The Missionary Review of the World — January 1937
1937
A Missionary Appraisal, January 1937 Robert E. Speer A Doctor's Tour in Neglected Arabia w. Harold Storm Some African Evangelists in Training L. Paul Moore, Jr.
Highlights of a Century of Presbyterian Missions Arthur J. Brown Story of an Afghan Christian Martyr Alfred Zahir When Japanese Buddhists Pray , Winburn T. Thomas Ethiopia Under Italian Rule James L. Rohrbaugh 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember WILL ROGERS
January 1 to Easter-Local Follow- ~~ I M MORTAL I TV" up Meetings of the National Preach- ing Mission. "A~(JARY ISS(JE OF January 4-10-The Nation Wide Week CHl1RCH MA~A6EME~T of Prayer. Subscriptions: Six months William H. Leach, Editor January 4-6-Committee on Women's $1.25; one year $2.50; two Order direct or- through Work of the Foreign Missions Con- years $4; single copy 25c. AUDITORIUM BLDG., CLEVELAND, O. your Religious Book Store ference of North America, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Missionary Council. He is an Amer- Mr. Homer Rodeheaver has re- ican citizen, a Gentile layman, who turned from a music mission trip to January 6-8-Foreign Missions Con- was graduated from the University of Africa, which covered over 16,000 ference of North America, Asbury Wisconsin and for a time served as miles by air. His special interest was Park, New Jersey. general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. the study of native music, and he is of Kansas University. more than ever convinced of the effec- January 11-14, 1937-Annual Meet- tiveness of music in spreading the ings, Home Missions Council and * '" * Gospel. His experiences in Africa The Council of Women for Home have been gathered into a little book Missions. Asbury Park, N. J. The Rev. Robert Lee McLeod, Jr., called "Singing Black." The Rode- has been elected to succeed Dr. John heaver Company offers to give a free February 7-13-Negro History Week. A. Rodgers who recently retired as copy to ministers and missionaries. February 8-13-International Council secretury for Annuities and Special Gifts under the Board of National Mr. Hugh Re*dw'o" od'", Religious Edi- of Religious Education, Executive Missions of the Presbyterian Church, Committee and Associated Meetings. U. S. A. Dr. McLeod is a graduate tor of The London Times-Ghronicle- Chicago, Ill. of Davidson College, North Carolina, a daily paper with 1,500,000 circula- February IS-Annual Meeting of The and of the Presbyterian Theological tion-and author of the best sellers, Missionary Review of the World, Seminary in Louisville, Ky. For the "God in the Slums" and other vol- 156 Fifth Ave., New York. last five years he has served as pastor umes, has recently been on a preach- of the Presbyterian Church at Winter ing tour in America under the au- FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- Haven, Florida. spices of the Salvation Army. ARY ASSEMBLIES * '" '" A WARNING January 16-19, 1937-Jacksonville. We regret to learn from a corre- January 19-Z0-Lake City. Miss Mildred Cable and her com- spondent in Venezuela that Mr. Elie- January ZO-ZZ-Daytona Beach. panions have been obliged to leave cer Fernandez, the converted priest in January ZO-ZZ-Deland. Suchow, Northwest China, in haste, Venezuela whose story was told in the January 23-Z7-Miami. owing to Red activity in that locality. November issue, has not proved January Z6-27-Ft. Lauderdale. They have reached Lanchow safely. worthy of confidence. He is reported January Z7-Z9-Palm Beaches. tv have turned against the mission- January 30-February 2-0rlando. Dr. Harry E'". W'" oo'"lever, until re- aries and to have led astray some February Z-4-Winter Haven. Venezuelan Christians because of his February 4-5-Ft. Myers. cently editor of the National Meth- eloquence. February 4-5-Sarasota. odist Press, has become executive sec- February 6-11-St. Petersburg. retary of the American Christian February 7-l0-Clearwater. Foundation, and editor of its publi- February 10-12-Tampa. cation, These Times. February 13-16-Tallahassee.
Personal Items The Shepherd.Prince 1'''~ M~tt~ Dr. L. P. Dame, of Arabia, has re- signed from the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church to take charge of the Standard Oil Company of California hospital "hich the company A historical novel Qf love in Zion during the times of the Prophet Isaiah proposes to erect near the Katif Oasis By in eastern Arabia. ABRAHAM MAPU * '" '" Translated from the Hebrew by The Rev. Andrew T. Roy, a Presbyterian missionary in Nanking, B. A. M. SCHAPIRO China, now at home on furlough, is the interim general secretary of the Introduction by PROF. ROBERT DICK WILSON Student Volunteer Movement. The new secretary to succeed the Rev. Jesse R. Wilson has not yet been Phillip Whitwell Wilson, "N. Y. Times Book Review"
selected. '" '" '" "It is one of those spacious stories which have been written for all times."
Dr. Conrad Hoffman, Jr., Secretary William T. Manning, D.D., Bishop Diocese of New York of the International Missionary Council's Committee on the Christian Ap- "It is fortunate that Abraham Mapu's novel has found so scholarly and "iflcd a proach to the Jews, has accepted the translator as Mr. Schapiro, for the rendering of this masterpiece of mode,.;Jewish call of the Board of National Missions literature into English has peculiar value at this time." of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., Hundreds of othcr such tributes frOID eminent men.
to become Assistant Secretary in "Beautifully bound and superbly illustrated·-Limited De Luxe Edition, $.).25. Popular charge of Jewish work. He succeeds Edition, $2.75. 400 pages. Send for FREE 24-page prospectus. Dr. John S. Conning, who has filled this position with consecration and ORDER DIRECT FROM ability for the past eighteen years. Dr. Hoffman will also continue his BROOKSIDE PUBLISHING CO.
association with the International 676.678 Bible House Astor Place New York City
J. Hickey, an
THE MISSIONARY Tell Me About Moody who founded the "League of Another REVIEW OF THE WORLD Chance" and brought many exconvicts DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor to Christ, died in New York on De- VOL. LX JANUARY, 1937 No.1 An International Centenary Tribute cember 7. to the Publication and Business Office- *** Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. Foremost Evangelist of Modern Times The Rev. Charles H. Derr, a mis- Editorial and Executive Office- D. L. MOODY 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. sionary to Chenchow, China, under the Entered as second-class matter at By Board of Foreign Missions of the Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under WILL H. HOUGHTON Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., Act of March D, 1~7~. President of The Moody Bible Institute died on November 15 at the age of 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. of Chicago 'fifty-nine, in Chenchow. Mr. Derr Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Published monthly, except August. and was a graduate of Park College and All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan CHARLES T. COOK McCormick Theological Seminary and and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, went to China in 1904. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, Editor of The Christian, London 10 shillings a year. THE NATIONAL WEEK 128 pages in easy reading type, pictorial OF PRAYER MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- covers, full-page illustrations, LISHING CO., INC. sewed binding, net 40c. January 2-The Reality of God. John BOARD OF DIRECTORS 14 or ColOSSians 1. BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASS'N ROBERT E. SPEER, Pre8ident January 5-The Wisdom of God. Job A. L. WARNSHUIB, Vice-President 848 North Wells St. Chicago, Illinois 28: 12-28 or 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31. WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary "We greatly aupreciate the REVIEW. January 6-The Love of God. 1 John You are rendering a magnificent serv- 3 or Roman.s 5: 1-11. SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT ice in many ways." January 7~The S~fficiency of God. WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN H. KERR TAYLOR, 2 Corinthians 11: 18-12: 9 or Ephe- D. J. FANT Educational Secretary, Exe'cutive sions 8.
MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Committee of Foreign Mwsions, Januar; 8-TheS~viourhood of God. Presbyterian Church' in the WM. B. LIPPHARD U. S., Nashville. John 3: 1-21 or Romans 10.
ERIC M. NORTH January 9-The Comradeship of God. John 14.or John 15. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER January IO-The Kingdom of God. Editorial Chat Matthew 6 or Revelation 21.
A joyful New Year is our wish for Obituary Notes (Full programs may be secured every reader of The Review and from the Department of Evangelism Dr. E. S. Tipple, minister, educator of the Federal Council of Churches of every follower of Christ throughout and administrator, and from 1912 to Christ in America, 105 East 22nd 1928 president of Drew University at Street, New York.) the world. Madison, New Jersey, died on October 17 in New York City. Dr. Tipple II If you use *** was a member of the Methodist Board of Foreign Missions, the American PRINTING At least one regular reader of THE Bible Society and president of the Methodist Historical Society of New Y OU will profit from an ac- REVIEW u!les it as a daily prayer re- York. quaintanceship with us. We do the job complete in our own minder. He prays for the editor and *** plant, whether it be large or those associated with him; for the small. Sir Arthur Yapp, national secretary authors of articles and the work and of the British Y. M. C. A., died in While our specialty is Books, London, November 5, at the age of 67. Magazines and Pamphlets, yet needs they present; he prays for the He began his work with the Y. M. we have a variety of modern places and persons, the missionaries C. A. 46 years ago, and wrote several equipment to meet all the re- books on the movement, including quirements of your particular and converts in each field mentioned "Romance of the Red Triangle" and job. You will find our service in every department. If each reader "The Adventure of Youth." prompt, careful and courteous.
would do that it would not only mean *•• Will you allow us to estimate on your next printing? We benew vision and power to the editor Dr. John Hutchison, appointed to lieve you will be delighted with the Church of Scotland Mission in the our product, price and service. and authors, but would bring the Punjab in 1869, died JUly 26 in his blessing of God on Christian workers 89th year. He retired in 1929, but The EVANGELICAL PRESS continued to care for lepers in all over the world. Chamba, where he had spent the Printers of greater part of his life. The Missionary Review of the World *** *** PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE We call especial attention to the Third and Reily Strub HaITI,bur., Pa. paper in this number by Dr. Robert E. Mrs. Guy W. Hamilton, who, with Speer. It presents the subject of an her husband, Dr. Hamilton, spent 24 address given at a prayer conference years in missionary service at Shunof missionary executives meeting in tefu, North China, died in Cincinnati, Lakeville, Connecticut, last autumn. Ohio, November 17. Dr. and Mrs. Everyone interested in the problems Hamilton went first to Siam under and progress of the missionary enter- the Presbyterian Board in 1899, and prise should read it. a few years later were transferred to China to organize a' new station at *** Shuntefu.
THE REVIEW receives many com- [ 1] ments from readers, showing that the publication is widely read and highly valued as a world-wide survey of present-day conditions and activities, from a Christian viewpoint. Here are a few extracts from recent letters.
*** "Dr. Kagawa, and his circle of as- sociate and volunteer, missionaries en- joy the MISSIONARY REVIEW. It is a source of light, and of inspiration to us." HElNRY TOPPING.
Tokyo, Japan.
by the St. Louis Globe
AUDIENCE OF 10,O(JO AT THE NATIONAL PREACHING MISSION MASS MEETING IN THE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, OCTOBER 11, 1936 REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 1 JANUARY, 1937 Topics of the Times TRAIL BLAZING FOR 1937 Missionary trail-blazers have also an opportu- nity to try new sacrificial methods, or to follow old Everyone admires a trail-blazer but compara- but difficult paths-for evangelizing and training tively few have the courage or are ready to pay youth; in turning labor and capital to Christ; . by the price required to be the true pioneer. T?e a dedication of all talents and resources to HIm; price is usually high in endurance, da;nger and dl~ in converting politicians and governments to the comfort whether the trails blazed be III geographIc way of Peace, righteousness and Godliness; in feats in science in spiritual realms or in Chris- promoting Christlike race relations even at the tian 'missions. 'Many are ready and enjoy the sacrifice of pride and prejudice; and in selfless fruits that grow up where the few have led the love and unity that will emphasize only loyalty to way in breaking ground and planting new areas. the Head of the Church and true harmony in His service. When God directs His pioneers to go forward it is always in the face of difficulties, never on the To reach the ideals of Christ in each of these easy down-hill road. This was true when Abram directions requires courage, self-sacrifice and was called to go from Ur of the Chaldees into faith. The dangers and difficulties in the way are Canaan; when Moses was told to lead Israel out not easy to overcome, as they were not in the days of Egypt; when Joshua was commissioned to en- of Livingstone, Carey, Hudson Taylor, Florence ter the Promised Land. Jesus Christ set the Nightengale and Lord Shaftsbury. Most of these greatest example in sacrificial pioneering when difficulties are more subjective than objective and He temporarily laid aside His eternal robes of come from ignorance, selfishness and fear-all to deity and came from Heaven to earth in the garb be conquered by following the great trail-blazer, of a servant. When He commissioned His dis- Jesus Christ. ciples to "Go into all the world to preach the Gospel," and when Paul and Bar.nabas .were sent The rewards to pioneers are real and abiding. forth from Antioch it was to pIOneer III the face They are seldom found in wealth, not always in of hardship, difficuity and persecution, but with fame for great success achieved, but they are exthe promise of victory. perienced in the satisfaction of achievement, in the knowledge of blessing brought to mankind and Is there not great need today for the manifes- in the Master's "Well done." tation of this pioneering spirit-this readiness to blaze new trails-in missionary work? To be sure What trail-blazing will be undertaken and acthere are difficulties and adversaries in the way, complished in the face of the present-day colossal as there have always been. There are not only physical difficulties and the spiritual adversaries new and difficult mission fields to enter – as in that form the great opportunities of the year Tibet, Afghanistan, Arabia, Central Africa and 1937? New Guinea-but there are old fields to reconquer as in Soviet Russia, Siberia, North Africa and SUCCESS OF THE NATIONAL PREACHING Turkey. In other fields the Christian trail-blazer MISSION must face danger and some form of oppositior. from governments and anti-Christian leaders-as Enthusiastic reports come from all over the in Germany, Spain, Portuguese territo~y, Japar. United States as to the effectiveness of the Naand Chosen, China, Iran, India and MeXICO. tional Preaching Mission, the first phase of which closed in New York on December 9. It was a [3]
notable campaign, not to promote any special eco- power to cure present-day evils and to solve modnomic or political, denominational or theological ern problems. views, but to present Christ and His Gospel as the solution of all our personal, national and world Great mass meetings, such as that which filled problems. Under the auspices of the Federal Madison Square Garden, New York, with 18,000 Council of Churches of Christ in America, seventy people, were demonstrations to the public at large well-known Christian advocates, men and women, that the living Christ has not lost His drawing served the cause without remuneration. They in- power when He and His Gospel are stripped of the cluded Americans, a Chinese and Negroes, Brit- grave clothes with which many secretarians and ishers and a Frenchman who visited twenty-eight nominal Christians have sought to bind Him. But centers-North, East, South, Central and West- the most effective meetings of the campaign were to proclaim the "unsearchable riches of Christ." those for ministers and for high school students. The preachers, who came in large numbers, Preliminary preparations had been made by seemed to receive new encouragement, a fresh pastors and local communities, some churches understanding of the Christian message, and holding crowded daily meetings for prayer, for power to preach the unadulterated Gospel. Many dependence was on God and not on effective or- were challenged by the necessity for leading their ganization and wide publicity, good as these were. people in victorious living and in more sacrificial Then teams of varying numbers descended on service. In practically every city visited the high these twenty-eight cities for campaigns of two to schools were thrown open to the Missioners and four days each, extending over a period of nearly the pupils listened eagerly with alert minds and three months. The largest auditorium in each hungry hearts to the Good News, which few of city was secured for a mass meeting and was them had ever before heard so clearly and conusually packed to capacity with from 2,000 to vincingly presented. 18,000 eager listeners. There was also street preaching in many cities; other gatherings, and Dr. Stanley Jones, in summing up the results of usually the most fruitful, were held in high the campaign, says that it put new heart into schools, churches, at luncheons and clubs – for many churches and put evangelism again at the ministers, young people, women, businessmen and center. The essential unity of the Body of Christ teachers. In Philadelphia, 300 university profes- was manifested to the world by bringing together sors met to hear the Gospel. In every place min- members of practically all evangelical Christian isters came in large numbers – Chicago alone churches, North and South. They included Protbrought together 1,500. Many people traveled estant Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, hundreds of miles in hope of receiving new in- Presbyterian, Congregational, Friends, and Disspiration and to learn the secret of power. In ciples, and revealed their common fellowship and Portland, Oregon, it was found that 164 outside primary message, exalting Christ as the Son of towns and cities were represented. Uncounted God and the one Saviour and Lord of men. Such multitudes were also reached through the news- a fellowship and common loyalty, said Dr. Jones, paper reports and over the radio. In practically should be the means of bridging the gaps existing every place the Preaching Mission was front page between (1) the Church and youth, (2) the news, the press cooperating by giving wide pub- Church and labor, (3) the racial gap, (4) belicity and full reports, even in the midst of the tween the so-called personal and social Gospel, presidential election. (5) between the various denominations and va- ried theological concepts. All forces and factors, From other lands and races came some of the so far as they represent phases of truth, are one most effective speakers – E. Stanley Jones, the in Christ. missionary from India; Muriel Lester, the Chris- The success of the National Preaching Mission tian social worker of Kingsley Hall from London; was due, first of all, to the spirit of prayer that T. Z. Koo, the Chinese evangelist and Channing characterized leaders and other participants; sec- Tobias of the Negro Y. M. C. A. The whole com- ond, to the emphasis on the common need of all pany was knit together and ably organized and men for Christ and His Gospel; third, to the thorough organization and adequate publicity; directed by Dr. Wm. Hiram Foulkes, of Newark, and fourth,_to the unity and readiness of the Misthe chairman of the committee, and Jesse M. sioners to serve Christ and His Cause, without Bader, of New York, the dir.ector of the cam- thought of self. These should characterize every paign. The workers and the participants in every Christian and every church. city testify to the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ that actuated all the participants and to the This Preaching Mission has shown a new reaeagerness with which His message was received son for the existence of the Federal Council of by the audiences. There was evident a hunger for Churches. Such a united campaign could scarcely the Word of God and for the experience of His have been carried out successfully without such a
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
cooperative body to promote it. The campaign ters could be reached by the seventy Missioners also had and will have beneficial effects in home in a three months' campaign. Only the surface missions and in foreign missions. It has uncov- was scratched and in that in but few places. Most ered defects in national life, has revealed needs, of those who attended the meetings were Amerhas stimulated spiritual hunger, has sounded the ica's most earnest Christians. While all need spircall to serve, has united the Church and has proved itual awakening, the Gospel must also be preached anew the power of the Gospel to reach all classes to the unsaved multitudes. and conditions of men. The work of evangelizing, educating and enlist- WHAT NEXT IN NATIONAL ing Americans for Christ has scarcely begun. EVANGELISM? Therefore the campaign is to go on with renewed vigor. Already local eight-day preaching missions It is too early to report on the lasting effect of have followed the National Mission in many places the National Preaching Mission on the 2,000,000 and plans are under way for similar follow-up people who attended the meetings. These included work between January first and Easter. Small 25,000 or 30,000 pastors, beside the nearly two teams are to visit many new centers, with pastors million laymen, women, teachers and students. of local churches cooperating to evangelize their Much encouragement came from the responses to own districts. Then, following Easter, there will the platform and personal appeals – in decisions be seven weeks' campaigns and next autumn the for Christ and in rededication of life to Him. It Federal Council plans to continue the work on a was clear that many wanderers are eager to go national scale. Personal acceptance of the chalall the Way in consecration, if they know how. lenge of the Gospel is clearly needed to bring into At the same time the Missioners learned many practical operation national and inter:r:ational lessons in methods of approach, in emphasis and peace with good will and racial, economic and technique. Two weak points in the campaign are social justice. Only so far as pastors, with the felt to have been (1) the failure to reach, in any official boards and church members, are truly adequate way, the students and teachers in col- aroused and filled with the Spirit of God, can leges, universities and professional schools. These America be brought into harmony with the will present and future leaders in business, science and of God as revealed by Christ. philosophy must be brought face to face with the challenge of the Gospel. They were scarcely THE FEDERAL COUNCIL BIENNIAL touched in this campaign. Where they were, as with professors in Philadelphia and students in In a three-day session at Asbury Park, New Los Angeles, there was an encouraging response. Jersey, some two hundred and fifty delegates and friends gathered at the Biennial Meeting of the (2) There was a failure to reach the working Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in classes, most of whom seldom if ever attend America. Among many topics brought up for rechurch or hear the Gospel. Many of them are port and discussion the most vital was the recent hesitating between Fascism, with its dictatorial National Preaching Campaign. The reports, and state, and Communism with its godless philosophy the plans for a continuance of the work, are most of social revolution. They do not realize that enheartening. AmoLg other subjects, that are Christ, understood and followed, is the solution perennial, were evangelism, race relations, proof their problems. In Portland, where laboring motion of international good will and peace, work men as strikers were contacted by Stanley Jones, for economic justice, the remedying of social evils, they were quick to respond to the appeal to apply work for youth, and the development of Christian the teachings of Christ to settle their difficulties. unity and cooperation in the churches. Another campaign should give more attention to the spiritual needs of both capital and labor so The officers elected for the next two years were that these forces may be led to follow Christ and Dr. Edgar Dewitt Jones, pastor of the Central His Way of Life. Christian Church, Detroit, who succeeds Dr. Ivan Lee Holt, of St. Louis, as president. The new (3) There was a weakness in the program to vice-president is Dr. Joseph R. Sizoo, pastor of break down racial barriers. While Negro Mis- the Marble Collegiate Church of New York; Mr. sioners were included as members of the teams Frank H. Mann was reelected treasurer, and Dr. in almost every center, the 12,000,000 American Rivington D. Lord, recording secretary. The Negroes were not reached in any large number; executive secretary is Dr. Samuel McCrea Cavert. neither were the Jews, the Orientals or the vari- The twenty-eight denominations that are memous European language groups. Multitudes of bers of the Federal Council include about 24,000,- these are unchurched and form the mainstay of 000 Protestant church members which the Council antireligious radicalism. is eLdeavoring to bring into closer harmony and more effective action in righting the evils of pres- (4) The Preaching Mission was Lot truly national in scope. Not more than twenty-eight cen-
ent-day life and in promoting the Kingdom of God The effect of all this on the work of Christian on earth. missions cannot be foretold but the probability is that the work will go on as usual without increased NEW INDEPENDENCE FOR EGYPT difficulty. The aim of the missionaries is to turn Since the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty men's thoughts and allegiance to God as He is reon August 26, last year, Egypt has become an in- vealed in Jesus Christ. They work to build up dependent state; foreigners will be subject to Christian character and a high type of healthy, Egyptian laws, law courts and taxation. An in- intelligent citizen but they have no desire to mix ternational court will be continued for a short in local politics or international affairs. They detime during the period of transition. Egypt and sire religious freedom, including the right of Great Britain have formed a military alliance minorities to think and worship according to the which gives Great Britain the right to establish dictates of their individual consciences, no percamps along the Suez Canal and to move troops secution, discrimination or interference because in time of war, while Egypt agrees to build mili- of religious affiliations and the right of propatary roads. The control of the Sudan will be co- ganda by appealing to reason, without any atoperative and the country will be administered tempt to bribe or force anyone to conform to any "for the welfare of the Sudanese." sect or form of belief. Whether or not this ideal will be reached under Egyptian rule, it is im- The effect of this new treaty on foreigners, for- possible to say at present. Certain it is that the eign business and Christian missions is being spirit of tolerance has been growing under Chriscarefully studied-especially as regards discrim- tian influence. The seniors in the American Uniination, "minority" rights and the preservation versity in Cairo, composed of Armenians, Copts, of law and order. The Copts represent one in Greek Orthodox, Moslems and Protestants, refourteen of the population. Before the coming of cently expressed their common belief in God and the British, they were subjected to petty persecu- religion, but only one student assented to the tion and injustices and with the withdrawal of statement, "My religion is perfect." The majority the British many fear that certain elements will rated moral conduct above intellectual beliefs. renew the old religious rivalries. Others think that the State has become so secularized and so Egypt has entered upon a new day, with new unified by nationalism that religious persecution freedom for women, new opportunities for youth is no longer a great danger. and, it is hoped, a new spirit of liberty, tolerance, justice and goodwill.
With reference to law and order, in recent MARKS OF A GREAT TEACHER years, each political party has sought to reinforce its position by appealing to the student classes and Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher the world the youth movements, so that there has developed has ever known. Some of the marks of a great a far-reaching organization of the youth. The teacher have been noted by the president of one of dominating organization today is that of the Blue the great American universities: Shirts, said to number 15,000. At first unarmed, latterly they have begun to carry weapons. Their 1. The great teacher never ceases being a humorganization heads up under the leadership of ble learner. three students, assisted by three ex-army officers. Numerous clashes have occurred between them 2. He establishes a personal relation with his and the Green Shirts, a rival organization. Such students. an organization as the Blue Shirts is viewed with anxiety by all who hope that an independent Egypt 3. Whatever he may be teaching, is a window through which he looks out upon the whole uniwill move along lines of law observance. verse.
4. The merchandising of information will never seem to be his main purpose.
It is going to take wisdom and tact on the part 5. The great teacher will not think he has failed of all foreigners to avoid hurting the national feel- unless the students have not wanted to learn.
ings of a generation jealous for its rights ar:d for 6. He will not think it beneath his dignity to the full recognition of its new status of inde- pay attention to the art of presentation.
pendence. There will be manifestations of politi- 7. He will never speak of his work as routine cal excitement, agitations over trivial issues; some teaching. – will try to swing the Nation along antiforeign na- 8. He will ir:spire without sacrificing a rigid tionalistic tendencies; others will try to make realism of fact and idea.
Egypt a distinctly Moslem State with attendant 9. The great teacher has a gracious spirit and anti-Christian influences. Probably there will be is a tonic to his students.
a lowering of the standards of administrative effi- ;LO. The great teacher's aim is to bring his stu- ciency, due to the characteristic Oriental reluct- dents into harmony with the truth of God and into ance to assume responsibility for decisions. full obedience to His will.
A Missionary Appraisal as of January 1
By ROBERT E. SPEER, New York Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions 1""'… A MONG the glorious aphorisms with which the time. In this view, the old Student Volunteer Ignatian Epistles abound, there are many Movement watchword, "The evangelization of the as relevant to our day as they were to the World in this Generation," is both reasonable and days of Ignatius: necessary. There is no other way that the world can ever be evangelized. The world for us is the "Find time to pray without ceasing." world of our generatfon. The only agency that "Every wound is not healed with the same can evangelize it is the Church of that generation. remedy." "The times demand thee, as pilots the haven." I stand at the end of the past; where the future begins "The crown is immortality." I stand; "Stand like a beaten anvil." "It is part of a good athlete to be bruised and Emperors lie in the dust; men may live to command; to prevail." "Consider the times: look to Him who is above Over my head the stars, distant and pale and cold; Under my feet, the world, wrinkled and scarred and old; time." Back of me all that was, all the limitless past, "Slight not the workers." The future awaiting beyond, silent, untenanted, vast; "Let your stewardship define your work." I at the center of all that has been or that is to be- "A Christian is not his own master, but waits The task still unfinished and now God and man are de- upon God." pending on me!
"Consider the times" is essential counsel to the But though each time stands alone and needs foreign missionary enterprise as it enters this new to be considered by itself and in itself, it needs year. Such consideration involves two things. The first is our duty to see things as they are in to remember that what it is to itself, other times truth, with objective and dispassionate accuracy. No one is free from preconceptions and mental have been to themselves and that each time must bias in his approach to any subject and neither consider its own significance, not to itself alone, friends nor enemies, believers in, nor critics of but to and in the long movement of all the genforeign missions come to the consideration of the erations. How can we know until the end which present issues with empty minds. Those who were the most crucial and critical of all the times? have most at stake, however, are the men and We are both right and wrong in claiming the women who are putting their lives into the work. uniqueness and crisis-significance of our own We can least afford to be self-deceived. Of all time; right because it is our time and our one oppeople we are the ones who are most concerned to portunity, wrong because our strength and wisknow the truth and to see things in and about the dom for our own time require a calm and discernmissionary enterprise in themselves, as they really ing appraisal of other times. It is easy to fall are. into a panic and regard our own day of disorder and confusion as the supreme and critical day. It But it is not enough in considering the times is good to think this to the extent that we are to look at things as they are in themselves. We made earnest and resolute by the thought, but bad can see the present situation veraciously only as to the extent that we grow fe~erish and fearful we see it in its relations and perspective. No time and forfeit our sense of proportion and perspec- tive and lose our calmness of judgment and our confidence as to the future.
is isolated from its antecedents and its conse- We listen to "the challenge of the present quents. In one sense, to be sure, every time is crisis." We are told that "We are living, we are separate and unique and supreme to those who dwelling in a grand and awful time," that "Once live in it and in it alone. It is their one oppor- to every man and nation comes the moment to detunity to fulfil their task. It is indeed the past cide." But we forget that all these declarations which they are completing and the future which are quotations from another age. They are no they are preparing, but they were not here in the more real and true to us than they were to the past, and will not be here in the future, as they men of three generations ago. Is our time really are here now. Today is for them the accepted any more significant to us and its history than [7]
the fall of the Roman Empire was to the fifth cen- and in great outbreaks the mob of London or Birmingham tury and to all the centuries? Will some future .ournt houses, flung open prisons, and sacked and pillaged Chesterton say as much of our age as G. K. said at their will. . . . The introduction of gin gave a new of that one? impetus to drunkenness. In the streets of London gin- shops invited every passer-by to get drunk for a penny, or For the end of the world was long ago dead drunk for twopence. When the ends of the world waxed free, In no· field more than in the enterprise of for- When Rome was lost in a waste of slaves eign missions do we need to see things in true pro- And the sun was drowned in the sea. portion and relationship. Here, as elsewhere, men are filled with panicky fear or with the thought, When Caesar's sun fell out of the sky, whether reluctant or welcome, that the foreign And whoso hearkened right mission movement, as we have known it, is draw- ing to an end. Assuredly in foreign missions we Could only hear the plunging need to "consider the times." And it is proposed Of the nations in the night. here in the opening number of the REVIEW in 1937- And are we sure that even the upheaving ideas and discoveries of today are of any more signifi- (1) To suggest an historical review of the cance to us and to history than the great germinal, "crises" which the foreign missions movement has creative concepts and enlargements of the fif- already survived in the matter of its apologetics, teenth century, when the Reformation shattered its motives and methods; the bal~s of human liberty and new worlds, visible and invisible, opened to mankind? Or if we think (2) To suggest a diagnosis of features of the that this age is charged with unprecedented ex- present situation and its difficulties and problems; ter:r:al threats to the Christian faith, are we not forgetting the glacial movement of deism in the (3) To suggest an outline of missionary policy eighteenth century and the suicidal forces which for the immediate future. again and again, in the past and perhaps also today, are more dangerous to Christianity than any I. Crises Survived in the Past force from without? Of the religion of the clergy in England in the eighteenth century Bishop Ryle The idea that the foreign missions movement wrote: has in the past enjoyed the full support of the Christian Church but that today this interest and The vast majority of them were sunk in worldliness, support accorded by the Church in general has beand neither knew nor cared anything about their profes- gun to wane, is a fallacious idea. Foreign mission. They neither did good themselves nor liked anyone sions have never been the concern of any large else to do it for them. They hunted, they farmed; they part of the Church. At the beginning, in spite of swore, they drank, they gambled. When they assembled the fresh enthusiasm of the first Christians and it was generally to toast "Church and King," and to build the memory of the last commands of Christ, the one ano~her up in earthly-mindedness, prejudice, igno- foreign missions proposal met with determined rance, and formality. When they retired to their own opposition. It enlisted but a small minority suphomes, it was to do as little and preach as seldom as pos- port and there might have been no real foreign sible. And when they did preach, their sermons were so missions movement at all if it had not been for St. unspeakably bad, that it is comforting to reflect that they Paul pulling the Church out of Jerusalem and the were generally preached to empty benches. destruction of the city expelling it.
And J. R. Green wrote of that time: Medieval missions, from the early centuries until the Reformation, were not the enterprise of In the higher circles "everyone laughs," said Montesquieu the entire Church pressing out in a great and on his visit to England, "if one talks of religion." Of the united effort to evangelize the world. They were prominent statesmen of the time the greater part were the work of heroic individuals, some supported by unbelievers in any form of Christianity, and distinguished ecclesiastical or political influence, and some for the grossness and immorality of their lives. Drunken- single-handed – men like Patrick, Columba, Auness and foul talk were thought no discredit to Walpole. gustine, Boniface, Alexis, Anschar, Cyril, Metho- . . . Purity and fidelity to the marriage vows were sneered dius and Raymund Lull. The Church as a whole out of fashion. . . .. At the other end of the social scale had no missionary program and provided no suplay the masses of the poor. They were ignorant and brutal port for the devoted souls that went out to the to a degree which it is hard to conceive, for the vast in- non-Christian peoples. crease of population which followed on the growth of towns, and the development of manufactures had been met The Reformation was an upheaval within 'the by no effort for their religious and educational improve- Church and not an out-going missionary propulment. Not a parish had been created. Hardly a single sion. Neither under Luther nor under Calvin new church had been built. Schools there were none, save and Knox was any attempt made to launch forthe grammar schools of Edward and Elizabeth. The rural eign missions either in Asia or in Africa. The peasantry, who were fast being reduced to pauperism by Huguenot colony in Brazil in 1554-1558 was not the abuse of the poor-laws, were left without moral or religious training of any sort. "We saw but one Bible in the parish of Cheddar," said Hannah More at a far later time, "and that was used to prop a flower pot." Within the towns they were worse. There was no effective police;
a foreign mission nor were the colonial settlements seem to me alike founded in error; and, therefore, I must in North America, and when the latter turned to consider them both equally romantic and visionary. foreign mission work, as in John Eliot in 1646, and David Brainerd in 1743, and David Zeis- In America also foreign missions did not spring berger in 1739, it was only to reveal the more from or rest upon an awakened and devoted clearly that foreign missions were the concern Church which ardently supported the cause. Samonly of devoted individuals or small minority uel J. Mills and his four companions at Williams groups and not of the Church as a whole. And of College drew up the constitution of their Society the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation the for- of Brethren pledged to go as missionaries in eign missions were the work of the Jesuit mi- cipher, "public opinion then being opposed to us." nority. A small voluntary group undertook to send them and became the American Board. As similar When our modern foreign missions movement movements later developed in the various denombegan it was, as foreign missions have always inations it was always under the earnest advocacy been before William Carey and since, the interest of individuals or small groups who invariably met of the "Remnant," not of the body. The German with lethargy or opposition. Never in the history Pietists who founded the Danish-Halle Mission in of foreign missions has there been a time when 1705, and the Moravians whose foreign mission the work rested on the conscience, commanded the work began in 1732, were small minority groups, conviction, and enlisted the support of the whole illustrative, as foreign missions have always been, body of anyone of our denominations. It has been of St. Paul's principle in 1 Corinthians 1: 26-28: the burden of the "Remnant" in every case, often having a general official approval, but often meet- For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many ing direct or indirect opposition, and always for wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, real support by gifts and prayer and life, deare called; But God hath chosen the foolish things of the pendent upon a minority, often a small minority. world to confound the wise;. and God hath chosen the weak Let anyone read the biographies of men like Jerethings of the world to confound the things which are miah Evarts, Elisha P. Swift, William Taylor and mighty; And base things of the world, and things which Matthew Tyson Yates, and he will cease from conare despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are trasting the situation today with an inspired not, to bring to nought things that are. "golden age" when there was no lukewarmness or hostility and when everybody believed in for- William Carey and his supporters very dis- eign missions and gave liberally for their support. tinctly fall under Paul's characterization. Their movement was no enthusiastic general movement Again and again in the last hundred years forof the Christian Church. The respectable and eign missions have had to meet almost identical authoritative elements looked askance at this issues with those which we confront today. Since small company of "twelve obscure Northampton- 1819 the secretaries of the Foreign Mission Soshire ministers attempting the propagation of the cieties with headquarters in London have held gospel among the heathen." The London Mission- meetings regularly for counsel and fellowship. At ary Society began with three ministers – Bogue, the centennial of these meetings in 1919 it ap- Stephen and Hey.· The Church Missionary So- peared that there had been some 680 meetings ciety sprang from a small evangelical group of held and in a review of their history Dr; J. H. sixteen in the Church of England and could get Ritson, then one of the secretaries of the British none but German Lutheran missionaries for the and Foreign Bible Society, called attention to the first sixteen years of its history. Not one bishop problems discussed in the early years and their gave the group "the slightest recognition beyond resemblance to the problems of today. He is what he was officially obliged to give." In Scot- speaking of "Difficulties and Criticisms": land the very basic conceptions of foreign missions were at first rejected by the Moderatist ma- Missionary Societies have never been free from perjority. George Hamilton's well-known, and still plexities of finance, and these have not been their only familiar argument in the General Assembly of difficulties. The year 1823 was marked by terrible mor- 1796, was: tality at Sierre Leone, the C. M. S. and W. M. M. S. suf- fering heavily. The two best German missionaries of the To spread abroad the knowledge of the Gospel among C. M. S.-Johnson and During-were lost at sea. Twelve barbarous and heathen nations, seems to me highly pre- men and women went out, of whom six died within the posterous, in as far as it anticipates, nay, as it even re- year, and four more in the following six months. The verses, the order of nature. Men must be polished and C. M. S. report in May 1824 began, "The Committee have refined in their manners before they can be properly en- to display a chequered scene." No wonder the secretaries lightened in religious truths. Philosophy and learning of 1823 enquired, "What indications have been observed of must, in the nature of things, take precedence. Indeed, it the particular working of the great enemy against the should seem hardly less absurd to make revelation precede cause of missions, and how can such influence be best civilization in the order of time, than to pretend to unfold guarded against and counteracted?" to a child the "Principia" of Newton, ere he is made at all acquainted with the letters of the alphabet. These ideas At this period the whole outlook of missions changed from enthusiastic expectation of world-wide success to a
humble hope that a few elect might ;;e saved. A good deal its havoc, ignoring its implacable warfare on of hostile criticism was leveled against the Societies. In opium and idolatry, were charged to missions. It 1825 the Association was enquiring, "In what light are was held that Hung-su-tsuen, its founder and we to regard the opposition now so generally excited leader, had derived his ideas from Christianity against the diffusion of divine truth, and in what mode and that the wildness of the movement was an should it be met?" and then in 1826 they tried to profit illustration of what might happen anywhere if from the opposition – "What practical lessons may be Christian missions were free to let loose their relearned from the recent animadversions on benevolent in- actionary influences among unrestrained and stitutions?" Again a little later they discussed, "What ignorant races. "It is no chimera," wrote Alexare the causes of that distrust which has been excited re- ander Michie, "that the Chinese dread in Chrisspecting the management of religious societies, and what tianity, but a proved national peril, their vague is the best mode of removing it?" There is a tone of intuitions of which ripened suddenly into a terresignation in the title of a paper read in 1849, "The rible experience. . . . Much of the same evantrials of missions-the reason of these afflictive dispensa- gelizing proceedings, so far at least as the Chinese tions and the beneficial results of them." But they were Government can be expected to distinguish, which not allowed to work in peace, for within three years it was incited the Tai-ping rebels, are being carried on said, "A notion prevails to some extent that the mission- without intermission over a vastly wider field; ary enterprise is a comparative failure. Is there any truth and the missionaries today know perhaps as little in it, and what are the best methods of dealing with it?" of the ferments which they may have set up in The minutes of this meeting record the conviction that thousands of minds, as they did of the incubation "missions had been successful beyond expectation, and of Tai-pingdom." probably far surpassing the hopes of the fathers and founders of them." The unfavorable effect of the criticism of mis- sions, based on the Indian Mutiny and the Tai- The storm oroke out again in 1858 after the Indian ping Rebellion, was aggravated in the United Mutiny-the friends of missions urging a bolder Chris- States by the difficulties due to the Civil War. tian policy on the Government, and the critics declaring The war absorbed attention and resources. It dithat the Mutiny was caused by proselytism. In the same vided some of the largest denominations, diminyear the Secretaries were also driven to examine "Some of ishing their contributing constituencies and parthe principal objections made against the management of alyzing, by the blockade of the South, any foreign Religious Societies such as-the cost of deputation work, missionary effort of the separated churches of the publications and periodicals, etc." Criticism from without Southern States. Foreign exchange was disadlIas never ceased, but for half a century the Association vantageous. The American dollar was worth has not spent much time in discussing it. Of course it has only forty cents in China and one rupee in India. not always come from without. There have always been With mutinies and rebellions, the Civil War in critical and argumentative and candid friends in the inner America, the Crimean War in Russia, an old order circles. In 1825 Edward Irving's famous L. M. S. sermon and world-view dissolving and a new order with a declared that the current methods were all wrong, and a new idea of man's place in nature coming in, that few years after there was a topic of discussion which generation spoke of itself in the same terms in sounds peculiarly modern-"What line of conduct should which our generation speaks. One Board said in be adopted by Missionary Societies in order to obviate the its report: dangers, which may be apprehended from the agitation among their friends or agents, of those controversies Here is need of prayer; here is room for Christian libwhich have recently been moved in the Christian Church?" erality. Both are called for by the Word, the Providence, and the Spirit of God. The Committee cannot doubt that The Indian Mutiny brought with it an avalanche in both, the members of our Christian body, generally, of criticism of foreign missions. It was declared might make large advances on their past efforts. To refer that it was the fear and dislike of the Christian particularly to the pecuniary means required for increased propaganda of the missionaries that had brought labors, the Committee does not doubt that the churches on the Mutiny. Lord Ellenborough, "the vain and which now support these missions could really double their bombastic Governor-General who had preceded gifts, in a great number of instances; and the churche:, Lord Hardinge, and who was now the leading which have made no offering in aid of this cause, might advocate in Parliament of an anti..Christian policy surely do something for its support. Let this report with in India, on hearing of the Mutiny at once jumped its many and varied statements of what God is doing by to a conclusion as to the cause of it, and pro- his servants, be regarded as an earnest call to the considpounded it in the House of Lord. Lord Canning eration of Christian duty. This will also lead to greater (the Governor-General) had subscribed to mis- hopefulness in the missionary work of our beloved church. sions !" And Ellenborough's hostile voice was only one of many. The Committee are closing this Report in the midst of times that are filling the minds of men with apprehension. At the middle of the century and later the low Kingdoms are shaking. Our own country was never in tension of spiritual life, the weakened Christian such awful calamity. But the Church need not fear, her conviction, the indifference of students-and many members being found in their lot, at the post of duty. The other causes no doubt-brought missions to a low kingdom that shall never be moved is rising. He that has -ebb in Great Britain. For a decade the C. M. S. all power in heaven and in earth is now on its throne. ,could get an average of only two university men a year for foreign missionary service.
Paralleling the Sepoy Mutiny in India, came the 'Tai-ping Rebellion in China. This Rebellion and
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
His Almighty Spirit is now in the world, as the great who are the unfortunate victims of unemployment the agent of converting the souls of men. thousands of dollars which are expended annually in one And those who believed that they could interpret of the most foolish and needless institutions in this wise, prophecy and read the signs of the times, pre- up-to-date country-foreign missions. dicted our Lord's immediate coming, as some do today, while others talked of chaos and social rev- While millions of Christians in our own country are in olution in the language so familiar to us and, dire distress through no fault of their own, we (some of what is more, effected revolutions as truly as us at least) are sending straight out of our country thou- Lenin and Mussolini and Hitler have done since. sands of dollars to heathen who don't give a —. Oh, the bitter, bitter irony of it! Of course if we ever did abolish foreign missions and give the money we waste on missionaries to those who desperately need it, the poor Again and again, through the century since dear missionaries would be unemployed. And that is as it Carey died in 1834, waves of criticism have should be. broken forth on foreign missions, which anticipated essentially all the criticisms which we meet Oh, you self-satisfied church members who so ardently today. Some of these criticisms sprang from support the foreign missions, turn your simple eyes from ignorance but many came from full and intelli- the naked Indians who revel in their heathenism, and cast those eyes upon the wretched hungry folk in the slums of your prosperous country's cities! Does Christ, when such gent knowledge, such as Alexander Michie's books conditions as today exist, appreciate the dollars you deon "China and Christianity" and "Missionaries in liberately send away in His name, from the emaciated China," and R. N. Cust's "The Gospel Message," hands of your own fellow countrymen? No, a thousand "Notes on Missionary Subjects," "Essays on Re- times no! ligious Conceptions," and "Missionary Methods." Many of those so-called followers of God-ministers- also have it in their power, by taking their children out Michie was editor of the Tientsin Times and knew of some of the most expensive private schools in the East what he was talking about. Cust had been one of and sending them to public schools, to aid, with the sevthe Punjab school of British civil servants in In- eral hundred dollars "saved" thereby, their needy brethren. dia and had retired in England, where he became Scarsdale, September 30,1931. A. O. P.
a member of the C. M. S. Committee and a con- Only one other period may be s'poken of-the structive but relentlessly unsparing critic of missionary policies at home and abroad. These men Boxer Uprising in China and its aftermath in the were only representative of hundreds. The mis- Church at home. As in the case of the Indian sionary enterprise is today under far less criti- Mutiny the guilt of government and trade was cism-less in volume and less in harmfulness- shifted to foreign missionaries, and missions were than it has met again and again in the past. What blamed for the consequence of political and ecowe have heard in recent years is only very old and nomic invasion and of the imperialism of opium very tawdry stuff, such as that of Will Rogers and oil. Mr. Sidney Brooks was a good represenwho, in the New York Times of March 23, 1932, tative of the attitude of missionary antagonism at said: "Has your town or city investigated this the time. In his opinion missionaries were not great scheme called 'block-aid' that they have in well educated, were untactful, careless of local New York City? Each person with a job that prejudice, speaking a "bastard Chinese," guilty lives in that block is asked to contribute a dime, of "blundering provocation," ignorant of the phiquarter or not more than a dollar a week. Your losophy they were "intent on overthrowing, the block is so organized that each block helps itself. language which must be their chief weapon"; It's practical and it works. they were bigoted and sectarian, "enthusiastic girls who scamper up and down the country. Of "Every city, town and even country townships the needless causes of irritation the missionary is should organize and use it. You know absolutely easily the most prominent." Brooks began his where your money is going, it's helping your next article by discrediting the plea which the mission- door neighbor. That's one trouble with our chari- aries might make, that the political pressure of the ties, we are always saving somebody away off, West and the seizure of territory and "the endless when the fellow next to us ain't eating. Same demands for concessions are the real occasions of thing wrong with the missionaries. They will this semi-national uprising."
save anybody if he is far enough away and don't A new type of anti-missionary propaganda apspeak our language." peared in attacks by Westerners hiding behind Or as A. O. P., in the New York Sun of October Chinese nom-de-plumes – such as Lowes Dickin- 1, 1931, wrote: son's "Letters of a Chinese Official," and Simpson's A REMINDER THAT CHARITY BEGINS- "A Chinese Appeal concerning Christian Mis- AND IS NEEDED-AT HOME sions" which was a barefaced and deliberate fraud, appearing under the name of Lin Shao To THE EDITOR OF The Sun. SIR: Yang. The newspapers were full of such antag- I am presenting no solution of the unemployment prob- onism, some blase and some bitter. Sometimes the lem. I merely am trying to raise a cry to give to those papers would admit replies and sometimes they
would not. Even an American Secretary of State, study and (3) he found a deepening purpose Mr. John Sherman, shared in the derision. It was among the chosen few to exalt the missionary well that the Ecumenical Conference in New York enterprise to a place of supreme importance in in 1900 came when it did, with its unimpeachable church economy, "but unfortunately not many of witnesses from all over the world and with the ap- these men and women of faith are possessed of proving presence of President McKinley and Ex- large pecuniary means." President Benjamin Harrison, Governor Theodore Roosevelt of New York, Governor Beaver of Penn- If this diagnosis were not dated thirty-four sylvania, Lieut.-Governor Bates of Massachusetts, years ago it might be regarded as contempora- Governor Northen of Georgia, and some of the neous. There has no conflict or temptation or most trusted leaders of the Christian Church crisis befallen the foreign missions movement tothroughout the world. day essentially or fundamentally different from what it has had to meet, generation by generation, But how like our own condition that genera- since foreign missions began with St. Paul when tion's was may be seen from the careful analysis he concluded that it was the duty of Christianity of the missionary situation then by Dr. J. P. to turn to the Gentiles. Even depressions and J ones, one of the wisest and ablest missionaries curtailments and presidential elections are not in India, who wrote from America in 1903 to The new: Harvest Field in India. He had traveled on furlough 20,000 miles in twenty-one states and had I have read with much interest the pamphlet you sent, addressed 200 gatherings. The facts which "fre- which gives such encouraging reports from the field and quently obtruded themselves upon him and which reveals such aUuring opportunities to press forward in the he could not ignore," were: extension of the work. It must be hard, indeed, not to respond to these splendid opportunities, and instead of (1) The appalling fact that so few of the members of advancing, to have to order retrenchments, but that policy seems to be the order of the day in all business enterprises the churches have any knowledge whatever of, or slightest in these days, and I see no other course open to you. We have found it hard here to get people to give what they interest in, foreign missions. gave last year towards maintaining the fixed charges, to say nothing of new work. I think therefore it would be (2) That the old doctrines of the past, upon which the wise for you to defer any extension of the work until after election, when we confidently expect to see financial conmissionary movement of a century ago was constructed, ditions greatly improve.
have been entirely swept away or have lost their emphasis. This letter is dated July 28, 1908!
There is no gainsaying the fact that the missionary move- II. Factors in the Problem Today ment of a hundred years ago no longer obtains and is But in each generation the basic issues have to be grasped afresh, the conditioning environment being supplanted by another, or at least is yielding to it shifts its emphases and proportions, and new ele- ments of difficulty replace the old. What are the preeminence in its influence upon the Christian mind. main factors which constitute the problem today?
(3) Americans have become great travelers; as such 1. The general low spiritual tension due to many things-the great diversity, diffusion and their examination of missionary activity is superficial or superficiality of human interests, the heightened speed which dissolves continuity and promotes wanting altogether; and on returning home they hide their vacillation and change of concern, the excitement of new toys and tools, the mania for amusement, bold ignorance of what might have been seen and studied the spectator attitude to life, the diminished re- gard for fixed conviction and principle, the eninte11igently by cool assumption or bold assurance that the grossment of men's minds in economic and politi- cal issues regarded as the really significant things missions either do not exist or are practicaUy doing noth- -and much else.
ing. The blasting influence of these traveled people upon 2. An inadequate conception of the nature of Christianity, its finality and absoluteness, its true the missionary cause at home is much greater than many character as a revelation and not a religion. John MacMurray quotes a remark of Collingwood in of us think. . "Speculum Mentis" to the effect that when Chris- tianity becomes a religion, it ceases to be Chris- (4) Many who were indifferent to the missionary cause tianity. Even among Christians, and of course outside the Church, there is wide rejection of the a decade ago are now its pronounced enemies. They are Christian view of the uniqueness, the sole ade- quacy, the universal necessity of the Gospel of found in churches. the New Testament. There is avowed or uncon- (5) Anti-missionary spirit has been caused by the seeming ingratitude of alien peoples responsible for mas- sacres of missionaries sent to do them good; and more- over the growing prevalence of belief in the doctrine of evolution. carries in the mind of many an argument against missions to non-Christian peoples. These say, "Why do you not let peoples with ethnic religions graduallY evolve their own religious destiny rather than thrust upon them a foreign faith and introduce a revolution of religious life and conceptions among them?"
(6) A great deal of the commercialism of the age has entered into the Church of America, and this spirit is im- patient with the remote and not very articulate appeals of the missionary in foreign lands. : . . The apathy and indifference can in part be traced to the indifferent-and sometimes worse-advocacy by missionaries of their cause among the churches.
On the other hand Dr. Jones was encouraged (1) by the better attitude of the ministry which he attributed to the better attitude of the theological seminaries, (2) by the increase of mission
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
scious rejection of the position stated in the Mes- is a personal matter, and I am not going to ask another sage of the International Missionary Conference man to become a Hindu or Parsee. in Jerusalem in 1928: It does not matter, according to this view, The Gospel is the answer to the world's greatest need. whether men become Christians or not, and there- It is not our discovery or achievement; it rests on what fore it is superfluous if not impertinent to mainwe recognize as an act of God. It is first and foremost tain an enterprise which seeks to evangelize and "Good News." It announces glorious truth. Its very na- convert them. ture forbids us to say that it may be the right belief for some but not for others. Either it is true for all, or it is 4. There is the idea of a self-contained Amernot true at all. ica, living its own life aloof from the rest of the world. No one can really defend such a view, but We believe that men are made for Christ and cannot it is set forth by men who ignore its absurdity and really live apart from Him. Our fathers were impressed impossibility but who mean by it that we are to with the horror that men should die without Christ-we get what we can from the outside world but have share that horror; we are impressed also with the horror no duty to it. Let us suck up all the gain we can that men should live without Christ. from the nations, but we owe them nothing and our business is to let them alone! Let us go on Herein lies the Christian motive; it is simple. We can- our way and leave them to go theirs. We have not live without Christ and we cannot bear to think of men fallen on an age of an ingrown national soul. living without Him. We cannot be content to live in a Here indeed we have a new political mind, shrivworld that is unChristlike. We cannot be idle while the eled, selfish, afraid. What a contrast this is to yearning of His heart for His brethren is unsatisfied. the outspoken words of President Grant in his second inaugural: "As commerce, education and Since Christ is the motive, the end of Christian missions the rapid transit of thought and matter by telefits in with that motive. Its end is nothing less than the graph and steam have changed everything, I production of Christlike character in individuals and so- rather think that the Great Maker is preparing cieties and nations through faith in and fellowship with the world to become one nation, speaking one lan- Christ the living Saviour, and through corporate sharing guage-a consummation which will render armies of life in a divine society. and navies no longer necessary. I will encourage and support any recommendations of Congress Christ is our motive and Christ is our end. We must tending towards such ends." Well, General Grant give nothing less, and we can give nothing more. would get none from the last Congress or the next.
These truths are not adequately grasped. And, 5. The influence of the current political phialas, some foreign mission boards seem to have losophy of the State, as the organ of the social, adopted the view that their work is henceforth to educational, economic and cultural life of the nadwindle. tion, is revealed in their taking over the philan- thropic and cultural activity and responsibility 3. Therefore, and in consequence, the prevalent hitherto borne by society functioning nonpolitiidea of religious equalitarianism-that religion is cally. Already this philosophy has done far more a relative thing with no criterion or valid claim than is realized in breaking down the sense of reof absolutism anywhere, that if people have any sponsibility in individuals and in disintegrating religion it is best to let them alone in it and not some of the most precious functionings of a livdistuvb them, that "religion" in its general sense ing society. "Why," men ask, "should we try any is enough without allowing any specific religion longer to do what the State is now doing or proa place of exclusive preeminence, that there is a posing to do." The State does not propose to common stratum under all religions that is the carryon Christian missions, but its philosophy sufficient and essential thing, and that propaganda undercuts the human attitudes on which foreign and proselytism are inappropriate. Mr. Gandhi's missions must depend. untenable view, which would in reality disallow all religions except man's original and primitive 6. And furthermore, this expansion of the funcfaith, is too common. He said to a group of rep- tions of the State requires resources which must resentatives of the British missionary societies be provided by increased taxation on the very at the time of the Round Table Conference: people who had cared for these ministries. Even if they would continue them they cannot, because The idea of converting people to one's faith by speech income and inheritance taxes take away the caand writings, by appeal to reason and conviction, and by pacity to do so. The late Jesse Strauss, American suggesting that the faith of his forefathers is a bad faith, Ambassador to France, cancelled legacies of in my opinion, limits the possibilities of serving humanity. nearly a million dollars which his former will be- I believe that the great religions of the world are all more queathed to educational and philanthropic causes, or less true and that they have descended to us from God. and for these two reasons: the expansion of gov- . . . While I criticize part of the missionary work, I willingly admit that missionaries have done indirect good to India. There is no doubt about this. But for my having come under Christian influence, some of my social work would not have been done. My fierce hatred of child marriage and "untouchability" is due to Christian influence. I have come into contact with many splendid specimens of Christian missionaries. . . . Though my conviction i.s strong enough in me to die for that conviction, that force does not carry me to the goal of believing that the same thing should be believed by my fellowmen. . . . Religion
ernment functions, and the diminution of individ- again for our justification. The old idea was to ual resources due to taxation required for the ac- Christianize international and all other human tivities of the State. relations. The present idea is to internationalize and humanistically secularize our Christian con- 7. Just as the conception of the deep spiritual cepts. Collective and social ideas supplant the need of man for Christ has grown dim with many, personal and redemptive, not more so than in the so also there has been a discontinuance of the rep- past, but just as really, and just as resistantly to resentation of the moral and social need of the New Testament foreign missions as in the past. pagan world. The words "pagan" and "heathen" have fallen into disuse. Dr. Ambedkar, of India, 10. The home church has been confused and denounces the present generation of missionaries misled by the just emphasis that is laid in foreign for sparing so tenderly the abuses of Hinduism, missions on the native or national or indigenous and contrasts their timidity and overcharitable- church, as aimed at and in such glorious measure ness with the downright declarations of their already partly., achieved. "Why not let these predecessors of the horrors of idolatry and caste. churches now do the work?" it is asked, not real- It is not necessary to correct this present-day izing that they are still so unequal to the task that tendency by harsh denunciations of "heathenism." has to be done that they themselves are the strong- The true view is to comprehend all men in all est and clearest voice calling for the expansion of lands under one common condemnation and need. the missionary enterprise. On the other hand "All have sinned and come short of the glory of there are lands where excessive nationalism in the God." It is because so many people in the Church joins with these home critics in their queschurches themselves feel no deep need of Christ tion. But these very churches are quick to urge as the only Saviour that they feel no constraint to that it is not a cessation of foreign missions which send missionaries to save others. they want but the acceptance of a principle, which in reality is neither wise nor right, namely, the 8. Our missionary freedom is increasingly dissociation of authority and responsibility. The abridged by the nationalistic and secular move- very idea is proof that the work of foreign misments which are limiting religious liberty. We sions has not yet been perfectly done. are losing, in many lands, the freedom of worship and conscience and of religious expression which 11. There is also the situation in the home the last two generations won, and are returning churches. Many of these churches are suffering to the darker days of a century ago. In some from a regimentation of benevolences which sublands, as in Mexico, the limitation is chiefly on stitutes mathematical ratios for vital education foreigners, but in other lands, as in Russia and and living motives; which subordinates causes in Germany, it is on the nationals as well. In some common treasury pools, which increases overhead lands the limitation is only partial and is indeed charges, which removes the donor to a fatal disnot religious. In some countries, as in some of tance from the cause which he is asked to support, our own states, no foreigner can practice medi- and which weakens and threatens to destroy the cine. In some he can carryon schools only under power and persuasion of the appeal of the living special regulations. In a very few, as for ex- work. In many denominations there are conflictample, Russia and Turkey, all Christian propa- ing parties which sacrifice the missionary work of ganda is disallowed. Passport and vise regula- the church on the battlefield of their doctrinal contions are increasingly hampering. A missionary tentions. In all the churches foreign missions are, has just been forbidden admission to Japan be- as they have always been, the burden of the micause he was declared to be an extreme pacifist. nority and are too often sacrificed by the power Martyrdom is not the option of missionaries any of the majority to the interest of causes near at more. No vise thitherward can now be secured hand – the very right of the minority to direct and without a vise the martyr is not allowed to their gifts to foreign missions being sometimes sail from home. frustrated or abridged.
9. The missionary motive has thinned out in 12. The situation in the missions-is it worse many quarters. Humanitarian concepts, appeals than in the past? Are the missionaries really for world peace and international and interracial, "weary" or disheartened? They might well be if and even interreligious, good will have been sub- their reliance were upon the home church. In stituted for the evangelical ideas. Instead of the some denominations missions have suffered reconstraining love of Christ, which included the duction of from 30 to 60 per cent in their staffs. love of human brotherhood, human brotherhood Are missionaries today less effective than in' the is urged as sufficient without the hampering and past? The answer to these questions is NO! The separating addition of the love of Christ; or if average of foreign missionary character and cathe love of Christ is kept, it is only as an ethical pacity and devotion has not fallen. The relation symbol. Christ is no longer the Christ of the of missions and boards is better than in the past. New Testament, crucified for our sins and raised Most missions are functioning more effectively.
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
Their policies are clearer and more continuously III. Our Future Missionary Policy pursued. Right principles are more surely discerned. The forces of indigenous Christianity are Many of these elements in the contemporary immensely multiplied. There are indeed counter- missionary situation are beyond our control and vailing weaknesses, although they are less in for- perhaps even beyond our influence. Others are eign missions than in the home church. There is not, but lie wholly within our area of action and need of a spontaneous, sustained, evangelistic mo- responsibility. Roughly, there are four modes of mentum. Schools and hospitals should be still influence open to us: more dominantly evangelistic (instead of less, as has been recently advised) in purpose, character (1) Prayer. Perhaps with many of us prayer and influence. The furlough complex needs re- is in the same category as the weather, as Mark straint. The problem of mastering the language Twain characterized it. We talk of it but we has been made more difficult by short terms of don't do anything about it. There is probably no service or long and frequent furloughs, the prev- greater peril to the church than this theoretical alence of the use of English and the probationary acceptance of the reality of prayer as a force and and experimental conception of foreign mission our neglect to use it. service which has become too common. There is need for spiritual and intellectual leadership, tak- (2) Publicity, not in any narrow promotional ing the place of influence and authority based on or advertising sense, but as the ceaseless and effecfinancial and administrative control. There have tive proclamation of the essential nature and the been surveys enough to last for some time. fundamental principles of Christianity, and of the facts of human need and of the adequacy of the 13. This analysis is far from complete. Many Gospel. more aspects of the contemporary situation could be cited. One must suffice. The world is increas- (3) Wisely conceived and steadily executed ingly one world in the problem which it presents plans for presenting the cause at home and proseto the Christian apologist and evangelist. Wil- cuting it abroad. liam Hung, of Yenching University in Peiping, may be overestimating the declension and debility (4) Personalities. It is on personalities rather of the non-Christian religions, although what he than on programs or policies that this and all says is inevitably and rapidly verifying itself, but great work rests. When John Lawrence was he is describing accurately the main issues of the asked by what methods he had saved the Panjab present and coming days, when he says: and broken the Indian Mutiny, he replied, "It was not by my methods but by my men." Personali- It seems to me that we have arrived at a stage in the ties have been God's instrumentalities from the history of missions when it is no longer worth while for beginning. "The Word was made flesh and dwelt the missionary leaders to study the Christian approaches among us." "I am the Light of the World." "Ye to Buddhism, Confucianism, etc. The scientific study of are the lights of the world." Paul, at the outset, these non-Christian religions will have historical and aca- the long list of the medieval pioneers and the moddemic interest, but it has ceased to have the same practical ern company-Carey, Duff, Martyn, Livingstone, importance in missionary work as it used to have up to Anderson, Lowrie, Lambuth, and the men and twenty or even ten years ago. We must realize that the women we know today – these are God's living frontier of our missionary enterprise has changed, and forces. with it we must also change the old tactics. Too much praise cannot be given to the growth in the study of com- But there are specific endeavors and courses of parative religions in the missionary training centers of the action which suggest themselves in this appraisal West. Thus prepared, the missionary movement has been for our present scrutiny and care. enabled to deal with the non-Christian more effectively. It is partly due to the educational activities of the Christian 1. Every mission board and its officers must movement that the other religions are losing the grip they themselves discern and work with and by a true had in non-Christian lands. While Christianity is making conception of the real basis of missions in the inroads into these religions from one side, these religions New Testament Gospel. There should be fresh are suffering a great deal in the rear from a group of and definite statements of this basis made in new enemies, who have advanced so far into their terri- forms that will reach the intelligence and contory, that, for all practical purposes, Christianity must science of the Church. No such statements will ignore the incapacitated older religions and think of its reach and convince all. There are Christians and frontier work in terms of what it will have to do with Christians, but the true sheep will hear their Masthese same new forces; scientific agnosticism, material- ter's voice in the truth about Him and its mission istic determinism, political fascism, and moral iconoclasm. to the world. It will be disastrous if in any mis- sion board there is uncertainty or unbelief as to If we are not prepared to meet these issues on the evangelical supernaturalism of the Christianthe foreign mission field, where two-thirds of the ity of the New Testament and the missionary human race are involved in them, we may as well enterprise. abandon hope that we can meet them in the United States. 2. Every missionary secretary ought to satu- rate his mind and spirit in the literature and his-
tory of the foreign mission· enterprise from the istry depleted by the withdrawal of the inspira- apostolic days until today. He ought not to have tion of the foreign mission appeal. There are to remake discoveries already made long ago. He hundreds of men in the home ministry today who ought not to see the foreign mission enterprise in would not have turned from other work to full- any distorted or unrelated form, but should know time Christian service if it had not been for the enough of the history of the Church and of the influence of the foreign mission call upon their world, and enough of the contemporary life and lives. The national churches on the foreign field movement of the world, to understand the times are appealing more strenuously than ever for and the place of the missionary enterprise, neither more men and women from the Western churches.
exaggerating it nor undervaluing it, in the will of The voice of India was uttered by the Bishop of God. It would be well for him to read Rufus Dornakal in the appeal which he sent to the meet- Anderson's "History of the American Board"; ing of the British students in Edinburgh in J an- Eugene Stock's "History of the Church Mission- uary 1933: ary Society"; Dr. Arthur J. Brown's Centennial We cannot, therefore, at this time restrain ourselves "History of the Presbyterian Board"; Volume IV from sending you a call to "come over and help us" with of the Edinburgh Conference Report of 1910; all the earnestness and passion at our command.
Volume I of the Report of the Jerusalem Confer- 1. There are vast regions in many parts of India and ence of 1928 and the volume published some years Burma into which the message of God's revelation in ago by the Committee on the War and the Reli- Christ has not yet penetrated. gious Outlook, entitled, "The Missionary Outlook in the Light of the War." 2. There are still whole classes of people, even in already evangelized regions (like the middle class Hindus, Mus- lims, Buddhists and Untouchables), to whom Christ and 3. The promotion and cultivation of missionary his message have not yet been demonstrably put.
interest by the mission boards should not be less 3. The small church in India needs outside aid to train general and diffusive, but it should be more per- its manhood and its womanhood and its ministry for misonal and individual. There is need of far more tional Christian service and for effective witness to the specific, careful and continuous education of indi- regenerating power of Christ. vidual pastors, women and laymen, to raise up a new generation of intelligent and consecrated 4. The rural churches and those established among classes of people once despised and suppressed need guid- ance and help to enable them to play their part in service givers. for rural India.
4. The effort should be made, afresh or in repe- 5. Doctors and educationalists are needed for mission tition, to secure on the part of every pastor, at hospitals and colleges-to serve India towards stronger least once a year, a clear presentation of the es- and saner citizenship. sential missionary character of Christianity, its relation to the so-called world-religions with We fear that the strong national feelings exhibited in which it is not to be classified as though it be- recent years in India may estrange even the disciples of longed to their category, and the basic principles Christ from the call to serve Him in a land that is full of racial antipathies. We may assure you that, while that is true to a certain extent in the sphere of politics, it is of the Church's mission to evangelize the world. not true in the sphere of religion. At no time has there been a greater friendliness among the people towards 5. The literature of the missionary enterprise, Christians and Christian messengers than at the present already effective and appealing, needs to be still time. British missionaries of the true type-missionaries more qualitatively sharpened and empowered. who endeavor in the spirit of our Master to come to India The circulation of the MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE with sympathy and discernment and to serve her people WORLD, the only popular, interdenominational with that peculiar self-effacing love and power that issues missionary periodical left to the Church, should out of the Cross of Christ-such are in greater demand be multiplied tenfold. now than ever before.
Again we fear that some may be deterred by a con- 6. New missionaries should be called for and sciousness of personal inadequacy for the needs of India, sent out. The day for this is not past. It is true and by a procrastination that makes them wait for some that in the recent years of depression many boarels inward guidance and special call before they respond to have had to reduce their staffs. It is also true an appeal for service in India. But surely the crying needs of this great country and its peoples, and especially that this reduction has been lamentable. The at a time like this, and the possession of that life and good of it, in throwing responsibility upon the power which issued from Calvary and the Upper Room native churches, could have been secured without coupled with consciousness of ability with the help of God the appalling loss to the work in the withdrawal of to meet these needs, constitute a call the Divine source of thousands of qualified and experienced mission- which no one. can easily doubt. aries. Young men and women whom God has We therefore plead with you to consider whether Chris- tian students can now fail to give India what they alone manifestly called ought not to be hindered from can give, and whether they do not owe India this immeanswering that call. diate help at the present crisis of her history. We pray that the call to come over and help us may touch the hearts The home church will suffer in her own life of some of you, resulting in your surrender for missionary and will find the supply of men for the home min- service in India.
A MISSIONA:RY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
This is an authoritative voice, quite different which shall be self-propagating, self-supporting and self- from the irresponsible statements of non-Chris- governing; to cooperate, so long as necessary, with these tian students studying in Western universities. churches in the evangelizing of their countrymen, and in bringing to bear on all human life the spirit and principles In these appeals the National Churches deal of Christ.
very specifically with the idea that missionaries Missions and all their institutions and the naought not to go except where they are invited. tional churches with which they cooperate need, The National Christian Council of Japan at its all of them, in common with the Church at home meeting last December spoke these manly words: and all of its institutions, to be caught up in the The work which Foreign Mission Boards have started in momentum of a powerful and sustained evan- Japan has by no means reached a full-round goal. Much remains to be done to bring it to full completion. Weare gelism expressed, not in the living deeds of Chrisanxious that they shall finish it fully and happily. The tian service only, but also in a direct, persuasive, reason self-support and the spirit of independence lags convincing and unremitting proclamation of the among our churches is the tendency to lean on friends and truth and the truths of the Christian faith.
funds from abroad. The Japanese Church should cut loose S. The problem of the establishment and relaand launch out for itself. This has been done in every tionships of an independent national church has other sphere of life in the Empire; diplomacy, education, not been solved fully under any board. Each commerce, industry go forward through Japanese initia- system has its advantages and its disadvantages. tive and effort. Why not the church? Mission organiza- tions and missionaries should act from an irresistible sense Any approach to a satisfactory solution has lain of mission and not wait for an invitation. The missionary attitude of American Christians motivated by an impelling not in any program or scheme and has been forinner urge should be positive and aggressive. Regarding warded, not by conferences and compromise, but policies for evangelism in Japan, we believe that the Jap- has been achieved through persons and personal anese Church should in the main take the initiative. How- relationships. There are impersonal principles ever, we welcome assistance from abroad which is moti- involved; and no one has ever set this forth more vated by a positive urge. We fail because there is too clearly than Henry Venn, for thirty-one years much of a spirit of compromise with the "Japanese spirit." honorary secretary of the Church Missionary So- If Christianity were to become a Japanese religion it would ciety. But it has required persons of Christian cease to be Christianity. When this is put squarely to the student, for example, he is attracted by it. We need to mind and spirit to discern these principles and be more forthright in our presentation of the essential dif- how they could be applied, and these persons must ferences between Christianity and Japanism. arise in the native church, as well as in the mis- And these calls are for men and women like sion. Noone from without can make a native those who have gone in the past, not for the super- church living and free. Life and liberty are not men sometimes recommended, who are to go out qualities that can be donated by man to man. No and, without the language, accomplish in a few mission can give them to a church, and no mission months what other men, just as able as they, have can withhold them when a church wants them failed to accomplish in years. The great ones and will take them from God by whom alone they have gone again and again: Joseph Cook, J. H. can be given and who is more ready to give them Seelye, Henry Drummond, and others in our own than we are to take them. time. But the men who made the deepest impression on India, and the same thing is true of every 9. In almost every mission field new national or other land, were not visitors like these, but ultra-nationalistic regulations are affecting the Schwartz and Carey and Bowen, who went out to tenure or title or terms of mission property hold- India and never came back to learn the new phi- ings. In Mexico many clear titles have been losophies and psychologies of the West. Schwartz simply wiped out by the Government with no reserved forty-three years with never a furlough muneration or redress. Elsewhere increments of out of India; Carey forty-one years, and Bowen, value have been denied or imperilled. In many forty years. It is service like theirs, with or with- lands the national churches are disposed to argue out furlough, that leaves its mark. that all mission property is held in trust for them, even though it was wholly provided from the 7. The fundamental evangelistic aim of the for- West, or by people who gave it, not for the endoweign mission enterprise must be kept clear and ment of the church in some one land, but for use made even more dominant. In spite of advice to in the evangelization of the whole world. It would subordinate this aim, or to regard it as fulfilled seem to be wise for each boardin humanitarian service, the declaration which a number of boards have made in their Manuals (1) To examine all its property holdings to deshould stand unaltered in its letter and meaning: termine what should be held for the present and future needs of the work; The supreme and controlling aim of Foreign Missions is to make the Lord Jesus Christ known to all men as their (2) To have a clear and just understanding Divine Saviour and to persuade them to become his dis- with the national churches as to what, if any, is ciples; to gather these disciples into Christian Churches to be turned over to them and when and on what terms and to what title-holding body;
(3) To dispose of the rest while it is still pos- 12. We need to give, with real national leaders sible to do so. It must be realized that in some (such, for example, as the late Erasmo Braga in countries there is a difficult inheritance of pater- Brazil, and the late Masahisa Uemura in Japan), nalism and dependence to be overcome. Here is a careful study to the problems of training leaders fragment from a letter from Cawnpore, India, for the church. Are we simply duplicating Westdated June 25, 1936: ern modes and ideals? Can we do anything else? Are missions deciding questions which are church Ages ago the word of God was preached by the for- problems rather than mission problems and which eigners in India. As a matter of fact our Lord Jesus no illusory merging of church and mission can Christ was revealed to the inhabitants of the country by qualify us to solve for a really indigenous church? the most zealous Americans. They left their dear home Would we approve in America in the training of and came out to India convinced of the Holy Spirit-lived our ministry the duplication here of the former in a strange place, though so unfavorable. They faced schools of the Orthodox Church in Russia, or of great trouble in introducing the historical Christ as the the schools of any of the continental churches? real Saviour of the world. By and by through their efforts Or again, can we act otherwise in our mission many were brought to the blessed feet of Jesus Christ. training schools? Here once more we wait for the Thus missions were organized and worship places erected development of an adequate autonomous church at their own expense. such as is already foreshadowed in autonomy, and also in a measure in true indigenous originality, Next they took upon themselves to arrange for the in Japan and Brazil. boarding schools to be established in various cities of the land, and thus feed and give education to the children of 13. The problem of the relation of missions to the poor, altogether free of charge. They further solved government, which was one of the central probthe problem of the medical need of their native Christian lems two and three generations ago, is back again brethren, and opened hospitals and dispensaries, where with a vengeance. The meaning and limits of they considered it fit, for free treatment of the sick. They religious liberty must be restudied and the attidid all this and many other good deeds for the sake of the tude of missions to government limitations and One who opened their hearts to so do. They ran all such control. How many of the following rights may institutions with their own hard-earned money and greatly be justly demanded as included in the claim of benefited the countless people of the world especially our religious liberty? country. No doubt they sent out more than enough of money to India, whereby several were saved and educated. (1) Freedom of private opinion; (2) Freedpm of private worship; Then follows an appeal for continued free edu- (3) Freedom of assembly and public worship; cation and medical care and subsidy of the church (4) Freedom from requirement to participate in India. There have been many arguments in in objectionable worship; the Indian Christian papers to the effect that mis- (5) Freedom for propagation (the new Russion property should be regarded as the property sian constitution of 1936 allows only antireligious of the Indian Church. It is bad for the Indian propaganda) ; Church to take this view. And mission boards (6) Freedom in education, to be exempt from must do, in this matter as in all else, only what is state schools and to conduct our own schools; right and just in itself, and what is best for the (7) To hold property for use; Christian cause, whether doing this is easy or (8) To hold property for endowment; hard. (9) To sell property freely at what price can be obtained; 10. We should limit the quantity and improve (10) Freedom from all discrimination upon rethe educational quality and the Christian char- ligious grounds. acter and missionary influence, and should reexamine the type, of all our educational work, How far shall we go against a government? lower and higher. This is a different issue today from the earlier days, because now we cannot cross a national 11. We must evidently restudy the work of boundary line without government consent. We medical missions. Already they are discontinued can't die any more for rights for which our fain some fields, either through government hin- thers could die. What shall our course be ? Well, drance or through displacement by indigenous de- one thing is clear-we must exhaust every effort velopment. Elsewhere the economic problem to obey what we believe to be God's will and leave becomes increasingly difficult. The inadequate the consequence to Him, and we must use to the appropriations compel mission hospitals and dis- full and without delay all our still allowed liberty pensaries to achieve a measure of self-support of Christian witness. which diminishes their ability to give charitable service to the poor and increases their competition 14. The problem of cooperative and union work with native practitioners. Again the problem becomes increasingly difficult. Large sections of arises of diffusion or concentration; of quantity or quality, of competition or supplementation; the solution is to be found by asking "What will best serve the fundamental Christian missionary aim ?"
A MISSIONARY APPRAISAL AS OF JANUARY 1, 1937
some of the churches are moving in a doctrinal or mild. Some missions complain of too much direction that makes cooperation with them by home direction and control, and some of too little. others, in some forms of work, impossible. The What we all need is to hold fast to David Livingfundamentalist group in some churches demands stone's doctrine that judgment and responsibility withdrawal from cooperation that we believe go together and that whoever exercises the judgought to continue, and the opposite groups do the ment must bear the responsibility and whoever same, and also demand cooperation that is im- bears the responsibility must exercise the judgpracticable. The situation is tragically confused. ment. In reality the work is an integer and all The fundamentalist and independent groups are of us together must seek the wisdom which we divided among themselves. The modernistic can achieve collectively alone and all of us must group is inchoate and inarticulate. The great bear each his own burden and also the burden of evangelical body goes on its way but is harassed us alL from either side. It could be wished that we would all assemble on the platform laid down by 16. Probably every mission board has from Charles Hodge at the great meeting of the Evan- time to time surveyed its whole work, in the light gelical Alliance in New York City in 1873: of its situation in relation to its home church and the areas of the world where it is at work, and has Finally, there is the duty of cooperation. In union is sought to outline a comprehensive and continuous strength. All Christians and all churches are engaged in policy, asking itself where the emphasis should the same work. They are servants of the same Master, be laid, whether any of its work should be disconsoldiers of the same Great Captain of their salvation. If tinued, whether it should press out on new roads, the several corps of an army should refuse to cooperate whether any change in policy or program should against the common foe, defeat would be the inevitable be made. The archives of some boards are rich result. What then is to be expected if the great denom- in such surveys and appraisals. More than once inations into which Christians are divided keep contending in the Presbyterian Board we have tried to attain with each other instead of combining their efforts for the to the height of a grand missionary strategy and overthrow of 'the kingdom of darkness? . . . If all Chris- statesmanship. In 1896, Dr. Ellinwood made tians really believe that they constitute the mystical body such a careful and comprehensive study. In 1920 of Christ on earth, they would sympathize with each other another careful analysis and projection of work as readily as the hands sympathize with the feet, or the was made, based on a study of all the fields of the feet with the hands. If all churches, whether local or de- Board in regard to occupancy, responsiveness, nominational, believe that they too are one body in Christ strategic importance and human need. All such Jesus, then instead of conflict we should have concord; studies are useful but they need to be handled with instead of mutual criminations we should have mutual an easy touch and with an open and ready mind. respect and confidence; instead of rivalry and opposition Paul went to Europe against his previous plan, we should have cordial cooperation. The whole visible and not by his deliberated program. It is well for Church would then present an undivided front against us to heap up the wood symmetrically for the infidelity and every form of anti-Christian error, and the altar. But the fire! Lord, we wait for the fire. sacramental host of God, though divided into different corps, would constitute an army glorious and invincible. The aphorism of Ignatius was a double ad- juration: "Consider the times. Look to Him 15. The mission boards will do well to maintain Who is above time." in their relations to their missions and to the churches with which they are working on the field, the principle of a democratic equality, and not be led into an attitude of autocracy whether stringent SOME SEORETS OF POWER Before power can come into the lives of men and women, they have to become channels through which the power can work. To be that channel, one has to get rid of self. Self has to be crucified. The heart and life have to be cleansed. Then the clean vessel has to be presented in consecration for service. Paul had experienced something of this power, and appealed to the Romans to present their bodies upon the altar as holy, living sacrifices. The purpose of this consecration was to perform the Will of God. They could not be channels through which the power of God flowed until they were willing to lose their lives in His great cause.
God will not try to force Himself into the life of anyone. He stands at the door and knocks. He is seeking and wooing and loving, but does not use force. God created man and redeemed man when he transgressed. It is a twofold ownership which God has over man, but still He waits until the heart is opened before He comes in to cleanse and abide there.
Power is never given to be wasted.-Ralph Pfister, in Gems of Cheer. s Au D I ~ NEJ D ~ Hofu!d"it~~~_ _ _ _/fL-T'–':~—l ~ Ri.'a.'.d'.'hD-··················l 'A.'…~ … ····R R I A J~ . ~ ……………
liddah 1 Mecca ……… : …~ .0.······· Taif / 20°~~–~~·~ '~—-~~~~-SAN-DY–DES-ER-T ~~~:r/~ 200 AN/~_ m~~ ~ ~ / .'
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p II p.. ..'••/ …..
"~ 'r =. . .~–~,'————-~>=~~.~…~.. -~.-'.'.-….-.~ —–t———–~ 15° ARABIA Showing Route of Dr. Harold Storm Socotra~ o'===="5=0S=CA=1L0~0E=OF1=5M,0""I=L2E0=0S<==:2d50 Route of Or, Storm …………….
45° Longitude East of Greenwich 50° Prepared by C.S.HAMMOND & Co.,N. Y. [20 ]
A Doctor's Tour in Neglected Arabia*
By W. HAROLD STORM, M.D., Bahrain, Persian Gulf Missionary of the Reformed Church in America A MOST interesting and important journey On August 23 we left Taif for Jiddah and the across Arabia and around the western and sea. The more direct and easier route is spoken southern shores of this great unknown of as the Derb EI'Muslameen (road of the be- peninsula, has recently been made by Dr. W. lievers) and leads directly through the holy city Harold Storm of Bahrain. He was accompanied of Mecca. The other, which is longer and more by three Christian hospital helpers to make a sur- difficult, is called the Derb Elkafireen (road of the vey at the request of The World Dominion Move- unbelievers) and makes a circuitous detour ment of London and the International Leprosy around Mecca. We, of course, were taken by the Association. After spending Sunday, June 23, longer route.
1935, in Riatih, the capital of Saudia Arabia, the Jiddah has an estimated population of about party of four started out on this unusual tour of 30,000 and is the chief seaport and commercial territory, much of which had never before been center of the Arabian coast on the Red Sea. In visited by Christian mission- recent years it has become the aries. This survey is made after diplomatic capital of Saudia forty-five years of missionary Arabia. Its importance can be work in this difficult field where judged best when we realize that Moslem fanaticism combines all pilgrims coming to Mecca by with desert, mountains, a torrid sea pass through this city.
sun and primitive life to raise Here we were called upon to barriers against the progress of treat a young member of one of the Gospel of Christ. The jour- the most influential families in ney was the answer to many Hedj az. Their history is as earnest prayers for the opening dramatic as it is romantic. Four of Arabia and Arab hearts to or five generations ago they the Gospel. were slaves in the home of an in- The travelers came from Bah- fluential member of the Sheri- rain on the Persian Gulf to fian family, who was the local Riadh in central Arabia; from representative of the r u lin g thence they journeyed to Taif, house in Constantinople. One near the west coast, to Jiddah, member of this slave family the seaport of Mecca and then DOCTORS DAME AND STORM. WITH gained the favor of his master down the west coast and through MRS.STDOARMME, AATNDRIRAODBH ROY and was given his freedom and southern Arabia until they re- property. He combined a shrewd turned to Muscat, after many adventures and win- business mind with a likeable personality and ning many friends. Dr. Storm writes in Neg- finally amassed a great fortune. It was not long lected Arabia as follows: until those who formerly had been vassals became Our trip from Riadh to Taif was the same as feudal lords and gained more and more favor i~ that followed by Dr. Dame in 1932. Taif is sit- the Sherifian court.
uated about 6,000 feet above sea level and is a Political upheavals change the destinies of men.
haven of rest from the stifling heat of the coastal The Sherifian house fell as the great Wahabi King plain and especially from Mecca and Jiddah. It Ibn Saud entered Hedjaz and those who had be- is the summer capital of Hedjaz and would be an come equal to kings suddenly found themselves ideal location for permanent mission work. We with neither fame nor fortune. Shrewd diplo- spent six weeks in this delightful city and experi- macy, however, combined with unquestioned abil- enced a splendid reception from both Arab royalty ity, soon gained for them the confidence of the and the Bedouin. new Saudian authorities and today they are – *' Condensed from Neglected Arabia, 25 East 22nd St., New York. trusted counsellors and among the wealthiest and [ 21 ]
most respected families on the eastern coast of so placed as to give the greatest advantage to Arabia. prevailing winds. Never have I had such per- The influence and friendship of this particular family opened the way for a visit to Yenbo. They sonal satisfaction in carrying on medical work arranged all the details and sent us in their own car, one of the very few privately owned cars in for nowhere in Arabia have I met people who Saudia. Yenbo is a small but important center as it is the seaport for the holy city of Medina. No- are poorer or more needy. Their gratitude was where have I seen a cleaner Arab town. It is surprising almost to the point of a shock when, upon touching. . being awakened by the early morning prayer call of the Muezzin, you look out of the window and J eizan presented a new problem in missionary see a street cleaner diligently at work with his donkey cart and broom. This is obviously a re- touring. Various kinds of animal life frequently sult of Turkish and Western influence. trouble the traveler. Plagues of locust, in swarms Rumors of political instability in Sana, capital of Yemen, spread throughout Hedjaz, encouraging so thick that often the sun is hid from sight, deideas of the possibilities of an open rupture of relationships between Saudia and Ye- scend from the unknown upon the Arabian desert. men. If hostilities actually broke out our movements would all be stopped Every green thing is eaten. Here we were conand even the rumor might be ample excuse to check and frustrate our plar s. fronted with another plague – scorpions were Everybody became excited and na- everywhere. Literally dozens would be seen in tive Arab troops poured into Jiddah from Mecca. The chief Saudian rep- the streets if one strolled out of an evening. We resentative in Hedjaz proved to be a friend in need for he greatly appre- even found them in our beds. My hospital boys ciated what had been done for his family in Taif and gave an order that we frequently amused themselves after the day's be carried on the S. S. Fetak along with three hundred Saudian soldiers work was over by seeing how many they could who were going to the Nejran frontier. DR. STORM'S EYE CLINIC AT ASIR The time of departure from Jiddah was sunset. Soldiers and more soldiers catch and bring to me by use of a flashlight and a came aboard until they were packed pair of operating forceps. tighter than sardines in a tin. One inquisitive soul turned a winch valve and imme- Again wars and rumors of wars threatened to diately steam poured out. An alarm of fire spread. stay our progress. The !talo-Abyssinian contro- Pandemonium broke loose. Those nearest the versy was working itself up to fever heat and the railing literally dove into the waters or into sail- Red Sea was becoming a scene of intense acing dhows standing alongside the Fetak. Con- tivity. Kameran Island, four days by a sailboat, fusion reigned until a member of the crew re- is the International Quarantine Station for the vealed the source of trouble. The entire trip was southern end of the Red Sea and is administered both pathetic and amusing. One minute we were by the British as directed from Geneva. It was laughing at the absurd situations they managed to of special interest because of the leper problem. get into, and the next our pity and sympathy were Everything and everybody was in a state of aroused. They disembarked at Kunfida where anxiety, suspicion and fear. ~aravans awaited to take them on a long fifteenday trek far into the interior, across an unknown From Kameran we set out for Hodeidah by saildesert into an equally unknown future. boat, but a sudden inconsiderate thrust of a sword fish or mighty blow of a huge stinging ray &ank We continued on to J eizan, chief seaport of one of our boats off Ras Esa, Yemen. Everything Asir which has served as a buffer state between was lost excepting a very small part of the cargo Yemen and whatever power held sway in Hedjaz. and we were forced to go overland by camels. Our route took us over a portion of the Tahama, a We stayed in Asir three weeks living in a native wild desert country. The people are very illiterate hut. These are made hy loosely tying together and are only nominally Moslem. In one village we branches of trees in the shape of a cone, and then covering them with grass, which is in turn secured by a close network of rope. There are two doors
A DOCTOR'S TOUR IN NEGLECTED ARABIA
noticed a most unusual sight – an emissary of Yemen is to anything foreign and especially mis- Iman Yahia, ruler of Yemen, had been sent to sionary.
teach the natives how to pray. With a huge club The next stage of the journey found us aboard in one hand he marked out a line on the sand and the S. S. Africa, bound for Aden. Rihani gives a had the men and boys line up. Then using the most amusing description of this antiquated rat- club as reinforcement he taught them the positions tletrap in his book, "Around the Coasts of Ara- and words of the Moslem prayer. bia." In the early days of Arabian mission We were unwelcome guests and were ordered history, many of the missionaries traveled on this from the village. But suffering humanity cares same boat. Patience and a calm sea made pleasant not for caste nor creed and while deciding upon what might have been an unpleasant journey.
the best move to make we were asked to see a lad The formidable peaks of mountains surround- suffering from a bad leg ulcer. It had been treated ing Aden typify the obstacles encountered in Mos- by the application of grape leaves under which lem mission work, over which the Ion Keith Fal- was a mixture of dates and coner Mission of the Church powdered dog brains. We of Scotland and the Danish cleaned the ulcer and treated Mission, both located in Aden, him and through the patient's stood out as great beacon gratitude we won the friend- lights. Here we spent fifteen ship of the entire village. days and during that time When we reached Hodeidah saw their work in detail. Both in the early hours of the missions are ready to move at morning only Pariah dogs the first opportunity into the welcomed us. We could not unoccupied areas of Makella find our host's house and de- and Yemen. Pray that the cided it was best to wait out- doors to these unoccupied side of the city wall until sun- areas may be opened. These rise. Suddenly, as though two missions along with the coming out of nowhere, we Arabian Mission of the Amer- were surrounded by a group ican Reformed Church – are of agitated men. It was un- the only Protestant groups usual if not an unheard-of working among the 10,000,000 thing for a European to be people of the Arabian Penin- wandering about the city in sula.
the early hours of morning in While we were with the Ion a camel caravan. They be- Keith Falconer Mission, the came more excited and I oldest of these three, they talked and talked, stalling for celebrated their 50th anniver- time. We finally persuaded sary. Their Jubilee program them that we possessed bona calls for medical dispensaries fide letters from Ibn Abbas throughout the Aden Protec- and that we were to be the torate and for a reading room guests of a certain Hodeidah TWO BEDOUIN CHIEFS AT ASIR and church building in Sheikh merchant. One of the men Othman.
guided us to our host where Arab coffee and rest Our next goals were Makella and Hadramaut.
ushered in the dawn of another day. Twice has a representative of the Danish Missions The next few days in Hodeidah proved only too been in Makella but on each occasion he was al- short but we met the Governor several times and lowed to stay but a few days. Dr. Samuel M.
visited among the merchants. As everywhere the Zwemer stopped at Makella in 1891, in the early medical bag opens seemingly locked doors. Ye- days when a survey was being made to determine men is undoubtedly the most closed of all sections where the mission should begin its work. As far in Arabia to anything savoring of the Christian as available records show, the interior of Hadra- mIsSIOnary program. Neither the ruler nor his maut has never before been visited by a mis- prime minister has ever been away from the con- sionary.
fines of Sana and has never seen the sea, despite We traveled to Makella by a small native the fact that Yemen borders on the Red Sea, and steamer carrying a cargo of sheep. Makella many Yemenites are seafarers. Narrowed out- harbor is one of the most picturesque spots of look, plus strong religious fanaticism added to a Arabia, reminding one of the harbor of Naples.
deep rooted egotism, create a warped mentality. The city is one of the most cosmopolitan of all It is therefore not difficult to see how antagonistic Arabia. A babble of tongues, clashes of color and
smells of all kinds greet you as natives from all Women guard the trenches while their men-folk parts of India, Africa, Java and Netherlands care for the gardens.
India. The city is a beehive of activity, a great Religiously everything centers ahout either the trading center. How long-how long-before the tombs or the Sayyids (direct descendents of the Gospel of Christ can be preached here? prophet). Thousands gather from every part of The word Hadramaut means "place of death." Hadramaut, coming on pilgrimages made to the It takes six long tiresome days to travel by donkey tombs at appointed times when a four- to five-day or camel over the waste djol (barren plateau be- fair will be held in connection with religious ob- tween the coast and Wadi complex of Hadra- servances.
maut). A wonderful unique watering system A Weli or saint is buried in some spot desig- broke the monotony of the desolate path at fre- nated by himself before death and a shrine is quent intervals, placed by pious Mohammedans built and frequent pilgrimages made to it. All either just before death or ordered put there right property and money in Hadramaut are in the after death. Suddenly without any warning you hands of the Sayyid class. Thus a combination of stand on the edge of a precipice and below you lies a dead religion and foreign money have deadened a most amazing sight. It seems like a fairy para- progress in one of the great potential sections of dise. Fertile fields of dhurra (maize) and verdant the Peninsula. The obstacles and difficulties for patches of palm groves flank the sides of the white missionary work are tremendous but the challenge Wadi (valley bed). Along the sides of the cliffs are built the villages, the houses are gray or clay color with whitewashed frieze work.
In and around Wadi Doan we discovered lepers, but leprosy seems to be on the wane inasmuch as nearly all the cases are of an ad- vanced type. A method of isolation has been adopted for years and thus continued contact is thus pre- vented.
The Wadi complex of Hadramaut presents one great surprise after another; the majestic beauty of Wadi Doan is in such direct con- trast to the monotonous waste of A VIEW OF MAKELLA HARBOR, HADRAMAUT the Djol. Shibam, one of the three great cities of Hadramaut, reminds one of an is great in proportion to the difficulties. Need, American city with its five hundred seven-story ignorance, and false religion cause 100,000 people buildings. One is amazed to find that these are in one of the most interesting and picturesque built entirely of clay. Everywhere dotted among parts of Arabia to call out with clear clarion voice the date gardens are villas of modern European the fact that they know not the Christ nor have style, electrically lighted and equipped with inside they had any chance to know Him.
swimming baths. From Makella we set out in a sailing vessel on Many of the ancient mysteries of the southern a trip that may be done in three to four days with end of the Arabian Peninsula lie buried among persistent favorable winds. Thirty-three days the ruins of Meshed and other parts of Hadra- later we arrived in Dhufar intact yet rather maut. Here the secrets of the early history of weather beaten. We experienced every conceiv- Arabia as well as the truths about early trade able delay possible – terrible storms, absolute routes will some day be unearthed by arche- calms, loss of three anchors, deceptive captains, ologists. etc. I have never experienced such loneliness any- As one rides along in a modern automobile there where in Arabia as when I realized that I was is pointed out a villa where lives a man who re- alone and five hundred miles from the nearest ceives ten to twelve thousand rupees monthly from known Christian at Christmas time. Still the joy the East Indies. Near by are two families which that was mine because of this rare privilege over- are still carrying on a feud that has been going on shadowed all sense of loneliness.
for years. We heard a bullet shot being fired as Dhufar I had visited for two months in 1932-33.
we passed by. Trenches have been built from the Sayyid S-, Sultan of Muscat, had granted per- houses out to the gardens because it is unsafe for mission for my trip. Forces of opposition had the men-folk to appear in sight of the enemy. changed his attitude, but, true to an Arab trait,
he would not rescind a promise once given. My The general attitude completely changed and a hospital helper, M-, who recently took his stand new house (the finest in Dhufar) was ordered to for Christ, arrived some weeks before I did and be made ready for the doctor on his arrival. One was denied customary Arab hospitality. The Sul- morning when the Sultan came to greet his countan refused to see him. For three nights he had selors he noticed M- coming to care for his eye to sleep on the medical cases on the sea front. and he said to this hitherto hostile crowd, "See His greetings were not returned – a discourtesy M-! I don't want an unkind word said or an unthe greatest of which an Arab can be capable. kind act done to him." Here was a young Moslem They assigned him a house which was hardly fit ruler actually defending a Christian convert. It for animals. He was paying the price of having was an act of the Lord and truly marvelous. taken his stand for Christ but he stood firm, praying that they who were persecuting him might Two months spent in Dhufar helped to bind come to know the joy that was now his. more closely the friendships already made. The Sultan's attitude and the growing friendships re- Days passed. The Sultan was suffering from sulting from two medical tours opened wide the badly infected eyes. As there are no medical fa- doors. A clear clarion voice calls out, "Come cilities in a place like Dhufar, he called in M-. to Dhufar and help us.." This is a challenge to Although only a hospital helper the lad was able our faith. Are we ready? to relieve the intense pain and by his gentleness and care he completely won the Sultan's favor. After fifteen days on a sailboat we arrived at Later the Sultan said to me, "M- was so careful Bahrain on March 28, thus ending a 5,000 mile and so clean and so gentle, I can never thank him medical tour which took ten months to complete. enough." Our total treatments numbered 10,406; opera- tions, 224, and outcalls, 558.
THE CROWN PRINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA SON OF IBN SAUD OF RIADH Friendly to Dr. Storm and Dr. Dame, medical missionaries of the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church in America.
ONE OF THE PALATIAL PRIVATE RESIDENCES in Hadramaut, the unevangelized field in Southern Arabia, recently visited by Dr. Harold Storm.
Lights in a Century of
Foreign Missions By the REV. ARTHUR J. BROWN, D.D., New York Author 0/ The Centenary Volume, "History of the Foreign ~. Mission Work 0/ the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A." * I I T IS easy to be deceived by temporary fluctua- legacies. Of all causes, hospitals are the closest tions in the interest and support of home to the hearts of the American people; but Mr. churches. They naturally bulk large to those Robert Jolly, retiring president of the American who are living at a given period. The course of Hospital Association, reported to the annual meet- Foreign Missions has been like that of the Mis- ing of the Clinical Congress of the American Col- sissippi River with its alternations of sluggish and lege of Surgeons, October 28, 1935, that donations rapid currents, its tortuous channels, and its many to the support of hospitals had fallen off seventy- bends, some of them so long that, in the old days, five per cent, gifts having dropped from $185,- a steamboat sometimes traveled a whole day only 000,000 to $49,000,000 between 1929 and 1934.
to find itself at evening within sight of the place There was no such slump as this in contributions from which it had started in the morning. But to the Presbyterian Board. Manifestly, whatever that the river would eventually reach the sea is the causes of the decline were, they were not due never in doubt. Contributions do not tell the to loss of confidence in the Board.
whole story, but the record is, nevertheless, sug- It is clear, however, that the main financial degestive. Beginning with $5,431 in 1833, total re- pendence of Foreign Missions must, to an increasceipts from all sources for the year ending March ing degree, be upon the rank and file of church 31, 1936, were $2,910,908.00, and the Presbyterial1 member,ship, people of average incomes who can total for the whole period is the huge sum of contribute comparatively small sums. Death has $131,276,70l. removed many of the wealthy men and women Misleading inferences have been drawn from who in the preceding generation gave generously the recent decline in receipts from living sources to Foreign Missions during their lives and left of $4,757,590 in the peak year of 1924. It should great sums in their wills-John S. Kennedy bebe noted, however, that the year 1924 was the queathing to the foreign missionary work of the culmination of a special campaign to cover a large Presbyterian Church $2,725,976; Mrs. Kennedy, deficit; that, if the exceptional contributions for $1,608,645; Mrs. Russell Sage, $1,613,672; Mrs. the deficit were left out of account, the receipts Anna M. Harkness, $2,639,285; and Mrs. A. F. from living donors in the following five years were SchaufHer, $229,481 – these five legacies aggrelarger than ever before; and that for the year before the business collapse in 1929, the receipts gating $8,817,059 in. twenty-one years (1909from living donors were actually greater than 1930) . Are there to be future legacies like these? they had been for the four preceding years. It Perhaps so. In 1934, the unexpected news came was during the depression that the Board suffered that the will of Mr. C. Sidney Shepard had bemost heavily; but even then, the Board suffered queathed to the Board one-third of his large residless than religious, philanthropic, educational and uary estate, the amount realized being $2,841,- secular enterprises in the United States. Gifts 617. But many of the living donors who gave liband legacies for religious and philanthropic pur- erally before the depression of 1929-1935 lost poses fell from $14,777,747 in 1932 to $6,411,311 most, and in some instance all, of their fortunes in 1933. Gifts for education fell from $59,498,828 during those disastrous years. Whereas special to $14,552,988, and most of the latter sum was in individual gifts to the Board averaged $372,773 a year for the fifteen years ending with 1929, they * One Hundred Years—<A History of the Fareign Missionary Wark shrunk to $142,881 in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1933. President Nicholas Murray Butler, in af the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., With Same Account af a message to the alumni of Columbia University Countries, Pooples and the Palicies and Prablems of Modern Missions. in 1934, said: By Arthur Judsan Brown, Secretary Emeritus af the Board. 1,140 pages. $8.00. Flemiug H. Revell Campany, New York. The survey In the history of Columbia University we have arrived here given includes the rise and develapment of foreign missionary at the end of an era. That era was one during which most interest in the home churches, the history of the Board and the women's societies, and the founding and pragress of missionary work AamsioangandtheLatAinmeArimcaenricaIn. dians and in sixteen cauntrles In Africa, [26 ]
HIGH LIGHTS IN A CENTURY OF PRESBYTERIAN FOREIGN MISSIONS
generous and great gifts were received from many differ- of Guatemala and National Presbyterian Church ent individuals for the endowment and enrichment of the of Mexico. Each of these national churches is work of the University. . . . That era has come to an end. ecclesiastically independent of the Presbyterian The great fortunes which made these benefactions possible Church in the U. S. A., elects its own officers and are either dissipated or destroyed. The economic and controls its own work as a self-governing body. financial crisis which grips the whole world has made The missionaries help by counsel but not by autheir return quite impossible, certainly for a long time to come, if not forever. . . . Columbia University must, thority. therefore, depend for its prosperous continuance upon Of course this does not mean that missionary thousands of relatively small gifts. work in these countries is no longer needed. None It is equally true that in the support of Foreign of these autonomous churches are yet able to Missions the lessened number of large givers will maintain unaided the educational and medical inhave to be balanced by an increased number of stitutions that are essential parts of the Christian small givers. This class has from the beginning program, and all of them need the cooperation of furnished the bulk of the Board's income. Indeed, the missions in their evangelistic work. Even in Robert R. Doane, in his book on The Measure- Japan, where the national Church is strongest, its ment of American Wealth, shows that persons of leaders emphasize the fact that, while their moderate means are usually more liberal than the churches are relatively strong in the cities, there rich. He declares that in 1929 thirteen and a half are thousands of rural towns and villages that per cent of the total gifts to all religious and phi- are still untouched by Christian effort (Dr. Willanthropic objects was contributed by persons liam AxIing, of Tokyo, places the number at whose incomes exceeded $25,000, eighteen and a 9,976), and that more missionaries are urgently half per cent by persons whose incomes were be- desired to take the Gospel of Christ to them. tween 3,000 and 25,000, and sixty-eight per cent by those with incomes of 3,000 and less. The in- In my history of "The Foreign Mission Work come tax returns for 1935 showed that the total of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A." (just pubgifts for all religious, educational and philan- lished) I have not failed to stress the character of thropiccauses of the men and women who made the Christians in all the mission fields. They are the returns were only two per cent of their re- not perfect-neither are Christians in America. ported incomes, and that, with the exception of We of the West should be generously appreciative about half a dozen individuals, the wealthiest gave of our brethren in non-Christian lands. Their only a small fraction of their incomes and noth- leaders are not our "agents" or "helpers," but our ing from the principal of their large fortunes. coworkers in a common task. It is harder for People of moderate means suffered more griev- them to follow Christ than it is for us. Many of ously than the rich in the depression years, many them have had to endure social ostracism, loss of losing a considerable part of their incomes and business and disownment by their families. Some others losing their employment. In these circum- have borne stripes and imprisonment. If the stances, their contributions to all causes naturally eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews shrunk, but tens of thousands of straightened were to be brought down to date, it would surely Christians continued to support the work of their add many names to the list of those who were churches. "afflicted, ill-treated, of whom the world was not worthy" and who have manifested a devotion be- Development of Churches in the Missions Field fore which we may well stand in humility. We would not exaggerate their good qualities. They Since the ultimate aim of the missionary enter- have imperfections. But one cannot fairly think prise is the establishment of the Church in each of them in a critical mood. They are so much non-Christian land, we should note as one of the better than we might have expected them to be, "high lights" of the present situation not only they are witnessing for Christ in such difficult that churches have been founded in every mission circumstances and with such patience and fortifield where Presbyterians are at work, but that tude that criticism is disarmed. They are doing, the Board and the missions under its care are now to say the least, quite as well as any of us would cooperating with thirteen autonomous national do in similar circumstances. If one wants to churches on the foreign field – Church of Christ know what their failings are, let him ask himself in China, Presbyterian Church in China, Presby- what his are. They are the same, and he can cataterian Church in Chosen (Korea), United Church logue them at his leisure. But surely God who of Northern India, South India United Church, tempers His judgments with kindly consideration Church of Christ in Japan, United Evangelical of circumstances, who "knoweth our frame and Church of the Philippines, National Christian remembereth that we are dust," will deal more Church of Siam, Syrian Evangelical Church, mercifully with the Christians in the mission field Presbyterian Church of Brazil, Presbyterian In- than He will with us. Some of them have come dependent Church of Brazil, Presbyterian Church "out of great tribulation," and they will surely be
among those who stand "before the throne of cooperative movement. Secretaries of the Board God." have been among its recognized leaders. Presby- terians gladly recognize their partnership with Cooperation and Union Work other Christians in world evangelization. They realize that they do not represent such an exclu- A marked feature of the century under review sive type of obedience to Christ that they should is the development of cooperative planning for a ignore the presence in any field of a sister evanmore effective use of men and money. Recent gelical church, and that it is no part of their misdecades have seen the International Missionary sionary duty to extend and perpetuate on the for- Conferences in London in 1888, New York, in eign field the sectarian divisions in America. 1900, Edinburgh in 1910 and Jerusalem in 1928; regional conferences in Shanghai, Panama and Loyalty to the Evangelical Standards Montevideo; the Foreign Missions Conference of North America, begun in 1893; the Student Vol- The Presbyterian Board and the missions under unteer Movement which, since its beginning at its care have steadfastly adhered to the declara- Mt. Hermon, Massachusetts, in 1886, has seen tion embodied in the Board's Manual: more than 16,000 students of American colleges go to the foreign field; the Laymen's Missionary The supreme and controlling aim of Foreign Missions Movement which followed the World Missionary is to make the Lord Jesus Christ known to all men as Conference in New York; the Missionary Educa- their Divine Saviour and to persuade them to become tion Movement which, starting in 1902, has en- His disciples; to' gather these disciples into Christian rolled over 50,000 persons in mission study churches which shall be self-propagating, self-supporting classes; and the Central Committee on the United and self-governing; to cooperate, so long as necessary, Study of Foreign Missions which, in the thirty with these churches in the evangelizing of their countryyears of its existence, has published 3,500,000 men and in bringing to bear on all human life the spirit volumes. The foreign missionary enterprise has and principles of Christ. led the modern movement toward closer cooperation of the people of God, nobly expressed in grow- This led the Board to emphatic disagreement ing comity and cooperation at home and abroad in with the basic principle of the report of the Apseveral organic unions, the Universal Christian praisal Commission of the Laymen's Foreign Mis- Conference on Life and Work in Stockholm in sions Inquiry. While the Board recognized what 1925 and the World Conference on Faith and was good in the volume, it declared with regard Order in Lausanne in 1927. The International to the chapters relating to the basis of the mis- Christian Press and Information Service in Ge- sionary enterprise, that "these chapters do not neva, June 17, 1935, listed forty-four international conform to the fundamental aim of Foreign Mis- Christian organizations.t The recent volumes on sions as expressed in the Manual of the Board." "Cooperation and the World Mission," by John R. In a further action, January 15, 1934, "the Board Mott, and "Conspectus of Cooperative Missionary definitely disavows those parts of the volume, 'Re- Enterprises," by Charles H. Fahs and Helen E. Thinking Missions,' which are not in harmony Davis, show that no less than 338 cooperative and with New Testament teachings and not in agreecoordinating enterprises are now functioning in ment with the doctrinal position of the Presbymissionary work, and that they are no longer re- terian Church." By the end of 1934, it was clear garded as tentative and experimental but as essen- that the effort of the "Modern Missions Movetial and permanent factors in missionary policy ment" to galvanize "Re-Thinking Missions" had and practice. In the educational field alone, there failed. In the Presbyterian Church, the Report are 153 union institutions in fifteen countries. is dead. There are indeed individuals who still Seventy missionary boards share in these unions. advocate it, but their number is relatively neg- The Presbyterian Board is in forty-eight, the ligible. An overwhelming majority of the minis- Methodist Episcopal Board in forty and the ters and members who have studied the book now American Board in twenty-four. In two of these know that its sound recommendations were the institutions, Cheeloo University in China and the policy of the Board long before the Appraisal Woman's College in Madras, twelve boards are Commission went to Asia, and that if the prinworking together. There are more (forty-five) ciples which determine its character and viewunion theological seminaries and Bible schools point had prevailed, there never would have been than any other class of union institutions. a missionary enterprise for modern appraisers to appraise. – Presbyterians hold no narrow inter- The policy of the Presbyterian Church, as rep- pretation of the Gospel. They gladly recognize resented by the General Assembly and its Board that it includes a wide variety of missio~ary work, of Foreign Missions, is in full harmony with this not only direct evangelism but educational, med- ical, literary, and social service activities. They t Figures given by Dr. A. L. Warnshuis in The Chr'istian Century, recognize, too, the wisdom of adapting their meth- May 13, 1936. ods to the changing conditions of the modern
world. But they insist that all must be done in deed, not only critics of foreign missions who asthe name and in the spirit of the risen Christ and sert but some anxious supporters who fear that it that their missionary enterprise shall not be per- is not a tide but a river that is flowing away not mitted to degenerate into a mere cultural and hu- to return. But the effort to give the Gospel to the manitarian effort. Non-Christian governments world will not be, cannot be, permanently arrested. can give secular education and non-Christian re- Many, and we believe an increasing number of deligions can promote reforms. Foreign Missions voted ministers and church members, realize both have no adequate justification unless they pro- the peril and the opportunity of the crisis. Theclaim the redemptive Gospel of Christ. ological seminaries are giving increased attention to missions. The purpose of God for men is not If the space limits of this article permitted, it to fail. The numerous changes in the political, would be easy to extend this short list of "high economic and intellectual life of the world, and in lights" of Presbyterian missions. I do not claim the attitude of "Christian" nations toward the that they are peculiar to Presbyterians. In my non-Christian do not impair in the slightest de- History, I have frequently referred to the splen- gree the impera,tive character of the missionary did missionary work of other evangelical denom- obligation. Rather do they increase it. There inations. Nor should we ignore the fact that may and should be changes in methods and emthere are not only "high lights" but deep shadows. phasis, but no present or prospective conditions Secularism, nationalism, totalitarian state policies, can modify the world's need of Christ or lessen denials of religious liberty, a denatured Chris- the duty of the Church to persuade men to accept tianity and skepticism regarding other peoples' Him. He is still the answer to the deepest human need of Christ are rife. To change the figure, the need, the goal of all true progress, the Lord and tide of missionary interest is apparently receding. But it will turn. Tides always do. There are in- Saviour of men.
THOUGHTS ON RECENT EVANGELISM IN INDIA Accounts from different parts of India regarding evangelistic efforts leads the National Christian Council to draw the following conclusions: 1. The Church is realizing afresh that the glorious Gospel of the blessed God has been com- mitted to her trust.
2. The lay forces of the Church are coming steadily into action.
3. Evangelism is accepted as the primary concern of every branch of the Christian enterprise. Some of the most striking illustrations of evangelistic effort come from schools and hospitals.
4. The "Week of Witness," preceded by serious preparation, has come to stay. It has made cooperation possible and indispensable. It has also been the means under God of re- storing many lapsed families to the fellowship of the Church – a most important service.
5. The need of good ,Christian literature is felt everywhere. Distribution must be expedited.
6. Significant as is the "Ambedkar revolt," of even greater significance is the movement among the Bhils, Ezhavas, Balahis and other communities. Systematic instruction of inquirers must be maintained.
7. There is a new spirit of expectancy abroad and a new zest for corporate prayer.
8. There can be but one adequate motive in Evangelism – "the love of Christ constraineth me" – but the methods may be many. For example, Bible Weeks, Book Weeks and Rela- tive Weeks have come hopefully into the scheme of things. So also has newspaper evangelism and evangelism by pictures. Intervisitation by carefully selected teams has proved a great success. Pledge cards have met with a surprisingly cordial reception. Personal witness is still the most effective method.
9. While spiritual unreadiness is a bar, it is not an insuperable bar to a Forward Movement. In going out to save others the Church herself is saved and finds the grace she needs.
10. The Gospel must be carried to all who are in need, irrespective of caste, creed or color. The time is ripe for a concerted Christian attack on illiteracy.
11. "We must not forget the enemy." The open door means that many adversaries are aroused. 12. Forward Movement is just beginning. The Holy Spirit is leading and as Christ's followers cooperate with Him the next step becomes clear. In this cooperation we discover afresh our essential unity.
African Evangelists in
By REV. L. PAUL MOORE, Jr., :1 -·"._'if,'–==E=de=a,=C=am=ero=un=, W=e=st=A=fri;ca;;;;;;j'I!JJ.- W HEN Herman Ntamak, one of the elders strong character from the days when the Leopard in the native congregation at Nkom, set Society, the sorcerers, and the tribal chieftains out one morning, long before it was light, had things pretty much their own way. He stood bearing a large burlap bag of cocoa beans on his . high in the reigning house of his tribe and had head, one would hardly have surmised it was he. every prospect of some day fulfilling a successful Ntamak was not making his departure from the career as an influential chieftain. But when Jesus village while it was still dark because he was Chris·t became not only the transforming but the proud. Even though he had been ordained as an all-consuming desire of his life, Hans Biyik re- elder, he did not chafe because he was carrying linquished all claims as successor to the seat of a load of produce to a European trading center, authority in his tribe. With the passing years he like any other ordinary native. But his early de- has manifested such a deep love and reverence parture was a matter of necessity; he wanted to for his Lord that he has indefatigably sought op- go and get back before the missionary and his portunity for testimony, not only and alone to the company of native elders, evangelists, preachers, people of his own tribe, but he has eagerly sought and others assembled at Nkom for the next Bible opportunity in tribes formerly despised and hated.
conference. When Ntamak met him that morning in the midst Of course the road he was following in the of the jungle Biyik was just returning from two darkness was nothing new to him. If it was in- weeks of self-sacrificing itinerary among what his terspersed with many hills and valleys, many people considered inferior and backward tribes, a crude log bridges to cross, much overhanging venture unattempted by any of his fellow elders.
forest, he would hardly feel conscious of any of "When are they going to arrive at Nkom 1"
these details. It was still dark, but this path was enquired Ntamak, hoping that he might get back so familiar that Ntamak could easily let his mind home in plenty of time for the final preparations.
wander where it would. "Oh, it will be at least three weeks, perhaps Soon after the first streaks of the dawn began four, because the missionary and his company to appear overhead, off in the jungle to the right have gone to the villages far to the north."
Ntamak thought he espied the light of a lantern With this the two men continued their journey swinging into view and out of view, as it passed through the forest together. Biyik extinguished through the heavy vegetation. When he arrived his lantern, for it was now light enough to see, at the place where a small bypath joined itself to and Ntamak was full of further interrogation. the main road, Ntamak waited until the lantern and its bearer came out to him. "They tell me that you have a new catechist in your village." "0 thou that bearest a lantern, I salute you," he called out, as the would-be stranger came with- "0 yes, he is a 'catechist homiletique,''' rein earshot. sponded Biyik.
"Is that Ntamak, a person of the Nkol tribe? "What do you mean by a 'catechist homi- The voice sounds like his." letique'1"
"Biyik I" cried Ntamak with undisguised joy, "Why," said Biyik, "he has just come from the Mission Bible Training School, and he has a black steadying the sack of cocoa beans lest it lose bal- notebook in which he prepares his sermons, and ance on his head. "Where are you coming from 1" to which he refers when he stands before us at "Oh, I have been traveling with the missionary service. That is what 'homiletique' means."
for almost two weeks 1 We have been holding "I heard it said that the missionary has brought Bible .conferences among the Makumak tribes. a new thing for us, a book which explains every People have been thronging all the meetings in verse in the Book of God." .
every place. But now I must get back to my wife "Well, it is not exactly that," explained Biyik, and children across the river. I just went to help "but the missionary has brought out a book which the missionary." explains the Book of Romans, and it is from this book our catechist prepares his sermons. It has Biyik is a strong character, and has been a [30 ] a good many new words in it, and new explana- hearts, so great our debt to God, that we have tions we never heard of before." nothing to give Him to pay for His gift of ex- ceeding generosity, complete and permanent for- "What do you mean?" interrupted Ntamak. giveness through the death of His Son. The Book "First of all, it cuts across all ideas of fetishes." of Romans tells us that God's gift comes first, "But we Christians don't believe any longer in giving us release from punishment, and a new fetishes," was Ntamak's quick reply. life, and a new nature. It is this new nature, the "Yes, but you and I as elders know how many very life of Jesus Himself within us, which gives of our people are even yet held by the hand of a us the power to live the Christian life. The memgreat fear, trembling in terror of witches and orizing of the catechism and of the verses from many other invisible enemies. And oh, how many God's Word gives this life strength, and causes it of our church people believe that the water of bap- to grow, and to conquer the old nature. tism is like a great river which carries away all their guilt. And many people look upon the bread "Our 'catechist homiletique,' " continued Biyik, and wine of the Lord's Table as though these had "has been at the mission station -in training for the same power as the 'soya' of our fathers, an about nine months and he has all sorts of books antidote which dispels guilt and repels disaster. to help him now. He has not only the translation God's Word itself says that the blood of Jesus on of Romans, and the book I told you about, but he the cross has once and for all exhausted the wrath has the same thing for 1 Corinthians, with teachof God against every sin we have ever committed, or still commit, or may in the future commit; that A PASTORS' TRAINING CLASS AT DONDI, ANGOLA we are saved and safe by His 'exceeding generosity.' " ing about the Lord's Supper, about the death and By now the two men had come to a large resurrection of believers, and many other things. stream, over which a gigantic tree had been felled He has, as well, books on Matthew and John. Then in order to give passage over the water. Without there is the new book of Bible verses which excomment, and as though this, too, were quite plains our catechism. You've seen it, haven't usual, one after the other the men planted their you?" bare feet upon the fallen tree, passed over the trunk, then followed one of the main branches "0 yes," replied Ntamak – "the one with all where the tree forked up and down, and were soon the Scripture verses, the one which has the 'Five walking again in the half light under the tall Steps to Salvation and Life' at the back of it?" trees of the jungle. "I tell you truly," added Biyik, "this teaching "What do you mean by His 'exceeding gener- in Romans and 1 Corinthians is revealing sin to osity'?" asked Ntamak, after the interval of the me in a new way. It is exposing the hypocrisy crossing. "Where did the missionary get that of lip worship, and makes me realize that Jesus combination of words?" Himself must dwell in the heart, for He longs for us to be holy as He is holy. And that just reminds "It means that through the exceeding gener- me. I wish I could find out who those fellows osity of God, a generosity to us who merit nothing were who stayed in my village while I have been but punishment for all our sins, we now can ob- away. They were from over on this side of the tain forgiveness and a new life, and shall never river. The catechist wrote me about them. He come into God's judgment for sin. That is a gift sent the letter to me while I was at Bodipo with of exceeding generosity, an unmerited favor from the missionary. Think of it! These fellows, four God to all who will reach out the hand of faith and accept it."
"But," interrupted Ntamak, "do we not have to do something to obtain this gift of exceeding generosity? I am an elder, even as you, and I know the steps into the church. One must know the catechism, the Lord's Prayer, the Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments. He must live for two years in the light of this teaching without a 'palaver.' He must present himself daily at prayers and church service and give regularly to the church. Then he is worthy to be baptized and to partake of the Lord's Supper."
"Even so," replied Biyik, "but this new book on Romans shows us that so great is our sin and so sinful our every thought and the desires of our
of them, were on their way to the trading center. through us. Why, if we could get that teaching, While under the sweat and exertion of carrying, that life, into the hearts of all our young people, they wore old, worn-out clothing, but when they our women, our men, our children, then sensual came to a town, they would hide their bags of sin would no longer hold its powerful attraction cocoa beans somewhere, dress up in new shoes, over our people, and they would be free from fear- trousers, sport shirts" and even hats, which they ing witches, ghosts, water sprites, and the rest of had carried wrapped up in a towel on top of their the invisible host.
loads, and then promenade around our villages, "Why, do you know, Ntamak," continued Biyik, enticing our young girls to sin. I wish I had been so grieved over present conditions, so fired with there. I wish I knew who they were." enthusiasm at the possibilities of the future since "That's not the worst I have heard," replied he had experienced the power of the new nature Ntamak. "These young fellows who are working in his own life, "unheard of things are happening as clerks in the stores at the trading centers keep to those who have fully accepted this teaching.
bread and cube sugar, small tins of sardines, and You know that our fathers used to say, 'No hu- even cigarettes in their rooms of the huts they man being ever goes anywhere unless he has occupy. Knowing that women and girls have something somewhere about his body, something come from great distances, are hungry, and have which can protect him and save him.' But today a hankering for the thrill of 'city life' as well, actually many are putting their confidence in these fellows very cordially direct our women to nothing but what they hold in their hearts, that make themselves at home out back of their shop invisible something which they believe. To many and rest until the work is finished. You know, this seems like unheard of foolhardiness, I know.
Biyik, many people think that when they are in a And others will not believe that we actually do large place where no one knows them, it doesn't not have something somewhere about our persons.
matter what they do. Who will report it to their And still others say that God does His part in sav- husbands or fathers, fifty or sixty miles back in ing the soul, but is not concerned with keeping the bush?" watch over our bodies. We must do that. But "Do you know," reflected Biyik, "there are to those who really know the Jesus way, who many things of trouble which we are called upon really talk to Him and trust Him for everything to face these days. Some of these troubles en- there is no need of amulet or charm, no need even courage us, some discourage us. For instance, of casting one's confidence on the Lord's Supper down where I come from there is a feeling-and as though in itself it had power to keep from it is daily becoming more evident-that many physical danger or calamity. I am not talking Christian people do not want to sell their daugh- about my own experience only. Talk to Abraham ters into marriage for so many goats, so much Telep, Mose Bikai, Martin Um, and many others money or gifts. They believe that if their chil- I could mention."
dren are gifts from God, and if they themselves "Is the missionary going to call another class are believers in Christ, their daughters· should not of catechists together in January for Bible train- be sold like so many slaves. But the trouble is- ing?" asked Ntamak, hoping that the catechist in the young people. All of them, perhaps, do not his village might take advantage of the training have as much light as their parents, and perhaps other catechists in other villages had had, and marriage without the dowry will not hold them that thereby he and his own people could get more to each other as it does now." light upon this new teaching of Romans and 1 "But," continued Ntamak, whose people were Corinthians.
one of the tribes further in the interior and hence "I don't know how he can," replied Biyik, "at somewhat more backward than those of Biyik, least not until another ordained missionary comes, "even among us· our young men are wanting to when either one or the other of them can be set marry girls who are chaste. Time was, you know, aside for this kind of work. You know there is that if a girl had had an illegitimate child, she no one now to take care of the 150 congregations had proved her worth as being able to have chil- in this field, and so the school has had to be closed dren, and therefore was the more desirable. Times indefinitely."
are changing." When these two native elders had reached the "I think a great deal is due to the catechists bank of the Sanaga River, which separates the among us," suggested Biyik. "These fellows who Babimbi tribes from the tribes to the south, they have been to the mission training school have separated. Ntamak turned to the right and shown our people a new teaching from the Bible wended his way to the European trading center which makes Jesus real. Think of it! His resur- not far distant, while Biyik crossing the river in a rection life in us ! We are no longer our own. large dug-out canoe, hastened along the road to He must not be hindered in living His life in and join his family in the village of Nkofia.
E. Vail, the Beloved
By REV. R. C. RICHARDSON, D.D., Miraj, West India Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
AMONG the Christian missionaries in India by obtaining high grades in his studies and in be- coming tennis champion and was a good baseball ~ who have completed their work during the player. He was a member of Clio Society and present year, perhaps none has been better Colonial Club. Graduating from Princeton in 1902, he entered the College of Physicians and known than Dr. Charles E. Vail, who went to his Surgeons the same year and was graduated in reward on March 21, 1936. His body was laid to 1906 after a strenuous four-year's work. At the rest in Miraj, where he had labored ir:cessantly conclusion of his course he received the much covand whole-heartedly since 1910, not only to relieve the bodily suffering of the people, but to lead them eted appointment of an to a knowledge of Christ, internship at St. Luke's the only Saviour of man- Hospital, New Y 0 r kkind. having won this honor in competitive examination. Dr. Vail was a devoted Christian as well as a most After two and a half skilful surgeon. When he years in this hospital in volunteered for mission- surgical work, .he spent ary work in India, his six months in Sloan Machief reason for going was ternity Hospital and anto lead the people of India other six months studying to a saving knowledge of the eye and ear. During Jesus Christ and he wish- his years of study in meded to use his medical ical school Dr. William J. knowledge and surgical Wanless (afterwards Sir skill to assist to the utter- William) came home on most to this end. Many furlough from India and an Indian Christian has when Dr. Vail heard him testified publicly to the speak of his work he was fact that Dr. Vail's com- so impressed that he deing to India was r:ot in cided to go to Miraj to vain. work with Dr. Wanless who had started the work On July 1l,1880,Charles there in 1889. It had E. Vail was born at Corn- grown to be one of the wall – on – Hudson, New best known medical mis- York, the son of Dr. and sions in Asia. Dr. Vail Mrs. William H. Vail. Charles Vail came of good stock. His grandfather on DR. CHARLES E. VAIL applied to the Presby- his father's side was also terian Board of Foreign a physician and his grandfather on his mother's Missions and was assigned to work in India in side was the great evangelistic and educational 1909. He sailed from Philadelphia in September missionary in Constantinople – Cyrus Hamlin. 1909 and stopped in England to study tropical dis- Charles Vail's early education was obtained at eases, medicines and for practice in cataract Blairstown Academy. While there he came under operations.
the influence of Miss Anna Scudder, one of a No medical missionary had arrived in the great and well-known missionary family of India. Western India Mission any better prepared for He took kindly to out-door sports, as well as to work than was Dr. Vail. Few have had as great his studies, and was well prepared for entrance a task set before them as he found ready to his to Princeton University in 1898. During his four hand when he arrived in 1910. Dr. Wanless and years in the university he distinguished himself his associates had built up a wonderful piece of [ 33]
work at Miraj-a work that was known through- ing back to Miraj, the doctor's car would be out India and neighboring countries. The equip- crowded with the poorest of the people needing ment included a hospital, dispensary, several out- operations, which could be performed only in the station dispensaries throughout the district, a hospital operating room. Reaching Miraj at one Nurses Training School and the only Christian or two or three o'clock in the morning, Dr. Vail Medical School for men in all India. Many a man would begin the regular work of the day as usual would have felt the work too great to attempt- a few hours afterwards. This included prayer for Dr. Wanless was leaving on furlough in six service for medical students at 7: 30 a. m., teachweeks and Dr. Vail was to be in charge of all this ing from eight o'clock to nine or sometimes until work, with the responsibility for raising the 10 o'clock; then hospital rounds until nearly noon, money in India for its support. Moreover, the seeing new patients until about one o'clock, then great majority of the patients knew no English the noon meal, after which operations would begin and Dr. Vail knew no Marathi. Yet, he took hold and continue until evening, oftentimes until ten of the task with such earnestness and prayer, that or eleven at night. he not only maintained the high standard of work, but also raised more money than had been raised On alternate days, there would be eye operain any previous year – a marvelous accomplish- tions and occasionally work would close about five ment. o'clock. Then it was really refreshing to see the great and gentle surgeon, relaxing on the tennis He soon established a great name as a Chris- court, showing that he excelled his fellows in tian surgeon. A few years after his arrival in tennis, as he did in surgery; or he might jump India, he held a record for cataract operations, into his car and rush out to a jungle, thirty or including those on members of the families of forty miles distant, in search of a panther or tiger many Maharajahs and princes of India and on that had been troubling the people of that district. chiefs of Arabia and on high English officials. Dr. Vail, while on his work in the outstations or But his greatest work has been for the many thou- villages, was always ready to share his meals with sands of the poor, who otherwise might have had his neighbors or share the meals of the Indians, no medical aid. whether rich or poor.
All who have come to Miraj Christian Hospital This beloved physician was taken away in the have received the same kindly Christian treat- midst of a wonderful work, when he was used of ment, whether they have been princes or paupers. God to bring much relief and comfort and joy to The spirit of Jesus Christ has dominated all his many thousands of people. This is one of those work and from early morning until far into the Divine mysteries we shall understand only when night for these twenty-five years and more, he we come into God's presence. has given the best that was in him to relieve bodily suffering and at the same time has sought to Dr. Vail was undoubtedly one of the greatest lead patients to a knowledge of the Great Phy- surgeons India has known. People came from all sician, who can heal both body and spirit. over India, from Africa, from Arabia, from Per- sia and other countries to be under his care. Most Outstation dispensary work has been of ines- of these have been helped, not only physically, but timable value to the people of India and Dr. Vail's spiritually. weekly visits to these places have been a great boon to many thousands. The writer well remembers one case especially -that of a cultured Parsee, an author who had Starting at noon in his car from Miraj, after written a life of Jesus Christ. After having been his morning's work in the hospital and Medical around the hospital the best part of two months, School, he reaches an outstation about two hours he said that he wished he had not written some of afterwards. There he finds a crowd of people the things in his book about Christ for now he waiting at the dispensary. (The medical assistant knew better, having seen true Christianity in the of the place having notified the people of the dis- lives of the doctor and his assistants. When this trict of the doctor's coming.) He commenced his Parsee family left the hospital they asked for and work by the reading of a passage of Scripture, received a picture of Christ to take to their home. usually from the Gospels telling of the wonderful Later Dr. Vail was called to their home to treat a work of the Lord Jesus Christ-and, after prayer member of the family although there are many for God's blessing on the people and the work, he Parsee doctors in the city in which they live. would treat the many people assembled faithfully, skilfully and lovingly. After prescribing, he The gentle Christian spirit of Dr. Vail was what would operate-oftentimes under great difficulty, impressed Christian and non-Christian alike. A not having the best equipment and sometimes with high caste Hindu young man who attended the light only from a kerosene lamp. This work would Medical School for four years, openly confessed often go on until nearly midnight and when start- his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at the close of his four years in Miraj. Dr. Vail always
CHARLES E. VAIL, THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN
gladly took his turn conducting the English Gos- been cured and one day while operating he acpel service conducted every Sabbath evening espe- knowledged that he was tired and went to his cially for medical students and nurses from other house. After a few days God took him "home." parts of India. This service was always assured of a good attendance, for he never failed to give a The deep love the people of India had for this message that was uplifting and made his audience man of God was clearly evidenced when he rerealize the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. turned from Berlin. The railway station was crowded with people of Miraj-Hindus, Moham- The doctor never could have accomplished the medans, Parsees, and Christians – to welcome great work he did, had he not had the most loyal back the beloved physician. A great procession cooperation of all who worked with him and had escorted him to the Christian Church, where the not Mrs. Vail relieved him of much of the details multitudes filled the churchyard, as well as the of the work of administration. church to unite in thanksgiving to God for bring- ing the doctor-friend back to them. In January, 1935, there was noted the first sign of the disease that brought an end to this Christ- Again, when his work on earth was finished and like life. A prompt consultation with the mis- his body was waiting for burial, several thousand sion's physicians resulted in Dr. Vail's being sent people assembled to pay their respects and to show by airplane to Berlin, where he received special their deep love for one who had given his life in treatment for about two months. He returned to service for them, for he saw them as those for Miraj apparently cured and worked as before. whom Christ died. .AJbout nine months afterwards, however, a sign again appeared which caused him again to fly to The work in Miraj needs another such man. Berlin. On his return he entered on his work, as Who will come and continue this work that has if quite well again-but, the dread disease had not led so many to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ?
IS GOD WAITING FOR YOU? * By JAMES H. MCCONKEY Standing on the wall of a great lock of the Sault Sainte Marie ship canal, I saw a huge lake vessel about to enter. At my feet lay the empty lock – waiting. For what? Waiting to be filled. Beyond lay great Lake Superior with its almost limitless supply of water, also waiting. For what? Waiting for something to be done at the lock ere the great lake could pour in its fullness. In a moment the lock':'keeper reached out his hand and touched a steel lever. A little wicket gate sprang open under the magic touch and at once the water rushed into the lock and began to boil, and seethe, rapidly rising. In a few moments the lock was full. The great gates swung open and the huge ship floated into the basin now filled to the brim with the fullness from the waiting lake without.
Is not this a picture of a great truth about the Holy Spirit? God's children are like that empty lock, waiting to be filled. And, as that great inland sea outside the lock was willing and waiting to pour its abundance into the lock, so is God willing to pour His fullness of life into the lives of His children. But He is waiting. For what? Waiting, as the lake waited, for something to be done by us. Waiting for us to touch that tiny wicket gate of consecration through which His abundant life shall flow in. Is it hard to move? Does the rust of worldliness corrode it? Do the weeds and ivy-vines of selfishness cling about and choke it? Is the will stubborn, and slow to yield? God is waiting, and once it is done, He reveals Himself in fullness of life even as He has promised. He has been all the time willing and ready, for all the barriers and hindrances have been upon our side, not upon His. They are the barriers not of His unwillingness, but of our unyieldedness. You may say that you received all of Christ when you were saved, but did Christ get all of you?
* Adapted from "The Surrendered Life." which will be sent free to anyone addressing Silver Publishing Co., Bessemer Building, Pittsburgh, Pa., U. S. A.
MASAYUKI A JAPANESE HERO SHRINE AT KANAZAW A
A Statue of a Faithful Subject, in Tokyo, Venerating the Emperor This Is One of the Objects of Worship Daily Revered by Hundreds When Japanese Buddhists Pray -~ I By WINBURN T. THOMAS, Kyoto, Japan I }~o._ ~==========================~J A LL Japanese are not Buddhists, but the na- phasis upon national unity, faith healing, and .r-. tive religion, Shinto, has become so inter- other popular ideas, appeal to young Japanese woven with the Buddhism brought from who lack any great object to which they can give China and Korea in the seventh century, that the their loyalty. From 1925-32, Marxism was the two are today virtually indistinguishable. The "gospel" that challenged the courage of youth. non-Christian Chinese answers the question, Beginning with the efforts of the government to "What is your religion?" simply, "I worship suppress all "dangerous thought," nationalism has idols." He does not differentiate between Con- held the center of youth's affection until recently. fucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Due in part Capable observers now claim that this hold has to the efforts of the government to separate the been broken and that youth is again on the march, two, Japanese Shinto and Buddhism do have cer- seeking some great idea which can sweep it off tain distinctive characteristics; and while an of- its feet. Of the hundreds of students who fill out ficial statement has ,been issued, stating that the cards for my file, most write in the space for reformer is not a religion, Japanese subjects classify ligion: "Nothing." Excepting Buddhist priests, themselves religiously as Buddhist, Shinto, or perhaps half of those who do indicate any reli- Christian. Superficial observation leads the gious faith list Christianity as their religion, or as writer to believe that Buddhists are largely old the philosophy or social creed which most appeals persons and professional priests. Young people to them. – are scarcely ever seen worshiping at the Buddhist This sketchy introduction to the religious mind temples. They are attracted more by the various of Japanese youth is necessary if one is to undersects of Shinto that have been forming during the stand the answers recently given when a group of last few years at the rate of about four each week. students were questioned concerning prayer. We These semireligious organizations, with their em- had spent the evening in a study of Christ's ideas [36 ]
WHEN JAPANESE BUDDHISTS PRAY
on the subject. The group of Christian and non- addressed. These prayers do not voice praise for Christian Japanese students was then asked to the gods, nor are they petitions on behalf of the list points of similarity and difference between souls of the departed. They are prayers offered Christian and Buddhist prayers. While the an- in self-interest for money, proposerity, health, the swers are admittedly the ideas of a sophisticated nation, or even to satisfy lusts. Sometimes there is confession of sins, and a plea for forgiveness, THE TORI! LEADING TO THE HEIAN SHRINE IN KYOTO but this is rare. The prayers are seldom prompted by a sense of humility. In Japan the highest god group of college men, and thus are hardly repre- to whom a petition can be addressed is the Emsentative of the views of the masses, they do sug- peror. All deceased ancestors are looked upon as gest an objective valuation of the subject. There dead gods; as are Christ and Buddha. The Emwas little contradiction found in any of the pa- peror being alive is therefore considered superior pers; they rather tended to supplement each to all spiritual gods. other. The contrasting view of Christian prayer There are Japanese who feel, with Henley, that throws light on the common saying that Christhey are masters of their own fate and have no tians in Japan are different. The Christian stuneed of prayer. These are perhaps truer to the dents believe that God is aware of our needs bespirit of Buddha himself than are those who fore we ask Him but that we need to pray so that pray, for he did not find in the universe sufficient God will answer our petitions. The sense of sin evidence of a God to whom he could pray. There is much more real in Christians than in nonis a sect of young Buddhists who, reasoning from Christians. the atheism of Buddha, are offering Buddhism to the world as most compatible with the agnostic Some feel that in educated circles prayer habits point of view of science. and ethical standards have been vitally influenced by Christian concepts, and therefore Buddhists Multitudes of Buddhists do feel the need for and members of Shinto sects now address their prayer. It is offered before the shrine in the prayers to deity and ask for things no less worthy household, each morning and evening, by the than those found in the most petitions of Chriswoman of the family. There are few who do not tians. The filling of Buddhism and Shinto with at some time during the day pause in front of a Christian ideas, insofar as it is a reality, is one of shrine, temple, gravestone, or likeness of some the valuable secondary results of Christian mishero or ancestor, and offer a short prayer. At the sions in Japan. occasional services held in the temples, prayers are said by the priests. Usually "a prayer is not A BUDDHIST PLAQUE BEFORE WHICH JAPANESE WORSHIP offered save in front of some object." But since they "worship everything in nature" it is not difficult to find an object to which requests may be
Story of An Afghan Christian
-~I By ALFRED ZAHIR !Ja.- : ~==============================~ T HE pale, broad disc of a summer sun was hand in hers and pressed it with the tenderness sinking silently behind the dark line of ma- of wifely affection. jestic mountains that bounded the landscape "Yes! my dear," she said composedly, "the gloon all sides. Slate-colored hawks and eagles rious sun is hidden from our eyes, but its efful- floated peacefully through the motionless air and gent rays are now illuminating other parts of our the dismal wail of the screech-owl deepened the world. We are deprived of its light, but not for- gloom of the passing day. ever. It will be morning again, and the beautiful In the sequestered little village of Quetta in sun will rise once more in its grandeur and glory."
Baluchistan (the scene of the recent devastating The comforting words had such a ring of hope- earthquake), nestling picturesquely in the bosom fulness and cheer that her husband, turning to of the mountain fastnesses of North India, Dr. her, said: "Do you think then, that our discour- Summerhayes and his wife were sitting in the agement will one day change into hope, and that porch of their little bungalow, talking over a cup we may yet live to see some fruit of our labors?"
of tea, and recounting the events and adventures "Yes, indeed I do," answered Mrs. Summerhayes of the day. in a voice resonant with cheerfulness. "Haven't The evening wore quietly on. The soaring birds you seen how the people around have changed in gradually alighted silently on treetops and bare their attitude and are beginning to have confidence rocks. The screech-owl, having procured its eve- in us. More than once I have heard them say, ning meal, ceased its distracting plaint. As the 'We are convinced now that Christians are a truth- massive cliffs hid the glory of the setting sun, a telling and honorable people.' The people are deep yellow tint overspread the scene and brought visiting our hospital in larger numbers every day what the natives call a "false evening." The two and are willing-as they have never been before- missionaries sat entranced under the mystic spell to trust their lives to our care. Is it too much to of the dying day, and gazed spellbound at the vast say, then, that some day they will more fully ap- panorama illumined by the glory of the setting preciate this service of love, and in the end will sun. find Him in whose name we serve? My faith Suddenly, as though waking from a haunting leads me to believe that I shall yet see it with dream, Dr. Summerhayes moved restlessly in his these eyes of mine."
chair, learned forward and peered intently into After dinner the little family gathered round the gathering darkness. Presently he sank back, the fire for family prayers and Dr. Summerhayes and glancing at his wife, sighed heavily and said: poured out unrestrainedly the thoughts of his "Was not that a glorious sunset!" Without wait- heart before God. He begged for forgiveness of ing for an answer he added: "Yes, the beautiful his weak faith, and implored His Master for a new day has drawn to its close and so do our lives; and baptism of the Holy Spirit and for a spirit of yet in all these years we have not led one Moslem greater devotion and wholehearted fidelity to his to Christ. During the past few years that we Lord. On rising from his knees he felt that he have toiled amongst these people all our efforts had indeed received the divine anointing for which seem to have been in vain. Not one soul has re- he had prayed.
sponded to our message. This very day, as I sat The two missionaries sat down to read and dis- watching by the side of a dying patient, and saw cuss the different aspects of their work and to his soul go out, I realized that was the end of all consider plans for larger undertakings. They the efforts we had been making to bring him to were in the middle of an interesting discussion, Jesus Christ. Are we flinging our lives away, when the sound of footsteps was heard outside.
vainly attempting what we shall never accom- They were somewhat startled for the night 'was plish?" already far advanced and the whole city was This pathetic moan of distress deeply touched wrapped in silence. They had heard many stories Mrs. Summerhayes' tender heart. Anxious lest of ghastly murders and nightly ambuscades by the her husband should see her grief she quickly wiped fierce highwaymen and cut throats of Baluchistan.
away the tears and, turning to him, she took his But they soon regained equanimity and laughed [38 ] at their fears. Dr. Summerhayes unlatched the "He is the Saviour, Isa Masih (Jesus Christ) ," door and walked into the vestibule. What he saw replied the doctor, "who came to this world to excited his sympathy more than either his doubts suffer and to die for you and me, and for all sinor fear. Four men had borne a sick patient on a ners, that all of us might be saved and set free covered cot and set him on the verandah. On see- from sin." ing the doctor, the men saluted him respectfully, bowing to the ground. Then one came forward The uncultured Pathan had never heard of such and making another low salaam, humbly peti- a Saviour before. His heart was gripped and he tioned the doctor saying: kept the Sahib for a long time answering ques- tions and satisfying the curiosity that had begun "Sir, in the name of Allah, we beseech you to to burn in his heart. have mercy on us and on this sick man for he is in great agony." For many days after his discharge, the young man clung to his benevolent patron, visiting him Saying this, he lifted the cover and showed the at intervals and eagerly learning more and more sick man's face. After a close examination, Dr. of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Summerhayes ordered the patient to be removed to the hospital while he followed and there spent The young man's name was Nasar Ullah Khan, two or three hours trying to relieve his suffering. a full-blooded Afghan, tall and stalwart. He had When the patient had fallen asleep, the kind- once served in the ranks of the army of the Amir hearted doctor returned to his bungalow for a few of Afghanistan and had fought in many a battle. hours rest. He had abandoned the military profession and be- come a merchant, carrying on trade between Ka- Next morning while the stars were still shin- bul and Quetta. On one of his business tours, he ing, Dr. Summerhayes rose and went to see his had suddenly been taken ill and was brought to patient again. This early visit, the vigilant care the mission hospital at Quetta. and the touching love, won the patient's heart. Through the long days of his stay in the hospital, The message of the Gospel, which the life of the the unselfish devotion of the missionary filled him missionary physician had commended to his heart, with a sense of deep reverence for the good man. transformed Nasar Ullah into a new creature but there were many vital issues to be considered be- When the patient had nearly recovered from his fore he became a professed Christian. His zeal sickness, and the date of his discharge was an- was so great and his faith so strong that he put nounced, the patient began to be very sad. He all considerations aside and requested to be baphad become so deeply attached to the loving phy- tized immediately. When it was suggested that sician that he was grieved at the idea of having it was better to wait till he was more adequately to leave his care. One day the grateful patient instructed in. the faith, he clasped his hands in caught the lapel of Dr. Summerhayes' coat and despair, and naively declared, "Well! all right, said: just as you please, but if my Saviour comes in the meanwhile and says to me: 'Nasar Ullah, why art "Sahib, please sit down for a minute. I have thou not baptized?' remember the fault will be some things to ask you." yours."
When the doctor had seated himself on the bed After he had received baptism, Nasar Ullah the patient said: was filled with a new passion for souls and with a desire to preach the Gospel. He forsook his occu- "Tell me, Sahib, what makes you so kind and pation as a merchant and devoted his time to loving. We are all very poor and humble folk; working in the hospital, preaching to the patients, you charge no fees, nor do you accept any re- and becoming more thoroughly grounded in his wards, and yet you have been kinder to me than new faith. my own father and mother would have been. Tell me I adjure you by the great name of Allah, the A few months later, Dr. Summerhayes sent him reason of your wonderful love!" to Lahore to be trained as an hospital assistant. While at Lahore, young Nasar Ullah had a second The missionary's heart glowed with joy. Was attack of his old disease and became so ill that he God answering his prayers after all, and sending had to be admitted to the big government hospital. an encouragement to his faltering faith? With a Here he often felt very lonely and his young faith silent prayer for guidance, he glanced towards the went through a fiery trial. Not only was the physpatient and smilingly said: ical pain very great, but a whole group of mis- chief-making and unsympathetic Mohammedan "My friend, it is a joy to me to be of service to workers and ward coolies made sport of his faith you and your people. My life has been dedicated and jeered at his Christianity, causing him great to the service of a loving Saviour who gave His spiritual agony. They repeatedly asked him to life that you and I and all mankind may be saved." renounce his religion and to return to Islam. When he refused to listen to their entreaties, they "And what is his name ?~' questioned the patient in amazement, lifting himself on his elbow to get nearer the doctor. "Tell me, who is this Saviour who makes you work such miracles of love?"
neglected to attend him and did all they could to It so happened that on the very day they had hasten his death. But with the true fortitude of planned to start, Nasar Ullah had an unexpected an Afghan and the forbearance of a disciple of visit from a group of friends. In the early morn- Christ, Nasar weathered this storm of persecu- ing Nasar Ullah's nephew made his sudden ap- tion. In his trouble he often called the name of pearance in the courtyard and, after the usual his friend, Dr. Summerhayes, but more often on form of salutation which in Baluchistan involves the name of his Saviour, asking Him for strength embracing, kissing and touching the feet, the to continue faithful. nephew intimated the purpose of his unannounced Nasar Ullah's prayers were answered and to the arrival, as follows: surprise of his enemies, he recovered. After com- "I have come accompanied by four other pleting his medical training he returned to work friends, who are waiting outside, to carry you in the mission hospital at Quetta and spent many home with us. There is serious sickness in the a day of happy and close fellowship with his family and your people have desired your imme- friend, working in the love and spirit of their diate attendance."
great Master and touching many a heart by the Without waiting for any further explanation or apostolic zeal and tender affection with which they asking for any guarantee of good faith, Nasar ministered to the sick and suffering of Balu- Ullah immediately made arrangements to return chistan. with his nephew, and sent his family to his wife's Then came a call from the government, and home. It was a long and tedious journey, and Nasar Ullah was asked to fill a position in a re- most of the distance had to be covered on foot, but mote government hospital on the Afghan fron- the sturdy mountaineers were accustomed to tier. It was an unsafe position and the remu- such hardships.
neration was meagre. But Nasar Ullah was long- They journeyed along, cheerfully talking over ing for increased opportunity to penetrate further the events of the past few years, discussing the north and reach the hardest type of his country- numerous family and tribal feuds, and the man- men, to whom the Word of Life had never been ner in which some had been settled and others left carried. He was aware that murder and larceny unavenged. Despite the thought of sickness at was a regular profession among the frontier tribes home, Nasal' Ullah could scarcely help feeling and that to them, all who possessed any money peculiarly happy. His joy was largely the result were hated infidels and especially so were Chris- of the feeling that he was going home. After all tians whom every Afghan hated. "But," said these years of silence and hostility, his people Nasar, "God has called me and I have answered, were at last willing to open their door to him.
'Here am I, Lord, send me'; so I am going, come "This is a promise of great opportunities," he said what may." to himself in exultation. "Maybe this is the first He said "Good-bye" to his great friend and with step my people are taking towards opening their his wife and family went to the frontier village to hearts to the great Saviour." His joy was great.
take up the duties of his new position. In a few On the third day, as the travelers crossed the months he won the confidence of his hard-hearted frontier and entered the Amir's dominion, Nasar countrymen. The sincerity of his motives and the Ullah saw a sudden change come over his hitherto love and honesty with which he served amongst jolly companions. They became sullen andmo- them, made them his friends. His fame spread rose, and sparing of speech. Unwilling to allow to great distances, even across the frontier to any doubts against the love and honesty of his Afghanistan. People came in ever-increasing own nephew, Nasar ascribed the change to weari- numbers to be treated by his kindly hand and ness resulting from the toilsome march and did many were healed by the touch of his love. Many his part in trying to cheer them up. About mid- found the Lord Jesus through the ministry of this day, the men stopped beside a shady spring to humble Afghan, and were openly admitted to the partake of a hasty meal from the provisions they Christian fold. But while many of his country- carried with them. They had hardly set down men were impressed by his exemplary life, his their burdens when Nasar's nephew made a sud- popularity was a source of annoyance to others. den spring and planted himself in front of his They felt bitter jealousy against him because he uncle. Then holding his wrists tightly, and look- was an apostate Moslem and was engaged in ing into his face with eyes full of fire, he said spreading the Christian Gospel. harshly: – One day Nasar Ullah's wife persuaded him to "Chacha (uncle), you are now in our control, accompany her to her parents' home further in and we can do with you what we like. You have the interior and to spend a few days there in order become an accursed Kirani (literally a Christian that he might have a little rest. Nasal' Ullah con- dog) and have disgraced the entire household.
ceded to his wife's request, and the family made You have choice now, either recite the Kalima ready to go. (the Mohammedan creed) or prepare to die."
ETHIOPIAN MISSIONS UNDER ITALIAN RULE
Nasar Ullah was astonished by this treacherous I turn unfaithful to Him and forget His great assault by one of his own kindred. Several at- love. No! Never! I am willing, yes happy to tacks had been made on his life in previous years, lay down my life for His sake, for I know that but Nasar's devotion to his Master and his love thereafter I shall go to live with Him forever. for his countrymen had long effaced their memory But as for you, you can gain nothing by killing from his heart. Of all the trials that he had been me." through this last seemed to be the hardest. Was he to choose life, and turn a traitor to his Saviour, These words of Nasar Ullah did little to assuage or should he choose death and win His everlasting his nephew's anger, on the contrary they incited approbation. His expression of perplexity testi- him to greater brutality and confirmed him in his fied that he was debating this question and wait- murderous resolve. The last words were still on ing for guidance. Presently his expression Nasar's lips, when the nephew's eyes gleamed like changed into one of great serenity. liquid fire. He whipped out a deadly kirch (a large pointed knife) from under the folds of his "Do you wish to end my life, my son," he at last garment, thrust it ruthlessly into his uncle's body. answered with a smile of perfect happiness, "because I am a Christian? If so, I am only very After their deadly mission of hatred and malice sorry; because rest assured that one day you will had been fulfilled, the Afghans resumed their regret your action. Remember, that it is only my march to their home, while their brother and wellbody you can destroy, for you cannot touch my wisher went to His heavenly Home. A tablet to soul. My body is not my own. It has been bought the martyr's memory was erected in the little with a great price-the blood of my Saviour who church at Quetta, with the inscription: laid down His life for you and for me. How can "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Ethiopian Missions Under Italian Rule By REV. JAMES ROHRBAUGH, _J~'- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia T REMENDOUS changes are being wrought in terian and thirty were with the Sudan Interior Ethiopia. The land in which the long-eared Mission. Before the war there were about one mule was the beast of burden and the slow, hundred and fifty, the SIM having grown to sevtedious trek the means of travel is undergoing enty and the Bible Churchmen's Missionary Sosome startling transformations. The Ethiopia, ciety and a number of independent groups having which continued the same for two milleniums, is entered. Today there are about sixty in the SIM, definitely no more. Modern roads are beginning five in the United Presbyterian Mission, the same to stretch over the rolling plateaus and up the number in the BCMS, three Pentecostal ladies winding valleys. Aeroplanes soar constantly over- and two under the Independent Presbyterian head. A system of schools and hospitals is being Board. There are also a few Germans and Adplanned which promises modern education and ventists. Independent workers and many others medical treatment to millions who have never have gone, so that about half the number here beknown it before. Sleepy Ethiopia, which produced fore the war remain. The United Presbyterians not a builder, scholar, artist, or scientist, is being withdrew two of their workers in obedience to the compelled to sit up and watch changes which, request of the American Government that Amerwhen completed, will have utterly transformed all icans leave, and later withdrew all of their workwhich she heretofore knew. ers in the west when danger threatened and the British Consul requested them to go. They plan "What part will Missions play in the new Ethi- to send these missionaries back into the country opia?" is a question often asked by those who have in the immediate future. Incidentally the United been watching the growth of missionary groups Presbyterians paid more attention to the requests and their work during the past decade. Six years of governments than did the other Missions and ago there were approximately seventy mission- by so doing, their workers were not in grave aries in the country of which about twenty were danger nor have any lives been lost other than Dr. Swedish, another twenty were United Presby-
Hockman of Chicago, killed in Red Cross service. countries, the Government is taking over the func- Of the SIM's nine stations in the south, seven tion of education and in addition the ministry to have had to be abandoned, the occupants of three the sick. In many primitive countries missions having fled for their lives and hidden in the moun- have undertaken these tasks. Heretofore many tains until rescued. Their two stations in the of the Ethiopian Government's trusted servants west are intact as is one of their two stations in came from mission schools and the care of the the north. Two of their workers have been killed. sick was entrusted almost wholly to mission so- The BCMS abandoned both their stations outside cieties. Within the first week of the Italian occu- of Addis Ababa. At present all but twenty-eight pancy of Addis, a Government school was opened of the missionaries in the country are in the cap- and rapidly grew to over a thousand pupils. Such ital, and the majority of those are concentrated at schools are planned for the whole country, yet Wolamo awaiting the coming of the Italians. here in Addis no religion is taught in the school.
It is apparent that Christian missions in this Pupils have perfect freedom to learn religion land are at their lowest ebb in some years and where they will. Similarly, hospitals have been very little in the way of missionary work is being opened; poor are treated free and an obstetrical carried on outside of Addis Ababa. Here three clinic has been established. Hospitals are to be mission schools and three hospitals are all oper- erected in the big cities and movable hospital ating as usual. The SIM has about thirty workers units are being devised to patrol the roads. Mis- here learning the language, preparing to reoccupy sion hospitals and schools have done a great work and rebuild outstations as soon as permission is in Ethiopia but it is plain that their day is passing.
given. The United Presbyterians are sending Mission schools and hospitals still operate in Ad- some of their workers back via Addis and they dis and have not been interfered with. Yet, if hope to reoccupy both of their stations in the west they cease to exist, children will learn and sick very soon. But all have been waiting a statement will be treated. Their main raison d'etre is gone.
of Government policy so that they may know what Established schools and hospitals may not be to expect. The Italian Viceregal government closed, but they must prepare to occupy an in- kindly gave a statement of general missionary creasingly small part in community life.
policy especially for this article in order that peo- Missions may still evangelize. That fact should ple both here and at home may know what to be enough to cause the downhearted to take expect. heart and cause missions to prepare to bring their Following is an English translation of their work back to normal and to look forward to ex- policies as given to the writer: pansion. The Roman Catholic Church has already Missions may carryon their work in Italian East Africa made it plain that she plans a vast missionary so long as they limit themselves to religion and do nothing enterprise for Ethiopia. There is no doubt that against the law of the state. many will prefer to be taught religion by the emis- Protestant missionaries will always have liberty to saries of the Church of Rome, Rome having con- quered. In the past Protestant and Catholic mispreach without special permission so long as they confine sionaries have worked without friction in this land themselves strictly to the sphere of religion. The official decree of religious liberty includes the right of missionaries to make converts among the pagans of the and we hope that it may continue so. Protestants country. have been permitted to work and evangelize. This is a vast country, with millions of people and no Missionaries who abandoned their stations due to the matter how many workers various societies send, war or riots will be permitted to return and occupy them if in the past they have spread no anti-Italian propaganda and if their former term of occupancy has not demon- it will be decades before all have heard the Gospel.
strated any unfitness to continue their work. The qualifications applying to those who hope The Italian Government will not forget the nations who to return to their stations are very interesting. Naturally the Italians do not want those who have maintained an attitude of good will toward Italy during spread propaganda against them. Very, very few the ltalo-Ethiopian conflict. If any distinction is ever made among the missionaries of different countries, cer- tainly those of the United States, will be favored within thought it their duty to do this and such cannot the limits of possibility. expect to work under the new regime. But – the It is clear that a policy of religious liberty will questions, What part should a missionary play be followed in Italian East Africa. The Italian when the country in which he is working is at Government has definite political and economic war? Should he go home and be considered plans for this country but has demonstrated cowardly1' Should he remain neutral when. pas- leniency in the sphere of religion. Inasmuch as sions run high and have no following? Should all missionaries are ambassadors of Christ and he help to keep up the morale of the people and Christ alone, the thing for which they came to face certain expulsion if the opposing country con- this country is granted to them. The idea, held quers? Should missionaries obey the advices of by some, that missionaries are the emissaries of their home governments during such time? etc., civilization, is out of order here. As in civilized would be worth a careful study treatise by some
experienced missionary leader. It is certain that Roads are being built, and in the most literal if the advice of governments had been heeded sense this country is being opened. Territories during this struggle, many lives would neither which saw few white men in the past millenium have been risked nor lost. will see thousands daily. It will mean mission- ary opportunity and the sphere of activity of each What the Italian Government means by "Unfit- missionary will be widened. The writer, who has ness to continue their work" will not be definitely a school in Addis will have no regrets if teaching known until decisions have been given to numerous is unnecessary and if he is privileged to go by applicants who wish to return to their stations. automobile from village to village preaching the I have been unofficially informed that a good Word of God. In the rainy season we can teach recommendation from one's consul will be one of the Bible in Addis and during the dry season we the things required. I have also heard that per- can tour. It is an entrancing possibility. sons wishing to come to this land will be required to secure a recommendation from their respective No one knows when this land will be safe for Departments of State. However, until we see ap- general travel and until then permits to travel will plications approved or rejected we will know little not be given. In the year that lies ahead probably of the Government's desires in this matter. little can be done. This is a perfect time for fur- loughs. But it behooves missionaries to learn the Finally it is clear that Americans will be in the languages of the regions in which they hope to favored nation class and that there will be no dis- work, and then when the rebels are cleared from crimination against us at any time. We owe a the country and travel is safe, once more the Way deep debt of gratitude to our American Govern- of Salvation can be proclaimed by those who are ment for its wise foreign policy in which they ready. The Italian Government is kind in giving have sought to live at peace with all men and take us these assurances. If missionaries seek to be a up the quarrels of none. Noone can appreciate help to those in authority and teach that subjecthis as well as the missionary. It is unfortunate tion to governments is the law of God, they may but true that persons residing in foreign lands as soon find their presence appreciated and their libguests of other governments either gain or lose erties extended. If they prove to be a disturbing by the foreign policy of their own nation. factor there is no doubt that their stay will be Obviously the future of institutional mission short. work in Ethiopia is not bright but we should be Missions are being given the opportunity to glad that the new government is willingly undertaking these functions. We have the privilege of prove their worth in this land. If societies at doing the greater work for which we came to this home give support and if missionaries loyally cocountry and should be grateful for being per- operate, the missionary future of Ethiopia may mitted to do so. be brighter than it has ever been.
THE MISSIONARY * Far from the lar:d that gave him life and name He only labors on and is content; He makes his home, amid an alien race. Happy to go the way the Saviour went.
He comes, not seeking worldly wealth or fame, Where sin and ignorance hold baleful sway, But by a mandate from the Throne of Grace- Or superstition grips men in its thrall, "Go forth to all the nations of the earth, He strives to guide their steps into the way Bearing glad tidings of the Saviour's birth." That leads to Him who lived and died for all.
A man like other men, not set apart "Come unto Him ye burdened and oppressed, As one above the common human plane; Come unto Him, and He will give you rest."
He too is subject to the tempter's art; And some there are who lend an eager ear He too is burdened by life's stress and strain- To catch the Message that new hope imparts; Yet feels himself preserved from worldly harms While others stand aloof or mock and jeer Supported by the Everlasting Arms. Because it finds no echo in their hearts; Day in, day out, he labors-oft in vain; Yet all alike are human souls in need, Stony the ground and thorny where he sows. The sheep that Jesus once bade Peter feed.
Perchance some other hand will reap the grain Nor is the spoken word the only art Sprung from the seed he diligently bestows. Wherein he seeks to carry out God's plan; • From Syria News Quarterly. The school and hospital both play their part In showing forth the Saviour's love for man.
Exconvict Who Made
EDITORIAL MICHAEL J. HICKEY, the converted pick- From the beginning Mike had his own ideas pocket who founded the "League of Anoth- concerning reform work. He fought hard against er Chance." "Mike" Hickey served over the practice of police in those days of hounding nineteen years behind prison bars before he "went exconvicts, even when they obtained jobs, and straight." So successful was he in his work with against the general attitude of most persons to- exconvicts that he was a welcome visitor at pris- ward any man who had served a prison term. He ons and jails throughout the East, and detectives thought that if it was possible to change a crim- occasionally told exconvicts, who complained that inal's viewpoint and his purposes into honest they were being persecuted, to "get an okay from lines, and if he could be led to surrender his life Mike Hickey and we'll let you alone." to Christ, then reform was assured.
Michael Hickey was born in New York City News of Hickey's work spread rapidly among sixty-four years ago, and started out on his career exconvicts, who saw in him a friendly combination of crime early. His first wrong step, he said, was of vocational guidance bureau, employment agency when he stole 25 cents from his sister and lied and relief bureau. Hickey, although himself an when she questioned him about it. He blamed that earnest Christian, never forced religion on those first theft and lie for his downfall. After his con- who came to him for aid. He suggested the need versions he would never lie concerning any mat- for God's guidance, but his primary interest was ter. By hard experience he learned the value of in reforming the exconvict.
strict honesty. After twelve years Hickey's following became Mike became a very clever pickpocket and could so large that it was necessary to move it out of the extract wallets and watches even from the most Y. M. C. A. and the "League for Another Chance"
wary. During the years prior to his conversion, was founded by him and Mr. Eldridge. Into the Hickey was in and out of prison and jail con- small office a steady stream of exconvicts poured, tinually. While serving a ten-year sentence in receiving advice, jobs, a little money or an over· Sing Sing, he had the cell next to the late Billy coat, but never being turned away empty if in McQuere, subsequently head of the McAuley Cre- real need. morne Mission. McQuere wrote poetry that In his spare time Hickey spoke in church and Hickey liked and this was the beginning of a long charity gatherings and in mission meetings. His friendship-. Sundays were devoted to jail meetings, and the On getting out of Sing Sing prison McQuere last time he visited Sing Sing, thirty-three con- was converted by the late Jerry McAuley, but victs stepped forward when he called for decisions Hickey went back to picking pockets and was sent to surrender to Christ and follow Him. Warden to Dannemora Prison. When released he returned Lewis E. Lawes, former Prison Commissioner to New York and a friend told him that McQuere, Mulrooney and the late Dr. Walter N. Thayer, by this time superintendent of the Cremorne Mis- State Commissioner of Correction, were among sion, wanted to see him. his many advocates.
"I'm not interested in going to that place," he With the depression, Hickey four.d it more dif- muttered. "I'm not looking for religion today. ficult to obtain jobs for his followers, but he kept I'm looking for money." trying. During the last few years a recent checkup But Hickey went to see Billy and walked out of showed that 700 exconvicts had stood by their the Mission a converted man. Fred 1. Eldridge, promise to Mike Hickey to go straight. He was a then connected with the Bowery Y. M. C. A., New shrewd judge of character and could spot a man York, got him a job as a watchman, and was so pretending penitence.
impressed by his work that he offered him a post "I can look through a stone wall," was a favorite as religious secretary at the Bowery "Y." This expression of his, "when it comes to faking. If was twenty-four years ago. you don't want to go straight don't come to me."
Hickey's job was to handle exconvicts and va- On November 12, Hickey was guest of honor at grants, and he tackled the job with enthusiasm. a meeting -celebrating the twenty-fourth anniver- His first step was to organize the "Make Good sary of his conversion. During his last illnes's he Club," with forty men with a prison record of was making plans for sending Christmas cards twenty and a half years each as charter members. and a "little money" to those behind the bars- Of that number only three went back to crime; "they like to be remembered and it means a lot the other thirty-seven found legitimate employ- when they get out."
ment and went straight. Mike Hickey died in New York on Dec. 7, 1936.
[44 ]
South as a Missions
-·-t6f11 By REV. JOHN R. SCOTFORD, New York il~'- THE religious needs of the South are rapidly situated as those in the northern states. The eclipsing the "call of the West" in their ap- South has come much closer to the lives of church peal to the interest of the people in our people than has Montana and Wyoming, which churches. This shift may ultimately produce a are commonly thought of as being "out west someradical change in home mission aims and methods. where."
From the American Revolution to the World The present administration at Washington has War our land of dreams lay towards the setting dramatized both the need and the possibilities of of the sun. The ambitious turned their backs the South through the TVA and the Norris Dam upon the East. But today the stream of venture- has been a magnet drawing an endless stream of some youth flows from West to East. Young men visitors into the mountains. Many have seen once demonstrated their pluck by staking out a something besides a gigantic wall of concrete. homestead and growing up with the country, now Recently the agitation concerning the plight of they exhibit their nerve by daring to seek a job the "share-croppers" has stirred the conscience of in some eastern city. The West lingered long on the nation. The socially minded have come to the movie screen and in the pages of magazines, think of the South as a region of dire need and as but even in these hectic regions it gives signs of a section of the country where many interesting flickering out. The rising generation seems to developments are on the way.
find gangsters more interesting than cowboys. The bane of large sections of both the West and Home missions were born of the frontier. South is poverty, but it is of a different sort in the two regions. The West seems to be in the plight Through them the churches of the East sought of a gambler who has played for large stakes and to meet the emergency created by the rapid ex- lost; much of the South is a pauper who has pansion of population across a continent. They began as the heroic effort to plant Christian been reared on hunger and who has never known churches and schools amidst the inevitable dis- the feel of a good warm coat on his back. In order of the frontier. In some instancs their am- terms of per capita wealth and per capita income bition developed into the effort to claim new em- the South is the poorest section of the United pires for particular denominations. Home mis- States. sions in the past have been commonly associated For years many home mission boards have car- with the meeting of the religious needs of the ried on work in the South, usually as a sideline West. to their western activities. The emphasis has been upon the Negro and the Southern Highlander Florida is now the mecca of many who are aged -a figure that has always stirred the imagination. and opulent. Drouth has followed drouth with Recently the vision of our people has expanded to such deadly monotony that the East has grown take in the rural white population and the multi. weary of the woes of the West. Many have con- tudes of country folk who have been herded into cluded that the best thing for the settlers to do the. mill villages during the past twenty years. in a land where grasshoppers thrive is to move Ultimately mission boards reflect the interests of out! Certain it is that the Eastern churches have their giving constituencies and the growing connot been as deeply stirred by the plight of the much plagued West as the facts of the case would cern of our churches for the South will lead to an seem to warrant. Part of the reason is that their increased interest and effort in this area. attention is turning in other directions. In two respects home mission work in the South Several circumstances are making our churches differs from that in the West. The South is not increasingly conscious of the needs of the South. a field for denominational expansion. She already In the wintertime Florida is a popular resort, possesses a superabundance of both local churches with the automobile as the most satisfactory way and denominational affiliations. In addition to getting there. Only a small fraction of the mil- most of the groups found in other portions of the lions who drive across Georgia get a clear con- country she has three great denominations of her ception of the poverty, illiteracy and human need own. She has nothing to offer the denomination- of that state, but all know where it is and most of alist who is yearning for new worlds to conquer them realize that its people are not as favorably for his church. From the point of view of home [45 ]
missions this may be fortunate. The bugaboo of Christian ministry? The northern ideal of one home mission promotion is the widespread suspi- minister serving one church is economically imcion on the part of some that home missions are possible. The prevailing practice in many secmerely a name for denominationalism. The tions of the South is for a minister to preach in a easiest way to dissipate this notion is for home different church on each Sunday of the month, missions to advance into an area where there is while he farms or follows some other pursuit no hope of denominational profit. through the week. Preaching is often almost the sole religious activity of a preacher; a church The problem of the West has been to awaken building is merely a place where people go to sit and organize religious interest; that of the South and listen. Both pastors and congregation need is to direct religious devotion into channels which to be trained into a larger conception of organized, are profitable to the whole community. In the practical Christianity. Ways must be found for South great faith and dire poverty live cheek by either training laymen to preach, or for training jowl. The Church has a prestige and power which preachers so that they can preach and make a it lacks in many other sections. Church member- living in an honorable way. ship is a form of respectability; the mores of the people are favorable to the Church. As the say- The mill village presents another problem. ing goes, "It is easy to do religious work in the With $12 a week as the prevailing wage it re- South." quires either a large membership or great sacri- fice for a church to support a pastor. One way of On the other hand, there is no section in which easing the difficulty is for the minister to be given the church faces more problems which have spir- free house rent and a financial grant from the itual implications. Most of the population is mill. But can he serve his people effectively when caught in a bog of hopeless poverty. This is not he is on the payroll of their overlords? Leaderthe passing "bad luck" of the frontier but a per- ship is a pervasive problem of both town and counmanent state which sears the soul of self-respect. try. Where education is scanty in quantity and deficient in quality how can the Church find teach- There is also the loss of individuality on the ers for its Sunday Schools and leaders for its part of those who take up their abode in "com- young people? Puzzling problems such as these pany houses" that they may serve as servants to the all-powerful machines which spin and weave abound in the South. our cloth. Something is likely to happen to the Because the South is the neediest section of our soul of a man when his fingers become a cheap supplement to a mechanical process. country today an increasing proportion of home missionary effort should be directed to the South. Over all the South there also hangs the pall of Such a change of emphasis may help to purge race prejudice-one of the most sinister phases home missions of charges of expansionist and secof American life today. These are some of the tarian ambitions of the past and lead them to an tangible problems with which the Church must attempt to solve in a Christian way the problems grapple in the South. of poverty and ignorance in the most needy sec- tion of our country. How shall a vast rural population living close to the poverty level be provided with an adequate HOW TO MAKE AMERIOA OHRISTIAN?
For the first time in all recorded history I should say, we are living in an almost completely secularized world. We have separated ourselves from the living past. The Bible is a neglected book, even as all the books of the past are neglected. Weare no more historically minded. The past, for this generation, is as dead as yesterday's daily press. We have broken not only with authority but with continuity. We are not only sep- arated from Jesus and the prophets – we are also separated from Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Their names are still in vogue, used by the preacher and by the politician, but they are not rooted in the minds and hearts of Christians today, nor in the minds and hearts of Americans. History is being taught, but it is purely secular history, used primarily to instill war patriotism.
As a result of our break with the past we have lost, in fifty years, everything which may be called a reli- gious culture. We have everything to make life comfortable, but in working we are quite empty. We know no other values except those of size, speed, and cost. So big – the biggest. So fast – can you break the record? It must be good because it costs so much!
The task for Christian workers will not be easier in the ten following years; it will be harder. The eco- nomic struggle will further separate man from God and, still more, pe~haps, men one from the other. We shall have to face more of prejudice as men become less religious, for prejudices grow among people who have no. Christian faith. To the degree that passions are inflamed in the struggle for living, the more we will have to face a narrow Americanism, or nationalism, at war with the spirit of Christ.
Our task is to keep alive the loving, tender, compelling spirit of the Christ; to stand in the midst of the war and take the nrount of the fight. Our work will be a success in the degree that Americans and all the rest of the races and creeds and nationalities become more and more one in Christ, and help people to find a one- ness in Him.-From an address by Dr. Edward A. Steiner.
Ways of
I 'rested Metlwds for Increasing Interest at Home I EDITED BY Mas. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'==-=================——I~ CONCERNING THAT church School of WorId Friend- mer conferences and in local ship. Attempting to equalize communities, the Editor has "NEW LEAF" leadership responsibility among asked clergymen and Sunday the cooperating denominations, school superintendents without Do we need to turn it over? here is a tabloid transcript of number for their organizational Assuredly, Yes! Missionary what she encountered among and promotional plans. In only interests in the local church are "the brethren" : a very few cases has she met not at flood tide. with a response indicating a defi- What should be inscribed No.1, university professor of nite plan or well attested meththereon after it goes over? such broad culture that it was ods. How can "Thy Kingdom Many things, among which are reported, "You cannot tap him come" by hit-or-miss kangaroo the following: on any subject on which he is activity? not thoroughly informed." He 1. Making missions a main said, "0" (with a slight laugh), In the past two years, a few proposition instead of an op- "mission study is entirely out of outstanding exceptions h a v e tional corollary in personal en- my line. I shouldn't care to at- been discovered and reported in listment under the standard of tempt that." this Department – Sun day the Author of the Great Com- schools with a systematic plan mISSIOn. This means that pas- No.2, university professor of of missionary cultivation, men's tor and church officials will have broad horizon: "You see my missionary leagues in the local a definite program for mission wife's leading one of the younger church, etc. To those will be study, informational and inspi- classes and one in the family is added in the February issue of rational culture and missionary enough." THE REVIEW the following disbenevolences instead of letting cussions, all prepared by "the things go hit or miss in pulpit No.3: "I'm missionary in brethren" : as well as departmental life. spirit but my present work is too "Check" ? arduous for me to undertake "Missionary Activities of a anything more." (Quite true to 2. Climbing out of the ruts of fact.) Men's Bible Class." "the usual missionary meeting," "Socratic Evenings – aNew banishing the Faithful Tradi- No.4: "I don't know a man tionalists or else converting in our church who is qualified to Venture in Adult Education." them, and lining up under the do that. We leave mission study "Making C h u r c h Members most efficient plans issued and entirely to our women. They do promoted by the missionary edu- plenty." Missionary." cational departments of your "How the World Came to own denomination as well as the No.5: "Our minister is teach- United Mission Study courses ing a class. That represents our Portland." which now are fully up with the van in approved pedagogical church." Please send me your own conprinciples and methods. Again, No.6: "I always think of that tribution of attested plans and "Check" ? programs for (1) making mis- as a woman's job!" sionary endeavor an essential in 3. Parsing "missions" in the church membership; (2) getting masculine as well as the fem- And so with one accord, they out of traditional ruts; (3) makinine gender – in fact common all said, "I pray thee, have me ing missions masculine as well gender is the ideal. Too long excused." Those six sessions as feminine. Departmental mathave "the sisters" shouldered the suffered in interest and attend- ter giving down-to-date suggesresponsibility for cultivation of ance because of lack of mascu- tions for young people's and chilthe home field. Hark ye: Your line cooperation, though it must dren's work is always welcome. Department Editor recently had be said to the credit of all the"'e The ensuing timely articles are occasion to organize the adult dissenters that they were giv- from outstanding leaders in foreign mission study depart- ing to missions personally or junior endeavor. ment in a community inter- through their families. Down to Date Junior Plans Pastors are not wholly blame- less in this state of affairs. In The children interested in her perpetual quest for "effec- missionary work today. will be tive ways of working" at sum- [47 ]
the young people who enjoy his people. We shall also make candle to indicate how short a serving others tomorrow and "Treasure Books" of poems, time the man had to serve; then the church workers of the day songs, names of paintings and he lights a large one to show how after tomorrow. So we must in- painters, books and articles we long a child giving his heart to terest the children today in order have received from Africa and Jesus may serve. All the chil- to have them carryon what we the American Negro. By cor- dren come forward singing, have started. Our best mission- respondence with Negro schools "Jesus Bids Us Shine," and ary workers should be their lead- we shall learn how they cele- kindle their candles at the Christ ers. When you have found a brate Christmas, Easter and light. Close with Mizpah bene..
leader who loves Christ and His other special days. We hope to diction. The children love this children, she will follow these learn direct of other young peo- service at rally day in the mis- ple who have gone from schools sionary society, at Christmas, missionary B's: helped by our boys and girls Easter or the last meeting of the Be prayerful. through their mite boxes, dues year. Be early. Be regular in attendance. and pledges. We shall make The United Brethren Women's Be well prepared. maps showing the schools in the Missionary Association, 1412 Be prompt in beginning and ending. U. S. and Africa where our mis- United Brethren Building, Day- sionaries have gone, then choose Be interested in each individual. ton, Ohio, publishes good Afri- Be faithful to other church activities.
This year we are studying the some school and write to it to can Primary Picture Stories for Negro child and working with find what we can do to help at 25 cents. "Gifts of Black Folk," him. There is a wealth of ma- Christmas time. We make beau- by DuBois, will furnish material terial at hand. As we start the tiful posters which tell the for treasure books. In "Junior work we may use an invitation Christmas and Easter stories. Talks for Special Days," by to gain attention. Make it in the Treasure books of pictures and Arnold Westphal, is an interestshape of Africa with a picture poems, made by the children, ing teaching program called of a Negro child on the front and will be sent to mission schools. "Missionary Quartette." I use the invitation giving date, place material wherever I can find it, of meeting and the words, "Come Children like to give chalk ordering through my own deand help make an African vil- talks. I have used C. O. Brown's nomination so they may receive lage," on the back. This village "Easy Chalk Talks," also his the profit. I should be very consists of a set of drawings to book on paper tearing, with grateful to know of material be cut out and assembled and Bible verses. "Eye~ate Ser- others have used in junior work, can be bought for 25 cents at mons," by Rev. H. Reed Shep- for use in my home church and The Department of Missionary pen, is also helpful. What chil- my classes at the Epworth Education, 740 Rush St., Chi- dren do or see will be remem- League Institute, Lakeside, Ohio. cago. The following stories may bered long after what we have be told (never read): "Camp- told them is forgotten. This is MRS. E. R. BROWN. fires in Congo," by Mrs. John further illustrated by candle- Akron, Ohio. Springer; "In the African lighting services, at least one of Bush," by Jewel H. Schwab; "I which will be held this year, More Junior Studies Would Sing America," by Ma- using Bible verses on Light. The and Projects rion Cuthbert. following plan may be used: An interesting course in For- Learn some Negro songs such Have children seated in half eign Missionary education was circle facing a cross with tall given the children of the junior as "I Want to Be a Christian in candle at one side, at back of department of the United Breth- My Heart" (book of "Southland stage. A picture of Christ is ren church in Westerville, Ohio, Spirituals," 25 cents) and have placed near at hand. Then the with Africa as the subject. The children tell Negro stories. children sing the first two children met for one and a half These may be purchased for a stanzas of "Jesus Loves Me," hours in a midweek session, for few cents each from the Meth- with added verses, eight weeks. Families gathered odist headquarters at 420 Plum Jesus loves the children dear, for dinner together, after which St., Cincinnati, Ohio. Use the Children far away or near. the children were dismissed for leaflet, "The Finding Out Box" They are safe when in His care, this instruction. (5 cents), and "The House of Every day and everywhere. A brief worship period was Their Hands" (2 cents), pub- Jesus loves me, this I know, And my love to Him I'll show, followed by the telling of an lished by the Lutheran Women's When my happiness I share African story-"In the African Missionary Society, 723 Muhlen- With His children everywhere. Bush," by Schwab. After the berg Building, 1228 Spruce St., story a three-reel film was Philadelphia, Pa. Collect poems Ten or more children then shown. In cooperation with our and stories written by Negroes. come forward with their Bibles, public schools we were able to One that I shall use is "Give a each reading his verse and light- secure educational films telling Thought to Africa," by Hosea K. ing his candle from the large the story of Africa, her people, Nyobongi, son of an African one. The leader tells of a man her climate and products. After king, at Clark University fitting who gave his life to Christ when this film, the children were given himself for larger work among 80 years old, and lights a short a rest period and taken to the
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
recreation room where African themselves, deserving respect as finale came when, on a Sunday folk games were played. Then well as interest and help. afternoon, the department held groups were formed around the MRS. ONA MOCLOY, open house and explained the work tables where an outline Supt. of Junior Department, exhibits, furnished music from map of the country was studied, First U. B. Church, Wes- India, Mexico and China, and terville' Ohio. served tea to the church memcolored, discussed, with outline bership who called in large numpictures (also colored) mounted bers. Surely missions were thus in the proper places thereon. An Elaborate Junior Project woven into the very warp and Larger pictures were mounted woof of the children's thinking, and other handcraft projects The specific details of the fol- and parents who had remained completed. One group had as lowing expressional work devel- aloof from the greatest Adventheir project the finding of the oped by Mrs. Helen Leach, of ture in the world gained some names of those in the denomina- Granville, Ohio, for her junior idea of its importance. tion who were entitled to places study last year, are not imporof honor on the map. tant as the method and prin- Inbringing Day ciples involved are universal and A trip to the museum of Otter- may be used equally well with The First Baptist church of bein College to see the Mrican our current topics. They consti- Dayton, Ohio, used a plan (decurios was made. A college stu- tute a de luxe attempt to make scribed in Missions,) to help dent who is a native of Africa the themes part and parcel of children understand the need for gave an interesting talk. We are the children's lives and to moti- systematic giving. At a meetfortunate in having a large num- vate future action. ing of junior and primary deber of returned missionaries partments, baskets filled with from Africa who are most gra- With South America as the the coins the children had cious in lending their curios, na- first theme, photos and objects brought during the year were tive costumes, pictures and were collected such as pictures displayed on a table. At one baskets. showing points of international interest, tissue paper flags of the A "browsing table" was kept nationalities, data about the side stood a shadow box containfilled with National Geographies, Columbus Memorial Lighthouse ing a picture on glass of the books of travel and pictures. to be erected by Pan-American church. Explaining the need of Two books the children enj oyed countries as a Friendship Me- the church for money, the leader were "Camp Fires in the morial, cacti, objects loaned by drew from a box a sheaf of bills Congo," by Mrs. J 0 h n M. friends and an elaborate poster incurred for heat, supplies, etc., Springer, and "Children of the of the products of Mexico, this and suggested that children Chief," by Mary Entwistle. "In latter project requiring weeks come up and drop money from the African Bush" was inval- of work. the basket into the box marked uable as it contains outlines for The foreign study following for light and heat. As they did teaching, stories, worship ma- this covered four countries in this, the light was switched on terial, hand work, drum calls Asia celebrating their centenaand folk and game songs. The ries in missionary work. One in the shadow box and lo! the children dramatized some of the church was illuminated! Next a stories they heard. That these class whose teacher was a mis- missionary map was displayed, tales of the intimate home life of sionary's daughter from Podili, African children and their ac- with electric bulbs marking mistivities made a vivid impression South India, made a beautiful sion stations. Little wooden on our group was very evident. reproduction of the mission com- chests in front of the map were Some of the boys whittled out pound where the girl had spent call drums, native canoes and her early youth. This proved a each marked with the name of paddles: the girls made gourd a station. Children took more and cucumber dolls, baby straps real work of art. A class of collection money and dropped it and modeled huts of clay with boys made a moving picture reel into any chest; whereupon the dried grass and leaves for roofs. corresponding bulb on the map which, worked back and forth, furnished the basis for two dif- flashed on, the coins making the ferent talks on China which connection with the metal bot- were later given by young lads. tom of the box. The children Certainly a closer bond was Stamps from many countries were "electrified"! When boxes drawn between our children and were collected, cut up and pasted were left empty, and correspondthe little ones in Africa by these on letters to form the te~t, "Go ing stations remained dark, the activities. When children por- ye into all the world." This leader explained that this is tray such scenes from the home handsome ten-foot frieze was what happens when gifts are not life of African children as the eventually taken to the Northern equal to needs of the field. way they travel, care for their Baptist Convention and exhibsick, work and play; the way ited before hundreds of inter- A Oorrection the women prepare the food and ested delegates. All the juniors In our December issue it was stated the songs they sing to their cooperated in making up White that Miss Elizabeth 1. Fensom would babies, an indelible impression furnish a year's subscription to her is made. They begin to realize Crossl supply boxes that were that these people are much like sent to Arizona, Puerto Rico, Program Pointers for 25 cents. She Assam and Africa. The grand states that the next five issues will be sent for 15 cents. The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK A PRAYER FOR THE This be our prayer as we face liminary conferences will be NEW YEAR the new year! Prayer that com- held. On Sunday afternoon, bines love of God with love of January 10, the Conference of By Mrs. Orrin R. Judd our fellow men! Prayer that the Committee on Young Peo- identifies ourselves with the ple's Work and Conference of "If Thy presence go not with wounds and suffering and sins Presidsnts and Executive Secme, carry us not up hence." of humanity! Prayer that knows retaries of Women's Home Mis- Exodus 33: 15. the Presence that avails for sal- sion Boards are scheduled, and vation, sustenance and guidance. are to be followed by a devo- For those who are charged tional service. Presidents of with responsibility of leader- It is not an easy prayer. The women's and young women's ship, this prayer uttered by way to the answer is long and missionary societies of Asbury Moses many centuries ago offers beset with obstacles. It is prayed Park and Ocean Grove will be a significant pattern. Shaken with few words, but with much by the events that followed his living, and with utter sincerity. the guests of the Council at this return from Mt. Sinai, he with- Like Moses, we shall have to be devotional service and the feldraws to solitude to find again stabbed wide awake by pain to lowship tea which follows. peace and direction for himself make it ours. May we be willand a wayward people. ing like him to bear the pain of In preparation for the Annual corporate delinquence, and in the Meeting a Service of Worship He is aware of God. The un- conscious, blissful companionseen is real to him. He knows ship of the Presence be led for- will be held Sunday evening. from frequent communions "the ward continually to triumph, for On Monday afternoon, while upward reach in the soul of the redemption of our country man." To talk with God is the and the world. Joint Committees are meeting, a habit of his life. He is therefore popular meeting is being set up quickly sensitive to any veil that "If we have found favor in comes between him and God. Thy sight, show us now Thy way for church women throughout that we may know Thee; but if that area of New Jersey. A He is conscious of one supreme Thy presence go not with us, graphic account of the World need. Nothing else matters. carry us not up hence. 0 Lord Day of Prayer observances, the Like the psalmist he cries out: Jehovah, show Thy servants Thy "Whom have I in heaven but greatness and Thy strong hand." challenge of the united Protes- Thee? And there is none on -A New Year's Eve Prayer, tant work in the United States earth beside Thee." His suffi- from" A Chain of Prayer Across Indian Schools, and motion picciency is to be realized only in the Ages." this Presence which is to him tures of the interdenominational friend, companion, counselor ANNUAL MEETING service in Migrant Labor Camps,. and guide. are all features of this program. January 11-14, 1937 His need is too great to be On Monday night, January 11, satisfied by personal well-being. Berkeley-Carteret Hotel, Why not be satisfied? He has Asbury Park, N. J. the Annual Meeting of the Counalready received the assurance: cil of Women for Home Missions "My presence shall go with thee, The Committee on Annual opens officially with the Fellowand I will give thee rest." It is Meeting of the Home Missions ship Supper. On that evening a gracious word, but promises Council and the Council of Womnot enough. He needs more. en for Home Missions is develop- the Home Missions Councils will The destiny of an entire people ing unique plans for this Annual meet in joint session and reports is his concern. He is their Meeting. Methods of presenting of Indian Work, and Young Peomediator with God. His life has reports are to be different and ple's Work and City and New no value save in and for them. ample time is to be allowed for Americans are on the agenda. "If Thy presence go not with interesting and encouraging de- Tuesday, January 12, is to be deme, carry us not up hence." The velopments on the field. Pre- voted entirely to the separate Presence that strengthens him, ceding the Annual Meeting pre- business sessions of the two must sustain all. Councils. Interesting plans are [50 ] under way for unique methods of presenting the work of the Council of Women for Home Missions for 1936. A panel dis- cussion will combine the presen- tation of the work of committees
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
on International Relations, Race church women of all denomina- schools in the South, in Cuba, Relations and Legislative Mat- tions, in both Canada and the Puerto Rico and Alaska; from ters, a graphic presentation of United States united in a Day of mission stations among Indians the World Day of Prayer, study Prayer for Missions both Home of the West, Christian Centers books and Schools of Missions is and Foreign. in the East and many of our being arranged. The Migrant In 1921 there were published great northern cities come the Committee is working on a dra- and distributed 62,425 pro- same heartening letters, some matic presentation. On that eve- grams. One offering of $25 was with tiny offerings, others with ning the Home Missions Councils sent to the Council of Women considerable sums but all carrymeet again in j oint business ses- for Home Missions. In 1927 the ing cheering messages of faith sion for dinner and the evening World Day of Prayer was ob- and love-love for God and love session. served and special objects were for His work.
National Conference on designated for the offerings. As The Call has gone out for the the City Church information concerning the 1937 Day of Prayer to be ob- needs for Christian Literature served February 12th. Over Wednesday, January 13, in- in Foreign Lands, C h r i s t ian 300,000 copies of the Program cludes the opening of the Na- Work Among Migrants, Union have been printed. The theme, tional Conference on the City Christian Colleges for Women "Thou Art the Christ, the Son Church, the part of the Annual and the Indian American Youth of the Living God," has been de- Meeting that is given over to a of Today, the response has been veloped in a program prepared detailed consideration of one more and more generous until by Miss Mabel Shaw of Northphase of home mission work last year the offerings for the ern Rhodesia, Africa. each year. A remarkable pro- work of the Council of Women In sending the program Miss gram has been planned with ex- for Home Missions amounted to Shaw writes, perts on various phases of the City Mission field scheduled to $12,291, a like amount going to The program is supremely an act of the Foreign Missions Confer- worship. I feel more and more that present the situations and lead the thinking of the group as the ence. There were reported ap- our hearts must be stirred to adoraissues are considered. proximately 2,200 observances. tion before prayer can be of real power. We must dimly see the un- There are four themes relative One cannot read the letters ac- bearable wonder of the greatness of to the City, those on Wednesday companying the offerings with- Him to whom we pray, the unutterincluding The Urban Process, out realizing the spiritual uplift able majesty of the Son of God, and The City-a Field for Social and of such union meetings. Often the shattering humility of the Son of Religious Adventure, and The a small offering carries the fra- Man. I have tried to reveal that. Social Ministry of the Urban grance of real sacrifice. A little There are two periods of meditation Church. The closing Session on town in Kansas sends 67 cents in the program which will need care- Thursday, January 14, will be with the remark, "We had one ful preparation if they are to serve devoted to The Interdenomina- of those terrible Kansas dust their purpose. The unity of the protional Approach to the Modern storms that day and there were gram depends upon them. I suggest City. not many out." each period to be seven to ten minutes long. I have had in my thought a WORLD DAY OF PRAYER From a city in Alabama comes background of praying women. a description of a "program with As we read of the growth of beautiful music, earnest prayers Twelfth Conference on the the World Day of Prayer which in a quiet atmosphere of faith Cause and Cure of War is sponsored jointly by the Wom- and trust," which, the writer en's Committee of the Foreign says, "grows dearer with each JANUARY 26-29, 1937 Missions Conference and the observance." Negro women in Council of Women for Home this city held their meeting at Plans for the Conference to be Missions, we are reminded of night in their own church and held at the Palmer House, Chithe parable of the "grain of sent an offering of $2.00. They cago, January 26-29, are promustard seed, which, when it is were working women, most of gressing. The program will whom have large families. center around the theme, "Today in Peace and War," and will in- clude discussions of the issues which have come to a head be- sown in the earth, is less than all From Manitoba, Can a d a, cause of the revolution in Spain the seeds that be in the earth. comes the word, "We held the and other critical situations in But when it is sown, it growetp first Day of Prayer in Flin Flon Europe and the Far East. up and becometh greater than last Friday" ; from Hartwell, Al- If you are interested in being all herbs and shooteth out great berta, "I am enclosing $1.00 as one of the 200 delegates reprebranches so that the fowls of the my offering for the World Day senting church women at this air may lodge under the shadow of Prayer. I am very isolated Conference, further information and unable to meet with other may be secured from the Forof it." Evidence of this appears if we women so had my meeting all by eign Missions Conference, 156 follow reports back to earlier myself. I am sure God will hear 5th Avenue, New York, or the days. Previous to 1920 mission- my prayer but now I miss the Council of Women for Home ary societies encouraged days of inspiration of church and con- Missions, 105 East 22d Street, prayer but during that year gregation." From m iss ion New York. jil Our World–wide Outlook A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~,,~======E=DIT=ED =BY=MR=S. H=EN~RIE=TTA=H=. F=ERG=USO=N, =XE=NIA=, O=HIO========,~"
MISCELLANEOUS Bible. Attention will be focussed Missions, Then and Now on the "Injunction of 1538," or- Six World Conferences dering that all must have free Dr. James Endicott, who has access to the Bible. Archdeacon just retired as Foreign Mission A chain of six Christian world Storr, of the Anglican Church, Secretary of the United Church conferences – three in Asia- says in reference to the celebra- of Canada, contrasts expendiwill be held during the next tion: tures on foreign missions today three years. Early in January, with those of forty-three years Dr. John R. Mott will preside at The Bible has made the English ago. The church is giving nearly the conference of the World's nation. This generation does not read seven times as much to mission- Alliance of the Y. M. C. A. at its Bible as our forefathers did, but I ary work in central India today Mysore, India. "The center of see signs of a return to the Bible. as it was 40 years ago, and 28 gravity in Christian world af- Local education authorities are ar- times as much to African misfairs is shifting from the mis- ranging courses of lectures on the sions. "Conditions now," he sionary societies in the West to Bible for teachers. Seventeen Uni- said, "are inexpressibly better in the younger churches and their versities in England and Wales have coordinating the work with other auxiliary agencies in the East," put the Bible on their lists of Uni- churches." World conditions says Dr. Mott. The plans for versity lectures. It would be an evil also are far better than they these conferences reveal the day if the Bible should be crowded were 40 years ago. world-wide sense that there is out by the rush of modern life. Thereneed for Christian organizations fore, as an act of thanksgiving for the -Presbyterian Banner. to get together – nationally, in- Reformation, we propose to set on ternationally, interracially, de- foot a back-to-the-Bible movement. ChTistian Literature Needs nominationally. Our problems are world-wide and we all need "Citadels of Darkness" A representative gathering of each other's help in solving them." J. Merle Davis, in the Inter- various missionary pre sse s, national Review of Missions, church publishing houses and The second of the six is ar- calls attention to difficulties persons interested in missionary ranged by the Universal Chris- which confront missionaries to- vernacular literature meeting in tian Council for Life and Work, day of which their predecessors Bloemfontein last June made on Church, Community and never dreamed. several practical suggestions: State at Oxford next July; the third on Faith and Order meets Since the first Protestant mission- 1. Churches should cooperate to at Edinburgh in August, 1937; aries sailed for non-Christian lands produce one good Christian newspaper a year later, in August, 1938, the more than one hundred years ago, the World Student Christian Fed- work of foreign missions has become within each vernacular area. eration is to meet in Japan; in an increasingly complex undertaking. 2. For religious purposes, more use the autumn of the same year the Then, broadly speaking, mission strat- International Missionary Coun- egy called for a frontal attack upon should be made of the African secular cil will meet at Hangchow, heathen citadels of darkness. Today press, which is, on the whole, very China. Finally, in 1939, there is the missionary's task is rendered far sympathetic. to be a great gathering of Chris- more intricate by a formidable array tian Youth Movements, when the of new factors that have come upon 3. Provision should be made for the Christian youth of aH nations the field-anthropology, the compara- production of (a) simple Bible picwill be able to "size up" the tive study of religions, the renaissance tures, and (b) pictorial helps for Day findings of the preceding gather- of indigenous cultures, nationalism, School work. ings. disillusionment with western civiliza- tion, secular idealistic cults and the It was also urged that ma- Back to the Bible Movement whole network of influences let loose by the investment of western capital terial be supplied on the follow- Preparations are under way in mission lands with the disorganiza- ing topics: for the celebration in 1938 of tion of society and traditional ways of the fourth centenary of the life that have resulted from them. Missionary Development and Biog- Reformation, and of the English The church in mission lands finds its position undermined and its claim raphy. upon the allegiance of society chal- lenged by citadels of darkness that Notable Deeds of Africans. exist behind the missionary lines in the homelands. These, through the Nature Studies for Children. moving picture, literature and a hun- dred other ways have a rapidly in- Family and Home Life. creasing influence throughout the world. Hygiene (within smaller areas).
[52 ] Christian Conduct, and other purely Religious Subjects. .
The need for introducing lit- erature to the attention of the people was seen to be as urgent as the need for greater produc- tion.-South African Outlook.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
NORTH AMERIOA bring the missionary enterprise Mormons Oall for Sabbath into the heart of the program Observance Million Unit Fellowship was warmly welcomed. It was said that student movements Has anything like this oc- The "Million Unit Fellowship" needed the cutting edge of the curred in any Protestant denomof the Methodist Episcopal missionary appeal to deepen and ination of America? Church was formally launched strengthen their work. at Scranton, Pa., in November. Six thousand Mormon youth Renewed devotion to the stand- The most significant outcome gathered in a Sabbath observards of Christ; a study of social of the Oberlin meeting was the ance assembly to launch a cruand economic problems; and strong and positive conception sade for the recovery of the Sabgreater interest in world mis- of Christianity to which it gave bath! The leaders of the Morsions are among the goals of the expression. New emphasis was mon church are shocked at the Fellowship. Financially these placed on the effort to know and widespread desecration of the are to be expressed through follow the will of God, in place Sabbath and the growing spirit the underwriting of 1,000,000 of centering student work in the of lawlessness in America. This "units" or subscriptions of $1 a carrying through of related pro- movement is the result. Fifteen month to Methodist missions and grams of many sorts. states were represented by delebenevolences. gates at the conference. The -Missionary Herald. Mormons expect to push the cru- -Christian Advocate. sade in all the states where they Southern Baptists Send have any considerable popula- The Bishops' Orusade 15 Missionaries tion. Their goal is – no sports on the Sabbath, no movies, no The I a r g est simultaneous Fifteen new missionaries have dancing, no feasting, no type of Methodist project in recent been appointed to serve in the self-indulgence, no work that is years will be the "Bishops' Cru- foreign field under the auspices not absolutely necessary. The sade" to awaken the churches to of the Foreign Mission Board of meeting was called the Aronic their responsibility of winnning the Southern Baptist Conven- Priesthood Sabbath Observance the unchurched masses in Amer- tion. Thirteen were assigned to Assembly, and was held in the ica. Plans for the evangelistic China, one to Africa, and one to Mormon tabernacle. movement, to include the entire Brazil. A reduction in the mis- South, will be drawn at New sion debt during the past four -Presbyterian Banner. Orleans, January 5 to 7. Rallies years from $1,115,000 to $400,- in key-centers from coast to 000 is also announced. America's New Heathenism coast will then be held in the interest of foreign missions and During the past four years Dr. Samuel L. Joshi, noted the forward movement in the eighty-three new missionaries educator and East Indian, said churches. have been appointed, twenty- recently in Chicago that a hea- eight others reappointed, mak- thenism, worse than any anti- E. Stanley Jones, B ish 0 p ing a total of 111 reinforce- Christian movements or faiths Oxenham and others are to be ments. in the Orient or Europe, is growpresent at New Orleans to plead ing up in Christian America. for more evangelistic fervor. A Thrilling Work for Indians This heathenism is manifest chiefly in the utter disregard for Student Ohristian Advance Sage Memorial Hospital at the spiritual, and an exaltation Ganado, Arizona, is the only In- of the material and of natural- Last September, 0 be r lin, dian hospital in the southwest ism. Dr. Joshi urged church Ohio, was the scene of a meet- fully accredited this year by the people to seek a balance between ing of student Christian leaders American College of Surgeons. these elements in society, with that is certain to have far-reach- Its School of Nursing, the only greater emphasis on the spiring effects. The delegates were training school in the United itual. -The Living Church. representative of the principal States for American Indian student Christian organizations nurses, enrolled this year 19 Metlakahtla Independent – the National Intercollegiate students from 12 different In- Mission Christian Council of the com- dian tribes scattered fro m bined Y M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. Alaska to Arizona. The execu- Rev. William Duncan founded and the General Council of the tive of this Presbyterian Mission the Metlakahtla Independent Student Volunteer Movement. writes: Christian Mission on Annette Overtures were made to the Na- Island, twelve miles from Ketchtional Intercollegiate Christian Can anyone imagine a greater ikan, Alaska, in 1891. The enter- Council, asking that the Y. M. pioneering thrill than gathering in prise prospered materially and C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. join these splendid girls from their hogans, spiritually, until its far-reaching with all other interested bodies "wickiups," igloos, and tepees, from significance was recognized and in an effort to evolve an ade- all over this western country, and acknowledged by Christian leadquate plan of work in the inter- after three years of intensive training ers in distant lands. At the time est of world Christianity. This sending them back to establish a new of his death in 1918, Duncan's was agreed upon, and the plan to outlook on modern medicine on the last will and testament be- part of their people, and to have an active part in setting up new stand- ards of health and hygiene among their tribes?
queathed his accumulated prop- The people had been advised to many of their workers have erty and financial assets in trust deny them even a glass of water. passed through extremely diffito three co-trustees, appointed The following morning the whole cult experiences owing to the by him, with power to choose town turned out to see the here- fanaticism which still reigns in their successors, who we r e tics. In spite of the fact that many of the less accessible parts charged with certain clearly de- they had to pay five times as of the country. It is reported fined administrative responsi- much as the food served them that work which the Franciscans bilities: perpetuation of the was worth, they were gladdened carried on in the region of the Metlakahtla Independent Chris- by the response of the crowds. UcayaIi in the eighteenth centian Mission, and the support of tury is to be reopened by misits religious, educational and The priest endeavored to draw sionary priests. charitable activities; also, the the people away by ringing the support of similar work for such church bells, but they turned a The Christian and Missionary other native people in Alaska as deaf ear to the bells and listened Alliance has devoted a number these trustees may deem wise to the message of the colpor- of years to an attempt to found and proper. teurs. In one house where the work among the Campa Indians, colporteurs spent the night, the one of the few groups of numer- For a number of years, follow- landlady and other visitors ical importance. ing the death of William Dun- bought Bibles. On leaving the can,' the Metlakahtla Mission next morning their hostess EUROPE was supervised by Dr. Henry J. treated them to a royal break- Minthorn, a well-qualified Chris- fast because she said she be- British Pronouncement on War tian physician, uncle and foster- lieved them to be real ministers father of Herbert Hoover, for- of God, and worthy of the best Evangelical Free Churches of mer president of the United she could give. In one large city Great Britain have issued the States. -Christian Advocate. they spent four days. Doors following statement: were opened everywhere, and LATIN AMERICA from the highest government The Federal Council of the Evan- officials and lawyers, down to the gelical Free Churches, believing that The Missionary Spirit in Cuba poor cholo on the street, all the ultimate sources of war lie in un- heard the Good News of Salva- regenerate human nature, appeals to Children at the Protestant tion. Christians everywhere to rededicate Episcopal Mission in Cardenas, themselves to win men and women for Cuba, received Christmas gifts "Good Neighbor Policy" the Lord Jesus Christ and the acceptfrom the children of Trinity and Missions ance of the full obligations of Chris- Church, Seattle, and in return tian discipleship as the final guarantee made up a scrapbook of photo- Charles E. Maddry, Executive of world peace. graphs and notes about their Secretary of the Southern Bapmission. They have a plain little tist Foreign Mission Board, says The council not only refuses to acchapel in a rented house in Car- that Uncle Sam's "good neigh- knowledge that war is inevitable, but denas, a city of 40,000. More bor policy" has done much to reaffirms its conviction that universal than 100 children are in the open doors of missionary oppor- peace is the mind and purpose of mission school. tunity in South America. Dr. Christ. It holds that Christians Maddry spent four and a half everywhere should not support any Without waiting until they months on a missionary journey war with regard to which the governhad a better church themselves, through the four countries of ment of their country has declined to in 1930 this Mission started a South America in which South- submit the dispute to impartial settlemission of its own at !tabo, a ern Baptists have work, namely: ment by judicial decision, conciliation, village of 1,500 about 35 miles Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and or arbitration. . . • away, holding services in a Chile. As a result of his messhabby old bakeshop. For the sages, 1,500 turned to God. Dr. It urges Christian people in our past five years they have been Maddry described Bahai, Brazil, own land actively to cultivate to their working to build a little brick the Catholic capital of South utmost power friendly relations with church at Itabo, to cost $1,700. America, as the most fanatical the people of other nations, especially city he had ever visited. There with those who share with them a Pioneering in Ecuador are 365 Catholic churches in this supreme loyalty to Jesus Christ, and city of 400,000 people. . to this end to support such work as is A Christian and Missionary carried on by the British Christian Alliance worker writes of a trip -Baptist Message. Council for International Friendship,. with two native colporteurs Life and Work. through southern E c u ado r, Peruvian Indians where there is great need for the -British Weekly. Gospel. In the first town where The Synod of the Iglesia the colporteurs passed the night Evangelica Peruana, which is Evangelicals in Spain the police authorities had to composed exclusively of nacompel a man to rent them a tionals, reports a year of con- Spain has only 22,000 Evanroom and give them their meals. siderable b I e s sin g, although gelical Christians. Before the' recent uprising there were less than fifty ordained Evangelical ministers and under a hundred full-time evangelists and colpor- teurs. There are 6,000 full members in the churches, and up till recently there were nearly 7,500 children in Evangelical schools.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Most of the foreign workers The Christlicher Volksfreund boys – Christians, Moslems and have now been expelled from the says that a Conference of the Jews-are grouped in four "Y" country. Meanwhile meetings Societies of the Godless has de- clubs, each with a university stu- continue in private h 0 use s. cided to award a prize of 25,000 dent as leader. One club of 25 Neither the Evangelical churches rubles for the best antireligious recently elected as president a of Spain nor the foreign organ- poem. Mohammedan; sec ret a r y, a izations interested in their work Copt; sports leader, a Jew, and have attempted to take political The Deutches Pfarrerblatt social leader, a Presbyterian. sides in the present tragic con- says the Soviet Government will flict. -The Life of Faith. permit entry into Russia of Bi- In Alexandria a group of 47 bles in non-Russian languages. came from 20 schools, 12 na- German Church Cause Lost? Bibles in French, English or tionalities and seven religions. Dutch would pay a tax of about Accommodations are needed in Pastor Niemoller expresses six rubles in foreign currency- Cairo for 300 boys to demoncomplete discouragement over a prohibitive impost. While strate the value of a Christian the Church and State situation 12,000 ecclesiastics are still at program on a large scale. in Germany. No religious paper their posts, over 40,000 have in Germany, he says, now dares dropped out of sight; many are Converts in Ethiopia to publish what it thinks. No in concentration camps. man dares to speak without first Mr. Allan Webb, of the Sudan looking anxiously around to see AFRICA Interior Mission, writes: who may be listening. "The stroke of a pen is now sufficient Moslem Expansion One amazing thing is the ready sale to dissolve synods and church for the Word of God in this country. councils, and no one can know An event of wide religious im- Comparatively few can read, but a what church buildings, in two portance is the movement for crowd quickly gathers to listen to any years, may not be turned into Moslem missionary expansion one who can read aloud. These people theaters." The neopagan move- which has its sou r c e and also love listening to a story well told ment, whose most outspoken ad- strength in the University of the around the fire,s at night. One story, vocate is Baldur von Schirach, Azhar at Cairo. Not only in of which they never tire, is that of the official leader of the Nazi youth Cairo, the intellectual center of Prodigal Son. It is wonderful to organizations, grows constantly the Moslem world, but in other watch the expressions flit over their bolder, and no one now dares to centers of Moslem influence it is faces and to hear the grunts, as each speak openly against it. The maintained that Islam has a point makes its appeal, and is clearly Buppression of Pro t est ant much needed message of peace, understood. This opens a mighty schools in Wiirttemberg and in brotherhood, sharing, sobriety sphere for a native evangelist, who Bavaria has been scarcely no- and a slowing down of the com- will move from place to place, telling ticed. petitive rush and heartless rival- the same story and returning peri- ries of the European people. odically to the mission station to learn The New York Herald-Trib- another Bible story. une contrasts the courage of One of the latest plans of the Evangelical Christians with the Moslem missionary movement is Mr. Harry Glover, of the same ,opposition groups. to send missions of students Mission, tells of helping to exam- from the Azhar to study in the ine six candidates for baptism, No group of men of science, no universities of Europe, in order five of whom were lepers. On :academy of teachers or of artists, no to gain knowledge and experi- the following Sunday these were bar association, has risked concentra- ence for European indoctrina- baptized, and with them Man- tion camp for scientific, academic or tion in the tenets of Islam. Mis- gasha, Dr. Tom Lambie's per- :artistic ideals. One group, and one sionary efficiency of a high order sonal servant. alone, inside Germany, has had the is a recognized necessity if th~ courage and the daring to attack European peoples are to be won. -Moody Institute Monthly. fundamental theses of the totalitarian state, and attack them openly, read -The Indian Witness. An African's Parable -them publicly, sign their names and give their addresses, in the face of the The "Y" in Egypt A letter from Kenya, East dictatorship and for Germany and all Africa, says that African Chris- the world to see . . . the pastors of There are many points of ten- tians frequently speak in par- the Confessional German Evangelical sion among Jews, Moslems and ables which have originated in Church. Christians, and this is felt keenly their own minds, and gives as an in Egypt. Anti-Semitic feeling illustration one -from a former Situation in Russia is growing there. A prominent herdboy. Egyptian Christian said recently The Reformed Constitution that even he is becoming con- It was this boy's custom to -for Russia promoted by Stalin, scious of this animosity-some- take the cattle and goats to the which grants a measure of re- thing he had never felt before. water to drink, about noon. One ligious freedom, recognizes the day the river had risen suddenly declaration of Lenin that "it A Y. M. C. A. secretary in after heavy rain, and a large was just to consider religion as Cairo, Wilbert B. Smith, says crocodile appeared. It ignored an idea and personal sentiment that hope in this realm lies with the goats, and deliberately seized -that could not be forbidden." the boys. A hundred Egyptian and tore to pieces a fine cow. "Satan is like a crocodile," said he. "He is very strong and is afraid of nothing. And he is
like a hunter; if he is out to kill A missionary Retreat and a have been driven to their knees an elephant, he won't bother native clergy Retreat are first under conviction of their lack of about small deer – he can get steps in preparation for the Dia- faith in the God of miracles. them any time. And just as that mond Jubilee. Further steps Revival always began in confes- crocodile did not want goats will be taken when missions will sion of sin–confession which is when he could get a cow, so be held in every district, cul- edifying, true scriptural confes- Satan does not mind about minating in a central service of sion. No revival would result if heathen if he can get a Chris- thanksgiving and renewal in the Christians would not humble tian. While we are still in dark- cathedral, probably in Septem- themselves before God. ness we are his already, and he ber. can have us any day; but when At the final meeting the mes- we come out and join Jesus Christian Council of sage was "The Cross of Christ." Christ, then Satan tries his hard- South Africa est to get us back. So don't WESTERN ASIA think that being a Christian Following upon the Edinburgh means an easy life." Conference of 1910, National One Hundred Years' Christian Councils have func- Bible Work -C. M. S. Outlook. tioned with increasing useful- ness. They act as a bond of fel- The mission school in Scutari, Dictionary for Umbundu lowship between the different Turkey, recently celebrated a Christians churches and missionary agen- century of service of the Amer- cies, and accomplish important ican Bible Society in the Near In compiling a dictionary, just results in the coordination of East. Most of the American off the press, Mr. R. L. Wilson, Christian work. In June, 1936, Board missionaries were pres- of the United Church of Canada the Christian Council of South ent, as well as native pastors and Mission, has rendered real serv- Africa was established, and al- colporteurs. Dr. F. W. Mac- ice to Umbundu Christians. This ready twenty – seven churches Callum, now engaged in com- will make it possible for them and missionary societies have pleting the new translation of to profit by the considerable beeome affiliated. Committees the Scriptures in Turkish, pre- amount of evangelical literature will deal with Education, Evan- sided. Selbi Aghassian, read the now published in the Portuguese gelism, Literature, M e d i c a I Scripture lesson, Luke 4: 16-37, language. Equally important is Work, Native Welfare, Women's from the old Armeno-Turkish the fact that a knowledge of Work and Youth Movements. translation of 1831. Pap e r s Portuguese will open to Um- were read on the work of the bundu Christians those parts of South Africa will now be offi- great translators, Riggs, Schauf- the Scriptures which have not cially represented for the first fler and Goodell. yet been translated into their na- time at a world meeting of the tive language. The new diction- International Missionary Coun- -Bible Society Record. ary has nearly five thousand cil, and the Christian Council of carefully selected Portuguese South Africa is entitled to send International College words, with Umbundu terms to nine delegates to the next world Transferred represent their equivalents in meeting in 1938 at Hangchow. that language. Plans are in hand for the com- International College, which pilation of a Direetory of South for many years has performed a -United Church Record. African Missions, through the valuable work as a Christian in- cooperation of the World Do- stitution in Smyrna, is being Sixty Years in Uganda minion Press. transferred to Beirut, Syria, and affiliated with the American Uni- It was in 1877 that Uganda's -South African Outlook. versity there. Due to govern- first missionaries walked up mental regulations relating to from the coast. This year is the Revival in South Africa all educational work, it was diamond jubilee of their arrival. found increasingly difficult to Could they have looked into the The South African campaigns continue the work in Symrna. future they would have seen in of Mr. J. Edwin Orr are still The new ararngement is to con- Uganda a flourishing church producing results and over 5,000 tinue on an experimental basis with some 7(J native clergy, people professed decision for for five years. 17,000 baptisms and 6,000 con- Christ in seven weeks. From firmations each year; and close every center comes news of spir- Giving Criminals a Chance . to the site where many of the itual quickening among Chris- early converts were done to tians, especially at Durban, Kok- Turkey is trying an experi- death stands a magnificent ca- stad and Bloemfontein, capital ment in the treatment of crim- thedral. Persecution now is of the Orange Free State. It is inals. The plan is being carried rare and a generation of Chris- reported that the results of his out, under the direction of the tians has arisen, many of whom preaching at Bloemfontein, a Minister of Justice, on Imrali have had no experience of con- difficult place for aggressive Island in the Sea of Marmora, version, nor of the stabilization work, are amazing, astounding about 20 miles from Istanbul. A of character through Christian even the most optimistic, who Turkish paper says: Every con- home training. vict is regarded as a pathological
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
case, with a tendency to moral are desperately poor the Bible is in men mISSIOnaries. This dedisease through birth or environ- in many cases given to them cline is a serious matter in view ment. When the sickness is es- without charge, though they pay of the unprecedented opportunitablished through legal channels in them, a little when able. They ties which exist in India today. it is necessary to confine him for greatly appreciate the Society's Literally tens of thousands of ina period in a psychological sana- interest in them, and often it is quirers are pressing for admistarium, where he is protected with tear-dimmed eyes that they sion and there are not enough from harmful elements in so- accept the gift. One of the spe- workers to deal with them. The ciety and where he can be made cial needs of the Iran field is a large mission boards have many into a useful member of society. motor car, that the work may be vacancies, but few candidates. Every convict will be given the more effectively supervised. opportunity to prove by his con- A Movable School duct that he is no longer a dan- -The Christian. gerous character. From this For over 20 years the Sangli point of view, prisons will be re- INDIA-BURMA Industrial and Agricultural garded as hospitals; the word School has been tackling the punishment will be discarded, The Indian Opium Trade problems of rural life. It has and the idea of cure will be sub- been offering courses in agriculstituted. As the stay of a pa- This year a notable step has ture, blacksmithing, carpentry, tient in an insane asylum is not been taken by the Government masonry, motor mechanics and a matter of a fixed period, so of British India to curtail ex- tailoring to boys of middle and must it be in the sanatarium ports of opium to limit its use high school age, chiefly of "unwhich is called the prison. First for medical and scientific pur- touchable" origin. For more offenders who pass the examina- poses. This will contribute much mature young men there are spetion of good conduct will be toward the solution of one of cial short courses in intensive treated leniently. Second of- the great social problems of the agriculture and motor mechanfenders will be looked upon as world. In 1900 the Government ics. Most of the students are natural enemies of society and of India decided to reduce opium either Christian, or from Chriswill be subject to the usual sys- exports to China by progressive tian background. For five years tem of punishment and expia- steps and to stop them alto- the school has been offering spetion. gether by 1917 if China give cial courses for Leadership clear evidence that she had Training in Rural Reconstruc- In about one year, this experi- ceased to cultivate the poppy. tion, lasting six weeks, a longer ment has netted some excellent In 1913 the exports were abol- period than that of any similar results. ished in spite of the continued course in India. manufacture of opium by China. Torchbearers for Iran The Indian Government, since In addition, the Sangli School 1915, has sought to limit opium has been carrying on extension It is among the youth of Iran exports to governments of im- work. Its outstanding agency that the new spirit is most evi- porting countries that agreed to for this work is the Sangli Movdent. Many a young man buys its use only for legitimate pur- able School. This consists of a a copy of the New Testament in poses. This is further than in- Ford 11f2-ton truck, in which is Persian and one in French for ternational conventions require carried almost every article usethe purpose of language study. and has reduced Indian revenue ful for village uplift work. Before long the message grips from opium from 81,000,000 There are numerous illustrated him, and he finds himself chal- Rupees in 1910-13 to 1,900,000 charts and posters, touching uplenged by the Truth. Rupees in 1934-5. The con- on various phases of village life; sumption per capita in India has a medicine chest or traveling The nomad tribes offer an es- also been reduced 16 per cent in dispensary for the more compecially needy field. Rev. A. three years.-British Informa- mon ailments; a circulating li- Nakhosteen, a colporteur for the tion Service. brary and books for sale; a British and Foreign Bible So- crate or two of chickens and a ciety, describes a visit to one of Decline in Missionary Force couple of good milk goats. the largest of these. Great was their delight upon receIvmg The new Directory of Chris- The truck, charts and posters Scriptures in their own tongue. tian Missions and Churches in are Sangli-made, and a great Ten expressed a desire to follow India, Burma and Ceylon, just deal of the equipment is pro- Christ and later asked for bap- published, shows that there are duced right there. There are tism. now 4,467 missionaries com- all kinds of seed samples for pared with 6,030 at the end of field and garden crops and speci- Then there are the lonely 1933. This decrease consists of mens of improved cotton, wool, islanders in the Persian Gulf. 324 men, 295 women and 944 sweet potatoes, bunch-type pea- So far as known, a colporteur is wives. This latter figure is nuts, etc. This Movable School the first Christian worker to go partly due to the enumeration has its own portable generating there. He has sold about 2,000 only of those who are engaged unit, stereopticon and movie books. in full work, but one-third is cer- projector. At night the sur- tainly due to the large decrease There are thousands of Russian refugees in Iran, and as they
roundings are lit up like fairy- much discussed scheme for a powerful one, but this year a land, and there have been as mass change of religion on the new one has been installed, and many as 3,500 people sitting out part of India's 57-70 million Un- for nine hours every day this in the open for the illustrated touchables to a new phase. station is sending out its pro- lectures. The aim is to touch -Christian Science Monitor. gram, which can be heard not only in China, but in Japan, the every phase of rural life, eco- Philippines, Australia, New Zeanomic, physical, mental, social From Pagoda to Clinic land and all over the Far East. and religious. Bible classes have in Burma been conducted for the men of Bricks of an old pagoda are While the chief aim of the stathe village as early as five a. m. being used to build a new clinic tion is "evangelizing China by The Indian crew consists of in Mong Yang, Shan States, radio," the programs are varied, three fine leaders, and the mis- Burma. Rev. Raymond Buker and comprise music, talks on sionary director is frequently writes that several evangelists homemaking, child problems, along. His first assistant is an in that area are clinically cured outstanding Christian, so valu- lepers, and their influence for health, nursing, biographical able that he has had many talks, Bible study and a daily tempting offers from elsewhere. Christ is strong. He believes children's period. At fixed times that a movement among the peo- talks are given in local dialects -Pre8byterian Tribune. ple of that great area is immi- nent. Translation of the Gospel for the benefit of those who do Indian Christian Witnessing of John in the Hkuin dialect is not understand Mandarin or "Shanghai."
Indian Christians take their being started, and other founda- Letters received indicate the religion seriously. Called upon tion work is being attempted in favorable response. A shopkeepto bear personal witness to their addition to station and medical er who had been listening while faith, about half the communi- work, and touring. at work wrote to ask how he cants of the diocese of Dornakal should proceed to become a responded by going from village – Watchman-Examiner. Christian. A department manto village in bands to carry the ager of a railway made his demessage of Christ to nearly a CHINA cision to become a Christian bequarter of a million men and cause of messages heard at his women. New Venture in Evangelism office. A home broken with dis- cord has found peace, and the The results were as follows: The Market Town Evangeliza- husband and wife have enrolled tion Campaign is a systematic, in the Bible Institute as a result Two thousand, four hundred and thorough, seed – sowing cam- of the radio. fifty-seven villages were visited by paign, designed to go to every bands of people telling of Christ. market town in China, of which -The Chronicle. there are said to be 40,000 and, Two hundred and fifty-nine thou- stopping in these market towns, Movies for Literacy sand (approximately) heard about reach out in house-to-house visi- Christ.
Three hundred and four new villages are asking for instruction as to tation, open-air and indoor Moving pictures have been enhow to become Christians. preaching until every home in listed by the Chinese Govern- ment in a fight to the finish with Four thousand and fifty-one have every village surrounding the handed in their names as being desirous of becoming Christians in the market towns have had the Gos- Kistna Area (about half the diocese). pel taken to them. These work- illiteracy. They will be used es- pecially to meet the problem of Fifty thousand pamphlets, etc., were ers not only distribute and ditributed. Of these, 18,415 were Gos- preach the Word by the wayside, educating adults, under the supel portions. pervision of the Chinese Min- Twenty thousand Gospels were in the fields and in the homes, istry of Education. A special either sold or given to people. but also constantly seek every committee has been organized to -The Living Church. opportunity of personal appeal. purchase production and proj- Each market town is said to ection equipment, and to super- Maharaja Leads Reform have an average of 25 villages vise the training of technical The Maharaja of Travancore, surrounding it, which makes a staffs for the educational picture celebrating his 25th birthday on studios. total of about 1,000,000 villages November 13, issued a proclama- Nanking's movies are to be tion wiping out caste distinction in this great field of 483,000,000 100 per cent educational. Suit- . in Hindu temples of his State. able topics for the educational souls. productions, according to prin- He gave the depressed castes- ciples laid down by the education the so-called "Untouchables"- Special courses of training are ministry, are chapters from his- the right to enter and worship tory, especially those with a pa- being given the workers in this in the temples on an equal foot- undertaking. _ -Oriental Missionary Standard.
ing. This marks a unique occa- Church of the Air triotic moral or lesson. sion in the history of India. Some authorities predict that The first transmitter of the The films are to teach also elesimilar measure~ will follow in Christian Broadcasting Associa- mentary scientific and sanitary tion, Shanghai, was not a very principles, modern methods of other states. This brings the farming and industrial methods.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Motion pictures thus produced even the strongest would do well in Milwaukee. The Brotherhood will form a major part of the to combine with others. China has set for itself the dbjective of curricula of the adult mass edu- has thirteen Christian colleges winning 100,000 converts to cation institutes which are to be and universities, and about 250 Christianity in the next ten opened throughout the country middle schools. years.
during the coming five years. Beyond this, "In the near fu- General Chang on Bible Study Bible Schools in Manchuria ture," Mr. Kaneko declared, "we have a vision of a Christian General Chang Chih-kiang, Two short-term Bible schools after an extended trip through were held recently in Manchuria Japan. Think what a step that the United States and Europe, by the Canadian Presbyterian Mission. Over fifty men, includ- will be toward a C h r i s t ian world." -The Living Church.
speaks with clarity and enthu- ing many evangelists, gathered Japanese Christian's View siasm of the place of Bible study at Cheng Chia Tjun for six in personal, family and national weeks' intensive Bible instruc- Rev. T. Takamatsu, in the progress. "The great message tion. The evangelists showed English preface to his book, of these Scriptures," he declares, progress in their knowledge of "Building the New World for "is summarized in the words, the Bible and in their spiritual God," published in Japanese, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as lives. For the women's Bible- says that in the era since 1860 thyself.' When this becomes the school, Bible-women and teach- too much emphasis has been laid universal rule international dis- ers a t ten d e d from over on science, with the result that cord will give way to world-wide seventeen centers, and entered the present generation is suffergoodwill." heartily into study of the Word. ing the loss of religious faith.
General Chang is chairman of The importance of the s e The whole nation is facing a the National Callisthenics' As- schools, in instructing and en- great spiritual crisis. The need sociation, and the primary pur- couraging native evangelists is for religious faith has suddenly pose of his journey was to in- apparent when it is realized that been expressed from various vestigate methods of physical at present the mission has only quarters, and many insist that training used in Western coun- two missionary families on the any sort of religious faith will tries. While in America and field, while throughout the same do. Even a fish head is thought England he accepted many invi- district the Roman Catholic worthy to be an object of wortations to address church and Church has over 100 priests and ship. Recent tragedies, howstudent gatherings, and was the nuns from Quebec. ever, have proved how important -Life of Faith. is the object of faith. Nothing guest of honor at numerous functions.-Chinese Recorder. is more harmful than a mistaken Religious Education belief. . . .
Christian School Fellowship Nobody is satisfied with the A writer in the Chinese Re- The Religious Education Fel- present condition of the world. We all want to have a better corder is not satisfied with the lowship in China now has a world to come. But in order to membership of nearly 700. The bring a better world everyone in present status of China's Chris- purpose of this fellowship is to the world must be filled with the seek to link together those who spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, tian schools. He summarizes the are at work in the various fields and determined to offer the situation as follows: . of religious education. It is open world to God.
1. The Christian schools as a whole to those who are nominated by a Progress Is Slow are making a large contribution. They member present. The duties of have considerable prestige, are well the members are (1) to pray for managed and are growing steadily.
2. A large minority are small and weak, with poor equinment, and are not able to meet the increasingly diffi- each other, (2) to share with Bishop Heaslett, of South cult problems of reduced mission sup- each other the problems and re- Tokyo, says: port and competition with government sults of their work, and (3) to schools. form local fellowships wherever Advance is slow everywhere in Japan. This is the experience of all 3. The Christian character of the schools has suffered owing to a de- possible. Dr. T. T. Lew is chair- Christian bodies. Statements that creasing proportion of Christian stu- hundreds or thousands have been condents and faculty. man. -Sunday School News. verted or won for Christ through a 4. Programs of religious activities campaign are easily misunderstood.
are disorganized as a result of JAPAN-CHOSEN The most that can be said of the rechanges in government relationships, sults of campaigns running into large and in administration. Test of a Ohristian numbers is that so many have ex- 5. It is possible by cooperative plan- pressed a desire to hear more. In no ning and mergers of weak schools to "In Japan we do not consider sense are these people converted, and maintain the present prestige and a man a practicing Christian position. until he has won his man to a percentage of five baptisms out of a hundred such inquiries is good gain. 6. It is possible by wise, vigorous Weare handicapped by the poverty measures to greatly enhance their Christ," was the challenge laid of our mission, by our lvck of sllffi- Christian contribution. cient personnel, by our shortcomings down by Tadao Kaneko, general in educational and literary activities, This writer believes there are s.ecretary of the Brotherhood of find by the smallness of our social ef- too many weak schools, and that St. Andrew in Japan, speaking forts. . . . The divine origin of Chris-
tianity is proved abundantly in the kuo. Money was given freely to ually to fall into disuse, and to fact that we see such good results from such feeille efforts. help in many different parts of replace it by regional colonies which, they believe, will be -C. M. S. Outlook. the land, and the various com- closer to the people and more mittees reported well-thought- The Ainu Race out plans for meeting the many easily managed. The Elders of The Ainu, despised class of needs of the native church. This the United Evangelical Church Assembly proved conclusively in Culion Colony have now sent Japan, seem destined to extinc- that the Korean Church has a memorandum to the General tion, unless something is done. come of age, and is seriously try- Moderator of the United Evan- They have been the victims of ing to care for her own needs. gelical Church in the Philippine compulsory servitude and com- Islands. After citing and appulsory tribute, under penalty of -Christian Observer. proving of the new law in regard death. Formerly, for many to the care of lepers, the Elders years, they were not even per- ISLANDS OF THE SEA beg the Moderator to help them see to it that there shall be Protmitted to cultivate the land, and Religious Awakening in estant workers in each of the to educate them was a criminal the Philippines new leprosaria. Such workers offense. They were regarded as would be chosen lepers within a blot upon Japan's escutcheon. Representatives of a number each colony whose living would of Evangelical churches in the be provided by the government. This is not the government's Philippines met last August to It is believed that $65 a year view, which now desires to af- pray and plan for an evan- will suffice for each worker. ford them opportunity to rise; gelistic campaign to last from but public opinion deems them November 2, 1936, to February -Without the Camp. unworthy of preservation. Al- 28, 1937. Preparation was coholism, largely due to the in- made by special prayer, group Concerning the Oollection troduction of sake, is a factor in study of a pamphlet on spiritual their poverty and disease, and revival and by sermons, during A recently appointed worker tuberculosis is making heavy in- the pre-Pentecostal per i 0 d- in the mountain area of the roads upon their numbers. fifty days preceding November Philippines says it would almost 2. A careful follow-up is to suc- make one weep to see Christians -Alliance Weekly. ceed the revival campaign. putting their gifts into the col- lection plate. Money is terribly New Life in Korea This pamphlet is rich in sug- scarce. An egg is a rare and gestion, challenge and spiritual choice possession to most of the There is renewed enthusiasm people, and eggs are their fain the younger generation of the stimulus. Among other things, vorite form of offering. Some- Korean Church, and Christian the forty-two page booklet, of times there is a piece of rope put Endeavorers have been espe- which thousands of copies have on the plate, signifying that cially active. The total member- been purchased, contains the fol- there is a fowl or animal of some ship of the Epworth Leagues is kind waiting outside the church reported to be more than six lowing: door as an offering. thousand. The primary duty of the Christian -Syirit of Missions. The fifth summer conference Church is to witness to Christ. . . . for religious instruction was If it fails to do this it will spiritually Pioneering in Canary Islands held at Union Christian College, decay and die. . . . All kinds of Pyengyang under the joint au- Christian work are only different spices of the College Y. M. C. A. ways by which we witness to the ade- quate Gospel of Christ.
Jesus is the Master Teacher and shows by His example how to work and the Christian Endeavorers with individuals and with groups. The Canary Islands (in the of that city in August. More North Atlantic Ocean), noted as than 600 members were enrolled Examples are given of the a source of cochineal dye, are and a devotional spirit was methods and fruits of personal also a needy mission field. Rodeeply manifest throughout the work and of cases in the Philip- man Catholicism has had undis- pines of witnessing by organ- turbed sway for centuries, until conference. -Korea Mission Field. ized Gospel teams composed of two years ago when William F. church members; of witnessing Sirag, a graduate of the Moody Korean General Assembly in homes and by Christian Bible Institute, answered the The General Assembly of homes; of the use of evangelistic call and settled in Santa Cruz de . Presbyterian Churches in Korea literature and through Christian Tenerife, a city with a populawas held in Kwangju last fall, schools. tion of 38,000. The whole island with 200 Koreans and 34 for- An interdenominational na- has more than 200,000 people. eigners. There were divisive tional convention will be held in Last July, special services forces that caused sharp debate Manila the second week in Feb- were held in the theater of Santa and threatened to disrupt the ruary. Cruz, where gatherings of na- Assembly, but the moderator's Leper Work in the P. I. tives, most of whom had :r:ever tact preserved the peace. The heard the preaching of the Gos- foreign mis~ion program was The new Philippine Govern- pel before, listened attentively to expanded to include a worker ment plans to allow the great the stirring messages. among the Chinese in Manchu- Leper Colony at Culion grad- -Moody Institute Monthly.
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. I,i Our Missionary Bookshelf 1_ l Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~,====~=–===-==-====""",-===—=—==–==–=~-=-,~ India and the Christian Movement. it be preached? What will be vation, sanctification, consecra- By V. Z. Azariah. 128 pp. Paper. the result? tion, but these are made clear 8 annas. Christian Literature So- by Mr. Goodman's simple, brief ciety for India, Madras. 1936. The ninety-six pages (in large definitions, wit h appropriate type) are divided into three Scripture references. Under the The Anglican Bishop of Dor- parts: The Gospel We Preach, head of "Accretions" the author nakal is an Indian Christian of The Beauty of the Christian deals plainly with ecclesiastical great ability and consecration. F'aith, and The Accretions. The formalities, ceremonies, and or- He notes the great changes that fifteen chapters are subdivided ganizations which obscure the have come over India and in par- under various topics, with nu- simplicity of the Gospel. ticular over the religious situa- merous supporting quotations tion and the shift of emphasis and cit a t ion s of Scripture. Taken as a whole, this is an from the mission to the church, These divisions and subdivisions excellent handbook for one who in the last quarter of a century. almost make the book appear like aspires to win souls, and also for Here the Bishop has given us a an analytical chart of the sub- the inquirer about the Way. brief but comprehensive and ject, were it not for the author's thoughtful study of the land and brief, pointed comments, ex- ROBERT M. KURTZ. peoples, the religions, the wom- planations, and exhortations. en, Christian progress in India, Short sentences are the rule, and New Testament Principles and Modthe Church, the problems of the they are forceful and to the ern Missions. By a Missionary future and the unevangelized point, as for example these, ad- Secretary. Pamphlet. 6d. World areas. Among the problems as dressed to preachers, upon the Dominion Press. London. 1936. he sees them are (1) spiritual subject of appealing for dequickening, (2) evangelism, (3) cision: The question of the ideal mischurch union, (4) Christians in sionary aims and methods is civil life, (5) the missionary and "There is nothing in which the still debated. The World Dothe Church, (6) Indian youth, young preacher errs more readily than minion MovemeI:t stands for (7) Rural reconstruction, (8) in this matter of appeals to his hear- what it conceives to be the New education, (9) literature, and ers. His earnestness and desire for Testament methods for extend- (10) unoccupied areas. The their salvation leads him to keep on ing the Gospel and planting inmost needy provinces are Cen- urging them to take the all-important digenous churches. The anonytral India, Punjab, Rajputana, step. But appeals fail of their pur- mous author of the present trea- Kashmir, Baluchistan, Sin d, pose when they are reiterated so often tise contends that we have failed Gwalior, and Bihar. as to become wearisome and to lose all to extend the realm of Christ in effect on the conscience; when they proportion as we have failed to "In many parts of India there are so mixed as to cause confusion; follow the methods of St. Paul, are still entire communities, when they follow an address in which the great apostolic missionary. classes and castes that are al- little or no instruction is given or His method was to plant living most untouched even in so-called Gospel preached." (P. 32.) Seed in great centers and then 'occupied areas.' " go forward to plant elsewhere. Or take this statement, sim- He proclaimed the living Gospel The Gospel We Preach, and the plifying things for the layman: of Life and soon his churches Beauty of the Christian Faith. By became self-supporting, s e I f- George Goodman. 96 pp. 1s. net. "Here is a threefold reason for com- governing and seU-propagating Pickering & Inglis. London. 1936. ing to Christ. For salvation, service, under the guidance and power and sanctification. To rest from guilt of the Holy Spirit. Most mod- In his introduction Mr. Good- and sin. To submit to Him in the obe- ern missionary societies have man tells us that this book was dience of faith; and to learn of Him, succeeded in building up foreign written in response to requests so as to become like Him. supported and controlled instifrom several persons who com- tutions. The pamphlet is worthy plained that "Our young men "For God has a threefold aim in of careful consideration. are not preaching the Gospel." our salvation. Our relief from guilt He has therefore given us here and sin; our obedience to His will; Portuguese East Africa. By Ed- our character, having predestinated wardo Moreira. Maps and Statisan outline of Christian truth, de- us to be conformed to the likeness of tics. 8 vo. 104 pp. 3s. 6d. World signed to answer the questions, His dear Son, from Whom we must Dominion Press. London. 1936. What is the Gospel? How must learn." (P. 34f.) Portugal is a small country, The layman often has a very comparatively weak and insig- vague idea of the meaning of the terms, repentance, conversion, justification, regeneration, sal- Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[61 ]
nificant in Europe but with im- and the sufferings of those who cases, also, he spent so much of mense possessions in East and were its victims. his time in refuting what he West Africa. These territories deems erroneous opinions, that exercise great influence on the "On Sunday, February 22, he left himself little time to exfuture of the continent. This 1931, the bandits decided they plain what he wanted his hearsurvey deals only with East could wait no longer for the ran- ers to accept as the right view. Africa. Portugal has been in som, so they led Rev. Tvedt and For example, nearly ten of the control here for four hundred Rev. Nelson to an open space, fourteen pages of the chapter on years but until recently did little tied them with ropes, and made "The Triune God" are devoted to develop her colony. It has a them kneel on the ground. Us- to preliminary discussions becoastline 1,615 miles long on the ing bamboo poles the tormentors fore he comes to the Trinity. He Indian Ocean, and the country beat them across the shoulders effectively advocates the deity of consists of forested hills, high until they were so bruised and Christ in several chapters, but a mountains, plateau, lakes, rivers, sore that they could not sleep listener who heard only the radio fertile valleys, a temperate cli- for many nights. The bandits address on "What is the Deity mate and a total popUlation of claimed that if supplies or ran- of Christ?" must have been be- 4,028,946 in an area of 287,756 some money did not come soon wildered when all but the last square miles. Evangelical mis- they would do worse things." two minutes were given to exsion work began in 1823. Today plaining what it is not and only eighteen Protestant missions This was only a portion of a few assertions at the close have work there and four Ro- their measure of suffering. The show what it is. As usual, Dr. man Catholic organizations; be- six months of captivity dragged Machen interprets the Bible sides there are eight independent out into twenty-two months of from the viewpoint of sevennative bodies. The largest Prot- exile. His companion was re- teenth century theology and estant mission is the Swiss with leased, but Nelson paid the price philosophy. He discusses at 45 missionaries and the next is with his death. length other and later interprethe American Methodist with 19. tations, but he rejects them and The total number of Protestant A final chapter deals with regards all who differ with him communicants reported is 19,- Communism or Christianity as as "Modernists" who deny "the 696 with about the same number the alternative for China. The faith once for all delivered." He of probationers. Roman Cath- book is in every way attractive, is, however, less belligerent in olics work in 40 stations and 179 especially as it gives facsimile this book than in most of his outstations, with 132 mission- copies of the first and last notes writings. Indeed he is occaaries and 241 native helpers. sent out by Mr. Nelson during sionally genial and almost ironic. his captivity, The book contains much that is This survey gives a brief his- admirable, par-ticularly the chaptory of mission work in the col- We regret that the English ters on God, the resurrection and ony, describes the character of style of the book is so faulty, es- the testimony of Paul. Readers the work and the attitude of the pecially in the use of the abbre- who accept his basic assumpgovernment. The appendices viation "Rev." without personal tions will undoubtedly regard deal with statistics, Bible work, name or article. It jars the mind the whole as entirely convincing. and the legal status of missions. to read that the missionaries The northern part of the terri- spared no effort "trying to con- ARTHUR J. BROWN. tory, with over three millions, is tact the General . . . and they still largely unoccupied for did not forget to contact the The Only Hope of Church or World. Christ. Source of Power." What Is It? By W. B. Riley, A.M., D.D. 158 pp. 2/ net. Pickering The Apostle to the Chinese Commu- S. M. ZWEMER. & Inglis. London. 1936. nists. By Daniel Nelson. 139 pp. $1.00. Board of Foreign Missions The Christian Faith in the Modern The author, who is widely of the Norwegian Lutheran Church ·World. By J. Graham Machen. known as a Bible teacher and a of America. Minneanolis, Minn. 256 pp. $2.00. Macmillan. New writer upon evangelistic sub- York. 1936. jects, has published "The Peren- The Nelson family is well nial Revival," "Revival Serknown for their missionary ac- Dr. Machen's ability, firmness mons" and an extensive work tivities in Central China. The of conviction and facility of ex- called "The Bible of the Exfather came to Hupeh in 1890 pression are illustrated in this positor and the Evangelist." and died a martyr's death after series of addresses, given over Dr. Riley here gives a series of thirty-six years of service. Bert the radio. In a clear, persuasive sermons on the premillennial Nelson, the hero of this volume, and colloquial style he speaks of doctrine of our Lord's return. served as a missionary from God, the Bible, Christ, the Holy They cover the subject in a 1916 until he was killed by the Spirit, and related topics. He fairly logical order, as this list communists in 1932. The author admits that his limited radio of the seven chapters shows. is his brother. time did not permit him to deal Christ, the Church, and the adequately with these large sub- Kingdom; The Church and the The book presents in detail j ects and that others had to be Kingdom – a Distinction; The the development and present omitted. Still, it is odd that, in Gospel and "That B I e sse d state of communism in China a book which purports to present "the Christian faith," the atone- ment is left out. In several
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
Hope"; Grace and "That Bless- tration of Kenya is told vividly and Spaniards are interesting ed Hope"; "That Blessed Hope" and the Moslem problem is clear- and important. In the past they and the Resurrection Bod y; ly set forth. Mr. Philp has played an important part in his- "That Blessed Hope" and our spent a large part of his life in tory, both secular and religious. Behaviour; The Apostasy and Kenya as a medical missionary The present political condition His Soon Appearance. of the Church of Scotland. He is greatly disturbed, the eco- enables the reader to see the nomic condition is low and the The layman to whom this sub- country and the people, the in- religious situation is weak and j ect is new will find the style fluence of the World War and uncertain. Form and superstisimple and direct and the mean- the progress of evangelization. tion still rule the massE:!s, and ing clear. As indicated by the The maps and statistics enable agnosticism or irreligion grips chapter titles, the author is at the student to picture the forces the upper classes. Here we some pains to distinguish be- at work and the land yet to be have a reliable picture of the tween the Kingdom and the possessed. Everyone interested situation and of the need for Church, about which the ideas in the study of Africa should evangelism. There are today of many laymen, and perhaps have this survey for reference. only 166 I 0 c a I Evangelical some ministers, are very hazy. churches with 6,259 communi- Sources of Power in Famous Lives. cants. The total Protestant The closing chapter laments By Walter C. Erdman. 12mo. 160 community, out of a popUlation the lack of faith today and urges pp. $1.00. Cokesbury Press. Nash- of 23,563,867, is only 22,000-or readiness for the return of our ville, Tenn. 1936. less than one in a thousand-as Lord, which the author believes the result of 64 years' work. will not be long delayed. Fifty-two brief sketches of Twenty-five societies are at work lives of famous characters of with 25 foreign and 123 national ROBERT M. KURTZ. history make up this stimulating workers. The maps and sta- series. They include a wide va- tistical tables in this survey are So Half Amerika. Die Auslandshilfe riety – Abraham, Bunyan, Co- valuable for students. der Vereinigten Staaten 1812-1930. lumbus, Robert Dollar, Glad- von Hermann Stohr. Stettin: Oku- stone, Robert E. Lee, Jenny Oil Lamps Lifted. By Pearl Dorr menischer Verlag. 1936. Price, Lind, Pasteur, Shackleton, Liv- Longley. 86 pp. $1.00. Fleming 5.60 marks. 327 pp. ingstone, Mary Slessor, John H. Revell Co. New York. 1935. Wanamaker and Charles Wes- This careful statistical study ley. In many walks of life these Mrs. Longley's more than of the relief and help given by men and women showed that twenty years of ministry to the America for the past one hun- they were believers in God and women and children of South Indred years to other nations, is all achieved by faith something dia have given her insight into based on government statistics definite for the benefit of man- the very heart of the race. Her and reports of the International kind. The sketches are chiefly poems are delicate word paint- Relief Committee, the American factual, not homiletical, and of- ings, descriptive of India's Red C r 0 s s, the Rockefeller fer excellent material for read- thought. Throughout this vol- Foundation, etc. There are spe- ing aloud or for brief ten-minute ume the earthen lamp and its cial chapters on the work of the talks in church, Sunday school need for oil, is made symbolic various Christian groups, Cath- or day school. They were orig- of the Indian woman's desire for olic and Protestant, and a con- inally given over the radio in light. The parable theme was cluding chapter on the Carnegie Cleveland at the request of the suggested by seeing a timid Foundation, the Millbank Fund, president of a large business outcaste child, on the night of the Commonwealth Fund, and firm. They are thoroughly the "Festival of Lights," carrythe Golden Rule Foundation. Christian and practical and re- ing a broken pot with a rag for America has been "a good neigh- cord facts that show the secret wick, but with no money to buy bor" for over a century. of power. oil. Impulsively a child of wealth shared her oil with the S. M. Z. Religion in the Republic of Spain. outcaste. C. A. Garcia and Kenneth G. Grubb. ANew Day in Kenya. By Horace R. 109 pp. 28. 6d. World Dominion H. H. F. Philp. Illus. Maps. 58. World Do- Press. London. 1935. minion Press, London and New Daily Devotions. By William Bren- York. 1936. This series of surveys is ex- ner. 8 vo. 337 pp. $1.75. Zon- ceedingly valuable. The re~ults dervan PuiJ. House. Grand Rapids, Kenya Colony, British East of careful research and expres- Mich. 1936. Africa, borders on Ethiopia, "ion of view by experts are of- Italian Somaliland, Uganda and fered to the general reader in an These prayers for each day in Tanganyika. It is made up of attractive form and at small ex- the year are spiritual and heartseven provinces, with forty- pense. Spain receives more at- searching. They will be a real eight tribes and over 3,000,000 tention from Roman Catholics, help to those who have difficulty population. Fifteen Protestant Communists, artists, historians in expressing to God their adoramissionary societies are at work and travelers than from Evan- tion and their deepest heart with 303 missionariec:; and Chris- gelical Christians. But Spain hunger for light, strength, putian adherents numbering 112,- rity and fellowship. 127. Roman Catholics also have a strong work almost as large. The story of the Christian pene-
New Testament Commentary. One ers, attractive pictures and de- Mackay and Aggrey of Africa; Volume Complete. Edited by Her- scriptive text to show how the Baedeker of Russia, Underwood bert C. Allerman. 8 yo. 720 IIp. Christian Church is observed in of Korea, Neve of Kashmir; $3.00. United Lutheran Publica- Brainerd, Grenfell and McCul- tion House. Philadelphia, Pa. 1936. mission lands. logh of America; and Hill, Pol- lard and Dr. Main of China. Many have desired a scholarly, Lesson Commentaries, 1937. They are short stories of misyet reverent and conservative sionary pioneers who lived heroione-volume commentary on the The International Sun day cally in the midst of many priva- New Testament. Here it is, pre- School Lessons (improved uni- tions and dangers. Boys and pared by twenty-eight Lutheran form series) are expounded in a girls will find them thrilling and scholars. There are also nine in- popular, illustrated commentary will find in these life histories an troductory essays on the New by Eugenia LeFils. They are excellent introduction to mis- Testament, the C h r i s t ian conservative, Biblical, practical sions and missionaries. Church, the Life of Jesus, the and illustrative helps for teach- Virgin Birth, the Life of Paul, ers. (Fleming H. Revell Co., George Miiller, The Man of Faith. Cardinal Doctrines, and intro- Frederick G. Warne. Illus. 8 vo. ductions to each book. Bible $1.00.) 239 pp. 28. Pickering & Inglis. students will find this a very il- "Points of Emphasis" is a Glasgow. 1935. luminating, handy volume. vestpocket commentary on the The remarkable story of Children of Sunny Syria. By Myrta International Sunday School George Milller, the founder of H. Dodds. Illustrated by Margaret Lessons for the coming year by the orphan homes at Ashley Ayer. 8 vo. 148 pp. $1.50. H. C. Morse, D.D. It contains Downs, Bristol, England, is all Thomas Y. Crowell, New York. maps, expositions and teaching ready well known to those of the 1936. points for each department. It older generation, but it is worth is wholly Biblical and has val- repeating. The story here told Children are interested in uable suggestions. (Southern is not so complete as the official other children the world over. Baptist Sunday School Board, biography written by Dr. Arthur The author of this story has Nashville, Tennessee, 35 cents.) T. Pierson, but it narrates the lived in the East as a missionary main facts about the man and and writes understandingly and Scripture Calendars and Almanacs his work, his method of supportattractively. It has not a definite and Diaries. Pickering & Inglis. ing the orphanages, his hints on missionary message but has a Glasgow, Scotland. 1937. Christian living and the con- Christian tone, and will interest tinuance of the enterprise. Many children in Syrian boys and These attractive annuals are have already been stimulated to girls. practical helps to keep engage- new faith and service by the story of the profligate young Christmas in Other Lands. Compiled ments with men and to keep the man who, after his conversion, by Dorothy M. Horne. Illus. 64 daily tryst with God through His determined to show by experi- pp. Paper. 18. 6d. S. P. G. Lon- Word. The calendars (1 shilling ence that God is a prayer-hear- don. 1936. each) include a "Daily Text ing and prayer-answering god. Young Folks Calendar"; "Words The book would be more valuable The celebration of the Birth of with an index. Christ has spread to all lands of Grace and Truth," a daily leaf and is observed in many ways. calendar; "A Choice Daily In Seven Nations. Twelve mission- Here we have pictures by 22 Text," a "Morning and Evening ary studies for use in church ordrawings, by verses and descrip- ganizations. Pamphlet prepared tive text the ways in which Text" calendar and a "Choice by the Literature Dep.artment of S. P. G. missions of the Church Text and Thought" (each Is. the United Lutheran Church in of England celebrate the event America. Baltimore. 1936. in Africa, Malaysia, I n d i a, 3d.) and a "Choice Text and Burma, China, Japan and else- Daily Meditation" (Is. 6d.). India, Liberia, Japan, China, where. Churches and Sunday Argentina, British Guiana and schools will find here unique and These latter have messages from the United States are the miseffective ways of celebrating such spiritual teachers as J. sion fields of the United Lu- Christmas in America and Great Stuart Holden, Andrew Bonar, theran Church. The secretary Britain. Alexander White, Arthur T. of literature has prepared these Pierson, J. H. Howett, D. L. brief, informing stUdies, with "Thine Is the Kingdom." By Ed- maps and photographs, which ward D. Sedding. Illus. 125 pp. Moody and Alexander Mac- leave no member of that church S. P. C. K. London. 1936. Laren. with any vestige of excuse for ignorance as to their mission Christian progress is thrilling The Golden Grain Diary is a work, the fields, workers, needs, to those who know the facts. opportunities and results. The This little booklet pictures the leather-bound vestpocket edition mission study questions at the ways in which the Church of end of each section will be a help Christ is being built up around with a pencil (Is. to 68. 6d.). to teachers. the world. The march of the months is followed, with pray- The various almanacs include Bible verses and religious poems by various authors. _ Heroes of the Cross. Series 5, 6, 7, 8. IlIus. 12 mo. 40 cents each. Mar- shall, Morgan & Scott. London, also Zondervan Pub. House, Grand Rapids, Mich., 1935.
These four volumes tell briefly the s tor i e s of Hannington,
STUDIES mine the Christian faith." If Gordon. A Drama in Three Acts. E
he had lived up to the present he J. Richter. 50 cents. Capano Press. IN THE would have seen many more an- tagonistic forces at work in the God in the Everyday. Hugh Red- OLD TESTAMENT world today. wood. 28. 6d. 117 pp. Rich and Cowan. London. With a Hebrew·Christian Commentary Christianity and the Malays. By Containing Talmudical and Rabbinical In· Laurence E. Browne, D.D., London: The Hidden Treasure. Lucy E. terpretations on the Hebrew Words of the S.P.G. and S.P.C.K. 1936. 78 pp. Guernsey. 2s. 6d. 340 pp. Picker- Old Testament. Price, one shilling. ing & Inglis. London.
by Here is an illustration of the Kagawa in Lincoln's Land. Edited B. A. M. SCHAPIRO fact that the best type of mis- by E~erson O. Bradshaw, Charles sionary literature may be had E. Shike and Helen F. Topping. Each book contains 28 large pages. size for an English shilling – "good 121 pp. National Kagawa Cooperl1x87~ inches, art pa'per. Three 'Volumes measure, pressed down and run- ating Committee. Brooklyn, N. Y. now ready, 50 cents each. ning over." Dr. Browne paid one visit to Malaya, but he is Loaves and Fishes. (S. P. G. World PAMPHLETS thoroughly acquainted with the Wide Series.) 1 penny. 16 pp. literature of this part of the S. P. G. in Foreign Parts. London. "Love Begets l."ove"; "V'hat the Rabbis world. The Malays number Have to Say on the 53d of Isaiah"; "What 1,644,000 Moslems, and prac- My Beloved Armenia. Marie S. Ails My Peopler"; "The Sure Word of tically no effort is being made to Banker. 205 pp. $1.25. B. 1. C. A. Prophecy"; "Sacrifices, Their Origin and evangelize them. Chicago. Significance"-Prof. Robert Dick Wilson of Princeton said of this tract that it is the The author sketches the his- Points for Emphasis. H. C. Morse. best treatise he has seen on the atonement; tory of the peninsula, the char- Southern Baptist S. S. Board. HThe Higher Critic's Hebrew"; "Without acter of the inhabitants, their Nashville, Tenn. Him Ve Can Do Nothing"; "Jesus and primitive religion, Shamanism, His Kinsmen"; "The Faith of Noah"; which has left deep impress on The Rebirth of a Nation. Jacob "Saul the Pharisee, and Paul, the Chris· their present faith, Islam. The Gartenhaus. 75 cents, cloth; 40 tian"; "Jesus Christ, a Historical Character, present missionary situation is cents, paper. 132 pp. Broadman as Proved by the TalmudH ; "Gethsemane described in two illuminating Press. Nashville, Tenn. in OUf Lives," containing twenty-six por- chapters, and a plan for adtraits of "Eminent Christian Jews"; "Why vances proposed, which is both A Study in Gold. Grace Pettman. I, a Jew, Am a Christian"; "The Miracle practical and challenging. 320 pp. 2s. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. of the Jew"; "Jesus, the Light of the London. World"; "Some Objections Raised to Jew~ S. M. Z. ish Evangelization"; "Must Christians Keep Thine Is the Kingdom. Edward D. the Jewish Sabbath ?"; "A Symposium Con· The Way of Partnership. With the Scdding. 125 pp. S. P. C. K. Lontaining America's Great Menace"; "The C. M. S. in Egypt and Palestine. don. Mission of Israel"; and "The Messiah Ac- By S. A. Morrison. 87 pp. One cording to the Old and New Testaments," shilling. Illustrated. Church Mis- With Christ into Tomorrow. Hunter and many others. sionary Society, London. 1936. B. Bla~ely. 50 cents. Presbyterian CommIttee of Publication. Rich- 16 pamphlets, $2.00 This brief account of the work mond, Va. of the Church Missionary So- DR. I. M. HALDEMAN ciety in Egypt and Palestine was The Way of the Witnesses. Edward written before the present crisis Shillito. 152 pp. $1.00, cloth; 50 "Under Mr. Schapiro's skilful pen, each in the Holy Land. Three chap- cents, paper. Friendship Press. word in Holy Writ blooms and blossoms ters tell of the ministry of recon- New York. out like a flower." ciliation carried on by this So- ciety in Palestine, and three Christian Giving. Clarence E. Ma- THE MISSIONARY REVIEW chapters deal with Egypt. The cartney. 16 pp. 15 cents. Zonder- emphasis is rightly placed upon van. Grand Rapids. OF THE WORLD the importance of the Oriental churches in winning Moslems. Christ's Seven Letters to His Third & Reily Streets Harrisburg, Pa. In Palestine the work has five Church. William McCarrell. 86 centers. In Egypt it is limited pp. $1.00 cloth, 50 cents paper. Miracles in a Doctor's Life. By to two, Cairo and Menouf. Zondervan. Grand Rapids. Walter L. Wilson, M.D. 120 pp. 20 cents. Paper. Bible Institute S. M.Z. Campfires in the Congo. Mrs. John Colportage Assn. Chicago. 1935. M. Springer. 128 pp. Central Com- New Books mittee on the United Study for For- These are stories of soul doc- eign Mission. Boston. toring by a medical man. They Are You Awake? Florence E. Marare stimUlating and offer good shall. 96 pp. 50 cents each or $30 Daily Devotions. William Brenner. incidents for sermons. a hundred. Lansing, Mich. 337 pp. $1.75. Zondervan. Grand The Silence of God. By Sir Robert Christian Brotherhood in Theory and . Rapids. Anderson. 8vo. 216 pp. Is. Pick- in Practice. Toyohiko Kagawa and ering & Inglis. Glasgow. 1935. E. R. Bowen. 36 pp. Tokyo, Japan. The Gospel and the African. Alex- ander Hetherwick. 48. 6d. 176 pp. The late Robert Anderson was T. & T. Clark. Edinburgh. for some years the head of "Scotland Yard," the famous India and the Christian Movement. British police force. He was an V. S. Azariah. 128 pp. Christian earnest Christian and a con- Literature Society for India. Madservative Bible student. This is ras. a ninth edition of his helpful consideration of what light the Livingstone Memorial Pic t u res. Bible throws on some mysteries Sepia, 9×13 inches, $1.00 per set. which are not yet fully explained Colored postcards, 50 cents per set. – the problems of oppression and evil in the world, unan- A set of nine pictures of outswered prayer, and human un- standing events in the life of the belief. Sir Robert brings out great explorer-missionary. many helpful truths on such subjects as miracles, Satan, Picture of David Livingstone. 12×14 temptation and prayer. When inches. 20 cents. he wrote this study over twentyfive years ago, he said: "The A lithograph suitable for tide has turned which in recent framing. years has threatened to under-
MOSLEM
SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Editor CONTENTS OF THE JANUARY NUMBER: The V aI1'dl' ty and N eCCss'lty 0 f MI' ss,lons to MosIems { DJowhIn.ghWt ,MB,ooDwnmaanldson Back to the Old Qibla Samuel M. Zwemer The Relics of the Prophet Mohammed David S. Margoliouth Has Westenl Culture a Debt to Islam? W. A. Zoerner A Survey of the Netherlands Indies Hendrik Kraemer Literature and Evangelism 'Villiam N. Wysham Islam in the Balkans G. H. Bousquet Christ in the Chinese Koran Rolf A. Syrdal The Hebrew Philosophical Genius Henry S. Gehman Book Reviews ••• Current Topics Survey of Periodicals Sue Molleson Foster . – -•• SUBSCRIBE NOW +(-…
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ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L, PIERSON, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — March 1932
1932
The Present Missionary Outlook Robert E. Speer How An African Preacher Preaches Mrs. John M. Springer Sotne Recent Changes in Mexico Ralph E. Diffendorfer .
The Dynatnic of Hotne Missions John McDowell
Items Dates to~Remember
Mr. James Frederick Talcott, the March 7 and 8-First Annual Meeting son of the late James Talcott, has of the COMMITTEE ON PROMOTION, been elected president of the American HOME MISSIONS COUNCIL and COUN- Bible Society, succeeding Mr. E. Fran- CIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS, cis Hyde, president for the last seven Fort Pitt Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pa.
years. Mr. Talcott comes to his new Rev. J. S. Stowell, Chairman.
position with a deep interest in the March 7-9-National Conference of work of the society. JEWS AND CHRISTIANS, Washington, D. C. ••• May 2-General Conference of the Rev. Robert O. Franklin, for 17 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, At- years a missionary in Siam and for lantic City, New Jersey. five years president of Bangkok Chris- May 15-21-CHURCH CONFERENCE OF tian College, has been appointed sec- SOCIAL WORK, Philadelphia, Pa.
Direct Express . .. to retary of the American Bible Society May 18-Annual Conference, METH- in charge of the agency in Siam. He ODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH, Colum- JAPAN succeeds Rev. Robert Irwin, who re- AND tires after 20 years of service. bUB, Ohio.
CHINA • •• May 18-20-THE COMMUNITY CHURCH WOIUa:RS 01' U. S. A., Buffalo, N. Y. Direct because straight Dr. F. H. Otto Melle returned to across. Express because of Empress Germany in November after having May 24-28-A GENERAL SYNODICAL speed. Yokohama is only 10 days traveled through the United States MEETING 01' THE REFoRMED CHtTRCH from Vancouver. Shanghai a short effectively presenting the situation in IN THE U. S., Cleveland, Ohio. 4 days beyond! Germany, especially the interests of May 26-General Assembly, PRESBY- Empress of Russia and Empress TElUAN CHURCH IN THE U. S. A., of Asia are the largest and fastest the Theolopcal Seminary at Franlt- Denver, Colo. liners on this route. They offer new forl-on-Mam, of which he is the presireduced fares! May 26-General Assembly, PRESBY- dent. ••• TElUAN CHURCH IN THE, U. S., Mon- Want to go via Honolulu? Em. press ofJapan, the Pacific's largest Rev. Dr. L. Myron Boozer, of Iowa, treat, N. C. and fastest liner, and her speedy running mate, Empress of Canada, has been elected President of the June 2-General Synod of REFORMED tllke this route. The crossing is but CHURCH IN AMERICA, Kingston, ;J days longer. These Empresses Board of National Missions of the N.Y. connectatHonoluluwith San Fran. cisco and Los Angeles sailings. Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., suc- June 16-20-Annual Convention of the WOMEN'S GENERAL MISSIONARY SO- Sumptuous First OIlSS on all Em- ceeding the Rev. Joseph A. Vance, CIETY OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN presses ••• a Tourist Class of true "Empress" standard. D. D., of Detroit. Miss Ann Eliza- CHURCH, Columbus, Ohio.
All Empresses sail from Van- beth Taylor of New York was elected couver (where trains go to ship- Vice-president, succeeding Mrs. F. S. side.•• baggage checked through to Bennett. . state-room) and Victoria: ••• June 23-July 4:-COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY COUN- Direct Expr~ss Dr. W. W. Yen, the new Chinese Empress of Asia, Apr. 23, June 18 minister to the United States, has CIL, Herrnhut, Germany. Empress ofRussia, Mar. 26, May 21 been for a number Of years the chair- man of the Board of Managers of July 12-17-Annual Meeting, NORTH- Viii Hf»I(JiRiR Yenching University. Empress of Japan, Apr. 9, June 5 ERN BAPl'IST CONVENTION at San Empress ofCanada, Mar. 12,May7 ••• Francisco, Calif. .
Reduced Round Trip Fares. Gipsy Smith, "the world's foremost July ,25-31-WORLD~ SUNDAY SCHOOL Information, your agent, or any evangelist," has recently closed his CONVENTION, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Canadian Pacific office:NewYork, Philadelphia revival campaign of Philadelphia, Chicago. Montreal three weeks. August 23-28-General Conference of and 31 other cities in U. S. and Can. SEVENTH-DAY BAPl'IST CHURCH at (Continued on 3rd Cover) .Adams Center, N. Y. CANADIAN October 18-24:-FIVE YEARS MEETING PACIFIC OF THE FRIENDS, Richmond, Ind.
~ THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS ~ DEPARTMENT OF .ANNUITIES YOUR GIFT NOW WILL BRING TO YOU THE BLESSING OF GIVING WHILE UVING AND THE GUARANTEE OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS THA"r YOU WILL HAVE AN INCOME FOR LIFE ERNEST F. HALL, Secretary 156 FIFI'H AVENUE. NEW YORK.
~ PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE U. S.A. .~
Chat THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE
The February REvIEw received even a DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor warmer welcome than was given to the Janu- ary number. The list of enthusiastic readers Vol. LV March, 1932 No.3 and boosters for the REVIEW is increasing. Are you one of them? Page Does your pastor take the REVIEW? Is it FRONTISPIECE-Shanghai-and the Present Scenes of Conflict •••• 130 circulated in your missionary society? Are TOPICS OF THE TIMES ••• , ••• , •••• , ..• , ••••••• , .•.•.•• , ••• , ., 131 you taking advantage of the "Effective Ways of Working" so helpfully suggested by Mrs. Opposing Forces in China Mr. Gandhi and Christian Missions Aitchison for increasing missionary interest at home? Studying Foreign Mission Problems BE A BOOSTER ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT MISSIONARY OUTLOOK. . • • • • • •• 135 Here are some of the recent comments on By Dr. Robert E. Speer, Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, our February number: Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
"We wish to congratulate you on the appear- HOW THE AFRICAN PREACHER PREACHES. " , ' •• , '" , •• , ' •• 140 ance of the REVIEW as well as upon its con- tents. The material it contains is very inter- By Mrs. John M. Springer, a missionary of the American Methodist esting indeed." Episcopal Church at Jadotville, Belgian Congo JAMES V. CLARKE, THE CHRISTIANS AND THE JEWS ••••••••.••• , ..•••. , • • • . • •• 144 Managing Editor of the By Max I. Reich of Morrisville, Pa, • • • Presbyterian Advamce. SOME RECENT CHANGES IN MEXICO., ••• , ••• " . " . " ••••••• 145 "You have wonderfully improved the RE- VIEW in its form and its articles." By the Rev. Ralph E. Diffendorfer, Secretary of the Board of Foreign • • • PROFESSOR HARLAN P. BEACH. Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church .
"I like the new form very much and think CHRISTIAN PROGRESS IN PUERTO RICO •.• , •..• " .••••. ,… 147 you have improved the contents. The Febru- ary issue is splendid." By Jarvis S. Morris of San German, Puerto Rico WILUAM R. KING, THE DYNAMIC OF HOME MISSIONS .•••• , •••..• , , , , , , .• , . • • •• 149 Executive Secretary of the By the Rev. John McDowell, D.D., President of the Home Missions • • • Home Missions Council. Council and Secretary of the Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. "The REVIEW in its new apparel arrested my attention at once and I think it is a very great WHAT PROGRESS IN HOME MISSIONS?,., ••• , .• " .• ,.,., ••• 155 improvement. The articles arrest attention." By the Rev. William R, King, D.D., Extracts from the Annual Report MRS. JOHN FERGUSON. of the Executive Secretary of the Home Missions Council President of the ADVENTURES AMONG THE AMAZON INDIANS •••.. , •• , .•••• 159 National Council of A review of "The Challenge of Amazon's Indians" by Mrs. Arthur F. • • • Federated Church Women. Tylee. Reviewea by Dr. Thomas C. Moffett, Secretary of the Com- mission on the Indians of Latin America "I congratulate you on the last two issues of the REVIEW. I like it very much better STUDENTS AND MISSIONARY INTEREST •••.•..•• , . . . . . . , .••• 161 in its new dress." By the Rev. William M. Miller, a Presbyterian Missionary on furlough MILLS J. TAYLOR. Associate Secretary, FACE TO FACE WITH HUMAN WRECKS .• " …• , ….•…•• ,. 163 Board of Foreign Missions, United Presbyterian Church By the Rev. Walter Amos Morgan, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Chicago, Illinois of North America. WORLD FRIENDSHIP BOOKS FOR CHILDREN • . . . , • . . . , • • . • . .• 166 WHAT IS YOUR REACTION? By Hazel V. Orton, Secretary of Elementary Work, Missionary Educa- Most of the Author8 in the present number tion Movement need no introduction. Do not fail to read the article by Mrs. Springer who has been FAIR PLAY IN LATIN AMERICA ……………………….. 168 for over thirty years a Methodist missionary in Central Africa. American preachers and EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 169 speakers will find some valuable suggestions on how to keep their audiences awake. Edited by Mrs. Estella S. Aitehison Mr. Max 1. Reich is a Hebrew Christian, WOMEN'S HOME AND FOREIGN BULLETIN, , , , ….• , ….•. , ., 173 a scholar, a man of unusual Christian spirit and a leader among the Hebrew Christians Edited by Helen M. Brickman and Florence G. Tyler of America. OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 The article by Dr. Thomas C. Moffett tells a thrilling and a heart-rending story of the A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events murder of two American missionaries and a little child by Indians in the Amazon valley. OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF, .•••…• , •••. , .•.. , .. , ….•• , 189 The Rev. Wm. M. Miller, a very effective Recent Books Reviewed for the Readers' Information Presbyterian missionary iR Persia, has been spending some months worki-'1g amollg the Publication Office 40 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana students in North American colleges. He tells Editorial and Business Office 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City interesting facts that he has observed. Entered as second-class matter at Post-Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March WHICH ARTICLE DO YOU LIKE BEST? 3,1879.
Every month we are obliged to omit as good Application has been made to transfer to Indianapolis, Ind. papers as we have room to print. LO'Jk for Foreign Postage 50 cents a year these in the coming numbers-for example: 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year "The Rural Situation in Canada." by the Published monthly-All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1932 by the Rev. J. R. Watts. MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBUSHING CO., INC, uA Tense Problem in Persia," by Bishop J. H. Linton, Board of Directors "The Effect of a Divided Church on Mis- ROBImT E. SPEER, President SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT SAMUEL M, Z"'EMER sions," by Dr. Cleland B. McAfee. WM, I, CHAMBERLAIN, Vice-President MRS. ORRIN R. Juno MILTON J. STAUFFER WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer WM. B. LIPPHARO "Does Christ Approve of Institutional Mis- DELAVAN L, PmRSON, Secretary ERIc M. NORTH A. L. W ARNSHUIS sions 1ft , by Sam Higginbottom.
"Do Missionary Hymns Need Revision 1". by Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer.
"When Burmese Students Preach the Gos- pel," by H. I. Marshall of Rangoon.
"Gandhi and Christianity in India," by C. L. Sury of Simla.
"A Woman FighVng the Devil in San Francisco," a book review by Dr. Arthur J. Brown, WHAT SUBJECT WOTILD YOU LIKE TO SEE TREATED?
– –INTERNATIONAL
SETTLEMENT BOUNDARY – JAPANESE AREA ••••• 31'U U.S.IN~ . AREA 8P.ITISH A P.EA GPOO SCALE OF ~ MILE J"
The above map (adapted from the Herald-Tribune) shows the borders of the International Settlement. French Concession. devastated H Chinese section Chapei. and the old Chinese city. Japanese and other warships are stationed in the Whang Poo River. The Whang Poo forts are several miles to the east. down the river. The Japanese © and Chinese forces are intrenched on either side of Chapei. Hongkew. (Japanese area). is the section of Shanghai in which most of the Japanese reside.
M. (near the British Consulate). = Protestant Mission head- CHINESE- + Quarters. CITY == location of some of the Christian churches.
P location of former Presbyterian Mission Press. beyond which was the destroyed Commercial Press.
St. Johns University (Episcopal) is to the west and Shanghai Uni- versity (Baptist) to the east of Shanghai.
SHANGHAI-AND THE PRESENT SCENES OF THE SINO-JAPANESE CONFLICT
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LV AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER THREE MARCH, 1932 Topics of the Times OPPOSING FORCES IN CHINA valuable library and club rooms for employees, A warless war is being fought in the Yangtze and on the presses were printed millions of pages Valley and in Manchuria. No war has been de- of Christian literature every year. The loss to the clared between China and Japan and yet fighting missionary enterprise alone cannot be measured. goes on between the forces of the two nations. The Chinese National Government has appealed The Japanese marines are reported to have into the League of Nations to help settle the dis- vaded and damaged the Chinese School and other pute by peaceful means-since both China and mission buildings of the Methodist Episcopal Japan are members of the League and have Church, South. War vessels proceeded up the signed the Kellogg~Briand Peace Pact and the Yangtze to Nanking where they bombarded Chi- Nine Power Treaty. But Japan seems to be nese forts and landed marines. In spite of apbent on settling matters in her own way-by force peals and warnings from the League of Nations of arms. Council gathered at Geneva, and in the face of strong protests from the American, British, Italian The Manchurian muddle is apparently due to and French governments, the Japanese refuse to Japan's demand for full protection of her subjects withdraw or to cease their military activities until and what she claims to be her rights in the three their purpose has been attained. Possibly they Eastern Provinces and to China's inability to are hoping to obtain a Japanese concession in guarantee such protection. Small mobs in vari- Shanghai, similar to that controlled by the French. ous centers of China have now and then attacked Recent press reports state that the Japanese pro- Japanese subjects and damaged some property. pose international control over five large Chinese Floods, bandits and civil strife have hindered the cities-Shanghai, Canton, Hankow, Tsingtao and maintenance of peace and order. The Chinese Tientsin. They refuse, however, to intrust their replied to Japanese aggression-not by force of nationals to the protection of an international arms-but by declaring a boycott against Japa- force and will not consent to submit the Manchunese goods. rian problem to the League of Nations Commis- This boycott has hit Japan harder than armed sion. resistance. It is an economic war that Japan is As a preliminary to peace Japan demands: not prepared to wage. As a result the Japanese 1. Japan and China shall mutually pledge themselves to non-aggression and guarantee each other's territory. are carrying the military conflict into the heart 2. All forms of anti-Japanism in China, including the of China, sending warships, marines and airplanes boycott, shall be called oft' permanently. to 'Shan~hai, bombarding Chinese forts, dropping 3. Asslirances to be given of the safety of Japanese destru~bve bombs on Chinese sections of the city, lives and property in China. patrollmg the streets, and killing Chinese, even 4. Payment for railways built in Manchuria with Japnon-combatants in the International Settlement. A ruthless and unnecessary piece of destruction anese money, and recognition of existing agreements for was the bombing and burning of the great Com- railway construction in Manchuria.
5. . Recognition of existing treaty rights, including the question of Japanese land leases in Manchuria.
mercial Press in the Chapei district of Shanghai. 6. The withdrawal of all Chinese military forces to a This modern Chinese and English press-owned dista~e of twenty miles from Shanghai.
and controlled by Christian Chinese-was prob- These demands are not extreme and have been ably the largest in Asia. It was equipped with accepted by China, but Japan is not satisfied with modern cylinder presses, linotype machines, bind- the assurances and continues her militarv activ- ers and other up-to-date machinery. It had a ity. In the meantime the lives and property of [131]
American and European nationals are threatened China to a speedy end. The League of Nations and there seems to be danger of embroiling many is itself on trial to test its efficiency and its cournations in this conflict. Meanwhile the Disarma- age in carrying out the provisions of its own Covement Conference sits in Geneva. nants.
Japan is proud and headstrong; her army and In the meantime Christians in Japan, in China, navy are large and efficient and have never yet in America and England are uniting in prayer that been defeated. Her military officers are imperi- God will point the way to right relations between ous and opposition to the forces under their con- men, and that men may have vision and courage trol are looked upon as an insult to their country. to follow His way. Now is the time to show the But Japan cannot afford to go to war with Europe effectiveness of a united movement for peaceor America or to disregard the rights and opin- which is better than disarmament. Best of all is ions of other nations. Already her course has the movement for international, interracial and wrought havoc with her trade, has caused her to national goodwill, based on justice and love under be suspected and to lose friends. China may be the banner of the Prince of Peace. weakened because of internal difficulties, but China is better as an ally than as an enemy. STUDYING FOREIGN MISSION PROBLEMS A force quietly and persistently working for For the past thirty-nine years the executives of peace and righteousness, both in China and Japan, is the body of Christian missionaries. Those in the leading foreign mission boards of the United each land love and serve the nationals among whom they are working. Shanghai alone con- States and Canada have been meeting annually to tains some five hundred Protestant missionaries with their children. They are non-combatants confer on their common task and problems. The and peace makers. These are connected with over fifty American and British missionary societies. churches they represent number about twenty- Most of them reside in the International and French settlements, for Shanghai is the mission- three million members and spend over thirty-five ary headquarters. The total American and European population of Shanghai is forty thousand. million dollars a year in foreign mission work.
Japan and the League The problems and methods have changed greatly Governments feel their responsibility for the in the past forty years; missionaries have insafety and rights of their citizens, even though protection requires recourse to arms. It is to be creased fivefold and expenditures sevenfold. Mishoped that diplomacy, justice and wisdom will prevail; love may be thought to set too idealistic sion boards have been brought into much closer a standard. An international commission-including Japanese and Chinese members-might cooperation through these conferences and the well be intrusted with the settlement of the present difficulties. Such a commission would lessen "science of missions" has developed. . the danger of injustice from prejudice, self-interest and injured pride. The League of Nations From January 12th to 15th this year about two Covenant provides that members of the League shall submit to the Council any dispute likely to hundred and sixty executives and missionaries lead to a rupture and the signers "agree in no case to resort to war until three months ·after the met in Atlantic City. They represented seven award by the arbitrators or the report by the Council." (Article 12.) The Covenant also pro- Canadian boards and eighty-three boards of the vides that "should any member of the League resort to war in disregard of its covenants under United States. In place of platform addresses, the Articles 12, 13 or 15, it shall ipso facto be deemed to have committed an act of war against all the conference resolved itself into a "platform roundother members of the League, which hereby undertake immediately to subject it to severance of table conference" to consider, first, the "Values all trade or financial relations." (Article 16.) and Problems in the Use of Foreign Money" on This very definite agreement is one which, if carried out promptly, would bring the invasion of the mission field; second, the "Problems and Pos- sibilities of Rural Missionary Work"; third, the "Important Qualifications of Missionaries Under Present Conditions"; and, fourth, the "Proposals of the Commission on Christian Higher Educa- tion" on the mission fields. These discussions were unusually fruitful. While the conferences do not legislate, the results of these round-table de- liberations will be reported to the several boards for their consideration and action.
Among the special features of the conference were addresses by Dr. Oscar M. Buck of Drew University on "Present Inescapable Issues"; by Dr. T. Z. Koo of China on "Spiritual Implications of These Issues"; and by Prof. D. D. T. Jabavu of South Africa and Dr. James H. Franklin of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society on "The Meaning of the Cross in the Life of the World Today."
Among the outstanding subjects that require
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
most careful and prayerful thought by missionary an hour. The International Missionary Council, leaders today are the following: through which the Foreign Missions Conference (1) How far shall national Christian churches cooperates with twenty-nine similar groups in mission lands be under foreign direction and throughout the world, also presented its printed assisted with foreign funds? All recognize the report calling attention to some important matters.
necessity for promoting their independence and Resolutions were adopted expressing deep sym- self-support and for developing strong, intelligent pathy with the Kingdom of God Movement in spiritual leadership. Many believe that too much Japan, the relief of suffering in China, the need financial aid has been given in the past and that for the abolition of traffic in narcotics and alco- this aid should be drastically reduced in order to holic drinks throughout the world, and for work promote independence from foreign control. in behalf of world peace and the reduction of (2) How can educational mission work, espe- armaments.
cially in higher education, be made more fruitful The conference appointed a committee of seven- in winning students to Christ and in training teen to study the future program and organization native evangelists and Christian teachers and of the conference. Some advocate the advisability preachers so as to build up strong national of meeting every two years, in place of annually, churches? This question involves the problem of and advise the selection of a less expensive resort non-Christian teachers and pupils in mission for these gatherings.
schools and colleges, government subsidies and The chairman of the conference this year was regulation of these Christian institutions~ and the Dr. A. E. Armstrong of the United Church of use of short-term missionary teachers, many of Canada. For next year the chairman selected is whom have no evangelistic purpose. Dr. P. H. J. Lerrigo, a secretary of the American (3) What type of missionary should be sent out Baptist Foreign Mission Society, who is also today to represent Christ and His Church among chairman of the committee on the future program non-Christian peoples? Shall they be more highly and organization. The chairman of the Committee trained for special tasks than formerly, or shall of Reference and Council is Miss Sarah S. Lyon, more emphasis be placed on spiritual equipment secretary of the Foreign Department of the Naand devotion? The general conviction is that it is tional Board of the Young Women's Christian a mistake to try to reproduce foreign churches Association. This year the Federation of Womand institutions in mission lands. The aim is an's Boards of Foreign Missions met separately rather so to present Christ and His message of at Yonkers.
life that the people of these lands will accept His claims and will follow His teachings in all their MR. GANDHI AND CHRISTIAN MISSIONS activities and relationships, as set forth in the At a meeting between Mr. Gandhi and repre- New Testament. sentatives of the British missionary societies held in London during the Nationalist leaders' attend- (4) Another problem, which is today greatly ance at the recent Round Table Conference, he hampering the work, is due to a decrease in mis- spoke frankly of the reports that have been cirsionary gifts. There is great need to stimulate culated in regard to his attitude toward Chris- Christians at home to deeper interest, more ear- tian missions. He said: nest prayer and more sacrificial giving to advance the cause of Christ throughout the world. The "From youth upwards I have enjoyed the subject of the present shortage of missionary friendliest relations with missionaries throughout funds, which is so embarrassing the work, was the world. In South Africa I came into close not upon the program and there was almost no touch with some of the finest of Christian misreference to it, but between the sessions many sionaries. I attended your churches most regugroups at Atlantic City discussed it seriously. larly and also private prayer meetings. . . . The recent report about my attitude to missions was In recent years this Foreign Missions Confer- an unconscious misrepresentation. I have had ence has been less and less an occasion for the letters from all parts of India and from Engtransaction of routine business or for the passage land and the U. S. A. asking if it was true that of resolutions having to do with interdenomina- I would prohibit all missionary enterprise and estional and international missionary cooperation. pecially proselytizing. What I meant was just Such business is now referred to the Committee of Reference and Counsel, which is highly organ- the contrary. Any suggestion that I should want ized with an Executive Committee and subcom- legislation to prohibit missionary enterprise or to mittees, and which holds several two-day meetings interfere with the beliefs of other people is unduring the year. Their report was presented to thinkable.
the conference and was disposed of in less than "The idea of converting people to one's faith
by speech and writings, by appeal to reason and word is the limitation of thought. There is room emotion and by suggesting that the faith of his for both writing and speech. Though my convic- forefathers is a bad faith, in my opinion, limits tion is strong enough in me for me to die for that the possibilities of serving humanity. I believe conviction, that force does not carry me to the that the great religions of the world are all more goal of believing that the same thing should be or less true and that they have descended to us believed by my fellowmen. I know how impertifrom God. Having come to us, however, through nent it is for an utter stranger to speak to those human media they have become adulterated. . . . to whom the message of the Bible is sacred as life itself. I am speaking to you as a seeker after God, "Whilst I criticise part of the missionary work just as you also are seekers after God. Religion I willingly admit that missions have done indirect is a personal matter, and I am not going to ask good to India. There is no doubt about this. But another man to become a Hindu or a Parsee. I for my having come under Christian influence, am sharing with you my own experience and trysome of my social work would not have been done. ing to show you as fellow workers that probably, My fierce hatred of child marriage and 'untouch- if you could see eye to eye with me, your work ability' is due to Christian influence. I have would flourish more and more. You have amazcome into contact with many splendid specimens ing self-sacrifice. You Christian missionaries of Christian missionaries." are good men. I want to multiply occasions for your service. I want to work closer with you, but The Rev. William Paton, editor of the Interna- I do not want you to get India to change her faith. tional Review oj Missions, read the resolution God is Father to the 'untouchable,' to all of us, passed in 1924 by the Delhi Unity Conference on but He appears to you in another garb. . . . I religious freedom, which Mr. Gandhi helped to adore the same Father though I may not adore draft and which he said still represent his views. him as 'God.' To me that name makes no appeal. The resolutions read: but when I think of Him as Rama, He thrills me. MY' forefathers have known him as Rama, and This Conference is emphatically of opinion that the when I take the name of Rama I arise with the utmost freedom of conscience and religion is essential, same energy. The name 'God', as it is written in and condemns any desecration of places Df worship to the Bible, is contrary to experience. My whole whatsoever faith they may belong, and any persecution soul rejects the teaching that Rama is not my or punishment of any person for adopting or reverting God. Go to the 'untouchables' ; give them schools. to any faith, and further condemns any attempt by com- If anyone were able to show me that God the Fapulsion to convert people to one's faith or to enforce one's ther had to be approached in one particular way own religious observance at the cost of the rights of I would not hesitate a moment, I would go to the others. . . . This Conference records its opinion: whole world, but my life would have to be re- written. My search is for peace and to show God That every individual or group shall have full liberty through the life I live. I give myself to my felto hold and give expression to his or their beliefs and lowmen. This is the secret of peace and happifollow any religious practice, with due regard to the feel- ness also." ings of others and without interfering with their rights. In no case may such individual or group revile the found- A member of the conference referred to the ers, holy persons or tenets of any other faith. command to Christians to go out to all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Mr. That every individual is at liberty to follow any faith Gandhi's reply to this was that if the questioner and to change it whenever he so wills, and shall not by believed that these were the inspired words in reason of such change of faith render himself liable to the Bible then he was called upon to obey implicany punishment or persecution at the hands of the fol- itly. lowers of the faith renounced by him. Mr. Gandhi made it abundantly plain that the That every individual or group is at liberty to convert issue between himself and the Christian missionor reconvert another by argument or persuasion but must ary movement lies much deeper than is sometimes not attempt to do so, or prevent its being done, by force, supposed. Mr. Gandhi is desirous only that the fraud or other unfair means, such as the offering of missionaries should be courteous and self-effacing, material inducement. Persons under 16 years of age and should identify themselves with the people of should not be converted unless it be along with their par- the country, but is opposed to the effort to win disents or guardians. If any person under 16 years of age ciples to Christ-something which is fundamental is found stranded without his parent or guardian by a in Christianity. The content of the Christian person of another faith, he should be promptly handed message is not the superiority of a foreign civilover to a person of his own faith. There must be no ization, but is the Person, the Words, the Work secrecy about any conversion or reconversion. and the Power of Jesus Christ.
If Mr. Gandhi Were a Christian "If I were a Christian missionary (and I can enter into the hearts of Christian missionaries)," said Mr. Gandhi, "I would go and work among the 'untouchables,' establishing Christian ashrams among them, with a church in a mud, living among them as God may guide.
"Language fails to convey meaning; the uttered
of the Present
Outlook .-:( , By ROBERT E. SPEER, D. D., New York Secretary of the Board of Foreign Mi.~sions. Presbyterian Church, V. S. A.; author of "Some Living Issues", etc.
T HE clash of Japan and China in Manchuria provoked save as Japan herself manufactured the has turned the eyes of the world again to the provocation. Far East. It is illustrative of the new world The League of Nations has sought earnestly to unity which has come into being, that el;lch coun- find a solution of a problem whose complexity and try has striven to justify itself difficulty are known fully only before the conscience of man- to those who have knowledge kind and each has charged the The whole world is upset. which the general public does responsibility for fault upon Men's attitude toward religion not have. Fair-minded people the other. In the case of large and politics, toward social and must sympathize with 60th naelements in each nation the economical conditions have tions and wish for a just settlecharge is made with undoubted undergone a radical change in ment that will help each nation honesty. In China the student the past twenty years. Should to meet its grievous problems, class has been convinced that we conform our view of the so that both of them will live China was wholly innocent and mission of Christ and the together in friendship and good Japan the indisputable offend- Christian Church to fit some will. fixed standard? In this paper er, while in Japan groups which Dr. Speer deals with some of It is difficult to see how J a- have been clearly sympathetic the present problems in Asia pan's real interests are to be with China's struggle and which and their effect on the present met by military measures or have steadily opposed the mili- religious and missionary out- any territorial expansion won taristic temper, have neverthe- at the price of China's hatred less felt that in the present case look. There is a greater dan- and distrust. Dr. Harold Moulthe whole blame was not on ger that threatens than the ton, President of the Brookings Japan. danger of anti-religious in- Institute and recent adviser of fluences. There are dangers the Japanese Minister of Fi- Japan has contended that she that threaten the very roots nance, set forth this issue in a was only protecting her own of the missionary unde~ak speech last November before nationals and treaty rights in ing. These he deals with frankly and constructively. Manchuria, and that China was What is the need of the hour? the Chicago Council on Foreign seeking to use the present situ- Relations. He said: .
ation and the machinery of the League of Nations so to confuse the issue that she From 1920 to 1929 Japan had a period of extraordinary would escape from her treaty commitments. Japan expansion and was able to absorb and support her popucould quote a Chinese, P. C. Hsu, as saying, "China lation in a rising standard of living. The population is will never tolerate the treaty rights that have about 65,000,000 and the increase has been a million a year for the last decade. With the end of economic been based upon the notorious Twenty-one De- expansion the population problem became one of acute mands." concern. Under the present situation 500,000 new workers must be given employment each year in Japan. The popu- On the other side China has contended that these lation increase is one each 15 seconds, or faster than the treaty claims were iniquitous and that Japan has entire merchant marine could carry them away if given seized the present world situation, as she seized this task.
the opportunity of 1915, to take advantage of Dr. Moulton.then took up Japan's colonial his- China's weakness and to invade still further her tory. He showed that Formosa and Korea have integrity and sovereignty; she contends that not proved an outlet for population and that they Japan's present activity in Manchuria was un- are an economic burden. He continued: [135]
What of Manchuria? They have had twenty years of large industries and banking firms have done their share development there. It has not proved a population outlet. in bringing about these changes. There are only 200,000 Japanese there in a population .of thirty million. There is another side to this matter. The old family organization in China was a positive incu- Manchuria is like our middle and northwestern states, bus on individual initiative and social progress. largely a wheat growing country. Japan lives largely on The difficulty today is that the good of the insti- rice. There is coal in Manchuria but the Japanese have tution is going with the evil before any new form sufficient. of family life has been established to conserve this good and to displace this evil. The only form of My conclusion is that the possession of Manchuria by family life that can do this is the Christian, and Japan is of secondary economic importance. Japan w.ould the Christian form is fighting for its very exist- be at a permanent disadvantage through seizure and ence in the West. permanent occupation. Influence on Missions The Japanese people cannot migrate. They cannot com- pete with Chinese and Korean labor. Their great problem The excitement of the Manchurian situation has is to find employment for their people at home. This not apparently closed or constricted in any way cannot be in agriculture. It is only possible in an increase th~ Christian opportunity in either China or in manufactures. Her chief outlets for manufactured Japan. Mission schools and colleges in China are goods are in China and India. Her .only .opportunity is filled and evangelistic missionaries report audito manufacture finished products by skilled labor for sale ences everywhere. In Japan unprecedented ac- abroad. cessibilities are reported. The organ of the King- dom of God Movement reports: This is recognized by most of the members of the parliamentary government. Any possible gain in Manchuria Communism is making tremendous inrQads in student would be more than offset by losses in trade with the centres as well as in the industrial area and amQng the rest of China. The Chinese boycott is a very seriQUS peasant class. The doors, hQwever, are nQt closed to the thing. Christian message. Some weeks ago the writer partici- pated in a campaign in a rural town. Because the church The best interests of Japan, as of all the rest of of the town could not hold the crowds the local committee the world, require friendship and cooperation between Japan and China. arranged to hold the meetings in the auditorium of the public primary school. When I expressed concern as to And assuredly China needs peace and justice. It is an infinite pity that she cannot be let alone whether my message, in which I expected to major on the and wilL not be satisfied to deal with her own in- evangelistic note, would be welcomed in such a place, I ternal problems so as to establi~h unity and order was told that the Principal, although not a Christian, inand a just and prosperous national life. It is sisted that they wanted a religious message and the more tragic that she should have energies and resources Christian the better. and attention drawn away to straighten out foreign relationships when she needs all her thought At the close of the message the local pastor asked that and strength for the enormous tasks of her own decision cards be distributed and while he made a ringing development. The single problem of the family plea f.or decisions a good number .of the audience signed organization and life is tragic enough and it is cards as inquirers. only one of a score hardly less important. Mr. Chang, Chinese Consul General in San Francisco, The holding of a Christian evangelistic meeting, closing has written of this: with an appeal for decisions, in a Government Primary School is something which never could have happened Of the many changes in China. wrought by the forces anywhere in Japan a few years ago. It shows the turn which have been brought into play by the impact of .of the anti-religious tide which has been running with Western civilization, none has had such a far-reaching such tremendous force during the past fifty years among effect on the present Chinese social structure as the the intellectuals and educational leaders of the Empire. passing .of the family system. Admittedly, China is the last stronghold of the old family system, but even Two weeks later, the writer was asked to help in a camhere it must give way to the disintegrating force of the w.orld's industrial revolution. Its origin practically lost paign in two churches in an industrial centre. Never in the mist of antiquity, the Chinese family system has during almost thirty years in Japan have I seen so many been handed down through many centuries virtually in- laboring men in a Christian church, wearing their worktact. The reason for this is that Chinese civilization has ing garb marked with the emblem of their trade. At the been built on the basis of the family. All ancient records close, one-fifth of those present responded to the invitation of history give credit for the establishment of matrimonial and signed cards as inquirers. In the other church the rites to Fu Hsi, the legendary emperor who ruled China building was packed with y.oung people from a neighbormore than 5,000 years ago. The use of the family sur- ing factory. names came into existence at about the same time. It may therefore be said that patriarchal society in China, The Kingdom of God Movement reports meetas well as the Chinese family system, came into being ings in 1930 attended by 265,000 people, with during this period. The centralization of the chief in- 13,837 signing cards as inquirers. For the past dustries in the cities and towns has been the main cause six months of 1931 there were 157,942 in attendof the breaking up of the family system. Emigrations to ance at the meetings, and 8,842 cards signed. the less congested parts of China and even to other countries, the improved means of transportation, and the .or- The Manchurian incident, as already indicated, ganization of agencies in various parts of the country by has shown afresh the unity of interest which now binds together the whole world. The late Profes-
ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT MISSIONARY OUTLOOK
sor Giddings of Columbia contended that the fun- most vital to the world's life and to the cause of damental sociological principle was "conscious- human unity. This truth ought to be the clearest ness of kind." Kin-consciousness now takes in and the most welcomed truth, namely, the prin- not only one's own race or nation but all human- ciple of full religious liberty, of complete freedom ity. Ramsay Macdonald, in closing the debate on for the spirit of man. There are now more as- the speech from the throne when the new Parlia- saults on this principle than for many a year. It ment assembled on November 10, pointed out that has been flatly and tyrannically rejected in Russia.
the separatist economy of the nations was "crazy." It has been threatened and abridged in China.
He said that the only hope of Great Britain and Nationalism has limited it in Turkey. In the of the world lay in "the necessary international natural reaction against oppressive clericalism conferences and negotiations." New understand- some of the Latin American states have denied ings must be reached and "every nation in the basic religious rights, and even in India Mr.
world must be a party to the agreement." Even Gandhi and Mr. Natarajan have decried the lib- Senator Borah said, what is obvious now to all erty now permitted for free religious discussion rational men but what until recently only mis- and propaganda. Mr. Gandhi later took pains to sionary people declared, speaking in Carnegie Hall say that he would never wish to have his disap- on May 5, 1931: "Our country cannot escape from proval enacted as law, but Mr. Natarajan openly this deep trough of depression and at the same appealed for the prohibition by statute of all ef- time leave the balance of the human race behind. fort on the part of Christianity, at least, to divert We have our own immediate problems.. We have Hindus and Moslems from the ancient faiths of our own immediate work before us. But in a India. He forgot, however, as the Christians of larger sense the prosperity of the United States India have pointed out to him, that Christianity depends upon the prosperity of other peoples. was in India long before Mohammedanism, that Anything like general and durable prosperity it is as truly an ancient faith of India as Islam, must be had in connection with the rest of the or some sects of Hinduism, and that it has the world." third largest body of adherents in India, exceed- But this common interest of the world cannot ing the Sikhs and, in India proper, the Buddhists be expressed in mere commercial or economic as well.
terms. The new Ambassador of Peru to the There is no danger in India of the abridgment United States, Don Manuel de Freyre, spoke of by law of the right of religious liberty, both of this at an address to the Pan-American Society: worship and of proclamation. The Nehru Report It goes without saying that business is indeed a very gave assurance of that in its proposed constitu- important factor in uniting countries that live far apart. tion. And the agreement of the five minorities at . . . But to join men together does not necessarily mean that they will get on well together. . . . Friend- the recent Round Table Conference provided: ship stands on a higher plane. It would not be honest to deny that certain barriers between North and South Full religious liberty-that is, full liberty of belief, Americans do exist. . . • We should become acquainted worship, observances, propaganda, associations and educawith not only our material needs, but our spiritual needs tion-shall be guaranteed to all communities, subject to as well. The souls of our nations should come in touch the maintenance of public order and morality. No person one with another. Externals are quickly seized; the hidden shall merely by change of faith lose any civic' right or reactions of the mind and heart are more elusive elements. privilege or be subject to any penalty. The right shall be given to establish, manage and control, at their own Indeed, as has been often pointed out, our mate- expense, charitable, religious and social institutions, schools and other educational establishments, with the rial interests and the relations founded upon them right to exercise their religion therein. The Constitution are the most brittle of all bonds. Kipling's "Peace shall embody adequate safeguards for the protection of of Dives," embodying the idea of the irrefragable religion, culture and personal law and the promotion of value of economic relationships, was exploded with education, language and charitable institutions of the minority communities and for their due share in grants the other axioms of our materialistic civilization given by the State and by self-governing bodies.
in the World War. The only real unity of the But more important than any paper agreements world is biological and spiritual. The missionary are the facts of life. There is not and there never enterprise embodies it with the doctrine of inter- will be, unless India becomes Christian, a unity of racial respect and equality and its sanctions religions in India. So long as there is no unity springing from its conception of one God and the different groups will require and secure tole- Father of all and one Saviour for the common ration and freedom. And when Christianity beneed of mankind. comes the dominant religion, toleration and free- The Principle of ,Religious Liberty dom will be of necessity guaranteed. The missionary enterprise has more to fear It is a strange fact that there is increasing from other influences than from the threat of the blindness across the world to the truth which is abridgment of religious freedom. This threat is
a hopeless battle against God and time. The road it is because that is not believed; it is because the disto martyrdom is always open to those to whom tinctiveness and exclusiveness of the Christian religion has truth and freedom are more than life. The greater been allowed to fade to a certain extent .out .of men's dangers lie in ideas and attitudes that cut the minds, that the CDmpulsive attraction of the Christian faith is less felt at hDme, and that the men are not coming roots of the missionary undertaking, because they into the Church by whom the work of missions .ought to cut the very roots of Christianity. What are these be done. ideas and attitudes? The late Professor James These are things that need to be said in the Denney summed them up in his downright way in plainest way today against the adulation of Mr. his address at the Edinburgh Missionary Confer- Gandhi and his exaltation to a place with Christ and against the preparations that are even now ence in 1910: making in India for his apotheosis. The Hindu- First of all I would say that the Church must have stan Times of September 17, 1931, closes an edia revived and deepened sense that God has given us torial on "Gandhi-The World Teacher" with the something wonderful and incomparable in giving us His words: Son. A great part of the weakness .of the Church con- sists in or arises out of the diffusion in it .of a kind of If the manner in which he has captured the hearts of Christian secularism. There are large numbers of people the Western people is any indication .of the future, it is in the Church at home to whom the Church is something quite pDssible that while his present visit may mark the of-I was going to say exactly, but at all events .of very culminatiDn of his political career, it may als:o inaugurate much-the same kind as a great many other institutions the beginning of a greater and more gloriouR career, that exist fur the ameliDration of society. They can be- namely, of a saviDur not .only of the teeming milliDns .of long to a Church as they belong to any other society that India, but of the teeming millions of the world. Has not does the world good, but they dD nDt feel under any obli- the saint of Sabarmati much in commDn with the Saint gation to belong to it. of Galilee?
Very often the distinctive and specific things that ought The Allahabad Leade'f on August 12, 1931, to characterize the Church, that :ought to be prominent quoted from an Indian paper an article by Ramasin its testimony, that ought to be the testing things of its wanis Aiyar entitled "Gandhi and Christ–Each life-the forgiveness of sin and the presence .of God in Christ and the indwelling of His Spirit and the reality Is Practically the Other." A mass of such litera- .of eternal life-these things are nDt the things that are prominent, but they are dulled and in the background ture has appeared both in India and in the West. somehDw, and the sDuls of men do not live in these things, Mr. Gandhi is not Christ, nor is he a Christian, but in a kind of gODd wDrks such as they might dD any- though he is a good man and ought to be a Chris- where else in the world as well as there. tian. But he is no evidence that Denney's view of There is anDther thing that goes to weaken the Church Christianity is not true. It is the New Testament -and sometimes, strange tD say, it is supposed tD be a view. It is the historic Christian view. It is the reflex effect .of the wDrk .of fDreign missiDns themselves. 'true view. And the Christ of the Gospel is to be There are .other religions in the world beside .our .own, and made known to all men and all men are to be in- YDU are familiar with the idea that those other religiDns have a place and functiDn in the prDvidential gDvernment vited and entreated, "beseeched" as St. Paul said, of the world. The whole question of the existence of to become His disciples, to accept the redeeming other religi.ons and .of their relatiDns tD the Christian deed of God in the Gospel and to help build religion and .of their relative right tD exist and tD function Christ's Church and Kingdom in all the earth. in the life .of the world, is SD difficult a question in- tellectually that many peDple make it an excuse fDr Missionary Propaganda refusing tD interpDse in such a cDmplicated situatiDn, and even begin tD say to themselves sDmething like what If this is propaganda, then it is exactly the Ezekiel heard the Israelites say nearly six hundred years business for which the Christian Church was esbefDre Jesus came, "We will be like the heathen, like the tablished and exists in the world. There is a great families of the countries, to serve wood and stone." Peo- deal of loose and unexamined thinking and speakple say tD themselves, "Weare not going to interfere in ing today on this matter. "Propaganda" is dethis; we will leave the whole affair to PrDvidence tD work it out in its own way; we will not assert anything intDI- nounced and the whole missionary conception of erant .or exclusive in .our faith; we will take .our chance and sink Dr swim with mankind." That kind .of feeling the New Testament is decried as imperialism. We has tainted the mind .of Christendom, and even the mind are told that Christianity is no longer to be con- ceived as the final and absolute and exclusive reof the Christian Church. Now thDse two things have done a great deal to weaken ligion, but only as one of many, and that our busi- the Church, and I believe we need in the home church ness is to "share," not in the sense of sharing preaching directed against them bDth; preaching that will Christ, but in the sense of interchanging ideas bring out what is distinctive and peculiar in the revelatiDn with the non-Christian religions and setting up a that GDd has given us in His SDn, preaching that will pantheon which will contain Christ, to be sure, make men feel that we cannDt evade the responsibility .of that incomparable gift that God has given, preaching but also Buddha and Mohammed and all the that will make everybody feel that the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian attitude tD Jesus is "prophets." Men may hold this view now as they not the difference of mDre or less, or the difference of have held it before, but they may not call it Chrisbetter or worse, but the difference of life or death. And tianity, nor will they find in it the dynamic to
produce the "saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs" and Jerusalem reaffirmations of the historic belief whom the Church has known in the past. In his of the Church. And on those convictions they rest recent Yale Lectures on Preaching, entitled "Jesus the missionary movement today. The fact is that Came Preaching," Dr. Buttrick sets forth a differ- the great body of our Christian people in many of ent view. He said: our denominations distrust some of the leadership of today, because they think it would shift the To the apostles, Jesus, by their experience of Him, missionary enterprise away from its foundations was alone. Phrase it as you will: f.or them Jesus had on the New Testament conception of the Gospel. His .own relationship with God-and He was as far Those missionary agencies and activities will best above a pantheon as the heaven is ab.ove the earth. He weather the present storms and move out into came tQ have absolute value f.or them. . . . The Gos- larger things which satisfy their constituencies pel is an eternal Gospel, from everlasting to everlasting that they are holding fast to the faith of the the overture of God to men in Jesus Christ, and like Him fathers and that fearlessly bring that faith to bear who inscribed it in the ink of His blood, "the same yester- on new problems, new tasks and with ever new day, today and forever." and living adaptation.
William Newton Clark set forth in his "Study For this position today there is ever abiding of Christian Missions" this New Testament con- and ever enlarging need and opportunity. The ception in its bearing on the duty of the Church Church wants the real Gospel preached. And it frankly to go out and to win the world to a faith is the real Gospel that the world needs. Idolatry in Christ different from men's faith in other re- is not mere symbolism. It is the worship of idols ligious teachers, because Christ is different and and needs to be in part destroyed and in part subalone and His religion is different and unique. limated by the knowledge of the God who is Spirit and Truth. Suffering and want are real- in But the question is raised whether this faith is China with its famine, in India with its poverty, any longer held by the Church at home. Dr. Den- and in Africa with its disease. Let anyone read ney intimates that it was waning and that with its Albert Schweitzer's "The Forest Hospital at Lamwane the missionary passion goes out. A recent barene" and he will have a first-hand authentic publication of the Foreign Missions Conference of picture of human misery. There has been too North America asks: much glossing over the facts of the world's abys- mal need of what, in history past and present, The Jerusalem Conference postulated the Message as does not come into human lives or human society f.ormulated by the Lausanne Conference. In what meas- apart from Christ and His influence. ure, if any, is the difficulty today connected with the postulates of misswns? Is the future of missions tied up The present-day issue is whether the Church will continue to hold the Gospel which can meet with: this need, the Gospel of God's redeeming love and a. The continued emphasis and re-emphasis of the long- salvation, and build its missionary enterprise upon accepted bases of motivation as found in the inher- it. There will be some earnest men and women ited standards of faith? or, who will not do so, who will believe that the time b. A discovery of the pre-suppositions actually implicit has come to supersede or reconstruct this Gospel in the present-day thinking of the constituencies at and the world mission built on it. But there will home, and the implication of these positions with also be earnest men and women and Christian respect to efforts to meet human need abroad? Are churches and missionary agencies that will seek we to try to build missionary motivation on the pre- to meet the issues of the new time in new ways, sumptive .or on the actual faith .of church people? but with the same Gospel with which Paul went off across the Roman Empire, and with which In other words, were the Lausanne and J erusa- Cary and Duff laid the foundations in India and lem Conferences wrong in adhering to the historic David Livingstone lifted the sombre fringes of the and New Testament view of Christ and the Gos- night in Africa-the old and ever new, the everpel; ought we now frankly to recognize that these lasting Gospel. old postulates are forsaken and try to build the missionary enterprise on whatever attitudes and opinions we find now current in the Church? Some are seeking to do this. There are others who do not believe that the song about the "faith of our fathers" is to be mere words. They hold as their own the convictions embodied in the Lausanne THE TECHNIQUE OF BEING A CHRISTIAN Dr. Stanley Jones tells of a lady who became a Christian and asked: "Now what are you going to do with me? What is the technique of being a Christian?"
Dr. Jones was not prepared to answer at once, but now he feels that he can reply to such a searching question. India has taught him that .one must "disentangle Christ from the accretiQns which the centuries had gathered arQund Him" so that faith may be "simplified and centered in a persQn." A second .outstanding lesson he learned is that the SermQn on the Mount "constitutes the technique of being a Christian," that it must be made the Christian's working philoSQphy .of life. The goal that it sets befQre man is "tQ be perfect or complete as the Father in heaven is perfect .or cQmplete." Ho"W the African Preacher Preaches 🙁 By Mrs. J. M. SPRINGER, Jadotville, Belgian Congo j:: .• Missionary 0/ the American Methodist Episcopal Church •.
A T the recent Kassai-Katanga Sectional Mis- audience as well, by shouting munyayi. It was I"l.. sionary Conference held in Elisabethville, inexplicable to me, but it was perfectly evident that it had a particular significance to the natives, the discussion regarding the emerging who became instantly all attention. Native Church had a large place. There was no disagreement among the thirtY delegates from the "I knew," continued Mr. Fisher, "that munyayi eight different societies represented as to the was the name of a certain fungus growth on trees, progress that was being made among the Africans but what it had to do with sin in this sermon, I toward a self-sustaining church, and plans to could not imagine." bring about the consummation of that desirable state were discussed with intense interest. Later, when he had the evangelist alone, Mr. Fisher learned the whole story and wondered that Among these missionaries, one alone belonged he had never thought of its application before. In to the second generation. Mr. Singleton Fisher of their folk lore the munyayi, after it attaches itself the Garanganze Brethren Mission is the son of to the tree for a long time and has got its nutri- Dr. Walter Fisher, who pioneered this country as tion from the tree, becomes rotten at the heart a contemporary of Frederick Arnot, who married and loses its power to cling to the tree. Then it Dr. Fisher's sister. Arnot's strenuous pioneering cries out to the tree, "'See, I am falling, falling; experiences took heavy toll from him and he died don't push me off!" The tree replies, "I am not years ago, but Mrs. Arnot is still in Africa and pushing you off; it is your rotten heart that is the was present in May, 1931, at the jubilee commem- cause of your falling." orating the setting out of Mr. Arnot for Africa in 1881. On another occasion Mr. Fisher heard a native preaching to the people about their need of God Having been born in Africa, learning to speak and calling on them to love Him for His own sake. a native language before he learned his mother's Any native will acquiesce most cheerfully to this tongue, Mr. Singleton Fisher was able to make a outwardly, while inwardly making the mental valuable contribution to the discussion from his reservation that that is just a white man's notion own experience. and not pertaining to the life of himself at all. So they listened with their accustomed politeness "It is my profound conviction," he said, "that till suddenly they were startled into genuine inthere will be a strong African Church in the fu- terest by the word Sansembo. ture and that we are on the eve of tremendous things." He went on to say that though he was The preacher did not recount the story of Sanborn in this country and had lived among the sembo, for there was no need. The word itself Africans so many years, he had of late been sur- was enough for them to see the application to the prised to find the native evangelists launching out text. on new and independent lines, reaching the people with illustrations totally outside of his own ken. Sansembo, so runs the legend, was a mighty hunter. But one day while he was living far, far "The native still needs far, far more training from the land of his father's people, a plague than he has ever had up to the present – in the swept over the country-possibly smallpox-and Bible, in church history and in many other things. swept away all of his family, so that he was left But given those, with the native background so alone. This being the case, he thought he would familiar to him, he is able to present the Gospel go back to the tribe from which he sprang and message as no missionary can possibly do. hunt up some of the relatives there. A native especially wants his own kin with whom to live. "For example: We were having a service one day out in the villages and one of our evangelists But Sansembo was shrewd of wit as well as was preaching on sin. The natives were not par- clever with the gun, so he decided to test these ticularly interested, for the sense of sin is notably relatives and see who was who and which ones lacking in the native consciousness. All at once were worth cultivating. He took a small boy along the young man startled the missionary, and his who spoke two languages, the one of the distant [140]
HOW THE AFRICAN PREACHER PREACHES
PROTESTANT MISSIONARIES OF EIGHT SOCIETIES, IN CONFERENCE AT THE WALLACE MEMORIAL CHURCH ELISABETHVILLE, BELGIAN CONGO tribe where he had been living and also of his The boy ran ahead of them and toldSansembo father's tribe. The lad was to conceal the fact what the people had said. When they came to that he understood the latter language. Sansembo and the meat and found the gun intact, When he reached the first village of his father's people, he was greeted and welcomed most effu- they turned on the lad and berated him soundly sively, for the news had spread that he was a for having broken their hearts over the account mighty hunter. They begged him to settle among them, but he made no promises. of Sansembo's death. They told Sansembo how greatly they rejoiced that he was still alive and One day he said that he wanted to go hunting, but he had lost his gun on his long journey, and how they were his devoted relatives and they asked to borrow one of theirs. He wanted the best gun in the village. With some slight hesitation wanted him to live with them always. they let him have it and he went off and bagged his game. But Sansembo gave them back the gun and On his return, instead of entering the village, told them to cut up the meat for themselves. It he stopped some distance out on the veld and sent the small boy to tell the villagers that Sansembo was evident that all they wanted of him was the had shot an eland and a roanbuck. They shouted meat that he could get for them. So saying, he with joy at the news. "But," added the boy, "the pursued his search for more desirable relatives, gun burst." At that news the people began to following the same plan, and with the same regrumble irritably. "And Sansembo himself is sults, until at last one village was found where, dead," the boy concluded. when the lad told the people the story, tliey wept and cried, "What do we care for the gun? We can "Served him quite right," they retorted angrily never eat that meat because of our sorrow at losto one another, "for breaking the best gun in the ing Sansembo. Show us where the body is and we village. We will go out and get the meat and have will go and bury him like a chief and weep for that much, but we wish he had never come here." him for a month as he so deserves."
They were" in genuine grief over his loss. So Sansembo knew that he had found real kinsfolk who loved him for his own sake.
SINGLETON FISHER OF THE GARANGANZE MISSION, Then he went to Saveye, an evangelist-teacher, CENTR:AL AFRICA who called in some of the Christians and they prayed with him till he found forgiveness and The preacher proceeded to press the matter cleansing from sin. Ever since, Ndakala has been home on the people as to whether they had really an ardent witness for Christ and a very efficient ever loved God for His own sake, or were merely soul-winner. trying to get all the benefits they could from Him and wanted nothing more. Such an illustration Then there was Lucy. She had been converted was obvious to the dullest old heathen in the as a child in the Methodist Mission. According to village. Incidentally, it is also an illustration that custom, her parents had married her to a trader would not come amiss in some of our most exclu- when she was still scarcely more than a child. sive churches in America. The trader had once been a Christian, but had so backslidden that he hated the very name of Christ An illustration something like this pierced the and everything pertaining to religion. sodden brain of Ndakala, who was an addict of hemp-smoking till he had seemingly lost all moral Lucy and her husband travelled around from and human sense. He came upon a native who village to village, selling their wares. Lucy rarely had a New Testament, and as it was read to him saw a Christian and was much less able to attend he became strongly convicted of sin. He had church. Finally they drifted onto the railroad heard the missionary preach what was probably construction, where there was plenty of money in a much better sermon many times, but he had circulation, and Lucy's husband settled down for merely thought, "Oh, that is just the white man's a time. religion; it has nothing to do with me," Here Lucy found a woman by the name of Fo- After some days of agony over his sins, he toma, who used to call all the women together to sought out a devoted Christian and began to tell have meetings. As Lucy heard her speak, the him what a wicked man he had been. The native dying embers of her soul were quickened into a Christian went on calmly working at his job as a blaze of love for her Saviour. She had learned to carpenter and after awhile remarked laconically, read and write at the mission and now Fotoma "It is not your sins that is the matter with you, told her that the first thing she must do was to but sin." buy aNew Testament. When the native colporter came around, she bought a hymn book and a Tes- Ndakala went away more stricken than ever, tament, and as she read the Gospels her heart and for two weeks wept and prayed without any became so overcharged with joy that she had to relief. find an outlet and began to testify to those whom she met. This made her husband so furious that he gave up his flourishing trade and took Lucy far away from "that ranting crowd."
However, Lucy kept right on testifying and tell- ing about Jesus in the heathen villages where they were. Many reviled and jeered at her, but she was not dismayed. She worked hard every day in her garden, just like the other women, but she began to work early and finished early and then went forth evangelizing. Finally she ran across two young men who had also been at a mission and had backslidden after they returned to their vil- lages. As they heard Lucy they, too, were smitten and turned again to Christ. A large stream of converts has followed.
What the African Preacher Needs Mr. Fisher concludes his interesting story: "We must give the natives the best we have, especially of the Bible. We missionaries need to be saturated with the Bible.
"But we must not only give them a thorough introduction to the Bible, especially of the stories and facts, but we must teach them the facts of Christian history, notably the accounts of the martyrs and of devoted followers of Christ. They
need as much as we can give them of general A faint touch of white clay shows that it has knowledge, of elementary science, etc. It is not so come from a certain stream and is headed toward much that we should teach them all that is in the some feeding grounds on ahead. Further he reads Bible as that we must train them to get out of it that it is a female and that she has five little ones for themselves the nourishment it contains. with her, but the male was not with her. All this he gathers from a broken leaf or twig which first "You can trust the native to make deductions. caught his eye. He is well trained in that process. He is called on to draw his deductions from the slightest factors "The native pastor needs to be so inducted to that are wholly beyond the range of the white Bible study that he can draw his own illustrations man. first hand. He needs a good background of church history and he needs to learn many, many things DEMAS CHAMA. AN AFRICAN PREACHER. AND HIS FAMILY from the missionary by example as well as by word of mouth. It is the emerging native pastor "For example: A man is walking along the who must and will eventually lead his own people trail and sees a broken leaf on a shrub. To us it and head up the emerging Native Church." is only a broken leaf. To him there is the deduction that a wild pig has recently passed this way. There is, however, still a very pressing need and ample scope for all the missionaries now on the field and for many more in order that we may do this necessary training of evangelists for the great demand that is being made for them. The Christian Church is not keeping pace with the increasing population. There are actually more heathen in Central Africa today than there were fifty years ago when Arnot and Swan entered the country, in spite of the fact that then there was not a single native who had even heard the Gospel and now there are thousands of native Christians. The native pastor must truly increase, but he can not go forward unless he have the missionary be- hind him to prepare him for the work of getting his own deductions out of the Bible. The Word of God must first be put into his language by the missionary and then taught and the historical background given him.
God speed the day when the Church at home will realize this tremendous need for more mis- sionaries.
LORD IRWIN ON MISSIONS It is a common thing to hear the work of Christian missions disparaged. Generally the work of disparagement is done by those who have no knowledge of the facts, who probably never read a book on missionary work, never contributed a cent to the support of missions nor breathed a prayer for the extension of Christ's Kingdom throughout the world. It is those who are most vitally in contact with the work of missionaries who are the greatest supporters of them. They see the work of the Lord in heathen hearts, they see His arm bare in saving and redeeming power, they see lives changed, redeemed and sanctified, and souls saved for time and eternity. These facts are apparent to everyone who cares to take the trouble to investigate. It is the stay-at-home arm-chair critic who shuts his eyes blindly to the blessed results of the Gospel preaching around the world who "does not believe in missions."
Recently Lord Irwin, former Viceroy of India, addressed a gathering in London and paid a striking tribute to the work of the missionary in that great land. He said among other things– "While I was Viceroy I was able to see a good deal of their work, and appreciate not only its moral and social results, but the spirit in which it was conducted. Among outcasts and lepers, among criminal tribes, or aboriginal dwellers in jungle tracts, in crowded cities and remote places in the hills, I have seen men and women slaving devotedly to translate the message of Christ into the practical language of Him who went about doing good. In spite of the tragedy of disunity within the Christian ranks, they are doing work of quite incalculable value to India, and their most powerful sermons are in their' lives."
Evangelical Christian.
Christians and the Je-ws
..q! I By MAX I. REICH, Morrisville, Pa. J: ..
~~~~~~~~~==~~==~==~~~ C HRISTIANITY is a divinely instituted mis- Church is the daughter to the synagogue. Has she sionary religion. The Church of Christ be- always been a respectful daughter? The Church's lieves that she has been entrusted with a approach to the Jew must necessarily be different wonderful message to all peoples. To make an from her approach to the nations of the heathen exception of any particular nation is to be untrue world. For "salvation is of the Jews," and if sal- to her calling and to harm her deepest life. vation has come to the Gentiles, it is "to provoke Yet voices are heard today saying that the them to jealousy." So far Gentiles, professing Christian Church ought to make such an excep- that salvation, have failed to make the Jews tion with regard to the Jewish people. "jealous." They have given them the impression Time was when the attitude of the so-called that Christianity is a gentilish fabrication instead Christian world towards the Jews living within of the fulfilment of the deepest quest in the Jew- her borders was that of unfriendliness. Grave ish heart.
wrongs were committed against that people, The religion of Christ is not intended to be the wrongs that were sanctioned and even encouraged destruction of Judaism, but its glorious fulfilment by those claiming to represent the Christian and transfiguration. It should not detach Jewish Church. Is it to be wondered at that, as a result, believers in the Messiah, foretold in their own the Gospel message was prejudiced in Jewish Scriptures, from their people, but rather it should eyes? We may even say that during the dark make them Israelites indeed.
centuries, when the so-called Christian world It is far better to be a good Jew than a poor penned up the Jews in filthy ghettos, there was Christian. We have, perhaps, been too anxious to more real piety and purity of life inside the ghet- "convert" the Jew. Rather awaken the God- tos than outside. consciousness in his soul, so that he will seek to But should the Christian Church of today de- rediscover the secret of the prophets, the psalm- cide to withhold from the Jewish people the mes- ists, the saints, the seers and mystics of his won- sage of salvation in the Messiah, who is the true derful past. That will put him in the way that "Glory of Israel"? Even though Israel does not leads straight to the greatest self-revelation of the yet see that glory, Christians would commit a God of Israel-the Messiah.
greater wrong against the ancient People of God Many of the modern missionary methods, which than when the Church systematically persecuted our Jewish brethren so deeply resent, may hinder and oppressed them. rather than help forward the attainment of this What are the facts? The mass of the Jewish goal. Perhaps we may have to change our meth- people today are religiously adrift. Hundreds of ods. But should we also change the original char- thousands of them are either altogether irrelig- ter of our commission, to testify to both Jews and ious or are seeking to slake their spiritual thirst Greeks, repentance towards God and faith to- by turning to strange shrines and drinking of wards our Lord Jesus Christ?
alien streams. The synagogue no longer meets Let us rather hasten the day when it will be their need. Judaism is felt to be a misfit in our possible to have a Jewish-Christian community, modern world. inside the environment of Jewry, and in loving Is the Christian Church to be blamed or to be touch with everything Jewish, and recognizing all commended if she says to these Jews not only, the "good" there is in the synagogue, but a com- "Come and join our quest for God and truth," but, munity that is able to demonstrate by transfigured "Come and share our discovery"? lives the "better" things that are found only by There is another side to the question. The union with the living Christ.
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Recent Changes In
By the REV. RALPH E. DIFFENDORFER, D. D.
New York ):-.
Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church T REMENDOUS changes have taken place in long been teaching that human welfare is an es- the social, industrial, rural and educational sential part of the program of Jesus. life of the Mexican people. There are evi- Protestant churches have gained in leadership dences on every side of the practical working out and are growing in self-support. Most of the work of attempts to reconstruct Mexican life and to lay of the Church is now in the hands of Mexicans.
the foundations of a new, unified, progressive They lay emphasis on personal loyalty to Jesus state. Christ as Saviour and Lord, an evidence of sal- One cannot understand the deep significance of vation in personal living, and a deep interest in what is going on in Mexico without sOII1:e knowl- all social problems.
edge of her history and the social, rural and in- The increased emphasis on education by the dustrial heritage which nearly four hundred years government, so manifest throughout the Repub- of foreign influence-ecclesiastical, political and lic, will sooner or later make it necessary for the commercial- have left upon Mexico. evangelicals to define the purpose of the Church.
The revolution in Mexico has been essentially Schools in Mexico have the same problem which an effort to give the twelve or more millions of is appearing throughout the world. In both teach- peons or serfs the essentials of life. This means ing method and in character building, the church that they must have access to the soil and must schools have something very much better than be trained in responsible farming. Labor must no those controlled by the government.
longer be exploited. The people must be educated One cannot speak too highly of the Protestant and the health of every community must be safe- educational institutions. It is amazing what is guarded. being accomplished with such a small financial This revolution has involved the complete di- investment. Most of their income is from student vorcing of the Church from all political movements fees, but all of these schools must soon have some and civil institutions. These religious regulations endowment if their equipment and teaching staff were first being enforced five years ago. Those are to be kept in high order.
regulations forced a changed status upon all cleri- Out of these schools are coming not only the lay cal missionaries, the separation of all schools from and ministerial leaders of the evangelical churches Church control, the elimination of religious teach- but also many of the intelligent and sympatheti- ing from elementary schools, the confiscation of cally minded group of influential people in the Church property, and the registration of this social and educational and political life of Mexico property with the state, and the giving up of all who do not ally themselves with the Protestant civil rights by Church ministers. Naturally, those churches.
days brought much confusion, uncertainty, and New opportunities are arising in modern Mex- many difficult problems. ico which are a distinct challenge to the evangeli- The Evangelical Christian Movement has be- cal forces. Outstanding among these is a new come well adjusted to the new conditions. The approach to the young, educated Mexicans-the decision of the evangelical leaders quietly to ad- products of government schools, the rural and just themselves to the law, including all the regu- state normal schools for teachers, and the national lations regarding property, schools, registration, university. This group is increasing by thousands etc., contrasted with the attitude of the Roman each year. Many have long since lost interest in Catholic hierarchy and the so-called strike of .the the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico, and the Catholic clergy. The Evangelical Movement now coming generation of young Mexicans, educated, has an acknowledged place in the life of Mexico influential and modern in every respect, are likely and evangelicals have an increasing influence, as to grow up without any religious education what- is evidenced in the strength, initiative and sense ever. Some wili be antagonistic to all religion, for of responsibility shown by evangelical leaders, the influence from Russia and elsewhere has al- both ministers and laymen. The evangelicals have ready penetrated Mexico and is common talk in [145]
educated circles. This need can be met only by a Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists, sympathetic approach outside the ordinary evan- but now there are other denominations repregelical church circles. sented. Anyone from the States may join this American church by bringing a letter of recom- Another opportunity of almost equal importance mendation without disturbing his active memberis the provision of good Christian literature for ship at home. children, boys and girls, young people, and educated adults. This' will vary in type, but the Still another cooperative Protestant organizachances now for this service will never again ap- tion is the Young Men's Christian Association, pear to quite the same degree. There is also the which was started thirty years ago and has beopportunity of creating a really indigenous cur- come a very large and influential Christian force riculum for religious instruction of children and in Mexico City and throughout the Republic. The youth. Two kinds of literature are needed: one association has over 4,000 paid members and has for the Christian nurture of the evangelical com- had a large influence in shaping Mexico's new recmunity and the other for the increasing thousands reational development. It has had a considerable who are able to read, but for whom little is to be influence upon the lives of present-day Mexican found in the Spanish language. Much that is leaders who have been members of the association. obtainable now is positively vicious, lustful and poisonous. The Committee on Cooperation in Latin Amer- ica, under the able secretaryship of Dr. Samuel Dr. Elisha A. King writes that today there are Guy Inman, is composed of representatives of the at least seventeen Protestant organizations at American Protestant groups serving in Mexico, work in Mexico. The American Baptist Home Central and South America. It has done much to Missionary Society entered in 1861. The Ameri- foster a better understanding and a more Chriscan Friends Board of Foreign Missions and the tian cooperation between the two continents, and Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the has promoted evangelization, Christian education, Protestant Episcopal Church began operations in and the production of Christian literature for 1870. The Presbyterian (U. S. A.), the Methodist these lands. It has also helped place the longings Episcopal (South) and the American Board (Con- and needs of the people of these southern repubgregational) entered in 1872. The Presbyterian lics upon the hearts and minds of North American Church South entered in 1874. The American friends. Bible Society began its activities in 1878 and the International Committee of the Y. M. C. A. started It is difficult to secure accurate statistics as to its work in 1902. The Southern Baptist Society how many Protestants there are in Mexico today. did not enter until 1880. The Christian (Disciples) The number is about 50,000, of whom 18,000 are Woman's Board of Missions began work in 1895. Presbyterians, 15,000 Methodists and 700 Congre- Other denominations, such as the Seventh-Day gationalists. The balance is divided amongnumer- Adventists, the Nazarenes, and the Church of ous other denominations. Very likely there are God, also carryon missionary work. 50,000 actual church members and a very large constituency of interested people. At first the missionaries carried on their activities anywhere they pleased, but a time came when The methods of work used are evangelistic it was felt that there ought to be some better way preaching, church services, Sunday schools, day of evangelizing the country. Consequently a con- schools, industrial schools, higher educational inference of denominational leaders was held in stitutions, social settlement work, hospitals and Cincinnati in 1914 and it was agreed to divide dispensaries, and, of course, the diversified activi- Mexico among the Congregationalists, Presbyte- ties of the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. G. Baez rians, Methodist Episcopal (South) and Methodist Comargo, Secretary of the Mexican National Episcopal (North) and the Disciples and Friends. Christian Council, an outstanding religious leader The other denominations decided to continue to go of Latin America, has done wonderful service for .their own way and locate where they pleased. The Protestant Christianity in Mexico, especially in the plan has worked well so far as the denominations field of religious education. He has the support of accepting it have been concerned. all the Protestant bodies at work in Mexico.
One of the most interesting Protestant develop- Rev. Victoriano D. Baez, in "The Genius of ments is the Union Theological Seminary, organ- Mexico," says truly: "Protestantism in Mexico is ized in Mexico City in 1917, with Dr. John How- not fighting to impose its creeds on Catholicism land, a Congregational minister, as its first presi- or any other branch of religion, but is trying to dent. enter into cooperation with all the living forces in the country – social, philanthropic, cultural and Another interesting development of this co- religious – for the moral elevation, social betteroperative plan is the Union Evangelical Church ment and complete redemption of the Mexican in Mexico City. It was originally made up of people."
Progress In Puerto
..:J! By JARVIS S. MORRIS, San German, Puerto Rico J!:..
I N the matter of evangelism the Presbytery of They strive toward an evangelical code of morals, Puerto Rico is the most active presbytery for but feel that they cannot give themselves over to its size in the whole General Assembly. While the churches because of social, political or comthe whole Church won one member on confession mercial considerations. Large numbers of the of faith for every 20.4 members, the Puerto Rican men are Masons, despite the opposition of the Church added one for every 7.6 members. Only Roman Church. Probably less than five per cent four presbyteries made a better average than this: of the people who call themselves Catholics regu- North Arizona, Jonesboro (Ark.), Rendall (Cana- larly attend the confessional or the mass. Only dian Synod), and Birmingham (Tenn.). All of when the images of Christ, the Virgin, and the these are very small, the largest having 730 mem- saints are being carried through the streets at bel's, whereas the Island Presbytery has' 3,266. Christmas and Easter do the people attend the worship in any large numbers. Twenty-five presbyteries in the Church have between 3,000 and 4,000 church members, and If a Puerto Rican leader, with a personality reamong these the average number of new members sembling that of Gandhi or Kagawa, should arise received on confession was one in every 21.2. The to lead a movement of evangelical thought, couched record of the Island Presbytery is almost three in the aesthetic forms so dear to the Latin imagitimes as large; it actually received 428 on con- nation, he would no doubt find a large following fession. and could build a church on liberal lines some- thing like the Old Catholic Church. Would it be Admitting that the Kingdom of God cometh not called the Evangelical Catholic Church? with the counting of heads, we find cause for thanksgiving in the evangelistic leadership of this To this unchurched group the evangelical insular presbytery which is only a short genera- churches could appeal effectively if they would tion old. The rapid growth may be attributed to unite in one United Evangelical Church of Puerto a number of causes: Rico. Last year three of the nine denominations- the United Brethren, the Congregationalists, and 1. The ministry is distinctly Puerto Rican. the Christians-united to form a church by that There is only one continental American serving a name and invited the others to unite with them. church in the whole presbytery – the English- Thus far, however, the union is made up of only speaking church of the Polytechnic Institute at the three denominations. The Presbyterians have San German. There are only four American not accepted because they fear a lowering of the members of the presbytery. The chairman of the educational standards of the ministers, a decrease mission is a Puerto Rican, the Rev. Angel Archilla in ministerial salaries, and the loss of their fely Cabrera, D. D. A people can best be won to lowship with the church in the north. The Pres- Christ through its own leaders. byterians number as many as the three denomi- nations combined in the union. To enter the union 2. The presbytery is made up almost entirely of would mean sacrifice at a number of points, but young men. Nine-tenths of the churches are served the gains of presenting a united front to the by pastors under forty years 'Of age, and many people would far outweigh such a loss. pastors are under thirty. Whatever their other faults, young men are enthusiastic and active. Evangelical churches could further strengthen their effectiveness by placing more emphasis on 3. In spite of its ancient Roman Catholic tra- worship-form and ritual, pageantry and those dition and heritage, Puerto Rico is not Romanist beautiful forms in which God's truth glows. It is by conviction, but only by habit and sentiment. difficult to build a great Latin Evangelical Church Many of the people are beginning to think inde- upon the plain Anglo-Saxon lines. The religion of pendently and to search for a larger way of life. an artistic people must contain more aesthetic and Some who reject Roman Catholicism as a means emotional elements than that of a practical, workof salvation go into the evangelical churches. a-day people. Few of the Protestant Church edi- fices compare in beauty with those of the Roman Many educated and refined people are no longer tied to the old religious customs and yet have not found spiritual homes in the evangelical churches.
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Church. The evangelicals have been careful not to talk to her boy and lead him into the Church, but cause offense by having pictures, statues or other when the pastor asked if she wanted him to try to forms of adornment in the churches. They have persuade her daughter also, she replied: "Oh, no! certainly offended none, but they may have failed My girl must remain a Catholic." They fear that to inspire many. the girls cannot marry men of the better families if they become Cultistas. Even this distinction SAN GERMAN-THE OLDEST CHURCH IN THE WESTERN between the social requirements upon the different HEMISPHERE. BUILT IN 1530 sexes, however, is becoming less noticeable.
From the days of the "conquistadores" there At the beginning of the work the churches sufhave been in Puerto Rico the owning class and fered from the lack of trained leadership. The the laboring class. Even the rapid progress of first pastors were poorly trained, but now two democracy has not destroyed the line of demarka- growing institutions insure intellectual and spirtion, as it has scarcely done even in the United itual training-the Polytechnic Institute and the States. As the common people heard Jesus gladly, Union Theological Seminary at Rio Piedras, both it was the common people who heard gladly the interdenominational. The former offers a liberal first evangelical missionaries. The so-called upper arts course of four years with a distinct Christian classes, the old families, have held back, since the tone, granting the A. B. degree. An organized first cause of this holding back on the part of the student Presbyterian Church has in its memberwealthier and more socially elite was that the ship about sixty-five per cent of the student body. common people were there first. The officers of Bible and Christian education courses provide for the churches were shoemakers, share-croppers, a major, and twelve term hours are required of and the like. The aristocrats would have had to each student to receive the degree. Daily morning sit in the pews beside their servants, perhaps, for prayers, weekly Y. M. and Y. W. C. A. meetings, the young Church demanded democracy and would and Sunday school and church provide religious not provide two types of seats as the Catholic instruction, inspiration, and opportunity of exchurches did. So social barriers kept them out of pression. The Polytechnic Institute has graduated the churches. five classes of college-trained young men and women, who are taking their places of moral There is another reason: The common people leadership in their respective fields. heard the emotional without the aesthetic appeal, but the upper classes wanted the intellectual and MARQUIS SCIENCE HALL. POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE. aesthetic as well. SAN GERMAN Today the social barriers to the Gospel are The Evangelical Seminary offers a three-year breaking down slowly but steadily. Every year theological course. An increasing number of minsees an increasing number of the educational and isterial candidates are taking a full college course many political leaders of the island embracing either in the University of Puerto Rico or in the Protestantism. Polytechnic Institute before they take the theo- logical course. The struggle between the Gospel and social customs has brought forth a number of interesting The future of evangelicalism in Puerto Rico is developments. The women have accepted far more hopeful because of the growing spirit of unity, readily than the men, because of the moral stand- the vigor of the churches and ministers, and the ards upheld by the evangelicals. The old double developing equipment to train capable leadership. standard obtains to a marked degree in Puerto The Church will rise as her leaders encourage and Rico. Whereas these standards keep many work- lead her upward. ing men out of the Church, when their wives and daughters enter, the social customs keep the women and girls of the higher class out of the Church, whereas the men of the same group accept more readily. A mother urged a pastor to
Dynamic of Home Missions*
..:( By the REV. JOHN McDOWELL, D. D., New York J!: ..
President of the Home Missions Council and Secretary of the Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
I F WE define opportunity in terms of needs we have turned aside from the paths of joy, for and problems, the Christian Church in Amer- everywhere discontented, weary faces tell the tale. ica never had such an opportunity as it has Selfishness has born its unfailing harvest of grief today. Never were the needs of the home mission and wrong and injustice. One phase of evil suc- fields so great and the problems of administration ceeds another, or an outer evil changes to an so vital to the nation, to the inner, until it seems an endless, world, and to the Kingdom of hopeless task to reform our- God, as in this critical hour. This is an age when men selves or our nation or our w 0 r s hip power-political, The Master is saying again to world. His representatives: "Say not financial, mechanical, elec- This is a conclusion to which ye four months, and then trical power. They are tired cometh harvest." This is the of theories or methods that we are being gradually, slowly, word of agriculture, of indus- do not produce results. The unwillingly driven. If ever the try, of commerce, of govern- missionary cause is sometimes universe conspired to press any ment today, but it is not the criticised today for lack of truth upon the mind of man, it power to change conditions- is conspiring at this moment word of religion if by religion whatever may h a v e been to convince him that he is not we mean Christianity and by achieved in the past. sufficient unto himself, that he Christianity we mean Christ. Dr. McDowell, the Presi- was not meant to live and work dent of the Home Missions This is His word to us today: Council, delivered, at the re- apart from God; that human "Behold, I say unto you, lift up cent conference in Toronto, nature is so constituted as to be your eyes and look on the fields, an address that struck fire. dependent upon the transcendfor they are white already unto It gave the secret of power- ent God. harvest." the "Dynamic of Home Mis- It is well that these facts are The present is not only an sions"-and it is the same slowly finding their way into hour to look out, it is an hour the con sci 0 usn e s s of the that transforms churches and to look up; not only an hour to individuals. It is worth read- Church, the nation and the look up, but an hour to look ing. world. Practically, if not theo- within, within ourselves, our retically, we have repudiated churches and our Home Mis- our dependence upon God. As a sion organization, to discover not only our needs, result, our spiritual disaster has already come. We but our supreme need-the one thing without have banished joy, peace and order from our midst.
which we cannot fulfil our mission or realize our Despite increasing knowledge and more perfect purpose, namely, an adequate dynamic for our machinery, greater skill and larger expenditure work. in religious ministry, more thought and culture If ever Christianity in terms of home missions in the Church, nothing avails to put inward life had its chance, it is now. The present national and movement into the Christianity of today.
and international conditions are demonstrating Everywhere there is tentativeness and hesitation, conclusively that human resources at their best a want of initiative, of heartiness, and adventure.
are unequal to the demands of this tragiG and be- Pathetic withdrawals, retrenchments, and timid wildering hour. We see more clearly than ever compromises mark the track of missionary effort that with all our getting and planning, our doing and Christian service. The strong, positive, sus- and striving, we are never really happy, even in taining, inspiring, sacrificial, courageous note is the palmy days of prosperity. It is evident that lacking. The· power to produce a s·pontaneous and effective spiritual impulse does not seem to be at ;2~~~~~eg.a:!J~~Ja!~~:14~e~~rl. of the Home Missions Council available in this very challenging and critical time.
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Let us hope and pray that by our woes and Acts," that certain things did not make the Aposdisillusionments we are being made ready to re- tolic Church. turn to God; that we are beginning to desire that He should come and take the reins out of our Numbers did not make it; its membership was weak hands; that the time will come, and come never large. soon, when "the government shall be upon His shoulders." Society, pierced with a thousand Organization did not make it; it had little or wrongs, sees in this its cure. no organization.
At this great crisis in the moral and spiritual Equipment did not make it; the Apostolic history of our race, let us make no mistakes as to Church was not noted for its buildings and facilwhat we need. It certainly is not more science, ities. more knowledge, more machinery, more money, but a new spiritual power that this torn world of Wealth did not make it; its membership was ours-weary with efforts and struggles, with from the poor. methods and mechanics, with figures and facts, with pronouncements and programs-insistently Prestige did not make it; in all probability one and persistently demands. All religious organi- would have had great difficulty in locating the zations must face the fact that there is nothing Apostolic Church in anyone of the cities or this distracted and distressed world needs more, centers at that time. and would more heartily welcome today, than an influx of spiritual power. The supreme need of What, then, did make the Apostolic Church? the hour is spiritual power. Other needs, great as they are, sink into insignificance beside this 3. The Apostolic Church was made by the Aposurgent, vital and imperative need. tolic ministry.
In the consciousness of the unparalleled oppor- It is obvious from the record that the Apostles tunity offered to the home missionary enterprise were men captured by the reality of Christ's today, and the need of an adequate dynamic to claims, the beauty of His life, the adequacy of His meet this unparalleled opportunity, I soaked my- teaching, the value of His death, the power of His self last summer in the Book of "The Acts," the resurrection, and the supremacy of His Spirit. "Life of Dwight L. Moody," and the last Annual It is utterly impossible to explain the power and Report of the Home Missions Council. I wanted progress of the Apostolic Church apart from the to discover, first, the supreme need of the home Apostolic ministry. Here, again, the book of "The mission enterprise, and, second, an adequate Acts" makes it clear that certain things did not dynamic to meet this need. Out of this experience make the Apostolic ministry. the following convictions registered themselves relative to the dynamic of all missionary service. Learning did not make it; outside of the Apostle Paul, none of the Apostles were learned men. What Made the Apostolic Age Unique Official position did not make it; none of them held official positions in either the Church or State.
Money did not make it; they had no budget; they were numbered among the poor.
Influence did not make it; Peter and John did not have enough influence to keep out of prison.
What, then, did make the Apostolic ministry?
1. The Apostolic Age is the greatest age in the 4. The Apostolic ministry was made by cooperhistory of the Christian Church. ation with the Holy Spirit in making Jesus Christ a living reality to all men. Measured by whatsoever standards you please, the Apostolic Age stands unique in its task, its The Holy Spirit to the Apostolic ministry was difficulties, its achievements, and its influence. It more than a religious phrase or a theological term. was this age that gave us the Christian Church, When God promised the Holy Spirit to man, it the New Testament, the Christian Lord's Day, was the deepest, holiest reality of His being that and made Christendom possible. Apart from the He meant-not only His thought, His words, His Apostolic Age it is impossible to understand benefits, but the very ground of them. What He Christian civilization. What made the Apostolic has given to humanity in the Holy Spirit is His Age? heart and life and power. _ 2. The Apo,stolic Age was made by the Apos- Cooperation with the Holy Spirit made Christ tolic Church. a definite, personal experience in the life and work According to the Book of "The Acts," the Apos- of the Apostolic ministry. It made fellowship tolic Church was a converting, transforming, in- with Christ a transforming power. It also made spiring, conquering Church. It changed not only the Gospel of Christ "the power of God unto sal- individuals, but communities and ultimately na- vation to everyone who believeth"; it made the tions. It is clear, also from the book of "The . Great Commission of Christ an inescapable obli-
THE DYNAMIC OF HOME MISSIONS
gation, and self-sacrifice for Christ a privilege and and cultured; the moral life and intellectual a joy. Apart from cooperation with the Holy capacity of her membership are keyed to a higher Spirit, it is impossible to explain or understand pitch than ever before; her preaching is the best the life, work and power of the Apostolic ministry. the world has ever heard from an intellectual standpoint; her services are beautiful and at- Power for the Present Day tractive; her organization is well nigh perfect; 5. The only adequate dynamic for home mis- her equipment surpasses that of any other age; sions in our day is a spiritual dynamic that will but what of results? Are they not pitifully make Jesus Christ a living reality in the life of all meagre by comparison with the outlay? Are not men, regardless of creed, color or condition. many of our churches living on from year to year without any additions on confession of faith in Experience has shown conclusively that the Christ, and without any perceptible influence on scientific mind, the philosophic mind, the economic the communities in which they are located? mind, and the social mind, without the glow of spiritual truth and spiritual power, cannot save In lands like ours we rightly expect the Chrisman or regenerate the nation. Our age has more tian Church to be the all-potent influence concomforts, but it lacks satisfaction; it has more trolling in every department of life, shaping ease, but it lacks peace; it has more science, but ~olitics, guiding industry, molding society, swayit secretly hungers for Christ. mg commerce, commanding the loyal services of all intelligent persons and banishing all unchris- Organized Christianity has been shaken to its tian forces. But it is not so. Why? Because, foundations. The ordinary course of practical w~th all her equipment of wealth and machinery, experimental religion has been arrested and has wIth all her purity and culture, with all her separated into innumerable shallow streams that prestige and persistence, there is not sufficient meander aimlessly and feebly over wide tracks of spiritual power in the Church to make this efhuman life, but without power to fertilize and fective. Of what avail is the most perfect organirenew them. zation, the most complete equipment, the most ac- Experience has shown that it is not enough to curate knowledge, the most attractive service if there be no dynamic within to make them efbe occupied with the machinery of the home missionary enterprise, with the multiplication and improvement of home missionary organizations fectual? and institutions. These are not primarily the "In this world of shallow believers and weary means by which the new heart and a new state of workers," says Phillips Brooks, "how we need the society will come into being. They are rather the Holy Spirit. We may go on our way, ignoring instruments that will be used when it has come- all the time the very forces we need to help us the home in which it will dwell, the temple in do our work. These forces still may help us. which it will worship, the body in which it will The Holy Spirit may help us, will surely help us serve. Such agencies have a great function, but· as far as He can, even if we do not know His that function is not the creation of life itself. If name or ever call upon Him. But there is so much we ask them to create the living impulse, we are more He might do for us if we would only open imposing upon them a task of which they are in- our hearts and ask Him to come into them." capable. We shall be disappointed-finding again, We need, as representatives of the home missionas we have found in the past and are finding now, ary enterprise, to hold our faith in the Holy Spirit as the dynamic of our work, not as a form of that with every outward appliance and equipment in missionary service there is but little stir or words bu t as aeflfiovritnsgapnodwmera,kiinnsgpiursinignsoturrumlievnets~ movement; that while perfect organizations vitalizing our abound, the life that should fill and use them lags in the hands of God for the conversion and saving of souls. far behind.
We are more and more convinced that we can- What Is Required of Us not go on living as we have done in the past. If the future of North America is to be Christian, It is evident that the primary problem confront- we must recover the spiritual impulse that has ing home missions today is in the realm of been lost. Nay, it is not enough to recover it, we dynamics, rather than in the realm of mechanics.
must have a far mightier spiritual power in this The need of the hour is not more knowledge, but day of complex needs, multiplied problems, and more action; not more campaigns, but more con- challenging conditions than we have ever had in secration; not more statistics, but more spiritual- the past. ity; not more councils, but more cooperation with We have everything else. Never was the the Holy Spirit. What, then, does cooperation church so well equipped as today. She is wealthy with the Holy Spirit demand of us today in home
missions? Let us make it clear that it demands the thought of our lands, to proclaim that there at least the following things: is not a thought in philosophy, not an ideal in 1. Consecrated pers.onality. History shows ethics, not a principle in sociology, not a program that God has always worked through persons, per- in practical reform worth considering that is not sons who are possessed by His purpose, fired with implicit and explicit in Christianity. The most His principles, and filled with His spirit. Con- urgent appeal of our day to representatives of secrated personality in home missions is the only Christ is to bring every thought-social, political, thing that makes the goodness of God visible, the economic, intellectual, national and international forgiveness of God genuine, the sympathy of God -into captivity to Jesus Christ. A program of natural, and the love of God irresistible. The exclusively external betterment is often declared Spirit of God today is seeking for men and women to be synonymous with or a sufficient substitute in whom Christianity is more than a set of correct for essential Christianity. Such a claim is a conviews, more than a system of philosophy, to whom tradiction to the truth that "man shall not live by it is a way of life, of discipline, of service, and bread alone."
an utter self-committal to a career of unceasing If home missions is to bring every thought into service and unlimited sacrifice. Every problem captivity to Jesus Christ, home mission repre- confronting the nation today is waiting, in the sentatives must know the mind of Christ regard- last analysis, for consecrated personality. This ing the social problems of our day, such as the call has been nowhere more pointedly stated than problems of wealth, poverty, industry, unemploy- in the following excerpt from a letter recently ment, and insecurity of economic position in in- addressed to the members of the Clergy Club of dustry. These problems combine to create a New York by the Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst on strong demand for a social as well as an individual the occasion of the unveiling of his picture by the expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and this club: demand creates an obligation from which no in- I feel that this is an unusual occasion. I understand dividual or institution bearing the name of Jesus that you plan, first, to unveil me, and then to hang me. Christ can consistently escape. The hour is lt hardly seems right for me not to be around at such an calling, and calling loudly, for Christians who are intimate ceremony. The least I can do is to appear by not afraid to reason or ashamed to believe. The proxy, so I send you this affectionate greeting. ultimate foundation of every nation is a way of thinking. As a nation thinketh in its heart, so Seriously, there are not enough unveilings or enough hangings in New York City. The whole world knows that our politicians have degraded the word "corruption," but is it. we need chapter, verse and telephone numbers to prove it. There are charges aplenty, but not enough of the kind The home missionary enterprise cannot estab- that go in cannon. Our moral powder only makes a pretty lish the Kingdom of God in North America on bon-fire, unless we ram it down a pointed nozzle before hearsay, or convert the world by those who can igniting it. When shall our corrupt city put on incorrup- only tell what other people are thinking. It detion? When all of you, my dear friends, decide with your mands apostles, not reporters; men of convictions, whole soul that it shall do so. 'not echoes; original witnesses, not men who can sift and state the judgment of others; heroes by The personal touch is at the beginning of every the compulsions of the soul, not straws floating on new departure in individual and national life. the stream of current opinion. The home mis- Consecrated personality is the crowning wonder sionary enterprise can do nothing with mere of this wonderful universe. Men make history; traditionalists. It demands men who do their own men make home missions. It is personal char- thinking, toil through to their own conclusions, acter that counts. Nothing is so potent as soul and go to their work with the impact of a perforce in the establishment of the Kingdom of God. sonal conviction and the conquering energy of a The new man and the new nation are bought with personal character. A man's religion is not worth price-aye, with the price of consecrated person- much until it is more than an echo. It may begin ality. There is no substitute for consecrated with that. It often does so begin, but it must personality in home mission service and civic not stop there. It must not simply be held by service.
2. Creative thinking. Let it not be forgotten him; it must hold him, master him, sway him in that the home mission enterprise is primarily one all that he is and does in the city and in the state, of missionary thought. It is a philosophy before in the home and in the Church. Religion in the it is an activity. We cannot expect to have our home missionary enterprise is not a set of opin- nations based on Christian principles so long as ions, it is a life; not the recitation of a creed, but our social philosophy is made by anti-Christian the repeating of the work of Jesus; not the func- philosophers and materialistic socialists. The tion of a fingerpost, but a person becoming for times are appealing to home missions to capture others the "way" and "truth" and "life". We
must capture the thought of North America if menta The home mISSIOn enterprise, therefore, North America is to be genuinely christianized. should be satisfied with nothing less than a saved 3. Commanding obiectives. Reconciliation of soul in a saved body, living in a saved community. the individual soul with God through the work and Only as we make the nations of North America influence of the Holy Spirit is the foundation upon spiritually strong can they serve the world. which any effective christianization of the nation or the world must be built. Home missionary 4. Cooperative spirit. It has become obvious work is always the immediate duty of the Chris- that there must be something more than cultivated tian Church. The evil that lies at the heart of and saintly individuals in the home mission enterthe nation and the world is a moral evil, and it prise, valuable as they are, if the work of chriswill only be driven out by a moral conqueror. The tianizing the nations of North America is to be Gospel of Christ meets this evil with the prayer: successfully carried forward. Men must join "Create in me, 0 God, a clean heart, and renew a hands to inspire one another, and also to create right spirit within me." This does not imply that the volume of power needed to sweep obstacles Christianity is indifferent to right conditions, but from the path of progress and to conquer the that we have learned from experience that right enemies of truth and right. The emancipation of conditions are impossible without the clean heart the individual is a great gain, but the best part of and the right spirit. Regeneration, therefore, of his emancipation comes when he begins to work the individual is the basis of all moral. progress in common with and for others. Cooperation represents not simply addition, but multiplication.
and enlightenment, the necessary first step toward Team work always tells, a:nd especially in misevery good, whether personal or public, social or sionary work. Marching together, the distance is shorter; singing together, the cheer is louder; political, commercial or religious. standing together, the temptations are more The Christian Church has no right to abate one easily resisted; lifting together, the burden is jot of zeal or faith or effort in home missionary gladly borne; praying together, the victory is work so long as there remains in all the land one surely won. Cooperation both· multiplies and unchristian community, in the community one un- hallows the energies of men and organizations. christian household, in the household one unsaved soul; The hour has come in Protestant Christianity when we must heal our divisions, combine our re- The Good News for Society sources, and unite our forces if the Protestant Church is to bring the Kingdom of God into the The Christianity of the New Testament aims at life of North America. Competition may be the not only a perfect man, but a perfect society-the life of trade, but it is the death of morals and the Kingdom of God. While the Gospel of Christ ad- disgrace of religion. We must have a coopera- dresses itself to the conscience and affection of tion today not only in terms of spirit, but in terms the individual, it must not be forgotten that it of actual operation which will eliminate over- addresses him as a member of a social organism. lapping and overlooking, not only in mission fields, "God and one man," says Dr. Charles H. Park- but in all fields of work. The needs and claims hurst, "could make any other religion, but it re- of North America should lead the denominations quires God and two men to make Christianity." now to submerge all ecclesiastical animosities, and The entrance of the second man into Christianity non-essential demands. The time and strength makes necessary the social Gospel, and this fact spent in controversies are needed today for ag- was undoubtedly in the mind of Jesus Christ gressive and constructive work in the interest of throughout all His life and ministry. In the sum- the Kingdom. The time has come when we must mary of the law, Jesus combined the personal and end the waste of spiritual energy and consecrated social objectives of His Gospel. "Love the Lord, money.
thy God, and love thy neighbor." Obedience to Cooperation in missionary work multiplies the the first command saves the individual, and noth- power of each in the service of all, and therefore ing else can save him; obedience to the second should be welcomed by all churches bearing the saves society, and nothing else can save society. name of Jesus Christ. Bigotry, dogmatism and Such facts as these make it evident that Christ sectarianism cannot feed the soul of the nation.
intended His Gospel to be not only a way of life Nothing but conference, cooperation and combina- for the sinner, but a law of life for society. The tion will meet the needs of the nations now.
ministry of home missions must be to the whole Whatever may be our views about organic man, body, mind and soul; it must look to the unity, there certainly should be no difference betterment of his environment and make secure among those who believe in Christ about the need his opportunities for self realization and improve- and the wisdom of cooperation in every effort to
make men like Christ, earth like Heaven, and the fear of pressing the Gospel of Christ upon the kingdoms of this world the Kingdom of Christ. people, fear that has sealed our lips when every- thing around us is whispering of God, of the The gigantic iniquities of modern society are Cross, of redemption through sacrifice; when thoroughly organized and directed by able leaders. human hearts are softened and ears bent to listen To accomplish its purpose, the home missions and only our enlightening and confirming word enterprise, therefore, must excel all other organi- is needed to interpret and apply the great truths zations in the value of its objectives and the of Christianity to the souls of men and the life of wisdom and power of its representatives. No nations. Christian body should stand apart from any other followers of Christ today on account of differences Let us see to it that the hesitancy and halfof belief respecting non-essentials. No mere heartedness of our religious appeal is succeeded speculative dogma should separate our Christian now by a strong and positive call on all men to denominations from one another in the battle for seek God. Let us go forth throughout the land on righteousness. It is more necessary to help the an embassy of peace, saying to all sorts and consoul that sins and suffers than to assert our ditions of men: "Be ye reconciled to God" for peculiar notions about metaphysical subjects. "now is the accepted time," "now is the day of The various religious bodies in our nations ought salvation." We need not fear rebuff or indifferto appreciate one another more than at present, ence as the right spiritual note is struck in this and cooperate toward commol'l ends more than hour-that note which is in harmony with the they do. God's army today is marching in too elemental spiritual need of man and of society. many disconnected divisions and under too many There will be a ready response, men will flock petty flags. Denominations need not disband, but into the Kingdom, and a religious revival will they must work together if the Spirit of God is to break out that will go through the length and have an instrument through which North Amer- breadth of the land. The most urgent need of our ica is to be saved. Love for the Incarnate Christ day is not for service but for spirituality. A soul ought to be a sufficient passport for every soldier filled with the spirit of God will certainly bow of Christ. That, alone, ought to make him wel- down and lift the lowly. But a generation that come in every camp and at every altar. discounts the spirit of God and ceases to love Jesus Christ will not long serve humanity. What The Need of the Present Situation makes Christianity a triumphant religion is not the law of love, but its love of Christ. The heart This present situation constitutes a great of Christianity-what gives it creative power, trumpet call that is bidding all who care about the what sends out missionaries, what saves sinners, issues of the present world-wide crisis to rally to what builds churches, what produces character, the standard of Christ; bidding them renew their and enriches civilization-is not so much a prehope, enthusiasm and power at the one great cept as a personality, and that the personality of source, and then go forth and throw themselves Jesus Christ. The supreme thing in Christianity heart and soul into the spiritual service of their is not Christ's teachings, however superior, but country; recognizing that it is a national service the spirit of His life; not interest in an ethical of the highest order and calls for self-sacrifice and code, but loving, sacrificial discipleship; not a devotion that is on a par with the greatest demand system of doctrine about Christ, but a profound that any other branch of the Kingdom service can devotion to Him as the giver of eternal life. the make on men. only Saviour of the world.
It is the news of a transcendent God that our The home mission enterprise, in the last analyage supremely needs, the Gospel of a God who can sis, must depend not upon its pretentions, but and does break through into human affairs in a upon its performances; not upon its attitude, but supernatural way, bringing order, peace, power upon its activities; not upon its sacramental and abiding gladness into human life. This is holiness, but upon its spiritual helpfulness. Its preeminently a time for taking bold, strong, appeal will be effective in proportion to its ravigorous steps, for initiating positive action in the tionality, humanity and spirituality, and its augreat work of publishing the Christian evangel, thority will be recognized in proportion to its for seeing how to surround it with every circum- vision, inspiration, conviction, power and love. If stance of c(2)mpelling, constraining, and convicting we capture the present for Christ, the future of power. It is high time to overcome the nervous North America will be safe.
Progress In Home Missions?
..:( By REV. WILLIAM R. KING, D. D., New York ):..
Extracts from the Annual Report of the Executive Secretary of the Home Missions Council T HE North American Home Missions Con- Conferences should be followed up. The first Con- gress, which met at the close of 1930, was tinuation Conference scheduled for 1932 was most significant. Its power and influence held in Indianapolis, Ind., in connectiem with the is being proved and its findings are accepted as Ministers' Convocation and five other conferenees the best word on home missions. were set up for February in strategic centers in The follow-up of that Congress is most gratify- Ohio. It is our hope to hold twenty or thirty of ing. The Missionary Education Movement is them throughout the United States.
majoring this year on "The Challenge of Change," Several cooperative projects are under way, in- by Dr. John M. Moore, written cluding the Cooperative and Re- with the deliberate purpose of ligious Center at Boulder City, promoting the findings and Has the day for home mis. the new town which is to be the message of the Congress. It is sions passed? .What is being home of the people employed on being studied in thousands of done for the twenty million that great Hoover Dam in churches throughout the coun- foreign born in the United Southern California. Repre- try. In a Teachers' Manual on States? Are we overlooking sentatives of six denominations the Data Books and Findings or conducting rival missions met and set up a tentative or- Books of the Congress, Dr. for the Indians, the Negroes, ganization of the Hoover Dam Casselman of the Reformed the Spanish-speaking people, Interdenominational Religious Church in the U. S. Board has lEtuhumerobMpeeromarmnesno,,ntsth,heethmOeirgmireainnnteatrlwss oaarnnkdd- Council to present a program of made an exhaustive study of worship, religious education and this material and has arranged ers and dwellers in mountains social service. Later the South· it in shape for use in mission and in city slums? Dr. King ern California Superintendents'
study classes. tells the story of progress Council enthusiastically ap- A series of conferences and made by the united effort of proved the movement and other public meetings, looking to the mission boards cooperating in denominations expressed the enlistment of all the denomina- the Home Missions Council. desire to cooperate. As a re- tional groups in a great Home suIt of several conferences with Mission advance, is a joint government officials about this effort of the Home Missions Council, and the project, and visits to Hoover Dam, Las Vegas and Council of Women for Home Missions and the Los Angeles, the Cooperative Religious and Social Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in Center of Boulder City has been established and America to carry down to the local churches the is now well under way with the following denomi- message of the Congress, and the results of the nations cooperating: Presbyterian U. S. A., Meth- studies of the Five Year Program of Survey and odist Episcopal, Congregational, Baptist, Disciples, Adjustment. The first of this series was held in United Brethren, United Presbyterian. The Rev.
Cincinnati in November and was followed by the Thomas E. Stevenson, pastor of the Presbyterian Pacific Coast series in December to include Seat- Church of Burbank, California, has been elected tIe, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, pastor and director and began his work October 1, Sacramento, Los Angeles and Denver. In the 1931. Meetings are being held at present in the nine conferences held during November and De- mess hall of the six companies and the Sunday cember there was a total attendance of approxi- School of 127 is meeting in two bungalows. A mately 3,000. We heard in every place such re- movement is under way to secure a building for marks as "this is the best conference we have the religious program and for a parsonage for the had for years," and "you are bringing us fresh director, "Parson Tom," as he is called. There are and interesting information and making us see 300 children of school age in the town. Mr. Ste- home missions in a new light." The unanimous venson has attempted a difficult task but great judgment of the team is that these Continuation service can be rendered. The attendance at his [155]
first evening service was about 100 and at the a liaison committee between the Councils and the second evening service was 127. If some churches Indian Department of the Government. could donate hymn or travel slides for the stereopticon, this would help in his work. A joint committee representing the Interna- tional Missionary Council, the Federal Council, An Every Community Survey of Maine was the Home Missions Council, the Council of Women made under the auspices of the Interdenomina- for Home Missions and the Missionary Education tional Commission of Maine and the Home Mis- Movement has been formed "to make a careful sions Council, and was considered by various con- and comprehensive study of the Jewish situation ferences. The Interdenominational Commission in America in its relation to the Christian has proposed a Five Year Program of Inter- Church." The chairman is Dr. John S. Conning. denominational Christian Service "directed par- Other committees rendering valuable service to ticularly toward the areas unreached by any of the cause of Home Missions, under the auspices the Protestant mission agencies and designed of the Council, relate to the city and New Amerito do that most needed work which our present cans, General Promotion, Alaska, Spanish-speakmissionary agencies cannot do both because their ing Work, and Negro Work. resources are insufficient and because the work must be done interdenominationally." An at- Under the auspices of the Committee on Comity tempt is being made to raise from individuals ap- and Five Year Program of 'Survey and Adjustproximately $45,000 a year in addition to $50,000 ment, surveys have been made in about a score a year expended by denominational boards, to be of states. In some cases the entire state has been distributed among sixteen counties in Maine. surveyed, in some of the larger states only cross- This would be an outstanding demonstration on a sections. 'Surveys are now under way in six states state-wide basis of cooperative home missions in and conferences are held following the completion rural communities. of each state. This Five Year Program is vitally connected with all the work of the Council and Cooperative work has been promoted also in is closely related to the work of all other comother centers. In a remote valley of the 'Southern mittees. Meuntains, bordering northeast Georgia and the Carolinas, there is a large farm school which is One of the most active and efficient committees closely tied up with three small churches. The is that on "Town and Country," made up of repsuperintendent of this school asked for assistance resentatives of constituent boards. One of the oldin bringing about cooperation in this community. est and the most important activity is the Summer As a result it would seem as if the three churches Schools for rural pastors and last year the Comwill be placed on a cooperative community basis. mittee sponsored nine full standard schools and two partial standard schools, besides seven full The second annual conference of the Ozark In- standard schools of practical methods for Negro terdenominational Committee, held at Hollister, pastors. At least two new schools will be added Mo., last July, dealt with the situation in the to the list in 1932-Corvallis, Oregon, and Davis, Ozarks and the possibility of a cooperative pro- California. This Committee also promotes Rural gram for the region. It was later suggested that Life Sunday, the fifth Sunday after Easter, which there should be community visitation by field has been observed for the past three years. Some supervisors and county seat rallies in the interest governors of states have issued proclamations of a better rural religious life. calling upon people to observe Rural Life Sunday and 10,000 leaflets on the subject were distributed The Home Missions Council has taken over the last year. work of the Department of Building Fund Campaigns of the Board of National Missions, Pres- The Federal Council in appointing members byterian Church, U. S. A., to form an Inter- to the Town and County Committee has recogdenominational Church Building Campaigns nized this as its channel of operation in this field Bureau. This did not involve any increase in and has added to the efficiency of the Committee. budget or office space since the Bureau retained its office in Philadelphia for the present. The past year has been a trying one for Home Mission Boards. The depression is telling upon The Joint Committee on Indian Work, under budgets and programs. Most of the boards, if the leadership of Miss Helen Brickman, has not all, have had to reduce expenditures, eliminate worked out a curriculum of religious education work and workers, and cut down appropriations for our Religious Work Directors in the Govern- all along the line. New advances have been imment Indian Schools, and has rendered valuable possible, yet the needs were never greater and service in administrative work. Another outstand- the opportunities never more inviting. These are ing accomplishment of the Committee has been days that are surely trying the souls of board adthe setting up of a service committee to serve as ministrators as well as the endurance of faithful
WHAT PROGRESS IN HOME MISSIONS?
missionaries in all parts of North America. May them on appeal after local efforts for adjustment it not be that our extremity will be God's opportunity. We believe that in some way the home have failed, we recommend: mission cause wj]] come out of this trying experience triumphantly. We may have to make re- First, that the Joint Committee on Comity and adjustments and work out economies and "endure burdens as good soldiers" but out of it all will the Five Year Program be constituted a Sub-Comcome greater and better home missions. mittee on Comity, to which shall be referred all Would it not be wise to begin now to plan definitely for another national congress to be held cases of comity presented to the Councils. at the close of our Five Year Program in January, 1934, to review the results of this five year study Seoond, that this Sub-Committee arrange for and to consider advance steps? By that time, it is hoped, we will be emerging from the depres- three stated meetings a year, other meetings to be sion and will have learned "through the things we have suffered," as well as through the surveys held as needed. and studies, what changes, if any, should be made and what advance steps should be taken. Third, that this Sub-Committee prepare and PROPOSALS FOR THE COMING YEAR distribute a form indicating the information Extracts from the Report of the Findings which should be furnished it concerning any case Committ6e at the Toronto Conference brought before it for consideration. . A Christian world depends mightily upon a Christian America. America lives not to itself, Fourth, that this Sub-Committee, in passing but for China, Japan, Africa, India and the uttermost parts of the earth. If Christendom has be- upon cases, take into account not only such gentrayed Christianity, then it becomes imperative to christianize Christendom. That is our united eral principles as have been adopted by these task. For their sakes we must sanctify ourselves. Councils, but such principles as may have been Sitting, as in a reviewing stand, as the forces for christianizing America pass before us and adopted by the state or city organizations within make their reports, what have we discovered? whose jurisdiction the particular cases originated. The Committee on Comity and the Five Year Program brings before us the following recom- It is understood that the decision rendered in any mendations: case is to be advisory only. 1. In view of the response to the Continuation Conferences, this plan with some modifications The Councils urge that City, State and Regional should be developed widely during the coming year and if possible, such conferences should be Councils, through Comity Committees of their held in practically all of the major cities of the country. own creation, be prepared to deal with comity 2. The success of the Interdenominational cases arising within their respective bounds and Conference held now for two years in the Ozarks leads us to believe that in other states in the more only bring to these national Councils those cases distinctively mission areas there should be interdenominational gatherings of from two to four which fail of local adjustment. days duration for the consideration of the common problems of missionary work. In most cases Strictly speaking, the Five Year Program was these conferences would not be held annually. initiated at the Comity Conference in January, 3. We recommend that constituent boards consider the advisability of bringing to the at- 1928, and will come to an end at the time of the tention of their highest judicatories the comity resolutions adopted during the past year by the next annual meeting in January, 1933. Although Presbyterian General Assembly and the Congregational-Christian National Council. In order that much has been accomplished, it is still in its these Councils may be prepared to deal with the increasing number of comity cases brought to formative stage. It might be well to extend this period to cover five years dating from the Home Missions Congress, that is, to the end of 1935.
Before the end of that period, say in January, 1934, we should hold a "check-up conference" to do specifically four things: a. To review the results of the Five Year Pro- gram to that date.
b. To use the Findings of the Home Missions Congress on the various fields of missionary effort as the basis of an intensive study of practical pro- grams for these various fields of work.
c. To consider the cooperative relationships of home missions with other agencies which have become so essentially a part of our modern pro- gram of church work, as the religious education and social welfare agencies.
d. To propose plans .for the future work of these Councils.
For many years our Town and Country Church Committee has been carrying on its researches and has given us a fund of invaluable informa- tion. We therefore would especially call attention of the several boards to the importance of a pro- gram of adjustment that will enable our rural
churches to cope with the rapid changes that are tion is developing qualities of leadership. Student upon them. It is a matter of supreme importance churches and student councils, expressing the rethat some way be found to provide the children ligious needs of the young people, are promoting and youth of our rural areas with a teaching Christian living. ministry. Toward this end we would suggest that cooperative parishes be established where the The coming year of Missionary study centers several denominations would share in such a around the work among the Indians and we urge ministry. This, together with the re-organization on our churches these studies in their future proof rural areas into stronger units of life, consti- grams. tute imperative demands upon the mission boards at this time. It is evident that the future of the Christian Church, not only in the pulpit but in the pew, rests There has been a growing consciousness of re- in the hands of the youth of today. We therefore sponsibility toward Spanish-speaking neighbors urge upon the Councils that our programs shall in the West Indies. We therefore commend to the give full recognition to the importance and the boards at work in Cuba a fresh study of how to problems of the religious life and training of our cooperate more closely and especially in the organ- youth. We suggest that a session be set aside at ization there of a Union Theological Seminary the next Annual Meeting for the consideration of such as now exists in Puerto Rico. We commend our young people in relation to the Church and its to the boards a further study of their responsi- missionary work. bility in Santo Domingo and that those already working in Puerto Rico may well consider We cannot close without adding our influence whether their responsibilities do not also extend to those who are attempting to create a warless to Santo Domingo. world. We believe that war is wholly wrong; we believe that war and Christ travel opposite ways We commend the union which has been per- and stand at opposite poles in any possible moral fected between the Christian, the Congregational universe. The Christian Church must be the and United Brethren Missions into the United chief agency for abolishing war for to the Church Evangelical Church in Puerto Rico and urge other is committed the Gospel of love and brotherhood, denominations as speedily as possible to shape of peace on earth and goodwill. We call upon all their policies toward uniting in this movement. the churches to take an unequivocal and an un- apologetic opposition to the spirit of militarism We welcome the changes made in the national wherever it exists. government administration of Indian affairs which seeks the highest welfare of the Indian, We urge upon our governments the necessity thus enabling him to achieve an abundant and of immediate cooperation with and full memberwell balanced life in terms of his own racial re- ship in the World Court and the League of Nasources. We appreciate the cooperation of the tions and that every power be used to influence Indian administration in the task of religious edu- all the signatory nations to faithfully carry out cation in Government Indian schools. The in- their obligations in the Peace Pact. creased responsibility assumed by the Indian stu- The Christian Church must lead in the abolition dent for planning and carrying courses of instruc- of war or prove itself inadequate to the needs of the world today and tomorrow.
CHURCH BUILDINGS AND BENEVOLENCES Many churches in the United States have incurred very heavy indebtedness in their building enterprises and have thus hampered their philanthropic, evangelistic and missionary activities. In the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., out of a turnover of sixty-odd million dollars a year, about fourteen mil- lion have been reported under building enterprises. The denominational budget for missions and other benevolences calls for twelve million dollars, on which only about ten million are paid, and, in the depres- sion, less than nine million. In four years this church has spent over fifty-two million dollars for build- ing operations. This represents an annual load per Presbyterian of $25.35, while the annual load for benevolences has been less than five dollars.
In the Methodist Episcopal Church over fourteen million dollars was spent in 1929-1930 for build- ings and improvements and over seven million dollars paid on past indebtedness. This means that over twenty-one million dollars was involved in the improvement of the equipment of the churches for one year. This very heavy burden may account for the situation of diminished support which is baffling the World Service Commission.. The Methodists are apparently giving more than they gave under the Cen- tenary drive, but out of the eighty-five million dollars their reports seem to indicate that only ten million, as against twenty million in 1921, go to benevolences of all kinds. Presbyterians have held their benevo- lence contributions static at about ten millions.
Among the Amazon
A Review of "'The Challenge of Amazon's Indians" by Mrs. Arthur F. 'Tylee* ":JI 1 By the REV. THOMAS C. MOFFETT, New York 1 1=" Secretary of the Commission on the Indians of Latin America I T HE Indians of the Amazon Valley in North- okceceansisoen~sebuotf are often talkative and jolly. They have a ern Brazil are illiterate, untamed and isolated humor and enjoy a good joke even when it from civilization. Missionary work among them is a task of great difficulty because of the is on themselves. Although at times, some of them try distance from civilization and the character of the people. "The long journey to reach them is not one's patience as might a spoiled child, yet many of them dreaded as much as the isolation after the journey's end has been reached," writes Mrs. Tylee, are most lovable. who has recently returned to the United States after some thrilling and harrowing experiences. The pioneer expeditionary party which explored the territory, seeking a suitable location for the Seldom is the loneliness relieved by the visit from an mission station, consisted of Rev. Leonard L. Legters, Field Representative of the Pioneer Misexplorer and never, in some places, by a cOI?mercial .trav- sion Agency and of the Indian Mission of Amer- ica; Rev. Alex. R. Hay, Superintendent of the Ineller. But such isolation means more than Just lonehness. land South America Missionary Union, and Arthur F. Tylee. Their trials in penetrating the It means that the missionary has to trust God to bless interior country are suggested by this record.
and use the simple remedies he can carry for hi.mself a~d "After crossing the Sepotuba River the road lay through a strip of very dense jungle and bamftoaomiliy~ for no physician is within a thousand mIles. ThIS, boo thicket and came out at the foot of a bluff. a land of fevers and tropical diseases, to say It took three weeks to go the first thirty-two miles and the last half of this was taken with the cart nothing of the painful and often serious results from unloaded. Part of the time it was bad roads that hindered, again swollen streams, or a thick g~owth insect bites. of bamboo, and part of the time the oxen SImply refused to pull." It was in such isolation and among these wild Of another experience Mr. Tylee wrote: "The and savage Indians that Arthur F. Tylee and his past week has been a nightmare; the constant struggle, strain and despair over the perversity of two-year-old daughter, Miss Mildred P. Kratz, a the oxen having taxed our patience and sapped our strength. Twenty miles in one week! Workmissionary nurse, and three Brazilians were at- ing day and night in rain and heat, and this after the month of trial in the woods below the plateau." tacked and killed at the mission at J uruena, Brazil, In the loneliness of their first labors on the field on November 3, 1930. The crime was committed the two men hoped for the time when the small mission force would be increased. "For the first by a small group of illiterate, wild Indians of the time in several months Mr. Tylee received word from his fiance, whom he had left in Paraguay. Nhambiquara tribe in the state of Matto Grosso. Now he learned to his joy that she was in Co- rumba. They had been fellow-students at Moody This story of missionary adventure, of heroic dedi- Bible Institute, Chicago, and had gone together to South America. The lady remained in Paraguay cation to a task of unbelievable hardships and while her fiance went on to Brazil to explore the new field. It had now been almost two years since privation, endurance and sacrifice is told by Mrs. he had seen her and five months since he had been able to receive her letters." Tylee simply but graphically in a book which Mr. Arthur "Tylee was a graduate of Amherst . presents a succession of surprises, the greatest of College. After serving in Europe during the war he returned to enter Harvard Law School, but which was unsuspected hostility of these few Indians, led by their chief. ..
This primitive tribe of Indians is descnbed WIth admiration by Mrs. Tylee even after the savage onslaught of the massacre in which a few of their number participated.
The Nhambiquaras are of average height. They are very slender. They have the coarse, straight, black hair, dark brown eyes, and dark bronze skin char~cteristic of the Indian' but their features are not those whIch are considered tyPical of the North American Indian. Many of them have facial characteristics not unlike their white brothers while a few have slant eyes and flat noses like the peopie of Asia. They can be silent and taciturn upon • Published by The Inland South America Missionary Union. 113 Fulton Street, New York. Price 75 cents postpaid.
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A NHAMBIQUARA INDIAN FAMI.LY AT HOME the ingredients could be properly cleaned and not allowed to ferment in the tropical heat." during his studies there he grew dissatisfied with the prospect of giving his life to self-appointed The missionaries left their difficult field for a pursuits and the acquiring of fame or money. He brief furlough at the end of four years, and on felt the challenge to devote his energies to the their return met fresh assaults. Only prevailing biggest and noblest service of which he was prayer enabled them to reach their station. When capable,' and his love of the Bible led him to enter Mr. Tylee and Miss Kratz were both down with Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. While a stu- fever they had been allowed to occupy a room in dent there, Rev. Alex. R. Hay, Superintendent of one of the buildings belonging to the telegraph the Inland South America Missionary Union, vis- line. It was bare of furniture, except for their ited the Institute and told of the need for mes- packing boxes and trunks. Here Mrs. Tylee cared sengers of Christ in South America. This led to for them while the native helper cooked the beans Mr. .Tylee's decision for Indian service and the and rice in the shade of a tent. When they refollowing spring he went to Brazil. sumed their journey they were met by three friendly Nhambiquaras, who brought fruit, man- Mildred Kratz studied at Cae College, Iowa, and dioc and sweet potatoes. Finally they reached the later took her Bible courses at Moody Institute mission about ten o'clock at night, almost three and her nurse's training at Augustana Hospital, months after leaving New York. Chicago. "'She was strong and healthy, with a happy disposition and a buoyancy of spirit which "The first months in her new home following made her always a pleasant companion. She was our furlough were hard on baby Marian," writes not the shallow type of person, incapable of shar- Mrs. Tylee. ing the sufferings of another, but, on the contrary, was deeply sympathetic." She was not well and the insect pests made her very uncomfortable. Satan had found a new weapon with The romance and pathos of the intimate expe- which he tried to drive the missionaries from his terririences narrated by Mrs. Tylee with a rare tory. They had suffered much themselves and were ready literary gift are best portrayed in the diary from to suffer more if need be, but to see their precious baby which she freely quotes. An entry of July 12th girl tortured was the severest test their faith could know. reads: "Without all staple foods." From that date But in this as in all other tests that had come to them, until the latter part of October they were depend- He proved Himself as the One "Who giveth more grace." ent upon their own efforts and God's special pro- But if she was to suffer for some of the conditions that vision for their needs. No day passed without could not be changed nor avoided, life for her was not their being able to obtain food for at least one without its compensations. She loved the wild life that meal. Not once did the little group of new native she saw everywhere about her-woods, flowers, birds and Brazilian converts waver and there was no spirit animals of all kinds. She was not timid and fear was of fault-finding. The men spent much of their time hunting and fishing and thus brought in food ARTHUR F. TYLEE AND JOAQUIN ANTUNES. A which was shared with the whole community. BRAZILIAN CONVERT Later oxen arrived and, for a time, supplied meat if nothing more. Several times Indians came to the station bringing grated mandioc from which a sort of bread or flat cake could be made. This, as the narrative states, "was not unpalatable if
A NNF. f:::F.F.f:::HOT.T7. F.vP('ntivp f:::p('rph~Tv
STUDENTS AND MISSIONARY INTEREST
unknown to her. She went for long walks in the woods As for God His way is perfect. The work in Juruena is with Mr. McDowell and Candido, and always came back His work; the missionaries His workers; is not His the with her hands and pockets full of flowers and bright right to say whether they should continue at their post berries she found along the path. She was very fond or be called to higher service? May the grassy mounds of animals and many were the pets the Indians brought beneath the Ajusta Conta trees at Maloquinha be our her, besides the dogs and chickens with which she played solemn pledge to God that we shall carry on the work daily. they so courageously began, until the last tribe of Indians hidden in the depths of Amazon's forests has heard the The work went forward and progress seemed to good news of peace and eternal life. be made in winning the friendship of the Indians. The missionaries ministered to the sick and un- The tragic scene of the eventful morning when dertook to teach them of God, whom they knew six of the mission group lost their lives, and the not as He is revealed through His Son Jesus savage Indians as suddenly departed into the Christ. Then one day an Indian was brought into wastes and jungles, is briefly depicted in words the station seriously ill. In spite of all their care- which the reader can never forget. When the ful nursing he died. The Indians seemed to take story is perused in the quiet of one's own solitude, this matter very much to heart and some showed then heroism and the sacrifice of martyrs for the their belief that the missionaries were respon- faith is luminous and convincing. sible. Is it any wonder that this absorbing narrative Three months after the death of the Indian was no sooner issued from the press last October some members of his tribe from a distance came than a new edition was required'? Dr. Kenneth to the station and without warning fell upon the Mackenzie, President of the Missionary Union, little band. They murdered Mr. Tylee, Miss Kratz writes in the introduction: and the baby and three Brazilian Indian friends. After seriously beating Mrs. Tylee and leaving The martyrdom of these missionaries gave to them her for dead, they departed. Upon regaining con- marked distinction. They were ready for sacrifice, if only sciousness, Mrs. Tylee had to grope half blinded, life laid down might be translated into the salvation of dragging herself to the telegraph station to spread the lost whom they saw and yearned over. So, as we the word of the calamity. Here she lay for days, recall the many hours of prayer and striving which have hovering between life and death. Finally she was engaged our thoughts and purpose as we have pleaded able to make her way to the coast and sail for for the myriads of souls in darkened and long-neglected home. Her faith and courage never failed. South America, we cheer our hearts with the assurance that the future of the Inland South America Missionary The closing paragraph of her narrative reads: Union will justify their sacrifice and our profound hope that just where they so bravely fell, there shall spring a glorious harvest of redeemed men and women.
Students and Missionary Interest ..:( By the REV. WILLIAM M. MILLER J!: ..
Meshed, Persia T AST autumn I had the privilege of visiting most of the state schools I was not surprised to L nearly forty colleges of various types in dif- learn that there were almost no students prepar- ing for the Christian ministry or for missionary ferent p.arts of the United States in the in- work. But what profoundly troubled me was the terests of the Student Volunteer Movement. These discovery that in many of the church colleges also included large state universities and large de- there is no missionary spirit. In several flourish- ing denominational colleges I was not able to find nominational colleges, medical schools and theo- one student who expected to be a missionary in a logical seminaries. I spoke in classrooms, in foreign land. Several theological seminaries were chapel services, in college churches, to special almost as barren as the colleges. Some of these groups and with individuals. While my stay in educational institutions have had a great missionmost colleges was too brief to give me an oppor- ary past and have sent many of their sons and tunity to understand thoroughly the religious sit- daughters to the foreign field. uation among students, yet I was able to learn certain facts which I have been asked to share What has happened to cause the streams of miswith the readers of the REVIEW. sionary interest to dry up '?
The thing which impressed me most deeply was There are exceptions. I was occasionally rethe lack of missionary interest among students. In
freshed to find groups of devoted and eager young paucity of missionary candidates today is due in volunteers. In one college seventeen students are large measure to the failure of parents and pas- intending to become missionaries, and forty or tors of ten years ago to put this passion into the fifty others attended the Student Volunteer meet- hearts of their children.
ings. This is a college where chapel and church The third and most fundamental cause of all is attendance are required, and where every student the lack of vital Christianity in our colleges and is obliged to work a number of hours each week in our churches. Interest in world affairs is not to help pay for his education. If a healthy mis- enough. The appeal for world brotherhood or sionary spirit is possible in some schools to- world service will not prove a strong enough mo- day, why is it not possible in every Christian tive to send many students to the ends of the school? earth. There must be a sense of the constraining A few students appear to be hostile to the whole love of Christ, the passion to save the lost, and idea of foreign missions. They have been told that joyous obedience to the Great Commission.
all religions are equally good, and that Christians Too often we have depended on human devices, have no right to "force" others to accept their be- and cheap ones at that, to stir up missionary in- liefs, so they are opposed to missions. But there terest. We have trusted in pictures and plays and are few of this sort. The great majority of stu- popular appeals. Prayer and the spirit of sacri- dents are not opposed to foreign missions but they fice are needed to touch the heart and move the are absolutely unconcerned about the whole busi- will. An intimate knowledge of Christ and deep ness. They listened attentively to descriptions of devotion to Him is the motive which will lead social and economic and political conditions in young people to go to distant lands to tell men of Asia, but the thought of spending their lives there Christ. Therefore, if we wish to get more and as Christian missionaries seemed as remote and better missionaries, the only way is to pray and impossible to most of them as that of visiting the labor for a revival of faith and love in our home moon. churches. The decline in gifts to missions and in What are the causes of this decline in mission- the number of volunteers for missions is an indi- ary interest among students? Three things seem cation of a serious decline in the spiritual power to be in large measure responsible for the present of our American Christianity. When the fires of situation. real devotion to Christ begin to burn at whfte heat First, there is the failure of pastors and college again in our churches, missionaries with flaming preachers and professors to press upon the young hearts will go out in increasing numbers to other people who come under their influence the needs lands, kindling new fires everywhere they go.
of other lands and the obligation that rests on us In a recent letter to me Bishop Linton of Persia all to help meet those needs. One college pastor states his conviction that the ordinary type confessed that he never preached a missionary of missionary deputation work in England has sermon, except when the time came around for yielded very poor results of late because of the the missionary collection. A professor said that lack of spiritual foundation on which to build. He he did not feel he could ask his students to con- plans on his next furlough to stay in each place sider missionary work when his board was recall- he visits a week or ten days. The first three- ing missionaries from the field. Unless young fourths of the visit will be used to preach Christ people are challenged to overcome the difficulties, and to urge people to accept Him as their personal whatever they be, and press forward with the Saviour and Lord. Then in the ·closing days he message of Christ into every part of the world, will present to those who have been really con- very few will offer for foreign service. If the call verted the claims of missionary service.
for volunteers is sounded clearly and persistently Such a plan, followed in missionary promotion by men of conviction and passion, I believe there work, would bring us into touch with fewer might be a great response on the part of students churches and colleges, but we would touch them to the missionary appeal. more deeply and probably accomplish much more The second cause is the failure of parents to in the end.
dedicate their little children to the cause of Christ Students and young people today are more ready and to give them in childhood an interest in the to listen to a simple, sincere and courageous Gos- people of other lands. It is a well-known fact that pel message than they have been for years. Let most of those who go as missionar.ies first became us challenge them now to full obedience to Christ interested long before they went to college. Un- and to service in His Kingdom, not only at home, less students already have such an interest on but also abroad. We need to attempt greater which one can build, a missionary speaker will not things for God and expect greater things from be able to make much impression on them. The God.
to Face "With Human Wrecks*
..:{ By the Rev. WALTER AMOS MORGAN l!= ..
Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Chicago, Illinois T HE bum is a human problem. What shall I to preach to a drunken bum? Is my Gospel we do with him? To ignore him is im- for the welI-to-do and the social elite, matured possible. To kill him is illegal, even if through sixteen years of experience in pulpits there are times when it seems as though society where a bum is only a passing phenomenon, suffi- would be better off if he were out of the way. To cient for such a need? Is my modern interpreta- reform society so the bum will be impossible and tion of Christ gripping enough to reclaim a soul a fact of social history is a far-reaching necessity. that knows the fires of helI?"
To reform the individual as he presents himself When I arrived, the meeting was in full swing.
in his rags and full of bootleg McQueen, the superintendent liquor is a present obligation. of the mission, was behind the upon the Christian forces in so- If you were called upon to battered pulpit. "Sing to the ciety. Often this obligation speak before a crowd of home- Glory of Christ, men," he presents itself with all its less, hungry bums, what would calIed out, just as I entered.
tragic and pressing immediacy. you say? Such a question con- And how those men sang! I Not long ago I faced a mis- fronted Walter Morgan at the am minister of the church that sion room full of down-and- Chicago United Mission, which rejoices in having the largest outs and found that the experi- is maintained jointly by the choir in Chicago, and they sing ence was like unto a conversion Congregational Union and the the masterpieces of sacred to my own soul. Where Hal- Presbytery of Chicago. His music with beauty and ardor.
sted Street crosses Madison, on solution of this soul-searching But there was a difference.
the near west side of Chicago, problem reveals the real mes- These men sang the old hymns is the haunt of homeless men. sage of Christ. of the blood and the Lamb with Sprinkled among them are a fervor that was contagious.
many of the former crooks who Soon I was led to the plat- have lost their standing with the gangs or their form. McQueen greeted me briefly and with former initiative for singlehanded thuggery. warmth. His great palm grasped my hand and Some have been upon the line between life and 1 felt the thrill of strength and the warmth of a starvation ever since they can remember. Others devoted heart. "We shall be ready for you in have known better days and have sought this about an hour. Sit here," was all he said. He jungle of reeking woe to hide themselves and to had more urgent business than that of spending mingle with others of their kind. time with me. "Sing, men; sing When tke An Oasis in a Moral Desert trumpet of the Lord shall sound." They sang, and I heard the trumpet, sounding the call to The Christian missions in this area are oases something unsung in my own soul.
in a moral desert. Here consecrated men and McQueen kept the meeting in his own hands, women seek, with the aid of Christ, to perform never for a moment permitting the men to forget the ancient miracle in mending broken lives and that they were to receive a blessing in newness making the crooked straight. To preach in such of life. If they only were willing, Christ was a mission is an experience that sears into the able to save. The testimonies were voices out of very soul and probes the depths of life. the deeps. A few were formal, cold and pro- When the invitation came to me to preach upon fessional. But most of them were exclamations a certain evening in the Chicago United Mission, of joy out of former despair. Something had 1 accepted it with joy, mingled with the sense of happened to the men who testified, and they knew humiliation that 1 had not sought the opportunity it. "I thank God that Christ saved me and that long before. During the days preceding this he keeps me" was the oft-repeated refrain of their particular evening, 1 asked myself, "What have new song. I faced these men, sitting in an old • Condensed from The Congregatio'YWlist. chair, unobserved and forgotten by everybody.
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In the first place, I was terrified. My heart- in other lives. Selfishness in the breast of the beat was greatly accelerated and my courage was well-to-do frequently drives the wanderer back as greatly diminished. The sermon I had pre- again to his old companions. Society has a price pared seemed to be so inadequate and out of touch to pay for its lack of regard for the undernour- with the occasion. I gave it up and tried to recall ished and the poorly born. I sensed my guilt of another. For a few minutes my mind was in a neglect. My voice had been silent and my brain wild and panicky confusion. Sermons I could had been idle concerning this tide of human woe.
recall by the score, but not one came back with Could its source be found and the evil thing the joy of exclamation, "I am just what you need; changed at the beginning? Surely Jesus had take me." Soon I gave up in despair and said something to say concerning this problem that so to myself, "When the time comes, do your best. tragically affected so many of His brothers.
Perhaps the Lord will take pity and help you As I looked again at my dethroned king, and out." saw deep beneath the scraggly beard and pene- trated below the surface of his soul, I thought I Fallen Brother Men beheld the lineaments of the Son of Man. Here Then my heart went out to those men with a was my sermon. I would speak to the Christ great compassion. One was a young chap, who within that man. If my message could carry to sang as though he had gone to prayer meeting as where He was buried deep I knew that he would a boy with his mother, even ,as I had gone with respond, and life, like the dawning of a clear mine. Another was an old man with a face like morning after a stormy night, would come to the the sphinx. A third reminded me of a ne'er-do- king dethroned with new hope.
well I had known in Vermont. I glued my eyes The Tests of an Adequate Message upon the face of one whose head was as massive and as well shaped as the head of the old professor But was my modern Gospel adequate to the who patiently tried to teach me Hebrew. This need? I long had thought in social ways and, man had fallen from great heights. He might preached in modern terms. My liberalism had have been a king who through folly had been com- been almost a passion. True, I had prayed that I pelled to abdicate his throne and whose posses- might be spared the barrenness of a purely intel- sions had been confiscated, until he was forced to lectual appeal. In my own soul there was the joy beg his bread in a far and alien land. My heart of a divine fellowship and the warmth of personal went out to him. He had been the joy of some experience. But I had not developed the technique fond mother's heart. Some father had held him of making my own experiences live in the souls of in his arms with pride. Was he sitting on the men who knew nothing of the modern world with sacred hill of memory as he sang and as he looked its modern science and its new psychology. The up at McQueen? In him I saw the epitome of terms they used in their testimonies were not part broken humanity as it passed to and fro before of my working vocabulary, and my new interpre- the street door. In him I saw myself, had cir- tation of their age-old and vital experience and cumstances but shaped themselves in other ways. need was meaningless to them. My expressions to For one moment, at least, I caught a vision of win men to the old joy of salvation were colorless what Christ meant when He told His disciples that and impotent for the needs of the twenty-five all men were earthly children of a common Father. minutes that soon were to be mine to do my ut- My third emotion was that of rebellion. Were most for these my broken brothers.
these men the result of our civilization? Had they I was brought back to present and pressing been cast up from the wreck in order that others realities by McQueen announcing a hymn and say- might sail safely on? Were they human material, ing, "After we sing this hymn Dr. Morgan of the wasted and cast aw,ay, in order that our boasted New First Church will preach to us. Pray for progress might progress still further upon its re- him, men." The introduction stabbed me into a lentless way? Who was I that I might enjoy a full realization of my own insignificance and the beautiful home in the suburbs, with dollars in the supreme greatness of the task before me. Again bank and a place in society, while these men were I sought out the face of my new-found brother.
homeless, dollarless and with no place to lay their His eyes seemed to search mine, and behind them heads except what charity provided? Surely some- I read a sad and tragic story and found a small thing was wrong. I saw it tragically portrayed in but growing hope. Just before I arose to speak I human life before me and my heart rebelled. prayed: "Oh, God, help me to bring Thy Son to Where were the men, or women, who were to birth in this my new-found brother."
blame for many of these wrecks? The seed of What had I to offer in that high moment?
wickedness in the human heart often germinates Surely not my theology. That were a thing dead
F ACE TO FACE WITH HUMAN WRECKS
and helpless. They cared nothing about the Syn- Christ, living and struggling to live more fully in optic problem or the symbolism of the Apocalypse. all human souls. I saw Him stand again by Galilee What they needed, like their fathers before them, where Andrew heard Him call, and I saw Him look back to the dawn of man's first mistake in life's at me through the eyes of the bums who filled moral way, was help for the journey. This was to that barren mission room. be found, first of all, in the old and ever new fact of love. And for that hour, at least, love them I My cup of joy overflowed when I saw the former did. The Christ in them called to the Christ in me king kneeling in submission to another will at the and the response was a compassion I never had rail before the battered pulpit, and McQueen had known before. The dethroned king became a wan- his arm around him, talking with him as one dering brother of a common household and the brother talketh with another about the things Elder Brother had sent me to bring him home that are of supreme importance. again. So I rode back to my home in the lovely suburb, Then came the joy of a great discovery. My with the rain falling in torrents and the lightning Gospel was a living thing, not only for the well flashing in the streets. In my own heart there fed, but for these men who seldom knew the joy also was a mightier storm. Can our Gospel create of a full meal. Beneath my faith there was a a society that does not attain success at such a radiant center of life. Its passion was the love for frightful cost? How can Christ be brought to birth in our modern world?
How Ginling College Was Saved By the Rev. Clifford M. Drury, Moscow, Idaho Looting and destruction was the fate of many foreign buildings in Nanking when the Southern army drove out the Northerners in 1927. Ginling, the Christian college, escaped as by a miracle, and the members of the faculty were spared the dreadful experiences which fell to the lot of many of their fellow missionaries. The reason for this immunity may be traced to the good influence of a Bible class.
Thirteen years before, in 1914, Ray C. Roberts, a Y. M. C. A. secretary, began his work in Hunan Province, and following one of the Eddy evangelistic campaigns, a Bible class was started in Changsha. Among those enrolled was a Hunanese boy, Wu Ching Sing, who became a Christian and, two years later, was elected president of the Bible class. The young Chinese brought his sister to the missionaries, who placed her in one of the mission high schools. As a result she also accepted Christ.
When the Nationalist movement offered great promises of relief from many of China's ills, Wu went to Canton to cast in his lot with the Southerners. Miss Wu (Shou Ching) after her graduation from the high school entered Ginling College at Nanking and was a student there when the Southern army captured the city.
It is now well known that the soldiers, under Russian Communist influence, had received orders to loot, destroy and kill. After they had looted and burned many of the foreign houses a number of them appeared before the gates of Ginling College.
Since the soldiers were Hunanese, it was natural that Miss Wu should be sent to intercede for the College, since she could speak to the soldiers in their own dialect. While the soldiers were being served tea and cakes, Miss Wu was making frantic efforts to get into touch with her brother, an officer in the army which had just occupied the city. After a time he appeared and gave orders to the soldiers not to enter the compound. Instead of destroying the school, they were ordered to protect it.
Thus the foreigners and students and the buildings, worth at least a million dollars, were saved the fate which visited other parts of the foreign community. The College reopened a short time after the disturbance and continued its good work, the only mission school in Nanking able to do this for some months. The Changsha Bible class had borne fruit.
Friendship Books for
By HAZEL v. ORTON, New York ):- Secretary of Elementary Work, Missionary Education Movement N OT long ago a writer in a well-known simplicity and good taste which is characteristic magazine on race relationships made this of beautiful books. A high price is not always a statement: guar.antee of quality.
"When I was a baby my father had read me the There are a few mechanical points by which an story of Little Black Sambo, and I had concluded unskilled person can be guided in making wise that all black boys were silly and pathetically choices. Size of type, number and kind of illus- ugly." trations, relationship of illustrations to type page, How many well-meaning teachers and adults, binding, and the value of the book in developing because they were not sufficiently informed or the child's appreciation for the artistic and beau- have thought it unimportant, have exposed chil- tiful should be considered.
dren to harmful.attitudes toward children of other Perhaps the most essential point in the evalua- races through an unwise selection of a book. Much tion of the content of a book is judging whether care must be taken in the selection of books for it is within the range of ability and experience of children, especially when one is concerned with the child for whom it is chosen. Are the incidents the presentation of the Christian viewpoint of life. and the vocabulary within the understanding of Few local booksellers are competent guides to the child? From the standpoint of the world the selection of children's books. A short time friendship values to be gained, one must be care- ago, browsing in the children's book department ful that the content is free from ideas and sug- of a large store, I overheard a conversation be- gestions which may lead to undesirable attitudes.
tween a salesgirl and a physician interested in The following tests might be applied: children's books from the standpoint of health. 1. Are the facts about other racial and national groups The salesgirl was unable to grasp the situation true, or are they generalizations from which false deducand prattled much on the attractiveness and "cuteness" of a certain child's book printed in tions may be made? . small type and illustrated in lurid green. Half under his breath the physician remarked: "What 2. Are there statements or illustrations which hold any racial or national group up to ridicule, or portray them as stupid and incompetent?
3. Are there statements that ridicule and minimize the books! No wonder we doctors are always treating importance of great world issues, such as disarmament children for eye difficulties." and world peace, economic justice, racial equality, prohi- bition, etc. ? Almost any person with a degree of intelligence and knowledge of children can learn to discrimi- 4. Is the book sentimental and lacking in reality, or are the needs and accomplishments of other racial and na- nate between desirable and undesirable books. Two tional groups so presented that the reader will come to major questions should be kept in mind. understand and respect them, rather than develop pity and superiority? First, is it attractive and suitable in its mechanical make-up for the child? 5. Are there statements that foster bigoted intolerance, either racial, national or creedal? Second, is the content of the book inherently 6. Are there statements involving criminal offense by Christian? Are Christian attitudes, sympathies reason of which children might generalize and come to and conduct fundamental to the book, and are identify a certain racial or national group with smuggling, they treated as a natural and normal expression banditry, or lawlessness, for example? of life? 7. Is the book inherently Christian? This does not neces- Books which appeal to children must be at- sarily mean that it should talk about religion, but that it tractive to the eye as well as to the mind. Con- should picture a type of thought and conduct which is tent does not stand alone, for the way it is housed Christian.
8. Is the book well written from a literary standpoint?
between the covers is also quite fundamental. It is encouraging to know that there are on the Books by means of which we hope our· children market many children's books relating to world will develop Christian conduct must compare fa- friendship which fulfil these qualifications. Chil- vorably with the other books which they read and dren enjoy them and they are contributing factors love. Some of the less expensive books combine in the development of Christian conduct.
[166J Books for Children The Nursery Series. FriendShip Press. Uncle Sam's Family. By Dorothy F. 50 cents per volume. A series of McConnell. Council of Women for FIRST THROUGH THIRD GRADE missionary books similar in style to Home Missions, and Missionary Ed- the Peter Rabbit books; an endeavor ucation Movement. $1. Real live The Farmer in the Dell. By Berta to lay the foundation of that sym- boys and girls make up Uncle Sam's and Elmer Hader. Macmillan. $2.50. pathy which is the forerunner of a family. The stories in this volume An excellent picture book with brief true spirit of Christian world broth- are delightful, and grown people description of farm life and activi- erhood. Their titles are: Ah Fu: A seem to like them as well as chil- ties in northeastern United States. Chinese River Boy; Kembo: A Little dren. Girl of Africa; The Three Camels: The Singing Farmer. By James S. A Story of India; Esa: A Little Boy Under Many Flags. By Katharine Tippet. World Book Co. 68 cents. of Nazareth; Mitsu: A Little Girl Scherer Cronk and Elsie Singmas- A book of poetry about farm life for of Japan; and Babo: A South Seas ter. Missionary Education Move- boys and girls. Boy. ment. 65 cents. The many-sided enterprise of foreign missions will I Live in a City. By James S. Tippet. FROM FOURTH THROUGH SIXTH GRADE be made very real to boys and girls Harper. 75 cents. A book of poems through the stories of these men which helps city boys and girls to My Indian Boyhood. By Chief Stand- and women who serve one great understand better those who help to ing Bear. Houghton Mifflin. $1.75. purpose by doing well their widely make city life comfortable. This story written by a Sioux chief, different tasks. carries this dedication which is self- The Wishing Owl. By Idella Purnen. explanatory: "I write this book with Stories of Brotherhood. Missionary Macmillan. $2.25. A Mayan story the hope that the hearts of the white Education Movement. 75 cents. book. A collection of some of the boys and girls who read these pages The Adventures of Mr. Friend. children's favorite stories as they will be made kinder toward little Friendship Press. $1. Two books have been told for generations in Indian boys and girls." by Harold B. Hunting for older Yucatan. juniors. Each is a series of good North America. By Lucy Sprague stories of men and women whose Little Kin Chan. By Berthae Con- Mitchell. Macmillan. $3.50. A new lives have been spent in service to verse. Friendship Press. $1. The kind of geography which will live others. In the first book they work delightful story of a Japanese child, for boys and girls. In the words in both home and foreign lands, and Kin Chan, and her dog, "The Crab.' of the author the purpose of the in the second book in country com- They have many adventures and book is: "Trying to get children munities throughout America. much fun, in the course of which the to observe and to think in terms of missionary lady plays a prominent geographic relationships." Periodicals part. Cease Firing. By Winifred Hulbert. The number of denomination- The World in a Barn. By Gertrude Macmillan. $1.50. A very excellent al magazines and story papers Chandler Warner. Friendship Press. book for boys and girls dealing with published in America is legion. $1.25. A group of nine friendly chil- the subject of peace in an interest- Because there are so many, it dren, some of them American and ing and stimulating fashion. has seemed wise not to list them, some from other countries, also a but to make a few suggestions highly inventive uncle who has trav- Waterless Mountain. By Laura Adams in the light of which such publi- eled everywhere and knows how to Armer. Longmans, Green. $3. A cations may be evaluated. start things, make this book a real most charming story of the experi- adventure in world friendship. ences of a Navajo Indian boy. Beau- 1. Is the primary aim of this tifully written and illustrated. This periodical to educate children in The World on a Farm. By Gertrude book will do much to deepen the Christian world friendship or to Chandler Warner. Friendship Press. appreciation of the cultural values raise money? $1. A runaway pig and a swimming of Navajo life. race, ~ogether with delightful ex- 2. Is the material selected and periences in world friendship, com- Jumping Beans. (Story book edition.) written within the range of in- plete the adventures of the Friendly By Robert N. McLean. Friendship terest of the age group for which Farmers at Pleasant Valley Farm. Press. $1. This Mexican family it is intended? moved about so much that they said Children of the Chief. By Mary En- they were just like jumping beans. 3. Does it have literary value? twistle. Friendship Press. Paper, Could the stories and articles 40 cents. A book of delightful Porto Rican Neighbors. By Charles stand on their own merit7 stories about a family of African W. St. John. Friendship Press. $1. children. A collection of stories about the 4. How does it compare with children of Porto Rico. the other magazines which the Chinese Children of Woodcutters' child is reading? Lane. By Priscilla Holton. Friend- Open Windows. By Mary Entwistle. ship Press. The adventures of two Central Committee on the United 5. Is it a periodical for which Chinese children. Study of Foreign Missions. 75 cents. the children have respect? If you would like to know about Windows into Alaska. (Children's farm children in India, China, It is with real regret that one edition.) By Gertrude Chandler Africa, and many other places, just is compelled to say that there is Warner. Friendship Press. 75 cents. read these stories. now no splendid interdenomina- The story of Bobby and Virginia tional magazine in the United whose father is a missionary teacher Habeeb. By Mary Entwistle. An Eng- States for boys and girls on in Alaska. lish publication available through world friendship. Friendship Press. 80 cents. This Friends of Ours. By Elizabeth Col- is the story of a boy of Palestine. son. Friendship Press. $1. A charm- ing book for primary children, show- ing their dependence on the people of home and foreign lands.
Play In Latin
I. A Regular Heretic and the follow and learned their plans man, had caught the colporteurs Church Bell for the following day. It was with guile, and discovered their The missionary had arrived at good to see the interest such a plans. He wanted to merit the Santa Ana and invited people to man took in Bible work. praise of the priest the next time the evening service. At night Next morning, the well they drank wine together so he he was preaching to a crowd, dressed general mounted a had warned the people of some of whom were inside the spirited horse, and galloped Cumani not to buy Bibles. But big dark room, but most of away. About mid-day the two as Cumani is a liberal town, and whom were on the street. The colporteurs arrived at the town they had heard the priest concurious, the antagonistic, the in- of Cumani, hours later than the demn the Bible, he only stimuterested, all were there, but general, and were astonished to lated their curiosity, and they nearly all were men. The find a great demand for the resolved to buy. women, such of them as would Scriptures wherever they went. San Luis was different. It listen, would hear later what Sales were rapid. was fanatical, ,ignorant, priesthad been said, and might ask Next day they pushed on to dominated, and there the gallopthe Virgin to protect them after San Luis, hoping for a good re- ing horseman found everyone having heard such forbidden ception there also. What was ready to defend the Holy Virgin their surprise to find that they and Mother Church against the things. Suddenly, the big Roman Ca- were rejected at several little Biblemen. tholic church bell began to ring. inns. The priest had given Towns so different in spirit It kept on ringing, and meant strict orders that no one should exist side by side in Colombia to keep on until the voice of the give lodging to the heretics with because a state of constant feud the corrupt Lutheran Bibles. It exists between liberals and conheretic should be drowned. The preacher shouted, and was cold and wet and late in the servatives. Liberals cannot sell exhorted until he was hoarse. afternoon, and no door would goods easily in fanatical towns, The people crowded closer to open to them. Finally, a woman and conservatives are not happy catch part of what he was say- received them but hardly had in a liberal town, so each graviing. Suddenly the bell ceased they started to unpack, when tates, mainly for economical and and there was a great calm. two policemen came to the door. social reasons, to a town where People marvelled. The preacher The priest had sent orders to life is most agreeable. Both rejoiced and went on to finish the woman to refuse hospitality towns are Catholic, but one is to the Protestants, and she must tolerant and the other is persehis sermon in peace. Everyone understood why the comply. They started to pack cuting. In the first, the priest priest had ordered the bell to be up again, while the rain poured has to walk warily, or he may rung, but no one understood why down on the red-tile roofs. Sud- find himself a persona non it had so suddenly stopped. Next denly the woman came to their grata, in the second, he wields a day it was learned that a youth room and said, "You can stay. rod of iron. Both towns need of about sixteen, indignant at After all, the priest has never the Gospel. the treatment meted out to a done anything for me. I owe -Alexander M. Allan, stranger, had climbed into the him nothing. My house is my belfry, cut the rope, and shut own. He may rule on the street, Bogota, Colombia.
down the wooden trap door. In but here I am boss." Hardly was vain the bell ringer climbed up the big door shut and barred, and demanded that he open that than the policemen came to en- Missions Must Not Halt!
trap door; the little heretic quire why the two heretics had Whatever confusion may exist conwas adamant; he sat on it to not left. The woman replied: "I cerning the theory and method of mis- dare you to come in. This house sions, there must be no halting of mismake quite sure and the bell is private property. You have sionary 'effort. ringer below was powerless. no authority here." Christian missions are organized ef- Thus the Gospel message was The police went away, and the forts, motivated by good-will and di- rected by the best available judgment, heard in Santa Ana. colporteurs were left in peace. They were, however, unable to to give to all mankind the highest II. The Galloping Horseman good-God's revelations of the Way of and the Heretic8 sell Bibles in that town, and so Life through Christ. Release all the they slipped away at half-past guidance of trained intelligence. Re- Abel and Manuel were selling Bibles in the saddle-making four in the morning, trudging lease all the rapture of unselfish love. Release all possible effort to promote town of Choconta, on the high through the cold mud away on human welfare for time and eternity. road north of Bogota. A well Release increasing resources of spirdressed man affably enquired in the misty mountain road. itually competent manhood and womabout the route they intended to The explanation? The gallop- anhood for this work.
ing horseman, a bigoted church -Selected.
[168]
Ways of
'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~ THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR have pointed them to the way of midst of perplexing cam pus AT WORK intelligent Christian leadership problems.
By CLAIRE GOODSILL CHANDLER following college, through the The counselor in the home church tries to cultivate the feel- District Counselor for the Central simple medium of friendship, ing among its departing student District of Michigan, Illinois graciously bestowed and shared. members that they will repre- and Missouri Two years ago college coun- Every religious denomination selor work received a tremen- sent the home church in their feels responsible for the Chris- dous impetus by the authoriza- college environment. Many a tian nurture of its own young tion, on the part of the two counselor, when students return people and the large denomina- Women's Boards, of counselors from vacation periods, sees to it tions give especial attention to for every local church, whether that opportunity is given for the spiritual needs of their stu- or not that church was in a col- them to report what they have dent groups. Trained student lege community. This expansion done as church emissaries. pastors or secretaries direct ac- led at once to a new and broader tivities for students in the local conception of college counselor It is the custom of counselors church or follow boys and girls work. to arrange for some church recto the college campus to throw ognition of returning students. about them the protective arm A study of some of the meth- An evening in a church home, a of the Church. This service, ods now employed by counselors banquet at the church, the entergiven by specialists in the stu- will perhaps best indicate the tainment of individual students dent field, is usually of a high value of the expanded plan. in homes – any such interest order. It is especially evident at Methods mentioned have all been manifested in friendly spirit state universities and in educa- proved to be practical and many brings rewards out of all protional centers where the student are in common use by the ma- portion to the effort involved. body is large. jority of counselors. Some counselors bring together A Volunteer Worker In a Community Without a college and high school young College people of the church during the Christmas or spring vacation, so A few years ago the leaders of The counselor working in a that the younger group may the Woman's American Baptist community wit h 0 uta college judge of the value of higher ed- Home and Foreign Mission Soci- seeks to keep in friendly touch ucation, the choice of a school, eties instituted a plan for work with college students connected and such matters, from college among Baptist students, to be with the church. To this end she folk themselves. maintained by volunteer effort will know intimately the promisand to be carried out by college ing young people of the church In a College Community counselors in 10 c a I Baptist churches in college communities. and their educational plans. The counselor in a college com- The statement of purpose of the When they leave for college she munity also has for her first goal project reads: will inform counselors in their to keep in friendly touch with college churches of their new ad- college students connected with . The work of the College Counselor dresses. She will write and send the church. She receives letters IS to preserve and develop the link them church bulletins, if the from counselors in other places between the denomination and the stu- church itself does not make this telling her of incoming students.
dent, not only for the sake of se- a practice. She will see that the She secures also a list from the curing recruits for the mission fields church recognizes in some ap- college or university of students propriate way the departure of giving her particular church as or other forms of Christian service, students in the fall. One church their preference. but for the sake of developing an intelligent, able constituency filled with missionary consecration. holds a student prayer meeting She sees that early contact is In accordance with this ideal, before its young people leave. made with students. She makes counselors in large and small Another holds a special commu-· calls herself and has girls and college centers in various states nion service, the memory of men, preferably students themhave helped students to keep which often helps the student to selves from the local church, call their interest in the church and keep his spiritual poise in the upon new students and extend [169]
invitations to church activities. counselor asks each student to counselor. She keeps in touch Many churches h a v e student fill out an information sheet. memberships which students are with graduate students, she tells encouraged to take. Members of "What Is Your Hobby?" pastors in places to which grad- uates move, of their talents and the church may act as special Check things in the following list experience, and thus endeavors guardians of the religious inter- which you can do. (Sing; Tell Sto- to relate them quickly to their est of certain students for the ries; Teach; Make Posters; etc.) new churches and communities. entire year. They invite the stu- If you were to serve on a committee This service is especially valu- which of the following would you dent of their church adoption to prefer? able when removals are made to their homes, to share their pews These and other questions give large cities, where it is easy· for during church services, and in- a key to the interest and ability newcomers to lose their church troduce them to group activities of the student group. interest. such as the choir, Sunday School The counselor is provided with The Church of the future needs classes and the young people's useful missionary and Christian a generation of young people organizations. leadership information and in- eager to give to the work of the Usually the church as a whole spiration. From time to time she Kingdom of God their trained welcomes the students in some places this material in the hands and consecrated service. The social way. Many churches have of those who are choosing their mission work of the future will student committees, headed by life work. Most of all, in friend- be in their hands. College counthe counselor, and this group ly conversation, perhaps before selors represent one of many plans the fall welcome to the her own fireside, she is able to agencies whose effort is directed coIIege young people. In many say the guiding word which towards helping to develop that places a reception is the order of proves to be a lamp to the future promise of beauty and spiritual the day. Some churches arrange pathway of her young friend. force which lies latent in all for banquets, with members of The High School Group young persons so that it will find the church acting as individual splendid fruition in lives of servhosts and hostesses to their young guests. Sometimes affairs As a second objective, all coun- ice for Christ. of entirely informal character are desired and hikes, bacon bats selors encourage promising high ORIENTAL STUDENTS ON or visits to some country or sum- school students to go to college MODERN MISSIONS mer home are enjoyed. or to get further training along As the year progresses the lines of their special interest, not [Pastors, Sunday School teachers counselor comes to know her and mission study leaders may well students and her home becomes only for the sake of their own the mecca of girls and boys enrichment, but also as a natural ponder carefully these frank admoniwho are lonely, discouraged or . tions as indicating the method of aptroubled. She shows her interest part of their religious develop- proach necessary for a successful minand friendliness in many simple, gracious ways. One counselor ment and training for Christian istry among present day Orientals. In service and leadership. fact, does the matter not go deeper than mere methods into the realm of Counselors arrange for church recognition of the high school spiritual attitudes which represent most truly the mind of the Master in graduates through church Bac- his dealings with man?] calaureate Sundays, congratula- Thirty Chinese students at the takes to the dormitory a birth- tory notes to graduates, and the University of Pennsylvania were day cake whenever anyone of like. They also encourage church recently invited to dine with an her girls is celebrating her natal day. Flowers from her garden and individual scholarship funds outgoing missionary under ap- for ambitious high school stu- pointment as a nurse in their are shared with the girls. "I never knew how much I loved dents without means. It is im- native land. After a simple meal portant for the church to be vi- the gathering was turned into apple blossoms until Mrs. – – brought some to my room this tally interested in the educa- an informal round table of ad- tional equipment of its youth, vice. The twenty-two students spring," said one girl who was far from the orchard fragrance and for the young people to feel present were asked to prepare of her father's farm. the missionary for what she was the warmth of the church's in- soon to meet in China, as well as terest in practical ways as they One counselor, through the seek to train themselves for a to give her any advice or admostudent church s c h 0 0 I class fine type of leadership. which she teaches, arranges each . nitions they deemed desirable. year for a Home-coming Sunday The Graduate Group They were a mixture of Bud- dhists, Mohammedans, Chrisfor parents. The students vie As the counselor's encourage- tians and open-minded inquirers with each other in bringing their ment and help reaches down to of no declared faith. For more parents from afar to spend a the prospective college student, than two hours they held the day of happy fellowship with so she reaches forward to the floor and their admonitions were them as guests of the church. college graduate. To conserve his a symposium of practical sug- In seeking to find a place of or her interest and ability for gestions both for foreign workusefulness and activity for her the church's needs and opportu- ers and for their backers at students in the local church, one nities is the privilege of the home.
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
Do not become high-hat, giving our rested on a paper ocean stretch- together. All efforts down to date people the feeling that you are supe- have, however, proved insufficient. ing down the expanse of white Every reform is born in an atmosrior to them and that your country cloth. Blue crepe paper was phere previously created, but the is greater than their country. stretched and then crumpled to Church of Jesus Christ is far behind Have an abundance of patience, for there will be many things to irritate. represent waves whose crests the leadership of her Master in shap- Do not go to our country feeling ing the atmosphere for a warless that just because you come from a were white-capped with touches world. Mental disarmament must abforeign country you can boss us of white paint or moistened raw solutely precede disarmament of any around. other sort. The creation of such an starch. An expansive mirror, The trouble with so many mission- laid flat and bordered with twigs attitude of mind among nations of aries in our country has been that the earth is peculiarly the task of they are not as well prepared as the for trees, is effective to repre- the Church, and of America in par- ticular. Chinese whom they try to win to their sent water. religion. A hostess in appropriate na- The central ship was named "America," as the flagship of the Rid yourself of all racial feeling; tional costume sat at one end of World Peace Fleet about to be for the Chinese folks to whom you each table and a toast speaker assembled to render obsolete the or singer at the other. Impro- war fleets of the earth. But minister will soon sense any feeling vised foreign costumes were welof racial superiority. comed, if guests could procure America must have cooperation. A spokesman from the Chinese Adapt yourself as soon as possible table was called upon to present her auxiliary cruiser "Friendto the absence of all United States conveniences, such as a bath tub in them. At each plate stood a tiny ship" and to give a ten-minute every home, running hot water in Christmas candle, imbedded in a 'talk on cultivation of friendly, large gum drop for stability; red confidence-filled, trustful relaabundance, etc., and do not constantly candles were used at the Jap- tions with all other nations of remind us that you are missing these c.onveniences.
Do not be overcome by discourage- anese . table to harmonize with earth. Acceptance of cruiser fol- the tiny Japanese flag on the lowed. ments. You will meet many more ship, and an alternation of red, than we have met as students in your white and blue candles stood on The spokesman for India (a country. young college man on whom a share of the fighting would fall Missionaries must show the real in the event of another war) was called upon to present his cruisspirit of America to China to offset the United States table. er, "Partnership," to represent the disillusionment of our people be- our cordial, cooperative relations No.1, the key-table, was American. with other nationalities, who are cause of the way foreign countries our equals in endowments if not Columbia, resplendent in white robe, always in opportunity. have treated us in the past. bunting cape with red and blue straps, Medical service makes friends much a gilt-star necklace and a coronet, act- Japan next presented her toast ing as hostess, the toastmistress serv- in the form of a solo, "My Task," more quickly because it is an easier ing as her vis-a-vis. From the mast as expressive of "Kinship." way to demonstrate friendship. of the central ship long lines of tiny U. S. flags extended to the ends of From the Philippine Island When you sail up the river to the table. Towed behind this "good world came the toast on "States- Shanghai, you will see the gunboats ship, America," was a captive war vessel whose flag of combat had been of so many nations anchored in the river. Ask yourself the question that replaced by the Christian flag. educated Chinese are always asking- Table No.2, representing China, "Why? Why? Why?" was centered by a Chinese junk made Learn to play with us, for it is the easiest way in every country to be- by the son of a returned missionary. come acquainted. No. 3 represented India. No.4, Japan. We ought to do away with the term No.5, the Philippine Islands. "missionary" which has come to have No.6, the Cosmopolitan aggregaan unpleasant significance. I do not know what to offer, but it ought to be tion of many other nations. something like "international friend."
AN INTERNATIONAL No.7, "The New World of Uni- manship," showing what our versal Peace and Goodwill"-a land men of affairs can do. DINNER as yet uncharted but plainly visible to the eye of faith. The Cosmopolitan table pre- This program, given at a large sented a speaker for the climax: gathering in Granville, Ohio, was Merriment for the young folk "Fellowship." This was a disan earnest effort to arouse Chris- in the way of home-made jingles, tinctively religious talk, putting set to familiar tunes, was pro- the matter specifically up to the tian people to their obligation to vided between courses. At the Christian Church if it would be close of the meal the toastmis- consistent in holding its teachcreate the spirit of friendship in tress gave the setting for the ing of the fatherhood of God and which all international disputes theme: man's brotherhood in Christ. may be settled by arbitration "The New World of Peace rather than by a resort to force. "Fourteen years since the jubilant and Goodwill" offered a soloist The program was planned and announcement of the close of 'The carried out in an earnest spirit War to End War.'''
of prayer and produced a pro- Quotations from current literature rendering "The Lord Is My found impression. were given, and reliable facts as to Tables were decorated with Strength," as a toast on "Lord- present armament burden, warlike at- ship." flags, doilies, curios, statuettes, titudes of mind, suspicions, hatred, The toastmistress then de- jeal.ousies among nations, etc. She etc., to represent different na- pointed out the foolishness of con- clared that the spiritual will to tions. A ship's model, such as demning efforts of statesmen and arbi- . decorates a mantelpiece, formed peace should be substituted for the centerpiece of each table and trators looking toward disarmament the war system of the nations, of nations, since reforms are usually the product of many factors working and that the ideals of the King-
dom of God could be brought to publicity. This is accepted as dergartens. Bring pieces of cloth, pass only through catching the fundamental in the business thimble and scissors, to cut and sew spirit of Him who said, "I am world, but religious workers blocks for quilts to be sent to orthe light of the world." In sym- often neglect or even discount phanages. These things sell the misbolism of this she lighted a can- advertising as s a v 0 r i n g 0 f sionary society and create interest. dle at the masthead of the flag- "worldliness," overlooking the When the folks are absent miss them ship before her. (This was the fact that the only culpability and tell them so. signal for turning off all electric would consist in failing to "delights in the room.) Two white- liver the goods" as advertised. Sell the Woman's Missionary Sorobed peace emissaries then ap- ciety to the prospective members by peared, bearing tall white can- Mrs. Bess Judd Doty, Pastor's personal letters and clever invitations. dles, which they kindled at the Assistant in the First Methodist (Picture of a zeppelin with the words Christ candle and carried in suc- Church of Cleveland, says: -"We're making a flying trip to the cession to each hostess in the new Brewster Hospital at Jacksonroom. As the hostess received Publicity is of value only as you ville, Florida. Leave First Church the light for her own tiny place- have something worth advertising and Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock. candle, she repeated: "The light we assume that your program has Gome along!") . . . Ask the church of World Peace is kindled in the been thoughtfully and prayerfully secretary for a list of prospective heart of China (or India, or prepared, that it is alive and worth members; divide the membership into Japan, etc.). It glows brightly while. Who knows that you have a groups and assign new names to each. and passes on" – lighting the Woman's Missionary Society? Speak- Ask each member to interest herself candles of her neighbor on the ing in business terms, you are to sell in a prospective member; to call for right and on the left. Each guest this organization-first, to yourself. these women and take them to the thus receiving a light,turned and You must yourself believe in the im- meeting. Use the telephone. Do not passed it on to her neighbor un- portance of the task before you can criticize the society, the officers .or the til every candle in the now dark- convince others. As Publicity Secre- workers. Never belittle the work of ened room was glowing. tary you should be a member of the any other organization to gain mem- program committee so that you may bers for your own. Talk it up, never A trio of women rose and sang catch the enthusiasm and know from down. . . • with deep expression three stan- the start what you are to advertise. zas of "The Light of the World Sell your auxiliary of the Woman's Is Jesus." At each repetition of Seoond, sell the Woman's Mission- Missionary Society to the world. Send this musical phrase, everyone in ary Society to your pastor. . . . notes of grateful appreciation to outthe room elevated his candle and Give him a written, detailed notice siders who serve in any way. Write sang the words, then lowered it for the church bulletin, do not rush up accounts of special meetings or again until the next recurrence. up after the morning worship serv- social affairs and send them to your The toastmistress rep eat e d ice and say: "Don't forget to put in local and denominational publications. reverentially: "As light begets a notice about our meeting next Any news and worthwhile suggestions light, so Friendship, Partner- week." If it is not important to you, for securing members, for unusual ship, Kinship, Statesmanship, it is not important to him. . . . programs or for raising money will Fellowship, Lordship are passed always find a place in the columns of from person to person until all Ask him as he calls to tell what church papers. "Sell your Woman's the world becomes a brother- fine work your society is doing. You'll Missionary Society!" hood and World Peace through cheer his heart by your enthusiasm. Christ, our Saviour, shall be AMERICA FIRST? realized upon earth." After a meeting report to him the number of new folks who attended. Bishop G. Ashton Oldham, in a ser- A prayer closed this service, Tell him that the budget is all mon preached at Washington, ma~e an whose devotional and consecra- pledged, and that the women packed impassioned appeal that Americans tional effect was very deep. a wonderful supply box, etc. . . . should secure for their country "first Invite him to the luncheons or din- This program may be used ners and invite his wife, giving them place"- without a dinner, though the as- complimentary tickets. . . . Not merely in matters material, but sembling power and decorative opportunities of the gathering Use the bulletin board and black- in things of the spirit. around the tables enhance the board. Use attractive posters and get Not merely in science, inventions, values. A similar program may them up early. . . . Send out mimbe prepared for expressing the eographed notices, cleverly illustrated. motors and skyscrapers, but also in need and the spread of the Gos- Throw out the challenge of the task. ideals, principles, character. pel of Christ throughout all the . . . Present information in an world. attractive form. Have a "Mission Not merely in the calm assertion of School" (send out the invitations in rights, but in the glad assumption of PUBLICITY POINTERS the shape of different states and write, "What state is this? Come pre- duties. The best programs, plans and pared to tell what missionary home or Not flaunting in her strength as a policies will fall short of their school is located in this state.") . . . possibilities without adequate Learn to use new members-assign giant, but bending over in helpfulness tasks. Make money raising a pleas- over a sick and wounded world like ure. Talk tithing. Lay a mile of a Good Samaritan. pennies-16 pennies to a foot, $844.80 in a mile. Give out "Rainy Day Not in splendid isolation, but in Bags" in which to drop a nickel every courageous cooperation. time it rains. Raise a certain sum for a salary by dividing the amount Not in pride, arrogance and dis- into small gifts per month, per week, dain of other races and peoples, but per day, etc., and ask pledges for in sympathy, love and understanding. these amounts. Make scrap books for hospitals. Save fancy envelope lin- Not in treading again the old worn, ings and send them to mission kin- bloody pathway which ends inevitably in chaos and disaster, but in blazing a new trail along which, please God, other nations will follow into the new Jerusalem where wars shall be no more.
Some day some nation must take that path-unless we are to lapse once again into utter barbarism-and that honor I covet for my beloved America.
Women's Home and Foreign
HELEN M. BruCKMAN, 105 EAST TWENTy-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK; COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS FLORENCE G. TYLER, 419 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK; FEDERATION OF WOMAN'S BOARDS OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF NORTH AMERICA PRESENT-DAY HOME Migrant Fellowship, made pos- s tor i e s and dramatizations, MISSIONS sible through the cooperation of han d w 0 r k, hom e nursery a grower, was completed. courses, infant care, carpentry, The Annual Meeting of the sewing, cooking, health educa- Council of Women for Home In the legislative field there tion and recreation were all a Missions held January 4-6,1932, have been marked advances. part of the activities in the difin Toronto, Canada, was a Delaware raised the working ferent centers. memorable occasion made so by age of children in canneries the true hospitality expressed in from twelve to fourteen years. International Relations many ways by the Canadian The canners of the state backed friends who gave the delegates this legislation. Pennsylvania The report of the Committee from the States a most hearty has made school attendance by on International ReI a t ion s welcome. showed that the Council has ANNE SEESHOLTZ, Executive Secretary, been particularly active during In the very opening session, Council of Women for Home Missions the past year in this field, carry- Miss Anne Seesholtz was elected ing on work in cooperation with Executive Secretary of the migrant children compulsory no the ten other national organiza- Council of Women for Home matter from what state they tions of women constituent to Mis s ion s, succeeding Miss come. New Jersey is now work- the National Committee on the Florence E. Quinlan. Miss See- ing on a plan of education Cause and Cure of War. Tosholtz comes to this position through special classes and also gether the Federation, Council with exceptional training and a housing code for migrant and National Council of Fedexperience in the religious and camps. erated Church Women secured educational fields. She assumed over 145,000 signatures to a her office on February 1 and will In the work on the field the petition addressed to the Interin future serve as one of the standards were raised. In the national Disarmament Congress editors of this "Bulletin." t wen t y fields in California, at Geneva, urging the Confer- Oregon, Washington, Colorado, ence to gratify the expectations Reports given at the meeting New York, New Jersey, Dela- and hopes of the world by puts howe d interesting develop- ware and Maryland where the ting into immediate and unhesiments in the home mission Council of Women for Home tating effect the pledges already realm. Missions has organized Chris- made for the reduction of na- tian social service work there tional armaments. We are re- Migrant Work was real achievement. Bible joicing that the church women were able to more than double The report of the Committee their quota of 60,000 signatures. on Migrant Work revealed the Altogether over 700,000 women grave effect of the economic situ- in the United States signed this ation upon the migrant group. petition. Work in cannery centers has been unsteady and local workers Indian Work out of regular employment have crowded out the migrant labor- The work with Indians in ers. Wages were reduced as Canada was presented by Mrs. much as 331/3 per cent in some H. A. Lavell and Mrs. D. T. L. places. McKerroll of Canada and in the States by Rev. Frank A. Smith, In spite of difficult times em- D. D., Chairman of the Joint ployers and groups in migrant Committee on Indian Work and areas have maintained their Miss Helen M. B ric k man, level of cooperation or exceeded former Director, Indian Work. it to such an extent that they contributed actually 37 per cent The statement was made that of the total expenditures in the Indian population of Canada, Migrant Work in 1931. now something over 108,000, is This year the work under the [173]
peaceful and happy and more superintendents and principals denominational agencies are acand more showing an interest in have meant changes in the whole tively supporting it. public affairs. The influence of school set-up, including the rethe Christian Church through ligious program. The young In- World Day of Prayer her missionary contacts and the processes of education and train- dians, too, during these last "One cannot but be impressed ing along many practical lines years have reflected the uneasi- wit h the significance of the have done much to develop in ness and uncertainty of the WorId Day of Prayer for such a these people a spirit of content- school employees; the increasing time as this," stated the report ment and a desire to make some- poverty and suffering of their of the Committee on World Day thing of their lives. History people has caused most of them of Prayer. "Every nation the shows that many Indians have the greatest distress, and one world around has been passing not only marked ability and must add to these factors the through times of unprecedented gifts beyond the average but are utter bewilderment which these distress. What a time is this for ambitious to contribute some- young people feel as they face Christians in all lands to bear thing to the world's work. In life and work in their country one another's burdens in united these types the Indian is seen at under conditions such as exist intercession – nation with nahis best with race tendencies today. Any religious program tion, race with race. well in control. All the churches in Canada have had a share in must take into account these "Prayer truly is dynamic. We the work of Indian missions. factors. In addition to these, have wit n e sse d this united The Roman Catholics were the however, the religious work di- prayer service fairly leap from first on the field and signs of rectors have faced the perplexity country to country until on Febtheir zeal as missionaries are of administering a program of ruary 20, 1931, Christians in evident in every province of the more than twoscore countries Dominion. Nearly half of the religious education which will had joined the fellowship of Indian population of Canada are meet the requirements of the united intercession." Roman Catholic. The Anglican school, which will be acceptable Church leads the Protestant de- to local churches, which will It was announced that Mrs. nominations in numbers, and it measure up to the standards de- C. C. Chen of China is the author is interesting to note that the sired by the Joint Indian Com- of the program for March 3, very first Anglican Church in mittee, and which will also meet 1933, and that the Call to Prayer Upper Canada was the one built their needs as the young Indian will be prepared by an American on the Mohawk Reserve near people themselves see them. Indian. Brantford in 1785. The Presbyterians, too, have a long record Certain definite objectives for Study Courses of splendid work, and the United the religious program have been Church of Canada, through one uppermost during the last few The report of the Committee of its constituent bodies, dates years, and definite progress on Study Courses revealed that its work for Indians back to although the sale of home mis- toward these goals made. In the sion study books has been affect- 1824. great effort to lead Indian boys ed this past year by the general and girls into a knowledge of depression, the record of sales is In its work of the year the and love for Jesus Christ, their slightly over last year. Joint Committee on Indian Lord and Master, church an·d Work has kept before it the The program for the coming definition of its task as accepted worship services, Sunday School year is as near completion as is by the Home Missions Congress, classes, denominational meet- possible at this time. The adult "Our task is preeminently spir- ings, religious clubs, and week- book, now ,in manuscript form, itual-the bringing of every In- day courses in religious educa- is a collaboration by Dr. Lewis dian into allegiance with our tion have been emphasized and Meriam and Dr. George W. Hin- Lord and Saviour for worship man, both of whom have a wide and service in His Kingdom, strengthened. acquaintance with Indian Work. that with Christians of other Dr. Meriam, whose survey for races they may interpret and ac- In order to develop religious the government has made him cept the full meaning of His leadership increasing responsi- an authority, has an exceeding- Lordship in their lives." bility for planning and assisting ly sympathetic attitude toward in the religious program has Indians. Dr. Hinman's relation- The report brought out the been given to the Indian young ships to the work of his own defact that the changes in the ad- people themselves and in several nomination and the Service Comministration of Indian affairs mittee on Indians has given him have had an effect upon the re-· of the schools real initiative has an equally broad knowledge from the standpoint of Christian ligious program in the Indian been shown. missions. schools. While there has been Eight denominations through splendid cooperation on the part Miss Winifred Hulbert spent of school authorities, changes in their ten mission boards now nearly five months visiting In- recognize the Service Committee dian schools and mission sta- on Indians, which serves as a tions on Indian fields and has the liaison agency between the mis- sion boards and tlie government, and have indicated their general willingness to work through it as occasion requires. Two inter-
WOMEN'S HOME AND FOREIGN BULLETIN
book for young people well in Honorable N. W. Rowell, K. C., national Relations, Race Relahand. She is also preparing a Vice-President of the Institute tions, and World Day of Prayer. unit course for intermediates on Pacific Relations. He pointed based on "Three Arrows" by E. out the necessity for a world out- With the Home Missions Coun- Ryerson Young, an intermediate look on problems and the need cil there are joint committees on reading book. for christianizing ecclesiastical, Alaska, City and New Ameri- social, economic and interna- cans, Com i t y and Five-Year A course book for juniors is tional relations. He urged the Program, Indian Work and Probeing written by Katharine Church to realize the importance motion. Gladfelter, while for primary of allaying racial prejudices and children stories are being fur- national antipathies, and to use Editor's Note: At the same time that the nished by Florence C. Means and its power to further public opin- Council of Women held its Annual Meeting, teacher's material by Frances ion in increasing international the Home Missions Council also met, joint Somers Riggs. An additional in- cooperation. sessions taking place in the afternoon and sert sheet of American Indian evening of each day. Report of joint work sketches will be prepared to ac- Officers and resolutions adopted by both bodies appear company the North American elsewhere in this issue. Picture Map already in print. The following officers and ex- ecutive officers were elected: THE ANNUAL INVENTORY Addresses Honorary President-Mrs. George W. The Annual Meeting of the Stirring addresses by promi- Federation of Woman's Boards nent men and women of the Coleman. of Foreign Missions of North United States and Canada were America was held at the Hotel heard. President-Mrs. Orrin R. Judd. Gramatan, Bronxville, N. Y., First Vice-President-Mrs. Philip M. January 9-11, 1932. This is the Mrs. Orrin R. Judd, President time when the Federation takes of the Council of Women, cited Rossman. inventory of stock, discovers the many instances of devoted serv- things which have been done ice on home mission fields. Second Vice-President – Mrs. May m 0 s t advantageously through the past year, and how they may Bishop Francis J. McConnell, Leonard Woodruff. be improved upon for the next President of the Federal Council Third Vice-President-Mrs. Fred S. year. of Churches, stoutly defended the Church's right to have a Bennett. . During this year the work of voice in all matters pertaining to Recording Secretary-Miss Julia Flor- many ofthe committees has been national and international wel- outstanding and has made a very fare. Speaking on "The Place of ance. real contribution to the missionthe Church in Democracy," he Treasurer-Mrs. Edwin W. Lentz. ary enterprise. The Committee said that the Church should not on Missionary Preparation has be muzzled in her attempt to Executive Secretary-Miss Anne See- been making a study of some of voice the Christian attitude with the problems of recruiting and regard to war, disarmament, sholtz. preparation of candidates and temperance and other social and Secretary for Migrant Work-Miss of the type of workers and trainindustrial problems. ing needed in specific cases. This Edith E. Lowry. committee recently assembled a Miss Mabel Cartwright, LL.D., Western Field Secretary and Super- group of twenty-five candidate President of the Women's Aux- visor for Migrant Work – Miss secretaries, members of candiiliary of the Ontario Diocese, date committees and mission- Church of England in Canada, Adela J. Ballard. aries together with such specialspoke on "The Adventure in Assistant Treasurer-Miss G. Evelyn ists as Dr. Carney and Dr. Case Life." She deplored the idea of of Teachers College and Dr. many that religion has left ad- Morse. Reisner of the Committee on Agventure outside, stating that the Office Secretary-Miss Virginia Kai- ricultural Missions. The group Christian religion was the great headed by Dr. Donohugh herself adventure of the ages. One of ser. had a most interesting conferthe great adventures of the ence on "Women Workers in present day, she pointed out, was Chairmen Rural Areas – Their Qualificato be found in helping to solve tions and Preparation." It is some of the problems of the com- The following chairmen 0 f hoped that there will be very munity such as unemployment, standing commi ttees were definite results from this conferdistribution of wealth, friendli- elected: ence. ness to the stranger in the neighborhood, and provision of whole- Administrative-Mrs. Orrin R. Judd. The Committee on Foreign some recreation. Chautauqua Home Missions Institute Students has been doing a very interesting piece of work this "Forced by the progress of -Mrs. Orrin R. Judd. year in cooperation with the events, we now live in a world, Finance-Miss Ann Elizabeth Taylor. Committee on Friendly Relanot a community," stated the Legislative Matters – Mrs. Samuel tions, the Foreign Student Com- Semple. Study Courses-Miss May Huston. Young People's Work- Miss Muriel Day.
As yet the Chairman of the Committee on Migrant Work has not been named. It was deeply regretted that Mrs. Kenneth Dexter Miller felt it necessary to relinquish the chairmanship of this committee.
There are joint committees with the Federation of Woman's Boards of Foreign Missions and National Council of Federated Church Women on Conferences and Schools of Missions, Inter-
mittee of the Y. W. C. A., and sire for this has been expressed Mrs. F. I. J ohns.on, that of the Committee of Refer- Mrs. H. A. Lavell, ence and Counsel. A limited sum by nationals speaking in this Mrs. James C. Colgate, of money has been made avail- country. It has already been Mrs. D. J. Fleming, able for cases of emergency need tried with success in the cases among foreign students and al- of union institutions and in the Mrs. William L. Darby, ready a goodly number of stu- union work in Mesopotamia and Mrs. Ernest A. Evans, dents have been helped in the in Santo Domingo. A committee Mrs. L. R. RQunds, solution of their problems. Plans will study possibilities, ways and means during this coming year. Mrs. L. L. Anewalt. Secretary-Mrs. John C. ShQver. Treasurer-Mrs. Frank GaylQrd Cook. Assistant Treasurer-Mrs. Philip M.
are going forward for two or On Sunday evening the Fed- Rossman. three conferences in foreign stu- eration enjoyed a family supper Executive Secretary-Miss FlQrence dent centers in different parts of the country, and the Committee with guests fro m Bronxville, G. Tyler. is also working to secure hospi- New York, and elsewhere. The tality for these students in Chris- following missionaries spoke: Chairmen Miss Olivia Lindsay from Japan, Chairmen of standing com- mittees are: tian hom e s , also to provide Dr. Hawthorne Darby from the Constitution and By-Laws-Miss Carspeaking engagements for them Philippines, Mrs. Arthur Harper rie M. Kerschner. from India, Miss Elsie Kittlitz which will bring some remuner- from China, and Miss Charlotte Home Base Cultivation-Miss Amelia ation. D. Kemp.
Industrial Missions' Products – Miss .The week-end at Bronxville Wyckoff from India, while the Lucy Kent. was a very profitable one, as the final messages of the evening Missionary Preparation-Mrs. Agnes program was most worthwhile. were from Ma Sa Tin of Burma C. L. Donohugh. The theme for the meeting was and Miss Carol Chen of China. Missions and Governments – Mrs.
William L. Darby. Nominations-Mrs. S. S. Hough. "Launch Out Into the Deep." The meeting continued through Interdenominational Institutions on Dr. D. J. Fleming of Union Sem- Monday with speeches from reinary spoke on Saturday evening cently returned travellers from the Foreign Field – Miss Minnie Sandberg. and laid before the delegates the Orient-Mrs. John MacGil- Finance Committee – Mrs. L. R. some of the problems which must livray and Mrs. Frank Gaylord Rounds.
be faced by mission boards in Cook-and a splendid presenta- THE UNKNOWN CHRISTIAN the near future in order to meet tion of home base interests led I the needs of a new day. Dr. by Miss Amelia D. Kemp of What was his name? I do not knQW his name: James H. Franklin, Administra- Philadelphia and followed by a I only kn.oW he heard GQd's voice and tive Secretary of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Soci- discussion. came. The message of this Annual Brought all he lQved across the sea, ety, spoke Sunday morning on Meeting is well voiced by the old . . . . To ·live a.nd wQrk fQ.r GQd-and me. "Christ's Perpetual Challenge- hymn which had been adapted And at the end, withQut memQrial for the occasion by Mrs. Amelia 'Launch Out Into the Deep' " – Josephine Burr Elmore and died; taking up the spiritual issues which was sung a number of No blaring trumpet sQunded .out his facing every Christian today in fame; making his own life tally up to times during the meetings: He lived, he died; I dQ nQt knQw his the Gospel he professes-in race relations, in industrial relations, The power of God is an ocean divine, name. in personal relations. Dr. Frank- A boundless and fathomless flood. lin told of many of the Chinese Launch out in the deep, n Christians with whom he had Cut away the shore line, had fellowship during his recent And buoyantly venture with God. NQ fQrm of brQnze and nQ mem.orial trip to the Orient and drew fur- Launch out into the deep, and let the stones shore line go. Sh.oW me the place where lie his · m.ouldering b.ones.
. .. ..
Only a thousand h.omes, Where every day the cheerful play ther illustration from Kagawa, Launch out, launch out .on the ocean Of l.ove and h.ope and courage c.omes. the great spiritual leader of S.o br.oad, These are his monument and these Japan. Out where the full tides flow. al.one: Sunday afternoon was given There is n.o form .of brQnze and nQ up to a forum hour led by Miss Officers Sarah Lyon of the Foreign De- memQrial stQne. partment of the Y. W. C. A. At Newly elected officers of the this time many of the problems Federation of Woman's Boards III of Foreign Missions are: Is there SQme desert .or SQme pathless of mission boards were brought out and it was decided that this President – Mrs. Howard Wayne sea forum hour would be continued Smith. Where ThQu, great God .of angels, wilt another year. One of the for- Honorary Vice-PresUl:ent-Mrs. Henry · se.nd me.? . . . . W. Peabody. TQ feed the waiting children .of my First Vice-President-Miss Margaret GQd?
E. Hodge. ShQW me the desert, Father, .or the sea. Vice-Presidents-Mrs. DeWitt Knox, Is it Thine enterprise? Great GQd, ward-looking projects discussed Mrs. William Edgar Geil, send me; was the possibility of sending Mrs. E. H. Silverthorn, And thQugh this bQdy lie where ocean missionaries to the field without denominational labels. The de- Mrs. Hume R. Steele, rQlls, CQunt me amQng All Faithful SQuls.
-E. E. HALE.
j" Our W orld;-wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~~~~~I NORTH AMERICA and creep up the aisles. They bless Community Chest Receipts themselves when there is a storm. Religious Ignorance Among Children They put holy water on their beds at A grand total of $100,000,000 night, and when they are sick, they -a new record for community Even in privileged America use a lot of holy water. chests in a single fiscal yearchildren are surprisingly igno- As long as nothing is done to seems to be assured for 1932 acrant and prejudiced on religious get at the root of ignorance, we cording to a summary of' the matters. They know little of need expect nothing but intoler- ance. Propaganda for better campaigns already completed in their own religion and less of the understanding should be carried religion of their neighbors. on among the children as well 206 out of 391 cities. This sum- as among adults. mary was submitted to Walter An investigation made by Dr. Florida Missionary Assemblies S. Gifford, director of the Presi- Adelaide T. Case, Professor of dent's Organization on Unem- Education at Columbia Univer- "This Chain of Missionary sity, has undertaken to get the Assemblies is a unique experi- ployment Relief, by J. Herbert ment," writes Mrs. Henry W. Case, president of the National reactions of 1,000 children. Dr. Peabody, the advisory chairman. Association 0 f Community Case asked them (Leon Freeman says in The American He- For two years the committee Chests and Councils. The 206 brew) to write on religions other has arranged for great mission- campaigns already completed ary leaders, representing all than their own. evangelical denominations and have raised $67,865,808, com- nearly every field in the world, pared with aggregate goals of Most of the children have only to go through Florida with their $67,102,223, or 101.1 per cent of a vague association of external message. The effect has been practices of religion. They form beyond the hopes of the commit- their goals. For the normal generalizations from children tee. Forty-five states were rep- year of 1928 the entire group they happen to know. resented in the registration list of chests then in existence raised last year. It has proved a tre- Italian girls ten or eleven mendous help to Florida church- only $67,000,000. This total inyears old, writing "all they es and to the mission cause. creased each year of the depres- knew" about the Jews, said: This year two more cities were sion until $82,000,000 was ob- added, Palm Beach and J ackson- tained in 1931. With 185 cities They eat matzoths, cabbage, fish, ville. The Assemblies began in still to report or to hold their regular campaigns after Januaand pickles; they believe in Moses' ry 1, it is expected that when they eat from gold waonrdk;silsvoemreplJaetews~' the results are tabulated a recand don't like to ord of $100,000,000 will have been made. hate God; when they pray they touch their beards and say, "Baba la About 30 per cent of the sum Frisca," which means "We praise, thee, 0 Lord." raised last year by 391 Commu- nity Chests went for unemploy- Some Jewish boys wrote about Miami January 16, and went on ment relief. People who have Christians: been less affected by the depres- to Palm Beach, St. Petersburg, sion are giving generously. They eat bacon, ham and other Tampa, Clearwater, Orlando, things that are not kosher; they go to church on Sunday; Christmas is DeLand, and closed in J ackson- ville February 5.
their favorite holiday; they pray in The leaders included Dr. Rob- Relief for Coal Miners front of a cross and take their hats ert E. Speer, Rev. H. W. Myers, Starvation conditions, with off in church; the Prodisens made the of Japan; Mr. and Mrs. Swine- thousands of children under- Ku-Klux Klan; Jesus is their father, hart, of Korea; Dr. Lee Vroo- and the Christians copied the Bible from the Jews and translated it into man, of the International Col- nom:ished, lacking medical and English. lege, Turkey, and Princess Ata· hospital care and unable to go to S 0 m e Protestant children lea, of the Chickasaw Indian school because of lack of clothsummed up their knowledge of tribe. ing, and unsanitary and dilapi- the Catholics, thus: The forum had as its topic dated housing conditions, are Catholics say prayers with their "The Price of Safety," with found in the bituminous coal beads; the head of all the church IS daily periods: (1) National areas of West Virginia and Ken- the Pope, and he lives in a beautiful Safety; (2) International Safe.. tucky, according to the investipalace and people go from all over the ty; (3) Safeguards for Youth; gation made by the American world to kiss his hand. The Catholics worship idols. When they are in (4) Safeguards for the Church Friends Service Committee and chul'ch they get down on their knees and Its Missions. the Commission of the Federal [1'17]
Council of Churches. The severe were fr.om North Europe and they Mexicans Returning Home hardship is accentuated because brought an increase in Lutheran and of bank failures, low wages, un- Irish Catholic churches. Following a movement of the employment and over-developed Mexican people in Texas to reconditions of the coal industry The third period begins with 1890 turn to their native land, apwith cut-throat competition. The and c.ontinues to the World War. Dur- proximately 1,600 crossed the church investigators state that ing this period our immigrants were border at Laredo in one day of many well-meaning employers from southern and eastern Europe January. The Mexican governhave been caught and squeezed and they established an increased ment furnished transportation by this competition so that they, number of Italian, Polish and Bohe- to their homes on the other side. too, are unable to pay living mian Catholic churches and Jewish The reason is the same as that wages. Such conditions ought synagogues. which brought them into the not to exist in civilized America. S tat e s-economic conditions. The fourth period is from the World During the World War they Students for World Friendship War to the present time. The new- came by the hundreds to supply comers are from rural America, in- Sir Wilfred Grenfell an- cluding an increased number of Ne- the increased demand for labornounces the organization of a groes, Mexicans and rural whites. The ers at three times the wages society of college and secondary largest Protestant church is now a they were receiving at home. school students to study foreign Negro Baptist church of from twelve Now many prefer to face hunger affairs and promote interna- in their home land rather than tional goodwill. The new or- to fourteen thousand members. starve in the United States. In August last year only 139 Mexiganization is to be known as the The issue facing the Protest- cans entered the United States, all of them students or former North Atlantic Students League ant churches is "Can the Protof International Cooperation, estant churches by cooperative residents. and will embrace secondary planning accomplish what the Roman Catholics accomplish by centralized administration?" C h u r c h e s are succeeding which take account of the needs of their communitie&.
schools, high schools, colleges Color Lines in Methodism LATIN AMERICA and universities of the United States, Canada, Newfoundland An important move of the re- Liberal Movements in Colombia and England. It will function cent ecumenical conference of under the auspices of the Yale the Methodists in Atlanta, Geor- Many people are interested in Round Table of International gia, was the banishing of the the political situation in Colom- Relations and of the Connecticut color line from the sessions. bia, frequently referred to as Secondary Schools Society. Its The Southern Methodist Church "The New Liberal Movement." activity will be "studying for- acted as host and the delegates eign affairs and p'romoting in- were largely southern white peo- About seventy-five years ago telligent and friendly interna- ple, yet white and black dele- it was due to the temporary suc- gates sat together in the meet- cess of one of these movements tional relations between North ings on a basis of equality. "At- that citizens of Colombia invited American nations and all na- lanta made good in the matter of the Presbyterian Board of Fortions of the world." seeing to it that no discrimina- eign Missions to send missiona- tion was allowed," reports one ries with the Gospel. The move- Sir Wilfred recognizes a Negro Methodist leader. This is ment had to rest on illiteracy growing need that North Atlan- one of the most hopeful facts and superstition, as only a small tic nations shall work in har- noted in the South in recent percentage of the people were mony for world peace and years and is to the credit of literate. friendly international relation- Methodist leaders and the people ship. In the present situation it is quite different. There is now a . Chicago Religious Survey of Atlanta. One group of dele- public school system covering Dr. Arthur E. Holt, Professor gates discussed "Wider Human most of the territory of its fourof Social Ethics at Chicago Theological Seminary, has re- Relationships," and sought to in- teen states and even reaching cently completed a report of a clude in the convention's find- out into the larger municipaliunited religious survey of the ings provision for study of such ties of its six territories. Then city. Chicago, says this report, was settled in four epochs, color problems as exist in the there are the evangelical churchdominated by different racial East Indies, South Africa, the es with their numerous evangelistocks. Philippines and Haiti, as well as cal schools, including some of In the first epoch, from 1833 to in the United States. A resolu- the largest and best educational 1850, the old American stock came tion calling for action on these institutions on that continent, brin~ng Met hod.i s t, Presbyterian, giving instruction in secular and BaptIst, CongregatIOnal and Episco- issues was ruled out of order bv the chairman on the ground that Bible subjects to hundreds and palian churches. This stock is now thousands of children, young the findings could not include men and young women every found quite largely in the suburbs or reference to "specific evils." year. along the lake front. Thus the church seems con- The second settlement was from tent to denounce race discrimi- This new movement is based nation in the abstract but avoids on progress. It stands first for 1860 to 1890, when the newcomers dealing with "specific evils." international friendship, then
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
freedom of religion, freedom in to which the convicts have sunk. sickness, sin and superstition. education, freedom of the press Political influence and public Medical advice and treatment and freedom for the laboring apathy have proved too strong are given free to all who are unclass. But these very principles for humanitarian sentiment, and able to pay for them, irrespecset forth by the liberals are little has been done to alleviate tive of creed.
largely in the background of conditions. Now the Salvation Evangelistic services are con- the thinking and the desires of Army is to commence its work ducted during dispensary hours.
the leading conservatives. A and will bring the one remedial The vestibule and waiting room few days after President Olaya Force that can avail to lift these easily accommodates sixty per- was elected one of the leading men out of the fearful pit sons. Seated in the waiting conservative dailies said, "It is through the love and the grace room are those who have come time for the State Church to of God. The prayers of the in spite of opposition to seek adleave politics alone, let the gov- Christian public will go with vice and treatment.
ernment take care of material these soldiers who storm this Striking examples of the use- things, and let the church rule grim citadel of evil. fulness and abiding influence of in spiritual things." the mission have been met and A Negro Methodist Nurse for EUROPE testimonies from men, women and young people certify that Bolivia Young People in England the teaching was the means of Despite the slowing down in "In nearly forty years of leading them to fuller and more missionary activities, the Meth- Christian service," declared the scriptural knowledge of Christ. odist Episcopal Church has sent Rev. W. Charter Piggott of the out another missionary-Miss Congregational Union, "I have Scattered throughout the Lula Mae Allen-as a nurse to never been more attracted, chalengage in village nursing in In- lenged, quickened than by the world today there are many who dian communities near La Paz, young people who are round witness to the emancipating Bolivia. Miss Allen is a Negress about our churches today. I like power of the Gospel they learned and is the first member of her their independence and their race t(} be commissioned by a daring. And I am glad in the at the Medical Mission. Nor white church for missionary feeling that they are not to be are the activities of the Mission work in a part of the world . won by a religion which is cheap confined to the Dispensary, for a good work is being done in the homes of the people and in the surrounding districts.
other than Africa. In addition and easy, that does not answer Jesuits Expelled from Spain to her training as a nurse and their questions and their doubts experience as a supervising and make some real attempt to Pursuing her policy of putting nurse, Miss Allen has had spe- tackle the problems of life." an end to the activities of the cial preparation in a training Roman Catholic orders in Spain, school for Christian workers. A Scottish Forward Movement the government has now ordered the confiscation of the monas- The Salvation Army on Devil's The recent union of the two teries owned by the Society of Island leading Scottish Presbyterian Jesus, and will no longer permit churches is not to end with the the Jesuits to operate collective- Devil's Island is well named. ecclesiastical union. The new ly within the RepUblic. Found- In an interview with a corre- "Forward Movement" originally ed by Ignatius Loyola in 1534, spondent of The Tononto Globe, was for an advance in foreign the Society became the most General Higgins of the Salvation missions only, but its scope was powerful religious body in the Army revealed something of the widened later to include the world. They were expelled from plan for the amelioration of the home field. Twelve commissions Spain in 1767, but were allowed conditions in the colony. "Con- were appointed to consider the to return after a time. The orditions in French Guiana are be- responsibilities, opportunities, der is credited with having yond description," he said. "The and resources of the Church of about $100,000,000 of assets in rep 0 r t s which our officers Scotland. "The Call of the Spain, but the real property, brought back can never be pub- Church" gives the findings of which alone can be seized, is lished. If a hundredth part of these commissions which were rated at $30,000,000. The govwhat is said in the reports be reported to a Church Congress ernment action shows the extent true, French Guiana is nothing in Glasgow, where they were to which liberal forces have less than hell on earth." The discussed in addresses that made come into power. Salvation Army plans to open a profound impression on the work there and hopes to effect 2.500 delegates attending from Medical Missions in Portugal improvement. all parts of the country. Although there never was a Again and again the con- Limerick Medical Mission medical mission in Portugal unscience of France has been til last year, evangelical work stirred by reports from Guiana The Limerick Medical Mis- among the Portuguese began telling of conditions there, and sion of the Irish Church Mission with the efforts of a medical the unspeakable degradation in- continues to operate against missionary, Dr. Robert Reid
Kalley, who went to Madeira in were converted to Evangelical was the spirit of friendship and 1838 on account of his wife's health, learned Portuguese, un- faith. The authorities, unwill- desire to cooperate which chardertook medical missionary ing to recognize the new spirit acterized the meetings. Such a work and started Christian schools. Opposition of the of tolerance abroad in Italy, en- conference is certain to advance priests in 1846 compelled Dr. Kalley and several hundred deavored to get the law to sup- the cause of peace in this diffi- Evangelicals to flee, and for 21 years he served in Brazil. port the Claim the Papal Church cult part of Europe.
About one year ago the Lisbon makes that such persons must Medical Mission was founded by Dr. Alan G. Bodman of Great ever remain Romanists, and that AFRICA Britain. Dependence for all no change of religion shall be needs of the work is placed on prayer and the second year's recognized. When the case was Real Famine in Egypt work starts with twenty-five believers, several of whom are tak- called, these Evangelicals, some This is not a famine of bread ing a share in the work. such as was in the time of J 0- educated and some ignorant, re- seph, though poverty still Church Decline in Germany sponded to the charge with a public testimony of their faith, abounds in the Nile Valley. The During the last few years, leaving their accusers discom- serious poverty today is due to a church membership in Germany, especially in Berlin, has shown fited. The case had powerful re- famine of the Bread of Life. In a decline. The reason is chiefly the Delta of Egypt alone there the economic depression and verberations throughout Italy. the consequent poverty. The state claims twenty per cent of Awakening in Czechoslovakia are over 250 towns, besides hunevery income, and the church dreds of smaller villages, where another ten per cent. For many this is impossible. In 1927, 36,- One of the remarkable relig- there are none to tell of Christ's 700 members of the 3,000,000 ious movements of modern Way of Life-and where ignorbelonging to the Protestant Church in Berlin, laid down times was the revolution that ance, superstition, disease, povtheir membership. In 1928 the number increased to 46,000; in took place in Czechoslovakia in erty and demoralizing sin 1929 to 50,500, and in 1930 to 59,300. The Roman Catholic 1918, which has led to spiritual abound. church figures are in proportion. reformation and industrial re- When the first American mis- Of the 400,000 Roman Catholics in Berlin, 4,500 resigned mem- vival. In a few years over a sionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas bership in 1927, 5,600 in 1928, 6,600 in 1929, and 6,800 in 1930. million Catholics left the Church McCayne, landed in Alexandria In Berlin, there are about 177,- 000 Jews, of whom about 560 of Rome and Czechoslovakia is seventy-seven years ago, they break their connection with the synagogue every year. During now one of the most vigorous met with fierce opposition from the last five years, 260,700 Protestants, 30,400 Rom a n and progressive of European the four million Moslems and Catholics, and 3,410 Jews have left their respective churches. nations. In 1914, its very name· half a million Copts. Now there Can Italians Change Faith? was unknown. In 1918, it had is a strong Evangelical Church Last October, four women and won international recognition in Egypt with 20,000 members. eight men from the Abruzzi district in Italy were called before and today its statesmen boast of But there are today in the Valthe chief magistrate to answer a national progress and prosper- ley of the Nile 13,000,000 Mosfor having described themselves as Protestant Christians instead ity which has not been sur- lems and 900,000 Copts-over of Roman Catholics in the re- passed. Its spiritual advance is three-fourths the number found cent national census. They had shown by the fact that the pow- there in 1860. Faced with this been baptized Catholics, but er of the priesthood has been growing problem Christians broken, and hundreds of priests need to throb with new life- themselves have seceded. The the life of the Spirit of God. awakening of the spirit of the Reformation has led to an ag- A Moslem Defends Christians gressive evangelism, not brought Ali Saif en Nasr, the son of about by any organized Protes- a wealthy and devout Moslem chief in the Fayoum Oasis, came tant propaganda, but the result of the spontaneous desire of the to the American University at people to bear witness to the Cairo in 1923, with the express reality of a new religion and a understanding on his part that determination to spread evan- he would not submit to Chris- gelical Christianity. tian "propaganda."
Balkan Friendship Conference Four years passed, with Ali becoming increasingly active in An important movement for dormitory social life, athletics international friendship and co- and college activities in general, operation is the second Balkan till he became the student cheer conference, held in Constantin- leader and a prophet of sports- ople in November. This brought manship. He had forgotten his together delegates from Al- hostile attitude in daily and Sun- bania, Bulgaria, Greece, Jugo- day chapel which are a part of slavia, Roumania and Turkey. the college life to which he was The principal positive ad- devoted. vance made by the conference In 1928 he wandered one eve-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ning into a downtown mass said that he too had been a very New Sahara Exploration meeting of 500 Sheikhs of the bad man, and at the time the Azhar and listened to an im- Bangwanas raided the country Dugald Campbell, F. R. G. S., passioned declaration of hate he had a brother killed. He of Scotland, a former co-misagainst Christianity followed by joined the Bangwanas and went sionary with the late Dan Crawa riotous clamor to persecute with them to other tribes and ford, recently completed a jourany and all converts to Chris- raided them. "We killed many ney of 5,000 miles from the Attianity. As the air grew heavy people, and divided their bodies lantic to the Red Sea. He has with imprecations and threats, amongst the women of the vil- now started upon another ex- Ali protested with his nearest lages," and he of course had his pedition which will probably neighbors against intolerance share. As I looked at these one occupy him for the next three and bigotry. He was threatened time cannibals, can you wonder years. From Tripoli he will go with canes and taunted with be- that my heart sang for joy that through a large number of the ing a Christian. He jumped to Christ can touch these folk and oases in Tripolitania, will visit his feet, proclaiming his name lift them from this awful degra- the Tibesti Mountains, and after and family, known well to all dation? scattering the Bible among and shouted: some of the wildest tribes of the -Mrs.llarrison. interior of the Sahara, he hopes "Are you animals to fight to reach Algeria. with your claws? Shame on New Station at Boyulu you. Cannot our religion per- A Century in Madagascar suade of its own self? If not, The Unevangelized Fields Mislet us be converted to anything sion" which carries on work in The Malagasy Church is 100 that will make us gentlemen. I Amazonia and Central Asia, years old. On June 5th, the am a Moslem, but there is no hopes soon to open work in Cen- centenary was observed. Numuse being a Moslem unless we tral Africa. Boyulu is a large bered among the first twenty can conduct ourselves with ordi- unevangelized field, and is unoc- baptized Christians was Rasanary Christian courtesy." cupied by any other evangelical lama, the first Christian martyr missionary society. Medical in Madagascar. On the site of He barely escaped assault and work has been started with the first church building, which his disgust and wrath found ex- gratifying results. The people became a prison during the long pression in words that had best show a keen desire to hear the persecution, stands the present be forgotten. But he had Word of God, which has already fine Martyr Memorial Church of learned the lesson of Gamaliel: been translated into the inter- Ambatonakanga. At one of the that truth and courtesy must tribal language. The people con- services of the commemoration rule though the heavens (Mos- tinually ask for more instruc- interesting mementos of early lem or Christian) fall. tion. days were shown, Rasalama's box in which she kept her Bible, -The Moslem World. Lovedale Activities the first Communion Plate and early copies of the first printed Cannibals Won to Christ Young Africans are being Malagasy scriptures. trained in many ways by Love- An old man with a white dale Institute. Work parties, or- Where one small wooden beard at a Christian meeting in ganized for afternoons, are en- building represented the early the Western Sudan is a very un- gaged in planting and rearing church, now hundreds of towusual sight. Later he said that trees, in orchard work, in road ers and spires all over Imerina while he was young his relations construction. One group built a testify to the power of the Gossent him to another tribe where suspension bridge across the pel, while the first twenty baphe learned to beat a call to war. river Tyumie, and also worked tized members have grown to They marched to a neighboring at a hall for wayfarers. Car- tens and even hundreds of thoutribe and overcame their en- pentry, blacksmithing, shoemak- sands. emies. When asked what he did ing, farming, forestry, domestic with those who were killed, he science, the training of nurses, WESTERN ASIA said, "I ate them"! are all carried on. The Institu- tion Church reports that the Turkey and the Mission Schools Sometime later he heard that number seeking admission to a white man had come to teach full church membership was the The Turkish newspaper Son them about God. This old man's highest in memory-no fewer Posta, September 29, 1931, pubface lit up when he said the than seventy-six were admitted lished an article which shows white man was Bwana Muku- in one day, while others who clearly that the attitude of the bwa (Mr. Charles Studd) who were considered worthy were re- Turkish Government to mission told him that if he repented and ferred to their home congrega- schools is definitely hostile: followed Jesus he would be tions for various reasons. saved. He believed and has nev- "According to the Lausanne er gone back since. A number The school draws its pupils Treaty the right of missionaries of people had gathered, and from many races-Xosa, Basuto, to carry on educational work in after the ex-cannibal had fin- Bechuana, Zulu and Indian. Turkey ended this year. The ished speaking another man government could have abol-
ished all these missionary insti- Turkestan, who have left their The marriage of a Persian woman tutions. But this would have homes because of religious and to a foreigner shall take place only brought a crisis, as there are not economic disabilities enforced with the permission of the governsufficient schools for all the chil- upon them by the Soviet regime. ment. Penalty for disobedience is imdren. In order to avoid this the About thirty of these Turkestan prisonment from one year to three Ministry of Education has de- Moslems are in Delhi. years. cided to act gradually toward this abolition. Religious restrictions began A Milestone in Persia with the banning of all religious "The Ministry has adopted teaching in schools and, as Mos- When Moore Science Hall two new measures against these cow's influence grew, spread was begun recently on the foreign schools. First, Turkish until Korans and other religious grounds of the American College children will not be allowed to books were seized. In order to at Teheran, within the cornerreceive their primary education prev~nt attendance at mosque, stone was deposited a copy of in these schools. Second, the the authorities imposed high the Bible in Persian. This siguniversity will not accept the taxes on all worshippers, while nifies the conviction of those rediplomas of these institutions preachers and leaders who re- sponsible for the college that the without examination. This will belled against these measures word of God and the principles lessen the number of students were imprisoned, shot or sent to and truths therein set forth are in the upper classes of the for- Moscow and never heard of the real foundations, the true eign institutions. The graduates again. cornerstone of the institution. of these institutions usually go This is the first building ever to Europe or America for ad- Moslem children are com- erected in Persia exclusively for vanced study. pelled to attend schools where the teaching of the sciences and atheism is preached, and they so it is a milestone in the de- "The harm of the missionary are taught to despise the faith of velopment of modern education schools is evident. These must their parents. Islamic marriages in this land. somehow be restricted. We ex- were declared illegal, and all pect the government will take wishing to be married must go Schools that Make Christians steps at least to limit the harm through a secular ceremony at done to our children." which a non-Moslem Soviet of- "Two Christians are on our ficial officiated. teaching staff," writes a Presby- -The Moslem World. terian missionary in Persia, Passports are refused to those "one of whom is in charge of re- Radio in a Mosque who wish to go on pilgrimages, ligious instruction in the first and fasting for religious r,easons four grades. The other, a more For the first time in Islamic is made a punishable offense. recent convert, has in times past history a radio microphone has been more of a problem than a been installed in a Turkish Christians and Jews are also help, but this year she has mosque–the Santa Sophia, one subjected to every conceivable shown such remarkable developof the most famous religious edi- form of indignity to make them ment in character that we look fices in Turkey. Mustapha forego their religion. to her as a strong future asset. Kemal has directed that the radio services be chanted from New Marriage Laws in Persia "A prominent Moslem ecclesithe newly adopted Turkish astic has been attacked bitterly Koran by twenty-five clergy- The following laws, passed by by a fellow Moslem for senumen. This is a notable depar- the Persian Parliament, con- ing his daughters to our school. ture from ancient custom in re- stitute the new law to be put into 'Don't you realjze they are foolligious service effected by the execution immediately: ing you? They are making progressive Turkish president Christians out of your children. this year. The Arabic Koran, Marriage shall not take place be- Is this worthy of a descendant always unintelligible to the lay- tween those who are not physically of the Prophet?' 'Well,' replied man, was replaced early in J an- fit to marry. the old father, 'perhaps. But at uary in some Istanbul mosque any rate the American School is by a Turkish translation. Penalty is imprisonment for from the only school in town that one year to three years. teaches my girls anything about The Soviet and Moslems in life.' " Turkestan If anybody deceives the one whom he or she wishes to marry, he or she INDIA AND BURMA The Statesman, Calcutta, In- will be imprisoned from six months dia, gives an account of religious to two years. An Ominous Situation persecutions carried on against the Mohammedans of Turke- Men who wish to marry shall in- Rioting in Delhi, disorders in stan. form the one in charge of ceremonies, Bengal, a Moslem split from the and those whom they want to marry, Hindu stand for independence Keen interest is being aroused about their previous wives. Deceit in and an uprising in Kashmir among North India Moslems by this matter is punishable by the above followed Gandhi's return to Inan influx into the Panjab and dia and his declaration that he Delhi of Moslems from Eastern mentioned punishment. Men shall support their wives. In case they refuse to give them food, clothing and shelter their wives may appeal to the courts.
A lady can use her own property without the permission of her hus- band.
A Moslem woman is forbidden to marry a non-Moslem man.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
would not flinch in sacrificing dred and fifty thousand a year, or a (11) Her greatest detestation the lives of a million people to steady unbroken addition of over and abhorrence is- (a) The purchase the liberty of India. twelve thousand every month of those who are publicly accepting Jesus Christian doctrine of God found- P rim e Minister MacDonald Christ as their Lord and Saviour. ed upon the life of the historic made a most outspoken statement concerning the Indian sit- Twenty years ago, the late Sir Christ. This is an offense to the Narayan Chandavarkar to I d philosophic Hindu, who holds uation, describing it as most de- Christian workers in India: plorable and denouncing Indian "The process of the conversion that eternal truth cannot be agitators in vigorous terms. He of India to Christ may not be based on an historical event. going on as rapidly as you hope, (b) The Christian doctrine of said that recent disorders on the nevertheless, I say, India is benorthwest frontier and in Ben- ing converted; the ideas that lie the Atonement is also a stumbgal did not represent a "baffled at the heart of the Gospel are ling bl?ck to Hindu thought, beand oppressed Indian struggling slowly, but surely, permeating cause It appears as a denial of every part of Hindu society, and the law o~ Karma whereby every to be "free," but "a mischievous modifying every phase of Hindu ~an receIves. the reward or punmovement trampling in its own thought." Ishment of hIS own actions. (c) self-will upon Indian progress." The idea of a suffering god is re- He was of the opinion that the There are veteran mission- pugnan! to. H~ndu thought, for people who had been working aries who say that if the politi- they thmk It mconceivable that cal questions now in turmoil are any ripple of emotion should dismany years for the enfranchise- successfully adjusted, so that ment of India must share in the the message of Jesus Christ is turb the serenity of eternal bliss. government's regret, and said no longer handicapped by the fact that He is so closely asso- College Not Boycotted . that every Indian who cares for ciated with Western ideas, the his motherland must see in these whole process of bringing India Rev. C. Herbert Rice, presi- to Him will go forward at an recent events the hand of a immensely accelerated pace. dent of Ewing Christian College spirit of mischief rather than Lahore, writes: ' that of a spirit of emancipation. An Array of Stumbling Blocks "I wish you could have been The arrest of Mr. Gandhi and A writer in The Indian Wit- ness offers a number of reasons here during the days of admis. other leaders of the Nationalist why India withholds allegiance Party, and the declaration by to Christ. sions to see the crowds of stuthe viceroy of a firm policy to (1) India has been hesitating dents seeking to be taken into maintain order, should lead In- because she thinks that if she acdians to seek a patient and cepts Christ she will have to ac- the college. It is haastatthisefacocltlioegn~ peaceful means of attaining cept Western civilization which at least, to know t self-government. she hates. (2) She has not wit- nessed the real life of Jesus in is not being boycotted after our His followers. (3) She proudly boasts of her past philosophy first year here! They swarmed intellectualism and ancestrai customs and traditions. (4) She all over the place, accompanied has been absorbing or assimilat- Encouragement from the Census ing and has lacked in elimina- by fathers, uncles, or guardians, tion. (5) Her method of accom- The official figures for the modation and the genius of ad- who came along to plead with dition. (6) From time immemonew government census will be rial India has been polytheistic the powers that be, to take in and now it is hard for her to be encouraging to those who are monotheistic. (7) Her pride in their sons. Many hundreds I the Vedas and the Rishis that making sacrifices for the spread she considers to be the oldest in should think-had to be turned the world. (8) Her imagination of Christianity. Although the has been fed purely on obscure away owing to lack of room and contemplation and mythological figures are not complete (Bur- deities. (9) She is satisfied with facilities. It is a strange sight a slight glimmering of God and mese Christians, Buddhists and is unwilling to witness fun effuI"" to see bearded fathers-some gence. (10) She judges Chris- Tribal Faiths are missing) the tianity through the British offi- ex-soldiers – actually weeping cers whom she calls despots. tabulation is as follows: tears, as they plead to have their Per Cent sons admitted, in spite of the 1931 1921 Increase verdict that 'there is absolutely Population tnhoismios rteherooonmly'!colTlehgeeywshaey~e'Bmuyt . . . . .• 352,986,876 318,942,480 10.6 Hindus 238,330,912 216,734,586 10 boy can get the moral training, Moslems 77,743,928 68,735,233 13.1 the excellent quality of scientific Sikhs .. 4,306,442 3,238,803 33 studies, and the personal atten- Christians 5,961,794 4,496,958 32.6 Jains .. 1,205,235 1,178,596 2 tion which I want him to have.
Parsees 106,973 101,778 5 I beseech you to let him in, for Jews. . . 20,984 21,778 you can do anything if you will!'
The Rev. J. F. Edwards, a Many had to be turned away, leading missionary, says: and we looked forward to the The figures mean that in a decade, day when we can accommodate when the increase in India's popula- more of these really earnest tion was unusually large, the rate of young fellows. As it is, we are increase in the number of Christians was more than three times the in- full to overflowing with about crease in the general population. The 650 here at the Intermediate increase of nearly a million and a half in ten years means nearly one hun- College, in addition to about 600 more in the High School on the
same campus-and more than resolution number five, the phrase, "A Christians in China to find a constitutional episcopate," is not used 100 advanced students are at the as a synonym for the historic epis- peaceful solution. The China University College Department." copate. Council promptly sent a sympa- thetic response. The Japanese Hopeful Signs in India India's Home Mission Society Fellowship of Reconciliation Rev. C. Stanley Vaughan The first organized mission- also communicated with the Felwrites from India: "We have a ary endeavor of the Anglo-In- lowship of Reconciliation in more hopeful outlook in the dian community is through the church. I have been in every Home Missionary Society. Its China. one of our local councils and objects are to help forward In- Japanese Christian leaders in have everywhere seen signs of dia's evangelization, and to progress. In one place a new promote the development of An- Tokyo called at the Foreign Ofcongregation is added, the fruit glo-Indian communities. Activof one of the Bates evangelists; ities sponsored by the society in- fice and on the political editors in another region, an effort is clude a Children's Home at and owners of leading newspabeing made to improve our vil- Coonoor where there are at pres- pers and requested editorials lage schools; in another an ent 39 destitute girls; Loan that would promote a friendly heroic response to the financial Scholarship Funds; a Magazine needs; in one the contributions Fund and evangelistic work settlement with China. A genof last year have been doubled. among non-Christians. It is eral meeting of Churchmen and To double their rupee contribu- hoped that a Boys' Home, simi- leaders in the peace organization'S means that they have quad- lar to the one for girls may soon rupled their contribution in be established. tion was also held in Tokyo, but grain and all sorts of farm produce." "Village of the New Day" the Japanese Government is evi- dently in control of the milita- An All-India United Church Ushagram in Bengali is an experiment in Methodist mis- rists. In the midst of the disturbed sions. It was begun in 1919 and The New York Times reported political situation, the move- represents a cooperative effort ment toward Christian unity in on the part of the Woman's For- that twenty-five Chinese and for- India is making progress and eign Society and the Board of eign Christian leaders, reprehas recently grown too large to Foreign Missions. It is an exbe limited to the formation of periment in human adjustments, senting all denominations of the a United Church of South India. an adaption of average possibili- Protestant churches in North ties to the business of living. Christian Church and including four Roman Catholics, partici- pated with General Chiang Kai- shek in one of the most unusual gatherings in the history of re- publican China when they con- ferred with him and joined in devotional services, praying for a settlement of the Manchurian dispute.
India have asked for a united Ushagram-"Village of the New Flood Affected 50,000,000 church for the entire country. Day"-is patterned on existing As a result, representatives of Indian villages, but introduces A map of the flooded regions features most essential to In- of China, part of which was the both north and south India met dia's future-the cooperative result of the aerial survey made in Nagpur in November and store, the savings bank, a water by Col. and Mrs. Lindbergh, system, cooperative industries shows that the total area of seriunanimously adopted a series of and cultural development. ously flooded regions is 34,000 resolutions to govern the future square miles, exclusive of lakes. Toward three ideals, the At least 8,000 square miles of writing of formal instruments workers in this "Village of the less seriously flooded areas have of union. These representa- New Day" are striving-Better not been indicated on the map. tives included Baptists, Quak- Homes, Better Villages, Better It is estimated that 50,000,000 Citizens. persons have been directly afers, W e s ley a n Methodists, fected, of whom millions are ut- American Methodists, members CHINA terly destitute., of the United Church of north- Oriental Attempts to Avert War The Nanking government ern India and the South India United Church and Anglicans, so that the importance of this achievement is clear. The cru- cial resolutions read: Christians in both China and asked leading medical schools in That, with regard to the type of Japan have made earnest efforts China to suspend their activities organization that may ultimately to promote a peaceful settlement for three months in order to reprove acceptable for a united church of the Far East controversy. The of India, this conference records its first move seems to have been lease their faculties and adopinion that this would be found taken by Mr. Ebisawa, secretary through the general adoption of a con- vanced students for work among the victims of the floods. . stitutional episcopate responsible to of the National Christian Coun- The present forces are not representative assemblies and synods, cil of Japan, who cabled at once in a form that would comprehend, so to the National Christian Coun- sufficient to cope with the giganfar as practicable, the advantages of tic task ahead of them. It is the the Episcopal, Presbyterian and Con- cil of China that Japanese Chris- conviction of Dr. J. Heng Liu gregational modes of government. In tians would cooperate with director of the Department of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Hygiene and Sanitation, that the lieved of most of the possessions drew about 700 delegates repreexperience in such preventative they had with them. In Kansu, senting every province in China public health activity will be val- the Moslems have again been except one. At the same time uable both to staff and students. causing trouble in the north- a conference for Christian work- east of the province. They car- ers was being held in Soochow, New C. I. M. Headquarters ried out their threat and killed where the principal speaker was all the inhabitants they could Gen. Chang Tsi Kiang, prob- Last June dedicatory services find within thirteen miles of the ably the strongest Christian were held for the new head- city of Liangtang. On Septem- character in Chinese military quarters of the C. I. M. in ber 25 Miss Ivy Dix wrote that circles today, who has contrib- Shanghai. About three hundred the city of Hweihsien was at- uted about $10,000 toward the friends attended. The new build- tacked by brigands. The north- work of the American Bible Soing contains space for mission- ern section of the city, where ciety. aries, administrative headquar- the China Inland Mission premters, residential flats for the ises are situated, was the only He gave an impassioned apstaff, and hospital facilities. In part not looted. These incidents peal for the preaching of the addition there is a Chinese show how widespread banditry Gospel of salvation through chapel and a hostel for Chinese is, and how great is the need to Christ. The president of the guests. The old property had re-establish law and order college is an earnest Christian so increased in value since it throughout the country. and one of the graduates, who was built over forty years ago, plans to devote his life to Christhat the proceeds of its sale cov- -Ja'n'l.es Stark, Secretary of tian work, said that he did not ered the purchase of the greater the China Inland Mission. want any mission help because part of the new site and the he was a grown man with a erection of the main buildings. Hainan Anniversary good education and ought to be The Mission now has organized able to support himself. national centers in Great Bri- Hainan Mission celebrated the tain, the U. S. A., Canada and fiftieth anniversary of its be- Christian Martyrs Unafraid Australia, each with its auxili- ginning last autumn. It was in ary centers, in addition to eleven 1869 that a Danish sea captain Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Porteous Associate Mission centers in named Carl C. J eremiassen came of the China Inland Mission re- Germany, 'Switzerland, Sweden, to China to work for the Canton port the martyrdom of some Norway, Denmark and Finland. provincial authorities, pursuing Christians in one of their out- The Mission has also nearly pirates and smugglers. He came stations. When led out to be three hundred central stations in in contact with Christianity, executed, one of the leaders China. gave up his service with the called out to his brethren, "Don't government and started work as be afraid, I firmly believe that Bandit Activities in China an independent missionary in before the axe touches our necks Formosa. His experience there our spirits will be with the In Kiangsi bandit and com- showed him the need of medical Lord !" Some were offered life munist activity still prevents training, so he went to study un- if they would deny the Lord, but the reoccupation of our evac- der Dr. J. G. Kerr in Canton. they chose death. The remainuated stations. Miss H. M. His sea voyages having shown ing Christians in that outstation, Duncan, writing last November him the great need in the Island still occupied by the Reds, meet from Changshan in Chekiang of Hainan, he began to tell the secretly to worship God when- Province, just over the border message of his Lord and Mas- ever they can. Many other from northeast Kiangsi, says: ter, there alone, unaided except Christians in Kiangsi are living "The Red army is menacing the for his colporteur. Today the under the same conditions. station sixteen miles away. It Protestant churches of Hainan When Pastor Eo-yang wrote he is reported that the Reds are at- number n ear I y 5,000, with and five other brethren were tempting to get out of Kiangsi, churches, Sunday schools and starting out on an evangelistic where fighting, looting, and tak- hospitals. tour in an unevangelized secing captive is still their work. tion of the Yuanchow district. Owing to these conditions, and Encouraging Developments acting on the strong advice of Conditions in central and the Chinese, we are refraining The Rev. Charles W. Worth south Kiangsi Province are still from visiting these outstations." of the Southern Presbyterian far from satisfactory. Mission, Kiangyin, writes sever- In the province of Honan, Mr. al interesting and encouraging Traveling Christian Exhibit and Mrs. H. E. N. Ledgard 'have facts. Time was when all confound it necessary to retire to ferences were planned, led and During the past winter an ex- Yencheng owing to an attack by financed by missionaries, but hibit of books and posters on rebrigands on Shangtsai. In more and more the missionary ligious education and evangel- Shensi, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. has no other responsibility than ism to promote the Five-Year Michel, when traveling by boat, to attend, if he chooses. Recent- Movement has been shown in were held up by bandits and re- ly, a conference in 'Shanghai different cities, including Can- ton, Hangchow, Hankow and other important centers. The
exhibit is divided into twelve asm ran high, many regarding 11. There are problems of villages sections, and includes materials that meeting as the birthplace of with special clans or groups. on religious education in the the Japanese Student Christian home, the school and the church; movement. Since then every 12. There are frequent instances on religious art, religious pag- year has seen the crowd grow- where whole villages quarrel eantry and plays; church music, ing smaller, until this year in with other villages over the dithe thousand character move- Central Methodist Tabernacle vision of water rights. ment, Christian magazines, post- not more than 150 attended to ers and tracts. Wherever shown hear Dr. Yoshimune Abe, presi- 13. Occasionally we find traces of the exhibit has aroused keen in- dent of the National Y. M. C. A. old-fashioned sex customs beterest. Council, dean of Aoyama Theol- tween the young men and wom- ogical School. This marked de- en. JAPAN-CHOSEN cline in student interest in such a significant annual service is 14. The division of the population Youth and the Church causing leaders of youth in of the village into groups by Japan much serious thought. sex and age produces a pecu- The Christian Missionary liar atmosphere in the social Federation in Japan passed the The Rural-Social Problem life. following resolution regarding Youth and the C h r i s t ian The task of the religious 15. As a rule the social life is lack- Church: worker is the enlightenment of ing in all kinds of cultural fa- society. The religious worker cilities. Observing that large sections of the youth of Japan outside the Christian should take note of the social We do not agree with all the Church are turning to Communism in aspect of the rural probem. Dr. above points. After all the their eagerness for social reform, and Nasu has pointed out (in The greatest problems are moral and feeling that earnest effort should be Japanese Christian Quarterly) religious-in any community. made to bring them into contact with fifteen characteristics of the the church, we recommend: rural social p,roblem. A Prize Life of Christ 1. That, while repudiating their 1. It is difficult to make the The first life of Jesus of Nazmethods of violence and their mate- schemes for solving the social areth written by a Japanese on rialistic philosophy, we, as Christians, problem of a radical character. purely original lines has recentview these young people with sym- ly appeared. It won a prize of pathy; that we make special efforts to 2. Private ownership of the means Yen 500 in a competition open understand them and to appreciate of production is never abro- to all Japanese pastors and their zeal and self-sacrificing devo- gated. teachers, in which there were tion; that in so far as they are ready twelve contestants. The judges to labor and sacrifice on behalf of the 3. There are many quarrels rela- were unanimous in giving the victims of the present social order, tive to the means of production award. The author said: we recognize that they have qualities and conditions governing the which might well be turned into leasing of land, (the problem For a long time I yearned to give channels of Christian faith and serv- of tenancy). the Japanese the life of Jesus in their ice; that we make a serious attempt own tongue. Seventy years have to clarify the points of agreement and 4. Because of the involved nature passed since Protestantism came to disagreement between their theories of the class composition of the Japan, but I think that Christianity and practice and those of a Christian farm in Community population, is not truly Japan's own possession social order. there is no clear or deep rooted as long as they have to understand class-distinction. Jesus in terms of foreign thought. 2. That we endeavor to show so- They must have it through their own cially-minded youth that, instead of 5. When trouble breaks out, the mother-milk, the Japanese language, being" indifferent to the cause of the reaction to the quarrel perme- not merely translations. underprivileged and oppressed, which ates every aspect of daily life youth has championed, the church re- and spreads over the whole For a long time I was interested gards this as being in reality a part community. Moreover the na- only in the higher critical study of the of its own responsibility, which, ture of the struggle is more Bible, but latterly I have realized the through its prophets it has always emotional t han intellectual, need of evangelical earnestness, if the recognized, but as a whole has inade- which may lead to grave conse- Christian message is to win its way quately faced. quences. among our people.
3. That we seek to set forth more 6. The social movement is in gen- A Korean "Foreign" Missionary clearly to youth the challenge, ad- eral passive, and seeks immeventure and demand for heroic devo- iliate profit, so that it lacks The Women's Missionary Sotion, of Christian living and of loyalty permanence. ciety of the Korean Presbyterto Christ. ian Church met in September at 7. The pressure of the problem of Onseiri, amid the beautiful scen- Y Student Work in Decline over-p,opulation is felt without ery of the Diamond Mountains. having any connection with the There were about thirty dele- The Tokyo Student Christmas economic structure of society. gates, and as many others whose rally, held annually by the stu- zeal for the cause brought them dent departments of the Y. W. 8. There is an increase in extent as visitors. and the Y. M. C. A., was the of those regions where the masmallest last year since the cus- jority of the rural population Progress was shown in varitom of such a service was estab- are chronically half – unem- ous ways. Two new presbyterlished in 1925 when over 3,000 ployed. ials were admitted, making students were assembled in a eighteen in all. rented public hall and enthusi- 9. The problem of poverty, while it does not often take the form The climax of interest was which it does in the cities, is reached in the Dedication Serv- widespread and universal. ice of Miss Suno Kim, the first 10. To deal with the problem of rural labor special caution is required.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Korean woman ever appointed mand. The day before the Sunday School are being conas a foreign missionary. She is Lieutenant left, he said, "I have ducted. to go with Korean missionaries noticed how you need more -The Missionary Review of in China, to join in the work charts and how slow the present Australia. that has been carried on in process is and have decided that Shantung Province for almost if you will give me a sample of Roman Catholic Missions twenty years by three Korean just what you want, I will make It is reported that 163,615 them on better paper and will workers-46,174 priests, brothmissionaries under the General send you a thousand." Dr. Lau- ers and sisters and 117,441 lay Assembly of the Korean Presby- bach said, "Lieutenant, this auxiliaries, catechists, teachers, terian Church. means that we shall win. This doctors, nurses, etc.-constitute will be the most literate province the force of Roman Catholic The missionary elect was in the Philippines in five years missions for which the Society from now-and perhaps the of the Propagation of the Faith, brought up in a Christian home most literate in the world." the main mission-aid organizaand is a graduate of the Presby- tion of the Church, appeals for Missionary Society in Fiji terian Academy in Seoul, and of funds. a Bible training School in Yoko- For many years the Methodist The vast missionary work Church of Australia has conhama. The Board decided to ducted work in the Fiji Islands. throughout the world includes: begin home mission work among 45,826 churches and chapels; Koreans in Manchuria, and Yen 400 was set aside for that purpose.
Saving the Babies Rece~tly a Christian Society was 309 seminaries with 9,971 stu- formed in Suva with the object dents; 31,418 schools with 1,- The Baby Clinic of the Pres- of carrying on Christian work 521,710 pupils; 691 hospitals with 283,503 patients a year; byterian Hospital in Taiku, Ko- by East Indians. rea, was two years old in Feb- Mr. John Bairagi, an earnest 1,848 dispensaries with 11,066,- ruary, the first venture of its and well-educated young man, 749 patients a year; 1,525 orkind in a city of some 80,000 was appointed pastor of the In- phanages with 81,240 orphans; people. The staff is composed of dian Church in Suva. Great 299 homes for the aged with three Americans and six Kore- success followed Mr. Bairagi's 11,332 inmates; 81 leper asyans. Lectures to mothers are work and he gathered round him lums with 14,060 lepers; 134 given by a young Korean doctor, a fine body of Indian Christians. other philanthropic institutions who makes sure that instruc- Recently dissatisfaction, which with 9,966 inmates.
tions are understood. Literature it now appears had been New Britain Training Institution on the care of children is circu- smouldering for some time, lated. Undernourishment is a broke out. The chairman of the George Brown College, Vuproblem, for little is known of district had acquainted the nairima, New Britain, which artificial feeding and cow's milk, Board with some of the diffi- was officially opened in October, either fresh or evaporated, is culties that had arisen, and his 1930, is providing equipment for prohibitive in price for the aver- letter was followed by a long and carrying forward the work of age family. A food laboratory ably-drawn-up Memorial, signed the Methodist Mission of Auis in operation. About 400 ba- by thirty-four Indian Christians stralasia. Last year it began bies have been registered since in Suva. the clinic was opened. with 205 students. A school for The main contention of the students' wives supplements the Memorial is that an undue em- work of the college, and here ISLANDS OF THE SEA phasis has been placed, and an over 50 women with their fam- unduly large proportion of the ilies assemble to improve their Lieutenant Lends a Hand funds spent, upon educational talents. Another valuable ad- and medical work, and that the junct is the Girls' School, which Dr. Frank C. Laubach, a mis- evangelization effort has been must be held in the open air for sionary of the American Board, allowed to suffer and they are lac~ of a building. Last year 95 is finding the demand for liter- desirous of carrying out a more per cent of the maintenance ature among the Moros so great vigorous evangelistic campaign. fund was subscribed by natives that the printing pTess cannot Efforts have been made to who have very meager re- keep up with it. Lieutenant bring about a reconciliation and sources. Carleton, of the United States to retain these people within the -The Missionary Review of Army, was visiting Lanao not Methodist Church, but without Australasia.
long .ago and became deeply in- success. They have now defi- What Joni Did terested in watching Dr. Laubach nitely cut themselves adrift, teach the Moros to read by his converted a house into a place Joni Uluibau was born at special new method. Lieutenant of worship, and appointed an- Matuka in the Lau group of the Carleton saw the missionaries other pastor, while Mr. Bairagi Fiji Islands, was trained in a trying to make enough of the has opened a secondary school. mission school, and at the age of large charts to serve the de- Regular Sunday services and a 21 went with a pioneer mission
party to Bougainville in the Sol- Contributions for Protestant and Australasia. No report was omon Islands. After six years Missions received from Russia. Africa and Central America show slight of fruitful service he recently In America, including Cana- losses. The figures from Asia, returned to Fiji on his first fur- da, contributions to the cause of in view of disturbed political lough, hoping to go back with a foreign missions during 1929 in- conditions, are peculiarly grati- fying. In China the churches wife to teach girls to sew, cook creased considerably, but the are substantially holding their and clean. Much of the progress continental contributions fell off. own; from India almost every In Germany, Sweden, Switzer- district reports advance. made in that part of the Solomons has been due to his effort land, France and Finland there Three World Conferences was an increase, but not large and influence. He has trans- Three great world conferlated enough hymns and pas- enough to equalize the decrease ences have come to be associated sages of Scripture to make the in Belgium, Denmark and Hol- with the official life of the churches: Stockholm. Lausanne, first book in the Teop tongue. land. America contributes 55.5 Jerusalem. The three move- The Sydney Daily Telegraph, per cent, England 22.04 per cent, ments are of universal reach and definite significance. The after Joni had stopped in that and the Continent 9.3 per cent of first represents a developing city on his way home, told his the total gifts recorded. Sums world-federation of churches on the basis of a common "life and story under the title "What Joni contributed in 1929 were as fol- work," with special attention to Did as a Christian." lows: the social application of Christ's teachings; the second, an ap- Smiling and fuzzy-headed, with America ……………• $28,525,939 proach by way of theological dis- cussion to the possible organic dark brown eyes, and over six feet Great Britain ……….. 11,172,525 unity of thought in Christen- dom; the third, an organization high, Joni Uluibau is a living example South America.. . . .. …. 3,700,184 devoted to the world missionary problem and composed of the of the work that Christian missions Germany …..•……… 1,448,517 missionary societies of the West, together with the new churches have accomplished in the South Seas. Australia …………… 1,390,292 in the East.
The simple pride of J oni in his life- Sweden …………..•.. 1,247,745 Plans are under way for the next World Conference in 1935 work; his calm native dignity; his South Africa ……….. . 681,275 after the order of Stockholm, but probably to be held in Lonfriendliness; his patience as he Denmark …………… 528,472 don. A program committee under the leadership of Dr. Wilwrestles with the intricacies of Eng- Norway ..•..•………. 481,328 liam Adams Brown suggests as general themes for consideralish, make a picture that impresses Holland ……………. 473,958 tion: itself forcibly upon the mind. New Zealand ..•……. . . 471,782 1. A survey of the more important developments in the field of Christian "I go there first when quite young," Switzerllmd …………. 292,890 life and work which have taken place since the last conference, together said J oni, "and they are dirty. They France ……..•…..•.. 155,935 with an analysis of the problems and tasks which grew out of them. do not know. Oh, how dirty. The Finland ………….•.. 118,235 2. A consideration of ways in pigs are everywhere, the houses fall Belgium •…………•.. 4,633 which the churches may cooperate down. more effectively for the purpose of realizing the aims set forth in the "I say, in Fiji we keep the pigs in a Total …•..•…….. $50,693,710 Stockholm Message of 1925. fence. It is cleaner. Get rid of the pigs. , 3. A further exploration of the Baptist World Strength basic convictions and experiences "At first they laugh at me, but I which motivate and inspire Christian The Baptist World Alliance service, both in its individual and sotalk and talk. The chiefs listen; they reports December 31, 1931, the cial aspects, with a view to: following world totals (excludsay, 'Perhaps J oni's way is right.''' ing Russia) : (a) Deepening the religious life of the members of our churches, J oni alone tamed those savages, re- Church Sunday Members School (b) Clarifying their understanding built their houses, built pig-sties, and EUrope ……… 662,410 629,332 of the moral issues which con- Asia ……….. 389,575 169,587 front the Church and the world today two sons of Teop headhunters Africa . . . . . . . . . . 85,182 32,893 today, and America: are learning to. be teachers. North …….. 9,402,007 5,536,938 (c) Promoting a spirit of self- Central and sacrifice and consecration in MISCELLANEOUS NEWS West Indies … 70,020 59,599 facing them. South …….. 42,643 39,719 Mathematics in Religion Australia and New Zealand .. 37,378 48,962 Logically-minded folk will be interested in Margaret Seebach's Total ….. 10,689,215 6,517,030 "Equations of the World's Religions." The most encouraging feature of the report is that the totals Every religion has in it some great of Sunday School pupils show truth, some fine quality; but all except an advance in every continent. one have some deficiency. We may in- The largest numerical increase dicate them by minus and plus signs, is in North America and the and the answer to the equation gives largest proportionate increase in the result in character. Only one South America. Church memshows the plus sign. bership shows an advance of ap- proximately 80,000, of which the Islam=zeal for God-love for man larger part is in North America, =Intolerance. though there is also advance in Europe, Asia, South America Confucianism = morality-compassion=Coldness.
Hinduism=search for God-service to man=Selfishness.
Buddhism=resignation-aspiration =Pessimism.
Animism=belief in the unseentrust=Superstition.
Christianity=love to God+love to man=Service.
Missionary
Recent Boo~s Reviewed for the Readers' Information Karl Barth-Prophet of a New Chris- we must find a more sympathet- hand his intellectualism and lib- tianity. By Wilhelm Pauck. 228 pp. ic interpreter. $2. Harpers. New York. 1931. eral traditions make it difficult Barth's position on certain Karl Barth at the age of for- points is too cloudy and uncer- to dissociate himself completely ty-five is beyond doubt the most tain to permit his being numchallenging figure in contempo- bered among conservative theo- from certain assumptions of the rary theology. He has been for logians; but on most of the great more than a decade the center of essentials of Christianity his critical school: on the other his a remarkable religious move- testimony seems to have the ment in Germany and recently ring of true conviction. It is candid inquiry has brought him his dynamic personality and Barth~s evangelical outlook to teaching have seized the atten- which Professor Pauck objects. face to face with the tremendous tion of religious leaders through- Here are a few of his comments : out the world. Unfortunately, realities of Christ and the Scripfew of his writings have thus "Barth's limitations are twofar been made available to Eng- fold. He speaks too bluntly in tures. The latter influence, we lish readers and this volume, supernatural terms. . . . The characterized by the publishers other limitation of his thought is should say, is clearly in the asas a "penetrating analysis," will closely connected with this: it is awaken the keen anticipation of his staunch Biblicalism. . . . He cendant. H. R. M. a wide circle. Analysis is hard- finally even declares that the ly the proper term, however, to Virgin Birth is a necessary part Seeing South America. By John T. describe the method of this au- of the creed of the Christian Faris. 223 pp. $2.50. Revell. New thor; the book is actually a criti- Church…. Barth believes that York. 1931. cism of the so-called Barthian the only possible way of thinkteaching. The sub-title is also ing about God is the way taken It used to be quite the thing misleading, since Barth is by no by the men of the Bible." He to make a swing around South means the "Prophet of aNew sums up his opinion of Barth in America and write a book about Christianity." As this volume this language : "We cannot one's trip. Dr. Faris is the only abundantly proves, his funda- avoid the conclusion that he is one we know who has done it remental appeal is to the Christi- guilty of a strange self-decep- cently. In setting down the anity of the first century. tion when he insists on pointing usual information desired by to the immediate revelation of tourists, he has fortunately done Those who have read Barth's God which is concealed in the it in a sympathetic way, not in "The Word of God and the Word biblical testimony on Jesus the old critical spirit, which of Man," recently translated by Christ. He operates with a con- showed disgust with our south- Douglas Horton, will at once ception of revelation which is ern neighbors because they did sense the unbalanced character antiquated, outlived, unreal. It not have as many bath tubs and of some of these chapters; but is the old supernaturalism, the fast express trains as we in the they will, nevertheless, find an old belief in the miraculous inarresting psychological study in tervention of an otherwise North. the 'effort of an avowedly liberal worldly, superhuman, anthropo- The traveler who wishes to theologian to deal fairly with the morphic God, which haunts positions of another brilliant him." It is clear, of course, that know a little South American leader holding contrary views. Pauck is incapable of compre- history, a few statistics, some Much of the discussion moves in hending how a brilliant theologi- geography and a few sayings of the realm of a terminology an, so thoroughly informed on important people will find this which only those versed in the the whole history of criticism as volume of interest as a guide intricacies of speculative theol- Barth, could hold to a belief in book. But frankness compels ogy would be able to follow. As the supernatural. one to express wonder at the aulight takes on the hues of the thor's failure to check historical medium through which it passes, The reader of this book will statements, one of which, for exso it is evident, if we are to real- hardly escape the impression ample, incorrectly refers to the ly know and understand Barth, outstanding Argentine patriot, that with Barth an internal con- San Martin, as follows: "In flict is in progress. On the one Peru, Jose de San Martin heard of the efforts made by the patri- [189] ots to the South, and he made up his mind to go to their as- sistance!" As to travel, the statement is made: "Even if you have but a month at your dis- posal this is sufficient to make the enticing sail to Rio de Ja- neiro, Montevideo and Buenos
Aires." Just how is this to be of one writer. While we cannot the West have confined our ataccomplished, if one is to get agree with the writer of the in- tention largely to the spread of back home, since more than six troduction that "it is the most Christianity in the Roman Emweeks are required for a round valuable and comprehensive pire and in Europe, and have trip from New York to Buenos work on religious liberty in the gained no adequate conception Aires? last hundred years", neverthe- of the progress of the Gospel less it has excellent and extend- eastward, nor of the vast Nes- The absence of any discussion ed treatments of such widely di- torian Church which by the of the political, social, education- vergent topics as Apostles of eighth century stretched from al or religious questions, which Religious Freedom, Juridical Baghdad to Peking and as far are so important to any visitor and Moral Problems of Religious south as Ceylon. Dr. Stewart to South America today, tends to Freedom, a comparison of Bud- has made it possible for us to fill a lack of flavor and human in- dhism and Christianity, An An- in part this gap in our knowlterest. alysis of the work of St. Francis edge, and to feel something of of Assisi, Constitutional Studies the original warmth and enthu- The list of reference books is regarding the Position of the curious, for out of thirty lines Vatican, and a defense of the siasm of the missionary passion given to this list over half the Jews Against Persecution. of this ancient church. He says: lines are given to Darwin's "Voy,age of the Beagle," which A supplement of 200 pages From hundreds of monasteries all is out of print. The well known contains some 35 articles on over Persia and in central and eastern volume "EI Supremo" is put various phases of religious lib- Asia, there poured forth a constant down as referring to Uruguay erty by such outstanding author- stream of ascetics, men and women, instead of Paraguay. No book ities as Cavour, Louis Marshall who had completed their three years' on either Brazil or Argentina is and William H. Taft. Papers in probationary trainIng and now went mentioned and none by a Latin connection with the One Hun- forth in obedience to our Lord's com- American author. dred and Fiftieth anniversary of mand, seeking to carry the Gospel to the Constitutional Establish- the end of the earth or to found new What might have been a help- ment of Religious Liberty in the monasteries which in turn would be ful up-to-date travel book has United States give a splendid ac- training schools for future generations been limited in usefulness by a count of the early debates on the of devotees. Some of them became too hasty preparation. relations between Church and "solitaries" or "anchorites," giving State and the way this question themselves over mostly to prayer and S.G.r. has been gradually worked out intercession. . . . Others taking in this country. The relation of thetr lives in their hands went forth, God in Freedom-Studies in the Rela- the League of Nations to Reli- not knowing whither they went, but tion between Church and State. gious Liberty is also discussed. content to follow where God might By Luigi Luzzatti. $5. Macmillan. lead . . . supporting themselves New York. 1931. Dr. Luzzatti (1841-1927) was by the labor of their hands Dr subsist- an Italian Jew, whose studies led ing on roots and fruits or on the grass Luigi Luzzatti was one of the him into the closest sympathy of the field. They counted no trouble chief citizens of Italy during the with Christianity and gave him too great, no hardship too severe, as last half century. The one great a great advantage as a neutral long as they might share in the cause to which he devoted his su- student. His admiration for St. spreading abroad of the message of perior talents as a scholar and Francis is significant of his full salvation for all mankind. statesman may be epitomized in broad culture and noble soul. this principle: all human prog- They penetrated into almost ress and happiness are derived S.G.r. every part of Asia and were able from liberty of thought and con- to make converts and found science. Nestorian Missionary Enterprise-A Church on Fire. By John Stewart. churches and establish bishop- This volume contains much in- Map. 323 pp. Rs. 4. Christian Lit- ries everywhere they went. teresting material never before erature Society. Madras. 1931. pub lis h e d. Included in its The author uses freely the resketches of champions of reli- Many years as a missionary cently published studies of Dr. gious liberty are distinguished of the United Free Church of Mingana of Manchester and the representatives of the cause be- Scotland in South India, brought other principal sources. In his longing to India, Persia, China, the author of this volume into effort to give the reader all the Japan, the Ottoman Empire, and contact with the Syrian Christhe early Church Fathers as well tians. He became interested in known facts he has made some as its great exponents in Euro- the history of the great "Church of his pages rather heavy, and pean and American his tor y. of the East" (the Nestorian one wishes that much of this ma- Adequate treatment is also given Church) of which they are a terial might have been included to the movements for the separa- branch, and in this interesting in appendices. In many places, tion of State and Church in our volume he has made available however, the story is told in a own day in France, Scotland, for English readers the results very interesting fashion. There Wales, and other lands. of his studies. Most of us who are several inaccuracies in de- have studied church history in tails, such as, the statement that This is a kind of encyclopedia the tomb of Esther is in Tabriz, on the subject of religious free- and that the medical school of dom, except that it is the opinion Gondisapor was in the Punjab (it is in Persia). One is inclined to feel that, in his enthusiasm for the glorious past of the
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
Church of the East, Dr. Stewart that flow out to the mind of to- secular instruction is whether it has painted the picture of its is right to use missionary money character and achievements in day. Perhaps, therefore, there too vivid colors. But though the and Christian workers merely to Christians of Central Asia may are phases of thought and exnot have been as numerous or as teach arithmetic, geography, hisloyal as some of the records rep- pression which will be transi- tory, and similar subjects. It is resent them, still the fact re- true that the early church spent mains that the Nestorian Church tory. Perhaps there are some its time who II y in Christian was able to do what modern mis- preaching and teaching, wit h sions have not yet accomplished, enduring values and permanent some healing work. It is open to namely, to establish a living, question, however, whether misself-propagating church in al- notes lost for the time in the new sion work, if confined strictly to most every part of Asia. this apostolic method would pro- emphasis. How could it be oth- duce the per man e n t results The almost complete disap- sought in our complex modern pearance of this Church from erwise? But it would be hard to world. As a rule the Gospel of Asia some five hundred years Christ functions more effectiveago was due chiefly to persecu- find more glorious love of Christ ly in a cultured mind than in an tion, compromise with other re- ignorant one. ligions, and the Mongol invasion. or clearer recognition of His Dr. Stewart might have added It is generally conceded in the ignorance and corruption of glory and grace, His uniqueness missionary circles that Christian the clergy, as pictured in "Wil- evangelism should be the central liam Rubruck's Journey to Tar- and His sufficiency, His "alone- factor in all work on mission tary," and to the vast distances fields-whether through preachseparating the churches of the ness," His "absolute value." Dr. ing, class room activities, medi- Far East from their headquar- cal service, industrial work, or in ters in Mesopotamia. Buttrick knows that the Gospel the preparation of literature.
Two important f act s are is not a human aspiration or in- Missionaries deal not merely brought out in Dr. Stewart's with the ears of man but with book: (1) Many of the elements vention but "an eternal Gospel, their entire personalities. One in the non-Christian religions hundred years ago it was generwhich seem to resemble Chris- from everlasting to everlasting ally considered sufficient to protian ideas are really derived claim the good news of Christ; from Christianity, and can, in the overture of God to men in today we see how important it many instances, be traced back is to prepare the way for the to the time when the Nestorian Christ Jesus." "Jesus came Gospel and to train Christians Church was influential in India to assume responsibility of and the East. (2) When Chris- preaching." Dr. Buttrick sees leadership. The full message of tianity effected a compromise Christ must be applied in the with other religions in India and that the mission of the preacher classroom, the dispensary, the China, it ceased to be mission- today is to preach Jesus Christ, work shop, in social life, and in ary, and soon disappeared. The the home as well as in the fate of the Church of the East is and that no one will ever exhaust Church. a warning to all missionaries to lay a true foundation which this message or be able to do J.F. R. nothin!!, can overthrow. more than make a new attempt "Yes, But-" The Bankruptcy of W.M.M. Apologetics. By Willard L. Sperry. to open the riches of the glory Harper & Bros. New York. 185 Jesus Came Preaching. By George A. pp. $2.00. Buttrick. 8 vo. 239 pp. $2.50. of Christ to men. The lectures Scribners. New York. 1931. The title of the book is a clever are a fresh and sincere and able phrase coined by Johann Semler Those who heard the "Yale of Halle, who lived at the begin- Lectures on Preaching" for 1931 effort to set forth anew and for ning of the era of destructive and had heard many other lec- criticism of the G 0 s pel s. He tures in this famous series our time and especially for the feared the consequences for his thought that no lecturer had own faith. His type of mind permade a deeper impression than preachers in our time, the glory sists, and this book itself raises Dr. Buttrick since Sylvester questions but does not answer Horne. Dr. Buttrick, in trying of God as it shone in the face of them. The contents deal with reto speak to the mind of this day, ligion, theology, and truth, all of uses the vocabulary, the fashion Jesus Christ. R. E. S. which are considered as standof speech, the approach, the ing at the cross-roads. The auforms of statement and appeal Education and the Missionary Task. thor, who is Dean of the Theo- By a Mission Secretary. 33 pp. logical School at Harvard Uni- 6d. World Dominion Press. Lon- don. 1931.
This address, delivered at an annual conference in England, takes the position that we must get back to more direct evangel- ism in all missionary work. This is a world-wide issue and repre- sents a resurgence of feeling in some sections of the Church. Again and again evangelism has been stressed as the only way to win non-Christians to disciple- ship, and the only justification for soliciting funds for the sup- port of the work. Probably there would be a general agreement among the missionary-minded in putting evangelism first and, no doubt, it should be emphasized more than it has been. Mission- aries are sent forth to win dis- ciples to Christ by preaching the Gospel, and to build up a body of believers by gathering them into Christian churches.
The question raised regarding
versity, asks such questions as, the mingling with Hebrew re- tions, games, verses, stories and whence liberalism? whither lib- ligion of foreign s t rea m s of adventures offered in this ateralism? and what is the place thought, and especially of the tractive volume. The voyagers of Jesus in His own religion? speculations which had come in travel to Africa, India, the Med- The book contains frank and from Persia. It was due still iterranean I and s, Japan and courageous criticism, but its ten- more to the unfolding of great China, seeing strange sights, dency is against super-human ideas which had always been im- hearing new sounds, and becomreligion. The least satisfactory plicit in Hebrew religion itself." ing acquainted with children of chapter is the one dealing with The second part of the book, other races. The stories and the place of Jesus in Christian- d e a lin g specifically with the poems have no Christian tone or ity. e. g.: teaching of Jesus regarding the message. They have little mean- "Browning say s somewhere Kingdom, contains much that is ing and apparently no purpose that the acknowledgment of God excellent. Finally, the author except to amuse and awaken a in Christ solves for us all ques- traces the later development of sense of fellowship with children tions in the universe. That is a the kingdom and its mission in of other races. gross overstatement of the fact. the establishment of the church The acknowledgment of God in and the proclamation of a world- Escape. By Francesco Fausto Nitti. Christ may encourage us to place wide message. 8 vo. 267 pp. $2.50. Putnam. a particular interpretation upon S. M. Z. New York. 1931.
many of the processes of nature Charles Lewis Slattery. By Howard Opinions differ about Premier and history, but it simply does Chandler Robbins. 400 pp. $2.50. Mussolini. To some he is almost not answer countless questions Harpers. New York. 1931. a God; to others he is a demon. that the human mind must ask Francesco Fausto Nitti, the son and for which it must try to find As rector of Grace Protestant of a Methodist clergyman and an answer. I write down this the nephew of a former premier reversed doctrine of the divinity Episcopal Church, New York, of Italy, shares the latter opinof Christ, that God must be at ion. He entered the World War least as good as Jesus is, as too Bishop Slattery made a pro- when only fifteen. Later he bepatently apologetic and too com- came an ardent advocate of deplacently indifferent to the hon- found impression upon the re- mocracy and liberty. He was a est brain work of the world to be bank employee and student and of any permanent help." ligious life of that great city, was opposed to Mussolini's auto- cratic dictatorship and the forci- S. M.Z. and when Bishop Lawrence re- ble suppression of all opponents. He was not in politics but was The KingdOm of God in the New Tes- tired as Bishop of the Diocese of arrested and sentenced without tament. By Ernest F. Scott, D. D. hearing, trial or conviction to 197 pp. $1.75. Macmillan. New Massachusetts, Dr. Slattery was five years confinement in one of York. the many prison islands. After chosen as his successor. In this suffering many trials, indigni- This scholarly volume has only ties and inj ustices he, and two indirect bearing on the mission- wide field he showed gifts of companions, escaped from Liary enterprise. Its chief aim is pari, Italy'S "Devil's Island," to determine how Jesus con- leadership and qualities of and made their way to Paris. ceived of the Kingdom of God. The story of the experiences and The author, professor of New Christian character that won the the audacious flight for freedom Testament C r i tic ism in the is thrilling. The picture given Union Theological Seminary, ap- respect and affection of people of Mussolini and the reign of proaches the subject from the terror under his regime is that standpoint of liberal Christian- of all religious beliefs. He pub- of a ruthless machine that mows ity. He says, "Thus from the down all that opposes its progidea of J ahve as King of Israel lished more than a score of ress. Evidently there is no libarose that of the one God, who erty in Italy for those who are reigns over all nations and who books in the field of religion and not Fascisti. Mussolini is a powmade and governs the universe." erful autocrat who is determined He traces the historical back- biography, was fo:: many years to make Italy a powerful nation, ground of the conception of the but he rules by fear and force kingdom; emphasizes the influ- Chairman of the Church Conence on Jewish thought of Persian mythology and Rabbinical gress in the United States, Chairman of the Commission on the Revision of the Book of Com- mon Prayer, an Overseer of Harvard College, and a Trustee of Boston University, Andover, and Wellesley College.
Dr. Robbins has done much more than describe the external facts of Bishop Slattery's life.
His picture is that of a man with a genius for friendship, a devo- tion to his daily tasks, and an unaffected joyousness in living.
This kind of biography enriches the mental and spiritual life of the reader. A. J. B.
apocalyptic. Drawing the conclu- The Treasure Ship Sails East. IlIus. and not by love and justice. sion that "Jesus, then, fell heir 8 vo. 127 pp. $2. Macmillan. Many of the strongest, most into a conception which had passed New York. 1931. telligent, noblest Italians have through a long development in Boys and girls love adventure. been mercilessly imprisoned, the religion of Israel. . . . This Primary children will be at- banished or killed. The Fascisti development was partly due to tracted by the colorful illustra- need the Gospel of Christ.
Books Negroes of Afric:a–:.History and Cul-
ture. Maurice Delafasse. 313 pp. $3.15. Associated Publishers. Wash- Announcins I New Ind ~ to the FuIl.· Striking addresses ington. 1931. ThorouShly Reviled Edition of by John McNeill. 208 pp. 28., 6d. The Remaking of Man in Africa. J. The Progress of Pickering "Inglis. London. 1931. H. Oldham and B. D. Gibson. 84 The Centennial of the Western For- pp. 28., 6d. Oxford University eign Missionary Society. Edited by Press. London. 1931. World -Wide Missions James A. Kelso. 234 pp. Commit- Streams in the Desert. Mrs. Chas. E. tee of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Pitts- Cowman. 378 pp. $1.50. Oriental B, Ihe burgh. 1931. . Missionary Society. Los Angeles. Schoolgirls Together. Mrs. E. Weller. Rev. Robert HIli Glovw, M. D., F.R.G.S. Calendar-Jewish and Christian. The 18. China Inland Mission. Lon- Late S. B. Rohold. 110 pp. 40 don. 1931. Ho.e DIrector, Chlnelalencl MI…on cents. Mt. Carmel Bible School. A _preh..llye hlltory ad ….._ book Ihlt mould be In Ihe IIbr.., 01 "'err one Inl. . .eeI In .1…0…. A ……… ad • Hudson Taylor's Legacy. Marshall clllllle wrlllen b, • r..1.1"'0…, ……… Haifa. 1931. Curing the Inc u r a b I e. Winifred Bromhall. 167 pp. 28., 6d. China "For yed" there hdS been. growlns de…nd Combes. 35 pp. 6d. Church Mis- Inland Mission. London. 1931. for such d mlulon.ry text-book IS this. It Is an sionary Society. London. 1931. Under Seven Congo Kings. R. H. Indlspenwble work for dll deslrlns concl.c In- Carson Graham. 293 pp. 68. Carey formation on every PMse of mllSiolllry en- Chief Among the Brethren. Compiled Press. London. delYOr. It "/IRS true to the Gospel Mawsc," by H. Pickering. 223 pp. 38., 6d. -SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES Pickering & Inglis. London. 1981. A Way of Escape. Raymond B. Fos- With Maps, Full Indices, Bibliography, Samuel Crowther of Nigeria. Jesse dick. 15 pp. Princeton University Etc., Octavo. 418 Pages, $2.50 Press. Prineeton. 1931. Page. 191 pp. 28. Pickering & RlY Long a Rlchlrd R. Smlth~ Inc. Inglis. London. 1931. Year Book of Miseions. 68 pp. 35c. The Christian Mission in Rural India. American Board of Commissioners 12 Eest 4hl Street. NC1II! YotIc Kenyon L. Butterfield. 160 pp. In- for Foreign Missions. Boston. 1931. ternational Missionary Council. New Persona' Items York. 1931. Annual Report of the Panjab Mission, Clever Country. Caroline Gardner. 158 1930-S1. Wesleyan Mission Press. Myscire. 1931.
pp. $1.50. Revell. New York. (Continued from Bd C01JM') 1931. Fanny Crosby. John Hawthorne. 64 pp. 18. Pickering" Inglis. Lon- Obituary Notes The Rev. James L. Kennedy, a mis- don. 1931. sionary of the Methodist Episcopal From Genesis to Revelation. S. Ridout. Mrs. J. J. Lucas, of India, for over Church, South, has rounded out a h81f . 261 pp. 28., 6d. Pickering" In- sixty years a missionary of the Amer- century of service in Brazil. His ican Presbyterian Church in India, range of activities includes that of glis. LondDn. 1931. died at the home of her son, Dr. E. J. evangelist, pastor, treasurer, schoo] His Bequest-The Believer's Riches in Lucas, in Lahore, on December 4th. president and author of A History of Her husband, Dr. J. J. Lucas, who Methodism in Brazil (in Portuguese). Trust. Norman B. Harrison. 48 survives, has had a similar long term pp. Art cover, 25 cents; gift edi- of service in India. Mrs. Lucas was … … … , tion, 40 cents. B. I. C. Assn. Chi- born in Vermont and in India served eago. 1931. successively in Mainpuri, Fatehgar, Dr. Kenyon L. Butterfield, who for How to Master the Bible. Martin Saharanpur and Allahabad. Since the past two years has served as coun- Anstey. 204 pp. 28., 6d. Picker- 1923, when they resigned after fifty selor on rural work for the inter- ing & Inglis. London. 1981. years of active service, Dr. and Mrs. national Missionary Council, and in Knowing the Bible. Raymond C. Knox. Lucas have lived in Landour, North that capacity has visij;ed India, China, 277 pp. $1.75. Macmillan. New India. Among their children, who call Korea and the Philippine Islands, has York. 1931. them blessed, are Dr. Wm. P. Lucas, been appointed for another year to .Missions in the Bible. J. B. Lawrence. of California; Mrs. Frances Hender- lecture and write. He plans to con- 186 pp. 75 cents, cloth; 50 eents, son of Ohio State University, and sult with mission boards regarding the paper. Southern Baptist Conven- Dr. Edmund D. Lucas, President of strengthening of rural work in mis- tion. Atlanta. 1932. Forman Christian College, Lahore. The Rural Mission of the Church in On her eightieth birthday Mrs. Lucas sion lands. … … … Eastern Asia. Kenyon L. Butter- took her first ride in an airplane at Beld. 222 pp. International Mission- Allahabad. The Rev. James W. Hawkes, on ary Council. New York. 1931. November 1, 1931, completed 50 years World Clock. A colored chart. Thomas of missionary service in Persia. He T. Smith. 25 cents each; $15 per is an outstanding scholar of Persian, 100. Thos. T. Smith. Marion, Ind. William Knowles Cooper, for twen- having assisted in a revision of the Missionary Heroines in Eastern Lands. ty years (1909-1929) the General Sec- Persian Bible, and is the author of a E. R. Pitman. 191 pp. 28. Pick- retary of the Y. M. C. A. in Wash- new Persian Bible Dictionary. ering & Inglis. London. 1931. ington, D. C., died at his home there … … … To Mother: Memory Blossoms. Caro- on January 19th at the age of sixty- four. Mr. Cooper was born in Phila- The Rev. Jesse M. Bader, D. D., is lyn Nicholson Payson. 48 pp. $1. delphia in 1867 and was at different the new Field Secretary for Evange- Wheelock Pub. Co. Boston. 1931. times secretary of the Y. M. C. A. Marches of the North. E. Alexander in Brooklyn, New York and in Spring- lism in the Federal Council of Powell. Illus. 311 pp. $4. Cen- Beld, Mass. He rendered valuable Churches. Dr. Bader's interest in tUry. New York. 1931. service on the Laymen's Council of evangelism has taken him to most of Missions Matching the Hour. Stephen Congregational Churches, with the the English-speaking world, including J. Corey. 184 pp. Cokesbury Press. Boy Scouts of America, the Federal Nashville. 1931. Council of Churches and other Chris- Great Britain, New Zealand and Aus- New Life Through God. Toyohiko tian organizations. tralia.· Kagawa. 210 pp. $1.50. Revell. … … … New York. 1931. Dr. W. T. Anderson, a veteran mis- Paterson of Hebron. W. Ewing. Illus. sionary of the United Presbyterian' The Rev. William S. Beard retired 2056 pp. 88., 6d. James Clarke " Mission in India, died January 21st February 1st as executive secretary at Sialkot, India. Mr. Anderson was of the Commission on Missions of o. London. preparing to return to America when the Congregational and Christian 'Jlae Pilgrim Church. E. H. Broad- he was called "home." Churches. In the last twelve years Mr. Beard has directed campaigns !urst. 406 pp. 78., 6d. Pickering which have collected large sums for ur; Inglis. London. 1931. foreign missions.
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