010 the bal- Christian Church. Ten thousand "What is the most interesting ance of supplies and oil are be- rural communities are church- book you ever ·read?" The aning taken aboard and the re- less, while thirty thousand have swers indicate that the Bible is mainder of the Ship's personnel no pastor in residence. Ap- still the most favored. However, are being awaited. proximately 13,400,000 Ameri- the age distribution is disquiet- can children under twelve years ing. The percentage of people In addition to a full crew in- of age receive no religious in- more than fifty years old who cluding two engineers, there will struction whatever. Many moun- preferred it was more than twice be Captain Skolfield, Dr. Culley, tain pockets and range regions as large as those between thirty Rev. Simon Meek, pastor of the of the South and West, back- and fifty; and six times as high Chinese Church in Manila who ward sections of New England, as those under thirty. will go along as interpreter and Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, the Chinese evangelist and Rev. Dakotas, and elsewhere, voice An editorial in the New York Percy Fraser, independent mis- urgent demands for adequate re- Times declares: sionary who has served in the ligious ministries. Utah has Navy and who will go along as seven whole counties without a Any comment on this may do no special helper to Captain Skol- functioning evangelical mission. more than betray the age of the comfield, also as an addition to the mentator; but it remains a plausible crew. Mr. Fraser is also an In Maine, 100,000 rural folk conjecture that if fewer of the young earnest soul-winner. In addition have no religious opportunities, people of today prefer the Bible it is to these men there will be sev- and throughout New England, because fewer of them read it. It eral Filipino evangelists in the contains not only about the best Engparty. only 40 % of the adults and 33 % lish prose ever written but a greater variety of material than can be found A special gift has made pos- of the young people are claimed in any other single volume on the book sible the purchase of a new life by any church or Sunday school. market; purely as literature, some of boat and some other needed A study of 11 townships of one the most widely read persons in all equipment. Michigan county showed 1,005 ages have found it better reading than children enrolled in 46 public anything else. Oentral Philippine Oollege schools, yet with no church or Sunday school. Another Mich- But in the days when it was uni- Central Philippine College at igan county reported that ap- versally read it was not read purely Iloilo has encouraged local self- proximately one-half its public as literature; it was read because it government since its beginning school pupils were unrelated to was the Word of God, the infallible in 1923, when four Filipino any church, Protestant, Catholic guide for life. If fewer people read members were elected to serve or Jewish. it now, that is to the lasting detriment with the seven missionary mem- of the cultural background of a nation. bers on the school's board of Moral Instruction in Schools trustees. By 1929 a majority of No such survey has previously the trustees were Filipinos. Mis- A bill introduced in the New been made, so that this one does sionaries' places were filled by Jersey State Legislature in Feb- not determine a trend. Some Filipinos in 1936 and 1937 when ruary proclaims in its preamble believe that an adequate apprea number of missionary terms that "One of the first requisites ciation of the Bible can only be expired. In accord with this of a harmonious, contented and acquired in later life, while policy, President H. F. Stuart prosperous state depends upon others say it can never be truly recently offered his resignation, religious tolerance and under- appreciated unless it has been expecting that a Filipino would standing." This bill would au- loved from youth. be chosen to head the institution. thorize public schools to provide The trustees felt that the time one hour of moral instruction In Behalf of Ohina had not yet come for this, and each week; and local boards appointed Rev. F. H. Rose as would be authorized-a permis- American interest in the sufacting president, while they look sive measure – to survey the ferings of the Chinese and the about for a suitable Filipino for religious affiliations of pupils. fate of China is shown by the vice-president, who may later With such information in hand, fact that there are eighty orbecome president. boards could then excuse certain ganizations in America working pupils to attend their respective for the relief of the Chinese suf- -Watchman-Examiner. places of· worship, there to re- ferers or to create practical sym- ceive moral instruction accord- pathy in their behalf. A direc- tory of these groups, published at 33 West 55th Street, New York City, includes all types of organizations, emphasizing va-
rious projects such as political young presbyters were conse- their disregard of the prior occuaid to China, the boycott of Jap- crated. It is patterned after a pation of a field by other Chrisanese goods, the promotion of similar venture started about tian workers. All Christians trade with China, friendly rela- eighteen months earlier in Nas- might learn some valuable lestions and relief of sufferers. sau and Suffolk Counties, New sons from the work of this ener- Eleven of the American organ- York. -New York Times. getic denomination.
izations are composed entirely of German-speaking Churches Chinese. They are scattered all The Seventh-Day Adventists over the country, from New York to California, and from The General Conference of German-speaking churches in Toronto, Canada, to Durham, Seventh-Day Adventists was or- North Carolina. ganized in 1863 – seventy-five the United States form the years ago. Today the work of Progress of Church Union largest foreign group in the Con- this Church is carried forward Those who wish to see denom- all over the world. The Church gregational- Christian Church. inational union will be interested was founded in 1845 and was to know that twelve such unions stimulated by a revival in Bible These have an aggregate memhave taken place in the United study on both sides of the At- States since 1906. Dr. E. D. bership of 22,166, and 109 pas- Kohlstedt, President of the Home lantic Ocean. The leaders em- Missions Council, lists them as phasized keeping God's law, tors. Most of these are in rural follows: especially the observance of the communities. Approximately 95 1906-Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., seventh day as the Sabbath, the and Cumberland Presby- imminent second coming of per cent are German immigrants terian Church. Christ and the judgment on un- from Russia, and the children of 1911-Northern Baptist and Free believers. In 1844 Adventists Baptist Churches. counted a thousand followers such parentage. Who are these and in 1863 there were 3,500 1917-Three Lutheran groups form members. In 1874 these had in- people? German colonists, after the Norwegian Church in creased to 7,000 and in 1894 to America. 42,763. Thirty years later there 1763, settled in southeastern were 70,000 members in Europe 1918-Three other Lutheran bodies Russia and became the object of form the United Lutheran alone with a total of 238,657 in Church. 5,393 churches in all lands. intense persecution. In the early There were then 8,679 pastors 1920-Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and missionaries scattered to the seventies of the last century, the and Welsh Calvinistic Meth- odist Church. ends of the earth – in addition Czar determined to make Rus- to institutional workers. Today 1922-Evangelical Association and the Adventists report 28,029 sians out of them, and it was United Evangelical Church. workers in 385 countries and in then they sought America, the 1924-Reformed Church in the United 714 languages and dialects. They States and Hungarian Re- have a total membership of land of liberty. Emigration be- formed Church. 452,758 with 8,388 organized churches. The work continues gan at once, but it was not until 1924-Congregational and Evangelical to grow through 5,923 mission- Protestam Churches. after 1890 that they came in ary Volunteer Societies with a 1931-Congregational and Christian membership of 130,748. The large numbers, after which there groups are united. total denominational investment is reported to be $60,026,066. was a continuous influx until 1931-Three Lutheran bodies merge into the American Lutheran Two secrets of the progress 1914. By 1920 there were Church. of this Christian movement seem to be: (1) the missionary spirit 303,532 of their number first 1934-Evangelical Synod of North of its members; (2) the em- America and Ref 0 r m e d and second generation, in the Church in United States. United States. 1939-Unification of American Meth- odism. It is significant that the young Youth Presbytery in Brooklyn people are making little or no In Brooklyn, N. Y., twelve of effort to break away from the religious traditions of their elders. Although there is little opportunity for fellow s hip among these German Congrega- tionalists, since they are scat- tered over a wide area, they maintain their entity as if by un- seen ties, and hold to their mother tongue with great te- nacity. -Advance.
Why Work Among Mormons?
the 38 Presbyterian churches phasis on the Bible as the Word Recently a contributor to and missions have set up a pro- of God; (3) the tithing system Westminster College in Utah visional youth presbytery, made that produces a large and steady wrote Hans P. Freece, a repreup of delegates from young peo- income for church and mission- sentative of this College, and a ples' groups. Their purpose is ary work; (4) the wide use of former Mormon: "As Mormons to promote greater cooperation Christian literature; and (5) the no longer practice polygamy, and in religious work with members large number of volunteer we are led to believe they are their own age from churches of workers. highly educated, with a great other denominations. Members The chief criticisms of the deal of culture and refinement, are to be between the ages of movement are their undue em- just what is the purpose of mis- 15 and 30. phasis on the Old Testament sionary work among them?" To The project was formally Law-especially the observance which Mr. Freece replies :-"It launched in January, when 28 of the old Jewish Sabbath-and is true that polygamy is not now
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
openly practiced, but Mormons forc~ the law against selling liquor Colombian Missionary Society to mmors and to intoxicated persons say the Lord has only suspend- we would request the Territorial A correspondent in Colombian Liquor Commission to deny license re- Clippings describes a meeting of ed it for the time being and that funds to the town, and instead turn ~he Women's Missionary Society that money into the Territorial Treas- m the Central Presbyterian He will restore it in His own ury. Consequently the law was rigidly enforced and there was and is prac- Church of Barranquilla.. There time. God Himself has many tically no drunkenness. The mer- are the usual officers, with com- chant~ re~ort that many long out- mittees expected to have somewives, they say, and polygamy is standmg bIlls have been paid and that thing to report at each meeting. sales I;lre the largest in' years – for Roll call is answered with each practiced in heaven." ~rocerIes, hardware, paint and cloth- member repeating a Bible verse; mg. Mr. Troutman, the principal, de- there is a free will offeriXlg, and "Refinement and culture" are serves all the credit for his fearless a true prayer service. cooperation and determination to probelow the average in Utah. Some tect the natives. The society contributes to help support sick members, and paid better class Mormons send their Monday Morning says that al- the expenses for the hospitaliza- most every third door on the young people to Westminster main street of Sitka is a liquor tion of a faithful member. They stor~. This means sixty saloons also helped to purchase a horse College to get "refinement and servmg a population of less than and saddle for an itinerant mis- 3,500. Alaskan natives are so sionary. culture" ; also, high scholastic ,concerned about this situation attainments. Mormons do not know God nor trust in Jesus Christ, and Christian workers are needed in Utah for the same reason they are needed in China India and Africa. '
Indians On Their Own? that the Alaskan Native Broth- erhood, and Alaskan Native Sis- One of the recommendations terhood, at their 26th annual Among Primitive Indians on Indian work made by the convention, went on record as in favor of a system of governmen- The South American Indians Home Missions Council at its last tal control of liquor, similar to form one of the many groups meeting was a motion for the re- that in force in British Colum- that await the coming of the moval of certain Indian groups bia. missionary. These neglected peofrom the wardship of the Gov- ple range from healthy and ernment, particularly those who LATIN AMERICA friendly to degenerate and suscan well afford to meet their picious. They live in hidden vilobligations in taxation and other Cuban Workers Encouraged lages of the jungle, some orderly, elements of citizenship. some not, in primitive grass Several features of the Cuban houses. Other recommendations called work during the past year mark for the preparation of a state- advance, according to a South- The Inland South America ment setting forth the essentials ern Baptist report. Services are Missionary Union sent two of of a missionary program for In- more largely attended. Sunday their staff, with Indian guides, dians, involving trained leader- schools al'e larger. There are to survey the possibilities for more. frequent calls for cottage wo fo rtkh ea l omnigg ht ht iee sXt i ntgriubuRtiavreir~sonoef ship and one or more cooperative meetmgs. Places of worship are the Amazon. The first five days parishes for experimental work. taxe~ to capacity at ordinary were overland by mule back, Included in this statement is to serVIces, and are proving too attended by every possible diffibean appraisal of the Church's small for special occasions. culty connected with mule psywork in relation to other agen- chology. Then they reached the cies, and suggestions as to serv- The same spirit is manifest in river and the l'est of the trip was many different sections. At Co- by canoe, which sounds pleasant ices best performed by the lon, where people seemed apa- and peaceful but was not. The Church, as well as those best thetic a year ago, there are full canoes were crudely hollowed performed by other agencies. houses at all services. An evan- logs, shallow and heavily loaded. gelist who carried forty decision There were frequent and diffi- -Monday Morning. cards with him when he began cult portages. The sun was blaz- special services in Colon found ing and the insects biting. The Liquor in Alaska they were not enough. This Indian guides fished with bow steady growth calls for better and arrow. One of the men hung Much controversary has arisen trained workers. his clothes to dry on the ropes of the mosquito net one night, and over the liquor problem in Alas- The Southern Baptist Semi- in the morning found that car- nary, now in its third year, has rier ants had happened along ka, and the natives themselves seventeen students. Five go out and devoured most of his shirt. on Sunday to as many different deplore the laxness of law en- centers. Enrolment in the Mis- forcement. Rev. R. K. Wthheeelnear~ of Haines, writes t hat tives had success in their fishing last season, and knowing the peril they were facing he and the government school principal determined to prevent the natives sion School has reached 200 not The missionaries viewed their including seminary students: The hardships with a sense coofnhscuimouosr~ from squandering all their earn- name has been changed from and their perils with a ings on whiskey. He says: Cuban American College to Co- ness of God's protecting care. We notified the Town Council that legio Bautista (Baptist College). -Episcopal News Service. unless the town marshals strictly en-
Two Missions Merged been put up. After surveying the assemblies devoted to the enrich- situation, Mr. Everitt writes: ment of spiritual life. The two Presbyterian Missions in Brazil, the Central and At present there are about 150 In- One is inclined to believe that the South, have been merged for dians living at Poso Yacare and I the pr·esent lull in the battle administrative reasons, and will suppose 200 or more working at the against the Evangelical Churches now be called the Central Brazil cane fields, who will be shortly return- at present is based upon the Mission. Brazil is larger than the ing; there are also numbers of In- same theory as that followed by United States, and the lack of dians living in the vicinity. As there the Communists in Russia in the roads in the interior make it im- is plenty of forest here where they can earlier days of their antireligious possible for committees or collect wild fruits, plenty of fish in the activities: that of letting the administrative g r 0 ups from river, and fruitful ground for gardens,. "old fools" have their churches widely spaced regions to meet there is no reason why this should not so long as youth can be won for planning and organizing be a prosperous startion. -away. The choicest boys are bework. Although the lack of com- ing picked and trained as teachmunications is still a serious To cut down trees and put up build- ers, burgomasters, government problem, it is less so than for- ings is one thing, he continues, but to officials and army officers. They merly, and the two missions be- teach these people and lead them to are insulated as far as possible lieve that greater economy and Christ requires nothing short of a from all Christian influences. more effective work will result miracle. But we have seen miracles from the union. of this kind, and we know that God is -Advance. all-powerful. Lavras Agricultural College Nazification Objectives -Life of Faith. This institution, under the No comment is needed upon auspices of the Southern Presby- EUROPE the following quotation from an terian Church, has recently been address of Alfred Rosenberg, given a very distinct recognition Bibles at Glasgow Empire culture minister of the German by the Brazilian government, Exhibition Reich: having its diplomas accepted for official registration. This mission The great "Empire Exhibi- That the Catholic Church and also agricultural college was the only tion" of Glasgow was open from the Confessional Church, in their presprivate school in Brazil obtain- May to October, 1938, and was ent form, must disappear from the ing such recognition. While the visited by more than 12,000,000 life of our people, is my full convicgovernment realized that the people. Many opportunities were tion, .. , The Hitler Youth Organizaphysical equipment of Lavras afforded for distributing Bibles, tion is an absorbent sponge which was not on a full equality with and none more unique than nothing can withstand. Furthermore, the official government schools, among the dwarfs of "Midget the development of our teaching the outstanding work of the Lav- Town" in the Amusement Park. scheme in schools of all categories is ras graduates caused them to ac- A few of them were Germans, of such an anti-Christian-Jewish type cept the work of Lavras as being the rest Poles, so with a supply that the growing generation will be fully equivalent to that of its of German and Polish Gospels a forewarned against the black-coat own schools. worker sought permission to dis- swindle, , .. We have another means tribute them. He was told that of pressure also and that is the finan- For many years the school had it would be of no use, but the cial one. But here also we must prono more than 2'5 students, but little people were found to be ceed prudently, although systematisince the government recogni- eager to receive the copies. "Po- cally, so as to cut the financial arteries tion the number has gone up to li, Poli," they cried delightedly supplying those clergy whom we cannearly 100. Every effort is now as they retired to a corner to not win over. . . . Reasonable men being made to put the equipment read. will, under pressure, find themselves on a par with that of the govern- compelled to submit to National Soment schools. Some time later a second visit cialist leadership. was paid to "Midget Town," and -Agricultural Mission the visitor was not forgotten. The expected offensive against Notes. Polish Testaments were joyfully Catholic schools in Austria has accepted. The worker was asked been more rapid than was an- In Argentine Chaco to inscribe each copy, after ticipated, and the few Catholic which he was invited to have tea schools permitted to continue The South American Mission- with the midgets. Afterwards, function are those for defective ary Society has established a new it was found that these little station at Poso Yacare, Argen- people carried their Testaments children. * tine Chaco, and the people are about as if a precious possession. eager to learn about the Gospel. The Waldensians Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Everitt have Bible Sales Increase taken up permanent residence in Germany Torre PeIlice, the little capital there, and several buildings have of Italian Protestantism, might The three Bible Societies in be called "the Geneva of Italy." the German Reich (those of There are today 120 Waldensian Wurttemberg, Saxony and Prus- churches and missions through- sia) report an extraordinary in- crease in the sale of Bibles. In • The bulletin of the World's Student line with this is the increased Christian Federation states that on August attendance at Christian summer 19 the German press announced the sup- preSSion of the German Student Christian Movement and the German Women Student Christian Movement.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
out the land. Lack of funds has effect, and it is said that condi- establishment of international closed the doors of many of their order. schools. One in a remote part of tions are worse now than at that Sicily, with 250 pupils all from -Life of Faith. non-Protestant families, is kept time. Wandering Preachers in open by self-sacrifice on the part Soviet Union of the teachers, who continue Baptist Churches in Rumania without salary. This school has A magazine article recently a long waiting list. Parents pre- In spite of a government order published in Warsaw reveals fer to send their children to the permitting several B apt i s t that in spite of persecution, Or- Evangelical School, even though churches in Rumania to reopen, thodox priests and non-conforma small fee is required, while all churches of that denomina- ist preachers travel up and down government schools are free. tion remain closed; and will re- Russia, holding services and fuse to open even one unless per- evangelizing. They have been Every morning the day's work mission is granted to all. There begins with an hour's Bible are 1,602 Baptist churches in deprived of their parishes, and teaching. The work has far- Rumania. The Minister of the have no settled home. Most of reaching results, as shown by an Interior has given 0 r d e r s them have registered as craftsincident recounted by the pastor. throughout Rumania that no men, to shield themselves from Talking to a boy of nine, he more Baptists are to be arrested, persecution ; and earn their livasked him whether his parents and churchmen are pinning their ing by any kind of manual work could read. To his astonishment, faith to him. Some have it that ililteracy being high in the place, the Rumanian Government is they can find to do, sewing boots, the boy responded, "Yes, Sir." anxious to place itself in a favor- sharpening knives or laying "Where did they go to school?" able light in the United States, brick. Wherever opportunity was the next question, to which in view of the New York World's the answer came, "They have Fair, soon to open. presents itself, they minister to never been to school." Mystified, the spiritual needs of the people. the pastor asked, "How then did Eastern Orthodox Churches All this in spite of the fact that they learn to read?" "I taught in Soviet Russia only officially them," was the boy's answer. The Provisional Committee of registered persons may perform "Every day, when I go home, I the World Council of Churches, teach them from my Bible what meeting in Paris, decided to religious services, and only in I have been learning at school." stress particularly the Commit- chapels under constant super- tee's work among the Eastern vision of local authorities. Unquestionably, to evangelize Orthodox Churches of Russia Italy is to promote the peace of and the Balkans. A special depu- In a recent number of The Europe and of the world. tation was authorized to visit the Godless, the Commissar for Balkans with a view tci strength- Atheism has a curious observa- -The Christian. ening ties, and to develop relief tion: "Ever since the beginning work among the hundreds of Purge of Minorities churches suffering from govern- of the Revolution, no clergyman ment oppression. It was also de- fears the Internationale; where- A missionary in Rumania, re- cided to hold an ecumenical sem- as Bolsheviks even up to the turning from furlough in the inar in Hungary, for the benefit present day experience terror at United States, says that after of student pastors, ministers and the sight of the Cross." "the glorious freedom" at home lay leaders. the return to Rumania is like be- -Life of Faith. ing abruptly landed in another As for the possibility of callworld; and is confident that not ing a confel'ence to discuss the Jewish Home a Failure since the days of the catacombs economic and other causes of has there been such a gigantic war, as purposed by the Federal Ten years ago the Soviet plan to wipe out completely all Council of Churches, it was Evangelical Christianity as that pointed out that the demands of Union founded a Jewish Home being launched by the Govern- the rulers of Germany, Italy and ment of Rumania, unless one ex- Japan have gone far beyond in Siberia, near the Manchukuo cepts that of Russia. Threats, mere economic issues; and inbeatings, arrests and closed volve racial, political and im- frontier. It was planned to setchurches are the methods being perial ambitions which no conused. This missionary believes ference can deal with. Hope tle, on collective farms, Jews that the year 1939 is the time set was expressed that individual by Rumania to purge all reli- Christians may exert an in- from the Ukraine, White Russia gious minorities, and has set fluence to check the drift toward herself to the task in dead war; and general secretaries and other parts of the Soviet earnest. were asked to call together a small number of competent per- Union, to develop the rich min- This was written before the sons, representative of different decree withdrawing rights and nations and churches, who may eral resources and timber of the privileges of Baptists went into exchange their thought as to the region, and gradually to create a self-supporting economic unit.
It was thought that 100,000 Jews would settle in this 12,000 square mile area in ten years.
Later, Jews from other countries were to be invited.
There was some response on the part of Jews, but there has been a large exodus, for not more than 20,000 are now living there, and they are outnumbered by non-Jewish inhabitants, three to one. -Alliance Weekly.
Anti-Church Maneuvers beria, only remaining free ter- There are seven native pas- ritory, the Government has in- tors, 7 licentiates, 201 evange- The difference between com- vited the Mission to Lepers to lists, 152 teachers; and, with munism and lliaziism in their at- secretaries, a total paid staff of titude toward the Church seems cooperate with it and with the 368. Church gains are reported to be one of method only, and three main Missions there in a in all phases of the work. The may be summarized thus: "Rus- campaign to wipe out leprosy. parish has grown to 15,000 sia, the godless; Germany, the square miles and includes 26,249 Christless,." The last two re- In the Belgian Congo, in the Christians. maining Lutheran churches in heart of Mrica, government and Russia have been closed recently, missions collaborate fruitfully in Changes in Ten Years and their pastors thrown into all well established leper colprison, according to the New onies, and the funds supplied Mrs. John M. Imrie, a Presby- York Times. The Moscow Izves- through the American Mission terian missionary of Sakbayeme, tia announces that Christian to Lepers are supplemented by sees much change for the better church property amounting to public grants. In the French in West Africa. Polygamous $3,575,000,000 had been confis- marriages are dying out as a recated by the government since mandated territory of the Cam- sult of Christian training, and the war to exterminate religion eroun, a mandate very nervous happier homes are the order. began twenty-one years ago. Of and tense indeed these days be- Heathen men complain that they the 100,000 congregations, less cause it is a former German col- cannot get wives for missionthan 30,000 remain. At the same ony, the return of which may be trained girls will not marry time, the paper admits there are them. Son Mbok, one of the signs of religious revival in demanded as part of the price of towns, ten years ago had only 15 Russia. European peace, full facility is people desiring to learn; today, given the American Mission to Son Mbok has a Central School, A manifesto of German army Lepers.. a teacher, a catechist, an attendchaplains declares that one in ance of nearly 400 on Sundays, every fifteen Protestant pastors Development of Medical and 100 coming up for communis under arrest. Churches are Missions ion each time. The number of forbidden to organize recreation Christians at Ibon increased to for children, or train students To those who remember the the point where a new town, for the ministry; and the gov- difficulties of financing and staff- Maonk, was started to accommoernment claims the right to dic- ing mission hospitals in Africa, date them. Soon there was a tate the content of all Christian congregation of 1,200. This is preaching. the apathy of people toward such in a prairie country, where noth- work, the present scope of medi- ing can be seen but elephant AFRICA cal missionary work in South grass. The people seem to walk Africa is a cause for thanksgiv- out of the grass, but there they Leprosy and Nationalism ing. The recently published are. Christian Handbook for South Dr. Emory Ross, General Sec- Africa gives the following fig- A prominent chief wanted to retary of the American Mission ures as evidence of this changed become a Christian. He was held to Lepers, observes that so un- off for a time to make sure he selfish a ministry as work for situation: was in earnest, and not seeking lepers might be assumed to be the limelight. But Samuel Hiobi free from politics, but it is not Missionary doctors in kept insisting that he had given the case. In Africa a leper work the matter much thought and carried on for twenty years by South Africa ….. . 44 was anxious to become one of an effective American group has the "Tribe of God." At last he been completely stopped, the Mis s ion a r y nurses was accepted as a beginner. He property expropriated and those put away his wives, (keeping in charge caused to leave the (European) …… . 137 only one – the first one he had country. In two more territories married), and promised to care in Africa not only is official aid Nurses (Bantu) em- for them and their children, seerefused to well-executed leper ing that they have medical care work financed and staffed by ployed by Missions .. 54 when ill. He is an example of Americans, but heavy duties are the many who have rejoiced to laid upon chaulmoogra oil and Native probationers in find the better Christian Way of other medical supplies imported Life. for the treatment of lepers. All training ……… . 314 this has come about partly be- Cameroun in Jeopardy cause of clashing political move- Mission hospital beds . 1,605 ments in Europe, and the Afri- Dr. Emory Ross reminds us cans look on in bewilderment. Inpatients "(1937) …. 17,684 that the Cameroun has had more However, this situation does not languages, more governments, prevail in all of Africa. In Li- Outpatients (1937) .,. 270,264 more foreign adjustments forced Figures About Elat Elat parish of the Presbyte- rian West Africa Mission has 189 chapels with an average at- tendance each Sunday of 35,000; Christians 24,037. Of schools, it has 185 Village Vernacular, 15 Village French, 650 pupils, 1 Boys' and 1 Girls' Boarding School, 745 pupils, 50 teachers in training. In one decade of med- ical work: 110,662 sick folk treated, 5,216 won to Christ.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
upon it from abroad in the past with another 2,000 enrolment. In describing the contrasts besixty years than any other part (3) Pay salaries of 160 evan- tween then and now, Mrs. Emof Africa. First, English. Be- gelists, and 25 elders and pas- berson says: fore any foreign government tors; all missionary itinerating ruled, English trade, language and all office supplies. (4) Pay If we wished to visit our outstations, and customs dominated the coast for all repairs on buildings which our only mode of travel was by donkey and spread somewhat inland. deteriorate rapidly in that trop- and bush chair. The chair was pro- Second, German. German gov- ical climate and where white pelled on one wheel under the center ernment, language, trade and ants work destruction. Chris- of the seat, with a long "harness" in customs in the 1880's began to tians at home should not con- front to allow room for the "boy" to cover the country. T h i r d, sider their obligation ended with walk or run without knocking his French. The Versailles group of the payment of missionaries' heels against the step. Behind was a treaties consolidated military salaries. shorter harness which a second boy victories; French government, held, in an endeavor to keep the conlanguage, trade and customs Prison Visitation in Uganda veyance steady. Needless to say, there ruled Cameroun. Each succeed- were many bad moments for the pasing foreign influence has fought One feature of C. M. S. work senger when the boys made even a to root out the preceding. in Kampala, Uganda, and has slight swerve. been for some years, is regular During all these changes the visiting at the central prison Last year we started at 10 a. m. in Church has been almost the only twice each week. This is under- an auto to conduct a morning service uninterrupted, continuing for- taken by Rev. A. M. Williams, in one of our indigenous churches, eign factor in Cameroun life. It who has about 70 names on his about sixteen miles away. We found has pioneered in education, med- baptism record; many more 700 people waiting to hear the Gospel, icine, modern agriculture, man- than that number attend the and 200 of these people partook of ual training, spiritual regenera- services. Since most of the men Communion. Leaving this church at tion. It has brought thousands are there for a long term it is 1 : 30 p. m., we went on to ano,ther of Africans, through Christ, into possible to do a good deal with church some twenty-five miles in a closer human as well as closer them, and results are encour- difllerent direction, and found 1,500 spiritual relationships than they aging. Nearly all are illiterate, people waiting. There was insufficient have ever experienced before. It but all are taught to read and room in the church, so they all sat has interpreted and bound and write before they are baptized, under eucalyptus trees, to listen enmediated. It has taught Eng- except the very old. thralled to the same Word of God. It lish, then German, now French. was unforgettable and very touching, Some of the most effective to hear this crowd of people sing in It has been the largest factor leaders in the mission band have their own tongue, "Rock of Ages, cleft in stability and unity. And now been convicts, and it is not un- for me." After this service, once again Germany is demanding the re- common to find prisoners, after Ohristians to the number of 300 sat turn of Cameroun; Germany, their releas,e, going back to their down at the Lord's Table. whose officials oppose Christian- villages to engage in active evanity, forbid the fundamental gelism. We left them as the African sun teachings of Jesus Christ and quickly disappeared behind a mouncomplete loyalty to Him. Changes in Nyasaland tain, and reached the mission station at 5 p. m., having come into contact Making Ends Meet Rev. Wilfrid Emberson has with about 2,200 Africans on one Sab- spent 27 years of service in bath day. And this difference has Rev. James L. Jackson, of Nyasaland,and recently, because come about in eighteen years! Luebo, Congo State, says that of his wife's ill health, both have for the past eight years the mis- returned to England where Mr. When Mrs. Emberson said sionary budget has not been suf- Emberson has accepted the pas- good-bye, the oldest Christian ficient to meet the needs; and torate of a Baptist church in woman, gripping both of Mrs. by way of being explicit lists Kent. During their joint serv- Emberson's hands, said: "Don't what Luebo station is expected ice in Nyasaland, village schools cry mai (mother), we shall go to do for six months on $2,400. have grown from 40 to more on following the Jesus you have (1) Medical work: pay for all than 100. There are now seven helped us to know and love, and medicine in a hospital where indigenous churches. In the when He comes again for His 15,000 patients are treated and early days there was no building children we shall meet again, as many as 75 major operations in which the sick could stay for and in that day say 'Moni' (Good· are performed annually; pay healing, but, after a boy with a morning) face to face." for all emergency medical trips diseased foot had crawled five when gasoline costs 50 cents a days to reach the missionary, -The Christian. gallon, and quinine to keep mis- two mud huts were set apart as sionary families free from ma- a "hospital." During the first Juvenile Crime in laria. (2) Pay teachers' salaries year 7,000 patients were treated, Johannesburg in a school with 2,000 pupils; all and last year 19,229 sick folk reteaching material and entire sup- ceived treatment. Juvenile crime in South Africa is engaging public attention. In port for 14 outstation schools Johannesburg, it has increased by more than 53 per cent during the past year. An inquiry con- ducted by Dr. Ray E. Phillips names poverty as the root of the situation. Children steal because they are hungry. Other causes named are inadequate housing; unstable marriage ties, which means that children are not liv-
ing with parents; liquor con- tine is obvious. The Germans many encouraging facts. In sumption; lack of educational have established an Arab club Sweden, the number of schools advantages-more than half the in Damascus. An Arab doctor, and scholars has increased durnative children are not in school trained in Germany, goes back ing recent years; and their effibecause of lack of accommoda- and forth between Iraq and ciency is steadily improving. tion-and, by no means the least Damascus, and recently infor- Teacher training courses are significant factor – the separa- mation was let slip that he has held regularly, and junior work tion of families, because 300,000 been busy sending money from for girls and boys, who leave the native men are at work in the Germany to Iraq, to be for- Sunday school at fourteen years mines, and living in compounds. warded to Arab committees in of age has been organized. Palestine. A new motor road -World Dominion Press. between Syria and Imq furthers Progress is the keynote of Germany's plan for a "Greater Sunday school work in Esthonia. WESTERN ASIA Germany" to stretch from Ber- Much time has also been given lin to Bagdad. to visitation of German and Rus- Sunday Schools in Bible Lands sian Sunday schools in the vi- However,a write!r in Al Misry cinity of Tartu: here Sunday Many cablegrams during the believes that the Arabs under- school and Bible class work is year have informed the world of stand quite well the consequences being regularly conducted among bloodshed and bitter strife in the of getting into Hitler's power, Russian and German youth; and lands of the Bible, but most of and their officials are not much great enthusiasm is evident on the Sunday school news tells the impressed by Germany's appeals. the part of both teachers and story of a world of cooperation Arabs do not seriously consider s:cholars. and mutual enhancement among any scheme they do not fully men of diverse cultures. From understand. The report reveals that in Tiberias one writes, "The Sun- France, Holland, Hungary and day school is a movement of MISCELLANEOUS many other countries, the work world brotherhood. It is the is making steady progress. only place where Arab and Jew- The Bible and Education ish children meet in peace and World's Student Christian brotherhood in time of racial en- In an address at the Columbia Federation mity and bloodshed." Another Convocation in New York, comreport says, "In spite of war and memorating the 400th anniver- How to make this Federation rebellion, schools were conducted sary of the English Bible, the a force in America is the quesin Palestine with the help of Dean of St. Paul's, London, said, tion that faces the organization Moslem and Arab boys." In in the course of the address: as they look over the world and Jerusalem one thousand children see Christianity on the defensive. were enrolled in six vacation One cannot contemplate a falling "Not here"; one may say, "these Bible schools. away from the reverence and knowl- things can't happen in the edge of the Bible without seeing a United States." Well, can't they? The work of the Bible Lands great danger of national incoherence. There are movements on foot Union for Christian Erlucation In this modern time there is a great here that have already stamped isa unique demonstration of co- risk that the masses of the population out the Student Christian moveoperation in Palestine, Syria, may become, as it were, uprooted, ment in other countries. Transjordania, Lebanon, Iraq without secure foundation for their and Cyprus. Representatives of lives, that they may degenerate into Two things, says a writer in the Greek Orthodox, Armenian a swaying crowd with no common The Intercollegian, are essential Apostolic, Anglican and Amer- values and no continuing tradition. to promote the Federation: eduican Protestant churches carry The nations flourish or decay ulti- cation and funds. For the educaon 'a vast program of Chdstian mately from within. They flourish or tional program is sugges,ted: l. education. The ancient churches decay from the soul. An enthusiastic WorId Felloware adopting modern methods ship Committee to inte,rpret the for work with children, youth It is surely the duty of everyone Federation's aims. 2. Promotion and adults. The Christian con- who owes his own spiritual life to the of international Christian literaference grounds at Chouei"!', Leb- Bible to do his utmost to insist that ture. 3. Study groups. 4. Use anon, have proven to be a busy it shall take its proper place in the of bulletin boards and chapel center twelve months of the year education of the people; and con- speakers in colleges. 5. Estabfor leadership education, Chris- stantly to urge that no education, lish friendships with foreign stutian endeavor conferences and from the most elementary to the most dents. Correspondence with stuboys' camps. advanced, can be adequate which dents in other lands. leaves students in ignorance of this -World Sunday School fountainhead of all that is best in our Local experimentation is sug- Assn. News. common heritage. gested in the matter of raising funds. "Federation Friends" Germany Filters Into -Federal Council Bulletin. should be enlisted among faculty Near East members and others, and a The W. S. S. A. "Pledge Day" might be es,tab- The connection between Ger- lished. many and the troubles in Pales- The World's Sunday School Association is made up of 51 units, with two administrative centers, one in Glasgow, the other in New York. The recently published annual report contains
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Directory of Christian Missions and obvious that women of different ing medical service, and assist- Churches in India, Burma and Cey- l"'aces and nationalities around ing in village uplift projects, lon. Introduction by Alexander the world have the same prob- convinced that this is a sounder, McLeish. 512 pp. National Chris- lems and interests. Each author because a more helpfully con- tian Council, Nagpur, India. writes from wide experience as structive process than trying to to what Christ has brought to change labels." This is the fourth edition of her own countrywomen. Taken the Directory since 1932 when as a whole, the chapters supply Aside from this bias against its publication was undertaken a valuable record of the trends Christian missions, the book by the National Christian Coun- of the Christian m 0 v e men t bears the marks of scholarship cil. It contains statistics and a throughout the world. It is and is the best account we have very complete list of approxi- clearly shown that Christianity of present-day Turkey. After mately 200 missionary agencies, is a stabilizing force for nations, describing the background in 61 2',000 stations, 7,000 mission- as well as for individuals. At a pages Mr. Webster deals with aries, 175 periodicals, and 2,500 time, when the whole Christian the struggle for independence institutions in India, Burma and world is menaced by systems and the processes of reforma- Ceylon. Anyone will be im- contrary to the tea,chings of tion and leadership under Atapressed by this vast number of Christ, it is important to point turk. The second and longest Christian enterprises but the Di- to His Way as the only force that part of the book (pages 162-2'89) rectory is of especial value to will cement the nations together deals with the ideology of the missionaries, editors and execu- on the basis of righteousness and present government, particularly tives interested in Christian brotherhood. H. H. FERGUSON. politics, the press, education, and work in India. The Christians the result of all this on the social of all sects and races now are The Turkey of Ataturk: Social Prog- structure, the rural uplift and estimated to number 7,500,000 ress in the Turkish Reformation. the life of the people. of whom about 7,000,000 are In- By Donald Everett Webster. Amerdians. In 1931 Protestants num- ican Academy of Political and So- The volume is beautifully illusbered over 3,000,000, a 50% in- cial Science. 337 pp. Price, $2.50. trated, with photographs, diacrease in ten years, and Roman Philadelphia. 1939. grams, and maps, all of them val- Catholics over 2,000,000. Hindus uable. We have also a gazeteer, number 240,000,000. There are The author was a short-term a full bibliography, and a care- 225 languages spoken, in addi- teacher in the International Col-. ful index. As a secular study, tion to many dialects. The Bible, lege, Izmir (Smyrna), and had one can desire nothing better. in whole or in part, has been other contacts with Turkey. His translated in only 120 of these. book describes the complex proc- S. M. ZWEMER. There are still many unoccupied esses which have as by miracle areas and unevangelized millions produced modern Turkey. Its The Wild Rue: A Study of Muhamin India. viewpoint is not political, nor re- madan Magic and Folklore in Iran. ligious, nor that of the journal- By Bess Allen Donaldson. Luzac & Women and the Way: A Symposium. ist, but that of the sociologist. Co., London. 216 pp. 10/6. 198 pp. Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 The first sentence in the Intro- cents. The Friendship Press, New duction give the writer's view- Edwyn Bevan, in his Gifford York. 1938. point: "Turkey, no longer an Lectures, used "Symbolism and object of derision, pity, and Belief" as the general title. All What the ace e pta n c e of evangelization, now marches in races are fond of symbols for Christ's Way of Life has meant the vanguard of those nations their faith and superstitionsto the women of every land is a whose post-World War revolu- the Star for Judaism, the Cresquestion here answered by out- tionary processes are most as- cent for Islam, the Swastika for standing Christian women of tounding." At the close of the Buddhism. And so the learned many different parts of the book he remarks: "There are author of this excellent book on world. The list of authors in- still a few Protestant mission- Persian superstition has taken cludes such distinguished leaders aries in the country who do no for title "The Wild Rue," the as Madame Chiang Kai-shek, proselytizing, but spend their most common plant in practice Michi Kawai, Muriel Lester and time in teaching school, render- of magic, used like the mandrake others from home, church, politi- .in the Pentateuch. I know of no cal and professional life, It is [221 ] other volume better suited to give the background of daily life
in Iran. Reforms, social and in- was a deep student 'Of the Bible, captivating. After reading his tellectual, are the order of the which he accepte9. as the in- studies we feel that we know day but eighty percent of the spired word 'Of God, and he was these men and wish to know common people only hear of a preacher tD whom old and even more about them. Dr. them and live their lives under young, learned and unlettered Eastman not only shows us the the shadow of Islam, as in the delighted to listen. He knew men in brief compass, but he repast. That shadow includes a God as revealed in Christ and he veals their backgrDund, the spirit mass of superstition and magic. knew and understood men, be- 'Of the times in which they lived Here we have the key. and their influence 'On posterity. cause he himself was a man. The bODk includes chapters on These Bible notes are m'Ore It is an excellent bDOk for young "The Evil Eye," "Practices at than beautiful nuggets 'Of g'Old men and offers gDod illustrative Child Birth," "M a r ria g e," that Bishop Smith mined in his material for sermons and ad- "Death," and "Burial." We have days 'Of study and prayer, they dresses. an accDunt 'Of superstitions CDnnected with the seasons, the are living seed-thDughts that Evergreen and Other Near East Bible weather, the calendar, dreams Talks. By Abdul-Fady (A. T. Upand sleep; also we learn what came from the granary of God's pious Moslems are supposed tD revealed Word and are copied son) with foreword by Dr. S. M. d'O when they weep or breathe, sneeze or cut their nails and hair. from the Bishop's much used Zwemer. 120 pp. 28. Marshall There is alsD an aCCDunt of wide-margin study Bible. Are Morgan & Scott, Ltd. London. 1938. sacred places, saints and pilgrimages. This material might have nDt such thoughts. as the follDW- This little book of outline talks been better classified but the in- ing stimulating to dee per on the Bible is deceiving in two dex is fairly complete. The book thought, more earnest prayer ways. Its small size does not is written from a woman's view- give pr'Omise 'Of the am'Ount of point but it represents all the old and more Christlike living: life of Persia. As the author says: "Considerable attention "My God, my God, why hast thou real meat in it. And tDO, it gives has been given to religiDus cus- forsaken me" (Mat. 27: 46). This is tDms; this is because the super- hell ! the impression 'Of one of those stitiDns are firmly rooted in the religiDn. With the majority of "Whom God hath raised up" (Acts . devotiDnal books that one can the peDple their occult practices toss off in a day or so and go on. have become religious rites. It 2: 24). If this had been a lie the is to them that they pin their apostles would not have dared to Not so, fDr here is the considered faith, and to them they turn in preach it in Jerusalem – besides the times of trial and crisis. While Holy Spirit could not have blessed a result of years 'Of teaching God's the name 'Of G'Od is often UP'On Word, which fact in itself should their lips, all too frequently it, lie. get it a hearing. This teaching too, is merely a name with which "As for God, his way is perfect" tD conjure. (Ps. 18: 30). We cannot add to a was done in surroundings which perfect thing. To meddle is to spoil. must of necessity reflect them- The uninformed mind turns very "For all the promises of God in him naturally to something tangible in are yea, and in him Amen" (2 Cor. selves in the quality and the times of need. They are surrounded by fears: fears of sickness and death, 1: 20). Subject to no discount. flavor of the material presented. fears of drought and crop failure, fears of famine and flood, fears of "Thy Kingdom come" (Luke 11: 2). The occasional turns and evildoers and their wiles, fears of touches from the Near East save husbands and their relatives, and all Before me petition is allowed for self, this bo'Ok from being just ankinds of fears of the supernatural, and in their ignorance they have but foreign missions are to be rememsought the help of some "magical bered. power" in strange objects or symbols. "But when he was in Rome, he other book of Bible talks. It is sought me out very diligently and SAMUEL M. ZWEMER. clear that the authDr has been found me" (2 Timothy 1: 17). A good there. An instance is the ex- Gems from Bishop Taylor Smith's man is ever seeking people-worldly planation of the "sound of Bible. Compiled by Percy O. Ruoff. 142 pp. 28. 6d. Marshall, Morgan people for Christ; Christians for marching" in the vale of Re- & Scott. London. $1.00. Zonder- van Pub. House, Grand Rapids. Christ. 1939. Not only pastors and teachers phaim (page 38). Again the Bishop Taylor Smith was a re- but all Christians will find this reference tD the ripening of the markable character, with a keen Jaffa oranges (page 41) makes sense of humDr, spiritual dis.. vDlume richly rewarding. cernment, a heart of love and a us realize how much a knowledge faith that begets courage. He Men of Power. Volume III. Four of "the Land" is necessary to an biographies by F'red Eastman. 197 understanding 'Of "the Bo'Ok."
pp. $1.50. Cokesbury Press. Nash- ROBERT F. OGDEN. ville. 1939.
Benjamin Franklin the scien- Highways and Hedges. By William Wistar Hamilton. 119 pp. $1.00. tist and statesman, R. W. Emer- Broadman Press.. Nashville. 1938. SDn the pDet, preacher and essay- ist, George FDX the fDunder of These are brief stories of CDn- the Society of Friends, and verts in evangelistic work, writ- ten by some fifty Christian work- Charles Darwin the revDlution- ers. Some 'Of them are tDD brief ary scientist-all make excellent to make an impression but others subjects for sixty-minute biD- offer effective material for pas- graphical sketches. Dr. Eastman tors and Sunday school teachers who may unfDrtunately lack is a clear thinker and a dramatic these rich persDnal experiences. writer. The glimpses he gives A careful sifting would improve of their develDpment, their the vDlume. achievements and sources 'Of their power are stimulating and
' j I~~
Upptr Room _2_ April, May, June ~ "'! ,,' -II if.
"It 01 ;:t.
o:j 'S ~ '1 :l: '!J .l1 Spiritual Need -&1/121 "I~ :<!-7. Knows No 'Hi '".:s.~ Boundary Lines ';"51 ~ "'I !I'
A page from Korean Edition PERHAPS, as no other publication, THE UPPER ROOM has proved that men of all races, of all tongues, are in great need of the spiritual inspiration of a daily devotional guide. Because of this universal need for it, THE UPPER ROOM is now published in four languages-English, Spanish, Korean, and Hindustani. It can now be read by half the people of the earth in their own language and new translations are being added as the demand for them arises.
In response to requests from pastors who have been using the specially printed Christmas envelopes to mail copies of THE UPPER ROOM to members of their congregations, we are now offering A SPECIALLY PRINTED ENVELOPE FOR MAILING THE EASTER ISSUE This envelope carries an attractive design, printed in an appropriate color. These Easter envelopes are offered at 1 cent each, postpaid, in quantities of 10 or more, or we will mail a copy of the April, May, June issue, to address furnished, in an Easter envelope for 10 cents each.
THE UPPER ROOM is available, in quantities of 10 or more, at 5 cents per copy, post. paid, and on our consignment plan if desired. Yearly subscription, 30 cents postpaid, foreign 40 cents. Spanish edition at same price and on same terms.
The April, May, June issue is now ready for distribution. This is the Easter Issue. The cover is one of the most beautiful and suggestive that we have ever used. The interpreta- tion of the cover picture alone is worth many times the price of the book. Be sure that every member of your congregation is supplied. Place your order at once for prompt delivery.
Send all orders for English and Spanish editions to tbe Upper Room f,.~~=I====Do=c=to=rs=' =B=ui=ld=in=g======N=as=h=vi=lle=,=T=en=n=.==~,,~.~~ [223 ]
The Second World Conference on program in revolutiQnizing the B run n e r' s "Mediator," and Faith and Order, Edinburgh, 1937. method of missionary activity in Schweitzer's the "Mysticism o.f Edited by Leonard Hodgson. $2.25. the C. M. S. stations in northern St. Paul," but has not grasped o.r 386 pp. Macmillan. New York. Nigeria provide food for thQught been grnsped by their doctrine. 1939. The final report of the con- for any who may be interested in The tragedy of the post-war time ference includes six chapters: mission work in West Africa. has driven religious tho.ught and The last section of the book leads experience in this Western world (1) Introduction; (2) The up to the tragedy of his death in into a deeper, mQre mysterious, an airplane crash during his sec- Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ; ond term as assistant bisho.P in more transcendent cons,truction (3) The Church of Christ and the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. of the thought of Go.d and of the the W.ord .of God; (4) The Com- grace of God, o.f the fact of sin, munion of Saints; (5) The L. K. ANDERSON. and of the manifestatio.n of God Church .of Christ: Ministry and in Christ, and of the deeds o.f Essential Christianity. By Samuel Go.d in Christ and histo.ry, than Sacraments; (6) The Church's Angus. 226 pp. $2.00. Macmillan. is represented in this book. Unity in Life and Worship. New York. 1939. R. E. SPEER. Here is evidence .of the present Let Us Build. By P. E. Burroughs, reality of the ideal which is Dr. Angus maintains the opin- Illus. 154 pp. 60 cents. Broadpursued. Certain manifestatiQns man Press. Nashville. 1938. of unity remain to be attained ion that Christianity is not a but here is a real unity .of the matter of opinion and he sets Building churches-both physspirit in the bo.nd of peace. The fQrth his opinion .of what essen- ically and spiritually-is a pro.bprayer of o.ur Lord for unity tially Christianity is. It is the lem. Fin an c e s, educatio.nal amo.ng His disciples, like the old self-contradictory circle. A equipment, worship, recreational man tells us that "It dQes nQt facilities are all involved-and unity of the Father and S.on, has how the problems are wQrked no.t been achieved but the dis- matter what a man thinks. It out may mean all the difference ciples are striving after it. only mrutters what he is." One replies, "You are ei,ther saying R. E. SPEER. what you think or you are saying Civilization-The Next Step. By C. what YOlU don't think. If the lat- between success and failure. . Delisle Burns. $2.75. 291 pp. W. ter, what are you? If the former, The author is educational and W. Norton & Co. New York. 1939. why are yo.U saying it if it does architectural secretary of the The author's desires and pur- not matter?" Southern Baptist Sunday School poses are of the best. The next Of co.urse Christianity is very Board and his manuscript has step sho.uld be more friendliness, much a matter of opinion, but been approved by forty-two. kindness, intelligence, equality few, if any, readers of THE RE- architects. The book includes and justice. But the philosophy VIEW will agree with Dr. Angus' forty-five plates to illustrate is the old humanism. Humanity opiniQn of it. "Christianity is an twelve building plans for various is to. lift itself by its own boot- sized churches and differing straps. A living GQd and the experience." It is not faith in costs from $7,000 to. $122,000 Christian dynamic are simply God in Christ. "It is faith in each. It is arranged as a textno.t in the picture. The tragedy bo.ok and contains many valuable o.f the world lies deeper than God like that of Jesus." The note and practical suggestions for this diagnosis. There is such a is the note of that pre-war liber- both churches and Sun day reaUty as sin and there is need alism which defined Christianity schools. Many of the plans are o.f a mQre powerful Saviour and as "the religion of Jesus" and de- very attractive and practical. a more radical salvatio.n than is cried "the religion about Jesus." Little attention is. given to social co.nceived here. R. E. SPEER. It deprecates the relatiQnship of and athletic .equipment and the essence of Christianity to which is so popular today in Guy' Bullen. By his friends. Illus. many churches. Maps. 136 pp. 58. Highway Press, "alleged historic facts o.f debat- able historicity (such as, the Vir- gin Birth, the miracles, the phys- London. 1938. ical resurrection o.f Jesus" the Hugo of the Blade. By Julius F. bodily ascension, the official and Seebach. 271 pp. $1.00. United This biography .of the late Rt.
Rev. H. Guy Bullen, As:sistant authoritative establishment of a Lutheran Publication House, Phil- Bishop in Egypt and the Sudan, Church by Him)." It rejects the adelphia. 1938.
is written by friends and aSSQ- deity of Christ. It accepts what This is a moderately interestciates who. pay tribute to the un- in the New Testament suits the ing novel of the Reformation peusual attractiveness o.f the man's author's o.pinion of essential riod, centering about the life of human chaI"acteristics and to his Chris.tianity and rejects what a printer and his descendants s'implicity and powe,r as a devo.ut does not. who were staunch supporters of Christian. Perhaps the least in- Dr. Angus' emphasis on the Protestantism. The "trimming teresting part o.f the book is the duty of Christlikeness, of obedi- blade," used in book binding, be- first section dealing with Bullen's ence and conformity to the Spir- came the symbol of truth and boyhood where an attempt is it o.f Christ, or unselfishness and freedom. This story won first made to relate youthful inclina- sacrifice and service and love is prize in the "John Rung Legacy"
tions to later powers in the mis- all to the go.od, but his subjective contest for 1938, for the best his- sionary's personality. The chap- humanJsm is a swan song of a torical narrative, educational and ters relating to his far-sighted declining Christism. He has read missionary. H. H. F.
from Many Lands: Stories for GOD'S PURPOSE :h:::'::~
Juniors. Illus. 127 pp. Paper, 50 erery day cents. Morehouse-Gorman Co., New York. 1938. A handy volume of 365 inspirational sermonettes written by distinguished Children will like these stories, clergymen of the English·speaking world. Arranged in calendar form. one and leaders of junior groups will find them helpful in creating an for each day in the year. one to each page. interest in the children of other races and lands and in promoting Cloth,60c; Limp Leatherette, $1.00; Art Leather, $1.50 a missionary spirit. In addition to the stories about children in COD'S MESSACE COD'S MINUTE far-away lands, there are tales about American Indians, Ne- 365 prominent clergymen have Here is a marvelous collection of groes and Mountaineers; also about ohildren of island depend- chosen their favorite Scripture pas- 365 Daily Prayers. each 60 seconds encies-Porto Rico, Hawaii, the Philippines. Following the fif- sages. With each as a text, they long. written by 365 of the most teen stories are six biographical sketches, in language children have written a Message that quick- eminent preachers and laymen in can understand, of stalwart Christian leaders, such as Bishop ens faith, and brings comfort. the world. Azariah of India. Cloth, 6Oc; Limp Leatherette, $1.00; Art Leather, 51.50 HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON. THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bldg., Phila. Master Thoughts for Victorious Liv- ing. Edited by Dumont Clarke. 72 The Spirit of the Shepherd. By M. Life's Cricket Match. Reginald pp. 25 cents paper; $1.00 leather- P. Krikorian. 8 vo. 125 pp. $1.00. Wallis. 43 pp. 6d. Pickering & ette cover. Paul M. Hinkhouse. Zondervan Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Inglis. London. New York. 1938. Mich. 1938. Master Thoughts for Victorious These 285 quotations are from The Twenty-third Psalm is Living. Edited by Dumont Clarke. many different sources from the immortal and seems to be inex- 72 pp. 25 cents; $1.00, Leatherette. Bible to Mohandas Gandhi and haustible. The present inter- Paul Hinkhouse. New York. from John Keats to Robert E. pretation is by an Armenian Speer. They naturally form a shepherd who became a spiritual The Missionary Significance of the great mixture on over fifty topics shepherd and Christian evan- Lord's Prayer. Lee S. Huizenga. and are of varied value. Most gelist. His emphasis in this ex- 84 pp. Eerdmans Pub. Co. of them are very brief-one sen- position is on the revelation of tence – but they offer food for God as the Jehovah who pro- Revealing Christ. Percy Hortill. 71 thought and come from experi- vides, guides, gives peace, over- pp. Is. 2d. S. P. G. London. ence. To many public speakers comes and gives His people a they furnish material for apt Home forever. These character- Studies in Popular Islam. S. M. quotations. istics are all referred to in the Zwemer. 148 pp. $2.50. Mac- Hebrew names. The study is millan. New York. All Around the City. By Esther Frei- practical and interesting rather vogel. Illus. 95 pp. 50 cents paper than unique. The Turkey of Ataturk. Social Prog- and $1.00 cloth. Friendship Press. ress in the Turkish Reformation. New York. 1938. New Boole. Donald Everett Webster. 337 pp. $2.50. Academy of Political and Here is an attractive book on Christian Home Making. (Prepared Social Science. Philadelphia. the city for primary children. A for the Madras Conference of the "Primary Teacher's Guide" is I. M. C.) Edited by Mrs. Robert They Dared to Live. Robert M. Bartalso obtainable at 25 cents a E. Speer and Constance Hallock. lett. 135 pp. $1.25. Association copy. Miss Freivogel describes 141 pp. $1.50. Round Table Press. Press. New York. how children move to the city New York. from the country, their experi- The World's Religions. A Short Hisences at Christmastime, at the Canadian Journey. H. P. Thompson. tory. Charles S. Braden. 256 pp. Neighborhood H 0 use, church 69 pp. S. P. G. London. $1.50. Cokesbury Press. Nashville. school and at play. Pen and ink drawings and the story are de- The Church Faces the World. (Pre- Welcome House. Jessie Eleanor signed to interest children. The pared for the Madras Conference of Moore. Illustrated. 95 pp. $1.00, incidents of life will help them the I. M. C.) Edited by Samuel cloth; 50 cents, paper. Friendship understand other children, and McCrea Cavert. 133 pp. $1.50. Press. New York. to sympathize with many who Round Table Press. are undernourished both physi- John Wyclif and the English Bible. cally and spiritually. It is a Christians in Action. A Record of Melvin M. Cammack. 288 pp. $1.75. good book for children from Work in War-Time China. By American Tract Society. New York. seven to ten years of age. Seven Missionaries. 115 pp. $1.00. Longs, Green & Co. New York. Tales of a Waste-Basket Surgeon. Gordon S. Seagrave. 265 pp. $1.50. Green Timber. Esther Gerberding Judson Press. Philadelphia. Hunt. 220 pp. 75 cents. United Lutheran Pub. House. Philadelphia. The Two Ways. A Play in Six Epi- sodes. A. L. E. WilIiams. 53 pp. Hugo the Blade. Julius F. Seeback. Is. S. P. C. K. London. 271 pp. $1.00. United Lutheran Pub. House. Philadelphia. The W orId's Great Religious Poetry. Compiled by Caroline Miles Hill. The History of Christianity in Amer- $1.69. Macmillan. New York. ica. Frank Grenville Beardsley. 244 pp. $1.50. American Tract Why Be Good? James Reid. 191 pp. Society. New York. $1.50. Cokesbury Press. Nashville.
Historical Atlas of the Holy Land. The Holy Bible. Illustrated by Wil- Maps. 62 pp. $1.00. Rand Mc- liam Hole. 8vo. 1,252 pp. Eyre Nally. New York. and Spottiswoode. London.
Men of Power. Vol. III. Fred East- man. 197 pp. $1.50. Cokesbury Press. Nashville.
State Population Census by Faiths: Meaning, Reliability and Value. H. S. Linfield. 72 pp. $2. Hasid's Bibliographic and Library Service. New York.
'I(~ ,tI1zS .11WiteJ to. ,tItienci
THE NORTHFIELD MISSIONARY CONFERENCE JULY 3-10, 1939 A PIONEER PROJECT in Interdenominational Fellowship on the beautiFul CAMPUS of Northfield Seminary EAST NORTHFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS HUNDREDS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS have received inspiration and training for service in their home churches, their communities and beyond the SEAS Denominational Camps for the Girls SEPARATE CLASSES are held for GIRLS and WOMEN In Bible Study • Mission Study • Leadership Training A FEW OF THE LEADERS WHO WILL TAKE PART Miss Ruth Isabel Seabury Miss Hazel Orton Miss Marguerite Hazzard Miss Alice Murdock Miss Nona M. Diehl Miss Sue Weddell Miss Gertrude Schultz Mrs. Walter C. Stevens Miss Christine Wang Dr. Caroline Palmer Dr. Emily J. Werner YOUR CHURCH SHOULD BE REPRESENTED YOUR LEADERS SHOULD FEEL THE POWER THAT COMES FROM MEETING TOGETHER WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHERS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST For further information address—MRS. WARREN C. TAYLOR. 38 Union Avenue W., Schenectady, N. Y.
THE MOILEM WORLD PUBUSHED BY THE HARTFORD SEMINARY FOUNDATION Editors: SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, EDWIN E. CALVERLEY Some Articles in the April Number Religion and Life • • • Edwin E. Calverley A Protestant View of Moslem Missions Julius Richter The Missionary Conviction and Approach • Robert E. Speer The Law and the Gospel • • • Laurence E. Browne Al.Ghazali and Arabic Versions of the Gospels Constance E. Padwick A Modern Revindication of Islam H. Kraemer Qualities of the Planets D. M. Donaldson A Variant Text of the Fatiha Arthur Jeffery The Traditions of An.Nawawi .. Eric F. F. Bishop The Moslem Doctrine of Sin E. E. Elder Book Reviews Current Topics Survey of Periodicals Sue Molleson Foster +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: MARSHALL, MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. Price in Great Britain, Eight Shillings a Year, net
The Missionary Review of the World — March 1939
MARCH,1939
Vision and Power at Madras Paul W. Harrison Kenneth S. Latourette Foreign Missions Tomorrow John R. Mott V. S. Azariah Toyohiko Kagawa Recommendations from Tambaram Quotations from the Findings A Kashgar Moslem's Story Mrs. Glenn B. Ogden Primitive Animists in the Celebes Henry P. Van Dusen The Indian Poet-N. V. Tilak Kund Heiberg 25 Cents a COP'Y $2.50 a YeaT
to Remember Rev. S. S. Tema, a South African of Rev. Samuel Hinds Willqnson
Johannesburg, who works among the many years director of the Mildmay February 28-March 31- Teams of large African population employed in Mission to the Jews, died in London speakers from the Madras Confer- the gold mines and coming from many on January 5 at the age of 76. He ence are to visit a number of cities parts of Africa. He speaks four na- was the son of Rev. John Wilkinson, . in the United States and Canada to tive languages as well as Afrikaans who founded the Mission in 1876, and report on the most important fea- and English. became associated with his father in tures of that conference. One team the work in 1882, succeeding him as will consist of Professor G. Baez Obituary Notes director in 1907. He was a successful Camargo of Mexico, Dr. P. C. Hsu missionary'to the Jews and an accom- of China, and Miss Ila Sircar of Rev. Fred G. Mitchell, Presbyterian plished Hebrew scholar, being largely India. The second team will con- missionary to the Navajos since 1905, responsible for the translation of the sist of Dr. Rajah B. Manikam of died suddenly January 12 in his 81st Bible into Yiddish. India, Dr. Hachiro Yuasa of Japan, year. He had retired in 1933. Mr. and Miss Minnie Soga of South Mitchell labored for 14 years without *** Africa. a single convert, but during this time made invaluable contributions to the Rev. Dr. Alfred Williams Anthony, February 28-March l-WiQrld Alliance work as linguist and writer. In 1920, for five yearS! secretary of the Home of Presbyterian and Reformed he was made superintendent of the Missions Council of North America, Churches, Western Section, Pitts- Ganado Mission in Arizona; and from died at Waltham, Mass., on January burgh, Pa. 1930 until his retirement was Director 20. Dr. Anthony was 79 years of of Indian Wells Community Center. age, having been born in Providence, April 26 – Uniting Conference of Here he devoted most of his time to R. I., January 13, 1860, the son of the American Methodism, Kansas City, translation and evangelism. late Lewis and Britannia Anthony. Mo. He was graduated from Brown Uni- *** versity in 1883 and ordained as a min- May 25 – Presbyterian Church in ister of the Free Baptist Church in U. S. A., Cleveland, Ohio. James Fugat, volunteer worker for 1885. After a brief pastorate at many years in the Episcopal Mission Bangor, Maine, he taught in Cobb Di- June 8-Reformed Church in Amer- in the Philippines, was murdered there visional School and in Bates College, ica, New York, N. Y. on December 14. Mr. Fugat went to Maine. In 1911 he was made Corre- the Philippines from the United States sponding Secretary and Treasurer of June 20-25 – Northern Baptist Con- shortly after the American occupation the General Conference of Free Bap- vention, Los Angeles, Calif. of the islands and identified himself tists and in 1918 was elected Execu- with the native people. For a long tive Secretary of the Home Missions June 24-July l-E;agles Mere Confer- time he worked in the Moro agricul- Council, where he did very effective ence of Missions. Chairman, Mrs. tural school at Jolo, now closed. More work in cooperation in home missions. Earl Breeding, 24 Rugby Lane, recently, he was assisting at the mis- He is survived by his second wife, Scarsdale, N. Y. sion on Mindanao, where his death Mrs. Gertrude Libby Anthony. occurred. Personal Item. *** *** Dr. George B. Huntington, treas- H. W. Smith, Superintendent of the Mrs. J. H.Hudson, retired mission- Baptist Mission Press in Burma, died urer of the Aimerican Baptist Foreign ary of the Presbyterian East China suddenly of heart disease on January MIssion, died in Santa Monica, Calif., 19. He was fifty-six years of age, Mission Society, has -retired, and Mr. December 21. With her husband, Rev. and he had been in ·the service of the Forrest Smith, assistant, and then as- Junius H. Hudson, she went to China Board twenty-eight years. in 1879. They were stationed at Hangsociate treasurer, has been appointed chow, where Mr. Hudson developed a (Conc(uded on page 113.) small boarding school for boys into in his place. Hangchow Christian College, and was THf PRfS8YTfRIAn its first president. For two years **• after their retirement in 1923 they -=- The only weekly in the Rev. Ernest Grigg, Baptist mission- lived in Shanghai. Presbyterian Church.
ary at Maymyo, Burma, has reached *** .:- Its message is based upon retiring age, but feels the call of the the Revealed Word of God. Mrs. Marie A. Oldham, the widow land to which he has given 45 years of of Bishop William F. Oldham of -=- Goes into every state in Malaya, died on October 12 at the the Union, U. S. possessions service. He will spend months in dep- age of 81, and was buried beside her and many foreign countries. utation work in America and then, at husband in Glendale, Calif. She was born in Bangalore, India. Most of Subscription rate – $2.50 his own expense, win return to Burma. their missionary service was. in Ma- Ministerial rate – – $2.00 . **• laya, being located at Singapore. They celebrated the 50th anniversary of the SOc. extra–Canadian postage Dr. Paul W. Rood has resigned as founding of the Mission after they $1.50 extra– Foreign postage President of the Los Angeles Bible In- had passed the age of 75. stitute, and will devote his entire time THE PRESBYTERIAn to Bible conferences and evangelistic *** campaigns under the auspices of the 121 7 Market Street World's Christian Fundamentals As- The Rev. W. E. Cousins, for many Philadelphia. Pa. sQciation. years a missionary of the London Mis- sionary Society in Madagascar, died *** on January 5 at the advanced age of 99 years. Mr. Cousins was born at Dr. John Lyon Caughey, pastor of Abingdon, England, February 21, the First Presbyterian Church of 1840, and sailed for Madagascar in Glens Falls, N. Y., has gone to Shang~ April, 1862, a year after the death of hai, China, to become pastor of the the persecuting Queen Ranavalona. Community Church. In 1873 he began the great work of re- vising the Malagasy Bible, the impor- *** tance of which for Christian converts in Madagascar can scarcely be exag- Rev. J. C. de Korne, D'.D.• mission- gerated. He is the author 'of "Madaary in China until 1934, has succeeded gascar of Today," "A Concise Intro- Dr. Henry Beets as Director of the duction to the Study of the Malagasy Board of Missions of the Christian Language," and "Malagasy Proverbs." Reformed Church, who retired. upon • • • his· seventieth birthday in January. Among the interesting delegates attending the Madras 'Conference were Bishop A. F. Bennett of Auteaur6a, the son of a chieftainess of the Moari race of New Zealand. This race numbers now about 85,000 and Bishop Bennett· is devoting his life to work among them. Another delegate was
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REVIEW OF THE WORLD that now, while renewing my subscrip- Yokohama when you sail by tion I am ordering it also sent to the Empress to the Orient. Only DIlLAVA.N L. PlJi:RBON, Edjtor pastor of the Congregational Church. 3 more days to visit lovely Your magazine is especially valuable, Hawaii en route by Empress of VOL. LXII MAR., 1939 No.3 giving as it does important work in Japan, largest and fastest liner all the denominations. Dr. Speer's on the Pacific, or Empress of Publication and Business Offic&– article in the January issue greatly Canada. From California Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. impressed me." ADELE GREENE. ports connect at Honolulu: Editorial and Executive Office– Washington, D. C. Empress of Japan 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Entered as second-class matter at "We consider*TH*E R*EVIEW very val- Frequent sailings from both Vancouver and Victoria to Post 01l1ce, Harrisburg, Pa., under uable. The bound volumes as well as Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Act or March 3, 1879. the current issues are very widely Shanghai,HongKong,Manila. used by our faculty and students." Consult YOUR OWN TRAVEL 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. AGENT or Canadian Pacific: Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. FRANCES WARNER, 41 offices in U. S. and Canada. Published monthly, except August. Serials Librarian, Iowa State All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1939. British agents – Marshall, Morgan College, Ames Iowa. and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy. Honors to Missionaries 10 shillings a year. King George VI of Great Britain, MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Emperor of India, has announced the LISHING CO., INC. following missionaries in India as recipients of honors in his New Year's BOARD OF DIRECTORS Honors list. The Kaiser-i-Hind Medal ROBERT E. SPJi:Ji:R. President (First Class) was granted to Mrs. A. A. L. WARNBHUIB. Vioe-Pre,iIIent E. Harper, of Moga, who has had W ALTER McDOUGALL. Treasurer much to do with developing the Moga DELAVAN L. PIllIRSON. Secretarll Training Institute. Miss Ida Scudder, M.D., Principal, Missionary Medical PAUL J. BRAISTED College Hospital, Vellore, Madras SAMUEL MCCRIIA. CA.VERT Presidency, received the Bar to the D. J. FA.NT Kaiser-i-Hind Medal (First Class) . MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Miss E. A. Douglas, M.D., a skilful WM. B. LIPPHARD surgeon in charge of the Lady Kin- ERIC M. NORTH naird Women's Hospital in Lucknow, SAMUJi:L M. ZWEMJi:R received the "Order British Empire." For about twenty-five years she has Editorial Chat given able leadership to the hospital in Lucknow. Miss Helen Gregory, This month we devote considerable Superintendent of the Baptist Mission space to the recent World Missionary Women's Hospital, Berhampur, Orissa, Conference at Tambaram, a suburb of received the Kaiser-i-Hind Medal Madras. Teams of speakers, made up (Second Class) as did Miss Mildred of Christian Nationals of various Louise Dawson, of the C. M. S., Tincountries and of American delegates nevelly, Madras Presidency. are now touring the country to report on the outstanding facts revealed and A Correction the plans proposed for the future of missions. In our February REVIEW (pages 77 and 79), two errors occur in the titles *** of illustrations in the article on the Seneca Indians. The Dowdy family Readers will be interested in the re- (page 77) are not Christian Senecas, ports of Dr. Paul W. Harrison of but are followers of the "Long House." Arabia" Dr. Kenneth S. Latourette of Chief Hubert Kusick (page 79) is not Yale, and others. Next month we a Seneca Indian but was the Chief of plan to publish two appraisals, one by the Mohawk Indians who came from Dr. H. Kerr Taylor and one by Dr. Hen- Canada to the Alleghany Reservation, drick Kraemer of Holland, the author and became a Christian. of "The Christian Message for the Non-Christian World" which was the Obituary Notes basis of much discussion at Madras. (Concluded from 2d Cover.) *** Rev. Ven. Robert Henry Walker, Later issues of THE REVIEW will pioneer missionary and the first archcontain articles showing the develop- deacon of the Church of England in ment of Native Churches in various Uganda, died at Ealing, England, relands, the methods and results in evan- cently at the age of 81 years. He was gelism, the unfinished task of the born in Yorkshire, England, ordained Church and sketches of outstanding in 1880 and as a result of the influence Christian leaders. A number of of a colleague, Bishop James Hanningarticles have been promised from ton, volunteered for service in Uganda Christian Nationals of various lands. in 1887. He passed through some years of experiences of war and per- *** secution in Uganda during the reign of Mwanga. He retired from service Recent letters speak of the help re- in 1919 but not until he had seen treceived through THE REVIEW for a bet- mendous changes in the growth of the ter understanding of world conditions, Christian Church in Uganda. for light on the progress of Christianity, for a clearer knowledge of Indian [113 ] problems and of the American city, as well as valuable suggestions for work in churches at home. The following are brief extracts from some of these recent letters.
DELEGATES FROM MANY LANDS AT THE MADRAS
1. MISS ILA ROMOLA SIRCAR, Secretary of the 2. MISS MINNIE SOGA, South Africa 3. MISS MA MYA KYI, a Christian Leader Student Christian Movement in India 5. BOON MARK GITTIBARN, Pastor of the Sec- from Burma 4. LEONARDO G. DIA, Moderator of the Evan- ond Presbyterian Church, Bangkok, 6. SOETJIP'l'O, Secretary, Student Christian gelical Church, Philippine Islands Siam Movement, Java 8. PAO-CHIFJN HBU, Professor at the Uni- 7. HACHIRO YUABA, Former President of versity of Shanghai (Baptist) 9. G. BAEZ CAMARGO, Secretary of the Na- Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan tional Evangelical Councll of Mexico
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LXII AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 3 MARCH,1939 Topics of the Times IMPRESSIONS OF MADRAS were present that no one stood out above the others. It was, in the best sense, a conference. Toward the International Missionary Confer- As in no other meeting in history, all Protestantence at Madras last December a great volume of ism was engaged in making plans for its next adprayer was directed. Thousands have been long- vances, particularly in the newer geographic froning that from this gathering a clear lead would tiers associated with the younger churches. be given to Christians the world over in a confused age, and that some pronouncement would come In the second place, the Conference was youthlike a ray of light and hope into a discouraged and ful in its composition. This was in part because bewildered generation. Did Madras accomplish so many of the leaders of the younger churches what we hoped? Was it worth while? The two are under fifty years old. It was also because of questions are not the same. Madras may not the deliberate policy of the organizers of the Conhave accomplished all that was hoped and yet, in ference. Seldom if ever has a gathering of unforeseen ways, it may have been eminently suc- church leaders been so generally drawn from the cessful. younger age groups. This means that those pres- ent have, on the average, from twenty to thirty In the main we believe that it did even more years of active life expectancy ahead. The friend- than those who actually planned the gathering had ships formed and the plans conceived will have dared to hope. It set in motion processes, all of a much longer period in which to come to fruition whose fruits will not be seen immediately but than if the gathering had been made up of delewhich, in the years to come, may prove of striking gates ten or fifteen years older.
significance. Six features of the Conference seem In the third place, Madras gave vivid evidence peculiarly striking. that the younger churches are coming of age.
First of all, the gathering was more widely rep- Nearly half of the delegates were non-Western resentative – more ecumenical- than any which members of the younger churches. At Edinburgh Protestant Christianity has ever seen. Over four in 1910 only a small handful were from the hundred and fifty delegates came from both the younger churches, and at Jerusalem in 1928 the younger and the older churches, and from about minority were from those churches. To a certain seventy different countries. The Jerusalem meet- degree this was by deliberate design. The organ- ing of ten years ago had a much smaller propor- izers of Madras purposely kept the percentage tion of delegates from Asia, Latin America, Af- from the younger churches high and at Madras rica, and the Pacific Islands. Madras was made the younger churches proved that in their own up of a cross-section of the leadership of Protes- right they were entitled to this larger proportion.
tant Christianity. No one or two or three persons Man for man their delegations were fully equal in dominated the gathering. Dr. Mott presided ability and character to those from the older throughout and his mind skilfully directed the churches. Several felt that the delegations from conference. Very fittingly he received an ovation India and China – which, naturally, were the when, near the end of the gathering, it was an- largest of the younger churches-were quite as nounced that he had consented to continue as notable as were the delegations from the Occident.
Chairman of the International Missionary Council The Chinese delegation was especially strong. Ten until 1941. But so many of the well-known figures years ago many of the Chinese and Indian dele- of the older and especially of the younger churches gates would have been still in college or university.
[115 ]
But there was no sense of cleavage between the emerging through such gatherin~s as Madras. delegates from the older and the younger churches. In some respects the Conference did not find it- In the former there was no attitude of condescension and in the latter almost no irritation born of self. Its pronouncements on international relaa sense of being regarded as still in tutelage. For tions and its suggestions for utilizing the resources these leaders the period of tutelage is past. Men of the churches in the promotion of world peace and women were recognized on the basis of their will to many seem colorless and weak. So, too, the true worth and the spokesmen for the younger findings on the Church's relations to the burning churches were not patronized or exhibited as a social and economic issues of the day will seem credit of their teachers. Through their leaders immature. In this they but reflect the present some of the younger churches are taking their stage of thought in Protestant circles. Here and rightful places as equals in the councils of the there proposals were made which have in them worldwide Christian fellowship. much of hope-such as the program outlined for coordinating the efforts of the churches in the In the fourth place, Madras was primarily a lands bordering the Pacific in an effort to make working conference and from this standpoint its that ocean deserve its name. Madras may mark utterances and achievements must be appraised. the beginning of a new and better day in the study Mind rubbed against mind, and spirit against of ways in which the churches can promote peace spirit, as the gathering sought to formulate a pro- between the nations and a more just social and gram for the next stage of the world mission of economic structure of society. Christianity. The entire body was divided into groups for free discussion on particular topics. In the fifth place, Madras was notable for its Out of each group came statements which em- fellowship. In some respects this was the greatest bodied the mind of those present and which were contribution. In a day when the nations of the presented to the entire Conference. earth are pulling apart, Christians from seventy different countries found the tie of faith in their The findings of Madras deserve a careful read- common Lord stronger than the divisions between ing by all interested in the world mission of Chris- their peoples. Chinese and Japanese, while they tianity. They are meant to guide younger and could not entirely agree on the issues which so older churches as the two together attempt to unfortunately divide their governments, met strengthen the Christian movement in the lands of around the communion table. They discussed, too, the younger churches. with amity, the present conflict. Anglican, Lu- theran, and Methodist bishops met the leaders of Madras, it will be recalled, was held primarily the non-episcopally governed bodies with an atfor the purpose of strengthening the younger tempt to win the others to their ecclesiastical posichurches. To them has been directed much of the tions. One communion service was according to effort of missions for at least the past generation. the Anglican ritual, and the other according to One of the strongest of the reports was on the Free Church procedure. The intimate life in the training of the ministry and there was an excel- simple yet commodious buildings of the Madras lent report on Christian literature, a field in which Christian College brought us quickly together and effective coordination and promotion are long facilitated acquaintance and informal conversaoverdue. Evangelism, as a means of fulfilling the tion. We seemed to catch a foretaste of that com- Church's mission and of strengthening the Church, pany which no man could number out of many received much attention and the unoccupied fields races and tongues who were disclosed in vision to were given a comprehensive survey. The relation the Seer of Pailmos. We saw before our very eyes of Church and State, so burning an issue in many the emerging Church Universal. We were explorlands, was discussed and the "faith by which the ing a new and more Christian road to unity than Church lives" as well as the nature and functions the Church has heretofore tried – a road which of the Church, were carefully examined. Pains- seeks a unity of the spirit and which makes unity taking studies on the economic basis of the of creed and of organization ancillary to it. "By Church and the problem of self-support provide this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, the best assemblage of facts which we have had if ye have love one to another." It was in strengthto help the younger churches in their efforts to be- ening this love that the Conference registered its come independent. The subject of the type of mis- greatest achievement. sionary needed and the preparation required is covered by a report which makes suggestions far In the sixth place, we left Madras seeing that beyond the present practice of the Boards. The our meeting was only the beginning of our task. group on cooperation and unity, pressed by repre- In his closing charge Dr. Matt rightly chose as his sentatives of the younger churches, came out with text the words: "To whomsoever much is given recommendations which, if adopted, will carry of him shall much be required." Madras must be cooperation to a further stage and will help to give appraised not by what was said there, or by the visible expression to the unity of spirit which is Findings, or even by the fellowship, but by what
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
is done in the months and years ahead by the dele- paganized Totalitarian government. The persecu- tions suffered by innocent people in the Third gates and those whom they and the Findings touch. Reich cause sorrow and indignation in all who love liberty and justice. Most of us have faith to believe that twenty or Unfortunately today there does not seem to be thirty years hence, we will see that Madras helped any territory to which these oppressed ones can flee for refuge. All the world is claimed, if not forward many movements in the Church and that actually occupied, by those who wish to control it. There are still great open areas, like those in Cenit was the beginning of others of first-class impor- tral Arabia, Australia, South America, Asia, Aftance. Madras may well prove to be one of the rica and Madagascar, that might provide a haven; maj or milestones in the onward march of the but much of such territory is not suitable for hu- man habitation. It is either barren or unwhole- Church of Christ. K. S. LATOURETTE. some. In addition to this the oppressive govern- ments also, like that of Pharaoh in Egypt, are not Yale University. willing to let the people go and to take their sub- stance with them so that they will be able to es- WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE PERSECUTED tablish homes elsewhere.
True Christians never persecute and they do not It is estimated that one million "non-Aryan" retaliate. They were warned by Christ to expect Christians in Germany are suffering with the persecution from those who are opposed to Him Jews, in addition to millions more who are opand His program but they were taught not to re- pressed and have their religious and social liberty taliate. "To return evil for good is devilish; to curtailed by the Nazi regime. Non-Aryans are return good for good or evil for evil is human; to forbidden to teach or to practice law and other return good for evil is Godlike." Christians are professions; they are banned from civil governinstructed to love their enemies, to bless those who ment positions, and are excluded from universipersecute them and pray for those who use them ties and government schools. The text of the Bible despitefully. Are Christians following Christ's itself has been altered in order to make it harmoninstructions today in regard to Nazi Germany, ize with Nazi tenets; church services and preachmilitaristic Japan and communistic Russia? Here ing are either under the ban or are subjected to is a test of true Christian character. the espionage of Nazi police. Christian pastors who do not conform to the governments' decrees Nevertheless some who call themselves Chris- as to religious practices are forbidden to preach tians are inclined to persecute those who differ and many are in prison and concentration camps. from them in their beliefs and practices, or who Many church organizations, especially of the will not submit to dictation. This was true in the youth, have been disbanded by order of the Govmiddle ages, when the Papacy was bent on per- ernment and church schools have been closed. secuting the "Reformers" who insisted on follow- Those who suffer include not only masses of uning the Bible and their conscience rather than the known Christians in Germany, but eminent scien- Pope. Similar persecutions are reported today in tists, doctors, professors, lawyers, authors and parts of Latin America and other lands where pastors. ecclesiastical leaders in power wish to dominate minority groups. Fox's "Book of Martyrs" tells What can Christians in America and Great the heartrending story of the persecution of Chris- Britain do to aid these sufferers, especially their tians; and the life of George Fox, who founded fellow Christians? The problem is too great for the Society of Friends, pictures graphically the any individual or small group to solve. We are aLmost unbelievable sufferings inflicted on a fellow confident that God will work out His plans in time; Christian in England by men professed to be fol- the best His people can do is to cooperate with lowers of Christ. The Puritans, the Pilgrims, the Him as the way is opened. Christians can pray, Huguenots and others fled from religious perse- not only for the persecuted, but for the persecucution in Europe, seeking some place where they tors. But Christians must do more. Committees could worship God according to the teaching of the have been fomned in Great Britain and America Bible and the dictates of their own consciences. In to raise funds and in other ways to help these sufthe Providence of God there was then a whole con- ferers, and, if possible to establish them in new tinent available where they might carve out their homes. The Jews in America have raised $250,000 destiny and build up a God-fearing community. for the present year to help the refugees of their race; surely the Christians can do as much or Today religious persecution is found all over the more. Now is the time of testing, not only for the world, in various forms and degrees. At present sufferers, but for Christians living in a land of attention is focussed on Germany. Not only are liberty and plenty. Every time of religious per- 500,000 Jews suffering there because they are Jews, but Christians also are suffering, either because they have a fraction of Jewish blood, and so are considered "non-Aryans," or because they are Christians and refuse to allow their worship of God to be .interfered with by the dictates of a
secution in the past has been accompanied or fol- are thirty million Protestant Church members and lowed by a spiritual revival-as in the time of the probably over three times that number in families Reformation, of the Wesleys, of John Knox and more or less connected with Protestant Christian churches. The followers of Christ have a great George Fox. May it be so today. * responsibility before them.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN HOME MISSIONS Professor Arthur Raper, of Atlanta, called at- tention at Baltimore to the "Present-day Trends In North America, with all of its great re- Toward Peasantry." F.armers and farming form the material basis for American prosperity and sources, its history and its opportunities, there are yet, with the increase of manufactures, the lack of conservation and growing soil depletion, many still millions of people who have no real knowledge farming and grazing districts-in New England, the South and the Middlewest-are engaged in a of God and His wise and .loving will for men. continual struggle with poverty. The demands for shorter hours, higher wages and regulated prices With all our wealth there are multitudes who live are causing increasing confusion and conflict. Not lack of opportunity but selfishness, in both in dire poverty-like the people in city slums, the capital and labor, lies at the root of the difficulty. With the increase of social security legislation and Negroes in black belts of the South, the moun- dependence on the Government for support, the independence, initiative and moral stamina of intaineers and sharecroppers in the South and West, dividuals are decreasing.
the miners, fisher-folk and lumber-jacks. In spite These social and economic trends strongly affect the Church, especially in rural districts. Dr. Will of our great public school system, multitudes are W. Alexander, Administrator of Farm Security for the Government, said: "You may not have still ignorant and uneducated. The evidences of realized that the present spiritual decline has gone hand in hand with the decline in the material welwidespread corruption, industrial conflict, greed, fare of a large part of our rural population. . . . The Church is failing to meet the religious. needs selfishness and sin crowd our newspapers and con- of the people because it has made little effort to meet their social and economic needs." Unsettled gest our courts. . or migrant laborers and farm-tenants, or insecure industrial workers, do not make good church mem- No Christian can be indifferent to the socIal bers. We are told that "one-third of the tenant families in America move on to new fields every trends of the world in which he lives; all moral, year." Such people cannot be expected to take much active interest in their community, churches, economic, political and social problems are di- schools, Government or even in establishing good homes. rectly related to God and His laws, and affect the The Christian forces in America must take a individual, the Church and the community. It is, real interest in these problems and must seek ways, not only to build up the moral and spiritual therefore in keeping with the purpose and plan character and life of the people in every commu- nity, but we must help to solve these problems of of Home'Mission work, to study and discuss the poverty, lack of education and social instability. Good economic and spiritual results were reported present-day social trends and to seek ways in from the development of cooperatives in Nova Scotia and in other districts where they have been which present-day weaknesses and evils may be established among underprivileged classes.
corrected so that all life may be brought into har- Home Mission fields and problems are changing in many ways. The Church, like the individual, mony with the Will of God as revealed in the Bible needs life from God, abundant spiritual life, and Christian forces need to work together sacrificially and in accord with the spirit and teachings of in order to serve each group and locality, in the midst of difficult and constantly changing con- Jesus Christ. ditions. That is a work in which Home Mission agencies. are engaged as representatives of the The recent Home Missions Conference in Balti- Church of Jesus Christ.
more (January 7-10) studied these disturbing so- cial trends and sought the remedy. Dr. Arthur E.
Holt of Chicago, said: "Something awful has hap;ened to Christendom. The industrial depres- sion, political turmoil and social decadence are evidence of spiritual disease. Nothing less than a moral revolution can save democracy." This is true but it is also true that there must be an entire change of front toward God and toward His Son Jesus Christ; a spiritual revolution is necessary to save the nation, the school, the home, the Church and the individual.
America has acquired strength by reason of God's gracious provision in natural resources~ ~nd in the past has developed power by recogmzmg God and putting Him first in national life and in the home and the school. Today the Church of Christ is weakened by neglect; the Bible is ignored in public life, and Christ Himself is widely re- jected as the Saviour and Lord of Life. But there is hope in the fact that there are still multitudes who have not "bowed the knee to Baal." There • The American Committee for Christian German Refugees Is headed by James M. Speers and the office is at 287 Fourth Ave., New York.
Vision and Power at
A New Contribution to the Twenty-ninth Chapter of The Acts t~··- _.•..gf I By PAUL W. HARRISON, M.D., Muscat, Arabia I ~==========================~I W HEN the Apostolic Church met a crisis or ful Church of the West, especially the Church of faced an opportunity, it held a prayer North America, was represented largely by mis- meeting. A. C. Dixon used to tell us that, sionaries and Board secretaries, because the name but it is not the whole truth. Those meetings were and sentiment of a "missionary" conference had for conference as well as for prayer. The men been inherited from the past.
and women who made up the Church of those But we thanked God with great earnestness, days, laid their needs before God. They listened for the guidance which His Spirit had given in the to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and in the light selection of delegates. from the different countries of His guidance, they sought strength and laid where the Church has not been so long established.
plans for the future. The capacity and penetration, the depth and con- The Apostolic Church of 1938 has recently held secration, of the whole Church of Christ were such a meeting. In the days of Peter and James there, and it was the privilege of a lifetime to and John, when the Church was in Jerusalem, it meet that group of four hundred and seventy men was easy for them to pray together, and think to- and women.
gether, and place their souls on the altar of con- Scattered through the group were some of the secration together. The Holy Spirit dealt with giants. of our time. These included Kagawa with the Church as a unit. It was one Church. his delightfully mutilated English, his tremen- But now the Gospel has spread through all the dously important cooperatives, and his five-year world, just as Christ said it would. The Church Evangelistic campaign, which has been used to is at home in almost every land and as a result, revive the whole Japanese Church; and Laubach there are now great difficulties in holding a meet- with his vision of a literate world, a vision which ing of the whole Church for prayer and consulta- under the touch of his extraordinary genius is be- tion and guidance. Men from every nation under ing objectified into literal reality; Stanley Jones Heaven, speaking many languages, must gather with his intense evangelistic soul fired by the vitogether. A few must represent very many, for sion of Christ coming back to rule in men's intel- there are six million Christians in India alone, and lects; Constance Padwick of Egypt who carries in a meeting of this sort, if it is to be a real unit for her face and in her voice, as well as in her soul, prayer must be a group of hundreds, rather than a vision of beauty and poise and harmony brought thousands. into the service of Our Lord, in worship and lit- Through those meetings of the early Church, erature and life. No one left Tambaram Con- God poured out His Divine power, and the mes- ference without a new realization of what God sage of the Gospel, given in the power of the can do in and through imperfect human beings, Spirit, was invincible. The world and the flesh granted only that He is afforded full opportunity.
and the devil together were not able to stop it. But very little time was spent in admiring the And so today the Church of many lands has dele- giants. They were simply members and repre- gated representatives to meet together again, to sentatives of the great universal Church, gathpray and listen, to confer and plan. The difficul- ered to pray and take counsel together and to ties were great, and some were not entirely over- gain a vision of God's will for His work in the come. The essential unity of the Church is badly days to come. To confer with that group was to broken on the surface, by sectarian divisions, serve on one's knees in humility, for it represented most of which are not very important, by differ- the very Church of God in her power and loveliences in theological outlook which are far deeper, ness. Here we caught the inspiration of God's and by subtle feelings of superiority on the part own visions for the future, and His wisdom for the of the stronger Western churches over the weaker present. Here, as we knelt together before God Eastern churches, which constitute the deepest and labored in comradespip with each other, we rift of all. For such a meeting, the selection of felt the mind of God directing us, and heard His the few to represent the many, requires great voice speaking to our souls. delicacy of judgment. Unfortunately, the power- The company was divided into sections to con- [119 ]
sider problems that press upon the Church from enemy of God had indeed come in like a flood. every side. Each section consisted of fifty or sixty When were the clouds over the world so dark as delegates, and a week of intense discussion and now? We saw the tiny Church in Turkestan torn study was given to sixteen different topics. to pieces as by a wild beast and scattered to the four winds. We saw the superb Church in Korea Section 1: "The Faith by which the Church pressed down under the heel of a hostile militaris- Lives." tic government. The Koreans' were the only vacant chairs in that great company. Shadows have been Section 2: "The Church, Its Nature and Func- growing darker over the Church in Japan and tion." Germany and over the whole Moslem Near East. Totalitarian Nationalism, like an epidemic of in- Section 3: "The Unfinished Evangelistic Task." sanity, grows constantly more and more menacing.
Each section included representatives from the But this dark background did not fill our horidifferent areas, about fifty per cent being na- zon. It was dwarfed by a vision which developed tionals, and fifty per cent missionaries and Board as the Conference progressed, and that stood besecretaries. Various points of view were repre- fore us at the end as evidence of the very power sented by men of experience, power and depth, and wisdom of God. It is not easy to put on paper but all alike were intense evangelists. and the dis- the tremendous thrill that took possession of our cuss{ons were carried on in a beautiful spirit. In souls as the mists cleared away and as we came no discussion did I hear any word which, either in to see the Universal Church, which is now at content or in emphasis, was to be regretted. After home in almost every land, and was represented four days of this intense study, a drafting com- by such a group of men and women to serve bemittee spent a more or less sleepless night embody- fore the Throne of God. The giants were there, ing the- discussions in a preliminary statement. but they were simply members of this great group This was presented the following day for the sec- which was nothing less than The Church of the tion to revise and amend, and was then drawn up Living God, gathered to pray and listen together into a more final form. After two weeks of this and to plan for a future which should be greater hard work the sixteen reports were presented to than any past. The caliber and vision and touch the main body of delegates and, after being fur- with God, which we saw in these men and women ther modified, were adopted as the Conference from China and from Africa, from Samoa, and findings. from South America, dwarfed everything human that we had known; we all saw the great Church We made one serious mistake here: we talked Universal, to some little degree as Christ Himself too much, and prayed too little. There was sees it, "the riches of the glory of His inheritance scarcely time to eat and sleep; it seems to me that in the saints." we did not meditate and listen to God as much as He would have preferred. But God is merciful; But it was not the Church merely which filled He has worked many times through men who our hearts with joy and confidence in the face of made mistakes and He did not withdraw His bless- the black clouds which covered the sky.. The ing because of this one. The prayers of many of Church by herself, even the Church Universal, His people were focused on that great company, with a frontierless comradeship that made us and our imperfect efforts, He sanctified with His think of Heaven, is still a human organization. overwhelming blessing. God does not demand He would be a rash devotee who reckoned her that we be wise, and that is well for we are often strength adequate to meet the enemies which opvery foolish. Without doubt we might have pose her, and to accomplish the impossible tasks brought to Christ's feet a much more beautiful which loom ahead. But at Tambaram God did not and fragrant and suitable offering, if the listening show us an empty-handed Church. We saw the ear had more often replaced the wagging tongue. Body of Christ with the eternal Gospel to pro- But our offering, however imperfect, was pre- claim. If one were asked for the central vision sented with clean hands and a pure heart, and and insight of Tambaram, I think that it would be with a degree of love and consecration to our Di- this, a vision of the omnipotent adequacy of the vine Lord which none of us may see again until Gospel. We did not see the Gospel apart from the we sit at Christ's feet in the world to come. There Church or any Church apart from the Gospel. was a unity of mind and spirit, a brotherly love What we saw was the Church of Christ, with and confidence and comradeship, which some of God's Good News in her hand, a magnificent, us had not thought attainable by imperfect human omnipotent Church of the Living God which could beings. look out on the dark developments of man's sin, with pity and love, in the light of that vision, Mountains of valuable information were gath- every opposing thing was like a small child's toy. ered for the Conference and were there to be di- devoid of all power and permanence. gested; multitudes of splendidly thought-out plans were presented for us to study. We saw, with a vividness that was terrible, that the arch-
THE VISION AND POWER AT MADRAS
SCENES AT THE MADRAS MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 1. The African Delegation at Tambaram 2. The Main Building, Madras Christian College 3. WILSON INIA, Delegate from Fiji 4. C. F. ANDREWS, of India 5. TOYOHIKO KAGAWA, of Japan 6. Bishop of Winchester In a Group Conference • 7. Part of the Missionary Conference In Session
There were outstanding results from this. The The call went out for more mlSSlOnaries. Conference knew one thing and only one: It was Doubtless there will be less place than before for centered on evangelism. Many other things were institutional mission enterprises. The Governmentioned, and were discussed, and well thought ments of the world intend to do their own educaout programs. were presented. There were discus- tional and medical work. But with a unanimous sions on education, and on medical work, and on voice the different "National" groups asked, not rural programs. But these were in the periphery for fewer missionaries, but for more. In the light of thought and attention, and were reckoned of Heaven all races are of the same color. valuable only as they contributed to the program of evangelism. That program was centered, not At Tambaram it was not difficult to believe in in missionaries nor in missionary organizations., the power of God. In the love and comradeship but always and everywhere in Christ and His between the Japanese and Chinese delegates. we Church. Missionaries are simply the contribution saw God's love and power defeating the evil effects made by a more strongly established section of the of human·sin. In.the superb Church growing up Church to a weaker or newer section. And the into power in Africa we saw God redeeming a call that went out was for a campaign of evan- whole race. The Church poured her human regelism to include every church everywhere, each sources into that Conference. Financial sacrifice in its own field first of all, and each sending out was there, and human wisdom, but it was the evangelists to the ends of the earth, wherever vision that came down from God out of Heaven, needs are great and spiritual darkness is still in- which made the Conference great. May the vision tense. Afghanistan was seen as primarily the re- of the divine power and beauty of the Gospel, and sponsibility of the Church in India, and Tibet of the omnipotence of the Church with the Gospel in the Church in China. her h~ds, lead us, like a pillar of fire, through all the days to come.
Foreign Missions Tomorrow * Extracts from Addresses and Discussions at the Madras Missionary Conference FAITHFOR A TIME OF CRISIS of our churches had, during the past two or three OPENING ADDRESS BY DR. JOHN R. MOTT decades, done all that we might have done to avert the present distress, then we might be pessimistic. Chairman of the International Missionary Council But with a sense of humiliation and contrition, We come from over seventy different nations or recognizing that none of our churches has done separate areas of the world. Thus we constitute a tithe of what we might have done to prevent the most widely representative. meeting of the theSe threatened disasters, then we are bound to World Mission of the Christian faith ever held, believe that better things are possible. We who and yet we are impressed by the great and blessed have gathered here know Whom we have believed. We well know that nothing has happened in these fact of our oneness in Christ. This is one of the most fateful moments in the recent difficult years which invalidates the claims life of mankind. Not in our lifetime, if· at any of Jesus Christ. Each one of us can say with St. time, have so many peoples been bearing sllch im- Paul in an hour of grave difficulty, "Be of good possible burdens, or undergoing such persecution cheer, for I believe God." We rest solidly on two and suffering. It seems that never has there been stupendous claims of Christ: "I am the Way, the a time when the world was so rent by interna- Truth, and the Life," and "I, if I be lifted up, will tional misunderstandings" bitterness and strife? draw all men unto Me." When have we been called upon to witness such Many have asked, "Why, in view of the present startling relaxing of traditions, sacred sanctions, state of the world, with its abounding troubles, and established law and order? When .has the hardship and depression, are so many Christian very atmosphere across the world been so sur- . leaders caned together, at such expense in money and in precious time, from many corners of charged with suspicion, fear and uncertainty? But we do not come together in despair, seeing earth?" The answer is, "Precisely because we are only the dark background. If we beHeved that all in a time of unexampled and baffling difficulties and confusion; in this time of so many unan- • From notes supplied by W. W. Reid. swered questions of central importance, it has
FOREIGN MISSIONS TOMORROW
been deemed absolutely necessary that such a ized by reverence f'0r religion. And where is there world-wide consultation he held. We must think a people more warm-hearted, more gentle, more out large questions of policy, and the adaptation courte'0us, more peace-loving? Here Christianity of methods to meet new world conditions; this ranks as one of four or five of the oldest of many cannot be done by the churches and missionary faiths; for here the ancient Syrian Church is societies separately. This International Mission- identified with much of the best in Indian life. ary Council is the body which comes together for Moreover in India is to be found a larger memunited thinking, planning and action, and weaves bership in the younger mission-founded churches together the various National Christian Councils than in any '0ther land. throughout the world. In India, too, we are in the presence of one of There have recently been held a great succes- the greatest areas of poverty, '0f human need and sion of world-wide Christian assemblies: the suffering, and of burden-bearing in all the world. World Conference on Life and Work at Oxford "Bear ye one another's burdens and S'0 fulfil the and the World Conference on Faith and Order at law of Ghrist!" What is most important for all Edinburgh, followed by the meeting to form a is the fact that India today presents, the world's World Council of Churches; there is also to be most instructive laboratory of Christian experiheld at Amsterdam next summer the conference ence, method and adventure. G'0d grant us the of the Christian Youth Movements of the world. humility, and the thirst and purpose to learn, that While these meetings were planned without col- we may discover much that will guide and inspire lusion they reveal the fact that all our major us. problems can be met best, in a world context, and with a world-wide desire to draw together in fel- (3) When has a conference '0f Christian leaders lowship and action. This World Mission Confer- assembled at such a m'0ment? This meeting was ence is by fa'r the most important in this series, projected three '0r four years ago with the thought because it is the first one which brings together that it would be held at Hangchow, China. The on a parity the representatives of the older events of recent months made it necessary to churches of Europe, North America and Austra- transfer the meeting to India. In these three lasia, and the younger churches of Asia, Africa; years, what seemingly imp'0ssible events have Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. The elapsed in the Far East: the transformations and World Mission of the Christian faith is the great- alarming developments in the Near East, notably est and the most important of the world move- Palestine, the land of our Saviour; the experiments of our time. It calls for the best thinking ences in Africa, in particular in Ethiopia, events and planning and the most courageous and united which have caused the Christian conscience of the action of which men are capable. world to tremble; the unbelievable '0ccurrences of the recent m'0nths in Europe; and the marvelous It would be difficult to overstate the possibilities developments '0f the last three years in India. I of this world-wide mission conference: venture to say that never has a world Christian gathering assembled at a time when simultane- (1) We recognize no limitation to our central ously, in so many parts of the world, has there objective. It reminds one of the ambition of St. been so great need of its high offices. Paul to "present every man perfect in Christ": "every man"-no limit extensively, "perfect"- (4) We realize the boundless possibilities as we no limit intensively, "in Christ"-no limit dynami- think of the challenges which come to us both cally. Our immediate objective is to arrive at a from the world ab'0ut us and from within the common mind as to God's will concerning the next churches themselves. Looking outside our steps which should be taken to build up the Church churches we are profoundly c'0ncerned as we witand to spread the knowledge of Christ. The ness: primitive races being brought suddenly into Chul1ch is the Divine Society founded by Christ vi'0lent contact with more complex civilizati'0n; to accomplish His will in the world. It is a wor- the breakdown of ancient and honored traditions shipping Society, a witnessing Society, a trans- and of highly valued institutions, also of solemn forming Society-the veritable Body of Christ. agreements and established law and order; the widespread disintegration of moral ideals and au- (2) We are privileged to meet in this fasci- thority; the inauguration of what someone has nating land where we witness so much of the characterized as "an era of god makers"; rival beauty, the grandeur and the majesty of the work challenges to the allegiance of men being-presented of God in nature, and some of the most impressive literally across the world, and, therefore, new atand surpassing works of man; in this ancient tacks on the Christian faith; the necessity of land, with great traditions; in this land of so fighting the battle of religious liberty over again. many varied peoples and tongues-the home of one-fifth of the human race; in this land which The fact that, in the West as well as in the East, is the home of great religions and cultures. Here the Christian message today is confr'0nted by a n'0n-Christian w'0rld. in India we find '0urselves among people character-
Looking to the churches themselves, we are also THE TRUE MISSION OF THE CHURCH confronted wi,th grave perils and inspiring challenges, such as the great continuing problem in THE RT. REV. V. S. AZARIAH the upbuilding and maintenance of the younger churches as a part of the world-wide Christian Bishop of Dornakal fellowship; Here and there are perils of halfconverted churches. There is grave danger lest A Hindu seeker after truth told me this, story Christianity become diluted or adulterated by in- of his experience: He had read the Gospels, and filtration of superstition and sub·Ohristian con- had been fascinated by the life of Christ, and ception of God. There are also ideas and attitudes greatly stirred by the death of Christ. Then he which are tending to cut the roots of the mission- read on into the Book of Acts and felt that he had ary undertaking because they cut the roots of entered into a new world. The Gospels told of Christianity itself. There is need of real thinking Jesus, His works, and His suffering. In the Acts, and sacrificial action with reference to the de· the Christ seems to go into the background, and velopment of a sound economic basis for the it is the multitude, the brethren, the church, the churches. The hour has come to sound out a disciples that take the place of Christ. What the strong recall to evangelism-the larger evangel- disciples did, and thought, and taught had taken ism. This is basic to all that we have most at the place that Christ had occupied; the Church heart. Then there is the problem of Christian continued where Jesus left off at his death. unity, and the fulfilling of the vision, a World "Therefore," this man said, "I must belong to the Council of Churches. The younger churches must Church that carries on the life of Christ." have a part in the realization of this vision. Do the churches realize that they exist to carry (5) We cannot here permit ourselves to think on what Jesus Christ came to do? The Church of limitations in the realm of our resources. exists to proclaim the revelation of God's love, to Think of the numbers of the Christian host, in proclaim redemption from sin. Every member contrast with those of earlier centuries and of of the Church is expected to go forward, continuearlier decades; think of the power of organiza- ing what Christ came to do. tion at our disposal and the means of distributing our forces most advantageously; think of the In baptism, we dedicate a man, a woman, or a wide range of knowledge and of costly experience child as a faithful servant of Christ to life's end. which has been accumulated throughout the his- Every person baptized should be a witness, othertory of the expansion of Christianity; think of wise he denies Christ. "Every Christian a witthe valuable heritage of all our Christian com- ness" is a slogan of our efforts at evangelism. We munions, large and small, notably in sacrifice; have been getting little groups of Christians tothink of that priceless asset, the momentum of gether and training them to go about and answer progress and victory in so many fields. the simple questions of Indian villagers. One was asked by a villager, "Have you seen God?" His With a deepening sense of humiliation and of answer was, "Sirs, you knew me two years ago. set purpose to bring forth fruits meet for repent- I was a drunkard. You know me now. I do not ance, let us dwell on our unused resources. How think I should have had all this change if I had comparatively unused in all our churches and in not seen Jesus Christ." There is no better anall our countries are the capacities of heart power, swer, and no better way of witnessing for God. of thought power, of statesmanship, of unselfishness, of saintliness, of adventure, of heroism, of Often we find that people learn most, not from sacrifice, of fellowship and unity. The only limi- intellectual discussions but from the things that tation in the possibilities seem to be in ourselves. they see and that go straigiht to their hearts. Illiterate men often teach me how to answer the When the whole world seems to be overshad- objections that men make to the Christian faith. owed by ,fear, it is important that we Christians A Hindu said to an illiterate man: "It is nonsense should remember that we have been called to a to believe that anyone can rise from the dead." great confidence in God and a great hope, remem- The man's reply was, "When we bury rice in the bering that illuminating and wonderful word of field and it dies, a crop rises up to feed us. Surely our Saviour: "In the world ye have tribulation. if God plants a life, He can raise it again." Be of go09 cheer; I have overcome the world." In the early church it was the laymen who In view of the alarming Istate of the world, in spread the Gospel of Christ. Christianity spread view of the so largely unfinished task, in view of from slave to slave, from soldier to soldier, from the great designs of our ever-living and therefore artisan to artisan. Every convert talked to the ever-creative Lord, our attitude and spirit should men of his own group. It is our duty to persuade be adventurous, forward-looking and forward- every person who iaa Christian to go out as a moving. witness for Christ. The sharing of experience with others adds to our joy and to our own Chris- tian experience. Let men stand somewhere as
Christians; let them just face a non-Christian But now, in the twentieth century, because we sit crowd; someone else may do the preaching, and others may do the singing; but the experience of in darkness and depression after the breakdown simply standing for Christ will lead people to bow their knees before Christ. accompanying the great European war and the I used to go among the churches and have the following economic difficulties, we have come to baptized members place their hands on their own heads and repeat after me: "I am a baptized understand more of the meaning of redemption. Christian. Woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel !" Jesus showed redeeming love from the start of His Not only the individual but the group must wit- public ministry. Even when He was preaching ness for Christ. When six men of caste came and asked for baptism, I asked them why they wanted the most wonderful sermon on the Mount He had to be baptized. They replied that they had been watching the outcastes in a certain village church, a vision of the Cross. And also when He was and had seen that since they became Christians they were getting ahead of the caste people. happy with his disciples in Galilee, He was con- "They will be better than we are if we do not become Christians," they said. scious of the bridegroom's. destiny to be taken That very day the pastor of that village church away from them. He told them that the experihad been complaining to me of the sins among some members of that very congregation. So I ence of the prophet Jonah would be His own. said to these church members that the church was not perfect. To which they replied, "Yes, there Especially after the death of John the Baptist, are black sheep in every flock. But we know what they were ten years ago and what they are now." Jesus emphatically spoke about His coming death There are outstanding men in all religions, such and resurrection. And at last He informed His as Francis Assisi and Mahatma Gandhi, but it is when the common man is changed that people see disciples that His death was for the redemption the power of Christ. That is what is influencing Indian people to become Christians in the mass of many. movements. This inner consciousness of Jesus Christ was It is the Church's duty to concentrate its energies to do the work of Ghrist-not merely to wor- too deep for His disciples to understand. And ship, but to continue to do Christ's work with help and strength that we receive in worship. Too even today, many people cannot understand this much of the energies. of ministers and of churches is being spent in taking care of hereditary Chris- mystery. tians. The Church exists not to save itself but to save others. When a girl is still young she cannot understand THE MEANING OF THE CROSS the psychology of another person. When she DR. TOYOHIKO KAGAWA OF JAPAN grows older she understands the psychology of her On Calvary I see the blood of Jesus Christ drop- husband, and she understands the child's psycholping down from His body on the Cross! I hear the sound of the agony of the Lamb of God for the ogy when she has a baby. So with us. Unless we sins of mankind! It was for me and for my nation and for my race and for the whole world! I have a wider and deeper consciousness it is imhave committed sins and Jesus died for my sake! My race has committed sins ,and He died for my possible to understand the Ghrist's redemption of race. The whole of mankind had fallen into sin, so He died for us all. sinners.
Forgive us, Lord, for the sake of the blood of Jesus having the fine consciousness of God's law Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Saviour. and divine character could feel that He must die In the nineteenth century some theologians could not understand the wonderful revelation of for sinners. God's justice demanded it and men redemption because they were overshadowed by the amazing development of science and industry. needed to be redeemed from the penalty of broken law.
Some people ask, "If God is love, what is the need for redemption?" We must understand that God is just as well as loving. If He allowed man- kind to remain in sin, God could not truly be love.
There is the need of regeneration and redemption.
When we are saved and made perfect in Jesus Christ we are released from the penalty of sin.
When we study the physical function of blood, we discover how wonderfully the blood is used to heal the diseased body. It gives its life to cure wounds and heal the sicknesses. So the love of Jesus Christ was so great that He gave His very life blood for sinners. This mystery is so great that we cannot wholly understand it. Dr. Adolf Harnack would not understand the inner con- sciousness of Jesus Ghrist, and he thought that there were two Christianities, that of Jesus and that of Paul. Many disciples have written about this redeeming love of Christ, some attempting to set forth the vicarious suffering of Jesus Christ, and others writing about the high-priesthood of JesuL I Redemption pertains to every phase of life: the restoration to life of those dead in sin; suffering
for the weak to give aid to enfeebled strength; truth of rebirth. Isaiah, the prophet, taught this as necessary to pay the prke of sin; as ,a grain of truth many centuries before Christ; and it was wheat dying in order to produce fruit; His death fulfilled in the death of Jesus Christ. This re- was the offering of the Lamb of God for man's sin; deeming love was the revelation of God. If we through His death comes justification, or the for- say only that we trust in God as the Creator and giveness of sins by the declaration of the satis- Ruler but do not believe in His love toward us, faction of God's justice; His death was the atone- then human society cannot see the light and way ment by which God is reconciled to mankind of Life in Christ.
through the mediation of Jesus Christ. Paul said: "Weare ambassadors for Christ, as The rituals of the temple in Jewish history were though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in merely the symbols of the coming redemption Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God" (2' Cor.
through Christ. 5 : 20) . What he said also in Colossians 1: 2'4 Every religion has made an ,attempt to discover and Philippians 1: 29 needs attention. Paul tried this way of redemption from darkness and suffer- to pass on to others the truth about the redeeming ing and sin. We have the fountain head in Jesus love of Christ. This is the real life in Christ.
Christ. When we are saved, we must pass on the reveia- Confucius did not know the secret of this mys- tion of the wonderful love of Christ to others.
tery. Buddha had not this redemptive message; This is the Kingdom of God movement.
nor had Mohammed or any other religious leader. The price for man's redemption having been It was only made real in Christ. paid, we must show the value of salvation to our neighbors; on the contrary how many of us com- There was a young couple in the city of Tokyo. mit sin and bring discredit on Christ. Since He The husband committed a crime and, trying to be died for us, we ought to be willing to die for merciful to his wife, he wrote a note to divorce Christ's sake. her. But his wife had attended a Christian Sunday school when she was young and when she received the note of divorce from her husband, she instantly remembered what she had learned about Jesus Christ-how He had died for sinners and MY MISSIONARY DAY how God has forgiven the sins of those who accepted Him. So, she said to her husband that she Oh there's blue and there's gray would not forsake him, having learned forgiveness In my missionary day. from Jesus Christ. But since she had become un- The sunshine and the shadows both His love and power display.
certain about the truth, she came to me to verify I see His gentle hand at work upon some burdened heart, the truth that Jesus had really died for sinners. And praise Him that in such a task He lets me have a part. She accepted the redemption of sins through the There is joy in every mornin~ and the night cannot dismay Blood of Jesus Christ and she and her husband were both saved. If I close beside Him stay Through my missionary day.
A weH educated young man in the Province of Yes, there's mire and there's clay Chiba had a brother in a college who lived in a In my missionary day, licentious way and began to steal from others in And I sometimes faint and falter in the muck beside the order to frequent evil resorts. This educated man way. So sad the cries of suffering, of sorrow and of sin, determined to kill his brother; but about this time I scarce can hear the sweetness of the still small voice within. he found at a secondhand store a book from which But the Lord has lit my candle and the comfort of its ray he discovered that Jesus died for sinners. He could not sleep that night because he did not know Shines golden through the gray why Jesus had done this. Later, discovering that Of my missionary day.
Jesus was a revelation of God, the Heavenly Fa- Lord, teach me to pray ther, he found that he also could love his own sin- Through my missionary day, ful brother. He believed in Christ and was bap- That I may love and guide aright Thy children gone tized; later he opened his house for a Christian astray, Sunday school. I shall not be discouraged, nor be lonely on the trail, If Thou Thyself walk with me on the mount and through Redemption through Jesus Christ is the means the vale. of remaking mankind. Recent developments in Thy lost ones may be found for Thee if I Thy voice obey. the world of physics and astronomy have begun to teach us truth about the creation of the uni- Oh, lead Thou the way Through my missionary day.
-Lois Johnson McNeill, in "Drum Call"
verse. But laws of moralIty do not teach us the (West Africa).
Recommendations From
A few paragraphs from the "Find:ngs" passed at Tambaram, Madras, by the International Missionary Council. Some of the phrasing may be changed in the final form of these affirmations. These are quoted from "Dnyanodaya," published in Poona, India, January 5, 1939. – EDITOR.
Jesus Christ and Non-Christian Religions Universal. They have their place in the great Christian brotherhood of all ages and races. But CONCERNING the faith by which the Church they should also be rooted in the soil of their own lives the Conference declares: "Our mes- country. Therefore we strongly affirm that the sage is that God was in Christ reconciling Gospel should be expressed and interpreted in inthe world unto Himself. We believe that God re- digenous forms, and that in methods of worship, vealed Himself to Israel, preparing the way for institutions, architecture, etc., the spiritual herit- His full revelation in Jesus Christ, His Son, our age of the nation and country should be taken into Lord. We believe that Christ is the Way for all, use. The Gospel is not necessarily bound up with that He alone is adequate for the world's need. forms and methods brought in from the older Therefore we want to bear witness to Him in all churches. The endeavor to give Christ His rightthe world. There are many non-Christian reli- ful place in the heart of people who have not pregions that claim the allegiance of large multitudes. viously known Him so that He will neither be a We recognize that in them are to be found values foreigner, nor be distorted by pre-Christian patof deep religious experiences and great moral terns of thought, is a great .and exacting spiritual achievements. Yet we are bold enough to call task in the fulfilling of which a young church can men out from them to the feet of Christ, because bring a rich contribution of her own to the Church we believe that in Him alone is the full salvation Universal! which man needs. Mankind has seen nothing to be compared with the redeeming love of God in The Call to Evangelism the life and death and resurrection of Christ. What He is for us, Judge and Redeemer, Friend "The Church's message to the world is the Lord and Teacher, Brother and Lord, we long to see Jesus Christ Himself in all His manifold grace and Him become also for others. . . . Christ is revo- power. It is the work of evangelism so to exalt lutionary; He brings conversion and regeneration and proclaim Him, crucified, risen and glorified, when we meet Him, from whatever point we may that men may awaken to God, and to a sense of have started. Paul said: 'What things were gain their sin and separation from God, may be led to me, those I counted loss for Christ.' to true repentance and to that act of will whereby they believe in and receive the forgiveness of their sins through Christ and enter upon a new life of Christ and People of Other Faiths trust and obedience towards God and of abound- ing hope for this world and that which is to come. "Three consequences of this view of the reli- For its maintenance and expression, this new life gious life of mankind may here be mentioned. involves membership of the Christian fellows.hip, First, it implies that witnesses for Christ must so that he who has thus received the grace and have a deep and sincere interest in the religious forgiveness of God, at the same time must enter life of those among whom they are sent, for the outward society of fellow-believers and in his Christ's sake and for the sake of those peo- turn become a witness to the truth. Evangelism, pIe. . . . while it involves the interaction of human beings "Second, this interest in the religious heritage of on one another, is very diff·erent from attempts to nations must not lead us to assume, as has some- dominate or invade the personalities of others. times been suggested, that the Scriptures of these It is a work whose end can never be attained by religions could take the place of the Old Testa- weak human instruments unless the Holy Spirit ment as introductions to the Christian Gospel. The Himself works previously in them and through Old Testament was the Bible of Jesus to which He them. Essentially the Church is the instrument constantly referred, and gives an indispensable whereby the living God, through His Holy Spirit, background to the Gospel by showing the early makes His impact upon the spirits of men. The stages of God's preparation for sending our Lord. Gospel of Christ carries with it the promise of "Third, when churches grow up in the environ- social transformation and of the realization of ment of non-Christian religions and cultures, it is such ends as justice, freedom and peace. A living necessary that they should get firmly rooted in the Church cannot dissociate itself from prophetic and Christian heritage and fellowship of the Church pra.ctical activities in regard to social conditions.
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True evangelism will always include a forward- the churches require a restatement of the function looking vision. and training of the future missionary. We are The Danger of Compromise driven to make the following major emphases. The maj or functions of the missionary in the next "The Council is not unmindful of the faults and decade may be stated as follows: mistakes which have crept into some of the evan- "(1) To be a colleague and friendly helper in gelistic work of the churches and missions and the upbuilding of the life of the younger churches: that have proved obstacles to the spread of the "(a) By enriching their spiritual life, especially Gospel of Christ and to its genuine acceptance by through Bible teaching, evangelistic work and de- many. In pra'Ctical matters of leadership, or- velopment of means to cultivate and discipline the ganization and finance, Western methods have not spiritual life.
always been adapted to suit the fundamental char- " (b) By helping to train leaders for the varied acteristics of Eastern peoples; they have pro- ministry of the churches.
duced superficial results into which the creative "(c) By special service in medical and educa- work of the Holy Spirit entered only a little. tional work, and social reconstruotion programs There is the danger of seeking to extend the in rural and industrialized areas.
Church numerically without due regard to the full "(d) By fostering the concern within the meaning and purpose of evangelism as the Council churches for the expansion of Christianity into understand it. The Church undergoes temptations unoccupied areas.
to obscure its witness by compromise when faced " (e) By standing against the tide of modern by the problems of relations with governments, secularistic civilization when it invades the life friendly or hostile. of the churches.
"Personal and social habits and practices, which "(2) To witness against all the varied forms of are matters of indifference in one part of the secularized and materialistic life in the society in Church, may be a cause of offence in another, and which he lives, particularly that which derives therefore a hindrance to evangelism; the Council from his own country.
commend for universal acceptance the principles "(3) To embody and communicate the experi- contained in 1 Corinthians 10. In many countries, ence of the Universal Church. He will need fa- denominational differences., and the deep racial miliarity with worship experiences other than divisions within the churches themselves, obscure those of his own Church. He will need to keep in the Church's witness to the Gospel and paralyze touch with the ancient Church and with the de- their efforts to win men for Christ. Beyond all velopment of the world Christian fellowship as a these, there are great obstacles and difficulties in- unity. There is also need for men and women herent in the aim and character of the work itself who embody this spirit and experience in large and in the situation of those to whom the Gospel measure to be made available for limited periods is addressed. The International Missionary Coun- to the service of the whole Church, or the churches cil is of the opinion that these, and many other ob- of a particular area.
stacles to the spread of the Gospel,can be " (4) To help build bridges of understanding overcome fully only in so far as the churches and and cooperation between classes, races and na- their members confront more resolutely the rad- tions, and thus assist the peaceful development ical weakness in their own life which enfeebles and adjustment of their relationships in an or- their power to lighten the spiritual darkness of dered society.
our time and to lead men out of their present be- "(5) To carry the Christian Gospel into the wilderment. The Church as a whole must redis- many areas where Christianity is now unknown, cover the living power of the faith it confesses, or where no churches exist. the very Word of God to our day speaking in and through the Bible it cherishes, and the inward A Christian Rural Civilization peace and constraint that come from the Cross "The past decade has given us the ideal of a with which the Church is marked. Only so will Christian rural civilization. We need now to see it be renewed and enabled by the Holy Spirit to more clearly the implications of this ideal and to undertake the great task of evangelism in our press on more vigorously towards its realization. time. What are the spiritual and religious values that inhere in the processes of agriculture and in the The Future of the Missionary "The basic call to missionary service remains social and economic relationships of rural life?
what it has always been, the inner compulsion of What is the moral responsibility of those who till Christ giving birth to an irresistible sense of di- the earth to care for it and to pass it on inviolate vine mission; but the present condition of the for the use of succeeding generations? What is world and the present stage of development within the relevance of Christian principles to rural
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MADRAS
economy and rural social organization? . . . How "During the discussion it became abundantly clear that may the Christian message of God's redeeming love in Christ be best translated into the language the divisions of Christendom are seen in their worst light of rural peoples and speak to their physical, mental, social and spiritual needs? These questions in the mission fields. Instances were cited by the repredemand that Christians everywhere should engage in more earnest study and adventure so that we sentatives of the younger churches of disgraceful commay find and fulfil God's purpose for His children upon the soil. petition, wasteful overlapping, and of groups and indi- Ambassadors of Jesus Christ viduals turned away from the Church because of the di- "Concerning 'Missions of Fellowship' from the visions within. Disunion is both a stumbling block to the mission field to churches in the countries that send missionaries, the following suggestions are faithful and a mockery to those without. We confess with made as to the principles which should govern the visit of a mission from the younger to the older shame that we ourselves have often been the cause of thus churches: bringing dishonor to the religion of our Master. . . . Vis- "(a) They should go as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, never as 'specimens.' ible and organic union must be our goal. This, however, " (b) They should go simply to share their ex- will require an honest study of those things in which the periences of Christ without ulterior motive. churches have differences, a widespread teaching of the " (c) The members should be worthy representatives, intellectually and spiritually, of the Church common church membership in things that make for union which they represent. and venturesome sacrifice on the part of all. Such a union Cooperation and Unity alone will remove the evils arising out of our divisions. "While we are deeply humbled by the lack of unity in the Church, and by serious limitations . . . We appeal with all the fervor we possess, to the even in the practice of cooperation, we nevertheless wish to place on record the fact that the coop- responsible authorities of the older churches, to take this eration thus far achieved has led to a great increase of mutual understanding and trust. . . . matter seriously to heart, to labor with the churches in This unity of spirit has made us realize more fully how gravely our outward divisions are hindering the mission field to achieve this union, to support and enthe extension of the Kingdom of God, and indeed are stultifying our message of the love of God, as courage us in all our efforts to put an end to the scandalous the great reconciling force in a world that desperately needs it. . . . It is our deep and joyous con- effects of our divisions, and to lead us in the path of union, viction that in our advance along this path we have been led by God Himself and that He has put the union for which our Lord prayed, through which the the seal of His blessing on our cooperative service. We therefore urge the continuance and further world would indeed believe in the divine mission of the extension of cooperation in fields and in types of work where it is imperfectly practiced. . . . Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. .
"The following statement has been drawn up "We recommend: (1) That the International by the representatives of the younger churches Missionary Council arrange for studies to be and expresses their unanimous view. We ear- undertaken with a view to securing cooperation nestly commend it to the prayerful consideration in church discipline in regard both to the treatof all the Churches: ment of individual Christians who are under dis- cipline, and to marriage and other customs which are inherent in the social structure of the people. (2) That the organization of cooperative institu- tions be reviewed in light of the principle that the indigenous Church should have an influential share in the control and direction of policy, and in the relation of institutions to the whole Chris- tian enterprise. (3) That a deliberate and sus- tained effort be made by the International Mis- sionary Council and by the National Christian Councils to win the active cooperation of Chris- tian groups that are at present outside our fellow- ship. (4) That National Christian Councils be urged to initiate cooperative planning for the whole Christian enterprise in their respective fields, and that Mission Boards and churches on the field should consult with the National Chris- tian Councils in such matter. (5) That in view of the evident leading of God and the supreme ur- gency of the call for organic union on the part of the younger churches, the older churches take this to heart with the utmost seriousness, in the fields of prayer, thought, and action."
Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, makes this profoundly true observation: "Humanity desperately needs today a moral and spiritual rebirth, a revitalization of religion. There is no sure way to this supreme goal save through adherence to the teachings of the Bible."
A Kashgar Moslem's
-~ I Recorded by MRS. GLENN B. OGDEN, Kasganj, India Js- KASHGAR is a town on the plateau of Cen- edged Christ, came out of the crowd of bystanders tral Asia, north of the Himalaya Mountains and standing beside Joseph said, "I also am a and near the border of Turkestan. Here Christian." Joseph Ryehan was born. He came of good fam- They were marched through streets filled with ily, his mother being a noble woman and his armed soldiers and an excited mob who shouted, father of Jewish and Kashmiri descent. He was "Long live the King; kill the Christians." Arriva learned scholar, an ardent follower of Moham- ing at the Amir's court, the prisoners were lined med, and knew eight languages. The boy was up for judgment. Abel was shot; then beheaded. brought up strictly in the Moslem faith, but, when When Joseph's turn came he was questioned by still a small boy, was sent to the Christian mission the Amir who shook his fist at him, shouting: school conducted by the Swedish Mission. There "You are the very worst of the lot. You shall be Joseph heard the story of Jesus and the cross, and hung on my gallows tomorrow." The gallows. were was deeply impressed, but for a time he seemed to forget it. newly erected in front of the town's chief mosque.
After the boy had spent a year or two in the Dragged off to prison, Joseph was kept in the mission school, his father sent him to a Moslem stocks, his feet just touching the ground and his preparatory school; but Joseph was not satisfied arms bound so tightly at the armpits that he felt with the teaching there. He continued restlessly sure they would never again be of any use. After to explore other religions, even that of the local hours in this situation he was unbound, but a Chinese Buddhists. He went into their temple as heavy iron was put on his feet. He could not sit a "seeker" but found nothing to satisfy his inner down because the prison which had been a Chinese craving. Later he thought himself a Communist. cook-house, was crowded to capacity.
After a time the boy felt the burden of sin to During the niglit the Amir's younger brother be intolerable, and was unable to get relief. Sud- came into the prison followed by a troop of denly one day he saw a vision of three lights. He soldiers. Joseph thought his time had certainly believed that Christ appeared in glorious form. come. In the midst of his pain and half stupor When he came to Him the burden was lifted and came the thought: "My release has come; now Joseph was happy. Memories of the early Chris- I shall be with Jesus." When the question, "Are tian teaching returned. The New Testament, you not afraid of being killed?" was asked him, which before had seemed uninteresting, became a his reply was: "No, I shall go straight to God." living message, and he studied it with delight. The rej oinder was, "Ah, you should be killed. You Later he joined the Swedish Mission church and will certainly be hung tomorrow."
for four years witnessed at Yarkhand where he But he was not executed next day. A strange succession of events, which included much sufferhad been baptized.
One day an Amir appeared in Yarkhand with ing and reviling, left him still alive at the end of a large invading army, carrying all before him. seventy days. and nights, in the stench and filth In their youth this Amir and Joseph had been of that cook-house prison. Then another armed students together. The Amir proclaimed a Mos- force entered Yarkhand, drove out the Amir and lem crusade in the city, ordering that all Chris- released the prisoners. Joseph was immediately tians should be bound and brought to his court for sent by the friendly British Consul out of Kashgar trial. As Joseph was praying with some mis- into India.
sionary ladies who knew of the violent spirit in Since then he has been studying, preparing for the town, they heard a noise outside. As they further work for Christ. He says.: "I want to prayed, soldiers broke in and called Joseph to witness, always witness for Him." This summer, come with them. He was bound and in company for about two months, Joseph Ryehan was a stu- with many others was led through the town. As dent at the Henry Martyn School of Islamics, they were putting him into place in a line a young Landour, North India, and there told his story to man, called Abel, who never before had acknowl- friends.
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Animists in the
A letter from DR HENRY P. VAN DUSEN, written from Rante Pau, Celebes, Netherland East Indies DESPITE its diminutive dimensions on a hewn out of the solid face of rock-cliffs, where the world-map, Celebes is one of the larger and dead, after being kept in their own houses a year more important possessions in the Dutch after death with periodic feasts of an orgiastic Island empire of the East Indies. character and. considerable attendant promiscuity, *** are finally laId away, but with animistic beliefs about their continuing influence in the vivid spirit For almost twelve hours with only a break for the night we had been motoring from Makassar, world. the principal commercial and political center of At last, the road wound down into a river-plain, and we ienntaergerd~sas.t.ycpoivcearledvilcllaegaer.ingBut at the out- skirts, the left, a td the Celebes into the inaccessible mountainous hinterland. Mile after mile the rough road picks its way along the scanty edge of precipitous cliffs, brown steeple lIfted above the trees and the plain round hair-raising bends, up and up, with ever square building below announced itself unmisgrander, wilder jagged peaks on either side. Our ~akably as a Dutch church. It was Sunday mornancient Dodge bumped and swayed, shifting to m~ a~d one o~ two late worshipers were entering, second, then to low, and back again, but pushed shIeldmg theIr heads from the downpour with steadily forward and upward like a wiry kan- large banana leaves, Rante Pau's customary umgaroo. For hours we saw no white face, met no brella. A little farther on, another small white one Who could speak other than Malay and the !;>uilding suggested a hospital. In the doorway Just beyond a young doctor and his wife smiled a local dialect. As the scenery became wilder so characteristically Dutch welcome through the did the appearance and demeanor of the half- drizzle. naked little brown men and women along the road. Their rude rattan huts perched more and more We discovered many mutual friends; both had ins.ecurely on bamboo stilts. At the first sound of been leaders of the Student Christian Movement our car, they leaped for the edge of the road and in Holland before coming to the East. Cocoa turned rather wild and stupid eyes in frightened, and cake broke the ice and refreshed us after the uncomprehending stares after us. A fine drizzle journey. Then we inquired if it were too late to enveloped the mountains, and added a slimy sur- ~ oin the church service. Our host, explaining that face to the other hazards of this uncertain high- It was a quarterly communion and in the Toradja way. language, thought the service must be drawing to- Presently, we noted several of the houses for ward the close for he had heard strains of the which we had been looking, built in the shape of "middle hymn"-not the middle of the service but the native ships or prau which distinguish Makas- the middle of the sermon. (The middle hymn sar harbor, with great overhanging bows and bears certain analogies to a "seventh inning sterns. Then we knew we were in the heart of stretch" and is quite as serviceable, for the two the Toradj a land. For these little people (their halves of the discourse usually reach a half hour stature isa foot below average height), driven each !) tw~ hundred miles inland centuries ago, pushed We slipped into church and stole forward into theIr boats upstream before them and continue to front pews, for all others were crowded. The build their homes in that shape and to bury their Dutch minister, in tbhleacvkerGneanceuvlaar.gowOnn~ was read- ing his sermon in could not dead in prau, hewn of stone or wood. Secure in be certain that the auditors were grasping it much these mountain fastnesses, nearly half a million better than we. There was no slackening of revpeople have successfully resisted penetration by erent attention but I thought I detected a slight the stronger and fiercer tribes below. While the falling off in capacity for absorption during this lTaottreardjahapvraectibceeenunaMltoesrleedmpsrimfoirtivceeanntuirmiiess~ the and last ten minutes. But that did not seem greatly ancestor-worship. We passed their burial caves, to matter. One knew at once that the message of the worship was being conveyed, far more ef- • From The RresbY'terian T,-ibune, New York. fectively than by spoken word, through the un- [131 ]
adorned beauty of the building, through simple gested a garden-village. Again, the contrast to hymns to familiar tunes, through the indefinable the near-by villages through which we had passed intimacy of deep fellowship, perhaps most of all was staggering. We passed in and out among the through the stillness which pervaded the house houses, greeting the residents. On one porch a and all its company-simple, unemotional, genu- leprous mother rocked a new-born infant. Before ine, reverent, comradely, beautiful. another, children played in the sand. Everywhere cheerful, contented faces and cnrdiaI smiles wel- When the sermon was laid aside and the minis- comed us. We learned that the less severe cases ter took his place in the center of the long table can be cured. We noted no walls, no fences, no spread the width of the church and, after the guards. "Oh, but no one wants to leave. They lovely Dutch custom which so nearly reproduces would be driven from their own villages; quite the setting of the First Supper, the worshipers possibly they would be killed." Here was a lepercame forward and took seats at the table to his colony which was not merely a haven of refuge right and left and the bread was passed from hand and happiness for outcast souls but a model village to hand, one knew that Christian worship when for the entire locality! true and sincere is the same in every tongue and in every clime and that its focal center is in one The external contrasts-in cleanliness, health, place only-in the Supper of our Lord. One knew, intelligence, happiness, freedom from fear – no too, that what is supremely needed, alike for one could miss. But it was only later when we primitive animists of Toradja and for cultured visited in homes, inspected fetishes, learned in desophisticates of America, is that they should be tail of the customs and beliefs of the people that drawn through the unforced alchemy of that wor- the deeper contrasts could be fully appreciated. ship face to face with Him who first took bread and broke it, and washed His disciple's feet. It was, late evening before we got around to the hospital itself. Darkness had fallen and we felt As we took our places at the table, facing the our way around the dim wards by oil-lamplight. congregation, we had an opportunity really to Here and there beneath a bed, one or more memlook at them. We saw over two hundred clean, bers of the patient's family were curled up on the alert, well and tastily dressed men and women and floor; only on this condition would they permit girls, spotless in their simple native cos,tumes, hair their sick relative to enter the hospital. I was immaculately arranged, barefooted but winsome surprised to note several beds empty, but was and charming; almost every face was lighted by pointed to a figure stretched underneath; the ocan eager sincere reverence and open confident re- cupant could not rest comfortably on a cot so had pose. The contrast to the unkempt bedraggled rolled onto the floor and there slept peacefully. appearance and the bewildered, staring faces· of Seventy beds, always overcrowded for the conthe past two days was overwhelming. In their stituency number,s 300,000 people. The area of presence most of the discussions of missions one responsibility, close to 10,000 square miles of has heard evaporated into irrelevance like mist at jagged mountains pierced by hardly a road, must sunrise, or like "modern sex theories" in the be covered mainly on horseback. The medical staff radiant serenity of a truly Christian home. So numbers one doctor and one trained nurse, aided much utter nonsense is talked about Christian by locally trained native helpers. Tuberculosis, missions! I defy anyone, with open eyes and a venereal diseases, leprosy, cholera, trachoma, rupmodicum of concern for his fellow-men, to con- ture-these are the major ailments. Just now the front primitive life and religion in stark reality, most pressing need is an electric plant to supply and then witness a center of Christian faith and illumination, drying facilities and above all X-ray; life among them without confessing not merely the but that is a dream to conjure with in the distant validity but the inestimable worth of missions. future. When I was saying goodnight and laid on the table a paltry bill-less than an evening's Our host inquired if we cared to see the mis,sion theater at home-the young doctor grasped my leper colony. A half-mile back from the hospitaI hand with tears in his eyes. we came out upon a little plateau to discover one of the most lovely little villages we had ever seen. As we drove off in the gray dawn the following A dozen small houses, beautifully designed and morning, our last glimpse of Rante Pau was of constructed in the familiar shape of the native two dim figures standing in the doorway where prau and decorated by the inhabitants, each with they had greeted us the day before-weary and a its colorful garden, furnish haven and treatment little haggard but still smiling-surgeon, general and even cure to some hundred and forty lepers. practitioner, obstetrician, ophthalmologist, trop- On the hillside just above, a somewhat larger ical disease specialist, friend-at-Iarge to 300,000 prau serves as village church; the whole sug- primitive people-what a man's job!
Indian Poet, Narayan Varnan Tilak*
By the REV. KUND HEIBERG, Madras, India Missionary of the Danish Missionary Society, 1905- N ARAYAN VAMAN TILAK was called the India and Christ-these are the notes that re- "Tagore of Maratha-Iand." This is not a sound in all of Tilak's songs and in his life's deeds very accurate characterization, but is a tes- since the day he first gave his heart to Christ. timony as t'O the high esteem in which he was held not only among Indian Christians but by his Narayan Vaman Tilak was born seventy-seven Hindu fellow countrymen.. When he died twenty years ago (February 10, 1862) in Karazgao, in years ago (May 9, 1919) his name was known Dapoli Taluk, Konkan. He was a member of a far beyond the limits of Maratha-Iand and he was prominent Brahman family, and up to his ninth considered the greatest of modern Christian poets year lived in his grandfather's house. Here he in India. He was eulogized by a Hindu contem- grew up in beautiful natural surroundings. The P'Orary as follows: plain is one of the most fertile and luxuriant in India, being watered with abundant rain. These "The well-known Maratha poet and Pundit, surroundings developed in the boy a vivid love N. V. Tilak, was a pious Christian, but his Chris- for nature and moved the poetic chords in his tianity, as is the case with a constantly increasing soul. Love for nature was a great part of his life.
number of Indian Christians, 'Only helped to make Religiously he was profoundly influenced by his his love for his country more ardent. He was a mother who was of a poetic and imaginative natrue patriot, who looked into the future with deep ture and more independent in her thought and understanding and he was respected by all on ac- views of life than Hindu women are as a rule. In count of his truly religions life. As a Maratha later years he 'Often spoke of her as the one who poet he occupied a very prominent place among taught him to fear God and to love and serve man. his contemporaries." He declared that he never met another woman who was so nearly perfect as his pious mother. A well-known Hindu paper in Bombay wrote at She was, his first guru or spiritual teacher. the time: "Tilak's death is a loss not only for Indian Christians; it is a loss for the whole na- The grandfather was a pious Brahman who 'Obtion, which will preserve a loving remembrance served his devotional practi1ces with such zeal that of his truly holy life." the inhabitants of his little town even made fun of him. His religious zeal made a deep impression Pundit Tilak's ardent love for his Motherland upon his daughter's son who often played near found a beautiful expression in many of his poems him and t'O whom he was, much devoted. and gave the imprint to his life. But while his love for India was great, his love for Christ was Tilak's father does not seem to have been a greater. He had found the Pearl of Great Price model of amiability, but was a hot-tempered, vioand to possess it he sold all he owned; of this two- lent man. The boy could not get along with him fold love he s,ang: and when the mother died, he ran away from home and tramped to the town of Nasik with his Hindustan is my mother and all her children are most younger brother. Here he succeeded in obtaining precious jewels to me; instruction from some Indian pundits, among whom was a teacher by the name of Ganes Shastri Some lie covered with rubbish, and some lie hid in earth's Lile. Later in life Tilak always spoke of this man dark depths as having been, after his mother, his second guru. Shastri Lile taught Tilak to love India and it was Some are adorned with the radiant crown of Hindustan. in his school the foundation was laid for Tilak's My heart longs for them all; each one I love, ardent patriotism. The boy's talents attracted the I, the humble servant of my Motherland. interest of several prominent men who helped him in many ways. A message have I to bring, Hark ye, all ye sons of Hindustan. The boy attended an English school, but his in- Without Christ all is in vain; quiring (not to say revolutionary) nature did not Only if He fills your hearts, only then Can we know God's aim for our lives. It is Jesus who makes me a patriot true, So that I, His slave, am my Motherland's servant.
• Translated from the Danish by the late Dr. C. Theodore Benze. fit into the four walls of a sichool, any more than [133 ]
it afterwards could feel quite at home in the con- (3) There is no earlier birth and no repeated rebirt~s. fessionallimits of anyone church. All human suffering is due to man's personal failure III fulfilling his duties. A man's condition in this life depends Years of drifting followed during which he partly upon his heredity and environment and partly upon eagerly studied Sanscrit and English, religio~s his.own conduct. and philosophy. He worked hard to learn ArabIC so as to be able to read the Koran in its original (4) The essential thing in all religions is love and surlanguage and thus to penetrate more deeply to the render to God and men. heart of Mohammedanism. Buddhism fascinated him for a time and he determined to be like (5) Idolatry is sin, yea, the ·greatest of all sins; but Buddha in all but his faults. But neither Bud- such virtues as love, truth, mercy may be personified and dhism nor Mohammedanism could hold him per- worshipped. manently. Even in his early childhood he had broken the rules of caste and he continued to assail Tilak understood that if a man wishes to found the system of caste all his life. His mother. a~d a new religion, its future will depend upon such a his teachers who were Hindus and who were dIS- founder's personality. He says: "I saw that in posed towa;d reform, had influenced him in this order to propagate these principles I myself must direction. be a wonderful man. I began, therefore, to study the lives of founders of religions carefully." All Tilak's searching was now directed to finding the religion that would bring salvation, Tilak observed that most founders of religions strength and self-respect to his beloved Mother- were said to have performed miracles. Hence he land. He longed to see India great and free; but wanted to obtain power for this and devoted himit was clear that this could be attained only by self to Yoga practices, from which, according to spiritual regeneration. How to a,ccomplish this Hindu teaching, the power to perform miracles was the burden on his mind day and night. can be obtained. He spent two years in the severest ascetic practices and for days at a time While engaged in these speculations, Tilak came he sat on a mountain top, lost in meditation. His in contact with a religiously inclined Hindu in food consisted of plants and fruits such as he could Nagpur who spent great sums of money to acquire find near by. He sat there without noticing the Hindu literature, both ancient Vedic writings and burning heat of noon or the cold night winds. modern books. To this man's library Tilak had But he experienced great disappointment at this free acces's and "for three years," he says, "I swam very time when he thought to have reached his and tumbled in this sea of spe!culative thoughts goal. and poems." His studies resulted in an attempt to establish the fundamental principles of a "new" The people from the surrounding villages bereligion that was, to be higher and purer than any gan to come in crowds up the mountain to catch a other and which was to unite all of India, nay glimpse of the lonely saint and to call upon him more, all the world, in one brotherhood. For this for help. Indeed, once or twice he was reported new religion Tilak actually set down a number of to have been the means of wonderful healing. principles. Then their enthusiasm grew and the mountain hermit became the object of wondering adoration. This attempt to found a new religion is a strik- But this very enthusiasm opened his eyes to the ing example of the strong religious power, found emptiness of the whole business. "See," he said within the old Hinduism, which constantly seeks to himself, "it is only to get a glimpse of me, or to penetrate. to something better than Hinduism in the hope of a temporal good, that these people can offer. India's religious history reveals both are coming. They do not care anything for the in ancient and modern times a series of such at- teachings of my new religion. All their attention tempts. Its strong minds (like a Rabindranath and their talk centers in me. My doctrine can Tagore) have steadily endeavored to break the amount to something only if I myself can be lost iron bonds of the old Hinduism, especially· its to view while presenting the message I have to caste system. But in all these attempts one finds bring. that the fundamentals in reality point to the truth in Christianity. So he came down from the mountain and ended the Yoga practices. Up to this point Tilak did The following principles were enunciated by not concern himself about Christianity. He says: Tilak for his new religion: "Strangely enough, in my religious investigations I never thought of the Bible or of Christ. The (1) There is a rational Creator of the universe, who is reason for this was that the Bible seemed such a not an indefinite absolute Something like the Brahma of plain book to me." As a Brahman he wanted to the Hindus, but a personal being with a fatherly heart center his attention upon complicated problems, and all men are his children. as Brahmans like to do. He says "The Brahmans are by nature people who enjoy and admire either (2) All holy writingS! in all religions are the. work of such literature as is above their comprehension or men. The only writing in which we can study all about isa riddle to them. There are many Sanscrit God is the book of nature, the whole universe. books, which, I am sure, if they were translated
THE INDIAN POET, NARAYAN VAMAN TILAK
into the vernacular, would be cast aside by these pletely refuted. I began to embrace a love for very Brahmans, as useless rubbish. But let a Christ Himself and I continued to read on to the Brahman sing a few mantrams, which neither he last page of the Bible so as to learn as much as nor his hearers understand, and both parties will possible about Christ.:' be captivated. The simpHcity of the Bible was one reason why I had never investigated Chris- In Rajnandgaon there lived a Christian intianity. Another really important reason was spector of police who gave Tilak some Christian that no Christian preacher had ever talked to me books. One of these, Bushnell's "Character of about Christ and I had never seen any Chris4;ian Jesus," made a s.trong impression upon him. All book in Marathi that I cared to read." of this brought him into a severe spiritual strug- gle. He did not wish to take up the new religion The Christians, whom Tilak so far had met, carelessly but by reflection he came to be constood on such a low intellectual plane that he, an vinced of the truth of Christianity. Christ was educated Brahman, did not regard them as any the Teacher whom India and the world craved. better than idolators. The next step was to be convinced of the power In 1892, when Tilak was thirty years old, his of Christianity. How this happened is told by wealthy admirer wished him to publish a new Tilak in the following words: philosophical and religious periodical. Only two numbers appeared, for since Tilak set forth in "One day I fell into doubt about Christ's word them the new doctrines enumerated above, his 'Ask, and it shall be given unto you.' Like an patron abandoned him and he had to give up his ignorant child I determined to test the truth of editorial position. He then ac·cepted an offer of a the word. I prayed that I might receive a book position from an Indian prince, the Rajah of which would inform me about the history of Pal- Rajnandgaon. The journey thither became of estine and the times in which Jesus lived. I added great importance for he says: in my prayer that if my prayer would not be granted, I would reject the doctrine that God I traveled in the intermediate class and as I entered the showed mercy to His child. Suddenly the next compartment, the only European present, in place of re- day I was transferred to another government pulsing me, made room for me with a friendly smile. office. To my great joy and surprise I found in a box under some old junk, three books, all religious, I had my favorite Sanscrit poet Bhavabhuti with me and that treated of Christ and Christianity. These and the strange gentleman began to talk to me about poets books gave information about the very things. I and poetry. I was much interested in what he said and had prayed to be enlightened on. God continued to I discovered that he knew something about poetry and the send me many wonderful answers to my prayers art of writing it. I discovered that he knew some San- and I came to love Christ." scrit and was well informed on the Sanscrit literature. Afterwards he changed the subject and asked me about At this time Tilak came in contact with Baba my attitude toward Christianity. I told him about my new Padmanji, a learned high-caste man who had bedoctrines and he remarked to my great astonishment that come a Christian. The correspondence and subwithin two years I would be a Christian. I thought the sequent companionship with him was a great help man must be crazy to say such a thing. We talked a long to Tilak, who here found a guide that understood time. Finally he said, "Young man, God is leading you. him and could help him. More and more he ex- Study the Bible and study the life of Christ and you will perienced the power of Christ. The regeneration surely become a Christian." In my heart I scoffed at of soul, which his Yoga practices had been unable what I considered the man's impertinence. But he finally to effect, he found in his communion with Christ. offered prayer and then he gave me a copy of the New Testament. I promised to read it, not from any interest Tilak began to utter his new thoughts and his in the Bible itself, but for the friendly feeling which the changed views of life in verse and prose, in pubman's kindness had aroused in me. I left the train at lished poems, and printed articles. He wrote Rajnandgaon and we took cordial leave of one another. under a pen-name, but was soon discvered and Strangely enough, neither of us thought to ask the other his friends understood that he had become a Chrisfor his name, residence or position. tian. Persecution broke loose upon him, "such a persecution," he writes, "as can hardly be imag- Tilak never learned who his traveling com- ined, except by Hindus who turn to Christianity. panion was, but he began to read the New Testa- But God helped me and delivered me from various ment as he had promised. The book took hold of difficulties; He prepared 'a table for me with spirhim, especially the Sermon on the Mount. He itual food in the presence of mine enemies.' When writes, "I could not tear myself away from these I earnestly considered baptism, I was suddenly words so full of attractiveness and beauty, which reduced to poverty, lost my position, and lost my express the love and gentleness and truth, that friends. I had no acquaintance among Christians. the Sermon contains. In these three chapters I Even my own wife, whom I had considered to be found a satisfying reply to the most difficult ques- convinced of the truth of Christianity, turned tions in Hindu philosophy. I was astonished to see how the deepest problems found their solution here. To my amazement I discovered that the doctrine of the transmigration of souls was com-
against me and sought to overcome my determina- that people spoke disdainfully of "Christian Martion to be baptized. athi" until Tilak began to speak and sing.
"In November, 1894, I dreamed the same dream With the lower forms of speech there went gen- erally an inclination to despise all that was one's three nights in succession.: A person appeared own, to ape the missionaries in dress and man- ners, and to give up national peculiarities. This before me and said, 'Follow Me and fear noth- led to the deplorable situation that Hindus reing.' " . garded the conversion to Christianity as treason to their own land. To become a Christian, was Then Tilak chose the course he would follow. to them the same thing as to renounce Hindustan, He wrote to an American missionary, Mr. J. E. the Motherland.
Abbot, and ask him to inform others that he had In the person of Tilak there now stood forth an become a Christian. The 10th of February, 1895, Indian singer and preacher, who spoke and sang he was baptized by an Indian pastor, T. Nathoji, in words and tones that gripped Hindu hearts. in the American Mission church in Bombay. Tilak Those familiar with the Marathi language look says, "It was exactly two years after the man in upon Tilak's work as a spiritual regeneration of the train had given me the Bible. Thus does the the language used among Christians, yes, even as Lord lead His children and thus His will is done an enrichment of the language itself. One of Tilak',g disciples says it was like the spring that on earth." breaks forth in freshness and beauty.
Tilak's baptism was the introduction to active Tilak's poems have been widely cir,culated. In the streets of Ahmednagar, the beggars sing them. labor in the Ispread 'Of the Gospel of Christ and In Christian homes they have introduced new the Kingdom of God. He became pastor in the songs,. Even the theistic society, Parthana Somaj in BoOmbay, is said to use some of them, with alter- American Marathi Mission Church and accom- ations. One of Tilak's admirers thinks that his plished much good. One of the difficulties of the great poem Christayana ("The Story of Christ") Christian Church in India has been, that most of will exert the same influence upon the speech of its members. have come from the lowest class of Christians as Tulsi Das's Ramayana has exerted population, who before their baptism stood out- upon the Hindu language.
side of the real Indian community and Hindu cul- Tilak stands today first and foremost the poet of India. He sang of his beautiful country, which ture. The result has been that the Indian Chris- to him is "the crown of the earth." tian communion has been isolated. Tilak did what In one poem, "The Ascent of the Mountain," he was in his. power to build bridges. His old Hindu sings of the greatness of the land, its far-stretched friends locked him out when he became a Chris- mountains and valleys with their endlessly varied tian, but his poetic gift had already created a natural beauty. In the poem, "My Motherland," name for him. In this may be seen a reason why, he has sung the praise of In~ia, as her Christian son. after all, many leading Hindus showed him friendship. On the other hand, he was used to lift the Tilak has also been called the poet of flowers. Christian communion out of its isolation into the His language is a language of flowers, colored with many pictures from the world of nature. He is a movements of the times. singer of nature, but with a deep mystic sense for the world of eternity, extending beyond the sur- Tilak labored incessantly to win others for face of the visible world. Christ, especially among the educated classes. His poems have doOne a great work. Likewise his The poet expresses his poetical sense of nature sermons in the church, his instruction of the in the poem, "Woodland Flower," which reports a young and his training of pastors. Social work conversation between the poet and the Woodland he carried on with great zeal. In times of pesti- Flower. The poet admires its beauty, but deplores the fact that the Flower wastes its life in the lence and famine he was among the first to provide wilderness, alone, unknown, and of no use, since help for the needy. The founding 'Of a children's it has no man to admire and use it. But Woodland home and of a Society for Social Work are due to Flower indignantly defends her life in the jungle his efforts. forest by saying that right there it lives its life, free under the open sky and serving God. It well But Tilak did his greatest work as an author. knows the fate of flowers in the house of men who His poetry had a far-reaching importance for the pluck them and use them for their selfish ends. Christian Church in Marathi-land. He is consid- The poet tries to persuade Woodland Flower to ered the greatest Christian poet in the Marathi give up her ascetic life and to come and live among language.
When Christianity is presented toa people, not by one of the land's own sons, but by foreigners who never have completely mastered the language, and when besides most Christians come from the lowest classes of the people and from their least developed dialects, it easily happens that the Christian speech remains undeveloped. This was the characteristic of Marathi Christian speech, so
THE INDIAN POET, NARAYAN VAMAN TILAK
men and to be useful. Woodland Flower says It moveth my inmost soul; "No!" and the poet gives up his case. But as he A vision is flooding with splendor of light leaves the Woodland Flower, his heart is suddenly The halls of my soul. changed and wherever he goes after that, he no- All motion of hands and all action of thoughttices that the Flower lives in his heart as well as It quivers, it sinketh, it ceaseth. in the Woodland. He becomes himself that which My soul drifts away; no longer do bonds he has seen. Now fetter me close to the shores of this world.
Some readers see in this poem the doctrine of o sleep! how I long now to sleep! Have mercy upon me! meditation and action as found in the ancient Indian poem, the Bhagavad Gita. Others interpret Let no one awake me again! it as a description of the poet's peace of heart on seeing the flower in its right place, in the poet's Another example of the mystical trait in Tilak's own soul and there created music. From this the poetry is his poem on "Love" in the form of a thought is derived that the true Gardner of the riddle: soul gives the human soul a chance to grow freely, wherever the right place is. It need not be plucked A flower-it grows way down in sorrow's plain, off sacrificially to adorn us or our surroundings. Guess ye the name? It drinks of tears the rain; When sorrow's sun departs, so hot and dry, Whichever interpretation is correct, we are It groweth upward toward the bright blue sky. agreed on one thing, admiration of this poem and the other nature poems such as "The Joy of A magic drink-can you its name discern? Spring," the "Dance of Nature," the "Music of the One taste of it, the dead to life return: Birds." And silent lips break forth in melody, While eyes of blind see visions heavenly. Tilak is the poet of unity. The striving of this Indian soul for unity back of all multiformity A magic word-ah guess it if you can; breathes forth from many of his songs. In some It makes a "fool" e'en of the "wisest man": of his poems he records the mixed character of The "I" and "thou' he doth no longer know! the times with all their "Noise," "Turmoil" and Who knows the meaning, straight to God shall go. "Division." He meets men, some highly cultured, some without culture, and their common trait is Now have you guessed? What is this flower so rare, that they deplore the times. India's heart is torn That when it blossoms; God is always there? asunder by congresses and conferences, by moderates and extremists, by theists, theosophists, ad- As a religious poet Tilak is, in one sense, a herents of the Arya Somaj, Brahmans and Sudras, continuation of the series of religious poets within caste people and subcastes, by people who desire Hinduism, commonly called "Bhaktas" because reformation and people who clamor for reaction, they gave expres,sion to the devotion of love which by Mohammedans and Hindus, and no one can tell is called Bhakti. But there is a difference. The where all this division will end. But Tilak's op- Bhaktas are like those who seek. This applies to timism answers that from disunion, will come the ancient Bhaktas, like Tukaram, as well as to union, as light breaks through darkness; back of the moderns like Rabindranath Tagore. Tilak the uproar of the times is, God's everlasting mel- has found the secret. The religious songs of India ody which shall some day burst forth as the song contain the most beautiful expression for the longof harmony. Men say India is old; but India is ing of the human soul after the living God; but forever young. in Tilak there is one thing more, thanksgiving for having found God in Ghrist. Bhakti, the devotion The same longing for union, for harmony, for of love, loving faith, meet in Christ, the God who rest meets us also in Tilak's religious poems.. Here is Love. we see a self-surrender as deep as only the strong emotional life of the East can create, and clothed We quote below several of Tilak's religious in rich tropical imagery. The inner union of the songs. soul with God, the penetration into divinity, that is that for which the poet's soul longs. AWAKE, MY SOUL!
In the poem "Presamadhi" we are led into his Awake, my soul, awake and praise mystic thought-world. Immersed in a spiritual The sovereign Lord o'er night and day. trance, in which all ,consciousness of the world of Go forth along life's way again, sense disappears, he feels his whole being over- Praise God, the Glorious One, in song. whelmed, yea engulfed in the object of his love. He sings: To think of Him filled night with song, To serve Him filled the day with peace; o love, I sink down in a timeless sleep, By day, by night at His footstool, We joyed to be at one with Him. Sink down in a timeless sleep, An image uprises before me Whate'er the coming day may bring Bring thou thy offering to Christ; Give up thyself in faith, to Him, And at His feet adore, my soul!
Seek, if thou wilt, the whole world through, Where wilt thou find a friend like Him? He leadeth thee with loving care- o follow Him in all thy ways.
To save thee is His only aim PRAYER To help, to teach, to heal thy heart, And to refresh thy weary soul, Prayer in loving humble hearts, And call thee home from all unrest. Opens wide the doors of heaven, Prayer is God's own dwelling place Thou art the weapon, He the hand, Where His children see His face. And every counsel comes from Him- Upon His altar lay thy will, We from earth a ladder raise, Abide with Him from day to day. Prayer we call it by its name, Prayer is God the Father's knee THE LOVE OF CHRIST Where His trusting children sit.
One all unworthy to be called Rain of love and Spirit's light, Among disciples in Thy school Tears of joy in prayer we have, Thou, in Thy love didst call "a friend," Walk with God, and feel His kiss, Oh Love, amazing, great! That is prayer His servant knows.
So weak am I, oh God of grace Tilak is not only the poet of India, nature and So all unworthy in Thy sight, religious tenderness. He is also the poet of home. That e'en the dust upon Thy feet He himself led a happy home life after his wife Is worth far more than I! returned to him and also was baptized four years after his baptism. In the poem entitled "Sushila," Thou dwellest in unending light Tilak brings before us a young girl's life and Above all earthly sin and shame- growth at home and her spiritual development. In That Thou shouldst bear our sin and shame! the introduction there are a few stanzas that in Can I such love tell forth? no wise yield to the tenderness and beauty of Western song in praise of home. Did He not deem the heavenly throne A matter of such small account, HOME And yet esteem it great to be For me a mortal man? Is there on earth such a lovely place That it may be compared to the one true home? And when the nails pierced deep His flesh Did He not bear it patiently? Where every assumption of "me" and "mine" Then how describe His life divine, Is utterly gone and you never can find So patient and so pure? The slightest traces of selfishness left And love is the ruler that weareth the crown. Thus Love came down in human form, Love's Self, from saving love for me! Where pride is not known that bows down to itself, I hardly dare behold His face Where the good of the neighbor is the same as one's own, For shame, for bitter shame. Where all are intent in one aim to compete, To render each other the service of love. And if there be aught good in me I owe it all to Thee alone Where under the fashions so manifold, Then guard and guide me, 0 my Lord, One mind alone wieldeth harmonious sway, As Thou dost guard Thine own! All suffer, all conquer, all smile or else sigh, Bring Paradise back to the plains of this earth. UNION WITH CHRIST Where under the gentlest and tenderest care, As the moon and its golden beams are one, The highest, most glorious actions spring up, Thus my prayer is this, 0 my Lord and God, And blossom together as in gardens of old, The prayer of the mendicant- And grow to perfection as glorious fruit. That I may be one with Thee! The home which has fostered from the day of their birth, Like a loving wife will I hold Thee fast, And lavishly nurtured all over this earth Yea, hold Thee forever in loving embrace, The heroes and poets, the wise men and saints, Like a daughter I call to Thee, The house that refreshed in their pilgrimage days. Like a sister I sing Thy praise! God's ladder by which all humanity mounts, As words and their meaning are tied in one, And being thus tied they can serve but one aim. To the mountains three t of its highest desire. Thus let us be bound, 0 Lord, Thus utter thy speech through me. A heavenly dwelling and temple divine, Where bideth the Maker, the Father of men. Oh grant that my soul might a mirror be That Thee I might see in its polished face, Yea, is there on earth such a lovely place In my thought, my speech, my life, That it may be compared to the one true home? Oh make them all bright and pure! Tilak had one more string to his bow. We see And take Thou my body, oh my Saviour dear, him also engaged as a polemic writer. His activity And make Thine abode in my inmost soul, as minister and churchman, involved him in all To be without Thee, oh Christ, questions which in recent years have agitated In- Is sin, is the deepest death! t The three mountains of desire are the heights of religion, wealth and position. The desires of the senses, according to Indian thought, are everything that man can wish for.
THE INDIAN POET, NARAYAN VAMAN TILAK
dian Christians. The most burning is the ques- the poet of the proud VISIOns, who foresaw a glorious future for Ghrist's Church in the land tion of the independence of the Indian Church. which he loved and whose sons, as he hoped, should spread Christ's Gospel in their Motherland. Self-consciousness has grown strong among In- Tilak was something of a free lance and a man dian Christians as it has on the whole, among all of opposition; to say it more practically, he had in himself the nature of the woodland flower. Orientals. Hitherto the foreign missionaries were This nature, this urge toward freedom and inde- pendence, induced him finally to give up his posithe ones who guided and directed all affairs of the tion as a pastor and to work for the coming of God's Kingdom to his Motherhood, as a free singer church; now we have come to the time of transi- and preacher of God's grace, as a Sunyasi, his love for India coalesced with his love for Christ. tion in which the growing Church desires to stand Death prevented Tilak from being very long upon its own feet, to be independent and to pass active as a Christian Sunyasi. But the tones which he first caused to resound in the hearts of from dependence to freedom, from subordination Indian Christians, India and Christ, are now heard everywhere in the church of India. to equality. We will close with the poem, "My Motherland," Tilak took part in these discussions and in one which is a fit summary of his spirit.
of his poems gives strong expression to the feel- MY MOTHERLAND ings of Indian Christians, their craving for in- (In the style of an Indian Lyric) dependence, their longing to find their own forms Chaff will I eat and tatters will I wear for thy love's sake, my Motherland. For thy sake will I cast in the dust of expression for their Christian consciousness, all that is thought to be honor and happine.ss.
independent of the dogmatic foreign mold which Sooner or later shall my soul leave this tabernacle of dust and depart hence; but can death part me from thee? the missionaries brought, and in which Indian Thou knowest, it cannot. To be thy child, what blessed- ness is this! Who can take this from me? Has any robber Christians have grown up. The poem is addressed courage to do so? Has time? Has death? Nay, none of them. to the foreign missionaries. . I will offer up my body, my life will I give in thy service, You came here bringing Christ to us, my noble land. Some will laugh, some will weep over this You brought your body, life and all to us! burning love. I care naught for that. Born to be thy son, There is no limit to our debt to you for this; I shall be that to the limit. May God help me to that end. We owe you all. But now we have a little prayer to make. Our riches, our good name, our wisdom, thou carest not Will you then listen? for these. It is we and we alone whom thou regardest as You are our Mother and our Father, we but helpless in- life of thy life. Oh thou loving Mother, take then this my self, which I offer thee, however trifling the offering may fants. be. And as, I do this, I do nothing more than follow my But now it is time these things should end! Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, my Friend, thy Friend and You are the ones who wrought this rule of bondage. the Friend of all. Oh call it not God's kingdom. Weare the dancers, you the orchestra. May the Almighty help me, that the Disciple may be- How long yet shall this last? come as his Master, fully and completely like Him, and How long yet will you have us be linactive? not a particle less than that and to do for thee, my mother- Hath God not eyes to see withal? land, and for the world, what He did. Then shall I, whom Then let us swim, or let us drown. thine eyes may see tortured, slain or dead, serve thee Thus only can we learn at last to swim. throughout the ages, how many of them, neither you nor Keep all your doctrines to yourselves alone, I may know. But let us first find Christ. And be not wroth, for I am but a messenger at best, And what folk utter, that I tell. Let us be brothers first and sisters; Then let us find the answer to our other questions.
Tilak dreamed of a great future for the Indian Church. At the Centennial of Marathi missions he uttered the words: "The century just passed was that of the foreign missionaries. The coming one is ours."
These words give us a clear picture of Tilak, THE LIFE MORE ABUNDANT Christianity is not the religion of sorrow and gloom; it is the religion of the morning, and carries in its heart the happiness of heaven. .
Christianity is not a restraint but an inspiration-not a weight but wings; not subtraction but addition.
Christianity brings zest and sparkle to life; it is sunshine on the flowers, rather than moonshine on the snow; it is life more abundant; it is leaving the little narrow life behind and leaving it for ever.
Christianity is the' experience and the expression of Christ in the heart.
DOCTOR TAKING A PATIENT TO THE HOSPITAL, THE CABOOSE ON RUNKERS FOR WINTER
15 MILES AWAY, BY SNOWPLANE NOTE THE CHIMNEY FROM THE STOVE INSIDE Messengers of Faith in Manitoba IIBishop's Messengers of Faith in the Diocese of Brandon"
~- -e( I By MISS ROSALIE F. PENNELL, Manitoba, Canada A LL are ready for the Christmas festivities at senger speaks of the Light of the World and tells .r-. Dunkinville. True, tomorrow, not today, is how each one must come to that Light to have Christmas, but the Messengers live about their own little lamp kindled, and must then take twenty miles away so that it is impossible for it out into the dark world to give light to others.
them to reach Dunkinville on Christmas Day- Then, in symbolic action, each worshipper brings the "local" runs the day before. an unlighted candle to the Crib, lights it there, It is bitter cold, well below zero. The Mes- and joins. in a procession to bear, as it were, sengers who have started at 7 a. m. are met at Christ's Light into the darkness.
the little station and drive the seven miles in an After the service, Christmas greetings are given open sleigh. There is just time to warm up be- and received. Then the Messengers make their fore the carol service begins in the Community way to the stricken house where lies the body of Hall. But tragedy is stalking abroad on this the little girl. There was no one among the group holy Christmas Eve. A small boy of seven, play- of women gathered there who could do what was ing with a gun, points it at his sister in jest. The necessary. They were all afraid, so that it fell to gun goes off and the little community is thrown the senior Messenger to take charge. There was into gloom. But the Christmas service takes place practically nothing with which to work – only as arranged so that nothing shall hinder the faith- dirty rags and a little soiled cotton-wool; the only ful Christians from honoring the Christ on the sheet in the house being one with a bright check.
evening of His nativity; but the merry-making Then the Messengers. returned at 2: 30 a. m. to as planned is omitted. find that their dear old hostess had been keeping It is so cold that only a few children have been turkey warm for them.
able to brave the weather, their clothing not being "Who are these Messengers and what do they adequate to keep them warm out of doors. The do?"
congregation numbers about sixty, more than half In 1926, Miss Fowler, a graduate of St. Chris- of whom are men. Many are away from home in topher's College, Blackheath, England, asked the the "bush," cutting lumber. Bishop of Brandon to send her out to help the It is a beautiful and heartfelt service, held in lonely and isolated women of his distant diocese the long frame building, dimly lighted by oil in Western Canada. As a result the Order of lamps. Bishop's Messengers of St. Faith's was formed.
The lights in the Christmas Crib glow all the Miss Fowler and a companion were sent to brighter in the surrounding dimness. The Mes- work, not in the town of Swan River, where there [140 ]
MESSENGERS OF FAITH IN MANITOBA
was a resident priest, but outside of Swan River, One Christmas, when the priest, accompanied with a roving commission to do what they could where they could. by a Messenger, was traveling by snow-plane the Starting with a small shack and two workers, Communion wine froze. On another occasion the there are now over a dozen trained and licensed Messengers, and a number of helpers. The Mother engine of the "local" froze at Swan River and the House is located at Swan River and Daughter Houses at Birch River, Cormorant Lake, Wa- priest who should have been at Birch River (20 bowden, and a one-roomed shack at Mafeking. Some of the Messengers minister also to outlying miles north) at about 11: 30 a. m. did not reach districts, holding services and classes in schools or homes. Two other dioceses have borrowed there till 6 p. m. . Messengers from the Order. There are also meetings for Guides, Cubs and What do the Messengers. do? During the summer there is always visiting and visiting and VIS- Brownies, and there is the Guides' Camp at Madge ITING, running a race with approaching winter. At least one Messenger goes out in the Sunday Lake at which many of the Lone Guides get their school caravan. Services are held at as many points as possible, generally once in two weeks, first idea of the team spirit of Guiding. There are and at these schoolhouse services, in spite of the old harmonium, the children's uncomfortable desk game nights, at one of which might be found, on seats (rather a misfit for grown men and women) and day-school surroundings, there is often an a certain night 50 below zero outside, as many as "atmosphere" of worship that would compare favorably with that of many a stately and well-ap- twenty-seven children packed into a room 14 by pointed city church. Something is done to make the building more church-like – a few pictures 15 feet, with two beds, a stove, three tables, chairs are hung up; the teacher's desk is pushed against the wall and draped with hangings; a small and benches! There are socials where many corwooden Cross is placed on it, and someone will bring a bunch of flowers when they are to be had, ners are rubbed off and differences forgotten, and either gathered on the way or from their own garden. you may hear some tired farmer declare that he Then there are classes for preparation for bap- has not laughed so much for years. Mothers' tism and confirmation; men, women, boys, and girls. The Bishop on his annual visit, goes to meetings and unexpected guests at all hours are every point where there is even only one candidate rather than summon them to a central place, added to the heavy but important work of the and thus the congregations get to know and love their Bishop and their place of worship is hal- Sunday school by Post, which is often the only lowed by these associations. religious teaching that children receive in isolated Many difficulties are overcome in reaching these little outpost flocks. Weather looms large in the places. Bundles are constantly being sent out to work of the Messengers, and roads that are good in fine weather, become nightmares in snow or needy families. For example–Edna, a member after rain. All sorts of conveyances are used; in summer usually the auto, which often runs long of one of the congregations, was to be married. after it is wise and this results in many adventures. In winter, cutters, dog-sleighs, box-sleighs, She had worked very hard on the farm and in the cabooses, and on special occasions the snow-plane, which is a sort of car with an aeroplane engine home as her mother used to walk five miles to earn and propeller. It can reach a speed of 30 miles per hour. It is bitterly cold and noisy inside but a dollar by washing. The few dollars that might the chief drawback from the Messengers' point of view is the cost as ic has to be hired at so much have gone to provide a little trousseau were swalper mile, and the miles mount up horribly. lowed up when a summer gale blew off the top of their house. After that they had to live in the chicken house, until they could put on the new roof. The Messengers heard of the disappoint- ment and ransacked the bale room to select a bundle of clothing for Edna. "Were the things nice?" the senior Messenger asked. "I'll say,"
was the brief but unmistakable reply.
Hundreds of Christmas parcels go out to homes which in many cases will have no other material "Christmas cheer." The bale room also stocks the Jumble Sales which take place at each centre about once a year. This is indeed a red letter day for every mother, and pennies are carefully saved to buy the merest trifles for the family. No Bond Street shopper could have more fun in the excite- ment of choosing! The proceeds of the Jumble Sale are put into a fund, aptly called "The Samari- tan Fund," to help the people in sickness and other divers needs. There is the occasional funeral when no minister is within reach, and a great deal of sick nursing.
As one of the Messengers said: "Our work can never be dull for every day brings something un- expected." Inspiration comes through the Mes- sengers' daily private devotions and reading, and in public worship.
Home Missionaries Need
By MILDRED S. CAPRON Secretary to the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Bishop of Wyoming W E ARE a strange people! Families employ or translation, or equipment providing mechan- a cook and provide her with cooking uten- ical and more rapid means of caring for routine sils; a farmer has his faImling imple- work. ments; an architect is not expected to retain his For the most part these are items which the plans in his head but is given a medium for re- average person would take for granted, items the cording them; a nurse or doctor is never without necessity for which the office person or houseequipment. And yet for years church people have keeper or schoolteacher would readily underbeen sending women missionaries, evangelistic stand. Because they are so easily taken for and religious education workers, to their posts, granted, they are likewise easily forgotten. expecting them to do a first-rate job without pro- Many workers have gone to the field quite unviding them with tools or equipment, money for aware of how their hands were to be tied for purchasing teaching materials, for employing lack of materials. One instance comes to mind: a translators, funds for office equipment or postage, woman worker was given the job of revising all traveling expenses on the field, and such items not the teaching materials in the Church school from otherwise provided. For years the missionarie1> primary up-a job requiring several years for have been doing a first-rate job, in spite of the completion. And in a foreign tongue! Obviously handicap, and have skimped on their small sal- a translator was necesary. The only fund availaries to provide in at least a meager way essen- able for paying a competent translator was a tial materials, but feeling always as one mission- monthly amount sufficient for a coolie's wage. ary expressed it "like a bird suspended on a wire." This missionary, though appalled by the size and The day has passed when a desire to be a mis- importance of the job committed to her, did a sionary, or have a call, is sufficient to make a mis- splendid job, but at a great personal sacrifice. sionary. Just as in secular teaching, we now insist that more than a bodily presence is necessary, so Volunteer help was solicited at every turn. the job committed to the missionary demands Those in Church school and rural work are adequate training. This often means a training in history, literature, psychology, sociology, to- aware of the inadequacy of our printed materials gether with pedagogy, also some knowledge of and how we are continually turning to other commusic, finance, practical nursing, handicrafts, munions to supply our lack. domestic science, and possibly other specialties. The evangelistic and religious education worker Visual education is the great need today. But on the mission field is called upon for everything pictures, and maps, and posters, and books all and by everybody. He or she must be so alert cost money. mentally as to undertake any job and do it well. A woman missionary must be able to teach illiter- Again are we doing right when we provide a ates with the same agility as the educated. She rural worker with a car without providing gas must have great facility with children. And above and oil as well? Those living in the broad areas all, she must have the same love for people as that of the deep West, where distances are so great, of Christ the Great Teacher. roads often bad, and gasoline so high, know some- thing of the high cost of locomotion. The cost in Some of the tools needed for this super-person dollars and cents of searching out and extending may be grouped into four sections: a helpful healing hand may seem hardly com- mensurate with the number reached but Christ's 1. Printing. Leaflets, maps, posters for Church religion is not on a per capita basis and wherever schools, auxiliaries, clubs, summer conferences, His children are, it is our high privilege to minand for materials for use in f3!milies. ister to them. These people so isolated, that it is not only necessary to make long journeys to de- 2. Supplies of books and pamphlets to help in liver books and magazines and Sunday school religious education of all ages. material-that could be done by mail-but there should be the uplifting personal contacts, for these 3. Means of travel and traveling expenses be- people are so dependent on their own resources, tween mission stations. that much travel is required to comfort them in their troubles and sorrows and to bring them new 4. Secretarial and office help for clerical work • Adapted from The Spirit of Missions. hope and vision and joy of Christ.
[142 ]
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Effective Ways of Working crested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MISS GRACE W. i.VICGAVRAN, 5718 OAK AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ~'=I============="~ How a Pastor Enlisted tions and classes already carry- vistas of service and responsi- His Whole Church ing out a program of their own bility are opening up before us. is obvious. He is the logical one From Berkeley, California, to present to them all the oppor- Are you using the newer miscomes a report of a new plan for tunity for a cooperative study of sionary hymns? Or are you still missionary education. Sunday value to everyone. In this case singing about yourselves, "lightschool classes in this church cus- his wisdom was shown in using tomarily had supper meetings on existing class and organizational ed with wisdom from on high," Wednesday evenings. Through units, so that machinery already denying to souls benighted the the fall months the missionary existing might function. Too often an all-church missionary lamp of life? The old hymns education plan has made use of study ignores existing relation- are rich and full. There is still this set-up, displacing the usual ships, doubles administrative a place for them in worship. But loads and loses the automatic in- you need the modern form and activities. clusion of lukewarm persons, words to make responsibilities . Each organization or Sunday quite willing to wor~ witp.in seem vivid, and points of view in their accustomed relatIonshIps, today's missionary task seem school department was given a but not at first interested enough vital. It will stimulate your country or field, in which the to attend extra or unusual gath- missionary group's thinking and foreign and national boards of erings. add much more than just novthe denomination have missions. elty to your meetings to move This assignment was made in Another point to be noted is order that through the fall they that the pastor is familiar with into the field of the new missionmight study it by any means at the needs of the existing groups. ary hymns. their disposal-study books, let- He knows what their program includes. He is able to help sug- Thefollowinghymn (page 144) ters, pictures, etc. gest assignments. which will sup- The church calendar at the end plement their regular activities was written by a Danish man and studies and develop their after the folk school to which he of September listed the 23 as- special abilities. had given hi,s heart's devotion had signments thus made, so that each might know the field of The pastor, too, in most to be closed. It had to be closed their own and the others' studies. churches, is an effective admin- because the government would Africa, Korea, Our Southern istrator. He knows the best not give it the additional aid Mountains, The American Bible channels for publicity. He is usually accorded such schools, on Society-such were the assign- aware of resources. account of his rather liberal ideas. As he agonized over the ments made. As you consider missionary seeming destruction of all he Every Wednesday eve n i n g education in your church, look carefully to the possibility of held dear, there suddenly came groups met for study a?d ~or having your pastor lead the plan- to him a longer view of life. He preparation for a culmmatmg ning and execution of the proj- wrote this hymn, serene in its activity designed so that each ect. It should not mean less faith, rich in its imagery. might share some high points of work for other leaders in the church. But in many cases it Kagawa has "adopted" it an.d their own study with the other will mean a more effective piece it is sung in the meetings of hIS groups and also with those who of all-church work. movement. Cooperative groups use it. It is a good hymn for had not in any way been involved Gain New Strength Through missionary groups in our counin the study. Worship try and elsewhere. What if our This culminating activity took It is a new world we are liv- cause does not go forward as it the form of a three days' exposi- ing in, with new concepts and should? We must look at it with tion turning the whole church new modes of expression. New a longer vision and learn to work into'the "world" and showing re- earnestly even for that which sults of the study by booths, pic- [143 ] may never come to fruition in tures, talks, etc., put on by dif- our life-time. ferent organizations in different parts. of the church. Dse this hymn first as a solo, giving something of its ~ack The pastor's place in such a ground as we have given It to plan which involves organiza-
you here. Have it sung very Young People Make Inter- problem connected with this venture simply. Use its music as pre- racial Contacts has been the securing of delegates lude to your devotional. It is an from the non-white and non-native easy tune and will become fa- The following report has some born American groups, for these are miliar very soon. Then, in some points well worth pondering arid almost invariably composed of low inone meeting, take time to learn emulating: come families.
to sing it together. Use it fre- The summer conference for Meth- The young people of one suburban odist young people of Chicago and church felt they would like to help quently thereafter until it is as vicinity has for some years been op- solve this difficulty by raising a fund erated on an inter-racial basis-and to take one or two delegates to the familiar as "From Greenland's that is a story in itself. Through the Institute as their guests. Surveying Icy Mountains." depression years the most difficult the field, they discovered that Ne- groes, Chinese, Filipinos and several That Cause Can neither Be Lost nor Stayed European groups had been repre- sented in previous summers, but never CHRISTIAN OSTBRCAAItD Danish Folk TUI e anyone from the Mexican group. Ac- cordingly, they began to make plans. J q'"lt •••• Ii •• The Mexican Methodist pastor was '"It -=-J .~ contacted and was delighted to coop- erate. The young people decided upon ~ a lawn festival as a first money- 1. That cause can neith – er be lost nor stayed raising device. The Mexican group 2. Each no' – ble serv – ice that men have wrought sent out half a dozen young people 3. There – by it – self like a tree it shows; who played and sang as a feature of the festival. After the last guest had 4. Be then no more by a storm dis -mayed, departed, the local young folks and their Mexican visitors held an im- • ~_ J ~ promptu party which was a delight to all. ~~kIp. Jfi~ :J -z;I" .". 019- "U The Mexicans were auick to invite their new friends to attend their own Whl.ch takes the couI rse of what ":rod bas made; young people's meeting and on a sub- sequent Sunday evening a joint meet- Was first con – ceived as a fruit – luI tho't; ing was planned. A large group went That high it reach -es, as deep it grows; into the crowded quarter of the city where the Mexican church is located. For by it the full-grown seeds are laid; Several of the visiting young people had the novel experience of bringing ogg r IJ r IF- J=t!=J greetings to the young Mexicans .". :6t through an interpreter. After the formal meeting another delightful ~§:j§j~~~~m9~ w~ And is not trust – ing in program of singing, recitations and and tow – ers, instrumental music was staged.
Each wor· thy cause with a fu – ture glo-rio'us The proceeds of the lawn festival were supplemented from other sources AHJ-~ ~f~~f~-E=:~~~t1~"I-;E~J And when the storms are its branch – es shak-ing, and eventually enough was realized And tho' thp. tree by its might it shat-ters, to invite a boy and a girl to attend .. .. tt· the summer conference as guests. These delegates were selected with the ~ aid of the Mexican pastor, and they '- ~ had "the time of their lives." The But slow – ly grow-ing from seeds to Bow -ers. interest generated by this experiment By quiet – Iy grow-ing be -comes vic – to – rious. carried over into the followinl; year It deep – er root in the soil is tak – mg. and there were a number of other ex- What then, if thous-ands of seeds it scat -ters. changes. A major note in the whole •… ~9!90 interprise was an emphasis upon the • '-=" contribution of music and friendship which the Mexican youth were able to Translated from the Danish by ]. A. Aaberg. make, so that there was an absence The song has been used with the permission of of condescension -and superiority on Cooperative Recreation Service the part of the American group.-J. L.
We should like to draw atten- tion to several points. First, the problem to be solved was one of more than local significance. It involved a policy of the confer- ence, that of operating on an inter-racial basis. The young people started out by wishing to do something to help forward that ideal.
Second, the spirit of the proj- ect became theirs in their deter- mination to take as guests those for whom they financially made conference possible. The differ- ence between belonging to an in-
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
timate group within the bigger to take them as guests. They did the Reformed Church. The cast ingroup for the Mexican boy and not raise money for them but cluded more than forty people from girl, and that of going on their with them. It was a joint enter- the different participating churches. own, no matter how welcome, is prise. Later there was the fur- Our own church furnished the boys for apparent. The difference be- ther joining with the Mexican the boys' school scene, as well as three tween having as part of their pastor in solving his problem of of the leading characters. More than own group the guests they were feeding and clothing his needy. a thousand people crowded into the responsible for, instead of mak- largest church in town and more than ing casual contact with them The pastor's place in mission- a hundred of them had to stand durfrom "the outside," is equally ary education is one which no ing the two hours of the performance. visable. other person in the church can fill. If he does not fill it, it There are several points· Third, the relationships estab- stands empty-a gap in the forlished opened an avenue for serv- worthy of note. First is the ice through the Mexican pastor, ward movement of the Church heading on the enrollment blanks for the needy among his people. toward the Kingdom of God. -"Jesus in the Life of Today- Instead of the usual, "we help Six Sunday Evenings 'To Learn the Mexicans" (or any other A School of Applied group) these young p e 0 pIe and to Worship.''' A rather joined with Mexican people of Christianity good statement of the mission of like interests and attainments in the church, isn't it? "Jesus in relieving human need known to Too often a school of missions the Life of Today!" And the rethe Mexican pastor. is an isolated effort, for which a lationship of the local church to complete plan of organization that – to learn about it and to There are many young peo- worship in terms of it. ple's groups where one or an- and promotion must be provided. other of these procedures could The inclusion of specific study in Another good point is the cirbe carried out to the great en- a series with other studies avoids richment of their experience and this and helps to put the study culation of enrollment blanks for development of their under- several previous Sundays. That standing of the world mission of of the world mission of the the Church. church into right relationship is, the continuation of the series with other emphases. in the study of studies is taken for granted, The Pastor Guiding Youth and a definite intention of tak- of the local church's program. ing part crystalized into enroll- Are you pastors allying your- Here is a report which shows ment, so that proper provision Are you pastors allying your- for books, etc., might be possible. self closely enough with the lead- the outcome of one such inclusion ership of youth activities in your of the mission study with other This church felt that the use state to be aware of areas where of study books prepared for the real progress can be made by en- studies in a series. listing the youth of your church various classes would have an in something big enough and We came now to the series of serv- advantage over the research type worth while enough to challenge ices which we felt would put our whole of study. That is often the case. their interest? program to its severest test. We in- stituted a series of six Sunday eve- But note the hour in which all This pastor knew the pastors nings which we called "A School of gathered for special things of inof other racial groups. Guidance Applied Christianity." Really it was terest to all. The variety is extoward the Mexican group was a school of missions. Several Sundays possible because he was sure of previously we had circulated enrol- cellent. adequate response there. An ment blanks, headed: "Jesus in the The closing pageant, while it enterprise which falls fiat, be- Life of Today"-Six Sunday evenings cause of difficulties beyond the "To Learn and to Worship." Then did not rise directly out of the power of the group to overcome, followed the dates and program and a study, was a culminating presenis not usually a wise activity to place for signature. We began at tation of the field of the study, undertake. Are you enlarging seven o'clock with five instruction and and was done on a scale worthy your own acquaintance with discussion groups, ranging from of being of value to more than leadership among the nationals junior high school to adult. Each just the groups who had been of our own country so as to have group studied and discussed one of the carrying on the six weeks of good judgment is guiding your current missionary books, either on group toward enriching experi- Japan or on Oriental life in the study. ences? United States. This period was fol- The worth of the closing pag- lowed by a worship service, which fea- This pastor knew the danger tured such things as a stereopticon eant to those who had studied of the development of a superior lecture on Japan, a group of foreign Japan was, of course, greater attitude rising from "doing for" students from a near-by college, an others. He adroitly avoided the address by a returned missionary, an than to the rest of the audience, pitfalls for his group. They did evening of Japanese poetry and song but it had a real message for all. not plan to send some other and movies on missionary work. We young people to conference but were overwhelmed when we discovered And note finally, the provision that the assembled groups filled the auditorium to overflowing. for publicity in the city papers. We deplore the devotion of our The seventh Sun day evening daily papers to murders and brought the climax in the presentation of the pageant-drama: "The Cross scandals. Yet we too often neg- Triumphant," which was written by lect our own responsibility for the missionaries of our own Reformed using the daily papers as a Church in Japan, and tells the story of Japanese family life and how it is channel for letting our city know blessed by the coming of Christianity. of the constructive things which We used authentic Japanese costumes, are being done by the church for provided especially for the pageant by the character – building and the Woman's Missionary Society of Christian education of our people.
A Story for the
By VIOLET WOOD, Missionary Education Movement THE WORLD BEGINS "Why not invite the whole writing while I was speaking?" asked Teacher. ALL OVER AGAIN junior and primary department "It's a prayer for our gardens. "The March wind blew me to bring flowers on Children's May I read it?" asked Mary. Day?" questioned David. right into Sunday school," "Yes, indeed," nod d e d laughed Grace. "When our story time is over Teacher.
"Teacher, where does winter we'll invite the children of the Mary read her prayer, "Fa- other classes," agreed Teacher. ther, we pray thee that every go?" asked John. "This morn- "I am sure the Children's Day little seed we plant will grow service will be the most beauti- into a beautiful flower which we ing there were snowdrops on our may give to the sick, to the poor, ful we have ever had. and to make the church beautiful lawn and mother told me that "Now the story today is about on Children's Day."
means that winter is going." an old man and a young boy. Making Use of This Story The old man had white hair and "I know a lovely Indian story lived in a dark cave. When he Children often feel that they are breathed, the rivers froze and left out of the grown-up world toabout winter and snowdrops," the soft earth grew hard as a wards which they look with great rock; the trees shed their leaves longing. The parent or teacher may smiled the Teacher. and grew stark and bare. When guide the child to a simple apprecia- he shook his white head the snow tion of his part in worship and praise "Let me hear it," said Peter. fell. He had only to wave his the child for his singing in the junior arms and the birds were silenced. choir, and for his part in the seasonal "I am to have a garden of my pageants and church socials. "'I am king over the whole own this spring and when my world. Noone can master me,' Ask the children to find out facts he would cry every night. No about young boys whose interest and flowers come up I shall bring one dared to rebuke him and he love of nature led them to become reigned supreme for man y great scientists. They may look up some snap dragons, sweet peas the following names in their libraries months. at home or at school: and poppies to Sunday school." "But one day, when he Michael Pupin, the shepherd's boy "I'm going to have a garden, breathed, the rivers did not from Serbia who made a great discovery about light and sound too!" cried Mildred. freeze. He puffed with all his waves. might and the trees trembled, "Daddy let me help him put but they did not moan. He Luther Burbank, an American, who shook his head fiercely, but in- became a great naturalist and some dahlias in the ground last stead of snow a gentle rain fell. cultivated new fruits and flowers. He looked around impatiently. fall. He said the snow would Hugh Bentley, a New Englander, "'Yes, King Winter, I have who took the first photographs cover them and keep them come once more,' laughed a of snow drops. merry young boy with twinkling warm," David exclaimed. eyes and golden hair. 'The A,sk the children to look through the world will begin all over again.' Psalms for phrases telling of the "We have a window box with He clapped his hands and green wonder of God's creation, such as Psalm 19: 1-4. hyacinths now. In summer we buds stirred in the trees. He smiled and the sun grew Enough have geraniums," said Julia who brighter. He whistled a long, It is enough; I come. lived in a crowded part of the low note and chirping birds an- Christ's human face, divinely lit, swered him. And God's love shining out from city where there was no room "The old man fled back into it for gardens. his cave; when the bright sun- Have conquered. light touched him he disappeared I come; it is enough. "I bet everybody is going to and where he had stood some Is it enough? I go! beautiful snowdrops. pee p e d His hand points toward the plant some kind of seeds, 'cause through the ground. farthest shore I am, too," nodded Joan. " 'Good-bye, King Winter,' the Where human han d sou t- boy laughed. 'Spring is king "I have a wonderful idea." stretched are begging for now.' " The Christ who conquered – 10, David was so enthusiastic that "I like that story, Teacher," It is enough; I go!
he shouted. "Big people bring said Mary. MARY A. HOLT. Baptist Missionary flowers at Easter time for "I didn't think you were listen- ing, Mary. What have you been Review. church. Why couldn't we bring [ 146] some of our ft.owers on Chil- dren's Day?"
"That's a good idea, David,"
agreed Mildred, "because that would make us care more than ever for our gardens."
"I'd like to bring my ft.owers for church," offered Joan. "I'd weed every morning just to be sure I got extra pretty daisies."
"God loves ft.owers and if we bring them, that would be a good offering, wouldn't it, Teacher?"
asked Julia.
"God gives us seeds and the earth and the sun and rain; he makes the ft.owers grow," Peter chanted. BULLETIN Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
Annual Meeting of the Council CO,uncil, secured three new visor in the far West. Mrs. Shotof Women for Home Missions VOIces. Seventy-eight speaking well has a B.A. in Religious engagements were reported for Education and has received her The thirty-first Annual Meet- the year. Material concerning Master's degree in social work. ing of the Council of Women for Council projects was fed to the Her experience in service of mi- Home Missions was held in Bal- denominational press. A volume grants gives her exceptional timore, Maryland, January 7-10. descriptive of the ministry to the qualifications for her new work It was preceded by the meeting families of migratory laborers to which she has come from the of the Executive Committee and has been published entitled, Nevada State Department of by a two-day conference of great "They Starve That We May Public Welfare. Miss Helen importance in the national cap"- Eat." A leaflet "Together" has White, who has acquitted herself ital at which church leaders hav- been distributed outlining the by many summers of service in ing administrative responsibility Council activities. Migrant centers, has been apfor home mission work among pointed to supervisory service in Indians were informed by Mr. Advance p.rogram the Middle West. Miss Lowry John Collier, Commissioner of retains national supervision and Indian Affairs and his associates There is a growing interest in direct contact with the centers in in the Indian Bureau, of the vari- the work among the Migrant the East. ous phases of service which the families. In California, coop~ government is carrying on in be- erative enterprise has been World Day of Prayer half of the Indians. It is hoped initiated, participating organizathat the result of this conference tions being the Ministerial As- Every year a larger number will be reflected on the field in a sociation, church groups, and of places report the observance closer cooperation between mis- civic organizations. To meet the of the World Day of Prayer, sionary forces and government needs of the large camps of Mi- with corresponding increase in workers. grant workers in the west, espe- the use of the program materials cially in California where the and in offerings. In many in- The sessions of the annual groups present a year round ap- stances evening meetings are remeeting proceeded under the peal, a more effective strategy is quested in order that men also genial guidance of the Presi- planned. As rapidly as the may attend. Mrs. Daniel Poling dent, Mrs. Augustus Trow- necessary finances are supplied, reports a new departure in Philbridge. The financial reports it is proposed to provide four adelphia, where Jewish synawere encouraging, all depart- teams, each consisting of a gogues are to be open for prayer ments reporting a balance in the clergyman and his wife with a for the coming of the Kingdom treasury, whose total disburse- public health nurse, whose duty of God and where in an evening ments amounted to $56,63l. it shall be to visit the camps, re- mass meeting Catholics, Jews One-third of this, about $20,000, maining for several weeks or and Protestants will participate. was contributed by the constit- months at a time in order to esuent Boards. The World Day of tablish religious. services and to Christ and the World Commu- Prayer offerings. reached a new provide for health and hygienic nity-at Home high of $15,000 and the dividend safeguards as may be found fixed by agreement with the Mis- necessary. Of these, two shall The general theme chosen for sionary Education Movement, to operate in California, and one the mission study courses of which the entire responsibility each in the states of Oregon and 1939-40 is "Christ and the World for the publication of mission- Washington. The lamented death Community." On the home misary textbooks has this year been during the year of Miss Adela J. sion side it is "Christ and the transferred, realized $5,000. Ballard, whose tireless devotion World Community – at Home." encouraged thousands of migra- The maj or book of this course is The Editorial and Publicity tory people to new life and hope, being written by Dr. Arthur H. Committee has had an unusually left a great gap. She herself Limouze. On the foreign theme, active year. A Speaker's. Insti- pointed to her successor, Mrs. F. "Christ and the World Commutute, conceived as a means of E. Shotwell, who has consented nity Abroad," the author is Basil training women for making pub- to take up the work as super- Mathews. A sec 0 n d book, lic addresses on behalf of the "Women and the Way: Christ [147 ]
and the World's Womanhood," is Missions – met in Washington Election of Officers a symposium in which each of for a two-day conference. Out twelve women contribute a chap- of that conference emerged the The following officers were ter. The usual graded publica- National Committee of Church elected: tions are in process of produc- Women, representing the three tion. above-named organizations and MRS. AUGUSTUS TROWBRIDGE, Presi- for the better cooperation and dent *** coordination of the common in- terests and activities of the three MISS ELINOR K. PURVES, First Vice- Discussion of the liquor traffic organizations. Mrs. E. H. Silver- PJ'esident revealed that missionaries report thorn is Chairman of the Comgrowing problems arising from mittee which has headquarters MRS. KBNNETH D. MILLER, Second intoxication and that the situa- in Room 63, 297 Fourth Avenue, Vice-President tion in Alaska is especially baffling. New York, and four members MRS. J. W. DOWNS, Third Vice- from each of the three cooperat- President *** ing organizations serve with her. MISS DOROTHY A. STEVENS, Secre- The world is one today and "Already the Committee has tary its problems also, for even in made great strides. There are home mission assemblies the four subcommittees carrying on MRS. NORMAN V. PEALE, Treasplight of Spanish war sufferers the work formerly carried urer of Chinese refugees and Jewish jointly by the three organizaexiles makes its appeal and re- tions. The subcommittee"1 are: These are some of the highminds us of our inescapable ob- lights of the first two days of the ligation. "Committee on the World Day annual meeting. Several ses- of Prayer: Miss Margaret Ap- sions were held jointly with the A Decalogue of Peace Home Missions Council for con- plegarth, Chairman. This Com- sideration of such items as Home Upon recommendation of the mittee has pre par e d the Mission Sunday, Government Committee on International Re- and Resettlement Projects, Town lations, the Council voted to programs and other material for and Country, and World Day of limit its relations to peace or- the observance of the Day of Prayer. One of these was a ganizations henceforth to three: Prayer held annually around memorial service paying tribute National Committee on the the world on the first Friday in to Mrs. John S. Allen, Miss Cause and Cure of War, National Lent. The theme for February Adela J. Ballard, Dr. Lemuel Peace Conference and the De- 24,1939, is 'Let Us Put Our Love Call Barnes and Dr. Rivington partment of International Jus- Into Deeds-and Make It Real.' D. Lord, who entered into their tice and Goodwill of the Federal reward during the preceding Council of Churches. The Com- "Committee on May Lunch- year. A notable feature of the mittee also presented a "Church eons: Mrs. Henry Hill Pierce, days was a festive luncheon in Women's Decalogue of Peace," Chairman. This year for the which members of the Council an admirable statement of prin- first time there was a nationciples by Miss Elinor K. Purves, wide ob~ervance of the May Day were invited fa participate with chairman of the committee. It is available upon application to luncheons. In over four hundred the Woman's Interdenominathe editor. different communities women of tional Missionary Union of Bal- all denominations came together timore in the celebration of its National Committee of Church at luncheons for fellowship and Twenty-fifth Anniversary. Women inspiration following the theme of a suggested program, 'Unity The last two days were de- During the year, the coopera- voted to a conference on "Home tion which the Council of Women in Christian Service.' Missions and Social Trends." for Home Missions has been "Committee on International The following topics were precarrying on in an increasing de- sented: "Social Trends in Amergreesince 1927 has culminated Relations: Miss Elinor K. Pur- ica," "Trends toward PeaQantry," in the organization of the Na- "Home Missions and Cooperational Committee of Church ves, Chairman. This Committee tives," "Social Trends as Related Women, whose constitution and unites the church women in in- to Women and Children," "Relipurpose are best described in the telligent work for peace, pro- gious. Trends Among Underfollowing official statement: privileged People," "T r end s "Immediately following the An- motes attendance at the Cause among Lan g u age Groups," nual Meeting 1938, a committee and Cure of War Conference an- "Church Buildings and Equipof representatives from the three nually, and issues news letters ment." The proceedings of these cooperating women's organiza- from time to time covering in- two days may be secured from tions – the Foreign Missions terests in the field of public the Home Missions Councils at Con fer en c e (Committee on affairs. twenty-five cents each. They Women's Work), the National provide an unanswerable argu- Council of Church Women, and "Committee on 'Churr~ Wom- ment for the importance and the Council of Women for Home an': Mrs. J. N. McEachern, magnitude of the Home Mission Chairman. The Church Woman enterprise and the value of the is a magazine published monthly cooperative adventure exempli- fied in the Home Missions Coun- by the National Committee of cils. Church Women reflecting edi- torially the activities of the Story of the annual meeting was written women composing its member- by Mrs. Orrin R. Judd, a member of the ship." Administrative Committee.
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~ OufM:y~r~~;sp';!~:cu~t~:~ok .If EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO ~'=-==============================~~~ LATIN AMERICA crowds cannot all get inside on The following week, the mission- New Call to Evangelize special occasions. aries were given three months'
This group of believers does notice to vacate the building In view of the recent Pan- not wait for a missionary to lead where they held meetings; American Congress in Lima, them; they go, alone or two by whereupon believers launched a Peru, the purpose of which was two, while those who stay at program to build their own to strengthen the foundations of home look after the farms. Over church, and a site has been pur- democratic government, we note mountain trails these witnesses chased as the first step.
that the missionary opportuni- tramp to take the Gospel where ties in Brazil are of vital concern Ghrist is not known. Their ef- The Gospel by Radio to every Christian and to every forts have led to the establish- There have been occasional at- ment of another group of bap- tempts to radio a Gospel mes- American. Forces that are hold- tized believers; Christian schools ing large areas of the world in sage in Brazil, but only recently has this been done in a systemspiritual bondage, not content have been established, with na- atic way. In Rio de Janeiro with domination in their own tive teachers. Young men and lands, have turned "missionary women are being prepared for every Sunday night at ten o'clock every Brazilian who has and messianic." The phrase the Bible Institute and for more a radio can now hear the Chrisheard so often at Lima: "One effective service. The adminisfor all, all for one" can best be tration and spiritual oversight of brought about by spiritual unity the church is with the local com- tian message. In many places where there is no church there among the nations. We shall be mittee, and capable men they are radios, and it is an interestwell on the way to make the are. Their leader is a man of western hemisphere Christian God, loves the Word, and knows ing development that in some communities the principal famwhen we evangelize the "land of how to preach it. ilies have opened their houses on the Southern Cross." Sunday nights. for the conven- A Suffering Church ience of those who do not have There is no lack of churches radios, thus bringing about the in Latin America, and symbols The Peruvian Evangelical hearing of the Gospel by cultured of Christianity are much in evi- Church is hated by the pagan people, who would not ordinarily dence; rites and ceremonies are world and persecuted by Roman- be reached. In the capital it has practiced everywhere, but these ists. Not long ago a Catholic been noted that in many coff·ee have taken the place of true Congress was held in Cuzco, houses where men were lounging spiritual Christianity. In Brazil when opportunity was used to about, drinking and playing pool, the government of President bring everybody under control of all grew quiet when the hymns Vargas is liberal, leaving the the papacy. All the school chil- began, and men took off their doors open for evangelical work. dren were marched from their hats on hearing the Scriptures Wherever such work is being schools and compelled to attend read. -Watchman-Examiner. carried on, remarkable results the confessional. This was a have followed. terrific test for evangelical chil- The Mennonites in Argentina dren, as they were sure to be -Christian Observer. failed in their studies if they did Mennonite missionaries have not conform. The decorations, Indigenous Church in Colombia Far in the interior of the Cor- parades and enthusiasm of this been at work in the Argentine dilleras range is a mountainous the oldest city of South America Republic for twenty years, ocdistrict of Colombia called Cam- made it plain that after thirty- cupying stations on the Western pohermoso, a coffee-growing re- five years of evangelical witness Railway line of the Province of gion. Some years ago a land the city is far from being evan- Buenos Aires. During these years they have seen their efforts owner was touched by the Gos- gelized. pel, and through his testimony a A cardinal sent from Rome bear fruit, and they now occupy group of believers organized, for the occasion urged the Cath- 27 stations, all under the superelected a board of five men and olics over the radio to run every vision of two bishops, eight mismighty results have followed. evangelical out of the city. He sionaries and their wives, five The church building has twice told them they had the power, national workers and their been enlarged, but still the and it was up to them to do so. wives, a number of Bible women [149 ]
and Bible coach workers. They will have nothing to do with mili- "The exercise of religions in Alhave an orphanage, their own tary service. Something in the bania is free; but proselytising printing pre s s, kindergarten nature of "pure democracy" ac- propaganda is forbidden by law schools in most of the big towns, cording to the Greek plan is and such cannot be tolerated, beand a clinic. Their membership maintained, for important prob- cause it creates divisions and reaches about 520, but in com- lems are settled by discussion in disharmony among the religious mon with other missionary which the whole community elements." The choice of relibodies they are feeling the ef- takes part. gion, therefore, is not purely a fects of increased opposition. personal matter of religious con- -Christian Advocate. viction, the State intervenes on -South America. the ground that a change of re- Churches Still Grow ligion is detrimental to the in- EUROPE in Germany terests of the State.
Totalitarian Youth Movements Dr. Henry Smith Leiper pre- Baptists in Rumania dicts that worse things are still Addressing a men's meeting ahead not only.for the Jews but High ecclesiastic authorities in Leeds, England, the Arch- for the churches. Wholesale in Rumania have chosen the time bishop of York predicted that mass killings are possible in the when the world is watching, the hate motive behind youth near future. Confiscation of with strained attention, the movements in totalitarian coun- Catholic properties will be fol- working out of other minority tries would ultimately destroy lowed by similar action with re- problems to snuff out religious tho.se movements. Said he: gard to Protestant properties minorities in their country; and where there has been any opposi- the latest restrictions impo.sed "No fellowship, no community tion-vocal or otherwise-to the upon Baptists will probably close o.f interest of that sort can sur- Nazi program. In spite of all every Baptist meeting place vive for long, and soon all the this, aNew York Times corre- when (and if) the decree behatred, pugnacity, and ill will spo.ndent reports that 5470 of the comes effective on December 15. which you have used and di- population still belongs to the rected against the enemy will Protestant Church, and the per- The larger Protestant groups, show itself inside the fellowship centage is on the increase. More Lutheran and Reformed, have itself and break it up." suffered much in the expropria- than 95 % of all children born to tion of property and in interfer- Another "Brook Farm" ence with their schools, but they Protestant parents are still be- have had the advantage of a As long ago as 1936, a group recognized legal status, as the of earnest German Christians ing baptized; 90 % of those dy- Baptists have not. fled from Nazidom, went to England and established a colony ing are still buried with Chris.. -The Christian Century. which has become a model for tian ceremonies; and 8070 of Britons in the vicinity. There are those marrying – from among Bible Distribution in now forty families in fhe Cots- Protestants-avail themselves of Old Austria wold "Bruderhof." They own the church's blessing. Corre- 211 acres and rent 100 more. A sponding figures for the Catholic "God recompense you!" are hundred acres is under cultiva- churches are even higher. Also, words often heard by the mistion, eleven are in kitchen gar- according to the same source, sionary who travels among the dens, and the remainder is held Confessional churchmen who isolated hamlets, mountain vilfor use in growing fo.od for the prayed for peace during the Sep- lages and cottages of Austria. stock. German industry has tember crisis, and were punished Perhaps it is to avoid Nazi demade the project prosperous. In therefor are nevertheless pray- struction of his work that a colorganization the colony is some- ing for all who are being perse- porteur of the Scripture Gift what like America's Brook cuted and confessing the sins of Mission does not identify the Farm. All goods are held in the German people. little town where his visit is decommon. The women work in scribed as follows: the communal laundry, do the Juggling Words in Albania gardening and instruct the chil- The lonely folk living in these dren. The men till the soil Officially, and theoretically, isolated places of the world, at a (there is a provision that farm- Albania has religious freedom. height of between 4,000 and 6,000 feet ing shall be the means of earn- An individual is free to follow above sea level, were delighted as I ing a livelihood), and carryon the religion of his choice-it is talked with them of the things of God. the vario.us crafts that make the purely a personal matter. Four At every cottage I experienced a warm community self-sufficient. There men who believed this, became welcome, and as -soon as I arrived in is a community dining room Christians and were arrested, one of these mountain cottages, chilwhere all meals are eaten. Re- taken to the capitol under dren and parents gazed with admiraligion is prominent in the life of armed guard, confined to prison tion and were eager to get the Scripthe colony. The Pro.testant the- for ten days, followed by two tures. Some of the shepherds are ology is that accepted, but the months close police supervision. really eager to know the teaching of people refuse to. take oaths and An official communication sent the Scriptures, and I had opportunity to the missionaries who had of giving Gospels to some who were taught these converts runs thus: seeking their lost goats, and to others who were watching their cows on the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
hillside. Old women on the wayside chists and school teachers in dif. agitate for a re-housing project and farmers engaged in the fields, do- ferent parts of the country come to eliminate slums, and made a ing their last work before the snow from Nnewi, and this year, for start on private funds. Since starts, were all pleased to receive the first time, a native of the then 3,000 modern, brick homes God's Word. town was among those ordained. have been constructed. Almost all are cottages, because the All the houses I have visited in this -Life of Faith. South African prefers them to distant valley have not had the Gospel apartments. hitherto. I have left Gospels in al- Advance in Tanganyika most every house, and for the first In the fight against strongtime I have been able to sell some, for The colony of Tanganyika has drink, the present goals include: the people are very eager to obtain been brought into the limelight To stop wine rations to farm booklets in these high regions where since the crisis in Europe, last laborers; to prohibit sales to nareading matter is very rare. September. It was one of the tive Negroes; to restrict sale territories handed to Great Brit- hours; to control bottle sales to AFRICA ain by the League of Nations at non-native colored people; and the close of the World War, on permit local option. Since wom- Work of the A. I. M. the understanding that the wel- en have had suffrage for only fare of the inhabitants should be seven years, it is not yet known The Africa Inland Mission is uppermost. The Mandates Com- what effect their votes will have in direct touch each week with mission at Geneva last year made upon the liquor evil. at least 500,000 people, out of the comment on the excellent work 2,000,000 for whom it has under- done there by the British Gov- Christian Council of taken responsibility. During the ernment, in which the Church South Africa past year, 10,000 Africans in Missionary Society had no small this area have professed their share. There has been close co- This recently organized group faith in Christ. The number of operation between government is one of the latest links in the native teachers and evangelists and missions; the number of world chain of cooperative counhas increased from 2,000 to Christian schools has been in- cils, affiliated with the Interna- 2,400; and at least 100 Christian creased, there are child welfare tional Missionary Council. It weddings have taken place. This centers and two well established has just published the "Christian last fact has real significance in hospitals; and more and more Handbook of South Africa," in a land where polygamy is almost responsibility for the main- which, for the first time, an atuniversal. tenance of the Church is being tempt is made to classify the borne by the Africans them- many activities of the churches A Moslem advance and a for- selves. and missions in South Africa, ward movement of communism and the Protectorates. Some make the situation there an It is doubtful whether any 1,300 institutions and organizaurgent one. -Life of Faith. country presents such complexi- tions, and about 3,500 Christian ties in life as Tanganyika. There workers are listed in the Hand- Progress in lbo-land are no national distinctions, and book, which includes the work German, Dutch, French, Greek of the Roman Catholic Church. The recent dedication of a and Italian are, with British set- It is hoped that this information new church at Nnewi, native tlers and officials, found in will serve to give a true view of lbo-land town of about 6,000 in- closest contact with Indians, the activities of the Church, and habitants, furnishes a striking il- Arabs and Africans. To plunge of the unfinished task in South lustration of growth made by the them now into a political up- Africa. Copies may be ordered Church Missionary Society. The heaval would be most unfair to from the World Dominion Press, first effort to gain a footing there the native races, and a breach of price 4/6 postpaid. was made thirty-four years ago. faith as well. Considerable danger was en- Madagascar's Last Queen countered, but once the people -C. M. S. Outlook. agreed to accept a teacher steady The remains of Ranavalona advance has continued. There Problems in Capetown III, Madagascar's last queen, are now four large permanent exiled in 1897, were brought churches, built of cement blocks Slums, intemperance and back to her island domain last and well furnished, in different marijuana are three basic prob- October from Algiers, where she quarters of the town; the one lems that must be dealt with in died in 1921. In bringing back which was recently dedicated is South Africa as well as else- her body, the French governcapable of holding over 1,000 where, although juvenile delin- ment has made a gesture that people, as are all the other three. quency does not bulk so large as has touched the heart of Mala- There is a central school in the in the United States. Mrs. gasy people, in whose opinion to town with about 500 scholars Muriel Jones, of Capetown, be buried away from home is to and twenty teachers, all Afri- South Africa, President of the lie uneasy and neglected. cans, and three "feeder" schools National Council of Women, is of about 100 children in each. in the United States studying Most of the present generation these questions. Ten years ago never saw their queen. Eleven All ordinary parish activities she and three others began to are to be found, including weekly prayer meetings, women's guild, Scripture Union, and Boy Scouts. Large numbers of cate-
years before she came to the Balkan Entente, the four-power book. After reserving enough throne she was baptized in the pact toward the East, and a for necessary bills, she was able church at Ambohimanga. She sturdy policy of friendship with to buy a few books which she attended high school like any the European countries. The de- listed and numbered. She then other young girl, except that she velopment of industries also has offered to pay the postage on the had a slave to carry her books. contributed largely toward eco- little periodical "Messenger of Her Protestantism was sorely nomic stability. The title of Truth" if the workers would sub- tried when, at the time of the Atatiirk was conferred on him scribe, which they did. She French conquest, came the Ro- November 26, 1934. This corre- writes in Woman' s Missionary man Catholics, as in the case of sponds very nearly to "Father of Friend: his Country." Ethiopia years later. It was As time went by I was able now openly declared that to be a Prot- Solve This Problem estant was to be a traitor to and then by a slight margin in the Religious liberty means differ- work funds, or my tithe, or a personal France. ent things in diff·erent places. A gift, to increase the number until now The queen stood firm all prominent official in Damascus we have in the Telugu 171 books for through her exile in Algiers. adults ,and 251 for children; and 78 in the Kanarese language. . . .
Her body now lies beside Rana- recently made the following pro- We make charts; write the names valona I, the persecuting queen of our workers with the books they who, for a quarter of a century, nouncement on the subject: have read and those they have had kept all the missionaries out of "Yes, we believe in religious lib- read in their villages. Comparisons erty, but we Moslems are not ex- are made and all can see who are the her country and wa.ged cruel war ercising our full liberty. The readers. . . . against Christian subjects. To- In the last six months in my two day, Protestant and Catholic Moslem religion teaches that an church members form one-third apostate must be destroyed, and districts, thirty-six workers have read we are not practicing religious 295 books, thirty-four school children have read 49, and fifty-four village of the population of three and a liberty in that regard." An- people have read 114. At the present half millions. A recent proposal time there are 220 books out in the is to make Madagascar a na- other Moslem official in north district being read. Syria recently advanced the thetional home for persecuted Jews of Europe. ory that it was proper for a Jew Against Polygamy WESTERN ASIA to turn Christian, or for a Chris- A bill to make polygamy il- tian to turn Moslem, for in each legal in India has the support of Atatlirk-"Father of His case the change would be a step the All-India Women's Confer- Oountry" upward and forward. But since ence, and various provincial Christianity was an improve- women's groups as well. For It is worth while to note the many years, protests against difference between the Turkish ment on Judaism and Islam an polygamy have been issued by dictator and the former dicta- advance on Christianity, it could women's conferences, and advotors of Europe in that Kemal not be tolerated that a man cating social boycott for those would go backward to Christi- anity. There is no constitutionknew how to accomplish things al way in the Syrian state where- who persist in plural marriages. by legal methods, instead of re- by a person may legally change There seems little doubt but that sorting to force or personal de- his registration from Moslem to the educated women of India are cree. The world acknowledges Christian. of one mind in demanding this with wonder the long list of his A change from Islam to Chris- reform. achievements of the past fifteen tianity is legally possible in Leb- The men of India, however, years. He rescued his country anon, but is beset with difficul- are not very enthusiastic in their from reactionary Moslem forces ties. After the application is support of this reform. They are by separating religion and the made, a public hearing is held at inclined rather to be silent or to state; the caliphate, religious court. Representatives both of resort to jesting in their refercourts, dervish orders were all the faith he is renouncing and ences to it. An editorial appearabolished, and the secular power that which he is confessing are ing in a leading paper in Northconsolidated. The list of bene- permitted to be present and to ern India says: "When a man ficial reforms includes compul- use their influence. It is easy marries two or more wives, sory education, purification of to see why converts are so few. surely there is no need to punish the language, adoption of family -Foreign Affairs Bulletin. him by law." names, reform of the calendar, the alphabet and the metric sys- INDIA, BURMA, SIAM However, the question is not tern; the reorganization of the regarding the punishment that legal system, founding the Uni- Importance of Literature comes to the men in polygamous marriages, but to the women. versity at Angora and the mod- A missionary of Tandur saw ernization of the one at Stam- the need for reading material not -Indian Witness.
boul. Perhaps his greatest con- only for children and adult con- New Bible House tribution to his time was his verts but for village workers as steady cultivation of friendly re- well; and consulted a catalogue A new Bible House has been lations with all the neighbors. of of the Christian Literature So- erected in the heart of the busi- Turkey, the establishment of the ciety, then the state of her pocket ness district of Secunderabad,
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
and fills a long felt need in the two other buildings collapsed made more classrooms available. State of Hyderabad. It houses with the weight of the crowds in The aim is to build more such both the British and Foreign attendance, evidence of the in- homes, not only to offer home Bible Society stock and display terest aroused. training to all the students, but rooms, and the Christian Litera- No statistics can measure the to release the whole main buildture Society depot. The large value of this work. When the ing for classrooms and chapel. assemblage of people present at general evangelist for this field -Siam Outlook. the formal opening found the made a tour of 171 non-Chris- Bible attractively displayed in its tian villages, ninety of them various languages. The local asked for Christian teachers. OHINA Society has to date furnished "Give us some one to show us The Old Order Changes Bibles or portions in fifteen how to live," they said, and "we A writer in China's Millions different languages. In the ad- will follow Christ." While less shows how present forces are joining rooms the Christian Lit- than fifty adults have been won changing all of China. (1) Poerature Society displayed its fine to Christ by these young people litically: no longer do local war assortment of literature and from Bassein, many lives have lords desolate the country with pictures. been influenced and some vil- the sole purpose of gaining per- lages have one Christian family, sonal power. Petty quarrels are The annual meeting of the and others two families or more forgotten in united allegiance to Bible Society followed the dedi- to set an example for their Chiang Ka.i-Shek. (2) Geocation. It was announced that neighbors. In the village of graphically: whereas there were the Bible Society of Bristol, Eng- no motor roads in the interior a land, was largely responsible for Impala there are nearly sixty few years ago, there are now the funds which made possible who are about ready to give up roads in all directions, linking the. new Bible House. their heathen customs and follow the provinces and making travel the Christian way of life. -The Indian Witness. and shipment of goods less la- Training at Dara Academy, . borious. (3) Socially: the in- Ohristian Oolleges in India Siam flux from the coastal areas to the The extent of Christian educa': tion in India, under Protestant The training offered to girls in interior, the migration of univermissionary auspices, is indicated mission lands must prepare them sities and their faculty and stuby the fact that the missionary to meet real problems; to imagencies conduct 38 colleges, in- prove their home conditions and dents cannot but affect the social cluding five theological schools help neighbors do the same. life, and (4) there is also a spirin seyen provinces. These insti- But the environment at school is itual change. "They that were tutions have on their staffs 339 so different from what the girls scattered abroad went every- Indian Christian teachers and have been accustomed to, and the where preaching the Word," is 412 non-Christians, in addition dormitory so unlike the little being fulfilled in China, and not to 181 foreign teachers. The bamboo houses they live in that only winning new converts but strengthening weak Christians.
resident Indian students number not all their training can be ap- As to the Christian Colleges 4,685, of whom 1,599 are Chris- plied. Realizing this, Dam tians; there are also 13,741 non- Academy at Chiengmai started a Through all the hardships of resident students, of whom 824 project about four years ago in warfare, the 12 American-sup- a little bamboo house on the ported colleges in China continue are Christians. campus. It is simply furnished, to teach the principles of Chris- Young People's Evangelism in keeping with what the girls tianity and democracy. Only in Burma have in their own homes, and is two, however, are conducting all used as a practice home. Now their work on their own cam- A native evangelist of the two more frame houses have puses; Yenching and West China Burma Baptist Mission person- been added, each home being in Union University. Of the ten ally raised funds to send young charge of a Siamese teacher who which have had to move, six people from the Karen Theo- lives there. The girls do all the have been able to remain near logical Seminary and the Wom- housework and laundry. Nor is their original sites, and thus to an's Bible School to work among religious life neglected. Family continue serving the areas from needy villagers. Beginning in prayers are held in each house- which their students are nor- 1936, the number of volunteers hold every evening. mally drawn. The remaining has increased each year. The The teachers choose which four have moved far into "Free first task was to make friends girls are to live in the practice China," where the problems of with Buddhist Karens and ani- homes, and each group remains travel for their normal student mists. Daily Vacation Bible all year. The project is too new bodies and of finding satisfac- Schools were conducted, and last for one to judge results, but tory accommodations are both year there were fifteen such there can be little doubt of the very serious.
schools, with a total enrolment value of the plan. Aside from Efforts are being made in of 375. Two of the schools were any other advantages, the build- every instance to retain posses- held in Buddhist monasteries; ing of these practice homes has sion of property. Those not now
being used for educational pur- killed, but still they can yield no cause so many refugees from poses are, under supervision of money. other places are in Shanghai resident Americans being used nearly every parish and mission for the relief and protection of Japanese fired 110 shells, by actual was represented. Many of the war victims. count, costing hundreds of dollars, on women are homeless and, as a Chinese fort where there were refugees, are SUbsisting on a With 54 of the 114 Chinese neither Chinese soldiers nor guns. minimum of food and clothing; Government universities de- With the Chinese gone, little customs yet they met to plan, and carry stroyed or closed by the war, income, it is the Japanese people who forward the work of the Church. many of their students are turn- pay. On the other hand, in "free" ing to the American Colleges, all China the trade balance is in China's The annual offering, by some of which are cooperating closely favor. Competent observers say that miracle, amounted to over $1,500 with the Government and its her reserves far exceed those of Japan. Chinese currency. The women agencies. The most urgent prob- make yearly appropriations to a lem is that of financial support, -Christian Advocate. wide range of objects, including and emergency funds to the the Chinese missionary district amount of $330,000 are being 'War's Effect on the Churches of Shensi, the diocesan mission sought. board, endowed hospital beds, Mr. H. Witt, writing in "The the Chinese Churchman, dio- Destruction in China Bible for China," says that the cesan conference, and $25 to the .problem of local churches due to American Woman's Auxiliary It is difficult to picture the war conditions has two aspects; triennial. amount of destruction that has one, the breaking up of churches been going on in China during when flight becomes necessary, -The Living Church. the past eighteen months, since and the other the arrival of the Japanese began their cam- Christians from other parts of Envelopes with Christian paign. Bombs, arson and raids China who, however, do not come Message have destroyed hundreds of to stay but move on again after thousands of lives and have laid a comparatively short time, tak- It occurred to Archdeacon low thousands of buildings and ing part in the "trek" to the Donnithorne, of the C. M. S., equipment that have cost millions West which ultimately will give that the backs of business enveof dollars and years of labor. rest and safety to 300 millions of lopes might carry a Christian One missionary society alone refugees. This situation has its message. He now uses such en- (The Methodist Church, South) value in the opportunities af- velopes for all his business correports property looted, damaged forded to preach to outsiders. respondence in China. At the or destroyed in Shanghai, Nan- There are weeks of evangelistic upper right corner is a picture of siang, Taichang, Changsu, Sun- meetings when most of the audi- Chiang Kai-shek, and under it kiang, Changchow, Huchow and ence is made up of students and his testimony: Soochow. It is a repeated story officials, some with their fam- – buildings occupied without ilies, who are willing to come out I have now been a Christian for permission, looted, stripped of definitely for Christ. Soon they nearly ten years, and during that time wood-work, bombed or burned. are gone and another type of I have been a constant reader of the Nevertheless, the lives of the people take their place. Bible.' Never before was this sacred missionaries have been spared, Book so interesting to me as during the morale of Chinese Christians Another feature of the situa- my two weeks' captivity in Sian. . . . is unbroken and the work is go- tion is that pastors, evangelists The greatness and love of Christ burst ing on with marked success. and Bible women who have lost upon me with a new inspiration, in- their positions offer to work in creasing my strength to struggle Why Still Confident some new locality, a factor that against evil, to overcome temptation sometimes produces an unstable and to uphold righteousness. A missionary attests the truth element in the work. But the of General Chiang's statement: simple testimony of Christian At the upper left is a state- "Japan has lost the war. China refugees who will faithfully wit- ment about the "New Life Movehas not yet won it"; and gives ness to the Lord, wherever they ment"; at the bottom, an emthe following illustration to go, will undoubtedly make a deep phasis on being "born again"; prove it. impression upon their people and at the right of this are the and there, too, much seed will be words: "To support General I visited Amoy and saw on the Bund, sown on fertile ground-for it is Chiang you ought also to be a the formerly active waterfront, only far more fertile than ever before Christian !" three Chinese. Of course there were – which will sometime bear many Japanese soldiers on guard, and fruit. -C. M. S. Outlook. a tank running up and down the street. The Chinese had all left. Chinese Women's League Japanese Occupy Hainan Japan is left holding an empty city. There are no people to tax, no busi- The Chinese equivalent of the On February 10 the Japaness from which to secure income. Women's Auxiliary, in the dio- nese army landed military forces Folks with money and the middle cese of Shanghai, held a business on Hainan, the Chinese island off classes have moved on. Only the poor session recently for the first time the coast of French Indo-China. are left. They may lie tortured, finally in two years. Only the Shanghai This large island is of vital im- churches were able to send their portance to French Indo-China, full quota of delegates, but be- to the Chinese Government, to Great Britain and to the Japa-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
nese, on account of its strategic practically impossible for for- Life of Christ. Japan can't win. p 0 sit ion. The Presbyterian eign physicians in Manchukuo, Nobody can. If the war goes on, Church in the U. S. A. has four missionary or otherwise, to ac- it will end in the collapse of both main mission stations on this cept Japanese, Korean or Man- countries. Some way must be island – at Nodoa, Kiungchow, churian patients. found to bring it to an end be- Kachek, Hoihow – with 24 mis- fore exhaustion comes." sionaries. It is a large and im- A religious law, just promulportant work. Several times the gated, forces Buddhists, Confu- He was asked whether the island has been bombed by Jap- cianish:;, Christians and even time had come for Christian peo~ anese airplanes and mission Shintoists to obtain permission pIe to prepare the way for peace, property has, been damaged. It for their activities, and demands and replied: "Not yet. Just is not yet known whether the a written statement of their aims now it would serve no good purmissionaries will be permitted to and methods. pose, and might do harm. Let remain and continue their work the Christians on both sides pray during the military occupation United States and British mis- without ceasing. The day of of the island. sionaries, driven from Korea by peace will come when it is least a similar law and having fol- expected." "Born Again" in Hainan lowed large groups of Korean colonies into Manchukuo, believe Love in Scavenger Town About two years ago, the that their activities will soon be church buildings at Nodoa were impossible. Imagine a community of subject to constant depredation 25,000 people, living in wretched at the hands of a gang of ruffians -New York Times. shacks made of every conceivbetween 14 and 16 years old. able kind of refuse, crowded There were broken windows, JAPAN-CHOSEN along alleys reeking with sewage ruined trees, rubbish in the door smells, with children and mothways. Some of these boys had "Exceptional Christians" ers doing piecework in the hov-· been in the Sunday school, and els, with diseased bodies and one belonged to a Christian fam- A Christian week-day school crippled minds hovering in the ily. Last fall, three Christian of religion with 750 voluntary alleys, with undernourished tots young people started an evening attendants is news anywhere, weaving in and out among the Bible class in the home of one of and such a school is in operation shacks, with images of superstithem, and gathered in street in the conservative city of Tsu, tion at every turn of the path, children to teach them hymns Japan. Small children, dismissed and all of this laid down in a and Bible stories. The gang from public school earlier than swamp hole that might be flooded stood outside the door at first, the older ones, come first; the feet deep when the rains came. then went in and finally took older children come an hour or Here you have a picture of part. Then followed a week of so later. "Scavenger Town" in East evangelistic meeting~ in the Tokyo, where eight hundred church in which the theme was One of the government teach- families live, well watched by "Ye must be born again." Every ers remarked that most of the Tokyo police. The hovels were member of the gang responded, best pupils of the school were en- thrown together after the earthand now the group is always at rolled in the classes in religion, quake in 1923, for unfortunate church, keep up regular Bible and added: "I don't know paupers, many of them with study and go on evangelistic whether they go to the Christian criminal records. Recent events trips to villages. classes because they are excep- have tended to increase the pop- tional or whether they're excep- ulation. Physicians Hampered in tional because they go to those Manchukuo classes." But all is not dark there. Within the settlement is a Japan's hand is seen in the in- The school of religion has been cleared space, a playground and creasing restrictions e x per i- conducted for the past 13 years. several clean modern buildings. enced by foreigners in Manchu- Missionaries in Tsu believe that This is the Ai Kei Gakuen – "a kuo. When a Korean woman a large part of the good will to- Garden Radiating Love and patient of a British doctor died ward Christianity in their neigh- Blessing," the work of a missionafter an operation, two Japanese borhood is due to this project. ary of The Woman's Missionary lawyers induced the family to Society of the Methodist Episswear out a complaint, and the -Monday Morning. copal Church, Miss Mildred A. doctor was arrested on a charge Paine, graduate of Oberlin Colof manslaughter. After a fort- Kagawa Writing a Life lege. For more than eight years night's detention in a native jail of Christ she has given her life to the servthe doctor was released upon ice of the children of "Scavenger payment of a large sum to the The Japanese are a reading Town," and has drawn around family. people, and will read anything her a corps of well-trained J ap- Kagawa writes. He is now writ- anese young women, devoted to Such precedent, despite Brit- ing a "Life of Christ" in fiction the needs of the boys and girls. ain's strong protest, makes it form. Dnyanodaya reports him President Yoshimune Abe, of as saying: "We Japanese are miserable about the war. What Japan needs is redemption and remission of her sins, and I have just come to that chapter in my
Aoyama Gakuin, Tokyo, is presi- astrous for them. There are New Britain Dictionaries only about 7,000 Japanese in dent of the trustees and the work these islands, but a victory for Members of the Young Womhas the support of the Tokyo the forces of the "son of heaven" en's Missionary Movement in Methodist Social Service Federa- would mean trade pentration. Australia achieved a remarkable tion and Japanese and American Japan sells more goods there feat and made a great contribu- Christian leaders. than Holland, cutting prices with tion to Christian work in New the natives. In outlying districts, Britain when they typed out six -Christian Advocate. they are beginning to take up dictionaries for the better equip- the farms; in the mines they ment of missionaries. To type a The Challenge in Korea have $222,500,000 invested. book of 900 pages seems a monu- mental undertaking, but when it An outstanding Korean pas- There is a compact colony of is a dictionary and grammar in tor thus describes the change Japanese in Davao, and Japanese a foreign language it is a very that has come about in Korea exacting task. It was all done within the last three or four concessions in Surinam; the by voluntary workers, and when years: center of their pearl fishing fleet completed the books were bound is in the Aru Islands. If the J ap- with special tropical inSUlation. "The Korean Church has en- anese pursue their notion of desjoyed fifty years of religious tiny, and should oust the British Report from the Philippines freedom. It now seems to be from Singapore, Netherland Instarting on a fifty-year period of dies folk would expect their rubpersecution." It is demanded of all citizens of the Japanese em- ber, sugar, tea, coffee, petroleum Lucena Church is the largest pire that they show their patriot- and most progressive in the ism, not only by swearing alle- and tin all to go to Japan. province of Tayabas. Dr. C. N. giance to the same emperor and Magill, Presbyterian missionary by saluting the same flag, but Should the Chinese win, the who has been in the Philippines also by worshiping the same result would be equally unde- for thirty years, reports that adgods. Those citizens who refuse sirable to them, for the Chinese vance has been made during the to worship the mythological gods past year, in spite of difficulties. of Japan endanger their oppor- outnumber the Islanders seven to Loyalty, perseverance and dilitunities for education, their jobs one. The fear is that they would gence have characterized the with the government, their embark upon the same kind of little struggling churches in that rights as citizens, and even their province, none of which have lives. nationalistic fervor for raw ma- any wealthy members. When terials as the Japanese. Thus, Dr. Magill was asked what were "Daily, Christians are coming the Far Easterners follow the example of the West. -Christian Advocate.
to the missionaries for advice Bible Circles in Java the principle crops of Tayabas, and comfort. They have been he replied: "Coconuts and chilthreatened, b eat e n, deceived. Javanese young people have dren," adding that while coco- The ear of the missionary is the organized "Circles of Five," to nuts were worth only 25 % of the only safe place to tell their meet and read the Bible, under price received 10 years ago, chiltroubles. It is a time when fam- one of their number 'as leader in dren were worth much more ilies are divided because of the the higher classes of elementary than they were then, for they are Gospel. One can no longer trust schools and of secondary schools. building character. the non-Christian members of Each circle becomes a sort of Spirituality and benevolence his family. No longer can union of secrecy and fidelity of go hand in hand everywhere. In brother trust brother. Secrets uncommon strength, marked by Lucena Church, sacrificial givhave such a strange way of personal devotion. Attendance ing has made possible a full-time reaching the ear of the police- at the weekly meetings is· con- pastor and three women workman." sidered a sacred duty, not to be ers, with all bills paid and a sub- Missionaries are hampered, missed. Printed outlines of Bi- stantial balance on hand. Bebut not harmed; they are fol- ble study are sent in advance to sides regular services, about 400 lowed by spies, but their words each circle, to be discussed at the persons hear the Gospel at six are not muzzled, and they can meeting. Coordination is se- different Sunday schools. Weekly cured by monthly meetings of services are maintained in two still tell "the old, old story." leaders, mostly girls and boys villages. There are only five or- -Christian Observer. under twenty. dained Filipino pastors in the The number five was chosen province, so that much of the ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC because in Java it is a sacred activity must be done by lay number, expressing completion. workers. Twenty-four trained Rulers and Ruled in the Five is the number of the fingers women have a large part in Dutch Indies and expresses unity. Five was building up the churches. Church An "undeclared peace" would the number of the prayer circle sessions are usually half women please the people of the Nether- in Antioch from which the Holy and half men. lands Indies, for they feel that Spirit selected and commissioned A large amount of literature, victory by either side in the Sino- Paul and Barnabas. both English and Tagalog, has Japanese struggle would be dis- -World Dominion Press. been distributed. One publish-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ing house in the United States cedure which has the following sible effort to ensure accuracy of sent surplus material that has five points: these figures. The report shows been most useful. They include that the membership of the beginners' stories, quarterlies, 1. Every member of the Communist churches in the United States incharts and picture cards. The Party belongs to a neighborhood creased twice as fast as the pop- Scripture Gift Mission of Lon- branch, a factory or shop unit, or an ulation in 1937. Significant of don contributes tracts and blot- industrial unit. The whole pyramid the trend toward church unity is ters with a Bible verse. of the party rests on this broad base the fact that 97.3 per cent of the of thousands of 11- or 12-member total membership is in the fifty NORTH AMERICA units, or 20- or 25-member neighbor- larger bodies-all with member- hood branches. ship of 50,000 or over. The small Bible Verses in Street Cars bodies account for only 2.7 per 2. The Communist Party publishes cent of the total church popUla- "A Bible Text in Every Public more pamphlets than any other or- tion; furthermore, the former Car" is the objective of Chi- ganization in the United States. number of 212 denominations cago's Best Seller Publicity Com- has been reduced to 200 by mermittee. It was initiated by a 3. Since publishing means nothing gers, or disappearance. small group of Chicago Chris- without distribution, communists have tians, and is similar to a move- one of the largest book store chains in Havoc Wrought by ment begun in England 55 years the country; sell more pamphlets and Godlessness ago. For the past year, one out magazines than any of them, and alof every fourteen street cars of most as many books. Here is a further slant upon this great mid-west city has dis- our growing juvenile crime probplayed a Gospel message with 4. Every "unit" has a literature lem. From time to time the striking attractiveness. The De- agent, whose business it is to promote judges of our courts make some cember card was the work of a wide reading. pronouncement upon the under- Pulitzer prize winner artist, and lying causes of this menace to other prominent artists have 5. More than publishing and distri- our cherished institutions, and contributed their skill. bution is required; there is also edu- here is what Judge Hill, Man- cation, and communist "Workers' hattan's foremost juvenile crime Written response to the car Schools," to which every member must jurist, presiding justice of the cards has afforded much stim- repair twice a week. New York Juvenile Delinquency ulus to the work. No sooner had the displays appeared than a let- Church Unity Gains Court, says: "70 % of the 6,000 ter from a Chicago man revealed that he had "prayed for four- The thirtieth anniversary of delinquency cases which anteen months that someone would the Federal Council was marked nually come before his court are start a work of this kind." The by wider Christian unity, ex- the result of dissolute and Godsentiment of evangelical believ- pressed in four important ways: less home environment." He ers was set forth in another of said: "As a jurist who judges the communications: "It has re- Admission of the Syrian Antiochian thousands of crime-broken boys j oiced the hearts of many Chris- Orthodox Church of North America and girls each year I know that tians to find such verses while into membership – the first of the religious interests for young peoriding the cars." Greek Catholic group to become offi- ple are essential for their moral cially affiliated with the Council. welfare and future as worth- The Best Seller Publicity Com- while American citizens. Relimittee (Box 409, Chicago) in- Enthusiasm for the projected World gion is necessary to the happivites response. Council of Churches. ness of American youth, but it is not enough merely to send chil- Scripture texts in public ve- A plan by which local and state dren to church. Parents must hicles provide fulfilment of councils of churches, as the instru- attend church, for the child in- Christ's missionary coonmand. ments of cooperative unity in local evitably follows the examples set Chicago is the largest Polish city communities, may become affiliated by its father and mother." in the world and the third with the Federal Council. largest Jewish city. There are Sunday School for Offenders 4,000 Chinese and one of the Concrete projects for united action. largest groups of Negroes in any For five years, the Mayor of northern city. Here then is op- After the completion of the Guntersville, Alabama, has been portunity to reach people of all University Christian Mission sending minor offenders to Sunraces and all nations. this year, a new evangelistic day school instead of levying undertaking for 1940 – to be fines, or sending to jail. To save Look At the Communists! known as the National Christian embarrassment to the offenders, Mission-will be launched. An this plan was not made public, Shall we say that lukewarm invitation will be sent to Chris- and only recently has it become Christians could profit by con- tian forces of other lands to join known. Then it was revealed sidering the enthusiasm of com- in a world-wide movement of that not one of more than 100 so munists in this country? Prot- evangelistic advance in 1940. sentenced had reappeared before estant Episcopal headquarters the Mayor, charged with any supplies an outline of their pro- Church Membership Increases The Federal Council's weekly issue of Information Service for January 14 gives the total church membership for the United States as 64,156,895. Of these 52,379,579 are more than 13 years old. The total number of churches in this country is 248,410. There are 200 different religious bodies.
Dr. Herman C. Weber, editor of "The Year Book of American Churches," has made every pos-
crime. About half the culprits region for just our kind of gos- the Indians, in whose music is a became regular attendants at pel work. Only about 7 out of 68 certain plaintiveness. They are Sunday school after their sen- places this season have any local very poor, yet most of them tences expired. Most of them, Christian work at all, and one of bring two or three, some four or before being sentenced, had these is mostly for Indians. And five skins as their gift, and a never been inside of a Sunday the Mormons are sending out skin is valued at fifty cents. school. 2,000 emissaries to win converts." MISCELLANEOUS – Watchman-Examiner. Union Work for Indians The Church in the World Sunday School Extension The Government I n d ian of Today School at Flandreau, South Da- The Presbytery of Cumber- kota, is one of six such schools in Unquestionably, darkness is land Mountain, Tenn., is an ex- which religious activities are surrounding the C h r i s t ian ample of successful correlation carried on by the Home Missions Church in many lands today; not between pastors and Sunday CouncIl's Committee on Indian only the darkness of unevangeschool extension workers, a pro- Work. This Committee, which lized paganism, which still pergram that began more than fifty represents 23 churches of the sists in many areas, but the oryears ago in this territory. In United States, was organized to ganized barbarism sweeping addition to the several Presby- enlarge and coordinate Christian over large parts of the world terian churches that have been work among our Indian people. once classed as Christian. But organized as a result, many Bap- Interdenominational religious there are other facts, equally untist, Met hod i stand other work directors are maintained at questioned, to be set over against churches have been organized these six schools through offer- this. and built up. Especially in the ings on the World's Day of lumber and coal camps a high Prayer, appropriations from va- In India the number baptized value has been placed on this rious church boards and private has multiplied tenfold in the Sunday school extension effort. contributions. present century, and more than More than 2,000 children and doubled in the past twelve years. young people have been reached. A new feature of this work is a "bookmobile," which carries a Africa south of the Sahara has In many communities classes traveling library to Indian reser- also shown a prodigious growth. in Week Day Religion have been vations. In the Philippines the number of conducted in cooperation with Protestant communicants has school teachers. Besides this Eskimo Thank-offering risen from practically nothing much help through the years has in 1900 to over 190,000. In been given through the distribu- The Church of England has a Latin America the growth has tion of clothing to the needy and Mission at Aklavik, Alaska. An been phenomenal and the nummany children have been enabled important annual event is Rat ber of communicants appears to to remain in school in this way Sunday. "Whatever is that?" have multiplied more than sevwho otherwise would have had you say. Rat Sunday is a sort of enfold in the present century. to drop out. Portions of Scrip- harvest festival, when Indians ture, Bibles and other religious and Eskimos who make their liv- In Japan the number of comliterature are being .distributed ing by catching muskrats bring municants has increased nearly continually. some of the skins to the church fivefold in the same period, and as a thank-offering, when they has grown by about fifty per Religious Destitution in Utah come to Aklavik to sell their cent in the present decade. An summer's catch. At this service, advance of nearly seventyfold is A writer in Light on Mormon- after the singing of hymns and reported from Korea, and the ism has made a survey of four other devotional exercises, the number of communicants in counties in Utah. Putting the church wardens go around with China is said to have multiplied settlements as located all in one large plates on which are laid the about fivefold since 1900. direction (68 places) they would little bundles of skins. The Incover 160 by 20 miles, with pres- dian service is held first; follow- Of more importance than the ent population of about 30,000. ing this, the Eskimos hold theirs numerical increase is the evi- In all this area, only six or seven and their thank-offerings of dence of deep rooted Christian places of Christian worship were skins are brought in big white faith in the lives of new converts. found, not including two or three bags. To quote Dr. Kenneth S. Latour- Roman Catholic ones. The total ette: "In a day when Christianat all these Protestant meetings In church both Indians and ity is being tested as it has not was perhaps 100 out of 30,000. Eskimo are notably reverent. been for over a century, and Says this writer: The men sit on one side, women when chaos international and and children on the other, all in- within many lands is increasing, "During all of 1937 we found tent on their worship. A baby the younger members of the only 6 or 7 places with Christian may cry, a little child may run world-wide Christian fellowship work out of 46 visited in over across to her father, but the have been increasing in numeri- 600 miles of field worked. Noth- sense of devotion is not broken. cal strength, in leadership, and ing more is needed to show the Eskimos sing more heartily than in self-reliance." tremendous need of this whole -C. M. S. Outlook.
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information The Heathen. A Study in Ethnology stating common things in an un- mon expression since men and and Religion. By Henry W. Frost, D.D. 106 pp. 35 cents. Funda- common way, and an almost un- women may endure but cannot mental Truth Publishers, Findlay, Ohio. canny ability to perceive the understand the reason or know The author is not ashamed to heart of truth and to present it the outcome. use a good old word to describe those who are without hope in so that thought is stimulated and Margaret H. Brown has been Christ and without a knowledge the heart satisfied. of God. He believes that the for fifteen years a missionary of Book of Genesis gives the true story of man's origin and that FRANCIS SHUNK DOWNS. the United Church of Canada. the widesprea;d traditions of a deluge are evidence of its univer- Sufism: Its Saints and Shrines. In- She has been stationed in Honan sality. "The heathen" are without hope of eternal life, except in troduction to the Study of Sufism, and later in Shanghai and was Christ and His Gospel, which is an eye-witness of many tragefor all in lands of darkness. Our with Special Reference to India. By dies. Here she tells the story only criticism of this brief bib- John A. Subhan, B.A., B.D., Lec- vividly and sympathetically as lical study is the title; and to the seeming limitation when the turer, The Henry Martyn School of author says: "As long, then, as the Church fails to give the Islamic Studies, Lahore. 420 pp. the story of a farmer, Chang Good News to the people in far- Yungshan, who suffered insults, away climes and they have not Rs. 4/- or $1.50. Lucknow Pub- abuses, temptations and privaheard and received it, we must tion after he moved to Shangthink and speak of them as lishing House, Lucknow, India, 1938. hai. Then followed the terrifyheathen." We can find many ing experiences in the Japanese heathen nearer than in Africa or Islamic mysticism goes by the China. The non-Christian world name of Sufism (from the Ara- invasion. The bright spots were is not a geographical unit. bic word for wool, because the the kind acts of Christians early mystics wore a woolen whom he met and through whom S. M. ZWEMER. robe). From the second century he became a Christian. It is a of Mohammedanism this teach- moving tale, filled with fa.cts, "Filled with the Spirit." By Richard ing spread in all lands until to- and all with a true Chinese at- Ellsworth Day, D.D. $1.00. Zon- day no one can really understand mosphere. Read it-young and dervan Publishing House. Grand the religion of the common peo- old – and your sympathy with Rapids, Mich. 1938. ple unless he knows this phase also. the Chinese will increase. Dr. Day's earlier books, "The Shadow of the Broad Brim" and A Moslem convert, who once "Bush Aglow," are inspirational belonged to a dervish order, has biographies of Charles Haddon Spurgeon and Dwight L. Moody. given here a very careful study The Approaching Advent of Christ. This new volume-"Filled with of the origin, history and prac- By Rev. Alexander Reese. 8 vo. the Spirit"-is a book of devo- tices of Indian Moslem mysti- 328 pp. $2.40. Marshall Morgan tions for daily reading and & Scott, Ltd. London; Zondervan, meditation. cism. The book is carefully docu- Grand Rapids. mented and bears the mark of Dr. Day has a rare combina- scholarship. Our only criticism An unusual book is this. As tion of appreciation of evangeli- is that there are a number of the title suggests, it deals with cal truth and the ability to typographical errors. All who a branch of eschatology which express, in winsome and distinc- work and pray for the Moslems has become highly controversial tive language, the great and of India will be interested in the and concerning which strong gracious things which God has prejudices exist. The 328 closel'evealed. He has a real gift for book. It is a witness to growing .ly printed pages are devoted to interest in the evangelization of the seventy-seven million Indian a spirited, documented and very full discussion which even fair- Mohammedans. S. M. ZWEMER. ly well instructed Christians will Heaven Knows. By Marg,aret H. find it difficult to follow. Debate Brown. Illus. 167 pp. $1.00. in this sphere has been largely Friendship Press. New York. 1938. confined to the opposing "pre- No one who has not suffered in millenial" and "post-millenial" the devastation wrought by the schools of interpretation; this Japanese in China can imagine writer discounts both and identi- the horrors which the people fies himself with the view of a have endured and are still indur- small but estimable group of ex- ing. "Heaven Knows" is a com- positorssometimes referred to Any of the books noted In these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[ 159]
as "a-millenialists." The authQr prQminent in the Gospels. If the and the Church, are hardly less is a missiQnary labQring in SQuth QbviQUS meaning is to. be at- evident than that between the America, who. has given twenty tached to. the language Qf many Old and New Testaments. Mulyears to. the preparatiQn of this well-kno.wn passages, then the titudes Qfstudents have fQund it volume. The main argument is theQry set fQrth in this bQo.k, of clarifying and helpful to. trace directed against what is termed intervening signs and events, be- these successive stages in an un- "Darbyism," having reference to comes untenable. folding plan, and to. increasing J. N. Darby, an Qutstanding The mQre theQIQgically-mind- numbers the pro.cedure seems leader amQng the Plymouth ed reader will naturally give at- elementary and necessary. Nev- Brethren, whQse advQcacy Qf tentio.n to. the analysis o.f leading ertheless this is, in effect, the dis- pre-millenial views has had wide passages relating to. the "last pensatiQnalism which this authQr influence during the past half- things," and here the authQr's so. severely arraigns. He WQuld century. CIQsely connected with exegesis is Qften interesting and have dQne well to. include in his the pre-millenial dQctrine Qf suggestive. It is no. dQubt true extensive bibliQgraphy a notable Darby and his followers is the that prQPonents Qf each Qf the volume entitled "After the ThQuteaching referred to. as "dispen- views discussed have claimed too. sand Year·s" by George F. sationalism," which is also large an area of scriptural sup- Trench, which deals in a CQnstrQngly QPposed. In fact, the PQrt fQr their theQries. But be- vincing way with the histQric whQle eschatQIQgical system as- fQre setting aside on narrQW development Qf dispensational sQciated with these views meets critical grQunds a dQctrine so. teaching. such disapprQval as to. eVQke the thoroughly embedded in Chris- We question whether the pro- statement: "It is as pure myth tian tradition as the pre-millen- digiQUS effQrt represented in this as ever entered the brain of ial return of Christ, it is natural elabQrate treatise will accom- to inquire if any Qf the alterna- plish much tQward clarifying o.r man." An excess Qf zeal is also. dis- tive views accord as nearly with unifying opiniQn in matters Qf eschato.IQgy, Qr will cQntribute in played in the effort to. discredit Scripture teaching. methods of interpretatiQn which Learned expositQrs have PQint- substantial degree to. sQund bibfQr generatiQns have had wide ed out that the pre-millenial lical schQlarship.
acceptance amQng trusted ex- view serves to. Qrganize and give HUGH R. MONRO.
PQsitQrs; there is a disregard Qf co.herence to. the entire teaching Ra-Ha-La-Hi-Ho (My Brother in of Scripture, while it is of great Madagascar). By Andrew Burgess. evidence which WQuld definitely Illus. 8vo. 224 pp. $1.00. Augsnarrow the area Qf debate. In practical impQrtance as an indealing with certain pivQtal pas- spiring mQtive fQr Christian liv- burg Pub. House, Minneapolis, sages, for example, Mr. Reese ing. It is also recognized that Minn. 1938. seeks the most favorable trans- biblical predictiQn is nQt a mere The Norwegian Lutherans Qf latiQns for his purpQse. He fre- timetable or calendar by which North America QCCupy twelve quently turns to. MQffatt and the student may identify dates, missiQn statiQns in the extreme GQQdspeed (who. do. nQt co.m- but a mine in which the devQut sQutheastern district Qf the large mand the cQnfidence Qf evangeli- may delve for buried treasure. island Qf Madagascar. Other cals) and to. WeymQuth whQse There are profQund spiritual Lutherans have the sQuthern half translation, while generally ac- reaSQns why this shQuld be SQ. Qf the island as their field, while ceptable, is assQciated with a The authQr's rejectiQn of dis- the LQndQn MissiQnary SQciety, viewPQint in eschatolQgy to. pensatiQnalism raises entirely the Friends and French Evangel- which few evangelicals sub- different issue. Here questiQns icals wQrk in the northern half. scribe. On the Qther hand, ex- Qf eXPQsitQry methQd are in- This vQlume by Mr. Andrew PQsitQrs, such as Kelly, SCQfield, vQlved, rather than doctrine. Burgess, the field representative Gaebelein, Griffith-ThQmas, and With full appreciatiQn, hQwever, Qf the missiQn and who. married Sir RQbert Anderson, are lightly Qf the extravagances which have one Qf the Madagascar missio.npassed Qver Qn the grQund that been attached to. this line of aries, gives graphic scenes fro.m they are bQund to. the sQ-called teaching, may it nQt be true that the experience of missio.naries Darby system. But even the re- the principle is implicit in the frQm the early days until the jectiQn Qf these well-knQwn writ- structure of Scripture itself. present time. The incidents are ers is less significant than the Any co.nceptiQn of an expanding well to.ld and describe the days ignoring Qf evidence that pre- Revelation and the differing o.f slavery, missiQnary pioneermillenial teaching largely domi- principles which have marked ing, life amQng primitive savagnated the thought Qf Christians GQd's dealing with mankind es, cQntacts with witch dQctQrs, in the first and seco.nd centuries. through the ages suggests a dis- wQrk with bQYs and girls, super- This: verdict Qf leading historians pensatiQnal structure. Terms in stitio.ns and belief in evil spirits establishes the cQnclusion that this instance are unimpQrtant, and the rewarding results Qf acceptance Qf the pre-millenial but the fact that inspired his- missiQn service. The many drawview preceded Darby by at least tQry falls, into certain natural ings, phQtQgraphic illustratiQns eighteen hundred years. Anoth- epQchs Qr divisiQns is to.o self- and maps vividly PQrtray the naer neglected area Qf investigatiQn evident to be ignQred. Distinc- tive beliefs and custQms and the is the teaching cQncerning the tiQns between the patriarchal missiQnary life and wQrk in imminence Qf Christ's cQming, so. and the Kingdom Age, Qr Israel Madagascar.
Two Ways. A Play in Six Epi- and sometimes illuminating. The sion Hoispital at Wai, India
sodes. By A. L. E. Williams. 53 New Testament references refer cents each; $5.00 per dozen. Bom- pp. lB. Society for Promoting very little to archeological finds. bay Tract and Book Society. Bom- Christian Knowledge. L 0 Ii don. It is a good book for beginners bay, India. 1937. in the stUdy. Christianity and the Creative Quests. Drama is finding an increas- The Holy Bible. Illustrated from Gaius Glenn Atkins. 232 pp. $2.00. ingly large place in church work. color drawings by William Hole. Cokesbury Press. Nashville. Some of it is very effective in its 8vo. 1,252 pp. Eyre and Spottis- Christian message. This mis- woode, London. Evangelism for the World Today. sionary play is by an Anglican As Interpreted by Christian Leadvicar and calls for about thirty Family Bibles were formerly ers throughout the WorId. Edited performers including angels, the found in many Christian homes by John R. Mott. 296 pp. $2.50. apostles, priest, Peter the Her- in large print and used for fam- Harpers. New York. mit, monks, abbess, sisters and ily worship as well as for a leper, Moslems and others. The record of marriages, births and Fire in India. Canon Manuel's Work six episodes cover the time from deaths. This one, not so large in Irugalur. Ruth Henrich. 16 pp. Christ's ascension near Jeru- as the old style, has also pages 1d. S. P. G. F. P. London. salem to northern Indian and the for "photographs" and is illus- Jerusalem Conference in 1928. trated with twelve excellent col- Gems from Bishop Taylor Smith's The plot and treatment are in- ored pictures from the artist, Bible. Compiled by Percy O. Ruoff. teresting and impressive. The William Hole. There are no 142 pp. $1.00. Zondervan Pub. greatest difficulty in m os t cross-references or notes on this House. Grand Rapids. churches will be learning some edition which is the King James parts of the longer dialogues. All Version and is in large clear How Long? Why the Jews Are Peris truly Christian and mission- type. Here is a very satisfactory secuted and Studies in the Psalms ary in spirit. family Bible in handy size. of Israel. 118 pp. $1.00. Eerdman Pub. Co. Grand Rapids. Who Claims the World. By Cecil The Book of a Thousand Tongues. Northcott. 100 pp. lB. net. Liv- The Translation of the Bible, with Let Us Build. P. E. Burroughs. 154 iilgstone Press. London. 1938. over 1,100 samples from the text. pp. 60 cents. Broadman Press. Edited by Eric M. North. Illus. Nashville. .The Literary Superintendent Four indexes. 'Quarto. 386 pp. of ,the London Missionary So- American Bible Society. New York. Launch Out into the Deep. Andrew ciety presents here for young 1938. Gih. 120 pp. 40 cents. Zondervan people a very effective argument Publishing House. Grand Rapids. for world-wide evangelization- The miracle of the pentecostal the need, motives, the progress, "gift of tongues" is repeated to- Meditations on the Holy Spirit. the unfinished task and the dy- day by translators who have Toyohiko Kagawa. 170 pp. $1.50. namic on which the enterprise given us the Word of God so that Cokesbury Press. Nashville. depends for success. Some six practically all the people in the objections to missions are pre- world can read it in their own Poems and Verse of Betty Scott sented and three good. diagrams. tongues wherein they were born. Stam. 129 pp. Kelly & Walsh, Ltd., This book offers excellent ma- Here is evidence of the fact; and Shanghai. terial for pastors and others who it is most effectively presented, wish to promote missions among with facsimile reproductions of The Prayer Life. Andrew Muiray. the youth. parts of the Scriptures in over 153 pp. 35 cents. B. 1. C. Assn. eleven hundred languages and Chicago. Thrilling Voices of the Past. By T. dialects (in native characters). Christie Innes. ' Illus. 151 pp. There are also brief descriptive Mary Reed of Chandag. Lee S. Hui- 28. 6d. Pickering and Inglis. Glas- articles on forty-two of the lan- zenga. 36 pp. Zondervan Pub. gow. 1938. guages, notes on other versions, House. Grand Rapids. and portraits of natives of many Biblical archeology is receiv- races and nationalities. The in- The Second World Conference on ing much attention these days troductory section, on the trans- Faith and Order. Edinburgh, 1937. and the discoveries are evidence lations and translators, is very Edited 'by Leonard Hodgson. 386 of the trustworthiness of the illuminating. The whole volume pp. $2.50. Macmillan. New York. Biblical record. Mr. Innes, a is a work of art and is indismember of the Royal Asiatic So- putable evidence of the indis- The Story of Chung Mei. Charles R. ciety tells here, in a brief and pensable work of the American Shepherd. 265 pp. $2. Judson popular way, of the evidence Bible Society. Press. Philadelphia. archeology offers us to the flood, Abraham, Jericho, the Exodus New Books ~!,mns and the New Testament history. of tbt There is also a helpful, but brief, By Life and By Death. The Diary of <tbristian . bibliography. The author is a John C. Stam of China. E. Schuyler lLift believer in the Bible record and English. 62 pp. 25 cents, paper; rejects the evolutionary theory 50 cents, cloth. Zondervan Pub. ell BOOK of worship in song, comof religion. The evidence on O~d House. Grand Rapids. bining a hymnal for general. Testament sites and customs is church use, and a song book for evanfragmentary but is interesting Christ and the Dawn. Copy of a ~elistic purposes. ODly songs soWKl Painting by an Indian in the Mis- lD the raith and inspirational in char- acter included—emphasizing Evanp- ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life.
Many of the new—the best of the old.
504 Songs Responsive Readings Topical Index Gold Embossed Published in round notes and Roxite cloth < edition only at $65.00 per lOO–an especiall, low price. Single copy, 85e postpaid.
Write toda, for returnable .ample ",?'"
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The Missionary Review of the World — November 1938
1938
A New Survey of Neglected Arabia Samuel M. Zwemer Reality and Romance in Czechoslovakia Joseph Novotny The Universality of Christ E. Stanley Jones Problems of the Churches in Asia Akira Ebisawa Outlook for the Church in India B. L. Rallia Ram The Saintly Surgeon of India Margaret McKellar A New Children's Page Violet Wood 2S Cents a Copy $2.50 a YeaT
to Remember IPIRITUAL REVIVAL IN' FULL
N(lvember 1-3-Nationaf Stewardship The war in China has added greatly to our material burdens. It ha. greatly deepened Convention, Chicago, Ill. the spiritual life of all at the Home and also increased the number we are carinll for Your prayers and aid will now 110 further in winning souls for Christ than perha~ November 6-11-International Good- ever before. Let the appeal of hundreds who are helpless and hopeles. not be in .will Congress. San Francisco, Calif. vain. A little lloes a long way in China• November 20-Thanksgiving Sunday. HOME OJ: ONEJIPHORUJ D~ember 6-9-Biennial meeting of TAlAN, SHANTUNG, CHINA the Federal Council of Churches, . Buffalo, N. Y. This faith work is one of the largest Christian institutions in the Orient. It has been December 13-30-International Mis- consecrated for over twenty years to the rescue of the homeless.
sionary Council, Madras, India. Write today for FREE picture and story of Chinese girl shown in this ad • January 8-10, 1939 – Home Missions also receive "Helping China'. Helpless," telling how God led Rev. and Mrs: Anglin to open the Home and how He blessed the work. a thrilling story. Council, Baltimore, Md. January 23-February 18-Iowa School HOME OF ONESIPHORUS American Office for Missionaries. Iowa State College, 2811 North Racine Avenue Drawer 36 Chicago, nlinois Ames, Iowa. Personal Item. keget; Ins~itute, is convalescing after Obituary Notes a serIOUS Illness. Dr. Carver's discov- eries are known around the world. The Rev. David B. Schneder, D.D., Dr. W. Graham Scroggie, one of a missionary of the Reformed Church the Vice-Presidents of England's Na- Mrs. Prem N* at*h D*as, Vice-Presi- in the U. S. to Japan since 1887, died tional Young Life Council for some in Sendai, Japan, on October 4. Dr. years, now becomes the Free Church dent of Isabella Thoburn College in Schneder was one of the outstanding President of the Movement, to succeed Lucknow, has been chosen as sucees- missionaries and for many years was the late Carey Bonner. He will hold sor to Dr. Mary E. Shannon, Princi- president of the College of North the office jointly with Canon Rowland pal, who retires early in 1939. Mrs. Japan, retiring two years' ago. He Grant. Das is the first Indian to become head was de~orated by the Mikado with the of the first college for women in Asia. Fourth Order of the Rising Sun and *** the Third Order of Sacred Treasure. Dr. Rufus J*one*s *and Dr. Harry He was born in Bowmansville, Pa., Dr. W. A. Visser 't Hooft, of Ge- and was graduated from Franklin neva, has been elected president of the Silcock, representing Quaker Mis- and Marshall College and from Lan- World Student Christian Federation sions of the United States and Eng- caster Theological Seminary. at a meeting in Paris, attended by 120 land, have been visiting China, study- delegates from Australia, India, Java, ing the situation and gathering data, *** South Africa, Canada, United States, preparatory to sending a staff of and nearly all the European countries. workers to open headquarters in Miss Isabel K. MacDermott, ex- Shanghai for the administration of ecutive secretary of the Board of The Russian Student Movement in relief. The Quakers have proved their Trustees of Santiago College in Chile, Exile, having its headquarters in Par- efficiency in this line. died in the Post-Graduate Hospital, is, joined with the French Student New York City, August 12, following Christian Movement as hosts of the a major operation. Miss MacDermott conference. was a teacher in Santiago College Dr. Luther W*esl*ey *Smith, pastor of many years ago. *** the First Baptist Church of Syracuse, *** Rev. Saburo Imai, secretary of the N. Y., has been chosen as Executive Mrs. R. W. Porteous, of Shanghai, Board of Missions of the Japan Meth- Secretary of the American :tJaptist whose capture by communists in 1930 odist Church, is in America as a rep- Publication Society, succeeding Dr. will be remembered, died at Nanchang resentative of his church to the United Owen C. Brown, retired. May 5. Mrs. Porteous went to China Church of Canada. 44 years ago as Emma Forsberg, of Pennock, Minn. She married R. W. *** Dr. James A.*Gr*aha*m, founder and Porteous in 1908, and through their Dr. Robert Bond, president of the united efforts more than 50 outsta- Methodist Conference of Great Brit- director of the Presbyterian Mission . tions were opened in West Central ain, traveled 20,000 miles last year Hospital in Tagbilaran, Philippine Is- Kiangsi. When news was flashed without missing a single engagement. lands, has been declared an adopted around the world in March, 1930, of He attributes this in large measure to son of the Province of Bohol. The the capture of Mr. and Mrs. Porteous the prayers of the membership for declaration, printed on parchment, by communists, multitudes gathered their president. was presented to Dr. Graham in the' to pray for their deliverance. Mter presence of government authorities, being held for three months, they were *** members of Bohol Medical Society and released, having suffered untold hard- Dr. George Washington Carver, other prominent Boholanos. ships and indignities. distinguished Negro scientist of Tus- After a period of recuperation in America, they returned to China in The .Rev. J.*Le*on*Hooper, D.D., 1932 to reopen the Burrows Memorial of the Board of Foreign Missions, Bib~ School in Nanchang. Presbyterian Church, has been asked to extend his service as Acting Secre- *** tary for the portfolio which includes Japan, Korea, Siam and the Philip- Rev. Charles Phillips, of Johannes- pine Islands, for another period of burg, South Mrica, died June 6 at the three months. age of 85. He was a missionary of the London Missionary Society, and *** .later pastor of Ebenezer Congrega- tional Church in Johannesburg. Mrs. F. E. Shotwell has taken up the responsibilities of Western Super- visor of Migrant Work for the Coun- cil of Women for Home Missions. She comes to the Council with a training and experience that fits her peculiarly A practical, effective course in methods for these responsibilities, so ably car- of Chrisuan work and soul·winning. ried on by Miss Adela J. Ballard dur- ing the last ten years of her lifetime. Send 15c in stamp. for curreat iiau.. ' Mrs. Shotwell was a member of the Council staff in 1931-1932 in the Colo- PUBUCATIOMSJHG (Concluded on page 518.) Harrisburg, Pa.
MISSIONARY A missionary to West China voices The great white Empresses
REVIEW OF THE WORLD the view of many missionaries who every speed record to and from are at isolated stations and so are the Orient. 10 days direct to DBUVAN L. PmRBON, B4tto,. deprived of the rich privileges we en- Yokohama by Empress of Asia joy at home. A small living income, or Empress of Russia. Or only VOL. LXI Nov., 1938 No. 11 with heavy expenses, also makes it three days more via Hawaii by difficult for them to buy books and Empress of Japan, largest and Publication and Business 01llce– magazines and they have no public fastest on the Pacific, or Empress Third and Reily Ste., Harrisburg, Pa. libraries. The following letter sug- of Canada. Connect at Honolulu gests a field for loving service: from California ports. Editorial and Executive 01llce– From Vancouver and Victoria 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. "We have been so delighted with to Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Entered as second-class matter at THE REVIEW . . . Please enter our Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila. subscription so that we will not miss Details from YOUR TRAVEL Post 01llce, Harrisburg, P •., under any issue. It is a source of spiritual AGENT or Canadian Pacific.: Act of March 3, 1879. power and an inspiration to us. 41 offices in U. S. and Canada.
25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. "R. H. THOMAS, Yunnan, China. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Published monthly, except August. * * .. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1938. British agents – Marshall, Morgan A leader in the church in America and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings. volunteers the following: London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy. 10 shillings a year. "There is no magazine which comes to my desk which'I read with more MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- intense interest than the REVIEW. You LISHING CO., INC. are doing a wonderful piece of work BOARD OF DIRECTORS in editing this magazine, and keep- ing the Christian world in touch with ROBERT E. SPEER, Pre,ident the whole realm of missionary ac- A. L. WA.RNBHUIB, Vioe-Pre,ident tivity. I thought the September num- WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer ber especially good." DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary PAUL J. BRAISTED JOHN TIMOTHY STONE, President of the Presbyterian SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Theological Seminary, Chi- D. J. FANT cago.
MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD *** WM. B. LIPPHARD ERIC M. NORTH We can never preach the Gospel SAMUEL M. ZWRMRR with power until we get over the caste spirit. If all Christian workers are Editorial Chat not cured of our spiritual aristocracy, God never will give us the power of The four hundred or more delegates the Holy Spirit in winning souls. to the International Missionary Coun- Peter could not go down to that housecil will soon meet in Madras, India, hold in Caesarea and preach the Gosfor two weeks' conference (December pel with power until he had learned 13 td 30). They, face a difficult situa- that any man, woman, or child in the tion at home and in many mission wide world to whom God sends His fields. The influence and pronounce- Gospel is on equality of right and ments of this conference of leaders privilege with the proudest nobles of should be far-reaching. THE REVIEW the earth. ARTHUR T. PIERSON. has asked a number of delegates to write impressions of the conference Personal Items and to secure papers from those who make the most important contributions (Concluded from second cover.) -especially native Christian leaders from each field. Among those who are rado migrant camps and during the to give our readers their views of the succeeding years as a teacher devoted situation and their reactions to the her summers to working in migrant conference discussions are: Dr. John projects in California, Oregon, and R. Mott (Chairman), Dr. Paul W. Washington. Harrison of Arabia, Dr. Frank W. Price of China, Mr. Kenneth Grubb of Dr. Mary E. *Sha*nn*on, Principal of the World Dominion Movement, Dr. H. Kerr Taylor of Nashville and Dr. Isabella Thoburn College at Lucknow, H. Kraemer of Holland. These are re- India, has been awarded the Kaiser-iquested to give us not only their own Hind medal, for conspicuous public views, but the views of Nationals service. Miss Shannon has presented from various lands. Later we will her resignation from the college, to announce the plans made to present take effect early in 1939. the most vital themes discussed at Madras before the churches in Amer- Americans are too prone to identify ica. Do not miss these reports. the Kingdom of God with democratic liberalism: There may be a place in *** the Kingdom of God for the Authori- tarian State; but there can be no N ow is the time to plan for Christ- place for the Totalitarian State.- mas. Nothing you can send to a mis- Rev. Howard Chandler Robbins, New sionary friend (at home or abroad) York. or to a pastor or other intelligent Christian friend will be of greater The Church has denied the univerinterest and value, to keep them in- sality of Christianity by its divisions formed on world conditions and the over doctrine, race and nationality. progress of Christianity, than a year's It has itself erected the barriers that subscription to THE REVIEW. (Note separate Christianity from Christ.- our special offer on the back cover of T. Z. Koo, Shanghai, China. this issue.) [ 513]
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AMERICAN-ARABIAN MISSION-MASON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, BAHRAIN NEGLECTED ARABIA-A STffEET SCENE IN HOFUF-HASA (see article by Dr. S. M. Zwemer-page 519) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER, 1938 Topics of the Times THE PRESENT CRISIS IN ASIA program for a representative government under About fifty years ago, a book was published an Indian parliament. Mr. Gandhi, Jawaharlal which greatly influenced the missionary thinking Nehru and other leaders cannot agree on a plan and activity of the Christian Church. It was fo~ effecti,:e cooperation. Suspicion and jealousy stir up strIfe among Moslems, Hindus Sikhs and called "The Crisis of Missions," * and was the re- Christians in the desire for a controlli'ng voice in the government. Proportionate representation in sult of a careful study of world conditions and the parliament is a great bone of contention. opportunity before the Christian Church. At that time doors long closed were opening to the mes- A year ago the political problem in China sengers of Christ in all lands. God was calling but seemed on the way to a satisfactory solution, with the Church was giving only a feeble response- Sun Yat Sen's "Principles" to guide the national not more than ten thousand missionaries to the program, and with strong unselfish Christian leadten hundred million unevangelized. One out of ership in the government. Then came the Japaevery 15,000 Protestants was a missionary and nese absorption of Manchuria and the cruel and the annual gifts for work abroad amounted to only unwarranted invasion of China by the Japanese about $10,000,000. In the next ten or fifteen war machine. Meanwhile Western nations look years the number of missionaries doubled and the supinely on, with disapproval but still supply gifts multiplied four fold. A spiritual awakening Japan with war materials for the murderous camalso came to Christians at home; prayer and mis- paign. In the midst of this agonizing strife China sionary training increased; the progress of the is more united than ever before. Gospel in many lands was rapid and transforming. Then came the World War which resulted But Japan too is passing through a political in a great slump in the spiritual life of the crisis. With the military dictatorship in control churches. Non-Christian nations became more and the fear of communism ever present; with the suspicious of outside influences and were more common people kept in ignorance of the real eager for self-determination in politics, education situation; with the theory of a "divine Emperor" and religion. But the seeds of Truth had been hanging in the balance, and with growing antagplanted; Christ had been preached and His life onism and distrust between Japan and most of the had been exemplified so that the work has con- countries of Europe and America-no one can tell what a day may bring forth. Korea has already tinued to grow. felt the evil effects of this political despotism and Today there is a new crisis in Asia. Anyone there everything is being Japanized by force.
even slightly informed can see the dangers and The social and economic crisis in Asia is also the opportunities, especially in Moslem lands, in appar~nt. India is continually fighting poverty, India, in China and in Japan. The turning of the but wIth some success under British guidance. The tide in one direction means retrogression or dis- caste system, which has been her bane, shows aster; turned Godward it means progress and signs of breaking down under the leadership of new life. The crisis in these lands is threefold- Dr. Ambedkar and through the preaching of the political, social and economic, educational and re- Gospel of Christ. Fifty years ago what is taking place today-with the opening of schools and publigious. lic wells and government positions to outcastes- The political crisis in India is due to the mlw * "The Crisis of Missions," by Arthur T, Pierson, published In would have been thought impossible.
1886, went through many editions, [ 515]
In China, the fear of communism has passed- who declares that although he was born a Hindu if Japanese aggression can be stopped. Public he will not die a Hindu.
improvements in roads and other means of com- Enough has been said to call attention to the munication; the development of natural resources present crisis in these great nations of Asia. It and trade, and the improvement in social ideals is a time of danger and of opportunity-of danger were showing great progress-and then came lest the people retrograde into confusion, depres- Japan as an instrument of destruction. But sion and opposition to Christ and His program; China's power to resist and to recuperate has been a time of opportunity when through vital union proved through the centuries. with Christ they may be brought through to true The social and economic situation in Japan and liberty and peace, to social and economic progress Korea is serious. The war is estimated to cost and to new spiritual life and power.
Japan $5,000,000 a day and the people are feeling The Way to Victory the depression more and more. They are being heavily taxed and are commanded to omit all lux- What is the way of victory? Politically it is not uries and many things considered necessities. the way of greater armies, navies and air bat- Hundreds of thousands of wage earners are being talions; it is not by accepting the supremacy of killed in China. Koreans also are suffering ac- communistic, fascist, or socialistic lead~rs; it is cutely from Japanese taxation and exploitation. not even through pacifism or a peaceful struggle The Educational and Spiritual Crisis for political control. Christ and the apostles lived in a time of political oppression and the de- The educational and spiritual crisis in Asia is pendence on armed force, but they sought peace intimately linked with the political and economic by obedience to laws that did not defy the laws situation. Materialism and atheism are strug- of God, by love that suffers long and is kind and gling against Christ and His principles of love, by preaching Christ as the Saviour and Lord of justice and freedom. all. "When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" They can stilI be right- In Japan and Korea, Christian education is eous, trust God and stand true to Him-even unto threatened with extinction, as emperor worship death. and attendance at the Shinto shrines is being required of Christians and non-Christians alike. Socially and economically the way of victory is Japanese and Koreans were fast becoming edu- not by a new social setup or through the adoption cated in Christian truth, enlightened customs and of certain economic principles-for self-seeking ideals, but now the government is fast taking all men to disregard. In the time of Christ, social ineducation under its control and is depriving the justice was everywhere apparent, slavery and people of the religious liberty promised by the poverty prevailed and there was a great gulf beconstitution. The alternative is being offered- tween the rich and the poor. Christians met the Baal or Jehovah, Diana or Christ, God as re- crisis not by advocating 3 redistribution of wealth, vealed in the Bible or Shinto. or even the immediate liberation of slaves, but by proclaimIng the law of love, by preaching and In China, in the midst of political and economic practicing justice and by showing that God is no distress, there seems to be a spiritual awakening respector of persons. They revealed the truth that and greater religious freedom. Whereas Christian riches consist not in accumulated wealth but that teaching was excluded from the schools under re- character and contentment come from honest toil, cent laws, the loyalty of Christians and the sacri- brotherly dealings and an unselfish, wise steward- ficial service of missionaries in caring for the ship of time, talents and possessions.
wounded and destitute has now brought permis- The educational and spiritual needs were seen sion to make Christian teaching a part of school in the days of the early Church. These needs were and college curriculums. Spiritual revivals and met, not by great united campaigns or by the a new earnestness in prayer and new power in establishment of institutions, they were met by Christian testimony are reported from all over uplifting Christ and by teaching His truth to all China today. so that new desires and ambitions were awakened, India, too, is in a spiritual crisis. Hinduism new life and power were imparted and the call of seems to be making a desperate last stand. Evan- God was heard for the establishment of a new gelistic campaigns are spreading and several thou- order.
sands every month are coming forward to confess The secret of meeting every crisis effectively- Christ. The dissatisfaction of Depressed Classes be it political, social, economic, educational, spirit- with Hinduism may lead to a tremendous exodus ual, national, missionary or personal-is to take into the Christian or possibly into the Moslem God into account; it is to bring men and women fold. Many take the position of Dr. Ambedkar into such vital relation to God through Christ,
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
that new life will come to them, with new aims territory with over 15,000,000 inhabitants. These and energy, new intelligence and a keen desire include Czechs of Bohemia (Monrovia and Sefor knowledge; a new sense of justice; new love lesia) Slovaks, Germans, Poles, Jews, Russians, for God and man and new power to carry out His Hungarians and other races ,and nationalities. Twoprogram. Is there any other way? thirds are Czechoslovaks. The predominant re- ligion is Roman Catholic; they are reported to THE PLIGHT OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA number ten million. Under President Masaryk the country enjoyed prosperity for twenty years. Before 1918 there was no political division in Multitudes have left the Roman Catholic church to Europe named Czechoslovakia. The land and become Protestants who number about 1,130,000. people were a part of Austria-Hungary for three hundred years. Then came the Versailles Treaty What should be the attitude of Christians in and as a penalty for fighting a losing warfare such a crisis? What would be the attitude of Austria-Hungary was divided, part of the terri- Christ? While we have obligations to the govtory and people going to Rumania and Poland, ernment and the land in which we live, our true part to the new nations of Hungary and Yugo- dtizenship is not of this world. The basis for our slavia and part to Czechoslovakia. The people peace and welfare is not a human government of seemed satisfied with this allocation and Prof. our own choosing. Some of the greatest Chris- T. G. Masaryk, the high-minded and wise patriot tians have been developed under most unfavorwas elected the first president. All seemed to go able circumstances-in the ancient Roman Emwell while the nations were struggling to recover pire, in Russia, in France and Spain during days from the economic effects of the war and while of persecution, in Turkey under the Sultan, and Germany was weak and unarmed. Now, twenty in every mission field where Christianity has years after the war ended and peace treaties sought to gain a foothold. Christ Himself warned were signed, the provisions of the Treaty of His disciples that in this world they must ex- Versailles relating to Czechoslovakia are scrapped. pect hardship and persecution; He called Saul the Germany, under the dominating leadership of persecutor to become His missionary, showing Adolph Hitler, has rearmed in such a formidable him, not what a comfortable successful time he way that the Reich feels strong enough to disre- would have, but "how great things he must suffer" gard other European nations. After taking over for the sake of Christ. all of Austria, without a battle, he has demanded large sections of Czechoslovakia where "Sudeten Christians and the Christian Church are called Germans" are living, and has captured their ter- to work unfalteringly for a better world, to preach ritory under threat of a general European war. and practice peace; to feed the hungry, heal the Already he has marched in to take possession of sick, care for the fatherless and widows; to preach fortifications, cities, health resorts, natural re- and practice righteousness and brotherly love in sources, and many industrial plants on which the the name of Christ and in the power of the Holy Czechoslovakian Government has depended for Spirit. In Czechoslovakia, as in Spain and Ethieconomic and military strength. The end is not opia, in China and Korea, Christians pray for yet; while the four parties to the new agreement- courage as they face conflicts and ungodly human Germany, France, Great Britain and Italy-have dictators; they are not discouraged in the midst supposedly guaranteed the new boundaries of the of trials; true followers of Christ will witness to shrinking republic, Herr Hitler is not satisfied. Him and will resolve to love even their enemies He sees that the other nations fear modern war- and to pray for rulers and for those who "despitefare and its terrible results, as he does not, and fully use and persecute them." Czechoslovakia and therefore he stands ready to demand more conces- other lands may be ravaged by war and torn by sions to add to his territory in Europe-and fire, sword and pestilence but the life of the probably will demand a return of former German Christian is "hid with Christ in God." colonies. Poland and Hungary also are demanding slices of Czechoslovakia inhabited by some of War is a taste of hell on earth but there is sometheir people. It is as though Mexico were strong thing even worse than the mental and physical enough to demand United States territory in the horrors of warfare-namely the utter spiritual southwest, in which Mexicans have made their homes. The Czechoslovaks were ready to fight darkness of those whose lives are alienated from for their land but could not do it alone, when God. There is much that Christians can do for abandoned by their allies who had guaranteed the suffering people of Czechoslovakia, and of their boundaries. other stricken lands, in this hour of their dire Czechoslovakia has had 54,250 square miles of need. Christian love is not merely a pious senti- ment, it is a divine dynamic that operates for practical and Godlike ends.
SO THIS IS INDIA TODAY* strong even where the leaders themselves are not "The earthquakes that have rattled our bun- Christians. galow are as nothing compared with the movements which are changing the whole life of Agriculture and industry: India has resources, India," writes an experienced missionary in look- physical and spiritual, that are undeveloped by ing over the scene-political, social, and religious any of her old religions. These schools are a part -which now confronts Christian forces. "I have of the answer which missionaries are making to never seen the foundations of society shaken as the question, "How important are 700,000 villages they are today." and their inhabitants?"
India has a population three times that of the It is impossible to separate the work of the United States; 200 languages in use; climate Kingdom of God into given classifications. The ranging from tropical to subarctic; a rigid social doctor and the nurse, the industrial teacher and and religious system which is now giving way the rural expert, the minister and the woman: before modern conditions; five widespread re- evangelist, the teacher and the administrative ligions, besides innumerable minor faiths. In the officer, are but parts of the whole force of Chrismidst of all this we find that Christianity is in- tians who have put their gifts of trained and decreasing much more rapidly in proportion than voted lives at the service of Christ to make India a part of the Kingdom which shall not end.
the population! These few facts underly the cur- rent work in India. Behind the familiar state- THE CRISIS AMONG NEGROES ments are rapid changes in life and psychology such as have never before confronted India. According to President Mordecai Johnson of Howard University in Washington, D. C., the Christians set the standards for the education Negro is in a worse state today than he was beand training of women, and the women of India fore the depression, and in the most precarious are responding with zeal and unselfishness. Chris- position he has been since 1880. Dr. Johnson tians set standards for the improvement of village feels that his people are likely to lose in the next life; for lifting the level of rural millions above ten years the greater proportion of all they have the line of desperate poverty; for care of body gain~d, unless steps are taken to avert this disand soul in hospitals and clinics. Education is aster. This is an opinion to challenge the attenmore widespread, leadership for and by the mem- tion of every public-minded citizen, and every bers of the Depressed Classes is vigorous and friend of our Negro millions. The problem of vocal. The high percentage of illiteracy has made providing work for the vast reservoir of unemthe goal of Christian workers "Every Christian ployed Negro labor rising out of the maladjusta reader by 1941." "Never mind lunch," was the ments of the cotton plantation system in the South cry of a group of women. "We can get food later; is a colossal one to attack, and one far out of the we can't get a teacher when this meeting is over!" scope of anyone church to solve. The Church must be aware tha.t such a problem exists, else Medical work: Missionary doctors (men and how can it help to create a public opinion which women) and nurses, work with an Indian staff of will demand that some national attempt at a soludoctors and nurses in hospitals and dispensaries. tion be made? The problem resolves itself into a They treat tuberculosis and leprosy as well as the concern about educated young Negroes, willing more common ills of India. and eager to work at anything that will pay a liv- ing wage, unable to find a niche, rebuffed and hu- Schools and universities: Union and denomina- miliated frequently in the search for honest work, tional colleges and schools are scattered over all India.
Evangelistic work is conducted in evangelistic and excluded from most of the opportunities to meetings, in churches, schools and hospitals. earn a decent living. Many possibilities are auto- Mass movements are again in progress as they matically closed to the young Negro and he starts were a generation ago. Political as well as social out with a defeatist attitude, knowing that he will influence is largely against these movements, ow- be lucky to work into some elevator or service'
ing to the fact that voters are registered by reli- job; that there are not even too many of these, gion. If means were at hand to train them, the and that he will automatically get less money for missions could use many more Indian evangelistic his work than his white neighbor.
workers to help to seize so great an opportunity. What the Church can do is problematic; what Women's work: Women are making history in individuals can do is just as complicated; but India, from political leaders to village workers. there is one thing all can do-we can become in- Some are Christians but the Christian influence is formed and interested. Each person can examine his own practical Christianity.
• Extracts from Monday Morning, a weekly paper for Presbyterian -Virginia Ray, in the Presbyterian Tribune. pastors.
A New Survey of Neglected Arabia*
By the REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D., Princeton, New Jersey -.~ Author of "Arabia, the Cradle of Islam," etc., etc., one of the ~- Founders of the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church in America FIFTY years ago the tragic death of Ian Keith- The backward s·tate of the "As·ir highlands, intended Falconer at Aden called the attention of the by nature to be a paradise, is the inevitable result of world to Arabia. His memorable words man's inability to live at peace with his neighbors." Yet stirred the student world of his day: "While vast here nature and man h.ave cer.tainly combined to create a continents are shrouded in almost utter darkness scene of astonishing beauty, and it seemed to me that man had actually outdone nature in their friendly rivalry.
and hundreds of millions suffer the horrors of Imagine a great tableland thrust up to a height of 9000heathenism and Islam, the burden of proof rests 9500 feet, towering above the tumbled mountains and upon you to show that the circumstances in which valleys of the Tihama on one side and the endless expanse God has placed you were meant by Him to keep of mountains and desert on the other. The surface of the p·lateau, plunging steeply down on one side in a series of you out of the foreign field." splendid buttresses, slopes gently on th.e other in the The burden of the unoccupied areas of the curves of graceful valleys, forming huge theaters, for world rested on the Edinburgh Missionary Con- which man has provided the seats in terrace after terference nearly thirty years later. (Witness the race of cornfields. In the middle of Jurie the corn was ripe, and I shall never forget that scene of golden ears report and the literature on the subject at that soughing and howing under the gentle· breeze, terrace time.) The subject was practically shelved at the after terrace, down the mighty flanks of those moun- Jerusalem Council Meeting in 1928, and the sur- tains, whose steeper slopes nature had reserved for her vey by Charles H. Fahs was not even printed in own planting-a dense forest of junipers and other trees the eight-volume report. Now the World Domin- extending down to the 7500-foot level. And in the fields and forest the !birds rejoiced.
ion Movement, in its series of Survey Volumes, The natural boundaries of Arabia are not in has laid emphasis not only on what the Christian degrees of lattitude or longitude. The great "Is- Church has done and is doing, but especially upon land of the Arabs," as they themselves call it, has the vast unfinished task and the great unoccupied its geographical and historical area accurately areas. Their latest volmne deals with Arabia- expressed in the thrice repeated promise of the long neglected and now the hardest battleground Old Testament "from sea to sea and from the in the spiritual conflict with Islam. Dr. Harold I. Storm (who is chiefly respon- river unto the ends of the earth." Iraq and sible for the Survey and has written all of the Transjordania are of Arab speech, race and trachapters except one, which is by Mrs. Storm) dition; the great northern desert has been the has probably traveled more widely across the tenting ground of the Arab since the dawn of Arabian peninsula than any other missionary. history.
His recent tour took him across the peninsula Dr. Storm's survey is the first complete survey from east to west and inland to Asir, Yemen, and of Arabia today as a mission field. Until the year the cities of Hadramaut. The beautiful photo- 1889, this vast area was considered a closed land. graphic illustrations in this volume reveal some- Dr. Eugene Stock, then Secretary of the Church thing of the variety of Arabian landscape. Missionary Society, in an address at the Ecu- Arabia is not all desert. It has fertility and menical Missionary Conference held in New York beauty. H. St. John Philby has recently made an in 1900, said: "The greatest of all these unen- extensive journey to the Land of Sheba (Geo- tered countries, which is very rarely mentioned graphical Journal, July, 1938) through the great in missionary accounts, is Arabia. There is that Wady of Nejran, where Christians died martyrs great Arab race, the children of Abraham as before the days of Mohammed. Here is his pic- much as are the Jews, waiting for the Gospel; ture of one unoccupied province of Arabia. Does but we cannot get in to preach it. The Lord will it not come as a challenge?: open that door when we have entered the doors • "Whither Arabia?" By Harold Storm, M.D., IIlus. $1.50. Pub- already open." Why did this missionary stateslished by the World Dominion Movement, New York and London. man and historian consider Arabia "the great- [ 519]
est" of all the unoccupied fields and speak of «the Dr. Storm shows that the Arabs are a great great Arab race"? race in origin and destiny, and are capable of great achievement. Physically they are undoU'bt- Of all the lands comparable to Arabia in size, edly one of the strongest races of the world, a and of all the peoples who in any way approach survival of the fittest in an environment that kills the Arabs in historical interest and influence, no off the weaklings. The character, influence and country and no nationality (as Prof. Hitti re- literature of the Arabic language witnesses to the .marks) has received "so little consideration and genius of the people and of their prophet Moham- study in modern times as have Arabia and the med, through his book. A certain degree of sim- Arahs." Arabia is one of the great Bible lands, ilarity in human character, and an even greater has an area of a million square miles and is the similarity of language and custom and religion, probable cradle of the Semitic race which has prevails over the entire area where Arab migra- given the world its three great theistic faiths: tion brought Islam in its early conquest. Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Who can say whether what happened in the The Arabs have been world-conquerors and ex- seventh century may not occur again in the twen- plorers. They traveled from the Pillars of Her- tieth, if Christ should capture the Arab heart and cules (Gibraltar) to the coasts of China and in Arabs become messengers of the Gospel as, they the period of their greatest expansion "assim- once were of the Koran? ilated to their creed, speech and even physical type more aliens than any stock before or since, The exploration and mapping of the Arabian not excepting the Hellenic, the Roman, the Anglo- peninsula has made vast strides during and since Saxon or the Russian." Israel's tradition in the the World War. When Hogarth wrote his book, "The Penetration of Arabia," there were still A GORGE IN THE TUWAIG MOUNTAINS, ARABIA large areas unexplored and unmapped. Since the time of Doughty, the work of men like Lawrence, Old Testament reveals most intimate relations Shakespeare, Cheeseman, Rutter, Philby, Freya with Arabia and Arab life, both on their eastern Stark, Vander Meulen, and last but not least, frontier and on the south, even to distant Ha- Bertram Thomas, have given us a picture of dramaut; The Hebrew literary genius, as Dr. Arabia and its inhabitants with very few gaps Macdonald has indicated, also shows kinship with remaining. But this latest survey by Dr. Storm Arabia. 'Their literature throughout all their his- is a missionary survey of the field. tory, and to this day, in its method of production and in its recorded forms is of Arab scheme and The new forces that have at last stirred it may type." An index of all the Scriptural references now arouse patriarchal and nomad Arabia from to Arabia and Arabian Bedouin life includes its stagnation. The tide of Western trade and twenty-five books of the Old and five of the New culture came after the earliest missionary occupa- _ Testaments. tion fifty years ago, and has made the task of evangelization at once easier and yet more dif- There is no land in the world and no people ficult. All Arabia faces a new future and this (with the exception of Palestine and the Jews) volume may well ask "whither?". which bear such close relation to the Theocratic covenants and Old Testament promises as do A recent British writer weighs the question: Arabia and the Arabs. The divine promises for "The desert is undoubtedly the clue to the history the final victory of the Kingdom of God in Arabia of the Arabs. Relentless yet free, it has made the are many, definite and glorious. These promises Arab what he is, essentially virile, essentially group themselves around seven names which have chivalrous, essentially spendthrift, essentially fa- from time immemorial been identified with the talistic. Critics have said that the Arab is so lazy peninsula of Arabia: Ishmael, Kedar, N ebaioth, that he has largely made his own deserts rather Sheba, Seba, Midian and Ephah. than that the deserts have made him. Such critics are uJikind and superficial." He goes on to point out that today the Arab has changed. He has a broader horizon and a new sense of nationalism. The Arab is potentially a traveler and has made history outside of Arabia. The excellent maps that accompany the Survey indicate at once the tribal disunity of Arabia and its religious, social and linguistic unity.
As Dr. Storm points out, every year the motor car is penetrating further into neglected Arabia. Communications between every part of the Penin- sula were never so rapid and universal. The
A NEW SURVEY OF NEGLECTED ARABIA
Arabic papers and books from Cairo, Beirut, station is a majority. Arithmetic fails when you Damascus, and Baghdad reach every part of the deal with spiritual realities. Yet it is the im- Peninsula. Surely all this is a challenge to hasten ponderable forces of the Spirit of God which will the work of Christian evangelization. Thirteen determine victory or defeat in Arabia. The three centuries of history prove that there is little hope principal missions in the peninsula are the Amerfor Arabia in Islam. ican Mission on the Persian Gulf, the United Church of Scotland at Aden, and the Danish REPLACING THE ARABIAN CAMEL Church Mission in Yemen. The number of Chris- Longest motor coach in the world-carrying passengers from tians connected with these missions is very small, but their faith and faithfulness is very great. Damascus to Baghdad. Here is a book that truly tells of "Faith" Mis- sions! What Islam has done and has not done for the land of its birth can be read in the fascinating Because we believe that the imponderables of bO.Qks of unprejudiced explorers who, from the the Kingdom of Light are on our side, we believe days of Burckhardt and Niebuhr until those of that "opportunity" is not the last word in mis- Philby and Freya Stark, penetrated the vast sions. The appeal of the closed door is often even peninsula and have portrayed not only the land greater than that of the one which is open. The but the people. Doughty's two volumes are an en- open door beckons; the closed door may be a chalcyclopedia on the effect of Islam in molding the lenge to God's authority. It is the strength of character of the desert Arab. There could be no these imponderable forces-that is to say the stranger indictment of Islam than the fruit of reality of the Invisible, which enables the misthat faith in the character and lives of the Arabs sionary beneath the walls of an Arabian city, or as Doughty portrays them. in its borderlands, to look upward with confidence and to see by faith the future result of his toil in The present Survey does not deal very largely "the great multitude which no man could numwith Islam as a religion but points out the suc- ber"-a world where statistics are inadequate to cess and the further urgent opportunity for express realities, where finance and budgets have Christian missions, especially medical missions. lost all significance and gold is used for paving Dr. and Mrs. Storm are very modest in pointing stones. out what has been achieved in the past five decades. One cannot measure success here by statis- Success is not always measured by numbers tics, although we have tables and figures of nor victory by majorities. "Not by might nor by schools, hospitals and dispensaries. The Arabian peninsula, seen from the back of a camel, is much MODERN AIRPLANE TRAVEL IN ARABIA larger than on the map. Here "one dot may represent 10,000 Moslems"; there, one Moslem power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." Here represents ten thousand difficulties in evangelism. is a new challenge to students in our colleges for Some things cannot be put into tables and figures. the great adventure. After you read this "New You cannot tabulate loneliness nor plot the curve Survey," help to pray through to a successful conof hope deferred which makes the heart sick. Yet clusion the task that God has set before His these are the things that make the difference be- Church in this great and still neglected peninsula. tween the shedding of ink and the shedding of blood. The end of the geographical and ethnological survey is only the beginning of the missionary enterprise. One man with God at a mission
and Romance in Czechoslovakia
By REV. JOSEPH NOVOTNY, D.D., International Baptist Seminary, East Orange, N. ,.
1'. DECENTLY the little democracy of central of the "Unitas Fratrum," and introduced believ- Europe, Czechoslovakia, has become front er's baptism into the Bohemian Brethren Church. page news. In spite of the general interest Count Tolstoy professed himself his admirer and aroused, few readers seem to be acquainted with disciple. The Bohemian Brethren Church of old the country, its problems and the present religious is sometimes called today "the most beautiful situation. blossom on the tree of Christianity since the time According to one of the best Czechoslovakian of the apostles." Comenius was the great religious leader of the "Unitas Fratrum," the teacher of historians, Dr. Kamil Krofta, the foreign minister nations, who was called to Harvard as president, of the Czechoslovakian Government, the Czecho- is a man who is not valued enough. We are only slovaks were already in the present countries beginning to understand what he meant, not only which form Czechoslovakia as early as the second, for the Czechoslovaks but for the culture of the or perhaps in the first, century of the Christian era. world. The Moravian Church of today has its In the fourth century, when people were seek- origin in the work of Chelcicky and Comenius.
ing new homes, and the Slavs, the most numerous Czechoslovaks are the only Slavs who adopted white race in the world who had their cradle in the Reformation and followed it for two hundred the south of Russia, divided into different groups. years. It was an eminently religious country, The Czechoslovaks, although comparatively few "The Land of Book and Cup." There is a proverb, in number, showed the greatest energy and went which has its origin in the time of Hus: "The furthest west of all the Slavs. A few who went Husitic woman knows the Bible better than the further were drowned in the German Sea. The priest." The Czechoslovaks printed the first Czechoslovak land looks like a finger of the great Bible in a living tongue-New Testament in 1475, Slav hand pointing other Slavs to Western culture the whole Bible in 1488, in Prague. For the man of which he became the interpreter. Being the who daily reads and meditates in the Bible they center of Europe, and having high mountains as a coined a word, pismak, which cannot be translated natural frontier, the Czechoslovak was able, dur- into any other language. Nowhere is the Lord's ing the many hundreds of years of Germanizing Supper held in higher esteem than among the efforts of his neighbors, to remain a Czechish Czechoslovaks. The old independent Protestant peninsula in the German Sea. His chief connec- Czech State was a land of liberty, with the kingtion with his Slav brethren has been the Poles to democrat, George of Podebrad, who was a Czechothe north. slovak citizen, chosen king because of his spiritual The Czechoslovaks accepted Christianity as nobility. This Reformation movement was transpreached to them by the two Greek brethren, planted into Slovakia so that half of the popula- Cyrill and Methodius. This fact is the reason tion became Protestants and they use the Czech why the Czechoslovaks, while for the most part Bible and hymnals today. Roman Catholics, have not been strong followers Another fact which shows the missionary spirit of Rome. of the Czechoslovaks in the dawn of the Reforma- The Protestant Reformation ideas took root in tion, is of spiritual interest to all Anglo-Saxons. Bohemia and in the other Czechoslovak territory. When Scotland was still Roman Catholic, but had The greatest man that the Czechoslovak nation some friends of Reformation ideas, they sent to produced, John Hus, was not the first or only re- Prague a message in which they asked for a former. He had many forerunners. His clever representation of the Reformation ideas in the colleague was Jerome of Prague, and his spiritual cradle of Reformation. The Czechs sent a whole successor, Peter Chelcicky, a man who was born expedition, the leader of which, Pavel Kravar, was too soon, an apostle of world peace and separation professor in the Prague University. In his adoptof State and Church. He was the spiritual father ed country he became known as Paul Crawer, or [522 ] LlTBUAN7A·…,~ R U S S I A i,i .,;•J • MOSCOW • "~L" .-….'r""'~-Y.""'-.., iI" uK RAI N.E .A·,. "• Scale of Miles 100 200 30, 0 40, 0 THE THEATER OF TUR'MOIL IN EUROPE TODAY A Herald-Tribu.ne map showing the portions of Czechoslovakia acquired by Germany. These areas comprise about 11,500 square miles (nearly the size of Belgium), with 3,500,000 inhabitants, living along the Western, Northern and Southern boundaries.
Craw; he preached the Gospel in Scotland for tants in Bohemia by Roman Catholic Austria. The three years, and was burned as a heretic at St, Andrews in 1433. Jesuits and soldiers entered the land and tried to Peter Paine, an early English Reformer, who "convert" the people with sword and fire. They was banned from his native country because of his "heretic" beliefs, found a refuge in the free beheaded twenty-seven Czech religious leaders country of Bohemia, and died there in peace, known as "Brother English." The center and spir- and passed a law that everybody who would not itual stronghold of the Reformation ideas was the Czech University of Prague, the oldest one in be Roman Catholic must leave the country or Central Europe, founded in 1348. die. Many died, many left the country without When America was discovered, and many left their homeland to seek gold, the Czechoslovaks their property, so that although Bohemia, before revealed a thirst after pure religion, and sent abroad an expedition to find the best Christians in the Thirty Years' war, had over three millions of the world and to bring home their experience. inhabitants, after the war there were left only Meanwhile the religious divisions were serious. When civil war broke out in 1618, the Austrians eight hundred thousand people. The property of invaded the land and the tragic battle near Prague was a precursor of the end of the inde- the Protestant Czechs (which amounted to five pendent Protestant Czechoslovak State. Emperor Ferdinand of Austria proclaimed that he would hundred million gold crowns, according to the rather see Czechoslovakia a desert than a Protestant country. Few pages of history show such a historian, Bilek) was given to the Roman Catholic dark record as those of the persecution of Protes- Church, nobility, and the Emperor. Three hun- dred years of persecution followed, the history of which a Czech can read only with a bleeding heart.
The Roman Catholic German-Austrians largely succeeded in turning the Czech Protestant land into a Roman Catholic country.
To make the nation forget their national hero, John Hus, the Jesuits brought out a fictitious John (Nepomuk), and named him the nation's patron saint in 1729. .
A dark period followed in Czech history. In
the forests and mountains remained the true out of three who were born in the last year of the pismaks, readers of the Bible, although the Bible war died because of the weakness of their mothwas proclaimed a forbidden book which the ers. In spite of this persecution, the nation kept Jesuits told the people not to read and many were the motto of John Hus: "Woe to those who, for a taken away by force. In order that Catholic serv- piece of bread, sell the truth." ants might not touch the "poisoned books," they carried them in chains, and the priests burned When the war was near at an end, the Czechothem in the churchyards. One Jesuit leader pro- slovaks couldwait no longerfor thearmistice. When claimed openly that he (Konias) had burned sixty they saw that their oppressor grew weaker and thousand Bohemian Bibles and Protestant re- the Allies stronger, they thought that the moment ligious books. In order to find hidden Bibles it is had arrived for their liberation. On the twentyrecorded that the Jesuits used to wear shoes with eighth of October, 1918, Prague was aroused to nails when they went to the fields where the peo- enthusiasm. Crowds crying, "Liberty! Hurrah ple were working barefoot. Trampling on their for the Allies!" were marching through the feet, they asked where they kept their Bibles. streets. People went about kissing and embracing People often went from one village where there each other. The Czechoslovaks are proud that was no Bible to a village where there still was a their greatest day in history was not stained by a Bible and offered a loaf of bread to be allowed to single drop of blood, even by the "enemy." The read and learn parts by heart, in order to share Austro-Germans feared the day of liberation its contents with their neighbors when they re- would be a day of vengence-therefore they turned. closed the doors and windows of their houses in fear. But the new government sent messengers In these dark th'ree hundred years the Protes- to the Germans to open their houses, with the tant Czechoslovaks had to fight Vienna and Rome, message that they need not be afraid as the nation that together tried to Germanize and to Roman- did not intend to persecute anybody in the new ize the nation. Therefore it came about that every State. Czechoslovak was filled with a" hatred against this dualism, and as he read history the antago- When Czechoslovakia was liberated, it seemed nism was doubled. only natural that the national liberation should be crowned by a religious liberation. The Czecho- The Effect of the World War slovak Government prescribed for the first time in the new state a" census, to record to what The third period of the Czechoslovak nation nationality each one belonged, and what religion starts at the moment with the great World War. he professed. It was natural that every Czechoslovak resolved to side with the Allies against Austria; their op- In the old Austria it was not easy to leave the pressor. The leader of the nation, Prof. T. G. Roman Catholic Church, but after the World War, Masaryk, wisely foresaw that a revolution would there was proclaimed complete religious liberty. mean suicide. Therefore he recommended that Many Czechoslovaks, even nominal Roman Cathsome of the leaders go abroad to cooperate with olics, were ashamed to say that they belonged to the Allies, and others stay at home to lead the the Church which had "burned the greatest people. Regiments were organized in Russia, Czechoslovak that ever lived," John Hus; the France, Italy, and America. As a result the Al- church which "robbed our greatest men of their lies recognized the right of the Czechoslovaks for property," and had either killed them or sent independence. them abroad as beggars.
Austria endeavored to punish the Czechoslovaks They said: "We cannot read the history of our for their thirst after freedom and the children nation without feeling ashamed that we besuffered especially. As one poet said: "Who saw long to those who destroyed the whole life of our the sufferings of men, did not see anything, he nation." must see the sufferings of the women; who saw the sufferings of women, did not see anything, Many people (perhaps one-third) left the Rohe must see the sufferings of children." The chil- man Catholic Church during this movement and dren sought for bits of food in ashes, or begged the process is not at an end. While two-thirds of on their knees at the door for a piece of bread. the population are still reported as Roman Cath- When the war was nearly at an end, the Austrian olics, according to the last census the capital minister for Foreign Affairs, Czernin, said to the city of Prague has only fifty-three per cent in Czechoslovak leaders, "When we are forced to that church. Great numbers are joining the new leave your country, we shall leave it a cemetery." Czechoslovak Church which has broken all ties After the armistice eighty-two per cent of the with Rome, recognizes the great men of our Refor- Czechoslovak children had consumption, and two mation as their spiritual leaders, uses the Czecho- slovak language in the church, has pictures of John Hus on the altars, and sings old Husitic
REALITY AND ROMANCE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA
hymns; the priests marry, 'and the church is one Czechoslovak village where there were seven- growing in numbers as well as in spiritual life. ty-eight houses, over ninety American flags.
They are learning from the Protestant churches The Czechoslovaks are eager interpreters of new methods, such as the Sunday school and American culture, including religion. It is only Young People's Societies. stating a fact when the European nations call the Many join the different Protestant churches Czechoslovaks "the Yankees of Europe." The newwhich, in a short time, have admitted thousands. est Czechoslovak literature is full of American in- In the west of Bohemia, in a country town, where fluence. One of the youngest Professors of there was a Presybterian church with about one Philosophy of the Prague University, the successthousand members, today the same church has or of President Masaryk, returned from a trip to twenty thousand members. In the same district America and spoke and wrote enthusiastically is a country town where all the population left the about American life. The people were never more Roman Catholic church and joined the Protes- ready to accept the greatest treasure which Amertants, leaving only the priest, his housekeeper and ica possesses-the spiritual Christian religion. As to the problem of minorities which has the janitor in the Catholic church. caused the present crisis in Czechoslovakia, there In the Protestant churches many are seeking are such racial, national and religious minorities the deepening of spiritual life. Dogmatic bat- in every country of Europe. The crux of the tles are at an end; but many feel that real god- problem is not how many individuals or what perliness ought to follow the movement. The pastors centage of the whole population is found in a cerfrom the lukewarm churches are sent to those re- tain group, but how they are treated; how much gions where there is the greatest spiritual work, liberty they possess. in order that they may be influenced by that movement and "bring it home." It is touching to see In Czechoslovakia with more than 15 million how eager the young Protestants are to know inhabitants, the minorities reach 33.8 per cent of what they ought to do to be real "Bohemian the total population. These minorities came to Brethren." Many a lukewarm church has become Czechoslovakia as colonists. The historical dea living force because of the new opportunity. The velopment and natural frontier of high mountains greatest movem-ent was in the southwest of Bo- did not permit to draw the frontier any other hemia, where there was formerly the greatest way. These minorities are scattered all over stronghold of the Roman Church; it is the birth- the country. The Germans have numbered 22 place of John Hus, John Zizka, and Peter per cent of the entire population; the Magyars Chelcicky, and other Czechoslovak Reformers. As (Hungarians) 4.7 per cent, the Ruthenes 3.7 per in the Reformation time, people in the street, in cent, the Jews 1.29 per cent and the Poles 0.56 the railroad cars, in the public places, often spoke per cent.
about religious topics during this movement. How are the minorities treated in Czechoslo- vakia? The Germans have had seventy represent- America and Czechoslovakia atives in the Chamber of Deputies, thirty-six in It is interesting to know what part America the Senate; the Magyars (Hungarians) have played in the development of Czechoslovakia. eleven deputies and seven senators; the Ruthenes There are several external ties between America have nine deputies and senators; the Poles have and Czechoslovakia: their proclamation of inde- two deputies and the Jews two. There is absolute pendence was signed in the same place at the same liberty with regard to the use of the minority desk as the Declaration of Independence of Ameri- languages in the press. With regard to schools, ca, in Philadelphia; the first lady of Czechoslo. they can educate their children in schools provakia was an American, the Anglo-Saxon vided by government money where the minority American wife of the first President, Professor language is used and where the teachers belong to Masaryk. The Czechoslovaks will never forget the the minority and textbooks are printed in the American soldiers in Europe who helped to liber- minority language. The Germans in Czechosloate the nation: the proclamation of the American vakia have had two universities, two technical conditions of peace; the distribution of the institutes and are equipped with all types of ele- American bread, which saved multitudes from mentary and secondary schools. All these schools starvation; the coming of the American dollar, have been supported by government money.
which saved Europe from bankruptcy. The Germany, Italy and Hungary offer no political Czechoslovaks know of these things, and are deep- representation for the minorities. Poland offers ly thankful. In Prague they have the Wilson only partial political representation and bilingual monument, Wilson Central Station, American type of schools. Czechoslovakia is a democratic Street, and Hoover Avenue. One of the American country where the minorities have equal rights correspondents just after the armistice found in with the majority.
Universality of Christ*
~I .:; ;I===B=y=E=.=S=T=A=N=L=E=Y=J=O=N=E=S,=D=.=D=.,=I=od=ia==~-LII ~- SOMETHING more is involved in Christian at liberty them that are bruised, those who have missions than the question of whether we hurt themselves with their moral and spiritual will or will not send missionaries across the falls. His was a message to the hurt spirits of seas. The Christian Church is beginning to recog- men, and then He came to proclaim the Lord's nize the fact that if we cannot share our Christian Year of Jubilee. Every fifty years there was a faith with every man everywhere, in the end we fresh national beginning; all debts cancelled, all will not be able to hold it. That which is not uni- slaves freed, all land redistributed, and the na- versal is not true, for Truth by its very nature is tion began with a new beginning.
universal. Two and two make four in India, Jesus closed the book of the Prophet, and said, China, America, and around the world. The mo- "Today this program begins. Today this Scripment you discover the Truth, it rises above na- ture hath been fulfilled in your ears." tional boundaries and belongs to us as a race. If, therefore, what we have cannot be shared with In beginning our missionary program we can all men, it is not universal, and if it is not univer- do no better than to announce what Jesus said sal it is not true. was His program and make it our own-a Gospel for the poor, for the hungry millions of the earth. If we cannot give Christ and His Gospel to God wills a new distribution of the goods which every man everywhere, in the end we shall stand He has provided for every man. The missionary beside dead altars, we shall pray dead prayers enterprise, if it stands for anything, stands for and we shall have a faith that has let us down in redistribution of that which God, our Father, has our own emergencies. Therefore, this whole ques- willed that every man should have. tion is significant beyond the immediate influence of the missionary cause, and we must face it and Second, we would proclaim release to the capface it with a new sense of realism. tives. There are still multitudes of people who are not liberated. There are those who are still We do not apologize for things as they are and socially and politically captive. The missionary that are of interest to missions. Rather, we want enterprise comes with a great passion for human to be prophets of things as they ought to be. freedom, believing in the worthwhileness of every Christian missions are not sacrosanct save as they man. It would proclaim belief in the worthwhilerepresent truth and reality. We do not ask that ness of every nation. men should blindly take what we say. We ask that they submit it to the test of experience, of There are undeveloped races, but no permalife, of reality. No matter what we say or unsay, nently inferior people. We would also come with the last word is with the facts. a message to those who are physically disenfran- chised-the opening of the eyes of the blind. The We search with you to find reality if we can. missionary enterprise should go out with a pas- Our platform should fit the world's needs. When sion for health, for healing, to lift the burdens of Jesus stood in a little synagogue in Nazareth two suffering which are weighing upon the hearts, and thousand years ago He announced a program are crippling the lives of men. which seemed then of little significance save to that little group. But the world today, humbly The message must come also to those who are searching after something it has not, turns again bruised-men and women who are injured or to ask whether this Man of Galilee has a definite handicapped by their own falls. The man with word for us at this period in the world's history. the wounded conscience, the man who cannot look the world and himself squarely in the face. We Jesus said: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, come with the Gospel of another chance, a new for He has naught in me to preach good tidings to beginning, a conversion, a regeneration. the poor." His program included the proclaim- ing of release to the captives, socially and politi- Then the missionary program sets the whole cally disenfranchised; the opening of the eyes of thing in God's Year of Jubilee and proclaims a the blind, the physically disenfranchised; to set fresh beginning for a race in all departments of * Condensed from an address delivered at the United Foreign human life, a fresh awakening for a world, a new Missions Campaign, Chicago, in 1933. start.
[ 526] These are some of the principles that underly they did, they would go back to a semi-savage, the missionary movement, but upon the thresh- roaming across Europe. Are we coming to that? old of our coming to proclaim these words certain things rise up and questions which we must Many of us are proud that we have English face. Whenever you face a question, face it in its blood in our veins. The English have made amazmore acute forms-answer it there, and then you ing contributions to the collective life of our race. have answered it all down the line. We would And yet at the time of the Roman ascendancy, a like to put this fresh, living, new Kingdom under Roman said, "The stupidest and ugliest slaves on the world problems today, and under the world the market are those from Britain." Had you situation today, but we are met with objections looked at those stupid and ugly slaves you would which we must face. have said, "Impossible barbarians! Nothing can come out of them." But someone else looked at When we talk about being missionaries we are them and said, "Angles; Angles. If they could be accused of a desire to manage other people. Men Christianized they would be angels." We are not say, first of all, that it is bound up with the polit- angels, but we are quite different from the stupid ical imperialisms of the West. No matter how and ugly slaves. And the thing that was at the pure its motive, missionary work gets entangled bottom of our rise was the fact of the impact of and alloys within itself disturb and destroy its the Gospel of Jesus Christ upon us. effect upon human life. Every movement needs constant criticism, constant readjustment, per- Those who have Scotch blood are prouder still. petual realignment, and a bringing back to orig- The Scotch have made amazing contributions to inal purposes. We want to bring back this move- human life. Some of the noblest souls have come ment to original purposes, to disentangle it from from the Scotch, and yet the Scotch have been every entangling alliance that would cripple its called "eaters of human flesh," who had plenty spirit and hurt its motive. We want it to stand of flocks but whose herdsmen would prefer a clear in its own right-compelling, and doing steak from the female breast as a rarity! The what God would have men do through this move- Scotch of the fourth century! Had you looked at ment. them you would have said, "Impossible barbar- ians!" But some looked at them with the eyes of Not Political Imperialism Jesus Christ, and there began the upward rise of a nation that has contributed largely to the col- First of all, then, men say that the missionary lective life. Everywhere the missionary movemovement is a species of political imperialism, ment goes with a passionate belief in the developthat it is the religious side of that western expan- ment of men into likeness to God as He is resion, and partakes of the spirit of that expansion. vealed in Jesus Christ. There is some truth in what the critics say. Again and again the movement has been cor- We don't believe that there is any nation good rupted by its contact with pushing imperialisms enough or wise enough to hold 'permanently anand has been used by the imperialisms of the other people against that people's will. There is West. It was said that when the white man went in every nation a birthright of freedom, and the to Africa the white man had the Bible and the Christian missionary movement should stand, not African had the land; later on the African had as the sponsor of white prestige and white rule, the Bible and the white man had the land. There but should stand for the brotherhood of men, and is just enough truth in that to make it sting. Un- present a Christ who stands alongside of the libjust treaties have been forced upon China because erties of men and who expresses those liberties of China's treatment of missionaries. This move- in His Gospel and in His kingdom. ment has been fused in the purposes of imperialism. We acknowledge it with sorrow. But that Retain All That Is Good and True period of entanglement with the political imperialisms is at an end. Never again will treaties We believe that each nation has something to be forced upon China because of China's treat- contribute to the collective life of our race. We ment of missionaries. Christian missions are un- go, then, to the nations of the earth, not trying to doing what has been done, and the whole pressure wipe out their culture, their past. Much of that of Christian enterprise is to give men liberties culture will pass away with the impact of fuller and freedom. It is the passionate belief that lies knowledge. What is false in those religions will at the heart of the missionary enterprise that be dissolved in the face of truth, but nothing every man is of infinite worth. good, nothing true, nothing beautiful shall perish if men and women accept Jesus Christ, for He If any people in these United States say that said, "I came not to destroy, but to fulfill." He they do not believe in Christian missions, they would gather up unto Himself all the beautiful should be willing to go back to where they were things, the splendid touches, the genius of each before Christian missions touched them. And if nation, gather up into Himself-not destroying,
but perfecting all that is good and true and beau- A church that has a living unity has authority tiful. We can go to the nations of the earth with in a world that is looking for unity. If we can't a new sense of friendship, and at the same time get together as denominations, how can we de- believing that we have a message to them that mand that the world get together as nations? We Jesus Christ completes everything good in any believe that the missionary enterprise comes to nation anywhere. you with a new passionate belief in the unity of the Christian world, and we would build up a I believe the last vestige of connection of the great sense of Christian solidarity that would missionary enterprise with political imperialism hold together every fine thing that each denomiwas severed at the Jerusalem Conference. For the nation can contribute to the whole, but bound tofirst two or three days we analyzed until we were gether with a broad Christian brotherhood that paralyzed. We were suffering from what some- transcends all of this. There is no denomination body has called "paralysis of analysis." But at that had any corner on the saints. God seems to the end of those two weeks, as we sat at the feet work through denominations-sometimes, in of Jesus Christ and looked into His thoughts, we spite of them. If that hurts your denominational concluded that we had a message the world could pride it may help your Christian humility. We not do without and live. No missionary move- are deeply grateful for the denominations which ment has set its face toward the rights of all men, have nurtured us and given us spiritual birth, but and the liberties of all men. we step out and say: "It may be that the Chris- tian missionaries will force us at the home base But somebody says: While the missionary to come together because we believe that the movement may not be political imperialism, isn't world is searching for real unity." it denominational imperialism? Isn't it marked by the desire to build up vast denominations? Is not spiritual imperialism desire to manage There is some truth in that alliance. Christian other people's minds and souls in their supposed missions grew up at the time when denominations interests? There is a good deal of that in Chrisexpanded greatly in the West, and they have tian missions at home and abroad, because of the sometimes used this movement for the purposes type of teaching we give our young people. We tell of statistics. our young people that they must go out and be- come leaders. Get a dozen people together, all of Christ Greater Than Sects But today in the East, Christianity is begin- whom have been taught to be leaders, and you ning to recognize that there is something bigger have the stage set for confusion and strife, and than the question of being a Baptist or a Meth- for position, and power. Jesus (according to odist or a Presbyterian or anything else. There Moffet) said, "Be ye not called leaders." The is the question of being a Christian! What great attitude of the leader is, "I lead; you follow." It advantage is it 'to you whether you are a Meth- is a selfish attitude, therefore cannot be Christian. odist or Episcopal or anything else, in the light of Jesus said, "Be ye called servants." The attitude the question as to whether Jesus Christ or Karl of the servant is that he loses himself in a cause Marx shall hold the destiny of China? As we outside of himself. Jesus said, "I can Christianize have dropped down beneath the level of organ- that attitude." The world is tired of leaders. ization, down to the level of experience, we have Again and again they plunge us into war to satisdiscovered that the true Christian Church is the fy their ambitions. The world is sick of the desire most united body on earth, if we only knew it. to be leaders. It is perishing for servants! Per- Weare united in the deepest thing in life-name- ishing for men and women who lose themselves in the needs of humanity, forgetting themselves ly, in life itself. We share in Jesus Christ a life as the Master did. He said, "I am among you as that overleaps the barriers of race and class and one who serves. I came not to be ministered unto, congregation and denomination, and holds us to but to minister and to give myself a ransom for the deepest brotherhood that this world knows many." anything about-the brotherhood of a new life in Christ. The Supremacy of the Servant It is a strange anomoly that people who are Then what happens? That Servant of all be- most united at the center are sometimes most comes the greatest of all. He rises up with a new divided at the circumference. We, therefore, say kind of leadership, out of hurt and pain, out of to the Christian Church: "Brothers, we are one. the Cross. On Easter morning He rises to a new Let's act and love as if we were one. Do away leadership. The Servant of all becomes the Great- with all. duplications, and all competitions, all est of all. If, therefore, you are sending out self- overlappmg, and face this whole world Christian appointed leaders, we don't want them. But if program with the sense of the solidarity of the you can send out men and women who will lose Christian forces of the world." themselves in the great needs of the East, in Heav-
THE UNIVERSALITY OF CHRIST
en's name send them! The East is perishing for in prayer, that we, too, might have more of Christ servants. in our lives. The very act of giving to others is a There is another thing working against this conscious or unconscious prayer that His Life motive. We have discovered by actual fact that may be more operative in our own lives. But the we cannot succeed in being missionaries unless man who makes that objection doesn't say to we succeed in becoming marginal. No longer at science, for instance, "Science, you dare not pass the center, managing affairs, but on the margin, your science to the rest of the world until the sum stimulating, spiritualizing, culturers and helpers total of the findings of science are operative in of the situation; always trying to produce men America." The fact of the matter is that the find- and women who will stand upon their own feet ings of science are far beyond the application of and succeed only as we succeed in producing science to our collective life. The science of med- Christ-conscious, Spirit-directed, self-supporting icine is far beyond the application of medicine to churches in the East. our collective life, yet we do not hesitate to give We need the kind of mentality at the home base our science to the rest of the world. There is al- that is willing to contribute, even where they ways a gap between the findings of a thing and can't manage. We want the kind of spirit God the application of that thing. There is a gap be- guided, at the home base that feels that it is true tween Jesus Christ and our collective manifesta- success when we succeed in producing the kind of tion of Jesus Christ. We do not ask the nations churches in the East that stand as living, vital of the earth to become American; all we ask centers, courageous and self-supporting. In other them to do is to become Christian, and maybe in words, the price of your support should not be becoming Christian they will help us to become that you manage the whole thing. Give liberties more Christian. That is what we crave.
to men and women, give them liberties sufficient The question is, Has Jesus Christ a supply to enable God to help them develop their own which is universally redemptive? Will men be recharacteristics and their own life; then it may deemed if they will give Him a chance? We bebe that outt>f that liberty shall come back to us a lieve He has that abundant supply of life, and great contribution. I do not want merely to go to that in Jesus Christ, wherever groups and nathe East, I want the East to come to us. tions and individuals have exposed themselves to There are multitudes of men and women in the Him, there will come a redemptive power that East who have caught the passion and victory of will lift, change, redeem and make new.
Christ. These men and women can give the Gos- Not Ourselves But Christ pel to help us complete the uncompleted work and task of evangelism of America, so that there will We preach not ourselves but Jesus Christ, and be no more distinction between a "giving coun- then we are your servants for Jesus' sake. But try" and "receiving country," but we will all be somebody says it may not be spiritual impergiving and we will all be receiving. Out of that tinence. Mahatma Gandhi raises an objection. process will rise a fuller, finer type of Christian He says that there should be no change in reli- manhood, out of the twain shall he become a new gion. In an interview with some American newsman in Jesus Christ. paper men he said, "If the missionaries were to Another objection is that somebody says that it use their hospitals and schools for the purpose of may not be spiritual imperialism, but spiritual proselytizing, then when we attain self-govern- impertinence to go to people of other lands, when ment we would ask them to withdraw." His last our task at home is uncomplete. A man said, word modified his first and he said: "Under self- "You never export a thing unless you have a sur- government the missionary would not be allowed plus of that thing. Do you mean to say that you to proselytize if we feel it is done in the wrong have a surplus of Christianity in America, that way." But we have no desire to proselytize. Pros- you dare export it?" We have no surplus of elytizm, or a mere outward change of association, Christianity in America, but unless we try to is unchristian. Jesus said to the religious lead- bring others to Christ our own Christianity will ers of His day, "You compass sea and land and die upon our hands. If the individual centers up- gain a proselyte, and when you have gained him on himself to Christianize himself, he will be de- you are twofold more a child of Hell than him- Christianized in the process. self."
If a group or church should center upon itself On the other hand, Jesus definitely and specif- to Christianize. itself, it would perish in the proc- ically demanded conversion. He said, "Except a ess. If a nation should center upon itself to Chris- man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of tianize itself, it would dry up in the process. God." There is a distinction between conversion Our very stretched-out hands across the seas and proselytizm. Proselytizm is the coming over are in the end a putting of those hands together from one sect or group or opinion to another
group or sect or OpInIOn without any necessary the very nature of the Gospel which I hold. Freechange in heart allegiance or character. It is a ly did I receive, freely must I give. There is a change of label, not of life. We repudiate pros- deep discipline in the Gospel, a disCipline of the elytizm but we insist upon conversion, for con- love of Christ; but primarily it is the gift of version involves a change in character-a deep, God. The Gospel is not so much a demand as it fundamental, all-embracing change in life. is an offer, an offer of new life to man by the grace of God. The moment this life takes hold of One business of the Christian Church is to pro- a man he comes under a discipline so severe that duce conversion, and when the Christian Church it is far deeper than self-discipline. can no longer show conversions it has lost its right to live and its power to propagate. When Gandhi has another objection. This time, he it can no longer make a good man out of a bad says: "If you speak about your religion, don't man, and a weak man into a strong man, and a speak about it in words. Use the most perfect man without God-consciousness into a man ra- method of evangelism-let it come out of the life, diant with God, it has lost its function in human as the perfume comes from the rose. As missionsociety. The whole structure of human life is aries and as Christian workers draw people by resting upon that subtle, intangible thing called your deeds. But do not speak about it." character. And when the character breaks, the confidence breaks, and when the confidence breaks Witness of Lips and Life the country breaks. If the Christian Church cannot so present Jesus Chris,t and His Gospel so as There is something valuable in this suggestion. to make men and women of Christlike character, The West has organized religion too much around if any religion does not make bad men good, it words. Our places of worship are called "audihas lost its right to exist. We have, therefore, no toriums." Our services are services of song, prayapologies for trying to produce conversion. We er, speech-words. Somebody asked a Chinese believe that wherever men and women and in- what he thought of the Christian religion. He dividuals and nations expose themselves recep- said, "It is a very talkative religion." There is tively to Jesus Christ, their conversion does take something in what he says. Gandhi snid, "Let us place to the degree that He is received. have a moratorium on words." There is some- thing in his objections-but not everything. "We want to do something deeper and more fundamental than proselytizing." Conversion is Jesus Christ did use the rose-perfume method. not only the conversion of an individual-that "He went about doing good." He did good beconversion is as far extended as human need. cause men needed it, and the resources of His Just as' there can be sin in the individual will, heart were big enough to meet that need. He went there can be sin in the collective will. Shall we about doing good, but He did more than that. He rescue the wounded in war or strike at the war interpreted words by acts. The words of His lips system, too? Shall we pick up the drunkards or and the deeds of His life were one. They caJrne tostrike at the liquor traffic, too? The Christian gether like the words and music of a song. His Gospel reapplied would mean a conversion, not deeds were words and His words were deeds, and merely of the individual, but of the sum total of they all came together and became the Living human life. Conversion-the Kingdom of God Word. coming-replacing the present world order, founded as it is on exploitations and on unbroth- We would say to Mahatma Gandhi, If we are erliness-we could replace by an order founded true to Christ we will invest this message with on good will, the Brotherhood of Man under the the sum total of our lives, and that includes our Fatherhood of God. This is the conversion for words. It is only when our words are rooted in which the Kingdom of God stands. facts that we dare speak them.
The Christian life is primarily not an attain- A man came to' me in India and said, "Why do ment, but an obtainment. The gift of God came to you go after people to baptize them?" I replied, me when I had nothing to offer except my bank- "I don't. They come to ask me to baptize them. I ruptcy. I came to Jesus Christ hurt, confused, put no label on a man that does not correspond to bankrupt. I offered Him what I had, and to my an inward fact." The man who has the reality utter amazement and astonishment He took me, has a right to outwardly proclaim it and to enjoy forgave me, cleansed me, loosed me from the old any group where it will be cultivated. The inbonds, set my soul singing its way down these ward without the outward is also hypocrisy. The years. By His grace was I made whole. life, speaking one thing, has a right to live it out.
I dare to speak of that because I simply am lay- But somebody offers one final objection: ing at His feet the tribute of my gratitude and "Aren't they getting along well enough without my life. I could not keep silence without denying Jesus Christ?"
I can not find anyone anywhere getting along well enough without Jesus Christ in East or West.
1938J THE UNIVERSALITY OF CHRIST
I cannot do it. In fellowship with Him I truly thirsty and ye gave me drink; I was sick and ye live. I go to the nations of the East because they are a part of the world, not because they are not visited me; in prison, and ye came to me." most degraded but because they are brother men. "Lord," they say, "when saw we ye hungry or A man said to me, "How do you talk to theos- thirsty? Sick or in prison? We never saw Thee 6phists?" I don't-I talk to people. And I don't this way." And the Master says "Inasmuch as go to speak to Hindus and Mohammedans-I go to speak to men with the same inward needs that ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye I have. I do not go to the people of the East be- 'cause they are the worst of the world, I go to have done it unto Me." . them because they are men for whom Christ died. That, it seems to me, is the legitimate reason for Who is it that is hungry in the hunger of the going. There are degradations in the East just as there are degradations in the West. As I have world? The Christ hungers again. Who is it that sat in round-table conferences and heard noble is bound with the shackles of custom and sin and men tell what religion was meaning or not mean- evil? In them Christ is still bound? At the Cross ing to them, I have come to the conclusion that not only any man at his worst needs Christ, but He gathered all up into His own heart, until every man at his finest and best needs Him. Christ and the human soul were made for each other just as man's trouble became His trouble, and every the lungs were made for air, the eyes for light, the man's pain His pain, and every man's sin His heart for love, and the esthetic nature for beauty. Jesus Christ and the human soul were made for sin. He bore it in His own body upon the Tree. each other, and when we find Him we find not There, it seems to me, is the meaning of the unionly the Way of Life, but Life itself. I desperately wish everyone to have that life. verse. There is the meaning of Life. We live in proportion as we respond with deeper and deeper The Cross and the Motive sensitiveness. This is the test by which we can If I were to point out the deepest places where my missionary motive is found, I would point to judge. a Cross. For the Cross, to me, is the place where I see deepest into the universe. There the uni- How much life is there in our churches? That verse turns redemptive, forgiving all, bearing all, is the great question that comes home to us. healing all, and turning the whole of life into tri- Judge by this standard. Many churches are about umph. It is at the Cross where we see the heart the spiritual level of the vegetable. Dead beets, of the missionary passion, for there is the place of the heartbreak of God. There is where love, pure, if you will. No sensitiveness beyond themselves, holy love, comes into contact with words, sign and need. There we begin to see love reaching and proud of that fact. The missionary moveout as far as the human need, and taking all into ment, with all its faults (and it has many) is the God's own heart bearing all and forgiving all. reaching up of arms and saying, "We are trying Someone has defined "Life" as "sensitiveness." to be Christian; we are trying to be sensitive on It is a great definition. The lower down the scale of living you go the less sensitiveness you find. a world scale, and in trying to do so we are be- The stone is numb; there is no life. The plant ginning to try to catch something of the passion has some sensitiveness, therefore some life. The animal has more, therefore more life. When you that our Lord and Master held." I cannot see come to Man you find the sensitiveness ranging out beyond itself, beyond its group, its nation, and how we can keep that passion in our hearts and to God and the larger life reaches out to man. The more sensitiveness, the more life. The high- not reach out to the last man everywhere. est, greatest life that has been lived upon our planet, is Jesus Christ. There we find the su- The moment I rose the day I was converted I preme sensitiveness. On the last day He will say, felt an impulse in my heart that I had never "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of known before. Five minutes before I had had no the world. I was hungered and ye fed me; I was such impulse. The impulse was that I wanted to share with everybody, and put my arms around the world arid share the Gospel with everybody. My missionary motive today is that; deepened, broadened, but still there. I do not see any place to stop witnessing this side of the last human being. This desire should be held in the heart as a great consuming power. The center of the whole thing is the heart. I believe that such a passion shows the heartbeat of Jesus Christ. In Him is enough power to heal the individual, the social, the eco- nomic, the political needs of the world. I know no other power.
Jesus Christ stands and says, "Come unto Me and enter My Kingdom." Are you willing to make inward surrender of your whole self to Him -your money, your brain, your hand, your life? If so you will follow Him and your life will never be the same. You will have new joy and freedom and power.
of the Churches in
By REV. AKIRA EBISAW A, Tokyo, Japan ExecutitJe Secretary of the National Christian Council of Japan T HE Christian churches of Japan have made It may sound strange for us to speak of such striking progress in the brief time since the a radical change. But every living organism is opening of missions here in 1859. From the destined to grow and is subject to vital changes. very early days these churches have been charac- We believe in the God of Creation, who works terized by a self-governing church polity, pro- even today. We cannot measure the creative moted under the leadership of missionary and work of God in terms of the status quo or hold Japanese leaders. the idea that there can be no development of new We realize, however, that the Christian Church features in the realm of the Church. We should in Japan is not yet fully established. It is only hope and expect that a newly emerging Christian partially represented by the communions trans- Church will develop new forms in a new environplanted to Japanese soil from the Western World. ment.
While the various denominational churches The organization, methodology, and functions represent very important branches of the Body of of the churches in the field must be defined in the Christ, with their historic characteristics, yet light of their environment, they should be rethese divisions often seem meaningless and are a organized so as to accord with the national trastumbling block to the Oriental mind. Japanese dition and be adapted to their indigenous cultural do not understand why the Christian churches are heritage. thus divided. Many things need to be re-examined. For in- Very serious problems are confronting the stance in Japan, the custom of religious congrechurches in the Japan field at present. The en- gational public worship never existed until the vironment of these churches, influenced by the Christian church service was introduced. Our cultural heritage of the nation, is necessarily in- forefathers were accustomed to individual worfluencing their inner life. ship ·and to occasional festivals. Thus the Roman Catholic form of worship seems better adapted to The age-long struggle of the Western churches our people than the Protestant congregational of Europe against the Greco-Roman materialistic services. Moreover, offerings in connection with humanism is being repeated to some extent even public worship have been alien to our people. in Japan. Bushido emphasized the virtue of righteousness Generally speaking, churches in the Orient are and sacrifice and disdained utilitarianism. It placed in an environment characterized by vari- looked with contempt upon the motive of personal ous forms of culture and by the presence of the profit and gain. Little wonder that even in this other great ethnic religions. This brings new fea- highly economic-minded age there are people who tures into the struggle which the Oriental young- think that it is not pious nor Christian to speak er churches are experiencing. This presents a of monetary matters during a religious service or new problem to the churches in this field and right even to take the purse to the house of wor- gives hope and promise that the outcome will be ship.
the enrichment of their inner life. Although gradually the Western industrial These considerations suggest that some intrin- order is affecting and destroying the old social sic value must be developed on the part of these system and is replacing it with an individualistic churches that will adapt them to the cultural mode of life, the family system still has a strong heritage and social environment in their native hold on the life of the Japanese. This makes it fields, without losing anything of their Christian customary for only the head of the family to en- character. joy economic independence, the other members It must be admitted that we should re-examine all being dependent. As a result the system of and re-evaluate our church organization, its meth- offerings by individual members of a church is ods of activity and its relationships, in the light almost meaningless.
of the national cultural tradition and the chang- Creative imagination on the part of Western ing environment. people, inspired by religious insight, has erected [532 ] such wonderful structures as St. Paul's Cathedral lives. This often makes the distinction between and Notre Dame. But why should Christian Christians and non-Christians obscure and insigchurch architecture throughout the world con- nificant. form to Gothic forms or wholly Western style? The New Testament conception of the church The lack of a strong devotional motive makes does not indicate such patterns. It rather sug- many feel that it is a burden to bear the respongests that the Church universal is composed of sibility of rendering service and giving in supsmall units, meeting in the homes of the believers. port of the Church. Another excuse, which has some truth in it, is that the Church at present is The Church universal, as an ideal spiritual so- dealing with things that are too trifling as comciety, must be made clear to the mind of con- pared with the momentous matters which are agitemporary Christians, especially of the younger tating humanity. This does not appeal to the imchurches. This is well defined by Dr. Wm. A. agination nor sound the depths of life for minds Brown, as follows: that are alert.
It must never be suffered to obscure the fact that the In view of these unhealthy tendencies, we are Church of Christ exists today as definite body in the per- endeavoring to promote an interest on the part sons of the men and women who have been touched by of church members in the training of the laity for His spirit, and who live for the ends which He approves. voluntary evangelism and in Christian steward- This spiritual society, creating institutions, but not it- ship as features of our Nation-Wide Union Evanself perfectly comprehended or expressed by any, is the gelistic Campaign. true Church of Christ. (Brown: "Christian Theology in Outline," Ch. V. p. 59.) Self-Support and Self-Government The members of the Re-Thinking Missions Self-support and self-government on the part Commission define the Church in a way which of the churches have usually been taken as synwill help to clarify the conception of the Chris- onymous among Christian people throughout the tians in the field regarding it. world. A clear distinction should be made be- tween them. A Christian's property belongs to The Church is to be thought of as a spiritual fellow- God and God's money may be used anywhere for ship and communion of those who have found a new His Kingdom without reference to racial or naspring of life and power by the impact of the Christian tional differences. message, who are eager to join together as a living, growing body of believers through whom the ideals and the A policy of self-government is imperative for spirit of Christ can be transmitted and His principles of the churches in the field if we wish them to devellife promoted, then that type of Church will always have op as the Church of Christ. But the problem of a function in the work of building the Kingdom of God self-support must be considered in the light of the whether on the mission field or at home. ("Re-Thinking activities and functions of the church. Some Missions," Ch. V. p. 109.) churches tend to overemphasize self-support, with the result that the local churches crystallize Owing to the lack of proper training in such a into small-sized organizations, with no possibility fundamental conception of the Church, the young- of an expanding life and influence necessary for er churches are facing a grave danger at present. self-propagation. It is a pity to see dwarfed or That danger is the general trend among the crippled local churches losing their activities Christians of growing indifference toward the and ceasing to appeal to the general public. organized churches. Forced self-support does not prove to be self- Among the causes that have contributed to this support at all. It often means that the pastor is tendency, we mention a few for which we should obliged to support himself by some form of side feel responsibility. The Japanese have a feeling work. It is a mistake to demand self-support of distaste for the too highly institutionalized without considering the real strength of the local church life which tends to give the impression church as related to its environment. The church, that it is too conventional and has an artificiality in the New Testament meaning, should be organwhich bears a secular flavor. ized in every small town and village and even in the homes of the believers. This tendency may also be due to the fact that the churches are losing their strong leaders in Owing to an overemphasis on self-support on the ministry. This may seem partly inevitable in the one hand, and to a lack of the conception of these days because of the greatly changed social Christian stewardship-the training for which is environment as compared with the pioneer days quite new among the younger churches-on the when the missionary and indigenous leaders were other, many local churches are suffering greatly conspicuous figures. It must be admitted that because of the economic problem. The result is consciously or unconsciously contemporary Chris- that churches tend to be governed by the motive tians are influenced by the secular, materialistic, of group egoism while the individual church individual thought, and are losing the idealistic, self-forgetting, sacrificial motive in their daily
members themselves are likewise influenced by activities necessary to meet the needs of the compersonal egoism. munity at large and can fulfill their responsibility as witnessing churches. We must continually re- Many economic problems are at present con- mind Christians of the fundamental unified charfronting the younger churches. In Oriental acter of the churches of the different communions homes, where the traditional family system pre- in accordance with the conception of the Church vails, the father, as the wage earner, usually defined by Dr. William Adams Brown. holds the purse and other members of the family get money from him. Yet the Protestant As the religious society which finds its bond of union Churches, in spite of this traditional Japanese in Jesus of Nazareth, the Church is one. . . . Beneath custom are supported on the basis of individual the outward divisions and misunderstandings which sepcontributions, in accordance with the custom in arate different bodies of Christians there is a common Western lands. religious experience which is shared by all whose lives are lived under the influence of the Master, and which Another problem perplexing city churches is unites in sympathy, labor, and prayer, good men in every the fact that, owing to changes in the environ- branch of the Church. It is ,this common religious life, ment, members are moving to the suburbs and it uniting in spiritual fellowship men of different ecclesiasis becoming increasingly difficult to bring the tical names and of none, which is the real foundation of family to the mother church every Sunday be- the unity of the Church. (Brown: "Christian Theology cause of the transportation costs and other ex- in Outline," p. 59.) penses. Notwithstanding these difficulties, it is an encouraging fact that the annual giving of the There is also the problem of church union. churches in Japan in recent years. amounts to "Divided churches cannot conquer the unified about 2,500,000 yen, or 12.50 yen per capita. This world." The way to win the world is to consoliis a good ratio when compared with the reported date the Church's divided forces, under the leadgiving of New York church members last year. ership and power of the Spirit of God.
Another problem is the question as to what con- In Japan we have been carrying forward a stitutes real cooperation between older and study regarding a basis for union ever since 1925. younger churches? Of course cooperation, through We have been swung back and forth over the fellowship or in conferences, does not begin problem of a creed. Our people now seem to realwhere financial support from the church at the ize that to begin by planning for organic union home base is cut off. Real f!'lllowship and cooper- will get us nowhere. There must first be spiritation can be established without regard to finan- ual unity in Christ. We are now inclined to start cial relations. Younger churches can not be said with a federated union as has been the case with to cooperate satisfactorily with the older churches the Church of Christ in China. Dr. Stanley Jones at the home base as long as they exist on a poor has suggested a similar procedure. economic level and with a crippled independence. Real cooperation should begin when the younger We see a possibility for the realization of churches on th~ field are able to maintain the Christian union if we proceed along this line for the coming ten-year period by uniting in work which has no direct concern with a creed.
GOD CHOOSES BUSY MEN FOR HIS WORK When God has work to be done we notice that He almost always goes to those who are al- ready at work. Both his,tory and the Bible attest this truth.
Moses was tending his flocks at Horeb when God called him to deliver the people of Is- rael from bondage in Egypt.
Gideon was threshing wheat by the wine press when God called him to deliver Israel from the Midianites.
David was caring for his father's sheep w hen he was called to succeed Saul as king.
Elisha was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when he was called to succeed Elijah as prophet of God in Israel. .
Nehemiah was bearing the king's cup when he was called to go to rebuild Jerusalem.
Amos was attending the flock when he was summoned to be a prophet of God.
Peter and Andrew were casting a net into the sea when Christ called them to become fishers of men.
Matthew was collecting customs when he was called to be a disciple.
Saul was persecuting the church when he was commissioned to be a missionary of Christ.
William Carey was mending shoes when he heard the call to be a foreign missionary.
for the Church in India*
By B. L. RALLIA RAM, ESQ.
Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, Lahore CHRISTIAN influence has streamed into In- the word "church" in this article refers to the dia in four different channels: sum-total of all the "churches," for, with all the First: According to the traditions of divergent doctrines, traditions and practices, they the Syrian Church Christianity was originally do owe allegiance to one Lord and Master and preached in India, by the Apostle St. Thomas, in unitedly proclaim His name. In spite of the ex- the states of Travancore and Cochin, early in the istence of many "churches," there is yet an entity, Christian Era. The Church thus established, how- intangible though it may seem, which may be ever, was not alive to its missionary obligations. called "The Church of Christ in India."
It was handicapped by the political situation and The "Christian Community" consists of mem- by lack of communications so that its influence bers of the Christian churches and those who was confined to a small section of the country. nominally belong to the Christian community, Considerably weakened by divisions and internal having been born in homes known as Christian. disputes, in some respects it followed too closely According to the present political constitution of some of the painfully dark episodes in the history India, "The Christian Community" is a separate of the Church elsewhere. political entity with rights of special representa- tion in the national and provincial legislatures Second: In the Sixteenth Century the Portu- through voting constituencies of its own. This gese Roman Catholics inaugurated an era of rapid implies that in many places it is also a separate Christianization of India. Under their influence social entity. the work of St. Francis Xavier and the Jesuites in South India met with an apparent success. The This system leads to unfortunate results. It is, means used to convert people were not, however, however, gratifying to note that there are many always fair and honest. The Church in India un- Christian leaders who regret this political isolatil recently was preponderatingly Roman Cath- tion imposed by the award of the government. olic, but the Protestant influence has been There is an increasing number of Indian Chrissteadily increasing. and the Protestant Christians tians who are working shoulder to shoulder with now are numerically more than the Roman Cath- their countrymen for general social, political and olics. moral improvement. Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, the talented daughter of the late Sir Raja Harnam Third: Early in the Eighteenth Century a Prot- Singh (a notable Christian convert from the famestant mission arrived in the South of India un- ily of a ruling chief), is the acknowledged leader der the inspiration of the King of Denmark, with of the Women's Movement in India. Two of the the financial help of an Anglican society. Its per- trusted lieutenants of Mahatma Gandhi, in charge sonnel was German. The large Lutheran Church of two of his important social and economic deof South India, the United Church of South India, partments, are Indian Christians. From this it the Anglican Church with its several dioceses will be seen that in common usage the term "Inare the direct result of this pioneering mission. dian Church" is sometimes applied to the com- munity known to the political and social life as Fourth: A century later groups of Protestant "The Indian Christians." missionaries were sent at short intervals by the English Baptists, the Church Missionary Society, Here we are mainly concerned with the organand the London Missionary Society. They were ized Christian Churches, though the second consoon reinforced by Americans and others. Thus ception associated with the term "Indian Church" there are now several Evangelical Christian cannot altogether be avoided. churches deeply rooted in the soil of India.
Technically there is no one Christian CHURCH Characteristics of the Church in India in India, but a large number of "churches." But It is impossible to deal here adequately with the • Mr. Basil Mathew gives a significant title to one of his recent CsauhbfuJe'rewccht .aosfpeCchtsrisotf in India. We can refer only to books "The Church Takes Root in India." This happy phrase aptly a very large and complicated describes the present position of the Christian Church in India.
B. L. R. A.
[ 5351
Except for the church in Malabar, the Church agating Churches." It is essential, therefore, that of Christ in India owes its existence to the labors the help from abroad should be so used as to of missionaries sent out by the churches of the achieve this ideal as speedily as possible. It is West. These "sending churches" have been main- universally recognized now that the ultimate suc- ly responsible for the nourishment and the devel- cess in Christianizing India must depend upon the opment of the Church in India. Each church is efforts of the indigenous Church itself. It alone dependant still upon their "mother" church for can be a truly effective witness to the Indians of help. Missionaries play an important role in the the saving power of Christ. Its life of witness life of the Church. Financial help is given to will win India for Christ. The most important maintain its indigenous ministry and its institu- aspect, therefore, of the development of the tions and forms of service. The different churches Church is its response to the challenge to evan- are in various stages of development. gelism.
In main there are two kinds of church organ- The Church and Evangelism izations: Some churches have already become When the missions were first started it was autonomous, though not fully self-supporting. In considered necessary to employ paid Indian evan- the South, a strong "South India United Church" gelists, and to keep them under their own control. includes the Presbyterian and Congregational. This system may have been necessary in the ear- Corresponding to it there is a similar "United lier stages, but its continued and prolonged ex- Church of North India." The Church of India, Burma and Ceylon, which is in fellowship with istence is likely to mitigate against the fulfilment of the legitimate work of the Church itself. the World-wide Anglican Communion, has attained its independence by an Act of the British In some places, the mission is separately organ- , Parliament. These and several other churches are ized as an evangelistic agency, with its own Inautonomous; they are in full communion with dian workers, while the Church is left with the the corresponding churches of the West and are pastoral work. While missionaries can exert receiving help from them. their influence (and sometimes unduly large in- fluence) in the matters left to the Church, the Other churches are exemplified by the Meth- mission policy remains the sole concern of the odist Episcopal Church and the United Presby- mission. This often creates a strain, acting adterian Church. They still form a part of the versely on the spiritual life of the Church, and American churches and their highest court is out- consequently weakens the sense of evangelistic side India. These churches are being given an responsibility. But there is an increasing realizaincreased measure of responsibility, without the tion of this danger and the systems are being final authority. We do not seek to evaluate the overhauled and adjusted so as to throw the rerelative merits of these two systems. sponsibility of evangelization upon all the lay membership of the Church, where it rightfully Christianity in India reflects the character of belongs. the churches of the West, to which the churches in India owe an everlasting debt, not only for their existence, but also for support and guidance. Next in importance to evangelization, is the This dependence of the Church in India on the responsibility of the Church for its own life and Western churches has also been responsible for the administration of its own institutions as a many difficult problems. In some ways it has "self-propagating and self-governing" Church. handicapped the Church, and it has retarded The responsibility for administration is somehealthy growth. This was inevitable. On the one times related to the financial support it can prohand the Church in India could not have reached vide for the maintenance of the enterprise, and it its present stage without help; on the other hand is mistakenly contended that self-government and it has grown under the shadow of a large tree self-support are inter-dependent. Such a mechanwith an apparent loss of spontaneity. This has ical system tends to make the Church dependent upon material resources rather than upon spiritstunted its stature. The danger has lain and still lies in the way ual realities.
this help is given. Very often an undue stress is A recent conference held on "Self-Support" at laid on the financial relationship between the Nagpur, under the auspices of the National Chris- Churches of India and the Western Churches. tian Council, provides a Iseful study for those While this relationship is of great importance, in who are interested in this problem.
the last analysis it is not the vital factor. There The Churches of Christ in the world must al- has been considerable progress in "self-support" ways be interdependant and, therefore, depend- of the Churches of India. ence of the Church in India upon other Churches, From the early stages of their work, missions in itself is not wrong provided care is taken that have set before themselves the goal of creating this dependence does not inflict a moral injury "self-governing, self-supporting, and self-prop- and stunt the growth of a healthy normal plant.
OUTLOOK FOR THE CHURCH IN INDIA
There are some dangers to which the Church India. Recently surveys have been made into the of India is exposed at the present time: economic conditions of the Christian community in several parts of the country. Some of these There is a danger that the Church may in fu- surveys have been undertaken at the initiative of ture be entirely in the hands of an hierachy of the National Missionary Society. A study of these the clergy and other paid workers. While it is is most instructive. Dr. E. D. Lucas and Mr. the privilege of the ministry of the Church to Frank Thakur Dass made an economic enquiry teach, to guide and to serve, the spiritual driving into the conditions of the community in Pasrur power must come through spirit-filled laity; un- Tehsil in the Punjab and discovered that the avertil the lay element are given their due share in age income of a Christian family of five is about the government of the Church, and in the forma- $40 a year, or $3.50 a month. It is the glory of tion of its ideals, the Church can never achieve its the Christian Church that it has brought the mesobject. sage of release from the bondage to these poor people. That the Church in India is poor is not Business and professional men are not exerting a reproach, but is a matter for thankfulness. the degree of influence in affairs of the Church to Problems arising out of this fact, however, must which they are entitled. This needs to be cor- be courageously faced. Is economic poverty in acrected. cordance with the mind of Christ? Is not this problem of the extreme poverty of Christian vil- It is possible that the help of men and women lage communities a challenge to the Church? from abroad may be used in such a way as to hamper rather than help the emergence of a truly The Church in India Is a Growing Church independent Church. It is a significant fact that there have been no heresies developed in the India is one of those countries where populachurches of India. This probably means that tion is increasing rapidly. This creates a national there has been no independent thinking in the problem. Every community, in a natural way, is Church itself. The Church has produced many increasing. In 10 years (1921-1931) the poppersons who by their ability and spiritual leader- ulation of India increased by 14 per cent, but ship have taken their places in the front rank; but the Christian community and the membership of there is an urgent call for more leaders who are the Christian Church is increasing much faster. able to think and act independently in accordance During the decade 1921-31, the increase of the with the highest principles. The best way that Indian Christian community, according to the help from abroad can be given is to train and re- natural process, should have been 157,355, but it lease Christian personalities who will take the actually was 1,542,684. This has been true in responsibility of guiding the Church in India. every census report.
The life and work of men 'like the Bishop of Since 1931 reports from the churches reveal the Dornakal and the late Mr. K. T. Paul have done fact that a large number of people are continuing more to establish the Christian Church in India to turn to Christ through mass movements. These than the work of many a foreign worker. movements, well described by Bishop Pickett, are no longer from the lowest strata of society only, New Challenge but in certain sections, particularly in the diocese of Dornakal and the Nizam's Dominion, groups The Church in India may become exclusively from the highest castes of Hinduism are also ennational and conservative. The Church in the tering in the Christian Church. This welcome en- West is being confronted with a new challenge by largement of the Church in India must bring new the problems of the modern world. It is being challenges and many new problems. forced to rethink and relive, and to rededicate. The Church in India is, to a considerable extent, Conversion to Christianity in this way of large outside the currents of new thoughts. Its con- groups is fraught with many dangers and if the tact with <Ecumenical movements of the present Church in India does not have the resources to age is meager. If it is to fulfill its destiny, and if give adequate teaching and to provide essential it is to discharge its God-given responsibility, its opportunities for the nourishment and developgrowth must be harmonious and not lopsided. In ment of their Christian life, the Indian Church true and unwaning fidelity to Christ and His may well sink into lower depths. It might easily teaching it must assimilate all that is best and become another religious system. Thus while the challenging in its great heritage of the history of mass movements are providing great encouragethe Church throughout the ages, the spiritual ment they are potentially also the source of great heritage of India, and also the stirring of the danger. spirit in modern times. At the present time the Christian community in The Church of India is poor in comparison with India is only one per cent of the total population. the churches of other countries. It is poor in There is still a vast field to be evangelized by the comparison with other religious communities in
Christian enterprise, but its greatest opportunity greatest opportunity it will be a tragedy. On the does not come from that side alone. As a result of other hand if the Church is faithful to its message the recent world forces a new nation has been and can serve its country with the spirit and zeal born in India pulsating with life and anxiously of the Master, then India will make a contribudesirous to make its contribution to world civil- tion to the world whose importance cannot be exization and world culture. India is beginning to aggerated. There are tremendous possibilities for think in world terms and looks upon itself in the the future. setting of a new world. In India the Christian Church is face to face with three or four virile, The World Conference at Tambaram (Madras) aggressive religious systems with their conflict- comes at one of the critical periods of the history ing doctrines of life and action. Will the future of mankind. It is to be hoped that this ingatherof India be guided and moulded by these philos- ing of the leaders of the Christian enterprise from ophies or will the life-giving principles of Christ all the world will release a new Spiritual force give to her a new way of life and action? The which will not only give to the Church in India answer to this question must depend upon the a new vision and new power but we pray that its work and witness of the Churches in India. If clarion call for advance in the name of Christ the Church fails its motherland in the hour of her will penetrate effectively the harassed countries of the Western as well as the Eastern world.
A Saintly Surgeon of India The Story of Sir William Wanless of Mira; By MARGARET McKELLAR, M.D., LL.D.
Toronto, Ontario Missionary to India under the United Church of Canada SOMEONE has said: "If the Taj Mahal is a times Dr. Wanless was decorated by the British dream in marble the Wanless Hospital is a Government, in 1913 receiving the silver Kaiser- dream in the art of healing." Affection for i-hind medal, in 1920 the gold medal and in 1928 a royal spouse was the incentive for the one; love the late King George V conferred upon him the for the Lord Jesus Christ and suffering humanity rank and title of Knight Bachelor of the British was the incentive of the other. Empire, (K.B.E.). These honors were conferred for his distinguished services and humanitarian Multitudes of people traveled thousands of work for the people of India. miles to reach this Mecca of healing. They came not only from India, but from Iran, Iraq, and I landed in India shortly after Dr. Wanless first other countries. arrived. After forty years of medical service, we both left our respective stations within a few Wanless was a household word in many parts months of each other. We worked together in the of India. It is said that more Indian people knew All-India Christian Medical Association, of which the name of the Saintly Surgeon of Miraj than he was the organizer and secretary, then presknew even the name of the Viceroy. If a fellow ident for seventeen years. One day I found mytraveler said that he was going to Miraj you could self in his home, with the late Dr. Arthur Neve of assume that he was going to "Wanless" for the Kashmir and Dame Edith Brown of Ludhiananames were synonymous. both famous surgeons. They were discussing with Sir William the respective merits of certain opera- Sir William James Wanless is a name destined tions, e.g., Colonel Smith's cataract extraction for to live among the names of the world's great sur- which Sir William himself had designed an ingeons, not only in India, where he worked out his strument for extracting .the lens. Today this is on earthly life's purpose with a heavenly meaning, the market as the "Wanless extractor." It was but in the Hall of Fame, established by the Uni- apparent that Sir William had a thorough familversity of New York. He received his medical iarity with the technique of the different varieties degree from that University in 1889, shortly be- of operations. Other members of the medical profore he went to India. In 1916 he became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Three
A SAINTLY SURGEON OF INDIA
fession, British medical service men and mission- Although Dr. Wanless and I were stationed aries, all had confidence in his wisdom and skill. some six hundred miles apart, I took many Euro- pean patients to Miraj for operations. These In response to my question as to how he kept were 100 per cent successful. his surgical instruments from rusting, Sir William answered: "I use them"; and he did to At Miraj operations were the order of the day, splendid purpose. For his skill in surgery he was usually from noon until hours after lamplight, called the "Wizard of India." Even non-Christians when all the cases were finished, with no break except for afternoon tea, served in the operating STAFF AND STUDENTS OF THE MEDWAL SCHOOL, MIRAJ room annex. Foreign staft, seated. Left to Right: Dr. Vail, Dr. Inglis Frost, In the operating theater, Sir William was Rev. R. C. Richardson, Dr. W. J. Wanless. scrupulously observant of antiseptic precautions and would brook no carelessness on the part of recognized his Christlike example and called him his medical assistants or of visiting doctors. I "The Saintly Surgeon." saw him ruffled only twice. Once when defective forceps were flung on the floor and the other time One Indian patient, on being asked why he had when a visiting doctor placed on the tray of sterpassed by Bombay where there are many good ilized instruments an instrument that had been in hospitals and physicians, replied: "Because I was touch with an infected area. told that Dr. Wanless prays before he operates." There is no cemetery for surgical patients at- Once I saw a grateful patient, a mother, whose tached to Miraj Hospital! life he had saved when there was "no hope" for her, kiss him much to his surprise. Often Hindus Like D. L. Moody, our beloved Saintly Surgeon endeavored to kneel and kiss his feet. was a general. He was quick to grasp the situa- tion. He was a man of few words-many deeds. Sir William was not a surgeon who specialized on one organ-the whole body was his field of After one critical operation, an aggrieved nurse operation. He was equally successful in cataract asked him, "Why did you shout at me when you extractions, and in abdominal surgery, hence wanted that instrument? I feel very badly about there flocked to his hospital patients from far i.t. " and near; princes and paupers, high and low caste-for he did not discriminate; their need of "Did I shout?" he gently replied, "I am very his skill was their passport. The low-castes and sorry. All I thought about was to save that womuntouchables received the same care as did Ma- an's life!" hatma Gandhi or the rajahs. One of the 400 missionaries, who had been his Even children recognized and trusted his skill. patients, said to me: "I had to take my turn on Two mission-school children were overheard in a heated quarrel. When one could not have things CLINIC BUILDING AT THE MIRAJ HOSPITAL as she wanted, she said: "I'll cut your head off!" To this the other answered, "I don't care if you the operating table but with the greatest assurdo; I'll go to Dr. Wanless and he will put it on ance, knowing that I had for my surgeon one of again !" international fame. Night after night, as I lay in the cottage which had been built as a memorial People had such confidence in him that they to Mary Wanless, I would hear the brisk step of came without fear of the surgical knife. A poor the doctor and could see the flicker of light from village man, who could not understand that his his small lantern cross my window and my door. was an inoperable case, came to the doctor's bun- It was eleven o'clock, and he was returning home .galow and with tears streaming down his face said, "Doctor-saheb says he won't operate on me. Please, memsaheb, tell the doctor to do operation on me."
after making his bedtime rounds at the hospital. When the message reached me, the one day There had been many patients to see, just fresh train had already left for Miraj and there would that day from the operating table. He had done be no other for hours. Miraj was 30 miles distant his best and we knew that he prayed for them, and the road, in those days, was atrocious. The commending them to the One who slumbers not only missionary car in town was an old decrepit nor sleeps. They were committed to the keeping affair and could not be depended on to make the of the Great Physician. journey. I went in search of another car that I thought might be borrowed from the State. I Sir William won the warm friendship of His went first to get the antitoxin and then drove on Highness Shahu Maharajah of Kolhapur, who to the large State bungalow used by His Highness was ever ready to further the Miraj medical work as an office. by his generous gifts of land and money. Dr. Mary Stewart Marshall tells the following story A sepoy patrol with his gun paced in front of the State bungalow. He saluted and stepped up to SHRISHAHU CHHATROPATI MAHARAJA OF KOLHAPUR the car to ask my errand. I explained that Dr. Wanless was critically ill and that a request had of Royalty voluntarily running errands for a mis- come for medicine. I would like to ask His Highsionary. During the "cold season" of 1916-17 ness to send it as soon as possible by a State car. word reached Kolhapur of the serious illness of The guard left me and went to tell the Maharajah. Dr. Wanless. None of us could remember his ever In a few minutes he returned with His Highness, before having been more than slightly incapaci- bareheaded and barefooted, wearing the thin tated. His only American colleague was a young white cotton clothing that comprised his usual medical man who had come out as a short-term costume. With the genial smile that characterized assistant. Naturally, he felt keenly the serious- him, he asked what he might do for me. As I reness of the situation and the heavy responsibility peated the explanation his Highness listened, and resting on his shoulders. A critical throat condi- at once exclaimed: "Dr. Wanless ill? I shall go tion had developed and the younger doctor sent a myself!" With that I gladly handed over the messenger by train to Kolhapur asking me to packet of antitoxin. send at once two tubes of diphtheria antitoxin from the Mary Wanless Hospital, given by the It was office hours for the Maharajah, and the Maharajah because of services rendered by Sir grounds surrounding his office building were William. swarming with State officers and their peons (clerks) wearing the scarlet badge of office. Many no doubt had State business to transact with His Highness. Office hours came to a sudden close that day, and many disappointed politicians no doubt returned home to ponder on the strange ways of their Maharajah. He himself wore many coveted decorations conferred by the British Gov- ernment, including the Grand Commander of the Indian Empire and the Grand Commander of the Star of India, but he was never more kingly than when, with utmost spontaneity, he volunteered to go as messenger for his missionary friend and physician.
Dr. Wanless, after he had recovered, told with a smile of the Maharajah's arrival. He would en- trust the packet to no servant or medical attend- ant, but walked into the sick room with it. The patient was more than a little surprised to see his royal visitor and to hear him say, "Doctor, I my- self have brought you the medicine."
The Maharajah frequently came to witness operations. On one occasion a new nurse, who had not met him before, was on duty and in her vigilence refused him admission, unless (for anti-. septic reasons), he would don a surgical cap and gown. He meekly submitted, but as he was a man six feet tall and weighing 350 pounds, the gown covered a very small area, and the cap looked like
an inverted cup on his large head! The Mahara- In a letter to the Presbyterian Board of Forjah was known as very kind-hearted and as the eign Missions, written during his early years of patient, who was a low-caste man, was being service, Dr. Wanless bemoaned the fact that he wheeled from the room, he pulled from his pocket had closed the year with a $15.00 deficit. He a ten-rupee note and told the attendant to give it added: "Although you have announced a 50 per to the patient. The next patient for operation was cent cut for next year I will try not to let this hapa white man, and when he in turn was being pen again and am praying that friends in this wheeled from the room, the Maharajah asked, "Is country may rise up to help and not let the work he a poor man too?" "Yes," said the doctor with suffer." The prayers were answered! The hosa laugh, "He is just a missionary." pital soon became self-supporting and later al- though it was a Christian mission hospital, it The Maharaja of Kolhapur acknowledged again was supported entirely by Indian money and and again, in public addresses and State papers, three-fourths of its buildings were given by his indebtedness to the mission for benefits con- wealthy non-Christian Indians as memorial buildferred upon his State. The following quotation ings. Such a large gift is unique in mission an- (translated) from a Kolhapur State Public No- nals. tice, issued September, 1919, will illustrate: It is difficult to give an adequate idea of the Be informed that, at all public buildings, charity rest scope of what Sir William accomplished. His was houses, state houses, public government inns, etc., and an heroic adventure, but the end of his endeavor river watering places, public wells, etc., no defilement on justifies his faith in his own conception of what account of any human being is to be taken account of. could be done. He never forgot that he was first Just as in Christian public buildings and public wells, and last and at all times a missionary of Christ. and as Doctor Wanless, in the American Mission, treats He was dedicated soul and body to serve the peoall with the same love, so also here, they are to be treated ple of India and never allowed anything to conas not esteeming any unclean. flict with that career. He believed the work of healing to be a demonstration of the Gospel of Thus he endeavored to raise the status of the Christ's love. He did not talk of the institutions Untouchables of his State. which he had built, but he told of the communities of Christians in the towns where there had been William J. Wanless was born on the edge of a no Christians when he arrived in India. These forest in Ontario, Canada. Twenty-four years lat- towns were medical outstations where work was er this hardy young son of Scotch pioneers was started by graduates of his school, trained in the paving the way for medical missions in the prim- art of healing both soul and body. These dispenitive native Indian state of Miraj. Contrast the saries, in the districts eighteen to sixty miles dishumble beginnings in his medical work-a shack tant, developed into hospitals and churches with used as a dispensary and an operating table of growing Christian communities. Sir William rough boards made by the doctor himself-with often spoke of the joy in serving communion in the present! On his retirement his great heart one of these on the last Sabbath before his retireand skillful hands left the largest medical plant ment. of all missions in India. It consisted of four great institutions-a hospital with six branch hospitals, In an address, delivered at one of the many a medical school, a leper asylum, and a tubercu- farewells, in his honor, a non-Christian said: losis sanitarium. One and a half million patients had passed through the doors of hospital and dis- You have been a missionary in the truest sense of the pensary, and thousands of operations performed word and have ennobled the traditions of that high callannually. In the Miraj Medical School scores of ing. Your work of healing has always been subordinate Christian young men have been trained to practice to the Gospel message and you have rejoiced far more medicine and to preach the Gospel of Christ and over a regenerated soul than a regenerated body. India are working in mission hospitals in various parts needs saintly surgeons like you, who can lead her away of the country. It is the only mission medical from the whirlpools of political strife to the quiet waters school for men in all India. Being affiliated with of spiritual development and useful service in the cause the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Bom- of humanity. bay, the degrees are conferred by that institution. While those skillful hands are at rest, the soul The Leper Asylum cares for 250 lepers annual- of Sir William goes marching on. "His works do ly and 50 per cent of them have become Christians. follow him." "This great medical plant," writes They have their own organized church. The Sir a Board Secretary, "stands as a permanent me- William Wanless Tuberculosis Sanitarium was morial of an eminently useful service for Christ given its name by Sir Leslie Wilson, then Gover- and the people of India. This is his monument." nor of Bombay. Funds for site and buildings were raised entirely in India by. Sir William and was Small wonder that Britain knighted the Saintly opened by him in 1931. Surgeon, or that India mourned when he was called to his reward.
Children's Page; Tomi Ko
By VIOLET WOOD, Missionary Education Movement TOMI KO SAN was a Japanese girl in an Mr. Finney took out his wallet and handed his American grammar school. All week she tennis permit to the clerk, saying: "I don't want studied hard in public school. On Saturdays to play on a tennis court that is closed to my litshe went to a Japanese Christian school and on tle friend, Tomi. I wish to return my permit."
Sundays attended an American Sunday school. Joseph, Julia and Mary looked at each other.
When Tomi's best friends-Joseph, Mary and They had waited so long for permits of their own, Julia-talked of getting tennis rackets she it seemed impossible to give them up.
wanted one, too, and persuaded her father, who "What could we do about it?" they thought.
kept an Oriental art shop, to buy one for her. Then Tomi said quietly: Then Tomi and her friends studied the rules of "Mr. Finney, you are doing what our Sunday- the game, and practiced in the back yard. When school teacher talked about last Sunday, loving the four of them thought they knew the game, your neighbor as yourself."
they went with Joseph's father to get permits to Joseph, too, had listened to that same lesson play on the public courts. and remembered how Jesus had always been The four children sat on the bench in the wait- ready to help people in trouble. Joseph began to ing room of the Town Hall while Mr. Finney wonder how he would feel if he were Tomi.
(Joseph's father) spoke to the clerk. They were Finally he gave his new permit back to the clerk.
very much excited. It seemed too good to be true When Tomi saw what he was doing, she cried that they were about to get permits to play on out, "No! No! Please, you must not do that for real tennis courts instead of in their backyards. me."
Joseph's turn came first. The clerk asked him "Joseph, I'm proud of you," said Mr. Finney.
such questions as: What is your name? Where "We shall get other permits to play on the 'Y'
do you live? and How old are you? After Joseph courts, even if they are not so near home."
had answered politely, tingling with excitement, "We want to give ours up, too," shouted Julia the clerk said: suddenly for herself and Mary.
"Will you sign your name here, Joseph?" The clerk looked in amazement at the little The clerk blotted the signature and, leaning group. "I'm going to see that this story is re- over his desk handed Joseph a pink card, and ported at the next Town Meeting. If everybody said: "That's your permit, young man, and I felt that way, something could be done."
hope you win lots of games." And something was done! It took time, but to- "Thank you, sir," answered Joseph, "I'm going day in that town every boy and girl, whether to try hard to be a good player." Japanese, Chinese or Filipino, can play on the Tomi, like most Oriental boys and girls, was so public tennis courts.
polite, that she insisted that Julia and Mary get Making Use of This Story their permits before her.
When Tomi's turn came, the clerk said: "I'm Ask the Children: sory but foreigners can't play on these tennis Do you think of putting into action what you learn at courts." Sunday school?
"But I am an American girl," responded Tomi Is calling Japanese and Chinese hoys and girls "Japs, smiling, sure that this would make everything Chinks and Chinamen" doing as you would have others right. "I was born in California." do to you?
If Americans truly followed Jesus' example would there -The clerk appealed to Mr. Finney, saying: "It's be people in our country who are looked down upon beagainst the rules to give Japs and Chinks per- cause they have different colored skin?
mits." Activities: The tears started in Tomi's eyes at the word, An interesting contest would be to see which child can "Japs." Many times she had been called that in name the most articles that Tomi's father might have the school yard and on the street, and did not like in his art shop. (For exam~le: rice, kimonos, tea, jade, it. But Tomi was brave and did not let herself vases, pottery, china, prints, candied ginger, spices, dolls, cry. lanterns, fans, lacquered objects, tableware, dish gardens, etc.) Joseph, Julia and Mary were astounded. They couldn't believe that anyone could ever think of If children are far from a museum, they might visit their dear friend as a foreigner or unfit to play an Oriental art shop or a Chinese or Japanese Sunday on the public courts. school. Stimulate their interest by photographs, stamp collections and illustrated books of Oriental flower ar- rangements and miniature gardens.
[ 542] I Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MISS GRACE W. lVlcGAVRAN, 5718 OAK AVE.. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ~=====================l~ From a Treasurer's Notebook to let the group at headquarters one of them the Guild library have some idea of what they can and instituting a real system of (The following are actual notes count on from us. But we know issuance and check-up, with taken from the notebook of one of right now that our incomes will fines as in the case of the public the officers of a missionary organiza- be just about the same. Why library, the service rendered be- tion. The record was not completed can't we set our goal in June ing considered a direct contri- there; but a year later, without any and then have three months' bution and a small fee being money-raising dinner or bazaar or head-start? paid. Certain other possibilities similar device, that group reached its are open for work by which giving goal-and twenty dollars over. May 10th. A little figuring these members could obtain the . An educational exhibit and program with paper and pencil gives minimum 25 cents a month pay- of real value to the community was some curious results. We have ment. put on in cooperation with the Wom- 29 members. Our aim in giving en's Missionary Society. The aim -don't ask me why-is $410. May 11th. Further thought was to present the best features of That means an average of $34.00 suggests that any responsibility the year's study to a larger number each month. It is only a little which becomes delinquent for than is reached by the organizations over a dollar a month for each good cause at the end of each themselves; the Guild's share of the person, but we have some mem- three months' period, should be net receipts (from the 25-cent and bers who do not tithe and some made a joint responsibility, and 15-cent admission fees) was forty whose income would not permit some means devised for clearing dollars. that high giving in addition to it at once and for redistribution their other church obligations. of it for the future. Why not survey your own members' So a bit of uneven figuring giving goal in somewhat the same brings the following: May 12th. There are numbers way? Make a big chart with a place of women who are not having for each pledge, starting with the 2 pledges of $5.00 a month-$10.00 any share in the world-wide task larger ones and progressing down to 3 pledges of 3.00 a month- 9.00 of the church right in our con- the smaller gifts. Trace over with 3 pledges of 2.00 a month- 6.00 gregation. We wish they would red or blue or green as each is taken 3 pledges of 1.00 a month- 3.00 join in the fellowship of our up, giving no names, but indicating study and social life. But it is the amounts pledged or received.) $28.00 also quite possible for them to share in the responsibility. A May 8th. We had our meeting which means, you realize, that eleven canvass of the situation might of the Business Women's Mis- people will be carrying all but $6.00 be made. A financial approach sionary Guild last night. June of the responsibility each month. But should not be made unless it be- 30th closes the missionary year, it will be eleven who are able, pro- comes evident that they do not and we have turned in to the portionately, to give that much more. care to become members in full treasury just over half of the fellowship. amount of money we feel is 6 pledges of $0.50 a month-$3.00 what our group wants to con- 12 pledges of .25 a month- 3.00 Sacrifice1 tribute to the cause of missions this year. We have sold cards, $6.00 A Dialogue on Stewardship have had dinners, have had spe- cial gifts, have had entertain- will make up the total. 29 pledges of Scene: The corner of a living room. ments. Now we are trying to 29 members will equal $410.00 in the Two easy chairs, an occasional table arrange for a very attractive year! and a floor lamp so set that it lights entertainment which will inter- the characters from the side away est people other than those in May 10th. There are a few from the audience. the church whom we feel we members who, since the depres- have bled quite sufficiently in sion, have been without any in- Characters: Julia Farrell and her our cause this year. We are not come whatever. It might be pos- friend, Maurine Day. very happy over the situation. sible to turn over to them the Some of us feel we are giving responsibility of selling the Time: Late afternoon. until it hurts, but most of us Christmas cards which the Guild wonder if there isn't a better has sold for long enough to have The scene opens as Julia and Mau- way. had it become more or less of an rine come in from outdoors, C'oat~ institution and a service in the and hats on. May 9th. We've been think- community. There is also the ing. September is the time to possibility of turning over to 1 Book Rights Reserved. Grace w. Mc- "accept goals" or in other words, [ 543 ] Gavran.
Julia: Let me have your Julia (smiling a bit): Well, ber that poem-I can't say it all, things, dear. I'll pop them onto I don't. I tell you it's too hard. but two lines of it sing through my bed. Be back in a moment. You just said so yourself. my mind like a warning every (She departs with the wraps. time I plan to spend: Ma'/,lrine sinks into a chair, Maurine: But, -but – Well, yawns, picks up a magazine, I will ask it! Where did you get I have more clothes than I can wear. glances at it for a few moments that ten-dollar bill you put in? Their head and hands and feet are and then, with it still open be- I know it was a ten, even if you fore her, becomes absorbed in did try to fold it so it wouldn't bare. thought, looking absently at show. nothing and frowning a bit.) I can't sacrifice, Maurine, but I Julia: Oh, that! I don't mind can live with voluntary re- Julia (coming in again): Why telling you. I used to get all hot straint. That's what I've discov- and bothered when I heard ered. With those words ringing so solemn? You look as if all things like that today and feel in my heart, I can keep from the cares of the universe were as if I should make some tre- getting the more that will leave on your shoulders. (Smiles at mendous sacrifice. Once I tried me poverty-stricken when I Maurine and takes her own having subsistence meals twice most want to help. It's not sacchair. Picks up her knitting or a week. But Jack hadn't heard rifice. It's a way of living. It's fancy work.) the appeal and took to going to not a struggle. It's a contest in the restaurant those nights. So which I expect to win. There's Maurine: It's silly, I know, it didn't work. And then I tried no regret in it. Only content- but that woman's talk sort of doing without the next garment ment. haunts me. Makes me feel as if I was going to buy. But I'd have I ought to make some tremen- to get it eventually, so that Maurine (thoughtfully): It dous sacrifice and send a whole didn't work. I decided I wasn't sounds as if it might be a way pile of money. Of course, I cut out for sacrifice. out for me. (Pulls a shopping know it's silly to let her upset list from her purse.) "New flow- me so . . . ! Maurine: Then how do you er for blue dress." My present manage? flower is almost new. It isn't Julia (thoughtfully): I don't that I need a new one. I just think it's silly. We're pretty Julia: Once I decided sacri- saw a delicious new shade in well hardened in our generation fice was too heroic for a nature flowers at The Betty Shop. I to pleas of pity, but she wasn't like mine and gave it up, I be- suppose right there . . . your asking for pity exactly. gan to think. If I sacrificed two poem would come in, dresses it would give me twenty Maurine: That's what got me dollars to spend. Good dresses, . . . more than I can wear. down. The very fact that they not just everydays, of course. Their . . . feet are bare. are fighting to change things Well, when I came to plan my and expect to eliminate that con- clothes budget, I just cut it down I see, Julia. I can't get that dition, yet must have help to twenty dollars to start with and flower now. I don't need it. It save the children caught in it to- put in a flat twenty dollars for won't be any real sacrifice to day from utter ruin. emergency giving. That's a dol- give it up. (Folds up list and lar and sixty-six cents a month. puts it away.) Voluntary re- Julia: It's different, all right. I didn't leave out any dresses. I straint. I like that idea. A way Not just an endless chain. It's don't buy more than I need. But of living! (Glances at her . a present emergency. And so I found that I could cut out watch.) Mercy! My poor in- enough little things and make a fants will think they've lost close home no one else can be pair of stockings last a little their mother. responsible! longer by prompt or careful darning, and make one belt do (Both rise.) Maurine (gloomily): And I for two dresses, – oh, there were a hundred things I was Julia: I've been thinking of can't do a thing. Not a thing. spending from ten cents to a adding a verse to the Scriptures I've just spent every cent I have dollar on that I could do with- lately, Maurine. (Smiles mis- to spare on things I need. If it out! And there was my twenty! ! chievously.) "Justice is better had been last week, I might have than sacrifice; and the life of let that last dress go, and yet- Maurine: But you did have to restraint better than emotion." Julia, I don't have more clothes do without. Nice addition to Proverbs, eh? than I need. How can one sacri- fice a dress or a hat? I don't Julia: I never said I didn't. I (They go out, chatting inau- have a whole shelf of hats. I said I had quit sacrificing. It's dibly.) only get just the one I need for not sacrifice to plan carefully. each season. It's fun to beat your own budget. Why Hang On?
Julia (slowly): Well, if you Maurine: I'd mind having to Stewardship is not just a must know the truth, I've given cut down on little things. I hate question of what one gives. It up sacrificing. It's too hard. watching pennies. is often a question of that to which one hangs on. Maurine (startled): Why J ul- Julia: So would I if that were all there were to it. But there's *** ia! I might admit it's too hard more than that. Do you remem- for me. But you! You must sac- 1. If you can admit, "My rifice something! You always closet shelf holds a clock I shall seem to have a huge amount to hand in when things like this come up. You must sacrifice.
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
never have mended because I Have you made any serious A Column of Horrors! now use electric clocks; an old attempt to persuade members of toaster that has been replaced your society to face the possibil- Miss X opened the large by a gleaming streamlined mod- ities of service with such things packet of scrapbooks to be sent el; some dishes that came to me to which they are hanging on? to the foreign mission field. Her with the purchase of a certain "It might come in handy" was unbelieving eyes were startled commodity, but which I shall an excellent watchword for fron- by an accumulation of the heroes likely never use; and by the tier living, but it is a drag upon and heroines of Hollywood. way there are a couple of old- us today. As a result of such Thousands of them! Assembled fashioned rockers up in the stor- hoarding our hours are filled with infinite care! Pasted painsage room," -if you can admit with storing and dusting, sort- takingly into Jumbo scrapbooks! that, you are hanging on. You ing and rearranging. This robs Carefully indexed! Miss X are not rendering account of us of power to give that which wilted. She decided to leave till what you have which should be will make life easier for our fel- a later day the writing of the in circulation. The Salvation low men. letter of acknowledgement to the Army, the Goodwill Industries donors. and other organizations can use Why not present this idea in those things to rehabilitate men. a dramatic form? Have a speak- The amount of customs duty . You are using them to accumu- er give the first paragraph. A which had to be paid on that late dust. second speaker, with arms package from home made the loaded with objects, give the missionary-on-the-Congo gasp. It *** second. A, third represent the must be paid from his own sal- third. A fourth may dramatize ary, though the package was for 2. If, hanging in your clothes the fourth. Then announce that the mission. It contained "25 closet, you can find unneeded or a committee of two with a car yards of silk," said the declaraunused dresses, out of style, and a list of possible articles will tion. "Silk! In Africa!" The slightly worn or faded and re- appear at the door of each mem- missionary was doubtful. When placed by something you like ber during the week, ready to the package was opened words better-if you can find them receive contributions, to discuss failed him; the yards of silk there, you are hanging on. The further the list of articles and (declared at retail) turned out charity organizations of your to help decide as to the possible to be scraps of taffeta cut into town can use those garments to usefulness of things that the quilt pieces! And taffeta, Genclothe the naked. You are using member has hung on to, and tle Reader, rots in a very short them to dry-rot! promising to return later if time on the banks of the mighty there will be a second donation Congo. *** ready. How welcome were those Vis- 3. If there are lying about Of course, your list of usable itors-from-Home. They wanted shoes, needing repair but which articles will be made after conyou have not bothered to take to sultation with organizations to see the work; were anxious the shoeman, shoes that pinch which can use them. A truck and so are seldom worn, shoes may be need if large articles are to know more of India. Yes, out of style that you do not care to be donated. The calling com- they would enjoy nothing more to wear, shoes that might come mittees will compile this list. in handy some time but never Perhaps the men of the church than a week at the Christian do-if you are keeping such, will contribute the use of a truck Mela or Camp-Retreat with the you are hanging on. They can to take things to a near-by town missionaries; they would take be used to enable others to walk if your own town cannot make life exactly as the missionaries the wet wintry streets dry-shod. use of them. did. The place was a lovely spot Why keep them to give you a far from railroad and still farsense of oppulence? Such a project can be carried ther from stores and shops. out once a year. It trains mem- Tents dotted the landscape. The *** bers of the society to be alert as Visitors-from-Home were de- to possibilities of giving rather lighted. The evening meal of 4. If you have stored away than hanging on. delicious curry and rice was scraps of new cloth with the served. "We don't eat any Inthought that some day you may If you have a group in your dian food," said the Visitorsquilt; old silk garments that society which sews, you may from-Home, sweetly but deteryou think you might make into want to retain some things, such minedly. The face of the misa hooked rug; pieces of cloth or as quilt pieces or pieces big sionary's wife was inscrutable as partly worn garments which you enough to make children's gar- she ordered soft-boiled eggs for plan to make over some day,- ments, for a service project of the Visitors-from-Home. In her if they are there, you are hang- your own. A committee should mind words began racing: ing on. Busy fingers at sewing decide after things are collected "Eggs for dinner? Eggs for clubs and settlement classes will just what goes where. Do not lunch?? Eggs for breakfast??? make use of them, while you will despise odds and ends. There's no way to get American only dream about it. food now. What shall I do?"
BULLETIN
Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
INDIAN AMERICAN YOUNG PEOPLE The Joint Committee on In- PART OF ONE CHURCH SCHOOL CLASS ON A HIKE TO THE HILLS. dian Work of the Home Mis- RIVERSIDE. CALIFORNIA. sions Councils (Council of Women for Home Missions and Home Religious Work Director said, "I whom she felt responsibility. Missions Council) presents such a united Christian approach to want to talk to you. I decided Their mother is dead and the Indian American young people in six United States Government tonight for sure that I want to two girls live with an aunt in boarding schools where young people coming from reservations go to a Christian training school ' a country community with no are in new surroundings and feel shy, homesick and strange. to become a nurse." Application church. Soon after Betty's re- The six schools being served blanks were filled out a few days turn home she wrote the Reliin this .way are reaching approximately 3,000 students and later for training at a Presby- gious Work Director at school, are located as follows: terian mission. · (This girl is 'We have in our house a little Albuquerque Indian School, Albuquerque, New Mexico. from a Presbyterian field. ) Word Sunday school. We have neigh- Flandreau Indian School, Flandreau, came back later that there was bors' children come in. Could South Dakota. no room for her. The girl then you help us in our community?' Has k e 11 Institute, Lawrence, Kansas. decided to take post-graduate The Director sent a package of Salem Indian School, Chemawa, work in high school in the mean- papers, pictures and cards. In Oregon. time. The following year she en- thanking the Director for the Sherman Institute, Riverside, California. tered the Presbyterian mission helps she added, 'We have a sing The sixth location is a fine place of and this fall graduates as a on Wednesday nights. We have rural community work being developed in Eastern Oklahoma, near Stillwell. trained nurse ready for work. more older people here then. Of There is no greater need today The Religious Work Directors course we have no piano, but– in missionary work than for follow the struggles of the stu- plays the guitar and that is good churches and denominations to work together in presenting the dents as they return to their enough. I am trying to learn to Christian message in a united reservations during the summer play one too. Here's hoping I way. or after graduation and by learn.' " The interdenominational Reli- friendly encouragement often The stories that follow, sent gious Work Director is willing have the satisfaction of seeing by the Directors, emphasize the to listen, no matter what the those students rise to positions need for more of this kind of problem. Individual lives are of leadership among their own follow-up, serving all denominaoften reshaped by this friendly people. guidance of the Religious Work tions freely but ministering to Director who ministers to them Here is the story of a girl who the student's need first of all: through worship services, social is making the best of her opporgatherings, games, choir 'prac- tunities: "A senior who grad- What the Church Is Doing tice, discussion groups and personal consultations. uated this spring went home "Nellie and Sam, graduates of a with her younger sister for few years ago, came to see us re- Let us consider the case of a girl, a senior in school, who, following a meeting of the Missionary Society in the home of the [ 5461
BULLETIN: COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
cently and upon invitation stayed to supper. Through most of the evening we visited and talked over experiences of school days. Toward the end of the evening Sam said they must go. They thanked us sincerely, and I walked out to the door to bid them good night. They started down the walk, then re- turned hesitantly. 'She's got something she wanted to say to you, Mr.
–' 'Well, I wonder what it could be!' I grinned. (Oh, I had a 'hunch'
all right, for I had talked over some personal plans with this boy weeks before.) " 'We've been married three weeks!' Nellie said, shyly but happily. Sam is a carpenter here in town. Both are Christian students, graduates of two years ago. And that's what they had come to tell me in the first 'Place!
How I love them for it, and for the friendship which has lasted and which has opened anew to the blessed coun- selling about plans for a new Christian home! They'll come often now- and the latch string's out!"
What Church People Can Do "Our most pressing need for the CHILDREN FROM HOMES LIKE THIS COME UNDER OUR INFLUENCE IN Chapel is a good resonant bell for the GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS. belfry. For several years we have discussed this. More and more each senior in-University. There will gets swellheaded because he's had year it takes on significance because surely be a place for him in the world some rare experience, or because he we live here with these boys and girls when he is ready. For he is deter- gets boosted to some office-well, it's as a community and they need some- mined to go back to his people in just too bad for his leadership.' thing to bring to mind and heart the eastern Oklahoma, and live before call of worship and Christian service. them the Christian life which he has "'I see what you mean . . . I'll Perhaps an individual or a group found so abundant. sure try to do this thing right,' and I might take this matter up as a proj- thought I caught a square set to his ect." *** jaw as he started putting on his foot- ball uniform to go out on the field to *** What the Indians Are Doing practice. Joe's an orphan. The first white man this Navajo ever saw he "Dorothy is one of our most pop- An Indian girl, about sixteen years ran from for dear life and hid among ular and finest students but one who old, meditating on the future has this the sheep-just another wild creature has a real problem in her future. She to say: "The preservation of the In- of the desert a few years ago. is a complete ward of the Government, dian race is necessary but, I think it her parents having died within a week must be done through the Indian "He waved his hand to me from the of each other, about five years ago. youth preparing themselves for re- field as I watched him at practice. They left six children; Harold, an sponsible positions and the more we He'll remember!" older son who is now working; Dor- prove ourselves the more responsible othy who is in school here in –; positions will be waiting for us. We *** and four smaller ones who are now cannot go on living in the past, dear being cared for by a family. They as it was to the hearts of our nature- "Our so-called sophistication also had all been separated until these ar- loving people. There is a future, appeals to the Indian, particularly the bright with dreams of happy homes, young person. They readily adopt rantrements were made. of positions well-filled, of friends our dress and manner and along with "Dorothv came here after her par- among all races and of better under- that the cigarette and liquor. I think standing of ourselves and others. We that too often all they see in us is the ent's death and has been here ever are proud to be Indian and we are outside and they follow our pattern." since. She has a pleasing personality glad to have a chance to make others and appearance and has been active proud of us too." *** in religious as well as school activities and is one that I would like to *** The Christian spirit finds exsee go back to her people as a Chris- pression in Indian life in service tian leader. Her parents were Chris- Joe, the captain of this year's foot- for others: tians and gave the children a good ball team has just returned from a beginning for that life. That hope for wonderful conference trip and tour "Two of our finest speakers among Dorothy needs the prayers and inter- which the religious work director the Indian girls–one a Navajo, one a est of Christian people." helped him attend. They are sitting Hopi, themselves inseparable pals on the cot in Joe's room. though their ancestors were bitter en- *** emies-gave earnest talks saying that "What shall I do for my life work?" "'Joe, the very fact that you have old emnities were dead and friendly We have all asked the question so had this privilege and that you have ties strengthened by Christian influ- many times. But to the Indian living been chosen football captain too has ences." in a white man's civilization it is one a little bit of danger in it for you, with especial sil4nificance. Few there did you know that?' Joe looked at his And at Christmas time Indian boys. are who face the matter as did this friend keenly, but a little puzzled. and girls at Sherman Institute pack young Indian man. Left an orphan at 'That's right, Joe. The really great boxes of toys which they send to the a very early age, handicapped most leaders are the ones who keep their Migrants in the cotton fields in Cali- of his life with a speech impediment, hearts and their sY'm.pathies right fornia. They have little to share, yet which he is successfully overcoming, close to the hearts of the people they they experience the feeling of inner with little or no money, he is now II. mix with in everyday life. If II. fellow happiness that comes from joyous giving.
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I Our World–wide Outlook A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~'I======~EDI=TED=BY=MR=S. =HEN=RIE=TTA=H.=FE=RGU=SON=, X=ENI=A, O=HI=O ======= WESTERN ASIA in the constitution, calling Tur- tlements have welcomed visiting key a Moslem country, was de- mISSIOnaries of the Hebrew New Day in New Turkey leted ; then religious schools, Christian Fellowship, and Jews orders, and religious uniforms, are freely purchasing the Scrip- Hope for true religjous liberty were suppressed; Friday as a tures, although Christian work in Turkey, when Christian mis- holiday was abolished. Not only in Ute villages has had to be sionaries will be welcomed, is this, but there is distinct anti- largely discontinued. The Misseen in a bill before parliament religious teaching in many of sion to Mediterranean Garrisons to offer amnesty to the 150 polit- the schools. Not long ago the and the International Christian ical offenders, exiled from Tur- government ordered the sale of Police Association report enkey in the early days of the Re- 300 mosques in Istanbul. couraging work among British public. It is remarked all over soldiers and police. the country that a new day has -Alliance Weekly. dawned, when Turkey can for- -World Dominion Press. give and reinstate those who Since the Balfour Declaration fought to prevent its emancipa- Trans-Iranian Railway tion. One Turkish paper said: Changes in Palestine since the "This amnesty creates a new Jews were promised a national Last August construction of atmosphere throughout the whole home are reflected in the busi- the Trans-Iranian Railway was country … it will strengthen ness advertisements, such as completed. The line was begun the power, the stability, the those of the King Solomon Bank, in 1927, and fulfils a dream of honor and fame of the country Zerubbabel Bank, Judea Insur- Iranians. The ceremonies atand of the revolution, both at ance, Dead Sea Bath Salts, etc. tending the opening of the road home and abroad." There is a training ship the were most elaborate, with high Sarah I, for Jewish sailors, officials present. The station was Another editor commented: flying the blue and white Zion appropriately decorated and a "The movement toward a gen- flag, operated by the Zebu- ribbon was stretched across the eral amnesty for political of- lon Society (Zebulon was the line. The crown prince and the fenses means that the way is be- seashore tribe). shah each tightened a gold nut; ing prepared for freedom of dis- the shah cut the ribbon, formalcussion. In order that this free- Not the least interesting is ly opening the service. The road dom may widen, writers and the Palestine Symphony Orches- connects the Caspian Sea with critics should be positive and tra. The hounding of Jewish the Persian Gulf, and additional creative, recognizing unity and musicians out of Germany has lines connecting Tabriz and harmony as the highest values. made of it one of the greatest in Meshed are being surveyed. The Thus will be assured the condi- the world. In less than two people of Iran take great pride tions which will produce a move- months this orchestra of sev- in the fact that this gigantic ment toward a true demor.racy." enty-one virtuosos was assem- task was completed without bor- bled and developed into an har- rowing from abroad. The in- -World Dominion Press. monious whole. This occurred creased facilities of travel will in Palestine, an insecure and greatly extend the possibilities Turkey's Materialism troubled land, in a pioneering of missionary service. stage of national life. After the A writer in the Near East orchestra visited Egypt, enthu- -Press Translation Service. Christian Council's Bulletin be- siastic Egyptians organized a lieves that the future of religion Society of Friends of the Pales- Silent Ministry in Turkey is a part of the crit- tine Orchestra.-S. S. Times. ical problem of the religious life Dr. Frederick G. Coan, for 40 of the world. Since the abolition Palestine Problems years a missionary in Iran, of the Caliphate, Turkish leaders called one day on a bigoted, .have proceeded on the assump- Present disorders in Palestine fanatical ecclesiastic-the kind tion that religion had never done are having their effect on the who would be pleased to see anything but harm, and was not Christian Church in that trou- every Christian killed. Dr. Coan needed for the future. Religious bled land, where Christian unity describes his call: teaching in the schools was re- and love are assailed by racial duced, then dropped. A phrase bitterness and fear. Jewish set- As soon as I had entered the room, he ordered the servants to leave and [648 ]
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
told them to see that no one was in er. This teacher then settles public, who are willing to perthe yard, and that the gates were down to a long process of educalocked. Then he turned to me and tion-two years or more-when form some kind of national servsaid, "You have left the New World he instructs the entire village and come all the way here to make me and prepares them for church ice. -The Guardian. a Christian; save yourself the trou- membership. By the end of this ble:" I thought he was simply trying time, no one needs to leave his Syrian "Servants of the Cross" to turn me off. Then to my astonish- home environment, or feel that ment he said, "I am already a Chris- he is an outcaste. This organization, a missiontian." I asked how he came to it. He ary and social brotherhood of then told me a helper had given him In one diocese reported by Mr. the Syrian Church, established the Gospel of St. John and asked him Higdon they are uniting with in 1924, is asking for funds to to read it carefully and with open the church at the rate of 10,000 carryon work among the Demind; and when he reached the last a month; and in all India more pressed Classes in India. The chapter he was at the feet of Christ than 100,000 have accepted aboriginal races of the native as His slave. He could not resist so Christianity annually during the states of Cochin and Travancore, winsome a character. Had it been past three years. The changes South India, are poverty-strickknown in that fanatical Kurdish city, observed by the upper classes in en, ill-clad and uneducated. the man's own sons would have asked the lives of the outcastes turned They live in miserable huts and the governor to behead him and throw Christian has resulted in a sim- carry worship of devils to a his body to the dogs. ilar movement among the higher point of extreme superstition. castes. Under the auspices of the an- INDIA AND SIAM cient Orthodox Syrian Church Community Appreciation of St. Thomas, the Apostle of Unhampered by Politics India, the order is making a The Frances Newton Hospital sincere effort to improve these Dr. C. H. Rice, of Allahabad in Ferozepur has been serving unfortunate people. Christian College, says: women and children of this dis- trict for 44 years. Appreciation There are a dozen members of India just now is one of the centers for this service is manifest in the order. They have no propof the world where the movement for the recently added operating erty, practise celibacy, and repeace and justice is most unhampered unit at a cost of 6,000 rupees, ceive no salary. They obtain by the politics of national fear, hatred raised by members of the Canal, their daily bread from the place and greed. There are radicals who Railway, Civil, Policy and Mili- in which they work, sometimes shout, and leaders who would foment tary Departments, and the mem- from the parish church and class war, but never has India had so bers of the Indian Christian sometimes by rice collections many sons and daughters ready to communities. The medical de- and the hospitality of friends. spend themselves for the liberation of partment of the Punjab Governtheir brothers from ignorance and ment promised Rs. 2,000 toward -The Living Church. disease, poverty and social oppression. this project. The Rajah of Fa- Surely the Spirit of Christ is alive. ridkot gave Rs. 1,000, and the Gains in Assam . . . One day he will be recognized above groups collected Rs. 3,500. and loved and worshiped as now he is Part of the money was used to The Baptist Missionary Requoted and admired. improve a ward in the hospital view of India tells of a piece of for tubercular patients. frontier work that shows real Dr. and Mrs. Rice are co-au- missionary progress. In the Ao thors of the chapter on Indian -Monday Morning. and Sema Naga Hills there were Christian colleges in the current 1,218 baptisms last year, and year's mission study book. Bihar Literacy Drive the church membership in those two tribes has now reached No Need to Leave Home A mass literacy campaign in 19,316. Nearly 500 boys and Bihar Province is an idea con- girls are under Christian in- E. K. Higdon, writing in The ceived by the Minister of Educa- struction at the station school in Churchman, says that time was tion, who planned that students Impur, the largest Baptist school when Indian Christians were be induced to spend their holi- in Assam. A total of 115 Sunthe real "men without a coun- days in voluntary teaching of day schools report an enrolment try"; and that at the Jerusalem adults. There was an enthusias- of about 17,000. How many par- Conference there was a strain tic response. Since the govern- ishes in India or the United of sadness through all that the ment had no funds to combat States show equal advance? Indian delegates said, because illiteracy, the Minister of Edu- Christians in India had to tear cation issued this call: "Let us Practical Christianity in Siam themselves up by the roots, leave try to make up our lack of finantheir families, their villages, cial resources by the earnest de- Bangkok has a large Chinese their communities. sire of our youth for national immigrant population. During service." He regards this as a the Chinese New Year's season, Now, whole villages are be- sort of personal tax. It is hoped it is the custom of the Swatow coming Christian at one time. that this example will be fol- Church workers and officers to The leaders hold a meeting, dis- lowed by the rest of the general make calls in the homes of all of cuss the matter and decide they the members and friends of the are willing to leave Hinduism or church. All firms and shops Mohammedanism and become stop their work, and an excellent Christians. Then they put it up to the community. If the decision is favorable, the next step is to go to the Christian head of the district and ask for a teach-
opportunity is at hand to give and friendless-I was forcibly er songs. Then came the kin- Christian greetings. To one reminded of a man who stood up dergarten with its play songs. humble home, the home of a in one of my meetings at home The popular movement under widow with three small children, and asked whether the Chinese Jimmy Yen early developed folk went a missionary in this call- had not religions of their own songs and taught children I:),nd ing season. The home was just just as good! A fortune teller the peasants to sing. Now the one room, with no furniture ex- had told this old woman that she national defense movement is cept a few boards on trestles to would die in the eighth moon enlisting movie stars, actors, colmake a bed, a stool or two, clay this year and her coffin is al- lege men and women to lead the stove and two or three cooking ready prepared. When asked whole country into a chorus that pans. The widow makes her liv- where her soul would go, she may tend to drown the sobs of ing by going out to cut hair, and replied: 'I don't know.' " those who mourn. -The Christian Century. must leave her children at home Christian Message for There Are J oshuas Today alone during the day. The mis- Wounded sionary expressed concern about the children, and she replied: The Chinese high command Rev. William Vander Meer of the Reformed Church in Amer- "When I go I always ask my sent out a circular letter to ica, last July, like a Joshua spy- Christian hospitals and churches, ing out the land, walked 60 miles Heavenly Father to watch over asking them to cooperate in them." -Siam Outlook.
bringing the Christian message up the valley of the Kuling Riv- to the wounded. The five er in Fukien, looking for fields CHINA churches in Changteh sent two or and houses where refugees in Her Religion "Just as Good" more workers each day to write Amoy could be relocated. He found places for 3,000. In every A writer in China's Millions letters, have personal talks, and village visited he received the tells of visiting an old devotee hold services for small groups. The work developed until it hearty cooperation of officials. of Confucianism, who had lived Amoy, distant from the prinin a temple many years attend- called for a full-time worker. cipal war areas, has its own sep- All the churches cooperated in arate relief work. ing the idols. For all these years providing the salary for the she has abstained from meat, fat and eggs, in the hope of at- right man, who was found Rehabilitation of those who taining salvation; now she is 94 among the refugees. Church will go up the Kuling valley will years old, wizened, dulled, with- women are sewing and provid- require seed, food and tools, unout hope in her face. Christian ing small comforts for the til they can harvest their first women tried to tell her of the wounded men. crop of vegetables. Old temples -Monday Morning. are to be repaired and made into love of Jesus Christ and the homes. The diet in these camps peace that He alone can give. Turning to Song calls for canned meat. Around One of the women, Mrs. Su, has an old Christian mother 93 The crash of bombs and the Amoy there is no longer a taste years old. As Mrs. Su looked at cries of the mangled continue to for fish, the reason being that this other old woman, tears so many dead bodies have been came to her eyes as she said, be heard, but above it all is "Oh, myoId mother is a hun- heard the voice of song. The washed out to sea. dred times better off than this! Chinese people are learning to -Church Committee for sing in chorus as they have China Relief.
She has the peace of God in her never done before. A training Refugee Children heart." Then she sat down by institute in Hankow has been the old lady and patiently tried turning out song leaders. Col- A letter from a Presbyterian to tell her about the peace of lege and middle-school students mission school, now being used God which passeth all under- in south, central and west China as a temporary home for tefstanding. The poor old woman have been teaching group and ugee children, indicates the nalooked absolutely blank, and mass singing. Folk songs, patri- ture of some of the problems. said she was too old to do any- otic songs, workers' songs are When youngsters were brought thing now. They assured her stirring the people's enthusiasm. in from the bombed areas, the that she need not do anything, Dr. T. T. Lew gives credit for teachers expected to see them but trust in Christ. They taught the beginning of this movement rejoice over the chance to live in her a simple prayer-"Lord to the Christian Church. In a safety, where there were play- Jesus, save me, and forgive my recent discussion group of dele- grounds, trees, food. Not at all! sins," which she repeated many gates-elect to Madras he said, Many of them had been living times. "The introduction of group sing- by their wits, and had grown "As we sat there," says the ing by the Church of China has cunning and combative. Fights, missionary, "with the idols meant a great deal to the life of greed, the notion that the school around us, and thought of this China." He went on to describe was a jail, were things to be poor old woman giving her life how children used to sing hymns dealt with. But little by little to them and fasting from meat while at play, regardless of their cleanliness, play, food, hand- and eggs-now weak and old, theme, because they had no oth- work and scout drill produced a
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
very different set of children. JAPAN -OHOSEN at home whose ideas and motives I When their school home was cannot follow nor condone. To dechanged for a more permanent State Oontrol of Religions nounce war and its perpetrators is one under the Children's Relief not enough. I must find a substitute Association sponsored by Mad- The draft of a proposed new for war. ame Chiang Kai-shek, there law affecting religious organizawere real regrets on both sides. tions has been made public. This How Peace Will Oome is the fourth time during the -Monday Morning. past 40 years that a law control- World Outlook contains the ling religion has been proposed, following letter of a Japanese Honan Mission Jubilee and each time it has been de- Christian minister in war serv- feated in the Diet. Heretofore, ice: This year marks the jubilee of the attempt has failed because the Honan Mission of the United of an article in the constitution There are many American and Eng- Church of Canada. Some of guaranteeing freedom of reli- lish missionaries everywhere in China, those who went to China in 1888 gious belief to the individual. but Japanese soldiers are not perare alive and well, and look with The proposed new law avoids mitted to call on them or go to church troubled hearts on the China of the dilemma by limiting itself to without special permission. This is 1938. The first period in the his- the regulation of the public cere- because we are very nervous to stir tory of this Mission with the ar- monies and the doctrinal prop- up international problems. As you rival in China of Dr. and Mrs. agation of the various religious know, most of the soldiers are rough Jonathan Goforth, Dr. McGil- organizations, not the personal and uneducated, and do not know forlivray and others; this phase of faith of the individual. Under eign manners. the work ended when the Boxer the present emergency it is aluprising overran all North Chi- most certain to become law. The The other day I called on Mr. and na in 1900. Two years later Christian churches, along with Mrs. H., the missionaries here, with work began anew on a larger all other religious bodies, will the permission of my officer. We had scale, but with the outbreak of then operate under a permit a long talk. They welcomed me heartthe Great War in 1914, the sup- issued by the minister of educa- fully. There were a few Chinese ply of new missionaries was cut tion, will be amenable to govern- Christians present. I was greatly enoff, but at the end of the war, ment inspection, and will have couraged and comforted by a touch of the Forward Movement Fund both doctrine and worship prac- real Christian brotherhood. I am sure made reinforcement once again tices subject to official control. that peace will come only through possible. The modern develop- Conversely there will be certain Christianity. Because of this I feel a ment of the Mission began with tax exemptions and other priv- great sense of mission. I think you the construction of Weihwei and ileges that have not hitherto must have some friends in China. Changte Hospitals. been extended to Christianity. Please send me their names and ad- It is possible that there will be dresses. Every night there is shoot- Events of July, 1937, changed no particular inconvenience ex- ing, but my heart is quite peaceful bethe whole picture, but members perienced under the new regula- cause of my faith in the Cross. I read of the Mission have not lost tions, though the churches my Bible every morning, and am courage. All the staff are re- would prefer to be free from praying all the time. maining at their posts. such governmental control. J apan Selling Out in India -United Church Record. -Charles Iglehart. As an indication of Japan's Kashgar Mission Closed Kagawa Proposes Peace desperate situation, one of Eng- land's leading papers prints the The Swedish Mission in Kash- It is reported that Kagawa following: gar, Chinese Turkestan (Sin- has laid proposals for peace kiang Province) was attacked with China before the Japanese A correspondent who is managing and burned by the Moslem lead- premier-without result. In a director of a famous firm of merer Mamud Sidjan. Governor- letter to friends in the United chants in Bombay gives news of some , General Sheng suppressed the States, Kagawa writes: interest. His letter reads:-"A sig- Moslem rising in September, nificant thing is happening here with 1937, but the local authorities Truly no group of Christians can be the quite large Japanese business subsequently closed the hospital isolated. Just in the measure that the community. They are selling off all and printing office and scattered links that bind these groups are their house and office properties, upthe Christians. The British Con- forged in love and understanding and country cotton factories, cotton mills sul-General in Kashgar rendered sympathy, will the influence and pow- here. It may be in order to get money help to the Mission, but even- er of Christianity continue. Though with which to buy cotton. For months tually the situation deteriorated you hear of individual Christians now they haven't had the money with and most of the missionaries wooed and won by the growing spirit which to buy a bale. .. . . They are were compelled to return to of nationalism, do not despair. In all obviously getting into a terrible mess Sweden. Forty years of efficient lands and in all ages, there have been financially, with a million men in the and devoted service in one of testing times for Christians and not field in China and the whole country the hardest fields of China has all have stood the test. . . . My own run by the fanatical army leaders, thus been tragically interrupted. personal views are well known. I and no money with which to buy the would be a disciple of love to all peo- raw materials for their vast indus- -World Dominion Press. ple, and this must include even those tries. Their exports, from which they get their money, have in recent months dwindled to nothing, and they have little raw cotton left."
The Kobe Cloudburst Kobe has a population of about 790,000. The city lies crescent shaped between the hills and the Inland Sea. Last July, a cloud-
burst caused the hill streams to would be seated beside me. I tion was given as to baptism, rush down into the city, carry- saw at once that it was the man the preparation and motive for ing trees and debris into the who had murdered my father, it, and what it involved, the in- streets until some sections were and I had sworn to drink his quirers withdrew sadly, and no buried six feet under. About blood. But as I withdrew down more has been heard from them.
150,000 people were made home- the church, a voice seemed to less; electric and water supply say to me, 'By this shall all men "Insurrectos" Become was cut off. An old well, un- know that ye are my disciples, Methodists used for many years, in the if ye have love one to another'; Enthusiasm, progress and ma- and as I sat down near the door, turity marked the 1938 sessions yard of a Presbyterian mission- a Man upon a cross rose before my eyes, and I heard Him say, of the Methodist annual conferary's home served the neighbor- 'Father, forgive them, for they ences in the Philippines. For know not what they do.' Then I the first time, these met in sephood; and this furnished the returned, and we took the Lord's arate places, and both were hon- Supper together." ored by the presence of goveropportunity to hand out Chris- nors and other officials of the -The Presbyterian. provinces where they were held. tian literature to all who came for water. In this crisis, some Japanese Christians opened a vacation Bible School to take responsibility for the children, Looking toward indigenous lead- ership, plans were discussed for while the adults dug themselves Bible Circles of Five out. -Monday Morning. "Circles of Five" have become electing a Filipino bishop in popular in Java. They are 1940. ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC g.roups of five young people in Although the year under re- view was marked by a series of Bridge Builders in Papua the higher classes of elementary earthquakes, typhoons, floods and secondary schools, who meet and fire, statistics show a de- Mr. C. F. Rich has served cided gain both in self-support nearly forty years in Papua un- to study the Bible under one of and in membership. In less than der the L. M. S., and is still full their number as leader. Each forty years Methodism in· the of plans for that island's future. circle becomes a sort of union of Philippines has grown to a He writes: secrecy and fidelity of uncom- mon strength, marked by per- church of more than 90,000 Once it was said of a patriarch, staunch members. "He digged us a well." In hot, wet sonal devotion. They become Papua, there would be scant praise brethren. They meet each week, -Christian Advocate. for a well digger, but in years to and attendance is a sacr(;)d duty, come they may be saying of their missionary: "He builded us a bridge." not to be missed. Printed out- National Hospital Day Why? On one of the main roads a lines of Bible study are sent to dangerous creek had to be crossed, and all efforts to bridge it had come each circle and these are dis- The Philippine Commonto naught whenever floods came. cussed at its meetings. Coordi- wealth celebrates an annual Na- Then the missionary, with the help of nation is effected by a monthly tional Hospital Day, when all villagers and his old automobile, set gathering of the leaders, most the hospitals of Manila are open to work. The old car hauled tons of of whom are under twenty years to the public for inspection, and sand, timber and cement; the people carried tons of stone with which to old. are rated by a committee headed raise the road approach to the bridge level. In a little over seven weeks of The number five was chosen by the Director of Public Welhard labor, the bridge was ready for use. "Quite interesting," some will because in Java it is a sacred fare. For the third successive say, "but hardly a missionary's job." But the bridge will stand for many number. It is the number of year, St. Luke's Hospital has years, not only to ensure safe crossing, but as a visible emblem of a fingers on one hand, and ex- won the highest award among bridge of understanding over which the Papuan may pass from ignorance presses unity. Also, it was the hospitals having a capacity of and darkness into freedom and light. number of the prayer circle in f'100 beds, or more. In announc- -L. M. S. Chronicle. Antioch, from which the Holy ing this award, Dr. Aguilar Revenge or Love? Spirit selected and commissioned Director of Public Welfare de: A missionary to New Zealand tells of a Maori Christian who PauL-World Dominion Press. clared this to be a model 'hoshad taken a front seat at the communion service. Suddenly, Requirement ~oo Hard pital, above competition. What he was seen withdrawing to the rear, then he came forward and a contrast to the days of Spanresumed his original place. Asked afterwards why he had The Protestant Episcopal Mis- ish rule forty years ago! done so, he replied: "When I sion tells of a group of people at -The Churchman. entered, I had no idea who Baguio, P. I., who recently came NORTH AMERICA to the Church to ask how much would be the charge for baptiz- Is America Christian? ing a young Chinese who wished to marry a Christian girl. It There is a strange mixture of was explained to them that there paganism and Christianity in was no charge, but that baptism America. Not long ago at To- was not just a routine conven- awnadocc, eCeoloofrfaicdioa,lsthareraloncgaeldWwPitAh ience for those who wished to marry. When further informa- the leaders of the Utes (In-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
dians) for a three-day season of already formally approved, at that attempts at law enforcesports events and bear dancing least in principle,· the constitu- ment are futile unless the moral at Easter time, culminating on tion of the proposed World sentiment of the people is back Easter Sunday. Wishing to have Council of Churches drafted at of it. -United Presbyterian. Easter observed in a manner Utrecht, Holland, last May. more fitting its significance, They are the following: Presby- Fresh Approach to World James Russell, local pastor, re- terian Church in the U. S. A.; Needs quested the official in charge of Presbyterian Church (South), the government agencies to post- Congregational, Northern Bap- Two Methodist missionaries pone the sports event, and allow tist, United Lutheran, Evangel- from Burma, Dewitt and Edna the Easter meetings to assume a ical Lutheran Augustana Synod, Baldwin, have created the "Lisle more religious aspect. This he Evangelical and Reformed, Re- Fellowship," a six-weeks "rerefused to do. Whereupon, Mr. formed Church in America, thinking" conference at "Happy Russell explained to the chief United Presbyterian, Protestant Valley," Lisle, N. Y. Sixty coland tribal council of the Utes Episcopal, Disciples of Christ lege men and women, members that throughout the United and Methodist Episcopal. of ten different races or nations, States, and the world people re- representing 13 churches and 26 gard Easter as a holy day, and Missionary News from Wall colleges, have been devoting celebrate then the rising from Street themselves to the theme of the dead of the Lord Jesus "World – mindedness," consider- Christ, just as at Christmas time Perhaps Wall Street, the finan- ing the meaning of Christianity they commemorate His birthday. cial center of New York, would as a solution for the new world's The Indians listened attentively least likely be expected to fur- needs, and the kind of individand then they asked the local nish missionary news, yet read- ual a world citizen ought to be. head of the WPA to postpone ers of the daily Wall Street the sports events: but he still Journal saw this heading in a The educational methods of persisted on having his program recent issue: "One Thousand this group are worth watching. carried out at the time set. Bible Translations." The follow- Instead of telling young people ing is a quotation from the ar- what to think, there is offered a The Indian leaders then de- ticle: whole series of projects by vised this plan. They would tell which students may learn to their people not to go to the In its headquarters in London the think for themselves, and arrive sports field until after services British and Foreign Bible Society at their own conclusions. Inhad been held in the church now has copies of the Scriptures pub- cluded in this is training in field from 9 until 10: 30 a. m., and lished in whole or in part in 1,000 dif- work. Four days each week, they would stop their bear dance ferent languages. The last two trans- after a preliminary week of at 5 p. 'ill. so that their people lations were of native tribal tongues training, the students go out by could have supper and attend in the Belgian Congo of Africa, themselves, taking full responchurch service again at night. known as the Ngwana and Sakapa sibility for their personal and As a result more people than tribes. This Bible Society was group relations, to work togethusual attended the church serv- founded in 1804 when copies of the er through churches in towns ices, both morning and evening. Bible were available in only 72 lan- and villages covering a radius of guages. The number increased to 100 125 miles of Lisle-most of cen- Paganism among many of the in 1824, to 200 in 1871, to 300 in 1892, tral New York and north cen- 200 Indian tribes in the United to 400 in 1906, to 500 in 1917, to 600 tral Pennsylvania. Careful ar- States is as degraded as that in 1928, to 712 in 1936 and to 1,000 rangements are made by Mr. found in central Africa. Their in 1937. Baldwin with pastors in adreverence for material objects is vance, interchurch hospitality as bad, their medicine men are Evidently, the Wall Street being arranged wherever posno different from the evil witch- Journal considered this of as sible. -Christian Century. doctors of the dark continent, much news value as dividend and their gross superstitions are announcements. Twenty-four Hour Service depressing. Obstacles to their evangelization include, not only "League of Decency" The First Methodist Church the character of the people, their of Hollywood, Calif., is like the language and nomadic habits, Because the alarming increase fire department and some resbut most discouraging of all the of vice and crime is preventing taurants in that it functions fact that the United States Gov- law enforcement and undermin- twenty-four hours a day, 365 ernment is actually trying to ing the efforts at character build- days a year. This service is preserve old pagan Indian cus- ing, the California Church Coun- rendered in the spirit of Christ toms. cil has formed a "League of and does not end with distribut- Decency" to enlist the churches ing baskets in the holiday sea- Approve World Council of in battling against these evils. son. A few of the things done Churches Last year, juvenile delinquency may be mentioned: over the entire state increased Twelve Evangelical Commun- from 10 to 15 per cent. The The chairman of the commitions in the United States have state authorities are becoming tee was called to a home where more and more lax in their the husband and father was out efforts to control liquor and gambling, and it is recognized
of work, a child sick, and the the Hotel Commodore. In 1836, would not claim to have orig- mother, discouraged and de- they supplied the old Hotel Astor inated it. It was Jesus Christ spondent, had purchased chloro- and there are now 426 hotels on who first said it," and opening form which she was about to use the list of those being served. his Bible the missionary showed to commit suicide. The chloro- It is interesting to know that the verse to the young Mexican.
form was taken away and the many of the Bibles disappear, so After reading it through three child given medical aid. Eventu- that the question of replacement times he exclaimed: "How wonally, the father found: a job and comes up about every third year. derful if everyone knew and the family is now on the road to As to definite results from this used that rule !" economic security. -Monday Morning. work letters received indicate Other services have been: great help in many instances. wheel chair furnished, medicine Hotel managers report that they Porto Ricans Meet Their bought, utility bills paid, helped are often asked for a Bible, if pay rent, helped find new homes, Quota helped keep young people in high one is not found in the room. Cases have been substantiated Bishop Colmore of Porto Rico school and college, furnished where the reading of a hotel is now in the 25th year of his layettes, secured employment, Bible has been the means of re- episcopate. He fee~s that spiritmade funeral arrangements- straining a person from suicide. ual life on the Island is becomthe church paying for the grave, This custom of Bible distribu- ing deeper and more vigorous settling a disputed doctor's bill, tion is now so widespread, settling an insurance claim for a through the New York Bible So- each year; this is indicated in widow. ciety and the Gideons, that a part by the 1,078 baptisms in hotel is not considered properly that diocese last year. Bishop A few more statistics may furnished unless each room con- Colmore challenges the maingive an idea of the magnitude of tains a Bible. land of the United States to this work: 6,233 miles have show a record equal to this. The been driven by one member of Church at Metlakatla, Alaska number of communicants inthe committee in making 1,373 creased by 263 or four per cent visits; 173 different families The Indian Church at Metla- as against an increase of one have been helped in which there katla, near Ketchigan, Alaska, are 339 adults, 337 children; was founded by William Duncan per cent for the whole Church. 1,019 of these visits were for seventy years ago. Its first carrying supplies, 354 for inves- twenty years were directed by Porto Rican Christians, in tigation and counsel. A total of the Episcopal Church of British spite of their terrible poverty, $3,165 in cash has been used. Columbia. It is now under local take pride in giving their full control, and has twelve elders. quota year by year, and as much Its newly installed pastor is a more as possible. Besides, they Congregationalist from Minne- sent gifts last year for flood re- One Result of Home Missions sota. Funds from William Dun- lief, and have contributed to the China Emergency Fund. Here is an illustration of what may be accomplished by home -Spirit of Missions.
mission work. Thirty-five years can's estate support the church, It's Training That Counts ago, the Lafayette Avenue Pres- which is independent. Duncan byterian Church of Brooklyn "My understanding of the sent a young man, Harry S. established a sawmill and can- principles of justice probably Murdock, to Buckhorn, Ken- ning factory which pay the cost differs somewhat from yours, tucky, to preach to the backward because I was trained in a people there. After thirty-two of city administration, and sup- Presbyterian Sunday school," years of service he died, leaving ply water and electric light, so said a prominent Porto Rican an entire presbytery of 37 lawyer to a member of the cabchurches which had their origin that every home has electricity, inet. Here is the cabinet mem- and there are no taxes.
-Presbyterian Tribune.
under his ministry. There is LATIN AMERICA ber's reply: "If your underalso at Buckhorn a school of 400 standing of justice differs from pupils, an orphanage, hospital, If Everyone Obeyed the mine, it is because the teachers mission farm and various other Golden Rule! in the Presbyterian Sunday institutions. "By the way," said a young school where I was trained were In honor of this founder, Ken- better than those who taught federal employee to a mission- you." -Dr. Angel Archilla. tucky has named a new state ary in Mexico, "I have been told road Murdock Trail. that in the United States they "Applied Meditation" in Cuba have a beautiful motto-per- More Bibles for Hotels haps a law or decree-some- At the close of a religious Placing Bibles in hotels is a thing about doing for others conference in Cardenas, Cuba, practice of more than 100 years' what you would like them to do the young. people in attendance standing with the New York for you. Can you tell me what agreed that the most helpful fea- Bible Society. Just before this is?" To which the mission- tUre had been the hour of "ap- Easter new Bibles went for the ary replied: "The government plied meditation" in the mornfirst time into the 1,956 rooms of officials know about this law, but ing, when each sought a place
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
of prayer. It was here they said widow and several children liv- of a permanent Bible Room in they found their place in future ing in surroundings not fit for the British Museum. The exhi- Christian work. Opportunities animals, undertook to clean bition at Sion College includes were offered to enlist in the dif- things up. She got clothing and some of the most famous ediferent activities of the Church. shoes for the most needy, and tions ever published, one being took one of the children to pub- the "Great Bible," printed in Among their practical under- lic health clinic. "She's really 1539, partly in London and parttakings was the pUblication of a ill-take her to the hospital," ly in Paris. In 1540, it was reweekly paper to be financed by said the clinic doctor, but at the printed in London as "Cranthe young people themselves, hospital there was no room. mer's Bible," and contained a and promoted through the activ- Back she had to go to her miser- preface by that ill-fated archities of their societies. This able home while the liguena con- bishop. Copies of the four polyweekly will take the place of the sulted the Red Cross. "Send her glot Bibles are in the exhibit. supplement in the monthly mag- to our clinic," they said, but on azine, Herald Cristiano. clinic day the child was too ill The Bible Room at the Mu- to be moved. So the League seum is designed to show the -Monday Morning. woman, not to be daunted, is history of the Scriptures in Eng- herself giving what treatment lish from earliest times. Half Indians Seeking aNew and help she can, teaching the the exhibits are in manuscript Religion mother at least the rudiments of form. The middle English period sanitation, and living up to the is represented by psalters. Then A group of Indians – the League motto, "Saved to Serve." there is a series of Wycliffe edi- Aymaras-who live behind the tions, which were forbidden unmountains that divide Lake Titi- -Presbyterian News til the 16th century, when one caca from the fertile lowlands Service. copy, here shown, was presented of Bolivia's interior, sent a few to Queen Elizabeth. soldiers to the war between Bo- New "Y" in Buenos Aires livia and Paraguay over the The printed editions began Chaco. One of them came with The Y. M. C. A. of Buenos with the only surviving fraga tale of a new religion, which Aires realized a dream of many ment of Tyndale's New Testahe began to tell his neighbors. years when it opened its new, ment. Cromwell's injunction is He told them that these evangel- modern building last June. It is shown beside the "Great Bible." icals did not lie or steal, that strategically located in the heart A woodcut on the title page they did not drink, not even at of the city and greatly extends shows Henry VIII handing the feast times, that they did not the service of the "Y." About Bible to Cromwell and Archbisquarrel with each other, and 5,000 people visited the building hop Cranmer; while below, a that they were happy because on the opening day, and some crowd of people have streamers God loved them. 1,000 made use of the athletic issuing from their mouths bear- department the first day it was ing the legend: "God Saue the Evidently the story made a available. Public confidence in Kyng." great impression on the Indians the Association's work is eviin this village, for they soon be- denced by a government grant Quakers in Spain gan to try to live according to of $92,000, of which the first inthe principles of the story, and stallment has been paid. Local It was a year last August left off drinking and stealing donations of $60,000 more have since the first group under the from one another. They have been received. Non-partisan Child Feeding Misrecently asked that a teacher be sion of the American Friends' sent to them. They have no reli- The Buenos Aires organiza- Service Committee went to gious guidance of any kind. tion dates from 1902, and since Spain to work on both sides of then it has constantly main- the conflict. The work is spon- -Christian Advocate. tained an all-round program of sored by the Federal Council, youth development by which and other religious and social How Chilean Women Work more than 40,000 young men organizations. In all, nine Amer- have profited. Its budget is icans have gone: four Friends, Chilean Christian women have raised entirely by fees and local two Mennonites, two Brethren a Liga, or League for Service. contributions. and one Methodist. Absolute Besides the work they do as a commitment to the way of peace group-sewing and knitting for -Christian Century. and spiritual sensitiveness have the poor, visiting jails, houses been regarded as essential qualiof correction, orphanages, asy- EUROPE fications, in addition to special lums, hospitals and homes-they training and general ability. Two lose few chances for individual "First" Bibles on Display of the American representatives service. A liguena offered to have been social workers, three take into her own home the child The 100th anniversary of the missionaries, one a peace workof a very poor woman who was setting up of the English Bible er, one a youth leader, one a stuto go to the hospital. Another in parish churches is being cele- dent and one an accountant. At set out to prevent the marriage brated in London this year by present three workers are in of a girl of fourteen to a man an historic exhibition at Sion much older. Another, finding a College, and t~e establishment
loyalist Spain, two in nationalist is lessened for those who have maintain a keen religious life in territory, as compared with the not been in this organization. each of its members, it organizes original one worker on each side. Those already in office are for- pilgrimages in Yugoslavia and bidden to send their children to Palestine and also "retreats." The first great need was found church schools. Its members undertake to pray to be for milk. Four milk sta- every day and to read religious tions have been established, and The above mentioned visitor books. Many villages have been women come as far as six miles, to Austria quotes verbatim one transformed, new churches have bringing undernourished babies of the leaflets which is being cir- been built. When a lecture was to these depots, the only places culated in Austria containing given on the organization and in that part of Spain where milk "50 points" directed against objectives of the Pilgrims, the is obtainable. Workshops for Christianity. This leaflet is one speaker ended with the quesrefugee women and girls were of a number that were issued to tion: "Do you believe that started and a boys' workshop the girls' section of the Hitler Christ will vanquish all difficulproduces alpargatos, or rope- Youth: ties and overcome all his adversoled sandals. The women sup- saries?" Fifteen thousand anply bedding for hospitals under Christianity is a religion for slaves swered with one voice: "Yes, the care of Friends which are and fools. For example, it says, we believe that."-Advance. run by English nurses. "The last shall be first" and "Blessed are the poor in spirit." New Oppression in Russia -Christian Century. Christianity is equivalent to Com- According to a recent news Protestant Committee in munism. bulletin, instruction in atheism Belgium will be required in all schools of German culture was on a high level Soviet Russia, beginning with In accordance with a recom- before Christianity, and has been an- 1939. A pedagogical institute mendation made last year by the nihilated by it. for instruction in atheism is to Congo Protestant Council, a be established to prepare teach- Committee has been formed in There is no Christian culture. ers for their new duties. Belgium, known as the Comite Christianity was nowhere desired, Consultati/ des Missions Prot- but pushed itself in everywhere. Jaroslavsky, head of the Soestantes du Congo Belge. Re- Christianity has corrupted the Ger- ciety of the Godless, has declared garding this Committee, the mans, acquainting them with concep- that atheism in Russia is now in Council suggested: tions, such as theft and adultery, the last stage of its struggle which were previously unknown to against religion. The year 1942', That its purpose be to create and them. he says, will mark the jubilee of maintain contacts between the Evan- How did Christ die? Whimpering the Soviet Union and the great gelical Churches in Belgium and the on the Cross. And how did Planetta festival of the victory of athe- Protestant Mission work in Congo. (the assassin of Dollfuss) die? He ism. By 1967, after half a cen- cried out, "Heil Hitler! Long live tury of communism, he predicts That it guide by its counsel Chris- Germany." that the 230,000,000 population tian men and women from the various The Ten Commandments are the of Russia will be completely godchurches in Belgium who offer them- expression of the lowest human in- less. Churches and cathedrals selves for missionary service in Con- stincts. will then be only a casual rego. A good people does not need a membrance of an early period. Saviour; only a bad people. There is one important omission That it make the Protestant work Nero was quite right to persecute in the plan: God is not taken inin Congo more widely known in Bel- the Christians. to account. gium, especially by the press, and defend its cause when required. Some of the "50 points," the AFRICA correspondent notes, are too ob- The Committee will work in scene to print; yet these leaflets Fellowship in Egypt cooperation with the Congo are issued to boys and girls at Council, and three of the larg- the most impressionable age. One of the most remarkable est and most important Belgian services of modern times was Protestant groups have appoint- Yugoslavia's Pilgrims held this year in the Anglican ed representatives to serve on Cathedral in Cairo. The service the Commission. Those who like to claim they was planned by the "Fellowship are descendants of the Pilgrims of Unity," which draws into its -Congo Mission News. will be interested to know of a ranks the Greek, Armenian, Cop- new development in the Ortho- tic and other Eastern Churches, Nazi Influence in Austria dox Church of Yugoslavia called as well as the Presbyterians, the "Pilgrim's Movement," Anglicans, French Evangelicals, Nazi authorities in Austria which is increasing in effective- GeI1man Lutherans, Methodists gain their point in a roundabout ness. Its influence is felt among and the Church of Sweden. way. One who has recently re- the country people as well as turned from that country re- among the intelligentsia, and its Seven languages were emports that no Catholic is ap- monthly periodical has a circula- ployed in the service. The openpointed to important office, and tion of 35,000. The aim of the this is the procedure; no church Movement is to promote a life trained boy may belong to "Hit- that is truly Christian, on the ler Youth," and only "Hitler basis of the Gospel. Its first Youths" can hold office; the principle is that all propagation prospect for other employment of Christianity must begin with a transformation of personal life. In additio~ to seeking to
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ing part was corporate thanks- Jesus Christ. Quietly and unobtru- fact that so many countries, giving in which the Greek, Ar- sively His command to preach that widely separated geographicalmenian and Coptic Churches joined with the Anglican, Pres- Gospel is being carried out in Dji- ly, have combined to send 6,000,000 doses of vaccine to bouti, by word of mouth, by the wit- ness of changed lives, and by the byterian, French and German circulation of the written Word. Dis- China to check the spread of communities. Another feature tribution of portions of Scripture and cholera. Australia and Ceylon of the service was the uniting of phamphlets is carried on, and Bibles have each sent to the Chinese in English, French, Italian, Arabic, Health Administration 500,000 the choir of the Cathedral with Amharic and Gujerati have been the Greek, Armenian and Coptic given to all those really interested. doses, the American Red Cross -Life of Faith. 3,000,000 doses, the Pasteur Inchoirs. A climax was reached when in English Psalm CI was stitute at Hanoi 500,000 doses, sung. It was a fitting culmina- Africa Christian Missions Rumania 1,000,000 doses, Jugo- tion to this great act of praise in The Africa Christian Missions slavia 500,000 doses, and Turso many tongues, and the Cathe- is an independent Baptist mis- key 1,000,000 doses. Gifts of dral rang with the familiar sion operating in French West cholera vaccines have also been words. received from the Serum Insti- Africa, with its center in the tute at Copenhagen, the Egyp- -Baptist Missionary Re- capital of the Niger Colony, a tian Ministry of Health, and the view (India). cosmopolitan town of about Institute of Bacteriology at 20,000, including Europeans and Buenos Aires. Sona Bata Medical School natives from every section of West Africa. It is on the main It would seem reasonable for Government diplomas were caravan route across the desert, governments and people to unite given for the first time to grad- and Arabs from Morocco, Al- as readily to stamp out the evils uates of the American Baptist giers and Tunisia are thus of war and class hatred, with all Medical School at Sona Bata, brought into the sphere of the their attendant suffering. Belgian Congo at their first com- Mission's influence. mencement last March. Govern- -The Christian. ment officials took part in the The work is mainly among the exercises, and those present in- Djerma tribe, which numbers Per Capita Giving cluded other state representa- about 250,000 – all Moslems. tives, members of near-by Prot- Preaching services in other than There has been an increase of 79 cents in the average per capestant and Catholic Missions; the mission's own buildings are ita giving of the members of the also, the American consul and forbidden by the government; 25 leading Protestant denomina- accordingly, every opportunity tions of the United States and his wife. The five .graduates is seized for making contacts with individuals, and these con- Canada for the past statistical have all taken places of Chris- versations attract many of the year, according to figures pubtian medical service for their lished by the Philadelphia Eveown people. curious, who also hear the Gos- ning Bulletin. The 79 cents in- – Watchman-Examiner. pel. crease a person means an aver- In French Somaliland Market day provides another age gift of $13.25 and a total opportunity. The same method gift increase of $14,602,188, Informal meetings for edu- is used-the curious listening in though there was at the same cated young Arabs and Somalis, as the claims of Christ are pre- time a decline of 412,148 in the for discussion and comparison sented to a single person. Por- combined membership of these of the Bible and the Koran, are tions of the Scripture are dis- denominations. proving worth while in the pro- tributed to those who prove gram of the Bible Churchmen's their ability to read either Testaments for Jews Missionary Society at Djibouti, French, Arabic or the native French Somaliland. The num- tongue. Medical work is under- The Alliance Weekly reports bers vary according to the de- taken in a small way, each pa- the launching of a campaign for gree of Moslem hostility, but ten tient thereby providing another the prayerful distribution of a or twelve men of different na- opportunity for the presentation quarter of a million New Testationalities are regular attend- of the way of salvation through ments among Jews in various ants. Several of these have ac- Christ. A school is maintained lands. A special Testament is cepted Christ as Saviour. In in which the Bible is the text- being prepared, in which verses view of the bitter opposition cer- book. Classes in reading, writ- that signify the fulfilment of Old tain to be met, the question of ing and Bible memory work are Testament prophecies appear in open testimony is a difficult one. held for the natives, and there bold face type, thus showing the are classes in doctrine and evan- Jews that the New Testament Summing up the work of the gelism for the believers. is the completion and fulfilment past twelve months, the leader of Old Testament revelation, and of the movement says: International Cooperation that Jesus is the true Messiah, and the Saviour of both Jews Of spiritual achievement there can Those who despair of ever and Gentiles. A great volume be no computation. A large number seeing cooperation among na- of intercessory prayer is being of people-running into hundreds- tions may take courage from the sought. have been touched in one way or another by the Gospel of our Lord
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~========~==============~=====I~ The Household of Faith. By Arthur The biography is brief and to destroy or degrade men and Emerson Harris. 232 pp. $2.00. largely factual. The author, who women, body and soul. This has Fleming H. Revell Company, New also wrote the life of the late F. been clearly evidenced since the York,1938. B. Meyer, gathered this mate- days of Noah and the evil effects rial during the subject's lifetime of alcohol are very far reaching. Dr. Harris, a professor in and then died before the book Miss Reed's leaflet is full of in- Eastern Baptist Theological was published. He tells the story teresting and important facts Seminary, discusses the author- of boyhood struggles, of fruitful that speak powerfully against ity and trustworthiness of the service in four important pas- the evils of intoxicating drinks. Bible, the person and second torates, of soul-stirring religious The medical accuracy of the coming of Jesus, the message of work among the soldiers in the statements is vouched for by the Gospel, the Church as "the World War, of wide-reaching eminent physicians and the spir- Household of Faith," the wit- influence as a secretary of the itual truth is endorsed by promnessing duty and privilege of its Board of National Missions, and inent clergymen. Here is a sane members, immortality, the tran- of nation-wide travel as moder- and convincing study of a great scendent call of Christ, and re- ator of the Presbyterian Church, evil. Missionaries and pastors lated subjects. The treatment is U.S. A. who wish to warn and fortify in a popular style which sug- their people against intoxicants gests that most of them were Dr. McDowell was the author will find here a great storehouse originally sermons or chapel of several books and of many of facts gathered from scientific talks. The viewpoint is that of important papers but only two investigation and from sad exa firm conservative in theology of his messages-"A Challenge perience. So Roger W. Babson and Biblical interpretation. to Loyalty" and "The Basis for says: "We ought to work des- Some statements will probably a Better World"-are given in perately for prohibition of any be challenged by those who in- the two appendices. We ,wish evil, like intoxicating drink, that terpret the Bible differently; there might have been more of is destroying and degrading our but the author's spirit is irenic his messages on Bible truths, on youth." and not controversial. the Christian solution of social problems, and on mission work The Case Against Japan. By Charles ARTHUR J. BROWN. for Jews and Gentiles. The R. Shepherd. 242 pp. $2.50. Daniel chapter on "The Closing Years" Ryerson, Inc., New York, 1938. The Life of John McDowell. By A. was written by Dr. Charles J. Chester Mann. Illus. 12 Mo. 139 Turck, a fellow worker with Dr. If, as is commonly believed, pp. $1.50. The Westminster Press, McDowell in the Board of Chris- Japanese bureaus of informa- Philadelphia, 1938. tian Education. Those who read tion in America send to Tokyo these brief chapters will be in- copies of all publications here True stories of personal spired with new courage in the that deal with Japan, one may heroism and sacrificial service face of difficulties, and new safely assume that this volume have a strong appeal for read- loyalty to high Christian ideals will not be permitted to go outers of all ages. Here is a re- and methods in social and eco- side beyond the censor's office. markable record of a young boy nomic life. It is exactly what its title sugwho overcame serious handicaps gests, and is a tremendously and became an honored Chris- Alcohol-Its Physiological and Psy- strong "Case against Japan." tian leader in America, receiv- chological Effects and Their Social The author has had ample oping the highest honors his Consequences. By Mary Lewis Reed, portunity to ascertain the facts Church could confer. Boys will R. N. 15 cents each. $10.00 per since he was formerly professor be interested to learn how he be- thousand. Published by the Author. of history in Graves Theological came proficient in tennis-with 468 Fourth Ave., New York. 193-7. Seminary, Canton. He has travone arm; preachers will be in- eled extensively in China and terested in his victory over Christian missions are an or- was there in 1936 when the J apa stammering tongue; social ganized endeavor to save men anese landed a large force of workers will find much to learn and women by the power of the marines and personally witin McDowell's ideas and ideals Spirit of God. Alcohol, as a bevas to economics and social jus- erage, is the devil's choice tool tice.
Any of the books noted In these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[ 5581 nessed their depredations. He uously to raise the standard of carryon this work to an unusual rightly considers that the con- degree. This book shows how flict now being waged is not the musical appreciation and to add this has been accomplished. Dr. beginning but rather the cul- Chisholm has made an outstandmination of a long series of ag- reverence and beauty to the ing record as a physician and gressions. He therefore devotes has been elected a Fellow of the the first part of his volume to a ministry of sacred song. American College of Surgeons concise survey of the historical but his chief interest is not the antecedents of the present situa- In a book of this limited com- curing of men's bodies, importion. He recounts the Japanese tant as that work is, but the occupation of Korea and Man- pass the treatment of historical healing of their souls through churia, the notorious Twenty- the preaching of the Gospel of one Demands, the attack on material must necessarily be out- the Lord Jesus Christ. To a stu- Shanghai in 1932, and other dent of missions the book is of . events. Then he proceeds to de- lined, yet the selection has been interest in showing how a misscribe the "undeclared war" now sion hospital can and should be, in progress. He vividly pictures made with unusual skill and not only closely united with the the ruthlessness of the Japanese, evangelistic work of the whole their indiscriminate slaughter of there is a valuable bibliography mission station but should itself helpless civilians, their abuse of become a center of active evanwomen, and the baselessness of for those who wish to make gelism, and the means of foundthe specious reasons they ad- ing new churches in hitherto unvance to justify their course. It more extended study. In com- reached districts through the is a gruesome story, and frank- contacts made with the patients. ly ex parte, but it is buttressed mon with most intelligent stu- The book reveals anew the possiby uncontrovertible facts, and bilities in personal work, even in by citations from official docu- dents in this field Mrs. Adams the most difficult conditions and ments that are of historic rec- it will furnish another link in ord. The indignant protest of deplores the flood of superficial the long and well tested chain of the author sometimes verges on evidence to the supernatural life the declamatory, and he uses too and transient hymns which and power inherent in the Word many lurid adjectives, but it is of God. hard to be moderate and judicial have appeared in recent popular in writing about the crowning This vivid record of a physiatrocity of this generation. collections and calls attention to cian's experiences deserves a wide circulation among young ARTHUR J. BROWN. the unquestioned fact that only people. They will be attracted by the well told narratives and Studies in Hymnology. By Mrs. hymns which are rooted in the it should arouse new interest in Crosby Adams. 96 pp. $1.00. the cause of Christian missions. Cokesbury Press. Nashville, Tenn., Scripture have permanence and Seeing souls reclaimed through 1938. the Gospel are the rich rewards spiritual value. of a life given to the proclama- An important contribution to tion of Christ in the non-Christhe growing literature on hym- A variety of settings of the tian lands. nology is this highly informing volume by Mrs. Adams. While Twenty-third Psalm used by the T. STANLEY SOLTAU. prepared as a textbook for study classes, it should have a wider Church during the centuries are "By Faith"-Henry W. Frost and the mission in broadening musical China Inland Mission. Dr. and intelligence among all Christian a striking feature of the book Mrs. Howard Taylor. Illus. 8 vo. groups. Pastors, choir leaders, 364 pp. $1.25. China Inland Mischurch officers and all who have and well illustrate the eternal sion. Philadelphia, Pa. 1938. to do with the service of worship will find here a wealth of vitality of the earliest manual of "There were grants in those valuable material-in fact, an in- days" when the China Inland troduction to Christian hymnol- praise. HUGH R. MONRO. Mission was born. Here is the ogy. The spiritual discernment story of fifty years of work of and sympathy with which Mrs. Vivid Experiences in Korea. By Dr. the Mission in North America, Adams deals with the great mu- W. Chisholm. IIlus. 146 pp. and of Henry W. Frost, for most sical heritage of the Church is $1.00. Bible Institute Colportage of that time the efficient Home the reflection of a lifetime of Assn., Chicago. 1938. Director for North America. It rich musical and cultural asso- is a remarkable, intimate story, ciations as author, composer, For fifteen years Dr. Chisholm well told, showing the rewards teacher and lecturer. She has has been a member of the Chosen of faith and courage, the labors won a high place in that devoted Mission of the Presbyterian of love and the reality of God's group who have labored assid- Church in the U. S. A. He has guidance and power. Much of been living in Syenchun, North this story is gathered from Dr. Chosen, where the work has seen such a remarkable development. The book is both a strong apolo- getic for medical missions and a splendid spiritual tonic as well.
Dr. Chisholm has written in a graphic conversational style which is easy reading and gives the reader many interesting glimpses of Korean country life, as well as some of the joys and discomforts which are the lot of any missionary engaged in coun- try itineration. The suggestive portrayals of various phases of native life and of Christian ac- tivities.
One of the outstanding fea- tures of the work of the Presby- terian Mission in Korea has been the emphasis placed upon per- sonal evangelism as the duty of every missionary and of every native Christian. All mission institutions, including hospitals and schools, have been used to
Frost's autobiographical notes, made by non-Catholics) that aids of coercion and punishment. letters and other records. . . . Far better is it to defend "the Protestants were as bad," the truth by loving, exploring, Henry W. Frost was born in declaring and obeying it, than Detroit, Michigan, of godly par- the writer demonstrates that by rousing against it, through ents; was graduated from the imposition of restraint, the Princeton; went into business persecution of Catholics by Prot- enmity of the rebel and the still and politics and then into work more subtle enmity of the cowfor God and the China Inland estants differed at vital points ard and the hypocrite." Mission. Here is a story of God's dealings. with the Mission from persecution the other way KENNETH J. FOREMAN. and the man; of the lessons he learned; of his growing faith about. Not only was persecu- Out of the East. India's Search for and courage and the fruitage in God. By Wm. A. Stanton. Illus. the work. It is a spiritual his- tion (where it existed) by Prot- 192 pp. $1.50. Fleming H. Revell tory and is rich in spiritual les- Co. New York. 1938. sons to Mission Boards, to estants less severe than by churches and to individuals. Dr. With a knowledge of the In- Frost, and his wife as well, are Catholics, but it was evoked by dian people developed through shown in their quiet gentleness; forty years of missionary servtheir loving, sacrificial service, Catholic aggression, prompted ice in South India, a clear mind, their humble faith, and cheerful a warm heart and a graphic pen, obedience. The growth of the by Catholic example, was will- Dr. Stanton describes India's China Inland Mission has been search for God as he has witremarkable. Its record is in- ingly discontinued, and on prin- nessed it. The author and his spiring. There are rewarding wife went out under the Ameriglimpses of such men as J. Hud- ciple cannot be renewed. As to can Baptist Board in 1892 and son Taylor, D. L. Moody, Wm. J. settled among the Telugus where Erdman, and others. Those who past and present the evidence is there has been such a remarkread this history will find their able response to the Christian faith strengthened, their ideals irresistible. As to the future message. of service elevated, and their spiritual life stimulated. policies and probabilities, all as- Dr. Stanton sees the dire need of India for Christ and he notes Roman Catholicism and Freedom. sertions must naturally be a signs of the religious hunger of By Cecil John Cadoux, M.A.Oxon., the Hindus. He has seen the Hon. D. D. Edin, Professor of matter of opinion; but where great Christward movement of Church History at Mansfield Col- the Untouchables and its influ- lege, Oxford University. Third this is based solidly on the anal- ence on the Sudras. He is con- Edition with additional notes. 201 vinced of the fact that the only pages. 5 shillings net. Independ- ogy of past and present experi- abiding and transforming re- ent Press. London. sults in mission work come ence, and the likelihood that through the work of the spirit This is a book you will seldom of God. see advertised and very seldom basic principles will not be abanreviewed, for reasons which the After a general description of author himself points out. It is doned, the argument is sound. India and its modern progress, a frank warning against the Ro- Dr. Stanton gives the evidence man Catholic Church, not by And such a base this argument of India's search for God as seen some fanatical irresponsible in their Hindu sacred books and pamphleteer but by a professor has. Dr. Cadoux makes a strong in their religious worship. He of Church history in one of the tells of the awakening of the world's greatest universities. He case, virtually incontestable. His outcastes and among caste peogives a factual record of the Ro- ples, of the rescue of Indian man Catholic Church's deliber- thesis is that since Rome's the- womanhood and of the upheaval ate and official opinion, during in Bengal. Then he very effecthe nineteenth century, on the ory of infallibility and of the tively tells the stories of some subject of persecution; together Christian converts from Hinduwith the evidence of actual perse- right to persecute remain the ism-Dr. K. C. Banurji, Naracution practiced by that Church yan Vaman Tilak, Pandita Rain areas as widely scattered as same (except that the death pen- mabai and Sadhu Sundar Singh. Malta, Ireland and Madagascar. Here is an excellent book for No medireval bogies are resur- alty may not again be invoked), reading circles and for mission rected; the illustrations are con- study classes. temporary. Catholic propagan- wherever Rome gains power she da is likewise described, in many The difference of race contributes forms. Against the retort (often will again attempt to crush out to the richness of the world. There is no ground for assigning intrinsic all other forms of religious faith. superiority of one race over another. -Sir Walter Moberly, London. Notes bringthis third edition up to date, answering some of the criticisms leveled at earlier edi- tions,and paying attention to the relation of the Roman Church to events in Spain and Abyssinia.
While the writer's special inter- est is naturally in Great Britain, and although the Catholic popu- lation of the United States is still a minority, the warning is not less important for us. If the entire case is as mildly put as in the points where the writer crosses the reviewer's knowl- edge, the book is certainly an un- derstatement rather than an exaggeration. The basic and es- sential point however is not a matter of individual incidents but of fundamental principles.
The difference between Catholic and Protestant here is well ex- pressed (p. 123).: "If Catholics have in their dogmas the faith they profess, they ought to be willing to trust to the power of their truth to cthoenveinxcteranmeoeun~ without needing
Reed Honored The Printed Page is a
The name of Mary Reed of that never tires, never flinches, never grows disheartened. Chandag Heights, India, is high- It travels cheaply and works while others sleep. ly hOlored, especially among friends of the lepers. She will The American Christian Literature Society for Moslems be 84 years of age on December 4th, and her birthday will be cooperating with the Nile Mission Press and interdenominawidely celebrated. From many tional Committees on the field is subsidizing the production of lands messages of love and ap- Christian literature for many lands and in several languages. preciation for her fifty-five years of missionary service will come Will you help to meet the challenge of increasing opportunities to to this white-haired heroine who send the Gospel in print to Turkey, Egypt, Arabia, India, Iran? learned forty-eight years ago tliat she had contracted leprosy REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.O., President while serving as a missionary of MRS. WILLIAM BANCROFT HILL, Honorary Vice President the Methodist Episcopal Church. DELAVAN L. PIERSON, First Vice President Instead of bewailing her lot, REV. THOMAS S. DONOHUGH, Second Vice President Miss Reed returned to India to REV. JAMES CANTINE, D.O., Cor. Secretary serve the lepers. God answered MRS. JAMES M. MONTGOMERY, Treasurer her prayer and the disease was arrested so that she has been Make checks payable to the American Christian Literature Soable to spend nearly a half cen- ciety for Moslems, and send them to the Treasurer, Room 1019, tury in this service-and with- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. out a furlough. In America there will be celebrations of the anni- lB. Lesson Books, Scholar's Read- Dannie and the Alabaster Box. Conversary at Lowell and other ing Book, 2d., Scholar's Questions, stance Savery. 62 pp. 9d. Picker- Ohio towns associated with Miss 1d. S. P. G. London. ing & Inglis. London. Reed. A commemorative tablet is to be placed on the site of her Everyday Life in India. Two Outline For This Cause. Inabelle Graves birthplace and home at Lowell. Friezes. 18. S. P. G. London. Coleman. 199 pp. Pamphlet. 25 A dramatization of episodes in cents. Boardman Press. Nashville. Miss Reed's life has been pre- Let Us Build. P. E. Burroughs. 154 pared by Miss Lulu Irwin, Mid- pp. 60 cents. Broadman Press. Gateway to Tibet. Robert E. Ekvall, west secretary of the American Nashville. F.R.G.S. 198 pp. Christian Publi- Mission to Lepers. Ganga Ram, cations. Harrisburg, Pa. one of Miss Reed's India boys, Himself. The Autobiography of a writes: "Miss Reed educated me Hindu Lady. From a Classic in Joe Lives in the City. Jeanette Perand taught me to trust and know Marathi. By Ramabai Ranade. kins Brown. 36 pp. 25 cents. IlIus. God, the Father of us all. My Translated by Katherine Van Akin Friendship Press. New York. daily life speaks of her good Gates. 252 pp. $2.00. Longmans, teaching and glorifies the name Green & Co. New York. Report of the Keswick Convention. of our Saviour." 1938. 308 pp. 28. 6d. paper, 48. Annual Report of the China Inland boards. Pickering & Inglis. Lon- New Books Mission. 1938. Edited by L. T. don. Lyall. 110 pp. C. I. M. Phila- Calendars-Young Folks Calendar; delphia. ' The Meaning of Moody. P. Whitwell Grace and Truth; Daily Manna; Wilson. 157 pp. $1.50. Revell. 18 ea.; Golden Grain Daily Medi- The Christ. A. Wendell Ross. A Ne,! York. 'tation, lB. 6d.; Golden Terx;t, lB. 3d. Harmonized Study of the Gospel Daily Light Almanac, 13hd.; Our Records. 222 pp. $2.00. Fleming No Speedier Way. Golden Jubilee of Home Almanac, 1d.; The Bible H. Revell Co. New York. the Christian Literature Society of Almanac, 2d. Pickering & Inglis. China, 1887-1937. 144 pp. $1.20. London. AdvlE'ntures of Service. Stories of Christian Literature Soc. Shanghai. modern Pioneers. D. M. Gill and The Directory of World Missions. A. M. Pullen. 127 pp. $1.00 cloth, Out of the East. India's Search for Edited by Joseph I. Parker. 255 pp. 50 cents paper. Friendship Press. God. William A. Stanton. 192 pp. $2.00. International Missionary! New York. $1.50. Revell. New York. Council. London and New York. Blue Skies. Louise Harrison McCraw. The Presbyterians. The Story of a Indian Uplands. Some Stories of the 262 pp. $1.00. Zondervan Pub. Staunch and Sturdy People. Wil- Church in Chota Nagpur. Edward House. Grand Rapids.' liam Thompson Hansche. 194 pp. H. Whitley. 67 pp. S. P. G. Lon- $1.25. Westminster Press. Phila. don. Bird 'Voices, ,sonnets, Battle-Dore. William Bacon Evans. 68 pp. 25 A Sari for Sita. Nina Millen. 36 pp. Indian Brothers. Story Lessons for cents. Friends Book Store. Phila. 25 cents. IlIus. Friendship Press. Little Children. Dorothy Meadows. New York. 31 pp. S. P. G. London. "By Faith"-Henry W. Frost and the China Inland – Mission. 364 pp. Tales from Many Lands. Stories for Conquest of the Jungle. Stories of $1.25. China Inland Mission. Phila. Juniors. IlIus. 127 pp. 50 cents. the Kingdom of God in Chota Morehouse-Gorham. New York. Nagpur. Dorothy Harris. 70 pp. A History of the Expansion of Chris- tianity. Vol. II. Kenneth Scott Tales from India. Basil Mathews. Latourette. 492 pp. $6.00. Har- 96 pp. 50 cents paper, $1.00 cloth. per & Bros. New York. IlIus. Friendship Press. New York.
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