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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The Missionary Review of the World — December 1936
1936
A Young Church in Old Egypt E. E. Elder What Results in Central Africa?
Virginia M. Clarke The Evangelistic Value of Medical Work Rolla E. Hoffman Wanted, A Demonstration of Unity John J. Banninga Sen Lai Tsang, Missionary to Korea Mrs. C. S. Deming Home Missions in Modern America E. D. Kohlstedt Roman Activity in Pagan Africa Kenneth G. Grubb 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember CHl1Rc:H Here Is t:he
M"N"GEMENT> Christ:mas Present: for Your December 9-11 – Biennial meetiDg, Federal Council of Churches, As- Past:or and Missionary bury Park, N. J. '::~::."~: ,. ~~: :.W GIVE him a year's suhscription to Church Janu.ary 4-6–Committee on Women's Management. A hright, dynamic profes- Work of the Foreign Missions Con- ference of North America, Asbury sional magazine for clergymen which keeps Park, New Jersey. them in touch with the newest developments January 6-8-Foreign Missions Con- ference of North America, Asbury in the home field. Park, New Jersey. A recently added "Minister's Wife Department" brings in material January 11-14, 1937 – Annual Meet- on programs and methods for the women's activities in the church. ings, Home Missions Council and The Council of Women for Home $2.50 per year; $1.25 for six months Missions. Asbury Park, N. J. (We will send an attractive gift card to your heneficiary if you so request) February 8-13-International Council of Religious Education, Executive CHURCH MANAGEMENT Committee and Associated Meetings. Chicago, Ill. Auditorium Building :: Cleveland, Ohio NATIONAL PREACHING Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- Mrs. A. L. Wiley, Presbyterian MISSION sions. For almost 60 years, Dr. Mc- missionary of Ratnagiri, India, on Afee has maintained some form of June 23, received the Kaiser-i-Hind Nov. 29-Dec. 2-Philadelphia. official connection with the foreign medal, third class, in recognition of Dec. 3-6–Boston. missionary enterprise of the Presby- her faithful work among the children Dec. 6-9-New York City. terian Church in the U. S. A.-first as in that area. Many tiny tots have Foreign Missions chairman of his grown to Christian manhood and FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- presbytery and then, in succession, ARY ASSEMBLIES synodical chairman, Board member, . womanhood under her care. October, and for the past six years, one of its January 16-19, 1937-Jacksonville. 1936, marked the end of 41 years of January 19-20–Lake City. • • • secretaries. service which she has given in India. January 20-22-Daytona Beach. Dr. John A. Rodgers, Secretary January 20-22-DeIand. for Annuities and Special Gifts on the … … January 23-27-Miami. Presbyterian Board of National Mis- January 26-27-Ft. Lauderdale. sions, retired on October 1. .T~e Rev. Charl~s Hodge Corbett, January 27-29-Palm Beaches. mInIster of educatlOn of Bay Ridge January 30-February 2-Orlando. ••• Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., February 2-4-Winter Haven. has been elected to succeed the late February 4-5-Ft. Myers. Dr. Edmund B. Chaffee as editor of February 4-5-Sarasota. The Presbyteri4n Tribune'. He was a February 6-11-St. Petersburg. missionary in China for seventeen February 7-1o-Clearwater. years, teaching in the North China February 10-12-Tampa. Union College. He returned to Amer- February 13-16–Tallahassee. ica in 1925.
Dr. Charles E. Maddry, a secretary of the Southern Baptist Foreign Mis- Personal Itellls sion Board, is home after a tour of Rt. Rev. Frederick Rogers Graves, the Board's missions in South Amer- ica. of the American Episcopal Church, • •• has been asked to continue hiB service in China where he has been for fiftyfive years. He had submitted his Mrs. A. K. Reischauer, of the Pres- Obituary Notes resignation because of advancing age byterian Mission in Japan, has been (now 78) but the House of Bishops awarded a special diploma for distin- The Rt. Rev. HoefnrMy eDxaicmo,eredlieAdveis~ asked him to hold on until the general guished service to the deaf. She was retired Bishop the pioneer in introducing oral educa- Houston, Texas, September 20, in his • • convention. • tion for the deaf in Japan, and 83d year. He had retired in 1928 founded the deaf-oral school, "Nippon Working quietly and steadily for 20 Geo. Evangeline Booth left Lon- Rowa Gakko," in Tokyo. years, during a period of one revoludon in November to undertake a world campaign, calling first at Port Said .::sFREE FOT tionary ~risis after another, Bishop to inspect one of the newest Salvation Min;"eT. Aves guIded the struggling missions Army centers. She expects to spend of the Episcopal Church in Mexico more than a month, including Christ- Why God Used D. L. Moody isnatmoestoilmidearmitiyniasntedrinsgtretnogtthh~' at the mas, in India, and conduct no fewer By R. A. Torrey British than sixty-five public gatherings at and American colonies in the critical various centers. The General will The Shorter Life of D. L. Moody years when open warfare was an al- Itllend six days in Ceylon, thence to By Paul R. Moody and A. P. Fitt most constant threat. Java, Singapore, Hongkong, Shanghai and Peiping. She will go on to Th_ two hooks will he given [0 the fint 1000 * … … Korea, reaching Japan on March 10, miniatere who will agree to conduct a "'Moody Day" and return to England across the lervice on Sunday, February 7, 1937, and win Dr. Bruce Kinney, recently retired preach an appropriate message in oheenance of the as on!! of the representatives of the United States. .> . . CeDtenary of D. L. Moody's birth. ~merIc~n ~aptist Home Mission So- CIety, dIed In Cleveland, Ohio, on Oc- Dr. Cleland Boyd McAfee reached W,.ite A. F. GaylorJ. Director tober 15. He was for 43 years a minhis 70th birthday on September 26, D. L. MooJy Centenary Celebration. ister .of Christ and 38 years ago was and on that date retired from the secretaryship for Japan, Siam, Chosen The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago w: appomted as a frontier missionary in and the Philippine Islands under the 153 INSTITUTE PLACE CHICAGO. ILL. the e~ whe!e he was superintendent of mISSIons In Utah and Wyoming (Concluded on 3d CO'IJer.) REVIEW OF THE WORLD High Speed DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor at Low Cost VOL.LIX DEC., 1936 No. 12 Speed is often so important when crossing to the Orient. That's-why Publication and Business Office– busy travellers go by Empress. You Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. go faster . . . in maximum comfort . . . and at surprisingly low cost. Editorial and Executive Office- 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. Only 10 days to Yokohama by Entered as second-class matter at Empress of Asia or Empress of Russia. Or via Honolulu in just 3 Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under days more by Empress of Japan Act of March 3, 1879. (largest, fastest liner on the Pa~ific) or Empress of Canada. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. low round-trip fares . . . First, Publlsbed monthly, except August. Tourist and Third Class. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. British agents – Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, When your Call London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy. 10 shillings a year.
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by Willard
LISTENING TO THE GOSPEL ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE (REV. OSCAR BOYD PREACHING FROM THE IBIS) Photograph by Willard Price EAGER LIDARNERS IN THE BOYS' SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA BUILDING MATERIAL FOR THE CHURCH IN EGYPT
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 12 DECEMBER, 1936 Topics of the Times THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE OF PEACE sponsible for the war spirit. Russia, the commu- nistic Union of Soviet Republics, denies God's au- Thousands of sermons will be preached in thority and ideals and depends on armaments to Christian pulpits on Christmas Sunday, advocat- maintain peace with neighbors and within her own ing "Peace on earth, goodwill among men." But, borders.. Japan, the militaristic monarchy, seeks while God is the God of Peace, and the Gospel is to attain her ends by regimentation and force of the Gospel of Peace, Christ distinctly said, arms. Germany and Italy, the fascist totalitarian "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; states, declare for an "armed peace," with their I 'came not to send peace, but a sword." This armaments able to defy all antagonists. Even startling statement has been proved true, for England and America are joining in the race. strife has characterized national life during the There may be an armed truce, and a restraint whole Christian era-though war is contrary to from active warfare, but it is due to fear of force Christ's mission of peace. and not to the spirit of friendly harmony which Look over the world. Never were nations so fe- underlies all true peace.
verishly arming themselves and preparing for war What then is the Christmas message of peace?
as they are today; never was so much spent on It is that Christ came to proclaim God's love and armaments and war materials; never have there His desire that men should cease from rebellion been so many wars and rumors of wars-political, against His will and should be at peace with Him.
economic, social and religious. This is in spite of This is the only effective basis of "peace among the influence and ideals of Christ and the peace men." The sword of strife will be sheathed, or propaganda and pacifist movements. There can turned into a plowshare of peace, when men join be no doubt that Christ desires peace, but if He in allegiance to Christ and yield their wills and came to establish general peace among men and their lives and their possessions to the Will of nations, there does not seem to have been much God. There is no other way ; all peace movements progress toward reaching His objective. Never- promoted on any otlier basis are futile. As long theless God is the God of Peace; Christ preached as men fight against God they will naturally fight peace and bequeathed His peace to His disciples, against one another, if they can and dare. "There and they "preached peace by Jesus Christ" (Acts is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." God 10: 36). and the State cannot both rule supreme over men's What, then, is the answer to the present prob- wills; neither can both God and self be supreme.
lem ·of disunity and strife in the world? The an- The most effective emissaries and promoters of swer is that there is only one basis of human peace on earth today are not "pacifists" who decry peace and that is "peace with God." The reason all conflict, or social workers who merely seek to for the "sword" that divided households as the bring about better living conditions. but they are result of Christ's coming to earth over nineteen the peacemakers who are recognized as "children hundred years ago-and that still divides families of God"; they are the Christian missionaries and and nations-is the fact that men are out of har- others who are seeking to win men to Christ and mony with God., We have neglected the one neces- to a life in harmony with God's will. Christ came sary basis of unity. As long as we-as individuals primarily to save men from sin-the sin of disoor as nations-are each seeking selfish ends, so bedience to the Will of God. He proclaimed for- long will we fear one another and put our trust giveness and peace by His sacrifice on the Cross in armaments. No one form of government is re- and so opened the Way of Life in God.
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Christmas is a time to preach peace, but only ity, must be taught in the home, the school, the the peace of God based on loving obedience to His church and the place of business. Law must be revealed will and manifested by love to our fellow shown to be not an enemy to liberty but a protec- men. It is love that brings peace because love tion and an ally to progress.
works no ill to one's neighbor. The Star of Beth- (7) Belief in God as a loving Heavenly Father, lehem and the Cross of Calvary are both the Chris- . and the just Ruler of human affairs, must be tian symbols of peace. taught to children from their earliest years. The movie and the streets often make crime seem easy, STILLING THE CRIME WAVE pleasant and profitable. Self-control and rever- ence for God must be shown by precept and ex- The government, social reformers, parents and ample as the Way of Life that brings happiness Christians everywhere are greatly disturbed be- and success. cause of the extent of crime and its spread in all Public libraries must be purged from unwholeparts of the world. The cost of crime in the some books and newsstands must be cleared of United States is estimated at thirteen billion dol- papers that present low ideals and lawless heroes. lars a year, seven times as much as we spend for Good reading is more influential than most forms education. The number of condemned criminals of good advice. It is a matter of record that only in penal institutions runs into hundreds of thou- two per cent of criminals!, when brought to trial, sands and lawbreakers out of jail are even more have been active members of any church. numerous. The worst feature of the situation is that youthful criminals are increasing. In Great As the basic cause of crime and lawlessness is Britain, a recent report states that forty per cent sin, so the only cure for these evils is a. turning of the crimes were committed by persons under to God and an intelligent regard for His laws. twenty-one years of age; and the situation is even The New Testament gives us three definitions of sinworse in America. The chief causes of crime and lawlessness are (1) "Sin is transgression of the law"-a posi- tive disobedience to the revealed Will of God. idleness, ignorance, lack of high moral standards, broken homes, a desire to obtain money for power (2) "Whosoever knoweth to do good and doeth and: self-indulgence, and· an antipathy to all re- it not to him it is sin" ;-it is failure to follow the straints. But the basic causes of lawlessness are light we have. selfishness and a disregard for God as the Heavenly Father and Lawgiver. (3) "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin"-it is doing what we believe to be wrong, and failure What then is the cure for the present-day law- to live in harmony with faith in God as He is relessness and crime? Prof. Robert H. Miller of vealed in Jesus Christ. Manchester College, Indiana, gives a seven-point program: It has been the experience, both of individuals and of communities, that when the Gospel of Christ is accepted, and men take Him as their (1) Increased appropriations for education. Saviour and Lord, crime and lawlessness disap- Chicago has established a special school for "in- pear and men become good neighbors and good corrigible" boys-a school that instructs and citizens. This is evidenced in the word that has keeps them busy with wholesome technical train- recently come of the transformation of a very ing and recreation. . primitive, lawless people of Papua (in the South (2) Keep young folks busy. Do not let them Seas) . These people were sorcerers and took a be idle and out of work. Six million between the pride in murder. Their women all refused to acages of sixteen and twenty-one are now out of cept a man as a husband until he had murdered school and out of work. someone. They were superstitious and ignorant (3) Vocational training-teach every child to in mind and filthy of body. They were shiftless use his or her hands and mind in some useful em- and poor, and filled with fear and enmity. The ployment-something creative in which he or she Australian Government attempted to control. to can find satisfaction. discipline, to cajole or to punish offenders but (4) The Church must increase her ministry to without success. All the men served jail sentences youth-in the home, school, church and business. and then returned to their old life. Then came Environment must be improved and leisure hours messenger§ of the Gospel of Christ-people of occupied to profit. their own race who had experienced Christ's (5) Punishment for wrongdoing must be made transforming nower. These messengers did not more sure. swift and fitted to the crime. Senti- begin by teaching the savages to build better ment must not interefere with justice. Youth houses and to make better gardens, nor did they must learn that crime does not pay but that crimi- begin by teaching them the evils of crime and adnals do. vantages of law observance. They simply told (6) Respect for law, and for those in author. them of their own experience of Christ, the Son
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
of God, who so loved them that He came to give 800,000 people in Travancore moving Christward. His life for them; they revealed the effect of His The leaders express a desire to see their whole love and His power in their own lives by their un- community embrace Christianity and a large selfish, joyful service. The pagans were astound- body of Indian Christians have offered to give ed at this new way of peace and power and they their services as volunteer evangelists and teachresponded to the teaching. Before long they de- ers for this ingathering. The difficulty is to care stroyed their paraphernalia of sorcery, gave up for their transportation and training. "Hundreds their evil ways and began a new life. Crimes of of villages are crying out for teachers and tens violence and theft and sins of impurity have now of thousands are seeking Christ." The awakening been discarded. Of their own accord whole vil- is reported also in the Punjab, the United Provlages now rise early in the morning, go for their inces and elsewhere. The Bishop of Dornakal bath and have their "quiet time" to learn God's estimates that in his district alone one million will. They have discarded fighting and send their people are moving Christward. children to school; some have built new, clean villages, with communal gardens, and live as one The opportunity and challenge is likely to grow great family. during the coming months as the disillusioned Untouchables seek some escape from the oppres- Here is an example of the natural fruit of Chris- sive bonds of Hinduism-already they are turntian teaching, without any attempt to coerce or ing to Christ and asking for baptism at the rate persuade the people to accept any specified rules of 15,000 every month. This is influencing the or regulations. These former savages are al- caste Hindus also as they see the new birth and ready an example to civilized America and the re- new life of those whom they have despised. sults have astounded government officials. Where are teachers to be found to train these "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is lib- open-minded seekers? The Indian churches are erty." He who stilled the stormy waves on the poor and the mission boards are still short of Sea of Galilee is the One who can still the crime needed funds. There is still money available for wave today, if men will but obey Him, as did the the things men want most. The boards at home winds and the sea. might unite in presenting the facts to Christian stewards at home and offer, if suitable teachers MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF INDIA are found who will volunteer to give their time, to finance one-half the expense for their board Because of its ancient culture, the number of and travel for a five year campaign if the Indian religions, the size of its population and the multi- churches will care for the other half. The mistude of its unevangelized villages, India presents sionary forces in these areas also need strengtha peculiar and powerful challenge to the Church ening- and new vernacular literature must be supof Christ. The first Christian testimony is re- plied for the growing churches. ported to have come to India nearly 1900 years ago and Christian missions have been carried on It would be unwise for American and British there for the last six hundred years. Protestant Christians to assume the whole financial responsiwork began in 1706 and the first British mission- bility and control but they can still act as true aries entered one hundred and forty years ago; partners of the Indian churches in the work of yet today not more than one in one hundred of winning and training these under-privileged the people are even nominal Christians and the classes for Christ. Prayer circles should also be number of non-Christians is at least double that started in churches at home and in India. The of 100 years ago. The encouraging fact is that National Christian Council and the National Misthe knowledge of Christ and His teachings has sionary Society of India might be the clearing permeated India and the general attitude of the house for a united campaign that will be cooperapeople has changed from one of bitter hostility tive and will avoid waste and overlapping effort. to one of respect and inquiry. "The task before the Church in India. is tremen- dous," says the Bishop of DornakaI. "It will tax Christian missions are largely responsible for all our available resources; but God is our partner the development of modern education in India, and will not fail. In the work of His Kingdom for the advance in modern medical service and nothing is impossible." for the elevation of women and children. The British Government has promoted peace, justice, DISAPPOINTED CANDIDATES education and economic betterment. Candidates for political office are not the only Great mass movements toward Christ have been ones who suffer disappointment when election reported in many places during the past fifty time passes. Missionary candidates are also too years, with whole villages of the Depressed often disappointed-sometimes even after their Classes ready to come under Christian instruc- election, but more often because of failure to be tion. Today the Rev. T. G. Stuart Smith reports selected and given a field of service.
Among the elect some are disappointed when mission field. One applied who had nursing qualithey reach their field, because they find that they fications, but not the spirit Of Christ. She was are not adapted to the work or field assigned. sent at large expense but within one year had In spite of carefully prepared candidate papers to be recalled after having done harm rather than and examinations, their physical, mental or spir- good. A lesson was learned. When a doctor apitual equipment may be inadequate. Others, who plied for the same field, a frank letter was sent have an ambition to devote their lives to preach- to him, setting forth plainly the difficulties of ing the Gospel to the unsaved, are sometimes pioneering without much modern equipment; he called upon to fill vacancies in schools or colleges was warned of the financial sacrifices necessary, to teach purely secular subjects-and little time the problems involved in living in a small intimate and strength is left for evangelism. One mission- circle, the need for vital prayer life and Bible ary in India bewailed the fact that an under- searching, and the fact that evangelism by word staffed teaching force in the mission college neces- and life is the primary work of the mission in sitated his being called to teach and to neglect which all were expected to take a part. That evangelistic work for which he had volunteered. doctor went prepared for what he was to face. Or the business or executive end of the mission may be so absorbing that there seems little or no Disappointments of candidates and in canditime for purely Gospel work. dates, and disappointments on the mission field and at home cannot always be avoided but they Disillusionment also sometimes comes because can be greatly lessened by greater care in the of false ideas of missionary life gained from ro- study of the fields, more frankness in dealing mantic authors and speakers who present the with candidates and more earnest prayer and cause at home. The needs, opportunities and sacrifice, with a determination to know and follow rewards, of field work are sometimes so attrac- the spirit and mind of Christ in the work to tively presented that young men and women vol- which He has called us. The missionary enterunteer who are not ready to endure the hardness prise is not a human undertaking but a divine of pioneering, who do not realize the difficulties calling to follow a divine Leader. No man or of the field to which they are going; they are woman, called of God to work for Jesus Christ in not prepared for the disappointments due to work- the salvation of men, need be idle or disappointed ing with and for uncongenial and unresponsive because of lack of support and opportunity. Even people, or to live without the comforts and cul- invalids may have a great part in the work tural opportunities of the homeland. through prayer and gifts and personal testimony wherever their lot is cast. "For if there be first Other disappointed candidates are those who a willing mind, it is accepted according to what never reach the field because no one will take the a man has, not according to what he has not." responsibility for sending and supporting them. But at times general appeals come from the field D. L. MOODY CENTENARY which arouse interest that cannot be harnessed to action. A recent article appeared in THE REVIEW The life of D. L. Moody, the famous Evangelist, which told of the religious destitution in many finds its lengthening influence in the Moody Bible districts, in Maine. Two missionary-minded Chris- Institute of Chicago, founded by him fifty years tian teachers wrote to the author of the article, ago. The year 1937 will witness a world-wide offering their services freely to conduct summer celebration of the centenary of the birth of the Daily Vacation Bible Schools. The reply failed great Christian evangelist and educator. His to mention any needy towns or any way of serv- ministries in Great Britain and America added ice. Disappointment and failure was the result. many thousands to the ranks of those accepting A similar experience is noted with regard to of- Christ as Saviour and awakened sleeping profers to help other churchless communities in the fessors of the Christian faith to vital action. United States. The Hartford Band has offered to go to any needy field but no one is ready to On February 2, 1936, nearly six hundred send them. churches in the United States and six other lands, celebrated "Moody Day" with heart-kindling serv- What is the remedy for these disappointments? ices that resulted in the winning of many to Christ Is it not first to be found in accurate information? and in aw!kening or deepening interest in the The fields must be studied in detail, as Robert study of the Word of God, and the winning of Arthington studied them, so that the facts will souls. Another "Moody Day," with a much wider be known; the candidates must be studied indi- observance, will be celebrated on the centenary vidually as to fitness and they must be fully in- of Mr. Moody's, birth, February 7, 1937. It is formed as to facts. There is no excuse for hoped that more than a thousand pastors and knowingly sending out unqualified candidates churches will join in prayer and action for the merely because a place needs to be filled. One spiritual good of all who participate. case in point-a nurse was sorely needed on a
A Young Church in Old Egypt*
By the REV. E. E. ELDER, Cairo Missionary of the United Presbyterian Church T HIS young Protestant Church in Egypt, the Christian church as the ultimate aim. The city cradle of one of the oldest civilizations, has of Assiut, 250 miles south of Cairo, and a strong passed its seventy-fifth birthday on April 13, Coptic center became his base of operation. A last year. The first American missionaries ar- number of vigorous churches sprang up in the rived in Cairo a little over eighty years. ago. In southland and by 1885, a year before his death, five years portions of Arabic Scripture and reli- there were in all Egypt nineteen organized con- gious books were dirstributed, a few mission gregations-six of them having pastors of their schools started and religious services organized. own. Most of these congregations were in the In September, 1859, the Lord's Supper was first immediate vicinity of Assiut, although there were administered by missionaries using the Arabic also mission workers in Alexandria and Cairo.
language and the first four converts were received The total membership was about 1,700.
into the evangelical fellowship. These included During the second quarter century many other a Coptic monk, an Armenian, a Syrian and an towns and villages further north in the neighbor- Egyptian. The first Evangelical congregation hood of Minya and al-Kom al-Akhdar, towns midwas organized in Cairo in 1863 and that- same way between Assiut and Cairo, were opened to year the Presbytery arranged for training classes evangelical preaching. The number of missionto prepare young men for Christian service. aries connected with the American Mission in- From these small beginnings, three-quarters of creased about threefold, some of them being loa century ago, there has de,veloped a church which cated in the great unevangelized centers of the numbers over 21,000 members, meeting in 143 Delta where more than half the population of organized congregations and 201 unorganized Egypt lives. Struggling churches, dependent circles. Of these congregations 114 have their largely on the encouragement and guidance of the own ministers; fifty-nine are self-supporting, and missionary, were organized in the provincial capcontribute to the general work of Synod. itals. A few months ago the editor of one of the prom- During this middle period the number of stuinent religious weeklies of America visited the dents in the Sunday Schools grew steadily until seminary for the training of pastors and was in- in 1910 there were almost 17,000 enrolled. At terested to learn that the building was erected al- the turn of the century the presbytery was dimost entirely from funds collected in Egypt by vided into four presbyteries and they in turn were the Egyptians. He was happily surprised to find organized into the Synod of the Nile. From the that the inscription over the building did not read, very early days of the American Mission's efforts, "The Seminary of United Presbyterian Church of Egyptian cooperation and leadershiJf had been the North America," but "The Theological Seminary longed for goal. By the close of these twenty-five of the Evangelical Church." years a plan had been formulated looking to finan- The seventy-five years of the Evangelical cial independence of the EgYl>tian Church. Church's history may be roughly divided into By 1910, seventy-two organized churches with three equal periods. During the first twenty-five many other centers could boast of more than years the dominant figure in the development of eleven thousand members. Twenty-two were self- Evangelical Christianity was Dr. John Hogg, a supporting.
Scotchman who believed that the method of win- The third quarter of the church's history conning the Moslem population to Christ was to evan- tinues the increase in organizations in the southgelize the Coptic Christians. Often a stumbling- land, but the remarkable growth again moved block to Moslems, they had long since lost under northward. At the opening of these last twentypersecution any incentive to preach the Gospel. To five years there was but one ordained Egyptian gain Egypt for his Lord, Dr. Hogg thought not pastor in Cairo. In March, 1912, just seventeen only of converting individual souls but of planting years after his ordination, another minister was an independent, self-sustaining, self-propagating called to become the pastor of a second congrega- • See Frontispiece. tion in the capital city. In March, 1929, the Prot- [567 ]
estant leaders of Cairo were gathered for the or- pose for His Kingdom knows no boundary of dination of another Evangelical pastor over a geography or race of social position or former church newly organized. One of the speakers re- religious loyalty. Facing the 13,000,000 Egyptian minded the audience that during the seventeen Moslems, we know that the work is far from be- years seven more congregations had been organ- ing completed. Just now the great problem of ized. If one is surprised at the remarkable our American economic life is the reemployment growth of these seventeen years, he may be of people without work. No one would consider amazed to learn that in the six years that have that the problem for 13,000,000 unemployed was since elapsed five other congregations have been solved by putting a meagre 50,000 to work. The formed, thus bringing the total of Evangelical present Evangelical Church in Egypt is only the congregations in Cairo and suburbs up to four- "seed corn" of an abundant harvest.
teen. All but four are financially independent. The young church, with all its strength and One of them, in addition to supporting the usual leadership, is still weak because of the conditions church work of a city congregation conducts a that surround it. Christians in America, although thriving day school for girls, and gave in 1934, largely outnumbering the Jews, have had little $850 to the mission work of the Nile Valley. success in persuading them to acknowledge and Many movements in the Church show that the follow as Lord One who was of their own race.
aim of the early missionaries for a self-govern- In Egypt the small Evangelical Church, drawn ing, self-propagating church was being realized. largely from the ancient Coptic race, is confronted A Laymen's and Elders' Society, organized in with an overwhelming Moslem majority whose 1918, contains the following paragraph in its first history is full of bigotry and persecution. How annual report: much more difficult is it to persuade members of The work in the cities and districts has steadily pro- a proud majority to accept teaching presented by gressed. There have been fruits of a spiritual awakening, a vigorous yet suspicioned minority of a despised the grace of giving, and"the spirit of brotherhood. May we not be able to prove to America that we are a worthy people. It is hard to find a strong enough analogy child able to carryon the plans of the church by the to picture the extreme difficulty of winning Mosstrength we have gained from her. Our Egyptian Church lem Egypt to Christ. Imagine what would be the now spends $75,000 annually on its work, why should it situation in America if the Negro population were still continue to beg $5,000 from the church in America commissioned to win the white people to a differfor the work of Synod when by fostering the Laymen'~ ent religion than that which they now profess. It and Elders' Movement we may be able to arrive at self- would be twenty times harder if only one in support and progress towards the greater work of reach- twenty of the Negroes had even a slight conceping the millions of unsaved in Egypt for the glory of the Lord. tion of the reality of their commission. Add to In 1926 the Synod assumed full responsibility that what would be the case if the convert must for the education of its ministry and the new not only change his religion but his social posi- Seminary building was occupied. One of the tion, his family relations and even his race. We missionaries has acted as chairman of the faculty might say, "We know the Negro has deeper reliand another serves on the Board. In Basil Mat- gious emotions than white men, but must we bethews' "Forerunners of a New Age," an inter- come Negroes in order to follow his religion?" pretative report of the 1934 Conference on Train- The thinking Moslem may admit the excellence of ing of the Ministry of the Younger Churches, he Christ's teaching, but very often he questions its expresses an fdeal that fits the situation in Egypt. application to him.
The real shaping of the life of a seminary-if it is to Missionary retrenchments and withdrawals of produce a life-giving ministry~must be in the hands of workers have led the young church in Egypt to the people of that lang. The control must be national. wonder how keenly America appreciates the crit- But to concentrate on control as such is not the Christian ical situation in Moslem lands. The attitude of way, for fellowship is the root of the ministry, and fellow- Americans seems often to be expressed: "In sevship transcends the chasms of East and West. enty-five years a church should reach maturity.
In spite of its seventy-five years the Evangelical 'It should now be left by itself to finish the work Church of Egypt is a young church. The task so well started." The ministers of the young of bringing the teeming population of the narrow church, almost to a man, believe that foreign mis- fertile valley of the Nile and its delta into fellow- sionary help is needed to complete the work so ship with Christ, the Saviour, has only begun. well begun. The Cairo Ministers' Association On the other hand a church with a community of gave to a missionary going home on furlough the 50,000 members and adherents, with an educated following message for the church at home: "Sup- ministry and its own church buildings, is well ad- port your work abroad; send out more mission- vanced towards the Christian ideal. Christ's pur- aries."
Results in Central Africa?
By VIRGINIA M. CLARKE, Bolenge, Africa Teacher in the Congo Christian Institute JOHN A. MACKAY has said that, "the evangel- brotherhood, a deepening of their characters and, istic task is, therefore, to make infinitely above all, a growing church which is rapidly be- meaningful and inescapable the heart of the coming more truly indigenous and has a real con- Gospel, God's revelation of Himself in Jesus viction of the need for a continued spread of the Christ in such a way that personality in its whole- Gospel by means of a more adequately trained ness shall respond to God." Innately religious, Christian leadership. the African has responded to the stimulus of God's love by becoming a Christian who is con- In the Mondombe field Bontamba Mark was scious that his whole life should be influenced by sent as an evangelist to a remote village. After Christ's principles. The Bible has become for only one year the things he had accomplished were him an inspired Book, guiding his thoughts and very evident. Seventeen new houses of better conactions through every hour of every day. This struction and with more adequate ventilation had consciousness of the impelling power of God's been built in the Christian village, sanitary con- Word has resulted in many changes in the Afri- ditions were improved and a clean water supply can's heart, character, attitudes and environment. was assured. A new church building had been erected, two schools were flourishing and fifty- The particular Africans whose progress we are three inquirers were ready for baptism. In the now considering belong principally to the Bank- Bolenge Christian village a number of wells have undo tribe dwelling in the Belgian Congo along been dug, many of them with good clear water. the equator where the Congo River crosses it for New little houses are being built of brick which the second time, in a territory which extends east each home builder has shaped and burned himfrom four to five hundred miles, and reaches self. An ingenious method of building is often north and south about two hundred miles. Living followed. While the family continues to live in grouped together in villages ranging from two the old mud house the brick walls are erected hundred to a thousand people, these Congolese are around the house. When the new roof is in place hearing the Gospel story from teacher evangelists the old home is torn down and the new house entrained in one of the six principal mission stations closes the family. Mark Njoji, the pastor of the which are seeking to serve this great field, Bo- Bolenge church, has just completed a fine brick lenge, Coquilhatville, Lotumbe, Monieka, Wema house, well pointed with cement on the outside and Mondombe. Although many of these evan- and the inside walls smoothly plastered with white gelists have received as yet only a quite limited clay. There he can shelter the many friends and education, their few months or years at the mis- relatives who seek his "house by the side of the sion station in close contact with the missionaries road." and other leaders have resulted in a zeal to win their people for Christ, a desire to improve their In Congo from time immemorial the birth of moral, physical and economic conditions, and a twins has necessitated a complicated ritual, but feeling of brotherhood with all rather than with one year twins were born to a. Christian couple just one closely affiliated group, such as the family attending the Congo Christian Institute at Boor clan. lenge. The parents were brave enough to disobey the heathen superstitions. The mother went to Because of the consecrated efforts of the mis- the mission hospital for the confinement. and sionaries and the native Christian workers rested quietly in bed for ten days instead of takthroughout more than thirty years of this mis- ing a twin on each hip and dancing the length of sion's existence some very definite results of the the village the day after their birth as custom dicimpact of the Gospel on the lives of these particu- tated. These twins were bathed and fed like reglar Congolese are now becoming evident. These ular babies and were not forced to fast at interresults encompass the whole life of the people, for vals. Each baby had a basket bed covered with a we are finding not only better homes, hygiene, piece of mosquito netting. The father actually sanitation, gardens, but also an increasing respect continued to go to school and to study as though for womanhood, a larger measure of charity for he were the father of only one. those outside the family, an expanding feeling of In addition to these exterior aspects of better [569 ]
hygiene and better homes there are more subtle "The women here are the rej oicing of this changes. There is a growing companionship be~ church!' That is very unusual praise for a tween husband and wife and a mutual respect for Congo man to give to women and so marks an each other's personality. One elder in the Lotumbe advance in the men's attitude. As a result of the church and his wife always begin and end the day continued spread of Christian ideals throughout by praying together. Numbers of young couples the Congo its womanhood is being gradually en- are learning through their association in the Sun~ nobled.
day school class, known as the Brave Hearts, to In a heathen society the Congolese feel no reeat together and to share their joys and problems sponsibility for those outside their own immediwith each other. No one who has not known ate families. But after they have heard the story Africa intimately can realize how radical is this of Jesus they learn to care for others. As a change in attitudes and customs. The establish- church or as a missionary society they share troument and development of the Christian home, as bles of their members and try to help them. The the parents learn to nurture their little ones in church at Lotumbe took up a collection for some the faith, is one very outstanding result of the of their members whose houses had burned down, Gospel in Central Africa. they paid for medical treatment and finally burial What About the Women? for a friendless old man who had wandered into town; they brought food and clothing for a sick Someone has said in substance, that no nation and crippled woman who was without a home, and can rise higher than its womanhood. In Congo they gave money each week to a former evangelthe woman's place has always been a degraded ist of the despised Batswa tribe who was ill with one. She is considered a piece of property, a tuberculosis. These are only a few of this housekeeper, a gardener, the bearer of children, church's charitable deeds, and they might be dubut never as a loved companion to be respected plicated in every church in Congo.
and cherished. A Congo proverb says, "To eat The Women's Missionary Society of the Bolenge with a woman is to eat with the devil himself." Church decided to give some gifts of food to one In spite of these traditional attitudes, Christ's of their members who had recently been left a love and principles are resulting in an increased widow with nine children. They brought live fish, respect for women, their personalities and abil- dried fish, manioc, onions, plantains, palm nuts, ities. Manners and little courtesies are often in- two kinds of cakes made of sweet manioc, corn dicative of an inner spirit or attitude, as in a and other food as well as a money gift of fifteen situation which occurred at Lotumbe two years francs (about fifty cents). On their regular meet- ago. A number of the young married couples had ing day the women gathered at the church with just finished a feast in the open air. The Sunday their gifts in large baskets and basins and went vesper service was soon to be held there. Before singing to her home. She had been warned in ad- the meeting the young men were sitting together vance so was wearing a clean dress for the first visiting while the women were putting things time since her husband's death. The house was away in a nearby house. When the women came freshly swept and the children were clean. One out of the house most of them took places some of the women made a little speech presenting the distance away, but the wives of the graduates of gifts and two others prayed. The widow was the Congo Christian Institute came over to where so moved by this expression of their Christian their husbands were sitting. There were not love that tears came to her eyes. The women had enough chairs so those husbands stood up cour- to explain to her that these were outright gifts teously and gave their chairs to their wives. Of and no one expected to receive anything from her, course that little incident doesn't sound a bit for in Congo a gift means that something must strange or unusual to the American woman who be given in return.
is accustomed to every courtesy, but for a heathen The Gospel has meant to the Congolese that in- Congo woman-well, it is simply unheard of. stead of being members of many unrelated tribes Some missionaries were going up the Ubangi with fierce jealousies, hatred and strife predom- River on the mission steamer, "The Oregon." They inating, they now belong to one fellowship with reached Bobolo, where there is an evangelist and love, loyalty and mutual helpfulness as their a good church. Captain John Inkima told them watchwords. This idea has been very aptly ex- about the church there and how the women had pressed by the students of the Congo Christian In- done most of the work of building it. He said stitute, a secondary school established seven years that at one time the men all went back to heathen- ago at Bolenge for the training of a higher type ism, but some of the women kept the church go- of Christian leadership. To that school come stu- ing. Later an evangelist was sent to them and dents of many tribes whose fathers and grand- the church reawakened. Then Captain John said, fathers were traditional enemies. In one gradu-
WHAT RESULTS IN CENTRAL AFRICA?
ating class of fourteen there were nine distinct ries on the affairs of the church with only occatribes represented. From the beginning of the sional counsel from the missionary. To attend the school they have marveled at the strong bond of Sunday morning service at this church is a real Christian love which bound them together and experience; for the pastor, the choir of ten male made them as one tribe. One student in writing voices and the audience join together to make a home to his parents said, "Here we do not belong truly inspiring and reverent period of worship, to different tribes, but to one tribe-the tribe of of which the celebration of the Lord's Supper is God." made the climax. Churches like this one are being duplicated by the score in many outstations This unity was put to the acid test when the throughout the Congo. very first Batswa students entered the school. The Batswa constitute the semi-pygmy slave tribe of Fortunately many government officials realize Congo which for generations has been despised the importance of the Christian evangelist and by the Bankundo and with whom no social inter- give him their support. One government official course was possible. But when these Batswa stu- after visiting with an outstanding evangelist of dents stepped off the boat they were greeted as the Lotumbe field aoout how best to stop some long lost brothers by those in the upper classes. objectionable heathen practices, said to him, Later when one of the Batswa wives was ill and "After all, one of you evangelists can accomplish could not go to the garden and prepare food for more than many soldiers because the people have her husband and four children one of the Bank- learned to respect and love you." Undoubtedly undo women volunteered to help her. She had a the lives and work of some of these earnest nabusy day, for there was water to carry from the tive evangelists, as well as the growth and despring, cassava to dig in the garden, bread to be velopment of the Christian Church in Congo, are made, and greens to be prepared. Having finished outstanding results of the Gospel in Central the household duties she sat down and visited Africa. with the sick mother, telling her all that had been done in school that day. What a revolutionary In the final analysis the very finest results of thing it was for her to have such close contact the Gospel are to be found in the changed lives with a woman of the Batswa tribe! The Gospel and characters of the people who have been message is being exemplified in these young folks' touched by its power. It is impossible to mention lives as they daily practice actual Christian all of the splendid Christians whose lives have brotherhood. been an inspiration to others, for their number is legion. Elima Salome is a deaconess in the Lo- A Phenomenal Growth tumbe Church. Her husband, Mbomba David, is an elder. For years they have kept their Chris- Thirty-one years ago an early missionary of the tian light shining before all people. Elima is a Disciples of Christ Mission, who was leaving leader among the women and was president for a Congo to go on furlough, left one mission station, long time of the Missionary Society, which sup- Bolenge, and about two hundred Christians. To- ported an evangelist in a distant village. She is day there are six stations and over forty-two thou- a Sunday school teacher as well, giving every Sunsand Christians. In the whole of the Congo the day of her radiant personality and Christian ex- Protestant Christians and adherents number more perience to the little ones of Lotumbe. Visiting than a million. All of these, of whatever mission, the sick, sharing with others her food and her belong to one church, L'Eglise du Christ au knowledge of Christ's love, Elima Salome exempli- Congo. This forward step has meant a great deal fies what a true Christian should become. to each individual Christian, for now each one feels more closely bound to his brothers in Christ Among the graduates of the boys' boarding throughout Congoland. This union has likewise school in Bolenge in the early days was Mpoku been a challenge to the Christians to continue Enoch. Early in 1908 he became a Christian and their efforts for a more truly indigenous Church has never once wavered in his faith since that in the Congo. day. A week after his baptism he went to a dis- tant village as a school-teacher. The next year At Coquilhatville, one of the provincial capitals he returned to the mission station and learned to of the Congo, there is a splendid Protestant set type and finally became foreman of the mission Church group which is an inspiration to all be- printing shop. Later Mpoku became enamored cause of the fine way these Congo Christians are of machinery and spent several years as an enconducting the work of their church. The board gineer on river steamers. When he returned to of elders, deacons and deaconesses called as their Bolenge in 1920 he was made a deacon of the pastor Bokomboji Pierre, a graduate of the Congo church. Then while acting as foreman of the Christian Institute, who is one of the five ordained sawmill he was chosen as assistant pastor of the ministers in the Bolenge field. This church is Bolenge Church and in 1927 was ordained to the now self-supporting, and the board of elders car- ministry. While continuing his pastoral duties
he attended the Congo Christian Institute and There are many more in this fine company of graduated in 1933. Since his graduation Mpoku's Congo Christians. There is Lokofe Moses and ministry has been continually blessed. He travels his wife, Weci Marie, who are both supervising for months at a time through the back country schools in Lotumbe; there is Imbanda Joseph villages, strenthening the churches, encouraging who, although holding a government position, is the evangelists, preaching the Gospel and building finding time to build a church in a village where churches. Everywhere Mpoku Enoch goes his there was none; there is Litele Samuel, who is winsome smile, his loving character and powerful the first traveling Sunday school secretary of this words bring many of his brothers to Christ. particular group of churches; there are innumer- able others, men and women, preachers, teachers, A young school-teacher, a graduate of the nurses, carpenters, brick masons, mechanics, Congo Christian Institute, went home and began hunters, fishers and clerks who are living changed his work. Perhaps he expected to find conditions and more abundant lives because of the redeeming very different, for he wrote the following to his power of Christ's Gospel. However, these Congo white teacher: "I am weary in spirit because I Christians and their missionary leaders have a wanted to begin teaching and preaching at once. certain worry deep down in their hearts as they see the present shortage of missionary funds with r find there is no house in which I may live, no its corresponding shortage of both missionary and native leaders to guide the ever increasing numchurch in which I may preach, and no school in ber of young Christians along Christ's difficult which I may teach. Now I must start right at the path. One of Congo's proverbs is, "Bambola very beginning. I have labored in the forest itswa, ioiya, wijima." (Light the lamp, put it bringing in poles for building, and I have cut out, darkness.) The Church of Christ has lighted boards for blackboards. I can't open my school the lamp of God's love in those hearts. Is the materials for there is no place to keep them, and Church in America going to let them drift into they would soon be spoiled. How much there is darkness again for the lack of sufficient guidance to do! We write the lessons on the sand of the and counsel? Or will the Church at home supply village path." What a strong spirit that young the lamps to enlighten Africa? teacher must have! Although he is disappointed in his situation, he is going to work to do and dare for Christ whom he serves.
Into the Forests of Central Africa* What a Pioneering Trip Means to a Missionary REV. A. G. MILL and his wife have lived in his wife have held this fort. Several times a year the Upper Congo for the last twenty-six he makes long trips into the dense forests back years as respresentatives of the English of the river. In a recent letter to his sister he de- Baptist Missionaty Society.. Fifty-five years ago scribes one of these journeys: ThOl:'):las J. Comber and George Grenfell started "As you know there is no summer and no winter in Africa in the generally accepted sense of these work'on the mighty Congo. In his little steamer terms. We made preparations for our tour in June when the intense heat is tempered by the the "Peace," Grenfell explored the Congo Basin heavy rains. We had no road maps to consult and wd~ the discoverer of the great Ubangi trib- since there were no roads. We lra-d no worries about taking dress-up clothes since we would have utary.N'o;wmission .stations, not only of the no social functions to attend-no grand churches in which to worship and no high-class hotels to English Baptist Society but the Disciples of patronize. All our baggage must be carried on the bare backs of the natives and our meals found Christ, the Atnerican Presbyterian Church South, as we went through the forests. We were going back from the great river highway-back into the the Methodist,(:Episcopal Church and the Congo hinterland tribes, some of whom had never seen a white man. Balolo Mission, are working harmoniously. "My wife and r went on bicycles and the na- Mr. Mill is Ideated at a small village situated at tives on foot. Back there tucked away in the the confluence of the Lomami and Congo Rivers. jungle are people with no civilization and with- About ten years ago he asked leave to push for- ward one hundred miles and plant an outstation at Yalikina, his preseJltstation, ,He realized that this was a sttategic lotation if the peoples on the banks of the great !Lomami were ever to be reached with th~ Gospel. Single ,handed he and . t! 1 '. '" .'.
• A letter seDLly, Aofrs. Cla,ra.' Anna Sinclair, of. Caldwell, Kansas.
INTO THE FORESTS OF CENTRAL AFRICA
out knowledge of the heavenly Father. Our faith- started out, the traveling adding to the pain of ful boys led the way, carrying packages. Soon the the injured wrist. road became narrower till only a path was left. Camping for the night under our mosquito net- "On our arrival at the appointed meeting place ting, we were up bright and early the next morn- we found the doctor had not come. We waited all ing. We traveled for several hours when the that afternoon and till the next morning. Our winding trail suddenly became a steep descent. supply of provisions was exhausted by this time Not only so but the ground under us turned into and we were obliged to eat the native roasted loose sand and before long my wife was going monkey and cassava. Suddenly the steamer headlong down the incline gaining momentum at rounded the curve of the river and our hearts every turn. She was thrown forcibly from the leaped for joy. The doctor advised that my wife machine at the foot of the hill, saving herself go back with him. At my wife's request I resomewhat by throwing out her arms as she was frained from going with her, but put her on board pitehed over the handlebars. As I picked her up in the care of our best boys, and with a prayer I could see that her wrist was limp and knew my left her to be taken down river to the mission fear of a fracture to be confirmed. The pain was hospital at Yakusu, 150 miles south, while I reconsiderable. I tried my best to knit the bones traced my steps. With a lonely feeling I ate supbut was not successful. Where should I turn for per and retired, giving instructions for the mornhelp? Behind us there was no doctor for the gov- ing's march. We were plunging into dark forest ernment doctor had left for the upper river some land and soon came to the first of the isolated vildays befoJj'e. Before us there was less hope. The lages. The sight of a white man terrified the only· thing I could think of to do was to send out natives and,· my wife not being with me, made it S.O. S. messages to the government doctor by a harder to reach them. Like frightened children few trusty native carriers. they had to be coaxed out of their grass huts. God's palaver was explained to them and the chief "Off they went while our caravan waited; my passed on the message as he alone knew the trade wife in great discomfort. After five long days language. the messengers returned with the news that the doctor would meet us at a certain point on the After three months Mr. Mill returned to his river in two days. Taking two boys with us we station to find his wife recovered but with a more or less crippled hand.
AN ADVANTAGE OF THE NATIVE PREACHER The color of the preacher weighs far more with the native than we realize. Even in the .. mind of the best natives, even in the hearts of those most warmly attached to us, there is a definite though perhaps often subconscious prejudice against our color; I know of many in- stances where a message full of urgency and power has produced very little effect from the lips of a missionary while that of a native has produced immediate results. A native listen- ing to a moving and powerful address from a white man can quiet his conscience and harden his heart simply by saying, "That's all very well, that's a white man's point of view. It may .0 impress you like that but it is not what we blacks need." But when he hears a black preach with conviction, he is driven from this refuge and has to face the message on its own merits.
Again and again I have come across instances where the final link in bringing a native to Christ has been supplied by a native. He has listened to the white man for years and seemed little affected but one simple remark from a fellow native has gone home like an arrow. I would not belittle the white man's influence but it is unquestional;>le that the native evangelists have advantages over us.
Native preachers are often greatly improved and their value added to by thorough train- ing. In my experience this has been under the three headings: Bible knowledge, general knowledge, the missionary's example.-Rev. W. Singleton Fisher, in Congo Mission News.
Evangelistic Value of Medical
By ROLLA E. HOFFMAN, M.D., Meshed, Persia, On the Staff of the American Christian Hospital DURING my first years on the mission field I they have been reached? "Medical missionary was expected to draw large crowds of pa- work," said Dr. Dugald Christie, of Mukden, "is tients and friends of patients to whom our no mere adjunct to the work of preaching, but is senior clergyman could sell Scriptures and preach an essential and integral part of the work of the the Gospel. This was in the most fanatical Mos- Church." Our Presbyterian Board Manual says, lem city of Persia. The best strategy seemed to "Medical work is not merely a key to open the door be to push forward the medical work and to ac- into non-Christian communities, but is an integral company it with as aggressive preaching as the part of the missionary enterprise." people would tolerate. I was expected to draw the crowds, and the evangelistic missionary was to We have been thinking of the medical work too preach to them. He was treasurer of our little much in its relation to outsiders. We must realize hospital and I occasionally preached and led daily that its usefulness to professing Christians should prayers so that our pioneering went on happily. be no less, especially in the midst of a non-Chris- tian society. Even after fanaticism is dead, and Later the clergyman died, the medical work in- the church has become popular and men flock into creased and a second doctor was sent out. One of it and want to be known as Christians, medical our clergymen expressed the hope that instead of work will still be needed as an integral part of the taking on more patients, the medical staff would work of the church, as a continuous expression of now do more evangelistic work. Instead of that the healing love of our Lord. The new church will we find that the medical work has more than be far stronger, more practical, truer to Christ, doubled, so that now a third doctor has come. The more useful to the nation, if it grows up in close clergymen have most faithfully carried on evan- cooperation with a genuine Christian medical gelistic work in the hospital; the church has been work, which becomes more and more a part of the born and other openings for evangelistic work work of the Church. Perhaps a medical man's have thrust themselves forward. Finally we are antipathy toward doing more "evangelistic work"
advised that "the entire work of healing, both arises from holding to the old idea that it is to conphysical and spiritual, should be carried on by the sist in spending an hour or more a day reading the doctors and their assistants." Scriptures to and haranguing men, pleading with them to "flee from the wrath to come," and, since While this view may not quite represent the our time is limited, neglecting medical treatment attitude of most of our clerical missionaries, it has rather depressed me to realize that our hos- to do it! pitals are looked upon as not such alluring places We might analyze the function of medical misto work. As one of the missionaries puts it, "Given one hundred well men as against one hun- sion work, as composed of its influence upon undred sick men to preach to, I would choose the evangelized outsiders, and its influence upon the well men every time." The preaching mission- members of the church; but after all these ex- press to man the love and spirit and healing of aries' task is to build up the church and more and our Lord, and so bring them to the knowledge of more of their attention is demanded by the prob- Christ. The medical work reaches people who are lems of the growing church and the instruction of not touched by our schools or "direct" evangelistic inquiries. For the rest, the Gospel can be preached workers. They come from conservative Moslem openly through the land; the day of pioneering families, driven by pain and despair; also from has past. Yet at the meeting of medical workers the ultramodern class, who have lost faith in all some years ago in Teheran, protest was made religion. – Men who would never darken the door against the failure of our clerical brethren to ap- of a Christian school, or of a clergyman's house, propriate the .fine opportunity for evangelistic lay aside their pride and come pleading and be- work in our hospitals. seeching for that which they believe Christian doc- What is the exact purpose of our medical work? tors are able to give. It is true that they are in Is it merely a means of attracting people within spiritual need also, and no doubt doctors often range of the Gospel message, or is it useful after miss the underlying spiritual disease, and give [574 ] cascara when what the patient really needs is a with a course in chemistry; an essential part of "mental cathartic." No doubt we often fail to the course, a place where the things explained in add to our medicines the skilful spiritual touch lectures are actually carried out in life. that would remove the real cause and bring a per~ manent cure. We are apt to think too closely merely of the evangelistic effect of our medical work upon pa- For some have more sin than fever, tients; it should be looked for rather in the com- And some have more grief than pain. munity. The great spiritual value of our Lord's healing did not come to those actually healed, but God help me make whole both body and soul to the healthy who beheld the Power and Spirit of Before they go out again. what was done. Men who come to us for physical healing are not often seeking spiritual healing. We must remember that a host of Christian For this reason the work seldom yields spiritual t~rms carry to the Moslem mind a far different results in proportion to the effort expended. The meaning from what we intend. If, as we are fact that our hospitals render a valuable physical sometimes urged, we "joyfully give to them the service in the spirit of love, which requires no mamessage of eternal Life in Christ, through whom terial reward, not even gratitude, shows the peoalone they can attain to perfect harmony and ple that this is Christianity in life, and that Christ health," we shall be merely casting our pearls be~ is not a dead prophet but a living force in the fore swine, with the usual result. How will they world today. This is a very important factor in understand our earnest evangelistic appeal? The the Christianization of the land. It furnishes a man whose disease has not been entirely cured good background for the preaching of the Gospel will put us down as charlatans, trying to cover up in reading room, chapel, school and private conour inability to cure him by introducing another ferences. It softens hearts, not so much the hearts subject! Many a one who has been healed will of the physically ill as the hearts of the commusay to his friends: "Bah! Sons of dogs! These nity's healthy, thinking men. They thus come to Christians treat the sick, but why? They first see the religion of Christ as something living, cure your disease to put you under obligation to vital, essential to their own welfare. Let us emthem, then they insult you by insisting that you phasize anew our real evangelistic task. ought to turn your back on Islam and the greatest of the Prophets and join them with their corrupted Indispensable Elements and altered gospel, with its talk of three Gods, the Son of God (Who begets not, neither is begotten, There are three definite and indispensable elepraise His Name!) and other notions as ignorant ments in a hospital as "an integral part of the and ridiculous. They want to foist on us their missionary enterprise" – efficient medical treatpig~eating and wine-drinking, their immorality of ment, including good nursing; the spirit of Christ women who go about half dressed and with shame- throughout; the simple verbal explanation that less open faces, their money-worship, and denial this is Christian, that He is our strength, and that of the oneness of God !" He is to be praised and thanked rather than the doctors. Is this out of date? Not at all. This is true of many who find their first Christian contact in our With the rapid advance of Persian standards of hospitals. Any attempt to force spiritual results medical work and the passing of the pioneer stage, here results often in the enmity of the patient and we need improved equipment, better laboratories, his friends. Seed sown upon hard, impermeable better assistants; and must limit ourselves to ground will not grow. One task of our hospitals fewer patients. The standard for the hospitals of is that of ploughing, breaking up hard clods, win- Syria has recently been suggested as thirty outning confidence by deserving it. Persistently urg- patients and twenty in-patients per doctor! ing men to become Christians carries to their minds the suggestion that we are getting paid so Our hospitals must be different from the govmuch per head by our government or supporting ernment hospitals, in the Christian love manisociety. Our definite contribution is to bring men fested among ourselves and our helpers. We to the knowledge of Christ; not to persuade them must be the fathers and mothers of our helpers, to become professing Christians. and must teach them Christian principles of life and work. They must learn to serve the poor as In our treatment of professing Christians, it is well as the rich, to be careful, thorough, truthful, our task to lead them to a better knowledge of the sympathetic, clean, patient, cheerful. We need to riches of love in Christ Jesus. We must do a lot develop helpers who are not only efficient in medof teaching and explaining; but we must avoid ical technique – a formidable task in itself – but mere "proselytizing." We need more faith: hav- who will enter into the Christian spirit of the ing ploughed, and sown a little seed, we must work. From the time when a patient enters our await the harvest, not trying to force it. The hospital until he is dismissed, we must make all medical work is like the laboratory in connection contacts with him courteous, patient, Christian.
To this end some form of daily "family" prayers individuals, and the nurses would do more and is essential, when all the hospital force come to- better religious talking with the patients. gether, preferably in the morning, for a few minutes of quiet thinking and worship. Most of our Copies of the Gospels should be available for the Presbyterian hospitals in Persia do not have daily patients to read in the language they know. Often prayers of the whole staff. one man will read to a room full which may be better than for an outsider to do much reading. This is not enough. While showing men the We have found a small cupboard useful as a de- Spirit of Christ, they must be told that this is pository for the books along with various other Christianity. Otherwise this fact, so obvious to books in charge of the senior ward nurses. If the us, will not occur to them at all! Obviously, their Christians are nurses and reasonably intelligent, preconceived ideas of Christianity are not very they will explain passages as patients ask quesfavorable, else many of them would already have tions. The doctor also may occasionally explain a been Christians. Here careful definition is neces- passage. sary. Our task is not to persuade them to become professing Christians, in order to "flee from the A certain amount of social service work is wrath to come," by the magical Name of Jesus, greatly needed, and it sometimes seems that spebut they must learn that it is He who has equipped cial workers ought to be available for it. Without and empowered us for this task. In all fairness this, the medical work often fails to do quite we must give Him the praise and glory for what enough. For example, a young, illiterate daywe are able to do, as much for the sake of our own laborer suffered from a broken leg when a wall integrity as Christians as that they may thank fell on it. He was in the hospital seven weeks, Him for their cure. making a satisfactory recovery. He was well fed and nursed and heard the Gospel explained daily; As to the technique of this, opinions will differ. but he seemed depressed and apathetic. Some- We must appear frankly and openly before our thing else was needed that the hospital was unable helpers and patients as Christians. We may lead to supply. The meagre family income was suda prayer service, preach occasionally, make it a denly cut off and his wife and two children were practice to have a word of prayer before each op- destitute. When he went home he found that one eration, or in other ways reveal our dependence on of the children had died, and his wife had wan- Christ. But in praying for patients we should dered away to another city with the other child. avoid praying before them that they become He was unable to work for a week after his dis- Christians. That will spoil things and lead them charge, as the leg was stilI weak. Had his family to think that after all we are not so much inter- been relieved during his illness and had he been ested in healing their diseases as in trying to given some hand work to do to earn a little money proselytize them for the sake of the bonus that while recovering, and had he been taught to read, our government gives us. This was reported in using the Gospel of John as a textbook, he might Meshed a few years ago to be $400 a head. We have been definitely enriched instead of embittered should pray for their recovery; that the blind eye toward life. Here is a problem that frequently may be made to see, the pain and disease removed, presents itself in a land where the wolf hovers too and the heart made perfectly happy by finding near the door. What a service the Persian Church real peace. might render the community by tiding such folks over their time of need! A clergyman should be connected with each hospital, for several reasons. The teaching possi- In every station where there is medical work bilities of our hospitals have been largely lost there should be a committee on evangelistic work sight of because too much time has been given to in the hospital, consisting of the medical staff and trying to "win" men to an open profession of a man and a lady evahgelist to plan the work and faith. This teaching work is properly the task of draw the general picture. The medical workers the clergyman who should plan it and carry out should be members and attendants of the local a schedule of addresses, lantern talks, etc. He church. A clergyman and a lady evangelistic could profitably make rounds with the doctors worker should be assigned to evening work in the once a week, thus appearing before patients as hospital on a more definite schedule. The evanone in real sympathy with them. He would thus gelistic work should consist in instruction rather keep in touch with the medical work, see any of than "proselytizing," and special care should be his friends who happened to be patients, see the exercizea. to avoid injuring the sensibilities ef even Christian members of the staff at work, and keep the most fanatieal patients or their friends. The the evangelistic side of the work regularly before whole missionary effort should be directed toward .the doctor's mind. He should also stand ready to making the medical work genuinely and wholly talk with any who ask for him. The doctor would Christian, in spirit and in fact, an "integral part have occasional suggestions to make about certain of the missionary enterprise," and a part of the coming Christian society in Persia.
Are Jews! *
The Challenge of American Jewry to the Church By the REV. JOHN STUART CONNING, Secretary of Jewish Evangelization, Board of National Missions "WHY, they're Jews!" was the astonished What America Means to the Jews exclamation of an urban pastor when re- America, however, has spelled more than oppor- tunity to the Jew; it has signified a new environ- minded that he had probably several ment and all the things that go with it-adapta- tion, modification, change. Things are not as they hundred members of the race of Jesus living in were among the Jews. The traditional Jewish life of Eastern Europe has gone beyond recall. Under his parish to whom he might be spiritually help- the constant pressure of American industrial and commercial life, traditional Jewish customs are ful. Another pastor,. in response to the same re- generally disregarded, while the acceptance of modern scientific and philosophical concepts has Tmhineydegr~ said: "We have no contact with Jews. robbed the ancient faith of its sanctions. The their way and we go ours." A third re- Saturday Sabbath no longer dominates Jewish communities. The dietary laws are less and less plied: "Really, I 'have never thought of that!" rigidly observed. Inter-marriage is on the in- crease. And what is giving Jewish leaders grave And this last reply is doubtless the reason so many concern is the disspiriting drift from the syna- gogue. Rabbi Goldenson, of Temple Emanu-el, pastors and churches are not Jew-conscious and New York City, recently expressed his disappoint- ment that in a city with two million Jews, not have not sought to share with their Jewish neigh- more than fifty thousand were in regular attend- ance at synagogue services. bors the spirit and faith of Jesus as Saviour and Side by side with these trends away from the Lord. And this is the reason also why there has ancient Jewish heritage and the decline of the old reverences there has been observable in many grown up in this country a Jewish situation that areas of Jewish life a real yearning and search for spiritual satisfaction. The Jew today is openchallenges the best thought and statesmanship minded as he has not been for generations. He will listen to anyone who offers surcease from perthat the Church can command. sonal or social ills. Christian Science has won so large a Jewish following that a movement within The situation has grown upon us so gradually. Judaism called "Jewish Science" has been devised to stay the drift. Socialism with its doctrine of The few thousand Jews in America at the middle human brotherhood and practice of social equality has enlisted in its ranks tens of thous'ands of of the last century have increased through immi- young Jewish working people. Every modern cult has a Jewish following. gration, mainly from Eastern Europe, until ~o~ay Christianity, too, has its chance. There is a we have in the United States nearly five mllhon spirit of inquiry among Jews which is leading them by thousands to read the New Testament, Jews, about one-third of all the Jews in the world. visit Christian churches, listen to sermons over the radio and give consideration to the claims of New York, with its two million Jews, is the larg- Christianity. There is an encouraging response of Jews to the Gospel when presented with symest center of Jewish life known to history, while pathy and understanding. The neighborhood house approach has been found particularly ef- Chicago has more Jews than Warsaw, and Phila- delphia than Vienna or Kiev. And here the Jews have prospered phenomenally. They have taken commercial and educational advantages to the full and have come to the fore in many de- partments of our American life. The clothing, jewelry, tobacco and other industries are largely in their hands. Their influence is felt in the pro- fessions, in law, medicine, education, journalism, art, literature, wherever the call of opportunity appeals to their eager, restless spirit. The amuse- ment business, as represented by the theater, mov- ing picture, and radio are largely controlled by Jews. And when we look at our public life and think of such names as Lehman, Morgenthau, Brandeis or Cordozo, we realize the high place occupied by Jews in national affairs. We have here not only the largest Jewry in the world, but the most influential. What happens to the Jews in America will effect every Jewry on the globe. Is not this a challenge to the Church?
• From The Presbyterian, Philadelphia. fective. When Jews are dealt with as friends and [577 ]
neighbors with whom it is a privilege to share the way of Pharaoh and Haman, of deTorquemada through the fellowship of daily association the and Pobyedonostev. But it is not the Christian Good News concerning God's love in Jesus Christ, way. His Son, there are spiritual results that gladden the hearts of all who are concerned for the re- The challenge to the Church is clear. Christians demption of Israel. Not only rabbis and orthodox must rebuke racial prejudice and create Christian Jews, but atheists, radical socialists, and commu- attitudes toward the Jewish people. We have in nists have come under the spell of Jesus Christ our hands the key for the solution of the Jewish and have yielded their lives to Him as Saviour problem. It fits every ward of the complicated and Lord. lock. We possess a Gospel, born of infinite love for all mankind, which can subdue prejudice and The First Hebrew Christian Church, of Chi- ill will and conquer all aversions and hatreds. To cago, organized last year, is a demonstration of apply that Gospel to the healing of the world's the fact that Jews can be reached with the Gospel sorrows is the task of the Church. It must be and that they are willing to share in the extension applied to the healing of the age-long sorrows of of the cause of Christ, not only among their own the Jew. The place to begin is in the Church itpeople, but throughout the world. The minister, self. Little progress can be made in commending officers and members of this church are all Jews, the faith of Christ to His own people if those who as are the officers and teachers of the Sunday are its witnesses deny its fundamental ethic. school. Each individual has come into the church through a definite religious experience and can This is a time of crisis for the Jew. It is a time bear personal testimony to the reality of the faith of testing for the Church. If the Church awakes he has confessed. to its unparalleled opportunity a work may be done here in America for Christ's own people far There are many pastors who have discovered transcending anything that has been attempted that Jews are not only approachable, but respon- since the days of the Apostles. sive to the claims of Christ when presented with a loving heart. More than two thousand mem- "BY HAND PICKING" bers of the Hebrew race are now connected with the Presbyterian Church as ministers, mission- There is much significance in these sentences aries, church officers, and members, loyal in her from Bishop John M. Springer's account, in The service and generous in the support of her work Christian Advocate, of recent widespread converat home and abroad. The fact that there are sions in Africa: over 3,300 Presbyterian churches alone that are located in places where there are Jews, and have "All we students at the theological seminary the opportunity to render them service, calls us recently went to Maranke for ten days, and there to accept this God-given opportunity to share we had a wonderful time in our camp meeting," with our Jewish neighbors, as with other unevan- Demas Chama, of the Congo, student at Old Umgelized people, the Gospel of divine love, God's tali, Rhodesia, wrote me recently. answer to the cry of every human heart. Demas continues: "Then we went to Gandan- Not the least part of the challenge that comes zara, where we had another chance, and spent ten to the Church in relation to the Jewish people is days preaching to them the word of life and the the rising tide of anti-semitism in America. Hith- everlasting Kingdom. . . . We all came closely to erto, this country has been singularly free from Jesus, our Saviour; the people numbered 2,500. organized anti-Jewish movements. What little we have had has been short-lived. Prejudice has ex- r saw an old woman stand up and begin to preach, isted, but has found little expression beyond the utterances of individuals. Now, however, anti- and another old man did the same, till all the semitism has become a menace, not only to Jews, camp meeting became on fire for God the Father but to American ideals and the peace and harmony of all nations. There were three great chiefs, of our people. Jew hatred that has spread its Gandanzara, Mukahanana, and Chikuruwo. These blight over Germany, Poland, and other Euro- Christian chiefs stood and said that their feelings pean countries has made its appearance in our were no more as great men we call chiefs, but as own land. Nazi propaganda has planted its cells the servants of Jesus Christ." … in many American cities. Other anti-semitic movements bear the brand, "Made in America." It is During the past five years, in spite of the wholesaid that no fewer than six hundred centers of sale depression which the French more aptly call .anti-Jewish, propaganda exist to foster prejudice :;tgainst the Jews and impose upon them racial a La Crise, there has been what might· well be 'disabilities. It is the old, old way of meeting the Jewish problem, the way of hatred and oppression, termed "mass movement" of converts to ·Christ in all of our African Conferences. But it has come about in the natural way prescribed by our Lord: the going out by the converts to tell the good news to others. This great harvest has not been brought about by a windfall but by hand picking.
Catholic Activity I•n Pagan
I By KENNETH G. GRUBB, Survey Department, The World Dominion Press, London -··~t I ~========================~ THE Roman Catholic Church has been giving in the Belgian Congo, speaking reeently at Leo- constantly increasing attention to missionary poldville, said: expansion. The Church is no longer content to remain within traditional bounds, if she has The Catholic Church is not Belgian, or French, Eng- lish, Italian or American; it is Catholic; Belgian in Bel- ever been. The passing of centuries has witnessed gium, French in France, Italian in Italy…. In the Congo the stay of the advance of Islam in Europe. The it must be Congolese; in the construction of sacred ediweakness of the (Greek) Orthodox Church has fices, in the manufacture of objects for use in liturgical long been apparent. The Protestant churches functions, lines and colors and all the elements of Congo- lese art must be scrupulously observed. . . . When the have been hampered by the catastrophe of the natives are in church they must not feel that they are in World War and the limitation imposed upon Ger- a strange house; they must feel that they are in their own man missions for economic and political reasons. church.
The chaos of the times has thrown into strong The year 1936 marks the tenth anniversary of relief those advantages which accrue to central- the publication of the encyclical Rerum Ecclesiae,: ized control, while concealing the disadvantages. in which world-wide evangelization was stressed, Under these circumstances the Roman Catholic with special emphasis on the training of native· Church in recent years has rightly seen an un- clergy and a general "indigenous" policy.
precedented opportunity for expansion. The The Propaganda controls considerable financial whole administrative machinery of the Vatican, resources. The financial settlement which was a headed by the Pope, is known as the curia, the part of the Lateran Treaty in 1929 between the highest body of which is the College of Cardinals. Italian State and the Vatican involved the pay- The political affairs of the curia are handled by a ment to the latter of about $87,000,000, and it is Cardinal Seeretary of State, and the spiritual af- understood that the greater part of this is to be fairs by eleven congregations or councils. One of devoted to missions. As Catholic clergy areceli- the latter is the Congregation de Propaganda bate the expense on personnel is relatively light.
Fide, known as the Propaganda. It was organ- Extraordinary efforts have been made to arouse ized in the seventeenth century, reorganized in the interest of the faithful in the cause and thus 1908, and is the missionary arm of the Church. to gain their support. The union of clergy on It meets twice a month and has charge of those behalf of missions has been recommended in the regions where the hierarchy is not established. most authoritative quarters, and regional con- Its auxiliaries, or mobile forces, are the various gresses are held to concentrate attention on the religious orders, and it has its own funds. appeal and the opportunity. Along with "Catholic The first advantage possessed by Roman Cath- Action," the mission field has been the cause olic missions is unity of control or direction, in- which has most often been kept before the troducing co-ordination into the work of the re- Church.
ligious orders which otherwise would consume These considerations naturally constitute a their energies in mutual jealousies. It is quite background to all Roman Catholic expansion in possible that a certain amount of flexibility and the mission fields of the world. In reeent years spontaneous spiritual impulse is lost through this especial attention has been given to Central unity of direction, but its advantages must be ad- Africa. Of the funds which the Propaganda con- mitted. Not the least of these has been that the troIs about one-quarter has been devoted to Africa well-known missionary interest of the present -equal to the amount allocated to China, and Pope has been reflected in an increase of activity. twice that given to India.
The Roman Catholic Church is also following The expansion of Roman Catholicism in Cen- a policy of "nationalization" designed to harmo- tral Africa has been great, although it would be a nize the development of the Church with the cul- mistake to exaggerate it. It is helped by certain ture and outlook of each land. A number of in- powerful factors in the political situation. In digenous bishops have been consecrated, although British Africa the Roman Catholic missions are not, as yet, an African. The Apostolic Delegate on the same footing as other religious bodies; [579 ]
they receive, for example, educational grants-in- frequent. But Protestanism rarely benefits to aid, provided their schools reach the requisite any great extent from a political hostility which standard of efficiency. Their standing before the is directed primarily against the Catholic Church.
law is the same as that of Protestant missions; Governments should treat all churches alike under they are treated with s.crupulous fairness and a legislation which is really intended only to re- impartiality by administrative officers; and it strain offenders. If, therefore, Protestants do not should also be added that the fact of the Anglican suffer from political pressure on the accusation of Church being an established Church in England "denationalization," they are apt to be ground brings no appreciable advantage to Protestant between the nationalist policy of governments and missions. No discrimination is made against mis- the interests of the dominant Church which are sionaries of any religion on the ground of their opposed to it.
nationality, now that the postwar restrictions Italian Africa against German missionaries have been removed. In January, 1936, the departure of the last of the Swedish missionaries from Eritrea was an- It is unfortunate that, in the colonies of powers nounced. Their home going was undoubtedly acwhose religious traditions have been molded by celerated by the international situation; but for the Papacy, the same fair treatment has not al- many years it had been clear that, unless the sitways been given to Protestant missions. Roman uation changed, the work would be closed. The Catholic spokesmen have sedulously inculcated the Swedish Mission was founded in 1865, before idea, in season and out of season, that Catholicism Eritrea had come under Italian control. The early is the hallmark of good citizenship; and that, as Italian governors viewed the mission with favor a consequence, not to be a Catholic is to fail in and benevolence. A church with a Christian comloyalty to the State. Telling examples of this in- munity of some ten thousand souls was built up; sidious propaganda are given below. Thus Prot- a notable literary activity was developed, to which estant missions are attacked on the grounds that the native Christians made a solid spiritual and they "denationalize" the native, and pressure is intellectual contribution; and a chain of schools exerted to compel local administrations to impose was established. But these very activities, linhampering conditions on their activities.
Moreover, the colonial policies of Great Britain guistic and educational, provoked official hostility.
and of the Latin nations are different in their gen- They were precisely the activities which, from eral outlook. The "Dual Mandate" fostered by one point of view, hindered national assimilation, Britain in Africa, and so successfully tried out in placing membership in the Kingdom of God above Nigeria, provides for a proper recognition of the' that in the Kingdom of Italy. About 1917 the constructive ideas in native social customs, and Italian attitude to Protestant missions changed; encourages the use of native languages when they missionaries on furlough could not return and are widespread and obviously of general utility. new recruits were not admitted. The Italian The policy of assimilation followed by most Latin Franciscans were able to strengthen their staff, governments, notably the French, Italian and and Roman Catholic propaganda increased.
Portuguese, is inimical to the perpetuation of Portuguese Africa tribal identity, and seeks to supplant native cus- toms and languages by those of the colonizing For a long time a systematic attempt has been power. Protestantism, with its emphasis on the made in both Portugal and its African colonies Word of God, has tended in its mission work to to discredit Protestant missions. The Angola make much use of the presentation of Christian press, especially in Luanda, is constantly publish- truth in the natural language of the people. The ing articles setting forth the necessity of Catholi- result is that Protestant missions in the colonies cizing the colony. Statements, manifestly devoid of "Latin" nations are open to a double attack. of foundation, are continually made in Portugal The Roman Church attacks them on the ground to the detriment of Protestant missions, and the that Catholicism best ministers to the religious widespread medical, educational, social and evan- and cultural traditions of the State; political gelistic work done by the Protestant missions is pressure is apt also to bear adversely on them on completely ignored. Here is a recent example.
the ground that they are instruments of "dena- At a pub.Iic meeting on colonial questions, on Feb- tionalization." When, therefore, the interests of ruary 20 of this year at the Geographical Society Catholicism can be made to agree, if only tempo- of Lisbon, which was reported at length in the rarily, with those of nationalism, as in Portugal papers; the lecturer opened by quoting the Min- today, Protestant missions are faced with a grave ister of Colonies in 1935 to the effect that Prot- issue. Nationalism, however, is fundamentally in- estant missions were working against Portugal, compatible with the ideals of Roman Catholicism, whereas the pupils of the Catholic schools of Ben- and clashes between the Church and State are guela were proud to repeat, "Weare Catholics and
ROMAN CATHOLIC ACTIVITY IN PAGAN AFRICA
'Catholic' is synonymous with 'Portuguese.'''* Christ. On the outcome of this struggle will de- This kind of thing could be multiplied indefinitely, pend the type of Christianity which is to prevail with examples from both the East and West Afri- in this great area of Central Africa.
can possessions of Portugal. In 1934 121,109 adults were reported baptized Roman Catholic baptisms in Angola numbered in Catholic missions. There are 805 foreign and 43,000 in 1934, and the number of adherents is 37 native priests, in addition to numbers of lay put at 425,000. The figure of 291,000 was given brethren and sisters. The total missionary force in 1931. If these figures are accurate, it is evi- already numbers over 2,000. From one boat dent that a notable increase has taken place. The which arrived at Matadi in November, 1935, 80 prelature of Mozambique, which owing to special disembarked, representing 19 orders. Over 1,200 circumstances does not depend on the Propa- young native men are in training for the priest- ganda, but on the Congregation of Extraordinary hood. Pupils in Catholic schools number 454,969.
Foreign Affairs, reports only 9,250 Catholics in Ruanda Urundi is mandated territory, where 1932. The subsidy of approximately £40,000 is conditions are somewhat different. Article 8 of given to Roman Catholic missions in Angola, with the Mandate binds the mandatary to ensure "comprivileges, such as workers' exemption from cus- plete freedom of conscience and the free exercise toms dues and hut taxes. No subsidies are given of all forms of worship which are consonant with Protestant bodies. public order and morality." There has been some Belgian Africa controversy over the nature of the rights thus guaranteed, and the question was recently raised The difficulties of the last few years in the at the Permanent Mandates Commission in Ge- Congo have received much attention, but the pres- neva. The Governor-general of the Congo has ent Governor has shown himself well disposed to decided on a policy which should insure to Prot- maintain the provisions of the Colonial Charter estants the liberty to which they have a clear title.
and the Convention of St. Germain-en-Laye, guar- Spanish and French Africa anteeing freedom of conscience and the free exer- cise of all forms of religion. In recent years The trend of events "in this limited sphere illusgrave cases of abuse have occurred, whereby trates the other tendency, namely, the determina- Protestant natives have been subjected to unfair treatment, and even physical violence. But the tion of the government to limit some of the pre- tensions of Roman Catholic missions. A o.ecree real question has been educational. The situation was issued in 1935 in Madrid which has also limis peculiar in the Congo inasmuch as all education ited the activities of some of the Protestant misis left in the hands of missions. There has been sionaries. But as some of these questions are now no legislation against Protestant schools, but no being considered, it is not wise to discuss them government grants have been available for them, and few, if any, government posts have been open in print. to their graduates. The educational system set up in 1927 recognizes. only "national," which in There is evidence to show that, although in cerpractice means Roman Catholic, schools, and con- tain regions of French Africa the Roman Catholic fines all government eoucation to Roman Catholic Church is making great efforts, its success will teaching orders. Any capitulation to the threat depend on the legitimate use of its own energies contained in this situation on the part of Prot- and resources. If local authorities show bias, or estants would have the effect of leaving all educa- favoritism, this is generally due to local circumtion in the hands of the Roman Catholic missions. stances, and receives censure rather than en- dorsement from higher officials and from the colonial ministry when the circumstances are ex- The Annuaire des Missions Catholiques au plained. Nevertheless, perhaps in. no part of Congo Belge states that Catholics in the Belgian Africa is it so necessary that missionaries should Congo and Ruanda Urundi now number 1,232,018, have an adequate knowledge of the language of and catechumens 1,032,660, making a total of over the governing power, and a proper acquaintance two and a quarter millions. In another article in with the colonial traditions which have molded this report it is shown that there are about a mil- French policy in Africa. For this reason all mislion Protestants in the Congo; three and a quar- sionaries are advised to study in Paris, if possible ter million Christians therefore exist in the region for two years, and certainly not for less than six today, among a population of some fourteen mil- months. A more detailed discussion of consideralions. Ten and three-quarter millions are still tions which affect all intending missionaries and in paganism, and the struggle which lies ahead all secretaries and board members of missions will be an effort to bring to these spiritual life in which carry responsibilities in French territory • As reported in the Diario de Noticias. Lisbon, February 21, may be found in a paper by M. Leenhardt, of 1'936. Paris, Initiation des Missions Etrangeres en
Colonie Fran~aises. The essential points raised ture will lie in one or other of these directions. by M. Leenhardt are being set out in the review, This article should not be construed as a po- World Dominion. lemic against the Roman Church. That Church Although we may consider that Catholicization has every right to use all the legitimate means is a superficial form of evangelization, and is, within her power to advance her cause and the therefore, of little importance to us, its impor- Christianization of pagan peoples. But it is evitance arises precisely from its superficiality. The dent that the Protestant and Catholic communions point at issue is, whether we shall regard the hold ideas of liberty and tolerance which differ in evangelization of Central Africa as that of a theory and clash in practice. Further, to the expagan people whose grosser superstitions are tent to which modern governments are influenced bound in any case to disappear; or must we, in by these ideas, to that extent do they embody a years to come, contemplate a Catholic-pagan pop- broad-minded or a narrow policy in colonial legulation and expect either a Reformation such as islation. It may yet prove possible to resolve Europe experienced in the sixteenth century, or some of these differences in a spirit of Christian the type of evangelization that now characterizes charity. In the long run, however, it is as well Latin America or southern Europe. If we con- to remember that Christian love alone can claim sent to the present rapid spread of Roman irresistible power; without it the attempt to move Catholicism in Africa the prospects of the fu- mountains by faith is but wasted labor.
What Christ Has Done for Banyankole ANKOLE is only a small district of the Uganda who still follow that custom, but there are many .r. Protectorate, and the writer belongs to this Christian men having each but one wife who are living pure lives. Children who used to grow up country. The Banyankole, the inhabitants in their heathen homes and so learned all the evil of this district, are divided into two tribes: Aba- of such homes are now taken to school and are hima, the cattle-people, and Abairn, agricultur- taught about Christ and His love. ists. The former is the ruling tribe. To estimate what.Christ has done and is doing for my people, As already stated, Ankole is only a small dis- I must touch nearly every department of their trict of Uganda Protectorate, and there are many lives, and compare it with the pre-Christian state such districts in Uganda. There used to be conof things. The government used to be despotic. tinual wars and disputes between the various dis- The king had all power in his hands, and had some tricts, and even among the people of the same chiefs under him. Most of the kings were cruel district. The Abahima despised the Abairn and tyrants, and the chiefs who ruled under them were could not even eat with them. Now the love of very much influenced by their king in the way Christ has been shed in their hearts and the wars, they treated their people. One is likely to at- disputes and all other things which separated peotribute the good government of the country, since ple are ceasing. I am writing this article while Christianity came, and the peace and satisfaction on a mission of preaching the Gospel with a team in the people's hearts only to the British govern- of friends, some of whom have traveled over three ment. There is much truth in that view, but it is hundred miles, and the team is made up from difnot the whole truth. I know that the rulers have ferent tribes, a thing which my father some forty feelings of their own, influenced by their belief in years ago would not have dreamed of. Christ. Now there is still a king who rules the country, but not despotically, and he and the chiefs Several things are greatly needed for winning are quite different from their predecessors. There Africa for Christ. We need keen missionaries, are many chiefs who are honest, truthful and just, men and women who are out and out for Christ and who sympathize with their poor people. and the Africans. We need money to help with the work. People have not yet learned to give as The next thing to consider is the religion of the they ought, and in many of the districts of people. In olden days they worshiped the evil Uganda- people are very poor. But I think the spirits and the spirits of their ancestors, and were greatest need is to get Africans who are really very superstitious. Today there are thousands who converted and on fire for winning their brother have become Christians, and to these the time of and sister Africans to Christ. These would know spirit worship and superstition has passed. the difficulties of their' people, and they could deal with them and show them how they themselves In home life Christ has done and is doing much have been helped to conquer those same difficulties. for the people. Men used to have several wives, and even today there are many of the Christians REV. ERICA SABITI, Ankole, Uganda.
I Am a
By FLORENCE WALNE, Shimonoseki, Japan T o STAND at a crossing where all the road- full measure of the skepticism which has this peo- ways of the world come together to follow ple in its grip; a meeting of mothers who have them with the mind to those far corners to no conception of the meaning of a home with God which they lead-across the shining waterways in it (though gods they may have a-plenty!); an of the earth-to lands unseen and peoples unmet: organization of young girls so apt to go adrift to know, somehow, that one of those roads is with nothing by which to steer their course. I yours; to definitely set your face in the direction stand before them with the Bible in my hand- in which it goes; to companion by the way with mine the privilege, mine the sacred duty, mine Him who said, "Let us cross to the other side," the high honor of interpreting the Message of all and to find at the end that one service you were men's Father to these His children who know Him put here to find I-Who but a foreign missionary not. Mine the Bread of Life to give, mine the Liv- can know what it is like and what foreign mis- ing Water, mine the Abundant Life which comes sionary can really tell anyone about it? with the possession of Christ. Like Frederic My- "Why do you do it?" an English neighbor in ers' Paul, Shimonoseki (Japan) used frequently to ask me. Then, with a rush, the intolerable craving The question was accompanied by a deeply puz- Shivers throughout me like a trumpet call, zled look which indicated the sincerity of the ques- and the desire to give them something, something, tioner's desire to know. She was a former actress before they go away-some of them never to reon the London stage, whose life had held no place turn-amounts to a passion terrific and exhaustfor religion in any form, and in Japan only be- ing. cause her husband was in business here, chafing constantly at the necessity which kept her in this And how could I tell of that joy,-surpassing part of the world. My being here as a matter of other joys in depth and solemnity-which comes deliberate choice was something utterly beyond with the knowledge that God has let me lead one her grasp; how could I tell her so that she could of His seeking children to where He might be understand? That understanding in some meas- found. The illuminating effect, in one's own spirure, did come to her, as she told me in a letter after itual life, of such an expe~ience is beyond the moving to another town. "I went to a reception power of words to convey. I never felt this more recently," she wrote, "and met only one woman strongly than when one of our loveliest girls died, whose face attracted me. I was not surprised a little over a year ago, very soon after she had when I learned that she was the only missionary found Christ.
present that night. I think that before I left Until a few short months before she died, Shimonoseki I got a glimmer of why you are over The Christ to her was all unknown. here and why you are happy to be here and no But she made such haste to open wide where else." How that glimmer reached her I do Her heart, and sweep it clean of faiths outgrownnot know, for truly one does not, cannot, speak Legacies of a pagan age, far past and dim, of the great forces which wrestle with one's soul Of quests for the truth her forbears sought to knowwhen once the hand of God has fallen upon it. And give all its generous room to Him, Whose beauty in that first hour filled her so. There is the silence of a spiritual crisis, That when (so soon it seemed to us) there came Through which your soul, exquisitely tortured, That last great call from Him-to leave all on earth Comes with visions not to be uttered And earth itself-it was with just that same Sweet readiness, that quick response to worth Into a realm of higher life. Revealed in Him-the Bridgegroom of the soul- That she obeyed. And tired young body all forgot, How could I, for instance, ever communicate Pain all forgot, in garments, shining, whole, that feeling which comes over me with a rush Bride-like, her spirit went to Him, tarrying not.
some ntiomnebse1wl· ehveenrsI -satacn1dasbsefoofreyoaugnrgoumpeno,f Japa- While I, who on a darkened way nese eager Sought to give a fellow-traveler light, and thoughtful regarding life, but endowed with a Sharing the strength of my own dim ray, [583 ]
Find the road grown luminous and bright ,happy, beyond words, that it led me to Japan. I With a radiancy which far outshone have found, I know beyond all doubt, my service My own! here. The sense of belonging is so complete and satisfying. There is no question of sacrifice. That Not that a missionary is a constant dweller on would come in having to go away, leaving my task unfinished. To retrace one's steps over one's road, rarified spiritual heights! I wonder if it is possi- away from "that one service" in which one found so much joy-that would be a sacrifice which I ble to imagine blacker des-pair than I have known pray may not be asked of me.
in hours of questioning my fitness for the task to When Time's little day has slipped away into the shadows of a forever-closed past-when the which I am committed? I heard Dr. Speer say, endless Tomorrow has dawned for souls at home with the Father, I fancy that a large company at a Student Volunteer Convention many years will gather about the Master, and, just as the dis- ciples did on their return from missions upon ago, that a missionary's preparation for his work which He had sent them, they will tell Him, each one, of what happened on the one road each had consists in getting possession of the Gospel Mes- taken, of what each had seen, and felt, and said, and done! How free then will be the talk-of forsage. (1) In his mind, "he must know what he is est trails and lonely huts in Africa, and of black men joining the "Tribe of God"; of how India's to say and be clear that he believes it, for the day many faiths and creeds gave way before "The Christ of the Indian Road"; of how China broke will come when he will stand with it,all alone, through a fog of bewilderment and uncertainty, superstition and strife, to the light shed by the speaking to men who are absolutely secure in their personality of the Prince of Peace; of how all the many "systems" in Japan-the social and indusposition of challenge and of doubt." (2) In his trial, educational and religious, bec'ame permeated with the spirit and thought of Jesus; of how He life, ". . . for the people to whom he goes can- was made to walk again in Bible lands, under- stood, received and adored; and so on around the not see a Christ who is not incarnated for them." world which God so loved that He gave His Son to save. How easy it will be then to break the Doubt as to whether one has the first of these silence of years and how sweet the understanding and fellowship! I would rather have a seat in two qualifications may, perchance, never trouble that gathering of "returned missionaries" than a throne in the greatest kingdom on earth! one, but how often the doubt as to whether one "PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER" can lay claim to the second requirement brings JAMES 5: 16 on sleepless nights and hours of agony! If we I cannot tell why there should come to me missionaries were only more completely in pos- A thought of someone miles and miles away, session of the Message in our lives, the peoples of In swift insistence on the memory- Unless there be a need that I should pray. these lands to which we have come would not be Too hurried oft are we to spare a thought, so long in opening their hearts to receive the For days together, of some friend away, Christ whom we preach and then deny! Perhaps God does it for us, and we ought To read His signal as a call to pray. Another difficult but, to my mind, very essen- Perhaps, just then, my friend has fiercer fight, tial thing in a missionary is the ability to give his Some overwhelming sorrow or decay life to the people and to the particular task to Of courage; darkness, some lost sense of right; And so, in case he needs my help, I pray. whom and to which it has been dedicated and, at Friend, do the same for me! If I, unsought, the same time, keep a place in his heart for fields Intrude upon you, on some crowded day, and phases of missionary endeavor other than his Give me a moment's prayer, in passing thought, Be very sure I need .it: therefore, pray. own. A missionary should be the most broad- MARIANNE F ARNINGHAM. minded, the biggest-hearted, the most widely and deeply sympathetic man on God's earth. How can a true missionary be otherwise? The missionary vision must necessarily include a world won for Christ. The Master's thoughts were never only for those to whom He happened to be ministering at any particular time, but "other sheep have I which are not of this cfaorled,"trHemeesnadi~dusalnYd embraced all in His love. To about the world, even as P·aul, and Livingstone, and other great missionary souls have done! "Read your home letters first," said Stanley. "You must be impatien.t for them." "Oh," said Livingstone, "I have waIted for years for letters. I can wait a few hours longer. No, tell me first, how's the world getting on?"
Forbes Robinson, in his Letters, s'ays that his father on his death bed cried, "If I had a thousand lives to give I would give them all all to the min- istry!" If I had a thousand lives to give I believe I would want to give them all to missionary work for Christ. But since I have only the one, and so could follow only one of the many roads, I am
Christ Found Me in
The Story of Ajitadass, Translated by MASON OLCOTT, Vellore I WAS born a Jain in Banyan Village, six miles shady place where with great joy I prayed, was from Tindivanam, South Arcot District. My quiet and read my Bible. I carried my school family are the strictest of vegetarians, eating textbooks outside of my Bible and used to read no meat, eggs, onions or radishes. They never eat them when anyone came near. During the year I after dark and strain all they drink, so as not to used to walk every Sunday to attend the mission kill any animal life, however small. They gave church, six miles each way. I made no distinction me the name Ajitadass, Servant of Ajita, the Un- in my treatment of Untouchables and was deconquerable, the second of the great Jain saints. spised for doing this.
I was scrupulous in performing all my religious The following June I was allowed by my family duties. to return to Tindivanam and went regularly to Up to the third class I studied in the Banyan church. One Sunday I decided to remove my Village school. Then I was sent to live in the Jain caste mark and sacred thread; even when the Dis- Hostel at Tindivanam where we learned Sanskrit trict Educational Officer came to our hostel, I reand studied the sacred books of my religion. At fused to wear a caste mark. For this the J ains that time I joined the Arcot Mission High School. troubled me. Once I returned late from a Chris- I now rejoice that I had this chance to study Eng- tian meeting and ate food after dark, for which lish and hear of Christ. But for years it was only I was severely reprimanded by the hostel superin.. out of compulsion that I studied the Bible. One tendent. Cast out by my own people, I went to day when I made up my own verses and pretended live with a Christian teacher. The Jains tried to they were from the Bible, I was severely punished put me to shame but I took courage to read the because I had failed to study Christ's words. Bible in their presence. I failed in my college entrance examination partly because of severe iB- When I was in fifth form, my Bible teacher was ness from typhoid fever two months earlier. I Mr. Sundaram, the Headmaster. At 11 o'clock on went to Madras where I completed my eighteenth the morning of September 24, 1932-1 was fifteen year and the next few months were spent at Katyears old, and I remember the time since it was padi and Chittoor. Then I wrote a long letter to the turning point of my life-he told us how Jesus my family explaining why I had confessed faith was scourged 39 times, was spat upon, tortured with· a crown of thorns and nailed to the cross. in Christ. He also read Isaiah 53: 4-7; "He was wounded In September, 1935, Mr. Archibald's Gospel adfor our transgressions. . . . By His stripes we are healed. . . . When he was afflicted, He opened dresses in Vellore made me want to hear further, not his mouth." so I went to Trichinopoly. Missing the train and being delayed, for two days I went without food; When I heard this, tears came to my eyes and but Christ sustained me and gave me peace. On my heart was deeply stirred. Without speaking to hearing Mr. Archibald speak on Jesus shedding anyone, I returned to the Hostel stunned, not his blood to give us the Water of Life, my heart knowing what to do. As I read frOom the Bible, was broken and I found fuller peace and joy. This peace came to my mind. I spent so much time on was the second great change in my life.
the Bible that I neglected my other lessons, about Later, going to Madl'as, I preached Christ to the which the Headmaster warned me. Two mOonths despised and neglected, going to the Outcaste later I went secretly to him and said that I wanted quarter with Christian friends. Hindus started to become a Christian. He replied, "You are only to insult and stone us, and I underwent other per- 15. Wait for three years until legally yOou can secutions, having my box, some books and my make your own decision. Then we shall see. In Bible fOorcibly taken from me. A preacher sent the meantime, don't tell anyone." Before I was me to Chittoor by a roundabout way and there I 18, Mr. Sundaram had died. Gradually the Jain coached some Christian young men in the songs religion lost its hold Oon me. Many noticed this for a Christmas drama at Katpadi, and gave a but of the inner change of faith they did not know. kalatchebam (songs and explanation) on "The . The next school year, my uncle took me from Other Wise Man." Thank God for giving me His Tindivanam High School to shield me from Chris- joy, courage and power of speech.
tian influence. But every day I used to go to a In January, 1936, false charges were brought [ 5851
against me but I opened my Bible and read the to identify the guilty person and their description words, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, did not at all fit me. Because of the delay in my whom shall I fear?" Several police officials came reaching Trichy the end of October, I had not to the house to take me in a car to the police sta- been there when the forgery was committed. tion. Before leaving, I prayed in their presence. Thus God guided me and delivered me from these They accused me of having obtained Ros. 250 on false charges. false pretenses from a Jain abbot and of having forged a police inspector's signature. They asked Going to the Bible Training Centre of the Interme to admit this crime and promised that, if I did Varsity Fellowship in Madras, I awoke at 4: 30 so, my uncle would come to my rescue and pay the one morning for my devotions, and was in the money. I asserted my innocence and when they courtyard when two rowdies broke in and put a asked me to go back to the Jain religion, I an- cloth round my neck. I said, "If you do me no swered that I had come to Christ trusting Him, further harm, I shall go with you." They covered and would not leave Him, even at the risk of my face and' put me in a jutka and took me death. They kept me locked up from 4 p. m. on through the streets for two hours. When day beone day until 10 p. m. of the next, asking me many gan to dawn they took me out and walked by my questions, mostly about my personal life, to which side. When two motors passed, the men crossed I answered nothing. I spent my time reading the the road, and I was able to escape from them. I Bible and praying. There were no bounds to my stayed in a mango orchard until noon and finally joy, for like Paul I was considered worthy to suf- was sent back to the Training Centre. Next year fer for Christ. Men came later from Trichinopoly my hope is to study the Word of God, for I have learned that He alone is the Unconquerable.
Wanted, a Demonstration of Unity By REV. JOHN J. BANNINGA, D.D.
M.issionary of the American Board, Pasumalai, South India T HE Church of Christ throughout the world should have churches expressing their faith in desperately needs an actual demonstration of Chr,ist in their own national ways. what union in spirit and service can do for the extension of the Kingdom of God. In a mul- Especially since the Great War, these Christitude of ways the Church seems to have reached tians have realized that Christianity is not. the a deadlock in spiritual power, in social activity, product of western civilization, but that Jesus and in world fellowship. Something desperate Himself was born in Asia and that therefore the needs to be done to break this deadlock, or correct people of Asia need not go to Europe for their this atrophy. On the foreign mission fields the Christianity but that they can go straight to the work has largely been carried out by division of New Testament for it. Perhaps a new, direct apthe territory into mission areas so that each proach to Christ, by those who have not been Church has practically had a field to itself. bound by all the graveclothes of European tradi- tion, may enable them to follow Him better than Bishop Azariah, of South India, saId at the they would if they followed European churches Lausanne Conference in 1927, that most Indians first and Christ second. are members of one Church or another, not because of theological opinions, but because of geo- India has been cut up into innumerable divigraphical location. He said, "I am an Episco- sions by all the forces that have entered that counpalian in the first instance because my father and try. Not only has the caste system divided India mother lived in a district where the Church of into very throughly segregated groups, but her England took up work. Had they lived one hun- religiol!s differences, even within Hinduism, have dred miles further north I would have been a made them go further in those separations. In member of the American Congregational Mis- South India the division of the followers of Vishnu sion.'" Since that is true the Indians, as well as into the Cat-doctrine and the Monkey-doctrine the Chinese, Japanese and other national Chris- schools has brought great bitterness. Even at the tians, feel that they should not take the denom- annual festivals at Conjeeveram the followers of inationalism of western countries but that they the one doctrine are ready to fight those who hold the other for the honor of certain positions near
WA.NTED, A DEMONSTRATION OF UNITY
the temple car as it is dragged around the city. others see it. We are wrong in our differences Denominationalism is known within Hinduism and separations. We will find ourselves more and this gives all the more surprise to the Hindu nearly right in our agreements and in our unities. when he finds the same in Christianity where he expects to find unity and peace because of the his- For some fifteen years the churches in South toric character of its Founder. Not a few Chris- India have been working on this problem and tian converts today are hesitating to join any they have evolved a scheme which seems pracchurch because they say that by joining one ticable to the representative Committee. Each church they cut themselves off from communion group have given to the Scheme what they thought in another. They feel that the followers of Jesus best in their experience. The Methodists (for- Christ should all belong to one great fellowship, merly English Wesleyans) have insisted that in and that a Christian in one place should be wel- all parts of the Scheme and in the duties of all its officers and church bodies the spirit of winning comed as a: Christian in another. When one really men to Christ (Evangelism) must be dominant. The Presbyterians have said that, in their expericomes to look at it, how terrible it is that we fol- ence, the position and work of the Presbyter (or lowers of Christ have such exalted opinions of Elder) and that of the Presbytery have been of ourselves and our ancestors that we think we great value to the Church. The Episcopalian says have the real truth in Christ while all others have that throughout their history the position of the at most only partial truth. Would it not be much Bishop, as the Father in God of the Flock and the better if we all would unite into one great body leader in spiritual and administrative work, has and recognize each other as fellow-Christians, fol- brought unity within and effective work without lowers of the one Lord, and sharing with each the Church. While the Congregationalis:ts have other the gifts that God has given each of us. felt that Christian forces can best work when each What a rich body the followers of Christ would local group find themselves free from all outside be if they would share their visions and their ac- authority and carry the full responsibility and encomplishments with each other. The prayer of thusiasm for founding the Church in that locality Christ would then be answered soon, "that they and there setting forth Christ as the Saviour of all may be one – that the world may know that men. In this South India Scheme these various Thou didst send me." elements 'have been brought together in a plan that the Committee believes to be harmonious and And why does each denomination assume that well-balanced. No one of the elements of the it is right and all others wrong? I recognize that uniting churches has been taken over in its origithat feeling is slowly dying out, but there are still nal form, but each gift from the churches has many who essentially hold that they are right and been so modified that it fits into the whole Scheme. that, therefore, all others are wrong. What is the basis for such a feeling? It seems to me axio- There are still many minor details that must be matic that worked out and time and again the Scheme has been submitted to the governing bodies of the 1. All denominations are essentially equal in intellectual churches concerned; then it has been brought back to the Committee for rewording or rewritability. ing, It is hoped that no Council will repudiate the Scheme or vote to stop negotiations. It is 2. There is no essential difference in the denominations in recognized in South India, as well as in other parts of the world, that there must be a definite setting their loyalty to Christ. . forth in actual practice of what can be done to bring the separated branches of the Church of 3. All are practically equal in their spiritual insight and Christ closer together.
their resultant devotion to God through Christ. The Next Step 4. All denominations try to work out practically in their What then should be the next step in the Church Union movement? It seems to me that the thing daily lives what they have seen in Christ. we all want is some actual demonstration which will reveal to us what is possible in this great There is no great difference between the Evan- movement. We have so long lived in our separagelical denominations in intellectual, moral, so- tions that we scarcely believe that union is poscial, or practical understanding and application sible. In the San Francisco Bay, engineers are of the principles of Christ. Why then should any building two great bridges across the waters. denomination assert that their interpretation of After the engineers had prepared their plans and a particular doctrine is the only one that is cor- estimates, after all their scientific research work rect. The very fact that other intelligent, devoted had been done, neither they nor the general public Christians can interpret some doctrine differently from the way I interpret them gives me pause in asserting my interpretation. Perhaps there is something that I have not yet fully understood and perhaps I ought to fellowship more with those who differ from me in order that I may learn from them. The trouble is we have all built fences around ourselves and have carefully protected ourselves and our followers from seeing truth as
were willing to go forward with this work until perfect the Scheme are satisfied that they have models had been made to show how the bridges found a way in which this work can be begun. would look and how they would be able to stand They all agree that great improvements are still up against the weather, and the traffic that would possible in that experiment, but they also realoperate on them. When these models and experi- ize that something must be done besides Wk. ments had been completed, then construction on There has been plenty of consultation and discusthe bridges themselves began, with the absolute sion. What we want now is something that we assurance that the bridges would accomplish the can see with our eyes and handle with our hands purposes for which they were built. -something that will be really a working model. If that proves successful, well and good, others In the same way we need an experiment in can follow its example. If it proves faulty then Church Union. We need to have a model set up, changes can be made and failure prevented. so that we can see what it would look like, how it While unions have succeeded where there were would work, and what may be wrong with it. similarities in polity and doctrine, we must now Then larger and better models can be built until go further and unite those that differ in these the fundamental laws of such union are discov- things, and by actual union we will learn how to ered and we can go ahead and complete the great unite, until all Christians can again live together work. in one family. Yes, that is a hard task. That is an impossible thing for men. But it is not im- South India seems nearest ready to adopt such possible when the· Spirit of the Almighty finds a model. Both the Christians who are directly concerned in that union in South India and all men and women that are willing to be led into the those in authority in the home churches of which fulness of His truth. He cannot have two truths these mission churches are offspring, should feel or two interpretations of truth. But He can show the great responsibility that rests on them and forth a great spirit of love that will level all should endeavor to consummate the present move- roughness, and straighten all crooked ways. ment. Those who have spent years in trying to Missionaries as Seen by a Zulu By JOHN L. DUBE, Founder of Ohlange Institute, Natal U P TO the present time the missionary in nomic resources of a State. It provides larger this country has taken upon himself the markets and greater skilled labor. task of educating, civilizing and Christianizing the Bantu. This race looks upon the mis- Some races are inferior, but their inferiority sionary as Christ's messenger, and not only the is a matter of comparison. Missionaries are not teacher of the people but as a father in whose frightened by theories of inferiority, for their steps they walk to the enlightenment which is his work among primitive races has borne good fruit. through Christ. Missionaries educate and Christianize all races, for they have been charged to "go and teach all Although missionaries work under different nations." To them primitive races and those comgovernments they have a brotherhood which is paratively in a lower state of civilization receive not subject to the State government. The law greater sympathy because they deal with all men and example of Christ are theirs, and this is the not according to nationality, but as followers of basis of the stability of their policy. They are Christ. not obsessed with a fear complex, for they know that even primitive people, under good intl.uence The hardships missionary work has to encounand guidance, can reach a state of responsibility ter, with the meager support it gets, are well and peace to all men. known, but undaunted the missionaries have pressed forward, opening schools and churches Christianity raises the status of a man, and in and repdering sacrificial service to the people. this manner increases his needs with regard to There is a great need of this spirit among our health, food, occupation and recreation. It, there- own people, for the time is ripe when the Bantu fore, cannot be regarded as endangering existing should shoulder greater responsibility in Chrisgovernments by inj uring their economic resources tianizing and educating their own people. The by raising an inferior race to the plane of a need for the extension of missionary work within higher; but it increases and stabilizes the eco- the Union of South Africa and the Protectorates is great.
Memories of Jean
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T HERE was great rejoicing in our West into practice. Meeting a native boy she innocently Africa Mission when in 1904 we learned of said, in a friendly way, "I am going to hell, will the appointment of a new young woman mis- you walk with me?" The affrighted boy said, "No. sionary to our field. One of the senior workers, I refuse to go with you." Somewhat puzzled at having just returned from furlough, recalled this attitude, she reviewed her words and found meeting her in the United States. She had ap- the mistaken name of the place she intended to proached him with questions about the work and visit. When this was corrected the boy gladly had expressed a desire to join us. In time Jean joined her and they journeyed together to the town.
Mackenzie came and began her Adj ustment to the food of a work for Africa. Since then new country is always difficult she has been a blessing to two and the new missionary missed whole continents. Trials as her American favorites. Coffee well as her joys began imme- was felt to be a necessity and diately upon her arrival on on a long "bush" trip, when shore. Her trunk was wet with very hungry, she espied a sea water and we all knew the trader's house and shop on the results that would follow. The top of a high hill. We remem- colors of a little silk American ber how she wondered audibly flag that a friend had given her whether he might have some ran through her wardrobe, coffee. The house cook was with the result that African wont to tell us how fond she women received gifts of the was of his cookies. I remember variegated cloth. Jean took her a time when we were rooming disappointment as a part of together that I was awaked by African mission life. Jean one night asking if I sup- Being assigned to the first posed we could find something inland station, she made the to eat. A midnight prowl re- jungle-trip by hammock and sulted in a "find" in the host- afoot, and then settled down in ess' cookie jar.
one of the tiny rooms of a bark- Jean once told of a long, walled cottage. Here she be- weary day in the jungle, when came intimately acquainted Bachrach physical strength was over- with the family and loved them JEAN KENYON MAOKENZIE taxed. Upon reaching her desdearly. When some sympa- tination she called for a pan of thizing friends in America offered to sponsor the water, removed her shoes and stockings and building of a little house for her to occupy alone plunged her poor, aching feet into the water, and she realized that this sacrifice would involve a in her own words "wept into it too."
sac:dfice of time needed for the evangelistic work At one time she was assigned to one of the coast and she dismissed it with the same fortitude that stations where the contact .with the white man she had shown in the loss of her clothing. had changed the people from the ignorant type of Jean Mackenzie began immediately to adapt bushmen. She spent long hours with the old herself to the place, the customs, and language of pioneers gaining folklore and many reminiscences.
the people and spent many hours in visiting huts She had remarkable ability to construct most in- and villages where she acquired the language teresting stories from a little material. She con- firsthand. How the people learned to love her! fided to us one day that sometime she would write One day, after having spent hours in language a book. Faithfully and well she has used her won- study, she sallied forth to put her new knowledge derful talent as the Church at home well knows.
[589 ]
Her story about writing her father's biography to see her "walk and not faint." Surely the words is unique. She quietly questioned him at inter- of her Saviour to Mary of Bethany may be said vals about his early life, he never suspicioned her of our Jean, "She hath done what she could."
motive. One day when the Atlantic Monthly came Jean Kenyon Mackenzie – Interpreter* to her father's home she saw him don his glasses to read it. Covertly she watched him from behind Jean Kenyon Mackenzie was for eleven years a her book, saw his gaze at the title-"The Story of missionary in Africa. a Fortunate Youth"-scan it a minute and then She was born in Elgin, Ill., the daughter of began to read. With riveted and dilating eyes he Scottish parents, Rev. and Mrs. Robert Macread and then began to frown, smile, chuckle, and kenzie. Her school years were spent in San Franfinally he called her a rather uncompli.mentary cisco, and later she studied at the Sorbonne, in name. Their love and mutual understandmg were Paris. Her father, who came to America when he great, and finally they had a good laugh together. was nineteen years of age, became pastor of Rut- When the monthly mail steamer arrived in West gers Presbyterian Church in New York, and dur- Africa everything else gave way to the reading of ing his pastorate his daughter volunteered for home letters. How she did enjoy them and the service as a missionary in West Africa under the magazines! Some will recall Jean's style of pen- Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. . manship, with her broad pen and lines written at In 1904 she went to what was then the German wide intervals on thin stationary. Once when colony of Kamerun (Cameroun), where she saw visiting a neighboring station, she sat by a co- service for the next ten years in four different worker and both were busily engaged in writing for the outgoing mail. Suddenly Jean paused and stations, all but one "bush" towns in the interior. Thirty years ago this equatorial section was still asked, "When your letters arrive home,. do .y.our "darkest Africa." Gorillas and elephants were people send them over the country to mqmrmg friends?" Upon being answered in the negative, common, travel was on foot or by canoe, or at best in the one-wheeled chair called a "push-push," or she said: "Well, mine do but they will not do so with this one." Then taking her blunt pen she in a hammock swung from a pole borne by porters. printed across the page in a horizontal line, in In 1914, because of ill health, Miss Mackenzie large letters, a slang word sufficiently prohibitive retired from service in Africa and devoted herself to writing about that part of ,the continent which to prevent broadcasting. . is still so little known. After the outbreak of the World War, however, and with the capture of We ever marveled at her self-control; but once, Kamerun by French forces, her return was asked by the mission staff. In the transfer of property when overexasperated at a coworker of the sterner and the establishment of missionary work under a new regime, Miss Mackenzie's fluent French sex she shook her little fist at him and said, "I and her experience on three continents would be of value. The submarine danger was at its height, am'very angry at you." The argument closed im- but by going via Spain and the Canary Islands she made her way eventually to the African coast. mediately. Perhaps the brightest spot in her fir~t This emergency year of service ended, Miss term was the visit of Dr. A. W. Halsey and hIS Mackenzie returned to New York, settling down to a career of writing. The vivid recollections of wife to our field. This was our first secretarial her experiences in Africa resulted in a series of articles and essays in the Atlantic Monthly. She visit and we all greatly enjoyed his season with also wrote several books: "Black Sheep," "An African Trail," "African Adventures," "African us, but no one so much as Jean. Clearings," "The Story of a Fortunate Youth" (an account of the early life of her father), "The . Great was our sorrow when she returned home. Venture" (poems.), "Friends of Africa," "The Trader's Wife." Later how deeply we appreciated her heroic and In 1923 Miss Mackenzie was elected a member brave service as she again heard the call to Africa of the Board of Foreign Missions, and three years later was appointed as its speci.al representative and answered it during the World War. She told Le to the international and interdenominational conus of being alone in the lower part of that big ference held in Zoute, Belgium, which discussed ship, in the submarine zone, and we knew that the future of mission work in Africa in view of only He whom she served had kept her for us.
The results of her services are written in our Mission's war history. When she again left us, she explained that she had promised her father that when he called her she would return, and the time had come. But orice when I was on furlough she confided to me her great desire to return to the field. Each time she followed a company of coworkers to the steamer to say "Good-bye" her streaming eyes followed the boat, as it wended its way Africaward.
. The home Church and literary world knew how, in the words of the Prophet, she "mounted upon wings" but to us who knew her there, it was given • Condensed from Women and Missions, October, 1936.
INTIMATE MEMORIES OF JEAN KENYON MACKENZIE
rapidly changing economic and social conditions realm of human nature. We often saw through over the continent. Here her gift of understandingall sorts and conditions of people came into a her eyes and felt drawn with her nearer to tpe full play. Out of this conference grew many of the most valuable modern developments in African mind and heart. No one else served Christian work in Africa, including the founding country or people more wholeheartedly, or re~ of a committee to provide Christian literature. Miss Mackenzie died in New York City on Sep- dered more acceptable service to her Lord and tember 2d of this year. Master, than did our coworker, Jean Kenyon Mac- Recollections of a Fellow Missionary kenzie. (MRS. W. S.) ANNA M. LEHMAN. Of the many high recommendations proffered at the time of Jean Mackenzie's 'appointment to A Tribute from a Friend the West Africa Mission, one given by her own father spoke of Jean's "adaptability." Jean Mackenzie was the gifted daughter of a gifted Scotch "domsie," a real child of the manse. Traveling with her down the West Coast, trek- She was as Scotch as if she had been born in king through the bush for days in the rain, living Thrums. Her father never outgrew the traits with her under the same leaky roof, experiencing which made him so definitely a Scot, and Jean intogether a smallpox epidemic, only served to illu- herited from him his rare and delicate humor, his minate her many choice characteristics and to keen insight and lofty imagination, his deeply make us value more and more our new friend and spiritual nature. They looked alike and thought fellow worker. Sympathetic and understanding alike, and in her later years, as she grew older, she was, practical and efficient, ready to share she had so perfectly his ruddy color, his round with black or white not just things alone but her face crowned with soft white hair, and his serene philosophy and attitude toward life, her friends blue eyes, that the resemblance was very striking. and family, and her findings in the African heart Her "Story of a Fortunate Youth" is a beautiful and forest. All who have read her writings know tribute to him. how keenly observant she was, and how much she got as well as gave during her sojourn in Africa. When she came back from Africa on her first furlough, in the fall of 1906, she, who was never Arriving at her station, she gave herself scant very strong, during that winter in New York she three days to unpack her small iron trunks, to establish herself at a rough homemade desk and JEAN MACKENZIE TOURING IN AFRICA arrange her belongings in a third-hand chest of drawers. In the cramped space of a 10 by 14 did a good deal of work and speaking. Among room, she allowed herself but one or two at a time of her treasures and bits of art, living through other duties, she taught a class of girls in the Sabthe calendar with now a brass bowl, next a "Boy and Violin," or some hand-catved panels. bath school of Rutgers Church. It was a rare Self-discipline ranked high in her catalog of privilege for those girls to have such a teacher! virtues. She disciplined herself to a routine of hours and days, sometimes stepping out and fac- One can easily believe that the fascination, the ing "right about" in an opposite direction from that in which the precious monthly foreign mail charm, the devotion of that frail, earnest young was expected. What a wealth of love and friendship, of warming one's self at ,the home hearth woman lent a compelling force and an unforgetthere would be in store for her, with the opening of that tin hamper of mail from across the sea! table impression to the message she taught, which One has only to read her "Exile and the Postman" to know what it meant to her. Yet we saw her has had an influence beyond computation in that deliberately walking away from it, to return only after her self-appointed task of the day was done. mission in Africa. She always schooled herself to the more difficult way. If perchance there was some individual We of Rutgers Presbyterian Church had the who just naturally "rubbed the wrong way," then it was her practice to make an especial effort to rare pleasure of seeing her frequently as she came be friendly or do a favor for that one. to the meetings of the Women's Guild, and other She was a sharer of good things-as much as one can share of family, privilege, appreciation of church services during her first, second, and third beauty, and happy discoveries one makes in the furloughs. She brought the story of God's love to eager listeners, and through her the Sun of Righteousness began to shine in many darkened hearts and home1l ' ..
Of all the missionary speakers I have ever His love, gentle in her own indescribable way, cheerful as she made her efforts for the happiness heard, no one has ever so moved me with the feel- of others, but above all, as a creative mind at work, enriching and interpreting human life. ing of the world's need and the power of God's "The Word of God is a real word," she would love. With such extraordinary gifts of mind and often say. She heard it in the creative process of the natural world, for her it was hidden in the heart and tongue, it has been hard to understand course of things. She heard it in her girlhood, in the African forest, in her home in Riverdale. She why she was not given commensurable bodily recognized the word of God in the Bible. "I found in the Biblical stories, while at work in Mrica, the strength to use her powers to the utmost. She actual word of God to those people,"· she said.
always worked to the limit of her strength, and She shared the sufferings of the Master. When she was writing the devotional studies for Women when she found herself unable to do much speak- and Missions, she worked in great weakness and almost continuous physical discomfort. She ing she gave herself to writing as long as she would come down the stair, obviously pale and worn with her wrestling in prayer. There was in could. A large audience, in secular and religious her studies, in consequence, an almost angelic tenderness and heroism. There was in them the magazines and in her books, have felt the spell adoration of one who had met the Lord in the flame, and been marked with the secret fire. of her pen. GEORGE M. DUFF. In her the natural body could change to the spiritual body with less change than for most of us. (MRS. JOHN H.) MARTHA B. FINLEY.
A Word from Her Pastor Jean Mackenzie meant to the Church what high talent dedicated to a high task can mean. During the more than twenty years that she lived in Riverdale after her return from Africa, she appeared as a shining being amid the daily round of duties-reticent as one truly absorbed in God and Signs of Progress in West Africa By REV. R. S. ROSEBERRY, Kankan, French West Africa "CUT her throat! Cut her throat!" was the ered by this account, namely, Senegal, Guinea, command of the slave driver more than a Sudan and Ivory Coast. These colonies have a hundred years ago, as the long caravan of population of approximately ten million people.
slaves wended its way across the Sudan to Prior to the forward movement of missions, Gambia. The little slave girl could no longer keep Mohammedanism had captured the territory along up with the caravan that Mungo Park was ac- the banks of the Niger westward to the Atlantic.
companying on his return trip from his first visit Entering this region from the north about the to the Niger. The slave girl's throat was cut, and eighth century, they had hundreds of years to the scanty clothing that covered her body sal- press their conquest before the advent of the mis- vaged. It might be said that Mungo Park's first sionary of Christ. Rome had also followed closely trip to the Niger was the beginning of the over- the French conquest and was installed in a num- throw of the slave traffic in West Africa. The ber of pagan centers.
advent of civilized government accomplished it. The great Harris mass movement had stirred The hinterland was held by powerful Mohamme- the southern part of the Ivory Coast, carrying dan war lords who did not yield without many a everything before it like a hurricane. Pushing battle. The closing years of the nineteenth cen- back from the coast about three hundred miles, it tury saw these conquered and the land opened to had turned many people from their fetish wor- commerce. ship, leaving them, however, with very little con- French West Africa, a colonial empire of vast ception of real Christianity. In many places extent, borders the Atlantic Ocean on the west where instruction failed to arrive in time they and stretches east to the Egyptian Sudan, reach- drifted into other forms of paganism.
ing from the Mediterranean on the north to the In 1918, at the close of the World War, the Gulf of Guinea on the south. Only four of the evangelical advance into the interior was begun.
colonies comprising French West Africa are cov- A line of stations was opened from Faranah, near
SIGNS OF PROGRESS IN WEST AFRICA
the source of the Niger River, down to Timbuctoo books which mean to them a new life. They in and across the buckle of the Niger to Gao. This turn become teachers to help others. The call move placed us in strategic centers, giving us a comes from far and near for help to reap the har- working base in at least twenty-five of the more vest. In order to meet the emergency workers than one hundred tribes in this territory. The have been shifted from less responsive Mohamme- number of tribes, increased the usual language dan tribes to the awakened areas. This has some- barrier. Here were many distinct languages, times meant leaving good buildings vacant, but some of them subdivided into dialects, a decided what is a building in comparison with an oppor- obstacle to rapid evangelization. By evangelizing tunity? The missionaries are willing to live in we do not mean proclaiming the message in a ter- grass hut training camps that they may teach the ritory once or twice and then passing on to the needy ones. What a pleasure it is to visit these next district. True evangelization raises up and same sections where the devil reigned so long, and establishes groups of believers who can carryon meet earnest followers of Christ who sit by the for themselves. This was the New Testament hour and listen to the Word! Oftentimes many method. It is not the drilling of men and women tribes are represented in these gatherings, all in a creed with the hope that they will gradually meeting at a common mercy seat.
develop into a Christian community. Evangeliza- Pagans and Ohristians tion means the transformation of men and women by the direct power of God. Anything short of The way has not been easy. Persecution has this is a waste of time and money. broken out which has shown the intense hatred Fortunately the major part of the societies that that always follows a real work of God. The entered this territory belong to strong funda- pagan forces have rallied in some sections to drive medal groups, with a resulting unity of program out the native workers. In one town especially which greatly aids in the evangelization of the their hatred became so intense that they not only territory. Beginning with two workers in 1918, drove the native teacher away, tearing down his the Christian and Missionary Alliance, before the house, but even threatened the missionary with close of 1928, had placed a force of sixty on the violence. The native teacher was not to be so field. Other societies soon entered, so that now easily set aside and returned again and again more than one hundred and thirty missionaries until they beat him severely. He told them that are at work, representing at least eight societies. a beating on the left side was silver money, on The larger language groups have been entered, the other side, gold. He became rich in that kind and much has been accomplished toward giving of money before they grew tired and let him go. them the Word of God in their own tongue. His face shines with an inner light as he tells of Translating has been, for the most part, pioneer his experience. work and consequently has required much time and persistent effort. Into at least four of these In order to encourage these tried ones, conferlanguages the entire New Testament and a part ences have been convened in different districts of the Old Testament have been translated. Other with profit. This affords them an opportunity to pagan tribes have one or two Gospels and the get together and talk over their difficulties and story of some of the Old Testament portions. recite their victories over sin. It shows their strength as a body of believers and encourages After ten years of plodding and sowing the them to press forward through trials and suffergood seed the awakening came. It swept almost ing. It also provides an opportunity for Bible inlike a wave over the entire field. Section after struction and prayer for the isolated ones who section reported a turning to God from dumb do not have the privilege of a great center where idols. Paganism began to break and crumble on continual instruction is carried on. In a recent a wide front until it became exceedingly difficult conference the Spirit came upon those gathered to care for the instruction of inquirers, and many in prayer until strong men called aloud upon God fine opportunities were lost for the lack of to have mercy upon them. It is in hours of this reapers. kind that a new vision is imparted that gives the In order to take advantage of the movement, work new vigor and strength. Many of these training camps have been opened in many parts simple-hearted folk travel miles to attend such of the field to teach the people to read the Word gatherings. The Christians are encouraged to of God. It has been no small task to teach grown bring a love offering, which provides for those men and women from illiterate, pagan tribes. who are called of the Lord to go as evangelists After a busy day on the farm they come from and teachers into the district. The offering con- their fields to study the simple primers printed sists of grain, peanuts, and cowerie shells, which for their benefit. Their goal is a New Testament take the place of money in the more backward all their very own. How they treasure these districts. Many of the Christians are very poor,
and consequently their offerings are not large j did not grasp the message until I heard the Evan- gelist Bokari." This fiery evangelist makes Christ but they are a great help to their spiritual life. real and causes them to fear the wrath of God that will come upon them if they do not repent. No man can make progress in his spiritual ex- In order to get a sick man to a recent native con- ference he loaded him on his horse while he perience who does not bring an offering to the walked beside him, footsore and weary, over the hot, sandy trail. To hear him pray, "Lord, call Lord. forth shepherds to feed the sheep; call them, Lord, black or white! the sheep are many, but the Our hope for every town is to get at least one shepherds are few," is an inspiration indeed. One can well understand the burden that rests on his man to stand true to his faith. He becomes a heart.
rallying ground for others who perhaps are weak- While the results among the Mohammedans have not been as great as those among the pagan er in faith and not so courageous. The great work tribes, yet, strange to say, our foremost evangel- ists, men who have been trail blazers among the of the missionary at the present time is the train- pagans, were formerly bigoted followers of the false prophet. Is there not a lesson in that fact ing of native men and women as leaders. A cen- for us? The strongest fortifications once won in turn make the best strongholds. The Touaregs tral Bible school is being erected in the Sudan for and Arabs on the borders of the great Sahara, the pagan cliff dwellers of HabM land, the Bambaras this purpose. This will not replace the short term and Miankas with the Black and Red Bobos, the great Mossi tribe of the central Sudan, with the Bible training camps already established, but will Kissien, Toma, Gberese, Baouli and other tribes of the forest country, are forming to raise a supplement them. It is not proposed to give them chorus of praise to the Lamb of God who has re- deemed them. These delegations will hail the a higher education, which often seems to unfit King's arrival. Faithful God-ealled men and women are on the march over the burning sands men and women for real village work. Rather we of the desert, on the great open plains of the Sudan, in the somber forests, ever going forward would that they have a thorough knowledge of the to reach the last tribe with the message. Toiling on translation work at night, teaching men and Word of God, with a heart set on fire by the women to read, helping to build houses and chapels, bridging streams, opening new roads, Spirit. . slowly and oftentimes with breaking hearts, the Gospel army presses on to a sure success. The second session of one of these Bible train- ing institutes in HabM land was convened from March 24 to April 19 in 1936, with an enroll- ment of thirty-five regular and eight special stu- dents. Thirty-two of this number took the ex- amination at the close of the session. The course was not conducted without opposition from Satan which threatened at times to disrupt it altogether j but prayer prevailed, and not one left until the close. One can understand the urge that seizes the native to go back to his farm when a heavy rain falls and prepares the soil for sowing the seed.
Only the Lord can impart faith on these occasions and cause them to wait a little longer at the Mas- ter's feet and learn more of His Word.
A true and loyal native worker is a priceless boon to the missionary. The only hope of West Africa is men and women of this type. Again and again we hear the testimony of the natives: "I A TRIBE OF GOD In his letter to the Romans Paul writes, "And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my children; there shall they be called the children of the living God" (Romans 9: 26).
This prophecy is surely coming to pass in Africa. For many generations her people have been abused by all other nations. They have been harassed by merciless slave traders, ex- ploited by ruthless traders and industrial organizations, and divided up among the various nations of Europe. With the downfall of Ethiopia, Liberia is the only bit of independent ter- ritory in all that great continent. But God has blessed the Africans with a spirit of hope and optimism so that they have endured persecution and oppression, patiently awaiting the day of deliverance. That day is dawning now, for out of every tribe in Africa God is calling forth a people for Himself and through these people Africa will be delivered out of her age-old bondage. One old woman made the remark, "A new tribe is arising in Africa in our day- the tribe of God."-Clarence E. Carlson, in Gems of Cheer.
Lai Tsang, Missionary to
I _oo-lflf By MRS. C. S. DEMING, Seoul, Korea I fB.- ~==========================~ SOME years ago we first made Mr. Sen's ac- I thanked God, and took courage. Then it quaintance. Our little mission to the Chinese seemed not right to send a young man like that in Seoul had been opened only two Sundays alone into a hard place, for the Lord sent out the and, when passing through town on his way to disciples two by two. I prayed that some Chris- the steamer at Chemulpo, he came to morning tian might be found at Chemulpo, who would be a service. He was a member of Dr. Mateer's church help to him. The very next prayer meeting night, in Shantung, and had been engaged in a little a young man appeared in foreign clothes who said bakery, but as business was bad he was returning that he had served his apprenticeship at Chemulpo home. Just a young lad, insignificant looking, we as a tailor, and then returned home to Shanghai.
did not expect to see him again. His family were all Christians, and he became a Years passed. Our hearts became heavily Christian also, and had been baptized. Hearing burdened for Chemulpo, the nearest port to Che- that we had started a church in Seoul, he had foo, China, with its large Chinese settlement, for come to join us, having returned to Chemulpo nothing was being done for them. We had to start in business for himself. He told us that neither man nor funds to start this new work, but the other half of the house he occupied was vawe had God who hears and answers prayer. It cant, and that we could probably get it for our was not long before I saw Mr. Sen at one of our work. We went to Chemulpo the next day, had a evening prayer meetings in Seoul. He had just re- time of prayer in the tailor's shop, then rented the turned from China to try his hand at the bakery next door place for a little church. business once more and he was asked to bring a It was wonderful to see how the children flocked around Mr. Sen. He taught them to pray word of greeting from the home church. sentence by sentence, and got them to pray at It was a remarkable story he told. On going to home morning ar..d evening and at their meals, out China, he had met with a certain evangelist who loud so as to influence their parents. The children had been in an important position in a consulate spent so much time at the mission that the schoolbut reading the war news in the papers, felt con- teachers complained that they were neglecting vinced that it was one of the signs of the Lord's their lessons. Mr. Sen told them to come to the speedy return. He gave up his post, and set him- church after school and he would help them preself to do the work of an evangelist, trusting en- pare their home work, after which they had their tirely to the Lord to supply his wants and those daily Christian Endeavor service. He taught them of his large family. Mr. Sen joined him and in to pray over their lessons, so that one boy who preparation for his work, spent hours studying was bad in arithmetic, got 100 in his examination. God's Word and praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Before long the answer came and When the influenza epidemic was about, Mr. the evangelist went out to do a great work for Sen was taken sick. His friend the tailor was God. away at the time and there was no coal. The weather was bitter and he was too ill to move. After speaking, Mr. Sen led in prayer, the most The children came and found the doors locked. wonderful prayer I ever heard. As he was pray- Mr. Sen called to them that there was no coal, so ing, the Lord said to me, "He is the man I have they would not have their r.egular meeting. When sent you for Chemulpo." they came the next day, and heard the same thing After the service, I asked him, "Are you will- they knew that something was wrong, and asked ing to go and start work for God in Chemulpo?" him why he was not up. When he told them that It was a hard task. He said, "I will pray about it, he was too sick and could not move, one of the and see if it is the Lord's will." The next week boys climbed to a second-story window and man- he told me that the Lord had appeared to him in aged to get in. Some of them went to their homes the night, telling him to be strong and of a good and brought wood and coal while others brought courage,' that He would stand by him and food. Others carried water, as he had had noth- strengthen him, and that he had called him to this ing to drink. Some mothers came around also work at Chemulpo. and cared for him.
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Mr. Sen spent his mornings visiting in the Korea to our knowledge, when marriage brought homes and places of business, preaching Christ a China missionary to Korea. His prayers that everywhere. There was no place in Chemulpo someone might come and start work among his where the name of Mr. Sen was not known and people in Korea were answered by our coming, loved. The girls and boys would go out with him, and I believe were the cause of it.
preaching after school hours or on Sunday after- Through the years, Elder Chee, and Mr. Sen are noons. They became splendid little workers and the two men who have felt the burden and re- then the parents began to get interested. One sponsibility for the whole Chinese work. Every whole family was won through him and many week the officers of the church would meet with others. them. Down on our knees, we would each one Mr. Sen had great power in prayer, and a pray in turn over the matters coming up for de- simple childlike faith in the power of God. There cision, so in an unusual way felt we had the mind was a young man in town who had terrible pain of the Spirit,because of our unity. Shoulder to in his ear for a fortnight and could neither eat shoulder we have carried the burdens and re- nor sleep for the pain. He went to the hospital sponsibilities in a fellowship that has been most but could get no relief. A church member, a young precious. We have sorrowed together, and re- blacksmith, said, "I will take you to Mr. Sen and joiced together. In time it was felt that Mr. Sen he will pray for you and you will be healed." He should be ordained, and at the request of the went to the evening service with the man, but Union Chinese Churches in Korea, now grown to found that the tailor was about to conduct the five in number, the Synod of the Union Chinese service. He had come in and found Mr. Sen over- Christian Church of China ordained him in Mouk- come by the fumes of the charcoal stove he was den. Having started the work in Chemulpo, he using to cook his food. He was lying unconscious became its pastor, but was later called to the pas- on the floor. The tailor put him in bed, with torate of the Seoul Chinese Church, where he is plenty of fresh air in the room, but Mr. Sen was now carrying full res.ponsibility together with El- too sick and weak to move when it came time for der Wang.
meeting. The blacksmith came and said, "I have In the fall of 1929 we were transferred to North brought you a man who is sick; we want you to Manchuria, the mission field of the Korean Meth- pray for him to be healed." Mr. Sen replied, "I odist Church. It was hard to leave the fellowship am too sick to get up." Then it occurred to him of the churches in Korea, but Miss Quinn who how foolish he was not to trust God for his own retired from work in China had been asked to healing also. He asked God to heal him, so that help with the work up the east coast, and was he might go upstairs and pray for the sick man. asked to reside in Seoul, and help all the Chinese Immediately the sickness left him and he went up churches. Pastor Sen worked with her loyally for and knelt beside the sick young man in prayer. five years, during much of which time her work When the young man went home, the pain had had to be done from her bed.
gone. He had a good night's sleep and in the The young Chinese carpenter has developed morning a great abscess burst in his ear and he into Manager Wang of the Gospel Building Com- had no further trouble with it. pany, started to help support the church. Ten Mr. Sen used to get up at five in the morning per cent of all profits go to the church. He is now to study the Bible. While we were on furlough Elder Wang. Recently in building the Music he studied for a time in the Korean classes at the Building of Ewha College, he found he had over.
Pierson Memorial Bible School. A letter from estimated the cost of the building. An improved Mother who visited him, reported that he had price of building material had reduced the cost.
started a Bible class with his classmates, a per- Without being asked, he returned several thou- sonal work prayer group, and an evangelistic sand dollars, which were more than legitimate band. A man who was won by him was a young profits.
carpenter named, Wang Kong En, who suddenly Miss Quinn died on August 31, 1934. That day came under convicti6n of sin as Mr. Sen was ill health necessitated my starting for America.
praying, and gave himself to God. Standing on the platform at the station among Later Mr. Sen went to Nanking, and after Chinese, Korean, and foreign friends, Pastor Sen graduating at the Theological Seminary, returned and Elder Wang stood as the two pillars of the to be the Chinese evangelist for the whole of Chinese Church, clergy and laity. The two moth- Korea. He opened the work in Pyengyang, and ers of the church had been removed by God. The in Fusan also. churches could walk alone, under the direct guid- Thirteen years. have passed since the above ance of the Spirit. Thank God for both these men.
story was written. Sen Lai Tsang has proved Dr. Chee retired to Peiping. Pray for them as himself indeed called of God. Dr. Chee, a Chinese they carryon, and send them help for entering herb doctor, was the only Chinese Christian in new areas when God so guides.
HOIl1:e Missions' in Modern America*
_.46t Ii By the REV. E. D. KOHLSTEDT, D.D., Philadelphia I Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, Methodist JB- Episcopal Church I~==~======================~'
T HE United States of America is an excep- sions, than to develop constructive citizens. tional field for Home Missions. No other Specialists sustain our contention that, without nation can duplicate the intricate, exacting discounting the effectiveness of what Government task that confronts organized Christianity in this men were doing toward the suppression of crime country, with its unique historical heritage, reli- and criminals, the cause and cure of crime in the gious background, territorial expansion, govern- United States is a matter of more immediacy; mental development, racial mixtures, cosmopolitan that preventive rather than punitive phases of sopopulation, changing economic and social situ- cial service demand major emphasis; that Chrisations. Constructive statesmen remind us that no tianity has no more imperative obligation than a nation can hope to withstand the test of time that faithful ministry to child life. lacks at least three fundamentals to perpetuity: The late Senator Long said, concerning the solu- A capable foundation of race; tion of criminal problems: A high standard of private and public morals; A spirit of fidelity to tried and long-established institu- "I understand that crime is costing our country $12,000,000,000 annually. We spend about $40,- tions. 000,000 a year on the prosecution of federal crimes alone. The approach to this problem of Despite gratifying gains, Christian constitu- reducing crime should begin with childhood, in our encies record a disproportionate ratio of our total public and private schools, where children should population. Mindful of the variable value of sta- be taught a greater respect for law. There should tistical summaries, we marshal the most depend- be a revival of religious training in the home, a able data available, as a reasonably reliable yard- reorganization of our correctional institutions, stick with which to measure religious progress, with a revision of our judicial methods. We want and to determine the validity of missionary re- to punish, rather than to correct conditions by sponsibilities. using common sense in administering justice."
Missionary Review of the World (June Issue) Home Missions and National Life 1935: Present population of the United States …. 134,000,000 Secretaries of American missionary agencies Pre-High School Group, no Church Contacts 13,400,000 record seven facts that magnify Home Missions: Non-Church Members, including children … 75,000,000 1. Democracy may be a promise or a peril: without reli- The International Council of Religious Educa- gion, a peril.
tion estimates our United States youth population 2. The utter failure of substitutes for religion. (ages 5-17) to be 30,034,308, and the number in 3. Applied Christianity solves social problems. that classification unreached by the Christian 4. Increasing recognition of the Christian Church. church, 15,000,000-a tremendous challenge to 5. The national significance of Home Missions. 6. The challenge of unmet missionary needs in America.
Home Missions! If the Federal Government 7. Christianity's ability to survive depressions.
deems it advisable to spend millions of dollars on Home Missions and Social Safety emergency education and student aid, the Chris- tian Church must undergird that program with an Economic security and social safety are the adequate religious ministry. rightful heritage of humanity. The supreme pur- Social education and crime prevention was the pose of our Master's ministry to mankind was "A theme for a series of discussions in the White more abundant life." A progressive realization House at Washington, May 17-18, 'participated in of that objective is one of the major responsibiliby 75 mission and social agency representatives. ties of Home Missions. Methodism's ministry to Juvenile delinquency is a social problem that can- the masses has always been characterized by a not be solved by punitive methods; such a pro- tender solicitude for their physical, social and cedure is more likely to engender antisocial obses- spiritual welfare. Her concern for the totality of life is convincingly stated in a challenging docu- • Condensed from The Pastor's Journal, January. 1936. ment: The Social Creed of the Church!
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Sincerely appreciative of Federal Administra- relief work, care of the handicapped and unfortunate, will tion efforts to stabilize chaotic conditions in this be greatly expedited by sympathetic encouragement on the country, and with absolutely no thought of any part of the great body of the church who, I believe, are political emphases, the results fro~ several.years for the social gospel, if they can see that its feet are on of experimentation ought to convmce well-mten- practical ground. tioned economic experts of the futility of a philosophy of scarcity that involves: the destruction The Consumers' Cooperative movement, conof food stuffs and supplies in certain sections, for cerning which much has been written, is based want of which humans are suffering in other parts upon these principles: a democratic organization of our fair land; substantial subsidies to a selec- of economic processes; an unrestricted membertive list of actual and absentee agriculturists as a ship; a limited rate of return on caI;>i~al inve~t reward for nonproduction, while grain, meat and ments; one vote for each member; dIVIdend dISmilk-product imports show percentage increases; tributions, determined by patronage. The Coopthe twofold delusion of drinking and spending erative League.of the U. S. A. claims to have 6,600 ourselves into prosperity, regardless of social lia- societies; 1,800,000 members, and an annual bilities. Our Government's main problem is not business of $365,000,000; to reverse our economic the disposition of a bugbear surplus, but a justifi- order by paying profits to the buyer, producing able allotment of the available necessities of life. goods in the interest of the consumer, instead of the promoter, taking out of business the elements Federal Social Security legislation embodies of speculation, in the hope of eliminating peaks several humanitarian proposals, which merit sym- and depressions, the despair of our present syspathetic consideration. tem.
The Social Security Bill is the first law of such scope to Every major Home Missionary project in our be enacted in this country, although Great Britain, Ger- program is an attempt to meet urgent needs in many, France, Austria, Bulgaria, Irish Free State, Italy, some actual area of human life: ministries to neg- Poland, Russia and Switzerland have long had some such lected or underprivileged communities throughform of protection. out Continental United States; in allocated sec- tions of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the The bill includes these items: Dominican Republic; specialized evangelistic and social services to bilinguals, Indians, Latin Amer- Old-age Pensions, Unemployment Insurance, Dependent icans, Migrants, Mormons, Mountaineers, Ne- Children, Health, Clearance of Slum Residence Areas, and groes, Orientals, Polyglots. Share-Croppers Rehabilitation. Methodist social service proposals must, of The Exaltation of governing principles is a mat- course, accord a primary place to that outstanding ter of moment to the Christian ministry; the busi- humanitarian enterprise initiated thirty years ago ness of blueprinting procedures belongs to special- by Dr. E. J. Helms, founder and director of the ists, who have earned the right to be heard and heeded in this phase of civic responsibility. That Goodwill Industries fact stresses the significance of services that ought to be rendered in the field of statesmanship by which furnish a fine foundation for the developthoroughly equipped churchmen. But direct hu- ment of cooperative economic and social life, man contacts in the realm of religious activity particularly among groups that have much in comought to enable discriminating ministers to say something tangible about the application of Chris- mon, whose interests readily respond .to constr.uctian principles to the business of life. United annual conference sessions afford a real opportunity tive efforts toward economic and soclal securIty. for joint appraisals of economic and social situa- This Christlike project is a convincing, composite tions. expression of practical Christianity.
The Gospel of Christ proclaims a complete sal- The Quadrennial report: vation: enrichment of life in all of its essential relationships-physical, social, spiritual. Scores For opportunity wages to handicapped people, of sincere lay leaders are as anxious as any of us Goodwill Industries paid $1,628,486.11; for servto find a satisfactory solution to this intricate ice wages, $392,920.97. The following service has problem, but cannot see the advantage of tearing been provided: down the superstructure in order to make needed repairs. Different persons employed ……………. . 46,510 Hours of employment ………………… . 6,580,495 Senator C. O. Holmes of Gary, Indiana, says: Sales in Goodwill Stores ………………. . 3,315,376 Goodwill bags filled ………………….. . 2,733,709 The church must make greater social contributions than Homes from which bags and furniture came .. 1,333,642 ever. Some of the success that ought to be made possible Aggregate attendance daily Chapel service … for social security measures in State Legislatures, for in- Adults enrolled in community service activities 545,596 telligent use of employment exchanges in coordination with Children enrolled in community service activities 5,862 12,306 Superintendent R. E. Scully says: "Everybody knows that only by the help of the Board of Home
THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL IN JAPAN
Missions would we have been able t'O continue the were effected between the colonial settlements of religi'Ous work in the Cincinnati Goodwill Indus- Salem and Plymouth, characterized by divergent tries." creedal concepts, local leaders discovered the real- ity of a practical basis for Christian fell'Owship. Social situations in America threaten the de- Puritan Governor John Endicott wrote to Pilgrim struction of fundamentals to the perpetuity of our Governor William Bradford: national life. Christianity is challenged by: a slump in ethical ideals; an indifference to cardinal God's people are all marked with the same mark; they virtues; the propagation 'Of pagan phil'Os'Ophies have the same heart, guided by the same spirit of truth; 'Of life; the ravages of an uncontrolled, federally where this is, there can be no discord, but sweet harmony. fostered liquor traffic; the menace 'Of m'Ovies that May we, as Christian brethren, be united by unfeignetl persist in the unpatriotic pastime of disc'Ounting love, bending all our hearts and forces in furthering a their country in the eyes of the world by mag- work beyond our strength. nifying the worst features 'Of American life, idealizing crime and criminals, caricaturing Christian Federal Church and Home Missions Councils leadership, c'Onfusing the ethical ideals 'Of impres- were organized in 1908, when a new spirit 'Of cosi'Onable children; the divorce evil, with its tragic operation among our evangelical communions and trail from Reno to Hollywood and Washington. their respective missionary agencies began to reg- ister. We have witnessed practical applications Cooperation and Church Comity of the principle of cooperati'On until office files are cluttered with c'Onvincing cases 'Of progress. More Christian cooperative movements in America has been accomplished during the past twenty are a fulfilment of early ideals. When contacts years than in all the earlier years of American church history.
The Handwriting on the Wall in Japan A Story Told by A. E. AURELL, Tokyo Agent of the American Bible Society T HE following story is told by a Japanese "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavily young man who was discouraged and planned laden and I will give you rest."
to commit suicide. Those gr·acious words of Christ made me recon- N'Ot being able to see eye t'O eye with my father sider indeed and almost unbeknowingly my feet there was often strife leading to divisions in my began to take me to the Christian church, the home. In moments of quiet reflecti'Ons it did seem address of which als'O was given on that wall. awfully regrettable that a son should be so obstinate.. It was ruinous not 'Only to me but to the Upon arrival at the church I was kindly welwhole family and an annoyance to the neighbor- comed by a man 'Of G'Od, and, to make the story h'O'Od. One day in desperation I decided to run short, I was born again! What an experience! away from home and day after day without rest It seemed to me I had awakened from a bad and sleep I traveled afoot till I reached Atami, dream! By the P'Ower of the Holy Spirit obstinacy the place widely known for "casting away 'Of life." and wickedness were removed from my heart. For a few moments bef'Ore taking the fatal jump Bitterly crying over the good-for-nothing past into the deep water at the f'O'Ot of the famous cliff life I repented fr'Om my innermost being, and the s'Omehow I was able t'O control the terrible feel- bright star of hope shined forth on the pathway 'Of ings of excitement of my heart while I took paper life. and pen out of my pocket to write a farewell note. In anguish I flung my head back and what should I was awfully ashamed 'Of the way I had treated happen but that my eyes fell on the words written my parents, and at once I set out 'On the way home on the smoothly cut mountain wall to the very detouring a bit to see an uncle in Tokyo. Finally, right 'Of me: in true humility and shame, in torn bodily garb, I "Wait a m'Oment! Reconsider!" returned t'O the presence of my longed-for parents. Reading those words again I read what followed I had run away hoping to wash out sin and un- righteousness in the ocean waters at Atami but them. instead of that mistaken attempt I met J €Sus Christ who renewed and clothed me with the robe
of His salvation. What a joy has come into my Word of God, written on the above mentioned heart! wall about twelve years ago–rewritten many times since-by an elderly Japanese man of God. "Next I called on the pastor of the church in His implicit confidence in the saving power of the our community and met with wonderful kindness. pure Word of God has been abundantly honored Now I am praising God for the power of the Gos- and he and his wife have had all they could do pel of Jesus Christ which was first brought to in dealing with the lost who have come to them my attention on the mountain wall at Atami." for instruction and guidance into the restful peace of Christ which He promised in Matthew 11: 38. This is one of hundreds of similar stories of lives that have been saved by the reading of the Korean Christian Te'stimony By F. S. MILLER, Chungju, Korea W HEN one of the Korean evangelists was interest in the Bible, their Sabbath observance working among Chinese across the border and their zeal for souls. in Manchuria, a Chinese woman asked: The Korean Presbyterian Mission in Shantung "Are you preaching what these Koreans be- Province, China, has helped to change the neighlieve?" borhood and has proved that self-support will work in China as in Korea. Reports come also "Yes, the same Jesus." that Korean Christians who migrated to Mexico have wielded the same helpful influence there and "Then I want you to tell me more about it. I a missionary in India recently translated and have been to their church to find the secret of their printed stories of Korean experience to stimulate happiness and peace but I cannot understand the Christians of his own province. what they say."
After listening to the Gospel she started home- A former Jewish rabbi writes in a recent book ward. The evangelist visited her on the following that one day he entered a store in Philadelphia and day when the woman gathered all the family to saw two Koreans in very earnest conversation.
listen to the Christian message. He asked what the trouble was and was told of In the early colonial days in America, the the struggle of the Koreans for freedom. The story won his sympathy and he invited the Ko- Scotch-Irish scattered through the forests of the reans to his home to talk further over the matter. new territory built churches and schoolhouses When they met, one of the Koreans said, "Let us everywhere. In the same way the Koreans are pray first." As the rabbi listened to that prayer scattering their churches and schools over Man- he became convinced of the power of Christ even churia and East Mongolia. As in America, many in the non-Christian world and eventually gave leading men in business, politics and the profes- himself to the Master. sions came from those little log churches and schools so we confidently expect that the young The Korean Christians take their new faith now being trained in the Christian churches and seriously and simply. Prayer is a real and regschools of Manchuria will take a leading part in ular part of their lives. They have their faults, the development of Eastern Asia. Some years ago and we missionaries, with thirty generations of a young Korean who moved to Manchuria from a Christianity behind us, may expect too much from Choong Chung church became a magistrate and first generation Christians, but we thank God for boys reared in the first Christian schools of Korea their genuine qualities and for their widening inhave become physicians in Manchuria. fluence. The story of what Christ has done in Korea has given new faith, courage and hope to As God chose little Judea, set in the midst of Christians scattered all over the world. what were then the world's largest nations, to be The results of Christian missions in Korea are His seedbed from which He sent evangelists to all the fruit of conservative, spiritual Christianity the known world, may He not have chosen Chosen which accepts the Bible as the Word of God, beto be His seedbed for the Far East? Japan has lieves in the miracles as the workings of an everalready felt the influence of Korean Christians and present and active Creator, and is convinced that Japanese Christians say that they have something there is "no other name under heaven, that is to learn from the Korean Church – from their given among men, wherein we must be saved" prayerfulness, their liberality, self-support, their than the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Missionary and His Native
FIFTY or more years ago it was comparatively His own people are beginning to attain to easy to lead and guide a people newly con- heights in education and scholarship which were quered, not only in warfare and material regarded by his forefathers as only the rights of things, but also in those deeper spiritual beliefs the white man. He is therefore becoming very which had been there since time began. The white conscious of these achievements and is beginning man and his science had brought doubt to the to wonder if he really needs the white man to minds of even the most conservative as to the work out his salvation, whether the trust he has reality and truth of his own magic, his religion, placed in him so long has not been in vain, in the and his ancestor worship. The white settler be- real things of his everyday life. He is beginning side him was uninfluenced by his superstitions; to look to his own black fellow men for guidance he prospered in spite of his unbelief and his jeer- and help, and the white man at the head becomes ing at the much feared witch doctor; his cattle a mere figurehead to whom only certain things increased; his fields were fertile; his children can be told and the rest left untouched. He is lived and were healthy, without his depending in literally becoming "difficult." He is learning every any way on those things on which his black neigh- day to be like his white fellow worker, outwardly bor depended. This was bound to affect the Bantu polite and civil, hiding a great deal of what he adversely and make him doubt very seriously his thinks of him, but nevertheless seeing through a own background and his ways of living and think- great deal and despising much, thus creating a ing, and an almost complete lack of confidence in state of affairs in which real harmonious and cohimself and his fellows was sure to take place. operative effort is an impossible task. He and his fellows discuss fully what they think of their The missionary, in his most admirable zeal and white colleagues, their work amongst them and ardor to civilize and Christianize, helped to in- their influence, but it is in very rare cases that crease this doubt, and in breaking down as savage the Bantu worker will be frank enough to tell his and barbaric all native institutions and customs, white fellow workers what he and others of his helped to increase this ever growing lack of con- race really think. They have found to their sorfidence in what belonged to the people and was row that such frank declarations on their part are part of their life. This process has gone on for greatly resented. They are considered inferior, over a hundred years in some parts of South and any suggestion of criticism of their superiors Africa. But now the Bantu has got used to the is considered altogether presumptuous. The relanew ways. Many of the young people of today tions between the two parties are therefore so have grown up knowing no other life but that strained and stiff that very seldom do you find which the missionary preached so well to their real intimate friendship existing between white great-grandfathers and their sons. He has grown and black in our native missionary schools and up with a clearer vision of what life really is and churches. If this state of affairs is as I have has been able to view his white neighbor, not as pictured it and as m~ny others know it to be, the some wonderful god who knows all, but as a inevitable question amongst Bantu youth workhuman being with faults and misdeeds like his ing under such conditions is, UApart from his own. Hence the old state of worship of the white man because he is white is fast dying off, and the academic qualifications, which he uses within the Bantu is becoming more critical and ever so much precincts of his classroom and therefore to a very more "difficult to manage." He is becoming mis- limited group, what is the gain in having white trustful of even the best .amongst his white friends teachers in our native schools? Is it not far betbecause he has so often trusted and been disap- ter to have men of our own race, perhaps not so pointed. He is suspicious, and is more confident well equipped academically, but yet giving of their in himself and in gui'ding his own life. His secrets all, being one with their fellow workers and with are now his own and not to be shared with the the students and making life much more natural missionary who used to be his father's trusted and easy, as the Bantu like it to be." This quesguide and helper. He is becoming race conscious tion will have to be faced more and more in fuand nationalistic, nor does he now hide his head ture and resentment on the part of either white in shame when the "immoral customs and habits" or black over frank discussions of some of these of his race are mentioned, because he has learned topics will only help make the situation more that such customs and habits are to a greater or lesser degree the heritage of all people, his white acute. neighbors included. MRS. F. Z. MATTHEWS, a member of the Xosa race, wife of a native professor, and her- self a teacher.
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Ways of
'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO World Peace and Evangelism results, this statement is ac- feres with missionary endeavors. cepted by many as even more Thinking Christians are aware Never before was the subject true than it was fifteen years of Peace and War so integral a ago. If there ever was a time that the last war dealt a severe part of the Christian program when warfare was necessary or blow to the churches and mission for World Redemption as now. desirable, that time is now past. work. How can we, as disciples The testimony of missionaries is The peoples of the world are of Christ, send the Gospel of love universally to the effect that ov- waking up to the fact that twen- to other peoples and at the same ergrown nationalism and its off- time condone and support the spring – the war spirit – are tieth century warfare no longer destruction of our neighbors and well-nigh insuperable obstacles exemplifies the spirit of glory, of ourselves by prejudices, lies, to progress in spreading the Gos- discriminations and violence? It pel of Christ, the Prince of patriotism and supreme sacrifice is difficult to conceive of a more Pe'ace. Without exception the that has characterized past wars insincere or two-faced situation. missionary plans and literature of humankind. War today is a of the denominations that have "racket"; and the sins of greed, It was proclaimed that the sent material for use in this de- falsehood and suspicion, hatred World War was going to make partment give a prominent place and murder are its very lifeto endeavors for shaping up the blood. If wars are still inevita- the world more "safe for democ- Peace Mind. It is especially fit- ble it is because people are unting that in this month which racy," but the opposite has been commemorates the birth of Je- willing to abandon selfishness, or proved more nearly true. Not sus Christ and echoes the An- are blinded by greed and profit, gels' Song of "Peace on earth: or crazed by racial prejudice and only have dictatorships flourgood will to men" we should pre- false propaganda, all of which ished since the conflict but relisent materials majoring upon gion itself has been jeopardized. that great theme. Your Depart- are at variance with Christian In addition, nationalism with its ment Editor's earnest injunction teachings. The time has come is that every reader should do deification of the State is becomsomething to stimulate the pur- when the Church must choose ing so nearly a substitute for repose and forward the plans of between Christ and Mars, for the Mind for Peace. We are glad war is everything that Chris- ligion that, if it continues, govto present herewith an article ernments will take precedence written especially for the depart- tianity is not. over the claims of conscience and ment by an outstanding leader in The deep abiding spirit of this line. of faith in God. Christians must Christ and His way of life is ex- not allow patriotism to degener- CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY FOR pressed in the word "love." It includes not only love for God ate into selfish, un-Christlike na- PEACE and love of neighbor but love for tionalism.
Fifteen years ago the former one's enemies. Out of this fun- We should be reminded of the American Chief of Staff, Gener- damental spirit of IQve spring existence of a peace movement al Tasker H. Bliss, said: "The within the Church. Three deresponsibility is entirely on the two Christian concepts: first, professing Christians of the belief in the supreme worth of nominations-the Church of the United States. If another war every human being; and, second, B ret h r e n (or Dunkards) , like the last one should come faith in the brotherhood of man they will be responsible for without regard to race, color or Friends and Mennonites are every drop of blood that will be known as the historic "peace shed." Now that we know more political state. In contrast war churches" because from their beabout how wars are made and ginnings they have opposed" war, understand their far-reaching thrives on hate. It violates hu- man personality and regjments upheld freedom of conscience and have placed allegiance to human beings. Because of the new hatreds and new problems God above allegiance to ea.rthly it creates, war is the relentless rulers. Members of the s e foe of human brotherhood. churches who refuse to partici- pate in war are called "consci- Not only must followers of entious objectors." Very reluc- Christ oppose war because of its repudiation of His teachings, tantly other denominations, in- cluding the Methodists, Congre- but because it seriously inter- gationalists and Christians and [ 602] the Unitarians have asked that
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
the same exemption from com- tion, not a decision, and often that several were on their feet to batant service be accorded their achieves its results better by be- speak simultaneously until time conscientious objectors. The ing an indirect appeal, in the had to be called and the meeting spirit of the early Church, up- form of a discussion among a closed. The participating panel- held by the small historic peace platform group, talking as if ists then took their places at a churches during centuries of spontaneously a m 0 n g them- peace literature table and dis- strife and persecutions, bids fair selves. Sending for an abund- pensed free leaflets and pamph- to become the prevailing force ance of varied peace literature, lets and recommended pay ma- of modern Christendom in its organizing and assigning it to terials to an eager throng. In turn toward the nonviolent way several good woman speakers at the foregoing, the speakers had of Christ. the Lakeside, Ohio, chautauqua, notes (but no manuscript) con- With the coming Christmas last August, the Editor led such cealed beneath the fancy work season it is incumbent upon a panel after this fashion: in their laps. Comments and re- churches and missionary organ- Everything was carefully pre- marks were made all through izations everywhere to make pared but not memorized or redefinite provision in their pro- cited as in a dialogue. Five the talks but not in such a way grams for the proclaiming of women entered and sat down in as to throw the speakers off their a living room scene to do fancy line of thought, as, "I believe Christ as the Prince of Peace. work under soft shaded lamps that too"; "I don't quite agree Every church should have a with you"; "That looks feas- peace committee headed by a while they talked as if sponta- ible," etc. wide-awake, interested chair- neously. The leader explained man. Encourage your paster to her motive in calling these The following literature is preach peace on Armistice Day friends together to counsel with recommended: Sunday, Christmas, Goodwill her on the peace-and-war situa- Day and other appropriate tion, expressing her own trou- The W. I. L. discussion group out- bled confusion of mind. She line, "World Peace the Responsibility dates. First there must be the called on Mrs. A- to give the of the Church," with study packet, will for peace. If your church gist of a private conversation 35 cents. they had had the other day, and has been slow in teaching peace, the latter responded in an eight- "Publication List with Prices," free. minute talk covering the peace "World Citizenship and the Relistrive for an impressive Christ- educational plans mnd methods. gious Program," free. mas program on international "Women's International League for goodwill and for at least one Mrs. B- breaks in at a pre- Peace and Freedom – Programs and program on peace each quarter arranged point and says that is Policies," free. all very well but something more The foregoing may be ordered from during the coming year in the p r act i c a I – something with The Women's International League, 1924 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. church school. The young people "teeth" in it-must be done. She "What Can Christians Do for talks for another brief period on Peace?" by Theodore A. Greene; a will enjoy giving one of the many auxiliary political, legislative sylla.JUs prepared for use by church and organizational methods. discussion groups. 25 cents. excellent peace plays now avail- "Is War the Way?" by John L. Mrs. C-is so full of enthusi- Lobingier; a six-session course for inable. If the will for peace is well asm she can hardly wait to tell dividual reading and church study established in your congregation, of ways for attacking the subject groups. 25 cents. from the purely religious side. then embark upon a plan of ac- "Proposed Roads for Peace," by tion. Study groups are recom- The leader then asks Mrs'. Richard M. Fagley; adult education mended among young people and D-, who has been listening in- series. 35 cents. tently and taking notes from adults to make clear the social time to time, to give the group Order the above three from The Piland economic causes of war- the benefit of her tabulative, sys- grim Press, Boston, Mass. fare and suggest peace action tematic mind; whereupon Mrs. programs and projects. The D- partly talks and partly "The Price of Peace," by E. Guy reads a well organized outline Talbott; a handbook on America's need is great for intelligent international relations. 25 cents. Na- Christians to pioneer in this vi- tional Council for Prevention of War, tal and urgent field of goodwill 532 17th St., N. W., Washington, D. C. among nations and help the idealistic lovers of peace to keep "Thinking It Through," by Evelyn R. their feet on the gI'ound through Nicholson; a discussion on World practical achievements. Peace. 10 cents. Methodist Book Concern, New York. MRS. OLIVE SMITH BOWMAN, of the things churches, young people's groups, Sunday schools, "Youth Action in Building a War- Pennsylvania State Chairman of women's missionary organiza- less World." 15 cents. International Religious Contacts Committee, Council of Religious Education, 203 Women's International League tions, clubs and community citi- N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. for Peace and Freedom. "What Shall We Do About War,"
zens in general can do. by Sherwood Eddy and Kirby Page.
The leader then rises and ad- 15 cents. Eddy and Page, 347 Madi- son Ave., New York. dresses the audience for the first PLANS AND MATERIALS time, asking them f,or their re- List of Material and Suggestions The Department Editor has for Exhibits, free. found the panel discussion one "Peace Action" – a monthly paper of the best ways of arousing in- action upon the subject. giving news and suggestions for prac- tical action. 5 cents per copy. Order the above two, also a variety terest and spreading informa- The Lakeside audience as rep- of plays and pageants, from The Na- tion. This form of discussion resented in the women's club, tional Council for the Prevention of aims at education and inspira- was so enthusiastic and eager War, 532 17th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
"Suggested Selections for Programs Prevention of War (address as pre- God's great gift to us. (The use of a for Armistice Day, Good Will Day viously given). Christmas tree on which each story- and Other Peace Days," for Sunday "Christ Is Born in Bethlehem"- teller places a large gold star to repschools, elementary schools and high beautiful nativity play introducing resent her field adds to the interest.) schools, free. American Interracial prophets, shepherds, kings, angels and For a woman's missionary meeting. Peace Committee, 20 S. 12th St., Phil- a chorus singing familiar carols. Open meeting by singing "Hark, the adelphia, Pa. Three scenes, 16 or more characters. Herald Angels Sing," followed with 50 cents. Woman's Press, 600 Lex- prayer. Christmas carols played on Much is being attempted by ington Ave., New York. "Eagerheart"-Christmas play suit- the Qrgan are echoed to adjoining lec- able for use on Sunday evening. Fifthe Youth Division of the Emer- teen or more characters. 1% hours. ture room where audience is seated. gency Peace Compaign, in which Chappel and Co., 41 E. 34th St., New Devotional period culminates in cornet solo, "Silent Night." Van Dyke's more than 225 college men and Christmas story, "Let Us Go Even women spent two months last York. unto Bethlehem," is told or read; summer organizing, instructing "Long Ago in Judea" -unusual then a mother holding her baby reads working over of the Christmas nar- a Christmas poem. At this time the and stimulating people all over rative. Two scenes. Seventeen char- room is darkened and a star shines the U. S. to work for peace. acters. 30 cents. Samuel French, 25 out revealing the spirits of Christ, They tried to "strengthen the W. 45th St., New York. Love and Service bringing gifts. A pacific alternatives to war, make Similar list of 60 good Christmas lighted cross brings to view a small political and eoonomic changes dramatizations, also lists of Easter, Christmas tree covered with tinsel but Children's Day, Thanksgiving, tem- no ornaments. During singing the necessary for a just and peace- three spirits distribute to audience ful world order, and unite in one perance, stewardship, Mothers' Diy, tiny white stockings. Place offerings dynamic movement all those in- Home and Foreign mission and gen- in these and marching to the tree, dividuals and organization.s will- eral plays and pageants in a pamph- hang stockings on it, thus decorating ing to work against war . . . tree and receiving the offering. A SQ- let entitled "Catalog of Plays and cial hour mav follow. They plan to work on 1,000 col- Pageants," a veritable treasure house lege campuses in the U. S. Twen- of usable material. 10 cents. Send "Christmas Around the World." to The Baptist Board of Education, This program consisted of tableaux Department of Missionary Education, behind a large veiled frame, giving the ty-five field secretaries covering 152 Madison Avenue, New York. appearance of a picture. A chorus of every state in the union will re- women sang the accompanying carol . cruit volunteers for next sum- Program Suggestions: while tableau was being shown and mer's program – peace patrol between tableaux. (1) Carol, "God "The Life of Christ in Song." teams to do work in the commu- Hymns and songs given by young Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen." Tableau, nities surrounding the colleges." people, with appropriate Christmas (Woman's Home Missions.) Try readings between each two numbers. six carollers grouped around tall Eng- lish lamp post, holding books and ap- "Tuning in on Christmas." Plat- pearing to sing. (2) Carol, "Tannento have your church young peo- form arranged to represent broadcast- baum." Tableau, The Home of the ple link themselves up with this ing studio with microphone, etc. Christmas Tree. A little German boy Leader taking part of announcer and girl, each with a toy, stand near promising movement. stands at microphone as program be- lighted tree, a table, chair, etc., add- PLAYS AND PAGEANTS gins, her opening announcement in- ing home touch. Joy is the theme. cluding call letters suitable for the (3) Carol, "Silent Night." Tableau, particular group and statement that a Among suitable plays and pa- Christmas program is about to be A Christmas Eve Midnight Service in geants for Christmas meetings broadcast from the studio (place of France. An altar with cross and are the following: lighted candles in center of picture meeting) . As each number is an- suggests cathedral interior. Worship- nounced the person taking the part pers kneel in prayer. (4) Carol, "A Christmas Car 0 1" – original should be ready to step to the micro- "While Shepherds Watched Their dramatization of Dickens' charming phone that there may be no awkward Flocks by Night." Tableau, Christstory portraying the true Christmas pauses. Announcer reminds audience mas in a Chinese Mission. American spirit. 20 characters. 1112 hours. 35 at the start that there can be no missionary seated holding open Christcents. Christmas obt':ervation where the mas box from which she is handing Christ story is unknown and that the out gifts to Chinese girls grouped "Christmas for All Nations"-intro- program will bring messages from around. Use Chinese costumes, furducing children of all nationalities our representatives who are telling nishings, curios. Fine for stressing who describe their customs and be- the Story around the world. (This White Cross gifts. liefs. 15 or more young folks. 40 plan fine for incorporating material minutes. 25 cents. (5) Carol, "Up on the Housetop."
Order these two from March from THE REVIEW and denominational Tableau, Christmas in the U. S. Little Brothers, 208 Wright Ave., Lebanon, missionary magazines.) boy and girl in night clothes peek Ohio. "The Real Christmas Tree" (Tree through door watching Santa Claus "A Christmas Mystery"-finest of of Life). Its branches spread over empty his pack in front of fireplace. Christmas songs and carols sung by all lands and its leaves are "for the Lighted tree at side. (6) Carol, "The audience while Christmas story is healing of the nations." After song First Noel." Tableau, Unity in presented in pantomime culminating service of the familiar music, read Adoration. Manger scene. Carol is in final tableau. 15 cents. Isaiah 9: 6 and the Christmas story sung as introduction preceding show- as told by Luke, followed by the sing- ing of picture. When curtains are "At the Door of the Inn" – good reader and 30 or more characters. ing of "Hark, the Herald. Angels drawn at close of scene, audience joins 1 % hours. 20 cents. Sing." Leader points out that as our in singing "In Him There Is No East Order these from The Pilgrim missionaries tell the Christmas story Nor West." Press, Boston, Mass. . they see the fulfilment of the promise, All the foregoing suggestions are "Around the World with Santa "light and life to all He brings." Sev- taken from "Progr~m Pointers," a Claus"-American boy and girl per- eral members then tell (not read) mimeographed sheet issued monthly suade Santa to take them on his jour- stories of the work at home and by Miss Elizabeth I. Fensom, Program ney around the world, a typical scene abroad (see THE REVIEW and denom- Secretary, Baptist Council on Finance in each country thus visited being inational leaflets). Close with hymn, and Promotion, 152 Madison Ave., shown. Four adults, 10 or more chil- "In Christ There Is No East nor New York City. Subscription price, dren. 10 cents. National Council for West" and prayer of gratitude for 25 cents per year.
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BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK Bring an Old and Crippled Prayer home life, why Mary and the Child '!When wilt Thou save thy peo- angels sang, why the Shepherds ple, Lord?" When we behold and wise men came bringing Alfred Noyes in "A Spell (An gifts. May no Christmas gift of Excellent Way to Get a F'airy)" the wonder of the Christ-child, ours to the children be unworthy leads one through man's various born among good, poor folk and of thee, the gift from God. For attempts to capture the quality the sake of the little children of in life often symbolized by "a outside an inn, and consider the world, help us to consecrate fairy." Each unsuccessful trial, what the life of our Lord Jesus ourselves to Thee and thy Way he concludes with the words, Christ has meant to us and of Life. Amen. myriads like us, and then re- If this fail, at break of day, member before thee, our sin Call to the Twelfth Conference There remains a better way. against thy love and sin against on the Cause and Cure of War our fellowmen – yea, neglecting The "Spell" is concluded by The Twelfth Annual Conferwords, the wisdom of which even the little ones of our own neighborhood, we cry for thy cannot be escaped, and the coun- loving kindness! "Be merciful ence on the Cause and Cure of sel of which few persons accept unto us, and bless us." War will take place in Chicago, lest someone call them "foolish!" Cause us to see and serve the at the Palmer House, January But during the "Christ-child" children, Lord, not only those of 26-29, 1937. The theme will be festival, we seem more free than our own household but even "Today in Peace and War" and at other times. Our hearts are these little old ones who are crip- delegates from the eleven namore gentle and our wills are pled and wizened at seven. Keep tional organizations of American more swift to perform lovely us from shirking our responsi- women participating in the Conacts. The poet in his "Excellent bility for these hurt children. ference will consider the barriway to get a fairy" suggests that Make us see the futility of bring- ers to international cooperation, we act so- ing children into the world only and the building up of effective Bring an old and crippled child to spoil and despoil them. Help peace machinery. Some of the Ah, tread softly, on tiptoe!- us to do what we can to feed highlights will be the "Interro- them-clothe them-leave them gation Luncheons," the Univer- Tattered, tearless, wonder-wild, "for an hour alone." Teach us sity of Chicago Round Table, and From that underworld below, how to tell them aright the the Marathon Round Tables Bring a wizened child .of seven meaning of this saying, We will luncheon. The number of dele- Reeking from the City slime, Out of hell into your heaven, Set her knee-deep in the thyme. listen, Lord. Thou art the Way gates allocated to the church Feed her-clothe her-even so! -the Truth-the Life! Thou groups, is only two hundred. Set her on a fairy throne. hast said we all must be more Register early. The fee is $5.00 When her eyes begin to glow childlike in order to enter payable at the Conference. For Leave her for an hour-alone. Heaven. Teach us the stories of the first time the Conference is And then Noyes concludes "A the Christ-child, of his early to be held in the Middle. West thus enabling many Spell" with the assur- ance that women to attend who Though her head have been unable to be old and wise, got 0 Washington.
You shall know Please write immedi- that she has ately either to the For- seen them eign Missions Confer- By the glory in ence, 156 Fifth her eyes. Ave., New and that ….. ———– York, N. Y., or When she lifts her THE ONLY CHIUSTMAS THIS MIGRANT FAMILY WILL HAVE The Council of head and sings, ., Women for Home Mi s- You shall h ear sions, 105 East and un der- 22d St., N. Y. stand.
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Introducing Miss Lowry old friendships strengthened. remedied the difficulty or made And I thank you one and all. On October 15, your editor the matter understandable as a "The work lies in what I call closed gently the doors on the the religious-social area, diverse part of the process of growth last five years of "life and work," enough in factors and flexible and turned toward the new paths enough in form (although thirty and change. True, there has not ahead. Of first importance is years old) to be considered a the remarkable fact that on the genuine 'laboratory' for effective been eough financial resources to same day Miss Edith E. Lowry, Christian service. In this area my associate in the work of the of service are definitely new care for advance in work which forms of cooperation among Council of Women for Home quite different church groups; seemed essential. That has MissioLs, became Executive Sec- also, there are unified programs retary, and the new Editor of caused the Executive Secretary the Bulletin, and Miss Charlotte EDITH E. LOWRY Mary Burnham became 'concern' both in the general and Associate Secretary. secured through the coordina- tion of varied social skills and the Indian work. Nevertheless, What may be called resources, and other programs in the making; and the cowork- each year has seen advance in "full tide of life" moves ers are consecrated Christian through all the work of leaders. If asked to do so, I the conception that this interdethe Council of Women for could make specific the descrip- Home Missions. It seems tion of the area just given. nominational work is denominato the Editor, signs of tional responsibility. Many good health that her resig- "The program of work places nation could take place in ~ clear emphasis on the functions -, of you receive me as a June, that a Committee on of the Christian Church _with a program rather than per- mission to proclaim the Gospel member of your own de- of the true way of life. Organi- nomination, reporting to sonnel was named, that zational difficulties, personality the new Executive Secre- clashes, financial worries, have your membership either tary could accept a ready during the years found secondadjustment to be made in ary emphasis, except occasion- in person at Annual Meetthe set-up of the work ally, and then the good spiritual ings or Institutes, or by (Miss Lowry continues to health of the whole work SDon direct the Migrant Work) written reports. And this and that the farewell has greatly helped in the luncheon was also the wel- work of the Council .of come luncheon to the newly elected secretaries. Women for Home Mis- The last days were like a sions. prolonged festival wit h friends – flo w e r sand "The work is one of ingifts, laughter and tears, creasing com i t y among and altogether of more significance t han words the Boards. It was thrill- ing to come into a work can tell. In response to the gra- which was closing a Five- Year Period of Survey cious and witty expression of appreciations at the Luncheon and Adjustment (and adfollowing the last Administrative j ustments had actually Committee meeting, your Editor gave briefly an explanation of taken place); and now to her personal satisfaction in the have participated in a secresponsibilities that had been ond period of five-year hers since January, 1932. planning known as Strat- In introducing Miss Edith Lowry to you, the brief explana- egy and Planning for adtion is again given on request: vance on the whole task "The work of the Executive of the church. Then, too, the beginnings of coordi- Secretary of the Council of Women for Home Missions has nation in pro g ram of been one of teaching, preaching, w r i tin g and administrative four interdenominational work, both on the field, as we bodies as shown in the acsay, and at h e a d qua r t e r s. tive Inter-Council Fie I d Through this work, many new friendships have been made, and Committee indicates, at the very least, the will to good spiritual health of Protestant church forces. And this took place when national life was characterized by what we call 'the depres- sion.' " You will find the Editor at home, The Westchester, 4000 Cathedral Avenue, Washington, D. C. ANNE SEESHOLTZ.
*** The Annual Meeting of the Home Missions Council and the Council of Women for Home Missions, including the National Conference on the City Church will be held at the Berkeley Carteret Hotel, Asbury Park, New Jersey, January 11-14, 1937.
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO NORTH AMERICA single persons; and single lower Scripture Hunger in Virginia Cutting Suicide Rate than' widowed or divorced per- A group of Christian workers last year opened a Sunday school Some one in the United States sons. -Literary Digest. in an abandoned church near commits suicide every half-hour. Beldor, Virginia, in the Blue Annually, for thirty years; 20,- Boys' Gospel Team Ridge mountains. Last May, ac- 000 persons have taken their companied by a minister, they lives; 40,000 more have tried The Asheville Farm School for held a service at the mountain and failed. But The Spectator, Boys has a Gospel Team. Five home of a cripple, when 66 were insurance agents' magazine, es- active, and eleven associate present. This cripple promised, timates that suicides had ebbed members have divided into three if he knew when the minister to 17,000 in 1935, lowest number groups for the work for the fol- would return, to have 100 presin ten years. Next to economic lowing month. One group is ent. Two weeks later, 104 came. upturn, the chief factor in this working on the morning devo- The next visit, a week later, was decrease is the National Save-a- tions program, the second group rewarded with an attendance of Life League. Ministering to 400 on the program for the young over 150. People came from would-be suicides. a month, Doc- people at Marshall, and the third various directions, while only tor Harry W. Warren, the presi- on the program for the mission- one house is visible from the dent, has saved 30,000 persons ary society at Farm School. The place where the meeting is held. since he founded his organiza- boys have set a definite goal to tion thirty years ago. work toward, and are trying for One family living more than vast improvement over last year. four miles away has not missed Some cases require medical or a service since the work began. psychiatric treatment; others -Owl and Spade. The parents and two of the chillegal or financial aid. Last year, dren walk, while the three staff workers called on 1,387 Helping the "Share Croppers" smaller ones are placed on an old Greater New York homes where mule, which the father leads. suicide had been committed, Moved by the suffering of the 1,991 homes where it had been "share croppers" in the South, The best pew is a flat board attempted. Sherwood Eddy, from funds about six inches wide, and many raised by appeal, purchased over in the audience are seated on Dr. F. L. Hoffman, statistician 2,000 acres of rich delta land in round poles about six or seven attached to the University of the State of Mississippi, and has inches in diameter. The work- Pennsylvania, has clipped sui- invited dispossessed families· to ers say they have never seen cide items for 25 years and come and settle, in cooperative such a hunger for Scripture makes the following deductions: communities. These poor peo- truth. the west coast had a rate nearly ple, largely Negroes, who have double that of the New England cultivated small sections of land -Moody Institute Monthly. states. of large owners under a share system, have been so systemati- Increased Gifts Suicides, depressed by winter cally ground by the owners that discouragements, tend to pick they have joined hands in self- For the first time since 1929, summer and late spring for their defence, and have as a result one year's contributions of the acts. been evicted from their tenan- local churches of the Presby- cies. The whole South seems to terian Church in the U. S. A. Men make up three-quarters be suffering from the evils of showed an increase of more of the deaths. Main cause: busi- this sharecropping system, and than $1,000,000 during the year ness failure. But girls, more this effort to help them on a ending March 31, 1936. The often than boys up to the age of large scale on a cooperative plan 8,975 local churches contributed nineteen, take their lives. Main is described by one expert as $36,801,474. This is a gain of cause: unrequited love. Up to "on the verge of the biggest $1,082,943 over the preceding thirty-nine, only one-half to one- thing in human welfare in this year, which had registered an third as many women commit country. The possibilities of increase of $421,304 over the suicide as do men; beyond forty, this constructive program are year ended March 31, 1934. only one-sixth. Married people staggering." From 1929 to 1934 an annual show a lower suicide rate than decrease had been reported. -United Church Review.
[607 ]
More communicant members bution of higher education un- paths to that highway and the were added during the year, der Christian auspices to such outside world. There are almost both on profession of faith and conservation; the responsibility no doctors, only a few schools, on certificates of transfer from of the Presbyterian Church in and only six churches, three other churches, than in the pre- the U. S. A. to play its part in Baptist and three Catholic. Lack ceding year. Additions on pro- making this indispensable confession totaled 78,207 and on tribution to the conservation of of Christian education have left certificate 43,940. these spiritual values." these people debased and degen- erate in the extreme. Of the $36,801,474 contributed -Presbyterian Banner. by the local churches, $25,539,- -So S. Times. 999 was used for local congregational expenses. Gifts to benevo- A "Million Unit Fellowship" Moody Still Speaks lence causes made by living givers amounted to $4,852,481. The Methodist Episcopal About forty-two years ago Per capita the church gave for Church, comprising 4,000,000 Dwight L. Moody founded the all purposes $19.18, which is 62 communicants in the U. S. and Bible Institute Colportage Assocents more than during the pre- I,UOO,OOO in 40 mission fields, ciation of Chicago. The extent ceding year. is launching a new movement to which this service of the to be known as the "Million Unit printed page has grown is shown -Presbyterian Tribune. in the latest annual report of the Fellowship." Plans for Presbyterian association. During the past fis- Centennial The purposes are: (1) the in- cal year, the association has pub- spiration and renewal of per- lished and distributed no less On June 24th the Presbyterian sonal devotion to the ideals, life than 4,184,357 copies of its own General Council, meeting in pUblications, (a gain of nearly Philadelphia, adopted several and social standards of Christ; basic principles to be followed (2) to mobilize the resources of 450,000 copies over 1935), bein the raising of $1,000,000 or sides the sale of thousands upon less for the world-wide work of the church for study of, and ac- thousands of Bibles, books and the church and $10,000,000 or tion· upon, the social and eco- magazines printed by other less for Christian higher educa- nomic problems of the day; (3) evangelical publishers. All this tion; among them the following: the stabilizing of Methodist literature was dis t rib ute d opinion in support of the "Chris- throughout the United States (1) That the centennial cele- tian Way" and (4) the renewal and several foreign countries as bration of the Board of Foreign of personal devotion among a missionary effort. Those re- Missions is primarily inspira- ceiving free literature include tional and educational, and that Methodists to the world mission prisoners, patients in federal, the financial aspects of the cen- of the church. state and city hospitals and santennial will be subordinated to atoriums, children in mountain these primary purposes. (2) Bishop Frederick T. Keeney, and pioneer schools, seamen on That during the calendar year . ocean vessels, young men in CCC 1937 the Board of Foreign Mis- who is Director of the new Fel- camps, and the neglected peoples sions in presenting its financial lowship, says: of Alaska, Africa, India, Latin program will make reference to America, the Philippines, Spain the "Capital Purposes Fund" of "So far as the 4,000,000 comthe Boards of Christian Educa- municants of the Methodist and French Louisiana. Teachers tion and National Missions Episcopal Church are concerned in 115 mountain counties rewhich is to be raised in the three ceived during the year 210,696 following calendar years, 1938- and three to four million other copies of the Gospel of John 40. (3) During the calendar persons who are the natural conyears 1936 and 1937 a publicity stituency of our church, we are approach to the church will be going to try for the spontaneous, made by the Boards of Christian creative and internal type of or- Education and National Mis- dered living." sions in reference to the "Capital Purposes Fund" which is to The Sabine Field (with helps) for their scholars, be sought in the three years fol- together with 82,881 colportage lowing. This approach will be against a background of "con- An area known as the "deep books and 72,858 Evangel book7 servation of the spiritual values woods of the Sabine River bot- lets, and to those scholars who which are necessary to the pres- tom," lying between Louisiana read the Gospel of John and ervation of American democ- and Texas, has a population al- memorized selected passages, racy; the free church in the free most as needy as the dwarfs of 47,561 New Testaments and state; the indispensable contri- darkest Africa. On the Texas Pocket Treasurys were given as side of the Sabine River the rewards. These teachers re- Spanish language is spoken; on port about 250 conversions, and the Louisiana side there are some many others have been estab- 6,000 people speaking English. lished in their faith.
They are a people apart. The Gospel car "Evangel" has There are settlements in the visited sixty-seven cities and "deep woods" that are only fif- towns of Florida, Georgia and teen miles from the highways, the Carolinas during the year, but in which are men and women traveled over 5,000 miles, and who have rarely, if ever, ridden participated in 238 services.
or walked through the wood -The Presbyterian.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK '609
Carville Leper Hospital Weare not faced with illiteracy- and asked for prayer that they nearly all can read. TJley seem to Dr. H. E. Hasseltine, Director have learned to read in some extraor- may find Christ. of the Leper Hospital at Car- dinary way – how, I do not know. -So S. Times. ville, La., says that a leper can Weare working among a people who come anonymously, change his cover an area greater than that of Seven Year Campaign name while at the Hospital, and, the British Isles, where there is only if cured, leave the place to re- one Mission Station working among The Latin American Prayer sumehis real identity, his ex- two or three thousand people, the maperience never to be known out- jority of whom are inaccessible. Yet Fellowship is undertaking to side of the hospital's secret a large proportion of them come to records. When patients wish to the Mission Station at least once a place a Gospel and a tract in conceal their identity, the hos- year when in the city to obtain suppital authorities cooperate. plies. Then we bring to them the every home in Mexico, in a syste- Word of God. We do not yet have the Since. the founding of the in- whole Bible in Eskimo. . matic house-to-house visitation. stitution, 1,130 lepers have been sent (or gone voluntarily) to They expect to complete this Carville. The inmates are :from 37 states. Four states have each task within seven years. The furnished more than 100. These are: Louisiana, 507; California, work began with three weeks of 158; Texas, 121, and New York, LATIN AMERICA prayer and preparation. One 10l. SJnce 1921, 196 lepers have leader tested the plan in the been paroled, apparently well. Conversion of a Merchant fanatical town of Patzcuaro. Thirty others, also apparently cured, remained voluntarily. Of Don Feliciano is a general In two days over two hundred these.;sent out apparently well, Dr. Hasseltine said, 23 have re- merchant in the Indian village homes were visited, and men and turned with active leprosy. women gladly accepted the Since 1921, 235 have run away. of Cacahuatepec, in an isolated Eighty-five of these are recorded Word. -So S. Times. as still "out," Dr. Hasseltine section of Oaxaca, Mexico. To said, although it is known that some of them have died. get needed medical treatment he Ingathering in Guatemala traveled by airplane and bus to Marked advance is reported in the work among the Quiche Puebla, and during his stay Indians of Guatemala. Las t February there were twenty- started reading a book that eight professions of faith. Two weeks later, at Huehuetanango, gripped him. After returning more than fifty Indians joined the church. During the week home he wrote to Dr. F. L. preceding Easter nineteen more Meadows (medical missionary, became active Christians. In May there were thirteen at in Puebla), asking for a copy Barillas, twenty-one at Retal- hulen, and seven at the dedica- of this book. It was a transla- tion of a new chapel. In three tion of Paul Kanamori's "Three months Rev. Paul Burgess saw 167 publicly dedicate themselves Hour Sermon," which covers to Christ. His own congrega- tion, at Quezaltenango, became the whole scheme of salvation. so large that a new church edi- fice had to be built. Other books followed this one. -The Presbyterian. Czechoslovak Center-Chfcag9 He wrote that he had been a slave to his own ignorance, but At the annual Czechoslovak that now he was free and could Baptist Con v e n t ion of the talk to others on religion. A United States and Canada, held year later Don Feliciano re- in a Czechoslovak church in Chi- turned to Puebla, and on a Sun- cago, several thousand dollars day night in the Baptist church were collected for missionary publicly accepted Christ as his work which the Convention is Saviour. He has now asked an un~ertaking in America, Can- evangelist to come to his little town. -Missions. ada, Czechoslovakia and Poland. Evangelical Work in Paraguay This meeting commemorated 40 Hopeful Signs years of Czechoslovak Baptist It is hoped that the end of the Senor Gonzalez, the secretary Chaco war will allow Christian work in America. to President Cardenas, in an enterprises to go forward un- open letter to Mexican Catholics, hamperea, but the chan,ge to Chicago is a great Czecho- insists that the Catholic clergy military government may cause are inconsistent in demanding some embarrassment to evanslovak center, as 300,000 Czecho- liberties that they cannot, ac- gelical missions, and there is a cording to their dogmas, grant possibility that the religious slovaks live there, and there are to others. He says: "The gov- question will be handled after ernment guarantees to every- the Mexican model. On the seven Czechoslovak B apt i s t body the free exercise of his re- whole, 'however, Evangelicals are ligious beliefs." satisfied with the favorable aschurches, with eleven meeting surances that have been given -Missions. Christian work is now permit- them. Evangelical work in places. ted among "the 5,000 prisoners Paraguay is limited in extent, of the penitentiary in Mexico. but that among the Indians in In Baffin Land One visitor has a list of 120 who the Chaco has acquired :awide have 'accepted 'Gospel potitions, Baffin Land, probably the northernmost of all missionstations, is one of 128 countries to which tl1eScriptureGift Missitm has sent the Bible. Speaking of Scripture distribution there, Mr. Duncan says:
reputation. Evangelistic effort, eign territories, notably in Sene- mit. In these there are more social activity and a mission gal, New Caledonia, Tahiti, than 1,500 scholars, and over among lepers are all represented, and the Loyalty Islands in the 150 teachers.-The Christian. and the International College in South Seas, where, as in Madathe capital is one of the best of gascar, it took over the missions Protestants in Bulgaria such institutions in South Amer- founded by English, American ica. and Norwegian Societies. After Protestantism is stronger and the War, it shared with Amer- more progressive in Bulgaria Vital Work of Bible Societies ican missions the German mis- than in any other Balkan state. sionary work in the mandated The Bible School grew out of a The British and Foreign Bible Cameroun territory. Some of Bib 1e Conference supported Society has been at work in its missionaries labor in Togo- annually for twenty-five years Chile for almost a century; the land and on the Ivory Coast. by the Bible Lands Missions' Aid American Bible Society joined Society. It has two sectionsthem later. Their remarkable -The Life of Faith. one for the training of Biblecirculation of the Bible has led women (some of whom are pasa zealous priest, the Rev. Cosme The Bible in Germany tors' wives); and a three-year Julien, to urge the Archbishop Biblical Theological Seminary of Chile toward a nation-wide The German Bible Societies course for pastors. In the five campaign of preaching based on had a remarkable year in 1934. years of its history, fifty-five stuthe Bible. A Chilean correspond- Persecution has driven the peo- dents have enrolled, and many ent for the Presbyterian Banner ple to the Scriptures. In face of are now working effectually for says: "I have just received a repressive measures of the Hit- Christ as ordained pastors, itin- Roman Catholic edition of the ler regime on churches and the erant evangelists, or lay workfour Gospels which bears the ministry, the Bavarian Society ers. imprimatur of the Bishop of issued 15,269 Bibles as against Argentina. In the introduction 11,970 the preceding year; the There is an annual summer to this attractive little Biblical Saxony Society, 46,994 against school, to which over 100 pasmanual the Bishop writes: 'To 31,062; the Prussian, 169,762 tors and Christian workers make the reading of the word of 'againist 138,990, and the Wurt- gather for a season of Bible God easy is to prepare the way temberg, 844,383 against 715,- study and Christian fellowship. of the Lord. Heaven grant that 542. -Christianity Today. it may reach the hands of the -The Christian. people and great numbers of The Church in Poland them. There is no other way of Polish Jews' Demands reconquering the w 0 rid for The annual conference of mis- Christ.' " sionaries and delegates from the The Jews of Poland have re- indigenous churches in Poland, cently made ten demands of the EUROPE connected with the Russian Mis- government. Among these de- sionary Society, was held this mands are (1) That the name Paris Evangelical Society year at Lutsk. "Christian" shall not be used in any inscription where Jews and For the first time in thirty The conference, which is held Gentiles live side by side; (2) years, with the exception of as much for the teaching and in- that the Jewish Sabbath shall be 1915-16, the Paris Evangelical spiration of the workers, and for officially recognized and that the Foreign Missionary Society has the preaching of the Gospel, as Jews shall have the right to conclosed a year without a deficit. for the conduct of business, cov- duct their businesses on Sunday Pastor Andre Monod writes: "It ered a full week. as if it were a workday; (3) is no longer a question of ampu- that schoolbooks objectionable tating our work; we are able on The record showed that over to the Jews shall be prohibited the contrary to send out all our thirty mission stations had been from the schools; (4) that the missionaries on leave and to send opened during the year, and that title "Christian" as applied to out the indispensable reinforce- there were thirty-four new land, nationality, or church shall ments." workers. The total membership be totally prohibited. is now over 9,000, and the num- This Mission has a long his- ber of evangelists, preachers -World Outlook. tory behind it. At a time when and workers is about 250, most Protestant missions were for- of whom are supported by in- AFRICA bidden in French Colonies the digenous churches. During the Society, founded in 1822, was year these raised a large sum of Cooperation in Egypt given an opening in British money for the support of the South Aft;ica, where it estab- workers, and the maintenance of Rev. E. G. Parry, of Cairo, lished stations in Basutoland, the girls' orphanage at Constan- writes in the C. M. S. Outlook and later in Southern Rhodesia; cin. Sixty-nine Sunday schools that churches in Egypt are beand when the way was open, are now established, but there is coming more and more unity started missions in French for- need for many more, which can conscious, and that so fal:! as pos- be opened as soon as funds per- sible the two great missionary societies in Egypt, the American
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Presbyterian Mission and the Literacy-Test of Progress further training before being C. M. S. have so arranged their in Egypt placed in little churches in the work that there shall be no over- Illiteracy in Egypt is slowly district." -C. M. S. Outlook. lapping. decreasing. In 1917 the census The E gyp tInter – Mission showed that less than 10 per cent New Church at Nshinga Council, formed in 1920, has of men and only 5 per cent of done most valuable work and, women could read. Ten years Christians of Nshinga, Portuthrough its Committee on "Mis- later (1927) the census showed guese Congo, now have their sions and Government," has that 17.5 per cent of men and 2 own substantial house of worbeen able to present a united per cent of women were literate. ship. In 1932 there was but one front on many questions. Today Egypt has a national Christian there; today there are eighty-eight loyal followers Under the inspiration of the An- school system largely through of Christ. At the first service in glican Native Church, effective work the new building four hundred is being undertaken with members of the generosity and interest of the late King Fuad. Thirty-nine and fifty people were' present to the Coptic Church among both Moslems, and Copts. This is chiefly a lay dailies and 257 journals are pub- share in the dedication of this movement, led by the Secretary of the new church. Several incidents C. M. S., an Egyptian priest and an lished. A new book comes off gave the occasion special signifievangelist from Old Cairo Hospital. the press every day. Illiteracy is A group of Anglican and Coptic lay- not an unsurmountable bar to in- cance. A boy of about twe!ve men are being trained to preach and struction, for, as in seventeenth- recited the whole of the Scripto conduct services in village homes ture lesson faultlessly in excelin districts where there is no church century Eng 1and, the fluent lent Portuguese, and a woman within close distance. The work is shared with four men in the extending, and there is a children's reader reads aloud to illiterate singing of a special hymn. meeting run by English and Egyp- groups in coffee houses, shops, private houses, or even in the tians from the Old Cairo Hospital. street. The desire for general The service was not without literacy is growing, and Egyp- its touches of African humor. Fellowship of Unity tian women are demanding The paramount chief was pres- It is some seventeen years schools, equal educational privi- ent, and expressed in a speech leges for girls and marriage re- the joy of himself and his people since the Fellowship of Unity forms. The Egyptian Univer- at possessing at last a prayer- sity has 2,500 students; Govern- house of their own. "But our was inaugurated in Egypt as a ment secondary schools, 16,000 bell is cracked and won't ring. students; high schools, 4,100 What about a new one?" he means of cooperation for the students, and Al Azhar Univer- asked. Quite determined to members of all the Christian sity, 2,600 students. strike while the iron was hot, a communities. It has regularly little later he preferred another -World Survey. request. "What about a docheld services where all the Chris- tor?" He seemed to' think that tian churches, with the exception A New Opening one could produce a church bell of the Roman Catholic, have and a medical man at will. worshiped together. Three years New work has been opened up in Kibondo, an isolated place -C. M. S. Outlook. ago the united service was cele- about 150 miles from Kigoma. brated in the Armenian Church The people are primitive, but Quick Results in Nigeria in Cairo, in 1934, in the Greek ready to listen to the Gospel. Orthodox Cathedral and in No- The ruler of the district is a A native evangelist has revember, 1935, in the Coptic Or- woman, very intelligent, and cently started work among the Eggon people in the district thodox Cathedral of St. Mark. No less than eight Archbishops and Bishops were present on this last occasion, and clergy from French, Lutheran, Anglican, friendly towards the mission- around Lafiya, connected with American, Greek and Scottish aries. She and her husband are the Sudan United Mission. One Protestant churches. The Cop- Moslems; but she is a "hearer," of the first results appeared tic Choir opened with a hymn, although her husband at present when a great man among the which together with the thanks- shows no interest in the Chris- fetish worshipers cam e, and giving prayer that followed, de- tian message. One of the work- with his wife asked the evanlivered in Arabic by the Coptic ers writes: gelist to help him to burn his Bishop of Beni Suef, are from "We have many out-schools idols. After this open profession the ancient Coptic Liturgy. All with African teachers in charge, of faith in Christ, the convert joined in the Lord's Prayer, and we are hoping to train asked that his son-in-law, who made unusually impressive by young evangelists each year. lived two days' journey away, the unique appeal of French, Only this week eight young men might be visited and told. As a English, Armenian, G r e e k, have been placed with good result he, too, asked that his Egyptian and German spoken teachers for twelve months' ex- fetishes should be destroyed, simultaneously. The address perience, after having had three while yet a third idolater folwas given by the Wakeel of the months' training. When they lowed suit. In this district a Patriarch on the subject of the have gained this practical ex- number of raw pagans who are reunion of Christendom. perience they will come in for being trained by the Government
as schoolmasters, are attending the spiritual life inth~ . whole enable the Protestant churches the missionary meetings. sec t ion has been. g rea t I y strengthened and· enriched ; to present a united front in their -The Life of Faith. many have been restored and many: others have been encour- governmental and other public Appreciation of Missions aged· to desire to return to the relations, and to unify the treat- Lord. -Congo Mission News. ment of legal matters. In eccle- The Governor General of the siastical and doctrinal matters Belgian Congo has expressed his WESTERN ASIA the different units composing the sincere appreciation of the excel- synod will retain independence. lent work performed by Prot- Christian School Contacts estant missions, and emphasized Social Changes in Iran the importance of their medical Two of the six members of the work done in cooperation with graduating class at Aleppo, Mrs. Cady Allen, Presbyterian the Government. He thanked Syria, Presbyterian High School missionary in Kermanshah. tells missions for the service they are girls. This may not seem how radically social life has were rendering to the colony, worthy of mention, but probably changed in Iran. and commented on the fine no, other high school in Syria Christian character of many of can make the same boast. Also, Men and their wives call and rethe Congo converts. He further two are Moslem boys; both will ceive callers to gether. At first it all assured the Council that no con- be speakers on the commence- seemed delightfully new and interestfessional discrimination would ment program, one in Arabic and ing, out I soon began to realize that be exercised in the choice of can- the other in French. Th~ father the men made most of the conversadidates for the medical schools of one of· them was a prisoner tion, the hostess was always too busy at Leopoldville or elsewhere, and during the recent nationalist serving the guests to sit down and Protestant boys attending these demonstrations in Syria. The really visit with us. Lately I have schools would be able to follow other is a nephew of one of the been to several parties where just their own religious instruction. high officials in the Department ladies were present, and they have all of Education. One of the great- seemed to enjoy the greater freedom The Governor does not con- est. ~periences these two Mos- and informality, for as yet they are sider the Evangelical Church in lemboys have ever had is their not at ease in mixed crowds. I am the; Congo strong enough to being in a class with two very glad for the removal of the veil be– $tand on its own feet. If, for nice Christian girls. cause I have felt quite a change in aIiy reason, the missionaries some of my friends-it seems as were recalled at this time to Moslem Morality League though they feel closer to us, more their own countries, leaving open and ready to take us into their their converts to struggle alone, A Morality Lea g u e, with lives, more ready to share with us native Christians would not long branches in the towns and vil- their problems. When I visited one withstand the backward pull of lages of Palestine, has been of my veiled friends, or walked with paganism. formed by Moslems under the her on the street, however near and name of "Do and Don't," to dear we might be to each other, there Church Discipline in the Congo maintain the purity of public was a difference. But now we visit morals and insure proper be- each other, or walk together on the Perhaps if the church at home havior in public. The league has street – the difference has disapwere as strict in discipline as the asked the Palestine Government peared. Congo .Church there would be to ban immoral theatrical perfew left on the roll. Native pas- formances. Doctors Go to Church tq1".S and elders are even more s~yere in such measures than ·:",Toward a United Front Here is a church with 10% of are the missionaries. its membership in the medical A plan of organization has profession. In Hamadan, Iran, Because of these very strict been agreed upon by the is a Protestant church with 150 rules about Christian life and churches at work in Syria. members, including Iranians behavior there are necessarily Churches affiliated with the who were former Moslems, Asmany backsliders. At Luebo, a British Reformed Presbyterian syrians, Armenians, Americans personal workers' class has been and the American Reformed and Jewish converts. Fifteen of organized, and each week every Presbyteri3n . miss ion s, the the members of this church are worker is given a list of five or Frie.nds' Yearly Meeting, the doctors and three of the four ten people to hunt up, talk with, Damascus Church of the Irish elders are doctors. This is partly pray with and endeavor to bring Presbyterian mission, the Lu- explained by the fact that in the back to the Lord. Responsibility theran churches connected with earlier years of medical mission for a neighbor's spiritual life is the Danish Mission to the Orient work,; before there was a gova new idea in the Congo, but it and the Evangelical Synod, are ernment. medical school, ambiis growing, and young men, represented in this move toward tious. young men were taken into working with pastors and .evan- unity. The chief purpose is to the mission hospital, and trained gelists, have Peen literally comb- as physicians by the medical ing Luebowith the ,result that missionaries. Most of· these young men, through their Chris- tian contacts and training, be- came earnest Christians them- selves, joined the church, and take an active part in the vari- ous departments.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
INDIA tian children, making it possible lems of Christian literature in Oonverts Among the Bhils for rural children to attend India is that of distribution, and school. Opposition has arisen to do this more effectively vari- The Bhils of Central India of- to the use of this grant and the ous experiments have bee n fer special opportunities for Legislative Council has voted to tried; among them is a motor evangelization. Their homogene- suspend all payment under the caravan provided by friends in ity and, comparative isolation present terms of the resolution. England. Throughout 1935 the make less difficult the spread of the Gospel; their concepts seem The fear has been expressed that caravan was touring India. It to have no subtleties that re- it would operate as an induce- started in the Madras Presidenquire explaining away before ment to members of the De- cy in January and during its they can accept the truth in pressed Classes to become Chris- two-and-a-half months there it Christ, and they respond eager- tians in order that their children sold 10,369 Scriptures. It spent ly to the Gospel. Furthermore, might receive a grant. Under April in the Mysore State, with the acceptance of Christ means the present agitated state of af- a circulation of 2,694 portions. no very great change in their fairs in India regarding the con- Then during May, June and general life. Simplicity is the v e r s ion of the Depressed July it was in the area of the order of their being. A change Classes, it is easy to understand Bombay Auxiliary, finishing in of religion is mostly a change that both Hindus and Moham- the Central Provinces. It was of loyalty; there is no social up- medans would oppose such a hampered by monsoon condi- grant. tions both in actual traveling heaval. and in its selling work, but 7,529 It is characteristic of the At present Hindus and Mo- portions were sold. It then hammedans are receiving over spent August and September in Bhils that so many new converts a hundred thousand 'l"Upees a the area of the North India Auxare eager to carry the message year in the United Provinces for iliary, with sales of 9,155 porto other members of their fam- the support of their communal tions. During the last quarter ily scattered over the villages of schools. -Indian Witness. of the year it was in the Punjab. the area. The need for arousing interest no longer exists; but Triplets in India One Ohamar's Witness teaching is required. The arrival of quintuplets The C. M. S. Outlook has an Where the question of a school would not have been welcomed account of a Chamar, who, two building has been raised, the at this Chamar home where a years ago had been led to Christ people themselves have come Bible woman reports that when through a Christian sweeper, triplets came the caste relatives and started a movement among forward with an offer to erect said: "No woman should have his own class. Through this it, and plans are being made to triplets. The mother must be man's testimony, C ham a r s secure a group of promising punished." The babies all died from neighboring villages be- Bhils who will be fitted to give in a few days, yet the punish- cause inquirers. A group of ment was given. The mother about fQrty";men and women elementary education. S u c h was ordered to bathe in the from two, villages expressed teachers will serve a group of sacred Narbudda River in order their desire to become Chris- to help atone for the sin she tians. Later, fierce persecution villages. must have committed in a past from the caste people partially At a conference, arranged by incarnation. The Panchayat stamped out the movement; but (council) of five demanded during the past year it has rethe Mid-India Christian Coun- twenty rupees, which the family vived and has spread from vilcil, it was decided to make an was too poor to pay. Then they lage to village. ' put the mother on a donkey and effort to secure the cooperation made it run to the home of its Many new Christians are of all Missions working among owner, a washerman. The par- learning to pray; the few who ents were informed that the bai can read are not only feeding on Bhils, with a view to coordinating methods of work, pooling experiences, and establishing common centers for training along special lines, wherever this may prove possible.
-National Christian Coun- could be rescued by the payment the Word of God themselves, but cil Review. ' of any amount which the wash- are teaching others; they are erman demanded. That, too, learning to give t,o God's work Rural Education Problem would be difficult. In vain the out of their, ,qeep poverty, to Bible woman tried to make them The Christians of India are stand persecution, and to win, greatly concerned because of the see the Christian ideal. difficulty in providing primary -World Call. others for Christ. None of them has yet been baptized, except education for the rural Chris- Literature Oaravan' the original Chamar. tian community. In the United Provinces the Government set The year 1935 brought a new Lucknow Ashram aside a sum of ten thousand venture in the work of the Brit- The latest development of the rupees (about $3,300) to be ish and Foreign Bible Society work, which Dr. E. Stanley used as scholarships for Chris- in India. One of the great prob- J ones has been doing among ed'-
ucated Indians for 22 years, has asked to be supplied with equip- Ohefoo School for Deaf been the founding of an Ashram ment for home treatment. This at Lucknow, from which medi- gave the missionaries the idea Those who contributed to the cal, educational and social work of establishing clinics in various Chefoo School for the Deaf have of various kinds is carried on. districts. Twenty of these have made it possible to keep in lt grew out of the Ashram which been opened, all under the super- school fourteen children from he had founded in the Himalayas vision of former leper patients, destitute homes, ten 0 the r s where some 200 people live to- treating more than 500 patients. whose relatives cannot pay more gether in Indian fashion. They The only cost involved is that of than five or ten dollars towards include, he said, Europeans and medicines, but no medicine is food, and fifteen who cannot pay Indians, Government officials given any group which fails to more than one-half the cost of and ardent nationalists, funda- report monthly on the number food. Fifteen of the children mentalists and modernists, con- of injections given. Practically come from homes where one or servatives and radicals, high all clinics show increased at- both parents have died. Fiftycaste and low. "Leave behind tendance, in some instances over five deaf children, eleven girls all race and class distinctions, 100%. and forty-four boys between the all ye who enter here," is one of ages of seven and seventeen, the mottoes on the wall. "Chris- One of the most important have made satisfactory progress tianity has many critics," says and encouraging features of the in learning the language neces- Dr. Jones, "but no rivals in the work is the evangelistic oppor- sary to communicate with their work of human redemption." tunity offered by these estab- home people. lished clinic groups. All the pa- Under the supervision of Dr. tients come from non-Christian An hOUl; and a half is spent on E. Stanley Jones and those as- homes, but the majority, upon Saturday mornings in preparing sociated with him in the Ash- leaving, have accepted Christ. for the Bible lessons which they ram, a series of pamphlets and Christian centers have thus been have on Sunday. One little boy tracts on the Christian message established and two churches from a very poor home in the is being prepared for mailing, have been built. country asked for a Bible when month by month, to the leaders leaving for vacation. As he had of the Depressed Classes and the -Siam Outlook. been in school only two years, aboriginal tribes of I n d i a, his ability to read it was quesgroups numbering perhaps 70,- OHINA tioned, but when by the use of 000,000 people. speech, writing and pantomime, Successful Preaching he made it plain that he would Among the first materials not knock his head to idols and printed and mailed are: the Rev. R. W. Porteous, of the he wanted to learn how to pray Gospel of St. Luke, with helpful C. I. M. Bible Training Institute to the true God in Heaven, he comments and the story of Ditt, at Nanchang, reports that a new was given a copy of the Gospels, a humble Chuhra convert, who Gospel Hall has been opened and and his delight was unbounded. refused to be segregated in the a chapel seating 200. The Gosmission compound, and led, un- pel message has been delivered -Chefoo School Report. der God, a mighty movement of there to attentive crowds almost his former caste fellows into the every night for four months and OhTist Speaks Through the Christian Church. hundreds have indicated their East desire to accept Christ as their -Christian Advocate. Saviour. This provides oppor- An American woman who has tunity for students to do per- lived fifteen years in China, Leper Olinics in Siam sonal work. Two student bands Miss Helen W. Dutton, testifies were assigned to evangelize two to the contributions which that Various estimates of the num- neighboring markets and as a country has made to her life; ber of lepers in Siam have been result several families destroyed best of all, she says, her discovmade from time to time, but their idols. ery of the Christ of the East, none of these is accurate. Fear the Jesus who bade men go the of discovery, leading to ostra- Mr. Porteous writes: second mile; who bade men forcism, persecution, and much give their brother unto seventy suffering, causes large numbers God has been doing a great work times seven; who told men to to go into hiding or to cover all among the wounded soldiers in the love God and their neighbor as signs of their affliction as long military hospitals in the city. Many themselves, who told the rich as possible. However, an esti- have responded to the Gospel appeal, man to sell all his goods and feed mate of 20,000 is approximately though quite a number who, we be- the poor if he would gain the correct. lieve, were saved, did not have an Kin g do m of Heaven'; who opportunity to De baptized before sou g h t the lost sheep and The number of patients being they were called to rejoin their regi- brought it to the fold again; who treated at present in leprosy ments, be discharged. or return to bade men lose their lives for hospitals in Siam is less than their homes; we had, however, the others that they might save 1,000, or only 5% of the esti- joy of seeing 114 baptized in the them – this Jesus the East unmated leper population. For C. 1. M. Church. These have all left derstands and will accept. "The the past three or four years for other provinces or different parts most of the patients on leaving of Kiangsi, and some to their homes, but each with aNew Testament or Bible in his kit.
-The Christian.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Oriental is truly a literalist," Christian training to the chil- Chinese democracy, which is so real as to be unconscious, all meet together says Miss Dutton. "He expects dren and youth of China. Their not only for service but enjoy meetto see in an individual who calls pupils represent 950,000 Protes- ing afterwards, and do so with great himself Christian those qualities tant Christian families. savoir taire. The group is often which Jesus called 'blessed.' Let Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, in joined by lamas, some of whom come him exemplify those traits in his his report on financial conditions from very distant lamaseries in Tibet.
daily living-he will have no in China, fully corroborates the Students' Problems substitute. . . . I see more of report of the American Econom- the gentle, patient Jesus in these ic Mission that "a vast change Prof. D. L. Phelps was recent- Eastern friends of mine. I am is coming over China, a modern- ly asked to address a mid-week glad for my years in China, ization that as compared with assembly at West China Union where I have come to under- ten or even five years ago marks University, Chengtu. He asked stand bet t e r the Oriental many centuries." This opinion the students to send in questions -Advance. is confirmed by those familiar about religion in advance, and Christ."
Child Slavery Today with conditions in widely sepa- in the hour allotted, attempted rated provinces; beyond ques- to answer them. So many ques- It is thirteen years since Mr. tion, China's youth is in the fore- tions were handed in that Prof. Winston Churchill told the front of the struggle for prog- Phelps was given the following House of Commons that he in- ress. week's assembly hour.
tended to abolish child slavery The determined attack upon Dr. H. Bruce Collier of the in the British possession of the opium scourge is part of this faculty analyzed these questions Hongkong within one year-and effort for national salvation. and found that they could be distill the evil continues. A spe- Mr. Hoo, the Chinese delegate vided into five groups: funda- at Geneva, stated last May that mental questions of God, prayer, cial commission has now been nearly 1,000 drug addicts, and meaning of religion, 29 per cent; sent out from England to look drug traffickers were shot in doctrines, miracles and superinto the whole problem. It is China last year. The life of the stitions, 23 per cent; personal doubtful whether there is any- Chinese nation, he added, de- relations to religion, and personthing within the realm of slave pended upon victory in this fight systems so revolting as child again opium. -World Survey. al benefits, 20 per cent; necesslavery-the sale of thousands sity of religion, and uniqueness of little girls say of five years of "Central Asia Trio" of Christianity, 14 per cent; poage, at half-a-crown apiece- litical problems, 14 per cent.
bought for "appreciation" – The British Weekly publishes The largest percentage related bought for sale again at eight to to the nature of God and prayer. ten years of age, for drudgery- a letter from Miss Mildred Ca- Typical questions were: ble, written July 1 from Kansu or worse, without the glimmer province, where she and her col- "Why do you believe in God 1" of an understanding of what leagues, the Misses Francesca "What is the real meaning of awaits them. The cruelties im- and Evangeline French, have prayer?" "Can religion really posed upon them are of such na- arrived after their journey ture that pUblication of them through the Gobi desert. She discover the 'way out' that is the would be prohibited in the Brit- goal of all life?" There were ish press. writes: several very searching ques- tions: A wealthy Chinese gentleman, We have left the "great and terrible "Jesus said that 'whosoever desert" behind us for the fifth time. shall smite thee on the right who has decided to devote his As Christ's ambassadors we have been life and means to the abolition able to tell the Good News in every cheek, turn to him the other alof this gigantic evil, declares oasis on the main trade route. We so.' Now Japan has occupied by that there are more than 4,000,- have had a most touching welcome force our three eastern prov- 000 pitiable little slaves within everywhere. The people last saw us inces ; should we not take the China proper; probably there hurrying away from the "Thunder- five northern provinces and give bolt" and his troops, and many saw are about 10,000 in British me on that same journey with my them to Japan, too?" And "The head bandaged, after the bad kick Powers of Europe and America Hongkong and Malaya. It is which a donkey belonging to a Moslem the job of this new commission gave me. The fact that we have re- are nations that worship God. turned after all this has made many Why, then, are they guilty of to discover their numbers and whereabouts, and to propose to realize. the urgency of our commission. acts of aggression toward the Weare now once again in Tunh- weaker nations?" the government means for put- wang, the City of Sands, and have ting down the unholy traffic go- been able to revisit the beautiful Lake The experiment revealed the ing on between Chinese in China of the Crescent Moon and the Cave of type of religious problem wmch and Chinese inhabitants in Brit- the Thousand Buddhas. occupies the student thought.
ish territories. Every afternoon we hold a service -United Church Record. -The Chronicle. in the large room of our rented house Difficult Mongolia -we call it the Blue Palace. You Changes Show Progress would be interested in the crowd which Seventy-nine missionary soci- gathers there. It always includes a Work among Mongols was strange variety of listeners, from beg- started about a century ago, and gar maids to the wives of the prineties are engaged in giving cipal military officials. Thanks to taken up afresh by James Gil-
mour in 1885. A little over a prohibition was continued for blow to the propagation of civic year ago the new capital of In- another five years, which came idealism; but many older, exner Mongolia was opened at to an end on March 31, 1936. perienced missionaries hold that Pailingmiao formerly a caravan During that period it is esti- "preaching, teaching and philancenter, but nothing more. Mis- mated that the village has saved thropy" sum up the missionary's sionary work had never been 173,000 yen, although most other whole duty, and they disapprove carried on there, but Prince Teh villages have "gone into the all activities capable of arousing Wang granted permission on red." Of this sum, 45,000 yen political suspicions. this occasion. The opposition was spent on the new school, from the lamas caused the lib- 50,000 yen on new homes, 74,000 -New York Times. erty previously granted to be re- yen was invested in cooperative stricted, but good s e r vic e s associations, and 4,000 yen in Rural Newspaper Evangelism among the Mongols, and much the postal savings bank. In adinterest in the Gospel are re- dition, the mayor proudly re- Dr. Daniel C. Buchanan of ported. For several months a ports that the children of the vil- Kyoto finds a wide field for rural Bible Class was carried on lage are better fed and clothed, new spa per evangelism. He among government secretaries, that the children's death rate as writes: and medical treatment has been well as the general death rate given. Today, Pailingmiao is has decreased, that the number The personal interview is the methdeveloping rapidly and boasts a of persons seeking medical at- od par excellence in our work of newstemple, with more than 1,000 tention has decreased 40ro, that paper evangelism in rural districts. lamas. lawsuits, illegitimacy, crime, If a member lives in another part of gambling, police court cases and the Empire, too far away for us to JAPAN election offenses have been done call on him when the time seems away with. propitious, we send his name and ad- "Year of the Monkey" dress to the nearest missionary or -Japan Christian Quarterly. Japanese pastor with the request that Once every twelve years comes he call on the inquirer and try to get the "Year of the Monkey," when American Missionary him linked up with some church. young people ask "whom shall I Excluded Those members who live in our field copy this year?" with a some- we try to call on as often as possible. what sincere belief that thus The refusal of the police to We also encourage them to come to they may improve. The seventy- readmit into Japan Rev. Dr. J. our office whenever they visit the city, five children in the Morning Spencer Kennard, American Thus we have found that the best Star Kindergarten at Yamagu- Baptist missionary, is in the na- way to win a man for Christ is to chi do not wait for the twelfth ture of a bombshell. It is have heart to heart talks with him, year. When they "play kinder- thought there may be a blacklist pray frequently with and for him, garten" there is the piano teach- of other American missionaries and love him into the Kingdom. er, the teacher who leads the cir- suspected of anti-war or labor cle hour and the one who con- sympathies. These missionaries Newspaper evangelism is es- 'ducts the prayer period. The do not expect to be deported, but tablishing groups which willlatlittle mimics do not forget to be fear their next furlough may er develop into churches. The gentle and smiling; the three terminate their careers in J a- work is carried on through ad- 'real teachers looking on are pan. They are social workers of vertising in newspapers and struck by the skill in mimicry, Kagawa's type, but the police mag a z i n e s, correspondence, smiling as they see themselves draw a distinction between a na- monthly magazines sent free of so perfectly portrayed with all tive, like Dr. Kagawa, and for- charge to all members of the their little mannerisms. It is eigners who come on what many church and for three months to not to be wondered at when they Japanese consider the superflu- all inquirers who have not joined say to one another. "Well, if ous mission of bringing Japan a the church, by tract distribution, they copy even us as closely as new religion. and through a loan library, as that, we'll have to see to it that well as through the use of sterewe lead them to copy in all seri- There is no fear that any mis- opticon and moving pictures, ousness the One who is Best." sionaries will run personal risk and personal interviews. or find their freedom of preach- A Model Village ing interferred with, but in the Christian Literature future they will have to' avoid . .A notable experiment in tem- quasi-political activities, such as A group of far sighted misperance was made by the village the propagation of peace or in- sionaries and Japanese Christian of Kawaidani. In 1925, the ternational idealism of the type leaders began in January, 1935, mayor proposed that the village represented by the Fellowship of as one of the activities of the "go dry" for a period of five Reconciliation and kindred or- Christian Literature Society, a years in order to rebuild the vil- ganizations. They may preach Central Christian Library to lage school, which had been de- their faith and teach English, house a collection of Christian stroyed in a fire. So successful but nothing more. A number of books, especially those published was the plan that the term of younger missionaries regard the in Japan since the beginning of police action as a shattering Protestant work. About 4,000 columes have been purchased or received as gifts to date and cat- alogued, the expenses being met largely by Japanese Christians.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Some of the books assembled are voted to intensive. teaching of safe now," but really because of records of martyrdoms, others what the Christian life means. their deep-rooted pagan fear tell of methods of expressing the that if they move away, the spir- Gospel. A reading room well – Watchman-Examiner. supplied with reference books in its of the 73 who were killed will English for the use of clergy, ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC pursue and punish them. Bible students and evangelists; commentaries, dictionaries, etc., Samoan Schools Due to the perseVerance of and a loan library by mail for the Rev. Clifford Nobes, the prodistant workers is part of the For nearly a century the peo- vincial government has taken a ultimate plan. ple of Samoa have been able to hand and by the latest report read and write their own lan- has given the people thirty days Another timely piece of work guage, through the untiring ef- to move away, promising help in Christian literature is the ag- forts of their own Samoan vilgressive program of the five- lage pastors, who have acted al- in moving expenses and in getyear-old Brotherhood of St. An- so as village schoolmasters. In ting new land. The situation is drew in Japan. More than 22,- addition to ordinary school sub- really perilous for there are big 000 copies of the Forward Move- jects the boys are given practiment booklets, adapted and cal training in agriculture, car- new cracks in the mountainside, translated from the American pentry, music and craft work. waiting for a typhoon to start series, have been printed and It is the secret desire, however, more slides. distributed throughout the 271 of nearly every schoolboy to beparishes and missions of the come some day an ordained pas- Protestant Strength in Episcopal Church. tor. Philippines -The Living Church. There are two schools for The National Christian Coun- girls; the one at Papauta ac- cil of the Philippines gives the Result of Teacher's Testimony commodates 150, who enter only on recommendation of village following numerical strength of Mr. Sakata, Principal of the pastors. The school itself is a Protestantism in the Islands: Mary L. Colby School for Girls village where all food supplies in Yokohama, arranged a series are grown on the hillside planta- United Evangelical Church 42,910. of evangelistic meetings with tions and the girls take their (including all members in 82,910. Mr. Kimura. Thirty-five years part in caring for the gardens. regions w her e Presbybefore, Mr. Sakata, a young sol- All practical training can be car- terian, Congregational and 18,0.0.0. dier about to be called into serv- ried out by the girls in their own United Brethren mission- 15,0.0.0., ice, was converted by Mr. Ki- homes when they leave school, 10.,0.0.0. mura and made up his mind that after four or five years' resi- aries are serving) …… . 8,0.0.0. instead of spending his life kill- dence. Methodist Episcopal …… . ing people he would spend it 2,50.0. showing them how to live. Al- Atauloma school has the three- Iglesia Evangelica Metodista most immediately he was called fold aim of helping the students, en las Islas Filipinas …. 250. to Manchuria and was there for finding ways for them to help the ten years. When he came back school and of keeping in touch Iglesia Evangelica de Cristo he trained himself to become a after they leave. Graduates Christian teacher. work to give financial aid. By Baptist ..•……….•….. bazaars or direct giving from Mr. Kimura told of going to their funds they have raised Disciples of Christ ……. . see the young man off when he enough to give four Aladdin was about to leave for Man- lamps for the main hall, £14 to- Association of Baptists for churia. He clasped his hand, ward other improvements. Evangelism in the Orient never expecting to see him again, but God had work for him -L. M. S. Chronicle. Philippine-Borneo Faith Misand brought him back. sion …………..•….. Typhoon Damage The effect of this story was Total …………….. 179,570. direct and fruitful. Almost the With the return of typhoon whole school stood to indicate season in the Philippines, it will "God Hath Spoken" that they too wanted to follow be recalled that last year a great Christ. Mr. Sakata had them landslide buried 73 people in the In a letter received recently go to their class rooms and town of Balogang, near Sagada. from a worker in the Philippine there, if they so desired, they At the time and ever since then Islands, the following story is were to write out their decision, the missionaries at Sagada have told: signing their names. When they been trying to get the remaining were counted there were 307. people of the town to move to a "Soon after our arrival here Committees set to work imme- new site, but the old men, domi- we came across a young man diately and the result is that nating the situation, have re- who had no other book except there is one period a week de- fused, ostensibly because "it is the booklet 'God Hath Spoken.' In all his conversations with his friends he always tried to find God's guidance in this little book, so much so that his friends gave him the nickname An Dios Nag- yakan. Needless to say he soon became an Evangelical Chris- tian, and the proud possessor of aNew Testament." This booklet is issued by the Scripture.Gift Mission in many languages.
-Life of Faith.
MISCELLANEOUS pointing out that the Bible is not those in Japan, Canada, Aus- Faith Missions· merely a Protestant book, as so tralia, South Africa and other often alleged. The remarkable countries. A large proportion A recently published pamphlet thing is that her work is com- of the South African police are summarizes the service of pop- mended by the Cardinal Arch- members of the Association, and ularly called Faith Missions. bishop of Paris. The movement about 1,000 joined last year, The Interdenominational For- had its origin in Italy, where a while more than that number of eign Mission Association of Waldensian pastor describes it New Testaments were circulated North America was formed in as a real Reformation within the among the men, besides thou- 1917 by a group of foreign mis- Catholic Church. Roman Cath- sands of tracts and leaflets. In sionary societies that were not olic writers have also been draw- Japan the work has gradually denominationally related, but ing attention to archreological been becoming more difficult, which held identical doctrinal discovery and its bearing upon chiefly because the police are convictions and adhered to sim- the truth of the Bible. under the military authorities. -The Christian. Each week Captain Gerrard ilar missionary principles and visits the Tokyo Police Training practices. Prayer fellowship, Jews of the World School, where he distributes conferences concerning mission- tracts and Testaments among ary policy, and united appeal for Jews throughout the world to- 200 men. When the men leave world evangelization are aims day number 16,291,000 as com- they are often drafted to remote of the organization. pared with an estimated 4,200,- country villages, and may be the 000 in 1850, according to a sum- only possessors of God's .Word Listed in the order of their in the place. inception, the sixteen societies mary of the work of the noted Jewish statistician, Dr. Erwin There is also a work for wives that are now members of the Rawicz, appearing in the C.-V. of policemen.-The Christian. Association are: The Woman's Zeitung, of Berlin. The rapid Union Missionary Society of America, the China Inland Mis- increase coincides with the A Century's Achievements sion, the India Christian Mis- emancipation of the Jews in sion, the South African General most European countries and the The American Baptist For- Mission, the Central American growth of industrialization, it is eign Mission Society sums up Mission, the Sudan Interior declared, following a heavy de- its achievements of the past cen- Mission, the Ceylon and India crease in the Jewish population tury in a comparison of figures General Mission, the Africa In- in the previous twenty or which include the work of both land Mission, the Bible House of twenty-five centuries. Since the General and the Women's Los Angeles, the Inland South 1800 the general population of Societies: America Missionary Union, the Europe rose from just below Number of missionaries 1836 1935 Bolivian Indian· Mission, the 190 millions to some 500 millions on the foreign fields. 46 590 today. The summary shows Number of organized 3,226 North East India General Mis- 352,413 sion, the Evangelical Union of that there were about three Jews churches ……….. 9 South America, the American per thousand in 1800, about Members of churches abroad …………. 888 European Fellowship, the Ori- seven in 1900, and about eight Number of schools of all 4,372 in 1935. grades ….•…….. 11 noco River Mission and the 10,529 The Jewish population of Number of native work- 32 Latin America Evangelization Great Britain, according to the Campaign. ers ………..•..•. Number of hospitals .. , '" The pamphlet contains a list survey, is 340,000. The Jewish NumiJer of dispensaries … 55 of the officiary of each Mission, population of Germany is given Patients treated …… '" 344,560 and a brief statement concern- as 400,000, compared with an The number of baptisms by ing each society's origin, aim estimated 550,000 at the time of decades indicates the steady and ministry. Copies of the Hitler's advent to power. Jews growth on the mission fields: pamphlet may be secured with- in Palestine numbered 395,000 in 1935-1844 ………•……. 6,653 out cost from the headquarters 1855-1864 …•………•… 12,617 1935. By continents, there were 1875-1884 …………….. 42.,762 of the various mission agencies 1895-1904 …………….. 68,375 listed, or from the Secretary of 9,736,000 Jew in Europe, includ- 1915-1924 …………….. 125,743 the Association, George H. Dow- ing Turkey in Asia and Russia; 1925-1934 …………….. 187,536 knott, 113 Fulton Street, New 560,000 in Africa; 936,000 in York, N. Y. Asia; 5,031,000 in North and Many churches have developed -The King's Business. South America; and 27,000 in their own leadership; among Australia and New Zealand. these are the Chekiang Shang- Bible Reading for Catholics hai Baptist Convention, East A "back-to-the-Bible" tend- -The Jewish Chronicle. Japan Baptist Convention, the Convention of Philippine Bap- International Christian Police ency is noted among Catholics. Founded 53 years ago the In- tist Churches, Inc., the All- A noted archreologist's wife- a ternational Christian Police As- Burma Baptist Convention and Roman Catholic-has published sociation is now world-wide in the Bengal-Orissa B apt i s t some booklets, commending the its activities, and binds the Yearly Meeting. -Watchman-Examiner. reading of the Word of God, and Christian police in England with Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Indian Thought and Its Development. its world- and life-negation in If we must look for another, By Albert Schweitzer. Translated its later development. The book by Mrs. Charles E. B. Russell. pp. is thought-provoking, and is what about the thought of Jesus 272. Price, $2.50. Henry Holt and Company. New York. 1936. packed with accurate informa- Christ? Paul's philosophy was tion regarding the philosophy Dr. Schweitzer has distin- and history of Indian thought. based on it and is still valid and guished himself as philosopher, musician, and doctor in the equa- We believe, however, that the potent. S. M. ZWEMER. torial primeval forests of Africa. author does not place due em- He tells us that Indian thought phasis on the debt of Western Levucka Days. By C. W. Whonsbon attracted him from his youth, es- thought to Christianity. The er- Aston. pp. 95, Paper, 40 cents. pecially through the writings of ror of Hinduism and Buddhism Society for Promoting Christian Schopenhauer and his conviction is not world- and life-negation Knowledge. London. that Indian ethics were con- only, but the denial of worldcerned with the behavior of man and life-reality. In Jesus Christ This small book recounts the in relation to all living beings we have both the affirmation and experiences of a clergyman of and not mer~ly to his fellow negation. His disciples are not the Church of England who man. to be taken out of the world, but spent three years in the Fiji to be kept from the evil that is Islands. The Bishop of Polyne- He speaks of in the world. The Son of Man sia writes a commendatory in- came eating and drinking. The troduction. The narrative illus- "the difficulty of describing defi- world and life in the New Testa- trates the various interests and nite lines i)f development in a ment are not maya, illusion, but problems which face a missionphilosophy which possesses in so re- a great reality. We are not to ary in a field which includes numarkable a degree the will and the leave the world, but to overcome merous islands separated by ability not to perceive contrasts as the world. Weare not to sup- broad ocean spaces in which such, and allows ideas of heteroge- press life, but to seek its fullest navigation is rendered dangerneous character to subsist side by side development. The things that ous by currents and coral reefs. and even brings them into connection are seen are real, but they are with each other. But I believe that also temporal. The things that A. J. BROWN. we, the people of the West, shall only are not seen are real and eternal. rightly comprehend what Indian There is only one reference to Korean Young Folks. By Frederick thought really is and what is its sig- Paul's philosophy and ethics, and S. Miller. pP. 189. $2.00. Fleming nificance for the thought of all man- the author always uses the word H. Revell. New York. 1936. kind, if we succeed in gaining an in- Jesus, not Christ, when referring sight into its processes." to our Lord. These glimpses of life in Ko- rea are not dry descriptions but Beginning with a comparison At the close of the preface the are a series of interesting of Western and Indian thought, sketches of real young people. Dr. Schweitzer sketches the rise reader is told that neither in With such quaint names as of world- and life-negation in Western nor in Indian thought White Dragon, Great Mountain, the Vedas, the teaching of the Seven Stars, Jewel and the like, Upanishads, the rise of Jainism, do we find the ideal or the final- these young folks figure largely Buddhism and its later develop- ity. in the stories of country and vilment outside of India. There are lage life. The reader learns also chapters on present-day "For there must indeed arise a about rice farming and fuel cut- Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, philosophy profounder and more liv- ting, paper-making and house and modern Indian thought. ing than our own and endowed with building, how candy and puffed greater spiritual and ethical force. In rice are made and how kites are The basic distinction between this terrible period through which flown; about weddings and fu- Western thought and that of In- mankind is passing, from the East nerals and ancestor worship. dia is that the former makes th~ and from the West we must all keep affirmation of the world and life, a lookout for the coming of this more We read about Seven Stars while the latter makes its nega- perfect and more powerful form of who butted the goat; about Pigtion. This negation, he holds, is thought which will conquer the hearts gie who rolled off the bridge in void of ethical value, and there- of individuals and compel whole peo- his sleep; about Skylark the donfore Hinduism itself, and more ples to acknowledge its sway. It is for this that we must strive." key who could bray noiselessly especially Buddhism, modified and helped distribute tracts by holding them in his lips; about Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RllvIllW publishers on receipt of price.
[619 ] Kim the gambler and how he ficial relationships brought him ger. It is a true picture of that knew he was a Christian; the into contact. ARTHUR J. BROWN. heroic type of work which has narrow escape of Pak who wouldn't hit back, and a score of Christian Giving. By Clarence Ed- been done in Brazil for more than ward Macartney, D.D. 15 cents. other stories of humor and Zondervan Publishing House, Grand half a century. The author, Wilpathos, rascality and heroism Rapids. 1936. liam Anglin, himself a legiti- mate descendant in the long line and victorious Christian living. Children and adults alike will This is a sermori-;nd – the of missionary pioneers, has writ- ten these simple stories of conread with profit and pleasure preacher being Dr. Macartney- version to give a fresh sense of how a missionary works, how the saving grace of our Lord and Gospels and tracts are distrib- it is in approved sermonic style, the wonderful power of His Gosuted, how Christ changes lives, pel. It will inform, and inspire how Christians testify to non- Scriptural, clear, cogent. It is the reader and stimulate a great- Christians and how and why the er missionary passion. Gospel spreads in a foreign well that it has been published, land. J. E. MORELAND. so as to reach a wider audience. Those who have been enter- Ethiopia. By John H. Shaw, Consul tained and instructed by reading Giving is, of course, only a seg- General of Ethiopia. HOur Korean Friends," by the same author, a veteran mission- ment of the circle of Christian This paper-covered booklet on ary in Korea, will need no urg- Ethiopia, comprising ninety-five ing to secure his new book. Stewardship which Jesus pre- pages, is, as the author states ir his Introduction, an attempt "to WALTER C. ERDMAN. sented whole in his teaching, but portray an honest, truthful pic- ture of this comparatively un- Across the Years. By Charles Sted- giving is the trait Hlikest God known Christian empire, with a man Macfarland. An Autobiog- short outline of the historic raphy. pp. 367. $2.75. The Mac- within the Soul," and it deserves background, the natural re- millan Company. New York. 1936. sources, the people, the govern- to be stressed in "at least a ser- ment, and some of the undercur- Dr. Macfarland was for sev- rents that have led to the preseral years secretary of the Fed- mon every year," as Dr~ Mac- ent difficulties." The aim is too eral Council of the Churches of broad to be carried out success- Christ in America, a post to artney plans, making this the fully in so short a volume and which he was called from a Con- the book as a result is very gregational pastorate in 1911, first of the series. D. McC. sketchy. when forty-five years of age. The Federal Council was then a new A Story of Child Life in Old Peking. The author is very open in his venture, small, weak and with By Margaret Rossiter White. pp. pro-Ethiopian sympathies and no dependable revenue. It was 91. $1.0Q, cloth. Fleming H. Revell makes many statements highly strenuously opposed by some de- Ci. New York. 1936. commending the Emperor Haile nominations and by many min- Selassie The First. Had it been Every child who likes a good story will find this one of the best. In picturing the home life of a well-to-do Chinese family the author gives the pattern of Chinese culture and civilization in a way that the grown-up, as well as the child, will find inter- esting; and the result cannot but develop a bond of under- standing between the races.
H.B. F.
isters and I a y men in the Stories From Brazil. By William possible for the author to place churches which gave it scanty Anglin. With eleven illustrations. this book on the market before support. But its secretary 96 pages. $1. Pickering and Inglis. proved to be a born promoter, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh. the cataclysmic downfall of the: Ethiopian Empire the book and was strongly reenforced by In Brazil there are two dis- would have filled a greater need the growing demand for unity tinct types of missionary work. than at present. Events moved and cooperation in Christian The first is carried on in the so rapidly that even this booklet, work. By his energy and execu- great centers of population and published in 1936, is out of date. tive ability Dr. Macfarland de- at certain points along the At- The predictions made, such as veloped the Council into a large lantic coast where civilization "this nation of warriors would and influential organization. and customs are only slightly fight to the bitter end. The After twenty years, he retired dissimilar to those of North Ethiopian Empire can only be in 1931 as Secretary Emeritus. America. The second is being subdued by killing every man Now, at the age of seventy, he carried on, for the most part, and woman in it" ,have proven reviews his life's work, describ- among the more backward sec- false and the author is no doubt ing his early career and varied tions of the population. as keenly disappointed in the personal experiences, and the These "Stories from Brazil" unexpected collapse of the mocontroversies in which he and relate distinctly to the second rale of the Ethiopian army and the Federal Council were often type. They bear the authentic the flight of Emperor, and as involved. Of special interest is stamp of pioneer missionary ex- disillusioned in the outcome of his account of the various inter- perience, including travel after the struggle and the altruism of denominational and internation- the most primitive fashion and protector nations, as is the al movements of recent decades preaching the Gospel to under- writer of this review, who has and the eminent men in America privileged people, despite 'Perse- himself spent five years in and Europe with whom his of- cution and ever imminent dan- Ethiopia. STUART BERGSMA, M.D.
Booles Popular Commentary on the Interna- An Unusual New
tional Sunday School Lessons. As I Saw Africa. Eva Alice Springer. 1937. 90 cents. 224 pp. Revell. MY BELOVED ARMENIA 243 pp. }>owell & White. Cincin- New York. By MARIE S. BANKER nati, Ohio. . The King's Palace. Pen Pictures A thrilling testimony of her jrirlhood days Almanacs-Daily Light, 13hd.; Our from Ephesians. H. E. Anderson. in the caves of Armenia hiding from the Home, 1d.; Bible Almanac, 2d. 125 pp. 18. Pickering & Inglis. Turks, the suffering of her people in the Pickering & Inglis. London. London. deserts, her remarkable escapes from death, her perilous trip to Smyrna at the time of China Year Book. Edited by H. G. With Christ Into Tomorrow. Hunter the World War, the loyalty of her parents Woodhead. 510 pp. North China B. Blakely. 1GO pp. GO cents. Pres- to Christ, and the persecutions whIch the Daily News and Herald Co., Uni- byterian Committee of Publication. Armenians endured even unto death. Cusversity of Chicago Press, Chicago. Richmond, Va. toms of the Turks described and their hatred of Armenians revealed. Remarkable an- Christians in Other Lands. Compiled China Calling. Frank Houghton. 200 swers to prayer recordet!. How Got! supby Dorothy M. Horne. lB. 6d. pp. $1.00 cloth; 50 cents paper. plied her needs folt!. S. P. G. in F. P. London. China Inland Mission. Philadelphia and Toronto. Intensely Interestln,. and unusually Informing. True to life but reads Calendars-Daily Meditation~ lB. 6d.; The China Inland Mission. like fiction. Stimulatinl to faitb and Golden Grain, lB. 3d.; Golaen Text, By Love Compelled. The Call of the Christian fortitude. lB. 3d.; Daily Manna, lB.; Grace & Trust, lB.; Young Folks Calendar, China Inland Mission. Marshall Beautifully bound in blue cloth ,gold letter- lB.; Pickering & Inglis. London. Broomhall. 12G pp. 85 cents. China i1B, tinted edges; attractive two-color jacket; Inland Mission. Toronto and Phila- illustrated; photo of author; 208 pages; The Church and the Churches. Karl delphia. $1.25. Barth. 92 pp. 75 cents. Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., Grand Rapids, Obituary Not.. YOU WILL APPRECIATE THIS Mich. OUTSTANDING BOOK!
THE BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASS'N 848 N. Wells St. Chicago, Ill. David and Jonathan. Lucy Laing. (C01UJluded from sd cO'IJer.) 9G pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. and director of Indian missions. He Dr. William S. Bovard, Secretary London. was the author of "Mormonism, the of the Methodist Board of Education from 1924-1932, and since then the Golden Grain Almanac. Small-type • • • Islam of America" and other books. head of the Board's promotion work edition, 2d. and Gd.; large-type Bishop Wilbur Patterson Thir- until his retirement last June, died at edition, ~d. and lB. Pickering & kield, retired, of the Methodist Epis- Sierra Madre, California, on Septem- Inglis. LI. ~don. copal Church, leader in Negro educa· ber 16. tion in the United States, died on ••• Golden Grah'. Diary. Vest-pocket November 9th, after several months' edition. lB. to G8. Gd.; Standard Hon. Hampei Nagao and Rev. M. Edition, lB. t<. GB. Gd. Pickering & • • illness at 82 years of age. Inglis. Londoh. Akazawa, two Japanese Christian • High Lights in the Near East. leaders, died recently. The former Reminiscences of nearly 40 years' Col. George Wingate, the founder used his political influence to further service. Abdul-Fady (A. T. Up- of the Central Asian Mission, and a the temperanee cause; and the latter son) • 128 pp. 28. 6d. Marshall, highly honored Christian and promot- was Bishop of the Methodist Church. Morgan & Scott. London. er of Christian work, died recently in England at the age of 84. He was Mexico Today. Col. Irving Speed a member of the board of the Regions Wallace. 364 pp. $2.00. Meador Beyond Missionary Union. Pub. Co. Boston. JUST OFF THE PRESS! My Robber-Captain. C. G. Kilpper. 166 pp. $1.00. Wm. B. Eerdmans The Presbyterian .!,mn~ Pub. Co. Grand Rapids.
New Testament Principles and Mod- A weekly religious newspaper in of tbt ern Missions. By a Missionary its lo6th year of continuous pub- Secretary. Gd. 22 pp. World Do- (!Cbri~tian minion Press. London.
New Testament Commentary. Edited lication under the same name. 1Lift by Herbert C. Allerman. United Lutheran Pub. House. Philadel- It is conservative and evangel- ell BOOK of worship in song, com- phia,l'a. ical, gets its news by telegraph bining a hymnal for general and keeps abreast of the times. church use, and a song book for evan- Portuguese East Africa-A Study of gelistic purposes. Owy songs sound Its Religious Needs. Eduardo Mor- It goes into every state of the in the faith and inspirational-in char- eira. 104 pp. 28. Gd. World Do- Union, the District of Columbia, acter included•••emphasizing Evangel- minion Press. London. and U. S. possessions. ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life. Many of the new._.the best of the old. Reftections of a Pioneer. W. R. S. It goes to Asia and Africa, South Miller. 58. 22G pp. C. M. S. Lon- America, Canada and New Zealand don.
The Silent Oak. Armine Gabriel. 298 pp. $2.50. RevelL New York.
What Maurice Found. Laura A. and into twelve countries of Eu- Barter-Snow. 189 pp. lB. Gd. rope. Pickering & Inglis. London. 504 Songs Responsive Readings Why Quit Our Own. Geo. N. Peek, Subscription Price, • • .' $2.50 Samuel Crowther. D. Van Nos- Ministerial Rate, • • • $2.00 Topical Index Gold Embossed trand Co., New York. Published in round notes and Roxite cloth Christmas in Other Lands. Compiled 50e. extra..·Canadian postage by Dorothy M. Horne. Illus. 63 $1.00 extra•••foreign postage edition only at $65.00 per lOQ….·an especially pp. lB. Gd. S. P. G. in F. P. Lon- low price. Single copy, SSe. postpaid. don. THE PRESBYTERIAN Write todal/ fOT .etumable sample cop, 11'11 Through the Eye to the Heart. 1217 Market: St:reet, Philadelphia, Pa. j Edited br Hy Pickerin~. 28. 1G4 CHRISTIAN PUBUCATIONS. pp. PIckering & Ingbs. London. INCORPORATED Third and Reily Streets Harrisburg, Pa.
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The Missionary Review of the World — November 1936
1936
White Men and Missionaries Oscar Emil Emanuelson Pioneer Mission Work in Africa Herbert Smith A Church That Gives and Likes It George C. Southwell Hindrances to Mission Work in Africa c. S. Jenkins Islam and Christianity in Africa Today Samuel M. Zwemer More Africans on the Witness Stand Various Authors A Converted Priest in Venezuela By a Correspondent 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yea1'
to Remember Obituary Note. of Asia several times and gave
November 15 – Men and Missions Mrs. O. R. Avison, a retired Pres- to the work of Christ both at home Sunday. byterian missionary to Korea, who and abroad. had served with her husband, Dr. November 23-24 – Stewardship Con- Avison, for forty-two years, died *** ference under the auspices of the September 15, in Cape Cod, Mass. United Stewardship Council, Day- Dr. and Mrs. Avison recently cele- Dr. Edmund B. Chaffee, Director ton, Ohio. brated their Golden Wedding. They of the Labor Temple of New York went to Korea in 1893, arriving nine City, died suddenly while making an November 23-25 – National Confer- years after Dr. Horace N. Allen, the address on September 15 at the Min- ence on the Rural Church, Ames, first Protestant missionary to enter nesota State Conference of Social Iowa. the "Hermit Kingdom." Dr. Avison Work in St. Paul, Minn. Dr. Chaffee became physician to the Korean Court was 49 years of age. He was born in December 9-11- Biennial meeting, and president of Severence Union Rose Center, Michigan, was graduated Federal Council of Churches, As- Medical College and was founder and from the University of Michigan in bury Park, N. J. president of Chosen Christian Col- 1909 and from Union Theological lege. Mrs. Avison visited hospitals, Seminary in 1916. Fifteen years ago January 11-14, 1937 – Annual Meet- trained women in Bible study, and he became director of the Labor ings, Home Missions Council and performed other missionary work. Temple which is conducted under the The Council of Women for Home auspices of the Presbytery of. New Missions. Asbury Park, N. J. Mrs. J. Livin*gsto*ne*Taylor (Sophia York. He has been a very active, liberal social reformer advocating free February S-13-International Council Strong Taylor), a very warm friend speech and taking the part of labor- of Religious Education, Executive of missions and one of the original ers and foreign-born Americans, many Committee and Associated Meetings. stockholders of THE REVIEW, died at of whom resided in his parish. He Chicago, Ill. her home in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sep- was editor of the newly established tember 25, at the age of 75 years. Presbyterian Tribune. NATIONAL PREACHING Mrs. Taylor has been very active in MISSION the business world, being the presi- **• dent of the department store of Wil- Nov. 1-4-Vancouver. liam Taylor Son & Co., of Cleveland, Dr. Jonathan Goforth, for forty- Nov. s-S-Portland. since the death of her husband in eight years a missionary in China and Nov. S-ll-San Francisco, Oakland. 1892. Mrs. Taylor took a very active recently retired, died on October 8 in Nov. 12-1S-Los Angeles. interest in the Y. W. C. A., standing Wallaceburg, Ontario, at the home of Nov. IS-IS-Dallas. strongly for the maintenance of a defi- his son, Rev. J. F. Goforth. He was Nov. 19-22-Chicago. nite Evangelical purpose and mes- 77 years of age, and went out to China Nov. 22-2s-Washington, D. C. sage. She visited the mission fields under the Presbyterian Church of Nov. 26-29-Raleigh. Canada in 1888. Mrs. Goforth, who Nov. 29-Dec. 2-Philadelphia. went to China with him, survives. Dec. 3-6-Boston. They accomplished a remarkably spir- Dec. 6-9-New York City. itual work in China and Manchuria.
DO NOT MISS THE MOSLEM WORLD SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Edil:or SOME ARTICLES IN THE OCTOBER NUMBER: SURAT AL·IKHLAS …………………………….. .Samuel M. Zwemer JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD ……………………….• .5. A. Morrison THE CRISIS IN ISLAM ………………………….. D. Van der Meulen TEMPORARY MARRIAGE IN IRAN ……………. Dwight M. Donaldson BLESSINGS ON THE PROPHET ………………………. James Robson WHY COPTS BECOME MOSLEMS ………………….. .Qummus Sergius CONTRASTS IN IRAN …………………………… .Herrick B. Young MOSLEM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ………………….. Murray T. Titus PRE·ISLAMIC USE OF THE NAME MUHAMMAD …….. .Edward J. Jurii SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK IN THE NEAR EAST ……. .Ralph McLaughlin THE ADVANCE OF ISLAM IN NIGERIA …………………..L. Hickin CURRENT TOPICS-BOOK REVIEWS SURVEY OF PERIODICALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Molleson Foster INDEX FOR THE YEAR _.-~) SUBSCRIBE NOW ~o(-_.
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REVIEW OF THE WORLD subscription to your magazine. I have IMPBISS DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor let it lapse, thinking I could not af- ford it, but I need it, in the knowledge Real Comfort it gives and the inspiration I get from reading it." MRS. H. M. DElRONDE. by the VOL. LIX Nov., 1936 No. 11 Personal Items Fast Short Route publication and Business Office- Rev. Paul deSchweinitz, D.D., of Reach Yokohama in 10 Jays. It"s the Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. Bethlehem, Pa" treasurer of the mis- fastest, shortest Pacific crossing. Go sions of the Moravian Church in on the sister·ships, Empress of Asia Editorial and Executive Office— America, recently celeorated the fif- or Empress of Russia. Or take the 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. tieth anniversary of his ordination Paradise route via Honolulu. Only Entered as second-class matter at into the Christian ministry. Dr. de- 3 days longer. Go on the Empress of Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Schweinitz has not only rendered re- Japan (largest, fastest liner on the markable service as a Moravian min- Pacific) or the Empress of Canada. Ac2t 5ofceMntasrcah 3, 1879. a year. ister of the Gospel but has been a very copy-$2.50 effective worker for missions through Very low round-trip fares. Lux- Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. his executive work and as a counsel- urious First Class. Popular Tourist Published monthly, except August. lor. Twenty-two years ago it was he Class. Also, low-cost Third Class. who proposed the formation of the All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. Committee of Reference and Council Frequent sailings from Vancouver British agents – Marshall, Morgan of the Foreign Missions Conference, (trains to ship-side) and Victoria. and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, of which he has long been a member. Orient fares include passage to and London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, Of the original members of the com- from Seattle. California sailings mittee (1904-08), he only is still on connect with Empresses at Hono- 10 shillings a year. the committee. Dr. deSchweinitz has lulu. Orient ports-of-calI: Yoko- always been a warm friend and sup- hama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Shanghai, MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- porter of THE REVIEW as of every Hong Kong, (lnd Manila. LISHING CO., INC. other cause working effectively for • Also, Independmt World TOllrs the extension of Christ's Kingdom. as low as $579.90, Combination BOARD OF DIREC1'ORS of Classes. *** ROBERT E. SPEER, President Booklets, information from YOUR A. L. WARNBHUIB, Vice-president Miss Edith E. Lowry, director of OWN AGENT or Canadian Pacific: W ALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer the migrant work of the Council of New York, 344 Madison Ave.; DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary Women for Home Missions, has suc- Chicago, 71 E. Jackson Blvd.; San ceeded Dr. Anne Seesholtz as Execu- Francisco, 152 Geary St.; and 38 SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT tive Secretary of the Council. Miss other cities in U. S. and Canada. WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN Charlotte Mary Burnham, who has long experience in religious education ~@a4<: D. J. FANT and Christian social service, becomes Miss Lowry's associate. TO THB MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD *** OBIINT WM. B. LIPPHARD ERIC M. NORTH Dr. Frank A. Smith has retired from his position as Secretary of the SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Department of Missions and Educa- tion of the American Baptist Home Editorial Chat Mission Society. In view'of his long experience in the interests of Negro Already a thousand extra copies of education, the Board has asked him to our October special number on Africa be its special representative in this have been sold and the demand still field. continues. It may soon be out of print as is the case with our June number. *** Better order now. Several articles on Africa appear in this issue and others Bi[hop Frederick Rogers Graves, may be expected in December. senior bishop of the Episcopal Church in China, has retired from active serv- *** ice. He has been one of the outstand- ing figures in the modern missionary Weare already planning the special movement. numbers of THE REVIEW for 1937. The Home Mission topic will be *** "Christ and Rural Life in America." It is a fruitful theme on a long-neg- Edward Hunter, M. D., of Wesley lected field which has recently been Hospital, Nigeria, has been made a receiving much attention from the native chief, the highest honor the Christian leaders in America. King of Ilesha, Nigeria, could confer. His title is "Oluawo, chief of native The Foreign Mission topic will be doctors." He is the only missionary "Christ and the Moslem Wodd To- to Nigeria, except Mary Slessor, to day." Great changes are taking place receive this honor. among the followers of Mohammed and the lands where Islam has long *** held sway are already yielding to the impact of Christianity and modern Dr. John R. Matt, Chairman of the civilization. This will be a very im- International Christian Council, has portant study which should attract the sailed for India to attend the Interattention of Christians everywhere. national Conference of the Y. M. C. A. Do you know where Islam is yielding This is the first meeting of this ormost to Christian influence and what ganization that has been held in the is the attitude of present-day Mos- Far East. It is expected that some lems of the younger generation to important decisions will be reached. Dr. Mott will later visit the Near Christ? East.
*** [513 ] It is time to think of Christmas and of Christmas gifts to missionaries and to friends at home. Note our special Christmas offer on the back cover of THE REVIEW. Make your Christmas remembrance of the birth of Christ one that is worthy of Him.
*** A recent letter enclosed with a subscription reads as follows:
A BIBLE STORY TO A GROUP OF WEST AFRICAN
Photograph by C. E. Whittier EVANGELISTS' CLASS, DUGER BIBLICAL SE'MINARY, CAMEROUN, WEST AFRICA PROGRESS IN TRAINING AFRICAN CHRISTIANS REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER, 1936 Topics of the Times TURMOIL IN SPAIN through some desertions from the Loyalists.
War for mastery of other men's property and Observers declare that the contest for the control a desire to rule brings out the most cruel and of the country is likely to be prolonged. In the beastly elements in human nature. This has been meantime lives are being taken ruthlessly, valuevident in the World War, in Russia, and the Far able property is destroyed and normal life is dis- East, and now in Spain. It requires an almost rupted. The coming generations will pay a heavy superhuman leader and an unusually worthy price in taxes, poverty and moral degeneration. cause and noble spirit for combatants to resist the It is reported that already, after four months of temptations to lust and heartless murder and pil- fighting, 60,000 Loyalists and 80,000 Revolutionlage when the passion for conquest is unleashed. ists have been slain-many combatants and non- How slow ,men are to learn from past experience! combatants being cruelly slaughtered. Loyalists The more deadly the weapons of warfare the more are said to kill all "cowards" and plotters, and one inhuman is the conflict. rebel leader has declared: "My men take no pris- oners and leave behind no living men among the The news from Spain, where the fratricidal wounded." The effect on women is degrading. strife for mastery continues, brings a blush of They take their places with the men and are shame to every Christian. Both sides seem to be among the most fiendish fighters; on the Loyalist equally ferocious and heartless. The Spanish side many are bitter opponents of God and the Government forces – called Loyalists – include Church. Hundreds of priests and nuns have been Socialists, Communists and anarchists. They seek massacred and much church property pillaged and to maintain a government which will control cap- destroyed. ital and industry and will give the workers a better opportunity. They are opposed to the power Evangelical Christian work in Spain is natof the Roman Catholic Church and some are urally hindered by the conflict. The Life of Faith against all religion, therefore their cause is fa- (London) says in a recent issue: vored by Soviet Russia, by Mexico and by the ,From most of the stations of the Spanish Gospel M.ission Communists and Socialists in France. still under control of the Government all foreign workers have been ev~cuated. Meanwhile the work of the mission, The Revolutionists-or rebels as they are called so far as CIrcumstances permit, is being continued by -are fighting to establish a Fascist government Spanish evangelists and colporteurs. Where the Governwhich will be dictatorial and nationalistic. They m~n~ is in control Pro~estants have complete liberty for are friendly to the Catholic Church and have in Splr1tu~1 work. In SeVIlle, however, which is in the hands their ranks many Royalists who favor the return o~ t~e msurgents, one ~f the most promising of the misof the Spanish king. If the Revolutionists are vic- SIOn s younger evangelIsts was shot down with others torious a dictatorship is likely to be established. while standing in a bread line. This side is favored by Italy, Germany and Portugal, all of which are accused of supplying war Mr. Lawrence Elder, a representative of the mission materials to the Revolutionists. The rebel forces known as "Helpers Together" for Spain, was in Badajos seem to have the advantage in the conflict and of at the outbreak of t~e Civil War, and left the besieged forty-nine provinces only eighteen are counted town the day before It fell. He states: "Circumstances loyal to the present central government. The have changed since we left. The occupation of Badajos creirbcellisngocMcuapdyrids.eveTnhteeiern rapnrokvsinacrees baenindg asrweeIeIend- by the rebels was accompanied by fearful bloodshed. As the rebel movement is a militarist-clerical movement it is' probable that Protestants will suffer all over Spain."
estIannpt aprltasceosf othf ewcoorusnh~irpy,halvoeyaslutfofetrheed Gbuotvesrlingmhetlnyt., Prot- [ 515]
Evangelical forces are facing, on the Govern- teen hundred years they and the Turks have ment side, the communistic element that would do almost continuously controlled the land which God away with all religion, and on the rebel side, they gave to Abraham and his seed "forever." face the clerical party opposed to all Protestant religious activity. Since the close of the WorId War Palestine, while under a British Mandate, has been disturbed Spain, the home of the Moorish "Alhambra" by frequent conflicts between Jews and Moslems. and other historic buildings, is a land with a The latter have never shown ability to develop checkered history, beautiful scenery, and rich re- the land agriculturally or economically or to train sources. Most of its 23,000,000 inhabitants are their people educationally and socially and are still poor and illiterate but the past half-century now aroused because of the rapid influx of Jews, has been marked by an encouraging struggle for who dispute with them the right to develop the liberty and learning. The religious life and much land which is theirs by right of possession. On of the wealth, the political power and education the other hand the Hebrews claim that Palestine have been controlled by the Roman Catholic was given to their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Church. As in Mexico and other Latin American Jacob and their descendents by Divine Mandate. countries this control has not brought liberty and The Jews are being evicted from Germany and prosperity to the masses so that there has been a are unwelcome in many other lands. The Balfour revolt against the Papacy. Declaration promised them a home in Palestine and over three hundred thousand Jews have The Evangelical mission work today is carried settled there in the past eighteen years. They on by twenty-five missions, five of them American have bought property and have shown their pro- -the Congregational Board, the Methodist Epis- gressive spirit by building cities, developing copal Church, the Assemblies of God, the Southern farms, establishing schools and colleges and carry- Baptists and the Seventh-Day Adventists. Other ing on trade. Their increasing numbers and insocieties are British, German, Swedish, Dutch and fluence alarms their Moslem neighbors so that Spanish. The results of the work reported show the Palestinian Arabs have dynamited railroad an Evangelical community of only about 22,000 bridges and trains, bombed busses, destroyed or one in a thousand of the population. The Prot- farms and attacked Jewish residents, creating a estant Sunday schools enroll 7,000 and their day reign of terror. Italy is charged with helping to schools 7,500. The total number of Evangelical stir up strife in order to create trouble for the missionaries from outside of Spain is only 123, British who are determined to maintain order, reof whom eleven are American; most of these so- cently declaring marshall law. Many Moslems, cieties help only to support the Spanish Evan- Jews and some British soldiers have been killed. gelical Church. A National Committee for the Fortunately the Moslem "strike" has been called Propagation of the Gospel, representing the lead- off and conditions are becoming more normal. ing Evangelical forces, was formed in Madrid five years ago and has promoted Evangelism by many The sympathy of most travelers is with the public meetings. When peace is once more estab- Moslems who see their land occupied and business lished this Committee may be expected to take captured by Jews who are still coming at the rate steps to proclaim the Gospel more freely and vig- of 1,000 a month. On the other hand, the symorously. Spain needs the rule of Christ to bring pathy of most Bible students is with the Jews who peace and to establish liberty and justice, right- are not only driven out of Europe but who show eousness and prosperity. themselves better able than the Arabs to develop their ancient ancestral home. They are willing THE OUTLOOK IN PALESTINE to live at peace with their neighbors.
At the crossroads between Asia and Africa, and A recent visitor to Palestine, Rev. Walser H. next door to Europe, lies Palestine (the "Land of Allen of the Moravian Church in America, has Wanderers"), the birthplace of three great reli- this to say of the situation: gions and the theater for many religious, racial and political conflicts. Until the time of Joshua, About 750,000 Arabs live in Palestine (which is about about 1,400 years before Christ, the land was di- the size of the State Qf Vermont and much less fertile). vided between many pagan tribes, some of whom Three British Royal Commissions that have been sent out had reached a considerable degree of civilization. to study the situation have reported that Palestine is un- Then for a thousand years it was possessed and able to support more than the present population. It is peopled by the Hebrews. For the next thousand also claimed that tb.e late Colonel T. E. Lawrence promyears it was under Assyrian, Persian, Greek, ised the Arabs, as a reward for helping the British in the Roman or other foreign governments, but still World War, that an all-Arab Federation would be formed, was mostly peopled by Jews. Then came the including Palestine. As a result of the Balfour Declara- Moslem conquests and settlement, so that for thir- tion the Arabs are exceedingly bitter against both Jews and British. The Arabs admit that the Jews are smarter than they and have more wealth but they believe that if Jewish immigration continues the country will be com- pletely dominated by them.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
It is true that the Arabs have, for the most part, lived have become wearied of prospectuses and plans in old ruts for centuries, while Jewish colonists have, in and pleas. But now and then one comes into a few years, made the desert to blossom as a rose. Some existence because it is definitely needed. Remindof their accomplishments have been tremendous. The ers of the large percentage of unchurched chilgreat Hebrew university in Jerusalem is one of the finest dren in America have been common, but a movein the world. The problem is very complex. ment with a comprehensive plan for reaching them is still sufficiently new to attract attention The Moslems, in a recent conference of 350 and sufficiently important to demand the considerleaders, adopted seven resolutions with a view to ation of the whole Christian Church. If the maintaining their prestige: Church cannot evangelize the children and young people, on whom is it going to depend for its mem- 1. Boycott foreign materials and use homemade goods. bership in another generation? This question alone is enough to awaken a concern which the 2. Establish more Moslem schools to combat mission figures involved must greatly deepen. schools. The movement to meet the spiritual needs of 3. Prevent Jews from buying land and encourage Moslems America's unreached millions of children, from to cultivate their own holdings. whom our armies of atheists, criminals and dan- gerous radicals are chiefly recruited, has already 4. Establish a fighting fund, with contributions from enlisted at least six denominations, which have every Moslem. officially endorsed it. The International Council of Religious Education has also done so, giving it 5. Increase Moslem preachers and teachers in towns and the indirect endorsement of some forty other de- villages. nominations. The special committee on the Christ for Youth Movement, of the General Assembly of 6. Insist on only Moslem teachers for Moslem youth. the United Presbyterian Church of North Amer- ica, in its report presented last May went into the 7. Discourage all modern non-Moslem customs. subject very thoroughly. Its opening paragraphs furnish these sentences of value and interest, and They also demand of Great Britain, as a price show the genesis of this definitely organized effort, of peace: (1) that all Jewish immigration must which at once began to be taken up by other stop; (2) that sales of land to Jews must be churches: restricted; (3) that a national Palestinian government must be established. The past two years have witnessed the most significant movement among Protestant churches in America that has From a Christian viewpoint the present out- ever taken place, looking toward universal Christian teachlook in Palestine is not bright. A recent com- ing for children and youth. The startling fact is that mission, sent out by the Church of England, visited schools and hospitals and agricultural col- twenty million boys and girls are growing up in this counonies, with a view to promoting evangelism among try as practical agnostics. They are ignorant of God and the Jews, most of whom are materialistic and irreligious. The Commission reported great difficul- His laws and His help, because no one has taught them. ties facing Christian work and said that the most Crime is costing sixteen million dollars every day, or six effective way to solve the problem is to work billions annually. Ninety-five per cent of the crime is comthrough Christian friendliness, extending help to mitted by those who have not had Christian instruction. those in need. Christian communities should be The financial cost of crime is only a fraction of the real established, with homes and institutions that will offer an opportunity for all to earn an honorable cost. livelihood. Experience proves that these unchurched children are Christian missionaries and travelers agree that accessible. All that is needed is an awakened concern and Palestine today is, perhaps, the most difficult place purpose on the part of our Christian churches. Christian on earth for the Gospel of Christ to make real instruction can be given to the whole twenty millions not headway. Even Christian Arabs are alienated by receiving it for one per cent of what crime is costing in their feeling that a Christian government is giving their country to aliens and enemies. cash. It costs less than $3.00 a pupil per year to give such instruction to three hundred thousand children in four It is our conviction that the one hope for peace and prosperity in Palestine, as in other lands, is hundred communities that have undertaken it. for all classes to recognize in Christ the Son of God, the potential Saviour of all men, and the Back of the action of our General Assembly one year giver of peace on the basis of righteousness and ago in appointing this special committee on unchurched love. The return of the Jews to Palestine is children, lies a historical setting which helps to interpret stirring up Moslem opposition but the fulfilment of prophecy will ultimately establish the reign of its importance, and our Church's Providential relation to Christ. the whole national movement. On August 14, 1934, the FOR OUR UNEVANGELIZED YOUTH one who has been since appointed chairman of this special There are movements and movements, and there committee sent out an appeal for prayer for a nationare organizations and organizations, until we wide movement in behalf of the millions of unchurched children in America. So far as we can discover, this was the first definite proposal of this nature that has been made. R. M. K.
~1ll0 MANYAPPEALS~ and the sinister ministrations of the witch doctor. The missionary's message was life-changing, 'BLED WHITE!/ revolutionary. Life has been made worth living. ''CAN'T GIVE The loving Father God has been made the per- ANOTHER sonal friend of legions of His African children (thirty-four per cent of the native people in South CENT" Africa are members of Christian churches to- day). Individuals have been freed from slavery (Courtesy oj tb. Golden Rule FOllndatlOn) to enervating tradition and an ancestor-controlled social order, and have already risen high in vari- FACTS vs. FEELINGS ous vocations and professions. For all this the new African is gra1teful. If I could control my feelings I never would But he is frankly puzzled today at what is takhave any bad feelings, I would always have good ing place before his eyes. The white missionary and the church have followed him to the highly feelings. Satan may change our feelings fifty industrialized urban area. He had felt that he was joining a great body of people which repretimes a day, but he cannot change the Word of sented that brotherhood of men and women under a common Father God about which the Apostle God; and what we want is to build our hopes of Paul said so much.
Heaven upon the Word of God. When a sinner is "The Church refuses to face or is slow to try to meet the problems of the people. It preaches coming up out of the pit, and is just ready to get impractical maxims and does not seek to prove Christianity in the Monday struggles of the peohis feet upon the Rock of Ages, the devil sticks ple," says the principal of a school.
out a plank of feeling, and says, "Get on that," In South Africa there is an element of urgency about the problems facing the Christian Church and when the sinner puts his feet on that, down arising from the very large number of African youth who are being exposed to disturbing condihe goes again. Take one saying of Jesus, "Verily, tions. In no country in the world are so many individuals of a backward race meeting face to I say unto you, he that heareth my word and be- face with so many individuals of the white race and having personal dealings with them. lieveth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, In no country in the world are so many native and shall not come into condemnation, but is Christians being put to quite so severe a test of their newly found faith. And in no country with passed from death unto life." That rock is more which the writer is familiar is there such a de- mand as in South Africa, and by native Chrisstable than my feeling. D. L. MOODY. tians, for a program of social action on the part of a united Christian Church. LOOKING AHEAD IN AFRICA In the next decade it will be a race between The new African, the product of missionary such action and such unity of endeavor by the schools and colleges, looks back and recalls the Christian Church and the relegation of the Church fearsome, deadening, spirit-controlled world of to the sidelines of interest-at least on the part his fathers, and he is grateful for the early work of educated African men and women who are of the missionary pioneers who liberated the peo- making the cities and towns their homes. ple from bondage to tribal and ancestral spirits RAY EDMUND PHILLIPS.
WHAT MISSIONARIES ARE SENT TO PREACH Not human experience, but divine redemption. Not economic de!!.ls, but the Gospel of Christ. Not culture, but conversion. Not personal reforms, but liberation from sin. Not laws of progress, but forgiveness for sin. Not social reform, but spiritual salvation. Not a new organization, but a new creation. Not the benefits of civilization, but the blessings of Christ. Weare ambassadors, not diplomats.
R. P. RICHARDSON, North Kiangsu, China.
Mission Work in
By HERBERT SMITH, D.D., Bolenge, Coquilhatville, Congo BeIge, Africa I F YOU are sent to do pioneer work at a new One learns that in Africa today most colonial missionary station, the very best thing that governments have a real concern for the village can happen to you is that you should forget people. Most missions have made a name for that you are in so elementary and yet so impor- themselves. They come not only to build a, church tant work. If you should begin to think that you where the Gospel will be preached, but they will were sent there because you were important, the have a school where the people will learn to read future will be much in doubt. The natives with and write and where other things will be taught. whom you must work would soon sense that you They will have a hospital and also some plan for regarded yourself as being of more consideration vocational work, in either agriculture or industry. than they, and such an attitude would be fatal. The colonial government usually welcomes a mis- These native people are good judges of character. sion that can look forward to a fully developed They can read the motives of many a man even work. The one-man mission is not now very popthough he and they speak different languages. ular with them because one man is unable to This does not mean that the native will not re- preach and do well all the work mentioned. Most spect you. They respect their elders and rulers, mission stations need several missionaries who but every newcomer is just a person to them, and have varied talents and can render different types you have to win them. When you have done so of servicp. in the Name of the Master. the way is open for the very best kind of future work. The Daily Problems Begin Obtaining a Mission Site The steamer landed us at the new station in the late afternoon. The natives gathered hur- Occasionally we hear of the missionary who riedly on the beach when the steamer whistled. goes among a people, settles in their village and What a strange group! They wore little clothing; almost forces his Gospel down their throats. In there was not a shirt among them; their bodies reality such a thing is impossible. In most Afri- were smeared with red powdered wood used as a can colonies, before a missionary can begin to live paint; their hair was matted, and had not been in any village, or even near one, he must obtain combed for months. Every man had some weapon permission twice over. He visits the place where in his hand, either a bow and arrows or spear he would like to settle. He asks the chief and the or large fighting knife. The women had babies on elders of the village if they will permit him to re- their hips and the bodies of the little children side near them. If they will, he then proceeds to were covered with yaw sores. Yet we learned to the administrative authority of the colony and love quite a few of that first crowd. Many have makes the same request. If the native people said become Christians, and we have seen them they did not want a missionary to live near them, clothed, have heard them pray, and have seen the matter is ended; he will not be allowed to them do deeds of kindness because of the Good force himself upon an unwilling people. But if News that comes with the Christian missionary. the villagers have agreed that he should come a In that village it would be almost impossible now government officer goes to see the site and holds to find a baby with yaws. a council meeting with the chiefs and elders to see if they understand what they have. done. If the Morning seemed to come too soon. The goats matter seems to be in accordance with the policy we took with us were tied outside the hut because of the government, permission may be given to there was no other place. The first male of the take certain portions of ground. This permission flock was dead. The steamer was getting ready for temporary residence can be confirmed later or to leave. Some of the natives, especially the old may be withdrawn. It must also be remembered chief and the women, had now got right near to that the government may not give permission, the steamer and were talking to the crew. They even though the native people have offered a site were quite interested in all they saw. The captain for residence. suddenly saw a chance to have some fun. Up went his arm and he blew a blast on the whistle. The [ 519 ]
women fled for their lives and the old chief just would say, "Where is the owner?" Then she about outran them. He explained later that he would have to admit that he was working in the was getting out of the way of the women. But forest or garden and that he might not be back the crowd was not going home and they were not for an hour or two, but that she would be glad to going to allow anything to keep them from satis- receive any gift they might want to give. To this fying their curiosity. the man would say, "You are a woman, what do you know about such things?" We took an American stove, which was set up in the open. The cook had an appreciative audi- The lady was always equal to such an occasion ence. He lighted the fire, having told them what and always said, "Thank you. Won't you sit would happen, so that all eyes were on the end of down and wait until the owner comes?" Then the stove pipe. Suddenly the smo.ke appeared and she would try to get the women to talk. Up until away went the women again, laughing and shout- now they had never said a word. Now they giging, half in fear and half in ridicule that the white gled and answered questions by shaking their man had to have a contraption like that to cook heads, wiggling their bare toes and putting their his food. The chief did not run that time. He hands over their mouths, but not a word would was getting wiser, making game of his wives and they say. Perhaps this lady with great guile would asking if they were babies that run at the sight entice these women into the house and let them of smoke. stand so they could see themselves in a large mir- ror. One would not recognize her own picture Ground had to be· cleared for a temporary at first but she would that of another wife. Then house. We opened a box of long knives known as there would be a roar. They would beat their matchets and used for clearing underbrush and breasts and slap one another on the back and from cutting smaller trees. The chief had never seen now on they would talk a streak. The old chief a boxful of knives before. He promptly put out who had been left out of this would stand it no his hand, expecting one as a present. Gifts that longer. He would want to come in and see what early in the morning were out of order, so he had it was all about. They would show him a picture to wait until later. We had taken a number of of himself in the looking glass and ask him if he workmen with us from one of our other stations. knew himself. After awhile he would realize he Like us, they were housed in huts of the village. was looking at himself and consent to smile, but We built our temporary houses as fast as we could. he would refuse to make the fuss the women did. In a week we had a roof over our heads. This After looking awhile he would say, "I wonder roof was made from palm leaves and was fine dur- where that road goes to?" With that he tried to ing quiet sunshine, but when a storm raged these get into the bedroom to find out. He thought the leaves would stand up on end, allowing the tropi- mirror was a path into some other house. These cal rain to pour into our bedroom. You then chiefs and their wives gave us many moments of pushed your bed over in the other corner, and humor as well as serious thought. It was neces~ hoped the sun would shine next day. It usually sary for them to know us as well as for our does do that most of the time. Such weather was tongues to begin to stammer out some of their very hard on books, clothes and the little furniture language. we had. When Christmas Came Native Hospitality Christmas came, and we invited a number of The natives soon wanted to show their hospital- chiefs and others to a service under the great tall ity. This consisted in bringing presents and mak- trees. Things went all right while we sang and ing speeches of welcome. Unfortunately we could told the Christmas story of the birth of Christ, not, at first, understand the speeches. The chiefs but when we tried to close the meeting with from miles around came to bring these gifts and prayer that was another matter. The native evanto make speeches. The chiefs always wanted the gelist said, "Now let everybody close his eyes man of the house to receive these gifts. In fact while we pray." The oldest chief, who was decked they refused to give them to his wife. They would out in a hat of feathers, refused to close his eyes ask her, "Where is the male?" She would look but he put his hand over his face and looked out of the door, and there standing was a man through his fingers. That would have been all with a spear in his hand, a loin cloth for clothing, right if some women had not seen him and begun and a monkey skin for a hat. Behind him were to giggle. Thinking to maintain his dignity he three or four women. Each of these women had called out in a loud voice, "You women, can't you a basket on her back which was filled with plan- stop laughing for just a short time? Aren't you tains and dried meat of the forest. Always five ashamed at spoiling the meeting of the white or six chickens dangled head downward from one man ?" The damage was done. Everybody knew of their hands. If the lady missionary greeted that he was afraid to shut his eyes in a public them without answering the question the man
PIONEER MISSION WORK IN AFRICA
meeting. He looked all around him to see that no was his own affair." "No it wasn't. If you had one was going to work a charm on him, and the not taken him to your house and if Mamma had whole crowd began to laugh. It was impossible not cooked for him we would have had to furnish to pray, so we said "Amen" and ended the meet- paddlers, and they would have been gone for days. ing. We would learn, however, how to handle a You helped us then." Because of this and similar crowd that could laugh and be serious at the most events almost all the villages there received the simple things, all inside of a couple of minutes. Gospel in due season. They tried hard to under- As soon as the meeting had broken up the head stand our broken language and when we failed to chief and others followed us to our mud hut and make things clear the native evangelist who was said, "White man, we have corne a long way to with us, in many eloquent speeches and sermons this meeting of yours. Now what is our pay for brought the beauty and salvation of the Gospel. coming?" We would learn things the longer we lived among these forest people. We did not pay The wives of the local chief received the Gospel them for coming to church. Years afterwards we one by one, with the permission arid consent of learned that our every action was noticed and their husband. He seemed to welcome the idea talked about in the village. The man missionary of having them become Christians. We then made the garden, and his wife did not. According found out that he thought there was hope for him to native custom the woman is the gardener. The in the faith of his wives. It was a shock to him missionary husband and wife ate together at when the matter was fully explained. He carne every meal; in fact, the wife was served first. If many times to talk it over with us, and all his they walked down a path they walked side by side wives carne too. He was most sincere in his quesand not as the native, with the man in front and tions regarding his obligation to these women and the woman behind. We did so many things in a how he should become a Christian. He was told way that was quite contrary to their customs. there was but one way. A chief, or any man or woman must receive the gracious salvation in just Meeting the State Officer the same way. One day he asked, "If I become a Christian which one of these women is to be my Steamers and canoes passed our village horne wife? I love all of them, and they all love me. very seldom in those days. One morning the drum What am I to do?" of a canoe was heard, and soon it was announced that a State officer was coming. He landed at This was a hard question, and I did not want the native village near by. We went to meet him, to decide for him. After many days of thought but before we reached the beach he had ordered he said, "My first wife has a child, and the others that the village furnish a number of paddlers to have no children. I will take that woman as my take him further on his journey. We invited him Christian wife, and the others can marry whom to our new home, which was not very much to they will in my family who are Christians, or relook at, but he seemed glad to accept the invita- turn to their own families, just as they wish." tion. He accepted also an invitation to dinner and That settled the matter. It was the happiest day stayed with us several hours. We asked him about in that man's life when he was baptized in the his journey and how the paddlers he had ordered water of the great Congo River. Other chiefs from the near by village would get back horne came to witness the service and marveled at his again. It was really none of our business, but he joy, but they shook their heads and said, "He is replied as best he could. We then accompanied quite happy, but he is a fool. Why, he gave up him to his canoe, and he announced to the sur- his wives to become a Christian." prise of the villagers that he would take no paddlers from that village, and in a moment was The Help of Palavers gone. We returned to our work and forgot the incident, but the natives did not and this is how they I spent many hours in palavers about their brought it up years afterwards. quarrels, and I did it by request. The main reason was to get to know the people. Usually it was "White man, we decided you were our friend a dispute about wives or debts or inheritances or long ago. Don't you remember the day the State hunting and fishing rights, and also adultery and officer came and asked for paddlers from our vil- thefts. The word palaver seems to belong to lage and you took him home to your house. You Africa. It usually means disputes and almost and Mamma were living in a mud house then. every man, woman and child has some kind of Mamma cooked some dinner for him and when he palaver, so one has plenty of practice trying to returned to our village he said he did not want straighten things out. During those early days, our paddlers." "Yes," I said, "I remember, but when people asked me to do this, I said, "Why do I never had anything to do with the State officer you come to me. I have no authority to carry out changing his mind about your paddlers. That a decision. If both parties will agree to the ar- bitration in advance I will see what I can do." I
have often wondered since how my recommenda- News, and you share it with no one. Here we live tions sounded to those native ears. I knew very in villages all around here, and none of you come little about native customs or native unwritten to visit and teach us. If we die as we are you law, but I tried to be fair in what I suggested. will be to blame." The listeners were quite stirred They usually attempted to follow out the decisions up and they excused themselves by saying, "The I made. Often one had to read between the white man has not sent us to you. If he will send speeches to get at what they intended you to know us we will come willingly. We will ask him about and what they intended to hide. Nor must you it at the next weekly meeting." suppose that these palavers were conducted without heat. Half a dozen wanted to talk at once, The next meeting found this subject the first and they would get to calling each other liars, topic. The blame for these other villagers being offering at the same time to fight it out right without Gospel teachers was now placed on the there. The rule was that no palaver should be missionary. They asked him, "Why do you refuse held until all weapons had been put aside, so most to allow these people the privilege of Gospel of the boasting was to get rid of steam. After teachers ?" awhile the facts of the case would emerge and a decision could be given that seemed fairly satis- "Now," we said, "wait a bit. We may share factory. this responsibility somewhat. But it seems to be your own affair before it is ours. These villagers After we got a permanent house built, with are your friends, are they not? Perhaps they are steps leading up to the porch, the old men had to your very own relatives, maybe mothers and falearn how to climb those steps. They came up the thers and brothers and sisters. If anyone should first time on their hands and knees, and we had be anxious for them to have the Gospel it surely to help them down. They liked to get up there, should be you yourselves." however, and to be given an old porch chair to sit on. One old man in particular came often. He "Do you mean to. say," they asked, "that if we brought little gifts of sugar cane, or perhaps an find someone to go you will send them?" "That egg or two. He wanted salt and tin spoons or tin is what I mean," I replied. "If there is someone forks in return. One day he said he was going to worthy and capable and can have the approval of church with me. He had often refused our in- both Christians and missionaries we will be glad vitation, but this time he was willing to go and to see that work start." asked if he could take the chair he was sitting on to church. He seemed to pay attention to the The work began in the near by villages inside of service and after the meeting I expected to see a week. As a ~esult of that weekly meeting hunhim return the chair, but he had other intentions. dreds have been sent out, and great numbers have A small boy came running saying the old man been won for Christ through that kind of cowas taking the chair home and telling everybody operation. I gave it to him. We asked him to return the chair to our porch, and explained to him that if he car- The missionary force was augmented through ried off that chair we would have great shame the the years by the educator, who taught the people next time he came to see us because we.would have to read the Holy Scriptures and gave them much no chair to offer him to sit on. He returned the general knowledge. When the doctor and nurse chair and came often, but in spite of our hope arrived a new day was surely at hand. Now there that he would one day understand the Gospel mes- were health studies and help to those in pain and sage he never did. He was held fast with his distress. Little children no longer suffered the heathenism. long painful scourge of yaws, but were healed in a couple of weeks. Helping to Carry the Message One of the finest things that has come to these It was one of the pleasures of the work that Christians is to discover that there are many other newly made converts were anxious to go out to people in Africa who are Christians too. Forvillages, both near and far, to tell the Gospel story. merly there was no means of travel. It was dan- It began in this way. We had a weekly custom of gerous to go very far from home; hence it was meeting with Christians to learn about their not possible to have friends very far away from growth in their new faith and also how the new the village in which you were born. Now these leaven was working in other places. Visitors con- newborn Christians read about other people who tinued to come to the village, some of them to are really of another tribe in the flesh, but who call on the missionaries, but many of them to see are of the same tribe in the Lord. This is a very the new Christian village that was slowly grow- great gain to the African. ing. One day some of these visitors said to the Christians: "This is not fair. You have this Good Native Christians are not yet ready to stand alone. They have come a long way in the brief time they have had a chance to hear the Gospel, but they will need more guidance and fellowship for a long time to come.
A Church that Gives and Likes
By REV. GEORGE C. SOUTHWELL, Cleveland, Ohio, Secretary of the Cleveland Office of the American Mission to Lepers W HEN the Rev. Herbert Mackenzie had Dr. McConaughy asked him what the church been pastor of the Gospel Church of spent on its local expenses, and he found that, Cleveland, Ohio, only six weeks, the church generous as the missionary gifts had been, the organist, a beautiful Christian girl, died suddenly. amount was much smaller than that contributed The young people's society, the Bible School, the for local expenses. Mr. Mackenzie felt a real jolt, church trustees, and several groups started funds when Dr. McConaughy said: "I don't believe you to purchase beautiful floral remembrances for the ought to boast about your missionary giving until funeral, but the pastor felt that a living gift you spend more on 'others' than upon yourselves.'?
would be better than flowers that perish. A short time after this Dr. Henry W. Frost, of With the consent of the family the announce- the China Inland Mission, remarked to Pastor Mackenzie that "a spiritual interpretation of ,the ment was made that "flowers should be omitted" Scriptures would make a church missionary conand, at the pastor's suggestion "The Hazel Cain scious more quickly than the telling of thrilling Fund" for the support of a Bible woman in China, was soon subscribed. missionary stories."
That was the first missionary project of the Gospel Church, and it has been maintained for many years.
The pastor's first missionary vision came to him in London, Ontario, ' where he was a mission church pastor, serving without stated salary. The first week he received $2.00, and the first year, $225.00; but when clothes were needed, or food, they came unsolicited, just as they were needed and not before. Pastor Mackenzie was reminded of Job, who said: "Have (I) eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless have not eaten thereof." He desired to share his spiritual bread with the multitudes who were famishing. A missionary day was appointed, with a goal of $50.00 for missions. This seemed a large amount for his small and poor mission church. Prayer days were appointed and the gifts amounted to $296. In twelve months they raised $1,200.00 for missions, and the pastor's support was adequate for his needs. Next the mission moved out of the old building, and purchased a fine abandoned church structure.
From this fruitful Canadian pastorate Mr. Mac- kenzie was called to the Gospel (undenomina- tional) Church in Cleveland, Ohio. There, too, mission days and goals were set, preceded by days of prayer – not incidental prayers at a crowded midweek meeting, but all-day prayer meetings with men and women attending. Gifts to missions REV. HEmBERT MACKENZIE increased to such an extent that the pastor, being human, expressed his satisfaction to Dr. David McConaughy, one time as they walked together.
[523 ]
From the Lord's great commission: "Go ye money to open five stations at $1,000.00 each in into all the world and preach the gospel to every the last seven years. creature," and Solomon's proverb: "Where there is no vision, the people perish," the pastor found The Bible School has its own missionary with the texts which, with many others, became the in- whom it keeps in touch by regular correspondence. spiration for his famous expository sermons. The missionary cause is always before the people, These were the forerunners of the winter and for prominently displayed in the front of the summer Erieside Bible Conferences, and mission- church is a world map with little burning electric ary conventions, which have brought to Cleveland lights, each representing a missionary and his or some of the greatest Bible teachers of America. her field of service. Here is a literal version of the words: "Let your light so shine before men Sam Higginbottom, the well-known missionary that they may see your good works, and glorify of Allahabad, India, came to the Gospel Church, your Father which is in heaven." married a daughter of "Elder" Cody and they became the first missionaries of the church. Soon Some one of the many missionaries of this church is always at home on furlough, and is THE GOSPEL CHURCH, CLEVELAND invited into the homes of the members, so that the children grow up in a missionary atmosphere. other young people in the congregation volunteered for missionary service, and one by one, The church holds a missionary conference each were accepted by missionary boards and sent year, in addition to cooperating in the Erieside abroad. Bible Conferences, founded by the pastor. A four- page folder, containing pictures of its mission- The funds for transportation, outfits, and sup- aries and interesting facts about their work, is port came from the members and some outside published by the church. friends. Nigeria, Africa, called seven members; Argentina, South America, called two others; On invitation of the mission boards, Pastor Abyssinia called two; Rhodesia, one; and the Mackenzie has made visits to missions in Africa Chicago Hebrew Mission, another. Some mem- and South America and his personal reminiscences bers have assumed full support of certain mis- add to the missionary flame. sionaries. One supply teacher in the Sunday school, herself a school teacher, has provided the The Gospel Church has continued to grow and is occupying its third building in thirty years. Two other churches in, or near Cleveland, have also grown out of it.
Dr. Mackenzie has never had a stated salary, but depends on the free will offerings of his peo- ple. There are only 200 members but the pastor believes that for every ten members there should be one missionary on the foreign field and the church is now supporting eighteen. Four other young people are in training for mission work. Gifts to missions have increased from $200.00 to $10,000.00 per year. During the past twenty- six years these people, none of whom are rich, have contributed $200,000.00 for missionary work.
When Dr. Mackenzie was asked for the secret of the missionary achievements of this church he replied: "Consecration, vision, prayer, and faith." The Scriptures are the lamp that lights his leader- ship. In a recent issue of the Church Bulletin we read: "If ye shall ask … I will do" (John 14). Man, in his own strength, can do nothing constructive -"Power belongeth unto God." Our part is to ask. How? In faith (James t; 6). In great faith? No. Faith is more precious than gold that perisheth, and Christ said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place and it shall remove" (Mat. 17: 21). Let us ask daily.
to Mission Work in
By REV. C. s. JENKINS, Manjacaze, Gaza, Portuguese East Africa .r-. AFRICA, with its 11,412,320 square miles of On the other hand we know that no living soul is territory, and its 170,000,000 people! Each really satisfied without communion with his Cre- section presents its peculiar difficulties. I ator. We know that he is not satisfied, but he think that, in pointing out the following hin- doesn't. He has to be made to see that Jesus is drances which I present for your consideration, I his need. The time required to do this varies, ac- am stating, more or less, the condition in Africa cording to the missionary and the section in which as a whole. he labors.
It has been my joy to give the past sixteen years Lack of appreciation: The religion of Jesus to service in this so-called Dark Continent. Per- causes His people to "do good unto all men." The haps I cannot speak with absolute authority, but missionary tries through ministering to the body I bring to you in this article the results of careful to reach the soul. These efforts have met varying and prayerful observation after these years of degrees of success. Many times, to our surprise, labor for the salvation of the African. After all, they have not been rewarded by the appreciation there is but one real hindrance, and that is the which we would expect. Not that the missionary presence in the world of the archenemy of God expects rewards in this life, but he is pained and all righteousness. In this article I am en- many times by this lack of response. And what deavoring to state, as I see them, a few of the missionary has not awakened to the fact that he many specific difficulties. It is not practical to is now expected to care for the bodily needs of try to give them in the order of their significance the people? Has not God sent him for this pur- as many are of much the same importance. pose, that is, as a convenience? It is a shock at I. Natural Propensities of the African first, but after prayer and commitment it does not become a check. I do not mean to imply that His superstitions: He is the personification of as a result of' cases of lack of appreciation the superstition. He was born in it as were his an- missionary ceases to minister to the body. No, cestors. It is in the fiber of his being. He is but he becomes much wiser in the administration taught that everything ill comes from evil spirits of temporal things. I would not leave the impres- which are always trying to do him harm. Crop sion that the African is not appreciative. We failures, sickness, death, all come through witch- have seen hundreds of evidences of appreciation craft. He is a fatalist in every sense of the word. and gratefulness among them. We find, however, If it were possible we could make a long article that this is when grace has touched their hearts on this point alone. and the eyes of their understanding have been The African is naturally suspicious: He is sus- opened.
picious of the missionary when he first makes his II. Missionaries appearance. The founder of our work in Swazi- land labored three years before the first convert You will no doubt be surprised at my stating was made. He had to break down this suspicion. that missionaries themselves can be a hindrance As a drawing card to get the children to come to to the work of evangelization in Africa. When I the mission station he gave out picture cards. say "missionaries" I mean some missionaries-a Upon seeing them the parents immediately burned very few missionaries. I hesitate to say this, but them, saying that the missionary was trying to I am sure that many of my fellow missionaries bewitch them. In some sections there isn't a doubt will agree.
that the native's suspicions of the white man are Missionaries who do not enter into native life: well grounded. To the shame of the white race There are missionaries in Africa, a few whom I this is true in some sections where the white man have met personally, who do not learn the lan- preceded the missionary. guage of the people with whom they labor. This Self-satisfaction: Sometimes it is stated that means that they cannot know the African. It is the African is waiting with outstretched hands impossible to enter into the native life without a for the Gospel. Most of us have not found this knowledge of his language. This acquisition to be fully true. He is generally quite satisfied makes the missionary one with his people as noth- with his condition; that is, he takes it for granted. ing else could. A native will seldom bring his [525 ]
private difficulties, doubts and fears to a mission- the work by himself. I am sure that I am safe ary with whom he must speak through an inter- in saying that scores of missionaries in Africa preter. As a rule when one unburdens his heart started missionary work in the wrong way. We he doesn't wish for a third person to be present. preached the Gospel and many believed. God Interpreters have sometimes not interpreted cor- called some as preachers, and we trained them rectly. We know of such a case. Often when the and sent them out. This was good, but where we missionary was preaching and touched upon made our mistake was that these preachers were things of which the interpreter was guilty he gave supported entirely from overseas. The preachers an interpretation to suit himself. A missionary did not ask whence came this support, and some may live in the midst of his people, but still live seemed to think that the supply was exhaustless. a long distance from them. That is, he shuts him- The depression came and cuts were made. It was self away from them either consciously or uncon- a shock, and in some instances the workers did sciously. not take too kindly to it. Some missionaries, the writer included, felt that this was the time to do Low standards of teaching and living: I am not what we had wanted to do for years, but had not speaking of immorality and other outright sins. known how, and in some instances had feared to I am referring to standards which are not Gospel do. The task of correcting mistakes at this point standards. Church forms may be followed very has not been easy, either for the missionary or the carefully, while very little change is wrought in native worker, but the results are gratifying. I the heart. This is a hindrance to the spread of am certain that if our founders (may God bless the Gospel. We have seen Africans educated to their memory) had started with the indigenous a very high degree-and we believe in education church in view we never would have had some of -but with a very little knowledge of the Lord. our present difficulties. The end of all missionary endeavor should be the changing of men's hearts. Anything short of this The free-lance missionary (so-called): I hesiis building with wood, hay, stubble. Was it not tate to discuss this subject for fear of being mis- Jerry McAuley who said, when referring to edu- understood. Will you allow me to make it clear cation without God, "An uneducated man will that I do not necessarily mean the so-called indesteal your watch, but an educated one will steal pendent missionary. The missionary to whom I your daughter." refer may either be independent or belong to a denomination. He is "independent" whether con- Pressing Western ways upon an Eastern peo- nected with a denominational mission, an interdeple: I doubt the wisdom of this policy. None of nominational mission, an undenominational misus would say that everything Western was so near sion or carrying on a work of his own. What I perfect that it would be desirable for an Eastern, want to say is, that this missionary will not work primitive people. Along some lines, no doubt, together with anyone. He will go in with his par- Eastern peoples can teach us some valuable les- ticular church where the field is already well ocsons. Naturally the native will adopt the customs cupied and sometimes overcrowded. In some which come from the land of the missionary, such cases he builds up this new church with those who as dress. He not only takes on the ways of the have been disciplined in other churches. This missionary, but unhappily he takes on too many kind of work makes it very difficult to administer of the ways of the white man whom he meets. He the discipline which will build up a strong body has to learn that there is a difference between the of believers. Only missionaries working on the missionary and many of the white settlers. We field know just what this means. are thankful to say that there are some godly settlers, but they are far too few. More especially III. Godless European Civilization would I emphasize the danger of the missionary trying to Westernize the native beyond what is It will be agreed by all missionaries that it is good for him. We are not called to Africa to make far easier to reach the African who is entirely unwhite folks out of the natives, but to make Chris- touch by so-called civilization than those whom it tians. A Christian African is a beautiful char- has reached. This is a shame and disgrace upon acter. How our Lord must rejoice over him! us as a white race. Some years ago as I was trek- king through a certain district, I greeted an old We come not to establish a Western church, be woman who was plowing in her garden. She an- . it ever so fine, but to Christianize the African and swered my greeting by saying, "Shewane, muthen let a church develop along African lines. lungu" (greetings, white man). I had a native Should it not be our purpose to build up an Afri- young man traveling with me, and upon hearing can church which will eventually be a self-govern- her greeting he said, "He is not a white man; he ing, self-supporting, self-propagating church? We is a missionary!" What he meant by this was should not build in such a way as practically to that there was too great a difference between the make it impossible for the African to carryon
HINDRANCES TO MISSION WORK IN AFRICA
missionary and the white man. This ought not not allow freedom of conscience. She will take to be so, but, sad to say, it is. We call ourselves any and every means to hinder the work of the a superior race, but in some cases the white man Gospel. In the section where the writer is workwill sink to lower levels than the native. The word ing we are now feeling this opposition. Children "ka/fir" comes from the Dutch and means dog. are forced in many instances to attend Roman Missionaries never use the word, speaking of the Catholic schools. When they do so they are no natives. Imagine the depths to which one white longer allowed to attend church services in any man had gone when he received from the natives other church, even though their parents are Protthe name of white "ka/fir!" It is not pleasant to estants. Even in sections of Africa where the dwell on this point, but in considering hindrances government is nominally Protestant the Roman it must be mentioned. Catholics are a hindrance to Protestant work. They readily accept the freedom which they re- IV. Native Movements fuse others.
The aim of all missionary work should be ulti- VI. Nationalism mately to establish an African church. To this we all agree. There are times when some native This may be expressed in various ways. For leaders, having more in their heads than in their instance, if mission work is being carried on in a hearts, break away from the Church governed by self-governing territory this may work as it does the white missionary and start a native move- in Mexico; that is, only nationals are allowed to ment. I am not referring to the African branches carryon the work. If the people are a subordiof the Church which have been set apart by sev- nate people this spirit may be manifested in aneral of the larger denominations working in this other way. Sometimes this nationalism means land. I am referring to the independent native Catholicism. In the territory where the writer churches which have been started by disgruntled labors the Roman Catholics are nationals and the native leaders. Very often they are simply racial Protestants are foreigners. One can easily see and political, with the slogan, "Africa for the the problems this presents. Church and State African." They go about spreading dissatisfac- have always been one; they are supposed to be tion among the believers and gather unto them- separated now, but the union is still apparent in selves kindred spirits. spirit. Therefore, it is believed, Protestants who are foreigners must of necessity represent a for- We have at least one notable case in Portuguese eign government. One can see that this line of East Africa. An ordained native minister of one reasoning is not conducive to missionary progress of the Church's great denominations, a denomina- in such countries. Then we have seen this nationtion which pioneered the work in a part of this alistic spirit manifested among the Africans colony, became dissatisfied and separated himself themselves. The slogan, "Mrica for the Afrifrom that church. He started a native movement cans," is no mere byword. In the religious realm and headed it as a self-appointed bishop. The these movements have manifested real hatred tonatives were told that this was God's way of de- ward the missionaries themselves, who were the liverance for them from the thralldom of the means in other years of bringing to them the glowhite supervision, and he promised them that this rious Gospel of emancipation. movement would sweep the country. The only sweeping it did was to sweep from some churches I realize that I have drawn rather a dark piccertain undesirable members. After a while the ture. The nature of my subject has rather neces- "bishop" was accused of immoral conduct. He sitated this. Thank the Lord, there is a brighter was brought to trial by the church which he had side. How mighty have been the triumphs of the started, when it was found that no provision had Gospel in Africa! Were it within the bounds of been made in the church rulings for the trial of a this article how my soul would revel in the privibishop! He had carefully seen to that. Then lege of recounting a few of these wonderful viccame a separation. And so it goes on. This sort tories wrought through the preaching of the Gosof thing is a serious hindrance. pel of the Son of God! I will have to forego this joy. Handicaps? Yes. Opposition? Yes. Vic- V. Roman Catholicism tories? Multitudes! Perhaps these very things which we have numbered as hindrances to the To those laboring in Roman Catholic countries progress of the Gospel have in reality been step- I need to say nothing more. Just to state the case ping stones to greater attainments than would would be sufficient. If the people are self-govern- otherwise have been possible. ing and are Roman Catholics the difficulties are of a certain character. If they are a subordinate God loves Africa; Jesus died for Africa; the people and ruled over by Roman Catholics then Holy Spirit works in Africa. Therefore, there is, the problem is different. If possible, Rome will and must be victory!
Men and
By OSCAR EMIL EMANUELSON,* New Haven, Conn.
I T WAS an old Zulu who once said: "There are day. The writer is restricting his remarks to the two kinds of foreigners in our country-white Union of South Africa, the area with which he is men and missionaries." This statement is sig- most familiar; but what follows would probably nificant for it points to the distinction which apply to Southern Rhodesia, Kenya, or any other every Mrican has sooner or later to discover, part of Africa where white settlement is permanamely, that the missionary does try to govern his nent. whole life by the teachings of Christ, while the average Christian layman is too often content to To the average native living near a mission stapractice his religion only on Sundays. tion in a rural area, the missionary is a person to go to in time of trouble, whatever the nature of The difficulty is a real one; for, to the Afri- that trouble. It may be that a loan is needed for cans, as to most so-called primitive peoples, re- the payment of overdue taxes, or for the purchase ligion is something that permeates the whole of of food at the stores where further credit is no life. For example, in the case of the Zulus, re- longer obtainable; it may be that a serious misligion plays an important part in tribal warfare, understanding has arisen between the native and in tribal first-fruit ceremonies, and in every crisis his white employer, or between the native and the in the life of the individual. The ancestral spirits government officials in connection with regulaare constantly looked to for help and guidance, tions for the control of epidemic animal diseases; and are propitiated with offerings. The ordinary or it may be that a child or a valuable ox or cow European in Africa, on the other hand, may open- is ill and in need of immediate attention. Of ly claim to have no time for religion; or he may course, the native in trouble often goes to his discuss Christian brotherhood in a very emotional white employer or an official and obtains both manner on Sundays and still use very questionable advice and assistance; but, as a general rule, it methods in dealing with his "brothers," particu- is still the missionary who is called on for help; larly his colored African brothers, in business and this is usually forthcoming, unless the mishours on week days. sionary's slender resources are quite unable to bear the strain placed upon them. Even non- The first permanent settlers came to the Cape Christian natives are frequently helped by misof Good Hope in 1652, more than one hundred and sionaries in circumstances like those just outfifty years after the Cape had been discovered; lined. Such is the position in the rural areas, to Natal the early settlers came in 1823, some where the so-called "raw" natives do definitely three hundred years after its discovery by the believe that missionary white men are different Portuguese; while the Transvaal and the Orange from, and superior to, ordinary white men. What Free State were settled by dissatisfied Dutch of the urban areas? farmers who started leaving the Cape as late as 1835. Missionaries were early on the scene in What the Africans Say each of these four territories, and they came in The distinction just outlined between "white the interests of the natives, to whom they wanted men" and "missionaries" seems perfectly natural to bring the Gospel of Christ; whereas the set- to some people; but beliefs are not held by everytlers entered these areas in their own interests. body for all time, and what seems axiomatic to This initial difference between settlers and mis- one person in one generation may stimulate doubt sionaries persists to a remarkable degree, even to- • Mr. Oscar Emil Emanuelson, the son of Swedish missionaries to and inquiry in another. It was in a spirit of in- qUI'ry that a qu-estl'onnal're was prepared and sent . the natives of Natal and Zululand, Is a district inspector of native out to representative natives in the largest urban schools in the service of the Natal Government Education Depart- area in South Africa. Among the questions asked were the following: "Are you a member of a ment. He secured the B.A. degree in 1919, and the M.En. degree in ChrI•s•tian church?. WhoICh one.? Are the ChrI'S- 1927, from the University of South Africa. Through the generosity tian churches losing or gaining influence among of the International Institute of African Languages and Cultures, urban native residents today? Why is this? he was enabled to spend the academic year 1934-35 in studying anthropology under Professor Malinowski at the University of London; and by the award of a Carnegie fellowship In Race Relations he was enabled to spend the academic year 1935-36 at Yale Univer- ~7. i~aa~::I~~~c~~o1b~~tt~~ ~f~i~YH°,;w~'au~~~o1:~~nRg;~e~~~a~l~~~ s~~~~t~~ri~~~ race relations In those countries before returning to [528 ]
WHITE MEN AND MISSIONARIES
Please let us have your honest opinion (perhaps enough already and should withdraw from mison a separate sheet of paper) of the work of the sion work among the natives; four thought that churches at the present time: their leadership, the missionaries were losing their influence bemethods, and value to the community." Three cause of the bad example set by the whites who of those who replied were sure that the churches did not attend church and who showed their inwere gaining influence, twelve were uncertain as difference to religion in other ways; four attribto what answer to give about the value of the uted the decrease in the influence of the missionmissionaries to the natives, and forty-two were aries to the counter attractions of liquor, dance sure that the missionaries were either useless or halls, and theaters; two explained matters by harmful to the native community. In other words, saying that the "educated" natives, especially of the missionaries of today in the urban areas do the younger generation, were indifferent to renot rank nearly so high in the opinion of the na- ligion; two thought that much could be accounted tives as did the early missionaries in the pioneer for by the presence of "formalism" in the mission days, before the building of large towns and cities. churches; while two complained of the absence of love from all churches and of bad treatment of From those who spoke definitely in favor of the natives by Christian whites. missionaries and their work, came the following comments: That the missionaries are on the Some Bantu Grievances whole good friends to the Africans, that the Christian mode of life is far superior to the heathen In connection with these adverse comments way of living, that the missionaries interest them- upon the missionaries and their influence, the conselves in both church and social questions, that sidered opinion of D. D. T. Jabavu is worthy of the missionaries do not keep all the best posts in close attention, for he is an Mrican author of sevthe church for themselves, that Christianity re- eral important books on a variety of native matduces the fears of the Africans, that the mission- ters. In his chapter on Bantu Grievances in a aries still do much more for native education than recent book, "Western Civilization and the Nathe government does, and that the churches are tives of South Africa" (edited by 1. Schapera; gaining more in influence than they are losing in Routledge, 1934), Jabavu says: "In religious numerical strength. circles, too, the color obsession is not wanting. In combined social functions, the Nordic races Twenty-six considered the missionaries to be fall far behind those of Southern Europe in soseekers of wealth, either for themselves or for ciability. Promotions to positions of responsibiltheir own denominational funds; sixteen believed ity due to our more advanced pastors are often that the churches were losing their influence, be- withheld because 'they are not yet fit for responsicause of the poor training which many of the mis- bility'; and it is odd to see our elderly ministers sionaries and other church workers had received; with ripe experience serving as underlings to very ten thought of the missionaries as plain hypo- young white ministers fresh from their theologicrites; ten felt that the missionaries were losing cal college. We see no progress made to enable their power, on account of their acquiescence in our men to qualify for this fitness, the determinacolor bars within the churches and the schools tion of which is left to the judgment of their under church control; ten maintained that em- white brethren." phasis on spiritual matters and neglect of social welfare work were reducing the efficiency of the Broadly speaking, the missionaries have been, churches; six believed that the missionaries could and still are, opposed to what are termed "repulnot become a power in the land until they were sive" heathen customs and beliefs; and in this prepared to sink denominational differences and the missionaries have the general white public abandon interdenominational strife to the point with them. To this extent, then, there is simiof amalgamating the churches; five could not see larity rather than difference; but the efforts of how the missionaries could have any influence the missionaries are also directed along another over the natives, when the churches followed pub- line, the replacement of faith in ancestral spirits lic opinion, instead of leading it and having a real by faith in Christ, and the general white public effect upon government legislation on native mat- is doing practically nothing to give direct help in ters; four accounted for the decreasing influence this task. For example, white farmers will ridiof the missionaries by the increasing unwilling- cule native belief in magic in the field of agriculness of the missionaries to trust and consult na- ture, but few of them will take any real interest tives in matters of church finance; four felt that in the adoption of Christianity by their servants; the missionaries had confused Christianity with yet the government and the general white public European culture, and had done their own cause are compelled to give support to the missions, harm by unnecessary interference with native especially when the lives of missionaries are in customs and the power of the native chiefs; four danger in periods of unrest. argued that the missionaries had stayed long
Criticism of this general tendency to condemn should be forthcoming locally if the natives are to native customs and beliefs comes from students be won for Christ. But that happy state of affairs of functional anthropology, who insist that these will not be realized in the near future, and the matters should be most carefully studied before mission societies will therefore continue to be dethey are interfered with in any way, lest the re- pendent upon support from overseas for some sults of such interference be far different from time to come. Local support will never become those anticipated. Missionaries have actively op- adequate without supervision and control of misposed the whole system of "bride price payments" sionary activity by the whites in Africa; and and the general practice of polygamy, even to the these will give neither the money for mission exextent of demanding that a native man should penses nor the time for mission supervision until keep only one of his wives and send the others they are persuaded, not forced, to follow the giveaway; while the anthropologists point out that and-take principle by giving a little more and takthe "bride price" is really a public seal to a con- ing a little less. It certainly seems futile to extract between the two families to which the bride pect the whites to follow in their daily lives a and bridegroom belong, and very similar to the philosophy which they do not whole-heartedly "dowry" so well known in some European coun- accept. Yet it might be objected that this is tries. The "bride price" usually takes the form exactly what the ruling whites expect the ruled of a small herd of cattle. natives to do.
As the natives of South Africa do believe in a In their attempts to do this persuading the mis- Supreme Being they do not oppose and resent the sionaries may be accused of "pussyfooting." In teaching of the missionaries concerning God. fact, they are being accused of that very practice. What they resent is interference with the old so- Witness the comments by natives quoted at the becial organization and the traditional practices and ginning of this paper. This matter calls for comcustoms; hence many of the Christian natives ment on the history of mission policy in South bring into their new religion the lack of sincerity Africa. At one time a certain group of missionand the stress on formalism which characterized aries, those who believed in the "noble savage" their old religion. At the same time, the mission- and stressed the struggle for political rights, aries have in a way become tribal officials who gained ascendancy over another group, those who worship "the unknown god" on behalf of the tribe. believed in the motto of ora et labora, and sought In other words, the missionaries get quite a great to secure spiritual and material development deal of recognition from the heathen members of rather than political and social status. This asthe tribe and even more recognition from the cendancy of the one group over the other is the Christian members, with the result that the aver- basis of much of the present unwillingness of the age missionary is an honored guest in the ordi- whites to "give" in matters affecting the natives. nary tribe. For this reason it might be argued that the mis- sionary "victory" of those early days is the cause Although many of the natives of South Africa of missionary "defeat" today-if the missionaries are still heathens, there can be very few natives are suffering defeat today, and that time alone who are absolutely unfamiliar with the main can show whether "pussyfooting" to secure willteachings of Christianity and also, unfortunately, ing and friendly consideration of native claims with the great difference between these and their will not prove more effective than direct attacks. general application in the daily life of the average white Christian. The natives realize only too well Even the worst enemies of the missionaries, that Christian pririciples apply better among the past and present, will agree that, however great Europeans themselves than they do between race may be the mistakes which have occurred, the and race, that Christianity as practiced by the missionaries have made valuable scientific conwhites does not help the weak of the land-the tributions to knowledge in the realms of ethnology native peoples, and that missionary effort is tol- and ethnography, and that, in spite of the apparerated by the whites in Africa so long as most of ently disruptive effects of missionary enterprise the money and the missionaries come from over- on native social organization, the work done by seas. missionaries to foster and preserve native lan- guages, reduced to written form by the mission- White Churches and Missions aries, is today -having an undoubted integrating. effect upon native society quite unlike anything In fact, the dualism between the white churches being done directly or indirectly by the general in South Africa and the mission societies there is white public. And the impartial observer would so glaringly apparent that it cannot be overlooked go further and say that the missionaries are still by even the most unobservant native. The white serving essential needs of the natives in the field churches should practice what the mission so- of religion itself. With this view the writer of cieties preach; the necessary sympathy and mis- this paper whole-heartedly agrees. sion workers and daily justice and mission funds
Christ Has Done for My
By BERNARD MOLABA, 1)1- Bantu Presbyterian Theological Student at the South African I Native College, Fort Hare, South Africa I T IS not easy within the compass of a brief ity and of the scientific treatment of disease will article to do justice to a wide subject like this completely disappear. -What Christ Has Done for My People-the Bantu of South Africa, and Africa's greatest need In a word, we can assuredly say that the Good of Him. It is indeed an attempt to reduce a News of the Man of Galilee is becoming effective whole book to a short article. But as I am limited among the Bantu. As He said, He came to preach, to this space I shall in passing only mention what teach, heal and free. Christ has already done, and I shall mention only The preaching of the Good News is being car- ried on every day and nearly everywhere among those needs which are of paramount importance. The state of affairs among the Bantu prior to the advent of Christianity is well known. True, the Bantu had religious ceremonies and observances, but these were accompanied by superstition and mystification, and were attempts to propitiate angry and fearful spirits. When Christianity with its cornerstone of love came, many of these mystical rites disappeared.
Three main things which have been definitely removed by Christ can be mentioned at the outset.
First, there were the intertribal wars, often accompanied by much bloodshed and misery.
Christ has now united these tribes which were at variance one with the other, and although they retain their separate totemistic clans they nevertheless feel that they belong to a wider racial circle which includes all the different little circles, BERNARD M'OLABA and that they are all one in spirit and purpose and need not destroy one another. The old destructive days have passed away.
Second, there were the tribal hatreds, spite, contempt, and disunion. All these destructive ele- ments have vanished. There was a time when a the Bantu. From the large cities to the remotest member of an alien tribe was your rightful foe, rural areas faithful worshipers of Christ gather but now we feel we are joined, not by those tan- to praise His Name for the salvation which is gible bonds of blood and flesh, but by eternal and theirs. They are called to worship by tower bells spiritual bonds of love and peace and good will in the cities, and in the villages by hand bells or and common purpose. We feel We are one in an old ploughshare struck by a hammer. They Christ. listen eagerly to the message, and thank the mis- sionaries who dared so much to bring Christianity Third, there were cruel and repugnant customs, like the slaying of twins, the sacrifice of children to them. It is true that we still have heathens, for the propitiation of angry spirits, and the but their numbers diminish with time. I am sure smelling out of witches. Through Christ these that even in old countries unbelievers are still have been removed, and where formerly was found. cruelty and bloodshed is now love, peace, and good Teaching has likewise been making progress.
will. Throughout South Africa, from the towns to the True it is that superstition still lingers in many lonely rural places, you find mission schools; and a village, but this with the progress of Christian- here secular education is based upon a solid foun- [531 ]
dation in Christ. Many heathens send their chil- is shown in various aspects of their lives. In agdren to mission schools, and these children in most riculture, education, literature, music and induscases refuse to go back to the old life. Generally try new ventures are being made. Some men say speaking every Bantu man realizes the benefits that the belief in witchcraft is still unshaken, but of education, and hence many children from hea- this is not entirely true. Young people now scorn then homes attend schools and ultimately become and ridicule this absurd belief, and it is no doubt followers of Christ. vanishing.
Within a short time education has made won- What Is Needed to Win Africa derful strides. Through missionary enterprise village schools have been founded, later institutes In the first place, some Africans cry out that and finally colleges. when the white man came to Africa he had the Bible and we had the land; now we have the Bible I am writing this article in the South African and he has the land. Weare crammed in a small Native College, at Fort Hare, which has a mar- piece of ground, here to perish with our cattle, velous history. Within the twenty-one years of but one European owns twice as much land as a its existence it has produced about sixty Bachelors whole village. They say that Christianity is a of Art and two Bachelors of Science, apart from drug to keep us silent and in hope of compensation eighty fully qualified doctors who completed their in the future world, that Europeans preach what courses overseas. No man who had not the Spirit they do not practice, and that they say, "Do as I of Christ could have convinced the government tell you and not as I do." These and many other that a native youth, given the opportunity, could complaints are voiced by discontented agitators, do any mental work which a European youth and, unless the Church wakes up definitely to face could do. We thank missionaries for dispelling them, Christianity may lose even the ground it by practical examples the idea of an inferior men- has. tality in the native. The idea that the native must be treated dif- The writer remembers well the time he spent ferently from the European is wrong. What is as a lad in the "cattle-posts." To have seen a good for the native is good for the European, and European then was a topic for weeks, to have vice versa. Christ treated all men alike, and spoken to him was a boast unbearable by other talked with the despised Samaritans. Our govfellows, and to have shaken hands with him was ernments are called Christian. One reads, for ina great honor; but within such a short time, stance, that the Union Government follows the through Christ, we do not only speak with them lead of the Almighty in all that it does. Can the and shake hands with them, but we have realized repressive legislation and color bars originate that black and white are brothers in Christ, and from God? These destructive measures are prothat there is a purpose for each here in South ducing a bitter attitude in the minds of Africans. Africa. White preservation and domination seem to be the main policy of our government, and these meas- We write the examinations in the same lan- ures are creating a new outlook in the minds of guages, and experience the same difficulties. All the Africans. This year, 1936, in South Africa a this has been done through Christ, in whom there most un-Christian act, which deprives the Bantu is "neither Greek nor Jew, bond nor free." of the rights of full citizenship, has been passed by a majority of 169 votes against 11. The Afri- Healing too is being fulfilled. Missionaries cans do not ask for social equality or indiscrimihave established hospitals, such as Lovedale, St. nate mixture; in all matters purely social we Matthew's, Lemana, Fraser Memorial, Jean would be as separate as fingers on the hand, yet Furse, and others. These are doing wonderful in principle united and with one purpose in view work to relieve pain and suffering among the -for Christ, for humanity, and for peace. Bantu. For long the government has left this work in the hands of the missionaries, and it is We see how memories of history are forgotten only now that it is waking up to its responsibility as far as white and white are concerned, but they and is providing clinics and hospitals. This has are ever green as far as the native is concerned. been wrought through the agitation of the Until the Spirit of the Master leads our legis- Church. lators, Africa will not be won for Him. His was' a method of love, of peace and of prayer, not of Christ came also to set free those who were in force, domination and punishment. bonds. Before He came among the Bantu, superstition was rife. This hindered progress in that The second need is union among the churches. men feared to make new ventures; it also hin- The African often wonders why, if we worship dered initiative because anything out of the ordi- one God, we should have different methods. And, nary and not traditional was viewed with fear and moreover, this denominational spirit is at times suspicion. But through Christ the Bantu are now breaking new and hitherto unknown ground. This
MORE AFRICANS ON THE WITNESS STAND
un-Christian. It is accompanied by rivalry, ha- the Abyssinians, and prayed on their behalf. They tred, spite and resentment. "Why," says an watched the events and marked how the League African, "these Christians are no better than our- of Nations kept on delaying and disagreeing in selves; they preach love, but they hate each other the application of sanctions which they had like fighting dogs." We pray for the time when agreed to apply to an aggressor. They read about union among the churches will be achieved. At the slaughter of women and children including present the Church is a divided house, and we all the sick in hospitals. No wonder some Africans know the fate of such a house. said that it was a war between black and white.
One cannot ignore the effect of the Italo- Africans, even the most illiterate, in the remot- Abyssinian war on the African mind. The war est corners of the African colonies, discussed has created a new outlook in him. From the be- these matters; no doubt these things have creginning of the war the Africans identified them- ated a new problem in seeking to win them to selves with the Abyssinians. They prayed with Christ.
More Africans on the Witness Stand THE Editor of THE REVIEW sent to several missionaries a request for articles by natives to show their views of the greatest needs of Africa and the value of missionary work, and to give their own reactions to the Gospel. The answers were translated by the missionaires, and from them we select for this number those below. The missionaries who so kindly secured this very original material are: Dr. James Dexter Taylor, Superintendent of Transvaal and Inhambane Districts of the American Board Mission in South Africa; Rev. R. H. W. Shepherd, Lovedale Institution Church, of the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa; Rev. R. S. Roseberry, Chairman, French West Africa Mission of the Christian and Missionary Alliance; Rev. John T. Tucker, Missao de Dondi, Angola. These testimonies come from members of the Theological and Biblical class at Dondi Institute, Dondi, Angola.
1. How Christ has helped the Ovimbundu: We there are many districts where they have never recognize well that Christ has helped the Ovim- yet heard the word of the Gospel. Workers are bundu because in olden days our fathers knew needed. If you travel over all of Africa you will God only as they recognized Him through the find many countries where the people are like things He created, but they lacked the true knowl- sheep without a shepherd. They need the help of edge of His power. Now, however, we recognize the Word. The Umbundu Church is not strong Him because the Lord Jesus has shown Him to enough yet; it is still a child. us and has made us recognize by the Spirit all the good that God has done for us. Not only that, ANTONIO CHICO NUNDA. but He has raised us from the dust and shown us a true Way and has drawn together all the tribes 1. The Word of Christ has helped us in this of the Ovimbundu by His blood. Even though way, that we are now no longer as we were bethat union is not yet quite complete, still there is fore we believed. Of old we had no love for one much love and we expect that it will abound another, no joy or peace, between the tribes toamong the black peoples. ward the Coast and the Biheans upcountry. In those days we were always fighting, but when 2. What we expect that Christ will do for us: the missionaries brought us the word of Jesus Now that we are already on the path of salvation, there came love and peace, so that the tribes of what is now lacking is love among all the races the Ovimbundu became as one tribe, as we are toof the earth, so that white and black races may day here in Dondi. There are students from have one brotherhood. (John 15: 17.) And so if Bailundo, from Camundongo, from Chissamba all races have love one for another, they will be and Chilesso, from Chiyaka, from Galangue, from able to cooperate in things of the heart, because Hualondo Chilonda and other places, and we have our Leader, Jesus Chris~, goes before us and we all become brothers in Christ. shall all follow Him together in faith and will enter with Him into glory. (John 14: 1.) 2. Our hope is this, that God may help us now to enthrone Christ supreme in our Umbundu 3. What is lacking in Africa: The Word of God tribe. And that we who have already recognized is here, and there are some parts of the country Christ as the Living One who gives life, may which have believed, but they lack understanding carry to our comrades His word of salvation and of the Word of God and true faith in it. But grace.
3. There now remains to be done this, that with
one heart we pray to God, that even though we 1. In ancient days our forefathers knew indeed that there is a God, but they did not know what Ovimbundu have not yet made great progress, He was like. However, they named Him in all their big things. God's mercy is especially maniwe may yet be able to help together with our mis- fest in that He sent His own Son to bring us into His family. He has shown us God. He has desionaries to plan a way in which all of Africa livered us freely.
may be reached with the Gospel of Jesus and that 2. Our great hope is that God will enthrone Christ here. We ourselves cannot do this, but we may say, Lord, I am Thy servant; wherever our hope, set on God, is that Christ will reign supreme here. If He doesn't reign, we are as dead you send me, I will go. JOAO BATISTA. men. All true Christians look for Christ, that He will redeem His people from slavery. He alone 1. How Christ has helped the Umbundu tribe: is our hope. We can say that, even though other tribes have reason to give thanks for the help that Christ has 3. The things lacking in Africa are many: given them, our Umbundu tribe has greater reason for thankfulness. a. Those who have already believed should save others who are afar off and have not heard. a. Ever since ancient times we have been backward in everything; today because of Christ we b. All, missionaires and believers here, should have become able to come forward. be of one heart and mind to push forward the Word. b. Even our chiefs in olden times did not have knowledge of the best; today we have begun to c. We pray that God will send many more misknow the truth. sionaries to work among us. Many lands are quite untouched. All should be brought into the c. In olden times only the great and important fold of life; they are His sheep. people had joy and peace; today the Lord Jesus has brought joy to us all. JOAO KAPUKA CHITENDE.
2. What Christ can do for us in these days: 1. Christ has greatly helped our race. His sal- We pray this prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy vation has come to us, hence the fear of death will be done in our country, in our hearts." We greatly desire that Christ may be made known, has been taken from us, even as He said, "He may be trusted, mllY be held in reverence and truly loved, and that we may no longer do our who believes on me shall not die any more." From own wills. ancient days the fear of death has been a night- 3. What yet remains to be done: a. That the missionaries and the Church should mare to our Umbundu family; today that fear work together, helping one another with one heart has gone. Christ has helped us too in that He and one mind. has brought us the blessing of being able to read b. We need love in order to spread abroad the Word of God to the many countries that lack the the Bible, and to write and to go ahead in things Gospel message. that help the body too. Our ancient chiefs, Katia- ALBERTO CANHANGA CATEMA.
1. The Word of Christ has greatly helped the vala and Ekongo, saw nothing of these things; Ovimbundu for originally we lacked cooperation. Now Christ has brought us the word of love with- we, their children, see them because of Christ. out stint. That love has bound us to Him and has taught us to help one another. Even those 2. Our hope is that our family will awake and who belong to another tribe we see are our brethren. will go ahead like other races. We know that 2. We trust Christ that He will stir up amongst Christ will do this for us because He has begun it. us Ovimbundu the desire to urge one another to go ahead and spread abroad His word among Looking back on what He has done gives us conthose who have never heard it. We trust that He will make us true workers for Him, helping, and fidence that He will continue to do it for us albeing helped by, our teachers from the foreign country. ways.
3. Here in Africa there is a lack of teachers 3. The greatest need of our country is that from abroad, as many lands have not the Gospel. Here in Angola untouched tribes are: Esele, the Word of God should be preached in all parts, Nyemba, Kuanyama, Luimbi, Gonzelo, Chilenge, Humbi, Luseke and many others. Let us work for there are many who as yet have never heard while there is light. it. Our prayer is that God will bless the churches RAUL KAMBISA MUKINDA. in the foreign country so that none will even think of reducing the number of missionaries who come here, but rather increase their numbers so that.
they and we may work together. Africa needs badly many teachers of the Word, also doctors.
The work is going forward rapidly now, but much remains to be done. We trust that God will put this thought into the hearts of the people in the foreign lands. ISRAEL C. CASSOMA.
A Converted Priest in Venezuela*
Transformed by the Power of God ELIECER FERNANDEZ was born and raised made director of the Sucre College and chaplain in the city of Cumana, the capital of the State of the town of Los Dos Caminos. He also held of Sucre, on the northern coast of Venezuela. conferences for the purpose of denouncing the This city has good federal schools and boasts of Protestants, edited two papers and a "Parish society and night life, and is quite a manufactur- Sheet," all dedicated to the destruction of the work ing town, as well as a busy seaport. His parents of the Gospel in Venezuela.
were Roman Catholics by birth, but as is generally Contending Against "Heretics" the case now in South America, neither went to church except on the great feast days. Being On the island of Margarita, just off the northern fairly well off financially, the parents sent Eliecer coast of Venezuela, Mr. and Mrs. Van V. Eddings, to the federal schools where he received a good the first resident Protestant missionaries had laid education. He studied also the Bible and philoso- the foundations and made plans for a chapel. In Puerto Fermin, a small fishing town on nthaetivceoabset~ phy and was altar boy in the Roman Church. this Gospel chapel had been built by the When he was fourteen years old, the Bishop lievers themselves, a native worker was in charge from Ciudad Bolivar visited Cumana and persuaded his parents to give Eliecer to the Church. and the work was spreading throughout the island. Thus, in blind faith he put on the black robes and became a "familiar" of the Bishop of Ciudad To this island came the young priest Fernandez, Bolivar. For two and a half years he was chaplain of the Cathedral Choir, where his work was then twenty-seven years old. Evidently news of so meritorious that he was then sent to Caracas and placed in the seminary by the Archbishop. He the Gospel work being done had reached the ears soon became head of the students and at twentyone years was ordained subdeacon. A year later of the bishops of Venezuela, for, after a conference the Nuncio (the Pope's personal representative) ordained him Deacon, and he showed such zeal at the capital, they made inquiry of Fernandez that when only twenty-three the Archbishop secured special permission from the Pope to ordain concerning the spread of Protestantism on the him as a priest. (The rule of the Roman Church does not permit ordination to the priesthood until island. As a result of his report they purchased the age of twenty-five.) for him, at the cost of some $720, the title of "Spe- At Caracas Fernandez won a scholarship in the Seminary at Rome, but he refused to go, because cial Missionary of the Holy See of Rome in Marhe could see no good resulting to other priests who had gone. His next office was that of Secretary garita against Protestantism." This title gave of the "Curia Arzobispal" (the Tribunal of the Church) which deals with the personal character him the privilege of speaking in any church on and reputation of the priests in all Venezuela, and thus he came to know personally all the priests of Margarita at any time and the priest made use of Rome in that country. He built the Church of Santa Rosa in Caracas and a chapel, "Capilla del ~t ze~lously, holding special services every night Carmen," and as a result was given a special two .years' course of lectures by the Archbishop and III dIfferent towns, warning against the deadly Nuncio, entirely devoted to opposition to Protestantism. The zealous priest began a vigorous min- heresy of Protestantism. Fernandez fired the peoistry against the Protestants, going first to Puerto Piritu, where he held conferences and built a ple with such hatred against the huneraentnicos~ntcheadt the chapel. Next in Miranda he founded a new par- Gospel services had to be held beish and was made Vicar of Ocumare del Tuy where he finished the church building and hind closed doors. With some one hundred and preached with such zeal that the Brethren missionaries from Caracas had to leave the town. fifty followers, he attacked the home of one of the The next year he was again called to Caracas and believers during a service, pelting the house with mud and stones. Being urged to more drastic steps by letters from his bishop, he decided to do away with everything Protestant in Margarita.
He had the Christians put in jail, forced them to work on the roads, carry his organ, bells, etc., in- cluding the images, as he went from place tkoepptlahcie~' taught the children to insult them and followers watching their every little act in order to find some cause for an attack.
Before the Protestants built their chapel in Puerto Fermin, the Roman priests had scarcely come to the town, but now Fernandez began to bu~ld a church there near the Gospel· Chape1.
PrIest Vasquez, vicar of the island and priest of "The Virgin of the Valley of the Holy Spirit"
(probably the best paying position in Venezuela) was made treasurer of the enterprise. One week the priest sent to the treasurer for money to pay • An article sent by a correspondent in Carupano. the men but the vicar claimed he had no money [535 ]
left in the treasury. Fernandez knew this could he immediately called together the eight men who not be true, so gave each workman an order on were his voluntary fellow-prisoners and swore be- the vicar for the amount due him. .These orders fore them that when he got out of jail he would were not honored and after much correspondence leave the Church of Rome, because she had failed between the priests and the bishop, the matter was to support him at this time. The remainder of his dropped, Fernandez deciding that it was simply a six weeks in jail were spent in reading the Bible personal grudge of the vicar. After the receipt of to the other men and writing twelve articles another letter from the bishop telling Fernandez against the infallibility of the pope and other Ro- that it was "now time to do away with Protestant- man doctrines.
ism on Margarita," the priest made plans to carry When taken ill, he was allowed to rent a house out his instructions literally if possible. Conse- in the town and stay there under guard. His fa- quently, on the fourth of July, 1921, aided by a ther came from Cumana to care for him and he company of people who had come from the adjoin- received many visitors, but absolutely refused to ing country to hear more about the errors of the see any priest or bishop. The bishop who had Gospel, he literally wrecked the little Gospel written him urging that the Protestants on the chapel, with clubs, picks, bars, etc., then set fire island be done away with, came to see him, but in to it, using every hymn book and Bible on the spite of his father's pleas, the priest refused to place. The little company of Christians fled to the see him. Soon after this he was at liberty and ac- hills where they spent the night. The next morn- cepted an invitation to spend a few weeks in a ing when Fernandez went to view the wreckage private home near Carupano, on the mainland.
he found a woman with the large pulpit Bible One year before the burning of the chapel on Mar- which had escaped the flames because of its heavy garita, the Orinoco River Mission had been estab- covers. She was just starting to burn it, but he lished, with headquarters in Carupano. Fernan- stopped her, saying that he wished to keep it as a dez was expecting to rest while in San Jose and remembrance of the occasion, and took it home, to consider the steps necessary for leaving the carelessly throwing it on the table where he kept priesthood. He was urged to serve the people as his writing materials. priest and did so, though he continued reading the Much to the surprise and chagrin of the young Bible and renounced alI" his titles. He visited his fanatic, about ten o'clock that morning special parents, informing them that he was going to take police came down from Asuncion to take him to off his robes and three times visited Rev. Van V.
jail. The people protested and would have mobbed Eddings, Director of the Orinoco River Mission, the police for taking the "padrecito" to j ail, but at Carupano. One afternoon Mr. Fernandez Fernandez quieted them with a word and accom- walked out of his house without his robes. Soon panied by eight men who volunteered to share his this was known all over the country. After this bonds started on the long, hot walk to Asuncion. he visited the mission at Carupano more fre- When they were quartered in the jail, Fernandez quently, even testifying in the Protestant pulpit realized that his stay might be prolonged so sent that he had left the Church of Rome because of its for the books on his table with the paper and ink. corruptness and was looking for the Way of sal- When the books came, with them was the pulpit vation. God was speaking to him but the priest Bible from the little Gospel chapel. He threw it was not yet truly converted.
into the corner and there it lay for two days. He Excommunicated called two lawyers to work on his case, but had no funds to pay them, so sent them to the Vicar Vas- Then followed a year of unrest, sorrow and sin- quez, who again refused him any funds. That fulliving. Upon refusing to return to the priest- afternoon, Fernandez sighted the Bible and began hood, he was excommunicated from the Church of out of curiosity to read it. Inside was a tract with Rome and banished from the State of Sucre for a list of Roman customs and practices, opposite one year. He went to a distant town, rented a each the Bible reference refuting it. After read- little house, furnished with three empty boxes, a'
ing and studying these for a few hours, he again native hammock and a Bible. He began to prac- threw the Bible down, but was rather frightened, tice law, living meanwhile illegally with a young for he now had his first doubts of the infallibility girl whom he could not marry because of the law of his Church. The lawyers returned with the forbidding a priest to marry. The girl died there report that the vicar had again refused to help and soon afterward Fernandez was allowed to re~ him but that the people of Fernandez' parish had turn home where he stayed for some months. Ac- paid the $120 necessary to start his defense. This cepting an opportunity to go to Trinidad, he found did not make the priest feel any too grateful to- employment in a department store, living mean- wards Rome. In this frame of mind he again read while a very worldly life. Some months later he the Bible, this time about the conversion of Saul was legally married to the sister-in-law of one of of Tarsus. Such was the effect upon his mind that the partners of the firm, a well educated woman
A CONVERTED PRIEST IN VENEZUELA
of much finer type than most Venezuelan women, of those listening went to the "society" with a rewhose father is an Englishman and mother a Ven- port that he had insulted them and had told what ezuelan. The young couple became constant read- they had confessed to him while a priest. The City ers of the Bible and soon gave evidence of changed Council took up the question and some wanted to arrest him but the Lord raised up two friends, lives. lawyers, who told the Council that they did not Later Mr. Eddings received a letter from Mr. believe he had told anything personal. Finally a committee went to the capital of the state and Fernandez, stating that he was assured of the tried to influence the governor with the help of the truth of the Gospel and wanted to return to those bishop. The governor would not listen to them. whom he once persecuted and reviled, in order Almighty God intervened in answer to prayer, or that he might preach the truth to them. Of his Satan would have caused serious trouble. own accord the expriest had given up drink, smoking, theater-going and spent all his spare time In due time both Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez were studying the Word of God. Broken by God's love, baptized. He began to preach in some of the they were truly saved by His grace, through faith small towns around Carupano. One night he in Jesus Christ. For months they studied dili- spoke in Playa Grande and some of the more fagently and through every testing time, proved natical men formed a committee and came to their real change of life and heart. Carupano, lodging a formal complaint against Fernandez. This resulted in two opportunities to Finally, without any promise of support or help, give the Gospel to those in high places. Mr. Fergiving up a good position, leaving friends and nandez demanded that his accusers meet him face relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez went to Caru- to face and again he was cleared of guilt and gave pano, to take up more definite study in order to be a powerful testimony. He knew the law better prepared for Christian service. They are living than those who were against him, and parted comin part of the mission home at Carupano, helping pany with them having made friends. in the daily work of the mission, and proving to all their changed hearts and lives. Mr. Fernandez Mr. Fernandez had continued his studies and is took charge of the day school and is making good a very energetic Christian, able to enthuse Chrisprogress with his young pupils, who otherwise tians to greater efforts for the Master. He has would have nQ opportunity for education. given many proofs of his desire to do the Lord's will and has been used for the spread of the King- The people of the town soon knew that Mr. dom. In September, 1927, they went to Piritu, in Fernandez was there at the mission and the next the State of Anzoategui, for a month's vacation. evening the chapel was crowded and the doorways While there he held several services, in one of packed with people. The midweek services were them there were 42 of his relatives present. Upon also well attended. He spoke to a respectful audi- their return they were stationed at Margarita, on ence and told in very simple language the story of the Gulf of Cariaco, to take up the work and build how God had touched his heart and of his deter- up a church. mination to follow Christ. Dangers lurk on every side, ready to attack this The following week he spoke of the evil pre- fearless follower of our Lord and Saviour Jesus vailing in society. He told how some of the "best" Christ. This man is a challenge to every praying people of Carupano used to come to him in the Christian. We must surround him and his faithconfessional, invited him to their banquets, and ful wife with a wall of prayer that nothing and no considered him almost a demigod, while all the one may hinder his public testimony and ministry time his priestly robes covered a multitude of sins. when the time is ripe for him to go forth with the Now that he had taken off the gown, and with it blessed Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus had discarded the old life of hypocrisy, lying, evil Christ, throughout Venezuela, where he once deeds, many of those same people were calling helped to keep the people blinded and ignorant. him sin verguenza (without shame), almost the worst name that can be applied in Spanish. Some AN AFRICAN MESSAGE TO AMERICAN YOUTH An African woman in the Congo-BeIge sent this message to the youth of America: "Tell the young people of America that they came in the past and awakened our sleeping souls. Tell them we have peace but we also have unrest – unrest because multitudes of our people are lost. Tell the young people of America to come, not cringing and hopeless. Tell them to come without clouds in their eyes. Tell them to come looking at the light that is on the face of Jesus Christ and knowing how to laugh at impossibilities in His name."-Dawn.
and Christianity in Africa
By the REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D., Professor of Missions and the History of Religion t~o.- in Princeton Theological Seminary SOUTH AFRICA is the land of an established one dating from 622.A. D. and one from the birth Christian Church; Central Africa of an in- of our Saviour. Outside of Khartum, in the vast digenous church won from paganism; North Sudan, Islam still seems to be chiefly a veneer, and Africa has well been called the "land of the van- the Negro blood carries with it a characteristic ished church." Here is where Islam devastated jovial friendship and responsiveness to approach; the heritage of Christ and swept like a sirocco blast from the Nile to the Atlantic, wiping out churches-whose memory lingers in the names of Augustine, Cyprian and Tertullian.
Our Saviour found refuge in Egypt in his early childhood, and at the last an African from Cyrene bore His cross to Golgotha. But the work of the early Church is now only a memory. That Church disappeared for three reasons: The Scriptures were never given to the great Berber nation in their own tongue; the missionary spirit grad- RlLIGlOl,:S Cor-:Qlf….. r ually faded away; and the Church itself ceased to be truly indigenous and became dominated by _ l.ont" IJr ' I"N1mm.:tbn Con1)Oltd;uiun Greek and Latin theologians. Therefore it declined; at last the Moslem invasion of the seventh _ _ l.onl of ~I()hammedan Ad".lnc.: _ ' ….n" o{ ChrbtLlII AJv;mn."
_ "..II(":(,'Chri)t~lnt:lJo",,lIJ.tn..,"
century destroyed it. The Coptic Church of Egypt AFRICA which gave the people the Bible survives to this day. For twelve long centuries three religions .~h J<IC ~prno:nI' ~ !''''''UU1lI have struggled for the mastery in the Dark Con- oll"""n ""film h;i'm~ In ~…dtlh.r … :tl 1._10: .lno,' .omcriQn. Europr•• n.
.w_" ." "h".. Sc''l"h .-fri.,.", 1 • tinent. Three types of culture have striven for its inhabitants. THE RELIGIOU.S ADVANCE IN AFRICA The great Sudan is an example. Islam, Chris- North Africa-Moslem Consolidation; North Central-Moslem Ad- vance; South Central-Christian Advance ; South Africa-Christian tianity, and Paganism, and three races – the Consolidation. Dots represent Protestant missionary residences. Egypto-Arabian, the Sudanese, and the British- here have to live in harmony. Addressing a meet- but in Khartum and Omdurman Islam is stiffening of Arab notables in Omdurman at a tea-party ing and deepening its grip on the people. in the American Mission garden in 1926, I quoted Al Mutannabi's well-known lines: What is true of Northern Africa is, alas, true also south of the Sahara. Islam is everywhere I am known to the night and the wind and the steed, active. In Dahomey, on the West Coast, there are To the sword and the guest, to the paper and reed, no less than one hundred and fifty-four Koran schools, and Islam is rapidly winning its way and and added that these lines summarize the recent strengthening its grip. In Ethiopia the Gallas history of the Sudan: the night of pagan igno- and some other tribes have become Moslem and rance, the coming of the swift cavalry of the the inferior strata of the population seem more Arabian conquerors, the fire and sword of the and more ready to adopt the cult of the prophet.
Mahdi and his Khalifa, and finally the British Concerning the -province of Jimma Abagifar in "guests" with their new administration. Khartum Southern Ethiopia, Dr. T. A. Lambie wrote a few offers, as many another center in Africa, the con- years ago: "I saw something there that I never trast of two religions, that of the mosque and of heard of, namely, the Mohammedans sending out the church, of the Crescent and of the Cross, the actual mission colonies to the heathen Gallas."
standards of the prophet of Mecca and of our The conquest of Ethiopia by Italy has worked Saviour Jesus Christ. The city has two calendars, ill for the cause of Christian missions, for the new [538 ] rulers have given special legal privileges to Islam wholeheartedly by us. In compliance with this Declaraeverywhere. Arabic has been declared the official tion we solemnly sacrifice all our properties, real and perlanguage in Harar Province and schools and sonal, of whatever nature, even to the last penny in the mosques are being built in the chief centers, and cause of Ahmadiyyat. We further offer all our earthly special treaty rights given. connections, i. e., our dear wives, parents, children, male and female, our body and its life-blood, our honor and From Zanzibar, on the East Coast, the mission- above all our very souls, in the same holy cause. aries report a revival of active Moslem propaganda, enforced by many newcomers from Cairo From Southern Nigeria the Rev. L. C. Hickin writes (March, 1935) : AFRICANS READING THE MOSLEM OUTLOOK It comes as a real shock to hear that after eighty years of missionary effort Islam is still making headway in the south. It is to a certain extent accounted for by the activity of the Ahmadiya movement. They have copied our institutions and adopted much of our terminology.
The central mosque as Lagos is known as the "Cathe- dral" mosque (an indication of the way in which the building of our Cathedral has struck the African imagina- tion); it has a choir and "choir practices" take place on certain nights of the week just as at the Cathedral. A good example of this imitation of our methods is furnished uy the following notice taken from the Nigerian Daily Times of November 3, 1934: "In commemoration of the Lailatul-Israi-wal-Miraj, the Zumratul-Islamiyyah will hold a watchnight service at the Wasinmi Mosque tomorrow, Sunday, when Brother Abdul Ganiyi LawaI will deliver a lecture on the occasion, under the chairmanship of Mr. Alimi Baruwa, supported by notable Muslim savants and gentlemen. In continuation of the celebration, the Society will hold Revival Meetings . . . and The Clarion-Call of Islam will be the subject of the lecture at each centre."
who are trying to rouse the somewhat lethargic According to Dr. Julius Richter, Islam is pene- Mohammedans of Zanzibar into greater activity. trating with blighting influence through Tangan- In Liberia, on the West, the Government reports yika into the heart of Africa. Two millions of the that the Mohammedan Negroes are steadily pene- population are already nominally Moslems, "they trating into the hinterland. They cut down the represent an advancing host intent on occupying forests and take possession little by little, driving all the main roads and the main areas of the Terthe forest dwellers toward the interior. But espe- ritory." cially in the vast Anglo-Egyptian and the French Sudan, in Northern Nigeria and in West Africa, North Africa is now a highway to the Sudan Islam is the great problem. and motor traffic crosses the Sahara. The Niger valley, like that of the Nile and of the Shari, is We must turn to statistics to realize the serious- already an open road for the advance of Islam. ness of the situation. A recent study made by Only in Uganda and in Nyasaland are there ef- Monsieur A. Corman for the Bulletin de l'Union fective barriers for the continued spread of Islam Missionaire du Clerge Belge (July, 1936) gives in central Africa. There native Christian schools the total Moslem population of all Africa as fifty- have blocked its penetration. three millions, of which twenty-three millions belong to the Bantu races of what is generally con- The actual statistical situation can be studied in the accompanying table. But it is more imporsidered pagan Africa. That is, 34 % of the total tant to arouse the Church to the dynamic situa- tion. There are three factors that require empopulation of Africa is Mohammedan. In French phasis: West Africa alone, according to recent reports (June, 1936), there are 7,583 Koran schools w.ith 1. Islam has a carefully prepared program for the religious education of all Africa that has m59~v3e7m8epnutpsilusp. poOrntedthbeyGIonlddiaCnoMasotstlheme sAihsmalaadrlmya- never been investigated by a Phelps-St.okes Com- mission. At the important Le Zoute Conference ingly active. A remarkable letter appeared in only Pagan Africa had the right of way on the The Sunrise (August, 1936) written by a group program. In the popular mission study of Negroof new converts from Ashanti: Africa the textbooks generally ignore this factor. Yet to one who visits Khartum, Omdurman, Kano, We the undermentioned members of the Ahmadiyya Timbucktu, Capetown, or Johannesburg, it is clear community of Kumasi (Ashanti) do faithfully promise as the day that Islam is on trek into the Bantuand declare on our own accord that the great message speaking world. The Arabic-speaking area of the brought to us at Kumasi today from our Master, Hazrat Khalifatulmasih in India, through his accredited representative Alhaj Maulvi Nazir Ahmad, has been accepted
continent is expanding from the northeast toward always includes the Arabic speech and letters, the southwest. One is startled to learn that the which are spreading today in Africa. In Cape- base of this movement includes twelve countries town the Arabic character is used to print a Dutch where over ninety per cent of the population is (Afrikaans) commentary on the Koran!
Moslem: Morocco, Tunisia, Rio de Oro, Egypt, Islam's Advantages Libya, Tripoli, Mauritania, Zanzibar and British, French and Italian Somaliland. In these lands III. Islam has advantages because it offers the Islamic culture is dominant. Islamic ideals in- African entmnce into an exclusive cosmopolitan spire youth. The Koran has its way in primary brotherhood. education. In seven other countries fifty per cent The cosmopolitan character of the Islamic of the people are Moslem, namely, Algeria,Sene- brotherhood in Africa is emphasized by the use gal, Guinea, the Niger province, Northern Ni- of the same character in writing and the same geria, the Chad-district and Eritrea; while four speech in prayer and public worship. The wooden countries count over thirty-three per cent Moslem. slates in the hands of children at Fez, Timbuctu, The total Christian population of Africa both Mponda, Zanzibar,. Lagos, and Capetown, have Catholic and Protestant including Europeans, is the same copy and the same script: "Bismillahi- not over eleven million.* From these statistics ar-rahman-ar-rahim."
one can see that Moslem religious education, which Religious pride is the strength of Islam in begins with early childhood, has numerical advan- Africa, while racial pride is the peculiar weakness tage over the mission school. of Christianity in Africa. On these two state- II. The Arabic alphabet and language are still ments one could hang all the chapters of recent the vehicles of Islam in Africa. Louis Massignon religious unrest in the Dark Continent.
of the College de France points out that the so- The Mohammedan who witnesses for Islam has called close connection between "arabization and certain apparent advantages over the messenger islamization" is a false inference. The centers of of the Cross. He is in most cases a native of propaganda today in the world of Islam are in Africa and understands the language and habits non-Arabic-speaking lands. The Arab world is of its peoples. The ethnical gulf is not wide; and not exclusively Moslem, nor is the Moslem world the ethical gulf not deep. A government official specifically Arabic. Nevertheless, he admits that in Nigeria points out how the social ideals of in Africa, Arab influence is predominantly Mos- Islam help in winning native races to the accept- lem. And Cairo remains the center of this reli- ance of this new faith: gious propaganda. A letter just received states Polygamy has always been a rock, the wrecking rock, in that "eight of the best Arabic books published last the path of Christianity's advance amongst the native year were biographies of Mohammed and that the races in Africa. The pagans are polygamous, the Mohambroadcasting station of Cairo gives Koran selec- medans are polygamous, everybody accepts polygamy, entions twice a day and thrice on Sunday. Two dorses polygamy, practices polygamy-everybody, that is, thousand nominal Christians embraced Islam last except the Christians. year." The Moslem press was never more active and virulent toward Christianity in spite of its There are certain respects, indeed, in which own dissensions and disputes. Islam is a far better creed than Animism. Those who embrace its teaching make one great bound Tourists in Cairo seldom wander to what may forward and upward fr·om idolatry and its dark be called "Paternoster Row," the booksellers' degradation into the light of Islamic theism. In quarters. Here, near the Azhar University, piled some parts of Africa Islam has suppressed canhigh, you may see huge parcels of Arabic books nibalism and human sacrifice; it has removed addressed to Kordofan, Timbuctu, Capetown, some of the coarser features of priestcraft and Zanzibar, Sierra Leone, Mombasa, Madagascar. witchcraft. It has professed to enforce abstinence Islam pours out literature and extends the area of from strong drink and has generally succeeded. Arabic-literates every year! It has taught the sinfulness of gambling. It has inculcated the three positive duties of formal While at Zomba in Nyasaland, in 1925, I walked prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. some miles through the jungle to a Moslem village where I was expected to make an address through But on the negative side it produces a religious a Christian interpreter who spoke Yao. On ar- pride and arrogance that is characteristic of this rival, the courtyard before the mosque was faith everywhere. It has tolerated and encour.: crowded. I received a warm welcome, but never aged human slavery and worst of all by its theory used my Christian interpreter. The Imam and his and practice it has degraded womanhood. It also son had been to Mecca, spoke perfect Arabic, and gives a distorted view of Jesus and of Christianinterpreted for me into Yao. Islamic civilization ity. There is no hope for Africa in Islam; which is always a barrier and not a stepping stone to the • For detail see Zwemer's Across the World of Islam, pp. 188, 189. . Gospel message.
ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA TODAY
But today Christianity is gaining strength in A MOSLE"M MOSQUE" IN CAPE"TOWN every part of Africa. Islam is losing its former prestige and power; it no longer has the support Country Total Percentof Colonial governments it once had. Moreover Population Moslems age Islam only spreads but Christianity penetrates. French Guinea ……. . It creates new life and a new literature. Ivory Coast ………. . 2,095,988 1,600,000 70 Dahomey …………. . 1,724,545 The question is how can we develop a strong Haute Volta ………. . 189,699 11 Christian church on the border-marches of Islam? French Nigeria ……. . 979,609 Such a Church, indigenous to the soil, independent Liberia ………….. . 3,018,191 70,000 7 in its soul and awake to the call for immediate Gold Coast ……….. . 1,220,000 evangelism, would be irresistible. The Christian Togo ……………. . 1,700,000 444,000 15 Church of African birth already numbers nearly North Nigeria …….. . 1,500,000 four million and has peculiar qualities adapted to South Nigeria …….. . 1,032,000 952,000 78 this great task. What it needs is leadership. This Camerun …………. . 9,000,000 is especially true of the Coptic Christians. Oubangi-Chari …….. . 7,858,689 200,000 11 Among the special endowments of the Negro race Chad ……………. . 2,530,000 are a lively sense of God's personality and the ob- Nyasaland ……….. . 75,000 5 jective character of His manifestations; strong Union of South Africa 606,644 emotional experience; musical talent and the ex- Mozambique ………. . 1,271,371 30,000 3 pression of religion in song; social capacity and Madagascar ………. . • 1,218,238 sympathy; and an appreciation of authority. Reunion Island ……. . 5,973,394 Mauritius ………… . 3,120,000 If the Christian Church in Africa could be ZanziiJar …………. . 3,545,575 aroused to use these gifts in its present opportu- Tanganyika ………. . nity; be healed of its needless divisions (e. g., in Uganda ………….. . 173,000 South Africa); present a united front and pro- Kenya .. .. …. … …. . 385,000 claim a living Saviour, she would carry victory Italian Somaliland …. . 199,462 everywhere. Already ninety per cent of the edu- British Somaliland …. . 4,000,000 cational program for Africa south of the Sahara French Somaliland …. . 3,318,271 Eritrea ………….. . 2,500,000 IS in missionary hands. Every school produces Abyssinia ………… . 350,000 300,000 new readers; and they are all taught to read in 210,000 their own tongues the Book which is "as a hammer 406,000 and as a fire" to break down superstition and 8,000,000 kindle the flame of a new and purer life. The missionaries in Africa, and not Moslem dervishes, are laying the foundations of a literary education for the Negro races. In the schools of the Protestant missions in Africa there are nearly a million pupils – Christian, Pagan, Moslem children.
We must bring this glory and honor of all Africa into the New Jerusalem – the City of God.
5,855,000 64 Islam in Africa* 1,940,000 25 500,000 25 Total 25,000 5 Population country Percent- 920,000 72 6,063,496 Moslems age Algeria ………….. . 2,159,708 160,000 10 Tunisia …. . ……… . 4,750,000 5,174,872 82 Morocco ………….. . 1,932,184 93 45,842 1 Rio de Oro … …….. . 50,000 4,607,500 97 Egypt …………… . 14,186,898 60,000 2 Anglo-Egyptian Sudan . 50,000 100 Tripoli ………….. . 6,469,041 11,658,148 91 669,200 18 Barqa …………… . 569,093 Senussi Emirat ……. . 255,000 2,800,000 40 3,000 2 Mauritania ……….. . 20,000 553,081 91 Senegal ………….. . 261,000 252,450 99 44,955 11 French Sudan …….. . 20,000 100 1,318,287 254,000 99 199,462 100 2,737,119 915,000 68 684,280 25 400,000 10 600,000 20 1,000,000 40 350,000 100 300,000 . 100 210,000 100 • The following statistical summary is based on the best avail- 261,000 64 able sources. E"specially the Statesman's Year-Book and the "Anllualre du Monde Musulman" by Louis Ma88ignon, 1925 (E"rnest 3,000,000 37 Leroux, Paris) . The natural Increase of the population during the past ten years would make the total for all Africa over fifty-two 106,075,574 49,005,673 45 millions.
Ways of
'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home s. EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~,=,=============I~ AUTUMN GLEANINGS mated conversation about their ex- asking them to pick out all that per- periences on the field. Upon leaving tains to Africa – jewelry, automobile A tiny methods suggestion the train at Vacationland, strips of tires, dyes, ivory toilet articles and will often set your mind to work- items to be guessed are tacked on innumerable other items. ing to better purpose than a well rounded plan could do. Glance trees and shrubs, those guessing the Hold a combination home and forthrough these gleanings from greatest number aright being privi- eign meeting in which you consider many sources and find some- leged to sit in the Pullman section on "Africa in Africa and in America," thing which meets your mission the way oack. A variety of other feagroup's needs: showing how if you take "me" out of tures may be added. "America for Christ" you have "Af- List the new people in the autumn congregation. Invite them to your During the social period of a meet- rica for Christ" left. home for a "hobby party." After each tells what her pet avocation is, state ing, use African sayings as proverbs Sell "A Cure for the Blues" in pill that you have a friend whose hobby (see "Congo Crosses" for suitable or powder boxes, pricing them at $1.00 is missions and that you have asked quotations), shaking them out of a each and vending the wares either her to speak on the theme for a few among extension members (shut-ins minutes. Then reap a little harvest round box. of members for a missionary organization. One worker who tried this Have we any superstitions like those for various reasons) or at a public organized a young woman's mission- benighted Africans? Ask your audi- meeting. If the latter, have boxes ary society at the close. ence and hear their bombardment- opened simultaneously, but for the black cats, Friday, the thirteenth of former advise that they be not opened A unique birthday celebration is the month, throwing salt in the fire until an attack comes on. Sample furnished by having each member of after a "spill," seeing the new moon powder: "When you find yourself the missionary society bring in a new over the right shoulder, sitting 13 at getting blue, something for somebody member on her own birthday. As a else go do." In the open meeting, the wind-up, hold a birthday festival at table, etc., etc. leader announces after the opening, which such old members bring their new recruits and sit with them during Ask your librarian to let you consult "Now you are all cured of your 'blues.' an appropriate celebration. the National Geographic Magazine Here is a project list to choose your Don't allow offioes to become heredi- for June and July, 1935, when pre- work from." One organization netted tary. The speaker thus admonishing paring this year's foreign programs. $24.00 this way and doubtless hartold of a missionary society in which vested a goodly amount of fresh enan annual function was held wherein The numbers are full of maps and deavor besides. each officer had a candle lighted for pictures of Africa. everyone of her years of incumbency. (All the foregoing suggestions were One officer proudly stood in the glow Play the game of Who's Who, using of 35 candles! There was nothing in the names of Livingstone, Schweitzer, taken from methods .talks by Mrs. H. this organization for the younger etc., as found in current study books. M. Le Sourd at the Lakeside, Ohio, members to do. Death finally removed "Where's Where" may utilize geo- conference of Methodist Episcopal forthe president, but nothing ~uld re- graphical queries as, for instance, eign mission women of the Cincinnati move the others! "Lord, teach us to where is the only piece of African district.) resign !" land not held under a protectorate? The Men's Council of the Mondamin The late Mrs. Katherine Cronk said she had learned not to pray for more (Liberia.) "What's What" may deal Christian church, Des Moines, Iowa, is strength but for the ability to put 10 other people to work. with a 1936 model of something. A now three years old and has a mem- For a July meeting hold a train man and a woman may give a skit in bership of 60 men. It is divided into party for those who did not go away for a vacation. Arrange chairs with which the former says he is "not in- three sections, each of which holds a an aisle through the middle as in a railroad coach. Have missionary terested in missions." She may reply chapter meeting monthly. These men questions written on baggage or wrap checks. A fruit boy goes through the ruling out of his life all that comes cooperate with the Women's Council train, also a newsboy handling missionary magazines and other litera- from Africa, as material or finished in sponsoring an annual school of misture. Impersonators of missionaries sit as passengers and engage in ani- product-and he thus loses his tooth- sions. The men support home mis- brush, the piano keys, his auto which sion projects and have a budget for cannot run without rubber tires, his general missions. A similar Men's ring which containR hoth gold and a Council exists in the Osceola Christian diamond, his much-loved breakfast church at Osceola, Iowa. It holds cocoa and a hundred other items. monthly missionary meetings and sup- This is sure to affect the future mis- ports its definite piece of work on a sionary outlook. "How's How" may mission field. It was organized less deal with material on page 89 in "How than a year ago and has 20 members.
to Use" (booklet giving teaching- Thus are "the brethren" invading points for "Congo Crosses") – how some of the last territory formerly would you travel? etc. allocated to women!
"The Finding-Out Box," by Kath- "Sphinx" is the new game being erine Cronk, while written especially featured this year by northern Bap- for children, will give valuable ma- terial for the suggested skit. tists to combine missionary informa- tion and interest with entertainment Have a Newspaper Party, distrib- around the fireside, for Sunday after- uting newspapers to the members and noons at home, for Sunday school [542 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
classes, young people's groups, schools brought from the lawn of each signed their responsibilities and of missions, ch arch socials, men's classes, women's circles-yes, and pas- home represented among the 25 spent several weeks in study for tors' conferences! Someone chosen as their parts. Two girls in costhe Reader first reads aloud very children and five teachers, to tume met the guests as they ar- these being added soil contribu- slowly a list of 52 questions so that all tions from Sugar Loaf-a prom- rived: two others told stories to others – known as Listeners – will know beforehand what they are ex- inent hill often used in cere- show customs of the land and pected to remember. Next the Reader monials and local gatherings, the help Christianity has brought gives a booklet, "Developing Africa's from several of the Denison to them: a demonstration Chi- Riches in Christ" clearly and delib- University fraternity houses and nese school was conducted to the erately, this requiring 21 minutes. Sheets of the questions are then dis- from the grade school attended amusement of all present: Chitributed among the Listeners and they by the children. There were fill out all the answers they can in 10 further imbedded with the roots nese games were supervised by another pair of girls, while the minutes, each working independently. a clam shell from Rhode Island, remainder of the group served On the check-up, each one making 50 bits of granite from Massachu- the "tea" (chocolate milk in tea points is counted a Good Listener. A score ranging from 50 to 75 points is setts, a Texas centenary stamp, cups) and puffed rice balls. This marked "A Very Good Listener." shell money and a stamp from work has thrilled the girls and Over 75 points is counted "An Excep- the Belgian Congo, Africa, a bit I am sure their interest in the tional Listener." Figures in paran- of writing from India, a letter rest of the world is more pertheses after each question indicate the from Burma, stones from East sonal than it would have been in number of points to be awarded for and West China and tiny pieces a more formal method of study. correct answers. The questions cover of pottery from Mexico. Then the continent, the region in which the planting was consummated. MRS. H. E. BLOUGH. Baptists are working, the specific Though others will call it a for- Clear Lake, Iowa. missions, evangelism, education, med- sythia bush, the children will alical work, personnel and general in- FROM OUR LIBRARY formation. Booklet, question and an- ways refer to it as "Our World swer sheets may be obtained from The TABLE Woman's American Baptist Foreign Friendship Tree." See America First (Home Mission Mission Society or the American Bap- MRS. HELEN LEACH, tist Foreign Mission Society, 152 Madison Ave., New York City, for 5 Junior Superintendent. study): Sketch or cut out picture of cents to cover mailing. young woman seated in comfortable Lesson outlines on "Consider Af- A PLAN FOR INTER- chair reading a book. Print: "Travrica," as taught by their author at a MEDIATES eling via Arm-Chair De luxe at (time, Leadership Training Class at the date, place)." Draw map of states Winona Summer School of Missions A group of intermediate girls included in territory under consideramay be obtained from Mrs. Garret have been studying world fellow- tion. Print: "Come, Clasp Hands Hondelink, 417 Alexander St., Roch- ship indirectly. Meeting twice a with Some of Our Home Missionester, N. Y. Price, 10 cents plus 6 month they prepare handwork aries," adding place and date, this to cents for postage. These outlines for the primary classes, have be under large sketch of hands cover appropriate Scripture, clear demonstration lessons of meth- clasped across the map. analyses of the text, devices such as ods in primary teaching and do "check tests," "opinion tests," "true individual research w 0 r k in In the program, aim to get across and false tests," etc., and assignments world fellowship. The latter the spirit of the theme as well as the such as: Who has gained the most consists of projects, individually subject matter. Put over to those who from Africo-Western relations – the and as a group. During vaca- are to take part that they are taking black or the white man? Prove your tion Bible school a map of our a trip "staying at home." '" Make point. missionary fields was placed on seven books any size out of paste- the bulletin board with "The board. Paste between covers extra Do the happiness and well being of Hope of the World" mounted pages for pictures of scenes and mis- Africa mean anything to the rest of sionaries. U sing black ink, print the world? "See America First" on all of them in as large type as the size will allow. What can we do to help solve the Have girls prepare to give biographindustrial problem in Africa? ical sketches in their own words.
What effect if any will our dealings The setting is simple. A large slipwith Africa have on the attitude of above it. As the girls told stories covered chair from home or a big one Asia toward Christianity? from the church platform, covered Is education a blessing or a curse of the various fields they placed with a sheet or any gay, cool material representative pictures around will do. On a small table by the chair to the African. the map. It now stands to keep have pitcher of ice' water or lemonade. What kind of education does he the children interested in the A foot stool completes the furnishings. world children they met in the You may have enough chairs to go need? stories. around and let the girls stay in com- fort instead of leaving them when AN ADVENTURE IN A Chinese party was the through talking. Use large map and HORTICULTURE largest group project. The invi- point out places as they are men- tations were written on a piece tioned. Have enough reserve lemonade A "Friendship Tree" was to go around after the program.
planted last spring on the parish of paper folded and cut to repre- Devotional may be on "Christ the house lawn at the Baptist church sent a Chinese tea cup. The Missionary," as follows: in Granville, Ohio, this being the outside cover was decorated with First girl says "Christ was a misclimax of a year's mission study Chinese characters and the in- sionary to the poor when he opened the eyes of the blind beggar." Second by the juniors of the Sunday side contained the invitation in girl reads John 9: 1-7. First girl: school. A bag of dirt was jingle form. The girls were as- "Christ was a city missionary when
he taught in Samaria." Second girl the salvation of our countrymen-yes, the Burlington District in the Iowareads John 4: 39-42. First girl: "Christ was a missionary to the rich for the whole world. Des Moines conference. Its topics when he opened the spiritual eyes of Zaccheus." Second girl reads Luke Tonight we resume our journey were developed under the heads of "A 19: 1-10. First girl: "Christ was a through Home Mission fields by way Look at Ourselves," "Our Work," missionary on the cross to the robber of the arm chair, knowing that intiand his last commission was the Mis- mate stories of the missionarv friends "Our Purse," "Our Youth," "A Look sionary Commission." Second girl can be found on the page of a book Together," and "A Backward Look reads Mat. 28: 19, 20. Prayer for when to unearth them on a hurried missionary zeal. visit would be impossible. We shall for Forward Thinking." A pene- meet three of these friends and trating "Look at Our Embarrassing Leader introduces topic by remarks glimpse their fields. on interest of Americans in travel; Heritage" was taken by the local pasthe large number of Christian tourists Girls enter as before, one bearing girdling the world for and with God, tor. The session closed with the disstill others having been equally zeal- trict superintendent's message, "Look ous in their globe trotting; a majority, however, resorting to the very to the Light." pleasant method of arm-chair traveling. Advantages of this method- book on "Cuba, Island Queen," in simple, easy dress, a footstool, accessibility to cooling lemonade simply by orange ink, another with "OF Man MOTIVES OUTRANK raising one's arm to a tall pitcher River and the Chinese," in yellow ink. METHODS (pours sip of lemonade), ease with which mind can embellish details and the third with the name of a noted where fancy wishes, etc. Therefore we shall visit some of our Home Mis- itinerant missionary preacher and or- There are many missionary sion fields from inviting depths of the ganizer of Sunday schools. methods and many minor moslip-covered arm chair. tives, but there is only one su- Leader sums up the high lights of First speaker enters here carrying the journey and asks girls to pray for cardboard book with subtitle, "Indian the work and the workers to which the preme and compelling mission- Reservations" (or any desired desig- journeys have introduced them. nation) printed in red ink. Settles ary motive-the dynamic wantherself in chair, opens book and -Adapted from "The Window speaks, turning its pages as she pro- of Y. W. A.," August issue. ing which all else is vain. The gresses, as if actually reading. Gives thing that has most impressed colorful, informal sketch in tourist terms (as in a diary or travel note- Through Eye-Gate. It is note- me in the widespread discussion book) of journey through fields in worthy how much of the plat- of the future and predicted fate which her denomination has mission form work is now being done by of foreign missions is the failure work. Seems to see illustrations as means of demonstrations, vis- to mention the basic missionary the "reading" progresses. "Now if I ualizations and picturesque, motive upon which the whole were traveling in the West in any imaginative imagery. The fol- enterprise depends. We have other manner than Arm-Chair De luxe lowing glimpses taken from the been told repeatedly that the pro- I should not have had this detailed gram and policies of foreign misstory about so-and-so." summer and September numbers of "Woman's Home Missions" sions must be radically recon- Second speaker comes in with book will enable others still devoted structed if the enterprise is to whose subtitle is "Leading Sights in to the "call- a – spade – a – spade" French Louisiana," in purple ink. method to shape up their presen- survive and succeed. The mass Similarly sips lemonade and tells her tations more attractively: of critical opinion, much of it story. pessimistic in tone, has caused At a North Carolina meeting the de- no little disturbance of mind and In like manner as many "books." partment secretaries presented all reeach titled in appropriate color of ink, ports in demonstration form, closing loss of confidence on the part of are introduced by their readers as the with a play, "More Than a Name." many who do not know what to program is designed to cover. think. . . . By far the most im- The theme, "A Year of Vision," portant part, to my mind, is the Leader closes with remarks on the was carried through the program of call for a new emphasis on the delight of this method of travel and anticipation of another meeting of the a convention at Cozad, the devotions too often neglected and obscured same character. being under the title "Looking Up," missionary motive. Jesus Christ implanted this in the Great Traveling Home Mission Trails, for the financial report featuring "Look- Commission, and it is equally the ensuing meeting, follows a like ing at Our Business," the organizaform. Its devotional is on "Jesus Sets Forth His Life Principle"-Luke 4: tional describing "Looking at Our De- 17-19. This was to give life to the partments," others being "Looking at imperishable – one changeless poor, hope to the broken hearted, free- Our District," "Looking at the World dom to the enslaved classes, sight to of Our Auxiliaries," "Looking at God's thing in a changing world. . . .. the blind, a rich, full life to all, here Little Ones," etc. The round table He (the missionary) makes and hereafter. (In each case apply discussion was on "Looking at Our known a Saviour such as no the objectives to modern conditions, Problems." The closing address was other religion can offer. For such as folk crushed by our economic on the main theme. system, slavery to machinery, blind- Christianity alone offers in Jesus ness to one's own moral state, etc.) Another picturesque annual meet- For all our progress, world in much ing was conducted in Brooklyn (N. Y.) Christ the one Redeemer and the same condition as to its needs as South District with the topics center- personal Friend who not only rewhen Christ came-selfishness, wars, veals the Way of Life but who immorality, worldliness. Do we be- ing upon "Building" – "P I a n sand gives His disciples power to lieve there is still sin? Then we Specifications," "Foundation," "First should adopt the proclamation of the good tidings as a life principle for Floor," "Second Floor," "Roof," "Cu- walk in it. . . . While I have pola," "Weather Vane," "Pillars," "Garden," "Tools" and "Prospective thus purposely centered atten- Building." tion upon a single point, I am "Through the Looking Glass" fea- _not unmindful of the many ques- tured various actual kinds of glasses tions raised concerning neces- with which to view past, present and sary changes to meet new mis- future. sionary conditions. But when "Kaleidoscopic Views" was the title under which a district president gave all has been said the pivotal our annual address. thing is the motive.
"Through the Window" was the HOWARD B. GROSE, in subject used at the annual meeting of "Missions" Magazine. The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~~I~~~~~~========================~ "Thou Art the Christ, use throughout the year but -Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii especially preceding February the Son of the 12, 1937. Around the world creased by the number of Chris- there is now a fellowship of tians who anticipate the Day Living God" prayer among Christians who and by flexibility in plans. The have agreed to pray on each local World Day of Prayer Com- In 1920 the first Fri- Monday throughout the year for mittees should plan and secure day in Lent was se- the World Day of Prayer and material several months before lected for the "Day of the brotherhood of man. Will February 12. They should se- Prayer for Missions" you join through prayer either cure the participation of men when man y church as an individual or with a group, and women, young and old, and women of many de- which you may form? should not forget the children, nominations in Canada for "of such is the Kingdom of and the United States The picture on the program Heaven." A poster in every joined in com m 0 n and the poster for February 12, church, and every church open prayer. The Call to 1937, is a photograph of "the for meditation throughout the Prayer was sent out Easter Morning Cross," on top Day! A program for everyone by the national wom- of Punchbowl, the extinct crater participating would make pos- in the heart of Honolulu where sible extension of the influence en's missionary organ- hundreds of nationalities gather of the prayers for more than a izations, hom e and for worship early Easter morn- day. foreign. The theme ing. The World Day of Prayer prowas "The World to The program this year is pre- gram is secured and published Christ We Bring," and pared both for young people and each year by the Foreign Mis- adults. The program is to be sions Conference of Nor t h the Call was for meet- adapted to the community and America, 156 Fifth Avenue, ings to be held "in the persons attending the inter- New York City, and the Council cities, towns and vil- church meetings. The effective- of Women for Home Missions, lages, morning, noon, or in the ness of the observance is in- 105 East 22d Street, New York, evening, to ask God's mercy N.Y. upon the troubled and confused [545 ] nations." The thought of a day of prayer spread until at the request of far-away friends, the World Day of Prayer was first observed in 1927.
For the observance of the World Day of Prayer on the first Friday in Lent, February 12, 1937, the program was written by Miss Mabel Shaw, founder of the Livingstone Memorial Girls' Boarding School at Mbereshi, Kawamba, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Miss Shaw went to Central Africa in 1915. She is the author of "God's Candlelights" (1935).
The program, "Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God" is being used on the same Day in various forms in more than fifty countries.
Of the Call to Prayer over 500,000 will be distributed in the United States. These are for "Neither Lost Nor Stayed" Inner Strength fulfillment here and beyond our The National Kagawa Coordi- In a recent editorial of The ken. nating Advisory Committee with New York Times, "I nne r "Now we see in a riddle, but present headquarters at 285 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, Strength" was the heading of an then, face to face: now I know New York, has issued Discovery, article beginning wit h the in part; but then shall I know A Manual of Prayer for the fully even as also I was fully Kingdom of God. "That cause words, "In a jittery world." The can neither be lost nor stayed" content was a report of the "Sec- known. is a Danish hymn, included in the manual, which emphasizes retary of State, Mr. Hull's re- "Trinity in Midsummer" the truth that "each noble service that men have wrought was strained and thoughtful address Please turn to The New first conceived as a fruitful before the Good N e i g h b 0 r Yorker of August 29 and read thought" ; and "each worthy League." The purpose of this for yourself the eight-column recause with a future glorious, by statement is to indicate the sig- port of the Sunday morning quietly growing becomes vic- nificance to the country of "inner services on a midsummer day in torious." Hence no storm can strength" which was defined as old Trinity, Wall Street. You dismay one's faith in the harv- requisite in a people if their gov- will find that St. Clair McKelest, and the scattering of thou- ernment is to have a satisfactory way did not just go "look-see," sands of seeds, nor is any cause foreign policy. The qualities re- but he stayed through the servlost "which takes the course of quired are "patience, sympa- ices and describes the members what God has made." thetic understanding, s tea d y of congregation and reports the poise, and ass u red inner hymns and sermon and lingers Dr. Kagawa's vision of world- strength" which the editor said later to secure accurate inforwide economic reconstruction are demonstrated in Mr. Hulls mation, so that what he wrote through Christian brotherhood, own personality. or economic cooperatives rein- might be true. Though only forced by religious spirit, won the continuing interest and serv- eighty – five worshipers we r e ice of many Americans. The manual, Discovery, uses an ad- The Fellowship of Action present and not any "whom you dress of Dr. Kagawa which deals would call young," he makes with the way to put this plan Who are these that go about clear that "the services at Trininto action beginning with directed prayer. the streets of the city and upon ity Church are continued with- As a part of the follow-up pro- the paths of the world? The out interruption throughout all gram to conserve and further develop the impress of Kagawa Word of God is in their mouths, the months of the year, the only in this country, C h r i s t ian s should study courses, as Carl the bread in their hand, they change in the summer being the Hutchinson's Seeking a New World through Cooperatives. It share, they bind up the wounded omission of the sermon on Suncosts but twenty-five cents and is available at the Methodist and comfort them that mourn. day afternoons. There are five Book Concern, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York. Who are these? services every Sunday and four Literature and bibliographies These are the stewards of the every week-day, at all of which should be selected and placed at the disposal of church leaders. loving-kindness of God, and the everyone is welcome and the The best introductory pamphlet costs but ten cents; it is A day laborers in his Kingdom. pews are free. This church is Prayer for Consumers by Dr. B. Y. Landis, Association Pre s s. They are the harvesters of here to serve all those who have The Cooperative League, 167 children, the saviors of the sick, need of it." West 12th Street, New York City, has excellent material and theconsolers of the desperate, One of the mission children information concerning cooperatives. the friends of the prisoner and was baptized after the services.
Here is a call to Christian peo- the family of the poor. The curate knew the name of the ple everywhere to come alive to the possibilities at hand for a They are of every race and child, who was "from a family new world order, and a new interpretation of the Lor d's every tongue, and they are un- of the parish." The phrase, "a Prayer. destructibly one. mission for the people of the They are the pioneers of peace parish," catches the imagination.
and the fellows of Christ in ac- Surely that seems to be missions, tion. – Jean Kenyon Mackenzie, beginning at home. You may in "Women and Missions" (Pres- not enjoy all that you find in the byterian, U. S. A.), October, article but the moral of the tale 1930. is clear, if one wishes to find it.
Jean Kenyon Mackenzie, Ed- And the old couple who knelt mund B. Chaffee, Fred B. Smith, all during the service, the vestry- S. Parkes Cadman, and others of man with the large white mus- our fellowship, leaders in real- tache who attends almost every izing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Sunday, the colored clergyman have recently joined the host of – pleased with his interview with God's children active in other the curate, the gentle-looking realms of the Kingdom of God. man dressed "g r a vel y – for Like the ascension of Jesus, our church," the boy sopranos, the Lord and Master, their going Japanese observer-all these in- from our midst leaves us griev- cluding the reporter himself ing and yet, wondering over the make a good company, for whom Glory of the Light shown in life's the Church exists.
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OU£M!~r~~:!~:cu~~!~Ok I EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO ==================================~~~ WESTERN ASIA curing that native Christian that the "untouchable" exodus leadership which is the out- .from Hinduism has not "been Leper Home in Jerusalem standing need of every mission worked up but has grown out, The enmity between Jew and Arab in Palestine has not af- field. inspired by God. It is the outfected the Leper Home. But both nurses and patients keep as growth of Christian missions." much as possible within the boundaries of the home, on ac- INDIA, SIAM AND And a writer in the Indian Witcount of the danger of riots. CAMBODIA ness says: "God is in it. Let us Extensive building in suburban Jerusalem has led to an Plea for Unity be careful lest we thwart God's offer being made for the site of will and God's way of bringing the home, with the suggestion of a new site on the road from One of the strongest pleas for India to Himself by our fears, Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The union which has yet been voiced our hesitations, our delays." matter has not yet been decided. is the appeal of 163 missions in One significant outcome is a -Moravian Missions. India for some form of church "Youth Movement" among un- unity. Missionaries on the field touchables. In certain places, Changing Thought in Iran declare that only a united youth have collected and burned The Bishop of Iran writes in Church can hope to win India sacred books to show their con- The Life of Faith of radical for Christ. The appeal points to tempt of Hinduism. changes that had taken place during his year's absence. Most the slow progress which Chris- Without any knowledge that striking of all he found, upon tianity has made in India, where, this secession from Hinduism his return, women sharing in after two centuries of mission- was coming, Miss Clementina the family and social life of the ary effort less than two per cent Butler, a former Methodist miscountry almost as if it had been their normal habit from the be- of the population is Christian. sionary, had 18,000 prints of ginning. Husbands and wives "The Good Shepherd" ready for come together when invited to a The denominational differences distribution among these shephome. herdless people. Through her which may have significance to initiative a committee has been "Corresponding with these the Western churches are not changes one is conscious of a even understood by native Chris- formed in America to produce change of thought and attitude. tians, and serve only to confuse It is hard to define exactly what them. The presence of mission- the inexpensive chromo picture it is, but it is perhaps a sense of aries of the different denomina- -dear to the Indian heart-porfreedom and of satisfaction at tions raises the question in the traying scenes from the Gospels; accomplishment of what many mind of Indian Christians why evidence, as one of the workers of the more advanced and these groups worship the same said, that God has His own calthoughtful have for some time God, yet remain apart from each endar. felt to be a necessary reform. . . . I am full of admiration other. The break-up of Indian at the way in which these great religions and the mass movement Christian "Mela" Sets a Goal social reforms have been introduced." among the depressed classes who The annual Christian mela of are turning toward Christian In Teheran, the bishop sees missions for social and spiritual Belgaum District brought tosigns of a movement among the emancipation, the impatience of gether representatives from 21 more thoughtful, educated men Christian youth in India at what Christian villages of the district, to study Christianity. If this they consider narrow restricmovement spreads to other tions of official Christianity are who came filled with zeal to towns and is fostered and deep- make the mela a success. Reened it may prove a means of se- other arguments offered by the vival meetings were conducted missionaries who plead for per- by a young Christian sadhu, mission to form a union among with the result that many were themselves, without separating greatly strengthened. A magic from their various mot her churches in the West. lantern lecture was given on the Life of Christ, and pictures of -Christian Observer. prominent I n d ian Christian leaders and of village improve- Reaching the Untouchables ment schemes were shown. The following aims were set Dr. Murray Titus, a Methodist for next year: village Christians missionary in North India, says and the workers to become per- [ 5471
sonal soul-winJ?-ers; to sell.more uncanonical interpolations or er- mixed European and Singhalese or Indian parentage. His son, G.ospels; to buIld churches III the, roneous transcription, as in the Arnold Paynter, is continuing vIlI~ges, to see th~t regular o~- case of suttee. Meanwhile, as this task and now has about 80 gcoanmdzuecd~,edsyasttemevaetrIcy worshIp IS the legal approach is at best young people in the orphanage place with uncertain, Christian preaching and homes at Nuwara Eliya, solemmty and rev~renc~. Ceylon. Here the boys were and teaching on this evil must taught the building trade, while -Ind7an Wttness. continue. the . girls learned gardening, cookmg and domestic duties. Christian College Jubilee In the Kond Hills Such work cuts across a 200- year-old tradition, for hitherto Isabella Thoburn College, the A hundred years ago nothing it was an unheard-of thing for first college for women in all was known about the people in E.urasians to labor with their the Kond Hills, although they hands. Later, the problem arose Asia, is celebrating its fiftieth" as to the future of these young year. The enrolment this year were on the map, some 400 miles people and it was decided to is the largest in its history, but southwest of Calcutta. It was form a colony on the slopes of the fact that it is only 188 is in- only when the ruler of a small the Himalayas. Accordingly in dicative that only a small per native state, having refused to 1~32 Mr. Paynter set out, with cent of India's girlhood have as pay his taxes, took refuge among SIX young people between the yet the opportunities, or the the Konds, that these people ages of sixteen and eighteen, on a 2,000-mile journey to the expreparation for college. In fact came into notice. While seeking treme north of India, where they only 2% of India's women ove; the offending rajah, government have established themselves in a twenty can read or write. As six-roomed house, built by their yet it is difficult, however, to find officials learned the terrible con- own inexperienced hands. At ditions a~ong the Konds,-hu- first they subsisted on fish, game openings for the graduates aside man saCrIfice of the most ghast- and wild fruit. As more colofrom the teaching and medical ly sort, infanticide and degraded nists arrived the government professions. Some have mar- heathenism. The British Gov- granted additional land. Two ried men of wide influence. One ernment at once took steps to weddings have taken place, and of last year's graduates is Y. W. stop these inhuman customs thus the young people are set- and after some years succeeded tling down in their new homes, C. A. secretary in Calcutta. Sev- in doing so. But except in so far removed from their former eral graduates are full members far as they have come under the temptations and handicaps. All of the Lucknow Conference. influence of missionaries, these were won to Christ before going to the Himalayan colony. Fam- Child Marriage people are today much the same ily prayer is held morning and as they were a century ago. evening, and there is also a serv- ice on Sunday mornings. Spir- It is more than sixty years They are still animists, and ituality is a marked feature of therefore live in constant fear the life of the colony. The work since Malabari, Parsee reform- of evil spirits. has received the highest com- mendation from Government ofer, introduced a bill to deal with The British Missionary Soci- ficials, and from leaders of the ety is the only organization at chief missionary societies. The child marriages. When nearly work among them. In the very Secretary for Ceylon believes it grove where human sacrifices to be the solution to the problem accepted it had to be withdrawn were formerly offered there now of Eurasians in Ceylon, and stands a Christian church. There many Anglo-Indians in India. to placate Hindu opposition. A is the beginning of a Christian literature, including a hymn -The Christian. Miss Sorabji in a letter to the book. There are eleven schools Is Tibet Going Modern? London Times, sets forth some wit h twenty-nine Christian Even in Tibet conditions are of the grave difficulties that teachers, and over 700 scholars looking up. The town of Lhasa in attendance. G 0 v ern men t is now lig~ted by electricity, inwould arise even if amending gives grants-in-aid while at the stalled entIrely by Tibetan elec-" same time allowing absolute tricians. A not her recent legislation to make the 1929 Act freedom in regard to religious achievement is the completion teaching. A number of young of the whole Bible in the Tibetan effective were placed on the language, a task of thirty years' men trained in the mission are duration. It is the work of a statute book. The difficulties teaching in government schools. succession of missionary schol- At present there is a Christian embrace such points as these: community of over 2,000.
how could such legislation be en- -The Christian.
forced by police methods? How could reliable evidence of age be secured? How could evidence of intended marriages be ob- tained. Miss Sorabji considers that the only possible sound re- form must come hferocomopewriatthiion~ and that without t of the Hindu priests little can be done. She suggests that San- Eurasians in Ceylon skrit scholars should be set to work upon textual examination A few years after his arrival of the Hindu religious books in in India in 1882, a young Eng- the expectation that the doctri- lishman, Arthur Pay n t e r, nal sanction of child-marriage founded the India Christian Mis- can be found to be based upon sion on behalf of children of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ars, with the invaluable aid of a and helps with the Bible teach- missionary careers in China was Tibetan Christian pastor of the ing in the schools. He has also that of Dr. Rosewell H. Graves, Moravian Church. made eighteen tours to more dis- of Baltimore, who reached Can- tant places with gratifying re- ton in 1856, and stayed by his Open Hearts in Cambodia sults. Trips to nearby places post for fifty-six years. He was out of the city are made regu- a physician by t r a i n i n g, a Though the doors are still larly with members of the VOl- preacher of note, a litterateur closed in Cambodia, the Holy unteers. They go out somewhere and translator of outstanding Spirit is at work. Last summer every week, and always have a ability, and laid the broad an elderly Cambodian came to good hearing. During the year foundations of the work in and the home of Rev. F. C. Peterson 5,553 Scripture portions have around Canton, w her e the in Kompong Trach, to learn been sold, the income being some Graves Theological Seminary about the Gospel. From his lit- seventy-five ticals. The "market and the Graves Memorial Church tle hut in the rice field he had chapel" is kept open as a read- are named in his honor. walked about four miles in the ing room, and attracts many hot sun, seeking peace of heart. young people. The Southern Baptist Board As a Buddhist priest, he had has extended its efforts into gone through all the rites of Work in the two schools has Shantung, Anhui and Honan, Buddhism, and now after nearly gone on most favorably. There and the Northern Baptist work seventy years spent in that reli- has been no trouble with the has reached out into far away gion, he still lacked what he new government regulations Szechuan. Baptist C h u r c h sought. A few years ago, he said, and the standard of work has members in more than half the his son had bought a "heart improved, as well as the attend- eighteen provinces of China, tract" in Takeo, and after read- ance. number not less than 70,000. ing this, he concluded it con- Two institutions have been fostained the message for which his Dr. Boon Itt was asked to tered jointly by the Northern heart was longing. It was no teach in an Institute for Doc- and Southern boards – the Unieasy matter to give up Buddhism tors which was held for fifteen versity of Shanghai and the as error, and turn to a new mas- days in Pitsanuloke. All the China Baptist Publication Soter. Finally the Holy Spirit won government doctors in the coun- ciety. The English Baptist Misthe victory. It was a joy to kneel try gathered for instruction. sion cooperates in the work of with him and point him to Christ Two high government medical Shantung Christian University, who takes away the sins of the officers have visited the hospital and the Northern Society in the world. and expressed satisfaction at West China Christian Univer- the work being done. Regular sity in Szechuan. It has been a joy to watch this days for visitors have been arman grow in the knowledge of ranged, and many have taken ARTHUR R. GALLIMORE. God. He sits down with his New advantage of this and given Testament and reads many chap- money to help in the work. The Government Asks for ters at a time. He witnesses hospital is full to overflowing, Missionaries faithfully in his village and ex- and the table of statistics for the pects many others there to turn medical work indicates an in- The National Christian Counto the Lord ere long. He is faith- crease along almost every line of cil of China asks for a hundred ful in walking the long distance treatment. -Siam Outlook. missionaries to work with boys to our home for prayer meeting and girls of the Government and Bible instruction. We were CHINA AND MANCHURIA schools. They are promised unhappily surprised the other day bounded opportunities outside of to hear him quote from memory Century of Baptist Missions school hours for guiding youth many verses from the Bible. Re- in their recreation, their adjustcently some Buddhist priests Baptists are this year com- ments and life. came to visit us while he was memorating the hundredth annihere; it did our hearts good to versary of the beginning of their Rural reconstruction has passhear him preach the Gospel to mission in Macao. It was in ed the experimental stage and them with no uncertain sound. reality an outgrowth of William has become a national movement. Carey's mission to India in The Christian Far mer has -Alliance Weekly. 1792, in the support of which 40,000 readers and 2,000,000 Baptists in America found an people come under its influence Work in Siam Goes Forward outlet for their missionary zeal. and mass education movement is Carey had felt, when his son preparing thousands to read. The Home Mission Committee went to Rangoon, Burma, that of the National Church of Siam this might be the precursor of an This Year's Famine now has the oversight of all entrance into China. Macao, in work done in Pitsanuloke sta- 1836, was a flourishing Portu- There is famine every year in tion. Aside from his regular guese Colony. Later, in 1843, some part of China. This year duties as pastor of the church, medical work under the Baptist it is affecting 30,000,000 people Rev. Seng Saa Chairatana does Board began in Ningpo. in Szechuan and Honan provreligious work in the hospital inces. Repeated floods and un- One of the most remarkable usually dry summers, and at-
tacks of Chinese Communist walls bare, so things suggestive JAPAN-CHOSEN soldiers bring about this condi- of the Christian life are substi- Nation-Wide Evangelism tion. Starving parents in some tuted. It is important that a cases have sold their children to Christian atmosphere be cre- A Commission on nation-wide buy food. Dogs and cats have ated in the home. After these evangelism has completed its orlong since been eaten, and it is preliminaries, an altar is set up ganization, and is asking Chrisreported that some of the na,tives in the guest room and a service tians throughout the empire to have resorted to cannibalism. is conducted, with an appropri- remember this movement in This section of China in previous ate talk to the family and their morning devotions, and years has had plentiful crops. friends who have assembled for also to organize groups which In some sections more than 70 the occasion. Bible women visit will undergird this evangelistic per cent of the towns and vil- in these homes as often as pos- effort with a volume of united lages have been destroyed by the sible and try to carryon a defi- prayer. A budget of 5,000 yen Chinese Communist soldiers, nite program of instruction for has been adopted for the present who are, themselves, starving the women. Families are urged year. It is hoped that during the since no government is back of to attend the short term schools, first year of the movement spethem. -Watchman-Examiner. to become familiar with Bible cial campaigns may be conducted ideals. -The Living Church. in the empire's six major cities "Normal Contagious" – Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Changsha reports an analysis Inspection Trip in Manchuria Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe-and in six of church membership wherein near-by cities. members are classified as "in- Rev. Charles Leonard of the active," "active but ineffective" Southern Baptist Mission, sta- -World Outlook. and "normal contagious." The tioned at Harbin, after a tour of church officials are working def- mISSIOns located at Mishan, Christianity on the Increase initely to bring a larger propor- Tungning, Suifenho, Lishuchen, tion into the "normal conta- and other points in the large Dr. Kagawa declares that gious" group. Inactive members area east of Harbin, reported Christianity is on the increase are sought out and followed up. that said area has suffered more in Japan. As proof he cites the For the "active but ineffective," than any other during these past doubling of the Christian comdirect challenge is made for few years from bandi.try. For munity in the last ten years, the deeper personal Christian liv- three hundred miles it is moun- phenomenal growth of the deing, with more time taken for tainous, wild country, in much mand for Christian literature, prayer and Bible study. Mean- of which roving bands of robbers the conversion of leading govwhile the "contagious" Chris- have held sway for many years. ernment officials, including memtians, perhaps simple country Following the change of govern- bers of the nobility, and the fact women, perhaps highly educated ment numerous trains we r e that the indigenous religions are university men, continue about wrecked and looted; villages increasingly influenced by Christheir Father's business of mak- burned, homes destroyed; thou- tianity. Buddhists have adopted ing Christ known to all with sands killed; garrisons, groups Christian hymns, frequently use whom they come in contact. and individuals kidnapped and the Bible and are introducing tortured. At present, however, the cross into their temples. -Monday Morning. conditions are improving. As re- gards Lishuchen, Rev. Leonard – Watchman-Examiner. "Cleansing Services" states that this coal-mining town Open Door Clubs Sixteen groups of students "When a family becomes in- has its own railway line, over have organized "Open Door terested in Christianity and which many have come these Clubs," each with its own offiwi she s to affiliate with the past several years to push their cers and staff. The regular pro- Church," writes an Episcopal way as settlers into the farthest gram includes a study of various missionary at Changshu-Ku, "we steppes of northeast Manchuria. phases of religion, prayer, Bible, go to the home and hold what During past years two Russian worship. Nearly every group we call a cleansing service. All Baptist families connected with meets once a week. Out of these the idols, superstitious pictures, the mines had assisted in raising meetings have come some sigetc., are carried out and burned, funds for purchase of a place for nificant and hopeful things. even the ancestral tablets are Chinese and Russian evangelistic Members spread the news and removed. In place of all these meetings at the coal-mine town. recently a new g r 0 U P was are installed things of a Chris- But as these Russians have left, formed. Twenty-six young men tian nature; a picture of Christ one family migrating to Brazil- came at once asking to be led in . occupies the most important with other Russian Protestant Bible study. Only two of the position on the wall; then there families, and the town proper, group had ever seen a Bible beare pictures illustrating family Lishuchen, having grown, it has fore, but all were eager to know unity, and attractive scrolls been decided to move the meet- its contents. Students and fac- with Scripture passages written ing place into the heart of said ulty members of the Imperial on them. We must not leave the town. -China Weekly. University are being reached
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
and are becoming interested. men, unmarried, banded to- the other hand, if the bride is One recently came asking for help and saying that unless he gether in Francis of Assisi fash- lazy, or in other ways unsatiscould find the thing he needed in Christ, he would have to com- ion, supported by a peach factory, she may be sent back to mit suicide. He found what he sought and left with courage orchard, and preaching the Gos- her people; and the purchase great enough to face his problems. pel. A furniture factory was price must be refunded. Since, -The Presbyterian Banner. found unprofitable but they are however, the money has prob- Suicide "Specialist" now tearing away the earth ably been divided among many, Japan has a "Suicide Preven- from the side of a sheer preci- some ill-feeling is engendered tion Society," with a suicide clinic, under the direction of a pice and filling in a barren salt and the girl falls into disfavor. man known as "the suicide specialist." This new society seeks field, in the hope that when their' Responsible relatives train both the establishment of proper institutions for the prevention of arduous task is finished they youths and girls in the obligaself-destruction, to sponsor investigations, to publish litera- may raise rice, settle down and tions of marriage. ture on the subject, and show motion pictures. A memorial marry and preach the Gospel to -The Australian Missionservice for the young men and women who have committed that area of the Inland Sea as- ary R.eview. shiniu or love suicide together was held in July. It is estimated signed to Baptists. These men that 20,000 persons commit suicide annually in Japan. are not yet bapti~ed, but they are Sunday Schools in Fiji -Alliance Weekly. ready to enter the church at any Rev. H. Chambers, of Davui- time, and have been doing mis- levu, Fiji, says that this field has United Children's Service sionary work for a long time. the largest Missionary Training Christ Church, Yokohama, re- Anglican World Conference Institution in the South Pacific. cently held a united service for It comprises five institutions, Sunday school children. In addition to the children from this The first world conference of namely, the Theological Instituchurch, there were present more Anglican churchmen in Asia is tion, the Village Pastor Trainthan 200 children from Yoko- to be held in Tokyo in May, ing Institute, the Teacher-Trainhama Union Church, St. An- 1940. The date has been set to ing Institute, the District 'Boys' drew's Japanese Church, Yoko- coincide with the international Technical School, and the Prihama Chinese Church and the exposition now announced by mary School. Sunday school Kawasaki Anglican Church. At Japan to commemorate the must be written in the plural, one point in the service a Jap- 2,600th anniversary of the for- for the Sunday schools at Davuianese girl, a Chinese boy and an mation of the empire and to per- levu are as numerous as its insti- American girl read Gospel pas- mit attendance of about 200 tutions, with one in additionsages. The address by Bishop bishops of North and South the Kindergarten. A Prepara- Heaslett was given in alternate America who will be going to tion Class is held on Friday Japanese and English. London to attend the Lambeth nights, when the lesson is given Conference, called every ten verbally, after which the full The collection went toward years by the Archbishop of Can- notes which have been put up providing a place for Christian terbury. Plans are being made on the blackboards earlier in the worship in Sanjo. to accommodate 1,000 church- day, are copied by the teachers. men. -The Living Church. -The Australian Mission- Self-Supporting Evangelists ary Review. Rev. H. O. Sisson, writing for the Watchman-Examiner, gives ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC Bible Study in the Philippines a striking example of self-sacrificing leadership in Japan's In- Defense of a Native Custom Two or three years ago about land Sea where the barren hill- 210 high school students enrolled sides are so valuable that they Students of social customs in a six months' course Bible are terraced all the way to the among primitive peoples find study and 120 received the Suntop to produce what slim crops that some ideas, repellant to the day School Union diploma. This are possible. Here he found ten casual observer have a useful year three new features have purpose. For example, when a been introduced: the study is man buys his wife the "pur- made intensive by meeting from chase" is the very thing which three to five times a week; prevents his abusing her. The teachers went to the pupils' price is a guarantee of good homes, instead of asking them faith since, after marriage, if to come to the school, and gen- the young man is cruel to his eral courses have been offered in wife, she returns to her people; addition to technical stu d y. but the youth's relatives cannot, There were 300 students en- under the circumstances, de- rolled. About 225 completed mand the return of the payment. their studies and took the exam- Since economic sanctions make ination; 190 passed. Next year remarriage difficult for the di- it is planned to have four or five vorcee, the bridegroom is en- three-week periods of Bible couraged to behave with consid- study. eration towards his wife. On
Oannibals Learn Gospel Songs Interracial Relations; W 0 rId There are in the United States Relationships; the Church; and 8,676,000 Catholic youth under twenty- A group of cannibals heard the Church's Adult Program. five years of age, and of this number the Gospel for the first time on only 1,870,000 are enrolled in any a recent Sunday afternoon when The conference was called by parochial or other religious school three canoes arrived at the "Unevangelized Fields Mission" sta- the committee on religious edu- under the auspices of the Catholic tion in Papua, containing nearly cation of adults of the Interna- Church. So 78.4 per cent of the youth forty of these men, who ex- tional Council of Religious Edu- of the Catholic Church are not being plained by interpretation that cation. they had come to sell sago, and reached by the Church. There are in not to fight. They then told the -The Presbyterian Banner. missionary that they wanted a the United States 1,630,000 Jewish teacher, and were willing to children under twenty-five years of build a house if one would come. They remained one night, and age, of which number 1,543,000, or the opportunity was taken to 95.2 per cent, are not enrolled in any teach them some choruses, "Yes, Mobilizing Spiritual Forces Jewish synagogue or other educational Jesus loves me," and "All the way to Calvary, He went for The National Committee for agency under the auspices of the me." This tribe, living 200 miles Religion and Welfare Recovery Jewish Church. There are in the from the mission station, fre- United States 42,891,825 children who quently raids other villages for consists of more than four hun- are Protestant, or nominally Protheads and food. estant, under twenty-five years of age, dred leaders from the major re- and of this number 28,529,950, or 66.5 -The Christian. per cent, are not enrolled in any Sun- ligious faiths, and includes 61 day school. Netherlands Mission bishops, Catholic and non-Cath- olic, 65 pastors, priests and In twelve separate fields Gos- rabbis, 25 college presidents or Put this alongside the statepel work is being carried on by other educators and 143 national ment of Supreme Court Justice the Netherlands East Indies officers of church and benevolent Lewis L. Fawcett, of Brooklyn, Mission. Mr. R. A. J affray re- boards, in addition to a consider- with eighteen years of experiports great blessing in the four ence on the bench, that "Of 5,000 fields in Borneo, where no fewer able number of laymen. than 8,000 Dyaks have come to The program is educational boys less than twenty-one years Christ. Nearly 100 students and cooperative but not adminis- old who have been arraigned behave recently entered the Bible trative. Emphasis is placed fore me, only three were mem- School, and many are already upon the efficiency of existing bers of Sunday school at the occupied winning souls. The re- church and welfare agencies, time of committing their crime. maining eight fields of the mis- without any attempt to create a Of 1,092 boys who were sension present a more. difficult superorganization or federation. tenced to go to Sunday school problem, for Mohammedanism The Committee calls all church and bring a written attendance is strongly entrenched in them members and sympathetic citi- report from the minister, only all, and there are millions of peo- :?ens to rededicate both life and ninety-two of them ever apple in the islands to whom no substance to the service of God peared in court again; out of missionary has yet been sent. and their fellowmen, and to 1,092, 1,000 were cured by the recognize that the recovery of Sunday school treatment. -The Christian. material prosperity will avail Pioneers of Today NORTH AMERIOA little without sound foundations United Adult Movement of religious faith and unselfish A newly appointed worker in Over two hundred leaders in moral purpose. Idaho describes the situation he special fields of adult activity, pastors, religious education spe- A Ohallenge to Every found: cialists, and delegated lay work- Oommunity ers, assembled recently at Lake In the presbytery the population is Geneva, Wisconsin, to confer so scattered and so transient that in upon a proposed plan of work through nine commissions cov- "If you were to make a house- many large sections there are no minering: Personal ReI i g i 0 u s isters, no Sunday schools, and no re- Growth; Christian Home and to-house canvass of your com- ligious teaching of any kind. There Family Life; Education, Character and Community Life; Eco- munity," says a writer in the is only one resident minister in the nomic Life; Leisure Time and Christian Observer, "you would Cultural Life; Inter-Group and perhaps discover that the great large county of Owyhee, a Congrega- majority of the children of your tional minister with a small church. Every school in this county is a one- teacher school. In the county of own community were not in Sun- Boise there is but one resident min- day school." ister, and he is blind. There is no minister in the county seat. In the There is a challenge in the county of Elmore there are many towns with no Sunday school. statement that nineteen out of every twenty Jewish children under twenty-five years of age It is difficult to organize Sun- are not enrolled in any Jewish- day schools because the adults.
school; that three out of every have not had religious training, four Roman Catholics of the and are not prepared to fill places same age are not in any Catholic of leadership. Through leader- school; and two out of every ship-training co u r s e s in the three Protestants of the same points he can reach, this mis- age are not in any Sunday sionary hopes to develop leaders school. To go more into detail: who will become interested in
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Sunday school organization, and period of four years will be position to the ecclesiastical auhungry for a knowledge of the 1,000,000 such donors or a total Bible. -Presbyterian Banner. of $12,000,000 a year. thorities is unquestioned, do not Bible Society's New Home Methodists will seek to relate hesitate to deplore a system of the life of their church to social After occupying the old Bible and economic problems besetting education which ignores the res- House on Astor Place, New York modern civilization. They will City, for eighty-three years the also seek to deepen the personal thetic and spiritual needs of American Bible Society is now piety of Methodists. located in a new home at the humanity. corner of Park Avenue and -Presbyterian Tribune. Fifty-seventh Street. The six- A sign that the Government is story building, purchased in Staff Increased at Sage 1935, has been altered to pro- Hospital feeling secure in its position is vide for the Society's activities in supplying Scriptures through- Sage Memorial Hospital at the fact that President Cardenas out the world. It gives accom- Ganado, N. M., is the only Indian modations to the retail store of hospital in the Southwest fully has recently authorized the rethe Eastern Agency, as well as accredited this year by the offices and storage space. There American College of Surgeons. opening of certain Cat hoI i c is on exhibition a large illumi- The recent addition of two docnated world map showing the tors to the staff has made it pos- Churches which were closed by location of all the Society's home sible to add a regular full time and foreign agencies, a twenty- program to the pioneering field order of President Calles in one foot chart containing the work reported for the first time names of the 972 languages and a year ago. Each doctor in ro- 1934. -World Survey. dialects into which the Scrip- tation has spent his entire time tures have been translated, and for a month in field visitation, Christian Literature in Mexico electrically lighted dioramas pre- clinics and examination and senting the work of translation treatment of children in the In Mexico, crisis means, as the and distribution in for e i g n eight Government day schools Chinese say, "both danger and lands. The building will be for- within a twenty-five mile radius opportunity." Political movemally dedicated in November. of Ganado. This service is ex- ments are producing a wholly ceedingly important from the unexpected interest in the Chris- For the past eighty-three point of view of remedial and tian message in its bearing on years the output of Scriptures preventive health work. It gives social and economic problems. from the old Bible House has the mission contact with many In 1931, the Christian literature been enormous. The volumes families not reached through publishing interests were "at the printed, purchased or imported any other activities. Another bottom." Now the union pubthat passed through the Bible new service this year is a per- lishing agency under Baez Cam- House in the past eighty-three manent dental clinic. The School years to December 31, 1935, the of Nursing, the only training argo is meeting with remarkable grand total was 134,179,512, or school for Indian nurses in the success. The v 0 I u m e "Has at a rate of about three every country, continues to grow in Science Discovered God?" has minute, night and day. popularity and range of influ- been avidly read. Atheistic and ence. Started in 1930, and now communistic literature has flood- Methodists Seek $12,000,000 fully accredited by the American ed this and other Latin Amer- Medical Association and the Na- ican countries, but minds are Methodist leaders met in Evan- tional League of Nursing Edu- open, and there is a demand for ston, Ill., July 8th, for "The cation, it enrolled this year nine- such books as "Christ and Hu- WorId Is My Parish" movement, teen students from twelve dif- man Service," the "Life of Kaa special effort to continue ferent Indian tribes scattered gawa," "Science and the Invisible through four years for the ex- from Alaska to Arizona. World." Missions have been retension of the missionary and -P1"esbyterian Board News. stricted in some types of work, benevolence enterprises of the but are putting greater effort denomination. One part of the LATIN AMERICA into literature and social service. plan is the enrolment during the The people are eager for the first year of 500,000 persons, Wider Tolerance in Mexico Gospel. groups and organizations in local churches who will subscribe There are unmistakable evi- Youth in the Caribbean one dollar a month or twelve dences that there is a reaction dollars a year to the missionary among thinking Mexicans from The Church in the West Indies and benevolence program. The the extreme materialism so much is well on the way to being a goal sought for the first year is, in evidence during recent stages young people's church. The thus, $6,000,000. The goal for a of the Church and State con- young people's conferences, first flict. Educational writers of held in the three islands only a recognized standing, whose op- few years ago, have grown in- creasingly popular. The results of these summer conferences are making themselves felt in the communities to which the dele- gates return. A group of Cuban young people, for ins tan c e, wanting to put into practice some of the ideals inspired at the conference, organized for the purpose of serving their communities along material and
spiritual lines. Puerto Rican the Presbyterian Church in Misplaced Reverence pastors also reported that the Colombia, has formed a group Charles W. Clay, in World conferences inspired a higher of young men in his church into Outlook, tells some things he saw standard of work and a new will- a Bible school, and is training here and there. A shop selling ingness on the part of the young them to preach from notes he cheap perfume does business people to assume responsibility took in the Costa Rican school. under the sign, "Good Jesus." for church activities. Domingo Fernandez, class of In Para there is a restaurant, 1934, is evangelizing in Spanish called the "C a f e Baptista," -The Presbyterian Banner. villages. which displays a large sign showing John the Baptist, in Sunday Schools in West Indies A man and wife, both trained heaven surrounded by angels, in this Institute, started a little telephoning to the "Cafe Bap- The progress of Christian edu- school and have not only sup- tista" to send up one hundred cation in the sixteen islands and ported themselves, but gathered pounds of their coffee, for it is island groups of the West Indies together a group of people into the brand which has entrance to is shown by a net increase of 49 a thriving evangelical congrega- heaven! A further illustration per cent in Sunday school enrol- tion. Two young women grad- of gross irreverence in advertisment since 1932. The Bahamas, uates, working in different coun- ing is the following doggerel nowhich should benefit by direct tries, maintain themselves by ticed in a street car: and invigorating influences from taking children whose parents the United States, show, how- desire that they be taught the "Are you sad my dear? ever, a decrease of 7 per cent Bible. Have you a cough or bronchitis? over the same period. There are Institute students evangelize It's a law of our Saviour some troublesome impediments while studying. They carry The only cure is 'Contratosse.' "
to a general advance of the West packs with necessary belongings -World Outlook. Indian peoples which may only and Scripture portions. In one be removed by an indoctrination place the priest told the people of their youth with new think- that it would be no more sin to EUROPE ing. The lack of sensitiveness in the social conscience with re- kill them than to kill a dog. Evangelism in Spain and gard to an astounding ratio of Throughout the country are iso- Portugal illegitimacy in many of the lated believers, twos and threes, won by this itinerant method. Mr. H. Martyn Gooch, Generislands is an example to the al Secretary of the World's point. Youth, with an enthu- -So S. Times. Evangelical Alliance, has made siasm for doing the right thing an extended visit to Spain and Needy Colombia Portugal. He believes that poand a will to break from custom litical conditions in both councan alone change a discreditable Leaders of the missionary en- tries are helpful rather than a situation. terprise have not been as active The Islands have a Protestant in Colombia as are commercial hindrance to evangelical work, community of 1,873,216, a body interests. Colombia has vast and in reply to the question "Can which if united in purpose could potential wealth and produces Spain and Portugal Be Evangelachieve anything needing to be everything that is grown in tem- ized 7" says that the answer condone. They send only 277,680 perate and cold climates as well cerns the spiritual equipment of children to the Sunday schools, as all tropical fruits; Protestant forces, rather than although they have 468,400 of But there is as yet little effort Roman Catholic opposition. Althem under 14 years-a leakage to give the Gospel to the millions so, a united front is of supreme of nearly 200,000. Problems in Colombia who have no oppor- importance. Mr. Gooch adwhich are the despair of the tunity of hearing it. There are dressed many gatherings, and churches will only begin to show only about 90 Protestant mis- met with clergy, ministers and a solution when the importance sionaries in the whole country, other representatives of Protesof youth and the child is more with a mere handful of native tant organizations. His visit to clearly understood. workers. One missionary to one Madrid coincided with the visit of Professor Baez Camargo of -World Survey. hundred thousand p e 0 pIe is about the proportion but one- Mexico, and they shared in a One School's Work fourth of the total missionary warm welcome on the part of force is on furlough, and a fair the Committee of the Spanish The Latin American Bible In- proportion are new people stilt Evangelical Alliance at special stitute in Costa Rica has put struggling with the language. gatherings arranged in the two, seventy workers in the field. Four-fifths of the missionaries largest Evangelical churches. Alfredo Cardona, now preaching in Colombia, has raised up The Portuguese Evangelical Alseveral congregations of be- are along the Pacific Coast, leav- liance, the British and Foreign ing much of the country without Bible Society, the World Domin- any Gospel teacher. ion Movement and the United lievers i n t 0 self – supporting -Latin American Evan- Society for Christian Literature churches. Hernan Bautista, of gelist. all are at work on a cooperative
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
basis. Six evangelical churches steenberghe is known as an greatest historical importance- in the north of Spain are threat- eloquent speaker, and is hoping "A question whether the Chris- ened with extinction through the to visit America for deputation tian faith shall continue to have withdrawal of financial support work. The buildings owne.d by rights in Germany." Attacks hitherto available from Ameri- the Mission, covering among upon Evangelical beliefs and ca, and the help of the World's other places Brussels, Bruges, practices were exposed and de- Evangelical Alliance has been G hen t, Antwerp, Charleroi, nounced. The declaration af- sought in an endeavor to enable Tournai, are all free of debt. firms that "in the country of these churches to continue. Ro-· Workers, including wives, num- Martin L u the r, Evangelical man Catholic forces would re- ber 130. The two Bible Train- Christians are prevented from joice in their demise. ing Schools are guided by com- bearing witness to the Gospel in -The Christian. petent leaders and the various public meetings." A spiritual administrative posts are in the demand is made that "the inces- Paris Student Union hands of approved workers. sant interference" by the State While a student at the Sor- -The Christian. shall cease, and that liberty shall bonne, Miss Agnes D. Stoneham be granted to the people to atwho was formerly a North Afri- Beatenberg Conference tend Gospel services, and to the ca missionary, realized the need pastors to proclaim the truth as for an Evangelical Union to In one of the most beautiful it is in Christ Jesus. work among the students. Un- spots in Switzerland, at Beatenable to return to North Africa, berg, 150 people of about twenty The protest was made with she felt the call of God to estab- nationalities recently gathered full realization of what the cost lish such a work. In a little over to pray for world revival. The might be, for it concludes: "We two years young people from conference was divided into four call upon the servants of the twenty-three nationalities have groups, two speaking German, Church to bear witness to the been helped in their spiritual the others French and English. Gospel of Jesus Christ without life. It was urged that all Christians compromise and without fear of must know in their own experi- men. Many have been sent to The student population of ence victory over indwelling sin, prison and concentration camps, Paris numbers 50,000, of whom and fully understand the minis- have had to suffer expulsion and 8,000 are from overseas. The try of God the Holy Spirit. other trials. We do not know vice-president of the union is a what may still be in store for us. Japanese student. The story of Immediately following the But whatever this may be, we one member, an Armenian doc- Convention, a students' confer- are bound to be obedient to our tor, is stirring. A nominal ence was arranged under the heavenly Father." Christian, he was brought into auspices of the Intervarsity Felblessing through the Union. He lowship of Evangelical Unions, -The Life .of Faith. is now a keen soul-winner, and to consider how best to bring a looks forward to his return deep spiritual revival in Euro- Anatolia College Jubilee home to engage in evangelistic pean universities. There were work in his hospital and univer- representatives there from Brit- The Golden Jubilee of Anasity. Until recently, various dis- ish, French, German, S w iss, tolia College, Salonika, Greece, cussion groups and meetings Dutch and Hungarian univer- was celebrated on June 20th. were held in drawing rooms sities. Reports from Hungary An address was given by Dr. kindly lent by friends, but re- and other countries of Europe Wright, the new president of cently the Union has rented its indicate that this is a day of Robert College, Istanbul. The own ,room, admirably suitable great opportunities for reaching procession was led by Pastor for the work. students with the Gospel. This George Anastasiades of the first Beatenberg Conference did much Anatolia College Class, of 1887. -The Life of Faith. toward helping to unite Chris- Doctors, lawyers, teachers and tians throughout Europe. business men, graduates of the Belgian Gospel Mission college, gathered to pay tribute -The Christian. to their Alma Mater. King Future direction of the Bel- German Evangelical Manifesto George II of Greece was also gian Gospel Mission, since the present at the celebration and death of Mrs. Ralph C. Norton on July 19, devolves upon two The most courageous protest showed deep interest. The presable and experienced workers, yet heard in Germany against ident of the college is Rev. Er- Mr. John C. Winton and M. O. the repressive Nazi policy to- nest Riggs, a grandson of the Vansteenberghe. The former is ward the Evangelical Church famous Elias Riggs, for many a man of gracious personality was made in a manifesto which years an American Board misand unique administrative gifts, was read in every Evangelical s ion a r y at Constantinople. and M. Vansteenberghe is equal- Church acknowledging the Con- Among the pressing needs of the ly qualified to maintain the high fessional movement. This stated college are a boy's home, an standard of executive ability dis- that the German people are con- Alumni Hall, and a retirement played by Mr. Norton. M. Van- fronted with a decision of the fund for the college staff.
Christian Heroism entering Russia on the ground mIssIOn is that of the United that they are considered by the Presbyterian Church. In Soviet Russia 47 pastors Soviet authorities as enemies of have been suffering for years in B 0 Ish e vis m. Pastors and A large increase in Roman concentration camps, on the churches in Russia, in addition Catholic converts is anticipated White Sea, or in Siberia. Two to persecution and extinction, under Italian domination. In were recently condemned to are heavily taxed. This tax fact, the Catholic population death; others have been forced seems already to have gained by to stop their work. Probably money is furnished by free-will less than 20 evangelical pastors gifts. Recently two old men, 400,000, for Mussolini has anare still at work in Russia out of more than seventy years of age, the 300 who formerly preached nounced that 400,000 Italian solthe Gospel there. Two Christian were given a sentence of three diers and laborers would remain colporteurs not long ago were years in the penitentiary for preaching in a village. Suddenly having given money to the permanently to colonize Ethioone fell, shot through by a bul~ pia. let. His comrade immediately took the Bible from the mar~ church and not to the state. The Catholics Propose Conquest tyred man, and continued Soviet has issued a handbook en- of Ethiopia preaching to the frightened lis~ titled: "What Shall I Do in Case teners. His heroism made such My Parents Try to Force Me to The Vatican, which placed no an impression that a revival be~ Go to Church?" The advice giv- obstacle in the way of Mussogan in the village, and spread en includes the following: Re- lini's conquest of Ethiopia, is far beyond. port the case to the authorities; now pushing a religious con- -Church Missionary Gleaner. call the police, bring action be- quest there. Bands of Salesians fore the courts. The punishment and Capuchins, already known Russia and Religion is loss of work, starvation and in Ethiopia, are following close death. behind the Italian columns, as The dechristianizing of Rus- they proceed with the difficult sian school children goes stead- AFRIOA business of mopping up. These ily on, though still is far from being completed. At Saratov it Religious Outlook in Ethiopia missionaries are provided with is reported that 49 per cent of all the means they need to carry the children still live "in the old World-wide interest in Ethi- their message to the most disreligious superstition." Fifty opia draws attention to religious tant and primitive peoples. They per cent still pray at home. conditions there. The Indian Witness states that among the have the funds to open schools An order was issued on De- estimated Ethiopian population and hospitals. Other missioncember 1, 1 9 3 5, t hat all of slightly more than 10,000,000, aries are being trained by the churches, chapels and prayer there are 5,000,000 Coptic Chris- Sacred Congregation for the houses must report to the civil tians, 150,000 Jews, 3,000,000 propagation of the faith. But authorities or be closed. No new Mohammedans, 2,000,000 pa- anything that would suggest the buildings may be erected to gans, 16,000 Roman Catholics serve as churches, synagogues and 12,000 Evangelical Chris- imposition of Catholicism on the or mosques. An exception is tians. During the 300 years that Ethiopians by force is to be made for foreigners who speak followed the meeting of Philip English. They may have their with the eunuch a large part of avoided, in accordance with own churches and worship as Ethiopia b e cam e Christian. Mussolini's promise that there they please. Thus, an American Then came the long theological would be genuine religious free- Roman Catholic church is now being built in Moscow by Father dom under Italian rule. Brown. A Protestant church is -The Christian Advocate. also to be erected there for Eng- 1ish-speaking people. The work controversy over the question Medical Missions in Morocco of closing the churches is going steadily on. The Reformed whether Jesus had a single or Church at Odessa has been made a theater. The chapel at Pris- dual nature. For nearly 1,000 Morocco has always been one chib has been torn down. St. Michael's Cloister at Kiev is years the church in Ethiopia of the most difficult of Mohamabout to be sacrificed. Another cloister in that city has become was isolated from the rest of medan mission fields. F. J. a factory building. Christendom. About the year Scrimgeour writes of a visit he According to a new ruling, pastors from foreign lands from 1500 Catholic missionaries again has made to southern Morocco, now on will be prohibited from entered the country. In 1830 now a protectorate of France.
the Church Missionary Society Eight stations were visited, un- of England sent two mission- der the South Morocco Mission, aries. From that year may be established about fifty years ago, dated the modern work of mis- and the Bible Church Mission- sions. The Bible has been trans~ ary Society, which has opened lated and is now available in 20 – work in some of the larger vil- .
languages. Until the war com- lages during the last ten years.
pelled the evacuation of some Although motor roads cover the stations, Protestant missionaries country and educational train- totalled 184 at 35 stations, while ing is available, fanatical Moroc- Roman Catholics had a force of co continues much the same. 45 foreign priests and 30 native Legal restrictions and prohi~ priests. The largest American bitions of action imposed by the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
French authorities have ham- The Message Refused leaders in the fight, and one of pered efforts at direct evangel- the Methodist black men adization, stopped all school work Mr. Jenkinson, of the Unevan- dressed the House of Assembly except classes of very elemen- for nearly an hour in executive tary teaching, and no~ t~reat~n gelized Fields Mission, at a re- session. to close all medical mISSIOn dISpensaries as they are at present cent meeting in London told how -Christian Ad'vocate. conducted. Under French administration an official medi~al he arrived in an African village Christian Council for service is being developed WhICh extends into all the cities, towns one afternoon and realized that South Africa and larger villages. R.egulatio~s have been issued whIch forbId much good might be accom- The first steps toward formmedical practice to those who ing a Christian Council in South are not legally qualified to prac- plished there. "The chief was Africa were taken in May, 1934. tice in their own country, be After two years, negotiations they British or of any other na- not sober, but came and sat are nearing completion. On tionality. This applies equally June 24, over sixty representato nurses, midwives and chem- down on the veranda of the rest- tives of churches and missionists, and the terms of the law are ary societies met at Bloemfonso worded that doctors may not house where I was staying. I tein to consider the proposed supply or dispense their. own constitution, which was finally prescriptions unle~s ~here IS .no talked to him for two or three adopted. The functions of the chemist's shop wlthm a mIle. new Council are: But H. M. Consul-General inter- hours, and by that time he ~as vened, and a concession ,,:as. ar- (a) To bring together for periodiranged whereby those mISSIOn- practically sober. Then he saId: cal conference and counsel representaaries who were actively engaged tives of the churches, mission sociein giving medical treatment to a"Wll eylOl~ white man, I have heard ties and other Christian agencies of the Moors in the year 1913 are have to say. I will have South Africa, particularly for consulpermitted to continue to do so tation upon matters bearing upon the until they retire. Dispensaries the drums beaten tonight to tell spiritual and general welfare of the more recently established-as non-European races. those of the B.C.M.S.-may also all my headmen to come and give medical relief with simple, (b) To promote, through commitnonpoisonous remedies; but. the hear this message, and they can tees, commissions or otherwise, study Consul-General deprecates the and investigation of the problem of extension of such work. decide whether they want to evangelizing and Christianizing the people of South Africa. -E. M. M. S. Quarterly. hear further, or whether they (c) To take joint action on any Seek to Evangelize Moslems would rather you go away." matters within the scope of the au- thority that may be given to the A recent development in the The drums were beaten, and Council by its constituent bodies. field of missions is the lively interest in the evangelization of early next morning the people (d) To promote cooperation in mis- Moslems in their North African sionary work, especially in evangelisterritories, shown by the Protes- began to arrive. The headmen tic, educational, medical and social tant youth of France. The work, and in the production of ver- Young Men's Christian Associa- came carrying their spears, nacular literature. tion, the Student Christian Federation, Association of Scouts their' wives walking behind. (e) To promote such fellowship and Guides and missionary among the churches as will create an groups have since 1932 been They talked for some time, but atmosphere of respect and confidence united in the "North African and will lead to united thinking, inter- Sheaf." A missionary camp is in the end their decision was: ceding, planning and action on the held in September at Constan- part of the Christian forces of the tine, Algiers, or Oran. There "We do not want you; we do not country. are also fifteen groups of the Young Women's Christian Asso- want your message." It seemed (f) To represent the Christian ciation in large centers like forces of South Africa in their rela- Tunis, Constantine, Algiers, as if the powers of evil were tions with the International Mission- Oran and Rabat, doing splendid ary Council and with national Chrismissionary and social work. loosed in that village. Mr. J en- tian organizations in other lands.
-World Survey Service. kinson continued: "I would ha,:,e -South African Outlook.
done anything to reverse theIr MISCELLANEOUS N decision but it could not be Promoting Race Harmony done. ext morning I went The History Society recently sadly away, and so far as.I know sponsored a contest on the sub- ject "How can youth develop co- the Gospel has never agam been operative and harmonious rela- tions among the races of the preached there. It is only earth ?" open to those under thirty living in Africa, Austra- prayer that can overcome these lia, Canada and New Zealand. The winner, Mr. Tsotsi, a twen- things." -The Life of Faith.
Race Question in Cape Colony In the Union of South Africa the race question is a burning issue. The Government has P!O- posed to abolis~ the Cap.e natIve franchise. ThIS met WIth s~ch opposition that the. premle.r withdrew the bill. HIS substI- tute measure does not recognize the right of the native to att.ain full citizenship. The Methodls~s of South Africa have made theIr influence felt in this controversy. The Conference declared, "The African people form an integral part of the Union, and they are entitled to the opportunities of attaining citizenship." Natives flocked to Capetown during the discussion. Methodists were
ty-one-year-old South African in Denmark, Norway, Rumania Too many times missionaries try to Negro, suggested the denuncia- reproduce their own parish life as they and Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, tion of all statements that inten- Tunisia has sent in 9,500 signa- knew it at home. Thus, we do not sify race feeling, the boycotting tures and in Ceylon the Wom- produce a native church but a trans- planted one. Under the circumstances of all books and films that preach en's Political Union has voted its we should not wonder why our conracial domination and the encouraging of all that demon- endorsement. verts show so little initiative and sense strate the advantages of cooper- -The Churchman. of responsibility for self-support and World Statistics self-propagation. The unity we main- The Statistical Institute of the tain is one of Western customs and League of Nations estimated the ative action. As if with one world population at approxi- practice. By maintaining this kind of voice, all the papers called for a mately two billion. The popula- uniformity we have avoided heresy fair system of government un- tion is increasing. annually at a and schism, but thereby we have also der which everyone would have little more than eighteen mil- prevented the creation of a native thean equal opportunity to learn lions or about 50,000 a day. Fig- ology. Because there has been so little and to serve. gures for the continents are as creative thought on the part of the follows: Asia, Russia not in- mission church, there has been little Mr. Tsotsi is of the Xhosa cluded, 1,710,000,000; Europe, missionary zeal and little sense of retribe and is a teacher at Blyths- fifth in size, 382,000,000; Rus- sponsibility for self-support…. wood Institution in Butterworth, sia, alone, 164,000,000; Africa, a town of 575 inhabitants. He both white and black, 143,000,- The early church was a Koinonia, traced many of the causes for 000; North America, 135,000,- a fellowship, before it was an ecclesiu, racial antagonism to the fact 000; United States, alone, 127,- an organized body. We must restore that in Asia, Africa and Ameri- 000,000; South America, 85,- to the <::hurch its primary duty of ca there was "the anomaly of 000,000; Central America, 35,- evangelization. Our task is one of white capital and colored labor." 000,000; Australia and Oceania, inspiration, not institutionalism. We He will receive $300 as his prize. 10,000,000. Population in Rus- need to rely more on the Holy Spirit. sia is increasing faster than any -New York Times. Faith Missions Mandates Against War A recently published pamphlet summarizes the service of pop- People's mandates against ularly called Faith Missions. war is an international move- The Interdenominational For- eign Mission Association of North America was formed in ment. In Hungary seven large place else on earth, 4,000,000 a 1917 by a group of foreign misassociations are collaborating. year or at the rate of 2 per cent. sionary societies that were not In Holland the text of the Man- denominationally related, but date was reprinted in 600 news- New Newspaper Evangelism which held identical doctrinal papers. In Sweden 100,000 peo- Newspaper evangelism, first convictions and adhered to simple signed the Mandate at 200 tried out in Japan, is steadily ilar missionary principles and reaching into other countries. practices. Prayer fellowship, peace meetings. In China, the movement is still conferences concerning mission- In Czechoslovakia 30 impor- new, although two Hankow ary policy, and united appeal for papers have carried daily adver- world evangelization are aims tant organizations are enlisted tisements about Christianity for of the organization. in this cause, while in Finland months, and a number of en- 16 groups are at work. Syria quiries have been received. In Listed in the order of their reports 18 groups with 30,000 India, a weekly article inserted inception, the sixteen societies in a Karachi paper has brought that are now members of the signers. enquiries from people of all Association are: The Woman's In Australia the text of the classes and faiths. An experi- Union Missionary Society of ment in Christian journalism is America, the China Inland Mismandate has been spread on also being carried on in Moham- sion, the India Christian Mispostal cards and in Greece six medan countries; while in Spain women's organizations are col- the editor of El Popular, a wide- sion, the South African General laborating. Work has also be- ly read paper, has agreed to P!lb- Mission, the Central American gun in Egypt and in Spain. lish a Christian article of 1,000 words every Sunday for a year. Mission, the Sudan Interior Mis- In France more than 30 organizations representing 600,- -Report. sion, the Ceylon and India Gen- 000 members, as well as 60,000 Missionary Institutionalism eral Mission, the Africa Inland other individuals, have voted for Mission, the Bible House of Los the Man d ate. Conspicuous In a most able and persuasiveamong the signers here are ex- address Bishop Ludlow, of the Angeles, the Inland South Amer- Protestant Episcopal Church, service men. made some far-reaching state- ica Missionary Union, the Bo- In Great Britain 28 societies ments concerning the conduct of livian Indian Mission, the North the church's missionary endeavand 1,027 meetings had signed or. He said in part: East India General Mission, the· up to last March. These meet- Evangelical Union of South ings were arranged by women's America, the American Euroassociations, the Labor Party, pean Fellowship, the Orinoco religious groups, the Society of River Mission, and the Latin Friends and by the Liberal America Evangelization Cam- Party. paign. The campaign has also begun Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I ~,===========-=–,~ Puritans in the South Seas. By Louis and tireless-not the foolish and the daily life of the fellahin, the B. Wright and Mary Isabel Fray. selfish, uneducated and selfish Illustrated. 8 vo. 347 pp. $3.00. zealots here depicted. downward drag of Moslem en- Henry Holt & Co. New York. 1936. Some critics of missions fur- vironment and the trials of new The authors of this story of nish interesting and useful read- Christian missions in Tahiti, ing, for they write facts and de- converts. The book is very read- Raratonga and Hawaii cannot scribe scenes dramatically and hide their antipathy to the Puri- with a sense of humor. These able and will awaken interest tans, their disapproval of mis- authors are dry and give pracsions and their lack of sympathy tically no information of value and intercession. S. M. Z. with Christian standards and in regard to the islands and the ideals. While they claim to have people. They repeat the same The Story of the American Negro. written without prejudice, their cynical criticisms over and over By Corinne Brown. The Friendship whole attitude and the words again ad nausium-missionaries Press, New York. 208 pp. $1.00. they use reveal their lack of 'uneducated; seeking to create knowledge and their antagonism markets for European goods; Perhaps no better textbook to the whole enterprise: "Zeal- tempted by the easy morality of for the study of the racial prob- the South Sea women; super- lem in America has appeared ots" impose their religious and ficial in their work, etc., etc. from the press for a decade. It social points of view on a primi- is based on authoritative sources, tive people; "popish supplies to It is unfortunate that "Puri- it traces the story to its sources keep away scurvy"; "mission- tans in the South Seas" could and is unpartisan. It is brief aries had come to T,ahiti in the not have been written judicially but not scrappy and holds the expectation of turning an honest to reveal the mistakes and the reader's attention. The writer is penny"; "the work of the Lord achievements of the early mis- a recognized leader in the pres- sionaries and to show some of ent younger generation and by proceeded on a solid foundation the lessons learned and put into birth, training, wide travel and of real estate." These are some practice in later years – in the real sympathy is qualified for of the phrases that occur in the way of dress, education, the ap- her task. The ten chapters tell first few pages and similar ones preciation of native character us how and why the Negro came recur many times throughout and customs and the develop- to our shores, and what were the the book. In fact, the evident ment of Christian life and conditions in his ancestral home; aim of the authors is to hold mis- service. what the colonial pattern of sions in the South Seas up to slavery meant for master and ridicule. While they quote from The Soul of Egypt. By Allison slave; how it was modified by missionary letters and reports, it Douglas Boutros. Marshall, Morgan the industrial era followed by is to give unfavorable views of and Scott, London. Zondervan Pub- the breakdown of slavery and a lishing House, Grand Rapids, Mich- civil war which did not emancithe work and workers. When igan. 126 pp. 40 cents. pate in the tragic era of reconthey quote other authors, they struction. We learn of the never quote friendly and sym- A vivid portraiture of the land struggle for freedom, the Black of the Nile as a field for evan- Man's burden and the emergence pathetic reports like that of gelism by an independent mis- of "Brown America" with its Robert Louis Stevenson. sionary who through marriage chief problem – how to live to- and close contact with the gether or apart and to love each Honest, constructive criticism Egyptian people writes with other. A full bibliography, notes, of missions is welcomed. Mis- knowledge and sympathy. The references and a good index comtakes have been made in men note of personal experience is plete this unique study. and women sent out, in methods dominant and there is little used, and in aims held in view. about the work of other missions S. M. ZWEMER. The way missions were con- carried on for many decades, ducted a hundred years ago were nor much breadth of outlook on A Preface to Racial Understanding. different from the way they are the strategy of missionary occu- By Charles S. Johnson. Friendship pation and administration. Press, New York. 206 pp. $1.00. conducted today. The Puritans were strong but uncompromising There are telling chapters on The author is director of the and at times were without sym- Department of Social Science at pathetic understanding, but as a Fisk University. He has served rule they were brave and true as Director of Research and In- vestigation under the Carnegie Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[559 ] Foundation and is editor of the the development of personality. among the natives, but after all magazine Opportunity. This, . . . Only as men are regenerate it is only as men are delivered his most recent work on the can they build a regenerate so- from the "Power of Darkness, American Negro, bears a modest ciety." The author has never al- that Old Serpent, the Devil,"
title and covers an enormous lowed mere "story-telling" to ob- that we can hope to see the "new field of investigation. A recent scure the great spiritual burden order of life" which is "Christ in bibliography of the Negro in on his heart. He says also: you, the Hope of Glory."
Africa and America contains "The spiritual enters profoundly Second, the author might have 17,000 titles. The bibliography into the complex reactions of made more prominent, especially here selected suggests less than human life, in sickness as well in the appeal of his last chapter, threescore books, of which the as in health, and the physician that the missionary's endeavor gist can be found in these eight (the author is a physician) first, last, and always is to save chapters. They relate the story whose ministry is merely to the souls unto eternal glory. True, of the Negro, his social life, edu- body is rendering only a defec- eternal issues are being decided cation, contribution to American tive service." here and now, but this present civilization, and give examples Anyone not familiar with na- life is not The Life, that eternal of Negroes who attained in tive life in West Africa will find life. There should be not less church and state. The last chap- her e picturesque descriptions stress on cooperation, councils, ter is practical on the Conquest and information which gives a schools, etc., but more stress on of Racial Prejudice. The lit- clear understanding of the situa- the experience of the new birth; erary contributions of the Negro tion, together with folk tales and for thousands of natives who to American life and especially stories that relieve the common- have accepted Christ nominally, to music are described at some place. as yet know little or nothing of length. The author holds that It has been interesting, as a the "power of His resurrection." the greatest contribution of the fellow missionary, to observe dif- Dr. Lerrigo has addressed church to the Negro has been ferences in methods of work in. himself to a great problem, and the work of pioneer missionaries the Congo Mission and in the has tried to make other people since the days of reconstruction. Cameroun stations of another see what he has seen in his re- The Negro church today has a society but such details in no cent tour. He says, "The Chrismembership of over five million wise disturb the general sim- tian cannot assume that he is the and expended in one year for its ilarity of mission work. The only single-hearted person in the upkeep more than forty-three author shows himself intimately world. Other great idealistic million dollars. It is unfortunate acquainted with the main cur- movements have arisen in comthat even today less than twenty rents of life in the Congo, and petition, and the genuine comper cent of the Negro clergy hold its problems, government policies munist or even the socialist is academic or theological degrees. and projects, and the present de- likely to laugh at the mild ideal- The church of America is the termined effort of the Church of ism of the traditional Christian testing ground for the great Rome. Says he, "A few white who has taken his conviction moral issue of racial understand- folks coming with a great spir- second-handed, and whose reliing and the conquest of racial itual me s sag e have found gious habits are copies of a pre- S. M. ZWEMER. response, comradeship and af-. vailing type. This sort of Chrisprejudice. iection among these folks of tian experience does not get one Omwa? Are You Awake? By P. H. another race, and t h r 0 ugh very far." Dr. Lerrigo sees J. Lerrigo. self-effacing toil have released clearly that a time may come This book should accomplish springs of initiative and power when "for Thy sake we are killed its purpose to awaken the mis- which have already carried the all the day long" (Romans 8: sion-minded constituency of great Negro community far 36). Continuing, he says, "But churches in America to a new realization of what the mission- along the road to self-under- if it ever does come, I believe soary enterprise is about, and how standing, self-control and a new called Christian people will imperative it is to maintain the order of life and growth." quickly separate into three al- Christian message among the most equal classes: Those who unevangelized "while it is yet On two points I could wish promptly and cheerfully abanday." that the author had placed more don their religious profession to stress: First, the chapter on go with the tide; those who halt The reviewer, as a mission- "Worship : Outdoors and In" between two opinions and suffer ary for thirteen years in West should have included some de- profoundly in the process; and Africa, I can testify that the au- scription of the "principalities finally those whose Christian thor's descriptions are true to faith is steadied and quickened the original settings and the in- and powers" of the demon hosts until they are ready to die for ferences have been clearly de- against whom the missionary it" (page 170). All in the homeduced. must contend. All the accessory land, who name the name of enterprises of mission work, Christ as their veritable Master, such as schools, hospitals, agri- cultural institutes, etc., are Dr. Lerrigo says: "The mis- necessary to bring about "self- are urged to be "stripped and sionary contribution to Congo's understanding, self-control, and equipped for Christ's service." life has to do preeminently with a new order of life and growth" L. PAUL MOORE, JR.
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Board. London. Valorous Adventures: A Record of "The School That Comes Sixty and Six Years of the Wom- Shaping the Future: A Study in To You" an's Foreign Missionary Society, World Revolution. Basil Mathews. Methodist Episcopal Church. Mary 160 pp. 2s. 6d. S. C. M. Press. No matter where you live, you can Isham. 446 pp. $1.25. Woman's London. give your child a superior education Foreign Missionary Society. Bos- from kindergarten to high school with ton. With Christ Into Tomorrow. Hun- Calvert school home study courses. ter B. Blakely. 160 pp. 50 cents. First, the Kingdom I The Story of Presbyterian Committee on Publica- Recommended by Mission Boards, Robert Fletcher Moorshead, Phy- tion. Richmond, Va. Educators, State Department and SICIan. H. V. Larcombe. Illus. Army and Navy Officials. 184 pp. 3s. 6d. Carey Press. Lon- The Dawn of Religion. Eric S. don. Waterhouse. (Great Religions of Daily lessons, selected books, station- the East.) 134 pp. 2s. 6d. Ep- ery, special materials and personal India. Part I, to 1837; Part II, worth Press. London. guidance . . • by mail . . • from our 1858-1936. H. H. Dodwell. (Mod- prominent and successful private day ern States Series Nos. 9 and 10.) Christianity and the Malays. Lawr- school in Baltimore. 131 and 274 pp. Each 3s. 6d. Ar- ence E. Browne. 78 pp. Is. S. P. rowsmith. London. G. in Foreign Parts. London. Write today for illustrated catalog.
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The Missionary Review of the World — May 1936
1936
A Visit to the Atlas Berbers James Haldane D. L. Moody-..-Ambassador of Christ John McDowell The Next Step in Foreign Missions Paul B. Kern Missionary Views on Simpler Living Muriel Lester Preaching Liberty to Captives in Portugal E. R. Holden Pioneering in Tennessee Mountains AnnaBelle Stewart Whitman-Spalding Centenary Arthur H. Limouze 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
MANAGEMENT inary Foundation, Hartford, Connec-
AND ticut, died on March 29th in South Mrica where he was visiting the Record of Christian Work home of his boyhood. Dr. MacKenzie was born in Orange River Colony, Edited by WILLIAM H. LEACH South Africa, seventy-six years ago, the son of John M. and Ellen Mac- A monthly journal devoted to church administration and pastoral meth- Kenzie, missionaries of the Presbyods. Every phase of church life discussed in a positive, constructive way. terian Church of Scotland. After re- ceiving most of his higher education Worship Pastoring in Scotland he was ordained a min- Music Prayer Meeting ister of the Congregational Church Preaching Unified Service in 1882, and three years later became Money Publicity professor of Systematic Theology in Missions Devotional the Chicago Theological Seminary. Education Public Relations In 1904 he was called to be president of Hartford Seminary and was pro- Subscription price, $2.50 per year. Special Trial Subscription, fessor of Systematic Theology until six months, $1.00. Sample copy free upon request. he retired in 1930. Among the many books of which he is the author are CHURCH MANAGEMENT "South Africa, Its History, Heroes and Wars," "Christianity and the Auditorium Building Cleveland, Ohio Progress of Man," "Christ and the Christian Faith." His wife, Alice Dates to Remember Obituary Notes Crother of Carlisle, England, died in 1926. Dr. MacKenzie was very highly May I-General Conference, Meth- Dr. Charles E. Vail, since 1907 a respected and greatly beloved by odist Episcopal Church, Columbus, missionary of Presbyterian Board of Christian leaders in many lands. Ohio. Foreign Missions in Miraj, India, died there of cancer on March 21st. Dr. *** May 6-20-General Conference, Afri- Vail was born in Cornwall, New can Methodist Episcopal Z ion York, fifty-five years ago. Mter at- John C. Harris, who died in Eng- Church, Greensboro, N. C. tending Princeton University and re- land early last March, was a preacher ceiving his medical degree from the of rare gifts who wrote two "best May 6-21-General Conference, Mri- College of Physicians and Surgeons, sellers"-"The Life of Khama" and can Methodist Episcopal Church, New York, he sailed for India and at "Couriers of Christ." As an organ- New York. the time of his death was head of the izer and administrator he drew to the famous Miraj Hospital founded by Congregational Church many gifted May 12-1S-National Council of Fed- Sir William Wanless. His fame men. erated Church Women. Dayton, spread throughout India and ten Ohio. years ago he was decorated by the Rev. Len G*. B*rou*ghton, interna- late King George V of England for May 20-24-Northern Baptist Con- medical service. He is survived by tionally known Baptist minister, died vention. St. Louis, Mo. his widow, Elizabeth Crane Vail and February 22 at his home in Atlanta, by two daughters. Ga., at the age of 72. In the 1890's May 22-24-National Federation of Dr. Broughton founded the Atlanta Men's Bible Classes. Kansas City, *** Tabernacle and ministered there for Mo. 22 years. He later held pastorates William Douglas MacKenzie, D.D., in Tennessee and in Florida. In re- May 24-29-Church Conference of So- president emeritus of Hartford Sem- cent years Dr. Broughton was en- cial Work. Atlantic City, N. J. gaged in speaking at Bible confer- Are YOU ences and evangelistic meetings. May 27-General Assembly, United Presbyterian Church of North This Person? *** America. Pittsburg, Kansas. Christian man (or woman); age, Dr. Charles B. Tenny. outstanding May 28-General Assembly, Presby- 18-60(say); living in city or town; leader of the Baptist Mission in terian Church in U. S. A. Syra- free all or part of day; good Japan, died in Rochester, N. Y., Jan- cuse, N. Y. health; missionary in spirit; eager uary 11. He was 65 years of age and to promote the Gospel in own or began his work in Japan in 1900. As June 4-9-General Synod of the Re- nearby community; needing fair teacher and principal of the Baptist formed Church in A mer i c a. financial remuneration. Theological Seminary and later as Rochester, N. Y. founder and principal of Mabie Me- If So, We Need morial School for men in Yokohama, June 10-17 – Ann u a 1 Conference, he served with marked efficiency. Church of the Brethren. Hershey, YOU I Pa. *** Ask (without obligation) for par- June 16-24-General Council of Con- Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Charles John, gregational and Christian Churches. ticulars about "colportage" work. Assistant Bishop on the Niger since Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Please mention this paper. 1932, died recently at 64 years of age. Mass. He was the sixth Mrican to be raised BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE to the episcopate. He belonged to the June 23-28-Christian Youth Council ASSOCIATION Hausa race, and was a grandson of of North America. Lakeside, Ohio. slaves. Mter holding various pas- 839 N. Wells St. Chicago, III. toraland educational posts, he became June 27 – July 4 – Geneva Summer principal of the C. M. S. grammar School for Missions. Lake Geneva, school at Freetown, Sierra Leone, Wisconsin. where he had been successively pupil, teacher and vice-principal. July 6-12-Twelfth World's Sunday School Convention. Oslo, Norway. *** July 9 – August 12 – Winona La k e Rev. George Washington Taylor, School of Theology. Winona Lake, Southern Presbyterian missionary to Ind. Brazil, died January 1, aged 47. In 1920, he was put in charge of a Boys' August 16-23-World Missions Insti- School at Garanhuns, and under his tute, Chautauqua, New York. leadership the influence of the school (Concluded on third cover.)
MISSIONARY "I advertise the REVIEW by word
of mouth whenever I have an oppor- EXPRESS REVIEW OF THE WORLD tunity. I repeatedly urge that mem- bers of our Ministerial Association be- 'Comfort DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor come subscribers and our executive board sends subscriptions to a care- with Economy VOL. LIX MAY, 1936 No.5 fully selected list of our ministers and missionaries." Speed to Yokohama by the shortest Publication and Business Office— route … only 10 days. Go on the Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. REV. PAUL DE SCHWEINITZ, D.D., comfortable Empress of Asia or Em- Treasurer, MOl'avian Missions. press of Russia. Or sail via Hono- Editorial and Executive Office– lulu and reach Japan in just 3 days 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. *** more on the luxurious Empress of Entered as second-class matter at Japan (largest, fastest liner on the "The REVIEW is the only magazine Pacific) or the Empress of Canada. Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under of its kind for the person who believes Act of March 3, 1879. in Evangelical missions but is not bel- Reduced Summer round-trip fares ligerent about it. . . . The articles •.. First Class and Tourist Class. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. are so up to date, and the stories of Also, inexpensive Third Class on all Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. human interest absolutely essential to Empresses. Published monthly. except August. those giving missionary ta;ks." All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. Regular sailings from Vancouver British agents – Marshall, Morgan MARY E. MOORE, and Victoria in Canada's Evergreen and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, Young People's Departm,ent, Board Playground. Orient fares include London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, passage from and to Seattle. If YOll 10 shillings a year. of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian sail from California, connect with Church, U. S. A. an Empress at Honolulu. Orient MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- ports-of-call: Yokohama, Kobe, LISHING CO., INC. *** Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila. BOARD OF DIRECTORS "I always look forward to the com- ROBER'r E. SPEER, President ing of the REVIEW with interest, and Independent World Tours as low A. L. W ARNSHUIS, Vice-President always read with profit and inspira- as $585.90, Combination of Classes. WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer tion. May blessings be upon you and Write for folder of six most popular DELAVAN L. PIERSON, SecTelary the sp:endid work you are doing for world tours. the great work of helping to build the SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Kingdom of the Master in the hearts Booklets, information from YOUR of men and nations." AGENT or Canadian Pacific: New WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN York, 344 Madison Ave.; Chicago, H. C. TUCKER, 71 E. Jackson Blvd.; San Francisco, D. J. FANT Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 152 Geary St.; and 38 other cities MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD in the United States and Canada. *** WM. B. LIPPHARD ~@a+ "Through THE REVIEW you are sup- Emc M. NORTH plying one of the great needs of the TO THB Christian Church today, namely: a SAMUEL M. ZWEMER more adequate picture and presenta- ORIINT tion of the fact that 'the Gospel of Editorial Chat Jesus Christ' is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that be- The next issue of THE REVIEW will lieveth.' " ARTHUR Y. MEEKER, be the special American Negro num- ber. This covers the Home Mission Upper Montclair, N. J. study topic of the coming year. You cannot afford to miss it. Some of the *** leading Negro Christians in America contribute to this number, giving their "I have been taking THE MISSION- views of the problems, the progress, ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD for ten and the prospects that relate to 15,- years or more. I enjoy it immensely. 000,000 Colored' Americans in the It is splendidly edited for one thing. United States. There are also articles Then the articles by the various per- by white contributors who are work- sons from all over the world are ing with and for the Negro. Secure highly educational." copies of this number for your pastor, your missionary chairman and your MISS SARA L. HAMILTON, study circle. Long Beach, Calif.
*** Personal Items Our special numbers last year sold Rev. and Mrs. C. R. Callender and over 1,000 single copies each. Order Mrs. C. E. Park have gone to what now. The main contents and the is now the most remote mission sta- special advance price are given on the tion under the Presbyterian Board- fourth cover of the REVIEW. Kiulungkiang Station, on the Mekong River in Yunnan, China, about eleven *** days journey north of Chiengrai. It was opened by missionaries from Does your pastor take THE REVIEW? Siam in 1917. In addition to evan- If not, why do you not ask ten friends gelistic work in Kiulungkiang and . to give 25 cents each to supply him neighboring towns, they will find med- with this mine of information and ical, educational and leper work to be illustration of God's work 'in the world done in a vast, raw and needy field. today? How about your Missionary Society and your Sunday school? *** *** Hon. D. Tagawa has resigned as President of Meiji Gakuin in Tokyo. Here are some comments to show He has been a leader in many Chris- what others think of THE REVIEW. tian movements and is well-known as They are culled from recent letters: a political liberal, having been vice- mayor of Tokyo at one time and a "THE MISSIONARY REVIEW is one of member of Parliament for a number the most valued magazines that comes of terms. His position at Meiji Ga- to my desk. It seems to me it is get- kuin will not be filled immediately. ting better right along. The recent numbers have been especially inter- (Concluded on third cover.) esting to me." [225 ] REV. A. M. KNUDSEN, Longview, Wash.,. President, Pa- cific Synod, United Lutheran Church In America.
SCENE OF THE WHITMAN MASSACRE THE TUTUILLA INDIAN CHURCH
MARCL'S WHITMAN – PIONEER TO OREGON INDIANS PATAWA, LEADER IN THE TUTUILLA INDIAN CHURCH THE GRAVE OF MARCUS WHITMAN THE MARCUS WHITMAN COLLEGE (See page 243.) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMI!I:ATlONAL REVIEW OF 'WORLD-WIDE CHIUSTIAN PnOGRESS NUMBER 5 MAY, 1936 Topics of the Times THE AWAKENING IN IRAN have endeavored to raise a revolt against the new order but they have been powerless against the Great changes are taking place in Persia or central government. Iran as it is correctly called. The whole country is charged with a different atmosphere. Ten Unfortunately the new idea of freedom and the years ago the old conservative Kajar dynasty was equality of the sexes is in danger of breaking overthrown and a new progressive dynasty was down wholesome restraints. Moving pictures inaugurated under Shah Riza Khan Pahlevi. Since from Hollywood-such as "The Gay Divorcee"- then there have been many evidences of progress and photographs and stories in illustrated papers in the government, in material improvements and convey the idea that Western civilization and freein education, but the nation has still been under dom necessarily involve freedom in divorce and the influence of Moslem laws and customs. These low moral standards. have held the people back-socially, intellectually and religiously. Recent letters from Iran, how- Modern education is also making progress in ever, report remarkable progress on each of these Iran, and the government has assumed the relines. sponsibility for training the youth in Persian ideals. One government order makes all primary First the men were commanded to discard the e?ucation, up through the fifth grade, co-educa- Moslem fez for the Occidental hat or cap as an tIOnal. It is expected that this will soon be exevidence of a "new day." Now the women are tended to high schools. Boy Scouts and Girl told to lay aside the veil-which they believe Mo- Scouts are being organized. The result will be a hammed commanded-and to adopt modern dress. greater freedom in the mingling of the sexes and Women teachers who do not discard the veil are in marriage from personal choice-rather than by dismissed and government officials cannot draw parental arrangement. their pay until they bring their wives with them Reform is in the air in Iran but there are also unveiled. Moving picture theatres do not allow veiled women to enter, and educational inspectors signs of religious change and of a spiritual awaksend home schoolgirls who have not adopted ening. Most of the Iranians are by inheritance modern dress. Recently the Governor of Kash- Moslems, but leaders are declaring that Islam has an, with the Chief of Police and the Superintend- had its dead hand on the people long enough. ent of Schools, gave a series of talks in the Girls' Christian workers have new opportunities to call school which resulted in all throwing off their attention to Christ and His power to give true veils, and on January 9th a decree was issued light and liberty. The n~.ovies are introducing piccertifying the new freedom of Iranian women. tures with a Christian background-including a One notable result is seen in the fact that women film called "Golgotha," showing the trial, death of the Court, without veils, are now attending pub- and resurrection of Jesus. In Meshed, the pilgrim lie receptions with their husbands and are intro- center of Shia Islam, the theater was crowded duced to other men. The wives of members of the with Moslems for several days. A few years ago Mejlis (National Assembly) sent a telegram to such a film would have caused a riot; now it was viewed with quiet attention. the wife of the Shah, expressing gratitude for her efforts in behalf of the emancipation of women. Iranian Christian evangelists reported recently Many of the mullahs and other Moslem leaders that a morshid (leading Sufi dervish teacher or mullah), a man who claims to have more than a [227 ]
thousand followers in all parts of Khorassan, has Evangelicals are connected with the Waldensian made confession of his sins and his faith in Church-that faithful body of Bible Christians in Christ, saying, "I have been totally lost and with- the Piedmont Valley who trace their origin to the out God in my beliefs. I now see that salvation early apostles and never were under the control is with Christ and I believe and accept Him, and of the Pope of Rome. They have always been a I am ready to go forth to tell this good news to humble, hardy and mostly peasant folk, but intelmy followers." ligent, courageous and highminded. After many trials, with persecution and bitter warfare, they A correspondent writes: were finally granted religious liberty on February "God has been working here in a way I have 17, 1848, now observed as "Waldensian Day." never seen before. Twenty-four new believers Those Evangelical Christians have spread, like were introduced to the church on Christmas Day, the Apostolic Church and are now found all over and ten more have come since then. Many of Italy. They include men in high places of rethem are men of position and influence-three sponsibility. have been judges, two lawyers, two doctors, one a prisoner serving a life sentence. It seems like a But the World War, economic depression and quiet revival beginning. God is bringing people the Italy-Ethiopian campaign have brought many to us in most unexpected ways." great hardships. The Waldensian Church, being Another thrilling movement is due to the in- composed largely of poor farmers, while giving fluence of a young medical student, Dr. H–, generously to support its own churches, has not who came to America to study and here became a been able to carryon its larger work without the Christian. Last summer he returned to Teheran help of Christians in America and the British and first of all began to trace all his old friends Isles. These gifts from outside Italy have so and encourage them to become Christians. He fallen off in recent years that the Waldensian opened a clinic where he met a large number work has suffered greatly. Gifts from America whom he also encouraged to study Christianity. alone have been greatly reduced from what they He organized a meeting which grew in numbers were formerly. As a result churches have been and power. His personal witness is remarkable. closed, pastor's small salaries have been reduced One of his groups included army officers, grocers, not once but four times. In many cases one paspolicemen and students. He told them of his quest tor must serve many scattered communities. for a happy life and how, since he had accepted Christ, he had been supremely happy. Now the Italian campaign in Africa has taken He said: "Islam has blinded us. We have lived all these years in the shadow of truth. MyoId many of the Waldensian young men; the "sancfriends and new friends are still unhappy, borne down with a feeling that they are not getting any tions" imposed by the League of Nations and the real value out of life. We can never feel that we have accomplished the purpose for which we were strict regulations of the Italian Government have created unless we do it through Christ." Through his influence a large number have been produced further hardships. The spirit of the interested in Christianity and on Christmas morning over four hundred were present in the church. Waldensians is unshaken. In one community the Twenty-three men and four women were accepted as Catechumens in the church. At the close of the farmers agreed to set aside a piece of land, to service on last Christmas morning one of the most prominent leaders in the Department of Justice furnish free seed and labor so that the crops went up to the platform and stated that he wished publicly to identify himself with Christ. Such an might be sold and given for the central funds of unprecedented event created quite a stir. Formerly each Christmas there had been a special the Church. service, but it was evident that this year the service was limited to those who had not been asso- Naturally in most districts the Roman Catholic ciated with the church; Christians were excluded in order to make room for others. Tickets were clergy are bitterly opposed to the Evangelical given out and the church building was crowded. work in proportion as it succeeds in drawing the W ALDENSIAN SUFFERERS IN ITALY people from the Church of Rome into deeper spir- What has the Italian invasion of Ethiopia to do with the progress of Evangelical Christianity in itual experience. But in many places the people Italy? Much, every way. Most of the Italian welcome the Gospel and attend services in larger numbers. One Roman Catholic, after attending a Waldensian Day celebration, wrote to Signor Paolo Bosio, the Waldensian pastor, as follows: The commemoration was one of the most solemn and unforgettable events I was ever privileged to attend. . . . The immense congregation was moved and thrilled. I do not belong to the Waldensian Church but I admire her and partake -with enthusiasm in her fight and rejoice in her victories for the truth – a most needed work, espe- cially at this time. I believe that nothing but a true spir- itual awakening will make our dear country really great.
The Waldensians are not only thrifty, earnest Bible Christians, but they are missionary-minded and are seeking to spread faith in Christ and the Gospel throughout Italy. They have established
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
modest churches, schools (most of which are now Council and the thirty-eight Natio'nal Christian closed), hospitals, homes for the aged and orphan- Councils are all evidences of a healthy desire for ages in various parts of the country and their Christian fellowship and closer cooperation; they workers are endeavoring to promote child welfare are im,portant steps toward greater unity of through clinics and in, other ways to build up spirit, purpose and action, though these do not intelligent, self-supporting Christian communi- necessarily advocate organic church union. They ties. They are in need of sympathy and help from are motivated by a desire to carry out the ex- fellow Christians. Fourteen congregations have pressed desire of Jesus Christ that all His fol- been deprived of ministers in the past year be- lowers might be One, with the same kind and de- cause of the financial depression. Dr. Guido gree of spiritual unity that exists in the Godhead. Comba writes: "The need is very urgent. We must have help now or we shall be forced to aban- There is a vast difference in the ideals and aims don many mission stations and to close down sev- that actuate these movements. Some would sink eral parts of our work." all doctrinal and ritualistic differences to bring about organic union; others would maintain in- The Waldensians themselves are giving as gen- dependence of thought while promoting unity of erously as they can. Recently they observed self- spirit and closer cooperation. While man is man denial week by making extra gifts for the support and full of imperfection and the spirit of inde- of the work. Rings, gold chains, watches and pendence, perfect union seems to be unattainable other treasures, as well as money, were contrib- if not undesirable. Many interdenominational enterprises have proved failures because they uted to the fund. * were looked upon as requiring compromise or sur- render in important matters of faith and practice. When we think of Italy, and are inclined to How can those unite in matters of Christian testi- severely condemn the unprovoked campaign of mony who disagree on such important questions , Mussolini in Ethiopia, let us not forget the faith- as the deity of Christ, the atonement on the Cross, ful Waldensian Christians who suffer from the the resurrection of Christ from the dead and the warfare but do not condone the selfish purposes Scriptures as the inspired revelation of God? It of the Government. In their Confession of Faith is not necessary to be contentious, suspicious or we see their attitude: "Established authorities aloof in order to hold firmly to these beliefs but we honor and unto such we gladly submit; but there must first be unity in essential matters of human institutions we loathe when they put in faith, loyalty and aim before there can be any true danger the freedom of conscience." union in organization and operation.
UNITY OR UNION IN MISSIONS Dr. E. Stanley Jones, who has been so greatly blessed in his ministry in many lands, makes a Many movements for church union are in the strong – and, we believe, a practical appeal to air. Some are already realized. Interdenomina- Christians of every name to drop divisive labels; tional church union is an accomplished fact in he recommends that all evangelical churches Canada, in India and in China and in branches adopt the name "The Church of Christ"-adding of similar church families in America and Scot- any useful distinctive title to indicate the locality land; the younger branches of various churches in or special family to which the church belongs. Japan, Korea and other mission fields have also Thus: "The Church of Christ in India-Methodist formed National Christian Churches. Other Branch"; "The Church of Christ in China-Bap- similar movements are strongly advocated at tist Branch," or "The Church of Christ in the home and abroad to take in a larger number of United States-Presbyterian Branch." church bodies. The Presbyterian and Reformed churches in the United States are hoping to unite There is no question but that the present divi- and there is some talk of union between Meth- sions and even rivalry in the present evangelical odists and Presbyterians. The Church of Eng- Church are a hindrance to Christian growth and land is joining in conferences to effect consolida- testimony, if not a public scandal and a dishonor tion with other churches in India. There are al- to Christ. There is a growing desire for unity ready in active operation. a large number of inter- and cooperation in so far as these are dictated church federations in America, as well as many and directed by loyalty to Christ as Head of the union cooperative educational and philanthropic Church. At present there is no call for uniformity enterprises on the mission fields. Various inter- or organic union. church conferences, such as those on Faith and Order, Life and Service, the Home and Foreign The reasons for true Christian unity and closer Mission Conferences, the International Missionary fellowship are: • The American Waldensian Society, of which the Rev. Robert W. 1. The fact that all Christians are ideally one Anthony is the new secretary, is located at 156 Fifth Avenue, New in Christ and should recognize this oneness. York.
2. The effect on the world of a united body in cent conference of religious education directors contrast to the effect of a divided church. in Canton, one of the delegates mentioned the fol- 3. The great need to avoid dissention and even lowing difficulties in the training of youth: the appearance of rivalry among the professed 1. Since the Government has forbidden Chris- followers of Christ. Each should recognize the tian teaching schools, students are inclined to rights and values of others. regard religion as discredited, or at least unim- 4. The vast unfinished work that Christ has portant, and some are inclined to despise Chris- given His Church to do and that requires united, tianity.
harmonized witness and service. 2. The non-Christian students so far outnum- 5. The fact that diversity in nonessentials of ber the Christians, even in mission institutions, doctrine and practice is consistent with perfect that the Christian atmosphere and influence is unity in loyalty and service to Christ in different weak or lacking.
ways and places. 3. The divided opinions, lack of training and different standards of nominal Christians make it 6. A great saving of money and effort will in- difficult or impossible to unite them-the result is evitably result from increased unity and coop- a divided church. eration. 4. Non-Christian teachers are very apt to 7. The fact that the conscious experience of undermine the Christian ideas and ideals of stusuch oneness is the expressed desire and plan of dents so that they are confused or become ag- Christ, the head of His body, the Church. nostics.
There has been good cause for the protests 5. The Christian services in many mission inagainst error and for the emphasis on certain for- stitutions fail to attract or meet the needs of stugotten or neglected truths that have given birth dents. In the churches, especially in large centers, to various denominations, but the Ideal is the they often find divisions and controversy which unity of the body, directed by one head. The perplex them. vine is one, and though it has many branches going out in different directions, all draw life 6. Worldly influences tend to draw young Chifrom the same stock and all bear the same good nese away from Christian life and service; they fruit. The ideal family has different branches, incline to seek political preferment, money-makthat may function in various ways, in various lo- ing or pleasure. The Christian motive and values calities, under different names, but all are one in of life are not presented with sufficiently appealloving fellowship and in harmonious service. All ing force. Christians should contribute some important part to the whole, though their individual character- 7. The evidence of injustice, the selfishness, the istics may express themselves differently. immorality and dishonesty in so-called Christian God is too great for any human individual or lands, are looked upon as a virtual denial of Christ group to reveal Him; the work of Christ in the and discredit His teachers.
world is too vast for anyone organization to per- To correct these difficulties in Christian instituform every task and to complete it. tions, H. A. Wittenback suggests (in The Chinese Recorder for March, 1936) that all must have a DIFFICULTIES OF CHINESE YOUTH truly positive and attractive Christian atmos- The youth in China are having a difficult time. phere. Every member of the staff must be a posi- Not only is their land torn by internal strife and tive, intelligent Christian, able and eager to make threatened from the north; not only do they face helpful contacts with students in order to win poverty and distress on every side; but multitudes them to Christ and prepare them for His service. of the youth are drafted for military service and Christianity expressed must also appeal to stuan early death before they are out of their teens. dents, truly vital but adapted to their minds and They learn to fight but know not how to earn a needs, with challenging opportunities for service living when they leave the army. The better edu- that will promote human welfare. The optimism cated Chinese youth, like those of other lands, are and courage of youth mu'st be enlisted in the cause inclined to be idealistic and to seek a speedy cor- of the living, all-powerful, divine Leader who rection of the evils they see-correction by force sacrificed Himself for others.
if peaceful methods do not immediately accom- The youth of today, in China, in Europe, in plish their purpose. America, need the challenge of a cause worth liv- Political, economic, social and religious condi- ing for and worth dying for, under a Leader who tions in China are all far from ideal and many consents to no compromise and offers no easy different remedies are recommended. The situa- task, but who fearlessly, wisely, powerfully, leads tion in China presents a great problem. At a re- on to victory.
A Visit to the Atlas
-~ I By JAMES HALDANE, Mazagan, Morocco I Jie– L===========================~ THE origin of the Berbers of North Africa is meet in the recorded history of Morocco. When still obscure notwithstanding all the efforts the Arabs invaded the country it was with these of scholars to trace it. But this failure, far they clashed in the struggle for supremacy. from curbing curiosity, has given it impetus; the lack of a knowledge of facts has brought several .At any rate, the Arabicized Berbers are now theories to the fore. According to some scholars living in the plains and other sections of the coun- try. In recent years we have been able to open CALLED TO HALT AND EXPLAIN four stations at the base of the Atlas Mountains, but penetration to the glens, or ascent to the high plateau, for permanent mission work, has not been possible. For more than a millennium these peo- ple have lived behind their great natural barrier, isolated from the outside world, having no con- tact with men of another tongue, save when they descended to the plains to plunder.
But the creaky doors of this great wall, which have been bolted and barred so long, are now be- ginning to budge, and here and there at some pass they now stand ajar. Some little time ago I slipped in through one of these, traveled along the furrow and slopes and entered the glens to preach the Gospel where, as far as we know, no missionary of the Cross had ever proclaimed God's way of salvation through Christ.
the Berbers are "The people whom Joshua, the son of Nun, drove out before him." Renan, the famous French historian, championed this origi11. Others, allowing their imagination some scope, in- cline to believe that they are descended from Goliath, whom David slew in combat. This theory is based for the most part on the phrase, "people of the pebble" as a section of the Berbers call themselves, and who. to this day repeat fragments of the story of David and Goliath.
A third theory takes us far back into a hazy past-the Pleistocene Age. At this juncture of history, it is said, there was no Mediterranean Sea, North Africa being territorially joined to what is now southern Europe, while the Atlas Mountains of North Africa were a continuation of the Iberian and Italian ranges. If we accept this OUTSIDE A TYPICAL BERBER VILLAGE last theory we must treat the Berbers as descend- ants of a southern European race. Support is We began to climb at a point where a few years found for this claim.in the fact that the Berbers ago several Europeans were suddenly surrounded are a white race without any of the characteristics by a group of armed mountaineers. They were of real African people found south of the Atlas. led away to the far heights where a powerful gov- One thing, however, we know with certainty, ernor held them for ransom, demanding 3,000,000 namely, that the Berbers are the first people we francs for their release. A military expedition [231 ]
into the region was out of the question, and in troduced ourselves: "Weare ambassadors of a any case would have cost many times over the King, one called Jesus, and we are bearers of a sum demanded. An effort was made to lower the precious message." The barrier in our way was figure, but the crafty Caid perched upon his pla- teau, surrounded by a ring of peaks rising to removed and we proceeded on our journey. The 12,000 feet, far from the reach of cannon balls, slopes were too precipitous to allow the building of villages upon them, and so we climbed until, A GIRL OF PURE BERBER STOCK at an altitude of some 9,000 feet, we suddenly de- bouched into a fertile glen. The place was stud- would not budge. So the ransom money was paid ded with small villages and for the first time, and the captives were released. probably, the people were to meet a missionary.
We had not gone far when a man brought us A hurried visit and superficial observation to a halt. He looked vicious and fanatical and would lead one to conclude that here in this fer- required some tactful handling before we could tile valley, walled in with snow-capped conical . get a hearing. By the use of a little humor we peaks, far from those crushing cares that swamp forced his fanaticism into the background and in- civilized communities, we should find serenity, friendship, hope and love-the virtues that make life wholesome and good. Alas, these virtues, so we found, were scarce to the point of nonexistence. The valley was vitiated from end to end with the villainy characteristic of corrupt human nature, encrusted with a film of religion.
The first man we met was in the throes of a lawsuit. His land had been wrested from him by a neighbor. "If it were a matter of justice," he told us, "I would have no fear. But lawsuits here spell bribery, and my only chance of victory is to put down a larger bribe than my opponent."
This story was typical of many to which we listened. Up on those heights human nature. was hatching out the same forms of evil, with small variation, which are rampant among the Negroes living in swamps a thousand miles further south.
We found the sex evils, inseparable from Islam, in sturdy growth. The tendency to divert con- versation into this channel was conspicuous in almost every audience. One man, whom I nick- named "Sidi Sixty," had just divorced "Lilla Thirty" and married a maid of twelve. He told me that "Lilla Thirty" was jammed with jealousy and had threatened· the maid of twelve with poi- soning. At the end of a long story he concluded: "If this threat materializes it would be serious for me, because I bought my young wife with a bullock and two sheep." The audience enjoyed the narrative of their friend's predicament. When I pointed out to them that this conduct was im- moral the spokesman naively replied: "Weare Moslems, not ethicists."
In all their conversation we heard the name of God pattering about their sentences like hailstones on an ironJoof. No one seemed to be in earnest about life. Valorous effort for anything' but plunder was not known among them. Again and again I noticed that when one man asked a ques- tion of another he was answered with: "God curse your parents," or "God burn your ances- tors." They did this because it was easier than going to the trouble of making an intelligent reply.
ON THE TIBETAN BORDER
In our village a number of men, twelve in all, whose waters were gathered from the melting took to praying. All that was necessary to fit snows of the surrounding mountains. After gothem for the change from filthy talk and evil prac~ ing some thirty miles beyond this river we turned tices to the presence of God was a sprinkling of north into a mountain pass and after traveling water and a solemn visage. Everywhere there through it for some twenty miles, we found ourwas manifest an extraordinary show of both re- selves in a cul-de-sac. It was a beautiful district ligion and roguery! We asked for an explanation with abundance of water, hundreds of villages, of this strange mixture. There was no answer. while on every side were almond trees, vines and A pious exhibition of religion which is not coun- extensive crops. In this pass we found a small ter-poised by a solid basis of morality finds its community of Jews. They wore black skull caps, strongest support in silence.' had long tapering beards and heavy earrings hanging by their cheeks. How strange it seemed We carried with us copies of the Scripture in to find this Jewish group tucked away in this the Berber tongue. There was a reader in each lovely pass! And yet their ancestors were here village, but it was rare to find more than one. before the dawn of the Christian era. Here they They had never seen the Gospel in Berber; and had their synagogue, read the Old Testament in our feelings were stirred as we listened to them Hebrew and passed on from generation to genreading the first chapter of John, while over their eration the salient features of Judaism so that tofaces expressions, suggestive now of surprise, day the physical and religious characteristics of now of fear, now of amusement, chased one an- the Jews are retained in this small community. other. This, with the message I proclaimed, was the first glimpse tney had of Jesus. What feel- They found it hard to believe that our sole misings surged through one's soul as one faced these sion was to preach the Gospel. "Searching for men and women who had dwelt so long alone, and gold?" they hinted. Fortunately we had some who were now hearing for the first time of an New Testaments in Hebrew and some of these event of supreme importance to them, but which were received by readers. But they were disaphappened long centuries ago! pointed with the book, and handled it carelessly. They wanted us to go prospecting for gold away As I write this article that glen lies deep in up on a mountain towards which they directed our snow. Away among the peaks groups of houses, attention. huddled together to form a village, hang on the slopes like cages on a wall. Here and there-so I God willing we shall return to these people, and imagine-a venerable looking man takes out a we trust that the day is not far distant when, by book as the people gather around their fires, and the prayers and gifts of God's people, we shall reads to them in Berber, "Ye must be born again." have a permanent mission station upon these "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man heights from which the messengers of the Cross lay down his life for his friends." shall go forth to proclaim to Jew and Gentile the glad message of the grace of God. Toward the end of this glen we crossed a river On The Tibetan Border Recently we took a trip with our cook, who is 13,000 ft. mark, where crops cannot be grown also a real help in preaching, to the county of and the inhabitants, except for a few Moslem Weiyiian across the mountain range to the north. gold-washers, are nomadic Tibetans in their black, The object of our itinerary was partly to gain yak-hair tents. In one of these tents, prevented -information as to the extent and population of by rain and darkness from making our destinathe district, prior to more intensive evangelism. tion, we were forced one night to seek shelter. In this whole county is one Christian, a hairdress- It was in answer to prayer that a young Tibetan er of whom it may truly be said that no one whose called off the two big dogs that rushed out at us, head he shaves is ignorant of the Gospel. I made and invited us in. the county city, where he lives, my headquarters, and while there held meetings in his humble cot- Beside the fire sat a toothless old man, slowly tage and on the street, several entering their turning his prayer wheel and muttering the while. names as enquirers. I feel sure that a series of On the other side of the fire, our host, showed his evangelistic meetings will mean the establishment hospitality by knocking his wife over the head of a church. with a "waddy," and personally helping us to a handful of ripe butter in our tea. Another night Traveling around the district proved difficult found us in the now familiar interior of a laowing to the absence of inns and the scattered masery, where the red-robed priests fell over each nature of the population. To the west the country other in an endeavour to get tracts and Scriptures rises on to high, cold plateaux, well above the in Tibetan.-H. H. Knight, in China's Millions.
A Letter from Iran to
FOR years I have been reading articles in The non-Christian members of his household used church and missionary periodicals scolding to tell him that his illness was a retribution for members of the American churches for their changing his religion, but his life of joy has been failure to influence foreign residents in the a living denial of any such allegation. He is United States. It is said that some Chinese Chris- known far and wide in Teheran by the nickname tian student has lost his faith while studying in of "joyful liver" and his influence is immense, not a supposedly Christian college in America. A only in the church but among non-Christian stu- missionary, writing from the foreign field, has dents and all with whom he has contact.
stated plainly that one of the great handicaps to More recently a mature Moslem doctor went to the work abroad has been a lack of zeal and a bad the United States for two years of graduate med- example at home. ical study. He had worked in the American hos- Such statements hurt me a lot, for we are part- pital in Teheran some years ago but his contacts ners. While I know there are too many in the churches of America whose lack of spirituality with Christianity were only superficial. He was and careless lives give rise to such criticisms, yet I also know that thousands in every State at home spiritually restless, and one purpose of his jourfeel badly cut-up by these accusations, for you are trying to be worthy of our Lord and to testify ney was because he found no such happiness in for Him as sincerely as any missionaries in other lands. Sometimes I have wondered as to the sad his work as he had observed in the lives of the results, in the case of Christians and truthseekers who come from other lands to America, missionary doctors. In America he made contact whether the fault may lie with the strangers themselves. For instance, have the "Christians" with a hospital in the Boston area and located among them had a firm grounding in their new faith before they fared forth abroad, and have there. At first he had great difficulty with the they sought in the right places and kept at it wholeheartedly before they made their decision language and decided to attend a church largely that Christianity is ineffectual in America. However that may be, I have two bouquets that may to improve his English. But the Christian felcompensate somewhat for the brickbats you have grown accustomed to receive. lowship he experienced, together with a remark- More than a decade ago a young Zoroastrian able dream in which he heard the call of Christ, who had become a Christian in our college in Teheran went to Detroit with a group of Iranian- resulted in his conversion. He and his two schoolstudents for a special course in the Ford plant. Some missionaries were rather fearful of the re- girl daughters were baptized before his period of sults, for he was a very young Christian; but we gave him a letter which he could present to some study was ended. For some months now he has Detroit pastor and sent him off with our prayers. He made use of the letter (which too often such been back in Teheran, and never have we had an students fail to do) and found a welcome in a Detroit church. He identified himself completely Iranian Christian with more evangelistic zeal. with that church and its young people, and his Christian experience steadily deepened during his The doctor is simply indefatigable in introducing stay there. Then came misfortune in the shape of a disease which meant long weeks in the hos- relatives, friends and patients to Jesus Christ, and pital and permanent incapacity for further study or work. He was sent back to Iran and for years a number have already been converted, including has lived the life of an invalid at· home. His American friends in the Detroit church have men prominent in the life of the nation. New never forgotten him and many have kept in touch with him through their letters and gifts. Their evangelistic meetings and Bible classes are being friendship he counts one of his choicest blessings carried on in Iranian homes, and the doctor is the heart and soul of them all. The Teheran church seems to be entering a new era in its development through his influence. To our fellow missionaries at home are due our heartfelt thanks for this in· valuable contribution towards winning Iran for Christ. An important feature of your contribu- tion is that at present there is a law against reli- ° gious propaganda in Iran which theoreticallo makes it illegal for a foreigner to urge non-Chris- tians to accept Christ, but no such law can touch the case of a man who, thousands of miles beyond the frontiers of Iran, accepted Christ on his own initiative.
If you in America will give the student from the mission field that hearty friendship which you can so charmingly offer, and will not be too hesitant about sharing with him the faith and experience in Jesus Christ which mean so much to you, America will not harm him, if he is sincere.· WILLIAM N. WYSHAM.
in a life radiant with Christian faith and joy. Teheran, Iran, November 22, 1935.
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D. L. Moody-Ambassador of Christ*
I I)it- -e( By the. REV. JOHN McDOWELL, D.D., New York Some day you will read in the papers that Dwight L. ing. Through all those wonderful years from Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I 1871 to 1899 the crowds were· as great as ever, am now. I shall have gone up higher, that's all; out of surging around the doors and cramming the hall this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal – a as soon as the doors were open. Mr. Moody was body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a the embodiment of a wise and effective evangelism body fashioned like unto His own glorious body. I was that was Scriptural in its basis, spiritual in its born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. aim, personal in its method, social in its expres- That which is born of the flesh may die: that which is sion, cooperative in its action, effective in its apborn of the Spirit will live forever. peal, and fraternal in its spirit. His preaching THESE words of prophecy by Dwight L. was always vital, transforming and practical. It Moody are today reality, luminous and liv- changed human natures and made for holy and ing reality. In December, 1899, death took useful living. the body of Mr. Moody from us but not.his spirit. After a sermon preached in the Congregational That abides, and will abide forever as a benedic- Church of Gill (town not far from Dr. Moody's tion and blessing to the whole world. He lives home), some of his hearers, who were farmers, today in the multitude of men and women all over were discussing him. All of these farmers knew the world whose lives he touched with his inspir- him as a boy. One said: "Whatever criticism you ing and transforming message; he lives in the may have of Dwight's preaching, it has been my institutions which he established for human wel- observation that our chicken coops are always fare at Northfield, Mt. Hermon and Chicago. He safer after Dwight preaches in this town."
lives in his printed sermons and in the books Mr. Moody was never at a loss for a reply to which he published. He lives in the hymns which any question or criticism from his audience.
he inspired, and in the movements which he in- When preaching in Hyde Park, London, on augurated for human service, and in the outstand- "Christ As the Light of the World," one man ing leaders of many of the mightiest movements shouted: "Ah men, the man who invented gas of modern life. did more for the world than Christ," to which We cannot come in touch with a man of such Mr. Moody replied; "Then I suppose, my friend, colossal achievements, transforming influence and when you come to die you will send for the gas masterful power without asking, what was the fitter." All of Mr. Moody's replies and retorts secret of this man's influence and where were the were in the spirit of kindness and helpfulness.
headings of his power? Great men influence the By his spiritual motives and sane methods, world in three ways: by what they say, by what which were void of all sensationalism and clap- they do, and by what they are. trap, Mr. Moody not only won the hearty coopera- 1. Dwight L. Moody influenced the world by tion of all spiritually-minded people and secured what he said-by his preaching. Mr. Moody was the conversion of multitudes of the ungodly, but most himself, most eager and most energetically more completely than any other man of his day alive when he stood before vast audiences to pour he impressed upon the Christian Church her re- out in strong, animating words the Gospel of sponsibility for lost souls and her inescapable ob- God's love for man. His preaching was always ligation to be always and everywhere evangelistic.
Biblical, vivid, picturesque, vital, positive, urgent, He was the inspiration of the summer open-air reasonable and intensely personal. It is generally preaching campaigns in many cities, campaigns conceded that no man ever spoke to more people which carried the Gospel to hundreds of thou- directly than did he. Here was a man who held sands of people during the summer days when and swayed multitudes six days in the week for many churches were closed.
over thirty years and never lost his drawing "God so loved the world that He gave His only power. People never seemed to tire of his preach- begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him * Part of an address at the anniversary of the ninety-ninth birth- should not perish but have everlasting life" was the sum and substance of His message and the day of Dwight L. Moody. founder of the Northfield Schools, on heart of His appeal. Mr. Moody was always in- February 5, 1936, by Dr. John McDowell, a member of the class of 1890, Mt. Hermon.
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tense in spirit but was generally conversational in that the primary purpose of education is formatone and never was theatrical; his gestures simple tion rather than information, that the mere acand his sentences direct and pungent. The New quisition of knowledge is in itself not enough. He York Times, in speaking of Mr. Moody's work in believed that the real goal of all true education is New York City, said: "Whatever philosophical the full integrated personality that finds expresskeptics may say, the work accomplished this sion in clear thinking, right feeling and effective winter by Mr. Moody in this city for private and action. Mr. Moody rejoiced in all that made the public morale will live. The drunken have be- minds of men and women more capable of undercome sober, the vicious virtuous, the worldly and standing. He also believed that the man who self-seeking unselfish, the ignoble noble, the im- could read the Bible for himself had opened up pure pure, the youth have started with more gen- the avenue through which God could speak to him. erous aims, the old have been stirred from gross- This was a fundamental conviction in the life of ness. A new hope has lifted up hundreds of hu- Mr. Moody, and for this reason he made the Bible man beings, a new consolation has come to the central in all the work of his schools, going so sorrowful, and a better spirit has entered the far as to put a Bible in the cornerstone of every sordid life of the day through the labors of these major building erected on the campuses of the plain men. Whatever the prejudiced may say Northfield Schools. against them, the honest-minded and just will not forget their labors of love." Dr. Arthur T. Pierson has well said: "As Arnold made Rugby a nursery of a peculiar type "Dwight L. Moody was undeniably the most of British man of culture, Moody made the Northextraordinary Gospel preacher that America has field Schools nurseries of Christian character and produced in this century as Spurgeon was the Christian service." Mr. Moody recognized that most extraordinary that Britain has produced, the methods and means of Christian education said Dr. Theodore Cuyler. "Both had all Chris- would change but its purpose and aim should retendom at their feet." main unchanged and unchangeable. There was no divorce in Mr. Moody's mind between his work The Testimony by Deeds as an evangelist and his work as an educator. All of his activities were one in his own mind, and 2. Dwight L. Moody also influenced the world hence wherever he was and whatever he did he by what he did. The man of thought is the brain was preeminently The Ambassador of Christ, and of the community, the man of feeling is the heart that because in his faith Christ was his Saviour, of the community, the man of deeds is the hand of his Teacher, and his Lord. the community. Many facts show that Mr. Moody was all three of these things in every com- Measured by whatever standards you please, munity in which he lived and worked. "Time," whether by his influence on men or on movements, said Prof. Drummond, "has only deepened the im- or both, Mr. Moody stands out as one of the greatpression not only of the magnitude of the results est men in the magnitude of his achievements and immediately secured through Mr. Moody's visit the preeminence of his influence. As a preaCher to Scotland, but equally of the permanence of the of the Gospel, as a master of great audiences, as after-effects upon every field of social, philan- an administrator, as an agent for men of wealth, thropic, educational and religious activity." Mr. as a transmuter of money into bricks, stones, Moody was keenly alive to the fact that religion books, tracts and Christian character, Mr. Moody and education were the primary factors in the rightly ranks as one of the greatest men of any making of the individual and the nation. Out of day. this conviction grew his untiring effort to make and keep both religion and education genuinely The Testimony of Character Christian. The primary aim of every institution which Mr. Moody founded was to make Chris- 3. Mr. Moody also influenced the world by what tians, not critics; to make servants as well as he was-by his life and his character. Emerson scholars. Mr. Moody sought not simply to edu- said: "Men are not quite so anxious to know cate but to educate for a definite service, the serv- what you do as what makes you do it." The dyice of Christ. namic forces of Mr. Moody's life were spiritual forces. He was the product of his faith in Jesus Mr. Moody's conviction was that without reli- Christ and apart from this faith it would be imgion life cannot be noble, without service it can- possible to account for him. He was a man of not be unselfish, without duty it cannot be free, unfaltering faith, a faith that was real to him and without companionship it cannot be human. and he made it real to others. It was active rather Over and over again he used to say to us: "The than passive for it was intensely practical. Its purpose of life is service, and the reward of serv- nature is splendidly set forth in a reply he once ice is more service." It was his conviction, also, made when asked why he did not run his schools on faith. "I do," he quickly responded, "I always
D. L. MOODY – AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST
have and always will. As an evidence of it if you Of his visit to Harvard, Dr. Francis G. Peabody, will tell me of any Christian man who has money in His Reminiscences of Present-Day Saints, said: to whom I have not written or on whom I have "Moody immediately impressed all hearers as not called, I will do so at once. I show my faith completely single-handed and sincere. He was when I go to men and ask them to give to God's genuinely conscious of his own limitations, and work." Faith in Mr. Moody was a matter of con- while a guest at my house with his wife for a secration as well as affirmation, a way of walking week's meetings with Harvard students inquired rather than a way of talking, a way of working one morning about the duties of a professor. Berather than a way of loafing. It was the power ing told that one usually lectured four or five that held him rather than a form of truth which times a week during the whole winter he said he held. He was the embodiment of a "faith that across the table to his wife: 'Emma, this is no worked by love." "I have never known," said place for us, I only last three weeks.''' "His Lord Kinnaird of Scotland, "anyone whose faith prodigious popularity," continued Prof. Peabody, was so real and abounding. No difficulty could "had not cost him his simplicity or humility. He daunt him, no perplexity could cloud his faith in remained a plain man and knew himself to be God or dim his calm belief that all would be well." about his Father's business."
He was also a man of singleness of purpose. If wisdom is knowledge made our own and ap- His heart was in everything he did. As a sales- plied to life, then Mr. Moody must be credited man in the shoe store, a teacher in the Sunday with large and unusual wisdom. If education is school, a preacher of the Gospel, a leader of men not a dead mass of accumulated items but power and movements he showed that his life was dom- to work with the brain, then Mr. Moody was one inated by one great purpose, namely, the doing of of the best educated men of his day. If the mark the will of God. His was not only a consecrated of an educated man is found in the union of calife, it was a concentrated lif~. He realized that pacity and sagacity, inate mental vigor and practhe secret of all moral force, of spiritual success, tical ability to use it for a purpose, we come to say of reality is in consecration and concentration. that Mr. Moody was no common specimen of a He could not only set a dozen men at work, he man of education in the best sense. Recently in could outwork them. New York City in one of the public schools a teacher asked a ciass composed mostly of chil- He was a man of sterling sincerity. "It is re- dren of foreign-born parents' what the difference freshing at all times and especially in this super- was between an educated man and an intelligent ficial and artificial world," wrote the editor of man. One of the pupils replied, "An educated The Catholic World at the time of Mr. Moody's man knows what other people think; an intellideath, "to come into contact with such a genuine gent man works his own thinks." On the basis soul, a nature so sincere, so simple that it seems of this definition, Mr. Moody was not exceeded a mirror of nature itself." Mr. Moody never sac- by any man in his generation. rificed sincerity for success. The transparency of his character and the sincerity of his acts were so He was a man of democratic spirit. He knew marked that none who ever knew him could never no difference between rich and poor, high and low. forget them. Between his pulpit utterances ana He knew everybody in the community, and everyhis private life there was no fixed gulf, nor was body knew him and loved him. One evening at a there any between his Monday warfare and his great meeting in London a certain peer was in- Sunday worship. He had a passion for sincerity, troduced. "Glad to meet you, Lord," said Mr. "the clean heart," "for truth in the inward parts." Moody, "just get two chairs for those two old He had an inborn dislike for all sham and decep- ladies over there, will you?" That was the spirit tion. For a man to say what he really thinks and of the man. to be outwardly what he really is in his heart requires heroism of no mean type. This heroism Mr. Moody's keen wit and practical common Mr. Moody possessed in a remarkable degree. His sense is splendidly illustrated by the following presence killed insincerity and inspired sincerity. incident. On board a train on which Mr. Moody He was a hero to his own children and to his was riding the newsboy came through shouting: friends. "Ingersoll on Hell." Mr. Moody caught the boy and placed one of his own books, a book on heaven, He was a man of genuine humility. Henry in the boy's hand, saying: "Here, my lad, here is Drummond said: "The way he turned aside from another book. Give them that at the same time." applause in England struck multitudes with won- In a few minutes the boy came through the train der." The criticism which sours and the adula- shouting: "Ingersoll on Hell, Moody on Heaven." tion which spoils left untouched this man who Mr. Moody was a firm believer that the best way forgot himself into immortality. Among college to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue stUdents, Mr. Moody was always a vital power. about it or to spend your time denouncing it but
in laying a straight stick alongside of it. Much religion, the center of his message, the incentive of his achievement and the secret of his power. of his success in· dealing with many of the com- When urged on one occasion by a supporter of his schools to raise the tuition from $100 a year plicated problems which confronted him was due to $200 with the suggestion that those who could not pay the extra $100 should secure some friend to this kind bit of practical philosophy. . to do it, Mr. Moody with tears streaming down his face replied: "It has been the prayer of my D. L. Moody was a man of unceasing prayer. life that I might be that friend to every student who enters these schools," and he was until the Here we touch the source of his matchless power. day of his death. His interest in his students never ceased. They were on his heart day and God was not to him a mere law or an abstraction, night.
but he knew God was a Person who feels and No career of modern times is a better commen- tary on the high motto of the Apostle Paul, "For thinks, a Father who rules and loves and is con- me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," than that of Dwight L. Moody. Neither God nor man will cerned with everything which affects His chil- let such a life die.
dren. As a result we are not surprised to find Mr. MoodY leading a life of ceaseless communion with God, out of which grew a life of overcoming strength. There was a correspondence between Mr. Moody's life and his prayers: both were mas- sive and on a grand scale.
He was a man of deep, strong, abiding love.
This was the motive of his life, the essence of his Among Australian Aborigines By MRS. D. MATTHEWS, Adelaide, Victoria, Australia T HE aborigines of Australia are said to be the who was a full black with eight half-caste chil- most difficult race in the world to civilize and dren. Mr. Matthews had selected the land for- Christianize. My experience among them merly belonging to the squatter and tried to keep dates from 1872 when Mr. Daniel Matthews and the black and white men working for him. We I were married in Melbourne and went forty miles had a schoolhouse built and I was there with our out among the mountains to spend our honeymoon little daughter and a piano. Eventually the numon a mission station superintended by a Scotch- bers in the school increased to one hundred and man named Green. fifty-three. It was a work of faith and the in- come grew from £30 to over £1,000 a year. We ABORIGINAL CHILDREN AT PLAY prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and They amuse themselves painting their bodies with clay for a showers of blessing came until one hundred were converted and became bright Christians. native dance One of our interesting characters was Bur- Mr. Matthews had a store at a place called rawaja, a fearless little Australian aboriginal, Echuca, about 150 miles from Melbourne, on the ready to meet an attack at a moment's notice. He Murray River. After two years we went sixteen was tall for his age (eleven years), truthful and miles further into the bush and began our mis- always ready to own up to any wrong-doing, even sion at Maloga (aboriginal name for sand). if it meant punishment, He would ask to be cor- About ten miles from Maloga there was a camp rected if he had done wrong and was not content of blacks on a squatters station – one woman, if a fault was overlooked. Burrawaja's father (known by the name of "Flourbag") was a fine type of Australian aboriginal. So were Torraline, his clever mother, and Badbagurrior, his elder brother, a handsome young man of seventeen. Any of our brown girls would be proud to be thought fit to marry Badbagurrior. These, with two older members· of the family who have not had the privileges of the mission home, were all noble in bush character. Each one a jewel worth winning for our Saviour's crown.
The father and mother were chosen to go as guides to assist Sir Hubert Wilkins (then Cap- tain Wilkins), the Antartic explorer, a wonderful hero in the eyes of Burrawaja, our young warrior of Arnheim land in Northern Australia.
Next Step in Foreign Missions~
By BISHOP PAUL B. KERN, Greensboro, North Carolina 1'- Methodist Episcopal Church, South ~==========================~I "WE ARE at the end of an era and on the of Christianity. Missions is by its very nature border of another for which we have no cosmic. It is at home only amid universal con- technique," said Frederick W. Norwood cepts and reaches its true height and power only recently. "We have really succeeded in reaching as it deals with humanity in the totality of its life our objectives and are in danger of being defeated as nations and races and civilizations. For this by our own victories." reason, therefore, we have always looked to our These words hardly startle us any longer. The missionary enterprise to set the stage for the ad- average informed citizen complacently recognizes vance of the Christian faith and if it should fail the fact that an old era is dead and a new one is in this daring commission which is so vitally a being born. The fact of the imminence of a new part of its very essence, then it would not only world order is no longer questioned; the interest- collapse as a movement within the Church but it ing query that still claims our would entail a far more serious attention is what kind of a new result, namely, the lowering of national and international set- We cannot stand still in the spiritual tone and the ob- up will eventuate from the personal life; we either ad- scuring of the spiritual outlook vance or retrograde. It is present confusion and turmoil. equally. true that we cannot of the Church itself. Chris- If a new day for mankind will merely mark time in foreign tianity could never have surbe born tomorrow what kind of missions; we either advance vived had it timidly entrenched a day will it be? with Christ, who is always itself in Jerusalem. Its very leading on, or we drop be- perpetuity was dependent upon The Christi-an Church can- hind and lose our vital con- the agonizing recklessness with not for a moment allow herself tact with Him. Bishop Kern, which it broke away from ecto be indifferent to the revolu- tionary processes which are re- in his Florida addresses, has clesiastical traditionalism and called attention to the HNext making the very world in Steps in Foreign Missionstt thrust itself and its risen Lord which we live. Our faith was and His Way of Life into the born in a time of restless world as he sees it – the end of one indifferent, lust-infested cenagitation. Conflict is conso- era and the entrance on an- ters of Asia Minor and Europe. nant with its very nature. The It grew great by refusing to Church has grown great and other – will it be forward stay safely at home. When with Christ or a step back- ward, with separation from influential when it has taken Him and His service? therefore we are discussing its courage in hand and dared "Our Next Step in Foreign to become a central factor in Missions" we are dealing with those critical periods which have marked the up- a theme which holds implicity within it the imme- ward climb of nations and races toward a higher diate future and destiny of the Christian Church.
social dream. She remains aloof only to imperil For neither the Church nor the Gospel can stand her soul rather than save it. When her faith still in a world that is moving forward.
falters and her voice hesitates the ardent spirits A Olear Message and Purpose of the world's adventurers turn to lesser creeds and more selfish loyalties, the Church refusing to What then are the next steps that insistently risk her life by losing it in the common struggle challenge us in our foreign missionary underfor a higher Kingdom of values. taking? In the first place, we must reexamine and reaffirm Christianity's central message and No part of the Church can less afford to remain purpose. Many world currents and modern phiinsensitive to these structural changes than that losophies have combined to throw an element of group which is specifically charged with the ad- dubiousness around the Christian message and ministration and projection of the world mission • An address delivered at the Florida Chain of 'Miss[onary As- ideal. Conceptions of society which afford either semblies. 1936.
[239 ]
no place for religion or a place of subservience Redeemer. James Denney summed it up when he for the Church have taken shape in Europe; an said, "Christ not only was something in the increasing dependence upon diplomatic maneuver- world, he did something that make an infinite difing and ever-mounting armaments has supplanted ference, and that puts us under an infinite obliour growing confidence in the power of interna- gation. He bore our sins." And central in the tional goodwill; the fading of democracy from Gospel message is the Kingdom of God. Jesus the international map carries with it a conception held out as a practicable ideal a new world order of the value and dignity of the common individual in which love should supplant hate and cooperain society which leads to the glory of dictators tion should put to rout unholy competition. That but the submerging of rights of the individual; we have so slowly achieved this commonwealth the prevalence of pessimism and despair upon the of divine goodwill is an indictment of our perpart of so many of our fellow citizens who are the verse human nature rather than a reflection upon victims of economic selfishness and maladjust- the practicality of the Sermon on the Mount. ment raises questions which involve the effectiveness of the Gospel in our American social order; How strongly do we believe these central facts the easy-going creed of humanism and the brittle of our Christian message? Do we not need at philosophy of materialism have left us groveling home and abroad to reaffirm their inescapable in the dust rather than struggling upward to meet centrality in all our teaching and preaching? Our a divine ideal which is ever reaching down to set first step, therefore, is to redefine the intellectual our hearts on fire for godlikeness. This is to- and doctrinal basis upon which we posit the whole day's challenge to the Christian Church. Will she Christian movement. This must be done in no be able to offer moral and intellectual leadership formal and indifferent manner. A Church that for the confusion of our times? "The Church can refuses to believe greatly cannot live grandly. never interpret its own truth in terms of the Unless in the center of our souls bells ring with world's falsehoods." She must declare a trans- a clear and impelling sound they will call no worforming message that will be true to New Testa- shippers to prayer. Amid the welter of confusion ment Christianity and at the same time be ade- that besets the world mind today the Christian quate to meet the grievous needs which arise out evangel needs to proclaim a gospel that has about of the moral bankruptcy of our times. It is not it the dogmatism that is implicit in the utterance our business to conform our message to the pass- of Jesus when he said, "Ye have heard-but I say ing fashions of each generation. It is rather our unto you." business to bring each passing age into conformity with the eternal Gospel. It is no theoretical reason which calls for the redefinition of our faith in terms which are mod- Unyielding Oertitudes ern because they are eternal. Every practical consideration drives us to the same strategy. The The reexamination and reaffirmation of the doc- Church itself needs to clear up much of the mood trinal basis underneath our message will reveal of uncertainty in faith which has characterized three cardinal and unyielding certitudes. Jesus her hesitancy in more recent years. The world is Lord. He is not merely a way but the Way; enterprise will not proceed further in geography not merely a truth about God but the Truth about than it does in belief, and men and women will God; not simply a life redolent with the divine not go 1;0 the ends of the earth merely to ask but the Life through which and in which God questions and lead discussion groups concerning completely and unequivocally revealed Himself. God and the eternal life. Also we take note of Or as Principal Forsyth has said, "In Jesus Christ the fact that competing non-Christian religions we have one who was conscious of standing in an are stripping themselves of superstitions and entirely unique relation to the Living God. He outworn customs in order to meet the issue of a held a relation to God as Father that never existed more widely diffused knowledge. Buddhism is in any man before, nay, more, it was one that no having an intellectual rebirth and Confucianism man can ever reach again." Let us frankly face and Shintoism are being readapted to the needs the fact that ours is a supernatural religion be- of the intelligent Oriental. Christianity cannot cause at its fountain head stands One "who spake remain an obscurantist faith in a world where the as never man spake" and lived as never man lived. light of education is steadily lifting the level of intelligence. Furthermore, Christian youth in The second cardinal fact which needs reaffirma- our own land needs to be reassured concerning tion is that Christianity offers salvation for the the future of the missionary enterprise. Far too individual life. It undertakes not merely to change one's environment but rather to recon- many of them have been forced to abandon life struct the centers of one's personality. The world purposes which had thoroughly captivated their needs supremely not a moral teacher but a divine wills because the church under whose banner they were eager to serve has been retreating rather
THE NEXT STEP IN FOREIGN MISSIONS
than advancing, has counseled them to wait and common task. To underestimate the gravity and wait and keep on waiting until the precious years the urgency of our world problem is to be blind of their young manhood and womanhood have to the signs of the times. "The materialistic phislipped away and the Church sends them not losophy of the day, the violence of the destructive, forth unto the fields which are white unto the communistic activity, the powers of paganism and harvest. If the youth of our colleges and sem- of faiths and systems contrary to the teachings inaries give to this enterprise all that they have of Christ, the reactionary attitude of so many govto give, namely, their lives, has not the hour come ernments with reference to religious liberty, the when the Church should carryon the campus perilous subordination of religion to serve the again a modern philosophy of the missionary en- political ends of the totalitarian conception of the terprise and a resolute and dependable world pro- State, and the necessity of recasting the prevailgram into which our choicest young men and ing industrial and commercial system so that it women may build their lives with confidence? will not negative the principles of Christian love or conduce to international war," these – to use A Complete Gospel the words of Dr. Mott-present a challenge to the followers of Christ so momentous and far-reach- The clear emphasis upon the cardinal necessity ing that they can be met by no one group but of a belief in a complete gospel, embracing a di- only by all Christians acting in common effort vine Saviour, a redemptive power that redeems for the· preservation of the faith and the spread the individual, and the Kingdom of God as the of the Christ ideal. urgent ideal that awaits our full obedience to Christ, is made even more pertinent because of A pioneering period is always a time of indicertain trends of the native churches among vidualism in effort. But we believe that there is which we have been working. Take for example no longer a need for an independent, noncooperathe doctrinal conflicts which have arisen in Africa tive enterprise on the foreign fields. The emand China. Upon the rear end of every mission- phasis must rather be upon the Kingdom of God, ary enterprise there seems always to be a fanati- the unity of purpose and faith in Christ of all cal fringe of well meaning conservatives who those who labor for the salvation of the world, interpret religion in terms of nonessentials and and the primacy of love as the exhibition of abnormal manifestations rather than accept the Christ's way and the open road into the heart of great underlying verities of the Christian faith. mankind. Who can doubt that Christ wills' this This minority has about it all the enthusiasm of kind of unity for all His disciples? Our luxurious ignorance and often in energy far outstrips the and expensive divisions cannot longer justify saner interpreters of the Christian message. Un- themselves at the bar of the Christian judgment. reasonably rigid ideas of the Bible, psychic faith healing, rabid individualism and exclusivism, all This cooperation does not imply the fusing of these come in the trail of the Christian movement all denominational groups into one. Such types and often embarrass not only the missionary but of unity can come only as men grow together in the earnest native seeker after the Christian way. Christ and cannot be superimposed by idealistic These proponents of a marginal gospel make up missionary strategists. But we can multiply the for their lack of intellectual acceptability by their apostles of reconciliation, clear up recognized obdogmatic and unyielding confidence in their gos- jections and difficulties, embrace the spirit of tolpel. And the world listens strangely enough to erance, minimize nonessentials, magnify Christ men who make the impression that they know. and seek the unity of the spirit in the bond of The cure for this condition which embarrasses the peace. The results of this attitude, at home and Christian movement in more than one area is not abroad, will not only more effectively extend the the hesitancy of views tentatively held but as- Kingdom but will assure us of that divine leadersurance regarding pivotal beliefs which grounds ship which becomes operative only when men itself not alone in intelligence but also in experi- share the Master's consuming passion that they ence and widely tested social action. may all be one.
Let us therefore reexamine in the frankest Onward to Victory spirit the elements that make up our Gospel, and having found them to be eternal and sufficient, The next step that lies before us beckons from let us proclaim them in faith that is rooted in be- the angle of both faith and action. Faith is still lief and confidence that is born of God. the victory that overcomes the world. The annals of missionary history are rich in examples of how The second forward step in missions lies in the faith "conquered kingdoms, obtained promises, realm of cooperation. We should definitely seek shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of a larger unity of effort in accomplishing the work fire and routed hosts of foreigners." If we lose ahead of us. We need to think, plan, pray and this element from our planning, this daring couract in terms of the wholeness and oneness of our age to undertake the humanly impossible in the
name of Christ who assures us that "all things a pioneering spirit upon the part of the Church?
are possible to him that believeth"; if we lose, I Take as a concrete illustration of this unfin- say, this divinereinforceinent through lack of ished task the work awaiting us in the villages faith, then our enterprise drops to the level ofa and open country of Japan. I can testify to the drab bit of proselytism which soon defeats itself. sustained enthusiasm with which the Gospel is In this spirit therefore, let us face our third and received in these rural areas. Japan has 11,434 final step: we must initiate a definite and stra- towns and villages. Of her towns of 2',500 and tegic advance in the face of an awakened but hesi- more exactly one-half have some Christian con- tant Church and a confused but eager world. tacts, even slight though it is. Of her 9,737 vil- Barriers that once blocked us are gone, "a world lages only 610 are occupied by a church or preach- is on the anvil," and we may create a new type of ing place, leaving 9,127 lying beyond the range Christian world culture if we are sure of our goal of the Christian advance. These figures speak and our spiritual resources. The safest defense for themselves; almost 10,000 towns and villages is a bold offense. There are latent powers of love still remain absolutely virgin soil for the Gospel.
of money, of personality which the Church will More than one-half of Japan's population have never place on the altar of humanity's need until never in any true sense heard a Christian it beholds in all its appalling agony the condition preacher. Small wonder that Kagawa could say of a world without Christ and catches the inspira- recently, "I feel that the evangelization of Japan, tion of a leadership which shares the sacrificial very far from being accomplished, is only barely abandon of a Saviour who counted not his lii begun." There is a Japanese proverb which says: dear unto himself. . . . "If you are in a hurry, don't try a short cut."
The Christian mind in our churches must come One wonders how soon we shall arrive by re- to view the missionary task in its world relation- trenching on every field and taking short cuts ship. Never have so many intelligent citizens that lead us only into confusion and retreat.
been so conscious of a world conflict as today. One other step is immediately ahead. We need Whether it be in South America, China, Japan, to be finding and training a selected group of India or the Philippines, or where not, forces are young men and women to be thrown into this in conflict that are remaking the world. Jesus battle line within the next ten years. There can commanded us to "make disciples of all nations." be no random commissioning of the Church's sec- He visioned Christianity as a world force. It ond best. Sound bodies to bear the strain of in- structurally affected the Grreco-Roman world. hospitable climates; steady psychic centers to It has been, as it was meant to be, a vitalizing, overcome novelty and loneliness; keen, well- integrating, redeeming force in the political and trained minds capable of entering sympathetically social life of every generation. . . . The Chris- into age-old cultural backgrounds; hearts that tian message and the Christian messenger are in- are aflame with incandescent ardor for Christ and dispensable factors in building a new world order a Christless world-upon these must the Church and no nation will long be safe when the founda- lay the high commission of the Master: "Go ye tions of world security crumble through lack of into all the world. . . . Lo, I am with you always."
moral strength. When the Church has done these things, has All of this is only another way of saying that acted on the light she has, has dared to adventure we need to project a program of missionary edu- for God-then she can pray in righteous sincerity, cation into the life of the local church that shall "Thy Kingdom come." Faith without works is deal with missions in the light of present-day de- dead and prayer without sacrifice is futile. We velopments and ideals. Far too few of our min- used to say, "When a million Christians go from isters are preaching missionary sermons which their knees to any task, it shall be done." Pos- reveal a modern viewpoint and impress the faith- sibly we need now to reverse that historic state- ful and intelligent judgment of Christian laymen ment and say, "When a million Christians go of the higher and creative type. A whole new from any task to their knees, God will answer."
generation of church leaders has arisen which has And so our next steps are clearly to accept the never confronted the imperative and persisting abiding obligation which the cross of Jesus placed quality of Christ's last command. Ours is a holy upon all believers, to minimize our differences and cause. Let us not hesitate to lay it upon the heart magnify our agreements, laboring together for a of the church with unabated zeal. common goal in Christ, and finally, to move out Another urgent reason for this advance is that upon His promises, trusting where we cannot see, the unoccupied areas of the world are still unoc- until the eternal purpose which He purposed in cupied. Why is it that there are today virtually Jesus Christ shall become the glorious fact which as many unoccupied fields in the world as were God believed possible when He gave the world reported at the Edinburgh conference twenty-five His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth years ago? Is it spiritual apathy or the lack of on Him might not perish but have everlasting life.
Whitman;.Spalding
By the REV. ARTHUR H. LIMOUZE, New York Se.,etary o/Promotion, Board 0/ National Missions, Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
O NE hundred years ago a little group of mis- less; but news of the massacre of the Whitman sionaries took the long fearsome overland party in 1847 crawled on leaden feet across the trail from the East to Oregon to write a continent. chapter in the Christian occupation -of the Northwest that will engross the attention and challenge Yet, in spite of the speedy tempo of our own the pioneering spirit anew of the Church of Christ day, it is a question whether our missionary enter- prise is any more farseeing and aggressive than today. the Oregon mission of 1836-1847. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, Henry and The Whitmans and Spaldings had a real mis- Eliza Spalding, and William H. Gray were in that sionary program. It included the creation of that venturesome band. Within two years they were fundamental of American society-the Christian joined by the Walkers, the Eells, and the Smiths, home, the evangelization of the Indian for Christ, all commissioned by the American Board of Com- the ministry of preventive and curative medicine, missioners for Foreign Missions. These were the the project of agricultural missions, anticipating days when, under "The Plan of Union," Congrega- the economic needs of nomads soon compelled to tionalists and Presbyterians interchanged pastors settle down; the establishment of schools; the and cooperated not only in local churches but also development of community life; and the organizain foreign missions. Presbyterians like the tion of the Christian Church. Whitmans and Spaldings went "into all the world" commissioned by that great pioneer missionary organization, the American Board. Together this group sought the evangelization of the Indians of Oregon Territory, and the establishment of the Church. In this particular instance they went to what was known as a "foreign mis- sions" field.
. A foreign field it was then, indeed. If a strange ~WJOO:"""""""'''lI''''''' environment, a native people, a new tongue and I llU)fAttl.W '111'& J'zt. ?£.a~ 'J.IUH. YlIT~I:IW!"'''''''''''' separation from home are factors creating such a field, then theirs was such. Today we make I.oW('f!lJ•• o-tTi!ilJIM1·tlll:t.llUAT WUHef!. . . . . . ." " " '. . . . . . . . . .' " much of the length of time required for a letter "X'jVt:;u,,'l A&,gt 02 ·t~ qr~ INDU.N to reach remote mission stations. Narcissa Whitman waited two years and five months in distant r:Wtt I.. ,I"(ga ilO/.&!) ill':; .f.iJ!i'i.t ~ifD lAlbt.1' ltU'OItE .JUtm Oregon, after leaving her New York home, for a letter from her people. "Home and friends and YUrt,. "I:s,""l C..#Ii'. "tllLltl.al iI·V.rt!:C1'UlI) "tam 'ROlf KrtACit..
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TABLET TO HOL-LOL-SOTE-TOTE WHO PREIVENTED A MASSACRE kindred" were further away from WaiiIatpu, "the All of this had to be wrought out anew. If place of rye grass," and Lapwai, "Butterfly Val- Oregon was virgin territory for settlers, it was ley," in Oregon, than is the most distant mission the same for mission work. Out of what they station in the world today. dragged over prairies and mountains, across There were no planes, or radio communications rivers and deserts, and from that which was nato keep these missionaries in touch with the folks tive to the field, these pioneers brought into beback home. A depression could occur, as it did ing a crude replica of the dear familiar ideals and in 1837, and be over before word of its occurrence institutions of their eastern homes. The story reached them. The untimely end of .Wiley Po~t of what they accomplished, in the face of diffiand Will Rogers was known in the States within culties natural and human, is remarkable. Clifa few hours after it occurred near the Presby- ford-Merrill Drury, in his new book, "Henry terian Mission at Barrow, Alaska, due to the wire- Harmon Spalding, Pioneer of Old Oregon," por- [243 ]
trays in a vivid and accurate fashion the goals an industrial situation marked by long hours, they reached in the short years they labored. poor pay, and all the problems of mill towns. They were real pioneers for Christ, the Church and civilization. Canal and river transportation grew by leaps and bounds. "By 1834 river navigation had be- The Whitman-Spalding Mission was the result come important. In the forties the West had of the urge to carry the Gospel to the Indians of more marine tonnage than the entire Atlantic the Northwest born of the visit of four Nez Perce seaboard. By 1850 there were nearly a thousand Indians to St. Louis in the fall of 1831. Their boats operating on the Mississippi, and as early famous quest for "the White Man's Book" has as 1834 the steam tonnage on that river was come down as a familiar story in modern mis- nearly half that of the British Empire." sions. The spiritual hunger they represented stirred the Methodist Episcopal Church to send Whitman and Spalding with their wives were Jason Lee and his compatriots to the Willamette. the products of a growing educational system It moved Dr. Samuel Parker, a Congregational marked by two characteristics: the inauguration minister of mature years, already touched by the of free education in the lower grades, and the zeal of the Haystack Prayer meeting spirit which multiplication of colleges, 150 denominational infired him at Williams, to offer himself to the stitutions coming into being by the middle of the American Board for a similar mission. It caught 19th Century. up Dr. Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian elder of Rushville, N. Y., as his companion on a trip of The great question of human slavery was beexploration, sent him back to New York to secure ing raised in many quarters. Just five years be- Henry Harmon Spalding, a graduate of old fore, in 1831, William Lloyd Garrison had pub- Western Reserve College and Lane Seminary, and lished "in the sight of Bunker Hill and in the his young wife, Eliza Hart of Holland Patent, birthplace of Liberty," Boston, his first number of N. Y., as well as Narcissa Prentiss as wife and The Liberator. Daniel Webster was shaping a fellow laborer, for the mission to be established principle of nationalism that was to be of proin Oregon. It also enlisted William H. Gray, of found significance within thirty years. The Fairfield, N. Y., as an industrial missionary later Church itself was being divided by the issue of to become the writer of that "History of Oregon" slavery. Old School and New School Presbywhich describes in eye-witness fashion the labors terians were forming their lines, while at the and sorrows, the victories and the tragedies of same time the great foreign missionary passion the Whitmans and Spaldings. of the Church was gripping its ministers and youth. The Whitmans and Spaldings lived in a stirring era of America's history. It was a time of great "The wants and woes of the heathen," wrote national territorial expansion. The year they Eliza Spalding from Cincinnati to her sister, started for Oregon was the year of the Alamo, "have too long been neglected by Christian nawhen that little band of Texans within the mis- tions, who have not only the Saviour's command sion building at San Antonio were wiped out by binding upon them, to go and proclaim His Gospel Santa Anna and his three thousand Mexican to all nations, but are furnished with ample troops. That massacre led to the birth of a new means for the mighty work. When I reflect upon State and a further increase of the territory of the wretched condition of those benighted souls the Republic. who are sitting in the gloom and shadow of death, I actually long to depart and be with them, to tell With increasing land area went an accompany- them the story of a Saviour's dying love." ing growth in population, industry, transportation, and educational opportunities. Marcus Whitman and Narcissa Prentiss were united in marriage on February 18, 1836, in the Immigration began to swell until in one year little Presbyterian Church in Angelica, N. Y. it shot up from 10,000 in 1825 to 300,000 in 1849. Immediately afterward they started west by In the two decades of 1830 to 1850 two and a sleigh via Elmira, Williamsport, Harrisburg and half million foreigners were added to the popula- Pittsburgh. They were accompanied on this trip tion of the United States. by the two Nez Perce Indian boys, Richard and John, whom Whitman had brought east on his Along with this increasing immigration a move- eventful trip with Parker. Along the route they ment set in which carried westward "16% of all were joined by Rev. and Mrs. Benedict Satterlee. persons born in the Middle Atlantic States, and The party proceeded to Pittsburgh from which nearly 27% of those born in the Southern States." point they journeyed by river boat down the Ohio to Cincinnati where they met the Spaldings. At At the same titne industrial mills began to Cincinnati they outfitted and then took another spring up in various sections of the East, turn- steamer to St. Louis. From there the third boat ing wool and cotton into piece goods and creating
THE WHITMAN-SPALDING CENTENNIAL
carried them to Liberty, Missouri, at which point time of the commissioning of the Whitmans and William H. Gray, joined the party. From there the Spaldin:gs, will observe the centennial in their Spalding and Gray went ahead with the wagons, national gatherings. The Congregational-Chrisexpecting the rest to follow by water to the wagon tian Church, at their annual General Council train's starting point. meeting in Mt. Holyoke, June 16 to 23, will direct the thought of that great denomination to the Left behind by the steamer, whose captain re- contributions of 100 years ago to the missionary fused to stop for the little group, saddened by the enterprise then under their care. The Presbydeath of Mrs. Satterlee the day before, the Whit- terian Church, U. S. A., at the convening meeting mans and the others hurried to overtake Spalding of the General Assembly in May in Syracuse, and Gray, finally catching up with them at the N. Y., will recall the spirit of these early mission- Otoe Indian Reservation and then hurrying on to aries and emphasize the need of a similar pioneerjoin the fur company's wagon train at the Loup ing attitude on the frontiers of present-day life to Fork. win men for Christ.
Then began the long hard trail overland ending CHRISTIAN NEZ PERCE CHILDREN AT KAMIAH TODAY at Vancouver September 12, 1836, which Narcissa Whitman has described so humanly in her diary. Following the Assembly there will be two sig- nificant gatherings in Rushville and Prattsburg, Numerous works deal with the eleven years' N. Y., communities linked up with the early life labor of the missionary group. Writers such as of Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and Henry Harmon Myron Eells in his "Marcus Whitman"; Mowry Spalding. In the old Congregational Church at in his work of the same title; Marshall, Craig- Rushville, Congregationalists and Presbyterians head, Gray, and more recently Drury and Pen- will unite in a commemorative service, and at rose and others, deal with the development of the Prattsburg, the Presbyterians will have as guests mission stations. This period culminated in the officials of the Synod of New York and of the massacre of the Whitmans and twelve others on General Assembly, with officers of the Board of November 29, 1847, at Waiilatpu and for some National Missions. The program will include the years all mission activities at that station and unveiling of a marker to be located at the site of Lapwai were suspended. the boyhood home of Whitman.
Today there is a Presbyterian mission at Tu- Next October the Presbyterian Synod of Idaho tuilla, Oregon, among the descendants of the expects to rededicate the old Spalding Church, to Umatillas, Cayuses, and Nez Perces of Whitman's be restored by a special fund of $10,000 now beday. Spalding's pioneer work bears its fruit in a ing sought by the Board of National Missions of Christian Nez Perce people in Idaho with several the Presbyterian Church, as a memorial to one churches ministering to the spiritual needs of of its pioneer sons. This memorial will conthis loyal people. tinue to serve as the House of God for the pres- ent Nez Perce congregation, and whose spire will The centennial of the founding of this mission ever point upward to Him whose Gospel it was will be observed with appropriate celebrations the joy and glory of Marcus and Narcissa Whitand memorials in different parts of the United man, and Henry and Eliza Spalding to teach and States. live.
In the West the Whitman Memorial Commission of the State of Washington is seeking the Federal Government's participation in the complete restoration of the old mission as it was in Whitman's day. This commission hopes to recreate the buildings as a monument to the heroic sacrifice of that martyred missionary and his associates, and to celebrate the occasion with fitting ceremonies this summer on the campus of Whitman College at Walla Walla, and at Waiilatpu.
In Idaho, the State has purchased twelve aCres of land adjacent to the old Spalding Church to be dedicated as a memorial park in honor of the pioneering contributions of Spalding to Idaho's corporate life. The plans in this State call for a pageant, addresses, and dedication of memorials in May.
In the East two of the great denominations, which cooperated in "The Plan of Union" at the
Shakers of the Pacific
SARA ENDICOTT OBER, of Crescent City, make it his own before he will give evidence of sCiaolniaforyrnisa~rvhiacse had a long history of mis- his approval and acceptance. in the Southern mountains "Eighteen months ago God opened up the way and among the Indians of the Pacific Northw~st. for me and enabled me to go out upon the work She has for the last thirty years been studymg that had burdened my heart for over twenty-five the Shaker Movement among the Indians of Cali- years. Then nearly eighty years old, partially fornia, Oregon and Washington. She writes:* paralyzed, and with serious heart t~ouble I went "In a 'former existence,' as I term the decades forth, rejoicing that my heart's deSIre was to be of my long life, I worked under the American given me. I had very little means, but God led Missionary Association in Tennessee and Ken- me and provided for me, and I sought no o:r;e's tucky ,among the poor whites and the mountain- help, and paid my own expenses, as I have durmg eers. That was for seven years, from 1887 to all the years. 1895. Later I was two years a pastor of several "I lived entirely among the Indians for seven months attended and took part in nearly eighty mission churches in Washington. Shaker 'services, and found I was well received. "I came west over thirty years ago and became Now I can only wait until the way opens for me interested in the West Coast Indians, especially to go up the Coast to every Shaker church not ~et in that great religious movement, the Indian visited. There are those old leaders who so VIO- Shaker religion. For years I have been trying lently oppose the Word, but God will open the to bring it up to a better Gospel standard. Yet way in his own good time, his own good way; so over that 'bridge' between ancient ta-mahn-a- I wait patiently for Him. wous and Christianity have passed thousands of souls from the utter darkness. of paganism, igno- "During my stay with the Indians here the old rance, sin and despair into deliverance from vice, ones told me the most wonderful legends; not at degradation, and drunkenness by a transforma- all grotesque or fantasti.c like mos~ Ind~an ~y~hs, tion into the image of Christ. The 'shakers' wor- but exalted in conceptIOn, beautIful m dICtIOn, shiped in the old Indian way, with the dance; but marvelous in psychic truths, and revealing inthey had a vital conception of Christ-a true wor- sight into natural phenomena and historic events. ship and reverence for the T~iune God-and t~ey While waiting I am putting these in shape for experienced the transformatIOn of heart and hfe pUblication, hoping to save from utter extinction only known through our Saviour Jesus Christ. these chronicles of a fast disappearing race. I They could not read, and even yet none of the have also about two hundred words of their lanolder ones can read, so they refused the Bible, guage, only known to these older ones, and to and were prejudiced against it. But their preju- disappear with their lives into oblivion. These dices were because of the differences and an- legends reveal a strong belief in a ~upreme ~e tagonisms of the religious bodies with whom they ing, a vital conception of the soul, of Immorta~It~, came in contact. of the powers of the supernatural; crude, prImI- tive, but real. I feel that this work is one of vital "For years I have been trying to induce them to accept the Bible, and giving them its truths. importance in revealing the true concepts of I.n- dian hearts, the real nature of these often mIS- Many have accepted them. But most of the lead- understood people. I hope to have these legends ers are strongly opposed, and my work has been and also my history of the Shaker religion ready very slow and hindered in every possible way. During the past year I have visited quite a num- for publication within a few months. ber of Shaker churches in Oregon and California, "During the past twenty years I have been among primitive or backward people. For eig~t and have distributed over a hundred Bibles and een months I have lived in my suitcase. To gam testaments and four hundred small copies of the Gospels. Everyone of these has gone whe;e my information I have 'suffered many things,' it will be read and welcomed. Now I am waIt- odfitret ~ discomfort, privations, extreme fatigue, ing till the Indians are ready for another 'dose,' dangers, which many times threatened for one cannot hurry an Indiim; he must slowly chew, masticate and digest any new food, and death. I have won the confidence of old Indian hearts; have not only received these priceless legends, but have imparted divine consolation, so Am• eFrircoamn aMlisestitoenr atroy DArs.soGceioa.tioWn.. H(inTmheanI,nfdoiramn erShsaekcerer taMryovoefmtehnet many an old Indian has gone into the beyond grew up in connection with the work of Myron Eells, a. Congrega· with hope, courage and solace, instead of utter tiona! missionary to the Puget Sound Indians.) despair and darkness."
[246]
Views on Simple
By MURIEL LESTER, London, England Author of trWays of Prayintt'
A NUMBER of friends came up to visit the pressing satisfaction and quiet confidence. Once Ashram that Dr. P. C. Hsu, the Chinese you taste that sort of joy in comradeship you can- Christian leader, set up in Lotus Valley, not easily go back to the old way." Kuling, during August. It was an experiment in Christian communal living and included sunrise Another missionary contributed her experience. prayer times, hours of devotion, study, discussion "I felt as the last speaker did when I first arrived and writing, as well as doing all the sweeping, here. I'm in country work. Mine was a fairly laundry, cooking and latrine cleaning. large house. I simplified it as much as possible and kept 'open house' foraH Chinese friends. But At an afternoon session one day, a visitor said, the result did not cheer me. My visitors concen- "I do not believe Chinese people really object to trated their attention on every detail of the furnithe difference between the sort of houses we live ture and were so deeply impressed with the money in and their own. They know the needs of for- value of all they saw that they kept inquiring, eigners and don't mind our keeping to our own 'How much did you pay for that?' 'Did you not standards so long as we never assume any atti- give a very high price for that?' This was not tude of superiority." the sort of reaction I had hoped that Christian . A pause followed this remark. The air was fellowship would evoke; these are not the sentiheavy with things unsaid. Then rather quietly a ments that go to make good relationships, good woman missionary began to explain why she citizenship or good character.
could not agree. "When I settled down in China "I set my mind on planning, designing and twelve years ago," she said, "I felt awkward at measuring. I found a bit of land in one of the the obvious solidity and desirability of the house villages I served; it was by a canal side, close to allocated to me. As soon as possible I found a an old stone bridge. I could build a model mud Chinese girl willing to share it, and hoped that brick cottage there at a cost less than a month's our friends of both races, whether business peo- salary. pIe, factory girls, or members of the official and professional class, would feel absolutely at home. "'But you mustn't,' adjured all the villagers, It worked fairly well, but after a time I grew con- 'the spirits of wind and water will surely blow vinced that I was not really manifesting the way you or flood you out of your home before you've of Christ to the people of China. He threw in been in it six months.' his lot with the common people, sharing their disabilities, so that they might share His Good News "Well, that's where I live now. There's nothof God. Our girl friends had come in and out of ing in it that a villager couldn't have except that the house freely; as often as not when I got home I have fourteen windows instead of one. They at night, I would find people sitting by my fire prophesied disaster from those fourteen but none unasked; the chocolate box was always there, has eventuated. Even the one thief who came, purposely left open. Many working girl friends broke in by none of them, but came through the lived in a hostel; these offer little home life un- thatched roof. The mud floors are hardened by less the inmates are drawn together into a fel- elm solution. Except for the ordinary village lowship. Indeed one can be lonelier in a per- beds, tables and benches, the furniture is mostly fectly organized, sanitary and super-respectable made of soap boxes covered inside and out with institution than outside it. It was only after I brown paper. There are shelves round the living had moved into the girl's hostel that I noticed the room to hold dolls, games and books that children width of the gulf I had bridged. I could hear my come in to enjoy. The neighbors now have such fellow lodgers talking with their guests-the in- confidence in me that they leave their babies with credulous exclamation when first the guest heard me for days at a time when the work in the fields who occupied the end room; the girl's reassuring is specially important. I would not change my her as to the actual fact; the tone of voice ex- life for any other."
That afternoon's witness brought to mind other points of view I had heard in China, where gen- [247]
eralizations are impossible, for almost any fact for a neighborhood center, the university on one recorded in one area can be denied in another. side, an industrial area on another, a residential section on a third, a shopping district on the "People who go in for living Chinese are only fourth. trying to curry favor with the people." The second period occurred when the family "It is not fair for individual missionaries to moved upstairs, turned an attic into a kitchen, a lower their standard of living. They ought to passage into a dining room and the guest room remember that this lets down the standards for by night into a nursery by day. The ground floor all of us." was given over to Japanese, and students who had been assiduously attending weekly classes in "These innovators are setting themselves up to Christianity now had the bracing experience of be better than anyone else." being challenged to work out for themselves what they had learned. There had been the usual " 'Take no notice' is the advice one is often hav- amount of ubiquitous criticism of missionary paing to give, for a surprising number of people ternalism, of foreign ways, of double standards have allowed themselves to be intimidated by in living expenses. The missionary hated these such pronouncements." by-products of the selfish capitalist system per- haps more than any of his students did. So when How funny it is, how self-revealing and rather half his house was put at the disposal of the stupathetic, when people talk like that! dents, the manual and even menial work which they all performed together in fellowship, for- All round the world comfortably placed Chris- eigners and Japanese, proved a salutary educatians are developing an uneasy feeling that per- tive force in Christian character building. haps they ought to live less securely; that the reasons they have always put forward as to why The third stage was when the missionary went they are not in the same category as the rich home on leave and his place was taken by a young young man and need not heed Christ's command man, who, having no family, did not even need to him, are wearing a bit threadbare, that even the whole of the second floor himself. All the communists outshine them in some respects. rooms but his own could now be enjoyed by others. When I arrived there on my return visit last Feb- Unconsciously some of them set to work to pro- ruary, I found a new sort of Christian home. duce an alibi for themselves saying, "I'd certainly Four Japanese students and one missionary were go the whole way in following Christ and live living together and sharing expenses and houseamong the poor-if I were unmarried, if I were work. a minister, if I were convinced that there is a God, if I did not owe it to my university, or my It was a rare privilege to take part in their defamily, or my position, to keep up appearances." votions before breakfast and supper, to spend long evenings with them and their nonresident One missionary came to the conclusion, so she friends, discussing the changing national policies explained to me, that people cannot come to know and God's unchanging purpose. Most satisfying God merely by sermons, schools and social work; of all, perhaps, was to do an hour's cleaning with that in the intimacy, the forbearance, the reveal- them before breakfast and to know that one's ing daily routine of ordinary home life, Christ broom and duster were helping to create somecan be more clearly manifested. So this mission- thing significant and eternal. ary opened to the Chinese her family life. She let a student, who was far from home and lonely, *** live in one of her extra rooms. Gradually, as the dire need of each became apparent, she took in The advantages that accrue from living like seven or eight young people of varying ages. One the Chinese were most clearly demonstrated by of them proved to be an opium patient. Imagine the experience of one of my hostesses. She wrote what it cost her even to appear to risk her chil- to her daughter: dren's moral welfare for the sake of a stranger; imagine what it wrought in her of perseverance When we had been out here about a year and a half, in prayer, of actual wrestling with fear, to attain we were sent to open a new station. No foreigners had her final quality of courage and faith. Today she ever lived in Kihsien and none was wanted. It was not can give a record of each member of her synthetic easy to -find anyone willing to rent a house to. us. At family and can note steady improvement in all last an opium user's need of money made him take the of them. risk. Our first home was a one-roomed mud hut with earthen fioor, one paper window and a door made of thick * '* * slabs of wood. We were exceedingly happy in this humble abode with friendly Chinese neighbors everywhere. We Three stages of development were passed had expected to live in such a place when we left the through in a missionary's home in Japan. The States and were a bit disappointed to find the comfort first was marked by brick walls and a solid iron that had been planned for us on arrival in China. As gate, effectually hiding from the eyes of neighbors and passersby the attractive nature of that Christian home, His house was ideally situated the opium habit got a stronger hold on our landlord, he standing, and when her husband proposed one day that gave up more of his place to us. he would push her on his wheelbarrow two days' journey Our next home in the same yard had three rooms and to the nearest hospital, she could· hardly be:ieve her ears.
was made of brick instead of mud. Otherwise it was just By the end of the· journey she was convinced that her the same as the hut which was now converted into a study husband was a new creature in Christ Jesus and she room for girls. It was the kind of house in which middle wanted to find what he had found. Her husband has now class Chinese of the interior live. We put down rough passed on but she and her daughter are still active in the board floors and were very comfortable in these quarters. church work.
As I look back to those early days I can see why that In time the growing work called for reinforcements and was such a happy .spot. Our way of living did not sep- two foreign women were sent out to join us. A new resi- arate us from those whose love and confidence we must dence must be provided and the mission decided that it win before we could hope to lead them to Christ. They must be a foreign two-storied house. With this move we came and went freely with no sense of awkwardness, for built a barrier between us and our people. Things for- many of them were used to coming to that place to see eign were uncommon. Wild rumors were spread about.
our land:ady. Many of them lived in better houses than No matter how often I took people through the house to ours and so possessions did not come in as a barrier to prove that these rumors were false, they always came separate us from our friends. Things often create the away sure that in some closet or in the basement they feeling that we belong to a different class, even when the had seen with their own eyes the proof they needed. They possessor has no such a thought. We have never since, were certain that they had seen dead men's bodies in our it seems to me, grown so completely into the lives of our basement. Also the house created the impression that we Chinese friends. So completely did they fill our lives that were wealthy. The church, which had been large:y self- we were never lonely, though the nearest foreign friends supporting, began to look for foreign funds to carryon.
were a day's journey off. Why not, since we seemed to have so much?
When, after nearly eight years among them, we were *** sent on furlough, it was not an easy parting. When Daddie went off on his long country trips and I was shut In concluding this article I must refer to my up at night in the city, the on:y foreigner, all sense of own recent leisurely hot weather program of fear or loneliness was absent for I was surrounded with loving friendliness. On one of these occasions I was taken visiting rural reconstruction centers. with their very ill and seemed to be dying of cholera. So great is farmers' cooperatives, newly set-up clinics and the superstitious fear of a departing spirit that even my short-term schools. I have had a month or two faithful servant, Mrs. Tsao, did not dare to come into my of travel, staying in remote districts, occupying bedroom. She had only left her old ways a short time. a mud hut or part of a mud brick house, which I do not recall now any concern for myself, but I dis- already sheltered ten families of villagers. tinctly remember the look of anxiety on M·rs. Tsao's face Canned milk was especially provided for me, as she would peep through a crack in the door or through sugar, bread, bedding, water and basin. A dea hole in the paper window.
Another who taught us much beside the meaning and lightful experience for a month or so. One's pronunciation of Chinese words was our cultured and dig- mind kept reverting, however, to the stalwarts, nified teacher, a true product of Confucian ideals. I had to stumble on to the fact that the cosmic Christ has been the quiet behind-the-scenes missionaries, lovers of revealing some Truth to the Chinese sages long before the Christ who have been steadfastly preparing the missionaries ever reached China. The classics were as way for today's renaissance movement, tramping sacred to my teacher as the Bible was to me. Whenever these roads, being jolted in springless carts, week we found the same truth revealed in both his books and in, week out, for years, itinerating sometimes ten my Bible, we had a time ofrejoicing. Jesus said that He months out of the twelve. Noone goes on before had come not to destroy, but to fulfil, and so I used to to get mosquito lotion or "flit" for them. They memorize all such places pointed out to me by Mr. Ma, sleep in the house of any poorest villager who inconvinced that Christ is the full revelation of God. One evening at our vesper fellowship hour when all in the vites them. Canned milk and sugar perform no compound, together with any neighbors who wished to join us, gathered together for a time of informal worship, appetizing function for them. Their morning and Mr. Ma had his first vital sense of God as revealed in evening meals consist of millet porridge minus Jesus Christ. With dignified tread he walked up and even salt, which is a luxury to them. Midday down the little earthen hall of worship, his face all lit by food is rice and a little vegetable for them. Yet the light of God within, and he kept repeating quietly, these, I have found, are for the most part the "I have found what I long have sought." happiest, the most serene foreigners one can find Also there was that yamen runner, most dreaded by all in China today.
in our district because of his merciless ways of extorting money from the people, who in one of these evening hours of worship wept and asked God to be merciful to him, a What does the Church stand for? It stands to sinner. He confessed that there was no sin he had not offer men Christ; to tell men that way of life is committed. But he was most broken up by the fact that possible by which they become sons of God; that he had sold his brother's widow into slavery. As people life can be victoriously lived; that Christ offers a met him, they would ask each other, "Can this really be the same man we have so dreaded?" His wife whom he reinforced personality, an inward serenity, an treated with less consideration than he treated his donkey, infectious gaiety, an outgoing love which would was frightened by the changed man she saw in their home. invite the whole world not into a system of belief She thought that he must have eaten some foreign medi- primarily, but into an experience which spells the cine and that when the effects had passed off he would be mastery of the art of living. worse than ever. She had a leg with a bad sore of long
to Captives in Portugal*
By JOSE ILIDIO FREIRE, ROSE MATHEZ, and E. R. HOLDEN, Quinta do Almaraz, Almada, Portugal JOHN HOWARD, the English Christian philan- wrote reqqesting further supplies of such books. thropist and pioneer of prison reform, visited As a result of this work there was formed in the prisons of Spain and Portugal in 1783. He left on record the statement that the main the Lisbon penitentiary a nucleus of converted prisons of Lisbon were comparatively praise- men. Interviews must take place in the parlaworthy. In the Limoeiro, which is still the cen- torio, where the convict and his visitor are septral jail, he found 774 prisoners. This prison had arated by a thick pane of glass flanked by strips been the Royal Palace to which, in 1387, was of sheet iron, perforated to enable conversation brought the English princess, Philippa of Lan- to be carried on without any opportunity to pass caster, daughter of John of Gaunt and bride of anything from hand to hand. Dom J 03.0 I of Portugal. This Lisbon prison accommodates six hundred In 1868, two English ladies resident in Oporto, convicts, and it is always full. Men under sen- Mrs. Hastings, wife of a merchant, and her sister, tence of penal servitude are first sent there and Miss Frederica Smith who married the United later to Monsanto jail, where they serve part of States Consul, Mr. Fletcher, began to visit the their sentences. Relagao prison in that city. To the initiative of Mrs. Fletcher is largely due the modern Evan- Alfredo Oliveira and Eduardo Moreira gelical movement in Oporto. Not long after we had begun to receive letters During many years after Mrs. Hastings' death, from inmates of the Lisbon penitentiary, there Evangelical and philanthropic work in the prisons came one from Alfredo Oliveira, asking to be of Oporto became restricted to the distribution of given lessons in English. He expected to be de- Christmas gifts and occasional evangelistic ad- ported to Angola where a knowledge of this landresses at Christmas or Easter. More recently, guage would be of use. He was an attractive contact with individual convicts was again estab- young fellow, intelligent and well educated, but lished, mainly through educational work; but at who had led a life of dissipation, culminating in present a not well disposed governor brought the the murder of an army officer. Being alone in work practically to a standstill. The work in the world, he yearned for friendship. This con- Lisbon and Coimbra jails, though more recent, tact afforded me an opportunity to establish more has made progress. intimate contact within the prison, and I had the privilege of leading Alfredo to Christ. A little Twenty years ago Dona Manuela Nunez, a later another convict obtained permission to share Spanish lady who was in the habit of distributing the lessons, but he never showed the same interest tracts in hospitals, gave a tract to a soldier. in spiritual things. Later this man committed a theft, for which he was dismissed from the army and was sent to From the Lisbon penitentiary the work spread prison. The name and address of Mr. George to Coimbra through the instrumentality of Gil- Howes, the publisher of the tract was fixed in his berto Francisco, a man who was transferred from memory and he wrote from the Limosiro prison the Lisbon. He distributed tracts among his requesting a visit. Mr. Howes passed on the re- mates in the workshops and several commenced quest to me, and I thus commenced my mission correspondence with me. The Coimbra penitenin the jails. tiary accommodates 270 convicts, and at one time we were in correspondence with over 25% of By the time this prisoner, Mauricio Silva, was them. – transferred to the Lisbon penitentiary, he had numerous tracts and other Christian literature The Rev. Eduardo Moreira came to reside in which he began to distribute among his fellow Coimbra and obtained permission to hold a weekly convicts. The result was that several of them service in this jail. He was even permitted to baptize several convicts, to officiate at two prison th: J:~~h~~r~/G:3·~o~~~~I~~ WorW Dominion and is supported by weddings and to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Later a hostile governor put a stop to all the Evan- [250 ] gelical work, and men who had professed conver- day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late for you. You sion were subjected to severe restrictions. Now know not the day of your death, and what if it should more liberal conditions once more prevail. surprise you in your sins? God may not patiently wait many years for you as He did for me, so I urge you to In Lisbon permission has been given me to hold forsake your sins this very day and accept Jesus Christ, services in the Limoeiro and Monsanto jails, but our Lord, as your Saviour. Thus alone will you enjoy not in the penitentiary. In the Limoeiro the aver- true happiness in this world of corruption and deceit. age attendance at Evangelical meetings is over Satan doesn't slumber, and he will dog your steps con- 150. At both places we receive a most attentive tinually lest he lose a victim. He even strives to win back hearing, so that thousands have heard the Gospel those who are no longer his. This he is seeking to do to and not a few have given evidence of conversion me and my family, keeping me from finding work and during these last fourteen years. Thousands of trying us in all sorts of ways. But my soul is no longer copies of the Scriptures, as well as tracts and his, and will never again be his, as the precious blood of other Evangelical literature, have been distrib- Jesus Christ our· Lord has purged me from my sins and uted and circulated. His divine grace cheers and strengthens me in all my troubles, Jesus having said: "Him that cometh unto Me When an unknown prisoner writes, asking for I will in no wise cast out." information or for tracts, he receives a reply and a number of tracts suitable for such enquirers. Oh my God and Father, I pray for sinners, that Thou If he responds intelligently, he is sent more tracts, wilt touch their hearts. I pray for those who already and if these have been productive, a New Testa- belong to Thee, especially for our missionary brethren in ment is given. For the supply of the Scriptures Africa who are facing so many and great difficulties. I and other literature the work is much indebted to pray that they aU may have their hearts warmed by Thy the British and Foreign Bible Society and the Re- love and that they may be granted Thy wisdom in proligious Tract Society. claiming the way of salvation-and all I ask through the merits and for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Many prisoners, deported to Angola, have kept Saviour: Amen. up correspondence with me and not a few have got into touch with missionaries in the colony. Four years ago, I gave a tract entitled "The One man proved of valuable assistance in this Drummer Boy" to a man in Monsanto jail, Anwork. He was subsequently pardoned and has tonia Correia, a peasant farmer from a village returned to Portugal. near the Spanish frontier, who had been caught and conviCted for smuggling false banknotes. He Many of the wardens in the prisons I visit are our friends and appreciate what is done for the wrote to me, and I kept in touch with him prisoners, being impressed by the change in the throughout the two years of his sentence. On his conduct of the converted men. release, he returned to his native village, Esper- an<;a, and began to tell his relatives and friends of Discharged prisoners have great difficulty in his faith in Christ. He gave away all his tracts finding employment and the families of those in and books, and wrote for more. Being popular in jail are often badly in need of help. the neighborhood, he was given a good hearing, and his friends were struck by the change in his An Appeal to Prisoners life. He continues steadfast in his faith and there is great interest in the Gospel among his fellow The following extract is translated from an ap- villagers. peal by Mauricio Silva, published not long ago in the "Prisoners' Section" of 0 Caminho (The Two years ago, I received an unexpected visit Way) a little paper I edit. This man to whom from another ex-convict to whom I had given a was due, under God, the initiation of our work in Testament ten years previously. Through many the prisons, returned from Angola a year and a ups and downs, he had never wholly lost sight of half ago, on completion of his sentence. He the truths he had found in the Word of God. He wrote: is now leading a steady Christian life, and his four children are members of our Sunday school. Oh Lord, our God and Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast preserved my life till today in a world of corruption, The Conversion of Alves Reis sin and untruth, in order that I may acknowledge how great a sinner I was, and how vainly I strove against sin The most outstanding conversion is, however, till at last I won through, strengthened by Christ, our that of Alves Reis, a brilliantly clever youth. In Lord and our Saviour. 1918, at the age of 22~ he was manager of the state railways of Angola, and shortly afterwards After describing his early resistance to the was appointed Inspector of Public Works for that striving of the Holy Spirit from the time when he colony. He became imbued with a great ambiwas impressed by the tract given him in the hos- tion for the development of Angola, and his ferpital till my visits to him in jail and his conver- tile brain devised grandiose schemes to this end. sion, he continues: The need of capital on a vast scale led him to plan the fraud which ruined him. By means of forged . . . but let me impress upon you, Brothers, that you correspondence, purporting to be from the Bank should not postpone your decision, as I did: today is the
of Portugal, he induced the Bank's own printers deep-rooted hatred of Reis, as the man who had to print an issue of duplicate banknotes which been his undoing. Ultimately, however, he bewas to total £3,000,000. This involved his mak- came interested in the Gospel and was so iming use of various accomplices, including the Por- pressed by the radical change in his enemy that tuguese Minister at the Hague and his brother, the two met daily for prayer and study of the who were given to understand that he had been Bible. Silva was set at liberty and is now in a intrusted with the promoting of this special note good position in Oporto. issue under a State secret. On the strength of these bogus notes, Reis floated the Banco Angola A few days ago I received a letter from a e Metropole, which was to finance the many de- stranger in the penitentiary, asking me to visit velopment schemes he had conceived. him. This man, Santos Carvalho, had been a rail- way clerk and he is now under sentence in con- Overconfidence led to his undoing and arrest; nection with forgery. Religiously inclined, he subsequently he sank lower and lower in crime, joined the Roman Catholic catechism class in the seeking to defend himself by falsely incriminating jail and he purchased an expensive Roman Cathprominent men. When he seemed doomed to fail- olic edition of the Bible which he read carefully. ure, Reis attempted suicide by means of poison; It seemed to him that some of the doctrines and but he took an overdose, and lived. practices of the Church were not in agreement with what he found in the Scriptures. He drew up In prison, Reis came across an ex-army officer a list of these points, which he sought to put forwho had a Bible and read it. Reis borrowed this ward in the class but the teacher refused. A .Bible with a view to proving its worthlessness and priest was sent to enlighten him, which he failed absurdity. Instead, the Book aroused his interest to do, so Carvalho applied to me. He placed beand he made a careful study of it. He sought fore me his list of perplexities, which, with God's help from a distinguished priest of the Roman help, I was able to solve to his satisfaction. Two Catholic Church, and felt impelled to make con- of the points raised were concerning auricular fession of his crimes, first to this priest, then to confession and sacerdotal absolution. his wife and lastly in open court, to the.astonishment of everybody throughout the country. He Alves Reis and Carvalho provide two instances took full blame to himself and exonerated all of men enlightened by the unassisted reading of those he had been accusing. the Scriptures.
Reading Reis' confession in the papers, an old In Lisbon, stimulated by what was taking place schoolmate, grandson of the lady whose tract dis- among the men, interest was aroused on behalf tribution in the Military Hospital had led indi- of the women. An opportunity came to obtain. rectly to the commencement of our prison work, entry to the Monicas prison when I was asked to felt impelled to send him some of Mr. Howes' visit a young woman convict, a Communist of tracts. Russian extraction. I was told later by the lady superintendent, now my friend, that I was within For six years Reis has been "growing in grace an ace of being arrested as suspect when, a and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour stranger and a foreigner, I sought permission to Jesus Christ." A visit to him is usually a spir- visit this girl ! itual tonic for he has a wonderfu.l grasp of Scriptural Christianity. Not a few have learned to go The Monicas is not a gloomy prison. A oneto him for prayerful counsel. time convent, cloistered and built around a spa- cious courtyard, it is sunlit and airy, whitewashed Reis' conversion was later followed by that of throughout, spotlessly clean and orderly. It achis wife, who, in contrast to the life of luxury she commodates all the long-term female convicts of led in the days of her husband's ephemeral pros- the country and a considerable number of shorlperity, is having a hard struggle to make ends term women from Lisbon and its environs, bemeet for herself and their three boys. When Reis tween 220 and 250 in all. Three years ago I obrepented and confessed, he was received into the tained permission to hold weekly services and now Roman Catholic Church and influential religious the average attendance at our meetings is bepeople befriended him and his family. When, tween thirty and forty. Many a dark, sin-stained later, he was impelled by his conscience enlight- face lights up when listening to the message of ened by the Scriptures to sever his connection salvatron. We see to it that all who can read with that church, his boys were turned out of the possess a Testament or a Gospel; but, unforparochial school. He has received visits from the tunately, the majority are illiterate. Some well- Cardinal-Patriarch, the highest church dignitary educated women attend our meetings, among them in Portugal, and other ecclesiastics, downwards, a young graduate of Oporto University, convicted offering him material advantages. of being implicated in a murder. She was then an avowed atheist and up in arms against all the One of Reis' dupes, Adriano Silva, manager of the Oporto branch of the bogus bank, nurtured a
PIONEERING IN TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS
world. She would listen to nothing we could say, she has been at liberty for some time without havbut in answer to prayer, little by little her bitter- ing repeated her former encounters with the ness was overcome; she began to attend the meet- police. ings and finally she was converted. She now says, "I deserve all the suffering I have brought on my- Last Christmas, through the kindness of the self; but I know God has pardoned my sins." Director General of Prisons, we were permitted She witnesses to this by her changed life, seeking to give a lantern slide lecture on the life of Christ, to honor and serve her Saviour among her prison at whi,ch all the convicts were present. What a joy companions. She says, "When I am free, I shall it was to have this opportunity to tell of the become a missionary," reckoning little on the love of God to so many sin-stained, burdened twenty-four long years in jail stilI ahead of her hearts. They paid rapt attention and evinced unless her sentence should be in part remitted. much gratitude.
Another interesting case is that of a woman of When prisoners leave the jail, those who wish good family and social standing, whose outrageous it are given the address of the Evangelical church behavior has landed her time and again in jail. or mission hall nearest their home. We do not She was the terror alike of wardressesand fellow seek to persuade them to adopt a new religion, convicts, but by degrees the Word of God pierced but aim at leading them to God by means of His her heart as she read the New Testament and Word and into "newness of life." listened to the Gospel. A great change in her life was observed by all in contact with her, and now Will you remember in prayer the work in the prisons of Portugal (2 Cor. 1, 11), thus partici- pating in it and in the resultant rejoicing.
Pioneering in Tennessee Mountains C OMFORTABLY settled in districts that of- companion and a young man and his wife as help- fer every advantage of material civilization, ers, are stationed at Smyrna, near Byrdstown, many of us are prone to forget the multi- Tennessee. It is forty miles from a railroad. tude of things that others must go without, things There are no graduate doctors or trained preachthat we count as essentials to health and effective ers in this district. One of the preachers is a service. We are so accustomed to electricity farmer and the other works in a mill-each of and gas, to well-heated houses and an abundance them scarcely able to read. For a funeral they of pure water that we sometimes forget the en- send to Kentucky for a minister to preach the tire lack of such facilities in arctic mission sta- sermon. tions like Barrow, Alaska, in the jungles of Africa or the outposts of China. Accustomed as Miss Stewart lives in a little four-room shack we are to letter carriers, and rapid transportation, -half of logs and half of boards. In very cold to doctors and hospitals, to shops and filling sta- weather the little wood-burning cookstove cannot tions, we are prone to forget those who have mail heat the kitchen. "One day," she writes, "with and produce delivered once a year, and who may our table pushed within one foot of the stove, the be weeks or more from the nearest trained doc- milk in the pitcher froze, and when coffee was tor. But it is to such outpost stations that many left for a few minutes in the cups it froze solid." missionaries go to carry the Gospel of Christ. At night the two workers took turns keeping the They go gladly and voice no complaints because wood fire going to keep from freezing. Describof hardships. It is well for us to become ac- ing the mountain district, Miss Stewart says: quainted with the life of these courageous pioneers, and to share with them some of our trans- "Our work centers about Lovelady, Smyrna and portable privileges. Fairview – all on rural routes from Byrdstown which, by the way, is the smallest county seat in One of the many stations that it would be in- the United States. At the end of five weeks in teresting to visit is on a high windswept plateau this community we had five flourishing organizain the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee tions, and two more groups are begging for atwhither has gone a refined and educated gray- tention; and Fairview wants a Sunday school. haired woman as an ambassador of Christ. She The work of Elizabeth, my helper, has been chose the place because of its need and lovingly greatly blessed. She has the young people's orministers to the people with the skill and energy ganizations at Smyrna and Lovelady, in every that would put to shame many a strong man. session of each she makes plain the way of sal- Miss Anna Belle Stewart, with a young woman vation and gives opportunity for decisions for Christ. Several who have never attended any
religious meetings before have become much in- them to worship-nothing to make Sunday differterested in spiritual things and have asked for ent from any other day. When the people are so prayer and promised to pray for themselves. The anxious to have a Christian leader the work should Sunday school superintendent at Lovelady said go well from the first. It is a wonderful field for the young people would follow Elizabeth through service. There has been no Sunday school in this neighborhood nor in the adjoining communities. fire. There are difficulties and problems but unlimited opportunities for service and growth. "In a small scattered community in. zero weather she has a class of over 25 and a young Ohristmas in the Mountains people's group of over 30. There were three Christians when she first took them. There are "We came to the field so late last autumn, that now five and you can almost see them grow. things would not be in good shape for Christmas, Elizabeth has asked all five Christians to lead in but it has aU opened up wonderfully. The first prayer and four promised gladly while the fifth, Sunday we were here, two schools were organized a fine young lad, said, 'Holy smoke, I never have.' and plans were made for programs, drilling vol- But he will. They are doing a great many things unteers for crude attempts at portraying the that they have never done before! Every Wednes- Scripture story of Christmas. Their enthusiastic day night we have the Smyrna young people presentation of the sacred scenes was in sharp here and Thursday night we have the· Lovelady contrast to stately pageants but they caught the group at their schoolhouse. All the night meet- true meaning of Christmas. Little tots squealed ings are at six or half-past six, but people come as they recognized their elder brothers in wise at five o'clock. Twice we missed our meal, before men and shepherds. we learned! Last Saturday afternoon I turned over the junior organization at Smyrna to Eliza- "The village of Lovelady seems thrilled over beth so that I could take the corresponding group having a Sunday school, even wading the deep at Lovelady. The program in these four organ- snow in wholly inadequate foot gear, with babies izations include Bible study, chorus music instruc- snug in blankets and toddlers riding paternal tion, a social gathering and work for others. How shoulders. The little portable organ is a neverthey love it! ending delight to them, and how they do sing! For the first time in all our years of carrying "More than sixty years ago, a rough board Christmas joy by your gifts, the people of Lovechurch house was built, innocent of paint or any lady felt the urge to make immediate return. decoration. With a few planks missing and a Even before the Christmas eve distribution was hole burned in one side where a lamp once ex- complete, some of the householders had gone into ploded it still st~nds the joint property of several a huddle from which the bravest emerged to ask denominations which seem to have abandoned the shyly, 'Would you-all be insulted if we'd bring you church and tl).e people. Of late years this com- some presents? All we have to give is just 'taters munity has been sadly neglected. One old man and canned stuff and a little fresh meat.' Being said, 'Old Smyrnie was once a godly and reli- assured that their gifts were exactly what we needed, they went away to butcher hogs and apgious neighborhood. When we met together we pear early Christmas morning with a poor little talked of the goodness of the Lord and now we topless car loaded full of delectable food. are everyone back-slidden.' In sentences broken by sobs he told of his joy in having someone to "The Smyrna people did not wait until Christtalk to them of the Lord and to explain the Bible. mas. Ever since we came, generous offerings He left the first group meeting, praising God and have been appearing .with such regularity that declaring his determination to come back into a only a few staples, such as flour and sugar, have close walk with Him. As we visited from house had to be bought. Little gifts blossomed mysto house, opening the Word and praying for the teriously on the Christmas trees. One of the wise households and community, a number of the older men volunteered to tend fires. The wife of 'Jospeople wept, remembering former days and again eph' in the pageant came with meat and stayed renewed their allegiance to the Lord. The weeks for Christmas dinner. The family of the 'Christof work in that field were a real joy. The people mas angel' entertained us all with a crude little begged to have a worker sent in and their former battery radio and real refreshments. All day the church organization renewed. They asked for a neighbors kept dropping in 'to let us know that Sunday school and for something for their young we were among friends and to keep us from being people who are growing up with nothing to call homesick.' "
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN CCC CAMPS
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN 000 OAMPS One of the most effective ways that chaplains have found of reaching the hearts and consciences of the large number of workers in Civilian Conservation Corps camps has been through Pocket Testaments supplied by The American Bible Society, Pocket Testament League and other organizations.
It is discovered that many of these young men, though coming from public schools and living near churches, have never owned a Testament, nor have they had any religious instruction. Most of them show an eager readiness to receive these Testaments and by this means opportunities are offered to reach their families with the Gospel of Christ. From twenty-five states come testimonies as to the effectiveness of this work. The Testaments are of great value for Sunday schools and Bible classes in "Chapter-a-Day" Clubs, for personal devotions and as a guide to Christian faith and life, and for personal work in soul winning.
Some Testimonies of Ohaplains "We have used the Testaments in Sunday school especially in the infirmaries and hospitals." Ken- many times. On some occasions they were the only tucky. Christian literature we had. . . . It is not an unusual thing to go into a hut-building and find a group dis- "I have never seen one New Testament go out by cussing what they read or have read in the Testa- way of the waste basket. They are kept and they are ments or Gospels." Al(})bama. prized." Massachusetts.
"The boys are so eager for copies that they flock "One young enrollee has gone back to his native around me like a bunch of chickens around an old state to continue his studies looking toward the min- hen. My only regret is that I do not have enough istry, as the result of an interest aroused by a Bible for everyone. . . . They regard it as a high privilege class in his CCC Camp." Minnesota. to be the possessor of one of these New Testaments. Many of them have seen life at a different angle after "In one of the camps where I distributed about fifty they have studied these Testaments. Send us 1,200 Testaments a young man who had been wayward and more copies; they will have their influence upon the ungodly came to me privately and said that the Testayouth of America." Arkansas. ment I had given him had set him thinking, and that he wanted to join a church in the town near by." "We have regularly organized Bible discussion Ohio. groups in each camp. I never give a Testament unless men ask for it. . . . Many of the boys have "I have had CCC boys in my services who were never had any sort of Bible or part of one and they never in a religious service of any kind before. . . . have never been given the op,portunity to read one." This is the greatest opportunity to reach the un- Florida. reached, and to carry the printed Word to those still in darkness." Tennessee. "I have seen a general change in the atmosphere in the camps since distributing the Testaments." "I have been truly amazed to find boys who are so Georgia. hungry to read the Bible. I have seen as many as twelve boys resting at the lunch hour in the woods "As evidence of the enthusiasm and interest, a num-' 'on the job' reading the Testaments." Vermont. ber of readers have come to me with questions regarding the meaning of various passages." Illinois. "I have been on this duty for two years, in Cali- fornia and Washington, and it has been my happy "In one camp a Bible class meets regularly each privilege to personally place in the hands of mem- Sunday evening and the work of the class has done bers of our various companies several hundred Testamuch to heighten the morale of the entire camp." ments. I have never had sufficient numbers to supply Indiana. the demand. No one can possibly estimate the good accomplished." Idaho. "Out of approximately 2,100 boys in ten camps I have between five and six hundred signed up in 'Chap- "Eighty-three boys in one camp came to me at the ter-a-Day' clubs. In order to become a member, a car asking for Testaments." Michigan. signer must agree to read a chapter a day of whatever portion of the Bible is agreed upon. I shall endeavor "I would like to have Spanish Testaments for the to carryon this program. Without these Testaments Spanish-speaking men. They would read much more such a program would have been impossible." Iowa. if they could have the New Testament in their own language." New Mexico. "Many who are timid and afraid to take aNew Testament in front of the whole company will come "I've seen more than 12,000 boys in the past fourafter dark and ask for a copy. They really desire a teen months of service, and never have I seen anycopy and will use it." Kansas. thing more worth while in the way of soul-building and character-building. This is the greatest oppor- "In my evening visits to the barracks I often see tunity that the United States ever had in building for boys lying on their bunks reading the New Testament, future citizens." Oklahoma.
TherBe uatrethtehroeusiasnadsshoofrytaoguengofmTenesitnamcaemntpss,anodthcehratphlaanincs,crea,thfoerr than a lack of opportunity. which no chaplains are pro- vided. Why cannot these be served by ministers and laymen from neighboring churches and by ministers without charges? Good literature might also be supplied from the surplus in many homes. Write to the Federal Council of Churches (105 East 22d Street, New York) for information as to this work, which one layman, R. C. Tillinghast, calls "The greatest evan- gelistic opportunity the United States has ever had." I Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRI:l. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS of Joash is at your service to help The 13 tracts in the order in which MONEY you bring money again into the house they would be used were inserted in of the Lord. a loose-leaf notebook, one copy of It is the greatest partnership which was given to every teacher, in the world and the most profit- MINISTER: 0 most gracious king, pupil and home in the church. So the able but one which, like com- we accept your offer. Let the Chest entire school with the exception of mercial partnerships, suffers of J oash be brought in that it may re- the beginners' department: studied from fluctuations and depres- ceive the gifts of those who worship tithing for a quarter. sions. "The money question," here. like "the poor," we have always The result was that there ensued with us. As the time for set- (Trumpets sound at the rear of the largest number of tithers in the ting up the every member can- the sanctuary. Bearers of the chest, history of the church. Cards were vass in many denominations preceded by the trumpeters, bring it merely passed out and the member- draws near, we submit the fol- down the aisle and place it on the ship so inclined signed up voluntarily. lowing spiritualized plans for communion table while the organ The fol!owing month the church debt church use on a background of plays a march. The trumpeters pro- was paid off. Three months later a the long article on "Concerning ceed to the king and conduct him to building program was started using the Collection," pp. 363-4 in THE the chest, where he places his offering $5,000, three-fourths of which was REVIEW last July which gives and goes back again to his station. cleared off in one year. The tithing the undergirding principles of The minister follows the king, then instruction was then dropped for two the subject. Leaders in all de- the choir and the congregation pass years, after which the workers' conpartments of church life, inclu- the chest and deposit their offerings ference was again called to consider sive of the pastor, may profit therein. When all is completed, chest the tithe and it was decided to repeat from the plans sent in for our bearers, trumpeters and the king the teaching. It was to be used as a consideration. quietly withdraw. Costumes borrowed background for a drive in favor of a from a friendly lodge made this serv- new educational building. Another J oash Chest Service ice very effective.) supply of tithing tracts was ordered from which each teacher made his The Pastor's Journal tells of a A Great Adventure with selection and gave his instruction for simple pageant which proved of great the Tithe a month, thus avoiding the expense of value for balancing the budget in a making the loose-leaf notebooks. (The church of Linton, Indiana. After out- In The Christian Observer, drive, we take it, is yet in process.) lining the financial situation the pas- Rev. J. M. McKnight tells of his tor asked: surprise, when he started out to Every person who had tithed for study the tithe, in finding the past year was asked to write out "And now, my friends, what shall neither anyone book or Bible his experience in 50 words or less, the we do?" school quarterly teaching or ex- resulting material being mimeo- plaining it to the children. He graphed and sent through the mail to Trumpets immediately sounded at urges our lesson committee to every home of the church and Bible the door at the left of the pulpit and insert into the three-year cycle school. Four or five of the best testias the door opened King J oash was of lessons one whole quarterly monies were printed each week in the discovered at the entrance. on tithing so that at least once church bulletin. The experiences of in three years the important persons in the community whom the J OASH : I am J oash, the son of matter might be studied inten- membership had known for years Ahaziah, the king of Judah. In my sively. His (abbreviated) ac- proved vastly more impressive than reign, the temple of Jehovah needed count of his own experience is any from far-away places. The Layrepairs and we had not the money to as follows: men's Company has been asked to do it. When I heard your appeal, I select the best of the leaflets and comcame back among men to tell you how The only material to be found on bine them in a booklet or Bible school my subjects brought gold into the the subject was about 40 tracts and quarterly – which might be done if temple of the living God. three or four booklets put out by the more than one church agreed to use Laymen's Company, of Chicago, all of the material. MINISTER: Say on, a king. which he read and evaluated -as to its availability for pupils of the different How a Missionary Offering JOASH: Jehoiada, the priest, took a ages, selecting 13, which he asked the Was Doubled chest, bored a hole in its lid and put departmental superintendents to read it at the right side of the altar of the and pass an opinion upon as to their Mrs. C. F. W. Froelich tells in Lord. And those who came into the suitability for the different age The Sunday School Times of the house of the Lord to worship put groups. Then dropping out the reg- success of an experiment in therein their offering. And behold, a ular lessons for a whole quarter they faith: very great sum was brought in and proceeded to substitute their own matherewith we repaired the house of terial, making their own quarterlies. In the small Bible school with an the Lord. And now, behold the Chest enrolment of 50 and an average at- [256 ] tendance of 26, it had been the cus- tom to pay local expenses and send
EFFECTIVE W.NYS OF WORKING
anything left over to missions. But contributions of the total given a dinner at the close. A leader on rally day three years ago the su- for missions during the pre- was appointed for each division, perintendent produced a lighthouse ceding year. Thus "the status and each leader, in turn, selected and announced that henceforth all of a 'Forward Fund' church may five lieutenants. Every leader birthday pennies would be placed be reached at any time of the distributed the books and booktherein as a one-hundred percent of- year because a church will be so lets among the contestants, fering for missions. This objective listed in the first month that gathering up and redistributing was made a matter of prayer among sees its giving for the year rise teachers and children, but birthdays above the amount produced in the material each Wednesday were few and ages discouragingly far the 12 months ending April 30, and Saturday evenings and rebelow the Methusalean standard. So 1935." A "Forward Fund List at the first of the new year anyone of Individuals" is also published cording the score at the rate of willing to place an extra offering in in some sections. Any donor from five to 20 points per unit the lighthouse was invited to do so giving more than the amount according to the length of the and the heretofore impossible goal of contributed last year becomes a publications and the value of $25 a year was set. contributor to the Forward Fund. their contents. This was con- Each Sunday the superintendent tinued for four weeks and each held up the different coins and had The women are using a poster Sunday the complete score of the children count the offering for the in which a rainbow-colored road dav, the total being placed on the appears whenever the member- each division was posted on a blackboard so that all might see the ship of a church gives over-and- bulletin boa r d. Scriptural fund grow. Then as the offerings above offerings. On this poster teaching, experiences of tithers, were sent out to different individuals a quarter measures one inch, outlines of methods of proceor countries, corresponding "rays" which is taken as the unit of were drawn out from a blackboard progress on the Road to Tri- dure, etc., were exploited in the lighthouse and marked with the umph. "Multiplying this in reading matter. The dinner at amount and the names of the objec- linear measure we find a foot is the close furnished one of the tives. When the last Sunday of the $3.00, a yard $9.00, a rod $50.00, best social occasions of the year. year rolled around, the total year's a furlong $2,000.00, a quarteroffering was counted and amounted to mile $4,000.00, and a mile $16,- But better still, this intensive $51.25. The goal had been more than 000.00. Thirty-one and one- reading for four weeks gave the doubled! fourth miles will bring us to the people a wider outlook and deep- goal." Starting the following year with ened sense of obligation to the enlarged faith, the new goal of $75.00 But this financial goal is only Owner of all. The minister acwas set, with the result that the last secondary, the main objective centuated this by preaching a month of the 12 showed a total of being a spiritual advance. "The $103.35! And this in a church where Forward Fund is a banner, a strong· sermon on the duty of "most of the children are poor and guerdon carried in the van of a every individual to make an honthe depression has hit all of us." pageant whose line of march en- circles the world. . . . Even as est return to the Giver of life, Now the missionary program has men and women form a living ability, strength and possess;ons been extended to the homes. Small, wall along the route of the Big attractive brass lighthouses have been Parade, so Baptists of every -this as a climax to the study. secured and 25 have been given out race and clime are watching New pledges to become tithers already, some going to other Bible with eager interest for the Bapschools wishing to try the plan and tist host to appear." were signed by 115 of the conthe rest to homes of the congregation. gregation; and those 115, says The fund keeps growing month by Stewardship Reading Contest the writer, gave more to the supmonth and the adventure of faith goes on. A regular schedule of dis- Church Business* tells of a port of the church and its benevbursement has been agreed upon. strong and very successful plan olences than all the other mem- The sum received each month is de- used in Trinity M. E. church of bers together. So this method voted to that month's objective, con- Oswego, N. Y., in which infor- was strongly attested in action. cerning which the children have been mation proved the key to the informed through stories. Several pocketbook. A general commit- Another article in Church returned missionaries are called in to tee was appointed to arrange Business says that the basic speak in the course of the year. and supervise details for a con- test in which books on Steward- idea, as conceived by the First [Anyone desiring further information ship were selected and given out about the lighthouse plan may write Mrs. to all adults willing to join in a Christian church of Pampa, Froelich at 131 Homer St., Waterville, friendly contest, the congrega- Conn.] tion being divided into East and Texas, is to give the stewardship West, the losing side to furnish of money a very vital place in The Forward Fund • Duplex Envelope Co., Richmond, Va. the life of each member and This year the Northern Bap- Copyrighted. show that the financial support tists have instituted a movement of the church is not a necessary called The Forward Fund Proj- evil but a means of grace and blessing to the individual Chrisect which, in terms of money, is tian. This church uses the Uniintended to increase missionary fied Budget plan, making its sucreceipts by half a million dol- cess hinge upon adequate preplars in two years ending April 30, 1937. In its new terminol- aration for the annual canvass ogy, a "Candidate" church is by full publicity, etc., and havone making missionary' contributions in excess of the amount ing a careful follow-up program paid d uri n g corresponding all through the year. The minmonths in 1934-35; a "Forward ister, faced by difficult financial Fund" church is one making conditions in the current ex- pense and building debts, bor-
rowed books from the Duplex ice, have young people distribute a meeting in the interests of library and settled upon "The small plain envelopes and pen- boys' work was held at which Sunday School and the Church cils-one to each family repre- the subjects for discussion Budget" (Arthur Flake) as the sented. In the course of the eve- were: one best suited to local condi- ning, a copy of the publication The debt we owe our boys and those tions. After much personal is held up and attention called of the community.
work on the minister's part, the to its contents inclusive of sub- Juvenile delinquency, its cause and finance committee recommended ject matter, features and illusthe plan therein outlined to the trations and a brief talk on the cure. official board who, in turn, sub- value of such a periodical is What are our churches doing for boys and what can we do? What about the Boy Scout organiza- mitted it to various groups and given. All willing to subscribe tion?
organizations in the church for are asked to raise their hands, Department 2 fostered a Fastudy. When the matter came then either enclose the price or thers' and Sons' banquet. to a vote in the congregation else agree to hand it in later, three months later, it was ap- writing names and addresses on Department 3 held a debate proved unanimously. In brief, the envelopes, which latter are on "Resolved, that Preparedness each group is asked to submit a collected by the magazine's club Leads to World Peace." tentative budget for its own manager. The plan is reported needs, on the basis of which bud- as working well. Select your Department 4 con d u c ted gets the finance committee own magazine, not forgetting "Ladies' Night". with the topic, builds a tentative Unified Bud- THE REVIEW, and get busy. "Home Ideals," considering the get. This is submitted to the place of the home in civilization; several groups and finally to the A Oommunity Brotherhood homes of yesterday versus those official board for study and criti- of today; the place of religion cism. With it goes a ballot af- The program of the 1935 plans in the home; what a child has a fording expression of opinion as of "The Drummond Community right to expect from his home. to (1) entire approval, (2) gen- Brotherhood," in Oklahoma, eral approval but revision on sent by Rev. H. D. Davies, fur- In September the brotherhood specified points and (3) disap- nishes a pattern which might discussed "Men's Share in the proval of the whole. The plan' well be used with profit all over Church Program" – in increasis working wonderfully,' only the map. Its declared purpose is ing church attendance, enlargfour dissenting ballots having as follows: ing the Church School, in the been received in 1935. program of evangelism and in 1. To organize the men of the financing the church program. The Duplex Reference Li- community in Christian fellowbrary, by the way, is free to all ship and service. In October the general topic users of the duplex envelope, the was "Thinking Missions"-reaonly expense being the payment 2. To promote among them sons for indifference to misof postage one way on books bor- the study of the Bible and sub- sions; why each member should rowed. The collection is of jects of a religious nature. be interested in m iss ion s ; standard books on every sub- money and the enterprise; can ject of interest to workers in 3. To enlist them in winning a church survive and not be church, Bible school and young men for Christ and the Church. missionary? people's societies, with new books being added all the time. 4. To stimulate interest in In November the theme was, A free catalogue will be sent on civic righteousness and encour- "Is the Cause of Temperance request. The subject of reli- age participation in interna- Lost?" – whether Prohibition gious education and exalting the tional and community better- was "done for"; the causes of idea of world friendship is made ment. the wet victory; whether Provery prominent. The Editor has hibition was a failure in action, looked through a partial list of The membership consists of and what the price of success the books and notes many names men over 16 years of age who against the liquor traffic must of the latest and best among accept the purpose of the organ- be. them. ization and have been received by a majority vote. In December came "The Chal- Magazines As a Spur to lenge of Hum a n Need"- Benevolences The meetings are not entirely whether the demand for benev- at set intervals but rather cap- olent activities is as great as in The Presbyterial Tribune rec- italize seasons, occasions and the past; whether the Church ommends a plan for boosting the probably available s pea k e r s should assume more or less re- SUbscription list to a good mis- throughout the year and are sponsibility for the conduct of sionary magazine whose read- successively in charge of the de- benevolent institutions; the ing would, in the natural course partments of endeavor, namely, evaluation of benevolent -insti- of (1) the Devotional Life; (2) tutions in the community, etc. Evangelism, Stewardship, Mis- sions; (3) Training; (4) Fel- A closing injunction on the lowship, Social Service, Commu- program read: of events, stimulate giving. At nity Betterment. Man, go to church every Sunday. some special church night serv- With Department 1 in charge, Start every week right. The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK SPRING SONG patient person in the Scrip- Paul continues with, "Where- fore, receive ye one another, Do only the young sing in the tures? even as Christ also received us." spring? What has patience to do with The "God of Patience" might well be the title of a modern pic- In "A Catch for Singing," by God and religion? One can hear ture of God made by the German Wilfred Wilson Gibson, we find almost instantly the reply of the reverse to be true, and the scoffers: "Too much-that's the artist, Barlach. The illustration reason for the old young man's here given is the last in a series singing should be evident to all trouble with this country-the depicting "The Wanderings of who meditated recently on the Christians are spineless!" But God" in the modern era. You Cross and the Resurrection of consider the ways of the truly Jesus. Several verses of Gib- patient. Verily, "they have their will recall how in the old Heson's poem are quoted to reveal reward – even eternal life" in brew anthem, God contemplated the faith of the "old young the midst of confusion caused by each day his creatures and "saw man" : nature and men. And for them, everything that He had made faith that the cherry trees are and behold it was very good"; Said the Old Young Man to the in flourish makes them servants Young Old Man: of men, hurrying about to help and how He rested on the sev- whom they may. At least, they enth day and hallowed it for "Both flower and fruit decay." Himself and his creatures. In Said the Young Old Man to the Old are found more useful in every- this modern conception we again day life than the idle scoffers. find God resting, at the conclu- Young Man: Paul, in a letter to Roman sion of a number of visits among "The cherry tree's in flourish!" friends, wrote, "Now the God of patience and of comfort grant his creatures. You may think Said the Old Young Man to the you to be of the same mind one that the picture shows great sor- Young Old Man: wit h another, according to row. He may be seen better as Christ Jesus: … " In a foot- the God of patience, or sted- "Alack and well-a-day! note, the reader is given the The world is growing grey, fastness. And flower and fruit decay. choice of the word "stedfast- No doubt God in his wander- Beware Old Man, beware Old Man ness" for the word "patience." For the end of life is nearing, ings today views children at And the grave yawns by the way. . . . "
Said the Young Old Man to the Old Young Man: "I'm a trifle hard of hearing; And can't catch a word you say … But the cherry tree's in flourish!"
The poem is in an old copybook made by a young person. The punctuation may not be according to the original, but the meaning of the verse was learned and that is enough!
THE PATIENT GOD AN ARTIST REPRESENTS "THE PATIENT GOD"
Have you ever taken an Eng- [259 ] lish Bible test and been asked to place quotations accurately? In what context do you find the expressions, "bring forth fruit with patience," "run with patience" ? Who said and under what circumstances, "Lord, have patience with me"? .Tell in fifty words so that a child understands the meaning of, "the patience of Job." Is Job the only play, and at the same time chil- one district in Brooklyn, the pas- their homes. Ten different dedren whose labor is exploited for tors presented the interdenom- nominations and 27 churches the comfort of adults who would inational missionary projects, united." express horror at child slaves in toward which the offerings are China but who constantly argue contributed each year. Individ- In Riverhead, New York, a for the "right of little ones to uals participated through the large map of the world was form habits of industry and radio. We learn that going to hung where all the congregation thrift." What does God th·nk offices in autos did not prevent could see it, while young women of Christians who say that they participation in the united told of observance of the World can do nothing about the con- prayer for social justice and Day of Prayer in 1935. tinuance of child labor in the world peace. U. S. A., while the parents of In a little town in souththe same children cannot find The program for the next western Texas of 150 inhabitwork to earn enough to furnish World Day of Prayer is being ants, 35 persons prayed for the family with bread and milk? prepared by Miss Mabel Shaw world peace. The superintend- of North Rhodesia, Africa. The ent of one of the Sunday schools Also, God in such a visit sent the offering of $1.59, with would find many "young old holiday need not interfere with a "blessing on the offering and men" grown cynical in the midst the observance, for as you real- on those for whom it is given." of earth's abundance, and too ize, the same program in many few of "the old young men" re- Danville, Iowa, sent with the membering the promises of languages is used in united missionary offering a sheet of spring and the Resurrection of service for almost forty hours' signatures to the People's Man- Life. In this modern conception date which begins, "We the peoof God one sees with compassion intercession encircling the earth. ple are determined to end war." the multitudes of men, women, It is now three weeks since the Other places signed the People's and children longing rightly for Day. Reports from observances Mandate following the services. happiness and peace, when their come daily to the Foreign Mis- Many groups report the first leaders, even statesmen, betray Union services. One such group them into war instead of using sions Conference offices and to had an all-day meeting even our God-given reason to secure our headquarters. The attend- "though it is hard to get folks all the people from flood and ance in the Greater New York out to prayer meetings." Thus famine, fire and desolation, de- area was nearly 10,000. prayers from Indian Schools, spair and death. from oil towns in the West and Within three weeks following Southwest, from student groups But, "The cherry tree's in February 28th, in the Council such as the Conference of the flourish !" office alone, 1,897 letters from Lutheran Student Association of groups-west and south as well the North Atlantic regions, from [The editor will welcome in- towns large and small, from interpretations of the picture from as nearer New York were re- dividuals and groups who parreaders to report later in the ceived. The free-will offerings ticipated in the radio services, .Bulletin.] in the 1,897 letters were for the from tens of thousands rose in home and foreign mission enter- mighty intercession prayer that WORLD DAY OF PRAYER God would overrule the blind- prises carried interdenomina- ness and stupid ways of men The next World Day of tionally, and totaled more than and bring nearer the Kingdom Prayer for missions, always the $14,000. One village held its of heaven on earth. first Friday in Lent, occurs in the U. S. A. on Lincoln's Birth- first union services, and in send- "A PREFACE TO RACIAL day, February 12, 1937. It may ing the offering of twenty-five be that the holiday will make UNDERSTANDING" possible the participation of the cents (six cents to each of the whole family. In Coffeeville, mission projects) wrote "we did The new home mission study Mississippi, this yea r, "the text for adults carries the title, stores of the town were closed the best we could and it was "A Preface to Racial Underfor the hour of service, so that worth while." The offerings standing." The word "preface" the merchants and employees indicates that the main responsicould attend." from the metropolitan areas, in- bility rests with the church to cluding cities like Detroit and bring about better understand- In places like Pittsburgh and Cleveland were well over a hun- ing. A selected reading list on Schenectady, the Council of dred dollars. Many places send- the Negro in America may be Churches was ready to carry re- ing offerings on the World Day secured from our office (5 sponsibility for the services, cents). Also for ten' cents planning for participation of of Prayer for others, are now (stamps acceptable) the New men and women, young people, in the troubled flood areas. We York Public Library Circulation and children in several union pray that relief for them may office, 42d Street and Fifth Ave., services. Many reports tell of be speedy and adequate. Thus, New York City, issues "A the presence of the pastors of the ways of "charity" bind us Selected Bibliography on the the cooperating churches. In all together. Negro."
The reports as they cQme in are very helpful and show vital strength of the missionary spirit in our country. Excerpts from reports follow: Macon, Georgia, reported "over 200 present even though at least 70 % of our mis- sionary women had illness in
~' Our World–wide
I A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~, EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO NORTH AMERICA committee will attempt to for- present set-up in mission work mulate one which will have a is too expensive." New Church Federations constructive connotation. To meet these conditions he Dr. Rey B. Guild announces The committee consists of Dr. advocated the almost exclusive four new church federations George L. Kieffer, statistical sec- use of unmarried missionaries, which have recently been organ- retary of the National Lutheran a more itinerant missionary ized in various parts of the Council, Dr. William Lamp~, force, the fuller identification of country: The Colorado Council Philadelphia, of the Reformed the missionary with native life, of Churches, organized Feb- Church in America, and the Rev. less elaborate station equipment ruary 21 with the Rev. Harold Herbert Rugg, Director of Pub- except in strategic centers, and M. Gilmore as Executive Sec- licity for the Congregational the quicker and less hampered retary. The Jackson (Mich- and Christian Churches of development of native leaderigan) Council of Churches with America. ship in the Church and its man- Mr. C. H. Johnson as Executive agement. "What is wanting in Secretary. The Bay County Lutheran Foreign Missions the missionary enterprise is not Federation of Churches, Bay new machinery, or methods. City, Mich. The North Carolina Eighteen foreign missio""aries Foremost is the necessity for a Council of Churches, formed by from all parts of the world were fresh outburst of spiritual life ten denominational bodies and a present at the Lutheran Foreig'l in the Church." group of Baptist churches, hav- Missions Conference of North ing a total membership of America in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gideon Bibles 1,500,000. March 24 and 25. A committee was appointed to petition Con- Recently, at the suggestion of Religion for New Communities gress to enact legislation en- an atheistic society, the Gideon abling a missionary who is a Bibles were removed from a Prevention of spiritual desti- citizen of the United States to 600-room hotel. The first night tution in new communities now continue his missionary service there were 200 inquiries as to being developed by the United in a country at war, if he so de- where the Bibles had gone, so States Government is urged by sires, and relieving his govern- the management placed them in the Home Missions Council and ment of all responsibility on hiS the rooms again. the Council of Women for Home behalf. This would answer the Missions, representing more criticism that foreign mission- It is interesting to note that than twenty Protestant denom- aries are a liability to the gov- in 1934 several thousand Gideon inations. Interdenominational ernment and that "gunboats Bibles were stolen from hotel cooperation along the line of the must be used to protect ambas- rooms, or shall we say borreligious work now being jointly sadors of the Prince of Peace." rowed? -Religious Digest. done by seven national churches at Boulder Dam was asked for. Further study is to be made New York's New Chinatown Grand Coulee Dam in Washing- of the possibilities for a joint Center ton state and Bonneville Dam in Lutheran missionary magazine. Oregon were also ment:oned. Next year's convention will A new Christian center was probably be held at Detroit, dedicated in the heart of New -Presbyterian Banner. Michigan. York's Chinatown on March 10. Hundreds of guests crowded the New Term for "Denomination" The Rev. M. J. Stolee, of St. five floors of this recently com- Paul, discussing the subject, pleted building to hear distin- The National Religious Pub-. "What Factors in Modern Mis- guished speakers. Many leaders licity Council, at its annual sions Require a Changed Em- of various Chinese groups were meeting, appointed a committee phasis?" declared, "We are not present, including Hon. Tsuneto recommend a better term for getting results commensurate chi Yu, Chinese Consul General general use than the word "de- with the machinery and man- of New York; Mr. Hin Tse Wu, nomination." Use of that term power we have." The disquiet- United States representative of (though it means only "a ing fact is that the population Confucians, and Mr. Paul T. name") was declared to be ob- in non-Christian lands is in- Linn, of the Chinese Benevolent jectionable on the ground that creasing faster than those who Association. it is a "divisive term." The turn to the Saviour. "The This community center will [261 ]
devote itself to problems pecul- are in college or seminary pre- ment schools. Several Catholic iar to Chinatown. It has a Sun- spokesmen have called the order day and weekday program of paring themselves to become "nothing but a political maeducation-religious and secular ministers to their own people. neuver." -with special courses in English for all ages, a kindergarten, All of the pastors of the colored Ministering to Neglected scout troops and young people's churches are college and semi- Indians organizations. nary graduates. The ministers in the Spanish – s pea kin g Physicians from the Hospital -The Christian Century. Latino – Americano in' Mexico churches are trained men. The spend each year five months in "New Americans" Plan first Eskimo to be ordained is the aggregate visiting the In- for Church now the stated supply at Wain- dian tribes in isolated sections. Some of these villages have no Korean Presbyterians of Los wright, in the Arctic Circle. doctor except the Wi5Ch doctor Angeles are making plans for a and medicine men. Medical supnew church home, to cost be- The Sheldon Jackson School at plies are carried in the saddle tween four and five thousand Sitka has sent its graduates into bags of the missionary doctors, dollars. They have about $2,500 every phase of Alaskan life until and upon their trips they are in hand, and pledges for the bal- today its graduates make up by usually accompanied by one or ance. This Christian group has more colporteur missionaries been holding church services in far the majority of the members who give out scripture portions. rented quarters for nearly 30 The s e traveling missionaries years, and their joy in the pros- of the Alaskan Brotherhood and undergo the hardships of piopect of having a building of 'the Alaskan Sisterhood. neers, riding horseback over their own knows no bounds. steep and rough mountain trails -Presbyterian Banner. in order to take the ministry of -Presbyterian Banner. healing for body and soul to a LATIN AMERICA neglected people. It is hoped Echoes of Marcus Whitman that nurses may be trained and Campaign in Cuba sent out to their own people. Walla WalIa, Washington, a city of 16,000 persons, is re- The Superintendent of South- -Watchman-Examiner. ported, according to police rec- ern Baptist mission work in ords, to have passed through Cuba reports that a province- Home Missions in Nicaragua 1935 without a traffic fatality, wide evangelistic campaign in murder or manslaughter case. Santa Clara Province has re- The Woman's Missionary So- sulted in 500 professions and the This is the town established revival fires are still burning. ciety of the Managua Baptist seventy-five years ago near the This Province, with a population place where Dr. Marcus Whit- of 1,000,000, has nineteen Bap- Church now numbers 100. Last man and his young wife built tist churches and sixteen mistheir log cabin and established a sion stations. There are thirty- year the membership was doumission among the Cayuse Indi- nine missionaries. The meetans on the Walla Walla River. ings were held in thriving cities, bled. The motto of the society Two years later they organized a ranging in population from church of seven members. Ten 8,000 to 60,000. is "Nicaragua for Christ." Bapyears later, in 1847, Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and others were -Watchman-Examiner. killed by treacherous and misguided Indians. Later the un- Churches Reopening in Mexico tists have established work in friendly tribes were defeated by government troops and peace nearly all sections of Nicaragua, was established. Walla Walla was founded as a town in 1859. The government of President the best developed evangelical and has now grown to a well ordered city of 16,000 inhabi- Cardenas has decided to permit work being in Managua. tants-and no lawbreakers. reopening of the many hundreds On the east coast the Mora- Churches Becoming Indigenous of churches closed early in 1935, vians have evangelized another Presbyterian work among ra- and once more the religion pro- narrow strip all along the Atcial groups in North America, including the West Indies, is fessed by more than 16,000,000 lantic Coast. Their work is in rapidly becoming indigenous. The church in Puerto Rico and of Mexico's 18,000,000 inhabi- English or among the native In- Cuba is directed entirely by nationals. Several young Indians tants has opportunity to be put dians in their own language.
in practice. Churches remain This leaves a wide strip through the property of the government. the center and several sections The order does not apply to in the north entirely untouched churches which have been taken by the Gospel.
over for use as schools, libraries Everywhere is felt the need or government offices. for trained native leadership.
It is said that one of the gov- The Managua Baptist Church ernment's motives pinedneci indigng to illustrates what may be accom- permit the reo of plished under proper leaders.
churches was the hope that the During three months the Mana- action would remove opposition gua Church received 21 new by Catholics to the official social- members by baptism, while 5 istic education program, and more have been accepted, and that Catholics would willingly the candidates' class has 20 en- send their children to govern- rolled. -Missions.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Roman Catholic Growth followed by Italians and Poles. the country is 100 per cent pro- The many European nationali- Recently Dr. Web s t erE. ties create special problems, and fessing Christian. Since Green- Browning, regional secretary of in part account for the multipli- land belongs to Denmark, the the Committee on Cooperation cation of churches. Greenland Church is under the -World Survey Service. in Latin America, sent out a Bishop of Copenhagen. A proquestionnaire, asking impres- vost is stationed at Godthaab sions from a number of leading EUROPE and a vice-provost farther north. missionaries and national work- Seven Danish and fifteen Es- ers of the evangelical movement French Protestants Seek Unity kimo pastors are in charge of regarding the religious situation ten parishes in the west, two in in various republics. The first Negotiations for union be- the east and one at Cape York. question dealt with the growth tween the two leading Reformed The country is so large that the of influence of the Roman Cath- Churches in France are still in parishes are from 150 to 200 olic Church. The substance of progress. During recent years miles each way. Church attendreplies to this question is as fol- French Protestants have become ance is good, the people are lows: "There is general consent convinced that their divisions thrifty and happy, they are litto the statement that the dom- are a cause of weakness, and erate, and have schools, includinant church is, at present, en- that they keep souls in search ing normal school and seminary, joying what may be called a re- of truth a way from the Sunday schools and young peovival of influence and power. churches, paralyzing efforts at ple's societies. Religion is evangelization and wasting re- taught in the public schools be- There is, it is stated, an in- sources. They have come to see -Fattig og Rik. creased attendance on its serv- sides.
ices; there are street proces- that their doctrinal divergences sions in cities which formerly are not as great as might ap- Sweden's Religious Bodies pear, so that the two churches forbade them; its schools report Religious statistics for Swea heavier enrolment, especially can adhere to the three evan- den have been compiled from gelical positions stated at the various sources and are, aptheological seminaries in which Lausanne Conference. During proximately: Adventists, 2,500 ; young men of the country are the negotiations of r e c e n t Salvation Army, 20,500; Swedregistering in greater numbers; months an attempt has been an air of greater confidence pre- made to find a declaration of ish Salvation Army, 2,000; faith which will affirm the Missionary Association of Orevails and more modern methods bro, 1,525; Baptists, 68,151 ; are being used in propaganda, eternal truths of the Gospel and Independent Baptists, 5,000 ; the permanent principles of the such as broadcasting and more Roman Catholics, 4,100; Swedeffective advertising in the Reformation, and which will ish Church (Lutheran), 5,830,- press; and by means of specially constitute a common basis for 000; Swedish Missionary Fedprepared books and other litera- thought and action. The prin- eration, 200,000; Jews, 10,000; ture." ciples on which the mixed com- Methodist Episcopal, 30,000 ; mittee, charged with preparing -The Christian Century.
Some Problems in Argentina this basis, is proceeding are the Orthodox Greeks, 349; Pente- costists, 55,000; the Lutheran Methodist work in Argentina following: common obedience to Church of Sweden has 2,741 owes its origin to Rev. J. Demp- the authority of the Word of pastors at work. God, common profession of the ster, who arrived in Buenos Christian faith and common fi- Heroism Brings Revival Aires in 1836, and his initiative delity to the true mission of the has resulted in a Methodist com- Church. A recent compilation reveals that of 83 pastors still remainmunity of some 6,000. The total -World Survey Service. ing within the boundaries of evangelical community of Ar- Soviet Russia, 47 have been suf- gentina is 193,000. In Greenland The work of evangelization in Hans Egede, the Apostle to fering for years in concentrathis field is somewhat paralyzed, Greenland, was born on January tion camps, on the White Sea or especially as regards that car- 31st, 250 years ago. Greenland in Siberia. Two were recently ried on by national workers. is one of the successful mission condemned to death; others Quite often foreigners without enterprises of the Lutheran have been forced to stop their the language requirement have church. Every year, on All- work. Probably less t han the necessary funds to carryon Saints' Day, every congregation twenty Evangelical pastors are intensive work, but good native in Greenland celebrates the still at work in Russia out of the preachers are limited to work- memory of Hans Egede and at 300 who formerly preached the ing among small congregations Godthaab, there is a fine granite Gospel there. The same writer which cannot support them, or monument erected in his honor. relates how two Christian colgive them scope for advance. It is reported that on Pentecost porteurs were preaching the Immigration t 0 Argentina Day, May 20, 1934, at Cape Gospel in a village. One crum- continues. Last year Spaniards York, the last heathen in the pled up suddenly, struck by a claimed the largest increase, whole land was baptized, so that bullet. His comrade, instead of
fleeing, took the Bible from the or been deeply interested in the Lutherans Start Mission Gospel message, is marked with in Nigeria martyred man, and continued a star in the hospital records. There are recorded between 300 The Lutheran Missouri Synod, preaching to the frightened lis- and 400 "star" cases, names of one of the largest Lutheran former patients, with whom spe- bodies in America, with a memteners. His heroism made such cially to keep in touch in their bership of 1,460,052 in the villages. Middle West, will inaugurate its a profound impression that a re- first missionary work in Africa -Edinburgh M. M. S. when Prof. Henry Nau and vival broke out in the village Quarterly. Mrs. Nau arrive in Nigeria. The synod has been carrying on which extended beyond its bor- Haile Selassie and Missions extensive missionary activities in Asia, Australia, Iceland and ders. -Alliance Weekly. This emperor, whose name North and South America for means "Hero of the Trinity," is more than seventy-five years. Religion in Russia eagerly devoted to the further- ance of his people and is per- Early last year, Dr. Nau, in Observers notice an intensive sonally concerned that the Gos- company with two others from turning of people in Russia to- pel should have free course in the synod, sailed to Africa to ward religion. Cases are cited the country. The Amharic peo- survey the field in response to a where factory workers have vol- ple have been Christians for petition from Nigeria asking the untarily collected money for a 1,600 years; but much of their Synodical Conference of Lunew church building; many religion is set in rigid forms, theran Synods to begin mission were imprisoned for this. New especially on account of the long work there. During his stay, churches have been built in in- isolation of the country. Dr. Nau completed the transladustrial districts, some of the tion of Martin Luther's cateparticipants actually being com- While Haile Selassie is a chism and a number of standard munists. faithful son of his own Coptic church hymns into the native or Abyssinian church, he is dialect of the people, and when The Russian Missionary So- eager to open it to Evangelical he returned, in June, reported ciety reports that the excom- influences. He has been favor- bright prospects for mission missioner of education in the able to all missions. The Basel work in Nigeria. Soviet has confessed that mem- Mission looks back upon a cenbership in the communist party tury's participation in the work Revival Begins with has increased only a million in inasmuch as the first mission- Missionaries ten years, whereas the Stundists aries were trained in Basel, (the equivalent of vital Chris- among them the great Samuel W. J. Anderson, Jr., American tianity) has increased six mil- Gobat. The Amharic Bible was Presbyterian missionary at Lulion in the same period, in the printed at St. Crishona, near bondai in the Congo, writes that face of all the opposition of Basel. spiritual blessing began when Soviet propaganda. the missionaries, burdened by The emperor is a zealous sup- the need for a fresh outpouring AFRIOA porter of the work of spreading of the Spirit, set apart a week the Bible in the new vernacular to humble themselves before Preaching by Works translation and he took part per- God, determined that if any- sonally in the dedication of the thing in their lives was block- When the Egypt General Mis- beautiful building of the British ing progress it should be done sion commenced work in 1898, and Foreign Bible Society in away with. "God revealed a it was with no idea of winning Addis Ababa. He himself pub- number of things; they were the people except by direct lishes Biblical books in two ver- made right. When this was preaching of the Gospel. As the sions, the old sacred translation done and we held back nothing, work developed in the villages, which is no longer understood but surrendered all to Him, then some of the young missionaries, by the people and the modern God's blessing came. Peace, joy, handicapped by their lack of the which they can read. He ex- fellowship, power, such as we language, felt constrained to plains all this work in a preface had never experienced before. preach by "deeds, not words" till with his own portrait. He sends We witnessed to the leaders such time as they mastered out loads of these Bibles on among the natives, then to the Arabic, so they began by carry- mule-back to his leaders for the evangelists. Much confession of ing bottles of eyedrops with purpose of distributing them sin followed! them, to relieve suffering and among their people. show forth something of the "It spread to the workmen, to love and compassion of Christ. He also sets a good example to near-by villages. All hours of Later, this eye work developed his people in the matter of the day and night the people until an amateur dispensary was church attendance, being at his came, under great conviction of opened in the Delta. place every Sunday in the sin, wanting to get right with Church of St. George in the cap- God. The transformed evan- As patients return to their vil- ital. lages they are followed up by a system which has been carefully developed during the last few years. The name of each patient who has been found. to have accepted Christ as Saviour,
1936J OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
gelists went back to their vil- the Cape country are gradually Immigrants from Germany lages, witnessed and preached combining in a larger union. include a large proportion of as never before in their lives. This means that now actual mis- And what were the results? sionary work is over in this part professional men, also leaders People began seeking the Lord of Africa. in the world's thought. by the score and then by the hundred. Villages that, a couple In 1842, the first Rhenish mis- Affiliation of Colleges of years ago were most offensive sionaries came to the Hottentots to visiting missionaries, and in Namaland in Southwest International ColI e g e at most antagonistic to the Gospel, Africa. Two years later the have since been begging us to first station was planted among Smyrna, Turkey, will affiliate establish work in their midst." the Hereros. Then was added work among the Ba'stards and with the American University -Congo Mission News. the black slaves in the land of the Hill Damas. For 50 years of Beirut, Syria. Negotiations Revival at Bolobo the work here was hindered in many ways, most of all by the for the sale of the campus and Compromise is expressed by great rebellion in 1904 and then Congo church members as the World War. The many in- buildings at Smyrna to the gov- "using their two legs to travel terruptions broke up the tribal two different roads." A recent coherence which caused great ernment are under way. The revival resulted in pro t est language divisions and finally against this, and a low level of led to relinquishing the work in new plans, of which details and spiritual life in general. Young Amboland. From 1929 to 1933, men were fired with zeal to the whole area suffered from re- legal adjustments are still to be carry the Good News into the current droughts~ The greatest hinterland, and preaching difficulty lies in the fact that the worked out, will be provisional "classes" wen t everywhere. land is thinly populated; but of Fetishes were exposed and dis- its 90,000 inhabitants 56,000 for five years, and contemplate carded, and many pagans gath- have now been gathered in the ,ered into the Church. Special congregations of this mission. no further capital investment in pamphlets, extra Bible classes .and prayer meetings had to be The mission is having a won- grounds and buildings, and the planned. New prayer houses derful increase in its work for were built, all by native initia- the last two years. It amounts cooperating boards will each tive, and reg u I a r morning almost to a mass movement. prayers are held in the villages The special object of its care is maintain identity and control of of Bolobo, where formerly the the mission among the Bushefforts of missionaries to orig- men. These people from South funds. -Advance. inate such prayers went on for Africa are coming by the thoua while, then died out. sands begging for reception into A Consecrated Christian the Christian Church. One of the most remarkable The Syria News Quarterly reresults of the revival is the spon- WESTERN ASIA taneous desire of the people to counts the story of a consecrated reshape the community's life Type of Jews in Palestine Christian worker named J alaI, nearer their heart's desire. The whose experiences paralleled .amount of palm wine or sugar- Immigration of Jews to Pales- those of Paul. Armed with cane beer brought in for sale to tine in 1934 exceeded 42,000, ac- Bibles, books and pamphlets Bolobo market suffered imme- cording to the Jewish Mission- specially written for Moslems, diate curtailment; in short, a ary Intelligence. In 1922, they he had set out in November on new standard has been set for were 11 per cent as compared to a missionary tour to include the Christian living. 78 per cent Moslems; in 1931, more benighted and sin-scarred nearly 17 per cent as against 73 of the villages in the northern -World Survey Service. per cent Moslems and 9 per cent part of Syria. He got on very Christians. The type of the well until the police interfered. The Rhenish- Mission Jewish population has definitely Finding that he had no local per- changed. Time was when Pales- mit to sell books they summarily This mission opened in 1828 tinian Jews were orthodox, poor took him to the police station. when its first four missionaries in substance, not well educated. There he was requested in no landed in Capetown and began Today, they are self-reliant and polite terms to leave the town. work among the colored popula- pride themselves on being self- J alaI insisted mildly that he was tion. Since then 20,000 Chris- supporting and independent, not a transgressor, and repaired tians are gathered in 10 congre- and their nationalistic aspira- to the French Secretary of the gations. In 1840 this mission tions find little use for religious Interior to obtain a license. In also took over the work of the observances. his office were a young Syrian London Missionary Society. interpreter, a Syrian lady ste- Since 1933, the congregations of nographer, a number of men and a Moslem woman heavily veiled. In true oriental fashion this group constituted itself a jury in his case. When they had heard all, they gathered about asking him questions, and sev- eral were moved to open their hearts to him and to ask his ad- vice in the solution of their own difficulties.
As for the French secretary, he was so interested in Jalal's tale of his conversion from Is-
lam and his occupation in INDIA This mysterious Bible was spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that he immediately be- Revival Fires printed on the presses of the came a warm friend and advo- Basel Mission in Mangalur in cate, and lost no time in supply- Methodist Christians in India 1865 and has attained to such a ing the permit. write hopefully of signs of degree of veneration that for awakening in their districts. decades it has been preserved in Premium on Unveiling Dr. J. R. Chitambar, of Jubbul- a Hindu temple and is wor- pore, says: "Many Christians shipped as divine by these non- Iran has taken a daring step. are experiencing a new filling Christian people. Two Swiss Under order of the American- with the Holy Spirit and deep missionaries, Pastor Noverraz trained Minister of Education, spiritual power is noticeable in and Miss Dr. Petitpierre have boys and girls of seven and meetings . in various places. been permitted to see it. They under will attend school to- Lives are touched and changed." tell the following story. gether. The age limit will be Rev. O. M. Auner writes of a raised annually until it reaches revival in Khandwa that "noth- About sixty years ago there sixteen, the age at which girls ing like it has been seen in India may marry under the new law. before." The same kind of re- was in Mustigiri, near the mis- The new law sets the marriage port comes from Shabjahanpur sion station of Guledgudd, a age of men at eighteen. School district: "Things are on fire priest, Kalappa, serving the· girls and their teachers now go from God in Parahpur, Karswa temple of the goddess Durgavva. to their classes unveiled, and to and Ranjitpur." After various further encourage unveiling, conferences, workers have gone He was so receptive to the Gosgovernment offices are offering back to their fields with new pel that one of the Swiss mispositions to girls who have put power and deeper Christian ex- sionaries presented him with the aside their veils. perience. Bible.
-Alliance Weekly. In the Lushai Hills Then a fanatical swami, fear- ing the holy book of the Chris- Experiences in Arabia A generation ago two pio- tians might prove detrimental and cause secessions from Hin- Dr. Harold Storm, of the neers, F. W. Savidge and J. H. duism, got possession of it and American Reformed Church nailed it shut with a big nail. Mission in Muscat, who is tour- Lorrain, were sent by a wealthy ing the coast of Arabia, was Before he died, he uttered the warned not to enter the Mahara Christian of Leeds, England, to prophecy, that when the hole country of southeastern Arabia. Other foreigners have nearly open a mission among head- caused by the nail would close lost their lives at the hands of up again, he would himself rethe Mahara. Being delayed by hunters of the North Lushai turn from the dead. This prophbad weather, Dr. Storm walked ecy was believed by the people nearly twenty miles to Quishu, Hills, in the area between India the capital where he met the and so it came that the old book Sultan of Mahara and received and Burma, near the Assam came to be superstitiously venan invitation to stay with him erated. or to return for another visit. border. In four years they mas- Last year, Missionary Schuler, The Mahara people are made tered the unwritten language, also of the Basel Mission, sucup of a confederation of small ceeded in being permitted to see tribes numbering about 50,000, reduced it to writing, translated the Bible and the priest who is speaking their own language and maintaining almost com- two Gospels and the Book of the its custodian. The latter had the plete independence. Dr. Storm book carefully wrapped in red was delayed in carrying out his Acts, wrote hymns, a catechism, plans in reaching Dhufar, but silk, locked up in a casket, found that this delay was a pro- a primer, a grammar, and a dic- which he brought out and placed vision of God since one of his on a stand. On the wrapper hospital boys, who had gone in tionary of 7,000 words. When there were leaves of a sacred advance to prepare the way, had tree that were still fresh and been able to treat the Sultan of their work was well started they also some grains of rice, all of Muscat successfully of eye trouble. As a result a warm wel- handed it over to the Welsh Cal- which showed that the Bible recome awaited Dr. Storm and the ceived daily worship. It was a best house in Salala was put at vinistic Methodists. Today, as solemn moment of the utmost his disposal. quiet, until the relic was un- a result of their work, there are wrapped. The binding is loose and the worse for wear on ac- in these southern hills 6,000 count of the ravages of the white ants. In the center of one church members in full stand- board of the binding there is a small hole, diminishing as far ing, with a Christian community as the book of Leviticus. Many leaves are loose and worn. The of 16,000 and 9,500 Sunday priest had smeared his forehead with red paint and on it were school scholars. The native staff pasted grains of rice. He said consists of 11 traveling superin- tendents and 117 honorary vil- lage pastors. The whole New Testament has been published in Lushai. -So S. Times.
The Nailed-Up Bible This title sounds almost as if it were taken from a story book. It is so very characteristic of Hindu mentality that it deserves to be told further.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
he did not read the book and so On Sunday, December 8, a preparation for another. There the missionary offered him an- Christian procession of wit- is a married lepers' village, other Bible for a present, the nesses was organized. About where about 100 people make priest promising to read it him- 260 people met at the Christian their homes. The arrangement self and also to read it to the high school and mar c h e d seems to be quite satisfactory. visitors at the temple. through the streets, with ban- The outstanding event of the ners flying and texts displayed, year in the colony was the sep- What Humble Folk Can Do halting at various points to sing aration from the mother church. and witness. By the time the Their new status as a separate In the Telugu country mis- procession had returned to its church was celebrated with ap- sionaries were moved to see what starting place, the number had propriate services and cere- poor, uneducated people can do grown to over 400. The route monies. They now have their in the way of evangelism. They was about two and a half miles own budget, support their own cannot make long speches. They long, and very dusty which made pastor, and give generously to cannot argue and engage in con- singing difficult. Christian pro- evangelistic work. For the past troversy as St. Paul did in cessions are rare, but this one few months they have had entire Athens, but they can tell others met with encouraging· success. charge of their own services what Christ has done for them, with no help from the mother sell Gospels and exemplify the -C. M. S. Outlook. church. They also have a reg- love of Christ in their own lives. ular schedule of study classes, Finding Title for God and a number are well versed in From a report of an evan- the Scriptures. The medical gelistic campaign of Anglican, Agents of the Bible Society treatment has been varied dur- Methodist and Congregational from Calcutta and Rangoon, ing the year by the addition of Churches in 1934, we find the missionary representatives of two new remedies, which gave following: the Bible Churchmen's Mission- them new interest in their treat- ary Society and other organiza- ment, though no specific cures In one village illiterate Chris- tions at work in that area met are reported.-Siam Outlook. tian women were trained to sing in February to discuss a suitable hymns and learn lessons by title for God in the Khumi and CHINA heart so as to repeat them in kindred dialects. The Khumis the village bazaar before caste are a Chin tribe, with several Communist Opinion of employers, and with good effect. branches; of the forty-five Chin Missionary tribes, forming a total popula- Christian children took their tion of only about 350,000, less What Chinese communists part in the campaign: they than a dozen can at present hear think of missionaries appears in would go with banners in pro- the Gospel in their own lan- the trial of Messrs. A. Hayman cession through the caste quar- guage. The difficulty which this and R. Bosshardt, the members ters and sing hymns. mission is facing among the of the China Inland Mission Khumis in Burma is one which who were captured as spies at Small children would stand up has been met in many parts of Kiuchow, their station, on Oc- in the village street and repeat the world and illustrates the tober 2, 1934. Both were scripture verses or a Gospel care which is necessary in the charged with having been sent story, and then say a little selection of proper terms in any to China "under imperialistic prayer. language, if the Christian doc- principles, to delude with – the trine of God is to be satisfac- teachings of Jesus the docile In one village Christians of torily understood. Christians people," and with having served outcaste origin bought Gospels number 331,000 in Burma, the as a vanguard in the interest of and tracts and gave them free great majority being Karens imperialism with a view to "di- to the caste farmers. One very or members of nonindigenous viding up China as a melon." poor Christian woman gave a races. Less than 12,000 Bur- Special deprecating reference farthing for three Gospels and mans, little more than one in was made to their work among some handbills and gave them to every thousand, were returned the Miao, one of the tribes in her master who was a caste as Christians in the latest cen- West China. "With the Bible of man. -C. M. S. Outlook. sus figures. Jesus they h a v e positively drugged the people with a view Public Witnessing -World Survey Service. to destroying all those who are opposed to imperialism." St. Paul's Church, Jubbul- Lepers Have Their Own pore, held a "Week of Witness," Owing to the increasing ill when they erected a tent near Church health of Mr. Hayman he was the main road, and a band of released on November 18, 1935. . workers invited the passers-by The Leper Colony at Kiulung- Mr. Bosshardt remains in cap- to come in and see the lantern kiang, Siam, has grown until tivity, with his whereabouts un- slides and listen to the good there are now over 220 patients. known.-The Living Church. news. Attendances averaged Two new dormitories have been about sixty to eighty non-Chris- built and many bricks made in tians, and many heard the Gos- pel for the first time.
Chiang Kai-Shek Appeals most of the listeners, a striking J APAN-CHOSEN to Nation object lesson was presented re- cently in Tientsin when a large All-Japan Christian General Chiang Kai-Shek, on crowd heard The Beatitudes Conference January 1, broadcast a message (or, as the Chinese call them, to the Chinese nation in which 'The Eight Happinesses") read The 200 delegates to the Allhe asserted that national salva- in several different languages. Japan Christian Conference in tion could be achieved within They were read first in Chinese, Tokyo, November 26-27, repre- ,one year, through the New Life then in the Latin Vulgate; a sented practically every commu- Movement. With the old Chi- Greek merchant read the mod- nion and every national Chrisnese virtues, courtesy, justice, ern Greek version, and a Jap- tian organization in the Empire. honesty and conscientiousness, anese Christian read them in Interest ran high in the two he believes it possible to build Japanese. Then they were read major questions-Church Union up the moral character of the III English, afterwards a Jew and a Nation-Wide United Cam- nation and wipe out all evil and (putting on his hat) read a pas- paign of Evangelism. The con- undesirable habits of the people. sage from the Old Testament in ference was opened with aserv- To consolidate material safety Hebrew, followed by a Swiss ice of rededication and commu- ,he urges the "People's Economic who read in French, and finally nion, led by Bishop Akazawa. Reconstruction Movement," and a Swiss woman read them in outlines eight main steps as es- German. When the Japanese An interlude in the discus- sential; among them develop- was heard with perfect respect sions was provided by Mr. Y. ment of agriculture, mine ex- and attention by an audience al- Takata, Head of the Bureau of ploitation, labor conscription, most completely Chinese, there Religions in the Department of regulation of consumption and was added meaning to "Blessed Education, and I. Kanzaki, a transportation improvement. are the peacemakers." Shinto priest. The former ex- plained some of the general Referring to the gravity of -L. M. S. Chronicle. principles of the "Religions Bill" the national emergency, General which the department is pre- Chiang said that the nation must Leadership – the Great Need paring and proposes to intro- awake to its mistakes, and rec- duce in the coming session of tify them without further delay. The lack of leadership in Parliament. One of these prin- He regards moral training of China has been the subject of ciples is to secure proper educa- the individual as of most im- investigation and planning by tional and moral qualifications portance. -People's Tribune, the National Committee for for religious workers. The Christian Education. Dr. Lu- other is to provide some method Shanghai. ther A. Weigle, Dean of Yale whereby each denomination will Divinity S c h 0 0 I, spent six have a recognized representative Campaign Among Students months in China in 1935, study- with which the government can ing the problem. In preparation deal when matters arise which The "Youth and Religion for his visit a survey was made call for conference. The Shinto Movement," now in its second and the results embodied in a priest declared that Christianity year, in which Dr. W. Y. Chen, pamphlet, "Training for Leader- has a great contribution to make Professor of Psychology in Fu- ship in the Chinese Church." to the life of Japan. kien Christiim University, and This formed the basis of discus- Dr. Y. C. Tu, Professor of sion at an enlarged meeting of Among actions taken was one Physics in the University of the Committee held at Kuling. granting a form of ordination Shanghai, have been the leaders One outcome of that meeting to women evangelists. ' and speakers, has recently closed was the formation of an associa- a most successful campaign. tion of theological colleges; an- -Japan Christian other, the resolve that the train- Quarterly. The team visited in all thir- ing of lay church workers twehenerceiitnies1,59o,n0e00beliinsgteYneudnntoantfhu~ should constitute the main work Toward Abolishing message, of whom 6,212 signed of the Committee for the next Prostitution cards, 56 per cent of these being year or two. Not without sig- inquirers and the rest reconse- nificance was the adoption of the One of the goals set by Chris- crations. The leaders were espe- words "education for service'~ in tian leaders is the abolition of cially successful in a number of place of training for leadership. licensed prostitution. In De- cities in making contacts with It is of interest, too, to read that cember it was reported that the teachers and students in govern- the old-style training schools for Kochi Prefectural Assembly had ment schools, thus opening what Bible women are increasingly adopted a resolution in favor of may prove another opportunity giving place to women's adult abolition, bringing the number of Christian service. education schools. of prefectures which had passed such resolutions up to thirteen. "The Eight Happinesses" -W. W. S. S. News. The evil has already been abol- ished in several prefectures. Although the proceedings This action is in line with the were largely unintelligible to recently adopted policy of the Home Office which has drafted
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK 269J
an Abolition Bill to be presented Christian influence by working this very badge, that we have to the forthcoming session of as a farmer among farmers. used for close to thirty years, the Diet. There is a disposition His wife is as sincere a Chris- will be the first thing that. to remove the stigma of being tian as he. Presently, Christian strikes the eye of every person one of the few nations which missionaries living in Yamagata entering the school gate. Once, protects licensed vice. One news- challenged them to come to the more, the Cross has conquered.'" paper editor remarked: "It is city and engage in a work in humiliating that the govern- which their influence would Ohung Sin School ment licenses prostitution as a have larger scope. After much legitimate business. It is con- prayer they accepted the chal- Chung Sin,PresbyterianAcadtradictory for Japan which poses lenge, and today the Kantos are emy for Girls in Chosen has been as the possessor of a civilization engaged in what is known as given "designation" by the Govin no sense inferior to that of Rural Correspondence Evan- ernment. This does not mean Europe and America to permit gelism. Brief sermons and that the school is better than such a system to exist." Christian articles are published before, but that the Government in the local newspaper. Inter- now acknowledges it as worthy. -Japan Christian ested inquirers write for more Its graduates hereafter will be' Quarterly. detailed information about the accepted in higher schools, and Christian faith, and Mr. Kanto in future work on an equal basis, Developing Ohristian Leaders answers these letters. Young with those of private registered folks from these rural villages, and Government schools. The enrolment at Wilmina Jo believing they have found a sym- Gakko, Girls' School in Osaka, pathetic ear, pour out their On May 25th the Parents' Aswas 350 in 1925; ten years hearts to him through this cor- sociation was organized, and' later it was 957. A Christian respondence; and he, with his started its work with real enemphasis is maintained. Every keen understanding of the prob- thusiasm. Their personal intermorning the whole school as- lems of rural folk, comforts and est in the school has been mani-. sembles for chapel service; the satisfies them and leads them on fest. The Chung Sin Y. W. C. A. Y. W. C. A. meets each week; toward Christian faith. Grad- completed their first full year of special classes are held to pre- ually his influence is extending service in a small rural church.. pare the girls for baptism; Bible throughout the entire rural area In September, Chung Sin stustudy is required in the cur- of Yamagata Prefecture. Their dents organized a Sunday School riculum; early morning prayers best work is done simply in in this church and have been are held at intervals throughout visiting the homes of their faithful in making, two by two, tbe year; and every other week friends and talking quietly each Sunday, a trip which takes; a church service is held in the about the Christian faith. all day long to teach these little chapel and attended by all the children. In December, two of girls. The superintendent of -Missionary Herald. the girls spent a week in this; the school is an ordained min- rural church helping to put on ister, and last year 160 girls The Oross Prevails a very attractive Christmas prowere baptized. gram. The foreign missionary Dr. Koons, Principal of the work of the Korean Church in -Presbyterian Banner. John D. Wells Academy for Shantung, Chi n a, has been Boys in Seoul, cites the follow- helped by these students as they Rural Oorrespondence ing as the most significant event send forty yen each term for the' Evangelism of the school year: "The grad- work there. Sunday they have, uating class of 1935 gave the faithfully taught in nearly every South of Yamagata, an hour's school a copy of the school Sunday School in connection ride by train, is a little village badge, cast in brass, to be placed with the Seoul city churches. called Ippon-yanagi (One Wil- on the wall over the entrance of low Tree), just a small group of the main building. Five or six "Finished" farmhouses surrounded almost years ago, Korea was swept by entirely by rice fields. In one of a wave of antireligious feeling Rev. Bruce Hunt, of Chung'- these homes, some 50 years ago, among the young people, espe- ju, Korea, lists projects either' Motohei Kanto was born. Moto- cially the students. At that completed or developed to the hei followed ancestral tradition time there was a strong wish point where they can be turned in becoming a farmer, but ex- among the John D. Wells stu- over to Koreans. One district, ceeded that tradition by attend- dents, for a new badge, without hitherto feeble, has undertaken ing an agricultural school, by the Maltese cross. As they partial support of an evangelisbecoming a Christian and by pointed out, no other school in tic helper and plans in three traveling abroad for further the city had a badge of this years to carry his whole supstudy. After three years in kind; the others were nearly all port. As to agricultural work, America and seven in Germany, conventionalized Chinese char- station pioneering is over, and studying theology and evan- acters. Now all on their own, this phase of country-church gelistic methods, as well as agri- these lads make the school this self-support turned over to a culture, he returned to Japan, gift, insuring that for all time trained Korean. Another job. where he decided to test his
done is consolidation of many A Sunday in 'Sumatra seven years from 1928 to 1935. Contributions for 1935 slightly "special offering days" in the A writer in the Christian Ad- exceeded those for 1934, how- vocate describes a morning serv- ever. The contribution per capchurches into the four author- ice at Balige, Sumatra: ita for all purposes in 1934 was $12.07 and in 1935 it was $12.10. ized by General Assembly for The church was filled to capacity- The contribution per capita for about fifteen hundred. We saw congregational purposes only Sunday schools in this country- throngs entering two other churches was $9.92 in 1934 and $9.98 for as well. That entire community is 1935. Easter, Children's Day, Thanks- now Christian and all work is laid aside on the Sabbath day. Total gifts declined from giving, Christmas. $532,368,714 in 1928 to $304,- . -Monday Morning. The people in the churches were 692,499 in 1935, while total clean, intelligent and worshipful. The gifts for congregational pur- ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC music was all of the German chorale poses declined from $402,683,- type, and was the most beautiful we 861 to $251,347,435. The per Scene in Manila Cemetery had ever heard. There were no hymn capita contribution for all pur- books; the lines were read out by the poses declined from $23.30 in Moody Institute Monthly de- choir leader and the people all sang. 1928 to $12.10 in 1935. Per .scribes a scene in a Manila, P. I., capita contribution for congre- .cemetery in the evening of All- At the close of the service twenty- gational purposes declined from Saints' Day. six babies were baptized. They had $17.30 in 1928 to $9.98 in 1935. to be divided into two groups in order "All the tombstones were to be accommodated at the altar rail. The report says that nearly lighted with electricity. In many The mothers stood with the babies in all the communions maintained Df them were statues of the vir- their arms and the fathers in a row their per capita contributions gin, or statues of Christ on the behind them. for congregational expenses betcross with a light effect which ter than those for benevolences. :showed up his heart in red. New Vision for Village The Protestant Episcopalians Vendors of all kinds were on the Leaders were the only group to lose progrounds, and there was even a portionately less on benevolences booth where electrical supplies Two conferences for village than on contributions for conwere sold. The people believe leaders in Papua are reported in gregational expenses. that the souls of the dead ac- Kwato Mission Tidings; one at tually come back on this night. Kwato, the other at Koeabule. w. C. T. U. Is Growing Some time during the day a priest visits each grave, says a If one thing was more obvious than The Woman's Christian Temprayer, and charges twenty pisos another among the 86 men who fore- perance Union is now organized ($10) for each prayer. gathered at Koeabule, it was the spir- in fifty-two countries with a itual hunger of all who came. There half million paid-up member- A group of Christian students was no necessity to try to inspire ship. New members are joining ,distributed about 9,000 Gospel them to seek a fuller surrender, or to by the thousand. Mrs. Ella A. tracts that evening in the ceme- convict them of unfruitfulness and Boole, world president declared tery. the need for a new consecration. That at a recent meeting in New was just what they were yearning for, York : "Weare working not In the Face of Obstacles and the very reason why they had only for outlawing the liquor come. The Lord stated that those traffic in the United States, but Rev. William Swaan is labor- who hungered and thirsted after all over the world." The next jng among Dyaks and Chinese righteousness were the lucky ones world convention will be held in in Borneo. He .writes: "for they shall be filled," and these Washington, D. C., from June men certainly came longing to be 4-9, 1937. About ten villages are taking an filled and renewed. Some came from active stand for Christ, but Moslems an atmosphere of failure, where the – Watchman-Examiner. :and other enemies concentrate on our spiritual life had grown slack. A converts and make life very trying Buhutu man put it thus: "Every boat Bible 1,000 Years Old for them. With all our poverty and needs to be hauled up on the slips persecution and increased opposition and scraped and cleaned and painted, At the time of his coronation, from Moslems and Roman Catholics, and put into repair. We are like that Haile Selassie presented to H. eighteen souls were accepted for bap- too." He appealed earnestly to the Murray Jacoby, former Ambastism during the month of December. rest not to risk g'Qing back unfit for sador Extraordinary to Ethio- They are mostly people of one village commission through any shirking of pia, a one thousand-year-old ,close to Bengkajang, and have been response to the highest call that God Bible, written in Amharic. Mr. ,coming to our meetings for several would give them. Jacoby has just presented it to years. Please pray especially for the Friends Seminary, 226i East young Christians of this village, that A testimony meeting had to be con- Sixteenth Street, New York, of iGod may give them grace and power tinued the next day and the next. It which he is a trustee. to endure persecutions and hardships, required skill to keep the meeting in ·and witness faithfully for the Master. hand, as people were getting up three -New York Times. The Moslem problem is one of the at a time. greatest obstacles that we have to face. Many government officials are MISCELLANEOUS Moslems and have a tremendous influence over the lives and the affairs Survey of Church Giving .of our Christians. We know, how- ,ever, that God is greater than any The research department of ,obstacle or any force in the world. the Federal Council of Churches reports that annual gifts to -Fellowship of Faith for twenty-five Protestant church Moslems. bodies dropped 43 per cent in the
'~I———————-~~——–~——==============I~"
Our Miss'ionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I~ Popular Hinduism. The Religion of roes (sometimes these are crim- men and women of various races the Masses. By L. S. S. O'Maney, started out, not for war, but to C.LE., I.C.S.246 pp. $2.50. Mac- inals). There is also a chapter give their lives in heroic deeds millan Co., New York. 1935. on priests and holy men, while for peace. Their object was to the last chapter deals with sec- save men, not to kill them. This This is an extraordinarily tarianism and toleration. Hin- required courage and training able and interesting boo k. duism, which ordinarily is a and sacrifice, but the results Clear, concise and logical in its static and pacific religion, can were beautiful beyond words. language, it gives an account of be aroused to fanatic passion, Hinduism in eight chapters, and instances are given where "Peace on earth, good will each of which is packed with in- the Hindus without provocation toward men" must come through formation and sententious state- rose against their Moslem neigh- such Christlike service. Young ment. The author's earlier bors to pillage, destroy and mas- people are not responsible for book, entitled "Indian Caste sacre. making war; that responsibility Customs," received a warm wel- lies with older men-the poli-, come in the British press. The One of the strangest chapters ticians and rulers who for selfpresent volume gives reliable in- is that which deals with the dei- ish purposes are willing to sacriformation based not only on fication of heroes. fice millions of lives. Youth is wide reading but also on per- naturally militant, and easily sonal observation. Here we have With their extraordinary combina- persuaded to enter the army, or tion of ignorance, credulity and super- they can be inspired through stition the masses are prone to such stories as this to seek the victories of peace. the contrast between the belief ascribe supernatural powers to per:. Those who have gone at the of the masses and that of cul- sons of great gifts, singular person- call of Christ, through all the tured Hindus who form a small ages, have found that "kingminority. The first chapter ality, and even strange habits. doms are subdued" not through murderous warfare, but through Two missionaries may be reckoned the treaty of Bethlehem and by among the number of those who have following the leadership of the Prince of Peace. deals with beliefs, and is funda- been treated as divine beings. One mental. The author says that was Dr. J. E. Clough, an American Lucy W. PEABODY. Baptist missionary, under whom there three characteristic features was a mass movement to Christianity Forty Happy Years in Japan. By constitute popular Hinduism: in the Nellore district during the George P. Pierson and Ida G. Pier- son. 8vo. 130 pp. $1.25. Flemcaste, the veneration of the famine of 1876-78, when he was dis- ing H. Revell Co., New York. 1936. Brahman, and the sacredness of tinguished for his philanthropy and the cow. The first is the spinal From 1888 to 1928, Dr. and cord of Hinduism; the second practical ability, and carried to a suc- Mrs. Pierson lived and labored in Japan as missionaries of cessful conclusion the construction of Christ under the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. They a section of a canal, which gave re- came to understand and to love the Japanese, and because of is its handicap for the depressed lief to many thousands. After labor- their knowledge and love for ing for forty years among the Telugu- God, they earnestly sought to classes; and the third unites all win them to Christ. Their field Hindus, for "the cow is the pre- speaking people to the north of was in the most northern island siding genius of the country." of Hokkaido which is still Madras, he was surprised and dis- largely unevangelized territory.
tressed to learn that many of his con- This volume is chiefly a col- lection of scattered reminis- Almost universal illiteracy does verts had reverted to some of the practices of their former religion and not militate against fanatic be- invoked his name in various rites and lief. Superstition is rife, and incantations as if he were a deity. In polytheism runs riot. another mission field further south Mr. O'Malley doubts whether men who had been Christians treated India is more spiritual in its out- the grave of a missionary who had recently died as if it were a shrine, look than Europe. Litigation on and when his friends buHt a high a scale of five million cases a wall round the grave, in order to put a stop to the worship, they continued year is scarcely an index of a it outside the wall. S. M. ZWEMER. spiritually-minded people. In chapter three, which deals with· Victories of Peace. Stories of moral influences, he points out Friendship in Action. 12mo. 28. 6d. the gulf that separates religion Student Christian Movement Press. from ethics. Other chapters 1935.
deal with worship, evil spirits, In this interesting book of ten present-day deifications of he- stories of adventures of peace, Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by tlie REVIEW publishers on receipt of price, [271 ]
cences of forty years in evan- hood of Man as exemplified by tress during many months of gelistic work-memories of mis- Christ. The lectures are good sleepless nights and pain-filled sionaries and Japanese; of ex- but in our judgment do not go days, and, like her Master, has periences in typhoons, tidal far enough in their New Testa- learned obedience by the things waves and earthquakes; of per- ment position. she has suffered. One result is sonal work and conversations on this beautiful, inspiring book. religion; of work with children A Grain of Wheat. By Toyohiko Its tone is not gloomy and reand the Japanese Church; of Kagawa. Illus. 12mo. 150 pp. signed to defeat but joyous and meetings and revivals in thea- $1.00. Harper and Bros. New victorious. The pictures are arters, prisons and rural towns. York. 1936. tistic reproductions of the beau- There are also reports of prog- ties of God's creation-in forest ress and some conclusions as to Dr. Kagawa, the well-known and flower, in hill and valley, in Japanese history and customs; Christian evangelist and social summer and winter, in storm as to methods of work and the reformer, here appears as a and sunshine. place of women missionaries; as novelist-a role in which he is . The message is correspondto Japanese converts and work- famous in Japan. Over a million ingly beautiful- in verse and ers; as to missionary life and and a quarter copies of his books prose, with quoted gems and obwhat Japan most needs. While have been sold in Japan and this servations from personal experithe book lacks in literary merit, novel has already been through ence. The whole is inbreathed it makes up for this lack in in- two hundred editions. with trust in God and a recogformation and inspiration. The nition of His loving care. Any authors have shown themselves It is an interesting and mov- who come into contact with life's to be truly devoted missionaries, ing story of a young Japanese darker side will find here comwith courage and perseverance; of the rural masses who strug- forting help and peace that prayerfully depending on the gles against poverty and sin and comes from harmony with God power of the Holy Spirit to finally discovers the way to vic- and rejoicing in His will. make their work effective. tory and satisfaction through Christian teaching. Here in a The Case for Missions in Modern The Kingdom of God in Japan. Lec- popular form is a strong plea for India. By E. C. Dewick, M.A. tures by C. Burnell Olds. Pamph- helping to carry out Dr. Kaga- 25 pp. 3 Annas. The Palghat let. 25 cents. C. B. Olds, Jr., wa's Christian program for the Mission, Coyalmannan P.O., Pal- 1888 East 81st Street, Cleveland, rural population. The story is ghat. South India. 1934. Ohio. 1936. well told and the purpose of it is clear – to promote temperance Within the pages of this little The author of these lectures and economic reform. It 'will hook much insight and wisdom has been in Japan for thirty- help the reader to understand are to be found. As it states the three years as a missionary of and to sympathize with the peo- case for missions in every counthe American Board. The man- ple of that Empire who are try as well as in India, no one uscript was read by Rev. Akira handicapped by poverty but who will fail to profit by reading it. Ebisawa, Secretary of the Na- have such great possibilities. All who realize the modern detional Christian Council of The illustrations are from the cline of interest in missions not Japan, so that the statements cinema version of the story, only in you n g mISSIOnary and views have been doubly which we are told has created a churches, hut also in the parent checked. Mr. Olds' purpose is sensation in Japan. churches, will be glad to have to show the progress made by the situation examined with Christianity in Japan and to Gold by Moon,Iight. By Amy Car- candor and restraint by one as consider the most effective meth- michael. Illus. 8vo. 182 pp. S. P. well qualified to do so as the ods for its extension. The pres- C. K. London. Obtainable in author. entation is popular and inform- America at $1.50 from Hope Church ing – factual and from experi- Sunday School, St. Louis, Mo. After following his discussion ence. Mr. Olds' idea of the ob- 1935. -in the modern way-of such jective of Christian missions is questions as: the promotion of understanding Here is another book for sufand harmony between God and ferers and other Christians in Unfair methods of propaganda, man and between man and man. difficult places; for those who Missions are the expression of an Apparently he would not put the long to understand, or if they spiritual regeneration of the in- cannot understand, to draw pre- out-of-date religious imperialism, dividual first, and does not em- cious values out of seemingly Who should go as missionaries, phasize the necessity for per- impossible places. Miss Carsonal acceptance of Christ's michael, the human founder of few readers will fail to agree atoning death on the Cross and Dohnavur Fellowship-the mis- with Mr. Dewick's conclusion of belief in His resurrection from sion for temple children in South the matter which is: the dead. His emphasis is on India – has been used to bring the realization of the Father- many dark and suffering souls If the Christian missionary hood of God and the Brother- into the light and joy of Chris- presents Christ in His simplicity tian experience. She herself and grandeur, as pictured in the has suffered great physical dis- New Testament, he will have a message and a contribution for the world which can be given in no other way. JANE C. GOHEEN.
&!npl.. 01 0101' St.incUy School pubheatl_••1'4 Sheaves After Harvest. Andrew A. THAT
llabl. Ceur_ for Younq People', Soc..U.. Bonar. 126 pp. Is. Pickering & ..n! free on Jequeet. Inglis. London. THE BIBLE Used in thousands of Sunday Schools EST. 1886 Sources of Power in Famous Lives. where leaders believe in the inspira- Walter C. Erdman. 158 pp. $1.00. tion of God's Word• CHRISTIAN PUBUCATIONS.lN<: Cokesbury. Nashville. FREE PROSPECTUS of department 1502 N. Third St., Herrl.burl, Pe. Victories of Peace. D. M. Gill and in which you are interested and sam- A. M. Pullen. 128 pp. 2s. 6d. S. C. ple lessons (Graded or Uniform) will New Book. M. Press. London. be sent on request. Desk MR-S.
The Making of a Pioneer. Percy The Clash of Color. A Study in the Rev. W. Y. Chen, Ph.D., has been Mather of Central Asia. Mildred Problem of Race. Basil Mathews. appointed General Secretary of the Cable and Francesca French. Illus. Second Edition. Maps. 160 pp. National Christian Council of China 288 pp. $2. Stokes. New York. 2s. Edinburgh House Press. Lon- to succeed Dr. C. Y. Cheng, now Mod- don. erator of the United Church of China. The Apostle of the Chinese Commu- Until recently, Dr. Chen was pastor nists. Daniel Nelson. 139 pp. $1. At the Point of a Lancet. One Hun- of the Methodist Church of Foochow. Board of Foreign Missions of the dred Years of the Canton Hospital, During the last twelve months he has Norwegian Lutheran Church. Min- 1835-1935. William Warder Cad- been Acting President of Fukien neapolis. bury and Mary Hoxie Jones. 304 Christian University. pp. Kelly & Walsh, Ltd. Shanghai. Arthington's Million. The Romance Obituary Notes of the Arthington Trust. A. M. Congo Crosses-A Study of Congo Chirgwin. Illus. Maps. 160 pp. Womanhood. Julia Lake Kellers- (Concluded from second cover.) Livingstone Press. London. 2s. berger. 222 pp. 50 cents, paper; and 3s. $1.00, cloth. Central Committee has been extended for hundreds of for the United Study of Foreign miles throughout the vast North The Problem of Japan. Malcolm D. Missions. Boston. Brazil area. It has been a great force Kennedy. Illus. Maps. 287 pp. in the religious and cultural life of 15s. Nisbet. London. Glitter or Gold. M. E. Gillespie. the evangelical churches of that area. 240 pp. 2s. Pickering & Inglis. Papuans of the Trans-Fly. F. E. London. F. H. Hawki*ns,*fo*r over 40 years Williams. Illus. 452 pp. 30s. Oxford University Press. London. Jewels of Promise. Boardman Ser- a secretary and director of the Lon- mons. W. M. Seay. 151 pp. $1. don Missionary Society, died on Feb- Sharing Observations with the Home Boardman Press. Nashville. ruary 6. Until his retirement he was Church. Charles D. Bonsack. 287 responsible for the Society's work in pp. $2.00. Brethren Publishing Kagawa. An Apostle of Japan. House. Elgin, Ill. Margaret Baumann. 95 pp. 75 China. ** * cents. Macmillan. New York. Education for Service in the Chris- Bishop William Burt, for twenty- tian Church in China. The Report Daniel Alexander Payne. Josephus five years in charge of the European of a Survey Commission, 1935. Roosevelt Coan. 139 pp. A. M. E. Conference of the Methodist Epis- 157 pp. 60 cents. World Sunday Book Concern. Philadelphia, Pa. copal Church and later of the Buffalo School Assn. New York. Diocese, died at Clifton Springs, New John and Betty Stamm: Martyrs. York, on April 9th, at 83 years of Christian Education Overseas. A Lee S. Huizenga. 95 pp. 35 cents, age. Brief Survey. A. Victor Murray, paper; 75 cents, cloth. Zondervan F. F. Monk and Ronald Rees. 45 Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. He was born in Cornwall, England, pp. Is. S. C. M. Press. London. but moved to Massachusetts as a lad Henry Hammond Spalding. Pioneer and worked in a machine shop to help The Malabar Syrians and the Church of Old Oregon. Clifford Merrill support his family. He was gradu- Missionary Society, 1816-1840. P. Drury. 438 pp. $3. Caxton ated from Wesleyan University in Cheriyan. 438 pp. C. M. S. Press. Printers, Ltd. Caldwell, Idaho. 1879 and from Drew Theological Kottayam. Seminary two years later. In 1887 We Beheld His Glory. Nicholas he went to Europe and made his home Primitives and Supernatural. Lucien Arseniev. 220 pp. $3. Morehouse in Rome. In 1912 he was made Bishop Levy-Bruhl. 405 pp. 18s. Allen Pub. Co. Milwaukee. of Buffalo District and held that posi- & Unwin. London. tion until his retirement in 1934. He Personal Items is survived by his widow, three daugh- The Question of the Church in the ters and two sons. World Today. J. H. Oldham. 32 (Concluded from page 225.) pp. International Missionary Coun- Dr. Paul L. *Co*rbin*, for 30 years cil. New York and London. Dr. Courtenay H. Fenn, for thirty- five years a missionary of the Presby- a member of the Taiku Station of the The Christian Faith in the Modern terian Church and recently Recording American Board in Shansi, died on World. J. Gresham Machen. 258 Secretary of the Presbyterian Board January 9th. Under his leadership pp. $2. Macmillan. New York. of Foregn Missions, retired from ac- many new outstation churches and tive service on April 11th, having schools were opened, and the member- Uganda. H. B. Thomas and Robert reached the age limit. His total ship of the churches increased rapidly. Scott. Illus. Maps. 559 pp. 15s. missionary service connected with the Oxford University Press. London. Board of Foreign Missions was forty- three years, most of which was spent The Customs of the Baganda. Sir in North China. As principal of Apolo Kagwa. 199 pp. Columbia Truth Hall, professor of the North University Press. New York. China Theological College and prin- cipal of the Union Bible Institute of North China, Dr. Fenn has rendered very valuable service. He was also for fifteen years secretary of the North China Tract Society, and made notable contributions to the literature of the Chinese Christian Church, in- cluding a concordance of the Man- darin Bible, the Interwoven Gospel, a Chinese-English Pocket Dictionary and a number of tracts. Dr. and Mrs. Fenn have also given a daughter and a son to missionary work in China.
AND WHITE VIEWS
AMERICAN NEGRO PROGRESS In Our Special June Number HELPS AND HANDICAPS TO NEGRO CHRISTIAN PROGRESS W. R. WRIGHT, JR., Wilberforce University BISHOP R. C. RANSOM, Wilberforce, Ohio SOME ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE EMANCIPATION CHARLES H. WESLEY, Howard University MONROE N. WORK, Tuskegee Institute WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE? JOHN LITTLE, Louisville, Kentucky FRED 1. BROWNLEE, Secretary, American Missionary Association WHAT NEGROES ARE DOING FOR NEGROES 1. 1. BERRY, Secretary of Missions WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR AMERICAN NEGROES W. A. C. HUGHES, Philadelphia THE FUTURE OF THE NEGRO IN AMERICA CHARLES S. JOHNSON, Fisk University WHAT NEGROES ARE THINKING TODAY FORRESTER B. WASHINGTON, Atlanta, Georgia PROGRESS MADE IN RACE RELATIONSHIPS WILL W. ALEXANDER, Atlanta, Georgia SOME OUTSTANDING NEGRO CHRISTIANS JOSEPHUS R. COAN, Morris Brown College C. H. TOBIAS, National Council, Y. M. C. A.
THE NEGRO YOUTH AND THE CHURCH MARTIN 1. HARVEY, JR., African M. E. Zion Church TRAINING CHRISTIAN LEADERS FOR THE FUTURE CHARLES LEANDER HILL, Turner Seminary BEST BOOKS ABOUT AMERICAN NEGROES WM. LLOYD IMES, New York ORDER NOW FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CIRCLE 25 Cmts a Copy $20.00 a HUl1dred $2.50 a Year THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
Robert E. Speer, President Delavan 1. Pierson, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — April 1936
APRIL,1936
'THE Mass Movements in India 1. Waskom Pickett Recent Progress in Mexico G. Baez Camargo The Final Motive for Missions .s. H. Gapp Undergirding the Christian Home Clementina Butler The Emancipation of Indian Outcastes L. O.Hartman The Awakening of Egypt Anna P. White Congo Crosses 1ulia Lake Kellersberger 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year April 29-May 5–National Conven- Annuities In Operation Over tion, Y. W. C. A., Colorado Springs. Colo. Seventy-five Years May 1—General Conference, Meth- The American Baptist Home Mission Society has heen odist Episcopal Church, Columbus, receiving girts on the annuity plan since 1861. In the more Ohio. than seventy-five years that the plan has been in operation, these gifts have amounted to over Three Million Dollars, May 6-20–General Conference, Afri- while in the same period the Society has paid over Two Million can Methodist Episcopal Zion Dollars and has used for its general work or added to its per- Church, Greensboro, N. C. manent funds over One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dol- lars released by the deaths of donors. In no instance during May 6-21-General Conference, Afri- three quarters of a century has the Society failed to make its can Methodist Episcopal Church, payment to Annuitants according to agreement. New York. Inquiries concerning ANNUITIES AND LEGACIES May 12-15-National Council of Fed- may be addressed to erated Church Women. Dayton, Ohio. Samuel Bryant, Treasurer May 20-24-Northern Baptist Con- vention. St. Louis, Mo.
May 24-29-Confel'ence of Soc i a 1 Work. Atlantic City, N. J.
May 27-General Assembly, United Presbyterian Church of North America. Pittsburg, Kansas.
May 28-General Assemhly, Presby- The American Baptist Home Mission Society terian Church in U. S.A. Syra- cuse, N. Y. 23 East 26th Street, New York City June 4-9-General Synod of the Rt·- formed Church in Am e l' i e a.
Rochester, N. Y.
June 10-17 — Ann u a I Conference, Personal Items by the number of qualified men and Church of the Brethren. Her;;h('~', ,vomen '''ho can be sent into the field. Pa. Gipsy (Rodney) Smith, this year. compll'tef' his 60th y{>ar as preacher- "There remains a wide field of pio- June 16-24-General Council of Con- enmgelist. He ha~ made 32 visits to neer work '''hieh for generations to gregational and Christian Chul'che~. America. Many people find it diffi- come must l'emain the responsibility Mt. HolyokP Colll'ge. South Hadlc>y. cult to believe that he is the same of the churches in the "'c;.:t." Mas,;. Gip><y of whom their fathers and mllthel's talked many year" ago, <;0 re- Charles H. Tuttle, former Federal June 23-28—Chl'ist.ianYouth Council markable is his vitality. In his mis- attorney. has been elected President of :-J ortb America. Lakeside, Ohio. sions, the Gipsy now concentrates on of the Greater New York Federation church members and officials, rather of Churches, to succeed Rev. Eugene June 27-July 4–Geneva Summer than on "outsiders." He says that he C. Carder, D.D. School fo1' Missions. Lake Geneya, haR come to see that the outsider will Wisconsin. never be influen(~ed until the insider * * *' is really "born a!,(uin." July 6-12–Twelfth 'orld's Sunday Rev. Lionel Fletcher, British evan· School Convention. Oslo, NOl'way. Rev. Wayne L. Hunter, first Prot- gelist, and Dr. F. W. Norwood, pas- estant prison chaplain appointed by tor of London City Temple, have been July 9-August 12 – Winona La k e the Federal Council of Churches. has asked by the Free Chureh Council to School of Theology. Winona Lake, been assigned to the United State-s In- give all their time to evangelism. Ind. dustrial Reformatory of Chillicothe. Ohio. '" '" >I< Dr. John H. Furbay, of the Pres- Dr. Alice Appenzeller, President of .byterian College in Emporia, Kansas, Ewha College, Seoul, the first Amer- has been appointed educational coun- ican child born in Korea, is the first woman to he decorated with the Blue selor to the Republic of Liberia, at the Ribbon Medal "for meritorious service request of the Lt'ague of Nations. in education." Miss Appenzeller's father was Rev. Henry G. Appen- 1936 STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Dr. Lewis B. Franklin, Vice-Presi- zeller, pioneer Methodist missionary.
Four Parts-52 Lessons. Part 1. The Bible-The dent and Treasu"er of the Episcopal * * *' God of the Bible. Part II, The Christ of the Bible National CounciL who made a busi- _ The Holy Spirit. Part III, Man-Sin and Redemp· ness trip to the Orient. reports that Mr. George C. Stebbins, ttlP fation. Part IV. The Church-Future Events. never before have the opportunities mous and much beloved singing evan- gelist, vas 90 years of age and still Send 15c in stamps for current issue for thl' pl'eachin.:; of the Christian in good health on February 26th. Gospel in the Ori'mt been gJ'(~ater than Mr. Stebbins was for many years as- HRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS. INC; today. The extf nt of the growth of sociated in Gospel evangelism with the Christian Church is limited only Dwight L. Moody, Ira D. Sankey, P. 1502 N. Third St., Harrisburg, Pa. P. Bliss and D. W. Whittle. He still writes music for Gospel hymns al- though he is almost totally deaf.
MISSIONARY USED IN OVER ONE MILLION CHRISTIAN
REVIEW OF THE WORLD HURLBUT'S STORY OF THE BIBLE DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor By.JESSE LYMAN HURLBUT. D.D. Recommended by all denominations for its freshness and accuracy. VOL. LIX APRIL, 1936 No.4 for its simplicity of language, for Its freedom from doctrinal discussion.
Publication and Business Office- THE BEST GIFT FOR YOUNG AND OLD Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. FOR TEACHERS-STUDENTS-FOR THE HOME AND SCHOOL Editorial and Executive Office– Ooe hundred and sixty-eightstories, each complete in itself. yetform- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. ing a conUnuous narrative of the Biblefrom Gene.i. to Revelation. Entered as second-class matter at Each oithe world-old stories is told by the noted author in a manner thatis vitally interesting and instructive to young and old alike. Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Biggest and Best Wnstrated Book Ever SOld for the PrIce Beautifully illustrated wit!> 281 pict",re~ in colors and in blaC:Jand 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. white; over 100 famous Lemweber pamtmgs. 759 pages. PrIce..$2.00 Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Published monthly, except August. At all boolutore. or from the publi.her. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. British agents – Marshall, Morgan . .__ THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bldg., Philadelphia and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, the missionary forces. God grant that ruary 20, 1936, at 3 P. M. Dr. Robert 10 shillings a year. in the coming half century it may go E. Speer presided and gave an ad- from strength to strength." dress. There were 287 stockholders MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- and other friends present in person LISHING CO., INC. JOHN R. MOTT, LL.D., or by proxy. Chairman of the InternaUonal BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Minutes of the last annual ROBERT E. SPEER, President Missionary Council. meeting of February 15, 1935, were A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vice-President approved as published in THE REVIEW W ALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer *** for March, 1935. DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary "I would like to express my very The Treasurer, Mr. Walter Mc- SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT great appreciation of the value of Dougall, presented his annual report THE REVIEW. In my judgment, it which has been audited by Mr. Daniel WILLIAM 1. CHAMBERLAIN never was more worthy of its name, Pattison and found correct. This re- D. J. F'ANT more needed or more deserving of port showed a deficit of $1,007.81, with support than today. Never was there contributions of $975 to the Main- MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD such need of clear and clean thinking tenance Fund for the past year. The WM. B. LIPPHARD in the light of Christian truth as president appointed Mr. A. Y. Meeker there is today when anarchy is run- and Dr. Hugh R. Monro as an audit- Emc M. NORTH ning wild and running red over: much ing committee to examine securities of the earth. THE REVIEW from the in the safe deposit box. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER very beginning has been one of the primary factors in keeping alive in The Secretary, Mr. Delavan L. Pier- Editorial Chat terms of facts and truths the world's son, gave a report of the year s)1ow- need of a living and divine Saviour." ing the progress made and outlined The Florida Chain of Missionary plans for the coming year. Assemblies brought together as usual DR. JOHN McDOWELL, a notable list of missionary speakers, Associate Secretary, Board of Mr. D. J. Fant, representative of including Americans and those of the Evangelical Press, stated that the other races. Their topics covered the National Missions, Presby- past year had been the most encourwork of many denominations, both at terian Church, U. S. A.' aging since they undertook the rehome and abroad. These addresses sponsibility for the manufacture and are always enthusiastically received *** promotion of the magazine. The by Rotary clubs and high school whole publication expense might be audiences, as well as at luncheons and ANNUAL MEETING OF solved through increased circulation mass meetings. "THE REVIEW" and larger advertising income.
We have arranged to print in THE The Missionary Review Publishing The Nominating Committee, Miss REVIEW the addresses by many of Company held its annual meeting at J. H. Righter and Mr. Arthur Y. these outstanding speakers. Papers 156 Fifth Avenue, New York, on Feb- Meeker, nominated directors for the by Mrs. Induk Pak, Prof. Baez Cam- coming year, and the following were argo and Dr. Frank Laubach have THAT TEACH unanimously elected: already appeared. Others by M'rs. Kellersberger and Mrs. John P. White THE· BIBLE Robert E. Speer, William I. Chamare printed in this number of THE Used in thousands of Sunday berlain, Walter McDougall, D. L. REVIEW. Others are promised for Schools where the leadersbelieve Pierson, Samuel McCrea Cavert, Mrs. later issues. Watch for them and in the inspirationofGod's Word. Orrin R. Judd, William B. Lipphard, pass the word along. Eric M. North, A. L. Warnshuis, FREE PROSPECTUS Samuel M. Zwemer, D. J. Fant. *** of department in which you are inter- Brief remarks were made by the At the annual meeting of THE RE- ested mailed on request. Desk MR-4. Rev. J. S. Stowell, of Philadelphia, VIEW, a report of which is printed and by Dr. John McDowell, of New here, many encouraging messages York. were received, by voice and letter, showing the high esteem in which the The meeting was closed with prayer REVIEW is held by many. Here are a by the Rev. Mr. Martin, formerly a few extracts from recent letters. missionary in India. Will you pass the word along? Respectfully submitted, *** DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary. "For fifty years I have been a constant reader of THE MISSIONARY RE- *** VIEW OF THE WORLD, that is from 1886, the year of the memorable At a subsequent meeting of the Mount Hermon Conference. In my Board of Directors (March 9th), Dr. judgment no other periodical during Robert E. Speer was reelected Presithat half century can be bracketed dent; Dr. A. L. Warnshuis, Vicewith this one in comprehensiveness of President; Mr. Walter McDougall, view, in consistent emphasis on the Treasurer, and Delavan L. Pierson, pronouncedly evangelistic purpose of Secretary. Christian missions, and in influence in the direction of drawing together [161 ]
A GROUP OF CONGO BURDEN
MATERIAL E'VIDENCES OF IDOLATRY AND FETISHISM IN CENTRAL AFRICA SIDE LIGHTS ON SOME CONGO CROSSES (See page 173)
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 4 APRIL, 1936 Topics of the Times CRISIS AMONG THE OUTCASTES OF INDIA While Dr. Ambedkar is apparently not a man of strong religious convictions, and thinks mainly in The congress of representatives. of Depressed terms of political, social and economic betterment, Classes (Outcastes) in India, to consider a move- he has showed himself alive to the meaning of the ment away from Hinduism, was postponed from Christian faith and is mindful of what Christ has February to Easter, so that no definite action has done for his people. He has shown appreciation as yet been taken. Some months ago Dr. Ambed- of the difficulties that may arise if a large body of kar, an outstanding leader of the Depressed Outcastes accept the Christian faith without ade- Classes, who represented them at the Round Table quate preparation. He has suggested that some Conference in London, publicly renounced Hindu- key men among his followers should receive trainism in the presence of 10,000 of his people of the ing in order that they may teach others. Mahar community. He urged them to do the same and his action was unanimously ratified by The one thing that will impress the Depressed the conference. His reason for this step is that Class leaders is evidence of the power of Christ the Hindu religious system, by virtue of its many in the present Christian community. The great inhibitions, had completely failed to satisfy the need of all men is· the "abundant life" that comes aspirations of his people. They must, therefore, from God through Christ. The Church in India seek a new religion that will give them an oppor- must put her own house in order and must present tunity to worship and to advance. Dr. Ambedkar Christianity in terms of new life and a liberating said: fellowship.
The Depressed Classes have been unsuccessful in their It is evident that Dr. Ambedkar's action has efforts to bring about a change of heart among caste sent a thrill through the Depressed Classes as a Hindus and it is futile to waste energies and money in whole, who number roughly sixty or seventy milfurther trying to get redress and to work in harmonious lions and there are already indications of a growcooperation. I have come to the conclusion that the best ing resolve to follow his lead. When a repre- sentative conference of the Depressed Classes is way is complete severance from the Hindu fold. Because we have the misfortune to call ourselves Hindus, we are held in Lucknow at Easter time it is expected treated thus. If we were members of another faith none that important action will be taken. There seems would dare treat us so. I had the misfortune of being to be no doubt that there will be a great renunciaborn a Hindu with the stigma of an "untouchable." It is tion of Hinduism, whatever the next step may be.
not my fault, but I will not die a Hindu.
Reformed Hindus,· Moslems, Buddhists and An outstanding Indian Christian leader may be Sikhs at once openly invited Ambedkar and his appointed to attend the Lucknow Conference for people to join them, holding out promises of sub- the purpose of stating the Christian position, but stantial support. The Christian Church, whose without any desire to offer any wholesale recep- ranks have been largely recruited from these tion to the revolting Depressed Classes.
Depressed Classes, has rightly refrained from Christians in America, England and elsewhere entering into competition with other faiths for are earnestly asked to pray for the guidance of an influx of these people. After much thought the Holy Spirit in this crisis. These people must and prayer, various conferences have been held be taught first of all what the Christian Gospel between Christian leaders and Dr. Ambedkar really is, what are the terms of admission to the which have paved the way for further action. Christian fold~ and what l;I.re the thinJ{s that iIlc- ( 163~
sure and accompany salvation through Christ. a Christian, on the contrary real persecution. Suitable literature is being prepared to provide What have the twenty thousand of caste Hindus simple instructions for pastors and teachers. The in the Nizam's Dominions (Hyderabad, Deccan) Ambedkar situation should be related intimately had to gain by accepting Christ? Over against to the Forward Movement in Evangelism which Gandhi's dogmatic assertion is to be placed a is now being promoted in India. statement written by the Rev. Charles W. Posnett explaining why those twenty thousand began to Mahatma Gandhi has pronounced Dr. Ambed- come to Jesus Christ. Dr. Azariah, the Bishop of kar's speech as "unbelievable" and adds: "A Dornakal, and others tell the same story of the change of faith will not serve the cause the un- work among the outcaste people in Dornakal diotouchables have at heart." Millions of Indian cese being so successful that the caste people, who Christians testify to the contrary, for their whole of their own accord have been coming into the outlook on life and their characters have been Christian fold, say: "Weare astounded at the transformed through their acceptance of Christ. intellectual, social and spiritual miracles per- formed in these outcastes since they have accepted In agitation resulting from Dr. Ambedkar's Christ as their Saviour." In view of the facts of speech and Gandhi's comment, the word "con- Christian heroism, Gandhi should cease making version" has sometimes been used as if it meant a such aspersions on his fellow-countrymen. Mr. mere change of fellowship. Every Christian Posnett writes: should help to restore this word to its only correct meaning of a "change of heart"-a change of For twenty-five years the Christian harvest in Hyderarelationship to God and a new life from Him. As bad State was entirely among Untouchables; but grad- Jesus said: "Except ye be converted and become ually the young people who had been through our schools as little children ye cannot enter into the Kingdom had gone back to their villages, and by their lives and of God." Without such an inward change, character compelled the respect of those chiefs who had wrought by the Spirit of God, no change of out- always trodden them underfoot as slaves. At last a depuward circumstance will satisfy. "Except a man tation of caste people came to me to ask for a young be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God." teacher. They said, "We know he is an Untouchable, but he is pure as gold, and he has become our friend; we GANDHI AND INDIAN CHRISTIANITY* want him to come to teach us." This was only the begin- ning. That year, six hundred caste Hindus from all over In the Indian Christian Messenger, Allahabad, the country came to Medak, and Jor three days they the Rev. A. RaIla Ram, Joint Secretary of the listened and learned, and asked questions. Before they Student Movement of India, gives an interesting left they asked for baptism, but our watchword in Hyderaaccount of an interview with Gandhi. In the con- bad has always been "Thorough." We will baptize no one versation, Mr. RaIla Ram said to Gandhi: "Vari- unless we are sure they are prepared to stick to their new ous reports regarding your attitude to conversion Master, whatever befalls, and so we put them off for six have reached me. Could I hear from you first- months. When they got home, they had to go through the hand as to what exactly is your position?" Gand- furnace. Their land was stolen, their water supply cut hi's reply was: off; they were dragged to the courts on false charges; there was one continued, ceaseless effort to make them cry I must frankly say that today communalism is using out for peace at any cost. The devil seemed to have conversion to gain its ends. Various communities are out entered into the hearts of their enemies, who were deterto gain more numbers. Arya Somajists, many Moham- mined to do everything to stop the rising tide. Yet it was medan propagandists and Christian missionaries have of no avail. given me ample proof of this conviction of mine. Preaching pure and simple I cannot possibly oppose. I am a The Rev. A. RaIla Ram's last question was as to preacher myself. But religion is such a sacred matter what message Gandhi had for the Christian comthat, when it is preached, the motives should be unsullied munity in India, to which Gandhi replied: "Tell and pure. Besides, religious preaching should in the first them to let their love of Christ and love of the instance be practiced and lived, and unless word is backed land go hand in hand. You don't need one only, by life I am suspicious of it. I could prove it to you that or the other only, but both at the same time. Your a great deal of Christian medical and educational work is community has various advantages over other not for its own sake but with a view to add people to the communities; let it therefore all the more serve Christian community. . . . If a person wanted to be out the country." and out a follower of Christ and was at the same time devoted to his country and all the good in it, I would be the UNREST IN ITALY last one to oppose his <;onversion. But I maintain that such conversions are rare. The newspaper dispatches from Italy report only what Premier Mussolini and his censors per- Gandhi's last sentence (italicized) is much too mit the public to see in print. From these pubsweeping in face of present-day facts. Take one lished dispatches one might think that all Italians area only, and that a State of non-British India are united and contented under Fascism. This is where there is nothing to be gained by becoming far from true according to such intelligent, well- informed observers, as Professor Paul H. Douglas • Condensed editorial from Dnyanodaya, Poona, India.
TOPICS OF THE TIM,ES
of the University of Chicago, who recently spent has established, based on force, selfishness, fear some months in Italy. There is no doubt that "II and unrighteous aggression, cannot long prevail. Duce" has "put Italy on the map," has strength- Such regimes failed to produce strong abiding ened the government in temporal affairs, has nations under Alexander of Macedonia, Napoleon made many material improvements in the country of France, the Czars of Russia and Wilhelm of and has given Italians great confidence in their Prussia. Absolute dictatorship in human hands own strength. But there are many discontented does not create friends or rest on foundations of critics and some ominous rumblings beneath the righteousness, fear of God, and love for man. The surface; these show that fear holds sway in Italy, Kingdom of God-which is the only abiding King~ rather than love and loyalty. One purpose of the dom-is based on the dominance of Christ, who Ethiopian war was, no doubt, to divert the atten- is the expression of the sacrificial love of God. tion of Italians from the domestic situation and This Kingdom is manifested by "righteousness, to put before them an ambitious plan of foreign peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." conquest, promising large benefits to the nation. But the masses in Italy are not eager for war- STUDENT EVANGELISM IN CHOSEN which to them means hard military service with sickness, danger and death in a foreign land, The way most students spend their Christmas while at home it means privation and sorrow with vacation in America-skating, dancing, theater, unwelcome military restrictions. Apparent en- parties, sleeping and visiting-is in sharp conthusiasm for Mussolini and his program is stirred trast to the way some of the Chosen Christian up in public by artificial means; it is not spon- College students in Seoul spend theirs. Urgent taneous; but the people are afraid to express their pleas for help from about twenty churches were real thoughts or even to mention the name of the laid before the officers of the College Y. M. C. A. dictator lest they be arrested. "Send us young men who can tell the young people of our town of Christ," they said. "Send someone The Protestant Christians of Italy do not ap- who can sing as well as preach." From various prove the militaristic, materialistic, dictatorial places, couched in various terms, came the invitapolicy of the government; its disregard for rights tions, but burdened with the same need for help. of individuals and of weaker nations is anti-Christian. The Roman Catholic Church is merely ob- Maps were studied and the all too scanty budget serving an armed' truce, with the Pope ruling a item labeled "Student Preaching." "It was finalkingdom within a kingdom and disapproving ly decided," writes Dr. H. H. Underwood, Presimany of Mussolini's policies. dent of the college, "to make special effort in be- half of a little church close at hand where the col- One cause of the unrest in Italy, as elsewhere, lege students had carried on work all fall. Here is great economic suffering. While millions of was an opportunity which might yield much fruit lire are being spent on airplanes, battleships, mu- and which could not be abandoned for more thrillnitions and aggressive militarism, the average ing calls from far-away places. employed worker receives only $5.50 a week for himself and his family; meanwhile food prices "Four little struggling groups of Christians, are from two to five times the scale of prices for two in the south and two in the north, were also sethe same articles in other countries of Europe. lected for work during the Christmas vacation. At least one seventh of the Italian wage workers Two teams, with three boys in each team this are unemployed. Young men are inclined to be time, one a musician, were chosen to give four or aggressively militaristic but those past thirty, five days to each group. One of the finest violinwith family and business responsibilities, desire ists in Korea (a junior in the arts course), consepeace, liberty and a voice in the government. crated his violin to spreading the Gospel music Thinking classes do not relish the fact that an and message. indiscreet remark may result in five years imprisonment; nor do they see justice in the fact "When these teams came back for the opening that there is no appeal from the decisions of the of college in January each boy had a lot to tell. military authorities and the dictatorial courts. Cold, misunderstanding, persecution and heck- The Italian newspapers are all under Mussolini's ling; welcomes, conversions, joy of service, joy control, while posters, pamphlets and every de- of giving. The total attendance at these meetings vice of propaganda are used to bolster Fascism. was almost 7,000. About 200 young men met them But people are weary of being told that "II Duce" in earnest inquiry and joined in the study of the is infallible and divinely inspired; few believe life of Christ and the meaning of the message. that he is invincible. Premier Mussolini does not Between 700 and 1,000 little children were taught encourage the study of history for history teaches to know His Name, to sing His praise, and to say that the government, such as Premier Mussolini 'Our Father,' with a new meaning. Daybreak prayer meetings, morning classes with young peo-
pIe, afternoon Bible story hour for children, and Dr. Speer, in his address, called attention to five evening preaching service made the days full- main reasons for cooperative Christian evangelism seventy-eight such days of service in all. At the in the Southern republics. port of Yohsoo the building would not hold the crowds and twice they moved to larger quarters. (1) Admiration for the excellent qualities At one place the eyes of the Christians were found in Latin Americans and love for the people opened to their responsibility to give non-Chris- as we come to know them. tians a new conception of what real Christianity should mean. (2) The real need for Evangelical work as a protest against the errors and weaknesses of Ro- "We cannot estimate spiritual values in money man Catholicism as seen in Latin America. The terms, but, for purposes of comparison, it is in- very presence of Protestant workers is a stimulus teresting to note that these students-at a total to higher standards of doctrine and life. cost of $27.00-were able to reach 6,600 people; there were over fifty conversions; five churches (3) As a witness to pure New Testament were served, four to eight days, at $5.40 each; standards of faith and practice under the guidseventy-eight days of service at a cost of less ance and power of the Holy Spirit. than $.35 per day! More precious things were expended-much love, much faith, much enthusi- (4) To bring into Latin American life the inasm for the Master, and many other precious fluence of strong Christian personalities such as gifts. The results only God knows." have given their lives to Latin America in mis- sionary service; and to give to North Americans Did Christmas vacation mean as much to us in the benefit of contact with such great Christian America? Did it mean as much to others of God's personalities as Erasmo Braga of Brazil. children, and to Christ, as the vacation meant to these Korean college students? (5) But the dominant and essential purpose of Protestant work is to make Christ known to the COOPERATION IN LATIN AMERICA people of those lands – not merely the infant Christ of the manger, or the child in his mother's One hundred years ago the first permanent arms, or the dead Christ upon the Cross, but the Protestant mission was established in· South Christ who is the eternal Son of God, the cruci- America by the Methodist Episcopal Church. fied, risen and glorified Christ, who is the living Twenty years ago, in February, 1916, the first general missionary conference of Evangelical Saviour. Missions to Latin America was held in Panama. South America has been called a continent As a result the Committee on Cooperation in Latin America was formed. Its object was to within a continent. Not much more than the outbring together for united planning and effort the ward fringe is touched by Evangelical Christian- Evangelical forces engaged in promoting the Gos- ity-vast areas of the interior are still unreached. pel of Christ in those other American republics. Here is the call to advance. The doors are open Dr. Robert E. Speer presided at the Panama Con- wide and there is complete religious liberty in all gress and was elected cha;irman of the committee but three of the Latin American republics. The -a position in which he has served for the past response to the Gospel is encouraging, especially twenty years. At the same time, Dr. S. G. Inman in Brazil where success has been greater than in was elected general secretary and has probably all the other republics. Here is a call of God to done more than any other one man to promote advance and we are under obligation to enter North American interest in the peoples south of these doors while they are open and to strengthen the Rio Grande and to strengthen sympathetic the ties that bind us together in Christ. cooperation between the northern and southern republics. Evangelical mission work has not been Dr. George P. Howard, of Chile, who is known easy because of racial, religious, political and eco- as "the evangelist to the unchurched intelligentzia nomic differences. Real progress has been made, of Latin America," reported on the remarkable as the interest in the mission study topic of the responsiveness of the students, professors, mempresent year clearly indicates. bers of Rotary clubs and other thinking people to the message of the Gospel. They will not go to At a twentieth anniversary meeting of the Com- church but they will come in crowds to halls and mittee on Cooperation, held in New York on theaters to listen to Evangelical Christian ad:- March 5th, over two hundred attended the dinner dresses on moral and religious topics. In one year to honor Dr. Speer, who was presented with a Dr. Howard was privileged to speak on these gift of over $2,000 to be used as he may designate themes to 28,000 of the educated classes, the mato promote Evangelical work in Latin America. jority of whom are entirely out of touch with the churches. The radio is also offering wonderful opportunities to reach men and women in their homes. Thousands are becoming intelligently in- terested in personal religion and hundreds are enrolling in Bible classes.
Mass Movements in India~'
By BISHOP J. WASKOM PICKETT, D.D.
Author of "Christian Mass Movements in India"
MASS movements have long characterized another of these mass movements. Some records Indian mission work, but failure to deal contained as many as 350 entries . . . with them properly has often led to their The spiritual validity of mass movements was extinction. During the last thirty years they have abundantly proved by the data assembled, and the been the main feature of successful district work. conclusion was reached that for vast numbers of Over ninety per cent of the members of the Indian India's people mass movements offer the most Church have beEm won from the outcaste and natural way of approach to Christ. Weaknesses primitive peoples, amongst whom these mass were discovered and reasons for some of them movements hav~ taken place. They are commu- were clearly revealed. Neglect of personal reli- nal rather than mass movements. The practical gion, the bringing into the church of caste bar- lessons which our recent study reveals mark a riers, and the arrest or retardation of growth definite step forward in the missionary approach after being recognized as Christians, appear to be to the evangelization of India. the chief dangers attending mass movements, and When the project to study the mass movements everyone of these has been overcome in one or in India was proposed by the National Christian more of the areas studied. Of the causes of weak- Council in January, 1929, it was known that these ness in the churches that have grown out of mass movements had brought millions of India's people movements, the following are prominent: to a profession of Christian faith and discipleship, 1. Underestimation by missions of their responsibilities.
but there were, in the ranks of Christian mission- 2. Inadequate adaptation of methods of work to the pe- aries and Indian Church leaders, sharp differ- culiar needs of these communities. 3. Low standards of expectation and inefficient adminences of opinion about the measure of their istration. achievement, their value, their possibilities and even their spiritual validity. While many re- If the work of missions aiding these movements spected leaders of the churches were encouraging were everywhere brought up to the standards of mass movements, others equally respected were the best, and the lessons learned were applied to discouraging them in their own areas and depre- the work in every area, very great improvements would be made and the achievements through cating their growth elsewhere.
Objections were based chiefly on the depressed mass movements would be vastly increased . . . social, economic and moral state of the groups A number of missionaries and Indian Church participating in the movements, the supposedly poor material these groups constitute for building leaders have accepted the findings in the report the Indian Church, the obstacles which their con- as a sufficient explanation of their lack of success version was believed to put in the way of winning and have begun to work on new lines with early the higher castes to Christ, and the belief that promise of good results. One missionary, after the religious needs of the individual are obscured learning of what God had done through mass and his development as a Christian retarded by movements in different parts of India, prayerhis inclusion in a "mass movement." These ob- fully considered what class of people in his disj ections represented a conflict of experience as trict were most likely to respond in large numbers well as of opinion . . . to an invitation to come to Christ, and he went to them at once with a new definiteness and faith. The study of these mass movements was in- Almost immediately he discovered such responsaugurated in July, 1929. Representative areas iveness as he had not met with before in the whole were selected and intensively studied with the aid of his ministry. Within three months of his first of a carefully selected staff. Economists, sociol- approach to these people, a large group of them ogists, psychologists and church administrators was asking for admission to the church on prowere included among the investigators. Records fession of faith, and telling their relatives and were made about more than 4,000 households of fellow caste men of their new joy in Christ. A people who had come to Christian faith in one or movement of ~uch promise has begun, and five village groups, totalling more than 400 people, * Condensed from Wo..ld Dominiun, January, 1936. have been baptized.
[167 ]
Another missionary, who had been afraid to bile so that they can be employed where there is the best accept a large group of aborigines because he did. prospect of achieving results. not understand the operation of group action in religion, found in the report of what had been 4. That. converts should be urged to win their relatives achieved through mass movements of the same and those with whom they have been associated in caste tribe in another district the encouragement and or tribe, and that the resources of missions should be used to reinforce their witness to Christ; in other words, that evangelism shou;d be directed along natural social lines.
understanding he needed. He therefore received Evangelists have often been employed in one them, with the result that they have made an district, trying in vain to persuade people to hear excellent beginning in the Christian life and he the Gospel, while in an adjoining district people feels that the hopes and purposes with which he have been asking in vain for instruction. Recame to India are being realized. sponsibility for this has not been due to denom- inationalism alone, for it has often happened Yet another missionary had refused to allow a within the same mission. Because missions have group of sweepers to come into the church because developed property in certain places, evangelists he feared that their admission would keep out have been kept there when the people of that higher caste people whom he was eager to win. vicinity were unresponsive to the message and Through the report he was led to see the wrong people of neighboring territory were clamoring that he was doing and at once changed his atti- for it. Many Mid-India missionaries now see the tude toward the sweepers, with the result that al- need of mobility of evangelistic forces so clearly most one hundred of them have been converted that they are offering to send help from their and he is having happy fellowship with them.
These responses of individual Christian work- areas into the regions where movements are de- ers to new light, however, mean less than certain veloping, even though that means the disregard- developments affecting entire missions and groups ing of mission boundaries and the sacrifice of of missions. When the report of the study was denominational interests for the good of the larg- presented to the Mid-India Christian Council, one er church.
question seemed to take hold of the minds of all The tendency has often been to try to protect present, namely, why have similar results not been the convert from influences that are regarded as achieved in Mid-India? Few areas in India have a menace, by separating him from his relatives been so well provided with missionaries and other and all old associates. Many of the greatest in- agents of missionary work as has this area. The gatherings of the church in India have been population in Mid-India also includes an unusual- brought about by the refusal of new converts to ly large proportion of the sort of people who have accede to the demands made upon them to come been won to Christ through mass movements, yet out from among their people in a social sense.
the area has been among the least fruitful. Mis- They have insisted on going among their people sion work has been directed very largely to insti- to tell the glad tidings, and, instead of suffering tutions and rural evangelism has grown less and from the influence of their non-Christian environ- less fruitful. ment, they have won their fellows to Christ. Spir- Considering these facts, the council appointed a itual life does not seem to thrive when it is "pro- Mass Movement Committee with instructions to tected" by isolation, but when it is promoted by study the records and opportunities in the area witness-bearing.
and see what could be done to effect a radical Now we come to a brief report of the chief supchange. This committee has arranged for a two- plementary study of this period, namely, that of months' study of six sections of its territory, the unprecedented revival developing in the Telu- where it believes signs of potential mass move- gu field. Here we are concerned with mass movements exist, planned a redistribution of forces to ments in no fewer than forty-five different castes take better advantage of the openings which God and tribes, all following upon highly successful has made for evangelistic advance, andreached a movements in two depressed castes.* We have number of definite convictions concerning the interviewed almost a thousand converts of the program which God would have the church and middle and higher castes in this area, and their missions in Mid-India to follow. testimony indicates clearly that they have been Among these convictions are the following: profoundJy influenced by the transformation in 1. That cooperation in evangelism is an urgent need. the character and the enrichment in the personal- 2. That the resources with which God has entrusted the ity of the Christian converts from the depressed churches and missions are for the building of the Church classes in their own and near-by villages. The as a whole and should be used regardless of separate de- centers of the revival among the caste people are nominational considerations.
3. That the occupation of territory is of secondary im- • The results of this study will be recorded in a oook to be pubportance and that evangelistic forces should be kept mo- lished early in 1936, the title of which may be Christ's Way to In- dia's Heart.
CHRISTIAN MASS MOVEMENTS IN INDIA
the places in which the most thoroughgoing grain from wild animals, when he became hungry changes have been wrought in the character, out- and ordered the servant to steal some fruit from look and mode of living of the earlier converts. a neighbor's garden. The servant boy refused, "What influenced you to become a Christian?" saying that he would not steal even when ordered we asked a middle-aged physician who had been to do so. The Brahman threatened, then en- baptized a few weeks earlier. treated, but the lad persisted in refusing to steal.
"I was first led to investigate Christianity by Then he remembered that this boy's caste-fellows meeting an Indian minister on a cross-country had been notorious thieves until they were con- journey in a motor lorry," he replied. "We talked verted to Christianity several years before, and for two hours and I was surprised at his rich cul- began to wonder how this had been brought about.
ture and charm. I asked him about his caste be- Within a few weeks he began to attend church in fore becoming a Christian and was amazed when the outcaste quarter of his village and when his he told me that he came from one of the lowest caste-fellows protested he contrasted their false castes in the country. That puzzled me and I said claims in religion with the reality he found among that I would try to find out the secret of how a the Christians, and sought and found that reality despised outcaste could be remade into such a man for himself.
as this minister. I bought a Bible and read the These are typical of scores of experiences that Gospels of Mark and John, the Acts of the Apos- were told to us during this part of the study.
tles and several of the Epistles of Paul, and felt These conversions are bringing to the church that I understood the secret. Then I began to in- many new problems. When high-caste, egotistical vestigate the Christian converts in my own vil- employers join the church of their long-despised lage and found that the same transforming proc- servants, problems of relationship inevitably ess was going on in them. This led to my con- arise. The masters have to resist a strong natural version and I am hoping that all my relatives and disposition to assert their control of the church; friends will be converted. None of them can af- the servants to resist a no less strong disposition ford to get on without this power of Christ in to take advantage of their opportunity to rule in their lives." the one sphere where they meet their masters on A young Brahman told us that he was converted equal or better terms. In these conditions it is through the influence brought to bear on him by not surprising to discover a tendency on the part a servant from one of the outcaste communities of high-caste converts to seek baptism as a sign of his village. This servant was with him in his of their recognition as Christians, but to refrain father's field at night, protecting the ripening from any active association with the church. The study was undertaken chiefly for the purpose of discovering MASS MOVEMENT AREAS how the numerous problems (shaded) are being handled and with -In- what results. It is hoped other IKDlA '" BURMA lessons will be .learned which nln will result in greatly improved work.
By Courtesy of World Dominion, London For Whom Did Christ Die?
Twelve shipwrecked men were la- boring in heavy seas in an over- loaded boat, when one of the seamen, in order to lighten the boat, deliber- ately sprang overboard. The rest were saved.
For which of the eleven did the sailor give His life?
If Christ died for all, He died for each; for no one more than another, and no one omitted. The sun shines for nineteen hundred millions of mankind; but I know that it shines for me, and would tomorrow morn- ing if not another soul survived on the globe. So Christ loved me and gave Himself for 1ne.-ATthur T. PieTson.
Emancipator of Indian Outcastes*
By 1. o. HARTMAN, Boston, Mass. Jit– Editor of Zion's Herald I N FAR-AWAY India there has arisen a leader At a conference in Nasik last October, Ambed- whose ancestral background, like that of kar threw what The Times of Lucknow called his Abraham Lincoln, is summed up in the phrase "bomb-shell." "We shall cease our fight for equal- "the short and simple annals of the poor." He ity where we are denied it," he declared in an im- bids fair to become the emancipator of sixty mil- passioned address before ten thousand Harijans lions of miserable outcastes. Bhimaro R. Ambed- at the Bombay Presidency Depressed Classes'
kar is principal of the Government Law College Conference.
of Bombay and leader of a movement that is shak- Everywhere in India the movement is spreading the Indian Empire from the Himalayas to ing like wildfire. Following the conference, eight Cape Comorin; from the Indus to the Bay of hundred young men of the depressed classes per- Bengal. formed the obsequies of Hinduism at Nasik by This strange man, to whom the masses of India burning "Manusmriti" and other sacred Hindu are now rallying with pathetic hopefulness, was books which uphold untouchability. At Lucknow born of outcaste parents, apparently doomed to a another group sought to organize a band of vollife of hideous Hindu slavery. But he broke unteers to force temple entry, which from time through the iron bars of caste and finally was immemorial has been denied the Harijans. At graduated from college with honors. He attracted Barabanki twenty-eight thousand outcastes asthe attention of the Gaekwar of Baroda, India's sembled and, after hearing speakers, urged supmost progressive native prince, who gave young port of Dr. Ambedkar and called for an "All- Ambedkar a generous scholarship that made pos- Indian Harijan Conference." sible years of study in Great Britain, the United States, and Germany. From Columbia Univer- Great processions of outcastes from many sity the future barrister received the degrees of towns and villages marched on foot to a great master of arts and doctor of philosophy; from rally held at Egmore on November 24th. One the University of London the doctorate in science, speaker told of the wide-spread denial of educaand from the University of Bonn another doctor- tional opportunity to the outcastes. ate in philosophy. He visited the Pope and talked to him of the misery of the outcastes and of the Millions of multicolored leaflets have been isinjustice practised against members of the de- sued bearing Dr. Ambedkar'.s message to the outpressed classes in the Roman Catholic Church of castes, tracing the history of his people and their South India. struggle during the last six years "to obtain bare rights and recognition by caste Hindus as human Upon his arrival home Ambedkar experienced beings." But in spite of their efforts the outcastes again the far-reaching and sinister power of have been treated more inhumanly than before. Brahmanism. He could not rent a house in which They have therefore become hardened and have to live; he could not secure even an office room; decided "after mature deliberation and in a calm he was still an .outcaste; with all his education atmosphere to abjure Hindu religion for some he was only an "untouchable." After a struggle other religion which can give them equal treathe decided to go up or down with his people. To- ment, status, and clean living inside the faith." day the great struggle is on, one of the greatest struggles in human history, with sixty million Astounded at the mass uprising of Harijans, five progressive Hindu leaders recently held a low-caste slaves fighting for justice and freedom conference with Dr. Ambedkar and outlined. cerunder the leadership of one of their own number. tain reforms, including the abolition of untouch- Dr. Ambedkar has become the acknowledged lead- ability. The committee tried in vain to persuade er of the "Depressed Classes" and was their rep- the outcaste leader to retract his public statement resentative at the famous Round Table Confer- that he had definitely "decided to renounce Hindu- ism." ence in London.
The Mohammedans, seeing in the great revolt r • Condensed from an article in Zion'8 Herald, Boston, Mass.Dr.a Moslem opportunity, are making flattering of- Hartman has recently returned from Indla.-EDlTOR. 170] fers to the Harijans, and are hoping to captur~ have no scruples about taking it from their Mosthese millions for the Prophet. On January 6th, lem fellow workers. at Calcutta, there was held a great Khilafat Conference of Moslems. The president, the Nawab Dr. Ambedkar pointed out the inherent moral of Deccan, outlined a "fifty-year plan" to be car- and spiritual qualities of the Harijans. "How ried forward under an organization to be known amazing it is," he said, "that, notwithstanding as the Moslem Mission for the Emancipation of the injustices and cruelties they have suffered, the Depressed· Classes, and called for 100,000 they still keep a certain simple dignity and nobilmembers and a fund of 1,000,000 rupees. He also ity of soul, a kindly courtesy, and an undying urged the recruiting of 1000 Moslem evangelists, hope !" They will "make good" if given a chance. each of whom would pledge himself to give twenty years of his life to work among the outcastes. At present Mahatma Gandhi is defending the caste system in order to hold Hinduism together. Dr. Ambedkar is friendly toward Christianity Dr. Ambedkar said" "If Gandhi thinks from the and is familiar with Christ's teaching, though he standpoint of strategy the time is not yet ripe for is noncommittal regarding the future relation- a clear-cut pronouncement on this question, but ship of himself and his group to the church. In is really on the side of the depressed millions, New York and in London he sat under the preach- I can keep my respect for him, but if he is playing ing of some of that city's most distinguished min- politics I am through with him." isters. Recently he has conferred with Bishop J. W. Pickett and is deeply interested in the On the constructive side the outcaste leader bishop's book "Christian Mass Movements in In- sees clearly the economic issue. He declared: dia." He has also come into personal contact "We must develop cooperative banks among the with the Bishop of Dornakal, with Dr. Stanley outcastes, give them opportunity to save and to J ones and several other missionaries. acquire property. . .. The Harijans must be given a chance to own land, for only so can they The outcastes have apparently definitely decid- overcome the slave mentality that has been develed that they are forever through with Hinduism. oped through long centuries. I want the outcaste Some may accept the proffered compromises of to stand up and achieve all the dignity of a the Brahmans, but the great majority will prob- man . . . Education is essential." ably become either Moslems or Christians. Dr. Ambedkar, who is at heart a deeply spir- When in India I visited Dr. Ambedkar's home itual man, said that outcastes must be offered at Dadar, a suburb of Bombay. His study, in- more than simply individualistic "spirituality," cluding the balcony on three sides, is filled with important as that is. "Any religion that is to volumes arranged in stacks after the manner of command the respect of the outcastes and help a public library. Now in the vigor of early man- them to the more abundant life must also deal hood, this leader of the Harijans is a forceful with the application of Christ's teachings to the personality, rather quick in his movements and problems that they have to face. . . How can the with the keen eye that goes with penetrative in- Harijans develop strong characters and become telligence. He gives the impression of cautious useful men and women in the midst of a degradcourage. As soon as we were seated Dr. Ambed- ing and debasing environment?" kar took the initiative and the interview began. He dealt first of all with the evils of Hinduism and Dr. Ambedkar realizes that at bottom the whole traced the history of Brahman cruelty and in- problem is religious, and he knows that he is fightjustice to the outcastes. ing hoary traditions that have been entrenched not for hundreds but for thousands of years. Now He feels that the religious leaders of other he sees that the outcastes are "through for ever countries, in their effort to be tolerant of all re- with Hinduism. Weare going somewhere, but ligions, have been too lenient with Hinduism. He are not ready yet to say in what direction." If declares that the older missionaries were nearer they compromise with the Hindus, all is lost; if right in their estimates of the faith than are the they choose Mohammedanism, the Hindus will younger leaders who attempt to find "much good" crush them; if they accept Christianity, both the in it. He spoke of the cotton mills of Bombay Hindus and the Moslems will be on their back. where outcastes are employed as spinners at 27 rupees (about $9) a month but can never become Since the time when Moses led the Children of weavers at 100 rupees a month ($33) since in Israel out of the bondage of Egypt history has this department a bamboo tube is used to suck kept repeating itself. In the Reformation, in the in the broken ends of thread in the process of Enlightenment, in the English, French, Amerrepairing it. The high castes would never con- ican, and Russian revolutions, men have fought sent to insert the tube in their mouths after it for larger rights and liberties. And now Ambedhad been used by a low caste, although they ~ar of India seeks to lead another vast group of human beings out of the terrible slavery of caste into j usrtice and freedom.
Crosses
By JULIA LAKE KELLERSBERGER* Missiontlry of the Presbyteritln Church in the United Sttltes The Cross in the Sky watershed between the present territory of Rho- D URING the World War a company of young desia and the Belgian Congo, perhaps two small American soldiers were impatient to enter streams, only a few yards apart, would not have the fray. There were not transport ships issued from its center, one flowing south into the enough for all. The Captain, to be entirely just, Zambesi over Victoria while the other flowed drew a red cross on every third slip of paper, north into – what? Livingstone thought this leaving the other two blank. Those who drew the must be the source of the Nile but he laid down cross were to sail for France the next day. The his life with the secret which he longed to ferret others were to wait further orders. One sixteen- out still locked within the waters of the stream. year-old American lad wrote home to his mother, Had Stanley not been a worthy pupil of so illus- "I'm praying that I might draw a cross." He did trious a teacher, he would never have returned to the unknown to solve the unfinished riddle. For and his body rests in Flander's field. one thousand days save one, he stuck to the river It is a costly thing to draw a cross. Most of us which flowed north for hundreds of miles and would prefer the crowns but we must carry the first before we can be coronated with the second. then suddenly turned west. He found enough Those who have chosen the Belgian Congo as adventures to satisfy even a knight of the round a mission field have drawn a land of crosses, as- table, as is ably proven by his own history of that tronomically, geographically and spiritually. illustrious voyage. Reaching the cataracts, near There is a Cross in the Sky which looks down the end of his journey, he fought his way along upon this territory of approximately one million the shore and finally landed at Boma on the Atsquare miles, eighty times the size of the country lantic Ocean. The shadows which, for four centhat governs it. "The Southern Cross" shines turies, had surrounded the "Dark Continent," upon the second largest river in the world, drain- were now chased away by the limelight of sciening more territory than all the rivers of Europe tific discovery. The silence of the continent was broken. From forests and plains, from mountains combined. This river spells "life" to countless and valleys, from river banks and ocean coasts hidden hamlets, supplying food and water and that had hitherto been dumb came a murmur of transportation to an otherwise poverty-stricken desire. "The Continent of God's Adventure" was and secluded people. The Cross is reflected in the ready for God's adventurers; the continent of placid waters of Stanley Pool, not far from the Moses was now ready for leaders to bring a bondmouth of the Congo River, where begins the series aged people to the Promised Land; the continent of famous cataracts that impeded the progress of to which Mary and Joseph fled with the young a continent for four hundred years. We dare not child, Jesus, was waiting to give Him a place in probe too curiously into the might-have-beens, but her bosom. gazing down on fishing nets caught in the swirl The Cross on the Land of these innocent-looking rapids, one's imagina- tion is caught in the net of speculation. Had the Had young Prince Henry the Navigator not mighty Congo run a smooth course, the energies crossed over from Spain to northern Africa in of intrepid explorers who entered her mouth be- 1415 he would never have learned from the Mos- fo;e Columbus dreamed of his westward voyage lems there of the vast riches along the unexplored mIght, perchance, have been directed toward the Western Coast. He would never have issued his opening up of this old, old continent instead of royal edi-ct to Diogo Cam to "Plant the Cross on discovering the new. If so, then might not Chris- some new headland." Because of this command tian Africa be sending missionaries to pagan there was carved in 1486 upon solid rock along America? Who can say? Great doors often the bank of the Congo River a cross, the sacred swing upon small hinges! Had there not been a symbol of the Rock of Ages upon enduring stone.
* A~ address delivered at The Florida Chain of Missionary As- A well-known picture of the Christ Child portrays semblIes, 1936. Him with arms outstretched, running towards His [172 ] waiting mother. Noon shadows cause the warn- ulated country, whose people were known, until a ing form of a cross to appear behind His boyish few decades ago, as a dying race because of the figure. Central Africa, too, has her arms up- crosses which still hung upon the land – sorcery raised, but sinister shadows make weird crosses and witchcraft, cannibalism and the poison cup, upon her weary land. To those who have had the epidemic diseases, sin, ignorance and superstitkm. privilege of gazing upon the "Mount of the Holy Cross" in Colorado, whose seared sides are filled The Cross Upon the Back with spotless snow, and upon whose heights a great white cross is visible, can never forget the There is a cross upon the back of the women sacred symbolism. Congo hills, too, are scarred and girls of Africa. They are modern Gibeonites, hewers of wood and drawers of water. They are the builders of roads, cultivators of fields, and the bearers of babies. They are the centers of controversy, the barter goods of trade, and the cause of jealousy. They are the hub of the wheel around which turns the African ma- chinery of life. No army can advance any faster than its sick or wounded. African women are carrying heavy crosses, therefore African advance has been slow and painful. Congo maidens have already beheld, their young minds have already comprehended, and their girl bodies have already endured enough of life's stern realities to make of them old women in experience, long before they have even en- tered womanhood. Eight hundred girl wives were found near one mission station in recent years, married to aged polygamous husbands. Upon tiny bodies falls all too soon that sinister shadow of the cross of sickness, suffering and death. Figures range from 50 to 75 % infant mortality, but even at the lowest estimate there is an appalling death rate due to heathen cus- toms and superstitions centering around the new-born child.
A CONGO CHRISTIAN MOTHER WITH TWINS The Cross Within the Heart (If she were not a Christian the twins would have been allowed to die.) Within a trunk of curios from Africa there with the rush of tropic waters and the forms of is a tiny copper cross, of more historic value crude crosses sprawl here and there upon her than all of the other contents put together. rugged breast. Two great transportation routes, This cross was found buried in the grave of an traversing the length and breadth of the land, ancient chief hundreds of years ago and had meet in the Belgian Congo. They form a mas- been used as a part of the "bride-price" for one sive, man-made Crucifix, hung, as it were, upon of his many wives. Very much larger 'and the surface of the whole continent. The torrents heavier ones are still in use for the purpose of of civilization, with their mighty onrush, have securing a wife. It is natural that copper, left crosses not only seared upon the soil ;but tat- which is ' so plentiful in the Congo region should tooed upon the hearts of those who still wear the be used as a medium of exchange, but was it only scars of slavery and political despotism, of greed chance that caused them to smelt the ore to form for gain instead of desire for God. There· are so sacred a design? ·@ver four hundred yeats ago only ten people to the square mile in this depop- Portuguese Catholics claimed the West Coast for Christ, and many crucifixes have been unearthed in ancient villages. They were later used as fetishes to bring good luck in the hunt. Who knows but that they might have been thought of as bringing ."good luck" in the marital relations as well ? We shall· take .the cross, as they have done, as a symbol of marriage. Strange that where sin abides unchecked, the most sacred
things in life become the most degraded. Instead you are blind, you can hold on to a stick, but after of a crown of orange blossoms in her hair, the you receive your sight, you don't need the stick Congo maiden has a cross to bear upon her heart. any longer." Rejoice that there are many in the Congo today who once were blind but now can Another cross is seared upon the hearts of see; who once were holding to crutches, but now Congo women and they can never forget the awful can walk by faith; who once were seeking self, scars until the knowledge of the Cross of Christ but now are drawing crosses. There are now at takes the scars away. More than anywhere else, work in the Belgian Congo forty-four Protestant African superstitions center around the mother missionary societies with 893 missionaries, of 12 and child. Woman must not only bear the pain of nationalities. There are two hundred Christian physical birth but she must bear the blame for mission stations and a total of 527,800 natives in the illness and death of her offspring. Ngoya was such a case. Her four children grew up about her. An epidemic of dysentery swept the village and under the ministrations of the witchdoctor all four of them died. She was judged guilty of witch-craft and was made to drink the poison cup. She survived, but hundreds of others have died under similar trials. She now sits before the door of her delapidated hut, a few twigs burning before her, her wrinkled old face devoid of expression. "One, two, three, four," a Christian heard her murmur. He followed the direction of her finger and saw-four little mounds of earth. She was patiently taught of the resurrection hope, but there are thousands of other Ngoyas whose little twig fires furnish their only light.
The Cross Along the Road WIFE OF A CONGO CHIEF (She is burdened with copper bracelets and jewelry.) The Congo woman has traveled a long, long trail. She is standing at the crossroads of the active touch with Christian missions, not counting future and her choice of direction will deter- the children in 10,116 Christian schools. Denommine what she will be tomorrow, economically, inationalism is never stressed. Each convert is a industrially, educationally, politically and reli- member, not of a particular denomination, but of giously. The crossroads of an African trail, "The Church of Christ in the Congo." by which they believe that the spirits may come in either direction, is a very serious affair. The Nineteen hundred years ago a black man drew spirits of the future, both good and evil, are a Cross. How strangely significant it was that he, calling the African woman, as she stands hesi- among the howling mob, was chosen to lift the tant where two ways meet. A signpost is there burden_from the back of One who was carrying and it is in the form of a cross. The Guide the sins of the whole world. Today Christians Himself has placed it and has printed upon it have an opportunity to lift the black man's lesser in flaming letters, directions concerning the Way. crosses. The Crucified and Crowned Chr,ist is the Can she read it? Has she strength to follow? It only solution for "Congo Crosses."t is the privilege of Christian missionaries to take her by the hand and to lead her gently along the t "Congo Crosses," the Mission Study Book for 1936-37, published New Trail which has so many absorbing bypaths, by the Central Committee for the United Study of Forei&'ll Missions, "the upward, winding, daring trail" . . . to God. covers; 50 cents, paper covers. Author, Mrs. Julia Lake Kelles- berger. The Cross of Calvary "The arms of the Cross are still strong enough to hang the destinies of nations upon." Were it not for the power of the Cross of Calvary, there would be no hope for Congo's crosses. "Social service without Christ is like giving a dead man a stick to make him walk." When urged to leave her church and join in many counteractivities, an educated Christian Congo woman replied: "When
Awakening of Egypt*
__ I By MRS. JOHN P. WHITE, Pittsburgh, Pa. I Editor of The Women's Missionary Magazine of the United Presbyterian Chur~h O UT on the edge of the desert, west of Cairo, But I soon became aware of a new Egypt. stands the Sphinx. Cut from the solid Cairo had fine new buildings, wider streets, lovely stone, this monument has been standing boulevards. The smaller cities, which formerly for thousands of years. The conquerors of many were lighted by kerosene lanterns or candles, now nations have swept by; dynasties have risen and have their great white ways and there are wide fallen; generations have come and gone and still roads between towns and paved highways between the Sphinx has remained unchanged. the great cities. Many material evidences indi- In the Railway Station Square in Cairo is an- cate a new Egypt.
other Sphinx. Beside it is the figure of a young An Intellectual Awakening woman, with one hand on the head, as if to awaken the sleeping sphinx; with the other hand she Egypt, which has been one of the most backis throwing back a veil from her face. This statue ward of nations in literacy, is at long last visibly is called "The Awakening of Egypt." moved. In 1917, after thirty-five years of British occupation and sixty-three of missionary educa- "You will not know Egypt," my friends said tion, Egypt was gaining. Yet the census of that to me when I recently returned to Egypt after an year revealed that less than ten per cent of Mosabsence of years. "Everything is changed; there lem men could read and only half of one per cent is a new Egypt." of Moslem women could read. That means that only five Mohammedan women out of a thousand But I did know Egypt. At first my thoughts were literate. The percentage in the Coptic comall seemed to turn backward. I went into the old munity was higher, and in the Protestant commusections of Cairo and Assiut with their narrow, nity it was very much higher, but Egypt is almost malodorous streets and swarming population; solidly Mohammedan, having thirteen million out they seemed exactly the same. I visited the vil- of the total population of fourteen million. The lages, with the one-room houses of sun-dried census of 1927 showed seventeen and one-half per brick, where often the family, the donkey, and the cent of men and two per cent of women to be chickens all sleep under the same roof. Were literate. This means that twenty out of a thouthese the same houses I had seen years before? sand Mohammedan women could read. But do The crumbling walls, the old thatch of corn-stalks not forget that 980 out of a thousand Mohammedand cotton-stalks answered "yes." an women are still illiterate. The next census will show another encouraging increase, and we And the people? All sense of time seemed to all rejoice, for every new reader is a potential be lost as I looked at the farmer with his camel Bible reader. It is not too much to claim that the and donkey hitched together, drawing a primitive American missionaries who opened little schools plow; or at. the small boy riding his buffalo cow for Egypt's children eighty-one years ago, and in down into the water to give her a drink. They the course of years built up a system from kinwere people I knew. As I looked at the black- dergarten to college, and who trained an army of veiled women, I felt I knew them. When one teachers, started the idea of education for the sons .rushed up to me with a sign of recognition my of the common people, and introduced the wholly heart said "Oh, that is Sitt Gameela," but the new idea of educating girls. calendar said "Perhaps she is Sitt Gameela's daughter."
Egypt at times seemed unchanged. The land, Today Egypt has a national school system. the crops, the trees, the flowers, the old monu- King Fuad, several years ago, told one of the misments-all are the same; the river still sionaries of his ambitions to make Egypt literate.
. . . Flows through old hushed Egypt and its sands He realized the difficulties-the opposition of the Like some grave mighty thought threading a dream. old conservatives, the necessary extra taxation, the lack of trained teachers, the poverty of the sem• bPllaerst, o1f9a3n6. address given at the Florida Chain of Missionary As- people, who need the help of every child to earn a [175 ]
few millemes, but he said, "I am determined to go but through education. Both men and women forward with my program." And he has gone have come to see a new dignity in womanhood, forward with the help of forward looking men. and to place a new value upon childhood. Here Primary schools, covering a four-year course, are again Christian women from the West showed a springing up throughout the villages, high schools new way. are available for many in the cities; and a university established in 1925 is as modern as the Egyptian women have recently organized nu- American University in Cairo. merous societies for the help of their own people. The "20," with their new privileges, are reaching This new education is producing a real revolu- out a helping hand to the "980." These women tion. EI Azhar, the great Mohammedan Univer- have created public opinion that demanded many sity, older than Oxford or Cambridge, has been out new laws. They asked for schools, equal educaof sympathy with the new methods, but the inrush tional privileges for girls, hospitals, eye clinics, of news from the outside world through the press, orphanages, reforms in marriage customs, new Western literature and the radio, is making a pro- rights in divorce courts, raising the marriage age found impression on the younger generation. to 16, and other reforms relating to public hy- They have demanded that some of the sciences be giene, immorality, evil customs and superstitaught, that the curriculum be changed to a more tions. modern type. Such proposals always meet strong opposition but some changes have been made. Professor Cleland of the Cairo University, through the Extension Department, is making a It has taken brave souls to speak against the fine contribution to this awakening among both old order. Prof. Fahmy Monsour, writing on men and women, through moving pictures, and by "The Condition of Women in Moslem Lands" cre- having outstanding speakers discuss among other ated a furore; Judge Ali Abd el Razek, writing subjects the social problems of Egypt. A similar on "Islam and the Principles of Government" and contribution is being made by the Egyptian disclaiming the need of a Caliph to govern Islamic Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association people, was removed from office; Dr. Taha Has- through lectures to men, and through discussion sein who brought to light "Pre-Islamic Poetry," groups among young Egyptians. which had passed as Moslem poetry, had his book confiscated, and he was dismissed from his post in A Spiritual Awakening the university, though he was reinstated when there was a change in Parliament. Best of all there is a spiritual awakening. Eighty-one years of Gospel teaching and eighty- The Egyptian press is spreading the news of one years of the demonstration of Christian love the world throughout the land. In spite of the have brought forth glorious fruits. There has fact that the reading public is so limited~ yet there never been any Christian mass movement in are thirty-nine dailies and two hundred and fifty- Egypt; never has there been a time when great seven journals published in Egypt. From this numbers were swept into the church, but there intellectual .center of Islam the presses are send- has been a steady growth year after year. ing forth the currents of thought of modern Egypt. There is an Evangelical church built up of men and women and youth who have found Christ as The Annual Almanac 'reports that of the 188,- the only One who can give them new life, joy and 000 volumes in the Royal Library in Cairo, 88,000 peace and help in all their problems. It is not a are in the Arabic language. There is a new book perfected church, but it is one exhibiting devotion coming off the press every day. When you under- to God's Word, faithfulness to His ordinances, stand the custom of the land you will know that generosity to His work, and a willingness to serve. one paper or book can enlighten a whole village. One man sitting in front of his shop will read in Watch the students in the Cairo College for strident tones so that even he who runneth can Girls going home to conduct Vacation Bible hear. It is a system that lends itself to Bible read- Schools; or follow the students of the Training ing also. And the Bible is one of the "best sellers" College and the Pressly Memorial Institute in in the Nile Valley. Assiut as they go out to give this same service in the small villages in Upper Egypt. Or listen to A Social Awakening the little bands of college boys conducting street Sunday Schools, and the girls holding little serv- The release of new ideas, as well as the in- ices with groups in homes in the city or Assiut. creased literacy, has produced a social awakening. Mohammedan women, if permitted to go out Hundreds of our trained Christian teachers at all, have for centuries been veiled women. add to their schedule in school a period of Bible Today the veil is being cast off, particularly in study daily. cities, not by a government firman as in Turkey, Many of the church members give voluntary service during "Witness Week" as they go among
THE AWAKENING OF EGYPT
their neighbors selling Scriptures or giving por- How has the Moslem life been touched? To tions to those too poor to buy. quote Prebendary Wilson Cash, "The Christian Time would fail to even mention the service!' of faith is a life to be lived and the reason why Mos- the ministers and elders and Sunday school teach- lems are so often repelled is becausQ it has never ers and Bible women; of the Christian doctors, been adequately tried by any large body of people nurses, and child welfare helpers; of the thou- or nation . . . We cannot attack the faults of sands who cooperate with this self-supporting, others when we are so conscious of our own fail- self-governing church. ures, but we can seek to show by love and service For thirty years the only Protestant church what Jesus Christ taught and what His ideals, if carrying on work in Egypt was the United Pres- applied, would mean in world regeneration."
byterian Church of America. Later the Church This is what missionaries have done. Hospi- Missionary Society of England undertook a spe- tals, clinics, orphanages, and child welfare cen- cial work for Moslems in Old Cairo where this ters have been established to minister to' thou- society conducts one of the largest missionary sands; and how often a poor suffering woman, hospitals in the world. feeling the gentle touch of physician or nurse, has The Egypt General Mission, an independent exclaimed, "Our religion never does this for a British group, labors in the Delta, cooperating fellaha." Thousands of children have received with the Evangelical Church, and other small their education in Christian schools and they grow groups are sharing in the service for Egypt. Sta- up as friends to the Christian missionary.
tistics alone may seem to show the investment of Dr. Sadek, a professor in the Egyptian State eighty-one years has produced small profits, but University, delivered a commencement address in there are many secondary results. June, 1935, at the College for Girls in Cairo, The Coptic Church for years conducted its wor- where more than half of the students are Moham- ship in a dead language so that its people were medans. Among many other fine things, he said: not fed on the Word of God. Living in the midst "I consider that this college stands high of the overwhelming. Moslem population, they amongst all other schools by virtue of the char- were not far removed in life and practice from acteristic stamp which it imprints on all its stu- their neighbors. When the late Theodore Roose- dents."
velt was in Egypt twenty-five years ago, he was One of the graduates of the class of 1935 took entertained by a bishop who is now the Patriarch as a subject for her commencement essay, "The of the Coptic Church. When the bishop was prais- Cries of Egypt." She pointed out the evils and ing the Americans, Mr. Roosevelt asked: "What sorrows of her land and in a passionate appeal have they done?" summoned her hearers to help. "I have done "Many, many good things" was the reply. this," she concluded, "only with the hope of find- Mr. Roosevelt in his characteristic way, said, ing an immediate response, especially from both "Tell me one outstanding thing they have done." graduates and students of our College where we "They have given us the Bible," replied the learn the true meaning of help and self-sacrifice."
bishop. He did not mean that they had translated From among all these influences and achieve- it into the language of the people, for that had ments of the Christian Church, an increasing been done years before by Americans in Syria; number of Mohammedans are coming and saying, he meant that the Evangelical Church had proven "Sir, we would see Jesus."
that if Christianity is to have power in the lives Yes, Egypt is awake after a sleep of centuries.
of'men and women, they must be taught to read It is significant that an Egyptian artist should and understand the Bible. Today the Coptic have conceived the idea of a woman as the agency Church uses the Bible in the Arabic language and through whom this awakening should come. The in an increasing number of churches, the priests true spiritual awakening must come through the preach Gospel sermons. Sunday Schools have also woman who has been touched by the power of J e- been organized for children, and among the men sus Christ. Those who share their service, their have been organized "Friends of the Bible" gifts and their prayers with the Evangelical classes. The Coptic Church now joins the Evan- Church of Egypt will go forward with joy, believ- gelical Church in some centers in annual Sunday ing that they are helping to fulfill the prophecy School Conventions, where they confer together made centuries ago that "the Egyptians shall and plan for better methods of building up the know the Lord" and "the Lord of hosts shall bless Kingdom of God. her saying, Blessed be Egypt my people."
Progress in Mexico*
By GONZALO BAEZ CAMARGO Writer, Lecturer and Secretary of the National Coulzcil of Evangelical Churches of Mexico BECAUSE of the unreliable press reports up- assigned for public health is also gradually in- on which the mind of the average newspaper creasing every year. Within the next four years reader is being fed, Mexico is commonly as- a total of fifty million Mexican dollars will be sociated with strange and often ludicrous ideas of granted for agricultural credits and the same disturbance and backwardness. There is another amount for irrigation works. Physical culture side of the picture, however, of which the Ameri- and the campaign against alcoholism are being can people probably seldom hear and to which I strongly encouraged.
want to refer briefly. The truth is that Mexico is In the midst of the present profound changes steadily moving forward, carrying on its remark- that Mexico is undergoing, two facts belonging to able program of social reconstruction, which is the spiritual realm ought to be mentioned. In the being entrusted more and more to educational and first place, strange as it may seem, in view of the peaceful methods. press reports that reach the American public, The shifting of the political power from one there is an unprecedented interest in religion, not group to another had been hitherto practically only among the common people but also among always a bloody affair in Mexico. But the fact the educated classes. Contrary to the Latin Amerthat the country has been able, in the last few ican tradition, according to which truly educated weeks, to pass through a very serious political people are not supposed to take any real interest crisis of that type, without resorting to civil war in religious questions, apart from the routine comand bloodshed, is in itself a very hopeful and pliance with the established rites of the churches, encouraging sign. a new and deep concern for religious problems Among other signs of progress, the following may now be detected in these circles. Religion is should be especially mentioned: the effort to build becoming a burning question for everybody; up a strong national economy, opening new roads books which deal with it are increasingly in deand developing the material resources of the coun- mand, and the idea of free discussion of religious try; a new appreciation of the creative capacities subjects is spreading.
of the Indian, who for many centuries was held In the second place, from certain influential back as an inferior being, in a desperate condition quarters comes an open challenge as to the place of ignorance and poverty; and, what is best of and function of religion in the life of the indiall, an educational awakening which has no prec- vidual and of society. As a result, some of the edents in the whole history of Latin America. In fundamental truths of the Christian religion are referring to this educational movement, Frank being seriously questioned in the minds of many. Tannenbaum writes, "It is the most modern, yet The real truth and power of the Christian religion the most delicate and sensitive, large-scale move- has not been known to the great majority of the ment of cultural stimulus and social awakening Mexican people, and a good number of them feel that can be recorded in America, and perhaps in inclined, of course, to interpret Christianity in the world." terms of a very imperfect realization of its real content and meaning. Upon these unsound Special attention has been given, in this educa- grounds, there are many who feel justified in retional program, to the rural communities and par- jecting what they think is the Christian religion ticularly to the Indians. Thousands of rural because they find in it many elements wh,ich they schools are now functioning all over the country. believe to be opposed to the enlightenment and During 1935 over 2,400 new rural schools were social progress of the people. established. The educational program provides for 2,000 new schools each year. The budget for The Mexican nation is deciding, at this very the army has been reduced and the budget for hour, whether the religion of Jesus will become a education considerably increased. The amount fundamental and dynamic element in the remak- ing of the country, or whether it will have to be 193• 6A. n address given at the Florida Chain of Missionary Assemblies, [178 ] left out as a useless tradition of a dying past. It the home and a book on principles and methods is a most solemn hour of decision, not only for of Christian education. The Union Publishing Mexico but also for the rest of the Latin American House, an interdenominational concern, is devel- oping an intensive literature program. Books on world. Christianity and Communism, science and reli- Out of these two outstanding facts, there grows gion and other subjects have been published. One of them deserved three columns of editorial comthe pressing need of presenting to the Mexican ment in a leading daily of Mexico City. people an objective interpretation of true Christianity, in terms of individual and social behav- By means of prayer circles, organized in the ior. To demonstrate Christianity, factually and local churches, and by special emphasis on perdistinctly, as a supreme and incomparable force sonal evangelism, the work is being spiritually in regenerating the individual and shaping society nourished and strengthened. according to the principles of Love, Justice and Fraternity, is coming to be, therefore, the great- The training of workers for Christian service est task of all those who bear the name of Christ is entering into a new stage. The Union Theolog- ical Seminary, which had been concentrating its in Mexico. work upon the training of ministers, with head- Benito J wirez, the great Indian president of quarters in Mexico City, is now developing an intensive training program for lay workers all Mexico, once expressed his hope that Protestant- over the country, by means of a chain of sixism should become an active force in liberating weeks' training schools, with an itinerant faculty, the Mexican Indians from the state of ignorance, functioning in the denominational fields and rensuperstition and vice in which they lie. And more dering valuable services to the local churches. recently, ex-president Portes Gil, now the head of More than a dozen of these new training schools the National Revolutionary Party which controls were held during the last year. the Government of Mexico, said: "If our children are to become Christians, let that be by seeking There are many elements in the Mexican situathe original fountain, the words of the Master tion which have been an acid test of the steadiness which are in the gospels." Antonio Caso, the lead- and quality of the Protestant work. It has been ing Mexican philosopher, has sounded this ener- a time of trial. But it has finally turned out to be getic proclamation: "The arms of the Cross are a real time of splendid and unprecedented opporstill sufficiently strong to permit us to hang our tunity. As a whole, it may be said that the Protdestinies upon them." estant churches in Mexico are not so much con- cerned about a theoretical recognition of religious The Protestant forces in Mexico are ready to do liberties as to the much more practical issue of their part, in spite of their numerical inferiority, how to make the best use of the present opporin answering these ringing calls to Christian con- tunities, for the spiritual upbuilding of the nation, structive action. They are awakening to a new for the benefit of the people and for the extension sense of responsibility, out of which a creative of the true Kingdom of God in Mexico. and expanding program has gradually emerged. THE AWAKENING IN BRAZIL Six denominations have organized a National Council of Evangelical Churches, under which a In few mission fields of the world, perhaps in strong cooperative forward drive is being con- none, is Evangelical Christianity making such ducted. Its General Department of Christian Ed- rapid and amazing progress as in the great Braucation is very active, promoting the improve- zilian republic. The latest news refers to a great ment of the church agencies and mainly Christian evangelistic campaign in the City of Sao Paulo, education in the home. In 1933 Mexico occupied during December. This campaign was conceived the second place in Latin America in the work of and initiated entirely by Evangelical Christians in Daily Vacation Bible Schools. During the last Brazil and took the form of simultaneous meetyear seventeen different camps for young people ings held in forty centers in the great City of Sao were held. A committee appointed by the Evan- Paulo. Ninety Brazilian preachers, representing gelical National Convention has begun to organ- all the Evangelical denominations and including ize discussion groups among the students. A na- Southern Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and tive evangelical scout program is being developed Episcopalians, cooperated in the effort, breaking and experimented in Mexico City. The circulation across the denominational lines. Three hundred of the Bible has had an increase of almost a hun- prayer groups met regularly in this one city bedred per cent since 1931. Special attention has fore and during the evangelistic campaign. The been given to the preparation and publication of effort originated in the Brazilian Committee of Christian literature. The Regional Committee on Evangelical YQuth of Sao Paulo. Curriculum has published a series of monographs on methods of religious education work, material fQr VacatiQn and Sunday schQols, literature fQr
Final Motive for Foreign
By the REV. S. H. GAPP, D.D., Bethlehem, Pa.
_•..g( President of the Society of the United Brethren for Propagating the Gospel Among the Heathen W HAT may there be in missions which moral and spiritual. The second motive is based makes their prosecution the duty of the on internal experience, springing from a consid- Church until their great purpose has been eration of Jesus Christ and our relation to Him, accomplished? What is their final objective? loyalty, gratitude and love. What the impelling motive? There are the minor motives. There is a final and compelling motive. Dr. Cleland B. McAfee notes five fundamental missionary motives, all historic. 1. The Commis- Warneck's definition of purpose is this: "Pfian- sion of Christ. 2. The need of the world for all zung und Organization der christlichen Kirche that Christ brings. 3. The nature of the Chrisunter nicht-Christen." Unless you read a great tian faith, its universal truth and its value for deal into the statement it makes the prime object all men. 4. The need of the home church to fulfil of missions to be the propagation and organization life by the evident expression of its spirit. 5. The of an institution-the Christian Church-among work already done and now in progress in all non-Christians. lands.
Dr. Robert H. Glover, in his "Progress of Permit me to treat the motives less technically, World-Wide Missions" says: "The aim of mis- more practically with illustrative material drawn sions is to make Jesus Christ known to all men as from the history of missions and from the mission the only Saviour from sin." field at the present time.
The Lutheran Pietists of Germany and Count The Boom of Christian Missions Zinzendorf, the Moravian, said the purpose of missions was "Seelen fur das Lamm zu werben"- Dr. Arthur J. Brown wrote his book "The Forto win souls for the Lamb. eign Missionary" in 1907, near the beginning of the century. He says: "The foreign missionary Dr. Arthur J. Brown says: "The aim is to pre- enterprise is the vastest enterprise of the Chrissent Christ so intelligently that they will accept tian Church. There are now 28,000 Protestant Him as their personal Saviour." foreign missionaries in non-Christian lands; 2,408,900 adult communicants are enrolled in a Take these and other definitions together and no one can raise serious objections. This is not only the purpose of foreign missions but of home Christian army of 5,145,236; 140,000 native minmissions also, it is the purpose of the Christian isters, evangelists and teachers, 36,616 Sunday Church. It is the purpose of the Incarnation. It schools with 2,000,000 pupils. Then he lists all the is the reason for the work of God among men. charitable, educational and Biblical institutions in Or as Glover puts it: "Christian missions is the the heathen world and ends with the sentence proclamation of the Gospel to the unconverted "The Christian people of Europe and America everywhere according to the command of Christ." gave last year for the maintenance of these varied activities $44,448,000." This purpose is so exalted, so extensive, so costly, so humanly impossible for Christians to ac- When E. W. Smith issued his "The Desire of complish (who after all are only a fractional mi- All Nations" he could honestly and enthusiastical- nority of the earth's population and few of them ly write: "It took a hundred years to win the first are spiritual giants) that we may well ask what million converts from heathenism, twelve years to motives inspire men to dedicate themselves to so win the second million, less than six years the heroic a task. Of course the power must be divine; third, and the number is mounting now with a there is no other sufficient motivation for the swift acceleration. In all but two or three of the Church's continuing self-dedication to this heroic, great strategic centers of the world, Gospel staworld engirdling task. tions are firmly planted."
Glover says that essentially there are only two Such optimism! Such enthusiasm! And surely motives, both biblical. The first is based on ex- all who know the marvellous expansion of misternal facts-springing from the consideration of sions in the last seventy-five years would justify the material condition of the heathen, temporal, the optimism. Japan opened to missionary in- [180 ] fluence in 1859, the larger efforts in China since is born irrevocably with his tiny personal life at 1860, Livingstone's travels in Africa till his death some definite point."
in 1873 and the enormous development of missions If all that is true, then missions never did and there since his death, the great work in Korea do not now have a worth-while raison d'etre. As since 1884, the wild colonization period which Karl Heim says, missions could then be considered gave unparalleled opportunity to missionary only as a means of culture, propaganda or "reliforces in England, France, Belgium, Italy and gious imperialism," as a part of the conflict of the Germany. whites with the colored races. "We could then This was paralleled in America and English- view missions from a strategic, political and na- speaking countries generally by the missionary tional viewpoint, and ponder the question whether excitement engendered by great movements and it would not be better for the present to give up slogans, "The Evangelization of the World in this all ecclesiastical propaganda in pagan countries, Generation." The generation that coined the especially as the success of missions is seriously phrase is dead-the world is not yet converted. threatened just now in China by Bolshevism, in Alexander McLeish last year wrote a book "Jesus India by religious and political nationalism and in Christ and World Evangelization" to prove that Africa by the ever-increasing secularization of the world can be evangelized in this generation, civilization."
that indeed any generation could have done it. Well, the missionary authorities do not at this Professor Kenneth S. Latourette of Yale recently point stop and hire a blackfaced "crooner" to sing called for a revival of this watchword. Other fa- "Is I Blue?" They are convinced that what is mous battle cries were: self-supporting, self-gov- wrong with the world and missions is not caused erning and self..,propagating churches, the church- by the relentless power of elemental forces. The council system of Anglican missions, (congrega- present mission situation has not always existed. It did not exist at the end of the last century. It tions taking care of their own needs while the is an emergency. The causes of that emergency episcopacy was responsible for leadership in mis- are well known; so are the details of the present sionary extension); indigenous churches-fos- crisis; almost anybody can guess what consetered by the World Dominion Movement; Volk- quences might result if the dangerous tendencies skirchen-the pet theory of the German churches, are not counteracted by definite, resolute, faith- (Gustav Warneck's five-volume "Theory of Mis- filled energy. Elemental forces are entirely irrevosions" is based on this idea); National Churches, cable. Pills for earthquakes are always fake. But the latest and at present the most ambitious human emergencies are not irrevocable. The best scheme-that of uniting all denominations at work definition of the word emergency is; "A sudden in each of the great pagan nations into one church condition calling for immediate action." truly national; Student Volunteer Movement and Missionary Education Movement, the Laymen's The missionary leaders consider the present Missionary Movement. mission situation "a sudden condition" and they loudly call for appropriate action. Dr. John R. None of these ambitious and enthusiastic move- Mott says: "It is my conviction that the past ments has been an unqualified success, but back of twenty years witnessed incomparably greater them all is this one great fact: the past history of changes in the world than any other period of like missions proves that God has manifested His extent." In 1931 he said: "Without doubt the power in the preaching of the Gospel. We are not Christian cause all over the world is either losing facing a foolish or impossible task. Christianity ground or failing to make triumphant advance, in is far from perfect, but the marvellous transfor- consequence of failure to press the present unprecmation of individuals and nations demonstrates edented advantage." In 1935, in his book "Cothat the power of God is in the Gospel. Past tri- operation and the World Mission," Dr. Mott umphs guarantee the final and complete triumph. writes: The Threatened Collapse Never was there a more critical moment. The ma- terialistic philosophy of the day, the violence of the de- The optimistic note was still dominant at the structive communistic activity, the power of paganism and Edinburgh Conference in 1910. Since then things of faiths and systems contrary to the teachings of Christ, have happened. At the Jerusalem Conference, the reactionary attitude of so many governments with 1928, there were dark clouds on the sky. Today reference to religious liberty, the perilous subordination Christianity is definitely on the defensive. Spen- of religion to serve the political ends of totalitarian congler says there is nothing in the world but "the ceptions of the State, and the necessity of recasting the inexorable course of events, senseless chance, the prevailing industrial and commercial system so that it will actuality of history with its unpitying march not negative the principles of Christian love and brotherthrough the centuries, into which the individual hood nor conduce to international war, all present a chal- lenge to Christ's followers which has never been surpassed
in gravity and urgency. In truth we are facing stupen- ignorant and idle talkers, not worth wasting time dous changes in the whole makeup of the world, changes over. Yet E. Stanley Jones, in the Foreign Mis- as revolutionary as any in the history of mankind. sions Conference Report, 1934, in connection with a tour of all America says he found very little hos- Dr. Charles R. Watson says "that the prevailing tility to missions. atmosphere is unfavorable to foreign missions goes without saying." But Dr. Mott in his book, "The Present Day Summons to the World Mission of Christianity," Before outlining the causes of the mission col- pleads earnestly for multiplying the number of lapse, it is best to let Dr. Julius Richter tell us apologetic voices and pens in the mission cause. "that our era is a period of low ebb in religion the Perhaps we need more witnessing than apologetic world over. The Russion Orthodox Church has voices. collapsed; Pan Islam also, and is disestablished in Turkey; so with Confucianism in China. The Many criticisms are mere shadow-boxing, animistic religion of primitive peoples the world smoke screens, behind which hide selfishness and over is disintegrating irresistibly. The spiritual sheer indifference. Such are the statements: wasting away of the churches of Christendom is an open fact-its forms changing into spiritualism "It takes a dollar to send a dollar." and superstition or into secularism, agnosticism "The mission secretaries line their pockets with or atheism." the money given for heathen." "British missionaries must put sound Manches- Dr. Richter in his last book lists the following ter pants on the heathen as a holy duty." causes of collapse, the first five of which are the "Whenever a German missionary sails for heath- most important: en countries you can always see some man near waving a roth, weiss and schwarz flag and yelling, (1) The financial stringency; (2) the wide recrudes- 'Hoch der Kaiser,' till his face is red." cence of nationalism; (3) alienation of the younger gen- "The American trader says that trade follows eration from the Christian background and missionary the flag-the flag he means is the church flag of impulse; (4) the new intimacies of the world-wide con- the missionary." tact; (5) transformation of the social structure of the We are advised in Proverbs 26: 4-"Answer nations; (6) fatal loss of presti2'e of Christianity due to not a fool according to his folly lest thou also be the brutality of the war psychosis; (7) the un-Christian like unto him." character of science and technology; (8) the effort of But there are honest critics. Give them an hon- pagan nations to obtain the valuable fruits of Western est answer. Almost all missionary books print civilization without the Christian background; (9) com- long lists of criticisms and refute the attack, as petitive friction between Protestantism and Roman Ca- Dr. McAfee's books; Dr. Brown's "The Foreign tholicism; (10) the renewed advance of Islam as a dan- Missionary," (chapter 16); E. W. Smith's "The gerous antagonist of Christian missions, especially in Desire of All Nations," (chapter 7); Henry A. Equatorial Africa and the Dutch East Indies; (11) the Perkins, "The Case for Foreign Missions"; "Are gigantic propaganda of Bolshevistic Communists; (12) Foreign Missions Done For?" by R. E. Speer; endeavors of one nation after another to restrict the scope "Meeting Current Objections to Missions," by E. of its missionary agencies, especially educational and med- Stanley Jones, (Foreign Missions Conference Re- ical; (13) the immoral life of many representatives of the port, 1929), and there is an almost endless list of white ruling class; (14) the tendency of our institutional- other books. Apologetic voices will not accom- ism, by which so many men and so much m~:mey are ab- plish much, unless the final motive is present. sorbed by colleges and hospitals, and active evangelistic advance is made more difficult. Missionary Strategy and Policy Every pastor might well speak of these great Some say that we are afflicted with too many world tendencies hostile to Christianity and mis- missionary statesmen: with too much policy and sions and appeal to the spirit of the heroic in them administration. The horde of executive secre- to come to the help of the Lord against the mighty. taries and specialists of all kinds and description It is nevertheless a fact that this motive lacks in the Church and in missions not only cost a great power-unless the final motive is present. deal of money; they keep the poor missionary's head awhirl with programs, reports, percentages, The Critic of Missions graphs, plans and what not; he cannot get down to the real work for which he was sent out.. The general atmosphere, miasmatic for mis- sions, undoubtedly is a very real thing. Dr. Mc- And yet-while first of all the Christian Church Afee asserts the interest in missions was steadily must be the bearer of the Evangel to the utmost declining for a decade before the great depres- parts of the earth, it is none the less a fact that sion, because the validity of missions was ques- the Church is also the best representative on earth tioned. It is a fact, nevertheless, that the atmos- -imperfect as she is-of the Kingdom of God on pheric conditions and the antagonistic forces can . accomplish their nefarious purpose on only one condition-they must become incarnate in the vo- cal critic. His name is legion. Most of them are
THE FINAL MOTIVE FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS
earth. Jesus spoke much of the Kingdom of God ary preaching – unless the impelling motive is and of heaven. Certainly the first purpose of mis- present. sions is to win souls to the Lord Jesus, but when large numbers are won the Church cannot hon- The Model of Missionary Method estly shun the task of organizing them into a Kingdom for the Lord Jesus. That duty creates great St. Paul has been the model for many generatasks in the mission fields. Great tasks require tions. He claims to have been commissioned to great leaders-missionary statesmen. Who better preach-to preach the Gospel. The best book on than these know the enormous difficulties created his method is "Missionary Methods, St. Paul's or in the mission fields by extreme nationalism, the Ours," by Roland Allen. Paul's methods agree totalitarian state, secularism, dictatorship, by in- with the commands of Jesus: "Ye shall be witternational misunderstandings, by business de- nesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, pression, unemployment and financial stringency, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of by feminism, education, secular, materialistic, the earth." The Great Commission says "teach scientific and technical, and the general religious all nations" and contains no reference to humandisintegration at home and in heathen lands? ism and charity.
In the International Review of Missions, July, "The foolishness of preaching," and the power 1934, Dr. Richter declares four gigantic problems of the Holy Ghost in "witnesses" (Acts 1: 8) has of mission strategy are: (1) Among primitive indeed been a supernatural force that produced people, especially Africa, the Indies and Oceanica, the missionary success of the past. What an alprimitive beliefs are disintegrating; (2) China- most magical power witnessing may exert! For the cultural structure of centuries is completely an artistic representation of it, study Schuesselle's broken down; (3) Russian Bolshevism-in Russia "Power of the Gospel" in the Archives Building and its world-wide propaganda; (4) Islam-dis- of Moravian Theological Seminary, but please do established in Turkey, its propaganda is on with not forget the equally magical power the same witzeal and success in Equatorial Africa and the nessing exerted in the social, economic and moral Dutch East Indies. life of converts. The material benefits of a spir- itual religion-what a wonderful thing that is. How maya pastor get the information to preach And how little the modern world thinks of it! with intelligence and convincingly on such mat- The fact is that all the enormous progress of the ters? Read the books of the missionary states- present civilized nations has been made under the men. It is a serious task. Get ,the reports of the preaching of the Gospel. Sociology, economics, missionary conferences. Many great sermons can charity as quasi-sciences are not old enough to be preached on such themes-sermons that will claim the credit. Admit all that is good in them make sleepy parishioners sit up and take notice. -the truth is they will have to travel an enormous distance before they will overtake the humanistic But missionary statesmanship deals not only effects of the preaching of the Gospel, probably with the adversaries. There are problems of de- never will overtake it. velopment and organization of great importance, even if of less preaching value. For instance: Dr. Albert Schweitzer is the ideal and model of the main objective of the World Conference of the many moderns and liberals. He is only a very International Missionary Conference to be held prominent representative of a widespread idea. at Kowloon, China, 1938, is to be "The upbuilding And then Albert Schweitzer himself refused to and maintenance of younger churches as a part preach; he said that he wished to practice. He of the historic world-wide communion." I do not is a liberal-the liberals sent him to Africa. He expect to preach a sermon on that theme. wished to give the world at least one instance of liberals doing what Evangelicals have been doing In the meantime the missionary statesmen have for centuries. He believed that humanism dea great task at home in the great idea of coopera- rives its sanction from our human nature, not tion in every phase of mission work-even in the from our connection with God. He says: "It was matter of administration. A plea for such uni- and still is my conviction, that the humanitarian fied control of the world's far-flung mission work work to be done in the world should for its acis a choice part of "Rethinking Missions." But complishment call upon us as men, not as memthere surely is nothing new in that idea. Dr. Mott bers of a particular nation or religious body. We has recently issued a book on "Cooperation and are not free to confer benefactions on the Negroes the World Mission"-but it is not the first time or not, as we please: it is our duty. Anything he has written on that theme. we give them is not benevolence, but atonement."
A pastor may well keep in touch with ,these "Pity the poor heathen" is a materialistic plea. great movements and preach about some of them, St. Paul says: "My heart's desire is that they but he will not accomplish much by such mission- might be saved." … "That I might by all means
save some." "I could wish that myself were a two hundred year record of encouraging agri- culture, industry and trade in its fields among accursed from Christ for my prethren." That primitive people. Undoubtedly much good has been done, but if you wish to run the risk of maknote has largely died out today. The Grenfell ing Dr. deSchweinitz weep, ask him about rein- deer in Alaska and rice culture in Nicaragua. Mission to the Labrador has captured the imagina- The story is making the rounds that the priest tion of the entire English-speaking world. Doc- and the Levite passed by on the other side because they were in a great hurry to get to Jericho to the tors and nurses by the score fight for the privilege convention which had for its major topic of dis- cussion: What can best be done for the world? of working a year or two with him. Whether im- There evidently are people who think it is time for humanitarians to do something besides talk. pelled by the love of adventure or the love of souls In Karl Mueller's "Gotteswirklichkeit und Re- -who can tell? Only one thing is certain: there ligion," he quotes this startling sentence from Zinzendorf: "The christianization of unconverted is not enough money in the possession of the heathen is a work of the devil and leaves them more unhappy and unholy." Christian world to carryon all foreign missions Humanism is a legitimate mission appeal-but in the world at the same rate of expense as it will largely fail of its purpose, unless the final motive is present. his Labrador mission which reaches only 12,000 The Reality of God people. Missionary zeal has in every case been the out- Certainly the humanitarian appeal for missions growth of and a result from the indwelling of God in human hearts by His Spirit. Cold hearts is legitimate. Humanism is always good. John have never responded to the Great Commission. Mere orthodoxy never started fires burning in for- Wesley said: "Do all the good you can, in all the eign parts. The intellectualism of culture has never set the world on fire. Scepticism, however ways you can and to all the people that you can." honest and genteel, has never carried the banner of the Cross into the far away and hard corners of Charity is always sweet. He who spoke the Par- the earth. The ancient Moravian Unity had no foreign missions. Bishop Comenius recognized able of the Good Samaritan always puts His bless- the duty, but the violent persecutions of the J es- uits made it impossible for them to undertake it. ing on it. Schiller once said: "Rousseau con- Dr. Glover, in the "Progress of World-wide Mis- sions," writes: "The Reformation was not misverted Christians into human beings." Nay, ver- sionary in character. Luther, Melanchthon, Cal- vin, Zwingli and Knox seemed to have had no ily, Christ did, long before Rousseau was born. serious sense of the responsibility for direct mis- sionary efforts in behalf of heathen or Moslem, But this is not the final motive for missions. though the Jesuits were carrying on extensive missions in the Orient." Humanism without evangelization has lost its For at least a century the Reformation Church proper motivation. Man needs God as much as he and its leaders were almost completely devoid of missionary spirit and effort-of course one might needs bread and more than clothes. And alone, ask what more one has a right to expect from those great men-giants indeed but yet human behumanism always fails as a missionary motive, ings, with human limitations.
for make your appeal solely on that and the next Julius Richter in his "Das Buch der Deutschen Weltm'ission" (pages 6 and 7) lists a number of thing you hear will be: "charity is mostly pallia- arguments against the legitimacy of foreign mis- sions dating from the period of the "benumbed"- tive, not curative. Sweet charity relieves the dis- he does not call it "dead"-orthodoxy, as: For missions, glossology and the power of miracles are tress of a few; it does not end the poverty and required; as long as God does not bestow these, missions are merely an impertinent interference misery of the many." You can answer: "But humanism is the expression of the inmost spirit of a real Christian and is also a means of exerting a good influence upon the recipient, possibly even of winning him for God." And then comes the reply: "Fine, but till you have exhausted your charity on the needy at home, you should not bother with the heathen." It is hard to answer this-so long as the discussion is based on human- ism only, exclusive of consideration of the spark of divinity in man.
The criticism of humanism for home lands and for missions is steadily gaining in volume. In "Thinking Missions with Christ," Dr. Zwemer says: "What we need today in missions is less comparative religion and more positive religion."
Toyohiko Kagawa of Japan opposes Lenin's fa- mous phrase, "Religion is the opiate of the people,"
by setting up the contrary standard: "Economics and religion are one. Without God there is no economics and no life." Kagawa is a Christian; he is also a leader of a social movement. He estab- lished a toothbrush factory, for instance, for the social welfare of his people. Yet he declares very positively that welfare work is not an effective remedy for pauperism. The Moravian Church has
with the plans of God. The Gospel was preached necessity is laid upon them-to give loyal, loving to the heathen by the Apostles; they refused it; obedience to the Saviour's last command – the hence neither God nor the Church need offer it the Great Commission. second time. The business of the Church is to preach the Word of God in the ordered congrega- If it will not be misinterpreted, I would like to tions; if the Bible is to be brought to the heathen, add a brief statement of the characteristically let that be the duty of the governments, etc. Moravian view of missionary zeal and power. As is well known, missionary zeal is Zinzendorf's con- There is a school of German Evangelical tribution to Moravianism. Credit must up to a thought about missions which explains the differ- certain point be given to the Lutheran Pietistic ence between the missionary and non-missionary influence upon him at Halle, where as a school boy Christians by one big word: Gotteswirklichkeit- he heard letters read from the Danish-Halle mis- "The reality of God." Persons who merely be- sionaries in India and met several of them perlieve in God may be good people, but only those sonally. But he owes them nothing with referwho have a sense of the reality of God are likely ence to the method and power of missions. Reto assume the responsibility and sacrifice for for- member that Zinzendorf, as a four-year-old boy, eign missions. Spinoza was not a Christian; the deeply loved the Saviour; he was then already Jews excommunicated him, but his amor intellec- overwhelmed with the reality of God in Christtualis Dei was so intense that he has been called that is only one part of the real Zinzendorf. For the God-intoxicated man. But he surely never the other part you must go to the famous picture dreamed of taking his kind of love of God to the gallery in Duesseldorf. See the rich, elegant, heathen. Most of us would probably join in the high-minded, marvelously gifted nobleman of prayer: "From philosophical love of God, deliver nineteen years stand before Domenico Feti's picus gracious Lord and God." The poet, the scien- ture of the thorn-crowned head of Christ. Beneath tist, the materialist and the humanist, all have is the text: "This have I suffered for thee; what their definition of God in his ineffable power and hast thou done for me?" glory – as "First Cause," "Bright Essence Incarnate," "Mobile Cosmic Ether," "Omnipotent In that dramatic moment, Zinzendorf fully real- Matter," "Man's Giant Shadow Skyward Thrown," ized the price paid by the Saviour for his salva- "Kindly Light," "the active relation between the tion; only by the Saviour's passion could Zinzenideal and the actual"-but no such faith in such a dorf be saved-or anybody else. From then on, God has ever been known to produce a loving sur- Jesus and His Cross were the only theme of Zinrender and dedication of life to Him. zendorf's thought and activity. The missionaries. however degraded the people to whom they went, All in all, while fully admitting the greatness were told to preach the passion of Christ for the and power of Gotteswirklichkeit, it seems that saving of souls. something more than this is necessary as the primal motive for foreign missions. Robert Speer, in his "The Finality of Christ" (page 148), says of the Moravians: "The doc- Wilhelm Bettermann finds the secret of Zinzen- trine of Christ's expiatory death and all-sufficient dorf's spiritual nature and his missionary enthu- merit has been, and must ever remain, the grand siasm at once in this: "He was simply over- means of conversion. The Moravian missionaries whelmed with the reality of God in Christ." "In at the present day make the atonement of Christ Christ" is his contribution to the search for the their continued theme. They attribute all their final missionary motive. But this is not Zinzen- success to their preaching of the death of our dorfianism or Moravianism only or primarily-it Saviour." Every word of that is true. Zinzenis the essence of all Christianity. Christ is Chris- dorf's personal experience of his personal salvatianity; "the Word was God"; the Word made tion in the passion of the Saviour (which for him flesh was Jesus Christ; Christ is God manifested was in entire agreement with Luther's and Paul's in human form; He came to reconcile the world justification by faith) so fired his heart with zeal unto Himself, to save the lost, to bring us unto for the conversion of souls that he risked his life God. The personal experience of this blessed truth to win souls for Jesus and inspired scores of -a profound conviction of its reality – that al- others to do the same. Listen to Zinzendorf draways was and ever will be the essence of Chris- matically cry out in the extreme of holy passion: tianity-it has always been the final motive for "More human beings must be saved. Bring missions. For such a salvation, in such a Saviour, heathen! Bring Christians! Bring men to the must be proclaimed at home and abroad. There is Saviour! If that is not possible in Christendom, a marvelous expansive power in such an experi- I will go to the heathen. We cannot help it, we ence. People with that experience have always cannot tie the Gospel to a chain." What a combeen missionaries and missionary supporters. For pelling force! Souls must be brought to the that experience produces a passion – an inward Saviour.
Fatimah Learned to Love'~
I I –eEf By MRS. PAUL W. HARRISON, Matrah, Arabia Jit– ~==========================~ C AN it be that I have learned to love this she poured her tale of bitterness and woe. The land? The dark mountains of Oman are doctor looked at her calmly and said, "Yes, you heartless and cruel. Death lurks in their have a heavy burden to carry; it is very heavy.
desolate valleys and rock strewn paths. The burn- And what you have said is true-your head is hot ing hills glare back at the everlasting sun and tell and you cannot bear this thing any longer. There man that he is futile and doomed. is only one thing I can tell you to do and that is to The days are busy ones. In the morning clinics give this all to Christ and let Him carry it for you. on the hospital veranda I meet many old friends. He will take out of your heart all this hate for One day Miriam slips in with the crowd and the other one and make you able to pity and love stands by my table. She is not carrying her babe, her." The doctor asked her to pray with him. So and my heart is seized with a sudden fear. I can- she repeated words after him and asked Christ not ask where is her little Zuwaan for I do not to take away her burden and give her love instead. want to hear the answer. The neighbor women "And from that moment the hate did leave me, volunteer the news. One day there had been a Khatune," said Fatimah. "Since then I have been quarrel among some women in the street near able to be patient and quiet, for my heart is light. Miriam's house, and Miriam was with her baby up I do not know how, but it is different now."
on the little roof. Wanting to see what the quarrel A few days later Fatimah's husband was taken was about, she left her little Zuwaan and went very ill. I went to call. At the door of the little down to look on. While she was gone the baby had room I stopped in surprise. For there, sitting gone too near the edge and had fallen to the against the pillows was Fatimah and with her ground. was the other wife. Little Moosa was toddling Miriam lifts her hands in a gesture of helpless- back and forth between them. I looked into Fatiness but says no word. "It was written over her," mah's eyes and she smiled back at me. She had kept her promise to God that she would show love comforts one woman. to the one she had always hated. How great was Fatimah comes for her lesson. Her face has a her victory only God can know. look of contentment it has never known before. And I am not surprised when she says she wants The winter months bring showers of life-giving to tell me of something that has made a change rain to Arabia. In Oman most of the water rushes in her. One day she heard that her husband's down the hard, dry hills and through the stony other wife was to come into her neighborhood to beds to the sea, but some of it sinks into the little call. In fact, some friend had been so thoughtless hollows and sloping ground. Then a miracle is as to invite them both at the same time. This was given to us that we may see and believe. Where more than Fatimah could stand. All her pent-up all was bare and brown there are now soft shades hatred burst its bounds. A terrible rage seized of green and tiny blossoms look up to the hills. her. Like one mad she screamed and cursed and Through all the months of heat and drought the threatened. Her husband beat her and then fled. seeds waited. Life was there though it could not Determined to make a complaint before someone develop and grow. It needed only the nourishment she strode out of her house. of heavenly rain to let that life become beautiful and strong. "No judge will hear me rightly," she thought. "Why do I try to get help in this place? I am a In all this barren land, strewn as it is with stranger and I have no friends." rocks of evil and unbelief, there are seeds of Life. We cannot see them and it would do no good to Without knowing why, she turned in to the search for them. But when the gentle rain of hospital gate. "I shall tell this to the Hakeem. God's knowledge and mercy is given them they He will hear me." spring up and blossom. God has created seed to grow and hearts to love and nothing can with- Coming from a sick call the doctor found Fati- stand the purposes of His grace. Even the desert mah sitting on the sand by the gate. Into his ears * Condensed from Neglected A.'abia. shall rej oice and blossom.
[186 ]
THE GOOD SHEPHERD GANESH, THE' HINDU GOD OF
Undergirding the Christian Home By MISS CLEMENTINA BUTLER, Boston, Massachusetts ~- Chairman of the Committee on Christian Literature for Womm and Children in Mission Fields, Inc.
THE Phylactery which the Orthodox Jew binds the sacred name of Jehovah appears under a glass upon his forehead and on his arm in Sabbath in a little case nailed on the door post. Orthodox worship contains a parchment on which is Jews touched their lips to this as they passed in the summary law of God as given in Deuteronomy. and out of the door. The divine command is that this law shall be upon their hearts; shall be bound as a sign upon their The child in an Orthodox Jewish home is still hands and for frontlets between their eyes. (Deu- taught the law of the Lord found in the Old Testateronomy 6: 4-9.) The third part of the command ment which is the law of the household. This is less familiar to us and yet to the Orthodox Jew foundation laying may have much to do with the it is just as binding: "And thou shalt write them persistence of the race in spite of the age-long upon the door posts of thine house and upon thy persecutions. What might be the result if in gates." The literal obedience to this command every Christian home there were a faithful teachmay be seen by anyone admitted to intimacy in ing of the law and the Gospel? There might be an Orthodox Jewish home. The parchment with less of modern self~expression and more respect for "Thus saith the Lord." Is there any doubt [187 ]
but that this would result in greater happiness the English edition which may later help to adorn for our children and for the higher development a vernacular edition. of their Christian characters? A new form of service came to the attention of The task of the parents to instill the right ideas this Literature Committee when one of its memof God and obedience to His law into the minds bers stood in a muhalla where ten or twelve famof children is,.a heroic endeavor anywhere. In a ilies live in one compound. The missionary non-Christian community, where false ideas are escorting the visitor said: "These are all Chriscommon, the task is doubly difficult. Public opin- tians and all the children attend Sunday school. ion outside must be combated by careful teaching These humble folk come from low castes but now at home, if the truths of the Christian faith which belong to the Christian fold which acknowledges the parents have accepted is to command the no caste." Later, going into the one-room hut loyalty of the children. When this is not done the which served as the home for one of these famresult is apt to be like that reported by a mission- ilies, we were surprised to see on the mud walls ary from CeYlon who found the grandchildren of pictures of the gods of Hinduism-Ganesh with Christian converts from Hinduism slipping back his elephant head, Kali with her necklace of skulls, to the harmful beliefs and practices of ancient the five-headed cobra god and the sacred monkeys. faiths by which they were surrounded. This was indeed a startling revelation-to find the gods of Hinduism in a Christian home! In an- The Committee on Christian literature for swer to our exclamation of surprise the father of Women and Children in Mission Fields, Inc. has the family replied that they did not believe in been studying this problem. How can a Christian those gods any longer, but that they were "pretty home be made so attractive that the children will decorations." Looking around on the mud walls, not be tempted to leave it to attend idolatrous thatched roofs, the bare compound, one realized Hindu festivals and processions? It seems to be that there was nowhere any spot of beauty to well authenticated that one-third of all the chil- meet the color-loving eye of the Oriental. What dren who learn to read in the primary schools of could two hours of training in Sunday school do India, lapse into illiteracy within five years after to overcome the effect of seeing for the whole leaving school. Here is a need to be met. Whole- week long cheap chromos of these idols in the some literature has been issued by Christian brilliant colors? On his wages of ten or fifteen agencies for adults, for stUdents, for educated cents a day the father could not afford much in folk and some excellent magazines have been pro- the way of gifts for his children. One of these vided for little children, but for the 'teen-age "pretty" idolatrous pictures could be bought for youngsters, in that most difficult period when one anna (about two and a half cents). No Christheir awakening minds need mental food, little tian pictures could be found at any such low price. had been attempted, until this Committee began the publication of a magazine for youth. It con- To overcome this difficulty, the Committee has tains simple scientific articles; histories of the solicited gifts in America to pay for lithograph great men of India and other lands; clean whole- stories of the lovely Christian pictures so familsome stories, puzzles and contests that help iar in our homes. The initial expense having mothers to keep their children contented in the been met, these Christian pictures can be sold Christian home. So great was the success in India at the one anna price, with something of the English edition that there was a demand left for a "turnover." for vernacular issues. A missionary is set apart for editing the English edition of the Treasure God clearly led our Committee in India to issue Chest. With comparatively small expenditure of for the first of the series the picture of Christ as time and effort busy missionaries in other lan- the Good Shepherd. This 'appears just when the guage areas, with a small grant of money from startling announcement is made that the reprethis Committee, are able to issue vernacular edi- sentatives of the sixty million Untouchables have tions, translating from the English Treasure openly declared their intention to abandon the Chest what is suitable for their people and adding Hinduism which so debased them, has denied them local color. The magazine is now published in entrance into their temples and has left them Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, Kanarese, Gujarathi, without hope. These Untouchables are now ad- Hindi, Bengali, and Telegu. It has even crossed vised to seek a new religion which will give them the Bay of Bengal where a Burmese edition is greater liberty and greater hope. Christian workissued from Rangoon. The economy of this plan ers who go to the seeking millions with their inby which suitable reading matter is provided for vitation to enter the Christian fold will find a these 'teen-aged children is not only in the stories strong appeal in this picture of Christ who, inand articles which may be adapted, but in the ex- stead of the terrifying form of an elephantchange of cuts and fancy covers which appear in headed god, is presented as the friend of little children and as the good Shepherd who goes out
INDIAN HILL STATES IN NEED
to look for His lost sheep. These people know and distribution of seven thousand free copies of that they are weak and this picture shows the the Good Shepherd picture to workers among tenderness of the Saviour as he carries the frail these, His other sheep, so helping them, through little lamb in his arms. Above all the children the eyegate as well as the eargate, to understand hear His loving recognition of their right to come His loving invitation to follow Him. to Him who says: "Other sheep have I which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, and The need for such help for our Christian homes there shall be one fold and one shepherd." is proven already by the sales of this picture. Without much advertising or any agents to push There is today an unprecedented opportunity the sales, the number bought in the first five presented to missionaries of Christ in this start- .months since it was issued amounts to the astonling action of the leaders of the Untouchables. ishing figure of thirteen thousand copies. Two The Literature Committee therefore felt that in- other pictures are being prepared for the Easter stant action was necessary and has already sent season, one of the Crucifixion and the other of the word to India authorizing the immediate printing Resurrection.
Indian Hill States in Need* By GEORGE HART Home Secretary of India-Northwest Mission THERE are 500 Indian States (usually called a hearing. We saw two of the "almost persuaded" Native States) which are without the Gos- yesterday. One asked for prayer that Christ pel. Those which we shall mention are Hill might become as real to him as He is to us. This States in the Panjab. To show general conditions, individual work has great possibilities, and was let us say something first about a residential the chief method of the early Christians.
station around which evangelization is being car- And now a contrast. Last Sunday, as we started ried on. out, we saw some men making idols of clay. We Around this station little groups of houses are asked if these things were really for worship.
found here and there, something like a village. It While we were speaking, a voice hailed us from takes some tramping to visit thoroughly, but the the road above, for an Indian does not stand on people have to be reached. Every means is de- 'ceremony if he wants to know something.· The vised for convincing and converting. As we go man enquired why we should wish to keep anyone out in the morning we pass the local temple and from any object of worship, but, after being an- hear sounds like children rattling tin cans. "They swered, he scrambled down the bank, saying, "I are wakening their gods," says an evangelist. We should like to know anyone who can lead me to who know the living God whose ear is ever open God."
to our cry feel constrained anew to get the knowl- He was a Sikh who had newly come to the dis- edge of Him spread abroad. In an open space, trict. It was plain that what impressed him most amid some farm houses, after a few calls by the was our clear testimony that this Jesus, who is missionary, which carry far in the clear air, men called Christ, had brought peace to our souls, and begin to appear. The women come too, for these assurance which no "religion" brings. We insist hill women are not so retiring as those· of the that we are not merely bringing to them "another plains. As the message proceeds we notice a late- religion," but the one and only salvation. This comer hurrying to hear it. Sounds had reached cannot be too clearly stated,or too often, for the him, and he knew we had come again with the effect on them is noticed over and over again. We Word of Life. had some notable decisions' in this place.
Truly this is a religious people, but it will take "I would not like to climb that mountain to pour something very persistent to break them from milk on it," said a friend, as he walked with me.
their age-long superstitions. "Nothing shall be He had climbed it on a previous occasion to visit impossible"-it never has been impossible, any- Indians at one of their religious gatherings, doing where. And the people here listen. One wonders his best to bring them to Christ. But what was if our forefathers in pagan Britain gave so good on his mind when he remarked about going up to
"pour milk on it"? On a previous day we were came to the last State on our list and found our out among the villagers round the base of the busy evangelist, himself an ex-Mohammedan.
mountain, and heard that a trial was to be held The postmaster of a chief village, a few mile~ in the open before an idol. A man had lost three from our starting point, tells me he has "a great sons in one month, and the gathering was for the respect for Jesus Christ." He is typical of many purpose of finding out why the god was angry, of the better educated Indians, who, for one rea- and what was to be done. We shall never forget son or another, have dipped into the Bible and the scene. The bereaved man sat among the crowd seen a Person who strangely attracts them. It of leading men from the villages. The priest of may be that they have read to see why we wor- the little temple containing the idol worked him- ship Him. A Hindu Sadhu with plastered brow, self into the state of a spiritist medium, though "searching for salvation," has never heard of not losing consciousness. Shaking violently, he Christ. He cannot read but is hoping for some- began in a shrill voice to speak from the "god." thing in the next transmigration-that blight on (Very plainly it was from the devil.) First, the the mind of India. They believe that their souls bereaved man was told that he must bestow two must go through innumerable other bodies and goats and some money to ward off further evil. then go out they know not where, when they have (Eventually this was brought down to one goat thus purged their lives of sin. To shorten the proc- and a rupee-and-a-quarter. Perhaps the god knew ess, or to have better rebirths, is their one hope.
what he could pay!) Amid the babblings of the We do the best we can for the poor man.
medium-in which the chopping and changing of We enter one Native State, and find the offi- his commands made it plain that the "father of cials more than friendly. Not only is every fa- lies" was at work-one thing seemed clear and cility given for the preaching of the Gospel, the that was that the god was angry with the district head-men all attending, but the missionaries are because the people had departed from the custom made welcome to come and stay at any time, and of their forefathers who used to climb the moun- as long as possible, in free premises. The ripe- tain and pour milk on the top of it every time a ness of this place, from which many villages can calf was born. This would have to be resumed. be reached, is very striking, and we ask most The whole episode was a spur to us to do every- earnest prayer for it.
thing possible to rescue these benighted people, Trekking in India bears its own reward, taking though it is shameful that people in our own en- one to places where there are no roads, revealing lightened land have begun to consult mediums the need, and giving opportunities of witness too. which may reach far and wide. For instance, at The people were suspicious of us at first, and a village at the entrance to the State, where an wanted none of our Gospel. Now we can go any- audience of fifty quickly gathered, we found on where with acceptance, save among such a gath- enquiry that there were men present from places ering as we have described. When we were seen as far apart as Rampur and Baltistan (a distance approaching, men came and barred our way. One of nearly 500 miles) for the Indians are great said, "If this were a marriage, you might come trekkers too. Who can tell where the seed of the very happily and preach, but this is a special Gospels sold and the earnest preaching may take affair." root? The priest of the village took one of our Across the road from the mission hall sits a Gospels.
fakir under an arbor-a "holy man." Our evan- Another scene: two ash-smeared and almost gelist found him the other evening drunk and naked Sadhus (holy men) are lying by the road- cursing. This evangelist is the son of a Bible- side. What a sight they make! Our hearts are woman and is a tireless itinerator with the Gos- moved with pity at the delusion of these men, pel. He is now sought out by men, notably Sikhs, making for far away Hardwar, and hoping by in the mission hall. A gentle, quiet man in private, their very discomfort to please some kind of god.
his liberty of speech on the Great Theme is very Now comes a contrast. It is worth a few miles of fine. walking at the other side of the State to visit a A recent tour showed the needy condition in promising Sikh household. We are struck by its other parts of these Hill States. Two of our mis- cleanliness and by our kindly reception by its in- sionaries and the writer did a round of 150 miles mates. There is a reason, the man is regularly through various States. Our mode of travel was reading a Hindi Bible supplied by the workers, on foot, our baggage on mules. Nowhere did we and is not far from the Kingdom. The evangelist find any open enmity to the Message. Many a sells Gospel after Gospel on the way back. This time there was an intense hearing, everywhere sowing of the seed will not be in vain. God says need, but nowhere any settled witness until we it will not.
Experiences in
Extracts from Letters of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Anderson Missionaries of the Africa Inland Mission, Bulke, Gofa Ethiopia is so much in our minds and on our hearts sion chore boys, but all the neighbors come who are free at that hour. Then clinic patients arrive, these days that an intimate view of missionary life there ahead of office hours, and vendors of chickens, eggs and wood, drop in to hear God's Book read. as told in home letters of Rev. and Mrs. Merle Anderson, Among the greatest obstacles to the Gospel are a young couple at Bulke, the capital of Gofa Province, devil worship and belief in demon possession. One lad of about twenty, whom the natives called will be of interest. E. B. D. P. "possessed," came one day to the family prayer hour. He had been wandering about in a dazed ETHIOPIA is composed of a number of tribes condition, crawling in the tall grass like a hunted or "nations," each with its own native king animal, and slipping out at nights into the jungle or chief over whom reigns His Imperial Maj- where wild animals prowl. The missionaries esty, Hailie Selassie, King of Kings. The actual joined in the hunts for him, and finally a contact control in each of these provinces rests in the hands of a man appointed by the Emperor. He IF ETHIOPIA WERE PART OF THE UNITED STATES may be called a Governor, a Rass, a Dejaz Match or a Fiterarie as the Emperor may decree, titles representing different degrees of authority.
About half a century ago the independent tribe or nation of Gofa Province, with its boy king, by conquest became a part of the empire of Ethiopia.
The little king was educated at Addis Ababa, and now is as much of a world citizen as his surround- ings admit. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, of the Sudan Interior Mission, say that on their first visit the young king pumped them nearly dry, seeking in- formation regarding the outside world of politics.
When a second visit followed the missionaries had an opportunity to speak of spiritual matters of deepest interest to them, and presented the ruler with a copy of the Gospel of Mark in Gofa and a pamphlet of Scripture quotations called "God Hath Spoken." The king is a reader and grate- Ethiopia superimposed on a map of the United States; shaded fully accepted the gifts which the Andersons are portions represent early Italian inroads, showing the relation of praying may plant seeds of truth that will take occupied territory to whole of country, In size and terrain root quickly, for the king is in failing health. Ethiopia resembles the States of California, Nevada and Utah.
Summer in America comes at the winter or was made that resulted in the boy attending mornrainy season in Ethiopia. It is marked by no zero ing prayer gatherings regularly. He asked other weather or frozen lakes but by cold rains, when boys to call him if he was not present when the the sun fails to pierce the clouds and fog for days Bible reading began. Soon a noticeable change at a time. The thatched roof houses are seldom came over him. There were no more hideous and waterproof and unheated homes 8,600 feet up in terrifying facial expressions; even the usual listthe air stay chilly and damp for weeks. When the less and sullen looks disappeared. One morning dry season comes, the missionaries take the op- he testified that a great joy had come into his portunity to make sundried bricks to mend their heart and that he had been healed of his malady.
walls and enlarge their living quarters. The proc- With a beaming face he. said, using the native ess of brick-making is primitive. Barefooted na- form of speech, "I have taken hold of God's Book."
tives tramp around in wet holes ten foot square, He gave God all the glory. The kalecha or devil making mud puddles as smooth as custard. Then doctor who had been impoverishing the boy's fa- they work in chopped straw and set the mixture ther at last lost his power over him.
in molds to dry in the sun. The native religion is animistic, consisting of As soon as the new missionaries begin to learn sacrifices offered to certain trees, reading por- the language, family morning prayers on the hill- tents from the entrails of slaughtered animals and top become a community affair. Not only the mis- the contours of broken stones. Sickness is treated [191 ]
in Ethiopia by burning the body with hot coals or the stations located in the various provinces to irons, and the devilmen are the only doctors work first of all among the native provincials. called to cure disease and various perplexities. The Amharas are mostly Coptic Christians and as such are faithful in their various rituals, keep- The fondness of the Ethiopians for wild ani- ing of fast days, giving alms, etc., "a form of mals as pets and the custom of giving them the godliness but denying the power thereof." In the run of the house is not an exaggeration of sensa- various provinces among the pagans you find varitional writers. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson tell of a ous forms of devil worship, offering sacrifices to visit to the Governor of Gofa, in response to an sacred trees, killing of animals and reading their invitation to dinner. The parents rode horseback intestines, breaking of stones and reading them, and took along their year-old baby, carried by na- fearing and so worshiping various animals, feartive boys in his "perambulator" slung on bamboo ing the rain god or the sun god and so paying poles. The Governor's home seemed like a small money to have rain or sun; also devil men, bezoo, with lion cubs, a leopard, monkeys and witchers and such like. strange birds wandering at will. It "was almost too much to expect the missionaries to be atten- We find ourselves in the midst of altogether tive and responsive table conversationalists while about twenty native hunts, the people consisting lion cubs only two weeks out of the jungle were of a strange combination of native Gofas and showing interest in their excited little baby. When "would-be" Amharas. These people, while Gofas the meat course was brought on, the animals and descendants of true Gofas, have a desire to poked their noses into the ribs of those at table, be Amharas and so claim they are Amharas; in and growled! The baby was fascinated, and cried some cases they base their claims on an Amharic when the servant switched the cubs for getting mother, or perhaps father, and in other instances too friendly and drove them out. He would not just simply because they have learned to speak be comforted, so that the Governor ordered them Amharic and keep the fasts and feasts, which to be brought back. Later, when a large lion was every true Amhara must do. Of course this means brought in, two guards with clubs took their posi- that they have been baptized by the Coptic priest. tions by the baby's "pram." The beast sprawled So among these people we find the strange mixon the floor, while the cubs jumped and rolled on ture of observing fasts and feasts as well as folhim to the accompaniment of the baby's delighted lowing the ancient pagan forms of devil worship. gurgles. The parents thought that surely this lion had been brought up in the bosom of the Our larger work is all through this language family from cubhood; but no, it was a recent cap- speaking area. The people are scattered about in ture! The visit was not prolonged beyond the small villages, a village of one hundred houses requirements of courtesy, and they were relieved being rare, so that the bulk of the work must be to find when they left for home that the leopard done by itinerating. This is done by choosing a at the gate was tied. good settlement; then we pick up tent and pro- visions and settle in such places for a week or Emperor Hailie Selassie is doing everything ten days, visiting among the people and holding possible to put an end to slave trading. Punish- daily meetings. ment is swift for any slave raiders who are caught, but this type of banditry is difficult to We experienced a very happy occasion when eradicate in a mountainous country, sparsely set- the first Gofa converts made public confession of tled. The Emperor eagerly desires the best for his their faith in Christ and were baptized. Two people, and welcomes missionaries with their Gos- brothers, Sonkura and Sucka, sons of a slave, and pel and their medical help. the other, Simberu, himself a slave, were the first to seek baptism and after being thoroughly ex- On the day when Ethiopia's cry for help was amined by Mr. Ohman, were publicly baptized to be considered by the League of Nations, all the after the Sunday morning service with some thirmissionaries in Addis Ababa, and their groups of ty or more witnesses. Sucka and Simberu have Christians and adherents in their several stations, been active in going out to various places where were asked to join with the Emperor and his the true Light has never gone and telling God's household and loyal subjects in fasting and prayer. Word. One Sunday recently we were out in a new section, and having stopped at a house where *** a small crowd had gathereJ, we told some of the old, old story; we then asked if they had ever We are located in the midst of a small hilltop heard it before, wondering if perhaps the Ohmans settlement, the only suitable location available might have been there, when the man of the house at the time the mission came here. We were replied, "Yes, two black boys were here one Sunoffered a location in Bulke but this was very unde- day not long ago." sirable because the capitals are always filled with Amharas, the ruling class. It is the purpose of Remember this work in your prayers.
Ngombi-A Black Man With a White Soul*
–tEl I By CASA COLLIER, M.D., Nashville, Tennessee I)at- ~===!.I NGOMBI was my gun bearer on hunts in the them knew Jesus. There were thirteen boys in Cameroun. I walked beside him for nearly this group and twelve of them had never heard of two months in that grass country and even Christ. One boy thought he had heard of him, but now at times, in that dreamy state that comes be- did not know who he was nor from whom he had tween sleep and consciousness, it seems as if I heard of him. With the assistance of Ngombi, I can see 'mid the shimmering heat waves his round, told these boys the story of Christ. Some of them kinky head and broad black back, shining and wet scampered away for their parents or for other from the sweat of the terrible heat. boys, and before long we had most of the village At the end of my hunting trip I asked Ngombi attending this little service. if there was any message that I could take my One Sunday morning at the church in Bafia, the missionary in charge, Mr. Anderson, asked me to people. He lifted me in his great black arms and talk to these people about Palestine. I went into then as he stood me again upon my feet he gave the great thatched church and with his aid as me the message, which is the same that has rung interpreter told them of Bethlehem and Nazareth down through the ages, "Come over and help us." and Galilee which I had visited. Two years before Ngombi's message to you is this, "My people need this time these people of Bafia were almost unyour help very much-without i.t we sit in sin touched by Christianity-yet I saw more than a and darkness; with it we will be free." thousand of these "savages" gathered to worship on Sunday morning. I heard them as they sang: When we left the Bulu country and went into the grass country, this black man went along with a song and a shout, and a smile upon his broad A never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
black face. He was happy; I was happy too, A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify.
because I was realizing the dream of a lifetime- I turned to Mr. Anderson and said, "If I had hunting in Africa-and I thought that Ngombi not seen it, I could not have believed that these was happy for the same reason. I did not find people could so quickly have been brought under out until several weeks later that he was com- an influence that would make them know that they bining his hunting trip with a missionary trip. had a never-dying soul to save." His answer was, When we went into the little villages, after "Doctor, only one thing could do it, and that is Ngombi had seen to it that we were properly quar- Christ." This truth impressed me greatly on all tered, he would always be gone for a while. I sides while in that mission field. saw him with his little gatherings on the edge of I wish you could see the offering taken in an numerous villages and I thought that he was tell- African mission church. I have tried to be liberal ing stories or merely visiting sociably. When I in my financial support of the Church and for asked him why he was so happy, he told me of his years have been a tither, but I admit that I never long desire to bring this Christian message to saw the plate passed while in Africa that I did not these people and now he was realizing his long- blush for shame when I thought of how little I wished-for opportunity. He was not merely chat- and the average member of my church had conting with his friends as he sat with them at the tributed. In Cameroun everybody contributes. edge of the village, he was telling them the story Even if they have no money, what they have goes of Jesus. into the collection-peanuts, palm kernels, sugar One afternoon while I was sitting in a little cane, eggs, pineapples, bananas, occasionally a dusty village watching some boys scrape some chicken or a duck; an~ once in a while a goat is skins of animals just killed-Mbiam had brought tied to a tree near by waiting to be taken after me a cup of orange juice-Ngombi came and stood the service.
by, and with him as interpreter I talked with the One of the servants of a missionary had seen boys. After asking them numerous questions and the missionary wear some green-striped pajamas answering many of theirs, I asked how many of and had secretly longed for them. In the due course of time he fell heir to them and the follow- Mi•ssFiornosm, Ua. Sle.aAfl.et printed by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign ing Sunday he proudly marched down the center [193 ]
aisle of the church wearing them. After service used the adz, the lever and the saw, their artisans he carefully wrapped them in a banana leaf and were making jewelry and glassware, some of stored them away in the eaves of his little thatched which are marvels today, but Egypt is gone. Conhut. Every day he unwrapped them and sat in fucius could. not maintain a civilization, Mothe sun by his hut admiring them. The following hammed could not do it, but Christ can. Sunday the pajama pants were put in the collection plate. Upon being questioned as to why these These people in Africa are just as much entitled pants were so disposed of, his reply was, "I loved to Christianity as are our people. The fact that them so much that I knew it would be a sin for they are black did not in the least lessen the sufme to keep them, so I gave them to the Church." fering of Christ on the cross-his pain and agony I am quite sure that I have never made such a were as much for them as for us. I wish you coufd sacrificial gift, but when our giving begins to be see the difference that Christianity makes in these made upon such a basis the financial problems of people. I visited in towns that had been under our Church and mission field are solved. the influence of Christianity and then I visited in others where the Christian influence had not yet Ze Tonga, who works for the Beanlands, is one come. What would you mothers think of selling of the finest Christian characters I have ever met. your ten- or twelve-year-old daughters into a slave On one occasion, while the missionaries were on marriage? This is a common custom in Africa. furlough, he went back to his native town to What would you wives think of being sold if you preach. When the Beanlands returned, Ze Tonga did not altogether please your husband? For went back to Metet to resume his duties there. He twelve or fifteen dollars' worth of trade goods, one told Mr. Beanland of the need for a native can buy a girl in Africa and thirty dollars' worth preacher in his town, but no native preacher could of trade goods will buy a very good wife. Women be sent, as there was no money. Ze Tonga said, are bought and sold just as are dogs or goats. "How much are you paying me?" "Thirty-five Christ puts an end to this and to the unspeakable francs per month," was the answer. Ze Tonga's things that accompany such traffic. Other things reply was, "Pay me fifteen francs and we will get too numerous and too horrible to mention cannot a preacher to go for the balance." Now there is be abolished by anything except Christianity; just a preacher in that town and Ze Tonga has the joy as sin cannot be cured by legislation, but only by of knowing that his townspeople are Christians the Spirit of Christ. and are having the same joy in it that he has. One of the most pitiful things that I saw in Membership in the Church on the mission field Africa was a great strong man dying with fever, means a great deal more than in America. When clutching his spear in his hand, raving in his dea native becomes a candidate for membership, he lirium, fearful that the evil spirits would take must live on probation for a year or two and him before he was dead. His three wives were demonstrate his ability to be a Christian. At the disfiguring their bodies with clay and ashes, makend of the probationary period, if satisfactory, he ing all kinds of incantations to their gods, screamis admitted. If membership in my church was ing in the agony of fear at the approach of death gauged by the same requirements as exist there, -what a horrible, unspeakably sad thing for this the roll in my church would be nearer one hun- man to go out into the darkness with no hope dred than three thousand. other than his spear clutched frantically in his dying hand! How different was the death of Ngo I wonder how many of you have any idea of Ntoto! This man had been a native pastor for what a leper colony is like? his own people. His life was an inspiration to hundreds of others, both black and white, and Those who are a little cool in their belief re- when his time came to reap the reward of his garding foreign missions should visit a mission labors he gathered his family about him for field. After such a visit they would entirely change prayers, and then asked them to sing. His wife their views regarding the necessity of foreign stood holding one hand, and on the other side of missions. Many say, "This black man has his own his little bamboo bed stood his stalwart son holdform of worship-let him stick to it; it will suffice ing the other. They sang "Nearer My God to for him." I defy you to name a single country Thee" and as the song was nearing the end, he where Christianity is not known and generally ac- closed his eyes and was heard to say, "M'bolo cepted that has not already decayed or that is not Jesus, Zambe, M'bolo," which is the Bulu salutain the process of deterioration. While Abraham's tion saying, "Good morning, Jesus, Master, good forefathers were living in goatskin tents in the morning." desert, the Egyptians were living in palaces. They
Bedouin Women in North
-e( I By the late ARTHUR v. LILEY of Tunis I)a- ~==========================~ I N THE Mohammedan world none has a harder the work in the tent. They are sent to the wells for life of cruelty and drudgery than the Bedouin water and to the forest for wood, a small goat- woman, "the daughter of the tent." No cries skin bottle of water or a load of wood being placed of joy are heard, neither is a profusion of com- upon her back, according to her size and strength. pliments paid to the father when an unwelcome These are occasions of great joy for they mean little stranger, a girl, comes into the world. When getting away from the restraint of the tent and the little one is able to amuse her father with her the severity of the father. While the girls wander childish prattle, some notice may be taken of her, into the woods and fields, the old women sit tobut soon he becomes tired of his new toy and the gether and talk over the news and scandal of the child takes her despised place among the women. camp or tribe. The fathers of families are charged to teach Later the girls learn to weave the tent covering, their children the duty of the creature towards plait the palm leaf, or haIfa grass baskets, make God and the rules that they should follow in liv- the rough pottery, milk the cows and goats, saddle ing among their fellowmen. But being themselves the beasts of burden, and to put up and take too brutal and corrupt to worthily fulfil the diffi- down the tent. The tent is made up of a number cult part of examples to their children, the fathers of feloudj sown together. These consist of camel hasten to send the girl to the work of the tent, and goat's hair spun with the fiber that surrounds abandoning her at a tender age to her natural in- the palm root, and are woven into long strips stincts and the evil effects of bad influences. about two and a half feet wide and eight or ten Often the little girl is struck in a revolting and yards long. They are not unlike cocoa-nut matbrutal manner in order that the father may obtain ting of a dark color, without pattern or design. absolute silence, passive obedience and respect. A pole eight or nine feet long holds up the middle All through life she is exposed to all kinds of in- of the tent while a number of cords, attached to justice from her father, brother or husband. pegs, keep it fixed to the ground. Shorter sticks At a tender age children are left to themselves, are used to prop up the tent in order to give more half naked, spending whole days without any space and allow the inhabitants to move about guardian in the fields or woods to mind the flocks without continually bending. All the tents of the and herds. It is then that they learn those de- camp are the same and only vary in size and state plorable habits of lying, thieving, cruelty and the of preservation. disdain for all things respectable and refined. In the center of the tent and at the base of the Without religious or moral education and with supporting pole are placed two or three large nothing in their minds or hearts but vain forms sacks, called telles, which contain provisions of of prayer and empty politeness, they are aban- wheat, barley or dates for the family for a fortdoned to their natural instincts, and know no re- night or so. In the same place is a large trunk in straint or governing power. Conscience being al- which are kept the family clothing and jewelry. most dead, they have little idea of right and The furniture of the tent is very primitive, conwrong, good and evil. Lying is such a familiar sisting of a few haIfa grass mats spread on the habit among the Bedouin Arabs that everything ground, two or three woolen coverings, some becomes doubtful, even their duty. earthenware pots and pans, a few wooden spoons and the sieves for sifting the coarse wheat flour Most of these young people live far away from which forms their staple food. Everything in the all refining or Christian influences. In the cities tent must roll up or be such that it can easily be some of these young Arabs are being reached by means of mission classes and schools; and natives, packed and placed on the backs of the beasts of seeing the difference in the girls who have come burden to be carried to the new camping ground. under the influence of Christian teaching, have sought some of them for wives, rather than take When evening arrives, the children and old women lie down to sleep side by side. The master those who have been brought up in ignorance. of the tent lets down the feloudj which forms the From a very early age the girls among the coun- door of the tent; then he seeks his mat and try Arabs are accustomed to take their share of woolen covering on which to rest. For him the [195 ]
night is one long watch. With his head turned five times of prayer daily, the fast month of Ratowards the flocks, his pistol under his pillow and madian, the tithes and gifts demanded from his gun by his side, he is ready to rush out at the hardly earned harvest. After all this has been least noise-it may be a thief, a jackal or some faithfully observed he has no "sure and certain other enemy. The wolfish looking dogs with sharp hope" but looks forward with fear and trembling teeth help the Arab in his watch for by the man- to the day of judgment, faintly hoping "the merciner of their barking or the inflexion of their ful, the compassionate" will deal lightly with his voices, he is able to tell whether the intruder is many misdeeds and admit him into Paradise after an animal, a distant passing stranger or one or the intercession of Mohammed. more thieves. It is only when twilight begins to appear, that the master of the tent is able to fall To these people we gladly carry the message of asleep. blessed hope in Christ. It has not always been casting the seed by the wayside, and yet how sad It is a hard life, hard in every sense of the it is to hear some women say, "we have no minds, word. The Bedouin child is born on the hard we are no better than the cows." But we go on ground, in a tent exposed to all varieties of preaching the Gospel of Christ, for it is "the weather and lives on food often coarse and scanty. power of God unto salvation to everyone that be- The life is hard, for the Arab is in continual fear lieveth." Pray that God will thrust forth more from all kinds of enemies, difficulties and dangers. laborers into the harvest field and that all things Evan Islam, his religion, gives little or no consola- needful may be supplied "according to His riches tion, for it also deals hardly with him, with its in Glory by Christ Jesus."
A MOSLEM LEARNS THAT GOD IS LOVE I am a Mohammedan, as were my fathers before me. My cr~ed is: "There is no god but God, and Mohammed is the prophet of God." I scorn idolators, I pray five times a day, I fast one month in the year, I have made the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Further, I am an Arab; I fear nothing. I am ready to kill unbelievers, as my fathers did.
The other day I was sitting in a coffee shop when a foreigner passed by. I had never met him but people told me that he was a missionary. I cursed him under my breath. But he must have heard me for he turned around, stopped, came back, and sat down on the bench be- side me.
"Peace be upon you," he said, and I had to reply in kind.
"I have been looking for you," he said.
"Do you know me?" I replied.
"No," he said, "but my Master told me this morning to go and find some one who was cursing me."
"And what did He tell you to do then?" I said.
"Why," said he, "He told me to bless you. And so I want to assure you that I hope that Allah will give you all health and happiness."
"But who is this Master of yours?" I said. "Jesus Christ," he answered. "But are you a Christian?" I asked again.
"Well," he said, "my Master said that by this we are known as His disciples, if we have love one for another. . . . for God is Love."
He went away; but his words have been ringing in my ears. I am afraid of such a Christian.
Prayer: Oh, Allah, I have prayed to Thee thousands of timeS, but I have not heard Thy voice till this morning. Art Thou really Love? And -dost Thou l()ve me? Then I have. been all wrong in my thoughts of Thee. Teach me what Thou truly art.,' Amen. .
ABDULLAH BIN HUSSEIN.
Pioneering A
A Sketch of George Grenfell and Sir Wilfred Grenfell -~~I!~~_B_Y~L_._S_._H_O_G_E=N_B_O_O~M_,_p_r_in_ce_t_on_'_N~._J.~~~(I~- THE name Grenfell today, to ninety-nine mis- not swept away by the madness of these frantic sionary-minded people out of a hundred, years but who has carried on his work of healing means Sir Wilfred Grenfell of Labrador. His in an obscure field, unmoved by the materialism name calls up visions of a rocky, ice-bound coast, of our day~ of bleak, wind-swept wastes, and of a beloved physician ministering to poor, hard-working, fish- These two men differ widely in background. erfolk-such is the efficacy of the printed word! George's parents moved to Birmingham when he was three years of age and his youth was spent in But in England fifty years ago the name Gren- a dirty factory town in the midst of the abuses of fell would bring up far different visions. Instead the industrial system. Wilfred's father was a of the bitter cold of the Nor,th Atlantic the mind schoolmaster and his boyhood was spent in carewould have pictured the steaming jungle of the free sport on the "Sands of Dee." Congo valley. Instead of frost-bitten fishing villages the name would have suggested grass huts, The most significant event in George Grenfell's baked by an equatorial sun. Instead of a minis- early life was his transfer from the Church of tering doctor in fur coat driving a dog team, the England to the Baptist communion. The cause name Grenfell meant a stocky, bearded man at the was trivial- a bully who plagued him and his wheel of a small steamer pushing his way up un- brother-but the result was thirty years of work charted ,tropical rivers. Grenfell in those days under the Baptist Missionary Society. meant George Grenfell, pioneer missionary and explorer of the Congo River basin. The calls of these men to missionary service were far different. A.t the age of ten George de- Both of these men sprang from an old and illus- cided to be a missionary. He was active in the trious family of Cornwall. Both claimed affinity Young People's work of the church and at the age of blood with Sir Richard Grenville, that bold ad- of twenty-two became editor of Mission Work, a venturer of Elizabethan days. The trouble which Baptist young people's periodical. His close ache caused the Spanish navy was one of the family's quaintance with the missionary enterprise reproudest memories. sulted in his decision to enter Bristol College and prepare for active service in the foreign field. Something of the untamed spirit of their seagoing ancestor must have followed the blood line Wilfred Grenfell, on the other hand, was led into down through the successive generations. Neither his life work in Labrador through his medical and of these later Grenfells was so happy as when surgical practice. He had a vital religious exafloat; the deck of a rolling ship was always more perience during a Moody and Sankey revival in congenial than a lecture platform. Both were of London. For some years following the complethat hardy clan that listens with expectant ear to tion of his medical studies he served on a Deep an inward compelling voice: Sea Mission boat among the fishing fleets of the North Sea. Then he decided to accompany a ship Something hidden – Go and find it. sent out on similar service among the fishing boats Go and look behind the Ranges. of Newfoundland and the Labrador. Upon ar- Something lost behind the Ranges, rival he sought to meet the needs of the people Lost and waiting for you; Go! and remained to become world famous and to write "Forty Years for Labrador." His motives Though only sixteen years separated these men seem to have been largely humanitarian and his in age, they really belonged to two different gen- theory' of missionary calling is bound up in his erations. George Grenfell was born in 1849 and saw the zenith of his usefulness during a time of statement that he always believed that the Good tremendous British expansion in almost every line, Samaritan crossed the road and helped the colonial and industrial, as well as missionary. wounded man because he wanted to do SO.l Wilfred Grenfell's work has become famous in the present century, chiefly as an example of a man to~ tf&f~Jl6o~I}i~:~n, "r~~~ Years for Labrador," p. 71. Hough- [197 ]
The important thing is that they both entered pounds, the maximum pack load for a bearer. The the service of Christ without any reservations, vessel was taken apart, shipped to the foot of the ready to go wherever He should lead them. That cataracts and then carried two hundred miles their respective fields lay so far apart is another through the jungle to Stanley Pool. The engineer, proof of our Lord's interest in all parts of His sent to reassemble the ship, died on the way, but far-flung battle line. Grenfell, using native helpers, rebuilt and The Explorers launched "The Peace" in 1884. It was an almost incredible piece of work, but it was completed and When George Hawkes, a schoolmate of George the way opened for the exploration of a river sys- Grenfell, was asked by the Baptist Missionary tem which drains an area of over two million Society to write the story of his schoolmate's life square miles. The main stream and its tributaries he consented to do so on one condition-someone total a distance of eleven thousand miles.
qualified for the task should make a scientific ap- For twenty-two years George Grenfell sailed praisal of Grenfell's work as an explorer and that "The Peace" up and down those miles of treacher- report should be incorporated in the biography. ous waterways. He charted the channels, mapped Instead, a whole book on this subject was written the tributaries, and made the way comparatively by Sir Harry Johnston, entitled "George Grenfell safe for the advance of civilization. More steam- and the Congo." ers were brought in and a railroad was built We have seen how Wilfred Grenfell went around the cataracts. The territory thus opened through a "seasoning process" in his ministrations to trade is as large as Europe from the Black Sea to the fishermen of the North Sea in preparation to the English Channe}.2 for his life work on the Labrador Coast. Likewise For his part in the project Grenfell was hon- George Grenfell spent four years in Cameroon, ored by the Royal Geographical Society, receiving West Africa, as a "finishing school," under the its Founder's Gold Medal. He was also honored saintly Alfred Saker. Here he learned to make by the Belgian Government and represented King friends with natives, did some preliminary ex- Leopold on a commission to settle a boundary dis- ploring and experienced some of the hardships of pute with France.
missionary life. Here, too, he met his first great It was in his relation with King Leopold that sorrow, when his bride of less than a year died of George Grenfell made his greatest mistake. He puerperal fever. was a believer in the desirability of a strong Euro- In August, 1877, Henry M. Stanley completed a pean power taking over the country in order to three-year journey, crossing Africa from Zanzibar stop the petty intertribal wars and the horrors of on the east coast to Boma at the mouth of the the slave trade.3 He therefore looked upon King Congo River on the west. He had followed the Leopold as a great benefactor and in this opinion course of the Lualaba River which Livingstone he was seconded by his Society.4 But he had failed believed to be the headwaters of the Nile. Stanley to reckon on the greed of men who saw in this vast proved it to be the source of the Congo. This dis- territory a source of income from rubber. This covery challenged the Christian world to occupy greed led to almost unbelievable atrocities. The the vast region of central Africa. Other mission- oppression of the rubber trusts proved worse for ary societies followed the footsteps of Livingstone the black folk than the villainies of the Arab slave in East Central Africa, and a special gift from raiders. John H. Harris, in his book, "Slavery Robert Arthington enabled the Baptist Missionary or 'Sacred Trust'" estimates the deaths during a Society to assume responsibility for the evan- thirteen-year period at five million.
gelization of the Congo Basin. Grenfell and his When public indignation rose too high to be ig- friend, Thomas J. Comber, were invited to con- nored King Leopold appointed, as a blind, a com- duct a prospecting expedition. They soon learned mission for the protection of the natives and that the Congo was navigable for only a short dis- named Grenfell and Holman Bentley as members.
tance from the mouth and that two hundred miles Nothing was accomplished, and the horrible of rapids barred the way to the interior. Gren- abuses went on long after Grenfell's death.
fell's first journey therefore was overland to San One cannot refrain from placing the vast ex- Salvador, capital city of Dom Pedro, black King plorations of George Grenfell beside those of Sir of the Congo. Grenfell decided that the opening Wilfre.d. The latter did worthy service .to navi- up of the interior could best be made by boat gation by correcting charts and maps of that above the cataracts. . dangerous coastline which has been called the Thus came about the greatest exploit of his life. graveyard of the Atlantic. He was honored by Under his advice a seventy-foot steamer, named "The Peace," was built in England, so designed 2 Mathews, Basil-"The Book of Missionary Heroes," p. 150. that only three parts weighed more than sixty-five 3 Hemmens, H. L.-"George Grenfell Pioneer in Congo," p. 198. • Report of B. M. S. for 1885 quoted by Hemmens, p. 200.
TWO PIONEERING GRENFELLS
the Royal Geographical Society with the Murchi- in educational and industrial missions, and schools son Prize in 1911.5 Later, under the encourage- were among the most successful of his projects. ment of the British Admiralty, he further sur- He rightly believed that if the elimination of tribal veyed the coast. Much of this work was done by warfare was not to leave a dangerous vacuum aerial photography.6 Later he was knighted for some other occupation must be provided for the his services by King George V. people. Accordingly he taught them how to make bricks from clay and so to replace their miserable These efforts are valuable from a commercial huts with decent houses. Grenfell saw the necespoint of view. Dr. Grenfell tells of seeing five sity of isolating the children from .the associations steamers piled up on one reef at one time.7 And of heathen life and this was done by means of from a humanitarian point of view it was no less boarding schools. At first pupils were hard to get, so. It is better Christianity to make good charts but before his death he saw them coming in inthan to wait "to play the Good Samaritan to the creasing numbers. surviving families of those fishermen who had drowned because no reliable chart existed." 8 Yet Like many pioneer missionaries Grenfell was a fair comparison of this bleak coast with the rich criticized by the churches at home for the scarcity interior of Africa, leaves one with the impression of converts. Those in England who had visions that society is indeed whimsical in the disposition of teeming thousands of black men hungering for of its honors. the Gospel failed to appreciate the difficulties. The frightful loss of life due to inexperience in a The Missionaries new country also put a s.train upon his courage. His own daughter, newly sent out as a missionary, "The end of the geographical feat is the begin- died of blackwater fever. ning of the missionary enterprise." These words of Livingstone were likewise the motto of his ar- His most persistent enemy, however, was the dent admirer, George Grenfell. It was his ap- awful slave traffic. The Arab raiders had pushed pointed task to blaze trails or, more literally, to westward from Zanzibar and threatened to take chart channels, but always his objective was the over the whole Congo basin. Their inhuman spreading of the Gospel of Christ and the building treatment made the natives wary of strangers of an indigenous church. From that single aim with light skins and often flights of poison arrows nothing could move him. Even when requested by greeted the passengers on "The Peace." the King of Belgium to serve as Royal Commissioner on the boundary question between Belgium Complications with the Belgian Government and Portugal, he referred the letter to the Mis- also threatened to upset his plans. At one time the sionary Society and accepted the offer only after authorities seized "The Peace," hauled down her securing its consent. British flag and used her to transport munitions up the river. A protest from London to Brussels His aim throughout all his explorations was a brought restitution and an offer of indemnity. chain of ten mission stations from Stanley Pool to Stanley Falls, a distance of a thousand miles, George Grenfell closed his career at the age of and he complained bitterly to the British churches fifty-seven in a lonely outpost surrounded by black because the execution of this plan was so long de- men who loved him. They put him aboard "The layed for lack of reinforcements. "The Peace" Peace" and the famous old boat carried him to was brought out and operated to facilitate com- Basoko and a doctor. But on July 1, 1906, the munication between such stations. He lived to sturdy old missionary river pilot crossed the Bar see that hope realized. and sailed out into the great Beyond.
The population of George Grenfell's vast "par- The Grenfell "everybody knows" and the Grenish" varied from the tiny four-foot Batwa pig- fell "nobody knows" were both missionaries, mies, light red-skinned folk with huge bearded rather than theologians. Sir Wilfred, as a phyheads who lived par.t of the time in trees, to the sician and surgeon, has a rough and ready brand Banalyas, an advanced tribe which smelted iron of theology. He says: "Of one thing I am conand practiced carpentry. Naturally, Grenfell vinced. Religion is the reverse of anyone cubbynever had much time for the settled routine of a holed experience. If I am not Christian in the mission station. He continued to pilot "The Peace" way I eat and drink, and in the way I deal with and later the "Goodwill" up and down the river. my wife, or my crew, or my students, or my cus- tomers, as the case may be, the fact that I accept Yet he also managed to do some literary work. all the theology ever taught does not make me so. He translated the Gospel according to Mark and . . . How each individual keeps touch with God, .the Ten Commandments. He was a firm believer I consider it impertinent on the part of any other individual to criticize. Only Christ, so far, has 6 Grenfell, 'Vilfred-Ibid., p. 182. proved the right to say, 'Follow Me.' " 9 • Grenfell, Wilfred-Ibid., p. 242. • Grenfell, Wilfred-Ibid., p. 339. 7 Grenfell, Wilfred-Ibid., p. 169. 8 Grenfell, Wilfred-Ibid., p. 241.
Nor was George Grenfell a stickler for dog- Contrast this with George Grenfell's problem. matic theology. In a letter to Joseph Hawkes, No one has ever accurately counted its population, written in his last illness, he says: "I am less con- but it runs into the millions, and of these almost fident in trying to explain the Trinity, the Atone- every tribe speaks a different dialect. The climate ment and Justification than I used to be; but this is one in which no white man can live long with- I know, better than ever, that Salvation is by out seriously impairing his health. One begins to grace through Jesus Christ, by faith." 10 see that, judged by almost every objective cri- terion, George undertook a more difficult task. There is no notable difference in the sacrifices which these men made. Both lived strenuously. George Grenfell died at fifty-seven. Sir Wil- The great contrast lies in the people to whom they fred is now past seventy. World recognition has ministered. Sir Wilfred has for forty years come to him largely during the past twenty years. served a scattered population of fisherfolk of New- Had his lesser known kinsman rounded out his foundland and the Labrador, mostly Anglo-Saxon full three-score-and-ten he too might have reaped whites, comparable to the southern mountaineers more of the world's honors. of the United States.u There are only a few hundreds who live there all year around. Their Both men are specimens of that staunch clan of missionary has no new language to learn, and missionary heroes that every day brings a little with the aid of American university students and nearer the day when the kingdoms of this world others, is able to handle their needs in a fairly shall become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His adequate way. Christ.
10 Hemmens, H. L.-Ibld., p. 239. BIBLIOGRAPHY 11 Grenfell, Wilfred-Ibid., p. 90. 1. Hawker, George-The Life of George Grenfell, New York, 1909. 2. Hemmens, H. L.–George Grenfell, Pioneer in Congo, London, 1927. 3. Bently, Hoimen–George Grenfell and the Congo, London. 4. Grenfell, Wilfred-Forty Years for Labrador, Boston, 1933.
"Can't Afford to Give to Missions"
Many churches and individuals contend that the funds. Should this fact take precedence over the claims of home needs are so great that they can- needs of the local congregation? not afford to give to missions. Many churches in Christian lands are housed in expensive buildings, The same principle and problem applies to a and are heavily mortgaged, while the spiritual family. When should the desire for a new house house and work of Christ are handicapped by pov- or better furnishings be given the right of way erty. Recently a mortgage company refused to over the pressing needs of absent members of the modify its claims on church property or to reduce family? Obviously the answer is that vital needs the interest while that church was using part of -life, health, education for service-should take its income to support missions. If the church precedence over comforts, conveniences and selfcould afford to give away, surely it could afford to indulgence. Few find satisfaction in self-denial pay its debts. What is the answer? The time to for the sake of discipline but many find real joy in avoid this dilemma seems to be before the debt self-denial for the sake of loved ones or for the on the church property is incurred. Every con- promotion of some needy and worthy cause. gregation, like an individual or a family, has a twofold obligation – for its own maintenance in Experience proves that those who put "first the the interest of efficiency, and for sacrificial service Kingdom of God," have their own essential needs to others. On the one hand there is no reason for supplied, while those who put first their own coman individual or for a church to exist merely for fort lose satisfaction in material things and do self; on the other hand service cannot be ade- not experience the joy of fruitful service. Many quately rendered to others if personal effective- churches with large and elaborate buildings are ness is not maintained. spiritual paupers and show little or no fruit to justify their existence. Other individuals and Every Christian and every church is a steward, churches that live for Christ and His Kingdom commissioned to promote the work of Christ at have the joy of reaping rich spiritual harvests and home and abroad. Should the needs and oppor- at the same time find their own needs adequately tunities for work abroad hinder the work at home met. All admire heroic self-sacrifice but few of -or vice versa? A church desires to enlarge or us practice it. It is a satisfaction to give sacrimodernize its house of worship or its parish house. ficially to an enterprise doing a Christlike work Should this desire be gratified in such a way as to in a Christlike way. The true sign of life in a hinder the response to missionary appeals? The church or an individual is the stream of Living work abroad and in the home field greatly needs Water that flows out to vivify and beautify the lives of others.
A Fire–Walking Festival in India*
By MILLICENT MOODY, Chota Nagpur, India CHUTIYA is an ancient Hindu village which nut falls too. Immediately the priest gathers up consists of a narrow pavementless street the remaining rice and smooths the little pillar about a mile long with mud houses and clean. The drums and chanting cease; the women small shops on both sides. There is a very ancient talk and push and change places. Evidently some- temple at the beginning of the village and a new thing important has happened.
one, only half completed, at the end; both are We were told that the stone pillar represented dedicated to Shiva. Shiva, the creator. The rice and the nut had been Once a year a very interesting festival is held in placed on the god by the chief priest at the request this village. It goes back to ancient times when of a childless woman, who has paid a sum of the aborigines worshipped the sun. The festival money for the priest to tell her whether or not is called "Fire-walking" by foreigners, but the her longing for a son will be realized. The nut had Hindus call it Manda. One of my colleagues, who fallen, so Shiva would grant the woman's request.
works in Chutiya, invited me to join a small party Again and again other women came, but we to witness the festival under the care of her Hindu did not see the nut fall a second time. Alas! maybe pundit. the gift of money which accompanied the request We set out at 10 p. m. with our flashlights. The was too small to satisfy the greed which showed so narrow street near the first temple was thronged clearly in the priest's face.
with men and boys, all making for the other end The noise and heat on the veranda of the temof the village. As the street took a bend we saw a ple was so great that we were glad to put on our flare of lights in the distance and then saw that the shoes and sit once more in the open space near by. temple dedicated to Parvati, Shiva's wife, was It was now getting late, so we hoped the chief lined with tiny oil lamps. The crowd had become ceremony would not be long delayed. Soon the quite dense, for we had almost reached the spot pundit hurried back to say that we should come at where the chief ceremonies were to be performed. once. So we joined the crowd in front of the tem- The chief temple was on our left, and from it came ple and presently a passage was made from the drumming and chanting. Many hundreds of peo- temple steps to the trench of fire by men holding ple had collected and worship was going on in the primitive flares made of stout sticks with rags temple at full swing. soaked in oil on one end. Everyone was kind and gave us good places facing the passage. The chief We walked along the rough veranda of the priest appeared at the temple door and then the temple to a large iron-barred window which gave devotees streamed out and down the steps. The us a clear view of the inside. Both inside and out chief holy man (not the priest) came first and crowds of women and a few men were gazing in- stood at the bottom of the steps and after him the tently at the performance of the chief priest and others came out one at a time. They wore either his helpers. A circle of about eight devotees stood pure white turbans or wreaths of white scented round the priest. These were young men for the flowers on their heads; they had garlands of these most part, who had just been swung over fire and flowers, which are like tuber lilies, round their in a short while were to show their devotion to necks. their god, Shiva, by walking through a trough of fire in his honor. What was fixing the attention Then began the interesting ceremony of "the of the crowd? An evil-looking priest bearing kiss of peace." Each man embraced the others in Shiva's trident marked in lime on his forehead, turn by touching arms and kissing first one side, sat cross-legged, before a rounded stone pillar then the other, and finally saluting with a little which rose from the ground about two feet. Look! bow, with both hands raised to the face as if pray- He is putting a handful of boiled rice on top of ing. This was repeated three times, the devotees the pillar. He is moulding it as a child would make returning to the temple between each set of greeta sand castle. He is placing a nut, like an acorn, ings. Then they all ran down the passage between on the very top. The drums beat; the devotees the crowd and surrounded the trench of flaming chant; the priest mumbles and waves his hand- charcoal, while the chief devotee grasped a double the chanting and drumming continue for two or handful of glowing embers in his cupped hands three minutes, and the loose rice falls a little; the and rushed back and up the temple steps and bore • From The Mission Field, London. the fire to Shiva's shrine. We saw the man shortly [201 ]
afterwards and he did not appear to be burnt at tesque masks, and bells on their ankles. Most dances took the form of a mock fight between two all. hunters who carried huge flower-decked bows and The actual fire-walking was to come later, so arrows. The performers clicked their bows and arrows and went through curious antics, much to we went to see the dancing of various sets of vil- the enjoyment of the crowd, but as each item finlagers. We joined an enormous crowd, hundreds ished there was no attempt at applause. All the of men and boys, seated on the ground around an dances were accompanied by drums and weird hunting cries.
We were told to return at once to the trough of glowing charcoal, as the devotees were about to walk through the fire. The crowd was so dense that we could only make very slow progress so when we reached the spot the men were coming up from the fire and returning to the temple. They had encircled the fire, saluted it and then had walked through it. The trough was several feet wide and eight to ten feet long and was filled to the very top with red-hot charcoal. The men seemed to be quite unscathed from their ordeal.
We longed to be able to claim that huge crowd for Christ and to be able to change all the devo- tion to Shiva into devotion to our Lord. We know that many in that Manda crowd are Christians at heart as a result of years of faithful teaching from our Mission and the secret working of the Holy Spirit within them. We pray that the time will come when a large group of these people will be brave enough to free themselves from the fet- ters of caste, fear and public opinion and come out as Christians. If some will do this others will follow their example. Pray for Chutiya and re- member the educational and evangelistic work, especially the group of non-Christian boys under instruction.
FIREWALKING IN ENGLAND There are about one hundred million people in India living in areas that are not adequately Kuda Bux, Kashmir magician showed no sign of blistering after reached by the Christian message. To remedy, he had walked twice in a trench filled with glowing embers. the situation there should be a (1) better distri- bution of the Christian forces; (2) greater emopen-air stage. Every other person seemed to be phasis upon the ideal of a united church; (3) carrying a long bamboo stick-six to eight feet more emphasis placed upon evangelism. (4) The long. These were to protect them on their home- concentration of missionary institutions in the ward way, but now the poles gave the effect of a larger towns is a handicap. (5) The Indian forest, for everyone held them upright as they Church needs more ordained leaders. (6) Steps sat. should be taken to take the Christian message to the unoccupied areas. (7) The National Chris- The dancers were all men dressed in spangled tian Council should consider what can be done clothes with tall shimmering head-dresses, gro- about Christian work in the Native States. (8) The progress of the Church will largely depend upon the indigenous nature of its activity and growth. (9) Higher educational institutions should cultivate a more Christian atmosphere and a comprehensive effort should be made to stamp out illiteracy in the Christian Church. (10) Greater efforts should be made to produce and distribute Christian literature of a high character.
the Sat Tal Ashram*
Those who were fortunate enough to be a part sat at the foot of the cross. Communion in Sat of the fellowship will look back upon our experi- Tal is communion indeed. "Heaven comes down ence at the Sat Tal Ashram last summer with the the soul to meet and glory crowns the mercy seat." deepest gratitude. One new part of the landscape Every Sunday at least one person had a fresh was a cross on the opposite hillside from the victory to share, and we all rejoiced together. prayer nook. It was a rough hewn cross probably not unlike the first cross on another hill. This Every day just before the sunset meeting we cross, from the very first sunset meeting until the met to transact Kingdom business. There was last morning quiet time, branded our very souls. frank open sharing of spiritual needs and vic- The experiences revolved around the cross of tories. Noone was afraid to be perfectly honest which this one was but a symbol. as we tried to face ourselves. We got to really know each other as we met day by day and shared Sat Tal has a reputation for being a place where the deepest experiences of life. We shared our lives are changed. Each had various needs, but experiences in keeping quiet times, guidance, all wanted that "victorious vitality" that would sharing, surrender and life changing. The dismake us a part of the "cure instead of a part of cipline and fellowship helped to make us eager to the disease" of this sin-sick world. We not only get into the lives of others. needed to be changed but we wanted to get to the place where God could use us to change other The best that each had, we gave and from each other we took that which met our individual need. lives. The greatest contribution, however, came from Every day we were brought to face the needs God Himself. By the lakeside in numberless nooks, on special rocks, or by certain paths, we of our social order as Dr. Stanley Jones discussed met our Maker and He continued His new crea- "Christ and Communism." All through the cen- tion in our lives. turies man has been talking about the Kingdom of God as though it was meant for some future Intercession such as I never have experienced time and place. We have been in the habit of ton- was a part of our experience at Sat Tal. In this ing down Christ's teachings about the Kingdom we had an opportunity to feel a fractional part to fit the social order. During those periods of of the weight of some of the crosses that Christ discussions we realized, as never before, the sins is bearing all the time. We learned the power of of society the world around and that the only prayer. order that will stand the test is the Kingdom of God. It is impossible for one to set up the King- I am unable to describe the inner life of the Ashdom of God in his heart and fit into the present ram which I had the privilege to share for eightsocial order. If the Kingdom is within us the een days. The fellowship of work, whether it be social order around about must change. We be- cleaning the drawing room or cleaning lamps, was lieve the answer to the problems of the individual a rich experience. It helped to make the Ashram and the world is Christ, and with a real determi- a home, and knit us all together into a brothernation we returned to our stations to bring about hood. changes. "The plant that my Father hath not planted it shall be rooted up." We are awake to Thursday was the day of silence. On this day our responsibility in the rooting up process. The we did not have our work period. The value of cross Christ is carrying, because of poverty, in- this day lay in the silent fellowship that we had justice, and sin in the present social order, is so with God and with each other. One of our memgreat that we could not begin to comprehend its bers expressed it something like this, "We enjoyed weight. each other's fellowship without trying to get our ideas over to one another."
After all, the social reconstruction depends up- It was a great vacation. I felt, as I checked up on the individual and the "victorious vitality" will my life before and after, that before I went to the put dynamic in the social reconstruction. Christ's Ashram I had been standing beside an inlet of redemptive power was felt mightily as we sat the ocean and calling it the ocean. As I stood facing the cross and we realized that there was beside it, I seemed tall and important. After the grace and power enough not only to transform us experience at the Ashram I find myself standing but also to transform the world. beside the real ocean and am overwhelmed with its greatness and in comparison I have come to Communion and sharing bound us all together my proper stature. Christ has me, all of me and in a real fellowship. Barriers came down as we -. Condensed from an article by P. E. P. in The Indian Witness. the cross has been branded on my soul.
[203 ]
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I Effective Ways of Working , i 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home l EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'=I=============I~ The Kingdom of God education in 1931; Christian Leadership relating to the Movement economics in 1932. Both these modern apostles were deeply movement came through the fol- By ELIZABETH M. TURNBULL* lowing channels: The Mission- We were led most naturally to aware of the need of a new in- a'!y Monthly, the official maga- terpretation of the message of take as ours the ideas inherent ZIne of the society, in articles by Jesus Christ for the whole in the Kingdom of God Move- leading women in all the prov- world. More than once in the ment. The more immediate years following they spoke to inces and members of the Board' ~udiences in Canada and deeply years after the union of The Impressed us all. circular letters, a Prayer and Purpose card and little leaflets United Church of Canada of issued by the board for distribu- 1925 were necessarily concerned The Anniversary of Pentecost tion. Some of these last had to with organization but at the followed, with its summons to a deeper and fuller life. In April, do with our relationship in the third General Council in 1928 society itself; others had to do the Moderator of The United 1930, the Executive of the Wom- with aspects in the objective of Church, Dr. W. T. Gunn, called an's Missionary Society, stirred the movement such as: "The by the call of the Oriental lead- !he whole membership to a spir- ers, sent an open letter to the ~i~~dom. in Every Day Life," membership asking for more LIvmg In and for the King- Itual advance. His words cre- prayer and a thoughtful, rever- ent seeking in the Bible for ated a profound impression: Christ's way of life. It seemed dom." A lKatienrgdboomo,k"le~t "The !o us that God was making way Way of the series "We cannot organize a rweveivcaal~ In every land for a new revelabut by the grace of God tion of Himself. In his book of of fine Bible studies tracing the begin one." , that year, "The Christ of Every Road," Dr. Stanley Jones said: growth of the idea of the King- In the following year this ap- "The world ground is being pre- dom of God through Old Testapeal was strengthened by the ment times to the present and challenge of two remarkable challenging us to face that idea men-Dr. C. Y. Cheng of China in all its implications, was wide- and Kagawa of Japan. In the ly used in monthly executive and summer of 1929, Dr. Cheng, commi!tee meet}ngs, in group ~atherIngs and In private devo- Preside~t and later Secretary of pared for a spiritual awakening tIOns.
the National Christian Council on a wide-spread scale. We are on the verge of something big." of China and first Moderator of We were greatly enriched by We felt that we were part of the Church of Christ in China this great movement and we cooperation with our church's visited North America. He had Board of Evangelism and Social Service in the publication of a recently inaugurated the Five realized as never before that al- Year Movement in China with though the Kingdom of God was, lWittolreshbiopokinlettheenHtiotlme~d,""Aanidds to we its .searching prayer: "0 Lord, first, a personal experience of reVIve thy ACht uarbcoh~t beginning God as Father and a consecra- took advantage of the fine leafwith me!" the same tion of oneself to His purposes- lets released by this board on time Kagawa of Japan had be- we would miss the richness of the Kingdom of God Movement. gun his crusade, "A Million Marked interest was shown in that experience if we did not al- Souls for Christ," a "Schedule the reports presented to the Gen- so find the same marvellous felof social organization to estab- eral Council in 1932 on Chris- lowship in groups that marked lish the Kingdom of God on tian Marriage, on Evangelism the friendship of Jesus with His earth"-evangelization in 1930,' and on the Church and Industry. disciples and the united member- . • Mrs. Turnbull is the editor of The Mis- ship in the early church. SO' a Another manner in which 8wnarll Monthly in the United Church of Canada and Jives in Toronto. If a movement number of ignroauupxsilioafrywommeeetn~ guid.ance came was by the sugsuch as she herein describes might become sometimes gestion of certain devotional general a~ong. Christian people, the consequent spir,t';1al.,zatlon of the Church would ings, often in little groups in study books bMy eathneingexoefcuSteirvve~ solve the mIssIOnary problem in all Its as- such as "The pects-money, personnel, revamping of meth- homes, began to study the social ods and motivation. Nothing but a spiritual dynamic will ever bring it into its dominant implications of Christ's teaching ice" by Fosdick; "The New place in the Kingdom of God. regarding the Kingdom of God. Challenge of Faith" by Sher- [204 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
wood Eddy; "Christ of the greater unity and power in the so-called Christian lands?" He Mount" by E. Stanley Jones. religious life of the organization. was impelled to answer that Young people were urgedto read Auxiliary women cooperated question. To that end he re- Stanley High's stimulating book, with the pastor in visiting those dedicated himself and we are "Today's Youth and Tomorrow's no longer associated with any glad to be coworkers with him in World." In 1933, "Personal Re- church. It was agreed that the that work. It has given our misligion and the Life of Fellow- most effective way in which the sionary program a scope and di- ship" by William Temple, Arch- Woman's Missionary Society rection we have never known bebishop of York, and the year could contribute to the Church's fore. We feel as Stanley Jones following "Jesus and Ourselves" work of Evangelism, was by says: "This age 'is on the verge by Leslie Weatherhead, brought "concentrating on cooperation of a discovery of the meaning of to us a deeper understanding of with the local minister in studied the Kingdom of God." God's will for us in relation to outreach for those not yet com- the needs of the hour. mitted to the Christian life." A HOMEMADE DOLL FESTIVAL In 1933 a Call to Prayer was We led our young women in issued by the Board and pub- discussion material regarding MRS. HELEN T. LEACH* lished iIi the Easter Missionary wide issues such as interracial Monthly. It closed with these and industrial problems, peace Our Sunday school juniors significant words: "0 God, my or war, economic questions, etc., and saw to it that their worship celebrated the Doll Festival last Father, I pray: That I may was linked with these. We in- spring as the culmination of a vited conferences where older happy season's study of Japan. make the doing of Thy will the and younger met together. We There are so many delightful realized that many of the young things one can do about Japan! supreme guide in all my rela- people of today were much more Of course there are pictures- socially minded and w 0 r I d- many and beautiful. Then there tionships, believing that Thou minded than the older women are scrolls to be made from and we welcomed their fresh ap- strips of unbleached muslin with hast called me into membership proach. We called them as we copies of Japanese scenes cray- called ourselves to take action oned on an oblong in the center. in Thy Kingdom that I may be as citizens when public issues On cheap trays one can form come before them relating to the landscapes fro m newspaper used of Thee to extend Thy rule happiness and well being of men squeezed out of water, dipped and women and particularly into a thin cement mixture and of truth and love in every area little children. then shaped into mountains, streams, bridges, gardens-the of human life. In my home, in But perhaps the greatest thing whole coated, when dried, with we have gained in this devotional bright lacquer paint, leaving the my church, in my community, in study has been the growing con- rim of the tray in black. (Yes, sciousness of the paramount it is messy, but pretty when finmo yL onradt i,oTn ,h yT hwyillKbine gddoonme. come, importance of the missionary ished.) Then the Japanese Thy task today. The new challenge houses from corrugated paper will, 0 Lord, victorious be, in of Dr. Stanley Jones, himself boxes, with thin paper windows one of the best-known mission- and doors, are easy to make. every land–alllands-in me." aries of the Christian Church, What has been the result of this intensive campaign? It is not easy to tabulate results in spiritual development and yet if no growth is evident the experi- ment has surely failed. Some very de fin i t e things have emerged in the past few years.
One is a reality in worship for many who had long been accus- tomed to stereotyped and formal prayers. And this experience in "Christ's Alternative to Com- Most of all, however, we enhinged upon the second thing: munism," has answered a ques- joyed our Doll Festival. Not beour study made us come to grips tion which perhaps has been in ing Japanese with a collection of with social problems confronting the minds of many during the dolls dating back to babyhood, our Church, community and na- last few years: "Why should we had much preparation to tional life, and that struggle missionary women con c ern make. First the doll shelves found expression in our prayer themselves with economic, social had to be built-a flight of five life. Many of us have become and political problems ?" He steps constructed from orange conscious of the tremendous wrote the book under an urge too crates by a good-natured boy need of a transformed society great to resist after a visit to scout. These were covered with . and of our responsibility for its Communistic Russia. "Shall we red crepe paper in lieu of red achievement. So, in addition to give ourselves to the inner life," silk and a rich blue canopy was study, we saw to it that our wor- he asked himself, "and let the arranged over the top step, while ship services for old and young, question of the new world order a gold screen stood behind this published from month to month alone?" He found it impossible step marking the honorable locain The Missionary Monthly, to do that. As a missionary, he tion of the emperor and empress were grouped around themes for had been asked, "Can Christ dolls. We dressed them in real a social awakening as well as save society as well as individ- oriental tapestry robes. On the personal consecration. As it uals? Has He a program-if so, • Mrs. Leach is a missionary from China, now resident In GranvUIe. Ohio. grew, the movement gave a why is it not more effective in
second step, just below the royal We made our room gay with featuring four fields, one brief pair, stood three ladies-in-wait- Japanese lanterns. The Doll episode from each of which was ing in red skirts and white Shelves had the place of. honor, introduced and a suitable hymn kimonos with a dignified guard and above and back of these the used to cover changes of stage on either side armed with bows, window space contained a big setting. Placards placed succesarrows and spears. A tiny water color scene of Japanese sively upon an easel announced orange tree (made of twigs and children at play under cherry the fields. The Spirit of Miscrepe paper) stood at one end of trees. On tables at one side and sions bowed her head at the close this step and a cherry tree on in the wall space we snuggled of each scene while someone in the other. The ·nextstep below our handwork of the year, for the audience rose and offered a held the five musicians dressed admiration of one year's work brief prayer for the field just in purple who with drum, cym- does spur us on to another year's considered. As a last feature, bals, flutes and violin enter- plans. To this doll tea party this Spirit made an earnest aptained the royalty. Next below our mothers and a few friends peal to the audience for the spe- were invited, but the real guests cific objective of the whole. came the ancient man and wom- were the 25 dolls who came with an dolls, bringers of good luck- them and were duly registered A Modern Grab Bag. Rev. he with a hoe to clean unkind in a little book with a big doll H. D. Davies, regional secretary gossip out of the town and she painted on the cover. of the Commission on Missions with a broom to sweep in the of the Congregational and Chrisgood. The lowest step had a tiny The dolls had reserved seats tian Churches, has sent copies of lacquered table set with rice at tables on either side of the The Pilgrim Herald, the official bowls and chopsticks (tooth- shelves. There were dolls from pUblication of the Congrega-' picks) . Purple cushions were India, China, France, the Philip- tional Conference of South Dalaid for the guests to sit on and pines, an American Indian, two kota, in which he edits a departgenuine little Japanese teacups dolls 80 years old and many ment called "A Grab Bag of and a teapot sat on the ends of others. B est of all were Standard Missionary Methods," the step. "Spring" and "Peace" from the the tiny prizes being tabloids of doll family of a resident Jap- workable plans. In two issues "Where did you get your little anese, Mrs. Chosaburo Kato, alone your Editor counted 19 Japanese dolls?" several people who in her dainty kimono added excerpts from THE REvIEW, duly asked me, and I had to admit the finishing touch to our party. accredited, and it was a satisthey came from the ten-cent How pleased we were, when we faction to realize that contribustore and that I had given them passed tea and cookies to her, to tors to this Department were the oriental touch by blacking see her eyes shine as she asked if thus broadcasting energizers for their hair with lacquer paint. we would mind if she took home the King's Business. And now, (Be sure to lay them face down some of the flower-shaped, pink- in this issue and the next, we to dry or an unexpected black frosted cookies and the little propose to dip into Mr. Davies' pig tail may ooze down the back favor (a pot of flowers made grab bag for our innings of exor the face may become African from a marshmallow, tiny gum change trinkets, as follows: in streaks.) Can you imagine drops, wire and crepe paper) the good time we had learning for Mr. Kato to see; "for," she Collect old Christmas greetings to the delightful doll customs of said, "that is just what little send abroad. About 25 pounds of Japan and planning for our fes- girls in Japan do at their doll these were sent from the Midwest tival, which you probably know parties." Regional office in JUly to Africa, comes on the third day of the China, India, etc. third month in Japan? Methods Seedlings Use the supper table worship period Dramatizing a mission study to tell something of interest, such as book, which has prime values in a missionary story. previewing, reviewing, s u m- marizing or popularizing its Talk casually of missionaries and subject matter, is not difficult. missions in a favorable way, so that A good example is that of the they will be taken for granted as sub- pageant founded upon the book, jects as normal as play, movies, "Between Two Centuries," men- school, church, etc. tioned last month in the review of the Santa Ana Baptist wom- Have a missionary in the home if en's year book. Its author, Mrs. possible. Impressions will be lasting. Ethel M. Harp, used the Spirit of Missions and the Spirit of Encourage the re'ading of books of Commerce, standing on opposite travel, etc., that depict needs, condi- sides of the platform, to supply tions and actual doings of teachers, background material and con- doctors, nurses and preachers in for- nective tissue for the narrative eign countries.
Have a 24-hour-a-day plan to raise money that keeps missionary work go- ing when we are at home asleep.
Sel!' Dr. J. L. Lobinger's pamphlet, "What Shall We Do about Missions -Plans and Methods for Young PeQ- pIe."
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BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~~~f~========================~ Discipline and Sacrifice referred to page 110 of the old stead and asking forgiveness of book. There is found under the the mother. Weare told that the A MEDITATION heading of "discipline," counsel child burst into tears, asked her to the teacher to visit the par- mother's forgiveness, "and from 1. To sit at the feet of a Mas- ents "for the particular purpose that hour conducted herself as ter-Teacher makes one a disci- of representing to them the con- an obedient and gentle child." ple, and to practice the way of duct of the child." . . . Graphdaily living taught and practiced ically the story is told of Mr. Gentle Reader, do not say by the Master Himself is disci- "stuff and nonsense." Please pline. Raikes whose custom it was "to forget the method for the mo- visit in person, the families of ment and see the teacher win- Paul in writing to the Chris- the poor, and to persuade the ning the child to better conduct! tian church at Philippi urged: parents to feel interested in the "Have this mind in you which well being of their children." On III. Kagawa, the Christian was also in Christ Jesus : who one such occasion, he visited "a gentleman, Christian economist, existing in the form of God, poor but respectable woman" and Christian missionary is at counted not the being on an who "lived in a very decent present traveling in our country equality with God a thing to be house, but her life was made un- with a message about the whole grasped, but emptied himself, happy by the behaviour of her of life and the Kingdom of God taking the form of a servant,. be- little girl, who had a very bad to include us all. His outlook ing made in the likeness of men; temper." At the time of the vis- and service are of universal valand being found in fashion as a it, the little girl happened to be ue. For Lenten reading espeman, he humbled himself, be- in a sulky mood. (See the pic- cially in Holy Week, use of his coming obedient even unto ture.) Even when Mr. Raikes book "Meditations on the Cross" death, yea, the death of the talked seriously to the girl, she and his "Songs from the Slums" cross." continued SUlky. And now for are recommended. You may al- the point of this meditation. Mr. so wish to read what he is say- II. On the editor's bookshelf Raikes is seen in the illustration ing about Christian Cooperais a book belonging to one of her humbling himself in the child's tives. Only three quotations forefathers – or mothers. The from "Meditations on the Cross" title is, "The Teacher Taught. [207 ] follow. From the first chapter, An Humble Attempt to Make the -"We must make the world's Path of the Sunday School sorrows our own. That is Chris- Teacher Straight and Plain." tianity . . . Christianity for It was "written for the Ameri- me means to dedicate myself to can Sunday School Union, and serve others even urito death." Revised by the Committee of Publication." It was "entered And,- according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839." In the preface "The third significance of the the psychological approach is in- Cross is the conquest of death dicated by, "It has been said that . . . When Jesus was on his teachers are of all men the most second journey he said, 'I will indocil. (Page the Town Crier!) die in a short time,' showing We trust that such a remark is inapplicable to Sunday School that he had included death in the teachers, inasmuch as they are program of his life. He also said presumed to be examples to their he would come to life again . . . pupils in all things." When we feel as though we would like to live here forever, The frontispiece, here repro- death becomes a sorrow, but duced, is the only illustration, when we put it in our program and is given with this Lenten right from the start, it becomes meditation for benefit of others a joy. Death becomes part of as well as clergy. The reader is one's mission, one's allotted task."
Kagawa closes the chapter on wide variety of vocations. Cloth, $1; minister from the Dakotas, re- "The Cross and Daily Life" with paper, 60 cents. vealed some of the difficulties in the prayer-"O God of heaven the lives of the younger Indians and earth: We thank Thee that FOR ELEMENTARY GRADES and gave striking testimony as nineteen hundred years ago to the change which Christian- Thou didst reveal the perfect Courses based on the various study ity has brought into his own life. figure for mankind in the person books are in preparation. Titles and of a carpenter. Through his prices to be announced. For fuller in- Dan Poling, Jr., now in his courage, through his pity, his formation see later announcements or first pastorate in an eastern rulove of his fellowmen and his apply to the literature headquarters ral community, spoke of his work victory over suffering, sorrow, of your own denomination. with glowing enthusiasm. "I am selfishness and sin, and death, in the greatest rural parish in Thou didst manifest to us the Christian Youth in Action in the world," he announced; "not perfect man. Teach us that our Rural America from point of perfection but own pathways of life must lead from point of opportunity. We on into the Way of Christ who The fact that Christian young rural pastors have a real responhung upon a cross. Wavering, people are in action was estab- sibility and we must meet it." unwilling to make the choice, we lished again at the youth Rally "Faith in Jesus Christ," he said, hesitate. We humbly confess it. held in Washington, D. C., on "is the need of the rural church." Cause the spirit of Christ to January 16, 1936, in connection The meeting was presided over dwell in us, that we may kill with the Annual Meeting of the by Miss Mary Lesta Wakeman, selfishness, and be children of Home Missions Councils. There a student at American Univer- God who love our fellowmen. in the large auditorium of Cal- sity who in her introductory re- This we pray in the name of vary Baptist church young peo- marks spoke of the inspiration Christ. Amen." ple gathered from many of the she had received at the Student Washington churches, from the Volunteer Convention in Indian- Advance Announcement Y. M. C. A., the Y. W•.'C. A., apolis from which she had just from near-by colleges and rural returned. The new study and reading books for Missionary Education, communities. B. Y. P. D., Ep- A delightful feature of the 1936-1937 are on Africa and The program was the processional Negro in America. worth League, Pilgrim Fellow- Youth March participated in by ship, Christian Endeavor, and fifty Girl Reserves and younger For the home mission study others,-all were united .under members of the Washington texts, there will be the banner, "Christian· Youth Young Women's Christian Asso- Building a New World." .This ciation, under the leadership of FOR ADULTS interdenominational rally was a Miss Mary Burnett. The music part of the National Conference of the march was contributed by A Study Book. By Charles S. on the Rural Church, and the a young composer, Mrs. Elea- Johnson. The director of the Depart- program featured young people nore Weddell-Roberts and the ment of Social Science, Fisk Univer- who are today, or have recently words, which follow, were writsity, writes on the present status of been, in action in rural fields in ten for the occasion by Miss his own people in American life, America. Marie Whiffen of the New York trends in Negro-white relationships, City Young Women's Christian and the task of the churches in inter- There were four youth speak- Association. racial affairs. Cloth $1; paper 60 ers and their vivid personalities cents. and live messages threw an YOUTH MARCH added note of hope and encour- Brown America: The Story of a agement into the conference. Youth! Bearing the torch of truth, New Race. By Edwin R. Embree. Mr. Warner Clark, who served Steps with firm and determined tread. Collateral reading on Negro life and last summer in a coal-mining history for study groups. Originally field under the Friends' Service Filled with united need, published at $2.50. Special edition, League spoke of his experience Willed both by word and deed. cloth binding only $1.25. as a rare opportunity to "put Daring the years which unfold ahead. your thinking into practice,"- FOR YOUNG PEOPLE to see life in all its reality and to Youth-Youth learn to "live more abundantly." Questing for truth-truth The Story of the American Negro. Testing the tools which have been By Ina Corinne Brown. A brief, pop- Mrs. Caryl Adams, until reularly written history, based on the cently engaged in caring for tried before. soundest scholarship, and an illumi- children in some of New York Spurred by the desire for universal nating interpretation of Negro life State's Migrant Centers deand of interracial movements in con- scribed her little migrant friends claims temporary America. Miss Brown is as being "dirty perhaps on the Led on to higher aims, an author and leader in young peo- outside but clean on the inside." Stirred by the fire and flames, ple's work, Methodist Episcopal She pled for more awareness on Sped by the flames of the torch to Church, South. Cloth $1; paper 60 the part of Christians everycents. where to the needs of these explore m~ny thousands of migratory Truth- FOR INTERMEDIATES laborers. Youth! Bearing the torch of truth, A Reading Book. By Mary Jen- Vine Deloria, a young Indian Steps with firm and determined tread. ness. A collection of life sketches of outstanding Negroes, mostly young Weighing the world's release, people, who are making distinguished Praying that wars· may cease, contributions to American life in a Daring the peace which unfolds ahead.
-Sue Weddell.
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OUJ M!~r~~:;!~feCuS~;~?Ok .;1t EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO 1.
~'=====-======-========='~ INDIA-BURMA-SIAM the family from many evils and mis- tively displayed behind glass on fortunes -leprosy, itch, ophthalmia, the side of the car. There is Child Wives and Widows the death of young children and the seating accommodation for four invasion of the house and garden by passengers, in addition to the The following figures show the harmful snakes. The lack of children driver, and a sleeping berth is need for the Indian Women's is another of the misfortunes entailed available when necessary. It Movement to combat some of the by any failure to perform regular carries also a gramophone with handicaps of women and chil- worship in honor of the family snakes. vernacular records and a magic dren in India. lantern for showing slides on the There is a "serpent grove," where Life of Christ, and on the work There were 9,066 wives under the worshipper may repair. Shrines of the Bible Society. the age of one in 1921, but in are in the form of a hooded cobra, 1931 there were 44,082-almost carved from granite. Sacrifices and Two and a half months were a fivefold increase" while the spent in the Tamil country last elaborate ceremonies attend its in- year, during which time over stallation upon a low platform. ten thousand Scripture portions were sold. population had increased only The Mangs Ask for Teachers one-tenth. There were also re- -The Indian Witness. ported 759 widows under one Miss Lillian Picken writes to year old in 1921, and 1,515 in the American Board that a Temperance Advance group of Man g s (outcastes, 1931. The Temperance Committee of The 1931 Census Report gives string workers by trade) de- the South India United Church sired regular Christian instruc- passed the following resolutions the following figures: last September at Madras: tion in the Mang Wada for two Child Wives Per Cent hours every night. After show- 1. In each Council there should be a Temperance Committee to study in Up to one year old …….. °.8 ing their leader that they would all its bearings the question of Tem- One to two years old . . . . . . . be laying themselves open to perance and its relation to the spir- Two to three years old ….. 1. 2 itual life of our congregations and 2. our members. Three to four years old …. 4.2 persecution and trouble of all Four to five years old …… 6.6 2. That wherever possible a survey Five to ten years old. . . . . . . 19.3 kinds, and explaining to him be made of the location of liquor shops Ten to fifteen years old …. 38. 1 that any desiring baptism must within the area covered by such con- submit themselves to Christian gregation, and that efforts be made Child Widows Actual Number instruction and Christian dis- through local channels to have such cipline for at least one year, shops closed. Up to one year old. . . . . . . . . 1,515 after which if they proved One to two years old. . . . . . . 1,785 3. That in town congregations, pas- Two to three years old ….. 3,485 tors and Church Committees make ef- Three to four years old …. 9,076 worthy they could be baptized, forts to foster a public opinion among Four to five years old .. . . . . 15,019 its members with a view to discour- Five to ten years old …… 105,482 Miss Picken agreed to go to aging the use of liquor and bringing Ten to fifteen years old …. 185,339 them. the Gospel to bear on those, whether within the Church or beyond its The yearly average of moth- On the fifth night a party of bounds, who are in danger of coming ers' deaths in childbirth is 200,- under the power of the drink habit. 000, or 24.5 per 1,000. In some Brahmin gentlemen came to proparts of India the average infant test in courteous fashion. On 4. That those having votes in elecmortality is 400 per 1,000. tion of members to the Legislative being told that one must teach Councilor Assembly should satisfy -Dnyanodaya. when asked to do so, they themselves that those for whom they aroused the whole city. Persecu- vote will use their influence and posi- tion began in earnest; Mangs tion for the furtherance of temper- ance. The "Family Snake" were threatened with loss of livelihood. Extravagant offers -International Christian Press. It is strange but true that mil- were made to Mangs who would lions of people in India worship abandon the meetings. But the Negro Delegation Heard group stands firm, and asks for snakes -live snakes of every continued teaching. Mention has been made of the variety. Not only are there Negro delegation visiting India snake groves in every little vil- Bible Caravan Experiment lage, but in some homes the fam- ily snake roves about the hearth The British and Foreign Bible unmolested. India's Millions Society is carrying on an experi- gives some authenticated facts: ment with a motor caravan for Here snakes are encouraged to carrying the Scriptures. It is so dwell, in order to ensure freedom for built that they can be attrac- [209 ]
under the auspices of the Stu- The Valley is 792 miles north of the whole Bible, in four octavo dent Christian Movement. This Rangoon, and six days' march volumes, was in the language of group has now visited all the im- from the nearest post office. the people.-AZliance Weekly. portant student centers in South The inhabitants are Jinghpaws India. Everywhere they have or Kachins and their religion is Pen Picture of Sritamarat Animism. A primitive race, been received with great cor- they appear to have neither The Presbyterian Board gives diality, not only by Christian medicines nor cures for diseases, a pen picture of Sritamarat, groups, but by the general pub- but rely entirely on sacrifices of Siam, as seen today. The city lic. Their story of 14,000,000 fowls, pigs, dogs and buffaloes has a surface sewer system of Negroes who were treated as ditches and one wide street, also slaves till some 75 years ago, ac- to the spirits for a cure. Med- a few side streets. There are no quiring for themselves an ac- ical aid is found to be a tre- street cars, gas or telephones. cepted position in the national mendous help in presenting the Electric lights have recently life of America challenged atten- been introduced, and now the tion, and set people to thinking Gospel. streets are lighted by electricity. seriously about the 50,000,000 The provincial government ofso-called depressed classes. One of the great problems of fices are in Sritamarat. Without the Valley is opium, for there the city walls there is a section Traveling Mission Dispensary are no restrictions, as in other occupied by the Malays and here parts of Burma, to poppy culti- they have their market. Fur- A nurse of the American vation nor to the consumption ther on is the business section, Board Hospital at Ahmednagar, of the drug. Most of the men including dry-goods stores owned now closed, has started a new take it, often commencing the enterprise, self-supporting from habit at the age of 15. About by Indian merchants, provision the beginning: a district travel- 200 addicts have been cured of and native drug stores belonging ing dispensary. In a summer the habit, but they are warned to the Chinese and little open trip of ten weeks, treatments of the danger of taking it again market stores kept by the were given to more than 730 pa- when they fall sick, and taught Siamese. tients. Experiences of the that only the power of God can nurses have not lacked in va- help them to resist the tempta- One of the problems of evanriety. A cloud of dust; a long tion. Some years ago a slave gelism is how to reach the Chitrail of humans coming, nearer escaped from the Valley and on nese who come to this section of and nearer they advance. Wom- conversion gave up opium and Siam to engage in business. As en with drawn, painful faces, drink by faith alone. Today, he they have their own dialects, it is carrying babies on their hips. is a living witness to the power difficult to find a man who knows Babies with marks of inherited of God. There is now a young several dialects and is thus able disease, big ulcerating sores, Jinghpaw Christian native of the to teach them. They are always eyes dulled by opium. Old men, Valley doing the work of an on the move; going where their bent from toil; furrowed faces evangelist, and also learning the business interests are. This fact tell the story of a lifelong fight use of simple drugs. He goes to seriously affects the c h u r c h for the scanty daily bread. Then the villages with a supply of membership. The church has a procession of young people, medicines and dressings, preach- tried to keep hold of them by each walking with a bamboo ing the Gospel and healing the giving each a letter of dismissal sick. to another church, when they stick. What is the matter? Oh, Burmese Bible Centenary leave this field. The work it is the curse of the dirty water, among the Siamese progresses the guinea worms, forming ter- Here is another centenary. slowly. Buddhism, like Mohamrible abscesses all over their legs. The issue of the Bible in the medanism, offers its difficulties Burmese language, the transla- "We noticed that you washed tor being the great missionary, to the Christian worker, yet a a lot, and used very clean things, Adoniram Judson, was on De- Buddhist makes a good Christian and you had God's medicine to cember 29, 1835. The first book when once converted. More inject into the body," said one translated, the Gospel of Matold woman. thew, was printed by George helpers are needed to go out into Hough, on a little hand press the surrounding districts where —AfissiotUlry llerald. that he had brought to Burma. the field is large and waiting for the message of Christianity. Pioneer Work in Burma The release of slaves in the No more printing was done until CHINA Hukwang Valley by the Govern- Cephas Bennett arrived in 183Q. The "League of Ten" ment of Burma in 1925-1928 Then Luke and Ephesians came drew attention to the spiritual out, and finally, on December 19, General Chang Chih Chiang, needs of this unadministered 1932, the whole New Testament the head of the Bureau of Phys- territory, and as a result of was off the press. The Old Tes- ical Culture of the Chinese Gov- prayer for five years, sanction tament was printed in detached ernment in Nanking, was con- was received in 1930 for a Med- parts, until the great day came, verted as the result of his ob- ical Mission to be established. just a hundred years ago, when servation of the changed conduct
OUR WORLD-WIDE OU'l'LOOK
of Christian Chinese comrades. than Christianity in China. She its last meeting noted that there He has maintained ever since a writes in The Life of Faith: had been a definite increase in very earnest and consistent the quality and amount of direct Christian testimony. He has Nanning is becoming a very up-to- evangelism during the past year. acted as the Chairman of the date city. Beautiful buildings are be- Attention was called to the Commission for the Suppression ing erected everywhere; wide motor dearth of new missionaries, and of Opium; has been an active roads are constructed in place of nar- the net loss of twenty-five misevangelist, and has purchased row cobbled streets, and motor cars sionaries from the mission staff and distributed thousands of are taking the place of sedan chairs, during the year. There are at copies of the Bible among his but in spite of all the outward signs present 380 workers, scattered Christian and non-Christian of improvement, the hearts of the peo- in many provinces. friends. ple are still dark with sin, and they seem more indifferent to the Gospel, The Project Plan, which seeks He is the founder and active harder to win for the Lord Jesus. to take away subsidies from the leader of an evangelistic move- Many of the deserted temples have local congregations and use the ment known as "League of Ten." been cleaned up, and new, gaily- funds in projects, is already Groups limited to ten members painted idols placed in them. functioning in four-fifths of the pledge themselves to daily Bible stations. The spiritual results study and prayer, to the reading At a woman's temple one sees a are already definite and wideof some classic literature in ad- constant stream of worshipers; at the spread. The churches have been dition to daily physical exercises. entrance they purchase quantities of stimulated. There has been a Each one promises to bear per- paper money which are immediately great increase in Bible study, sonal religious testimony to burnt in a charcoal fire. The smell of volunteer work, revival services somebody every week, and to incense fills the air, and the monoto- and efforts to reach the unevanseek to win at least one person to nous chanting of the women priests gelized as never before. Christ every year. As new makes one feel conscious of the members are won, new groups powers of darkness. -The Presbyterian Tribune. of ten are formed. Museum and Evangelism Finnish Missionaries -London Missionary Herald. Rev. D. C. Graham, Baptist The missionaries had been missionary in Chengtu, West driven from the field by bandit From Dark Occultism China, is in charge of the new Reds. For a while there was not University Museum. It contains even any knowledge of their The China Inland Mission re- more than 15,000 objects at the whereabouts. cords the conversion of an old present time. One of Mr. Gra- Chinese lady who had been a ham's objectives is to make the In the October number of the popular spirit medium. Her museum a means of evangelism, Missionstidning for Finland it home was full of paraphern,alia and moral and educational up- was stated that the missionaries used in demon worship. She lift. had contacted with Tsingshih heard the Gospel and very soon and the Home Board sent a after dreamed that she heard a "While traveling among the cablegram to this place. This voice saying, "If you have any- Chuan Miao," he says, "collect- supposition has proved to be cor'- thing to do with this Jesus I can- ing curios and studying their reet and a letter was received by not use you. He is true. Go to customs I have preached to the Board which describes the Him." The outcome was that them. I started the first evan- conditions in the field. This letshe turned to God, in spite of gelistic work and helped in the ter has now been published in bitter opposition on the part of opening of the first school among the November number of the her husband and relatives. them. Our mission was unable Missionstidning and also in the Eventually she was the means of to continue the work there and Suomen Ldhetyssanomia. ' leading her husband, her three I have helped connect it up with sons and her daughter-in-law to the United Methodist Church Missionary Koskinen, who the Lord. In the meantime, all working in that area. Today succeeded in assembling the mistraces of idol and demon wor- the believers number one thou- sionaries who had been in the ship had been swept clean from sand; there are 13 junior pri- field at Tsingshih, had gone with her home and burned. The mary schools and one senior pri- Pastor Meedar as far as Tayung. woman, her sons and her daugh- mary school. The first Chuan While the Reds have not been ter-in-law were all baptized, and Miao student has entered the cleared from the whole field, the now services are held every Sun- West China Union University government troops had the day in her home. here at Chengtu and is prepar- upper hand. The government ing for evangelistic work among plans to construct a new road for Deserted Temples Reopened his own people. The museum automobiles run n i n g from has been the entering wedge." Changteh to Tzeli and it is soon Miss Lilian Barrett, of the to be open to traffic. Bible Churchmen's Missionary -Watchman-Examiner. Society, thinks that Western Missionary Finck, of Tsingcivilization has more influence China Council Sees Progress shih, reports that in his locality mission work is again in full The China Council of the Pres- swing and the missionaries are byterian Church is the clearing house for all the work of that great church in China, with its seven missions. The Council at
thanking God for having again sion and thought, covering the tional Economic Council office. . . . opened the doors. best in many nations and in Seventeen couples were married at many ages. Cambodian Uses His this joint ceremony. The invitations Opportunity Fifty hymns are Chinese were for ten o'clock. We arrived at originals, both in words and in ten-thirty and the ceremony was ac- A ChrisUan Cambodian is music. Contests for the fifty tually begun at high noon and lasted pilot of a ferry on the great hymns and tunes were organ- one hour, during which time the Mekong River, French Indo- ized, with the result that 200 couples, their friends and relatives, China. He sits on his boat with hymns and 500 tunes were sub- and hundreds outside, stood paa small box close to his seat. mitted, thus demonstrating a tiently. . . . Everyone that crosses on his tremendous interest in the Chiferry is sure to have some por- nese Church in such a task. As we left the place we looked in tion of the Word when he leaves. Selections from the book are be- at the married couples and their rela- While the Cambodian portions ing sung in America. tives who were seated at square tables are forbidden in all of Cambodia, waiting for the feast provided for here is one place where a Chris- -Advance. them as part of the ceremony paid for tian does as he pleases. He gives by the two-dollar fee. They are under away portions every day in four To Improve Christian obligation not to have any private languages, and so far no one has Literature feasts at home to run up additional stopped him. Recently he gave expenses. out portions in French to four Fifteen Christian literature men that crossed with him. He agencies working in China were We were told by one of the leaders tried to tell of Christ, but does represented at a conference on in this rural reconstruction work that not speak French; they accepted Christian Literature held in the main object of these mass wedwith smiles and thanks. About Shanghai, November 12 – 13, dings is not to save expense, but to 50 miles from the ferry their under the auspices of the Na- break an established custom that is car skidded at a curve and all tional Christian Council. This crippling the people. If one can be were killed. He felt he had conference was unique in that it broken, others may be also. given them the last warning, brought practically all China's and perhaps the only one they literature agencies face to face "Brotherly Love" had ever had. God is using him for the first time. The first day mightily, and will have a harvest was spent in reviewing litera- A cloudburst wiped out sevof souls some day from this ture as existing and needed. eral Chinese villages. Rev. Edgreat province. No preacher This furnished the basis for a ward H. Smith, of Ingtai, China, has been able to get residence united program in which each was doing relief work. Finally in this section. The relief pilot society might share according to he started home with a group of has been taken off and he is its particular purpose. The boys from 7 to 10 years of age, obliged to stay on duty 24 hours principal fruit of the conference who would walk the entire 50 a day, sleeping when he can. was a decision to share coopera- miles. In the road stood another These conditions have almost tively information about books ragged, barefoot chap. His eyes driven him from the place, but needed and in preparation. The were full of tears and he said he has decided to stay on for the Association of Theological Sem- over and over again: "You must sake of the testimony he is able inaries, organized last summer, take my little brother. Here he to give. is to be approached for aid in is only six years old. I can find securing funds from Nanking something to eat watching goats, New Hymnal Ready Theological Seminary for sub- but I can't take care of my little sidizing theological literature. brother. You must help my In 1928 the Episcopalians be- Another conference is to be little brother. N eve r mind gan to prepare a hymnal which called in the near future. about me." "A Huo, I can't take should be a more indigenous ex- any more and your little brother pression of divine worship for -The Christian Century. is too small to walk these fifty Chinese than anything published miles," rep lie d Mr. Smith. up to that time. Three other Weddings En Masse Clutching Mr. Smith's coat the groups were planning to produce boy sobbed, "Oh, sir, yes, he can hymnals for their own commu- Miss Helen Calder, retired -he can walk, and I can't care nions. Someone proposed that secretary of the A mer i can for him. You must take my little a union hymnal be published Board, is spending a year in brother. I will get along somewhich s~ould include all groups, China, and sends this incident of how." Mr. Smith adds, "Who and the Idea caught the imagina- human interest: could resist that appeal? I said tion of church leaders. As a re- 'A Huo, I'll take you both. Get sult, after much prayer and Yesterday we were invited to one your little brother and bring labor, a hymnal has been pro- of the mass weddings which are being him down to Ingtai. Any boy duced with a unique inclusive- pushed all over China, to reduce the who can forget himself for his ness and catholicity of expres- heavy expenses usually incurred at little brother has the right atti- private weddings. Families borrow tude to make a good man.' " money at 24 to 36 per cent interest to pay the bills, and get saddled for JAPAN-CHOSEN life with debts. This wedding was the second to be held in a country New Religious Bill place and was arranged by the Na- A bill soon to be urged upon the Diet proposes officially to recognize three religions, Shinto,
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Buddhism and Christianity; and miliar treatment of the imperial tionalistic movement that has to place all branches and sects of family and tradition as the cen- swept the country. these faiths under government ter of Yamato-Damashii was resupervision according to specific sented in certain circles. Salvation Army in Chosen rules. This would throttle vital Christianity of power to effect Following the recall and sup- So eager are Korean children life in Japan. Some see even pression of the entire edition, the for mod ern education that greater significance in the vir- staff of the Graphic, both Jap- groups of school boys are sometual admission that Shinto is a anese and American, were sub- times seen on a train at a quarreligion, not a philosophy or pa- jected to thorough questionings ter to four in the morning, on. triotic observance, and that a as to the history, nature and their way to the nearest governbow before a Shinto shrine is a purposes of the magazine. It 1'S ment school. They return home religious act. now hoped to resume pUblication at 8 in the evening, do their in the near future, but it is safe homework, sleep on the floor of New Picture Method to prophesy that both Japanese their one-room home with the and English editions will be less rest of the family, and catch the A time-honored entertainment liberal and aggressive in the fu- early train next morning. Such for children in Japan is known ture.-The Christian Century. is the report of a Salvation as the paper theater. It consists Army major, after twenty-five of a box into which pictures are Kagawa Wants Rural years' service in Korea. In his slipped, and it is quite a com- Churches pioneer days, the usual method mon sight to see a bunch of chil- of travel was by pony or on foot. dren around a man who tells Dr. Kagawa, who has little Often the maj or had to walk 30 them old history and fairy use for imposing architecture, or 40 miles to his services. His stories with the aid of this con- laments that while Japan's cities wife was the only white woman trivance. The children each pay have many churches for the within many miles. Crowds about a farthing. This method well-to-do, the humble Japanese came just to see her, and were of showing pictures and telling farmers and fishermen, number- converted through her singing. stories has been copied in Sun- ing some 30,000,000 in 9,600 vilday school work, and a young lages, have almost no churches. Today, there are increasing Japanese clergyman uses it with There are only 170 chapels for numbers of Korean Salvation great effect to attract children religious exercises which, Dr. Army officers, and in some cases when he pays visits to near-by Kagawa thinks, should be held the second generation of Chriscountry towns. The stories he at least twice each week, prob- tians are taking their place in tells are from both the Old and ably on Sunday and Wednesday the Training Home of the Army. New Testaments, and it is quite nights. Besides, the chapels customary for him to get an should offer meeting places for -The Christian. audience of a hundred children, classes and discussion groups. who listen and watch with rapt Such church buildings could be ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC attention.-C. M. S. Gleaner. erected at a cost not to exceed $280 each, or $280,000 for the Fiji After Fifty Years Christian Monthly Suspended thousand that the Japanese leader hopes to build. A corps Joni was the first Fijian con- The Christian Graphic for De- of 5,000 trained laymen, most of vert to Christianity, and the first cember was confiscated by the them farmers who can earn their local preacher. The Jubilee cele- Japanese police and temporarily living in their trade and preach bration in 1885 marked the discontinued publication. The for nothing, have been enlisted turning of the whole people of Graphic has been well known in to furnish the leadership. Fiji from darkness to light, ele- Japan and in other lands as a mentary though their Christian nondenominational pic tor i a I Dr. Kagawa says that 150,000 knowledge was. At the cenmonthly with English and J ap- new members have been added tenary celebration in 1935, furanese magazine sections, and de- to the Christian churches of ther change was expressed in voted largely to the cause of Japan in the last ten years. The one phrase, Fiji is reb 0 r n. Christian evangelism, social jus- people are eager for the realities Heaviness and dullness have tice and world brotherhood. On of religion. In the high schools given place to an appearance of several occasions since the con- of Tokyo, for instance, a reli- intelligence and attractiveness. flict in Manchuria and Shanghai, gious week is observed each Incongruous attire is no longer the sheet has been in police toils year, and a day is given over to seen. The change in the chilover questionable material ap- each of the nation's faiths, in- dren was very noticeable. Inpearing in Japanese, but this cluding Christianity. In some stead of the ringworm, ugly time the trouble has arisen over of the schools it has been shown sores, eye diseases, so common an English article by Willis La- that as high as 60 per cent of years ago, one saw clear skin mott, prominent Presbyterian the students are Christians. and bright eyes; instead of furmissionary, on "Japanese Pa- Everywhere the students are tive, frightened looks, happy, triotism." Too frank and fa- getting Christian ideas and smiling faces. ideals, despite the strong na- Another development has been in the musical field. Half a cen-
tury ago, a missionary stated in Mosher, of the Philippines, with widely characterized as "the best a magazine article that the the disappearance of a feeble- yet." Among outstanding acmusical ability of the Fijian was minded Bontoc. One of the tivities of the Mission have been older women dreamed that the the establishment of more ex- "about equal to that of a cow." inhabitants of the near-by vil- tensive Christian Leadership At the Centenary a group of lage of Tukukan had done away Training Schools and Bib I e with him, and in revenge, after classes in three of the four dia- Fijians sang the Hallelujah an abortive attack upon Tuku- lect fields; the change of status kan, the Bontocs murdered the of Silliman Institute to univer- Chorus without conductor or ac- governor's secretaiI'Y. The y sity standing; and revivals and companist, in a manner that won stoned his children, threatened evangelistic efforts which have the highest appreciation, and to burn hi:-:. house, and then been a blessing. speared him in the back. The 'will live in the memories of all Philippine constabulary s u c- Because of the very abundant ceeded in averting pitched bat- opportunities for Christian servwho heard it. tles between the two villages, ice for lay workers, training -The Missionary Review but the trouble is far from set- schools have been established, (Australia) . tled. -The Living Church. varying in length from five days to four weeks, but in all of them Revival in West Borneo Evangelism in Bohol leaders of congregations gather at some central point for a pe- Two students from Makassar Between the large northern riod of Bible study and spiritual island of Luzon and the Moro- inspiration. In addition, man,: Training School, working among famed island of Mindanao is the three-day Bible classes have smaller island of Bohol. It is of been held in individual congrethe Dyaks of West Borneo, tell interest to travelers because of gations by itinerating mission- its corn crop; its smooth, daz- aries. Much faithful service for of "human skulls taken from the zling – white coral sur f ace d the Master is being done by roads; and its many beehive- young women who have been long-houses and buried, drunk- shaped hills. It is of interest to trained as deaconesses and the missionary because of the kindergarten – teachers. Bible enness ceasing, men returning 420,000 people who dwell there. reading has been g rea t I y stressed; millions of pages of to their deserted wives, men and A missionary at work there Christian literature have been decided that the best way to published in the various dialects, women healed of sickness, and bring a revival to the group was and in English by mission and to lead their old believers of commercial presses. some even raised from death's twenty years standing into ac- t;ive work for Christ. He there- -The Philippine door. Some two thousand have fore led a party of them to dif- Presbyterian. ferent small islands in the neighshown genuine interest in the borhood. There they witnessed NORTH AMERICA concerning Christ's s av in g teaching of the Gospel, and of power and finally found a village Religion and Unemployment ripe to the harvest. As a result, these 508 have been baptized." when the missionary vis i ted Roger W. Babson, statistician, there at the close of the vacation maintains that the United States In Sumatra the Christian Al- season, he baptized 28 persons. has never worked clear of unem- ployment cycles until there had liance has effected entrance More Daily Vacation Bible been a great wave of religious Schools were conducted this year revival; and that it is not likely among the Kooboos, an aborig- than ever before. The 77 volun- that the present unemployment teer teachers taught 46 schools problem will be solved without a inal race of low order. They during the vacation season, national spiritual awakening. reaching 1,450 children with "During our country's history have little clothing, live in dirt Bible teaching. Thirty thousand there have been many panics, Scripture booklets and tracts, but in 300 years there have been and squalor, the children are 24,000 pages of mimeographed only six great movements in em- material, and 500 Gospels were ployment," he said. The first covered with nasty sores, and distributed. -The Philippine- movement away from unemploy- ment in 1680 was accompanied are often deformed. The homes Presbyterian. by a wave of revivals; the preaching of Jonathan Edwards are rickety shacks overrun with A ,Banner Year and Whitfield marked the second in 1730; the movement between cockroaches. Yet these folk are Last year, the thirty-sixth of 1800 and 1810 was coincident the Presbyterian Mission in the with the preaching of Finney responsive to the Gospel. Philippine Islands, has been Mr." Jaffray, of the Celebes, tells of two Chinese defaulters, in p r i son, who were bbth brought to the Saviour and be- came witnesses among' fellow prisoners. They have become fast friends, and on their dis- missal from prison agretld to go into business together. They are now visiting China and Japan, making plans for an ex- tensive business, and have laid down as a foundation principle that one-tenth of their profits shall go to the furtherance of the Gospel. Thus the seed is being sown. -So S. Times.
Head Hunting Breaks Out In spite of 35 years of American and church influence in the Philippine Islands, head-hunting has begun again. The trouble started, according to Bishop
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
and other evangelists; in 1850 The Methodist Episcopal interchange of plays and programs, came D. L. Moody and in 1898 and other cooperative means. Billy Sunday and the evan- Church, which commonly is regelists of his day." garded as the "Northern" group, 4. We shall expressly set our faces like flint against mob violence for any – Watchman-Examiner. numbers 4,259,000 communi- cause whatsoever, and shall use our cants; the Methodist Episcopal utmost influence upon public officials Religion On the Air Church South has a membership and opinions for complete eradication of 2,243,000, and the Methodist of mob violence. The Living Church says that there are more than forty reli- Protestant Church about 200,- 5. We have been taught, "God hath gious programs broadcast every 000. These churches in foreign made of the same blood all men for to week through national or sec- dwell together on all the face of the tional hookups, and sponsored countries have about 600,000 earth." We believe that. by established religious groups. members. These regular programs are -The Christian Advocate. under Protestant, Catholic and Under the proposed plan the Jewish auspices, and do not in- "Unofficial Ambassadors" clude the scores of broadcasts church-to be called the Methmade periodically by single odist Church – will be divided The year 1936 marks the comgroups, such as local church fed- pletion of twenty-five years of erations and individual clergy- into six conferences in the service of The Friendly Relamen. United States, five for whites tions Committee, whose secre- and one for Negroes. Each taryis Charles D. Hurrey. Dur- There are at present 14 na- jurisdiction will elect its own ing the quarter century approxitional broadcasts under Protes- Bishops. mately one million dollars have tant auspices every week, 13 of been expended in a varied prowhich are supervised by the De- Presbyterian Diamond Jubilee gram of activities among stupartment of Religious Radio of dents from a hundred countries. the Federal Council of Churches. The Southern Presbyterian There are 16 regular broadcasts Church is observing its Diamond At least ten Foundations have of Jewish interest, according to Jubilee in a forward movement appropriated generous sums for information issued by the Union in which daily Bible reading is fellowships for foreign students. of American Hebrew Congrega- given a prominent place. Other Governments abroad are facilitions. Roman Catholics have 10 aims put forward, says the tating the exchange of students regular programs while, accord- Christian Observer, are: and professors between their ing to the National Council of countries and ours. Catholic Men, there are an addi- 1. To foster a more vital sense of tional 26 programs. Many of the fellowship of Christ, and a more Seen through the years, forthe latter, however, may have ardent desire to do His will. eign students have been a transbeen discontinued recently. forming factor in American life. 2. To develop in individuals and in Their frank criticism has in- Plans for Methodist Union the churches a more fervent and con- fluenced the revision of some stant spirit of evangelism, that the textbooks in our schools; teach- In Cincinnati,. on December Church may not lag in her supreme ers have become more friendly 5th, a joint committee of fifteen, business of winning men to Christ at toward the alien's problems. representing fifty commissioners home and abroad. From the American viewpoint, who in turn represent the Meth- gains from this inter-relation odist Episcopal Church, the 3. To lead people into a better have been many. Methodist Protestant Church understanding and more faithful and the Methodist Episcopal practice of Christian stewardship of LATIN AMERICA Church South, approved a plan life and possessions. for the union of the three great Religion in Mexico Methodist churches in the The Jubilee Theme is "Christ United States. and His Church First." A recent book, entitled "Reli- gion in Mexico," by G. Baez This unification plan must be Race Relations Camargo and Kenneth G. Grubb, ratified by the churches them- says that the Roman Catholic selves in their general and an- Young Southern Christians, Church in Mexico has collapsed. nual conferences, before it be- meeting in Memphis, December Where in 1926 there were 4,493 comes effective, and that is likely 27-30, had this to say regarding priests in active service in Mexto take at least six years. It is race relations: ico, today only ·197 are allowed hoped that by 1944, 100 years to minister to the people. Mexafter the church in the South 1. We recognize we cannot right- ico will never again be an exseparated on the question of clusively Roman Catholic nation. slavery, the union will become a fully call ourselves Christians until fact, uniting in one body more The Social Revolution has than 7,000,000 communicants. we face honorably our responsibilities paved the way for broader evan- gelistic work; it has opened the as members of the social order in door to the Indians of the coun- tryside. One of the opportuni- which prejudice, discrimination and ties is to interpret our religion to a people that every day is be- injustice are the daily portion of a coming more awake socially.
vast number of those of other races who rightfully call America the land of their birth. .
2. We must adopt an attitude lead- ing to the treatment of every other person with complete courtesy and respect regardless of race, color or nationality.
3. To inform ourselves and seek to enlist others in efforts to better under- stand other races through actual ob- servation, reading, study, discussion,
Prof. Camargo is writing for "They say that people make ated the largest English school the leading daily paper of Mex- long pilgrimages to burn candles in Poland, with 700 pupils. ico; he is meeting the intellec- before this shrine, many kneeltuals on their own ground; he ing a block away from the Objections of the Polish auis loyal to the Gospel in showing church and approaching the thorities were based on alleged them that in it we have a force image on their knees. In speak- failure of the organization to to lead Mexico out of its maze. ing to one of these people about conform to the Government's ad- "We are thankful for the situa- the Lord one finds it very diffi- ministrative requirements; there tion," says he, "for it is forcing cult to get his mind away from were no objections to religious us to change much of the tech- his 'Senor de Chajul' and cen- activities. It is questioned nique of our work in the tered upon the true and living whether the Southern Methodchurches of Mexico. We are Lord Jesus." ists will obtain compensation for shifting from the program and their investments in Poland. form taken to Mexico by the Witnessing in Brazil missionaries to a program de- Ukraine Reformation veloped in answer to the needs When Mr. and Mrs. O. M. and opportunities of our own Thompson, of the E. U. S. A., Protestants in Europe and people. We are now stressing went to J anuria, Brazil, as pio- America are watching with symcamps for evangelical teaching, neer missionaries two years ago pathy what is known as the evangelism among soldiers and they found that the "whole north Reformation in Ukrainia. There sailors, a program of Christian of the State of Minas Geraes had are between thirty and forty literature, and training schools been unaccountably neglected by millions of Ukrainians, of whom and institutes 'on wheels' for Evangelical forces." Confront- seven millions are in Galicia, training Christian workers." ing them was a wall of Roman where an evangelical revival was Catholic intolerance, furthered begun by returned prisoners – Watchman-Examiner. by the priests. However, several after the Great War. Dr. Adolf families have been won, and Keller, Secretary of the Central Only One Remedy there is now a Gospel Hall in European Bur e a u of Inter- J anuria. The outstations are Church Aid, declares that scenes In the Aztec town Cuautla, in the most fruitful fields. The of the early Christian Church the State of Morelos, Mexico, the country folk seem to have are being repeated. The revival Indian village chief was talking greater desire for spiritual veri- was led by laymen, as ministers with Mr. W. C. Townsend, a mis- ties; there are fewer worldly and teachers after the War were sionary who was learning the diversions in small villages and almost entirely lacking. Con- Indian language. The headman on farms. One village now has verts gathered in farm buildings complained about the awful vice a regular Sunday school. The or dwelling houses, or in the. and ignorance of his town and police authorities of this place open air. Eventually, a Euro- Mr. Townsend suggested some telegraphed to the capital, ask- pean Committee was constituted reforms. ing what action must be taken to assist in the organization of to silence a Protestant preacher. the Reformation. Plans are "No, professor," replied the The reply was on the side of the under way for translating both chief, "those won't w 0 r k. preacher. In the Fabiao Valley Old and New Testaments into There's' only one thing that will. several young men, brought up Ukrainian; also for a translation It's the Bible and it must be in in an atmosphere of bigoted be- of the Augsburg Confessional our own language." lief in saint worship, now carry Catechism. in their pockets copies of the -Pioneer Mission News. New Testament. Ukrainian Protestants are rich in faith, and generous to An Image That Runs Away -Life of Faith. the point of extreme self-sacri- fice, but they are very poor in A writer in the Central Amer- EUROPE worldly goods.-Life of Faith. ican Bulletin tells of a Catholic barn-like temple in a town of Poland Closes Methodist News from Greece Guatemala, which houses "EI Mission Senor de Chajul" (The Lord of The Orthodox Church in Chajul). "We were told that The Warsaw Government has Greece is today using with profit this image at least twice had left appointed a receiver for liquida- methods which have been assoits place in the church, and had tion of the properties in Poland ciated with Protestant work, been found by the roadside a of the Methodist Episcopa-l such as tract distribution, Sunshort distance out of town. In Church South, which are valued day schools and Bible classes,. order to keep it from running at $500,000. This outpost of the Greece is also the best purchaser away again it was put in a glass Southern Methodist Church of of Scriptures among the Balkan case, .two wooden soldiers were the United States, established in countries; 66,658 copies were placed, one on either side, to Warsaw in 1921, had become an sold last year as against 38,264 guard it, each soldier in uniform, important center for religious in Bulgaria, which is a country a wooden rifle in hand, and a jug and educational work. It oper- of about equal population. The of whiskey at his feet to give Union of Greek Evangelical him strength for his long vigil.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Churches has now 11 organized jam jai (a bad thing happened looked healthy, clean and well churches of which seven are in the village). When the peo- cared for. A lantern lecture self-supporting. There are 20 ple came running from all direc- with slides showing the connecpreaching stations where com- tions to learn who was dead, the tion between dirt and disease, municant members reside, and missionary told them it was his hospital work in other places, 30 towns and villages where the car. With much maneuvering, etc., was given during the week, Gospel is being proclaimed. The the car was finally dragged to as were also demonstrations of small Evangelical mission to shallow water where the men improved cooking methods, and Moslems in Greek Thrace gives could wade in and lift it to dry cleanliness in the home. cause for encouragement. land. It was then too late to reach Efulan that day, but be- -C. M. S. Outlook. Is the Church Extinct fore daylight the next morning in Russia? the missionary left the car to Example of Faith dry out, while he continued on A bulletin of the World Do- foot. -Presbyterian Banner. A gift of $5,000 has been reminion Movement reports that ceived at Bafia, Africa, for the the Reformed Church in Russia A Teaching Experiment erection of a brick church, comis wiped out completely. The ing as a direct answer to prayer. 200 Lutheran pastors are re- Teachers in Africa as well as The people at Bafia are too poor duced to 18, Orthodox priests in the United States must face to give enough money to build a are continually being shot and the problem of making Bible church large enough to house the the bishops sent to prison. Lay- study a subject of real, living in- big congregations, but they did men are taking the place of the terest to schoolgirls. Miss D. N. pray for help from America to priests. There is real hunger Summerhayes tried an experi- enable them to put up a building for the Word of God, which ment along this line which is de- for the worship of God. When many are studying eagerly. Bi- scribed in the C. M. S. Outlook: it seemed that all chances for bles are entering through Si- such an undertaking were imberia and the neighboring coun- I started a small study group for possible, in direct answer to tries. A representative of the African teachers themselves. It their prayers the money came Federal Council of the Churches proved to be well worth whi:e. Bar- from an individual who is also of Christ in America has re- riers began to go, and I hope the Bible drawing the plans for the cently visited some of the few became more alive to them. Then we church. The lack of wonderchurches still open. The wor- worked the Old Testament syllabus ment or surprise on the part of shippers were mainly old people. for the year into a pageant, "The the natives when they heard that No young men were being Captivity of the Jew." Each leader the money had been given was trained for the ministry. The worked at one episode with a group quite impressive. Hadn't they Church is already thought of as -of girls; all the words were learned prayed for help? Naturally, a remnant of the past. by heart from the Bible, several they would receive it. psalms were sung, and as the pageant AFRICA gradually began to take shape and -Presbyterian Banner. Jive, it became a reality among us, and Transportation and Missions the final performances an uplifting Dondi Medical School experience for the school. We per- Even when a missionary is formed it to an audience of African A Training School for African fortunate enough to have an au- neighbors and friends, and then were Medical Workers was opened in tomobile of sorts, he cannot be asked to do it again for the Christian Dondi, West Africa, October 1, sure of reaching his destination. Council which was meeting in Onitsha. under the auspices of the Amer- On a trip from Yaounde to Eful- ican Board. It provides a threean a Presbyterian missionary "Baby Week" in Tanganyika year course for eligible young started out by automobile and men and women. Students must made rather good time so long A "Baby Week" held at be recommended by both misas the road lasted. But it came Mvumi proved a great success. sionaries and the churches of to an end, and there was a river Fathers as well as mothers and which they are members. Food to be crossed on a pontoon raft, babies were invited; special lec- and lodging will be furnished by which took water so fast that tures were provided for them, the Mission Hospital, the Sara half way across it listed and the and on the day devoted to com- Hurd Memorial Hospital. A car slid off into the water, disap- petitions one of the prizes was small tuition is necessary to pearing entirely. There were for the father who made the best cover some of the heavier exonly a few people in the village cot for his child. More than 200 penses. on the bank, but these cut bush women attended on the first day, rope and diving down managed in response to an invitation to Pilgrimage in Madagascar to tie it to the rear of the car all mothers whose babies had and raise that end; but the front been born in the mission hospi- Malagasy Christians observe stuck fast. So they beat the call tal. Nearly 500 babies were an annual pilgrimage to the drum to say that there was Mbia present during the week,' and Rasalama Church at Tanana- from these it was easy to pick rive, Madagascar. Last year out those whose mothers had saw a record crowd, some ar- profited by the teaching given at the welfare clinic,. for they
riving in bullock carts, many on emphasis on those things which ties are participating in this foot. The Rasalama Church draw all Christians together project: translated by Germans, and the union of the body of printed in England, financed by commemorates the Christian Christ. Americans, distributed by J apmartyrs of that great island. anese and used by Ponapasians. This year's pilgrimage brought -Presbyterian Tribune. An analysis of the American together 215 pastors as well as Useful Arabic Literature Bible Society's records shows that of the grand total of 972 theological students to the "pas- A missionary lately returned languages in which Scripture tors' week" held in connection from Iraq states that he has for publication has occurred the with the pilgrimage. seven years toured extensively complete Bible has now been in that country and has widely published in 175 languages; the A native Sunday school mis- used the Arabic edition of New Testament in 208 addisionary writes that in districts "Selected Portions from the tional languages; portions of far from Tananarive, many of Word of God." He states that the Bible, or one complete book, it is one of the best booklets in in 514 more, and selections from the inhabitants are still heathen Arabic which he could obtain the Bible; that is, less than a and worship idols. In Anativalo and that it was very often ac- complete book, in 75 more lan- cepted with gratitude by Mo- guages. there are a few Sunday schools, hammedans, Jews and nominal but the great difficulty is that Christians. He gives as reasons Centenary of Spirit of Missions many of the heathen parents re- for its popularity and usefulness the following points: 1. It gives The official missionary perifuse to allow their children to go concisely the Scriptures which odical of the Protestant Episto these Sunday schools, but show man's condition by the copal Church, published its first fall and the doctrine of redemp- issue 100 years ago. Consesend them into the fields on Sun- tion through the Lord Jesus quently that journal celebrated days to attend to the cattle. Christ. 2. It begins with the its centenary by printing its J an- story of the fall and other Old uary issue as a centennial num- Nevertheless, the number of Testament passages which are ber. The cover is a reproduc- Sunday school scholars is in- attractive to Moslems. After in- tion of that which appeared one creasing. In Bezanuozano hea- terest is aroused the reader is hundred years ago and the issue often willing to go on to the abounds with arresting, historithenism is steadily decreasing, Scriptures which show Jesus cal material. That the first ediand there are churches in many Christ to be the Son of God and tor appreciated the value of the Saviour. printed word was made plain in of the villages, most of which his introductory announcement have their own Sunday school. In Egypt the old controversial in the new journal: type of book has been replaced WESTERN ASIA by a newer type, which seeks to It is an instructive lesson of God's meet the difficulties of the Mos- providence that when the fulness of Week of Prayer in Syria lem without arousing antago,,: time had come for the redemption of nism. Recently a new form of His Church from papal bondage, a The World's Week of Prayer apologetic has been introduced new art was prepared, by whose in the form of a Christian novel, strange agency the truth, which was was observed in Syria in the written by Mr. J. E. Kinnear. to make men free, should be borne The story presents a contrast be- forth, as "on the wings of mighty Arabic and Armenian Evangeli- tween the ideals and practices of winds," to all the nations. It was in a Christian and a Moslem young the promotion of this great cause that cal churches this year as in past man. Some of the claims of the wonderful influence of the press Christianity are introduced into was first made manifest. . . . It may years. A joint communion serv- the dialogue. be doubted whether we have paid suffi- cient heed to this instructive lesson ice was held in Beyrout on the -A. C. L. S. M. Newsletter. of the consecration of the press.
Sunday following, when the MISCELLANEOUS -The Churchman.
church was filled to capacity, as The Bible in New Tongues *** many as 600 being present. Six The American Bible Society "Give us strength to walk the announces that the number of rest of the road, looking unto ministers officiated, using six languages in which the Bible, or Jesus, the author and finisher of some part of it, has been pub- our faith. Restore us to oUI: different languages-A r a b i c, lished now totals 972. Recent rightful sonship, and keep us pUblications include a revised from leaving the path along Armenian, Eng lis h, French, New Testament and Psalms for which He went who, for the joy use in Ponape, largest of the that was set before Him, en- German and Turkish. Hymns Caroline Islands. Five nationali- dured the cross, despising the shame. Amen.-Robert W. Norwere sung in the six languages wood.
-probably other languages were used, for one noticed at the serv- ice people whose language was Danish, Swedish or G r e e k.
Hymns such as "Nearer My God to Thee," "How Firm a Founda- tion," "Just as I Am," and "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" are equally dear to all. The Lord's Prayer and the twenty-third Psalm also were repeated in uni- son. Prayer was offered in Turkish. _.
This service is coming to have a large place in the life of the Protestant movements in Bey- rout. The Week of Prayer pre- pared the way for it, with its
ORIGIN OF THE HOLI FESTIVAL IN INDIA
A CHRISTIAN STUDENT CONFERENCE, HELD AT AN OLD PALACE IN IRAN ORIGIN OF THE HOLI FESTIVAL IN INDIA "HoIi" is the name of an Indian woman. At first abuse was given only to her, but now, during her festival all are subject to the same treatment, so that it is not safe for respectable women to go abroad till this celebration is over. The following story about her is told in Hindu tradition.
Parlad, having heard that the god Vishnu was almighty and omnipresent, sought to put this to the test. When a potter was making a fire to bake his earthen pots, Parlad saw some live kittens in one of the pots and prayed that Vishnu would preserve them. His prayer was answered and as a result he became a firm believer in Vishnu, much to the disapproval of his father who worshiped Shiva. Failing to persuade his son to give up the worship of Vishnu, the father decided to kill Parlad. He threw him into the water, but Vishnu made him swim and so saved his life. Then the father commanded an elephant to trample the son to death, but the omnipresent Vishnu being in the elephant, the beast refused to touch him. At last Parlad's aunt, named Holi, said, "I will hold him while you heap faggots of fire around us. If I die with him it matters not." Again Vishnu being in the fire, saved Parlad while his aunt perished. As a result Holi is despised by worshipers of Vishnu and at her festival all women are subject to abuse so that it is not safe for them to appear in public during the celebration.
As a missionary in India, I found it useful to tell this story to show that the best way to celebrate the festival is to follow the example of Parlad in accepting truth, even at risk of his life. We should be ready to forsake the religion of our parents if in this way we follow the true God. There is a great contrast between the quiet, reverential worship of Indian Christians and the howling mobs who celebrate the Holi festival. Such were some of these Indian Christians before they were made clean by the blood of Christ.
THE REV. J. G. POTTER. Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Duncan Main, of Hangchow. By his human contacts. "A really Gospel of the New Testament is Alexander Gammie. 38. 6d. 159 grand type of man, honest, pp. Pickering and Inglis, London, broad-minded and genuine," said being recovered. To Dr. Heim, Glasgow and Edinburgh. the North China Daily News of him when it heard of his death. Jesus Christ is the Saviour who Dr. Main was one of the most One could not find in missionary notable medical missionaries of history a more really model med- wrought salvation for us and the past generation. He was ical missionary. born in Scotland in 1856, went who is evermore the risen and to China under the Church Mis- The biographer preserves the sionary Society in 1881, worked flavor of Dr. Main's rich person- living Lord. Prayer is a reality. in Han g c how for forty-five ality, but has not dealt fully years, returned to Scotland in enough with the real missionary The Gospel is not sociology, be- 1926, and died on August 30, problems with which Dr. Main 1934. When he arrived in Hang- had to cope, especially in late cause it is so vastly more. The chow the medical equipment con- years as a result of the pressure sisted of a small house with four of Western influence and money depth and the heights of it which rooms and sixteen beds. When in shaping medical education in he returned to Scotland he left China. But he has preserved humanism has lost are profour hospitals with 500 beds, out- well the rich fidelity of Dr. patient's department, medical Main's medical work to its su- claimed here, and the length and and pharmacy training colleges, preme missionary purpose. nurses' training schools for men breadth of it make the dimenand women, radio and electrical R. E. S. equipment, homes for children, sions of humanism seem small. lepers, consumptives, incurables, The Church of Christ and the Prob- Chinese Christian workers and lems of the Day. By Karl Heim, The Gospel is greater than this convalescents, with fresh air D.D., Ph.D. $1.75. 172 pp. Charles homes, isolation hospitals, etc., Scribner's Sons, New York. 1935. and all other statements of it, one of the most extensive and complete medical plants in China This is a great little book. It but each such attempt to state it and entirely his own creation, comprises the Sprunt Lectures for which he raised hundreds of delivered at Union Theological carries us onward toward its inthousands of dollars. Seminary, Richmond, Va., in 1935 by Karl Heim, of Tubingen. finite fullness. R. E. S. Dr. Main was a unique per- The seven lectures deal with the sonality. His Chinese name was failure and decay of the idea of Pratt: The Red Man's Moses. By "Dr. Apricot of Heaven Below." the sufficiency of man's reason; Elaine Goodale Eastman. 8 vo. His motto was "Keep Smiling." the rise of the new faiths of na- $3.00. University of Oklahoma His humor was irrepressible and tionalism and communism; the Press, Norman. 1935. his energy absolutely indomit- fresh discovery of the Eternal able. He was one of the most and Transcendent God; the This is more than the life loving and lovable Christians in reality of sin and the reality of story of an army officer who dethe world. He was a remarkable the atonement; the substitution voted the most active years of horseman, a jack-of-all-trades, a of leaders for ideas in the life of his life to the education and skillful mechanic, a miracle- the modern world; the sole suffi- civilization of America's aborigiworking surgeon, a gentleman ciency of the divine leadership nes. It is in fact a careful and by Western standards and Chi- of Christ; the power of prayer conscientious review of the Red nese standards alike, the leading and the meaning of the resurreC"- Man's relation to Government citizen of Hangchow and a man tion. The book is an illuminat- administration covering 0 v e r of God who preached and also ing illustration of the new cur- half a century. It deals with the spoke of Christ in the most nat- rents of theological conceptions varying policies of Indian adural and persuasive ways in all w h i c h are dominant in the ministration, often contradicto- churches of Europe today. The ry, due to frequent changes in the political set-up of the Indian bureau, and traces the struggle of Col. Pratt who launched a far- reaching experiment in Indian education at the Carlisle School with the slogan: "To educate the Indian, get him away from the reservation into civilization, and when you get him there, keep him." Naturally this advanced idea for the ultimate assimilation of the American Indian into our body politic created intense op- position on the part of those who believed then, and still be- Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the Ih:vn~v puhlishers on receipt of price.
[ 220]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
lieve, that the Red Man belongs fully guarded and subsidized seg- bored for his brethren "in Engto the stone age civilization and regation." land, Scotland, Ireland and the that all efforts to give him a Mediterranean. I then passed," modern education are more or To all friends of the Indian he continues, "to Turkey, Persia, less futile. who envisage his future as that Turkestan, Afghanistan, Cash- of enjoying the privileges and mere, Hindustan and the Red P rat t in founding Carlisle sharing in the responsibilities of Sea." sounded the death-knell of trib- full citizenship, as well as realism, segregation and isolation. sponding by "outward and vis- His experiences were as va- Nevertheless, even today there ible signs" to the "inward and ried as his travels. He was are abortive attempts on the spiritual grace" bestowed upon sought as a lecturer at famous part of some who seem to prefer him through increasing knowl- universities, and he married the to have Indians isolated on west- edge of the word of the "Great daughter of an English earl. He ern reservations under their own Spirit," Mrs. Eastman's book is received the degree of Doctor of tribal set-up, where tourists may welcomed as particularly timely Laws from Trinity College, Dubview them as a sort of human and filling a long-felt need. lin. He was the friend of stateszoo. Needless to say the quick- men and scholars, entertained by est and surest way to exter- G. E. E. LINDQUIST. ambassadors, welcomed as a disminate the Indian is to isolate tinguished guest by princes and and segregate him from the rest Joseph Wolff, His Romantic Life and governors, and thousands hailed of humanity. Pratt was ahead Travels. By H. P. Palmer. 222 pp. him as a man of distinction. of his day in sensing this idea 78. 6d. Heath Cranton, London, But there were other experiin all its implications, and he 1935. ences. He contracted typhus proved to be a redoubtable cham- fever. Kurds inflicted 200 lashes pion of the idea of liberating the Probably few now living know on his bare feet, so crippling him Indian from bureaucratic dom- much if anything about Joseph for months. Arab tribesmen ination. Wolff. He was a famous man in robbed and scourged him. In his generation, a missionary Khorasan, he was stripped na- The fight thus launched by whose adventures were stranger ked, tied to a horse's tail, thrown Pratt in 1879 is by no means than fiction. Born in 1795 in into a foul dungeon and offered won. Today the forces of bu- Franconia, the son of a Jewish for sale as a slave. He was rereaucracy are still at work, and rabbi; he felt, before his youth peatedly threatened with death, while they use such high-sound- was passed, the need of some- and several times barely escaped. ing rubrics as "preservation of thing in religion that he did not Bandits seized his horses and native culture," "religious toler- find in the faith of his fathers supplies and clothing, and he ation," "home rule" and similar and entered the Roman Catholic was compelled to walk shivering shibboleths, their efforts point Church, some of whose priests with cold 600 miles in bitter unmistakably in the direction of had befriended him. He decided winter weather. But he endured turning the clock back for "Poor to be a missionary and became a everything undismayed. Lo," at least a half century. student in the College of Prop- aganda in Rome. He was wel- He was a man of exceptional Mrs. Eastman, herself a writ- comed as a young man of high ability and impressive personal- promise, Pope Pius VII and sev- ity-kind and generous; a briler and authority on Indians, was eral cardinals taking a personal liant conversationalist, a gifted for many years a teacher and interest in him. But his alert linguist who fluently preached in worker among them. She points and inquiring mind soon chal- half a dozen languages, and a out that Pratt was sometimes a lenged some of the Roman Cath- missionary whose zeal for the sharp critic of the missionary olic dogmas and he got into diffi- conversion of souls was flaming work on the reservations. He culties that led to his dismissal. fire. But he was a restless spirit, felt that the efforts of the Boards After various wanderings Henry seldom staying long in one place, and societies to build up na- Drummond, a wealthy English- proclaiming his message and tive churches, using their own man, persuaded him to go to making little or no effort to language and under native lead- London where he found in the establish churches. He was fond ership was tantamount to en- Church of England the spiritual of disputation with Jews, Moscouraging tribalism and pro- fellowship that he sought. He lems and any others whom he longing the evils of reservation studied at Cambridge, and at could induce to listen, and tenalife. While this criticism had a the age of twenty-six began his ciously held extreme opinions measure of justice in it at the mission to "the dispersed of my about the millenium and the restime of Pratt's activity it should people in Palestine, Egypt, Mes- toration of the Jews. His closbe noted that today the churches opotamia, Persia, the Crimea, ing years were spent in a quiet are practically a unit in oppos- Georgia and the Ottoman Em- parish in England, where he died ing further isolation and segre- pire." He was supported at first in 1862 at the age of sixty-seven. gation, as well as the revival of by his friend Drummond and tribalism. Mission Boards today later by the London Society for Archbishop Whatey charachold rather to the dictum that Promoting Christianity among terized him as "a missionary "the Indian must be saved by a the Jews. His travels were Shakespeare" ; the editor of process of Christian assimilation amazing. After preaching in the BlackwDod Magazine called him to American life, not by a care- countries named above, he la-
"the most notable of wandering John White of Mashonaland. By C. sible by His first coming 1900 Jews," and added: "We know F. Andrews. 8 vo. 205 pp. $1.50. years ago. neither priest nor travelers to Harper & Bros. New York. 1935. compare with this son of the Jesus Through Japanese Eyes. By desert, this wandering cross- Many missionaries, compar- Toyohiko Kagawa. Cloth, 160 pp. bearer, this Grand Dervish of atively unknown to men, are Price, 3 shillings-75 cents. The Christendom." heroes and heroines, who have Lutterworth Press. London. 1935. given their lives to carry the We may well be grateful to Gospel of Christ to dark and The present visit to America Mr. Palmer for the biography of difficult fields. The story of such of the distinguished Japanese this remarkable man. He has lives is illuminating, and Mr. author of this little book lends written sympathetically and yet Andrews has done well to rescue special interest to anything from with judgment, not hesitating to this one from oblivion. his pen. Written for the purmention the defects and limita- pose of informing the non-Christions of his tempestuous and John White was a British tian reading public of Japan resometimes erratic subject, but Wesleyan missionary to Mrica. garding Jesus' life among men, concluding that he was "an He was born in Cumberland Dr. Kagawa accomplishes his eccentric powerful figure, unlike seventy years ago, and went out purpose with a direct simplicity anyone who has ever appeared to Mashonaland in 1894, and that occasionally goes to the on the clerical horizon before or there had many experiences with heart of great moral issues. since his day," and that "it is wild beasts, snakes and savage impossible to read the story of men. He bravely opposed the Knowing the great sacrifices his life without admiring his tal- oppression of the blacks by that the author has made for his ents, his heroism and his affec- white men and helped the peo- ideals, one hesitates to say any tionate disposition." ple in times of war and mas- word of criticism regarding his sacre. teachings. Yet it must be con- ARTHUR J. BROWN. fessed that this little book gives Mr. Andrews has told the the impression of incompleteness China Christian Year Book. 1934-5. story of this sacrificial life with as regards the great redemptive Edited by Frank Rawlinson. 12 Mo. sympathy and simplicity. It is mission of Christ. Surely Dr. 458 pp. Christian Literature So- full of inspiration for life and of Kagawa believes earnestly in ciety, Shanghai. 1935. lessons on missionary service. the Evangelical faith. Therefore, without gainsaying the magni- For twenty-five years these Christ's Alternative to Communism. tude of his social influence and annuals have been enriching our By E. Stanley Jones. 8 vo. 302 pp. work, one would wish that, even minds on China, the Chinese and $2.00. Abingdon Press, New York. in this brief study, he were more Christian progress among them. 1935. definite respecting those facts of The forty-three contributors in- salvation that make all the difclude Chinese, business men, This is the best study of the ference between spiritual life teachers, editors, authors, exec- subject we have seen. Dr. Jones and death. F. E. GAEBELEIN. utives, Y. W. C. A. workers, and has studied communism at first missionaries of many societies. hand in Russia and China. These Our Korean Friends. By Frederick Part I relates to National Life studies of this social system, in S. Miller. 191 pp. $2.00. Flem- (92 pp.); Part II, Religious Life comparison with the example ing H. Revell. New York. 1935. (120 pp.); Part III, Missions and teachings of Christ, were and Missionaries (17 pp.); Part discussed in his Indian Ashram These delightful character IV, Education (108 pp.); Part at Sat Tal. The result shows sketches make the people of the V, Medical Work (13 pp.) ; Part how completely Christ would ful- one-time "Hermit Nation" seem VI, Literature (30 pp.); and fill the highest ideals of commu- very real. Dr. Miller, who is a appendices and index (58 pp.). nism by substituting love for Presbyterian missionary, knows There are articles on Relations selfishness and by providing the how to weave odd bits of humor with Japan; Modern Chinese pro g ram and dynamic with and quaint revelation of human Women; Communists; The Ro- which to set up an ideal society. nature into a story that proves man Catholic Church; Among The book is written in Dr. Jones' all the world akin. Here is this the Tribes People; Salvation usual style-with a careful and typical incident. "Someone Army; Union Movements; The discriminating use of facts, a knocked timidly at the mission- Missionary Situation; Educa- comparison with Bible teachings ary's door. Opening it, he saw tion; Flood, Drought and Re- and experiences. Christ alone is an old woman, a bag in one hand. lief; Bibliography, etc., but no able to establish and govern an 'Do you eat grasshoppers?' she missionary directory. Here is a ideal society-but there is, to asked, bringing out a string of storehouse of reliable, up-to-date our understanding, no promise them. 'I read that John the information in compact form- or prospect that He will make Baptist ate grasshoppers and especially valuable to editors, effective His earthly kingdom thought you might like some,' lib r a r i e s, missionaries and before His second advent. It is, she explained. It was her alaothers interested in China. It however, the Christians' re- baster box-the best she had to may be secured from the Inter- sponsibility to realize the sover- offer." national Missionary Council, 156 eignty of God in the human heart Fifth Avenue, New York. and to help carry out the pro- gram announced and made pos-
Or take the story of "Concord- ures from many mines-Amiel, and pardon in Hinduism, but ance Ko," who thought he could Rutherford, Guyon and poetsnot find time for Bible study. but chiefly from human experi- without success. Then he found "I'll tell you," said his wife, as ence and the inexhaustible treasthey started for their field work. ure house of the Bible. Mingled Christ and entered joyfully into "I'll tie an open Testament on with many Dohnavur songs and my back and go down the row in photographic gems, is a spirit- His service. The story is a testifront of you. As we squat on ual message to those· eager to the ground you can commit a know and do the Will of God in mony to the power of Christ to verse each time." This ani- the midst of storm and strife. mated bookstand, in time, en- save and suggests ways in which abled Ko to supply chapter and Eastern and Central Asia.. Pamphlet. verse when the Western mission- 33 pp. 6d. New Mildmay Press, to deal successfully with Hindu ary could not locate his text. London. 1935. And thus he became known as seekers. It is interestingly told "Concordance Ko." This is one ofTJte World To- day Series of booklets,· the pur- and is true to the Go.spel. The book is a collection of pose of which is to give infor- ,,~'" ;¥~i:,:. .' just such telling incidents. mation as to what has been done :,'. •.: J and what remains to be done in . t• H. H.F. world evangelization. They will prove of value to those who wish They That Sow: By'Mrrt-y Wat-bur- The Student Volunteer Movement to pray for the work and work- for Foreign Missions-Personal ers in these lands. In this book- ton Booth. 199pp.· ps•. 6d. Pick- Reminiscences of its Origin and let are given important facts as ering & Inglis. LondQrl. 1935. Early History. By Robert P. Wil- to Japan, Korea, Manchukuo, der. Foreword by Jesse R. Wilson. Mongolia, T i bet, Turkistan, This simple narrati~e' teiis of Pamphlet. 63 pp. 25 cents. S. V. China, Indo China and Formosa M., New York. 1935. -a large order for six tee n sowing and reaping among the pages! Naturally the informa- One of the most outstanding tion is meagre, but it serves as women of India. It is admirably movements, initiated and guided an introduction and stimulus to and empowered by the Spirit of prayer, and shows in what pro- illustrated and each chapter is God, is the Student Volunteer portion the fields are occupied by Movement. Like the foreign mis- Evangelical missionaries. prefaced by one of the author's sions movement in the days of the Apostles and as led later by The Serious Aspect of the Ethiopian poems on the same theme. William Carey and the Haystack Situation. World Today Series. By group, so the movement founded Joseph J. Cooksey. Pamphlet. Is. H. H.F. through Robert Wilder has had New Mildmay Press, London. 1935. a remarkable and inspiring his- New Books tory. Here Dr. Wilder gives his This timely booklet reviews own personal recollections. They briefly the Abyssinian situation By Ways Appointed. Briggs P. Dingought to be read and prayed over -the history of the land, the man. 128 pp. 75 cents. B. I. C. by all interested in world evan- people, the church and modern Assn. Chicago. gelization. They furnish much missions. The map is clear but food for thought and prayer and not full, and the statistics, while Christ in the Indian Chur~h-A inspiration for a new advance. not complete, are the most com- Primer of Christian Faith and The secret of the early success plete published. They include Practice. A. J. Appasamy. 170 pp. of the Movement was the prayer Roman Catholics who report 45 Christian Literature Society for Inand Bible study, the sacrifice and missionaries, 30 native priests, dia. Madras. devotion of its leaders and their 94 European workers, 63 native full surrender to the Will of God. workers and a total Christian Crossing Africa in a Missionary community of 16,000. Way. Stella C. Dunkelberger. 106 Gold by Moonlight. By Amy Car- pp. $1.00. S. C. Dunkelberger. michael. Illus. 8 vo. 182 pp. 5s. Here and Now. By A. C. Chakra- Germantown, Pa. Society for Promoting Christian verti. . Booklet. Illus. 80 pp. 8 Knowledge, London. 1935. Annas. Lucknow Publishing House, The Cross and the Reign of God. Hazratganj, Lucknow, India. 1935. Alec O. Hardy. 86 pp. Is. S. P. G. Another beautiful Dohnavur House. London. book-beautiful in conception In the form of a simple narraand executiori, in text, illustra- tive – possibly autobiographical From Fetish to Faith-Growth of the tions and printing. "Gold by in part-is this booklet by A. C. Church in West Africa. W. J. Moonlight" has come from the Chakraverti, a convert from Platt. 2s. Livingstone Press. Lonfurnace of suffering and a deep Hinduism and the founder of a don. sense of human need with a real- Christian ashram at Brindaban. ization and experience of the It is the story of a young Brah- Facing Facts-Year Book of the power to bring life and peace man, a sinner, who sought peace American Missionary Association. and joy out of the midst of trial. 120 pp. American Missionary Miss Carmichael digs her treas- Assn. New York.
A Grain of Wheat. Toyohiko Kaga- wa. 150 pp. $1.00. Harper & Bros. New York.
Gwyneth at Work. Margaret P. Neill. 320 pp. 2s. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. London.
Here and Now. A. C. Chakraverti. 80 pp. 8 Annas. Lucknow Pub. Co. Lucknow, India.
In Seven Nations-Twelve Mission Studies on India, Africa, Japan, China, South America. 50 pp. United Lutheran Church. Balti- more, Md.
The Kingdom of God in Japan. C" Burnell Olds. 69 pp. 25 cents. For 10 or more copies 10 cents each. C. N. Olds, Jr. Cleveland, Ohio.
The Land and Life of Africa. Mar- garet Wrong. 2s. 144 pp. Living- stone Press. London.
(COncluded on third cover.)
THE SCENE AT QUETTA , BELUCHISTAN, AFTER THE' EARTHQUAKE, ON MAY 3 1 , Ifl 3 ~ (Reco nstruction work is nOw going fo r wa rd) DO NOT MISS THE MOSLEM WORLD SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Editor VALUABLE ARTICLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER Our Evangel and Islam ……………….. , ……….. Samuel M. Zwemer Guests of King Ibn Sa'ud ………………………. Gerrit D. Van Peursem Moslem Converts and the Church …….. .. ….. . ……… Harvey E. Phillips Islam in Tibet . …. ….. . ……………….. . . ….. . .. . M. G. Griebenow An Autobiography of Mohammed . … .. ……. . ….. The late Frank H. Foster A New Version of the Arabic New Testament .. .. . ……… . E. F. F. Bishop The Nile Mission Press . . . …….. . . …………….. .. ….. .J. R. Menzies Rue and the Evil Eye in Persia ……………………… Eda W. Lindquist Some Slave Girls of Morocco ……………. . ………… An Old Missionary The Turkish Transformation …………………………… Caleb F. Gates Freedom of Thought in Islam ………. ' .. . . . . … .. . . …. Sheikh Al Kiyaly Khadijah, Mohammed's First Wife ., ……. …. . . …………. Edward Jurji Current Topics-Book Reviews-Survey of Periodicals » » SUBSCRIBE NOW » « 50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 d Year (postpaid) In combination with THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD 156 Fifth Avenue . New York Citv $3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents) British Asenls: MARSHALL. MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Palomosler Buildings. London. E. C. Price In GlI.t Brillin, Eigh! ShUlln,>. Y…. net
Note. THE IDEAL GIFT AT ALL
Dr. Charles E. Hurlburt, formerly GOD'S MINUTE • • • Here is a marvelous collection of 365 Daily Prayers, A Spiritual ,I missionary in Africa, died in Los .<.ngeles, January 28th, at the age of each 60 seconds long, written by 365 of the most emi. thoughtJor 76. In 1899, he became president of nent preachers and laymen in the world. Cloth, 60 ellery day he Africa Inland Mission, a work be- ;un i(lur years earlier in British East cents; Limp Leatherette. $1.00; Art Leather. $1.50. • <'frica (now Kenya), by Pet"r Cam- rOll Seott, a young Scotsman. GOD'S MESSAGE •• A daily remitlderoJ Under Dr. Hurlhurt's direetion the 365 prominent clergymen have chosen their favorite '. vork grew until it covered an area _'rom Kenya to Tanganyika, and to Scripture passage, and, with this as a text. have written the gitJer a Message that quickens faith. brings comfort. Cloth. he West Nile distl'iet of Uganda, to ;, he Belgian Congo and to French 60 cents; Limp Leatherette. $1.00; Art Leather. $1.50. ~quatorial Africa: Today there are : ~24 missionaries of the A. 1. M. work- 1iI_ _ _ _ _ THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bldg., Phila. ng among 25 tribes, with 1,600 native 'vangelists and teachers. Last year Home for Intemperate Men, died of Reminiscences of Its Origin and (.ver 7,000 baptisms were recorded. Early History. Robert P. Wilder. pneumonia on March 3d at the age of 25 cents. S. V. M. New York. * >I< >I< 81. The Chestercrest Home, as it was Sure Anchor Reciter. Henry Picker- Rev. Jay Thomas Stocking, D.D., ing. 96 pp. 1s. Pickering & Inglis. .:v1oderator of the National General known, was originally located in New London. ::';ouncil of Congregational and Chris- . ian Uhurehes, died of pneumonia on York City and later at Mt. Vernon, Stories from Brazil. William Anglin. •.'anuary 27 at the age of 65. Dr. 96 pp. 18. Pickering & Inglis. Lon· ;·;;toeking had long been an important N. Y.; recently it was moved to Ka- don. f,gure in Congregational C h u r c h ( ircles, and was widely known beyond tonah, N. Y. Dr, Avery was formerly Songs of the Saviour. Carey Bonner. , lis own communion through his many 64 pp. 28. paper; 2s. 6d. doth. ; 'eligious books. an evangelist and has been the means Piekering & Inglis. London.
Rev. W. W. Duff, Presbyterian mis- of the conversion and reformation of Billy Sunday-The Man and His ,.ionary to India since 1921, died at Message. William T. Ellis. 520 j,'erozepur, January 28. He had belm thousands of men addicted to strong pp. $1.50. John C. Winston. Phil- !.Jcated at Moga since 1929, and was adelphia. a member of the India Council of the drink and narcotics. He was highly three Presbyterian missions in India. The Silence of God. Sir Robert An- honored and greatly beloved by fellow derson. 212 pp. Is. Pickering & ** lng-Ii", London. workers and by manv who harl comp Dr. Charles B. Tenny. who for I If you use thirty years was a representative of under his care. . t he Baptist Foreign Mission Society PRINTING •. 1 .Japan, died ,January 12 in New Books r'ochester, New York. Dr. 'lmny YOU will profit from an ac- "a::- counte,l one of the great mission- (Co'l/cluded from poge 223.) quaintanceship with us. We . ry statesmen of his time. do the job complete in our own The Missionary Education of Young plant, whether it be large or ~ *" * People. .10hn Irwin, 1R2 pp. Mis- small. :;ieman' Education Movement. New Dr. George S. Avery, for 35 years York .. While our specialty is Books, resident manager of the Christian Magazines and Pamphlets, yet Nectar from Indian Saints. English we have a variety of modern The Gospel in Print Translation of Mahi,iati's Marathi equipment to meet all the re- Bhaktalilamrit, J. K Abbott, Pun- quirements of your particular Sound Evangelical Literature dit N. R. Godbole, J. F. Edwards . job. You will find our service for the Million 3 R. 498 pp. Aryabhushan Pre>'s. prompt, careful and courteous. Poona, India. Books, Pamphlets, Tracts and Wall Mottoes Will you allow us to estimate On Two Hemispheres-Bits from the on your next printing? We be- for a" ages, classes and needs; also Lifc Story of Lewis G, Jordan. lieve you will be delighted with Lewis G. Jordan. 80 pp. 35 cent" our product. price and service. Bibles, Testarnents, Gospel "portions" paper; 50 cents cloth. 1.. G. Jor- dan; Nashville, Tenn. The EVANGELICAL PRESS and Hymn Books. CI. Supplies for Chris- Oil Lamps Lifted. Pearl DOlT Long- Printers of tian Workers-col porters and evangelists ley. 86 pp. $1.00. Revell. New The Missionary Review of the World York. especially. CI. Book Missionaries wanted PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE OUf Korean Friends. Frederick S. Third and R.ily Str..ts Harrl,bur,. P•• in every community, for entire or part Miller. 191 pp. $2.00. Revell. New York. time; fair financial remuneration. CI. Work Pioneers of the Kingdom. Phyllis S. Ifounded by D. L. MOODY in 1894. Garlick. 158 pp. 2s. 6d. Highway I"The Messages of Good Book. Never Press. London.
! Die." Popular Hinduism. L. S. S. O'Malley. 2,16 pp. $2.50. Macmillan. N('w Write today York.
Bible Inst:~ Colportage Ass'n Religious Education as Character Training. Leonid V. Tulpa. 96 pp. ~……………. 843 N. Wells, Chicago~ $1.50. L. V. Tulpa. Pomfret, Conn.
The Serious Aspect of the Ethiopian Situation — World Today Series. Joseph J. Cooksey. ls. New Mild- way Prcs~. London, The Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions: Personal
THESE SPECIAL
The Missionary Review th~World You will learn in our October number about A/rica from an A/rican Viewpoint The African's View of Africa What Christ Means to Me·-·By Africans African Characteristics and Customs What Christian Missions Have Accomplished···By Africans What Africa Needs Most···By Africans The White Man's Views 0/ A/rica The Results of Fifty Years of Missions Present.Day Hindrances to Christianity What Missions Are Doing Today Heroes of the Cross in .Africa The Next Step in African Missions Best Books by Africans and About Africa Negroes Tell About the J.Ve,gro in America in our June number What American Negroes Are Thinking Negro Views of Negro Problems Some Achievements of American Negroes Ideals for Better Race Relations What Christ Has Done for Negroes Some Outstanding Negro Christians What Negroes Are Doing for Their Race White Contributors Will Write on Helps and Handicaps in Negro Progress Progress in the Past Half Century Some Lessons from Experience in Mission Work The Next Steps in Work for American Negroes Best Books by Negroes and About Negroes Order These Copies Now for Yourself and for Mission St:udy Classes 25 cents a copy $20 a hundred $2.50 a year The Missionary Review of t:he World Third and Reily Streets. Harrisburg, Pa.
ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — March 1936
1936
This Enlarging World Arthur J. Brown Kil Sunju-Korean Evangelist c. F. Bemheisel Religious Destitution in Maine Charles W. Squires The Divine Constraint of Missions The Archbishop of Yark The Christianity the World Needs Frank C. Laubach From ~ondage to Liberty in Chile Laura Jorguera Foreign Missions Marching On Fred Field Goodsell 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year April 29-May 5-National Convention, Passages to Memorize Y. W. C. A., Colorado Springs, Colo. To encourage the committing to memo!)' of choice passages of Scripture, three serie. May I-General Conference, Meth- of four.page folders, six folders to a sertes~ have been prepared under the direction of odist Episcopal Church, Columbus, Helen Gould Shepard. Those who memonze these Scripture verse. store away spiro itual riches and those who scatter them will plant IiVlng seed. These folders are Ohio. envelope size and contain from thirty to forty verses. centering around one theme. May 12-15-National Council of Fed- The first series comprises the following titles. erated Church Women. Dayton, First captions only are given below. Ohio. 1. The Ten Commandments. Z. The Lord is my Shepherd. 3. God'. Glory and May 20-24-Northern Baptist Conven- Man's Dignity. 4. Prophecy of the MenIah's Su1ferings and Death. 5. A Saviour from Sin. 6. The Beatitudes. tion. St. Louis, Mo. Available in English, Arabic, Armeuia~ Armeno-Turkish" Bohemiau. Chinese (Man- May 27-General Assembly, United darin and Cantonese), Dutch, Finnish, >erman, Modern week, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese Roumaman, Russian, Mbdern Russian, Ruthe- Presbyterian Church of North nian, Spanish, Swedish, Yiddish, Danish, Hindi, Bengali, Japanese. Latvian and French. America. Pittsburg, Kansas. May 28-General Assembly, Presby- The second series: terian Church in U. S. A. Syra- cuse, N. Y. 1. God Desires to Help Those with the Right Spirit. 2. A Prayer of Mosca. 3. July 6-12 – Twelfth World's Sunday Four Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven. … All Thinp Work Together. 5. God's School Convention. Oslo, Norway. Word in the Heart. 6. Ten Commandments.
••• Available in English, Bohemian, German, Italian. Modern Russian, Polish, Por- tuguese, Russian. Rutbenian, Spanish, Yiddish. Hungarian. Arabic, French. Japanese Personal Items and Hebrew.
Rev. Lewis B. Chamberlain, D.D., The third series consists entirely of Messianic Prophecies. has retired as Recording Secretary of the American Bible Society. He was 1. The First and All-Comprehensive Prophecy. 2. The Betrayer. 3. The Messiah born in India, the son of Dr. Jacob from the Family of Jesse. … The Sulferings and Triumph of the Messiah. 5. The Chamberlain, and after his education Seventy Weeks (i. e., Sevens). 6. The Lord King Over All the ~rth. in the United States returned to India as a missionary for 25 years. Available in English, Bohemian. German, Hungarian, Italian. Polish. Hebrew. Span- ish and Yiddish. ••* The following miscellaneous pamphlets are also available. Rev. William Paton, Secretary of the International Missionary Ct oouunr c0il11 1>a….e. to Memorize. Series One. Caption lea1Iets for memorizing. has been making an extended Available in English, Arabic, Japanese, Cantonese. Spanis!Jt Yiddisb, Bohemian. North China, and is now spending Greek, French, Russian, PoIis!'J Ijutcb, German. Hungarian" Lithuanian, Portuguese, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, ukranian, and Italian. three months in India. Passage. to Memorize. Series Two, is availshle in English, Polish, Yiddish, Ger- man, French, Old Russian, Russian, Italian and Arabic. Dr. Graham *Sc•rog*gie, formerly a Old Testament Selectioa., particularly Messianic Prophecies is available in Eng. pastor in Edinburgh and recently in Iish. Bohemian, Greek. French, Ruaaian, Polish, Dutch, German. Hungarian. Lithuanian. New Zealand, is now established in Portuguese, Norwegian. Italian, Ukraman, Finnish and Swedish. London as Director of the Mildmay Atheism i. Folly. Available in English, Finnish, French. German, Italian, Russian. Polish, Spanish, Yiddish, Hungarian. Portuguese. Japanese, CantoDese, Modern Rna- School of Sacred Instruction. sian and Old Russian. A Duty to Warn. Available in Polish and English. Mah Nyein *Th*a, *headmistress of Morton Lane Girls' School, a Baptist How to Test Teachers. In English, Japanese. Portuguese, Hungarian, Old Rusinstitution in Moulmein, Burma, is in sian and Modern Russian. America under the auspices of the Oxford Group. She is a third genera- All the leaflets are sold at 1 cent each, 75 cents per hundred. tion Christian, her grandmother and However, to secure wider distribution, special consideration will be grandfather having been baptized by given to accredited Christian workers.
Adoniram Judson. Bible Ver.. to Memorize. This very attractive cloth book contaiu. all the Bible verses in Series One and Two and Messianic Prophecies together with the miscel· Dr. J. Wasko*m *Pic*kett was elected laneous leaflets. This book is an ideal gift to encour~e the memorizing of choice passages. A wealth of Biblical material ia at your dtsposal. A practical minded pastor or lay worker will find many uses for this Iiook. Pnce, 50 cents, postpaid.
Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY Church by the Central Conference of Southern Asia on December 30, 1935. 7 WEST 45th STREET Dept. M.R. NEW YORK, N. Y. He shares this office with the Indian Bishop J. W. Chitambar. and will then assume his office duties Miss Jenny *de•Ma*yer, the Evan- at the time of the retirement of Dr. gelical Russian Christian, who has Cleland B. McAfee next October. been in prison and exile in Russia (without trial or known accusation) The Rev. Ha*rol*d S*treet, American for over thirteen years, has at last been released and has taken refuge member of the Sudan Interior Mission in Switzerland. The only reason for and the Rev. John Trewin of Canada, Planned along ad- Miss deMayer's arrest seems to have were reported as having been impris- vanced ped.~ogical linea been that she was engaged in Chris- oned recently in Chencha, the capital to provide both Home and ClasS tian mission work, had translated the of the Province of Gamo, Ethiopia. lor the pupil. Varied Gospel into the Sart language and such as Quizzes, Reading Tests, True had received money from her sisters Mr. Street and Mr. Trewin were False Tests, and Completion Tests, living in other countries of Europe. stationed at Shamo, about two hun- the pupil to work out each lesson from The Rev. C•har*les* Tudor Leber, dred and fifty miles southwest of Ad- Bible lor hi..-U. pastor of the Green Ridge Presby- dis Ababa. It is said that the misterian Church, Scranton, Pa., has sionaries were arrested by an over- Interesting -:- Inspirational -:- Inlltrllctlive been elected to secretary in the Board zealous local chieftain because they of Foreign Missions of the Presby- were unwilling to leave the war dan- SHe! 8c 1ft Ib",,. Cor cuneft~ ttl~ terian Church, to take office about ger zone. They were immediately or- April 1st. He plans to make a tour dered released by Crown Prince As- SImples eI ou, Sund_, School pubHalton. and of some of the foreign mission fields faou Wassen who has permitted them Bible (:01,." lor YOIU''!! People', Sociflie' to return to their miSSIon station. Mftt tr. . on teqUPl.
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REVIEW OF THE WORLD ice if you persuade others to become BMPRBSS regular readers of THE REVIEW. Here DELAVAN L. PIERRON, ]feUtor is what one of the leading preachers Real Comfort in North America has to say in a re- VOL. LIX MARCH,1936 No.3 cent letter: "The February number of by the THE MISSIONARY REVIEW is a gem. Publication and Business Oftlce– There are so many things in it which Fast Short Route Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. are helpful and inspiring. I do not know when I have enjoyed a number Reach Yokohama in 10 days. It's the Editorial and Executive Oftlce– more. You are doing a great work fastest, shortest Pacific crossing. Go 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. with that magazine. It reviews the on the sister-ships, Empress of Asia Entered as second-class matter at world field and inspires us all with or Empress of Russia, Or take the far distances of faith." Paradise route via Honolulu. Only Post Oftlce, Harrisburg, Pa., under 3 days longer. Go on the Empress of Act of March 3, 1879. REV. JOHN TIMOTHY STONE, D.D. CMcago, Ill. I apan (largest, fastest liner on the 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. *** Pacific) or the Empress of Canada. Published monthly, except August. Very low round-trip fares. Lux- All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. "This is just a little word of appre- British agents – Marshall, Morgan ciation of your wonderful magazine. urious First Class. Popular Tourist and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, My copies are passed on each month Class. Also, low·cost Third Class. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, to one of our National Mission work- 10 shillings a year. ers in a miner's camp. The articles Frequent sailings from Vancouver by Mrs. Stan~ey Jones and Dr. Frank (trains to ship.side) and Victoria. MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- C. Laubach fitted in very well with Orient fares include passage to and LISHING CO., INC. our 'Youth Problem' meeting." from Seattle. California sailings con- nect with Empresses at Honolulu. BOARD OF DIRECTORS . MISS STELLA A. MINNEMEYER. Orient ports-of-calI: Yokohama, ROBERT E. SPEER, Pre8ident Pittsburuh, Pa. Kobe, Nag:;lsaki, Shanghai, Hong WM. I. CHAMBE'RLAIN, Vice-President Kong, and Manila. WALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer Obituary Notes • Also, Independent World Tours DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary as low as $583.80. II' SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Secure booklets and information MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Mr. Dwight H. Day, who was for from YOUR OWN AGENT, or any 18 years (1906-1924) the efficient Canadian Pacific office: New York, WM. B. LIPPHARD treasurer of the Board of Foreign Chicago, San Francisco, and 38 other Missions of the Presbyterian Church, cities in the U. S. and Canada. ERIC M. NORTH died in New York on February 9th. JESSE R. WILSON Mr. Day was born in Chicago fifty- ~@~ nine years ago, the son of Mr. and A. L. WARNSHUIS Mrs. Thomas C. Day. He was grad- TO THB uated from Yale University in 1899 SAMUEL M. ZWEMER and since he left the Board of Foreign ORIBNT Missions he has been an independent Editorial Chat broker. Mr. Day traveled widely, visiting the mission fields in Asia and Look on the back cover of THE RE- Latin America. He was greately be- VIEW if you wou:d like to see some of loved by a wide circle of friends. the interesting topics we plan to pub- Surviving him are his wife, Clara lish in our special numbers of THE Bradford Day, two sons and two REVIEW (June and Qctober). Both daughters. white and Negro writers will make these colorful and valuable numbers. *** *** The Rev. Roderick M. Gillies, D.D., honorably retired missionary under Does your pastor subscribe for or the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. read THE REVIEW regularly? If not, A., died at Wooster, Ohio, on Febwhy not? It will stimulate his inter- ruary 2d. In the 32 years which Dr. est in missions and will keep him in- Gillies spent in Siam, much of his formed on present world conditions time was devoted to itinerating in the and the progress of Christ's work in northern section of the country, all lands. (Concluded on third cover.) *** Is the missionary society of your church subscribing for and reading THE REVIEW? If not, they are overlooking valuable information and are missing much practical help in the preparation of missionary programs. Read "Effective Ways of Working."
WINONA LAKE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY WINONA LAKE, INDIANA BVANGELICAL SCHOLARLY INTERDENOMINATIONAL COURSES Almost a score of states (besides foreign countries) and an equal number of denominations represented each year. New Testament, Old Testament, The 1935 session had a oD% increase in registrations over 1934. The Holy Spirit, Greek New Testament, Psychology and Religion. Administration: Dr. W. E. Biederwolf, PreSident; Dr. Origin of Religion, Beginners' New J. A. Huffman. Dean. Testament Greek, and Critical Ser… man Delivery. Faculty: Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer, Dr. J. A. Huffman, Two semesters of 15 days each, Prof. Gea. H. Bast. Dr. Leslie Ray Marston, Dr. Howard T. July 9 to August 12. Work leading Kuist, Prof. Mable McQueen Weir. to regular theological degrees. For Ministers, 'Teachers, Missionaries and Send for 12…page prospectus at once to Laymen. DR. J. A. HUFFMAN, Dean, Marion, Indiana.
[113 ]
MOROS TO READ IN A MARKET PLACE IN
This chart method has now been discarded in favor of Individua l instruction of beginners by more a dvanced learners.
DR. FRANK LAUBACH AND SOME OF HIS MORO HELPERS IN THE PHILIPPINES (See pages 122 to 125) TEACHING MORO MOSLEMS TO READ BY A PHONETIC METHOD
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 3 MARCH,1936 Topics of the Times THE JAPANESE SHRINE PROBLEM peror and their readiness to take part in any cere- mony showing respect for him as their supreme Communism is supplanting religion in certain earthly ruler, and to honor deceased statesmen minds, as in Russia; nationalism is dominating and heroes. The Japanese Imperial Diet in 1932 religion in Germany, Italy and Turkey; even so appointed a committee to consider whether the the demands of patriotism and reverence for the required ceremonies involve religious worship and Emperor seem to threaten to raise the issue be- whether they could be revised to meet the con- tween loyalty to God and obedience to govern- scientious objections of Christian subjects. After mental edicts in Japan and Chosen. This should two years' consideration the committee failed to not be necessary. Loyalty to rulers is enjoined agree on any plan. Another committee has now in the Christian Scriptures and true patriotism is been appointed, with Dr. Tagawa, an eminent accounted a high virtue, in full harmony with the Christian, as chairman, to attempt changes in the supreme claims of God as the object of human language used so as to make the ceremonies clearly worship and obedience. nonreligious, as the Government declares them The Japanese constitution (article XXVIII) to be.
guarantees religious liberty "within limits not In the meantime, there is a serious issue and prejudicial to peace and order, and not antag- problem, especially in the minds of Korean Chrisonistic to their duties as subjects." For many tjans. While some secondary schools conducted years the Japanese have rendered to their Em- by Christians have obeyed the Government edict, peror what is regarded as practically worship. practically all the church officers and missionaries As late as 1934, when a Japanese Christian pastor look upon the ceremonies as worship at a nonexpressed doubt as to descent of the Emperor Christian shrine and say that the Government from the Queen G~ddess Amerarasu Omi-Kami, declaration does not change their nature. They he was imprisoned and fined. More recently feel that they cannot compromise by performing when a missionary referred to the Emperor as "a acts that should be connected only with the worman" he was warned by officials not to repeat the ship of the supreme God. Because of this refusal offence. one of the most eminent missionaries and Chris- The Japanese Government has issued a decree thin educators in Chosen has been deprived of his status in secondary school work. If some satisfacrequiring school children and other students to tory solution of the problem is not found there visit certain shrines at stated times, there to pay seems danger that the teaching qualifications of homage to the Emperor and to recognize the spirits of deceased Japanese heroes. The cere- all nonconforming Christian teachers will be canmonies at these shrines (Jingu) include offerings celled; in that case the Japanese Government may made to these spirits, bowing to them, and as- either close the Christian schools or take them suming an attitude of reverence before a picture over entirely.
of the Emperor. In the meantime the missionaries, Chosen Chris- Christians in Chosen (Korea), where this edict tian leaders and Japanese are seeking a solution of the difficulty, either by persuading the Governhas recently been enforced, look upon some fea- ment to make some change in the ceremonies, or tures connected with these ceremonies as con- through a recognized interpretation of their sigstituting worship such as should be rendered only nificance such as will satisfy the Christian conto God. They declare their loyalty to the Em- [115 ]
science, or by securing permission for conscien- them to come without clouds in their eyes. Tell tious objectors to omit taking part in some features of the ceremonies. Evidently the question, them to come looking at the light that is on the Diana or Christ that faced the early Church, has not wholly disappeared. The missionaries and face of Jesus Christ and knowing how to laugh at other Christian leaders in Japan and Chosen need our prayers for wisdom and courage, with the impossibilities in His name." clear guidance of the Spirit of God. This is the voice of the world today, crying out OUR MISSIONARY OPPORTUNITY for help. Young men and young women are ready The Christian Church has today the greatest opportunity it has had in generations. The world and anxious to go upon the great adventure of over people are disturbed and restless. Many are seeking earnestly for the stabilization of life's sharing love and salvation with the needy world. purposes and look for an anchor which will hold them to definite moral moorings, without knowing The only disturbing thing in the present situation where they may find this anchor. is that the great churches of America seem hesi- On a recent journey to Africa and the Far East I found the missionaries fully aware of their op- tant and uncertain. The world is lost and knows portunities. Despite the reduction of missionary appropriations, the withdrawals of missionaries not the way out. Wherever the Gospel is preached and the recession of missionary activity in the United States and Canada, they were forging people hear gladly and many believe, but how can ahead, undaunted, and unafraid. They are creative and courageous, preaching the Christian gos- they hear without a preacher and how can he pel of love and reconstruction, fully cognizant of its social implications. They are extending their preach except he be sent? W. G. CRAM. missionary ministry and activities into the broad areas of human aspirations and are coming to CONFERENCE ON THE RURAL CHURCH grips with human needs and human living. Many are obliged to "make bricks without straw." During the past eight years the Home Missions Council, with the cooperation of the Council of The resourcefulness of the missionaries, during Women for Home Missions and the Federal Counthe period when the missionary passion and sup- cil of Churches of Christ in America, has held port in the home-base churches have been in re- three national conferences; the Comity Confercession, is gratifying in the extreme. The mo~t ence in Cleveland (January, 1928), the Home Mishopeful thing I saw in the whole range of mission- sions Congress in Washington (December, 1930), ary activities was the enthusiasm and conquering and the recent Conference on the Rural Church, faith of the missionaries. It will be to the ever- in Washington (January 15-17, 1936). lasting shame of the churches, that sent them to the world's frontier and have promised to support Each of these conferences was made up of delethem, if Christians at the home base persist in the gates from all par.ts of the United States and from spirit of defeatism, with respect to the "world Canada. Each had its special emphasis and obenterprise." jective. The Comity Conference was concerned with principles of better cooperation between de- No backward pull is evident among mission- nominations to meet the need of our American aries. The national Christians in these lands are communities. The outcome of that conference was awake and alert, and are bearing constant and "The Five Year Program of Survey and Adjustconvincing testimony. There is no lack of appeal ment in the Field of Interdenominational Comity from the younger churches to the strong Christian and Cooperation in Home Missions." The report centers of the world for help in this critical time. is contained in the volume entitled "Home Mis- sions Today and Tomorrow." An African woman of the Batatela tribe in the Congo-BeIge sent a message to the young people The Home Missions Congress was by far the of America, saying: "Tell the young people of largest and most inclusive of the three national America that they came in the past and awakened assemblies. It considered the whole range of the our sleeping souls. Tell them we have peace but home missionary enterprises, and produced a we also have unrest-unrest because multitudes of body of data and missionary information which our people are lost. Tell the young people of has been distributed throughout the Church. It America to come, not cringing and hopeless. Tell has been generally regarded as the most signifi- cant home missionary meeting ever held in Amer- ica, and is frequently referred to as the authorita- tive deliverance on home missions.
The recent conference in the national capital was more restricted and specialized. It was con- cerned only with the rural church and was held in connection with the annual meetings of the Home Missions Council and the Council of Women for Home Missions. The total attendance was about four hundred, including 257 registered dele- gates, representing eighteen denominations, and coming from thirty states and Canada.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
As was pointed out by a discerning delegate, in Rev. Tertius Van Dyke related illuminating stories both the Comity Conference and the Home Missions Congress the rural church was considered of his own pastorate in Washington, Connecticut. as a problem, while'in this recent conference the rural church was considered as an .opportunity. The Fellowship Luncheon was a special feature In the prior conferences, the question was: What can be done to save the rural church? In this of the conference. Dr. Warren H. Wilson, the third conference it was: What can the rural church do to save the communities? dean of rural life specialists, presided and was The program was characterized by what it did mentioned as one of the six outstanding pioneers not discuss, as well as by what it did consider. A number of things were taken for granted. For of country church work. Dr. C. J. Galpin, for example, it did not discuss evangelism but included in its program a presentation of the Na- many years connected with the agricultural detional Preaching Mission to be held next autumn in twenty-five centers over the United States, and partment of the Government and an active laystated its conviction that evangelism is the first and basic responsibility of the Christian Church men in a country chur:ch, spoke on the layman in and must undergird all activities of the rural church. the country church; and Mr. Brooks Hays of the At the recent conference there was also noted Resettlement Administration of the Government the absence of special deliverances upon matters of general interest in our national life. The program answered the question: What shall we do about held strictly to the consideration of the rural church as a religious agency in the total life of tenancy? . the rural community. One big objective was to disclose the importance of religion to the rural On the general theme of Planning and Strategy life of America, and the unique opportunity and responsibility of the rural church as a guiding, in the Rural Church Advance, Dr. Malcolm Dana, serving and saving agency. a special champion of the Larger Parish Plan, The general impression was that the rural church of today is set in a combination of circum- read a striking paper on the elements of a satisstances and conditions that are both its despair and hope. It was made most evident that the factory national plan for the improvement of the church will either be crowded out by the factors and forces of modern rural life or it will find its rural church. life and power by meeting these factors and turning them into assets for the Kingdom of God. Findings* of the conference present a challenge . An illuminating scientific analysis of recent important population trends in rural America was to the Church, and definite recommendations to presented by Dr. O. E. Baker of the Bureau of Economics of the U. S. Department of Agricul- mission boards and rural churches. This confer- ,ture; and a discussion of recent social and economic trends which influence the church, by Dr. ence should result in a new advance in country Carl C. Taylor, of the Government's Resettlement Administration. The consideration in broad out- church life and work. One of the older leaders of line of how the church in town and country is relating itself to the present rural situa,tion, was the church said, "This conference could not have opened by Rev. Mark A. Dawber of the Board of Home Missions and Church Extension of the been held ten years ago. We have come a long Methodist Episcopal Church, who gave a penetrating analysis of the rural church, pointing out way." Some of the younger rural ministers exboth its defects, and its possibilities. The study of the program of "The Rural Church of Tomor- pressed themselves as having had a new vision of row" was a most interesting and profitable discussion of how to reach the people of the rural the country church. One said, "I am going back community. Rev. Perry Smith of Southwest Harbor, Maine, spoke for the Larger Parish Plan and to my church a new man." WILLIAM R. KING.
FURTHERING THE GOSPEL IN MEXICO Gonzalo Baez Camargo, of the National Council of Evangelical Churches of Mexico, calls atten- tion to some benefits of the present agitation of the State against the Church in Mexico. While many officials are opposed to the activities of the Roman Catholic clergy in political matters and are determined to take education out of the hands of the church; still they have not succeeded in turning the Mexican people against religion. The following benefits may be noted as having resulted in evangelical work from the taking over of edu- cation by the State, from making church property communal property and from limiting the number and functions of the clergy.
1. The Protestant churches are beginning to ex- perience a spiritual revival, which is quiet but steady.
2. There is developing greater unity and closer cooperation under present restrictions. This is not organized union but the spirit of closer har- mony and fellowship.
3. There is a growing emphasis on united • These findings, with the papers presented at the conference, will be presented in a volume to be published about March 1.
prayer in the church. Each week day all the lives in the French Embassy and mingles with Protestant pastors of Mexico City meet for prayer Americans. It is commonly believed that this at 6: 30. A national convention of Evangelicals priest serves as a kind of agent of the Papacy.
for conference and prayer was recently held in The only Protestant service in the English lan- Pueblo. guage that is held in Moscow, so far as we are in- 4. Religion has become less formal and outward formed, is held about once a month by a chaplain and more personal and inward. In church groups of the Anglican Church who lives in Helsingfors.
less time is spent in organization business, giv- He comes to Moscow and holds a service in the ing more time for prayer. British Embassy for British officials and a few 5. Christian life and work are becoming more Americans.
spiritual as Christians face' difficulties and are led It seems time that American Protestants take to depend more on God. Less emphasis is placed the initiative in starting an English service in ·on numbers and financial strength. Church Moscow. The Soviet Government could not ob- schools cannot undertake secular training, but they ject if it were run as an American church because can devote themselves to Christian training in the the Soviets expressly stated that all Americans home and church-to character development and are free to worship God according to the dictates spiritual training. Outside organized activities of their conscience. In the Union American are prohibited so that more attention is given to Church in Berlin and in the American Church of personal evangelism. Paris even Jews and Roman Catholics come to 6. Laymen are doing much that was formerly the services occasionally to meet other Americans.
considered only the function of the clergy. This Nearly all come to Thanksgiving services and to is a great means of development. Memorial Day exercises, and Jews come even at 7. The women are coming forward and are en- Christmas time. Children are born in Moscow, tering a new and larger experience in service. tourists sometimes get sick and are compelled to They have union societies and a union paper, and stay a long time, and some American Protestants are becoming a greater force in church life. die on Russian soil. The right kind of minister 8. The Evangelical young people are taking should render great service to Americans on these more responsibility. They have formed "Chris- occasions. Usually, when people are far from tian Patrol" groups for personal work in the their native land they tend to degenerate and the slums; the camps are being conducted to train right kind of service in Moscow might help to hold leaders among Evangelical university students. soOme back from a life of sin. The right kind of man might also win converts from the ungodly. In the early Christian Church and in the days If an English-language service is held in Moscow of the Protestant Reformation, opposition and foreigners from other nations who understand hardship strengthened rather than weakened the English would, no doubt, come. Such a church Christian Church. With spiritual life and em- might never have a very large congregation and phasis on things of the spirit may we not expect would probably not be able to pay its expenses. the same results in Mexico? It should be backed by some Protestant organiza- AMERICAN CHRISTIANS IN RUSSIA tion in America. Although the number of British in Moscow is smaller than the number of Amer- There are at present about 2,.000 American icims, the entire British colony can be counted on citizens in Russia. The majority of them live in for sympathetic cooperation.
or near Moscow and in the other large cities. The minister sent to start the work should be Among them are Jews, Roman Catholics and some young enough to have a flexible mind but should who have no interest in religion, but there are be a man of experience. Any man serving as also many Protestants who would appreciate hav- pastor of such a church for a few years would be ing church services in English. It is estimated able to learn the Russian language and could ad- that about 15,000 tourists go to Russia every sum- vise Protestant Christians with reference to con- mer, a large percentage of them being Americans. dWons and opportunities.
A European correspondent who has recently been in Moscow made careful inquiries to find out God might send His angels to fly in the midst whether there might be the possibility of estab- of the heavens and proclaim the everlasting Goslishing there a Protestant church service in Eng- pel, but what would become of the believer? He lish for American and British people. When would be a dwarf and a cripple. The reflex in- America recognized the Soviet, President Roose- fluence of evangelistic effort upon the Church itvelt insisted that all Americans have full religious self is scarcely less important and valuable than liberty in Russia. The Roman Catholic Church the direct influence upon unsaved souls. has in Moscow a young priest, Father Braun, who ARTHUR T. PIERSON.
Divine Constraint of
Missions* By the VERY REVEREND WILLIAM TEMPLE, D.D.
Archbishop of York ZACHARIAH'S song, which we call the Bene- the question whether anyone of these is true. dictus, begins: "Blessed be the Lord God of That is the first question. Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His If the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is people !" true, it is true in the ordinary everyday sense of The first element in the divine constraint of the word, not in some remote rhetorical and emo- Christian missions is the sheer truth of the Gos- tional sense. Many have the habit of thinking of pel. We have the responsibility of making up religion as a kind of drug for the curing of the our minds whether or not we accept it as the truth. world's disease; we ask whether the Gospel suits But if we accept it as the truth, we have no longer the African or the Arabian, the Indian or the any real option in the matter of being or failing Chinese or Japanese. If we adopt this point of to be missionaries. If it is ,the truth, it lays upon view, we assume quite wrongly that the Gospel is us its missionary obligations. European. But it is not. Geographically it is "All authority is given unto Me in heaven and Asiatic in its origin, though at the point where in earth," said our Lord. "Go ye, therefore, and Asia is in contact with both Europe and Africa.
teach all nations." Therefore, because the author- If ,the Gospel of Christ is true, then the question ity is His, and because the only right and wise is not whether it suits us, but whether we suit it.
way for men to order life is under His authority, It is not the question whether it is adapted to the if they order it otherwise they are ordering it Arabians, but whether they are adapted to it. If foolishly and wrongly. not, and if it is the truth then we had better sub- The world is what God sees it to be. So far as mit ourselves to Christ and ask Him to alter us; our vision of it is different from His, it is a false we can't change ourselves. If you treat the Gospel vision, blurred and distorted by the impurities of as a drug, you are apt to say: "The diseases of our organs of spiritual perception. The truth con- the Western world are so-and-so and we think sists of the realities in the mind of God, and it is Christianity is the remedy for them; and the dis- only when we act according to the mind of God eases of India are so-and-so; and Hinduism is the that we act in accordance with the truth. Every- remedy for them." It would be rather odd if the thing else is making a mistake. culture which produced the disease also supplied The claim that all authority is given unto the remedy. Sounds like feeding the dog on its Christ, is either true or false. The power of the own tail!
Gospel depends upon its truth. In these days Truth is truth wherever you are. If an Ameri- there is much to confuse our perception on that can man of business should conduct negotiations point, particularly what is badly described as the with a skilled merchant in China who insisted on "science of comparative religion." Never use that adding up two and two to make five when he was expression, because there is no such thing as going to charge an account and to make three "comparative religion." Many people are com- when he was going to pay a bill, you would say: paratively religious, but it is not their beliefs and "Nonsense! Two and two always make four."
practice that are studied in this science-it is a You wouldn't be at all impressed if he were to comparative study of religions. reply tha,t such a rigid rule does not suit the mer- While this study may be interesting and very curial temperament of the Oriental. You would valuable and may help us to present the Gospel say, "Temperament be blowed! Two and two to the people of these traditional religions with a make four."
sympathetic understanding of their own outlook, If a thing is true at all, it is true always and this study is liable to take our minds away from everywhere. It is impossible that the Gospel –;;-C-;;-ndensed from an address delivered at the S. V. M. Conven- should be true for us without being true for everytion, IndianapoliS. Not corrected by the ~uthur. The full address body else If it is not true it is a delusion everywill appear in the Convention Report. Price $2.00. • , [ 119 ]
where. Its power to help us depends upon its has made His will and purpose known. Our claim truth and if it is true then things incompatible is that the Christ reveals this Father of all manwith it cannot also be true. Then everyone who kind and that in the Gospel is disclosed His charconducts life on any principle other than that of acter and purpose. It is possible that here is the Gospel is making a fundamental mistake. He the truth that the whole world wants; and we do is building his house upon the sand. not believe that there is not even the possibility of it anywhere else. Thus our first element in the The Obligation to Impart constraint of foreign missions is that the Gospel is true and is the one standard by which it is con- The Gospel is true for all, if it is true at all. ceivable that all men should be willing to be If so, then whoever receives it is under the in- judged. We may fail to live in harmony with that escapable obligation to impart it to others. Here standard but our failures will be failures either alone is the foundation on which to build a world of understanding or of weakness of character; civilization. On what principles is it to be built? they will be not failures due to divergence in the Are we going to discover these principles by mak- direction in which men wish to walk. ing a complex calculation of the various desires and aspirations of the different countries of the "I am the way," says Christ. We must claim world? We must not ignore them, but could there that He means it not only for individuals but for be any more shifting sand than that on which to all men, for nations and for races. He is the one build any great structure? A world civilization and only Way. must be built upon truth which affects basic human life. As Christians we believe that the Gospel The world vitally needs what Christ through of Christ is that truth. It is the one possible the Gospel can give. Is this only a claim; do the foundation on which a world civilization can be facts substantiate it? There is already the bereared. A great deal of the difficulty in bringing ginning of an acceptance of this claim in that about adjustments of claims between the nations process of redirecting the other religions under a and the races of the world arises from the fact Christian influence. Moreover there is the evithat .there is no agreement among them with re- dence of it in the fact reported from every quarter gard to the standard by which they agree that of the globe that as people come to understand their conduct should be judged. As long as they Jesus of Nazareth, they come to regard Him as admire different kinds of things mutual agree- their own fellow countryman. It is most astoundment on the things required for the progress of ing that from the villages of Africa, and the great mankind becomes impossible. plains of India, out of the civilizations of China and Japan, men fashion to themselves a likeness The truth that is most vitally needed to bring of Christ to make him as their own fellow countrytogether in one spiritual fellowship nations, now man. There is no other figure in the world about forced into communities by the abolition of dis- whom that is true. That it should be possible tance through the triumphs of science, is a simple when all this impression is based upon the brief standard by which all are to be judged. Until record contained in the four Gospels is utterly that happens there will be, strictly speaking, no amazing. solution at all to a great variety of problems. Until we have a common ground to start from The Fulfillment of All Hopes irresistible arguments can be advanced to support incompatible claims. What does this mean? I.t means that here in- deed is He whom the nations recognize as the ful- Some people have proposed that we abolish all fillment of all their own hopes and longings. our divisive beliefs, and gather together a con- Christ is in truth the "desire of all nations." As ference representing all the religions and moral the missionary enterprise goes forward, it peraspira,tions of mankind. Try to picture them, petually vindicates the principles on which it rests, with all the divergent traditions from which they because those things happen which ought to hapcome; shut them up together and tell them they pen if it is true. He claims all authority is given will not be let out until they agree upon their to Him and the nations of the world as they come common formula. They would probably not get to recognize Him, see in Him their own Lord. beyond saying it is very desirable that everyone He is not looked upon as an alien potentate imshould be good, while they would mean quite dif- posed lJPon them, but as their own to whom they ferent things by the word "good." naturally turn. When they depict Him in pictures for their children they make Him with the fea- There is no prospect of finding any standard tures and in the garments of their own people. which all men can rightly accept unless there is a God, who is Father of all mankind, whose love Again, if we are Christians, we believe that the embraces all mankind, so that in His purpose all gift that we have received from God through the will find their welfare secure, and unless that God Gospel is our greatest treasure. We may not al-
THE DIVINE CONSTRAINT OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS
ways think that, because our feelings are still so it, by life at least, and by word when opportunity unruly and undisciplined; but with our minds, at comes. There is another term, greater than these, least, we believe this if we are Christians. in the real divine constraint; that is the hunger in the heart of God. If you rejoice in His love, Next we ask: What is the gift of God through how can you dare rejoice in His love when that the Gospel? The answer is that what God gives love is longing for an answer from those to whom through the Gospel of Christ is Himself. God is you might be declaring i,t, and you do not do so? love and if love is come into my heart it means That is the real divine constraint. Since our Lord that I become loving. Salvation means that a hung on His cross we have tried to see in that man is changed from being selfish into being lov- picture, drawn once for all by God himself, the ing as God is love. "We know that we have passed revelation of the love which is eternal in His heart out of death into life because we love the breth- -and still He waits. ren." Incidentally, this means that we are also delivered from the pains and penalties of being Our own response in our lives is poor enough, selfish and ungodly. but there are those multitudes to whom we might be turning, and still He waits. He honors us by If we have received the salvation of God, making us His agents, His ambassadors. It is through Christ, that means that our hearts are His will that the Gospel of His love should now be full of something which they cannot keep but made known through us, who have received it, or must give out. Your Christian experience is it will not be known at all so far as we can tell. something that you cannot possibly hold to your- He could, no doubt, do quite well without us, but self; you feel constrained to impart it to other because of His love for us and all men, He has people. Otherwise it is not God's best gift in the made it the priceless reward of those who receive Gospel; it is not salvation. But if what you have and obey His Gospel that they shall have the honor received is the gift that God offers, then you can- of being His ambassadors. not keep it to yourself. To receive it and to share it are parts of one experience; the two sides of We cannot penetrate far into the secrets of the the one precious coin, by which we may purchase Eternal mind and heart of God, but we do know ,that fellowship with God, which is Eternal Life. a little of what love means, and we know that the One side is His love given to us; the other side is divine love must be far more than any that is that love reflected in us toward other men. There known on earth, and we know that He is waiting is the Gospel of Life, so that wherever it is re- and that He invites us to be His fellow-workers, ceived, there of its own force it is passing out "That He may see of the travail of His soul and again to others. Those who receive it are nat- be satisfied." When we look out over this beurally and inevitably missionaries. wildered world, so sorely needing to know the Way of God and the power to follow it, let us not Every Ohristian a Missionary only remember that Christ is the Word that calls us to walk that Way, but that, after the passing We have often heard it said that anyone who of 2,000 years, there is the divine constraint to goes from a Christian country, so-called, to one give the Gospel to others. The uppermost thought of the other countries, has not to choose whether in every mind and the uppermost longing in every he will be a missionary or not, because he will be heart should be to witness for Christ. taken as a representative of Christianity. What he has to choose is only whether he shall be a good God, who has called us to be witnesses, knows missionary or a bad one, but missionary he will every limitation of ours, and yet He has called us be. In our day we must go further, because we -and think what it is to which He calls. recognize that the Christian nations are only half Christian, and wherever a Christian lives he must I began by quoting the opening words of the be a missionary, a good one or a bad one, but by Benedictus. Let me end by quoting its closing his life, by his influence, he is either drawing men words. "Thou, child,"-not only John the Baptist, to Christ, or sending them away from Him. but every child that has heard the Gospel of God's love-"Thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of But if to be a Christian is to be a missionary, the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of then think what our calling means. Think of the the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge honor; think of the glory that can be if only we of salvation unto His people for the remission of are faithful as we bring the world to Christ by their sins" – not through any wisdom of yours – bringing Christ to the world. but "through the tender mercy of our God, where- by the dayspring from on high visited us, to give We have thought of the world's need and how light to them that sit in darkness and in the the Gospel of Christ and the Gospel alone, can shadow of death, to guide our feet" – where the meet it, even in this world, to say nothing of the whole world most needs guidance – into the way Life Beyond. We have thought of the nature of of peace. the Gospel itself and that to believe it is to preach
Christianity the World
By REV. FRANK C. LAUBACH, Ph.D., Mindanao, Philippine Islands ~- Portions of an Address Given at the Student Volunteer Con- vention, Indianapolis, Indiana, December, 1935* T HE Christianity the world needs is the kind others, but he cannot save himself," they uttered that Christ was. How did He differ from the one of the truest things ever spoken. rest of us and from other religions? In the That word spoken before the cross, still rings quality of His love. It was so hot and so far-reach- down the centuries: Choose, every man; you ing and so self-denying. cannot save others if you save yourself. Men who Contrast him with the world's best. Some peo- would save themselves have cursed the world, but ple say that Abdul Baha has combined all the best men who would not save themselves have helped and made the final religion. Listen to one of his to save the world.
prayers. "0 God, 0 God . . . open before my face the doors of prosperity. Give me my bread." No one knows what he is capable of until Imagine Jesus praying for his own prosperity! Christ's love sets him on fire. Nobody suspected Christians often do; Jesus never. that a young fisherman, named John, would catch on fire and write the world's sublimest book. No- Most men seek for those who can help them. body suspected that a little Jew, named Paul, Jesus gravitated toward need. From the moment would catch fire and try to capture the Roman He awoke in the morning until He closed his eyes Empire for Christ. Fascinating books have been at night He gazed right and left, asking: written of men and women who stood amazed at what they found they could do through His help. "Father, whom can I help and help. Whom can "I can do all things" they say in glad surprise, I heal, or teach, or encourage, or save, or defend? "through Christ." Who needs me next, and next?"
Every moment of his waking life was spent in this way until the people said: "The love in that Man's heart is hotter than the Why then has the world not been transformed? sun and wider than the world." For two reasons: If everyone spent his time like that, asking First, it is a bigger task than we realized. The only: "Whom can I help? Who needs me next?" world is very large, and we have a new generation we would have Heaven on earth. to deal with every thirty years. Though we may evangelize the world in this generation, it will God himself must be as good as the best; so need resaving at least three times a century. . . . the Apostle John wrote: "God is love." This is one of the highest tributes ever paid to God. The second reason the Kingdom seems slow in When Jesus fell under the Cross on His way coming is that the word "Christian" is being used to Calvary, the soldiers compelled Simon of Cy- as a label for a very cheap substitute for the rerene to take it up and carry it. Then His friends ligion of Christ. His demands are so terrific, so saw something of the meaning of His words: mind-stretching, that to become a real Christian Unless you take a cross and follow Me, you are means a funeral. The old self must die and be not my disciple. buried. But men have found a way to hang a sym- bol of the cross over their hearts instead of put- That terrible, final act on the cross made His ting it inside, where the old self remains very words and deeds real. Kind words and acts do much alive. not convince unless they cost something. When the Roman captain saw him hanging on the cross, The most tragic thing oJesus ever said, and the moaning: "Father, forgive them," he said, "Sure- thing He has had to repeat frequently since, is: ly this man was a son of God." The way Jesus died was too noble for human nature. "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but do not the things which I command you?" When those who mocked Him said: "He saved "Ye cannot serve God and mammon," He said, vol•umThee, sfouolln rteopobret poufbltihsihsedadbdyrestshewSiltludaepnpteaVroliunntteheer cMoonvveemnteinotn. and Yet millions have accustomed themselves to [122 ] living compartmentalized lives, until they develop This thirtieth day of December has been the into well-meaning, sincere, self-deceived hypo- greatest day in the Philippine year. In every crites. town and village throngs have gathered reverently I think that the greatest hindrance to Christ in about the statue of a young man, which stands at non-Christian lands is that so many of us talk the center of every plaza in every town in the like Christians and act like heathens in business Islands. They have been commemorating the or social relations. death day of Jose Rizal, their martyred hero. He Michelangelo used to wear a light on his fore- is one of the most beautiful illustrations of sacri- head so that his own shadow would not fall across fice since Christ. As a mere boy Rizal saw his the picture he was painting. Today, the ugly self- mother thrown into prison for petty spite, his ish shadow of our pagan life stands like a dark neighbors robbed and beaten and exiled and. mur- cloud between Christ and the non-Christian world. dered. The pain struck into his young heart.
. . . It was because Russia saw so much of that "What can I do," he asked God, "what can I do kind of Christianity .that she now spurns the word for my family and my country?"
Christianity, or even the word God. It is bitter He had to flee from the Philippines at the age irony that she has adopted more of the economic of nineteen. Over Europe he went, seeking in principles of Jesus than have nations called Chris- every university and every book for the answer tian. It is this misuse of the word Christian that to his question. He found it at last in "Uncle led Mr. Gandhi to decide not to call himself a Tom's Cabin."
Christian, though in many respects his life is "I will write a book," he said, "which will re- equalled by few Christians. . . . Christian na- veal the truth about the Philippines as Harriet tions and Christian civilization-there are none. Beecher Stowe revealed the truth about slavery."
They have stolen the best Name in the world and When the book appeared his countrymen wept stretched it as a cloak over a wretched social or- and his enemies gnashed their teeth. Unable to der. . . . We have taken sacrifice out of the reach him, they chased his parents from their word Christian and have made it huge and pudgy. home and burned it, threw the bones of his rela- "Not by might nor by power" saith the Lord, "but tives out of their graves, drove all his brothers by my Spirit." and sisters into exile, began to destroy the very If we eould purify the word Christian so that town in which he had lived.
it contained Jesus' passion to serve and give life, Rizal, working on the sequel to his book, was there would be another Pentecost. driven nearly frantic at the news, but he finished his work. Then he said "They will never be satis- If the Christianity which we are offering to fied until I give them my life." He wrote two the non-Christian world seems unreal and false, letters, one to his relatives and the other to his Gandhi and Kagawa tell us to look in upon our- country. On the envelope of each he wrote: "To be opened after my death," and sailed to Manila selves and ask: and death. As they led him out to be shot he said: "Am I real? Do I live as I talk?" If reality is important in America, it is far more "My Saviour's sufferings on the cross were long exacting on the foreign field. Being a missionary and terrible. Mine will last but a moment. Fa- ther, I forgive every man from the bottom of my is much harder than I had supposed. We carry a Bible with us and say: "Read this wonderful heart." .
book." At thirty-five he died as nobly as he had lived.
But they cannot read it-they do not even try. His life of service, crowned with the supreme They keep staring at us. We are white, and sacrifice, has done more for the Filipino nation strange, and speak a dreadful accent. They can't than all the speeches made in four centuries. It has put a passion in noble Filipino hearts that will read books but they can read human nature. If we say: "Listen to the story of Jesus," they never die. But if you were to separate Rizal from do not hear the story; they are so interested in . his sacrifice, he would be just another man. He gazing at us. The Bible they read is our faces. has saved others from oppression and death be- The Christ they see is the missionary. If they fail cause he would not save himself.
to see Christ in us they have no interest in our Book or in our stories of Christ. This is a terri- If you would serve Christ with a burning heart, fying responsibility. This is why many mission- go into the slums, as Jane Addams or Kagawa aries I know have gone through a period of acute did, and let misery break your heart. Then people suffering, until they have given themselves up to will listen to you for they will know you are real.
Christ and to serve other'S in a new and more com- Young ministers who are juggling for a high sal- plete surrender. ary will never find a burning message. You can- not save others if you save yourself. Forget about
salary and go where the need is greatest. And if Books of Moses; Jabur-the Psalms of David; you cannot marry a girl who will go there with Kitab Injil-the Gospel of Jesus; the Koran! you, do not marry at all. "Friends," I cried, "you know the Koran, and I have been an unworthy man, with my past I know your first three holy books. We will share strewn with sins and mistakes, but there is one what we have." decision I made, thanks to a book written by Robert E. Speer. There I saw that Jesus gravitated Two punditas sat beside me as we translated toward the hardest place and the neediest people many of the Old Testament stories which we and and took the consequences. I made up my mind they believe, and the entire Gospel of Luke. that I would put my one life in the spot where I foun4 the most acute need. In the slums of New Then from Signal Hill came the thought of York I saw the great burning heart of Roswell teaching the Moros their own language with our Bates beating out his life against sins and pov- Roman letters. Not a word had been printed in erty until he died. their language, so we bought a printing press, adopted an alphabet, prepared lessons and began One day I heard that the neediest place on earth to teach. just then seemed to be the Moro field in the southern Philippines. I decided to go there. But when They have but sixteen sounds, and we thought we reached that country the government officials we ought to teach that small alphabet quickly. were having war with the Moros and would not With enthusiasm my Moslem friends experihear of our staying among them. I waited ten mented with me, trying a new plan weekly, until years, working in other parts of the Philippines at the end of a year they and I together evolved and then, in 1929, leaving my wife and son in the easiest method of teaching illiterates. We Luzon, I went to Lanao. I wrote to my father that can teach some people to read their own language, day: slowly but intelligently, in one day; our usual time is four or five days. Thousands thronged "I have at last arrived to undertake the most our school, and went out to teach other thousands, difficult task under the American flag and one of until two-thirds of the province were studying or the most difficult in the world." reading. Hadjis wearing turbans went about selling the Bible portions we had printed. We It was. Government officials opposed my com- discovered that to sit down beside a man and teach ing because they were having a hard task keeping him to read with your heart full of love is a wonthe peace. Most of the Moros did not know that derful way to win his friendship so that he will I was a missionary, and those who knew it disap- listen to anything you have to say. Positively I proved. My first year was the lonesomest, hardest believe many of those Moros would die for us. of my life. I thought I was facing disastrous fail- Last year one fierce old man I had taught put his ure. I climbed Signal Hill back of my cottage and arm around me and whispered in my ear: told God he had called me to a task beyond my powers. My dog Tip, under my arm, looked up in "You and I are the greatest friends in the my face and wondered at the tears. Night after world, and if there is anybody you want me to night I talked aloud from that lonely hilltop. One put out of the way, tell me who he is." night my lips began to talk, but they spoke to me: I often go to their mosques, and they return the "My child," they said, "You are suffering be- visit by attending in deep reverence our Christian cause I am not yet satisfied with you. I am in service. Last January, as I was leaving, four travail to set you a flame with Christ. How fully truck loads of Moro priests and datos and sultans can you surrender and not be afraid." followed us to the seacoast. They crowded the deck of the steamer. After they had made I flung up my arms and said: speeches, they asked the chief imam to pray. Very "God, if thou art speaking through my lips, reverently they held out their hands as he prayed come and do my thinking for me. Walk through that this American friend whom they had helped my brain, burn up my heart." to make the easiest method of teaching in the That lonely misery on Signal Hill six years' world, should have the blessing of Allah as he ago now seems to me to be the only thing in my started across the world teaching the Moro methwhole life you cannot take away for it drove me od to all the illiterate nations of the world. They into the waiting arms of God. From Signal Hill all wanted to go with me. As they kissed me good came the suggestion that I study the Koran. So bye with their Arab whiskers, many of them wept I told a Moslem priest that I wanted to study his as they said: book. The next day my house was crowded with Mohammedans, trying to make a Moslem out of "We will pray for you in every mosque in me. We discovered from a Moslem book, printed Lanao." in India that one man brought with him, that they believe in four holy books: Torah-the Then they bowed reverently as our Christian church members prayed and sang, "God be with you till we meet again." Hundreds of letters have come from Asia, Af- show me what, and give me power and faith and rica and South America asking about this method a stout heart to see it through." of teaching illiterates to read and write. More than half the people in the world are still illiterate. When the lawyer said: "the greatest command- India alone has 340 millions of illiterates, nearly ment is to love God and to love thy neighbor," Jethree times the total population of the United sus said to him: "Thou has answered right. This States, and China has even more. Most of the do." The soldier who laughed at Jesus and said: people of Latin America are illiterate, and Africa "He saved others, himself he cannot save" also is more than ninety per cent illiterate. Mission- spoke the truth. But truth not backed with life aries in many countries are baffled by the stupen- is a lie. The crucial question is not whether we dous fact that over a billion people cannot read the know the truth, but whether we make any act of Bible or any other book in any language. will in the face of a million years of instincts! A will to do in myself what I see all others must When I showed these letters to my Moro friends, they said "God wills it." You must go. The Mos- MORO BOYS IN THE MISSION LIBRARY lems have helped me never to ask whether I have ability, but only whether God calls me. There do, before the world will rise to the Kingdom of is a great map on the wall of our school, and God! A clear-cut act of choice. these Moros are drawing a broad red line on it to show where their method has followed me I see that the life of Jesus was real and I will through the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Egypt, loathe myself if I am a fraud. Action must click Palestine, Syria, Turkey, across Europe to the with truth in me. United States. Every week new doors open to larger ventures in such swift succession that they A tremendous corporate resolve to turn our make me catch my breath. I feel that the billion backs upon self and go with Christ to meet human illiterate half of the world, these forgotten men, need, that alone will satisfy God and it would rock lie heavy on the heart of God, and that He seems the world. eager to use anybody who will meet that titanic need. EVERY CHRISTIAN A SERVANT Six years ago I thought I was facing disaster. In the Christian the instinct to rescue-not less auto- Now I know that suffering drove me to act my matic than the instinct to self-preservation-is brought up love before I talked about Christ, forced me to out of the earth where self-interest has buried it. That enter this great needy field of illiteracy. When dynamic impulse-so ungovernable in its initial movement we understand more will we see that human suf- that a man will follow his fellow into fire and flood and fering is necessary to drive us out of stupid con- every visible danger before self-interest has checked itceit and prepare us for service? is not to be checked in the Christian. It is to be stabilized and shaped to the eternal uses of Love. That spark from The great need in our pseudo-Christian age is God is like the ray from the star Arcturus, which ani. for men and women who will serve daringly. We mated the persistent brilliance of a city where the beam do not need more good books so much as more fell. For all the lights in all the windows of all the houses good men and women sharing the sufferings of of rescue in the world are but the obedient children of the West Virginia coal fields, or South African gold Father of Lights. And all the burning in the servant's mines, or the slums of Kobe. One illustration l1ke heart, of compassionate feeling and of the will to serve, Kagawa is worth a million brilliant sermons. is the charge and care of that One who is in the midst of Thank God anybody can live sacrificially. Most the cand:esticks, to save them from extinction and to light of the people who are doing it are not wise or with such candles, large and small, the present darkness. famous; they are unknown saints who are changing the world. There are no "Christian" nations, There is not a one of us, speaking to a neighbor or a but thank God there are glorious Christians in most unsuspected places. wanderer at the lighted door of the kitchen, or of the The acute problem that most young people face school, or of the hospital, or of the church, but may be a is, "What is God's will for me? Where does He want me to put my life?" lantern in that Hand. JEAN KENYON MACKENZIE.
Need is God calling from without. Love is God calling from within. The Christianity the world needs is the kind that plunges into need. I will be a traitor to this planet on which I happen to be unless I face God and say: "Show me where and
Pioneers for Seventy~Five
By JULIA H. BRONSON, New York )D.- Editorial Secretary of the Woman's Union Missionary Society SEVENTY-FIVE years ago last November inces of India and in China and Japan. Through . (1860) nine courageous women met in Bos- its Philadelphia Branch the Society sought out the ton to form a society to send single women first woman medical missionary to go from Amerto evangelize women and children of the Orient. ica, but acceded to the request of the Board of her Early in the following year, the general society own Methodist Church, that she be transferred to under the leadership of Mrs. Thomas C. Doremus their mission in India. Undaunted, the Society was incorporated in New York City, the smaller .found two more medical women and sent them to Boston group offering to become a branch organ- India. Women's medical missions are still an ization. Thus the Woman's Union Missionary'So- important part of the work of the Society which' ciety of America, pioneer woman's foreign mission has hospitals in India and cooperates in the new agency in this country, has just entered upon its Woman's Christian Medical College of Shanghai, seventy-sixth year. established upon the Margaret Williamson Hos- Almost immediately a second branch was pital foundation.
formed in Philadelphia by that versatile person- The Society's anniversary was celebrated in age of the '60's, champion of woman's rights, New York in the First Presbyterian Church on the woman's homes and woman's privileges, Mrs. Sara fifteenth of January. It has maintained its evan- Josepha Hale. Her pen had indited that children's gelical and undenominational character and is supclassic, "Mary had a little Lamb," and she was ported by those who approve this form of union editing the forerunner of women's magazines, work. The organization does not incur debt and Godey's Lady's Book. Mrs. Hale, by pen and last November rejoiced in a record of seventy-five voice enthusiastically espoused the cause of the years' service with all obligations met. infant Society, and became the first president of the Philadelphia Branch, devoting regular space in her magazine to its interests.
Obstacles to be overcome by the new and in- A PRAYER FOR MISSIONARIES experienced Society were not few. The departure from established procedure was radical; officers Lord, remember in love the dear servants of of existing general Mission Boards deemed such a Thy truth who have gone to the distant parts of step by women premature; independent organ- the earth that Thy name may be glorified. Pre- izations of women of any nature were rare; public serve in them a triumphant faith that they may confidence must be created if financial help was see the end of their labors achieved even amid to be obtained, especially as the country was in the defeat and failure. Sustain them in their sor- throes of the Civil War, and there was prejudice rowing for others and, sowing tears, may they to be overcome. Nevertheless these intrepid come again reJOIcmg. Grant them wisdom for women I-aunched their frail bark, freighted with every occasion that the great ones of the earth courage, initiative and hope, and the motto upon may feel the power of Christ in the influence of its ensign was, "0 woman, great is thy faith!" A His servants. We praise thee for living witnesses periodical was issued and during the first year the of Thy power and for the slow dawn that heralds Society undertook work in Burma through native the noonday of Thy presence in the heart of man- Bible women. They also sought, appointed and kind -everywhere. Bless all agencies t1:~at hasten sent forth their first American woman missionary, the victory of the Spirit and turn the evil devices and a second, in the following year, went to Cal- of men to Thy glory. So let the messengers of cutta to establish a new type of work, zenana Thy Gospel hope ever in God, and labor on un- visitation and teaching among purdah women. wearied in the sure confidence that God will honor The enterprise grew until missions had been their gift of consecrated service to generations established in several cities of the United Prov- yet unborn. For Thy Name's sake. Amen.
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Missions Are Marching
By the REV. FRED FIELD GOODSELL, D.D., Boston Exemtive Vice-President of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions T IME marches on! Crime marches on! Mis- to talk with their leaders, to listen to their sing- sions too are marching on! If you do not be- ing, to see them at work and at leisure, to sample lieve it, take the time and trouble to look into their food, to examine their handicraft, to become the matter. Leave prejudice aside. Face claimant a part of their world-so far as a foreigner can. human need. Be just plain human and let human It is one thing to listen to missionaries at home on nature around the world speak to your heart. furlough as they try to tell their story, and quite "God so loved the world. . . ." Mingle a little another thing to share their life in their own bailimore love with your living and thinking and see wicks, to see the things they are constantly looking whether it does not give you a at, to feel the pressure of so- better perspective. Act i v e cial forces strangely contradic- goodwill, love, justice, peace tory to the ideals of the Man of are what the world needs most, Galilee. The wonder is and the and the world mission of Chris- wonder grows, not that the in- tianity is marching on deter- digenous churches have made mined to put the thirteenth so little progress relatively, but chapter of First Corinthians that they have been formed and into daily practice. have made any progress. Mis- I have recently returned sions are marching on, because from a thirty-five thousand they are a part of the Divine mile journey that took me out purpose, not because they are a to India, across to South Africa, human undertaking.
northward through the heart of I saw a sight on a street lead- that great continent and home- ing into the heart of Delhi that ward through the Near East lingers in my mind as a symbol and Europe. I traveled in al- of the way in which the non- most every conceivable fashion. Western world is not only The airplane helped to cover adopting but also adapting its the great open spaces. Eleven borrowings from the West. A thousand miles by air saved young man was riding along on about six weeks for work that a bicycle with the carcass of a I could not otherwise have dressed sheep across the han- done. When we were flying dlebars. Sitting on the carcass low over the spot where David was a full-grown live sheep.
Livingstone died, I had a new Coming up alongside was a dig- vision of what his passion for RIVAL TRAlSPORTS IN THE SUDAN nified, black-bearded man in Africa meant. Later, along the flowing white robes and beau- western borders of Ethiopia that vision was al- tiful turban, riding an up-to-date motorcycle. Bi- most completely obscured by the dark Italian cycles were not made to carry dressed or live sheep war clouds. War cancels almost everything to market, motorcycles are not as convenient as worth while. automobiles for men or women with flowing robes, I but the East intends to do what it pleases with the My main interest on these journeys was to study things that come from the West.-~- the growth of the indigenous church. It is one The same thing applies to the Church, and thing to sit in a comfortable study in America, should. · I have the conviction that basically the reading reports and looking at pictures. It is an- Christian Church belongs to no one race or clime other thing to mingle with the multitudes, to or time. It is God's instrument for drawing hu- travel with them, to face them from a platform, manity to His heart. To impose the Western [127 ]
forms of the church upon an awakening East is a veloping these natural resources. Christian peomistake of the first magnitude. Let them adopt ple in Africa ask us to help them solve their social and adapt as they will. A body of indigenous problems. Christians in India, Africa, the Near East or anywhere else has the right to work out their own Or take the new stirrings of conscience among interpretation of the inner spirit of Christianity. the Hindu people on the question of caste. Gandhi One sign that missions are marching on is the fact, said to me in Nagpur that he was out to destroy broadly speaking, that missionaries from the West the caste system. I could hardly believe my ears. are being overwhelmed with evidence that the I have been encouraged to quote him since I have spirit of Christ has put its roots down deep into seen confirmation in Indian papers that such is the human soil of many a non-Western land. Mis- his real intention. He will not succeed. But he sions need not be so much concerned hereafter might succeed if the forces of Christianity in the with the forms of organization, types of church West had conquered the caste systems of the West, architecture, standards of "proper" conduct of the the caste ofrace, and the caste of wealth. indigenous Christian community_ The basic thing -a knowledge of Christ-has been so widely and Missions are marching on because the Christruly shared that indigenous leaders are worthy tians of the West are beginning to realize that a of greater confidence. Let them make their own slum is a bad place even though you do not live in it. A slum anywhere is a threat to physical, moral PREPARING AFRICANS TO PREACH CHRIST and spiritual health everywhere. This is literally H. A. Stick, a missionary of the American Board in Natal; Dr. true in these days when the old physical barriers between nations are being borne away_ How Fred Field GoodseU, Executive Vice-President of the Board, strange it is! Man destroys space and then seeks and nine graduating theological students in Adams, Natal to set up barriers to brotherhood! If we are not interested in the heathen next door, or around the mistakes. They will register their own successes. corner, we cannot long maintain the unrealism of Missions are marching on! "foreign" missions.
II We need well organized, superbly led and com- Missions in the century before us will wrestle prehensive councils for Christian social action in with the new fact of an intimately interrelated America because we need them all around the world. Western invention and manufacture are world. Missions are marching on because the forcing the Christian Churc.h to acknowledge that Christian Church is coming to grips with the sothere really is no such thing as foreign missions. cial implications of the spirit and teaching of We must speak of planetary missions or of "world Jesus. missions" but no longer of "foreign" missions. It is all "home" missions. Take the impact of III Western industry upon social life. What problemsChristian forces face in America! But it is There is only one thing that can halt the progunrealistic to talk about Christianizing the social ress of the world movement of Christianity. The order in America as an isolated task when West- depression has not halted it. It has produced ern industry with all its armory of equipment has some problems, it has accentuated others, but it moved into the heart of Africa. Visit the gold has not halted the movement of the world toward fields in South Africa or the copper fields in Christ. Imperialism, fascism, communism, Hit- Northern Rhodesia and the Belgian Congo. See lerism have not halted it. These are all external for yourself how millions of Bantu people are be- enemies. They are foreign to the spirit of Christ. ing uprooted and overturned in the process of de- They are new forms of ancient evils. The Chris- tian Church has met them before. The thing that can halt and destroy the world movement toward Christ is unchristian Christians. The real ques- tion before us is: Are we determined to take Jesus Christ in earnest? Do we think the world has outgrown Him? Are we becoming blind on moral and spiritual issues in our own lives? I have faith to believe in the signs of a spiritual awakening across America, the like of which the Western world has never seen. Missions are marching on and will march on through the decades before us.
Are we Christians going to follow Him who bids us cross the World to share with all mankind what has been given to us in Christ, or are we· not? Will we give the Gospel or try to keep it-and lose it? R. E. S.
A SCENE AMONG THE NEEDY VILLAGERS OF SOUTH
This picture brings vividly to mind some of the sobering aspects of India's need. These are v ill age people of the poorer sort. Tb ey were camped by the wayside a nd proved to be frien dly but filtby and undernourisbed. They represent millions of Indians wbo need the message of Cbrlst. F. ~'. G.
SOME GIRLS OF THE DORAKAL BOARDING SCHOOL I N I NDIA While not from tbe same dist rict or group in India , tbe pic ture of tbese g il'ls, contras ted with t he group above, shows. tbe cbange tbat Christian tra ining can m ake in the life, the ideals and character and the usefulness of the vill agers in India .
Enlarging
By the REV. ARTHUR JUDSON BROWN, D.D., New York Author of "The Foreign Missionary," etc., etc.; Secretary Emeritus of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions I T IS difficult to realize how widely world condi- "Tommies'~.called the "Milk and Honey Express," tions today differ from those of a century ago. makes the trip from Cairo to Jerusalem in one Then, a large part of the world was closed. night. Railways run almost without a break from Americans knew little and cared less about the Cape Town north to Cairo, and in July, 1931, a teeming masses in Asia and Africa. There were line was completed from Beira on the east coast occasional vague rumors about them, but they of Africa to Lobi,to on the west coast, 2,949 miles were. unheeded. In the school geographies, vast distant. Within the memory of living men, Jules regions were marked "unexplored." China was Verne's story, "Around the World in Eighty almost as inaccessible as when the dying Xavier Days," was deemed fantastic; but today aviators cried in 1552: "Oh! Rock, rock, when wilt thou have flown around the world in eight days.
open?" Japan had not emerged from medieval When Hunter Corbett and Calvin Mateer went feudalism. Korea was called the "Hermit Na- to China in 1863, they had to journey six months tion." Mohammedan countries were barred in a sailing vessel, and the discomfort and poor against Christians as "infidel dogs." India was food impaired their health. On our second visit in the clutches of a British trading company. Half to Asia, we not only went around the world in a century was to pass before Stanley was to totter six months, but had 15 days in Japan, 25 days in into a west coast settlement, ragged and sick, to Chosen, 57 days in China, and saw something of declare the secret of the mighty Congo and to ex- Siberia and Russia. The only hardship that lin- press the hope that at least one missionary might gered in my memory was the excessive heat in be sent to central Africa. The Philippine Islands passing through Chicago on the trip from New were so unknown to America that, even in 1898, York to San Francisco. That journey can now be when the news flashed over the cables that Com- made with much greater ease and comfort. In- modore Dewey had taken them from Spain, there deed, it seems that almost the only thing that has was a scurrying for atlases to find out where they not changed is the climate of Chicago. Electricity were, and a member of Congress vouchsafed the and gasoline have abolished distance. Chinese war .opinion that the people were those to whom Paul lords wire their orders to distant generals. Auto- had addressed his Epistle to the Philippians. mobiles and trolley cars are found in hundreds of The change has been amazing. Steamships now Asiatic and South American cities. Air lines link cross the Pacific Ocean in eight days and run 600 Panama and Peru, London and Capetown, Bagh- miles up the Yangtze River. Scores of s.teamers dad and Teheran. The telephone is used in Kyoto ply on the Upper Congo and modern hotels wel- and Tsinanfu, in Beirut and Santiago. December come the traveler to Victoria Falls. The Trans- .12, 1931, the first wireless message was flashed Siberian Railway, begun in 1891~ spans the entire across the Atlantic Ocean. This, with the cable continent of Asia. The traveler to Palestine lands and radio, have turned the world into a whisper- where St. Paul did, but takes a railway train and ing gallery. A message filed at seven o'clock in presently hears ,the brakeman bawl: "Jerusalem the evening in Teheran, Persia, was received in the next stop!" A railway traverses the hoary New York at nine o'clock on the morning of the summits of Lebanon to Damascus, the oldest city same day, ten hours before it was sent, by Ameri- in the world. Railways gridiron Japan, Chosen, can Eastern Standard time; and the reply India, reach many parts of China, and run from reached Teheran at nine-fifteen the next morning Singapore up the Mal.;:ty Peninsula to Bangkok -the planet girdled twice in a single night! More and Chiengmai. The Anatolian Railway has sta- wonderful still, in April, 1929, the editors of The tions at Haran where Abraham tarried, Nineveh New York Times conversed with Commander where Jonah preached, and Babylon where Nebu- Byrd in the icy wastes of the distant Antarctic.
chadnezzar made an image of gold. Through the Thus, in marvelous ways, steam, electricity and wilderness of Sinai where the Hebrews wandered the printing press have made the whole world for forty years, a railway train, which the British accessible. The era of isolation has gone forever.
[130 ] Interests interlace. PDlitically, the American GDV- ernments; and no non-Christian land is free from ernment is concerned not .only with the govern- their influence.
ments .of Europe but with those of Japan, China, And with these changes has come a different Turkey and Mexico. Commercially, business men conception of non-Christian peoples. In practical- are sending the products of our farms and fac- ly all the early accounts of foreign missionary tories to every continent and although American work, they were termed "heathen," sometimes, exports and imports have heavily decreased in re- "the pODr heathen." Dr. James S. Dennis said cent years, they totaled $3,788,000,000 last year. that foreign missions were long regarded as "a Fifty years ago, Dr. Arthur Mitchell spoke .of kind of slum work among sunken, degraded, and foreign missiDns as purely altruistic in that they altogether degenerate races." Wise advocates of were for peoples who did not touch our lives at missions now use the term "non-Christians," not any point. Can that be said today, when influenza, because the original meaning Of the word "heath- starting in Turkestan, causes mDurners to go en" is less true, but because popular usage has about the streets of every town in America; when imparted to it an element of condescension which a Chinese boycott of American cotton throws has made it offensive to intelligent Asiatics.
workmen in Massachusetts out of employment; Contacts with Non-Christian Peoples when the manager of a silk mill in Pennsylvania tells his employees that he cannot pay higher The closer contacts of today are giving us a wages because the mill must compete with silk juster conception of non-Christian peoples. We mills in Japan? have a knowledge of other races that former gen- Western products and inventions are causing erations did not have. BODks and newspapers economic revolution in Asia. Knowledge of other have dissipated the mystery of the Orient. News- foods and articles has created new wants. In papers tell us every morning of important events many parts of Asia, people, who but a decade or that occurred the day before in Seoul and Peiping, two ago were satisfied with the crudest appliances in Bangkok and Teheran. Americans now know of primitive life, have learned the utility of for- that Asiatics are human beings of like passions eign wire, nails, cutlery, paints and chemicals, to with ourselves, capable of development, responsive use steam and electrical machinery and to like to friendship, worthy of respect. Scientists tell Oregon flour, Chicago beef, Pittsburgh pickles and us that there is no scientific warrant for regard- London jam. In the Baldwin Locomotive Works, ing one race as superior to another and that dif- Philadelphia, I saw twelve engines under CDnstruc- ferences in development are the result, not of tion for China, and my imagination kindled as I anything inherent in one race as distinguished thought what a locomotive means amid that huge from another, but of the operation of uplifting mass of humanity; how no village through which forces. The qualities that have given preeminence it runs can continue to be what it was before; to the white man did not characterize him when how its whistle puts to flight a whole brook of he was found by the missionaries of the early hoary superstitions and summons a long slumber- Church. The Anglo-Saxons of the first centuries ing people tD new life. Nor is China the only land of the Christian era were far more barbarous than to which our products are going. In a single the Chinese, Japanese and East Indians of tDday.
month, 45 of our engines were ordered for India. American treatment of the Chinese and the Negro The American locomotive is speeding across the in the United States shows that race prejudice is steppes of Siberia, through the valleys .of Burma, still strong. Nevertheless, the intelligent white and around the mountain sides of South America. man does not look down upon the man of other "Yankee bridge builders have cast up a highway races as his forefathers did. He recognizes more on the desert where the chari0ts of Cambyses clearly the good qualities that non-Christian peo- were swallowed up by the sands. The steel of ples pos,sess. No man today despises the Japanese, Pennsylvania spans the Atbara, makes a road to and he hears more of the industry of the Chinese Meroe," and crosses the rivers of Peru. Trains and the intellect of the Hindu.
from Cairo to the Cape and from the Upper Nile We can no longer go to such peoples in the spirit to the Red Sea are hauled by American engines of condescension. We have come to a truer idea over American bridges, while the "forty cen- of the worth and dignity of man as man, to a real- turies" which look down from the pyramids see ization that back of almond eyes and under yellow not the soldiers .of France but the manufacturers and black skins are souls dear to the heart of God.
of America. Flags have followed trade till large It is true that some Africans and Asiatics are areas of the non-Christian world are now ruled degraded. So are some Americans. We may re- by the so-called "Christian" nations. Half of call Ruskin's illustration of the mud from the Asia, ten-elevenths of Africa and m.ost of the street of a manufacturing town. He pointed out island world are under nominally Ohristian gov- that it is composed of clay, sand, so.ot and water; that the clay may be purified into the radiance of kings and aristocrats. He no longer permits capithe sapphire; that the sand may be developed tal to dictate his wages and hours of labor. into the beauty of the opal; that the soot may be crystallized into the glory of the diamond; and I.t is not surprising that some of the manifestathat the water may be transformed into a star tions of this spirit are extreme and violent. The of snow. So the lowliest of men may be trans- first taste of power is apt to be intoxicating, and formed by the regenerating power of the divine intoxicated men are seldom rational. In a revolu- Spirit. The transition from the first century of tion, the degree of violence is usually proportion- Protestant missions to the second century is at- ate to the degree of injustice against which the tended by no more significant change than this- revolution reacts. Have autocracy and capital that the non-Christian peoples are regarded with never been unj ust ? What is Bolshevism? It is more respect, and that the missionary does not democracy running amuck, the revolt of the mob go out as a superior to an inferior, but as a man against the oppression of an arrogant ruling class. with a message to his brother man who is beset The world is witness to the fact that Communism by the same temptations, bearing the same bur- in control is as autocratic, as cruel and ruthless, dens, and needing the same help and guidance. as the autocracy which it displaced.
When the East Knows the West We are familiar with the effects of this rising spirit in Europe and America, but we need to take An embarrassing fact is that we not only know into account the fact that it has spread to Asia. Asia better, but that Asia knows us better. The Woodrow Wilson's phrase, "The self-determinaprinting press runs day and night in India. Daily tion of peoples," spread around the world like a papers are published in the leading cities of Ja- prairie fire. Everywhere subject classes raised pan. Siam and China have a vernacular press. their heads. Half-educated students and agents The same steamer that brings to non-Christian of the Russian Soviet diligently fanned the flame. nations Western goods also brings Western books British rule in Egypt and India and American in and periodicals. The immoral trader arrives on the Philippines have been of incalculable benefit the same ship with the missionary. Bibles and to these peoples, but they forget the benefit in whiskey cross the Pacific in the same cargo. The their hatred of alien domination. The Moslem Asiatic travels through Europe and America and world is in revolution, its structure changing and goes back to tell his countrymen of their intem- its attitude more defiant than ever. Everywhere perance, their lust for gold, their municipal cur- one notes the impact of revolutionary forces. A ruption. The Asiatic has discovered not only our new spirit is abroad. It is awakening the minds vices but our irreligion. He knows that multitudes of men. It is widening their vision. It is begetin the lands from which the missionaries come ting impatience of oppression and misgovernment. repudiate Christianity and sneer at the effort to It is declaring in trumpet tones that the greatest preach it to others. Brahmans and Mandarins thing in the world is not property but humanity, read infidel books and magazine articles and con- not money but life. front the missionary with the hostile arguments of his own countrymen. The revolutionary forces which operated upon Western nations one at a time are operating si- It is a significant and revolutionary fact that multaneously upon Asia. In Europe, the intellecthe common man has begun to think for himself tual revival began in the thirteenth century, the and to demand the recognition of his real or imag- religious reformation in the fifteenth century, the inary rights. For uncounted centuries he sawall political revolution and the rise of democracy in power vested in a ruling class. He was regarded the eighteenth century, the industrial revolution as having no rights which his superiors were in the nineteenth century. Now the tremendously bound to respect. Then the printing pr~ss and significant fact is that all these revolutionary the common school began to disseminate ideas. forces have been operating at once upon the vast It is hazardous for a dominant class to educate a populations of Asia. No wonder there is tumult. subjugated one. And yet, under modern condi- Japan has so swiftly readjusted her life that she tions, it would be more dangerous not to do so. is now recognized as one of the major powers of the world. India is a seething cauldron of unrest. Now, this erstwhile abject serf and peasant, Changes have taken place in Turkey and Persia this cringing servant, this sweaty toiler, has awak- which would have been deemed incredible a few ened from the torpor of ages, and become con- years ago. In China, the new wine of democracy scious of his power. He sees that his class forms has been poured into the old skins of autocracy, the huge majori,ty of the human race. He asks and of course they have burst. The present chaos himself why he should longer submit to the lot is not surprising. Such a huge mass could not be which his masters have hitherto imposed upon expected to find itself at once. But the old condihim. He refuses to tolerate the divine right of tions can never be restored. For better or for The startling fact is that man's physical power worse China has entered upon a new era. has developed more rapidly than his moral ability to use it wisely. Character has not kept pace with And with the old era in non-Christian lands has knowledge. Modern science has equipped greed gone the old psychology. No longer does the white and passion with deadlier weapons. The World man face cringing, helpless races, but alert, re- War appallingly illustrated this, and it is said that sentful ones with a new consciousness of their another war would mean the extermination of power. Everywhere is the spirit of resistance to whole populations. Asia is getting Western mathe white man's domination. "Asia for the Asi- chinery, railroads, electricity, machine guns, poiatic" is now the cry, and we must reckon with it. son gas, battleships, and airplanes; but to a far Substitute Asiatic for Jew in Shylock's defiance lesser degree it is getting Christian education and if one would know the spirit of Asia today. "Hath principles of conduct. The Imperial University of not an Asiatic hands, organs, dimensions, senses, Tokyo is one of the best equipped educational affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt institutions in the world. But when 5,000 of its with the same weapons, subject to the same dis- students were asked what their religious conviceases, healed by the same means, warmed and tions were, six replied that they were Confuciancooled by the same summer and winter as a West- ists, eight Shintoists, 60 Christian, 300 Buddhists, erner is? If you prick us do we not bleed? If 1,500 atheists, and 3,000 agnostics. Yet the presiyou poison us do we not die? And if you wrong dent of the university said to a missionary: "If us shall we not revenge T' you expect to capture Japan for Christ, you must capture this university." Of 30,000 students en- The opening years of the sixteenth century saw rolled in the government universities of Japan, the struggle for civilization, the seventeenth cen- 27,000 are reported as having no religion. tury for religious liberty, the eighteenth for constitutional government and the nineteenth for Let us have done with the absurd idea that political freedom; so the twentieth century is secular education will correct evils in character. witnessing what one must borrow the majestic There is nothing in arithmetic and chemistry to imagery of Isaiah to describe as "the noise of a purify motives. India is dotted with excellent multitude in the mountains as of a great people! colleges but its temples contain images of the god The noise of a tumult of the kingdoms of the na- of lust. Some of the most dangerous men of Amertions gathered together! Jehovah of hosts is mus- ica are university graduates. The fact that I can tering the hosts for the battle !" There is fly from New York to Los Angeles in a day does something fascinating, and yet appalling in the not make me a better man than my great grandspectacle. Asia! the birthplace of the human father who would have required two months for race and where a majority of the race still lives, the journey. Knowledge is indeed power; but it where were born civilization and art, science, lit- depends upon the principle that governs it whetherature and philosophy, where all the great reli- er it is power for good or evil. gions of the world arose, where prophets spoke and psalmists sang, where the Son of God visibly What is adequate to these things? Surely not walked before men and where stood the great bigger armies or navies; surely not larger facaltar of the world on which the Lord was crucified tories or more electrical appliances. "There is no -Asia! now awakening from the torpor of ages! political alchemy," said Herbert Spencer, "where- Nothing so vast, so fraught with significance for by you can get golden conduct out of leaden mogood or evil is occurring in our generation. tives." Dwight Moody said the same thing, less elegantly but more forcefully: "If you want to It is a period of intensified moral danger. While get good water, it is not enough to paint the pump; alleged Christian nations are sending the prod- you must clean out the well." Bishop McConnell ucts of their trade, they are also sending the vices says that when he was a boy he read with awe which disgrace their civilization. Scurrilous books about the prehistoric monsters-the pterodactyls and pamphlets in English are sold in India. Mov- and ichthyosauria and gigantosaurs and all the ing pictures made in California, depicting crime rest, that he used ,to wonder what foe was strong and vice, are exhibited in scores of Asiatic cities. enough to exterminate such huge monsters; but In Siam, we saw a sign reading: "Place for that when he was older he learned that no foe ex- Drinking Delightful Juice," which we were told terminated them; that the climate changed and was Scotch whiskey. What pathos in that first they died. The most urgent need of the world letter written in English by an African chief to a today is not an airship or a machine gun, but a former. Archbishop of Canterbury: "Great and change of its moral climate through the Gospel good chief of the tribe of Christ, greeting. The of Christ, and those who contribute to that change humblest of your servants kisses the hem of your are humanity's best benefactors. garment and begs you to send to him and his fellow servants more gospel and less rum."
Sunju, Korean Preacher and
By REV. C. F. BERNHEISEL, D.D., Pyengyang, Korea Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
By THE grace of God, the first half century of mountain and there, in order to establish com- the Protestant Church in Korea was blessed munication with the spirits, continued in prayer with some very remarkable preachers and for two or three days without cessation, keeping evangelists, men who were possessed of intellec- himself awake by pouring water over his body.
tual and spiritual gifts, such as to commend the Perhaps it was an easy step from the study of Gospel of our Lord to the attention of the Korean Taoism to that of medicine as it was known and people. We thank God that so early in the life of practiced by the Koreans, for both were built the Church there were raised up men who not upon the foundation of belief in spirits or demons only possessed the spirit of the Gospel but were that are supposed to exercise an influence over able to champion it before its human health and destiny. Mr.
antagonists. Of these men, the Kil studied medicine from 1893 late Rev. Kil Sunju stands to 1897 and became a druggist, without a peer. He was, with- removing to Pyengyang where out controversy, the greatest he opened a drug store and be- preacher and evangelist the gan a profitable business.
Korean Church has yet pro- By that time Christianity duced. An adequate biography had already begun to move of him should be written but in upon the hearts of the people the meantime it is well to re- of Pyengyang which had the cord some of the facts in the reputation of being one of the life of this great servant of wickedest cities in the country.
God who has so recently and Some earnest evangelists were suddenly been called to higher at work with the missionaries service.* and it was not long until Mr.
Kil Sunju was born in 1869 Kil was sought out by his'
in Anju, an important city friend, Mr. Kim Chonsup, who about half way between Pyeng- proclaimed the Gospel to him yang and the Manchurian bor- and persuaded him to forsake der. There were no modern Taoism and follow Christ.
schools in the country during Thus in the twenty-eighth year his youth and the only educa- of his life, Mr. Kil identified tion he received was that in the REV. KIL SUNJU himself wit h the Christian Chinese c I ass i c s which he Church and was baptized by studied from 1877 to 1885. During that time he the Rev. Graham, Lee of the Presbyterian Mission.
was also employed as a servant to one of the local A year later he was made a "leader" in the East officials in the magistracy, so that along with his Gate Presbyterian Church in the city, thus indi- studies he learned something of the official life of cating that he had already made good progress in the day. The next four years he spent as a mer- his Christian life. A "leader" was at that time chant. That may mean little or much, for nearly the highest office in the local church.
every Korean that has a street frontage exposes In 1902, Mr. Kil was urged by the missionaries some articles for sale and becomes thereby a mer- and church leaders to give up his business and de- chant. From 1890 to 1893 he was engaged in the vote himself to the work of the church. His drug study of Taoism in which he became interested. business was in a prosperous state and he was He used to tell how he once retired to a secluded making from seventy to eighty yen per month • :Many of the historical data here set 'forth were given in a brief (one yen is equal to about 50 cents), a large inbiographical account of Mr. Kil read at his funeral service. His life hcoemweoiunldthsoosoen dbaeycso,maendwethalethpyr.ospTehcetstewmepretatthioant almost parallels the history of the church here in Pyengyang where to continue selll'ng drugs was naturally strong, but he lived. The church had made a good start befo,.e he entered upon cthoentisncuenede, tboutbehe InecarrelaySibnegclaymea apnowimerpournttainl t hfeactwoar s IncaIltlsedlifHeoamned.
[134 ] he heard the call of God and joyfully gave up his in both the local presbytery and the General As- business to become an evangelist at the salary of sembly.
six yen per month-about the average income of Mr. Kil was a man of much prayer and diligent a day laborer then. During the year 1902 he trav- Bible study. Every morning he spent time in eled as an evangelist through the three north- secret prayer, making it a fixed rule to consult western provinces of Korea – North and South God about the work of the day. He made out Pyungan and Whanghai. prayer topics for the daily family devotions.
The next year he entered the theological sem- When meeting people he always tried to have inary at Pyengyang and was graduated in 1907 prayer with them before separating. Whenever as one of the seven members of the first class. He he had any serious problem he fasted and spent was ordained at the first meeting of the newly the whole night in prayer. For twenty years he formed presbytery in Pyengyang in the following prayed for the conversion of his older brother and September, and was installed as sole pastor of the six years for that of a special friend. In both great Central Church, the first Korean to become cases his prayers were answered. In May, 1935, pastor of a church. while holding a revival at Keumchun, he was From that time Mr. Kil took a leading part not deeply concerned about a severe drought and only in the local work but in the whole Presby- prayed earnestly for rain which fell within a few hours. When Mr. Kil and elder Pak Chirok felt terian Church in Korea. The presbytery decided special need of quiet time for prayer they agreed to organize a board of missions and send a Korean to meet in the early morning in the church buildmissionary to preach the Gospel to the people of ing. This proved such a great blessing that they the large island of Quelpart, off the southwest brought the matter before the church session, and coast of Korea. It was to all practical intents a arranged to hold such a meeting in the church foreign mission since the people, while Korean, every morning, open for all. These early mornare yet of a different dialect and have little com- ing prayer meetings have become a feature of munication with the mainland. One of Mr. Kil's Korean church life, especially during Bible classes classmates was chosen for this work and Mr. Kil and evangelistic services. was made president of the board and served in that capacity for five years. The great event of A Great Bible Student the presbytery each year was the presentation of Mr. Kil's report on the work and his eloquent and Mr. Kil wail a great student and spent much forceful presentation of the cause that was so time in reading and memorizing the· Bible. He much on his heart. He rose to heights of true read the entire Old Testament thirty times, and eloquence and his appeals stirred to the depths part of it 540 times. He read the entire New the feelings of all who heard him. The success of Testament more than one hundred times, First the work was very largely due to these annual ad- John 500 times and recited from memory the endresses. tire book of Revelation several hundred times. Much of his reading and memorization was done The Central Presbyterian Church was built in behind prison bars. 1900. It stands on a hill in the central part of Pyengyang overlooking the city and the surround- He was the author of several books in Korean, ing country. When the building was being erected all on Bible themes. He wrote numerous songs Mr. Kil himself labored at carrying wood and and several hundred proverbs of which the folstone like a common coolie. In addition he con- lowing are samples: tributed land for the site. The greater your reputation, the more your enemies; the loftier your virtue, the fewer your friends. After twenty years as pastor of the Central Church, Mr. Kil resigned to give himself to gen- The righteous can find heaven in prison, but the wicked would find hell in heaven.
eral evangelism. His name will ever be associated As rain fertilizes the parched ground, so abundant with that of the Central Church where he was grace waters the thirsty soul. first a "leader" then an elder for several years, then pastor for twenty years and pastor emeritus Harmony brings heaven to the home; discord brings for the rest of his life. hell to society. .
Sin is the poison that destroys human life; prayer is the means for the entrance of the grace of God.
Under his ministry the church became the best There is no hell for the righteous man and no heaven known church in Korea. It has been the scene of for the sinner.
many great meetings and here the first presby- Despite the fact that he had unusual sorrow and tery and the first General Assembly were organ- trouble Mr. Kil was a joyful, happy Christian ized. It accommodates about 1,500 persons, but man. These only served to ripen and deepen his under stress 2,000 often have been accommodated. faith and his dependence on the God whom he so For many years Pastor Kil was a leading figure sincerely worshiped and served.
He was nearly blind during most of his life. later became pastor of the Anju church where he While a young man he possessed unusually good did a great work for many years. eyesight, but when about twenty-one his sight began to fail, and for three years he was in almost During his pastorate Mr. Kil was often called to total darkness. Then a missionary doctor oper- hold evangelistic services and from the time he reated and restored to him partial but imperfect signed his pastorate to the end of his life, he gave sight. By the use of very strong glasses he was himself unreservedly to this work. able to read but for the rest of his life he always had to depend on someone to lead him about wher- For the last eight years he gave more than ever he went. This was a great trial. thirty weeks each year to evangelistic work, trav- eling all over Korea and into Manchuria. He During the so-called Conspiracy Trial of 1912, preached two or three times each day besides when so many Koreans were imprisoned by the teaching the Bible for hours, beginning his meet- Japanese, Mr. Kil's eldest son was one of the vic- ings at six o'clock in the morning. He was a great tims and died as a result of the sufferings endured. preacher and invariably held his audiences in rapt This, too, was a cause of great grief. attention. Sinners broke down in confession of sin as he probed their hearts and held out to them In the Independence Movement the leading men the only way'to peace and salvation. of the country, Christian and non-Christian, drew up a Declaration of Independence which was read He was in great demand as a speaker to stuat many places throughout the country before dents, and at conferences and retreats for the great crowds. The Christians went into the deepening of the spiritual life. In the cold of Movement on the guarantee that it would be a winter or the heat of summer he was always ready peaceful movement, without resort to force. Their to respond to the calls for his services and at the desire was to get a hearing before the Versailles time of his death he was dated up for thirty-five Peace Conference, then in session, and they evangelistic meetings. thought that if they took some action the Collference would be more liable to pay attention to their During the thirty-five years of his pastoral work cause. Mr. Kil was one of the signers of the he preached 13,360 times and through his efforts Declaration, and, along with the other thirty-two more than sixty churches were established, with signers, was sent to prison for three years. It buildings costing over 300,000 yen. He baptized was then that he began to memorize the Scrip- more than 3,000 persons. tures. With his deficient eyesight imd the lack of daylight in his cell it is a marvel that he was able Twenty-five years ago a local daily paper said: to read and memorize so much. A prison sentence "The Christians of all Korea look up to Mr. Kil has never been regarded by the Koreans as a with thirsty minds. Just as there is no one who stigma in the case of those thirty-three immortals. does not know the names of the twelve apostles so there is no one who does not know the name of Like the other Korean pastors who were shar- Kil Sunju." That statement became more true as ing his fate, Mr. Kil used prison life as an oppor- the years passed and he came to be the best known tunity to preach the Gospel to his fellow prisoners. man in the Protestant Church of Korea. Many converts were made and a prison church was organized, and while it was never recognized Mr. Kil once remarked to his family that he by the presbytery, out of the work there came re- wanted to die while holding an evangelistic service sults such as the Apostle Paul witnessed in his in some church. His wish was gratified. The Roman prison. Pyungsuh presbytery, to the west of Pyengyang, asked him to lead in a revival service beginning Once while holding a revival service in Wonsan November 20, 1935. On the morning of the 25th, on the east coast, thirty hoodlums came and beat while preaching at the early morning service he Mr. Kil so that he was severely wounded and un- was attacked by heart trouble and was unable to able to resume his work for some time. Six years finish the service. At the beginning of the hour ago during a series of meetings he was conduct- he told ,the children that he did not know whether ing in Andong, in southern Korea, he was teach- he would die that day or not and exhorted them ing about the sufferings to come on the world at to be very quiet. After the attack he was carried the end of the age. He was arrested by the police to his room, unable to speak, but still able to make and detained in jail for twenty days as a disturber known his wants by writing. He requested of the minds of the people. Before he was re- prayers and songs. The next morning, surrounded leased the jailor was converted. by his- son and many friends, his spirit, took its flight. Immediately after his conversion Kil went back to his old home in Anju and led his parents and At the funeral service, held in the auditorium family and a large number of his old friends to of the Union Christian College in Pyengyang, the Christ. Among them was Kim Changsung who building was packed with several thousand people who came to pay their last tribute to the great servant of God whom they loved so well.
Destitution in
-.~ I By REV. CHARLES W. SQUIRES, Limerick, Maine Ir,;.- T HE well-known dictum, "As Maine goes, so one tenth of the total population of rural Maine goes the nation," may be true in the world of are members of the Protestant Church. As a rule, politics but it is not in the religious and edu- the smaller the town the smaller the average cational spheres. A minute study of the religious church membership.
situation in Maine was carried out as a part of the Over one hundred towns in Maine have no nation-wide Five Year Program of Survey and church whatever and 325 churches have less than Adjustment initiated in 1928 at the National 25 members. Some two hundred small churches Church Comity Conference held in Cleveland. The constitute Maine's great missionary field, and in general purpose was to gain an objective view of some of these fields pastors are obliged to turn to the important problem of providing at least a rea- farming or to some other occupation to earn a livsonable degree of religious privilege for every ing. Here is real sacrifice. I doubt if many miscommunity. sionaries in the foreign fields face worse economic The one year survey in Maine was called an and spiritual difficulties than these men and wom- Every Community Survey but was inadequate be- en encounter in Maine. cause it did not touch the towns of over 5,000 It is a tragedy to find, in some of these places, population and was mainly concerned with aver- religious leaders with little more training than age conditions. Many problems were left out al- that of a boy in high school. They are striving to together-as for instance those of the religious lead a community in religious and moral ideals and moral needs of men in the lumber camps and while their own ideals find their level in a few the effect upon the rural communities of the large doctrines of a particular denomination and these number of summer visitors. Yet enough was doctrines are placed in importance far above the discovered to set people thinking seriously about ideals of moral betterment. It is disheartening to the problem of the lack of religious and educa- view such a situation. One could wish that mintional advantages in the State. As in Vermont, isterial salaries might be pooled so that these the fact that many young people have left the workers might be relieved of the necessity of givfarms to go into industry, has rendered more diffi- ing so much of their time and thought to the probcult the problem of religious interest and support. lem of earning a living. The presence of marginal land and the increased efficiency of agricultural methods and machinery The chairman of a special convention commit- have done much to bring about this situation. tee of the Baptist Church wrote to a Limerick Little is being done to help solve the problem. minister asking for one per cent of his salary -the average salary is about $700-to help raise There was reported a very sharp decline in for- a fund to open churches in 30 or 40 towns that mal religion in the ten years from 1916 to 1926. had enjoyed regular religious services twenty During this period 160 church organizations van- years ago. A sentence from the letter reads: ished into thin air and 105 church edifices were "Many a Maine community right now is a famine sold for barns or school houses or were torn down. area-there is famine in regard to the Word of In general, church debts had approximately dou- God, and more Baptist churches are going to close .bled in the ten years and the average debt for each their doors, unless we are able to send them help." congregation had nearly quadrupled. About twothirds of the population of the State are now Here are a few communities in dire need of outside the membership of the church and the help: number entirely uninterested is increasing. The Case One: A town with a population of about 500; Roman Catholic Church is holding its own far probably 200 children in the Township. High school en- rolment about 50. Mills, upon which the people were de- better than the Protestant, as was very evident in pendent, have closed. Many families on relief. Baptist the years between 1916 and 1926. During this church is the only Protestant church in the town. Six time the increase in Protestant church member- years ago, with some help this church was able to pay a ship was nil. But membership in the Roman pastor a small, living salary. Now they can only raise less than five dollars a week to pay a student's board.
Catholic Church in the same period increased Case Two: Two churches five miles apart, the only seventeen per cent. The larger towns, on the churches in their communities. One community of about whole, have larger church membership but only 800 people has an evening congregation of 100, mostly [ 137]
young people. Desperate need of Christian leadership. visions. In villages of about 1,000 people attached Good church buildings. Need aid. to several denominations there are often fewer than 100 Protestant church members. In a vil- Case Three: Nine churches in an area of twelve miles. lage of 3,000 only about 300 care enough for the Only one strong enough to maintain services. One man has Protestant church to become members. The aver- tried to care for the whole territory, preaching four times age church membership in the rural districts is a Sunday for five years. Another man is needed in this about one-tenth of the population. field. Little hope under present conditions. The children in the neglected areas grow up Case Four: Little coast town near summer colony. Good with no knowledge of God and only know about church building and parsonage. Field needs real mission- Christ as His name is used in profanity by their ary work. Baptist church the only church responsible for elders. In one community I found two families village and outlying districts. Church formerly paid of twelve children each, not one of whom had ever $15.00 weekly. Then paid collections. Now without pastor enjoyed religious instruction or had gone to Sunand have decided they cannot afford pastoral care and day school although there was a church in the vilservices. Real need and opportunity to rebuild a self- lage. Even in privileged communities, Sunday supporting work. school attendance has decreased nearly 20 per cent in ten years. Case Five: A village of 800 people. Good church building. People cannot raise more than $150.00 a year. About Why is it that the Roman Catholic Church has 40 children in village. No service for a long time. No solved the organization problems in many respects religious training for children. better than the Protestants? For instance, there are thirteen communities in northern Aroostook Case Six: Young pastor just out of school, married, County, 100% Roman Catholic and well looked serving two fields-a Baptist church and a Union church. after by that Church. While the Protestant Ought to have a car as the fields are long distances apart. churches have shown decreases all along the line, Receives very little pay. the Roman Catholic churches have shown in ten Case Seven: A man on the field who is supposed to re- years an increase of 23 % in number of churches ceive $600.00 a year but who actually receives $300. This consecrated minister said to Mr. Pendleton, General Sec- and 170/0 in membership. Very significant is the retary: "One of my people received $2.00 that had been fact that the average membership in the Protowed him for two years. He went immediately to the estant churches is 88 and in the Roman Catholic parsonage and gave half of it to the minister." churches 971. These facts tell a story of efficient management which has not yet entered the Prot- Case Eight: A small town with a woman preacher and estant consciousness. several preaching places. One place pays on an average of 75 cents a Sunday but it costs 40 cents to go to the An efficient interdenominational council should appointment. Her leading church pays $2.00 a Sunday. be appointed in the State with a view to the proper adjustment of the resources to meet the present Case Nine: A town of 600 people, all destitute and need. This council could receive funds from varinearly all on relief. Missionary grant of $50. Very in- ous sources and thus be in a position to help needy adequate service. fields and so advance the cause of Christ. May God put it into the hearts of some of His servants There is great need for a determined and con- to do their part both financially and spiritually. secrated effort both within and without the State to see that the neglected communities of Maine have adequate Christian services. One reason for lack of consideration is the fact that in general there is little knowledge of the true situation. This report only touches the fringe of the great need.
The situation in the smaller communities is so desperate that it rises. above denominational di- POEMS WRITTEN BY OHRISTIAN LEPERS To the lepers who live on the island of Oshima in Japan, the Gospel has brought a message of hope and a simple earnest faith, which finds expression in these beautiful poems; written first in Japanese, the poems Were translated by Mrs. Lois Erickson, an American missionary of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. (South).-The ant/oak Of Missions..
.. I But in my weakness I would go Entrusting all my load of woe Strive though it may, no power in earth or sky To Him who walks with me. Can move the Spirit of the Lord Most High; What reaches Him upon mighty throne IV Is prayer alone. I live in light and love II By God's grace given My Lord in me has found a dwelling-place, Yet is my hungry heart And I in Him. Oh, glorious boon to gain, Homesick for Heaven. To be His temple! Gladly I would face, V In His great strength, all bitterneRs and pain. To the heart aglow for Thee III The Valley of the Shadow I would not change one little jot Is like sunrise on the sea. Of His dear will for me;
Bondage to
-<!III By LAURA JORQUERA, Santiago, Chil, Iljlo- WHAT makes the difference between an dreds of masses must be said for the soul. Noth- Evangelical and a Roman Catholic Chris- ing else can save one from the awful tortures tian? That question I, for one, should experienced in Purgatory. The prayers and fastlike to have every Protestant answer carefully. ings of friends and masses said by priests can Those who have always lived in a Protestant ease a little, perhaps, of the penalty but one must country, who have never had intimate contact stay there until sin is entirely purged away. Look with a staunch Roman Catholic, can not know, up a Roman Catholic Catechism and you will find still less understand, just what makes the dif- this to be true. ference. Protestants who study the Bible know that God In repeating the creed the Protestant says: "I is our Father, that He is Love, and that Christ believe in the Holy Catholic Church" (meaning came to save us, and that such a doctrine of Pur- "universal"). The Roman Catholic says: "I be- gatory to expiate sin by torture is un-Christian. lieve in the Holy Roman Catholic Church," there- Beliefs in Purgatory make many rich Catholics by acknowledging that the Pope of Rome is the head of the Church, and that your will, your in- telligence, your every liberty, is subject to the decrees of the Pope, as these decrees are made known through the local bishops and priests. The Pope claims to be Christ's Vicar on earth, the Visible head in place of the Invisible Head, and thus he and the Church authorities alone have the right to interpret the Scriptures and say what must be obeyed. Roman Catholics believe that the Pope cannot err because he is infallible as the very voice of God. That is why he is called "His Holiness" and receives such homage as is given LEADERS OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR IN SANTIAGO to no other creature on earth. Some friends of mine, well-educated people, recently told me how· leave their fortunes to the Church. This belief they had all gone down on their knees the night also often leads a young man or a lovely girl to before when the Pope's voice came over the radio. eschew the world and its vanities to enter the The "Doctrines of the Holy Mother Church" priesthood or a sisterhood. The priest has a ter- are embodied in the Decrees of the Council of rible hold upon his parishioners, for they teach Trent, which state just what a Roman Catholic that if one dies without absolution that soul may is required to believe. These doctrines include stay in Purgatory forever. the worship of the Virgin Mary as the Holy Nothing in the Bible, especially in the Gospels, Mother of God and the acknowledgment of her is fl. foundation for belief in such a place and such right to be invoked as a mediator between her Son atonement. There is nothing there to warrant and man; the worship of the saints and martyrs the worshiping of Mary and the saints, still less and of the holy relics, found in quantities all over image-worship. It was the doctrines of purgatory the world; of the angels and the images, rel- and indulgences that caused Martin Luther's pro- iquaries, the Holy Host, etc. Instruction is also test and started the Reformation.
given as to the mass and confession, confirmation. One of the most lovely, cultured women of my rites for the dying and the dead, penitence, indul- country, is a steadfast Christian, according to the gences and Papal bulls. Every Catholic is told Roman Catholic interpretation, so that even her positively that he cannot be saved outside of the friendship for me is considered almost a sin. Her Holy Roman Church, having received absolution greatest anxiety is that if she should die, her at the hands of a priest. Even then, Catholics Protestant friends will not pray a single Rosary are told that they cannot be sure of leaving Purga- on her behalf, so she skimps on her food and dress tory. No matter how good a life one lives and and every week gives money to her church so no matter how much good one does, many· hun- that the priest will pray over her remains and re- [139 ]
member her name in those general masses for terpretation of the Council of Trent. Priests and "the souls in Purgatory." We tell her that we are nuns have often been dedicated to the Church bepraying for her now, that she may have a truer cause the mother or both parents took a vow to concept of her God and a better understanding of consecrate a child to the Church so that they Christ's redeeming mission. might have someone to pray for them after death!
It is pitiful to see how frightened Catholics are Only those of us who know about such things of death. Life is made a burden to many, espe- from experience can understand how hard it is cially the uneducated classes, who deprive them- for a Roman Catholic to turn to Evangelical selves of bread so that they may pay the weekly Christianity. Only those who have been freed or monthly sums to their parish priest for at least from this bondage can really understand the one mass to be said for them after death. Many meaning of those precious words of Christ: "Ye are now coming to believe that there is no Purga- shall know the truth and the truth shall make you tory and that we cannot buy our way out of it, so free." This is the greatest contribution that that they discard religion altogether. Purgatory Evangelical Christianity offers to Latin-Amerihas driven from the Roman Church multitudes of cans: freedom. Freedom from the cruel thrallthe more educated and cultured people, and they dom of the fear of death and belief in Purgatory; have entirely rejected the Christian faith. freedom from the human domination and liberty to follow the Way of Christ, trusting in Him We must not blame the priests over much for alone. We pray God that some day all may come they themselves know no better. The Bible is so to know and to accept our Lord Christ! explained that they must, perforce, accept the in- With the Printed Page in Chile By HENRY WAGONER, Temueo, Chile I,N THE last quarter of a century there have His work on Calvary; it also carries monthly been startling changes in every phase of hu- prophetic and doctrinal messages. It has a sec- man life. One hears complaints from all tion for Young Peoples' Societies, as well as a sides of the diminishing attendance at church Narrative Corner, and the last two pages are services, some ascribing this to the radio, others usually devoted to local church news. to the desire for entertainment, fun, and travel. But we believe that one of the principal reasons This Spanish monthly has been the means of is the filling of reading markets with evil litera- blessing to many inquiring souls and countless ture, thus filling the minds of people with aver- testimonials have come showing spiritual help resion to the church. What is needed today is ceived, faith revived, and activity in service pro- Christian literature of a high class, with a positive moted. From Ecuador a backslider wrote, tesmessage as to Christian truth and a direct proc- tifying that he had wandered far from God. lamation of the whole counsel of God. Through reading Salud y Vida he was brought back to the Lord, and is today preaching the Gos- In Chile, where the writer has been privileged pel. From still more distant Philippine Islands to labor for the Master for the past fifteen years, comes the word that Salud y Vida has been the we have been able to guage the value of this class means of deepening the spiritual life of a family of literature. In our own small printing plant, whose home is now a center of propaganda for with only a foot-pedal press and setting tip all the Christ. Missionaries laboring in Spanish-speaktype by hand, we print a monthly Spanish paper ing countries have written expressing their apcalled Salud y Vida, as well as a German monthly, preciation of the paper. called Der Missionsbote. These are distributed at cost among the churches. We have also printed This class of material has also stirred up the thousands of books which have been very well members of our churches who themselves are received, and have been the means of great bless- helped in their spiritual life and are in turn eager ing. But the work which the Lord has principally that others receive the same help. The Young blessed is our Spanish monthly, the Salud y Vida People-s' Societies are eager to spread this class of ("Health and Life"). August of 1931 we were literature. One of the societies is seIiing 265 printing 650 copies of this paper of 16 pages, and copies monthly, another 178, and still another 165 in August, 1935, we printed 3,650 copies of 20 copies. And so the chain of blessing resulting pages. Each edition begins with a positive mes- from evangelization by means of the printed page sage on salvation from sin by faith in Christ and is a long one. Souls are saved, backsliders are re- claimed, and many are led into Christian service.
I Know Myself and Christ?
Many who are in earnest in the matter of seek- 2. Do I want credit for all unselfish acts?
ing a deeper experience of God are blocked by fail- 3. Are my feelings hurt easily?
ure to see clearly within our own souls. Let us 4. Am I vain?
turn the searchlight of His spirit on the shadowy 5. Do I talk a great deal about myself? Am I places by means of these questions that have been a victim of self-pity?
widely used of God to bring help to seeking souls. 6. Do I hesitate to do things that are, I believe, HONESTY to be right for fear of what people will think? 1. Do I always tell the truth? Do I think the 7. Do I unselfishly share my plans with others? truth or do I try to deceive myself? Do I 8. Am I really thoughtful and considerate? always act the truth? 9. Am I too possessive with my own property? 10. Am I unselfish in acknowledging my faults in 2. Do I ever try to evade paying fare or luggage order to help others? charges or custom duties? 11. Am I stubborn? Am I wilful? 12. Am I willing to take responsibility when it is 3. Have I anything in my possession which be- inconvenient? longs to anyone else; anything borrowed 13. Are my thoughts self-centered? Do I want which I have not returned? my own way? 14. Am I inclined to talk a great deal about 4. Am I sincere? myself? 5. Do I ever cheat in games or in examinations 15. Do I crave praise for myself? Do I dislike to have other people praised? or lessons of any kind? 16. Does it hurt me to yield when beaten in an 6. Do I take credit for ideas or achievements agrument?
which I do not deserve? LOVE 7. Do I fail to keep promises or engagements?
Am I punctual? 8. Do I waste my own or other people's time? 9. Do I make proper preparation for my work?
Am I lazy?
10. Have I taken anything which did not belong 1. Do I put God first in my thoughts and plans? to me and for which I have not made proper 2. Have I a grudge against anyone? Is there restitution? Do I appropriate employer's time or things for my own use? anyone to whom I will not speak? Am I unforgiving?
PURITY 3. Am I critical of other people? Is there any- one I don't like to meet? 1. Have I any habits that I would not want any- one to know about? 4. Is my love outgoing and active so that I want for others all that God wants for them? 2. Is my thought-life what God would have it? 3. Are my imaginations pure? 5. Do I harbor any race or class prejudice? 4. Do I avoid pictures and reading matter which 6. Am I patient with those who are provoking? 7. Do I show appreciation? will arouse un c I e a n or unwholesome 8. Do I sincerely want to help everybody? thoughts? 9. Am I willing to share all I have, time, money, 5. Are my actions pure and helpful to others and to my best self? privacy, possessions, in order to help 6. Do I make jokes and talk unnecessarily on others?
sex matters? 10. Do I seek to live out 1 Corinthians 13? 7. Am I seeking the beautiful and pure in every- In your quiet time search your heart prayer- thing? fully through them. You may find it helpful to 8. Do I avoid everything which will create un- think them through with others who are also in earnest about spiritual things. clean thoughts in another? 9. Am I willing to let God change me in this Since these questions are introspective and em- phasize faults they should be balanced by claim- area of thought and life? ing the positive virtues through Christ and by 10. Do I pray God to make me clean now?
UNSELFISHNESS actively demonstrating those virtues.
1. Does it make me dissatisfied to have someone -Adopted from "The Indian more successful than I? Temperance News."
[ 141 ]
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Effective Ways of Working r 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~"==================I~' J Some Down to Date Plans education, workers among students, names, fields and terms of service, then remain standing. A PANEL VISUALIZATION-ILLI- the state treasurer, the young people's 2. And now with these missionaries NOIS AND A CHRISTIAN WORLD leader, the department leaders for before us let us again see the leader- ship of Illinois Baptists. Will all the Requests are frequently re- men's work, women's work, promotion, former groups return to the platform ceived in this Department for and stand as units so they may sughelps in humanizing a budget or social service, the ministry, the con- gest to us the oneness of their centralother factual presentation at ized efforts to build a Christian world. national or associational gather- vention itself, etc. No speeches were (All remain on platform until after ings. The following unique plan singing of hymn.) arranged by Mrs. B. P. Heubner, made by these individuals and groups of Ottawa, Kansas, and Mrs. R. 1. Probably the largest single con- A. Chandler, of Galesburg, Illi- but merely a bow was taken as the tribution toward the effectiveness of nois, and used at the Illinois Baptists in the state is made by the Baptist State Convention last audience looked them over and ap- leadership of its 457 churches. Will October not only fixed facts as every pastor rise in his place, thus mere figures could not have done plauded. indicating his responsibility and the but made animate the impres- privileges which are his of bringing sions in terms of actual person- (2) To the picture just presented information and new vision daily to alities. Only a skeleton of the flocks which he shepherds. (Pastors service (which occupied an en- should be added that of the work of remain standing throughout auditire session) can be given; but ence.) each denominational group using the Chicago Baptist Association, dethe plan would need to round out 2. The responsibilities of e a c h the anatomy in terms of its own signed to help build a Christian world church are met only as every member facts and figures anyway. While in ready and joyful service does his no actual rehearsal is needed, the in a great city. The superintendent share of the work. Will all the church prime participants would re- members rise and join the leadership quire instructions as to details of this association will show Baptists groups in singing "Lead On, 0 King and considerable writing would Eternal." (All are then seated.) be necessary beforehand to se- in action in his territory. cure the cooperation of the rest. 1. We have in imagination visual- The superintendent goes to the plat- ized Illinois Baptists helping to build Two readers-a man and a woman a Christian world. One more scene -stood on either side of the platform form and introduces individually and will conclude this series of picturesand gave the background matter in a scene in your own church at home. alternation, one being here designated by groups his key men and women. Will you mentally transport yourself as 1 and the other as 2. to your church and assemble your fel- (1) The constitution of the Illinois low members about you. A service for (1) The Baptists of Illinois are vi- the entire church is about to start. tally concerned in "The Christianiza- Baptist State Convention pledges co- You and your pastor have now retion of all life as well as of every turned from this convention. The life." They are helping to build a new operation in every way possible with pastor is coming to the platform. Lisworld. On Oct. 9, 1834, the leaders ten; the meeting is now to begin. met to try to band together the denom- philanthropic institutions of the state. inational forces of the state. (Quota- At this point a minister comes fortions were here made as to the com- The convention is represented on the ward and leads a consecration service. mittees, or organizations, activities, etc., as taken from the records of board of each of the three such enter- The foregoing was termed a "Perthose early endeavors.) Tonight Dr. sonalities Picture" and proved one of P- will help us to see these Baptists prises and we shall now meet workers the most impressive services ever held still in action as he introduces the under similar circumstances. The members of the present official family. from the Old People's Home at May- simplicity of it and the strong appeal to the eye render if worth duplicating Dr. P-, the state's missionary lead- wood, the Huddelson Baptist Home at in many conventional assemblies. er, went to the platform at this point and called up for introduction the Irvington and the Central Baptist A CHOICE YEAR BOOK field workers, directors of Christian Children's Home at Maywood. This labor of love comes to us from the women's society' in the The introductions are made as be- First Baptist Church of Santa Ana, California, and may well fore by an official worker. serve as inspiration, model or suggestion for other missionary (2) Illinois Baptists push on with organizations whose members believe that nothing is too good vigor through institutions of higher education. The representative of Bap- tist schools throughout the state is ready to mention the location and dis- tinctive character of each school.
Here the Divinity School of the Uni- versity of Chicago, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, Shurtleff and Frances Shimer Junior Colleges also the Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago were ex- ploited.
1. During all its history Illinois has been training young people for service and many have gone into pastorates or administrative and missionary en- deavor; so the state has "a story to tell to the nations."
Here a list of names of all who had gone out into the several lines of work was read. A poster might also be dis- played for better visibility. – 2. The four "Centenary Fields"
celebrating their hundredth anniver- sary this year have also received our workers. (Names read and poster fastened up.) 1. Weare fortunate in having sev- eral missionaries present. Will they please come to the platform, state . [142]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
for the Church of Jesus Christ.
The booklet is entitled "Into God's Garden" and the beautiful scene pictured on the imitation Spanish leather cover is re- peated in shadow of pale green outlines on every inside page, its open gate inviting wayfarers to enter and enjoy the privileges and opportunities within. Some sort of garden scene-more or less elaborate as the successive chairmen may elect – is ar- ranged on the platform each month, the one in our illustra- tion having been used at the opening meeting in September. Whoever makes a garden Industrial Department has for its motif: It is also the duty of one member Has never worked alone. of the program committee to The rain has always found it, o Master Gardener who dost shape make contact with both the luncheon and the program sub- The sun has always known, aright committees responsible for each The wind has blown across it Each seed of good unfolding 'neath of the monthly meetings in order And helped to scatter seeds- thy hand, Whoever makes a garden o give command Has all the help he needs. To spare each feeble striving toward that the theme may be worked the light, out not only on the stage but in The wind and rain and sunshine, And bid it reach the stature thou the dining room. For ins,tance, And dew and fertile sod; hast planned.
the October theme being "Weed- For he who makes a garden For the Social Department ing the Garden," the dining Works hand in hand with God. there is: room was decorated with sun- (Several stanzas are omitted Where is heaven? Is it not Just a friendly garden plot? flowers (this was in California) due to space limitations.) The World Wide Guild (young and the platform made realistic women's department) has its dewith wild grasses and flowers. The Lord God Planted a Garden tails under: Even the finance plan is harmo- The Lord God planted a garden The blossoms of spring give promise nized with the dominant keynote. In the first white days of the world, of the fruits of autumn.
A tree stands below and to one And he set there an angel warden The Children's World Crusade side of the platform. As differ- In a garment of light enfurled. aptly keys its work to: ent members bring their gifts (Entire poem of four stanzas A sweet new blossom of humanity, quoted from Dorothy Frances fresh fallen from God's own the details of the tree are blocked Gurney.) garden to flower on earth. in so that it grows from month The theme song for the year For the Finance Committee to month. An auxiliary device is called "Our Garden Melody" there is the familiar scripture, is used in connection with the and proves to be th~ familiar "In "And he shall be like a tree," etc. special "gift boxes" whose bear- the Garden," beginning "I come ers go up through the gate on the to the garden alone." For Church Decorating: rostrum and deposit the contents The page on the Executive Make of God's altar a garden fair, Board is headed, That flowers of hope may blossom of the boxes in a water jar that stands by the fountain. This there. symbolism of making gifts for The invitation on an early flythe spreading of the Water of Go make thy garden fair as thou leaf begins: canst, Life in God's Garden is most in- Thou, workest never alone. Travelers on the Road of the Beckspiring. oning Christ, you found at the sum- mit of your journey-the Cross. His The general theme has been The Missionary Department Word tells us that "in the place where elaborately worked out in poetic has for its keynote, "For as the He was crucified there was a garden." motifs and the names of the sev- earth bringeth forth her bud," Following His resurrection Mary met eral departments as well as in etc. (lsa. 61: 11). Him there. This year we are inviting the permanent program fea- you to step aside from the road you tures. The analogies have been At the top of the Missionary have been traveling, enter through the Reading page appears: open gate and meet Him in His Gar- den. (The subsequent paragraphs carefully considered. Thus the Books are gardens in whose bowers work out poetically and devotionally keynote is sounded in two poems We may find the riches, rarest flowers. this line of thought.) at the beginning, based on the Books are paths that upward lead. scripture verse: "And thou Books are friends: come, let us read.
shal,t be like a watered garden Community Service is keyed and like a spring of water, whose to the familiar poem on "Kind waters fail not."-Isaiah 58: 11. hearts are the gardens." The
Then comes the program por- ing the Garden" with a neigh- 8. Topic, "The American Intion of the book. In each meet- boring minister as speaker to dian"; devotional, "Joy and ing the industrial (sewing) por- urge members to use their ut- Praise" ("The Desert Rejoiction is called "Garden Work"; most influence to tear out the un- ing" – Isa. 35: 1-4; "I Will desirable things in local and na- Praise the Lord"-Ps. 118: 19the noonday meal is character- tional civic life and make our 21); figure, "Desert Plants." ized as "Lunch in the Garden," communities better places in This was where the luncheon the subtitles-presumably fitted which to plant the seeds of right- was termed a "Picnic on the in with the days' themes-being eousness. Desert." "Sunflower Lunch," "Friendship 3. Topic, "w 0 rl d Fellow- 9. Topic, "White Cross Work" Lunch (on World Fellowship (sewing, etc., for mission hospi- Day) ," "Dinner by Lantern ship"; devotional, "Fellowship" tals or benevolent objects); de- (with one another-,-l John 1: 3, votional, "Peace and Quiet" Light" (an evening gathering), 4, 7; with Christ-1 Cor. 1: 9) ; ("His Peace" – John 14: 27; figure,"A Mixed Bouquet." "Quietness and Confidence"- "Shore Lunch," "Hospitality Isa. 30: 15); theme, "Gifts Lunch," "Butterfly Dinner," 4. Topic, "Orieritl:.l Gardens" ; from the Garden." "Picnic on the Desert," "Vegeta- devotional, "Meditation" (Ps. 23 : 7; Phil. 4: 8); plan, at a 10. Topic, "Migrants"; devoble Plate Lunch," "Barbecue" "dinner by lantern light" (eve- tional, "Prayer and Communand "Fruit Basket." ning meal), high school seniors ion" ("The Lord Is Nigh"-Ps. and junior college students were 145: 18; "Pray without Ceas- The business session is termed entertained in a room decorated ing"-l Thess. 5: 16-18) ; theme, "Garden Plans," the song serv- as a Japanese garden and pre- "Hardy Annuals." ice preceding the program "Mel- sided over by orientally cos- tumed hostesses and with a 11. Annual Meeting; devoodies in the Garden," and the program on Christian Educa- tional, "Fruitage" ("Know by devotional period "Blessings of tion. The main address was by Fruits"-Matt. 7: 16; "Being the Garden." The subtitles of a young Hawaiian student who Fruitful"-Col. 1: 10, 11); sub- ject for reports, "Fruit of the these "blessings" will be fitted used both stereopticon and mov- Garden." in with the topics which called ing pictures as illustrations of them forth. his educational work in the Each of the foregoing pro- Islands. A Japanese and also a grams had its especial poetical It is noteworthy that as the Chinese solo were given by cos- or scriptural keynote at the head tumed singers. One letter direct of the page. For instance, that luncheon closes the strains of from an oriental college was' on the American Indian was "Beautiful Garden of Prayer" read. headed: call upon the membership to 5. Topic, "Labrador"; devo- In this brown seed so dry and hard hush reverently as the prayer tional, "Shelter and Protection" I see a flower in my dooryard. (Ps. 31: 1-3; 61: 1-4) ; plan, "A chairman conducts a period of The devotional spirit of this supplication for missionary Rock Garden"-description of rare year book in an early poem work in Kodiak, Alaska, and of is as follows: work. At the conclusion of this Grenfell in the Labrador. there is a 15-minute period of Speak to my heart through gardens instrumental and vocal music ap- 6. "Foreign Mission Cente- till I see propriate to a garden or other outdoor setting. It is at this time naries" (dntma based on the The shame of service rendered grudg- book, "Between Two Centuries," ingly; that those who have brought gift boxes deposit them in the water written for Baptist celebration Turn from the selfishness that would jar. of centenaries in Burma, As- forget sam, South India and South Program features beginning China); devotional, "Rest and A lifetime were too short to pay my Restoration" (Ps. 23: 1-3; Matt. debt; with September are as follows: 11 : 28); plan, to develop theme 1. Topic, "Dedicating the Gar- Beholding how from bud to petal-fall under figure of the century Proud poppies flame with joy at giving den"; devotional, "For All Peo- plant. This play will be reviewed ple" (Isa. 60: 11); plan, with in a later issue. all.
the program committee as gar- 7. Topic, "The W. W. G. and And its summation is in andeners, an original play written C. W. C." (youth organiza- other poem occupying the very tions); devotional, "Growth" last page: by one of the members was given ("The Righteous Shall Flourentitled "A Garden Tour" which ish"-Ps. 92: 12-15; "Grow in My GARDEN Grace"-2 Peter 3: 18); theme, aimed to introduce the year's "Spring Blossoms."· This is an A garden is a lovesome thing, God theme, dedicate the workers and evening meeting at which the wot! artfully interweave with the plot younger groups put on the pro- gram for "a happy church fam- Rose plot, ferned grotthe plans for all subsequent ily gathering." The veriest school of peace; and meetings. This play is of a stew- yet the fool ardship character and general Contends that God is not. application. It closes with the Not God, in gardens, when the eve act of dedication and the singing is cool!
of "Thank God for a Garden." Nay, but I have a sign! 2. Topic, "Civics"; devotion- 'Tis very sure God walks in mine.
al, "Work" ("Sowing the Seed" -Luke 8: 5-8; "His Enemy Came"-Mat. 13: 25-30); plan, to develop the figure of "Weed- The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~'=I= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = "It is a glorious company we are keeping "
BRIEF REPORT OF MRS. MILLARD L. ROBINSOK like the happy young Christians ANNUAL MEETINGS President. Council of Women for of old we must go out to turn the Home Missions. world upside down. . . . The The Fellowship Supper, on ultimate in personal goodness Monday evening, January 13, is translated into the lives of marked the opening of the an- people." must lead to a divine passion for nual meeting of the Council of the world made good, and con- Women for Home Missions, held "Recently a superintendent versely, no amount of social salin Calvary Baptist C h u I' C h, told us that communist papers Washington, D. C., January 13- were not distributed in the area vation in ethic or law will avail 18, 1936. The Women's Council of the Church of all Nations unless the 'life' is in the indiof the Washington Federation of (Canada). The work in and vidual. . .. It is wonderful to Churches, of which Mrs. B. W. about the center was known as be living in this age when ther·e Meeks is president, helped to being relevant to peace and good- is some acceptance of the social make the occasion a happy and will. In another city where issues of the Gospel! It is a successful one. In the absence crime was rampant, such a of Mrs. Daniel A. Poling, Presi- church was established and the glorious company we are keepdent, who was en route to Aus- daily newspaper printed a re- ing. . . ." The business sestralia and New Zealand, Mrs. port that the mayor had declared Fred S. Bennett, First Vice- crime had decreased fifty per sions followed on Tuesday morn- President, presided and brought cent since the establishment of ing at which Mrs. Millard L. to the group the challenge of the neighborhood house." Robinson was elected President, united effort of the Protestant churches. "The Church in Ac- "If we believe that the Christ- succeeding Mrs. Daniel A. Poltion for Social Ideals" was life cannot be made regnant in ing, whose term of office had exgraphically presented by Mrs. an un-Christ-like world, then pired. The election of the new Kenneth D. Miller, of Madison, New Jersey. She paid special [145 ] Associate Members of whom sevtribute to Elizabeth Fry, "a eral were present, the hearty engreat Christian woman who be- dorsement of the new Joint Comlieved that Christ must reign in mittee on Young People's Work all of life." "The Church in Action on Social Issues" was fur- of the Home Missions Councils, ther illustrated by report of spe- the authorization of a Commiscific programs by Miss Edna B. Beardsley of the Protestant sion on the Liquor Problem, and Episcopal Church, Mrs. C. Max- the participation of c h u r c h well Loveys of the United women in Peace Action were Church of Canada, and Mrs. J. outstanding considerations. W. Downs of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Excerpts The Joint Committee on Infrom the evening's talks: dian Work of the Home Missions Councils had arranged a Fellow- "We find a social conscience ship Supper. Dr. Thomas Jesse has been developed which enables the Church to begin to put Jones, of the Phelps Stokes into practice that which it has Fund, presided. During the taught and for which it has had a program over a period of fifty course of his remarks Dr. Jones years. . . . A program does not spoke of the oft-discussed word, seem of very great value until it missionary: "Some people say, give up the word 'missionary.' At one time I may have said it myself. But since then I have seen missionaries in action on the firing line in all parts of the world and I would no more say give up the word 'missionary' than I would say give up the word, 'mother.''' It was a great joy to have as the principal speaker Reverend Vine Deloria, volunteer agencies, we shall be erages are of real concern to all young now at work on the Pine Ridge laying a foundatio~ which in people within and without the Church. Reservation in South Dakota, years to come will bring us much This is also an important phase of our nearer to the gaining of social the son of the first native min- ideals which are the basis of a task. ister of the Episcopal Church Christian civilization." We realize that we should be doing among the Sioux Indians. He is a graduate of St. Stephen's Col- Three days of the Annual more to help students to relate themlege and of the General The- Meetings were devoted to a Na- selves to the Christian program in ological Seminary. Mr. Deloria tional Conference on the Rural America. Church, planned by the two said that he came to the meeting Home Missions Councils and the We confess our neglect in providing as an example of the product of Federal Council of Churches of helpful Christian contacts with the Christ. The Conference was many foreign students in America and Christian education rather than outstanding in many respects feel that this should have a more imas a speaker, but the intimate and the 257 paid registrations portant emphasis in the home mis- represented eighteen religious sions program. glimpses of the life of an Indian bodies from thirty states and boy in school and college, sur- Canada. The Findings will be Many existing organizations and rounded by boys of another race, available soon upon payment of movements are doing work in fields $1.00 to cover cost of printing. mentioned above and we suggest closer and then of the problems of a cooperation with such agencies. . . . young Indian minister among The next Annual Meetings of the Home Missions Councils will We believe that we as young peohis own people, gave to all who be held January 1937 in Cin- ple's workers should be informed on heard him a new understanding cinnati, Ohio, with emphasis on the activities of the National Youth the Home Missions Task in the Administration, National Youth Conof the deepest needs of the race. city. gress and National Education Associ- His great appreciation of the ation, etc. life and work of Bishop Hare, OUR TASK WITH YOUTH as he brought the knowledge of In the accomplishing of our task as Youth within the Church- a whole, we realize the importance of Christ to the Dakotas, was in- youth without the C h u r c h – adult education and the cooperation of spiring and encouraging to all Christian youth in action-youth the pastors. . . . workers among the Indian who ought to be in Christian ac- tivity. All of these groups were International Relations is the people. considered in discussion by the Committee on Young People's subject for the fourth issue of Dr. G. A. Watermulder, of the Work of the Council of Women Program Props, and will be pub- Reformed Church in America, for Home Missions in North lished during the coming year. spoke of the opportunity among America, in annual mee,ting in Washington, D. C., January 12, Attention was called to the Indian Americans for Commu- publications of the Missionary nity Work centering in the local 1936. After a short review of ac- Education Movement. The wide church. Mr. John Collier, Com- use in the past year of the study missioner of Indian Affairs, ad- complishments of the Committee dressed the audience on the im- during the past year, Miss Sue book "Christian Youth in Acportance of the missionary, say- Weddell, the Chairman, wel- tion" and its accompanying maning in part: "I think you will comed discussion of problems ual "What Will You Do About which are a part of the home It?" is most encouraging. These probably find it true that the missions task with youth. . . . should be used by many more groups. The home mission missionaries have been more Growing out of the discussion books for 1936 and 1937 on the important than the governments of these problems the Committee negro, especially "The Story of expressed itself in these find- the American Negro" by Miss in Indian Affairs." ings: Ina Brown deserves special Miss Katharine F. Lenroot, Conscious of the complexity of our study and promotion. task and the seriousness of the obliga- Chief of the Children's Bureau, tions of young PeQple's leaders today Promotion of the WorId Day was the guest speaker at the Mi- we are convinced that several phases of Prayer among young people grant Work Luncheon, at which of the varied missionary program of Mrs. F. S. Bennett presided. the Church in North America deserve has been assigned as a special our special attention. part of ,the work of this commit- She spoke on the subject, "The Migrant Laborer in the Present We deplore the increasing number tee. It is hoped that next year Rural Situation." The tables of young people who are mere wan- there may be close cooperation derers, separated from home, church, in preparing the program and a were attractively decorated with school and employment. We recognize fruits and vegetables, packed by this as an important home mission wider use of it. In the future migrants. Motion pic t u res task. this work among young people is helped to visualize both the life We recognize that the problems to be the concern of a joint comin migrant camps and the con- arising out of the use of alcoholic bev- mittee of the ,two Home Missions structive educational work of the Councils. In this broader coopchurch. In closing Miss Lenroot eration it is hoped that we may said, "If we can go forward in reach a larger number of the these programs together (public youth in the churches of North and private social welfare programs, local, state, and national) America and that this phase of the home mission task may be and establish a sound working more adequately promoted. cooperation between federal gov- NONA M. DIEHL, ernment and states, official and Chairman of the Joint Com- mittee on Young People's Work.
AMERICA against the slum menace was teachers, she realized that
made public. It reads, in part, problem is far from solved, how- Need for Bible Reading as follows: ever, because up to the present time they have graded these Dr. Charles E. Jefferson, Millions of American families have greatly underprivileged children former minister of Broadway for years been forced to live in build- on the same basis as the normal Tabernacle, New York, chal- ings and neighborhoods that are an child, with the result that in lenges Christian Endeavorers acute menace to the welfare of body, some instances the child never with the following statement: mind and spirit, and cast their blight gets promoted and is dejected upon the lives of men and. women and and discouraged to the point of The majority of Christians are luke- little children. . . . Sociological stud- giving up. warm in their Bible study,and the ies offer conclusive evidence that slums majority of those who are not Chris- breed crime. Health surveys have Problems arise where state or' tians do not read the Bible at all. established the undeniable fact that federal workers are employed in But civilization cannot endure with- slum areas are conducive to a higher relief projects. For one thing, out the ideas and ideals which the infant mortality and a much greater it seems unfair to expect volun- Bible was written to proclaim. The incidence of disease. The experience teers to work side by side with Christian Church is doomed if church of religious workers in underprivi- salaried ones. Again, the type workers cease to search the Scrip- leged communities demonstrates the of worker is entirely different in tures, and non-Christian nations will fact that the slum area aggravates most instances. As a rule, to never find the path that leads to life nearly every physical and spiritual ill the state employee, her work is without the guidance of prophets and to which human life is susceptible. a job and she does not care parapostles and the Prince of glory. . . . ticularly about the people among Large numbers of educated men and Gold Dust Lodge whom she serves. women are absolutely ignorant of the Bible. . . . It still holds first place Gold Dust Lodge, Salvation Many college girls are eager among best sellers, but because a Army hostel in New York City to give their summers to migrant Bible is sold it does not follow that for homeless unemployed men, camp service, which will mean it is read. A Bible which is not read celebrated its fourth anniversary much to them in their preparais no Bible at all. Only a Bible which last December. Since its open- tion for useful life. is read becomes a force in the life of ing in 1931, it has served some the world . . . but we release that 60,000 men; it has provided GRETA P. HINKLE. power only as we read and ponder and seven million meals, and 2,500,- incarnate the great truths that are 000 lodging for a night. In adset forth in its pages. dition to this purely physical -The Bible for China.
Clear Out the Slums! service, it has provided educa- Do Millionaires Give Freely? tional activities to rebuild shat- America's largest city has tered morale. Most of the staff A few of them do; most of made a definite step toward slum for these services have been them do not, says the National clearance. The opening of First drawn from those who sought Committee for Religion and Wel- Houses at Avenue A and East refuge at the hostel. fare Recovery, based upon an Third Street, New York, the analysis of the income tax refirst low-cost housing project EDMUND B. CHAFFEE. port. In terms of percentages, built with government funds, The Migrant Problem 32 millionaires contributed on marks what every intelligent the average about 6 per cent of American must hope may be the In the East the laws do not their total income, and about 71;2 beginning of a movement which make it compulsory to educate a per cent of their net taxable in- will go on until every slum in child no matter where he comes come to religious, charitable, the country is eliminated. On from, and as a result the migrant scientific, literary or educational the day of this dedication a na- is left out of the school picture, projects. It is revealed that the tional campaign for the aboli- because he is not a resident; in average taxpayer with less than tion of slums and for increased the West, the child must be edu- $5,000 taxable income contrib- federal help to promote low-cost cated where he is, and so we find uted about 11;2 per cent of his housing was started at a meet- numerous migrant schools. One total income, or less than 1% ing of the National Public Hous- county in California has 11 such per cent of his net taxable in- ing Conference in New York. migrant schools with 30 teach- come.
Following the opening of these ers. Upon visiting some of the Taking the nation as a whole, hOUl'leR, an interfaith manifesto schools and interviewing the from the smallest taxpayer to [147 ]
the largest, the figures show a devote to it his entire time dur- Church Boards; care of church total income reported by all ing the three months' period. property. These churches loyally classes of $14,708,558,000, which In the manifesto announcing the agreed to strive to reach at least with deductions of $2,252,296,- plan there is no hint of defeat- some of the objectives the first 000 leaves a net declared taxable ism. The opening statement year. They did reach some of income of $12,456,262,000. If shows a realization of the task· them, and surprisingly few ex- the average citizen had contrib- ahead: emptions were asked.
uted to religious, educational, Forasmuch as an authentic Chris- Increased interest of Indians character-building and charita- tianity is a perpetual act of judgment, in school libraries is noted. The it shall be the object of this Mission language barrier is fast disapble agencies the full 15 per cent, to understand and apply that judg- pearing, for among most of the ment in respect of the individual, the there would have been a total church, and contemporary life, with tribes, English is as familiar to contribution of $1,868,429,000, or nearly two billion dollars courage enough to accept it when it the younger Indians as is the comes to our generation as condemnawhich would have done much to- tion, and humility enough to appro- tongue of their grandparents.
wards obviating our present en- priate it when it comes to us as grace.
forced taxation for relief pur- Two Chinese Missionaries poses. C. V. VICKREY. Fifty Years in New York for U. S. A.
Aid for Students The growth of Presbyterian The Presbyterian Mis s ion work in New York is shown in Home in San Francisco reports The National Youth Adminis- the figures compiled in the office that two Chinese Christian mistration, at a monthly cost of $1,- of New York Presbytery. In sionaries have arrived in Amer- 503,795, provides financial as- the year 1885 there were 41 ica to do intensive evangelistic sistance for 100,532 students in churches; in 1935 there were work for a year. Miss Lan and 1,514 colleges and universities in 61. In 1885 there were 127 min- Miss Hu, of the Bethel Mission forty-six states and Puerto Rico. isters; today there are 187. The in China, will work through the The selection of students to re- membership of the churches was Oriental churches on the west ceive aid is from among those 19,969 in 1885; today it is 33,- coast. They are holding Bible who without this help would be 837. However, 50 years ago the classes for the girls in the Presunable to remain in college. The Sunday school children num- byterian Mission Home, a weekly quota from each college is twelve bered 21,050, while today there community Bible class which per cent of the enrolment. A are only 14,424. The gifts to meets at the same place, and student is permitted to earn as church support have increased classes in the Chinese Church much as $20 each month, but the from $442,025 to $877,664, but and the Hip Woh School (interallotment of funds to each col- the gifts to the boards of the denominational). The yare lege is on the basis of $15 a church have dropped from $237,- speaking before community ormonth for each of twelve per 799 to $164,868. The per capita ganizations and groups of Chicent of its enrolment of full- gifts for church support have nese in smaller towns where time students. New York State increased from $22.13 to $25.94 there is no organized Christian leads with 11,869 students in but the per capita gifts to the work. ninety institutions, receiving mission boards have dropped $178,035 in monthly grants. from $11.91 to $4.86. LATIN AMERICA -Watchman-Examiner. Tourists in Mexico National Preaching Mission Indians Measure Up Miss Margaret Shelby, Pres- byterian educational missionary Announcement has been made Two years ago there was set in Chilpancingo, Mexico, asks of a "National Preaching Mis- before Presbyterian I n d ian why so few out of many Amersion" under the direction of the churches ten goals to be accom- ican tourists visit the missionary Federal Council of Churches, to plished in three years, which, work their churches support. carry through the autumn of after careful study and consul- 1936-from September 13 to De- tation with the workers, ap- She ventures a few reasons: cember 9. The project provides peared to be possible of attain- 1. As a rule Protestant misfor a group of at least ten of ment. These goals are: service sions are small; their chapels "the most convincing interpre- of worship every Sunday; Sun- have little or no architectural ters of the Gospel in Christen- day school every Sunday; young merit and are not advertised in dom" to go together to more people's organization meeting tourist's hotels, guides, bureaus than a score of the major cities every Sunday (ages 15-25); and books. of the nation, remaining at least vacation Bible School, at -least 2. Most tourists travel' for four days in each city, bringing two weeks; women's missionary recreation and often the more their message in manifold ways society meeting monthly; week- pagan the recreation the more to the ge n era I public, the day Bible School; payment of romantic. churches and special groups. presbyterial, synodical and Gen- 3. The religious-minded tour- The Mission will be headed by eral Ass e m b I y assessments; ist may argue: "There's so much Dr. E. Stanley Jones, who will monthly payments toward pas- to see and I can't take in every- tor's salary; contribution to the thing. I can read about missions
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
in my church paper when I get ported: "From Cape Gracias to read it until the cover was worn home. I couldn't understand a Bilwaskarma about ninety per off and he had it bound in oil- Spanish service anyway." cent of the houses are down, cloth. As his little farm is off It is a privilege to visit these from Bilwaskarma to Keplapine the beaten trail, the years have centers of missionary endeavor about fifty per cent have been passed without his ever having in Mexico. Some sad conditions destroyed. All the banana trees seen a missionary. It was a joy will startle but some faces of are blown down or washed to kneel with him in prayer. really converted people will glad- away." The workers write His prayer was a series of quoden. When you travel in Aztec bravely that their work "does tations from the Scriptures." Land, bring your Christianity not depend on banana farms but In Trinidad and be real missionaries during on the grace of God, and that your visit. An example of Sab- grace will not fail so long as we The Mission of the United bath observance, of joy in Chris- are faithful to our charge." The Church of Canada specializes in tian living, of interest in the British Mission Board has sent educational work among the Lord's work, of brotherly friend- from its Emergency Fund a sum 125,000 East Indians who live liness, will be of tremendous of £50, to aid in reconstruction. on the island of Trinidad. More value to Mexicans. One Chris- -Moravian Missions. than 20,000 East Indian children tian lady who visited Cuerna- West Indies Mission Center attend the schools of this misvaca and other places felt such , sion, which the colonial govan interest in helping the women of Mexico that she is supporting Santo Domingo's New Prot- ernment cooperates in maintaina Mexican worker." estant Church house and mission ing. The school buildings are headquarters is nearly com- also used for evangelistic work. Bible Reading Increases pleted. The auditorium, the tower, the offices for adminis- An East Indian Church has been Costa Rica celebrates the third trative work and the rooms for established, and teachers and centenary of a little stone Vir- religious education have been preachers are being trained for gin, eight inches long, which the completed. The part of the their respective callings. -United Church Record.
priests say fell down from building that is intended for a Deplorable Conditions book store and university center heaven and was officially elected remains uncompleted. The build- If South America is "The "Patron and Protector of the ing is centrally located and Neglected Continent," Ceara in Nation." Notwithstanding this, splendidly a d apt e d to the northern Brazil should be called churches of the mission. In the neglected state of the negthe three different c h u r c h e s some ways it is the most attrac- lected continent. Morals are of which have been built in its tive church building in the West the lowest, fanaticism and ignohonor, one after another' have Indies. It has cost about $40,- rance most intense, according to 000, all of which was contrib- a worker of the Evangelical been totally destroyed by earth- uted four years ago during the Union of South America, Rev. quakes. Perhaps because of this, campaign following the hurri- E. Haugh. The capital of Ceara increasing numbers of people cane. is Fortaleza, on the Atlantic are procuring Bibles, and going coast, with a population of 180,- Bibles in Ecuador 000. In the city are three Protto hear the Word preached, re- estant churches. Next to the ports the National Bible Society A hundred years ago an Eng- of Scotland. -Alliance Weekly.
Distress in Nicaragua lishman, James Thomson, took a capital the largest center is stock of New Testaments to Sobral, with perhaps 50,000 peo- A second catastrophe has be- Ecuador. During his t h r e e ple. It is also the -center of fallen the work of the American weeks' stay he sold 360 Testa- Roman fanaticism. A Pente- Provinces of the M 0 r a v ian ments, in four days in Guayaquil, costal worker went there two Church on the northern coast of 738. Last year 27,068 Gospels, years ago to preach on the pub- Nicaragua. A few years ago Testaments and Bibles were sold lic square and the persecution this field suffered depredation in Ecuador by the British and was so intense that he preached and partial destruction through Foreign and the American Bible the Gospel surrounded by some the inroads of bandits, and one Societies. Four colporteurs have sixteen armed soldiers who held missionary was foully murdered. worked faithfully with the mis- back the angry mob. Nothing Then the work of reconstruction sionaries in circulating God's was established there. In the was taken in hand and a for- Word. In addition to the 27,068 whole state there is only one misward movement initiated; a books, which is approximately sionary (a Pentecostal) apart well-equipped hospital became a the number sold yearly, 25,000 from the workers of the E. U. center of new activity; lost blue Pocket Testaments have S. A., who have all come reground was more than recov- been distributed, mostly free, cently. There are five of them, ered. during the past five years. also two ordained native work- Recently, a hurricane struck A correspondent tells of meet- ers in Ceara, one a Presbyterian, with an .80-mile per hour veloc- ing an old man who had bought the other a Baptist. ity. An aeroplane survey re- a Bible ten years ago. "He had -The Neglected Continent.
Faithful Brazilian Christians invited Dr. Howard to come and years been finding difficulty in lecture here; he laid aside other carrying on its excellent work in The Sunday School Times plans and came; he also con- India at full strength. The Somentions s eve r a I Brazilian quered. I have never seen any- ciety felt that a substantial part Christians who are Kingdom thing like it in Asunci6n. The of the overhead expenses at builders in their home land. Dr. theater and school auditorium home could be made more avail- P'aul Sarmento directs a school have been packed. He is doing able for work in the field through at Rio Grande do Norte, where a wonderful work, the kind of union with another society, and some 300 young boys are sent to thing that needs to be done just that it ought to contemplate surlearn trades. He is a layman, now." rendering its separate existbut serves the local church of ence for the sake of the larger 250 members and preaches After one of Dr. Howard's ad- interests of the work. The name whenever necessary. He is also dresses on "What Is Success?" proposed is "The Church of superintendent of the Sunday the principal of the Normal England Zenana Missionary Soschool and does evangelistic School said to him: "I have re- ciety." work in open-air meetings. solved henceforth to seek that higher success." The Presi- McAll Mission Program Samuel Falcao is an active dent of Paraguay, Dr. Ayala, minister and editor of adult Sun- after he had listened in on the Of France's 40,000,000 people day school lessons. He has radio talk, said: "We need the only about a million and a half coached six or seven Presby- message that you bring. Come are Protestants. The native terian laymen for preaching, in- back next year and help us Protestant Church has been destructing them in Bible, homi- again." pleted by centuries of perseculetics and Portuguese three tion, and cannot hope to reach times a week, a sort of private EUROPE all the millions of unchurched Bible Institute. and unbelieving working people Children's Missionary Society of France without help, espe- Rev. Aminadab Continho is a cially in the face of communism's Brazilian Baptist w 0 r kin g The Children's Special Serv- rapid spread. among the Parintintin Indians, ice Mission has been called the five hundred miles up the Ma- Children's Missionary Society. From its simple beginning in deira River. Last year he lost Village missions are conducted 1872 the McAll Mission has all he had in a steamer fire. The in twenty-four counties of Eng- grown to a vast religious enter- Parintintin Indians are one of land the year round. Evan- prise. It has eighteen stations, the most savage tribes known, gelists are busily engaged in of which five are in Paris and and much given to cannibalism. bringing children to the Saviour the remainder in the larger In a short time he had a school in India, Ceylon, Australasia, towns, five vacation colonies for started with forty-three pupils, Canada, South Africa, Japan children, and a bookstall and and this year has opened another and elsewhere; it is hoped to dispensary vans in the Paris school on an adj acent island, send workers to the Holy Land, area. The program includes using a tenth from his meager to East and West Africa, to services at all its stations, at salary to pay its teacher. China and other lands. More street corners, fairs, markets than 800,000 C. S. S. M. mem- and on river banks. For adults Senhor Antenorzinho was an bers are reading a daily Bible there are weekly classes and disearnest Catholic who became portion. Membership cards are cussion groups, and for the chilalienated from his church by the issued in about 90 languages. dren Sunday and Thursday gambling and bad conduct of his schools and daily vacation Bible priest. He became an ardent -The Christian. schools. There are clubs for all evangelist and Sunday school ages. Visiting nurse-evangelists superintendent. He is now pas- Two Steps in Cooperation help the sick, and the poor are tor of a church of seventy mem- given food, clothing and underbers. The Religious Tract Society of standing friendship. Colpor- London, whose history dates teurs distribute leaflets and sell New Spirit in Paraguay from the 18th century, has Bibles throughout the country. united with the Christian Litera- The work is carried on by A new spirit that has taken ture Society for India and French leaders, but support is possession of Paraguay is shown Africa. The union has adopted international. by some remarkable meetings the title of "The United Society held by Dr. George P. Howard, for Christian Literature." -The Life of Faith. evangelist of the Committee on Cooperation in Latin America to Another step in cooperation Giving Spain the Bible educated classes, who has been has been taken by the Zenana having unusual experiences in Bible and Medical Mission and A Scripture Gift missionary various parts of South America. the Church of England Zenana for 41 years in Spain writes: Dr. Arthur E. Elliott, presi- Missionary Society, who have dent of Colegio Internacional at during the past year been stead- I have never before seen such a de- Asuncion, Paraguay, writes: ily pursuing joint conference sire on the part of the people to hear "The day peace was declared I with a view to incorporation. the Gospel and to read Gospel litera- The former society has for some
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ture. 'l'here are enemies and some are porting from funds freely con- far there are 3,893 Christians. bitter, chiefly the priests and the Communists, who are increasing. But tributed by members. On the Only in the Cape Country can it other hand, the state Protestant be said that the missionary work many are shaking off the yoke of the Church of Rome who have not yet churches and the Cat h 0 1i c is finished. There is already a gone over to atheism; and we feel churches have their buildings native church with 10 congregathe burden of reaching this class during the present liberty, the duration erected and their pastors sup- tions having about 20,000 memof which is very uncertain. ported from government moneys bers.
In one of the villages visited reg- raised through taxation. Baptists in Prague ularly was a lad who five months ago -The Christian Advocate. went inland in search of work, taking The largest Baptist church in with him a Bible and a New Testa- The Rhenish Mission Czechoslovakia is the one at ment and all the portions he had been Prague, which last year celeable to obtain from our workers. He The society was formed more brated its jubilee. It began in has now returned, telling how the than a century ago, in 1828 by people gathered round him every eve- the merger of four similar so- 1855 with a membership of 17; ning to hear him read the Word of cieties. The society sends its during the fifty years, 842 per- God to them, and to explain as best messengers to six different he was able the portion he had read. fields: Africa, the Cape Province sons have been baptized. The When he came away, he left his New and Southwest Africa; Dutch present membership is 313, Testament with them, and they begged East India, the Batak lands of him to leave a Bible also. He says Sumatra, the Island of Nias and under the pastoral care of Rev. they nearly persuaded him to do so, the Mentawei Islands; South J. Tolar. On four occasions the but he felt he really could not give up China: the Canton Province. As his Bible. a result of the war two fields, church has dismissed 1a r g e groups of members to form -Scripture Gift Mission. other churches.
– Watchman-Examiner.
Ohurches in the Home viz. Ovamboland and Borneo, Light in Albania A writer in the Presbyterian were transferred to other Ger- In 1928 Albania, delivered Banner says that one of the man societies and in 1933, New from the Turk, became a kingtouching features in the life of Guinea to the American Luth- dom. This country was the anthe Confessional Church in Ger- eran Church. In 1935 the en- cient Illyricum of which Paul many is the holding of public wrote (Rom. 15: 19). After worship in private houses, when tire number of missionaries was coming under the iron hand of a community has been deprived 228, among whom 79 were or- Islam, illiteracy was forced of its church. An attendant at dained, 22 lay and 43 sisters as upon them and their mother such a place of worship writes: tongue banned. "There was no trace there of they style the women missiondepression on account of the con- aries! As might be expected, when tinuous persecutions; on the suddenly brought in touch with contrary, the people felt very The mission supports 1,000 the modern world, Albania now clearly that it was the divine congregations in 72 stations. In has a bewildering medley of new will that they should return to ideas. Education is no longer the early Christian institution of all there are 546,922 native tabu. Western customs, costhe church in the house." Christians and 20,000 inquirers. tumes, transports invade her There are 762 lower schools, 9 chief centers. Two Scripture high schools and three training schools for teachers and helpers.
There is also an industrial school in Sumatra and two in Africa, in Methodists Not Molested which young people are trained Gift Mission workers have re- in Germany in various industrial pursuits. cently been itinerating from Medically the mission can place to place, courteously pre- The Hitler Government has point to 4 large hospitals with 6 senting a Gospel to everyone not interfered with the work of doctors, 13 secondary hospitals over seventeen who could read. the Methodist Episcopal Church and 3 institutions for lepers and To peasant and official, soldier in Germany, except that its the blind. and priest, prisoner in jail and young people's societies have The mission faces great tasks: busy shopkeeper in the market, had to disband, like all other one half of the 100,000 Colored the Scriptures were freely given young people's organizations. inhabitants of Southwest Africa and immediately read by num- There are 55,000 Methodists in are unchristianized. T h r e e bers of people as they walked the Germany. The Central Confer- fourths of the Batak people have streets. One of the workers ence of Germany is recognized not yet found the way to Christ. wri'tes: "God has enabled us to by the Reich as the church's Of the 170,000 Nias islanders complete this task of spreading highest legislative body, and it there are as yet only 108,000 His Word throughout Albania. enacts legislation in accordance Christians (although even that Two months have been devoted with the accepted Discipline of is a splendid success). In the to this work. We rejoice to Mentawei Islands, 19,000 are know that the Gospel – the Methodism.
The reason for the Govern- still waiting for Christianity. Of words of the Lord Jesus Christ ment's attitude toward Method- the five million Chinese who live – has e n t ere d into homes ism is that its churches are not in the field occupied by the mis- throughout the len g t hand tax-supported, but are self-sup- sion in the Canton province, so breadth of this country. We
have given out 20,100 Albanian tribes in North Nigeria, there Kpata has been left rather badly Scripture booklets, 1,002 Al- are still ninety unreached, while off herself.
banian Gospels, 390 Foreign many of the others are only The man in charge of the work Gospels, 145 Albanian Bible por- touched, and may still be called at Kpata was, in his teens, tions, and 30 New Testaments, "unevangelized tribes." Mr. also about 1,500 Scripture leaf- Playfair has been in the Sudan driven from home by his father lets in foreign I a n g u age s because of his loyalty to Christ. Interior Mission for twenty-four (mainly Greek, A r a b i c and years. Today, the workers num- Now he is beloved and respected by heathen, Moslem and Chris- Turkish) ." ber 270; the stations, about 50. tian. When questioned about Some stations may be called old, his spiritual experience he said AFRICA but in the very oldest, people are that he always seems to see the only beginning to res p 0 n d. Swedish Missionaries Work is now being opened in Cross of Christ before him. Ordered Out several totaIly unreached areas. The Bible has been translated New Life in Angola The Missionstidning fOr Fin- land reports that the mission- into many native dialects of In a small African village aries of the Fosterlandsstiftfel- Nigeria. -The Evangelical about thirty miles from Dondi, Christian. sen, a Swedish missionary asso- in Angola, a week-end confer- ciation, have been ordered out of ence of Christians was held their four stations of the society Protestantism in the Congo under the direction of one of the native pastors. From surroundin Italian Somaliland and Eri- After fifty years of mission- ing villages many came to distrea. The exclusion order was cuss the affairs of the Kingdom issued in November although ary effort there are now forty- and attend the meetings which the missionaries were not guilty three p.rotestant organizations were rich in inspiration. Fortyof any misconduct but always working in the Belgian Congo eight young men and young maintained a strictly loyal atti- women were baptized into the tude toward the Italian Govern- and Ruanda Urundi; with 199 membership of the Christian ment. stations, 900 missionaries, 238,- Church by Pastor Chilulu. The Do:ndi Church (including out- The missionaries were given 807 adult baptized church mem- stations) has a membership of only a week to prepare for the bers, 275,935 adult adherents, over 5,000, and is increasing unexpected trip home. They and 13,058 native Christian pas- year by year. were not allowed, on reaching Rome, to confer with the Swed- tors, evangelists and teachers. -United Church Record. ish embassy. Added to these There are more than 10,000 stadifficulties were the restrictions tion and village s~hool chapels, The Blind in South Africa on taking money out of the coun- with over 330,000 daily pupils in try. At the Brenner Pass they It is said that one in every were relieved of some of their the schools. The total Protestant community exceeds a million.
-London Missionary Herald.
funds on the assertion that they A Christian Center of Power thousand in the South Africa constituted one family and there- Union is blind, yet there is no fore were not allowed to carry The C. M. S. Outlook records governmental provision for the all the funds which they had in that Kpata, in the Basa district, adult blind, as in many other hand. has a remarkable record as a countries. Their care is solely At the station stops in Italy Christian center. It is a small in the hands of private agencies the mob vented its hatred on village where pioneer work was like the South Africa National them as "sanctionists" and started about forty-five years Council for the Blind. This "Abyssinians." The mission au- ago, and the first Christians had Council seeks to be truly nathorities regard this as the to face much persecution. The tional. Considerations of race severest blow that has struck first three converts all became or color do not exist, the Council teachers and are still active to- holding itself ready to serve the their work for many years. day. This little village has sup- interests of all South African The Fosterlandsstiftelsen still blind people. The record of has about twenty missionaries plied no less than thirty teach- work accomplished during the at their posts in Abyssinia; but ers who have gone to other dis- past six years includes many inthe news from the scene of the tricts to witness for Christ. stances in which the Council has war makes their stay there ques- been able to assist Colored and tionable. Three of the four sons of the Bantu blind people as well as the late king of the tribe are Chris- Hans. The eldest volunteered Pioneering in Nigeria for service in the distant Brda European community. There district, the next is a C. M. S. are educational facilities for Rev. Guy W. Playfair, of the teacher in this district, and the every blind child whose parents Sudan Interior Mission, says third is warden of the church in will take advantage of them. that strictly speaking every mis- Kpata. In fact, so many of her The Council is also urging govsion in Northern Nigeria is a sons have gone to spread the ernment legislation to provide "pioneer mission." Of the 240 Gospel in regions beyond that for the welfare of the blind, and
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
to stimulate the employment of tional Hebrew blessing at in- Three Days' JoUTney employable blind. -The South African augural occasions, which means for a Bible Outlook. "blessed art thou who hast pre- served us." Rev. Charles W. Posnett, of WESTERN ASIA Medak, Nizam's Dominions, tells Saloniki Secures Church -Alliance Weekly. of a woman who traveled three days, with her husband and chil- INDIA AND SIAM dren, through the most danger- Building Hinduism Looks at Life ous part of the Tiger Jungle to secure a Bible. About fifty Armenian families The Rev. D. A. Yardi, Indian were living in Saloniki before clergyman at Po 0 n a, says: Years ago she had attended >t the World War. After the evac- "Hinduism has put on Christian Christian school, but when she was uation of Cilicia in 1921, and the spectacles, and is looking at life married she had been taken away to Smyrna catastrophe in 1922, a through them." Regarding the her husband's home in the very heart remnant of the Armenians liv- India of today he writes: of the tiger jungle. Alas, no one had ing in Turkey fled to the hos- given her a Bible, and when our pitable shores of Greece. An India is rapidly changing, politi- pioneer evangelists visited her village, estimated 40,000 crossed the cally, socially and spiritually. . . . it had been like an angel visit, and, lEgean, settling in different What has really taken hold of India in spite of her poverty, she had enterparts of this country; five thou- today is not Mahatma Gandhi, nor tained them most joyfully. When she sand coming as destitute refu- Christianity, but the Lord Jesus heard of my coming, she persuaded gees to this apostolic city. Christ. Even illiterate Hindus are her husband to harness their pair of Among these Armenians are one realizing that their religion has had bulls to the little cart, and with all hundred Evangelical families its day, and that there is a reality, a the family she started out with the from thirty-four different locali- dynamic force in Jesus Christ which evangelists on a three days' journey. ties, mostly from the region of they can no longer ignore. What In- When she met me her first request the Seven Churches of Asia dian Christians need at present is was for a Bible to teach her children, Minor. Besides the Armenian strengthening and consolidation. It and a teacher for her village. She population, it is estimated that is towards this that missionary effort had taught her children the few and finance must in some measure be hymns she remembered, and she gave directed if we wish the banner of a most touching witness before all the Christianity to go forward. We de- crowd of inquirers who had gathered.
-The Life of Faith.
60,000 Jews live in Saloniki; sire to be "strong in the Lord and in A Traveling Ashram and in New Greece, 105,000 the power of His might." Mohammedans. Most of the Camping in bungalows or -C. M. S. Outlook.
refugees are the poorest of the Teachers Needed in tents, carrying cots and some poor. Seeing the urgent need Aurangabad food, the William Hazens, Amerof these Armenian Evangelicals ican Board missionaries, of for a church home, a committee The number of inquirers in Sholapur, India, have what they of the American Board began the Aurangabad dis t ric t of call an "infield" and an "outthree years ago to seek funds Western India is taxing the field" which they cover in their for the purpose. The Board available C. M. S. forces to teach "traveling ashram." The "in- them. In one month over a hun- field" includes 30 villages near gave $2,000 and an additional dred names were sent in from Sholapur and the "outfield" $2,500 was secured by the local four new villages, and at each about 250 at more distant center a worker was needed to points. Between June and N0church and friends far and near. prepare them for baptism. The vember the Hazens traveled over A building was purchased, and only way of responding to these 600 miles working in these vil- lages. Their party consists of some alterations will be needed. calls is by moving teachers from Mr. and Mrs. Hazen, Mr. and The upper story provides a home other villages where they had Mrs. Namdev, an Indian teacher been engaged in similar work. training for the ministry, Lalaji, for the pastor and his family, The people are in desperate blind musician and pr~acher, straits to maintain a bare exist- and Pir Mohammed the cook, while below are rooms, for the ence, and cannot contribute Orthodox Moslem who neverthepresent used for church services, less sings Christian h y m n s Sunday school, and for gather- much toward a church. All chil- lustily. Sometimes there is ings of young people. The dren in the schools are taught to Miss Helen Bjornstad, R.N., learn and repeat verses from the grounds surrounding the build- Bible. One missionary tells of ing are large enough for groups of children, who gather from time to time for games or athletics.
Hebrew Telegraph Service stopping at a village to inspect who in her temporary "hospital" a school, without having given under a tent cures many dis- The first telegram ever sent in previous notice of his coming. eases, and the story of whose Classic Hebrew was dispatched He was astonished to see what "healing hands" spreads far and recently. from Jerusalem, on the knowledge of the Bible and of wide.
occasion of the opening of a He- the Bible story was displayed Bengal Baptist Mission brew telegraph service. The by some dozen boys who were first word sent over the wires baptized only a short time be- The newly formed Bengal was "Shehechianu," the tradi- fore. -The Life of Faith. Baptist Union undertakes all
responsibility for Christian Mission, a German group already of the paper always goes to the work except in the case of one carrying on medical and evan- Dalai Lama at Lhasa. or two institutions; as well as gelistic work there,' and the the financial resources hitherto Kiulungkiang station came again -The Christian. controlled by the Baptist Mis- under the Siam Mission. Siasionary Society. European mis- mese evangelists are at work in CHINA sionaries may of course be mem- the area, and from Chiengmai, bers of the Union, if they hap- in northern Siam, medical and Christianity in Everyday Life pen to be elected by the votes of other trips have been made into their Indian brethren. the new-old field. The following story of Chris- tian courage is worth retelling: This reorientation of policy is Winning the Tibetans the direct outcome of the work A Japanese pastor, a man of great of missionaries of a .'previous Rev. Walter Asboe, Moravian evangelistic gifts, attended some spegeneration, particularly that of missionary to Tibet, is stationed cial meetings for the deepening of the Rev. William Carey. It was at Kyelang on the Tibetan bor- spiritual life, and became conscious the keynote of their policy as der but actually in the Punjab, that there were various things in his missionaries that the Mission as entering Tibet is forbidden. life which were not right in God's should decrease and that the But the people he works among sight. Especially did one "small" sin Church should increase, and in Kyelang are Tibetans. He trouble him. The family had gone to that in course of time all Chris- describes them as friendly – a sale at a department store, and on tian work should b e com e when you get to. know 'them. returning they found that they had church-centric, not mission-cen- "But," he says, "the first thing one article too many. The parents let tric. a foreigner has to do is to prove the children play with it, and it got that he is there for their good, dirty, so they took no steps to restore The Union hopes also to ex- and is not responsible for rough it. The thought of this thing was like tend the principle of union into weather, sickness, disease among a knife in the pastor's conscience, the a wider field, bringing all Bap- their flocks, and every other strongest among a number of things tists in India, America, Aus- trouble. . Medical knowledge is that the Holy Spirit was showing him. tralia and New Zealand into a a great asset, and while I am Next morning he went off to the store Federation. not a doctor, I can extract teeth with the money to pay for the article, less 'painfully than the black- and explained to the girl from whose -International Christian smith, and I have worked what counter it had come. She conducted Press. they consider to be miracles him to the head office on the top story. under amesthetic." Here his name and address were de- An Outpost for Siam manded. He returned home feeling Mr. Asboe has more ways very uncomfortable. Later, a special There are now 78 American than one of presenting the Gos- representative from the store arrived Presbyterian mISSIOnaries in pel message. For example, he at his house with a present done up Siam, and a national staff of 402 has adopted the Buddhist meth- in the usual elaborate Japanese style. working in 11 stations strung od of carving on the rocks by The firm was so delighted with such out through this long, narrow the wayside. The Buddhist an example of honesty that it wished country over a distance as great carvings are prayers which, if a to show appreciation. as from New York to St. Louis. man so much as passes, with This force of 480 workers car- the writing on his right side, During the next few days the pastor ries on medical, evangelistic and are credited to him as said. If, set some other things right, and his educational w 0 r k, not only however, he passes them on his radiant witness to Christ's power thrbugh 21 hospitals and dispen- left side, they become to him started a flood of blessing at the meetsaries and many 0 r g ani zed curses. Mr. Asboe employs ings and in his own church. On the churches and groups now car- Buddhist lamas to do his rock following Sunday he spoke with such ried on under the Church of carving, and to distinguish the power that the whole congregation Christ in Siam, and in 60 schools, Christian texts from the Bud- was greatly stirred, and asked for but through many informal con- dhist prayers, he prefixes each further teaching. One woman of the tacts in the daily round of duties. one with a cross. He also pub- congregation, at great cost to herself, lishes a Christian newspaper- proceeded to set right something in During 1935 the Kiulungkiang on a cyclostyle – and sen d s her own life which was wrong, and station of the Yunnan Mission in copies to the lamaseries. Copies in so doing witnessed to many non- China was returned to the Siam go, too, to the head man of el:!,ch Christians who were greatly impressed Mission, of which it was origi- village, who, perhaps in order to by her earnestness. nally a part. The people in this show off his learning calls the area are racially and geograph- villagers together and reads it -C. M. S. Outlook. ically a part of the Tai people of to them. The newspaper connorthern Siam, although politi- tains news of current events Forum of the Church cally they are Chinese. When and articles on hygiene, as well the Yunnan Mission was dis- as religious articles. One copy The thirteen societies which solved, March 31, 1935, the for- are cooperating with the Church mer Yuankiang s tat ion was of Christ in China are repreturned over to the Vandsburger sented by more than 1,100 mis- sionaries who contribute their services to the promotion of the Church's life and work. The one objective of all is the building up of a vigorous, indigenous Chi- nese Church, self-supporting, self-governing and self-propa- gating. Naturally, many ques- tions arise, such as the relation- ship of the missionary and the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Church, the administration of its current budget. A number more vaccinations were attended mission grants, the most effec- of new buildings are being to in one afternoon. -Presbyterian News. tive ways· of cooperation. To erected, including a mod ern keep societies and missionaries gymnasium building for the In Chinese Turkestan acquainted with matters and in- University Middle School and a cidents of interest and impor- new library building for which Throughout the Union of So- viet Socialist Republics there is tance, it has been found helpful 2,000 yuan in Government bonds to issue a Bulletin, in which no liberty for the proclamation church and mission leaders have has been received, with the pros- of the Gospel, or for the circulaan opportunity to express their tion of the Christian Scriptures. pect of another 100,000. varied convictions, and to profit That pertains wherever the by the experiences of widely Eleven colleges and universi- Soviet influence is dominant. scattered groups. This Bulletin Outer Mongolia, once open to the is called The Church, and is is- ties of Christian missionary sued occasionally from Peiping Gospel, is now closed. The sit- origin in China have gained in uation in Chinese Turkestan to-' by the Secretarial of the Gen- day is exceedingly delicate. All eral Assembly.-The Church. student enrolment a total of 244 letters of the missionaries are students, in comparison with a year ago. -World Call.
Short-Term Schools Students and Religion A short-term school for wom- censored, and they dare not en is held annually in many write freely. For the same rea- A Chinese speaker, in a meet- parts of China, preferably in son it is not possible to publish ing of the Council of Higher anything about their difficulties. Education last year, said that the fall after rice harvest. Any Christians are imprisoned, and woman' is eligible-':'Christian or the attitude of students toward missionaries are beset with per- Christianity had passed through non-Christian, rich or poor, edu- ils. Their work has to be carried three distinct phases. From cated or uneducated, and there on without publicity. 1922 to 1927 they were opposed is no age limit. There are some- times pupils 70 and 80 years of -China's Millions.
-at times violently opposed- age. The school is in session Many Nationalities in to Christianity. From 1928 to for 12 days, and the women lead 1930 was a period of compara- Manchuria tive indifference. From 1931 to a strenuous life during that pethe present was a period of open- riod; they take their studies At Harbin, there was recently more seriously than the ordinary held a Christian religious servmindedness never before seen in school girl. Even' during the· ice of many nationalities, and China. This openmindedness, in periods assigned for recreation attended by over a thousand his judgment, was due to the one may see groups of women people. Among the attendants busily studying. Many who were Chinese, Japanese, Korfact that in the serious crisis could not previously read a char- eans, Russians, Germans, Poles, which China is facing, the stu- acter are now able to read their English, Americans, Canadians,. Bible. The importance of a French, Lithuanians and Latdents feel helpless, humiliated Christian home is strongly em- vians. Three languages were and desperate. They turn their phasized. used – Chinese, Russian and attention to religion which re- English – for nearly everyone -The Living Church. present could understand one of cently they condemned; and as these. Pastor Liang, of the Chi- . to its type students demand a Medical Cooperation nese Lutheran Church, and Rev. religion that can be emotionally, Chikmaroff, of the Harbin Moli- The C. M. S. and the Presby- kan Church, read Scripture passocially and intellectually ex- terian Mission combined last sages referring to the unity of pressed. Three factors explain year in Hangchow in holding believers in Christ and to the this demand: government cen- clinics in chapels in towns where there is poor medical service. sorship, economic depression and the challenge of communism.
-Presbyterian Tribune.
New High in Enrolment Two such clinics have been held complete building up of the at Lin Bin, and three at Kyien Church in Christ. The Japanese Nanking University has the Gyao. Dr. Goodwin preached to pastor spoke on "The Unity of largest enrolment in its history the waiting patients, after which Christ in All Nations."
-1,806. Of private universi- the Chinese doctor would give a There was a spirit of real fel- ties in China, Nanking stands health talk. The patients, hav- lowship. Those present be- seventh in student enrolment; ing been registered, would then lieved that such a meeting would first in the number of staff and be passed in one at a time to the not only be to the glory of God, faculty; second in the number doctors, and then to the nurses but assist in fostering a broth- of teaching staff; first in the if dressings were needed, and to erly spirit between the peoples number of departments; third the pharmacist to "buy" their of this region, whose political in the number of courses; first medicine at ten coppers for prac- relations have been strained. in equipment and laboratory ap- tically any prescription, this be- Furthermore it deepened the paratus; second in number of ing the only charge made. As faith and fortitude of many.
books in the library; fourth in high as 140 patients and forty or -The Bible for China.
JAPAN -CHOSEN the A mer i can Board from ing, the Bible and Christian among the mIssIOnaries in hymns. The school has already Christianity Growing Japan. This Commission is to proved a success and has a hope- be thought of as a resident rep- ful future. Dr. Kagawa declares that resentative of the Board, to Christianity is on the increase facilitate direct contacts and to -The Missionary Herald. in Japan today, citing as proof advise the Board on matters of the doubling of the Christian policy and administration in Student Pioneers in Chosen community in the past ten years, Jiapan. The missionaries con- the phenomenal growth of the tinue to have a "Fellowship" Members of the Y. M. C. A. demand for Christian literature, which binds them together for of Chosen Christian College last the expansion of Christian work mutual fellowship and confer- May resolved to give the best in the building up of coopera- ence on common problems. they had to the largest possible tives and the conversion of lead- number of needy people by go- ing government officials, includ- -The Missionary Herald. ing where there were either no ing members of the nobility. churches, or very weak ones. Tokyo's Christian Daily After taking stock of their re- He says that Christianity is sources, these boys decided that taught in many public schools Tokyo has a new daily, Kirisu- they could send out only eight along with Buddhism and Shin- tokyo Shim bun, which claims to men, two men each to four places toism; but more significant is be the first Christian daily in for two or three weeks in July. the fact that these indigenous Japan, and perhaps the first of They selected two islands off the religions are increasingly in- its kind in Asia. An Episcopal west coast of Korea and two in- fluenced by Christianity. Bud- clergyman, the Rev. S. ·Murao, land country villages in south dhists have adopted Christian "Y" secretary, is its sponsor. Korea as most nearly fulfilling hymns, frequently use the Bible, The success of newspaper evan. the conditions they had laid celebrate the festival of Christ- gelism has led to this new ven- down for themselves in their mas, and have even introduced ture which is avowedly Chris- work. In order to fulfil the the cross into certain of their tian. As the Christian commu- whole of the Lord's command to temples. He pleads for more nity in Japan is not numerous, "Go, preach, teach, heal," they workers among the rural pop- the paper must extend its cir- persuaded two students of Sev- ulation and for numerous simple, culation among non-Christians erance Union Medical School to inexpensive schools and churches if it is to survive. If it does, join them, with a supply of which could be used seven days and if in its editorials, news and medicines. a week to reeducate and inspire advertisements, it is who II y the common people who compose guided by the principle, "What On both islands ignorance and so large a part of Japan's pop- would Christ do?" it might con- disease abounded. The people ulation.-The Living Church. ceivably be the greatest mission- were at least one hundred years ary force ever released in Nip- behind the times as compared to Administrative Change in pon.-The Christian Advocate. their fellow countrymen on the American Mission mainland. Ignorance and dis- Church Opens Trade School ease were accompanied by the On January 1st the Japan most primitive notions of reli- Mission of the American Board A little church of 130 mem- gion and the most sordid kind of went out of existence "as an or- bers in Tottori has a struggle to moral standards. No organized ganized legislative and adminis- balance its budget, yet feels religion of any kind was to be . trative body of American Board strongly that its social service found on either island. A sum- missionaries." This does not center must not close. Mrs. mary of the season's work shows mean that the American Board Yura, a fine Christian woman the following encouraging facts: withdraws from Japan, but who runs a successful trade Ten students spent a total of rather that the J a pan e s e school in Okayama where 250 168 days in the work. They churches may recognize their girls make foreign style dresses reached an average of seven or responsibility more fully. From for the department stores, of- eight hundred p eo pIe daily. the first, the churches that grew fered to help the church start a They treated more than 200 pa- up have been self-governing. trade school, to send teachers, tients, and distributed, free of While only half the Kumiai train a business manager, assist charge, about $30.00 worth of Churches are entirely self-sup- in buying materials and selling medicine. About a hundred peo- porting, 80 per cent of the entire the finished dresses; the pro- ple expressed a desire to be membership are in these self- ceeds, after paying expenses,_ to Christians and continue in the supporting churches. go towards the social service fellowship of the Church, Sun- work of the Center. day School and Young Peoples' The functions of the "Japan Societies for the further de- Mission" have now been trans- The local Christians raised velopment of their religious life. ferred to a "Japan Commission 1,000 yen and the school was The total cost of the work was Df the American Board," con- opened in April with 35 pupils, less than $75.00. sisting of three members and an who, besides learning a useful .alternate, appointed directly by trade, are taught cooking, read- -Chosen College Bulletin.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Doctor Saves His Face sought to maintain the best Tongan aeroplane as something extraor- customs and traditions, and to blend dinary, after all the translation In the March, 1935, Korea with them what is good and s~i~~ble of the New Tes,tament into an- Mission Field, we read how one for her people in European clvllIza- other language, is actually an missionary doctor saved his tion. The population has increased event of supreme importance. reputation: and public health is improved. At- tention has been given to the educa- The translator, H e i n ric h Druggist Kim and Druggist Yi were tion of the nation's youth, and selected Zahn, for many years was the exchanging opinions concerning mis- students are sent to schools in Aus- head of the school for missionsionary physicians, as they sat in tralia and New Zealand. ary workers in New Guinea,. Kim's store surrounded by his stock published his first translation of of herbs, deerhorn powder, dried frogs Secure in the loyalty and affection the New Testament in 1924. In and centipedes. "These Western phy- of her people, she reigns with ~ign!ty 1935 he published this new sicians are wonderful surgeons," said and wisdom. She takes an actlve In- translation in the Jabem lan- Yi, "but when it comes to giving medi- terest in all the work of the Church, guage and followed it by a cine they do not know Korean insides and is herself a class leader. translation of the Proverbs of as we do." Solomon. -The Christian Advocate. "I used to think as you do," replied New Guinea presents a great Kim, "but I changed my opinion New Field in New Guinea mixture of languages. It is the lately, and tell you why. You remem- second largest island on earth ber I asked the missionary to buy me Arrangements for sending two and many languages are. spoken one of those wooden hens that hatch missionaries into a section of the there. J abem is a coast laneggs by lamplight. When it came I newly~discovered territory in the guage spoken by a native race was so proud of it I put in front room interior of New Guinea are be- along Finchhaven and points where everybody could see, and start ing made by the Bishop of Mela- near by. When the Neuendetit going. After ten days got tired of nesia, Rev. W. H. Baddeley. An telsau Mission began its work on smell of kerosene burning night and exploratory trip has been made the island the effort was made day, so told servants put it in cellar. by air, to esta,blish friendly con- also to introduce Jabem in the So after full time, by directions the tacts with the people. Bishop neighboring regions where a missionary translated to me, I opened Baddeley has a diocese which similar dialect is spoken. Soon hen and not hear a peep. Waited spreads, in a series of island the language was extended to, three days more, not a peep. I began groups, over a distance of 2,000 the mountain tribes whose lanbelieve I bought American fraud, and miles, and includes New Guinea. guage, however, was Kate, a my wife said, 'I told you so.' He spends most of his time on Papuan language. A grammar the mission ship Southern Cross, and a dictionary of J abem are "I complained to one of hospital but in New Guinea itself travels to be published in the near fuassistants. He say he ask the doc- a good deal by air. "The coun- ture. tor's opinion of wooden hens, if try is so mountainous and diffi~ wooden hens really worked in Amer- cult," he said, "that it takes me The translator has made every ica, and if he thought they would seven days to cover on foot a effort to produce a translation work here even if we could not talk distance which I can do in which carries the very heart and English to them. twenty minutes by air. The air- soul of the Gospel into the lives way companies appreciate the of these people. It means some- "The doctor said, 'Of course they work of the missionaries so well thing, when now in the language will if you treat them according to that they allow us to travel free in which fifty years ago the politeness. Bring me three eggs, so of charge." magician still hurled his curses can examine.' I took him the eggs. and the wild warrior yelled his Breaking them, he said, 'These eggs -The Life of Faith.. battlecries through the plains hatched all right for ten days. What and forests, the language of the did you do the tenth day?' A New Bible Translation New Testament resounds to the salvation of these people. "Then I had to admit I had been so The NeuendeUelsau Mission, impolite as to put wooden hen in the operating in New Guinea, de- C. T. BENZE. cellar that very day. So I have con- votes two numbers of its journal, cluded a man who knows that much the Freimund, to the discussion Fijian Methodist Celebration about the insides of Korean eggs, of the revision of their transladown to the exact day, knows more tion of the Bible into J abem, a A large delegation of Ausabout Korean insides than any of our coast language of Northeastern tralian Methodists took part in Korean doctors." New Guinea. In February, 1935, a centenary celebration of Meth- an aeroplane, the first used by a odism on the Fiji Islands, where ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC German missionary soc i e t y, three out of every four persons made its first flight. In April, are Methodists. The event cele- Tonga's Christian Queen 1935, there appeared a fully re- brated was the coming of the vised, entirely new translation British missionaries, William Of the two living queens, one of the New Testament into Cross and David Cargill, to these is Wilhelmina of Holland, and Jabem. cannibal tribes. Their success the other Salote of Tonga. Salote stirred John Hunt and James isa Methodist and the New Zea- The writer thinks that while land Methodist descriibes her as the casual reader might regard follows: the first flight of a missionary She is a woman of commanding presence, cultured and gifted with intellectual capacity, wise in leadership and trusted by her people, and above all, a devout servant of Christ and His Church. Her reign has been marked by a growing spirit of unity in the nation. Old differences between the tribes and within the church have been largely forgotten. She has
Calvert to volunteer. The whole Palestine, is the only solution of The Problem of the nation professed conversion, re- the Jewish problem satisfactory Aborigines nounced its idols, and Wesleyan to the Jews and to anti-Semitic churches and schools were set up regimes in Europe. In every country except Euin every village. rope there is the problem of the Mr. de Haas, who presided in original people such as we have -The Christian Advocate. Vienna recently at the first con- in the United States with the gress of the New Zionist or- Indians. This problem reaches MISCELLANEOUS ganization, said that several large proportions in the tribal European governments were people of southwest China, as Facts to Ponder Over ready to assist Jews within their well as in Mexico, Central and borders in planning mass emi- South America. The problem in Between 27 and 36 million gration. -New York Times. all the Americas is typical of young people under the age of that which is found in Asia and 21 are without any religious in- Bible Distribution to Seamen in Africa among the unreached struction in the United States. tribes who are now experiencing The Bible Society of Scotland the inroads of the white man. The Japanese and Chinese began a work among seamen in The orig,inal inhabitants have have built 73 Buddhist temples 1912. This has developed to the been pushed inland into the less in America, one of them costing point of distributing Scriptures accessible and less habitable $250,000. on board ships in over a hundred parts of the country where they principal ports of the world in carryon the manner of life prac- There are 13,000,000 boys and 120 languages. The work is car- ticed by their fathers through girls under 12 years of age with- ried on by full time, part time, many generations. out religious instruction of any and by volunteer missionaries. kind in the United States. 'No mission halls are maintained Satan has made the barriers on shore; the work is solely on for reaching the unevangelized We are told that most young shipboard. tribes almost insuperable. The people accept Christ before the best provision that has been age of 16. After 16, there is Large numbers of Russian made for the great tribes which only one chance in 29 of win- sailors arrive at Copenhagen on inhabit vast areas of the earth ning an individual for Christ board Russian ships, and return is by means of an occasional and the Church. to their homes in Russia. This missionary who has learned the g,ives a wonderful oPPQrtunity language of some primitive -Presbyterian Banner. of introducing the Scriptures tribe, or by an interpreter. It is into Soviet Russia. As a result, most needful that every tribe Low Overhead Expense several Russian seamen have shall have the Gospel in its own been truly converted. language. Missionaries who are The Church of Scotland is re- doing evangelistic work and are sponsible for 18 mission fields Some Gospels were distrib- loaded with adminisltrative du- (8 in India, 6 in Africa, two in uted on a German ship going to ties do not have time to translate China, one in Jamaica, one in Cape Town via West African the Scriptures. It usually takes Arabia); where there are at ports. After reading the Gos- a man from fifteen to twenty work 741 missionaries, includ- pels, .one of the men requested years to translate the New Tesing 195 wives of missionaries, that the remainder should be tament, unless he can give it his and where there are regular saved from falling into the entire time and thought. members to the number of 157,- hands of a rabid Communist, 000. This Church stands fourth who wished to destroy them, and A Training Camp for linguishighest in its missionary serv- he stowed them away in his tic missionaries has been in opice among missionary churches locker. The ship called at a eration at Sulphur Springs, of the world, and has the excel- West African port, formerly Ark., for the past two summers. lent record .of spending only 5 German territory, and a native The men live under conditions per cent of its foreign mission was given a Gospel. The news as nearly similar as possible to giving on overhe1ad. In fact, in spread that this man had a Book those which they will find among certain areas where expenditure of God which he could read. a primitive people. They are has been cut still more, the Soon boats pulled out to the ship taught phonetics so that they Church has been able to carry at anchor and men stood up and will be able to reduce to writout all the home administration yelled for Gospels. The whole ing the various sounds in the on foreign mission work at a supply, which had been saved language which they will seek to cost of only 3.33 per cent. from the hands .of the Commu- learn, and how to translate the nist, were given to these natives New Testament into a primitive -Marcus Spencer. who rowed ashore with them, language. They are instructed where they began at once to read in the art of making a dictionary Mass Exodus of Jews them, and to carry them to their and grammar, and in the reli- Recommended villages. -London Missionary gious customs and superstitions of these peoples. Jacob de Haas, Zionist leader Herald. and author, told a grQUp of hear- L. L. LETGERS. ers in New YQrk recently that mass emigration, probably to Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~"===-",,,===—–=~===-=======-~======,~ NINE NEW BOOKS A few weeks behind the vet- ican youth, who had his leg shot eran tramper, came two young- off while defending Porfirio ON MEXICO sters from Princeton University, Diaz, later became director of who tell of their experiences in Colegio Internacional in Guada- People in the United States "Mexican Odyssey." 3 One an lajara and then came to New are being given a real opportu- artist and the other an author York, has given us the life exnity to look at their next door seem over-anxious to emphasize perience of many a Mexican neighbor through opportunities their drinking ability and seldom youthful revolutionist – maybe to visit Mexico offered by travel get below the surface of Mex- his own. The young heroine bureaus, "seminars" and teach- ican life. journeys, spiritually as well as ers' excursions, and by the in- physically, from old-fashioned creasing number of books about The most qelightful and the Mexico to a communistic center Mexican life. most understanding of the recent in Harlem and then back to books on the Revolution is seething social revolt in her na- "Off to Mexico" 1 – just what "Tempest Over Mexico" 4 by tive land. Here are many of the many would like to do – is the Rosa King, an English lady. cross currents that sweep hi,ther title of a travel book by the Here is one of those honest hu- and yon the Mexican youth of to- Moats family – Leone and Alice man documents from which real day-and here also is the happy Leone – who certainly k now history is made. Happily it is ending of a group of young their Mexico. "A guide book" is written in charming style, by one patriots who decide that life's the subtitle, but one would never who comes to interest us as much adventure is most worth while know it, if he has in mind the as do such heroes as Emiliano when it has a truly Christian old-style affair, in small type, Zapata, General Angeles, Presi-. basis. long lists of hotels and advice dent Huerta, the martyred Maabout the weather. The reading dero and other famous char- In the spirited religious conof this book will delightfully pre- acters who became known to the test in Mexico, each side of the pare one for a visit. author while conducting her triangle – Government, Roman famous tearoom and hotel in Catholics and Protestants-have The veteran tramper, Harry Cuernavaca in the midst of the iss u e d statements concerning Franck, has recently yielded to most exciting days of the Revo- their positions. "Conflict Bethe temptation to pursue the lution. Mrs. King may have lost tween the Civil Power and the unique paths South of the Rio her property, but she retained Clergy,"6 by Emilio Portes Gil, Grande, and as a result has given and multiplied her human sym- an important historical and legal us "Trailing Cortes Through pathies, her courage, born of the essay by a former Attorney Gen- Mexico." 2 This excellent volume righteousness of her purpose, eral, gives the Government's helps me to forgive him for his and her real friendship for the viewpoint. "Blood Drenched "Vagabonding Down the Andes." Mexican people. Here is more Altars," by Francis Clement As a young tramp he failed to real insight into the Revolution Kelly,7 a Roman Catholic Bishop, get the subtle humor, home-spun and more true' explanation of gives the Church's interpretaphilosophy and big-heartedness why Mexican soldiers fight than tion of Mexican history and her of the Andean citizen, so poor in can be found in many a solemn reasons for refusing to accept modernity. But he has found it volume purporting to philoso- the Government's position. "Rein Mexico – or did his wife phizeon this great social up- ligion in the Republic of Mex- Rachael, a delightful bit of the heaval. ico," 8 by Gonzalo Baez Camargo book's scenery – discover it for him. Here they have found the In the delightful story "Lu- and Kenneth G. Grubb is a very real Mexican, with his innate pita," 5 Alberto Rembao, a Mex- valuable documented study of friendliness, his native charm, even when far removed from 8 Willett & Clark, Chicago, 1935, pp. 292, • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico, D. F., what we call civilization. price $2.50. 1935, pp. 135, obtainable at Mexican con- sulates.
• Little, Brown & Co., Boston, 1935, price 7 Bruce Pub. Co., Milwaukee, pp. 502, price 1 Scribners, New York, 1935, price $4.50. $3. $3. .
2 Stokes, New York, 1935, pp. 373, price • Friendship Press, New York, 1935, pp. 8 "'orld Dominion Press, London, pp. 166, $3.50. 192, price $1. price $2.
Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RllvIllw publishers on receipt of price.
r 159 ] the recent revolution and its and are in language that very transpositions and omISSIOns relations to the religious ques- small children will understand. tion, from the Protestant Chris- that seem unwarranted. In realtian standpoint. It contains Church, Community and State – A ity the volume is a careful parachapters on Ancient and Mod- World Issue. By J. H. Oldham. phrase-a rendering of what the ern Mexico, The Achievements Preface by William Adams Brown. translators conceive to be the of the Revolution, The Religious Pamphlet. Harper and Bros. New meaning of the writers-rather Question, The Evangelical Move- York. 1935. ment, The Future, and includes than an accurate translation of maps and charts, a calendar of Great changes have been takreligious events, the number of ing place in religious liberty. the words used. The new mod- Roman Catholic priests and Dr. Oldham has made a deep ern Bible cannot replace' older Protestant workers and much study of the relation of governother interesting and useful in- ments to the Church and to translations but it is well done. formation. Christian progress. He knows the facts and thinks clearly so Off to Panama. By B. H. Pearson. The happier relations between that this pamphlet will repay Pamphlet. 35 cents. Free Tract the governments of the neigh- study for the light it throws on boring countries is illustrated in tFhaesciisnmfluaenndceNaotfionCaol mSomcuianlisims~ Society. 510 No. Main St., Los the publication by the Depart- to the problems of religious life Angeles, Calif. 1935. ment of Education of the United and liberty. . States Government of a delight- Mr. Pearson, who has been fully written booklet of seventythree pages on the rural schools working among Latin Americans of Mexico. In "The House of the People," 9 Mrs. Katherine for eighteen years, here tells the Cook has given an indispensable description and enchanting ex- story of Jose Avila, a former planation of how Mexico is successfully attacking her formid- colonel in the Mexican aJremsuy~ able problem of educating the now a true soldier of rural masses – one of the most remarkable educational develop- Studies in Ephesians and Studies in Christ and a preacher of His ments in the world today. Colossians. By E. Y. Mullins. 12 mo. 144 pp. each. Cloth, 60 cents; Gospel. It is a story of remark- S. G. INMAN. paper, 40 cents.. Sunday School Board, Southern Baptist Convention. able answers to prayer difficul- Bible Stories for Small People. By Nashvill!!, Tenn. 1935. Muriel Chalmers and Mary Ent- ties overcome, danger's faced wistle. Illus. by Elsie Anne Wood Dr. Mullins, formerly presi- and Roberta F. C. Wandby. 12 vol. dent of the Baptist Theological and victories won in Mexico and 16 mo. 60 pages. 25 cents each. Seminary at Louisville, Ken- Thos. Nelson and Sons. New York. tucky, possessed Biblical scholar- California. The incidents are 1935. ship and ability to teach and write. Dr. G. S. Dobbins has stirring and have a definite spir- Small children will like these edited and adopted these studies attractive little volumes of Bible for reading and classroom work. itual message but the colonel's stories-very simply told and at- They will repay careful study for tractively illustrated in oriental the light they throw on the present work in Panama is the style. Each volume relates to Word, and the practical help one character and contains little they give for daily life and subject of the story. more than full titles to the service. twenty-eight colored pictures. The. F!ne Ar~ of Soul Winning. By Three stories (volumes) relate to Jesus' childhood, three to His WIllIam Wlstas Hamilton. 12 mo. parables, three to incidents in His life, and the remaining three 109 pp. 60 cents, cloth; 40 cents, tell of Samuel, Moses and Isaac. Missionary par~nts and others paper. S. S. Board of the Southern will find these very useful in teaching Bible stories to their Baptist Convention, Nashville Tenn . children and they will form a 1935. ' good nucleus to a child's library. They are not in Bible words but The Bible. An Ame rSicmanithTraanndslEadtgioan~ The president of the Baptist are true to its teaching and spirit Edited by J. M. P. Bible Institute in New Orleans • Government Printing Office, Washington, J. Goodspeed. 8 vo. 883 and 247 has given us a very helpful book 1932, pp. 73, price 10 cents. pp. $2.00. University of Chicago on personal work. While ar- ranged for a study course it is Press. Chicago. 1935. readable and stimulating. Every A new translation of the Bible Christian would do well to read is a~w~ys i~teresting and is help- carefully, digest prayerfully and practice diligently.
ful If mtellIgently and faithfully Into All the World. By Dr. Arthur J. Brown and Dr. John D. Freeman. done. The present translation is 12 mo. 105 pp. 60 cents. S. S. Board, Southern Baptist Conven- by a group of scholars of the tion. Nashville, Tenn. 1935.
University of Chicago. The work "The Why and How of For- eign Missions," a very valuable is reverently done in order that and popular presentation of the enterprise, written by Dr. Brown "the religious influence of the s.everal years ago, is here pub- lIshed under a new title, in an Bible may be furthered in our amended form for use in the Southern Baptist churches. It is generation." Bible students will not brought up to date but is worthy of study by any Christian disagree as to the accuracy of group or by anyone who wants to know the basic principles and re- the translation of various pas- sults of foreign missions.
sages and many will not relish the change in some familiar verses. They give new render- ings but do not give their rea- sons. Why do they translate the first verse of the Bible "When God began to create the heavens and the earth"? There are also
Books Obituary Notes urged to accept a place in the
Consider Africa. Basil Mathews. (Concluded from page 118.) • • • Government but refused. 159 pp. 28. Edinburgh House The Rev. Thomas Barclay, D.D., Press. London. of Formosa, formerly a missionary of preaching and teaching the Lao peo- the Presbyterian Church of England, The Crow Indians. Robert H. Lowie. ple. died on October 5, 1935, at the ripe 350 pp. $4.00. Farrar and Rine- age of 86. He was one of the noblest hart. New York. He was born in the Isle of Skye, missionaries of modern times, and an Scotland, Aug. 15, 1869, and received Honorary Vice-President of the Na- The Tarahumara. An Indian Tribe his general education in that country; tional Bible Society of Scotland. He of Northern Mexico. Wendell C. he then went to Canada to engage in sailed for Formosa in 1875. His Bennett and Robert M. Zingg. 412 church work and was graduated from labors in that island and on the China pp. $4.00. University Press. Chi- Manitoba University, at Winnipeg. mainland were astonishing. His cago. After serving in North Dakota under the National Board, in 1902 he was greatest achievement was his transla- South America. Handbook of the appointed by the Board of Foreign tion of the whole Bible into the Amoy Work of the South American Mis- Missions as a missionary to Siam. dialect of Chinese, which, in Roman- sionary Society. Andrew Pride and ised Script, has done so much for the A. J. Cowell. mus. 62 pp. 9d. ••• South American Missionary Society. Frederick N. Charrington, of Lon· London. don, who, at the age of 20 gave up a evangelization of China. His services as a Christian statesman were re- Both Sides of the Buka Passage. An brewing fortune of £1,250,000 for con- warded by his receiving from the Ethnographic Study of Social, Sex- science' sake, died January 2d, after ual and Economic Questions in the 65 years of service in the cause of Emperor of Japan the Order of the Northwestern Solomon Islands. Bea- • • Rising Sun. trice Blackwood. mus. 624 pp. Christianity and temperance. He • 358. Oxford University Press. united philanthropic efforts with di- London. rect Gospel testimony and had the joy Mrs. Hunter Corbett, the widow of a pioneer Presbyterian missionary to The Japan Christian Year Book. of seeing many remarkable conver- China, died on January 28th in Shang- Edited by F. D. Gealy and Akira sions. Ebisawa. 496 pp. Y 2.50 or 78. 6d. ••* hai at the age of 76. Helen Suther- Kyo Bun Kwan, Tokyo; Kegan land was born in Coburg, Ontario, Paul, London. Canada, and after a nurse's training Willis E. Lougee, Congregational course went to China in 1888 as a Cameos from Purulia. L. Margaret layman, formerly connected with the missionary. The next year she mar- Sharpe. mus. 79 pp. 28. Mission Y. M. C. A., died at Billings, Montana, ried Dr. Hunter Corbett of the Pres- to Lepers. London. November 3d. He had served from byterian Church in the U. S. A. He 1907 to 1910 as associate secretary of was at one time moderator of the What Is Shinto? Genchi Kato. Illus. the Congregational Home Missionary Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and 73 pp. lB. 6d. Kegan Paul. Lon- Society, and from 1910 to 1913 as its died in 1920. Mrs. Corbett is sur- don. treasurer. From 1924 to 1934 he col- vived by one son, a stepson and five lected about $5,000,000 for various re- Popular Hinduism. The Religion of ligious and philanthropic societies. stepdaughters. She and her husband the Masses. L. S. S. O'Malley. 246 gave a total of 112 years to mission- pp. 78. 6d. Cambridge University **• ary work in China. Press. London. The Rev. Arthur J. Smith, D.D., If you use The Encyclopedia of Islam. Edited for seventeen years superintendent of by M. Th. Houtsma, A. J. Wensinck, the Evangelistic Committee of New PRINTING H. A. R. Gibb, W. Heffening and E. York City, died at his home in Kew Levi-Provencal No. 52. 1024 pp. Gardens, N. Y., on January 22d in his YOU will profit from an ac- 78.9d. Luzac. London. 71st year. He was born in Robinson, quaintanceship with us. We Canada, and after graduation from do the job complete in our own Creative Society. A Study of the Re- Eastman College, Poughkeepsie, went plant, whether it be large or lation of Christianity to Commun- into business and then into the Y. M. small. ism. John MacMurray. 196 pp. C. A. Later he served as assistant 58. Student Christian Movement pastor in the Bethany Presbyterian While our specialty is Books, Press. London. Church, Philadelphia, a position which Magatines and Pamphlets, yet he resigned to become associated as we have a variety of modern The Church at Work in the Modern an evangelist with Dwight L. Moody, equipment to meet all the re- World. Edited by William Clayton B. Fay Mills, and J. Wilbur Chapman. quirements of your particular Bower. 304 pp. $2. University job. You will find our service Press. Chicago. *•• prompt, careful and courteous.
Central Africa-News and Views. A Dr. David Z. T. Yui, a prominent Will you allow us to estimate quarterly report of the life and work Chinese Christian leader, formerly on your next printing? We be- of the Blantyre and Livingstonia very active in the Y. M. C. A. of lieve you will be delighted with Missions of the Church of Scotland. China, died in Shanghai on January our product, price and service. Illus. Mission Press, Blantyre, 22d at the age of 54. Dr. Yui was a Nyasaland. Annual sub. 48. 6d. member of the Protestant Episcopal The EVANGELICAL PRESS Vol. 1, No.1, July, 1935. Church and was well known in China and America. He was one of the Printers of By Patience and the Word. The founders of the Institute of Pacific Story of the Moravian Missions. Relations and was the people's dele- The Missionary Review of the World Samuel King Hutton. 262 pp. gate from China to the Conference on Hodder & Stoughton. 58. London. Disarmament in Washington in 1921. PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE He was general secretary of the Na- Third end Reily Strub He"lsbwl, P•• The Story of Fifty Years. Carrie T. tional Committee of the Y. M. C. A. Burritt. 213 pp. $1.00. Light and of China and had been chairman of Life Press. Winona Lake, Indiana. the National Christian Council of China. He prepared for college in Canton and was later graduated from Harvard where he took his master's degree. A leading Chinese magazine named him as one of the twelve great- est living Chinese leaders. He was
THESE SPECIAL
The Missionary Review th~World You will learn in our October number about A/rica from an A/rican Viewpoint The African's View of Africa What Christ Means to Me•••By Africans African Characteristics and Customs What Christian Missions Have Accomplished···By Africans What Africa Needs Most•••By Africans The White Man's Views 0/ A/rica The Results of Fifty Years of Missions Present.Day Hindrances to Christianity What Missions Are Doing Today Heroes of the Cross in Africa The Next Step in African Missions Best Books by Africans and About Africa Negroes Tell About the Negro in America in our June number What American Negroes Are Thinking Negro Views of Negro Problems Some Achievements of American Negroes Ideals for Better Race Relations What Christ Has Done for Negroes Some Outstanding Negro Christians What Negroes Are Doing for Their Race White Contributors Will Write on Helps and Handicaps in Negro Progress Progress in the Past Half Century Some Lessons from Experience in Mission Work The Next Steps in Work for American Negroes Best Books by Negroes and About Negroes Order These Copies Now Eor Yourself and Eor Mission Study Classes 25 cents a copy $20 a hundred $2.50 a year The Missionary Review oJ t:he World Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — February 1936
1936
A Korean Woman's Story Mrs. Induk Pak Making Contacts in Arabia B. D. Hakken Changing Attitudes in Iran Commodore B. Fisher George F. Zoeckler Blots on National 'Scutcheons Muriel Lester Educational Achievements in Brazil J. E. Moreland Among Head Hunters in Pagan Papua Russell W. Abel New England as a Home Mission Field Robert Watson , 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember Obituary Notes THE REVIEW, and recently state presi-
dent of the New Jersey Haptist Wom- February 2-The Moody Bible Insti- The Rev. George A. Wilder, for an's Board of Missions, died on Detute Jubilee and centenary of the many years a missionary of the Amer- cember 22d at her home in Montclair, birth of D. L. Moody. This day ican Board (Congregational) in South N. J., at 65 years of age. Mrs. Farmer will launch the Founder's Week Africa, died on December 28th, at the was born in Kingston, N. Y., daughter home of his daughter, Mrs. Frances of a Baptist minister, was graduated Conference. from Wellesley in 1893 and for many A. Lyman, in Glen Ridge, N. J. His years has been active in church and February lO-17-International Coun- wife died a few years ago. Mr. Wilder missionary circles. She organized mis- cil of Religious Education. Chicago, was born in Natal, South Africa, in sion study classes in Montclair and Ill. 1855, son of Rev. Hyman Wilder, a has lectured and taught missions at missionary under the same Board. Northfield conferences and other gath- February 2B-World Day of Prayer. George Wilder was graduated from erings. She is survived by her hus- Phillips-Andover Academy, Williams band, William H. Farmer, four daugh- April 29-May S-National Convention, ters and one son. Y. W. C. A., Colorado Springs, Colo. Canon Andre'a" M'"ora*ka died in Tan- May I-General Conference, Meth- College and Hartford Theological odist Episcopal Church, Columbus, Seminary. He was beloved by the ganyika, Africa, on September 1st. Africans who often called him "The He was universally respected both by Ohio. Africans and Europeans, and his loss White African." will be felt throughout the C. M. S. May l2-lS-National Council of Fed- Mission. erated Church Women. Dayton, *** * '" * Ohio. Dr. Frank Mason North, Secretary Emeritus of the Board of Foreign Enid Mira Haven (Mrs. Gideon F.) May 20-24-Northern Baptist Conven- Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Draper, of the Methodist Episcopal tion. St. Louis, Mo. Church, died at his home in Madison, Mission in Japan, passed away on Oc- New Jersey, on December 17th, two tober 29th. Mrs. Draper came to May 27-General Assembly, United weeks after he had reached the ripe Japan with her husband in 1880. The Presbyterian Church of North Draper family name is associated in- delibly with the founding of the Yoko- America. Pittsburg, Kansas. age of 85 years. hama Christian Blind School, and with Mrs. Draper's National Mother's As- May 2B-General Assembly, Presby- Dr. North was a man of rich talents sociation of which she was founder terian Church in U. S. A. Syra- and wide experience. He was born in and for many years president. New York City in 1850; was gradcuse, N. Y. *** uated from Wesleyan University in July 6-12 – Twelfth World's Sunday 1872 and ordained to the ministry in Rev. Dr. John Dixon, former sec- School Convention. Oslo, Norway. the following year. After holding sev- retary for the Board of National Mis- eral pastorates he took charge of a ••• . sions of the Presbyterian Church, died FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- mission church in Harlem, and later was pastor of the Calvary Church, at his home in Trenton, N. J., on De- ARY ASSEMBLIES cember 11th. New York City, and the Methodist January 2S-29-Miami. Church in Middletown, Conn. In '" '" January 2B-29-Ft. Lauderdale. 1892, Dr. North became secretary of January 29-3l-Palm Beaches. the New York City Church Extension Mrs. Elizabeth Badley Read, who February loS-Orlando. and Missionary Society, a post he held died in Delhi, India, October 11th, for twenty years. He was also editor aged fifty, was the daughter of Dr. February 2-S-Deland. of The Christian City. In 1892, he and Mrs. B. H. Badley, and sister of February S-7-Winter Haven. became corresponding secretary of the Bishop Badley of India. She was a Methodist Board of Foreign Missions lady of rare artistic and literary cul- February S-7-Lakeland. and became secretary emeritus in ture, and her articles have appeared February B-13-St. Petersburg. 1928. He was president of the Fed- in leading American periodicals. February 9-1l-Clearwater. eral Council of Churches from 1916 to February l2-l3-Bradenton. 1920. Dr. North has written many *** poems and hymns, some of which are February 13-l4-Sarasota. A. T. Polhill died recently at the February l3-14-Ft. Myers. age of 73. He was one of the "Seven" February lS-IB-Tallahassee. who in the '80's went out from Cam- bridge to China. Mr. Polhill spent widely known and sung. His wife, most of his life in western China as a Louise McCoy North, and his son, Dr. missionary of the China Inland Mis- Personal Item sion. Eric M. North, Secretary of the American Bible Society, survive him. '" * * Rev. Edward ShiIlito retired on Dr. W illiam '" H e'"nr '" Leslie, for 38 Mrs. Margaret Norton Eddy, September 25th, after twenty years mother of Sherwood and Brewer Eddy, y died September 20th. She was also of service as literary superintendent years a missionary of the American known for her own missionary-mindof the London Missionary Society. edness, and for the establishing of a Baptist Foreign Mission Society in school for missionaries' children at Kodaikanal, South India. the Belgian Congo, died on December *** 25th in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the Dr. W. C. Pearce, long identified age of 67. Dr. Leslie was born in with the Sunday school movement throughout the world, died October London, Ontario, and received his 25th, of heart failure, after address- ing a regional convention in Southern medical degree from Lake Forest Uni- California on that morning. At the time of his death he was general sec- versity. He spent most of his life in retary-emeritus of the California or- ganization and vice-president of the the heart of the cannibal country in World's Sunday School Association.
the interior of Africa and, with his (Continued on page 65.) of this Course. every wife, faced many dangers. They Young People's Society may started 275 schools in the area and converted into a School for Bible Training. Dr. Leslie was decorated by the Bel- gian Government as a Chevalier of the Royal Order of the Lion. He was given the title "Nganga Buca" (mean- Four Parts-52 Lessons. Part I. The Bible-The ing "The Doctor who Really Cures") God 01 the Bible. Part II. The Christ 01 the Bible by the natives in the Nganga District -The Holy Spirit. Part III. Man-Sin and Redemp- of the Belgian Congo where he suction. Part IV. The Church-Future Events. cessfully cured many natives of yaws Send 1Sc in stamps for current issue. and other tropical diseases. RISTIAN PUBLICATIONS. INc '" * • Mrs. Grace G. Farmer, formerly a 1502 N. Third St., H.rrisburg, Pa. member of the Editorial Council of
MISSIONARY Kellersberger of the Congo; Mrs. are doing through the pages of
REVIEW OF THE WORLD Anna P. White on "Egypt and the MISSIONARY REVIEW. I frequently New Day"; "Korea" by Mrs. Induk VOL. LIX FEB., 1936 No.2 Pak, and Home Missions by Bishop mention the magazine to friends in Publication and Business Office– Kern. They will be worth reading and different centres in England and Thl..d and Reily Sts.• Ha….lsburg. Pa. passing on to others. Wales." WATCYN M. PRICE. Editorial and Executive Office– 156 Fifth Avenue. New York City. *** Foreign Mission Board, Entered as second-class matte.. at Presbyterian Church of Wales.
Post Office. Ha..risburg. Pa., under The Student Volunteer Movement *** Act ot March 3. 1879. Wall Street, New York, the money Convention, reported in this issue, center of the world, recently puplished 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. was marked by some notable ad- Foreign Postage. 50 cents a year. in its Journal a strong endorsement Published monthly. except August. dresses, including those by Dr. Ka- All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. gawa of Japan, Mrs. Pak of Korea, of Christianity. "What America needs British agents – Marshall. Morgan and Scott. 12 Paternoste.. Buildings. Prof. G. Baez Camargo of Mexico, more than railway extension, western London. E. C. 1 shilling per copy. 10 shillings a yea … Mr. Sun of China, Dr. Wm. M. Vories irrigation, a low tariff, a bigger cotton MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- of Omi-Hachiman, Japan, Dr. William crop, and a larger wheat crop is a re- LISHING CO., INC. Temple, the Archbishop of York and BOARD OF DIRECTORS vival of religion. The kind that father ROBERT E. SPEER. President Dr. Richard Roberts of Toronto. and mother used to have. A religion WM. 1. CHAMBERLAIN. Vice-Pre8ident WALTER McDOUGALL. Treasurer Some of these addresses have also been that counted it good business to take DELAVAN L. PIERSON. Secretary time for family worship each morning secured and will appear, in whole or SAMUEL McCREA CAVERT right in the middle of wheat harvest. in part, in an early number of THE A religion that prompted them to quit MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD WM. B. LIPPHARD REVIEW. *** work a half hour earlier on Wednes- day so that the whole family could get ERIC M. NORTH We hope you are finding the maga- JESSE R. WILSON ready to go to prayer meeting." zine as helpful and inspiring as are A. L. WARNSHUIS some of our readers whose comments *** SAMUEL M. ZWEMER have recently come in letters: WHEN THE SLIP GETS BY "The January issue is so good that Editorial Chat The typographical error is a slippery I want THE REVIEW sent for one year thing and sly, The Annual Meeting of THE REVIEW will be held in the Assembly Room beginning with the January issue to You can hunt till you are dizzy, but it (8th floor) of 156 Fifth Avenue, New somehow will get by. York, on Thursday, February 20th, at the three addresses attached. Send 3 p. m. All friends of THE REVIEW Till the forms are off the presses it is and of Christian missions at home and the bill to me. I hope you will keep strange how still it keeps; abroad are cordially invited. There up the good work for many years." will be brief missionary addresses by It shrinks down into a corner and it Dr. Robert E. Speer and others. REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D. never stirs or peeps, Princeton, N. J. *** That typographical error, too small *** In spite of difficulties, the past year for human eyes, has been encouraging for THE REVIEW. "I have always appreciated the Till the ink is on the paper, when it The number of subscribers has in- spirit of THE REVIEW and the splendid creased and we have never had more magazine you have been able to give grows to mountain size. enthusiastic and encouraging com- us through the years. We feel it has The boss he stares with horror, then ments from our readers. Few, if any, improved with age." subscribe who do not read but many he grabs his hair and groans; read who do not subscribe. Some can- DR. CHAS. D. BONSACK. The copy reader drops his head upon not afford the price but feel that they Church of the Brethren, cannot afford to miss the reading. his hands and moans- Some subscribers write that they cir- Elgin, Ill. The remainder of the issue may be culate their copies among many friends. far and near. We recognize *** clean as clean can be, this as missionary work. But that typographical error is the "I am delighted with the January *** number of THE MISSIONARY REVIEW. only thing you see. I have not seen anything in a long -Knoxville (Ia.) Express. THE REVIEW is being promoted at time better than the article by Mrs. the Florida Chain of Missionary As- Stanley Jones." Obituary Notes semblies. Reprints of the article by Mirs. E. Stanley Jones have also been MRS. HENRY W. PEABODY. (Continued from Second Cover.) made for distribution there and else- Orlando, Fla. where. One subscriber writes that Karen Jeppe, widely known as the that article alone is "worth the price * ** of a year's subscription." friend of Armenian orphans and "THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE widows, died July 7th in Aleppo *** WORLD is unquestionably the best gen- (Syria). Her life has been described eral news magazine on missions in the by the Danish writer, Ingeborg Maria THE REVIEW is arranging to print English language. Covers the whole Sick in her book "Karen J eppe," as a a number of the addresses given at range of missionary effort at home life singularly rich and beautiful, !:he Florida Chain of Missionary As- and abroad." spent in her devotion to a "people in semblies. They will include those by distress." The Danish papers report G. Baez Camargo of Mexico; Mrs. THE CONVENTION BULLETIN OF that her institutions are to be con- THE STU DEN T VOLUNTEER tinued. Though she was a Lutheran, MOVEMENT CONVENTION, IN- the Armenian Church has given her a DIANAPOLIS. burial in the new Armenian Church in Aleppo. *** *** "THE MISSIONARY REVIEW is the best missionary paper in existence. I Mrs. Hallie Linn Hill, well-known look forward to each issue with pleas- mission study lecturer, died on No- ure. The articles, as well as the edi- vember 18th at Menominee, Michigan. torials, are well written and inspiring. For years Mrs. Hill presented in lec- I wish we had something like this in tures the current mission study books the Hindi language." of the Council of Women for Home Missions and of the Federation of REV. P. A. PENNER. Women's Boards for Foreign Missions Bethesda Leper Home, to the many summer conferences meet- ing annually in all sections of the Chompa, C. P. India. United States.
*** "Let me congratulate you most heartily on the wonderful work you [ 65 ]
TEMPLE JOHN R
For many years Chairman of the Archbishop of York Executive Committee of the Student Volunteer Movement and of the One of the foremost Christian states- World's Student Christian Federation; men in England; Oxford graduate; now Chairman of the International formerly Honorary Chaplain to the Missionary Council; President of the King; sometime president of the World's Alliance of the Y. M. C. A.; Workers' Educational Association; counsellor of students throughout the author of "Christ in His Church," world; author of "The Present Day "Thoughts on Some Problems of the Summons to the World Mission of Day," "Nature, Man, and God," etc. Christianity" and other volumes.
ROBERT E. SPEER SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Senior Secretary of the Board of For- One of the Founders of the Arabian eign Missions of the Presbyterian Mission; Editor of The Moslem Church in the U. S. A., one of the first World; author of "Across the World secretaries of the Student Volunteer of Islam," etc.; Professor of Mis- Movement; author of "The Finality sions at Princeton; formerly one of of Jesus Christ," "Christian Realities," the secretaries of the Student Volun- "Some Great Leaders in the World teer Movement and recently Secretary Movement," "Race and Race Rela- of the Near East Christian Council. tions," etc. JESSE WILSON ROBERT P. WILDER Formerly a missionary in Japan; Sec- Founder and former General Secre- retary of the Student Volunteer Movetary of the Student Volunteer Move- ment; author of "I Am a Christian," ment and missionary to India; re- etc. cently Secretary of the Near East Christian Council; author of "Christ and the Student World," etc.
TOYOHIKO KAGAWA GONZALO BAEZ CAMARGO "The' Modern Apostle of Love" in Secretary of the National Christian Japan; Christian social service worker Council of Mexico; specialist in the .and founder of Christian cooperatives ~eld of religious education; journalin Japan. Leader in great religious, Ist, author and Christian leader. political and economic movements; author of "Love, the Law of Life," "Christ and Japan," etc.
MRS. INDUK PAK MRS. ELEANOR T. CALVERLY, M.D.
A vital Christian personality from Instructor at the Kennedy School of Korea; Field Secretary of the Coop- ~issions, ~artford Seminary Foundaerative Committee on Work Among tIon; for sIxteen years a medical mis- Rural Women, Seoul; former travel- sionary to Arabia; author and lecing secretary for the Student Volun- tUrer. teer Movement.
T.Z.KOO KENNETH SCOTT LATOURETTE Christian leader of Chinese students; Professor of Missions and Orienta:l spiritual prophet of the Christian History, Yale University; formerly movement in China; kindly inter- missionary in China; author of "The preter of Western and Chinese cul- Development of China," "History of tures; former secretary of World's Christian Missions in China," etc. Christian Student Federation.
SOME SPEAKERS AND LEADERS AT THE STUDENT VOLUNTEER CONVENTION (See pages 67 to 68 and 83 to 85) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY, 1936 Topics of the Times STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AT some unevangelized area of China or other unoc- INDIANAPOLIS cupied field. There were present honored mis- sionaries, most of whom unfortunately had no It was an inspiring challenge to see twenty-five recognized place in the program but who contrib- hundred young men and young women, meeting uted much to intimate interviews and discussions daily for five days (December 28,1935 to January in seminar groups – men and women like Dr.
1, 1936) to consider how best to follow Christ in Thomas Moody, a Baptist veteran of the Congo; carrying out His program for the world. These Dr. and Mrs. John M. Springer, of Central Af:r:ica; were not only youth, with life before them, but Dr. Frank C. Laubach, of the Philippines; ,DrJ two thousand were selected students from four H. E. Phillips, of Egypt; Rev. Ray C. Phillips"o.t hundred and fifty advanced institutions of learn- the Transvaal, South Africa; Dr. L. s. G.MJl}erj ing in the United States and Canada. They are of Japan, and others. There were pastors anq the coming leaders-earnest, energetic and ideal- teachers, editors and authors to lead groups. of istic. Naturally they are not all well informed on from fifty to one hundred in the thirty-three daily world conditions or on the teachings and program seminars for the study of special topics.
of Christ but they came to consider prayerfully This twelfth quadrennial convention marked their personal relation to Christ and their place of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the greatest service to mankind. Under trained lead- Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Mis- ers they r;;ought to catch the vision, inspiration and sions. It was appropriate that the founder of the power for the great task ahead. Movement, and its first secretary, Dr..Robert P.
Among the speakers were such well-known lead- Wilder, could be present to lead a seminar on ers as Dr. William Temple, Archbishop of York; "Prayer and Missions," but it is to be regretted Dr. Richard Roberts, Moderator of the United that he was given no adequate place in the gen- Church of Canada; Dr. John R. Mott, Chairman eral program. His messages still ring with power of the International Missionary Council and the and meet response in the student world.
masterful chairman of many conventions; Dr. Great changes have come in the world and in Robert E. Speer, one of the honored missionary student attitudes in the last half century. In 1886 advocates and Christian teachers of the day, has many lands and large areas were still without any attended and addressed all the previous volunteer knowledge of Christ and His Gospel; the native conventions. There were also numerous mission- churches were generally weak and not organized ary executives and teachers, such as Dr. Kenneth for advanc-e; there were practically no student S. Latourette, of Yale; Dr. John A. Mackay, of volunteers in the educational centres of America New York; Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer, of Princeton, or Europe; the Mission Boards were struggling and Dr. Mills J. Taylor, of Philadelphia. Among to secure missionaries and funds for the work.
those who brought stirring testimonies from mis- The Student Volunteer Movement, started in sion lands-themselves the product of missions- Mount Hermon, Massachusetts, in 1886, was the were Prof. Baez Camargo, of Mexico; Dr. Toyo- means of arousing missionary interest in schools, hiko Kagawa, of Japan; Mrs. Induk Pak, of colleges and theological seminaries. In a year or Korea, and Dr. T. Z. Koo, of China. Students also two 2,000 students had volunteered for service brought earnest, gripping messages, including abroad and the churches responded to the chal- that of the Hartford Group, the members of lenge to support them. In the past fifty years the which are seeking a place of pioneer' service in number of sailed volunteers has grown to 14,000 [ 67]
and missionary gifts have increased over four had little or no knowledge of the Bible and spirhundred per cent. itual things. They had evidently not studied the Bible in their homes, in churches or in colleges But since the World War a great change has and universities. They lacked the background come over the attitude of youth toward the solu- and foundations for the appreciation of missiontion of world problems. The Des Moines Volun- ary themes. Consequently most of the first half teer Convention, sixteen years ago, was marked of the general program at Indianapolis was not by a revolt against the leadership of the "elder missionary but was an attempt to lay these founstatesmen." That convention was large in num- dations. The audience was the mission field rather ber but the delegates were lacking in missionary than the missionary force. Probably, on the vision and purpose and were only convinced that whole, the greatest missionary impression was a change of ideals and of leadership was needed. made on the students in some of the seminars such They rightly believed that selfishness and foolish- as those on Latin America, Moslem Lands, Unocness had involved the world in terrible war and cupied Areas, the Medical Approach, and Prayer bloodshed and they expressed their intention to and Missions. A few of the groups seemed not take control of the Church and State in an effort to be so fortunate in subjects or leaders. to bring about better conditions. The problems of international peace, social justice, racial equal- The real value of the Indianapolis Convention ity and economic betterment obscured the Chris- can only be judged by the results. There may tian foundations and ideals of spiritual service. not come from it many foreign missionaries or Many students were determined to work for re- volunteers, for the present position of the Boards forms-either with or without the help of God. and the attitude of the churches are discouraging. The whole movement may undergo a change. The Four years later, at the first Indianapolis Vol- devoted General Secretary, Jesse R. Wilson, is unteer Convention (1923-24), the youth were in leaving to take up work under the Baptist Board the saddle and turned their attention from world on the Pacific Coast. Who will be called to sucevangelism to the solution of social and economic ceed him? The early days of the Movement were problems. But while earnest and energetic, they marked by the clear leadings of God, by ceaseless were uninformed and inexperienced. They failed prayer, by devoted self-sacrifice and by a fearless to make much impression or to reach any prac- pioneering spirit. Will these be manifested in the tical conclusions. The Student Volunteer Move- students who went to Indianapolis? Have they ment seemed doomed. come to a clearer knowledge of God; have they come into closer fellowship with Christ; have At the recent Indianapolis Convention the stu- they seen a new vision of all men's need for salvadents showed their responsiveness to Christian tion? Will they return to their seminaries and idealism but with much less self-confidence and colleges to start new prayer groups and mission more reaainess to listen to experienced leaders. study circles? Will they be missionaries on the The youth at Indianapolis won all hearts by their campuses where a million students wait to be earnestness and courage. They had not much in- evangelized and brought into vital contact with terest in the past and its leaders, for their faces Christ? Will new Christian leaders and new rewere toward the future, but they were not so sure sponse to God's call come out of this convention, of their own ability to turn the world right side as they-came from the first student conference at up over night. The youth of today are sobered Mount Hermon fifty years ago? If so, the Student by the knowledge that the world is not eagerly Volunteer Movement will live and grow and will bidding for their budding talents. The great usher in a new era of world-wide Christian evanproblems of the day are recognized but are seen gelism. If not- ? to be too serious for any untried, cure-all remedy. The majority of the younger generation today are FOREIGNERS ON FOREIGN MISSIONS asking – "Whither are we drifting? Who can show us the way out? Why take life so seriously? One of the outstanding features of the forty- Why not have a good time and then snuff out the third annual meeting of the Foreign Missions Concandle?" ference of North America was the unique contri- bution made by men and women who are products But at Indianapolis the youth were of a differ- of Christian missions in other lands. Dr. Toyoent temper, or they would not have been there. hiko Kagawa, now well known throughout' the They seemed eager to know the mind of Christ world as a Japanese Christian evangelist and soand to discover their place in the program of God, cial statesman, made an eloquent plea for the more but they were largely uninformed as to the essen- than fifty million rural population of Japan. In tials of Christianity and the deepest needs of man- response the conference voted to ask the Comkind. The nucleus of theological students and the mittee of Reference and Council to undertake to children of· ministers and missionaries present stood out in contrast to the mass of delegates who
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
help raise funds for building 1,000 Christian because of the lack of prospect of their being sent. chapels (at about $280 each) in rural districts The need is great both to fill places made vacant where lay leaders will minister to Japanese Chris- by death and retirement and to advance into untian groups now without places of worship and occupied fields. There is an abundance of money unable to build their own chapels. in the home church to support the work of Christ both at home and abroad, when truly God-called, Mrs. Induk Pak, the captivating Korean field 8Jdequately-prepared and spirit-filled volunteers secretary of the Christian Cooperative Committee are ready to go and when Christians at home are on work for Rural Women in Chosen (whose ad- aroused to the need, the privilege and responsidress at Indianapolis appears in this issue), spoke bility of Christian stewardship. impressively of the great need for helping Korean women to solve their economic problems while at Among the present trends in the thought of the same time they are led out into spiritual life Christian leaders at home is the greater emphasis and freedom through Jesus Christ. on the need for spiritual awakening and reeduca- tion of the churches at home in the teachings and Prof. Gonzalo Baez Camargo, a product of evan- program of Christ. Another topic always uppergelical missions and now secretary of the National most in modern mission councils is: How churches Council of Evangelical Churches in Mexico, spoke on the mission fields may be strengthened so that with power on the "upbuilding of the Evangelical they may carryon with decreased support and Church" under the present difficulties that mark oversight from America and Europe. It is evipolitical and religious activities in that country. dent that these churches must depend on the He told of the hardships and blessings that have guidance of the Spirit of God and Biblical ideals come to the Evangelical churches through the for their national development, without seeking necessity of standing on their own feet, being de- to perpetuate Occidental characteristics and diprived of help from foreign missionaries. visions. Unoccupied fields and rural popUlations are receiving more attention today, having been Mr. T. H. Sun of China, the Christian editor of too long neglected while institutional work has The Christian Farmer, made an effective plea for been developed in large centers. the rural populations of his country where there are over 300,000,000 tillers of the soil. He urged Over three hundred delegates and visitors reptheir need not only for the Gospel of Christ, but resenting sixty-nine Mission Boards were regisalso for Rural Reconstruction to teach them im- tered at this Foreign Missions Conference,. of proved methods of farming, literacy, sanitation which Dr. John R. Mott was chairman. The chairand better homes to help make strong Christian man elected for the 1937 conference is Dr. Robert communities and churches. E. Speer who is due next year to retire as secre- tary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- These four representatives of the growing sions, a position he has occupied since 1891 when Chris-tian churches in the mission fields were he was called from his studies in Princeton Thethemselves an unanswerable argument in favor ological Seminary. of taking the Gospel of Christ into all the world and offered great reason for encouragement in the STIRRINGS AMONG INDIAN future of Christianity in those lands. UNTOUCHABLES Another feature of the Asbury Park Conference Dr. Ambedkar, of India, declares that the (January 8 to 10) was the optimism shown by the wrongs of the "outcastes" can no longer be tolerrepresentatives of the Foreign Mission Boards ated. In response some factors in India's reliin the face of present difficulties. Dr. John R. gious revolution are pointed out by the editor of Mott, who has attended most of the conferences Dnyanodaya, Dr. J. F. Edwards, of Poona. He from the first, voiced the belief that the depression says: "First: The widely respected Congress and recession in foreign missionary interest and president says that it is because India still treats giving have struck bottom and the period of ad- so many of her own people as Untouchable that vance has again begun. The lessons learned, and the other nations of the world treat India as an the changes that should be made in the mission- Untouchable. ary program were not clearly stated but there is today a growing conviction that evangelism must "Second: This latest development in India's rebe stressed in all departments of the work abroad ligious revolution has been set in motion by the and that the Church at home must be spiritually redoubtable Ambedkar, largely owing to the new awakened. A committee has been appointed to Indian Constitution which despite all its defects arrange for another United Missionary Campaign has given the vote to sixteen per cent of Indian in North America to arouse the churches to population instead of only three per cent pregreater missionary interest and more intelligent viously, and is already quickening the democratic and unselfish missionary giving. Volunteers for consciousness of India's depressed and oppressed missionary work abroad are today discouraged
classes to such an extent that they have made this work or the department in which a missionary is dramatic protest against being trodden any longer active but whether the burning motive of love to underfoot. Christ and the aim to lead others to acknowledge "Third: Dr. Ambedkar is believed to be plan- Him is the chief impelling motive in all life and ning an All-India Conference of Depressed Classes work. This is the foundation of all Christian at which Untouchables shall themselves decide all missionary work and is essential for all missionthe issues involved, including their future religion. ary workers. Every qualification that can be added is or should be so much gain. Some seem "Fourth: Dr. Ambedkar is understood to re- to lose sight of one or the other of these facts. gard himself largely as an atheist. Many illustrations can be cited to show the ef- "These four facts mean that two of India's fectiveness of every kind of mission work-when greatest needs today are clear Christian teaching based on and permeated with Christlike love for regarding the nature of .true spiritual religion, souls and an intelligent spirit of evangelism. The and, above all, the daily exemplification of it in following two letters are samples: Christ-like living. In this way the humblest Indian Christian can play a mighty part in the task Miss Susannah M. Riker, who is working among of building the new India." the students of Wilmina Girls' School at Osaka, writes: The depressed Untouchable classes are threatening to leave Hinduism and join any religion that I know that some people rather disparage schools as will welcome them without distinction as to social mission work, in this day and age. But I think that is a standing. This will be a great boon to the Out- very mistaken view. I can make more contacts through our 800 or 900 girls than I can possibly make in any other castes who are still debarred from Hindu temples. way. Just that teaching plus interest in each girl brings The Moslems, Sikhs, Arya Somajists and Bud- wonderful things to the surface. A personal radiance or dhists have already made advances to these out- perhaps just a friendly word or two when an opportunity caste Hindus who number some 70,000,000 people offers, brings into being a feeling of intimacy which leads and would bring great political prestige to any a girl to Christ and a life of radiance. And through the girls we contact the whole family. As an example, re- party they join. Christians would welcome them, cently when church was over a friend of mine brought a not en masse, but only on the basis of personal re- woman to introduce her. She was the mother of a girl generation and acceptance of Christ, with a knowl- whom I had taught last year, and she had come in contact edge of what that involves. Many Hindus (Sana- with Christianity through her daughter. She had brought her son, also, and the next Sunday the whole family were talists) would be glad to have Untouchables with- there. They live far out in the country and must come in draw as the vested interests of some Hindu by train, but they were very happy to be able to come.
temples have suffered as a result of the demand Silliman University at Dumaguete in the that Untouchables be permitted to enter. On the Philippines is another example of the Christian other hand, however, Hindus do not wish to lose influence that can be exerted in educational mispolitical power by the loss of numbers counted as sion work. Dr. Roy H. Brown, the President of Hindus. One Hindu Shan Karacharya, Dr. Kurt the University, writes: Koti, has suggested the mass "conversion" of Untouchables to a new Hindu sect of Harijans, equal Think of the opportunity we have this year of touching 1,033 lives! (On a recent Decision Day sixty-five of the to other Hindus. Others suggest that the Na- students confessed Christ.) These are from all districts tional Indian Cong~ess be given the power to in the Philippines. Some of them are teachers. abolish "untouchability" by legal enactments. Such a step is unlikely as it involves religious mat- One cannot get the vision by a hasty visit to Silliman, ters. Mahatma Gandhi declares that "untouch- nor can he get it by staying only on the campus. . He must go through the Visayas and other parts of the Philip- pines encountering former students and graduates. Just ability is on its last legs." Evidently the great recently I was in Cebu. We organized a very enthusiastic barrier to social progress in India-so long con- chapter of former Silliman students, and that was very encouraging and helpful. But what filled me with satissidered impregnable-is rapidly weakening. faction was the work our graduates are doing in the stu- dent church and in the dialect church. I assisted at a cot- SPIRITUAL DIVIDENDS IN EDUCATION tage prayer meeting where about thirty were gathered; they had been meeting regularly for nearly a year. The Any way that is effective in leading men to ac- leader was a Silliman boy. His prayer and remarks filled cept Christ as their divine Lord and Saviour, and me with thanksgiving that God had used Silliman to preto follow His Way of Life, is a good way. Doc- pare not only this young man but over a score in Cebu tors can be as good evangelists as preachers-or for active work for Christ. . . . better. Teachers can make use of their contacts The Manila churches are officered largely by Silliman alumni and men who have come directly under the Gospel with pupils and their homes to give the Gospel by influence while at Silliman. It would make a long roll of honor if I should put down the names and the positions word and life. Industrial and social workers, they are occupying in the Christian life of Manila, thus edi.tors and administrators can do the same. The influencing not only that great city but also reaching thouchief thing to be considered is not the type of sands who are studying and passing through Manila.
IRAN, WITH BROAD STREETS AND
Changing Attitudes in Iran By COMMODORE B. FISHER, Hamadan, Persia Missionary of the Pl'esbyterialt Church, U. S. A.
THERE is a ferment at work in the world to- theless, the modern spirit is ceaselessly pressing day. In Persia this culminated (or shall we in upon the old. say really began?) on March 21, 1935, with an announcement changing the name of old Persia An intense spirit of nationalism, patriotism to to modern Iran. This is indicative of numerous a high degree, characterizes the sentiments and other changes that are taking place among these actions of most of the people in these days. Ten "Aryans" on the Iranian plateau lying between years ago the typical schoolboy oration extolled the glories of the golden age of Cyrus and Darius, Turkey and Afghanistan, Russia and Iraq. Dur- lamented the low estate to which the country had ing the past decade a stagnant civilization of fallen and ended with an exhortation to observe veiled women and turbanned men, winding slowly the men of the West, learn of them and follow in through the narrow streets of old Persia, has been their footsteps. Patriotism has changed much of giving way to a faster moving procession of young this. Today the boys vie with one another in men and women following Paris fashions along patriotic fervor, praise the language and culture the main streets that have been cut through the of old Persia (Iran) and point out the weaknesses picturesque cities of long ago. To be sure, the of Western civilization' with its attendant evils, change is not yet complete, high walls and wind- colonial exploitation, the crime wave, the factory ing streets, donkeys and camels, samovars and system, unemployment and increasing expendi- dark harems, old bazaars and veiled ladies shrilly tures for armament. bargaining therein are still to be found. Never- This patriotic zeal is partly a result of pride in [71 ]
the recent progress in Iran and partly a result of complacently the backward conditions under disillusionment during a period of depression. A which they have grown up. They feel a sense of definite change of attitude dates from May 10, partnership in their country and their eyes have 1928, when the capitulations were abolished. A been opened to larger things than old-fashioned still more marked change followed the abrupt can- village life. Racial and religious discrimination cellation of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's con- is being diminished. Jewish boys are sent out to cession on November 29, 1932. On that occasion bring in Moslem conscripts and they all may live there were fireworks and general celebrations in together in the village mosque. In these ways even the army is helping to break down religious prejudice as it plants seeds of unrest in the hearts of young villagers.
The schoolroom and laboratory are also doing their part in effecting changed attitudes. Many Moslems still believe that the earth is fixed and does not revolve upon its axis. They fanatically oppose all non-Moslems, consider them unclean in- fidels and refuse them admission to the mosque.
The Moslem teacher of physics in the government school must have desired to change a number of misconceptions this spring when he took his class of Moslem, Jewish and Armenian boys into the sacred mosque, suspended a pendulum from the EVEN QUEEN ESTHER'S TOMB HAS BEEN MODERNIZED dome and by the gradual change in the movement of the pendulum proved that the earth does move.
all parts of the country. The dispute was sub- Different nationalities are learning to work and mitted to the League of Nations which sent British play together primarily as young Iranians. This representatives of the company to Iran to nego- play is now directed by an American specialist tiate a new treaty far more favorable to Iran. employed by the Department of Education. Boys This sense of power, of having defied the might of who were embarrassed or too modest to wear the the British Empire, did much to stir up the latent long-sleeved uniforms a few years ago are now fires of patriotism in Iran. adopting the abbreviated athletic uniforms of the West because they are better suited to active play. All apparent lack of confidence, initiative or Such are some of the conflicts and changing attiabilIty which retarded the development of or- tudes being wrought by modern education in Iran. ganizations in old Persia is rapidly giving way to enthusiastic efforts at indigenous organization in modern Iran. The National Bank, now oper- ated largely by Iranians, has taken over the right of banknote issue from the Imperial BaRk of Per- sia and has opened numerous branches through,· out the country. An almost prohibitive tariff keeps down excessive expenditures on imported luxuries while domestic soaps, shoes, socks and clothing are being supplied in larger and larger quantities. The railroad is being pushed to com- pletion through Teheran, the capital, joining thp.
Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf on which is the beginning of an Italian-built navy. Such develop- ments in modern Iran arouse still further a sense of independence and pride. SOME MODERNIZED IRANIAN STUDENTS Modern Iran requires two years' military serv- ice of every able-bodied young man without de- In keeping with the spirit of the day many of pendents. Even though the pay is only fifty cents the principal streets are being renamed and our a month the young men are rendering this service schools have all chosen Iranian names. Three less reluctantly, looking upon it as an opportunity years ago all citizens of Iran were forbidden to to see something of their country and to attend a attend foreign primary schools. The mission has kind of boarding school at government expense. not interpreted the order as an indication of hos- Never again will those who are being taken out tile opposition but rather as a policy arising out of their narrow circle of village life accept so of the reasonable conviction that native schools
CHANGING ATTITUDES IN IRAN
could better instill a spirit of patriotism than The fast is another religious practice of almost could foreign schools. In a spirit of cooperation thirteen hundred years' standing. For one whole it is well to "render unto Cresar the things that month from new moon till new moon, from dawn are Cresar's," in order that men may be brought till dusk, food and drink are strictly forbidden. to "render unto God the things that are GQd's." To many, however, the nightly feasts are ample compensation for the hardships of the day, espe- Some of the more fundamental reforms touch cially since the hours of labor and school schedules age-long religious practices. For more than a have always been upset in order that night may thousand years the Shiahs have mourned the de- be turned into day. Schoolwork was practically feat and death of their martyrs, Hosein and Has- at a standstill, short sessions began late in the san, during the month of Moharam, culminating day and were soon completed. This year, howin mourning processions of frenzied followers of ever, in modern Iran official orders were issued the prophet. Clad in sackcloth and ashes, chant- forbidding any change in schedule during the ing dirges and beating their breasts, flagellants PREPARING TO SERVE NEW IRAN-GRADUATING CLASS OF A CHRISTIAN COLLEGE beating their backs with chains and the more zeal- month of Ramazan. Regular work was not disous striking their gory foreheads with broad- rupted, less time could be given to the night's swords, small boys on horseback and water-car- feasts and at the noon recess opportunity was riers everywhere, these great processions have given to those who wanted to go home for lunch. continued to reenact this great miracle play of In this way religious practices are becoming more Islam. This year the processions were strictly and more a matter of conviction and less and less forbidden, and in modern Iran, even as in the a matter of conforming to general custom. Saner time of the Medes and Persians, orders are given attitudes are taking the place of blind adherence to be obeyed. Thus passed one of the Shiah cus- to fanatical practices. toms with but few of the educated young people to lament its passing. In contrast, earlier in the The adoption of the Western or "international" year great multitudes assembled along the streets hat is perhaps the most noticeable change in Iran. of the city to see the first "carnival of joy"-floats Since men first began to wear hats the Oriental and clowns depicting the recent progress of Iran. has considered it disrespectful to uncover his head Only a "Miss Iran" as queen of the carnival was in one's presence, hence at formal gatherings and lacking in modern Iran in 1935! at worship no hats were removed. Since the Mos- lem prayer requires touching the forehead to the
ground the brimless fez has remained a distinc- of thought from the young people in the United tive badge. For more than a year certain groups States. Such changes in customs and costumes, have been removing their hats and on June 14th however, are effecting vital changes in attitudes the governor attended our girls' school commence- and convictions. ment and ordered all men to remove their hats. One week later most of the officials attended our Young men from the schools, from the army boys' school commencement wearing regular hats and from the universities of Europe are returning and one month later policemen began to destroy to their homes to add to the ferment that has alall fezzes. ready begun. Customs and practices of the West as well as those of old Persia are viewed with The removal of the veil is being accomplished critical eyes. The old decadent national spirit more gradually by an order forbidding the enrol- along with religious and social practices as well ment in any school of any girl wearing a veil. as hats, veils and city streets are all undergoing The young people in Iran are no longer so very rapid change. different in appearance, interests, desires or mode What a challenge we face today!
.Religious Changes in Iran By the REV. GEORGEF. ZOECKLER, J;..- Daulatiibiid-Malayis SINCE the World War a new creed, National- no reality; and that there is no further need for ism, has appeared that, in some sections, has either God or religion. well nigh or altogether supplanted revealed religion. This seems to be the present situation No doubt much of the retarded development of in Iran. One who has lived in the country for the people of Iran is one effect of the mass of traany length of time realizes the need that has too dition and superstition that has grown up about long existed for some force that could consolidate their religion, Islam, and has become a part of it. all the elements in the Iranian nation-its varied These traditions and superstitions are now being tribes, races, languages and social elements, in attacked and in some particulars the Government order that a strong government may be estab- program cuts directly across them. For example lished on a firm basis, and so that the material the program for the changing and beautifying of progress the country is making under His Maj- the cities of the land frequently involves the transesty, Reza Shah Pahlavi, may be appreciated by formation of sacred burying grounds into public the entire nation. There is good reason to praise gardens. the effort that is being put forth to develop a spirit that will help the people to recognize all classes The nationalistic spirit in its operation goes and races as integral parts of the kingdom, and even deeper and does more than to affect the exto instil into the lives of the people a spirit of ternals of life. This is exactly what it is intended loyal, active patriotism. to do. There was little in the life of the people, private or public, that did not come under the Nevertheless, one cannot but wonder what the various categories of their religion. Legal proultimate results will be of the program upon which cedure, governmental functions, social sanctions, the Government has entered and the consequent education, were all looked upon as integral parts changes which have come into the life of the peo- of Islam, and the religious leaders claimed for ple. One does not fear so much for the material themselves these prerogatives. Before the inchanges themselves, for these may mean real im- auguration of the new legal code, legal procedure, provement in the material condition of the masses; which confined itself to the provisions of the but one wonders how rapidly it will be possible Shariat, and its interpretation by the Mujtahideen, for the masses to assimilate all that these changes was administered by these same Mujtahideen and involve, and what effect they will have upon their their coterie. Deeds of sale, contracts of all kinds, spiritual character. Iran, in these particulars, is including marriage contracts, divorce, and all no different from other nations and peoples. Such other legal documents, were executed by those who rapid material changes tend to produce the belief were theoretically the religious and spiritual leadthat religion has failed; that the spiritual life has ers of the people. But now, through the estab- lishment by the Government of courts of justice
RELIGIOUS CHANGES IN IRAN
and departments for the registration of contracts, a marked decrease in the number of Iranian Mosthe religious leaders have been relieved of the lems undertaking the pilgrimages to Mecca and functions which they formerly exercised. Kerbela. This is due in part to restrictions on exchange and travel for Iranians outside of the Religious Leaders and Observances bounds of the country. At the same time there has been a marked increase in the number of pilgrims Prior to the assumption of these functions on to the Qom and Meshhed shrines which are within the part of the Government, there had appeared the country. Better roads and automobile transa growing distrust of the religious leaders and port are, no doubt, largely responsible for this. much of the retarded development of the people While there are those who make these pilgrimages was laid at their doors. Several years ago the from religious zeal, there are also many who make Government set out to clear up the situation that these excursions more from the desire to see other existed in the ranks of the religious leaders. parts of Iran. Their number had become so great and many were so obviously unfit for their calling that the Gov- The net result of these changes, as they affect ernment inaugurated special examinations to the spiritual side of life seems to be a marked which this extensive group was subjected. Many trend toward agnosticism, irreligion and atheism. who had been wearing clerical robes, realizing the While many cling to the Moslem faith, there is a futility of even trying for the examinations, did marked tendency among them toward a more libnot appear for them, while a large number who eral interpretation of their religion and its pracdid try were rejected; both of these classes were tices, so that there seems to be lacking that incompelled to withdraw from the clerical ranks. tense fanaticism that was so much in evidence Thus the Mullahs have been reduced so that today not so long ago. However, even among the more there are probably not more than twenty-five per educated and progressive where the tendency tocent of the former number. And those who re- ward irreligion has been most marked, one finds main are, in the main, ill equipped to meet the at times those who have become convinced that spiritual needs of the people; and stripped of material advances are not in themselves sufficient their former powers they hold no real influence to change the people into a new nation, but that a over the masses who are left very largely without spiritual basis must be sought to stabilize the maspiritual guidance at a time when they are most terial advance. in need of it. Effect on Christian Work Many of the religious exercises of the people have felt the impact of the changes that are tak- Nationalism, and the changes it has brought in ing place. The Shiah Moslems have always laid the religious life of the people, cannot but have great emphasis on the sufferings and martyrdom very definite effects upon Christian mission work. of the Imam Hosein on the field of Kerbela, and Let us note the effect on the definitely evangelistic the months of Moharram and Safar-especially work and the development of a national Christian the first ten days-have been set aside to com- Church. memorate this event. The processions during these days, accompanied by wailings and beatings Until recently the Government of Iran gave of breasts, by castigations and flagellations and legal recognition to but one religious faith, Islam. mutilations, are well known to all who are ac- Latterly it has given recognition to four religious quainted with Shiah Moslem customs. These faiths: Islam, ChristianUy, Judaism and Zoroaspractices, which meant so much to devout Mos- trianism. It would seem at first that this change lems, have been curtailed by Government order, would free the evangelistic program from some of almost to the point of extinction. the restrictions under which it has been conduct- ed, but due to other elements that enter into the The fast in the month of Ramazan, which was nationalistic program, this is not the case. Jp the formerly so rigorously observed and enforced that past, though Islam was undisputedly dominant in even non-Moslems were compelled to refrain from the land, the missionary evangelist was free to eating in public, is being less and less observed travel in practically any part of the country. today. It is not uncommon to see even Moslems Medico-evangelistic itineration was a common and eating in public during the month of Ramazan. fruitful method. But today through the limita- Government office hours and the hours of school tions made with regard to foreigners practicing sessions, which formerly were tempered to the medicine in Iran, the activities of the missionary occasion, are now retained without any change. physician and surgeon are materially circum- scribed. On the other hand, the Government's The prescribed prayers, five times a day, which effort to consolidate its work has brought legislaare incumbent on every Moslem, are not so strictly tion against political and religious propaganda observed by Iranian Moslems; and the same is which frequently hampers the evangelist. The true of other practices of their religion. There is
enforcement of regulations is often dependent strong effort has been put forth to effect a national upon the attitude of local officials and their inter- consolidation of the churches; and while this has pretation of a specific order, or their attitude to- not been possible on a national scale because the ward a particular individual. Islam is still churches in the south are under the Church Mis~ guarded, and it is now a misdemeanor to speak sionary Society and those in the north are Presdisparagingly about Islam or Mohammed. byterian in government, it has been possible to effect a union of the churches in the north. It is For some time there has been a shifting of em- too early to speak of accomplishments in this new phasis in the Christian approach to Moslems. Not union, but one can cite examples of work that many years ago the accepted method was that of some of the churches in the Union are already controversy and the literature employed was undertaking. In the Rezaieh (Urumia) district largely controvertial. An effort was made, by the missionary forces were withdrawn some logical proof, to establish the truth of Christianity twenty months ago at the request of the Governas against the fallacy of Islam, and to exalt Christ ment. Before the World War the churches in this by pointing out faults in Mohammed. Today this area had attained a promising degree of independmethod is entirely abandoned and in its place is ence but only a small fraction of the members of the simple presentation of Jesus Christ in His those churches returned when peace was restored. beauty and holiness as the Lord and Saviour of But the churches were rebuilt and the services reman. The fulness and the brightness of His established. It was with some misgivings for the matchless character and its appeal to the hearts of welfare of these churches that the mission forces men, together with His ability to meet their spir- were withdrawn, but the report for this period itual needs, must win them to Him; if that cannot seems to indicate a strength in these churches that win them, surely controversy will not succeed. had hardly been foreseen.
But presenting Jesus Christ to the people of Another church is endeavoring to maintain the Iran is succeeding. Men and women are coming work of an outstation which the mission was not to know the Christ in varying degrees, and they able to keep up during these years of retrenchadmire Him and His teachings; and while, at ment. A third church is maintaining, at considertimes, they may look upon His teachings as impos- able expense to itself, two primary schools. Three sible of attainment, they are no longer content years ago, when all primary schools operated by with anything less. Not infrequently have I foreigners were discontinued, this church, desirheard it said by those who have come in touch ing that its children should still be able to get with the Gospel that if Iran would follow the Ser- their education under Christian influences, semon on the Mount it would become heaven. But cured permission and undertook to operate the even if Moslems have not yet come to know Him schools which the mission was forced to relinquish. in His fulness, they are coming to know Him; Their graduates, presenting themselves for the and as they know Him better they will come to compulsory Government examinations at the close appreciate Him-to a much larger degree also. It of the· course, have carried off high honors. is often these individuals who are effective instruments in breaking down the prejudices against These churches have also become conscious of Christ in others. each other and not infrequently they endeavor to assist one another in cases of particular stress The .National Christian Church and need. At the first meeting of the Union of the Evangelical Churches of Northern Iran the The new atUtude in Iran has also affected the moderator stressed the fact that the fundamental work of the national church. While the great ob- purpose of the organization was to make it posjective of mission work is the development of the sible for all the churches to come to a fuller muchurch, no great progress had been made toward tual understanding of their conditions so as to be this. end before the nationalistic movement began able to be of more assistance to one another. to make itself felt. Only in the region of the Rezaieh (Urumia) field had any real progress been These are a few of the religious changes seen noted, and this was before the devastations of the in 'Iran today. They reveal the great need for a World War which practically wiped out all that spiritual foundation upon which to establish those had been attained in that field. In other parts of changes; and over against this fundamental need the country, while churches had been established a growing and dev6!loping church which, though in cities, towns and villages, no organization had still weak, is alive to the situation. Alongside is brought them together into a national unit. There the mission still seeking to work in the closest cowere evidences of the nationalistic spirit in the operation with the newly-founded church. It is a church, and the mission was not averse to utilizing challenging situation ripe with opportunities, this spirit in furthering the establishment of the problems and responsibilities which call for the indigenous church. During the past few years a prayerful support of the Christian world.
Nestorian Tragedy in
THE Nestorian Assyrians in Irak fled at the the Patriarch, Mar Shimun, had to flee from Irak outbreak of the World War from their Kurd- after the massacre, he came to Geneva to plead the ish mountains to the lowland plains in Meso- cause of his people before the League. The Counpotamia, in order to escape the fate brought upon cil thereupon appointed a committee to look about the Armenians by the Turks. They confided in the for a new home for these homeless people. It com- protection of England, when Irak was mandated missioned the Nansen-Committee for Fugitives to to that country. Assyrian tribes were already liv- undertake the necessary steps, but no one wants ing in Irak, among them the Roman Catholic to receive the Assyrians. They cannot return to "Chaldeans," while the Nestorian fugitives re- Turkey, and in Irak they are scattered and quickly mained true to their ancient faith, which their die of hunger and sickness. The Syrian mandated missionaries had once carried even into China. territory cannot receive them and the same is true These Nestorian fugitives found shelter in of Persia. The Nansen Committee sent a delega- upper Irak and some of them fought under Gen- tion to Brazil, which at first seemed inclined to eral Agha Petros in the allied army. But thou- allow the fugitives to settle, but, under the in- sands were unable to get through to Irak, and fluence of a press campaign, refused them en- found their way through to Russia, to the Baltic trance. At present the Nansen Committee is try- countries, to Persia and even to southern France. ing to find a home for them in British Guiana.
The Nestorian Assyrians are under the spiritual This plan does not seem very feasible on account leadership of a patriarch, who is the national head of unfavorable climatic conditions. Australia of his people. The present patriarch, Mar Shimun, might perhaps grant refuge to these homeless is a young man of twenty-five years, who has en- fugitives in its unoccupied territory.
joyed an English education and lives now in The Assyrian people, like the Armenian, have western Europe. become the victim of political discrimination. The The Assyrians, who were unable to return to whole Christian world should take hold of the sit- Kurdistan, their ancient home, have settled in the uation or another winter will diminish their num- villages around Mosul and some are employed by bers frightfully. Christendom has an indisputable the British to guard the British airplane hangars. responsibility for the preservation of these Chris- When Irak, after gaining its independence, tian people, who have already suffered so much joined the League of Nations, the Assyrians feared for their faith in past centuries. The Swiss Evan- that their condition would be made worse, as the gelical Church Federation, as early as 1933, ap- policy of the Irak Government was to disperse pealed to the Ecumenical Council for Practical them throughout the country so as to destroy their Christianity, to use its influence with the League national and church unity. A still greater peril of Nations for a better protection of these people.
lay in the ancient antagonism between Moham- In collaboration with Dr. Keller, the head of the medans and Christians. This came to a head European Central Office for Church Relief, the about three years ago in the notorious massacre above committee is now constantly occupied with in which a thousand Assyrians were slain. these problems. It has organized an Assyrian The Assyrians are a people without home, with- subcommittee and raised subscriptions in Switzer- out protection, without help. The Geneva central land and has appealed to the Assyrian Commission office for church aid and relief has been engaged of the League. An Assyrian representative from for the last ten years in helping individual groups India, Mar Timotheus, who took part in the world of fugitives in France and Syria. The relief office conference at Stockholm applied to this great con- has also done much to procure aid for the suf- ference for help for his dying people. The Cen- ferers in Irak. Although the Government has tral Committee was able during the last two years settled the surviving widows and orphans of the to carry some relief to the fugitives in Irak, the massacred Assyrians in internment camps, there Lebanon and some other countries; but vastly are still thousands in the villages, north and east more is needed, if this frightful perishing is to be of Mosul, who live in the direct misery. Last halted. If a new home should be found for the winter there was great mortality among them, so Assyrian Christians, western Christendom should that, unless help comes soon, these people, num- become sponsor for their ancient Oriental Chris- bering about 35,000 in Irak, will disappear alto- tian church. There is great danger that this gether. dying people may need no further help either from What has been the activity of the League of the League of Nations or from Christian people.
Nations toward protecting the Assyrians? When -The Ecumenical Press Service.
[77 ]
with Moslems in Arabia*
By REV. B. D. HAKKEN, Bahrein, Persian Gulf REPETITION is a fundamental principle of prevail and whether the Gospel will ever have a pedagogy and Islam has certainly taken ad- real hearing. The unreasonable attitude, the vantage of this. When very young the child cocksure assertions, even the pitying scorn for our is sent to the Koran School where, through con- blindness to the truth of Islam, take their toll. It " stant repetition, he memorizes the Koran in whole seems that they will never turn a sympathetic ear or in part. When he is old enough to pray, the to our message and will go on forever stating the repetition of the prayers five times a day again same falsehoods, the same irrational half-truths, brings this principle to the fore and continues with the same bigoted assertions. But we know that the worshiper throughout his whole life. Ejacula- the truth will prevail.
tions, exclamations, common everyday expres- The Moslem has come to put repetition in the sions, greetings morning, noon and night, all place of thought. Simply because he has been told contain the word "Allah." Children are named a thing enough times, he believes it is true and it servants of Allah or are given the name of their is hard to get him to try to think. Logic simply prophet. Mohammed is never mentioned except does not enter into the matter. From cradle to with the formula, "Upon whom be prayers and the grave, the Moslem hears that the Koran is the peace." His unique character is continually em- word of God; therefore it is, and the man never phasized. Even the smallest things, the most min- even thinks to question. Again and again he hears ute customs of the people take their rise from the that Mohammed is the essence of all that is good example of Mohammed. in man and it does not occur to them that he is not This idea of doing and saying things again and what he is pictured.
again naturally has its effects on the work of the One time I said to some of my school boys, "It Gospel, most of which are unfavorable, but some is just possible that you are wrong and we are are favorable. Many times we have heard quoted right. It is possible that the Koran is not God's from the Koran that Christians are closer to Mos- word and that the Gospel is. It is possible that lems than any other sect! Many times we have Mohammed is not a prophet where Christ is the heard Moslems quote texts from the Koran in seal of the prophets. Have you thought of that?"
praise of Christ! Many times we have been re- The answer is illuminating: "But the Koran says ferred to as "People of the Book" and told what that he is the apostle of God." It was not for a lot of good we are doing out here! Many times these boys to question the Koran. Countless ex- we have heard Moslems confess that they love and amples can be given for again and again we are honor Christ even more than we do! led up against· the stone wall of the Koran and Then there is the unfavorable side. How many Mohammed built by the principle of repetition.
times we have heard that the Koran is the word Can this stone wall be broken down? It can of God for no one can write anything like it, no, and it is. The pedagogic principle of repetition is not even the jinns! How many times we have also at work from the standpoint of Christ. We heard that Mohammed is the seal of the prophets too, insist, and continue to insist,·that our Gospel for he came after Christ and there has been no is God's Book and is true, that Christ is the seal prophet since! Continually we hear the assertion of the prophets and the Saviour of the world. We that the Koran has replaced the Gospel. Steadily insist that He died for our sins. We insist that we hear the text quoted, "God is not begotten and His commandment of love is the only hope of man- He begetteth not," the refutation of Christ's son- kind. We insist that religion is of the spirit and ship, for they conceive of it in a physical sense. not only of outward acts. We insist that justice Possibly the text we hear quoted more than any and mercy are the greatest attributes of God as is, "They did not kill Him and they did not crucify over against the Moslem idea of power. For al- Him, but they only had His likeness." All these most half a century we have been proclaiming the and many more are definitely against the propa- God of love and the constant repetition is having gation of the Gospel. its effect. The truths of the Gospel are b.attering But we wish to note the effect of Moslem repeti- against the stone wall of Islam and although the tions. It is not only tiresome, but tiring to hear effect of this battering is still slight, yet we can these false platitudes "bandied about continually. see that something is being accomplished and we At times one wonders whether the truth will ever shall continue our work. Again and again and again we shall proclaim the unsearchable riches • Condensed from Neglected Arabia. of Christ.
[78 ]
Blots on National 'Scutcheons
An Open Letter to My Friends, the Women of Japan* By MURIEL LESTER, Kingsley Hall, London 1'- Author "Ways of Praying"
~======================d N EARLY ten years ago I suffered a humilia- "Please ask this English lady, when she gets tion. I was in India standing with a friend back to London, to speak to the people there and in one of the narrow streets of Delhi, beg them to do something to help us, for we are watching the keeper of an opium shop supplying weak of will, and so long as the drugs are procur- addicts with drugs. For twenty minutes I forced able we cannot help taking them."
myself to be a witness of this Government licensed The message was translated but what could I traffic for which, as a British woman, I was par- answer, I, a nobody, a slum dweller, one among tially responsible. the millions of fellow citizens in the British Em- Passers-by, wondering what was happening, pire? I explained that I had no power except as stood silent, grave and impassive, watching us. an individual, but I promised to give their mes- One of the purchasers, mere skin and bone he sage to everyone I could reach and I would keep seemed, having exchanged his money for a few them in mind every day of my life by putting them grains of the potent powder was shuffling away in my prayers. Thenceforward it was impossible for me to bewhen my friend spoke to him. come acquiescent or complacent about imperial- "Why do you take it, grandpa?" she enquired. ism. My vow led me into all sorts of unexpected situations, to Governors in India, to officials in "Ah! Lady," he answered. "It was a bad cough London, to public meetings in England, Scotland I had. It racked my body and this medicine took and Wales. away the pain." It is with no tinge of censoriousness therefore "I can give you something better than that for that I am appealing to the people of Japan to peryour cough," she said. suade the Government policy to be altered as re- gards poisonous drugs in China. How can I blame The old man reached out his hand as she wrote you, considering that when my ancestors were down her address on a slip of paper. Other pur- waging the opium wars, yours were giving to the chasers gathered round, courteously inquiring, world a unique contribution of art, drama, archi- Indian style, who we were and what had brought tecture, ideals of self-sacrifice, courtesy, self-reus there. My friend explained that I was British straint, and loyalty for which Japan has for so and had just come from London in order to know long been noted? something of their way of life. This caused them to draw closer still. They were all attention while It is out of my steadfast love for Japan and my she explained that there were no opium shops in deep appreciation of your national characteristics London. To take drugs or to trade in them was that I venture to write this letter. against the law. They were greatly impressed by this anomaly. Their surprised scrutiny was hard There are two outstanding experiences to which to bear. I had to force myself to raise my head my mind often reverts, and never without getting and face them. Just then a new customer came satisfaction and inspiration. They are listening up, a cheery looking boy of twelve or thirteen. to the nightingale deep in an English forest glade in June and watching the Kabuki drama in Osaka. "Surely you do not take it, sonnie," exclaimed Both experiences give one a satisfaction so deep, my friend. a sense of fulfilment so real, that time almost seems to stand still, while one is experiencing their "Oh! No," he retorted with a broad grin. "I beauty. am only getting it for the baby." With this association of ideas which has en- "That's right," exclaimed one of those who riched me ever since first visiting Japan eighteen stood nearest to us, "it's useful for babies. It months ago, the new experience is doubly unwelkeeps them out of harm's way while their mothers co~e which now links Japanese drama in my are at work." mmd to a Japanese theater in the Demilitarized As the boy went off with his screw of paper a man raised his voice.
• A letter written from North China on June 12, 1935. Zone in North China. This shows obscene plays [79 ]
daily from ten o'clock in the morning, runs an il- "Do you not think these children look very lovlegal lottery in the vestibule, sells morphine and able?" asked the teacher. heroin throughout the program-all under the protection of Japanese authority. The local mag- "Indeed they are very lovable children," anistrate's order for the closure of this theater when swered the Chinese. it was in Chinese hands was effective. The local social conscience was appeased. But when Japa- "Where do you think they live?" asked the nese citizens reopened it and allied with the evil teacher. plays produced these other evils, and claimed ~x traterritoriality to justify ignoring the magIS- The Chinese children guessed, but none successtrate's repeated closure order, it was merely the fully. might of the Japanese military that caused these anti-social activities to be allowed free scope to "They are children of Japan," said the teacher. bring in profits. The children remembered the bombs that had suddenly begun to fall around them when they Education vs. Drugs were in church one Sunday morning. They knew how J apamise soldiers stabled their horses in their Almost every day of my stay in Japan I visited school playgrounds and made their homes miseror heard of some new school. Wherever I went, able. people seemed to be reading. Nowhere else in the "No, they cannot be. The Japanese are wicked," world have I seen street peddlers and costermon- they answered with childlike directness. gers studying books in the intervals between the The teacher encouraged the children to talk out sale of buttons, tapes, candy arid oranges. I had this problem, reminding them that they had althe privilege of meeting a woman who, long years ready pronounced them lovable: yet they were ago, was the first girl to attend school in Japan. indisputably Japanese. After discussing it for When she heard that the Government had opened some time, the children announced their concluone she insisted on her father taking her to it. sions. "It may be that the boys and girls of Japan Their journey thither took ten days. When she are lovable and only the grown-ups are wicked." arrived she found she was the only student. It was I have been interested to see how many of the not till a month later that a second and a third finest Chinese citizens, with a deep sense of spirgirl joined her. Now Nursery Schools are found itual values, have gone on from that point to exin obscure villages and great educational institu- plain to young people that even a further step tions have been set up by self-sacrificing service must be taken; they must never forget that the and generous gifts from many lovers of youth. grown-up people of Japan are good, that the evil things that are so obviously being done in Educationists who travel from Japan to China their name are not known to most of the Japanese find in that country the same reverence for edu- at home. cation, the same sort of institutions resulting from the same sort of devotion. Imagine then the shock I was delighted in Japan by the courtesy of the of finding, immediately outside the walls of Yen- people. I can never forget how the driver of my ching University, ten miles from the city of Peip- car nearly collided with another on turning a ing, a drug trafficker who had set up his poison.ous corner in Tokyo. At home there would probably business and refused .to recognize the law agamst have been some sarcasm, a little display of temper, it, quoting his status as a Japanese citizen u:?der some profanity; not so in Japan. As soon as the the protection of the Japanese Consulate at TIent- drivers clamped on the brakes, both leaped from sin. Members of the University faculty, men of their seats, swept off their hats, bowed almost to international repute, had no power against the the ground and made polite speeches to each other. evil intent of one trafficker. When representations In a moment we were continuing our journey were made to the Japanese Consulate, they ordered the drug trafficker away but allowed him to How different are Japanese manners in China! return in a week or so. I saw this man in his place On the wharf where a distinguished visitor was of business. Are students to be encouraged in about to embark, Chinese police had roped off a self-discipline and good citizenship and kept free space in the usual manner. Representatives of from commercialized temptations in Japan while many nations were waiting to give their welcome. outside your country you insist that an opposite A Japanese official came up late, could not find the set of ideas is to motivate action? point of vantage he desired so proceeded to the point which was being guarded by the- police. Are They All Wicked? They told him there was no entrance that way but he insisted in the face of the assembled company Some Chinese children in the Demilitarized crudely to push his way through. Zone were shown a photograph of Japanese children taken in one of your Nursery Schools. When I first visited Japan, I remember a Brit- ish resident of long standing describing the hon-
THE BLOTS ON NATIONAL 'SCUTCHEONS
esty of the people. If anything were lost, she de- to do so. They insisted that he produce the money clared, it was almost certain to be returned. She next day. He procured $500 but they were not herself had dropped in the street her purse with satisfied. When bayonets are brought into an arsome thirty yen in paper money which any passer- gument equity suffers; the following day $2,000 by could have kept without risk of detention. It more were extorted from him. A military reprewas returned to her next day. But in the Demili- sentative from Tientsin Consulate then came to tarized Zone of North China the poison drug shops inquire into the situation. He told the magistrate operated by Japanese and Koreans, are well to sign a statement that he had not been held known as receivers of stolen goods. They operate prisoner in his office. This he refused to do. But a pawnshop in alliance with their drug traffic so he suffered for it afterwards. that addicts are tempted to steal in order to procure their dose. There is no redress, even if one During my journeyings round the world three knows where one's stolen property has been de- institutions stand out in my memory as super-exposited. The shops are under Japanese law, not cellent. Among these is the Government Leper Chinese. Hospital and Settlement near Tokyo that Dr. Ka- gawa took me ,to see. It is so well run that not 'Loyalty vs. Injustice only are skill and technical achievement obvious even to a novice in medicine, but one cannot help Another thing that I especially appreciated in noticing a spirit of personal devotion, that has Japan was the loyalty of the individual to his sense elicited from the victims of that disease a sort of of duty. With Japanese, self-will seems to be com- happiness. pletelysubordinated to the good of the nation. Loyalty has characterized Japanese life for so Other public health work in various parts of long that even a visitor, whose total stay during Japan was memorable also but in China public both visits did not exceed eleven weeks, caught health work is being hindered through the extra something of this steadfastness of purpose. Sure- burdens laid upon the doctors and nurses in the ly this might be considered J.apan's greatest con- treatment of drug addicts who would be self-retribution to the world! Some of us in the West specting citizens if it were not for the influx of have been trying to follow the way of Jesus Christ Japanese and Korean drug traffickers. Is it credfor centuries. We have found it extremely hard itable to Japan that doctors and nurses, Chinese to be loyal to the command laid upon His followers and foreign, should have their time taken up by in no uncertain terms, "If anyone would come dealing with victims of Japanese traders? after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." The cross is no orna- In the Demilitarized Zone mented symbol of gold, silver or wood. It is a symbol of death, agony, torture. Morning by I enjoyed traveling in Japan. The orderliness morning we try to face this challenge, to match and punctuality are dependable, pleasant to exour personal puny strength with the possible im- perience. The railway travel in China I have enplications of this demand. Are we willing to go joyed until now, but on my way through the Deany length, to disgrace or to death, in loyalty to militarized Zone a Japanese soldier came into the our Master and for the sake of others? It is a third-class carriage in which I was traveling. The frightfully difficult discipline for us to undergo, Chinese guard asked for his ticket. He had none but you people of Japan are already trained to do but said he was with the military. Where was it. It has been in your blood for centuries. What his ticket then, asked the conductor? He said he other race in the world is so well prepared to lead had a military pass but did not produce it. The the way in loyalty? But here in China you inter- conductor very politely informed him that in that fere with people who are trying to do their duty. case this was the wrong train for him to travel on as it was not available for the military. He an- Last summer an alert Chinese magistrate in the swered that there seemed to be plenty of room Demilitarized Zone, knowing that his authority and settled down to enjoy the journey. held sway at any rate over the Chinese in his district, arrested some Chinese employees of a J apa- While in Japan last spring I heard of the fornese drug firm when they were not on their em- ward movement to do away with the licensed ployer's premises. He confiscated the drugs they houses for prostitutes. It was a pleasure to diswere carrying and despatched the whole lot to cuss with social workers this big step forward and Tientsin. Some roughs were immediately gath- to notice how the great campaign Josephine Butered together and sent into his office to demand ler waged in the middle of the last century, when $7,000 damages for his action. He refused to pay. she stood up at the risk of her life against licensed Then Japanese troops from Lanhsien came and prostitution, was being courageously maintained ordered him to come to the barrack but he was a by her successors in Japan. Having witnessed college graduate and not easily scared; he refused
this social advance, it was disappointing to find a common weal. They encourage their country puwidespread operation of brothels by Japanese and pils to give their spare time to help the under- Koreans in the Demilitarized Zone. I saw many privileged children in their midst. Changli people such houses, some of them blatantly advertising have turned their attention to improving the local their nature not only in Chinese characters but in methods of agriculture by means of modern scilarge English lettering. ence. They are planting fruit trees with new con- fidence believing they can prevent the recurrence Trees vs. Children of pests.
When I reached Kyoto last March I found the With the setting up of the Demilitarized Zone, hills transformed. Tall gaunt tree trunks, stripped however, the traffic in poisonous drugs has been of branch and leaf stood out against the skyline, carried on with greatly enhanced profits. The witnesses €ven in death to the violence of the re- magistrate has no power to control the Japanese cent typhoon. Hour after hour I roamed up and and Koreans who have set up their "foreign firms" down the winding paths of those hills, sorry for all over the district. Changli County actually the widespread destruction and the loss of life suffers much less than other parts of the Zone, sustained. One evening I was sitting indoors with but the very fact of its civic conscience and its my Japanese friends when we heard the slow beat- nearness to Peiping makes it the most convenient ing at regular intervals of a great temple gong. place to study and report upon. According to the It was to summon people to a memorial dirge for survey carried out this month, over thirty Japathe trees. The night was still and dark. The sol- nese and Korean firms are operating, just outside emn act of mourning was celebrated simultaneous- the city walls, because ,the respectable citizens ly in town and on the pine-clad heights. within the walls will not rent premises to them. Noone has power to close these shops except the Next day, in characteristic Japanese manner, Japanese. Whenever the local authorities attempt men started efficiently to repair the damage. I to do so, they are reminded that Japanese and saw the carts passing through streets, each carry- Koreans need not obey Chinese law. Does Japaing a white robed Shinto priest and some six or nese law favor allowing young people to become eight young saplings to be planted so as to clothe drug addicts? the hills with green once more. A peculiarly unpleasant feature of this traffic But no one could restore the human loss of life. is the opening up of lotteries on the same prem- The widespread lamentation of the mothers rings ises, and pawn shops wherein those who pledge in one's ears still. "Oh! my children! Oh! my their goods are encouraged to take payment in trees! Alas for my children! Alas for my trees !" drugs rather than in cash. Both these practices are illegal according to local law but protected by In the Demilitarized Zone Chinese parents are the Japanese military. I went into the local clinic mourning for their children. Some of them can where drug addicts are treated and found most of yet be saved. Would you not have succoured them them young. long ago if you had known what was happening? But just as it was through the testimony of eye- Consider how easily one careless act-ion may witnesses that the British public had to be made lead to destruction. A dose is procurable for sevaware of the havoc of opium in India, so in Japan en sen; the ignorant purchaser is told that it will the stories about the recent influx of drugs into cure any pain; the syringe for the injection is North China were deemed false, the result of un- rented on the deferred payment system, the second friendly propaganda, until someone could go and dose will cost more, the third more still. Soon the collect trustworthy evidence. "And if you see man is helpless and his home is ruined. Very often anything bad be sure to let us know," was the in- the first dose is given free. Child addicts are by junction given me by several Japanese public men, no means unknown. people of integrity and wide experience in government, before I set sail for China. It has been suggested several times that it is dangerous to tamper with the profits of the opium Changli is a little self-respecting town of some trader. It is playing with dynamite. But it is 15,000 inhabitants. They have a well-run hospital encouraging to see how more and more people are and some excellent schools where the girls and coming to feel that it is better to die in the cause boys imbibe good citizenship as well as book learn- of humanity than in the killing of fellow human ing. The students work with their hands, build- beings. One can do a very great and lovely service ing and roadmending. I saw the girls also lend a to one's nation by removing from her name the hand in repairing the highway. taint of protecting profits rather than persons. That is what women all the world over are trying T,eachers trained in Changli go into obscure to do for their countries. Let us stand shoulder to parts of the province and carry thither the good shoulder in this. tradition of voluntary service and care for the
A Korean Woman's Story*
-<!III By MRS. INDUK PAR:, Sooul, Cho"," II ….
I T IS very significant for a woman, an Oriental, On Christmas morning my mother and I walked particularly a Korean, to be asked to speak to on the lonely snow-covered road for three miles to a representative group of young people from the church where a few groups of women and chil- the higher institutions of America and Canada. dren were gathered together singing a Christmas Having heard the wonderful speeches by the carol. I see still my mother as she stood up world-renowned teachers, my courage has almost bravely and told the people her new decision to failed. But, when I think of what Christ has follow Jesus Christ who had brought her peace.
meant to me and to my fellow women, I cannot I did not understand what it was all about but keep quiet. I must tell it to others. I was very happy to be given a yellow writing pad We have just celebrated the fiftieth anniversary and a blue pencil!
of the beginning of Christian missions in Korea. After we went back home I asked my mother The achievements within a very short period of to teach me to write and read, but she said, "My time are really great. I cannot give the statistics, daughter, I am sorry I cannot because I don't but generally speaking, the missions have helped know myself."
us to wake up intellectually, spiritually, and Under the old regime girls were not given an physically through evangelistic, educational and academic education. The homes were the schools; medical work. mothers were the teachers. The girls in their The Protestant missions came to us just at the homes were taught cooking, sewing and etiquette.
time when we needed them most. My country If the family was well-to-do, the daughters were was in the position of a charming young woman taught by private teachers to read and write the who had many lovers fighting for her beauty and Chinese classics and to paint. But my mother nobility. Korea, with a most important geograph- had no money to give them to teach me. There ical position, with beautiful scenery, good climate, were a few mission schools for girls in the big rich resources, and peace-loving people, could not cities but they were too far away.
resist the outside forces. So my mother put boy's clothes on me, changed Fifty years ago, when we were going through my name to a boy's, and took me to a boys' school.
the most crucial movement in our political life, For two years, I studied and played with the boys, Christianity brought to us the greatest hope, the climbing the trees, spinning tops, flying kites, only hope, Jesus Christ. He was and is still the jumping ropes and running races. It was possible great Friend of our women and children. No re- in those days because both boys and girls wore ligion in Korea showed us the real value of wom- long hair. On the last day of school I appeared anhood. with a girl's dress and surprised the boys! In the When I was about six years old, my father and boys' school, I realized that, after all, women are my only brother died of cholera within twenty- not inferior to men intellectually, as our men four hours. Two…;thirds of my people were gone, thought, and I determined that I was going to get including my uncles, aunts, and cousins. It seemed an education in a girls' school; but how could I?
the whole country was at the point of death. My I begged my mother to give me a dollar and fifty mother felt her loneliness in spirit, helplessness cents. She gave it to me but I don't know where in life, and hopelessness in material things. All she got it. I followed a friend of mine to Seoul she had was her little girl, negative value, not to a missionary school for girls and for the first counted by people. time I saw a missionary from America. She was One day a Christian missionary came to see my tall and good-looking; she put her arms around mother and she told her the wonderful story of me and said, "Are you here to learn? Who sent Christ. It wakened my mother's heart. It opened you ?" I ~ad paid 60 cents for my railroad fare, my mother's eyes. It gave her a new life. and had nmety cents left. When I showed this to her she looked at me and said, "What a pity it is!
• Slightly condensed from an address delivered at the Student You really want to learn?" Volunteer Missionary Convention, January 1, 1936. This and other "Yes," I said. convention addresses will appear in The Student Volunteer Conven- "Then stay here." tion Report, published at $2.00 a copy. Order from the S. V. M., 254 Fourth Ave., New York.
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She wrote to her friends in America, to a blind The large maj ority of our women are the wives poet who lived with his sister in Illinois. They of farmers. So, in order to help our rural people were very much interested in missions, and sent first of all, I thought that we must help the women.
$5.00 a month for seven years to help me with my With the help of many friends in America and education. at home, I took up this special field of work with Seventeen years later, I came to America and ,the village women. We have quite a few volun- went to see my blind poet. He took my hand in teer workers, and so we· selected many villages his and said, "I cannot see you face to face, but I near Seoul, and two by two we went to these vil- can feel and know that your eyes are opened spir- lages once a week. Usually between 20 to 40 or itually." Up to this time I learned about Jesus, 50 women gathered together under the trees if it but I did not know him personally as my Saviour. were warm, and if it grew cold we met in a large In 1919, when we had the Independence Move- house in the village or in a dugout.
ment in Korea many young men and women were First of all, we spent much of our time in learnarrested; I was one of those who was put in jail ing singing and playing games, because our peo- and was there in solitary confinement for six ple haven't realized the value of recreation. We months. Without any people to talk with, nothing have had an unbalanced program of life. Someto see and no books to read, I remembered that times we meditated too long and sometimes we Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone" worked too much. And so, we tried to give our and I knew what He meant. I could go hungry women some recreation so they can have some for nine days, but I could not go on without the amusement in their lives.
words of Jesus. Besides the recreational program, we take up After I had been in jail a month a missionary practical subjects such as hygiene, sanitation, first sent me a copy of the Bible, and I grasped that aid, baby care, budgeting, dyeing, sewing, cook- copy with my two hands and started to read it ing, and how to raise silk worms, pigs, chickens, from the first page to the end. Seven times I read rabbits, cows. These practical subjects help our the New Testament in jail, and twice the Old women to make better homes and better communi- Testament. While I was meditating and mem- ties. We also tell them the wonderful stories of orizing the words of Jesus, I came to know Him Jesus. The minute when they hear those stories personally. He became a reality to me. Since their faces light up. They say: "Do you mean then I have had many trials, and I have made fail- to tell us that we women can have a place outside ure very often, but every time his Spirit has en- of our own homes, too? Do you mean to say that couraged me to move forward, His love is behind a woman can be a person, as well as a man ?" me and within me to overcome the difficulties, and Those who have experienced it can understand His peace is with me all the time. it; nobody else can. Also we teach them to read After I had this wonderful experience I could and write the Korean alphabet, because 90 out of not keep it to myself. It is a duty and a privilege every 100 women in these villages. are illiterate. to tell my fellow women some of the· experiences Then we teach them how .to earn and save some I have had so that they may know the same Christ, money. Oh, it enlightens them very, very much! and that they too may have this abundant Life. We women have been the producers as well as the Thus far the status of our women has been one men, but somehow we did not see the cash. Cash emphasizing maternal duty and feminine virtue. has been handled by the men. So we organized This was interpreted to mean absolute obedience the Cooperative Consumers Societies. Each mem- to men, contentment in an ignorant and very re- ber pays a certain amount every month, and out stricted life, and devotion to the point of self- of this fund we buy soap, petroleum, cooking oil abandonment in the service of the husband's fam- and other things at a wholesale price and sell to ily. As a mother, a woman respected her parents- the members at retail prices. At the end of the in-law and her husband and worshipped his an- year we divide the profits instead of giving the cestors. As a wife, she raised the children and profit to the middle man. Through the Coopera- disciplined them. tive Credit Society, each member saves between Every time when I come to America, nothing in- 15 and 30 cents a month. We also loan money to terests me more than to see the kindness and the members at a very low interest rate, for produc- courtesies that men show to women at home and tive purposes only, such as growing beaon sprouts in public. Having come from a country where and making bean curds and raising chickens. .
everything is centered around the man, it is a new Now, we get hold of some cash in our hands.
world to me. I don't know how you feel about it, We come to have confidence in ourselves econom- but I am sure the elevated place of Western wom- ically and we feel almost that we can get along en is due to Christ for He showed the real value without men I We also have this cooperative spirit of women as other religions never did. which we never had known before:
A KOREAN WOMAN'S STORY
Besides these village classes we have a Folk see the value of a study of the life and the teach- School for the farmers' wives. When I was going ings of Jesus Christ. Members of my group were back home from America I stopped at Denmark full of questions and keen to test the things out and visited some of their folk high schools. Those for themselves. They said, "We won't be satisschools impressed me so much that soon after my fied with talking only, we must put into practice arrival home I wrote a book on the Danish Folk what we learn." We decided to gather some High Schools, and while writing it, I kept think- money, and the individual contributions amounted ing how my people could get the similar spirit by to $100. We gave one-third to a poor farmer to which Denmark was revived. Of course the first buy a cow and two-thirds to a very young promstep was to try it. We rented the building where ising man to start a little business. This is what the Y. M. C. A. had had a Folk School for I have been doing for the last four years. farmers. We selected different women from the villages far and near; we lived together for three Five years ago, while I was traveling in Engweeks; we cooked the rice twice a day, drew water land I got lost one day going to the Swanick Conout of a· well 36 feet deep, cleaned the rooms and ference. I started early in the morning during swept the yard and had a grand time together. the Easter vacation and in the crowds I missed Instead of trying to teach them subjects, we tried the first train and got on the wrong train. To to help them catch the spirit, so that they could reach my destination I changed from train to boat live and work courageously and joyously under and boat to train and train to boat and boat to hard circuJpstances. It worked well. tube and tube to train-fourteen times. Finally I arrived at the end of the line at midnight and Now, I am going to speak of another phase of expected someone to meet me; but -nobody apmy work. I have been helping my church through peared. a choir. The church was in a poor condition. It was located in the most congested section of the I was a foreigner, a woman, all alone with two city and the people were too poor to give toward suitcases and two miles from the conference the upkeep of the building. The first job of the grounds. I did not know the road and there was choir was to clean and beautify the church, so we no way of reaching there except to walk. All I had a regular cleaning party. Seventeen young could think of was the lost sheep! The ninetymen and women scrubbed the floor, painted the nine were in the fold at Swanick but I was the one walls and stopped the leaks, and put up some beau- sheep wandering in the wilderness. All I could do tiful pictures. After that we could sing much was to pray: "Well, God, you must show me the better! Every Saturday evening, this group of way to get there or else I will have to spend the young men and women came together and prac- night here." ticed for Sunday morning services. Sometimes we gave concerts in that church and sometimes The bus driver put his bus away and saw me we broadcasted over the only radio in Korea, standing beside the road alone with two suitcases. JOBK. He came to me and asked where I was going. Then he kindly offered to walk with me. He had Besides this choir, I have had a large young one of my suitcases and I had the other. We were people's Bible class. Do you know that our young going through the mountainous road without expeople today face the most difficult things in our changing a word for half an hour. Here, I lives? I am going to give just one illustration. thought, I am following a strange man in a The pursuit of education is the most difficult thing. strange land in the dark of night. Whether I For instance, last year all the high schools for the liked it or not I had to follow him, and I was girls in Korea were choosing only 1,700 girls, and afraid. Finally I saw a faint light up the mounthere were 4,500 applications. That isn't so bad tain; someone was moving toward us. As I saw as with the boys, for in one of our Christian high the light moving nearer and nearer I was so happy schools for boys, where they had 1,000 applicants, that I hurried my steps. Finally we met and I they were choosing only 250. In some vocational found the lightbearer was my friend, who had schools, only one out of every sixteen applicants come down to find me in the dark night. I was so can be admitted. overjoyed that I just shouted. That was one of the happiest moments of my life. They reduce the numbers by means of entrance examinations even for the first grade in the gram- His lamp am I, mar school. In our city there were 6,000 appli- To shine where He shall say; cants for the first grade in the grammar school And lamps are not for sunny rooms, where they were choosing only 4,000, and so they Nor for the light of day; must choose the pupils by entrance examinations, But for dark places of the earth, just because there are not enough institutions. Where shame and wrong and crime have birth, Or where the lamp of faith grows dim, In the midst of such serious problems you can And souls are groping after Him. So may I shine, his love the flame, That men may glorify his name.
and Motion
By SAMUEL KING GAM IN THE past the problems confronting foreign Japan? The Payne Fund Inquiry on motion pic- missionaries were, more or less, problems tures in the United States showed that at least 75 created by the attitude of the natives them- per cent of the pictures concern sex and crime. selves. What worried the missionaries most were Thus the East sees America, revealed by the anti-Christian sentiments in foreign lands, espe- movies, as a nation of sex promiscuity, vice and cially in the Far East, where missionaries were crime.
looked upon as forerunners of imperialism. But Americans generally may not be disturbed by toda~ the story is different. The anti-Chris,tian the fact that the distorted pictures do not repre- movement in China, Japan, India or Korea, to a sent the "real American life." Unfortunately such great extent, has been suspended. Foreign mis- cannot be understood or imagined by the Orientals sionaries are no longer afraid of antagonism in since the majority of them have never been in spreading the Gospel of Christ. In fact, Chris- America or had any contacts with American cul- tianity is accepted and appreciated more and more ture. For them, the motion picture is perhaps the by the natives today. cheapest way, and oftentimes the only way, to However, there are new problems created as gain some education about American .life; when the old ones have died down. Strange as it may the types of American life they see are marked seem, most of the modern problems faced by mis- by killing, gambling, drinking, murdering, black- sionaries are those issues which are originated, mailing, and making love, such things are consid- not by the natives, but by the Westerners through ered "typical" and "real."
whom the missionaries were sent. One of the Many of the pictures shown in the Orient are greatest handicaps to mission activities today is not produced by the best American companies but the factor of motion pictures, the seriousness of are inferior works of art which have not succeeded which is seldom realized by Christians of the West. in America and have therefore been exported to The missionaries go to the Far East to preach China, Japan or India. These countries pay only the Gospel of Christ which brings purity, good the lowest rentals and hence cannot expect much will and peace; whereas the influence of most except the cheapest and silliest stuff.
motion pictures in Asia is to spread violence, Most missionaries agree that American movie>; crime and vice. The motion pictures are popular are the great stumblingblocks hindering the ad- with the natives and it is not an exaggeration to vancement of the Kingdom of God. The follow- say that foreign movies, within a few years in the ing statements by a missionary will perhaps give Far East, have done more to modify the ideas and a typical example: conduct of the Orientals than missionaries have Several weeks ago some of my boys invited me to go done through the past century. with them to the first talking film to come to the city. In In China, for example, there are more than 700 all innocence I went, and from first to last I was ashamed for America. The picture was the "Hollywood Revue," foreign pictures imported annually, of which about and it seemed to me the distributors had purposely cut out 90 per cent are products of Hollywood. Though all but the dirtiest parts. . . . When the climax came in the Chinese have their own productions, the Chi- the shape of a lewd dance of an almost nude woman I nese pictures compare with those of America. As could endure it no longer and left the theater. I explained one youngster remarked: "Our (Chinese) pic- to them that the "Hollywood Revue" was not America, but they only laughed. I may yet be able to make up for tures are too dried; no kissing, no embracing and that three hours of Hollywood filth but, in the name of all no killing. I like American pictures because they that is clean and pure, why does America send its worst have plenty of excitement." That, perhaps, an- to these countries!
swers the question. The American producers are American movies are counteracting the work of smart enough to have the dialogue translated into Christian missionaries in the East. Most Chinese Chinese or Japanese in order that the people may no longer feel antagonistic toward Christianity, know what the picture is about. Thus Oriental and they are inquiring whether or not the Chris- youth have become very familiar with the prin- tian life is practicable and useful. The pictures cipal Hollywood stars. they see do not show Christians in America, or The writer has been surprised to learn from anything like true Christian conduct. If the Gos- Chinese newspapers that the same pictures being pel of Jesus Christ is going to win its place among shown in America were at the same time adver- foreign peoples, especially the Orientals, a reform tised in China. But, we may ask, what do the of motion pictures in the Western world is greatly Americans see since it is the same in China or needed.
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England a Home· Mission
By the REV. ROBERT WATSON, Boston, Massachusetts Secretary of the Lord's Day League of New England V ERY few outside of New England think of The Baptists with 1,134 churches and a mem- it as a mission field – a field where the need bership of 199,892 increased 6% in that time. is greater than can be met by the local The Presbyterians with only 55 churches and churches. Surely this territory is well covered a membership of 15,462 made the second largest with old and well established churches adequate increase, 480/0 in twenty years. None of these for the demands of every community! In recent Presbyterian churches is competing with others.
years we have heard much about over-churched The United Presbyterians with 23 churches and communities, and a definite effort has been made a membership of 4,807 increased 24% in the same to federate, unite or eliminate churches in towns period.
and villages where one or more could, so far as Here let us consider another phase of this ques- numbers are concerned, provide for all the people. tion, which has evidently not yet been fully con- The Home Missions Council, in conjunction sidered by the Home Missions Council. All must with the national Boards of six outstanding de- rejoice in the friendly cooperation of Evangelical nominations, has agreed that no mission money churches genuinely seeking to secure for each shall be contributed by anyone of these Boards community full Gospel privileges. But does the church upon which is placed the full responsibility where there are more Protestant churches than for a particular community, under the present the size of the community demands. The fine plan, adequately minister to the spiritual needs of spirit of cooperation shown in this matter is most the people? Unless the church has a conscientious encouraging. It is interesting to learn that Christian minister, devoted to the spiritual welthroughout New England it was discovered that fare of the community, in the name of Christ and the number of over-churched places where mission faithfully sheperding the flock, without the stimmoney was being contributed, was almost a minus ulus of competition, the last state of that place quantity. Rural and small towns in Maine, New and people will be worse than the first. Yes, it Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island takes a great deal of time and care to secure a and Connecticut totaled less than twenty actual satisfactory answer to the above query. The incases. In the large towns and cities, the story vestigation should be entered upon promptly and may be somewhat different. Naturally coopera- conducted faithfully without fear or favor, for it tion must set free considerable sums of money to has been already agreed unto by many godly men be used in needy missionary fields. Does this in- that the spiritual life of New England has in reclude places in New England, or is it all'sent to cent years steadily declined. Perhaps no group other states? Some denominations are using has emphasized this more than our Unitarian large sums of mission funds to care for neglected brethren. fields in New England. Are these covering the entire need, or is there call for more? For at least twenty years now it has been af- firmed that more should be done in missionary The Episcopalians in New England reported effort throughout New England. Within the past 727 churches with a membership of 318,706 in seven years, a question was raised at an interde- 1934. This is the only Protestant denomination nominational conference by men from other parts in this territory which is making anything like a of the nation. A clergyman from New York satisfactory growth; it advanced 1500/0 in twenty turned to his neighbor on the right, an outstandyears. ing pastor in a strong denomination, not Presby- terian, and inquired-"What denomination do you The Congregational-Christian group, with 1,487 think can best meet the critical needs of this time churches and a membership of 342,712, made a in New England?" The reply was immediate- "The Presbyterian." The questioner replied: "I 22 % gain in the same period.
The Methodists with 1,162 churches and a mem- bership of 212,357 also gained 22 % in the twenty am greatly surprised to hear that. Why do you years. make such a statement?"
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"Fior three reasons" was the answer; "first, In New Hampshire, the need is of a different because the Presbyterian church has an adequate character. While few places are without a church doctrinal basis; second, because it has stability or pastor, in many instances the people' are dis- through its polity; third, because it has the Evan- couraged and pastors are financially handicapped.
gelical fervor." Under the blessing of G~d the backing of the This is the sincere judgment of one man. How Mission Boards with money and a modicum of supervision in the Spirit of Christ should speedily many would agree with him we do not know. At the present time the Presbyterian church is work wonders. one of the smallest bodies in New England, due In Vermont, the same need exists to quicken and strengthen churches, and there are from 40 to the fact that, many years ago, when the doc- to 50 towns where there is a real dearth. One trinal standards were the same, an agreement to small town of about 60 families, visited recently avoid overlapping was made with the Congrega- by a minister and his wife, has a church building tionalists. At that time a number of Presby- owned by the people. Every home was visited terian churches were turned over to the Congre- and considerable interest was manifested. A gational group. A union of United Presbyterian Sunday evening service has been started with an and Presbyterian U. S. A. congregations, scattered throughout this area, is very desirable today, attendance of about 40; a group of women was irrespective of any plan for a national union of organized, and they have arranged a week-day these two bodies. Such a union would mean a meeting when a strong speaker from the state great gain in the understanding of strangers, a capital will bring a message to the men. A Junior conserving of money for advance work, and a far Christian Endeavor Society, with a capable wom- an superintendent, of 21 children, from 7 to 14 more effective Church of Christ. is already functioning, and at least 30 young peo- Ninety-three Towns Without Churches ple are asking to be organized into a Christian In the summer of 1933, the American Tract Endeavor Society. Multiply that in 50 commu- Society sent an ordained minister into Maine for nities in Vermont, and what would it mean to the three months, to distribute Christian literature, future of that state, to the life of our nation and sell books, conduct religious services, and secure to the Church of Christ? definite information about religious conditions. He found many places entirely without religious In Massachusetts, the great need is to reach the services. One field, with a church property which foreign-speaking peoples in large manufacturing had cost $60,000, gave him a call which he ac- centres. This should be done by encouraging and cepted (although without any guarantee as to equipping the organized churches so that the people salary). Since then new members have been can seriously undertake that task. But Protestant added, and the cause of Christ has made speedy churches are combining, or in a few cases, are goprogress, although great financial sacrifice is nec- ing out of existence. The Roman Catholic Church essary to carryon the work. This pastor recently seems alive to the opportunities, for it is expandreported that 93 towns in Maine are without ing steadily. In Boston, within the past few church services, and 131 towns are inadequately months, they have bought a beautiful Protestant church, erected at a cost of $750,000 less than churched. He says: "Any denomination with vis- ten years ago. In that neighborhood there is a ion enough to expend $5,000.00 could open 15 real o~portunity for an Evangelical church, and churches in one year, and man those churches so such a work could have been undertaken in 1934 that, with help from the people, the work would had a few extra thousand dollars been available.
go on." In Rhode Island there are sections so crowded Another pastor writes that great benefit would with unreached foreign-speaking people that the result from an expenditure of $5,000.00 a year for English-speaking congregations cannot long con- several years to make it possible to send a group tinue unless they combine into larger parishes, of able consecrated, Evangelical students into the with an adequate staff to seriously undertake the state for 15 weeks of the summer, to teach and task of evangelizing and educating those es- preach, organize Sunday schools and revive dead tranged from every church. Several colporteurs, churches. During the winter two or three men a Sunday school missionary, and a pastor evan- could continue the work, and by the next spring gelist could work wonders under God in this small several fields would be ready to seek stated sup- compact state. In addition, a small fund would plies or pastors. In this way, in a period of about prove of great value to tide over a hard year or 10 years, a large number of these neglected fields aid in making necessary repairs to struggling would be permanently supplied with church churches.
privileges. In Connecticut, we think of well organized com-
THE NEED FOR MORE FAITH
munities ministered to by faithful pastors and ca- enced teacher and expounder of the Word of God, pable preachers. Yet one well-known pastor in and marvelous results would follow. that state affirms that with a few thousand dollars a year for ten years, there could be added to his Yes, New England is a home mission field todenomination, one active Evangelical church per day, and to meet the imperative needs require year. If we could place a wooing evangelist, with men and money. Men are available and a few fara song leader, in Connecticut for a few years, he sighted Christians could supply the money do it could do more than any other type of missionary. without much sacrifice. The result promises to be Add to his work, a strong, sound, sensible, experi- an hundredfold in this life and in the world to come, life everlasting, to an increased multitude.
The Need for More Faith* By ROLAND ALLEN Author of "Missionary Methods-St. Paul's or Ours," etc.
OUR Missions to non-Christians are rooted But when we look at the facts the non-Christian and grounded in faith in God and in the missionaries appear to have a stronger faith in power of the Gospel of Christ. Could men the power of their truth than the Christian. The conceivably go abroad to preach a Gospel which first Buddhists to preach in China certainly had a they did not believe to be Good News for them- great faith in the doctrine which they taught. selves, which they did not believe to be Good News They were so persuaded that their doctrine and for those to whom they went? Do not our mis- the rites in which it was expressed were so good sionary histories and biographies proclaim on that those who received them would not only hold every page the power of faith to move mountains them but pass them on to others. From the very of prejudice and difficulty? Is not faith in our beginning the monasteries were ruled by Chinese, Lord Jesus Christ the very foundation of all mis- the rites were performed by Chinese, the doctrine sionary activity? If that faith were removed was taught by Chinese. There was no attempt would not missionary work fall as a factory chim- made to provide them with support, or directIOn, ney falls when its base has been undermined? from any outside source. The doctrine stood And yet modern missions present a very strange simply in the faith of those who received it. Budappearance when we look at them as illustrations dhism was persecuted, was encouraged, was conof faith in Christ. demned; it flourished, it degenerated; but it never ceased to be Buddhism. It won to its allegiance All religious missions are rooted in some form millions of Chinese, and it remains today strongly of faith, not only Christian missions. Every hon- entrenched in the minds of millions as the true est man who seeks to impart a religious truth to way of salvation. The same is true of Islam: others does' so because he is convinced that he has found a truth which enlightens life for him and Whatever we may think of Islam, or of Budwill enlighten life for others. Christian missions dhism, as religious systems we cannot but respect do not differ from other religious missions in that, that confidence in the power of a religious system but in the nature of the religious truth imparted. to establish itself without any external assistance, even in the face of derision or of persecution. The truth which Christian missions propagate is Truth embodied in the Person of Jesus Christ, Do Christian missionaries so believe the docand implanted by the 'indwelling of the Holy trine which they preach that they entrust the doc- Spirit. Christian missionaries preach not an ab- trine and the rites to others? Do our missionaries stract and disputable truth, but a Person, and entrust the doctrine and the rites of the Christian union with a Person, not the mere acceptance of a faith to raw converts, in the simple faith that the doctrine. Christ is more than a theory of reli- Gospel can stand in its own strength? All our gion, and the Holy Spirit is more than mere ac- subsidiary methods, our institutions, our medical ceptance of a doctrine. missions, our educational missions, our industrial missions, our training schools, our colleges, our Such being the difference between the two types alliances with governments, our careful retention of missions, it would seem natural to expect that of the rites of Baptism and the Lord's Supper in the Christians should show a far greater and our own hands or in the hands of men specially deeper and stronger faith in the power of the trained by us, our eagerness to train leaders, our Truth which they preach than the non-Christians. efforts to maintain our control, our terror of de- generation or corruption, all cry aloud that, what- • Condensed from World Dominion, London and New York.
ever we may trust, we do not trust in the power initiative, or uncivilized, or backward; or that of the Gospel to win its own way and to triumph their moral standards are low and that we must by its own inherent force. Now the power of the see to it that they are raised before we can trust Gospel is the Holy Spirit, and the Truth of the them. All these may be true but such arguments Gospel is Christ. admit the fact that we dare not entrust the doc- trine and rites of the Gospel to others. They all If we cannot go to any people with a Gospel keep our eyes fixed on men. But what we are which is sufficient for them and can be wholly en- considering is our faith, not in men, but in Christ, trusted to them, then we must train converts for and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do we bea distant day when it may be possible to entrust lieve that our Gospel is so powerful that it can of them with the Gospel of Christ. We are always itself raise a fallen race? These arguments sugwaiting and expecting that day, but it does not gest that we are fit to be entrusted with the Goscome. Why not? Because we fear corruption pel, and that when others are as we are they will and degeneration. When we talk of a future day be fit. It is manifestly untrue. Weare not enwhen we shall be able to trust our converts in trusted with the Gospel because we are righteous, non-Christian lands, we are looking at them. and have attained some standard of intelligence and morality, but because God has had mercy on If we go with a Gospel whose doctrine and rites us. Not for our righteousness, but according to we cannot trust to the people, obviously we must His lovingkindness, He has chosen us; and we establish our missions on a more or less permanent stand by faith in Him. We go as missionaries bebasis. Then we must be able legally to hold them, cause we believe in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and dependence upon the goodwill of governments not because we believe in men. follows with all its encumbering forms. We must direct and supervise any advance. So long as the We proclaim that our doctrine is Christ, and period of our tutelage lasts, all advance must be we proclaim our belief in the Holy Spirit; but restricted by our capacity to supply training, and why do we not dare to act upon the belief that trained teachers. Christ will keep His own, that the Holy Spirit is as powerful to teach His own? Why do every- The reason is apparent-we do not believe that thing as though we were afraid of entrusting the the doctrine which we preach and the rites' which Gospel to others, and as if, without paid preachers, we practice as Christians are so good and power- and medical, educational, and industrial missions ful that anyone who accepts them ,can hold and to support it, it could make no progress. The practice them without our supervision, in spite of truth is that Christ can only be revealed in His the knowledge that it is Christ Whom we preach true grace and power when we trust Him. That and the Holy Spirit Who inspires. kind of faith is true faith. And it is of vital im- portance that we should accept it and practice it. We give many reasons which seem to us to justify our conduct, as for instance, that the people with whom we deal are ignorant, or lacking in Faiths Men Profess* The twelve faiths now operative in the world .the remainder are limited by racial and national are Christianity, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, boundaries. These faiths have not been static for Primitivism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Juda- changes have continually taken place. ism, Janism, and Parsiism or Zoroastrianism. No reliable statistics are available as to the number One cannot read of these twelve religions withof adherents of these various faiths. An estimate out being impressed with the moral insight shown made in 1933 puts the number of Christians at in the better of the non~Christian faiths. These 625 million, two and a half times the followers truths are the explanation of the survival value of the next faith which is Confucianism. Islam of these religions. In spite of the large weight of is placed third with 235 million, Hinduism fol- superstition and error, which the non-Christian lows closely with 220 million, then comes Prim- faiths carry, and in spite of the decimating influitivism with 160 and Buddhism with 140 million. ence of modern knowledge upon superstitions, In the remaining group of six, is Taoism with they are still living and likely to do so for some 40 million and the smallest is Parsiism with time to-come. Truth is hard to kill even though 100,000. mixed with error…. Putting the other religions alongside Christ serves to emphasize the superi- The oldest of these religions, Primitivism, was ority of the Christian revelations and the comin existence before the days of recorded history. parative futility of an insight into moral truth Five of the twelve faiths are international, while unless there is back of it the spiritual energy which the Saviour of the world furnishes-So E. 1. • From an Editorial in The United Presbyterian."
Headhunters in Pagan
A Letter from RUSSELL W. ABEL, Kwato A Missionary of the New Guinea Evangelization Society THE most important happening in our work And as their parents thought it unseemly for "un- lately has been the developments at Duram, initiated" boys, not yet through their initiation our furthest outpost, 150 unconnected miles ceremonies, to be clothed even in a leaf, Davida west of Kwato. Davida and his wife (Papuan had quite a storm in a teacup over it. However Christian workers) have been established there from the beginning he has made it his policy to be for a year now, with two junior helpers. They firm. "That is what Taubada and Sinebada (Mr.
have had a hard time, living unwelcome in the and Mrs. Charles W. Abel) did," he affirms.
midst of people who really have grown tired of "They never gave way on account of Papuan ob- the novelty of a mission in jections." For any Papuan to their vicinity. However they be insisting upon discipline in can show definite results after This letter, written from his school, if only to the exa year of difficulty and self- Gaburgabuna, Eastern Papua, tent of a school regulation sacrifice. Two Duram men are on October 19, 1935, is from a and uniform, is remarkable.
really converted – not merely son of the founder of the Kwato Davida has made friends adherents, but cases of true Mission. Charles W. Abel, who with members of an inland change of heart. They have died in England in 1930, started head-hunting tribe-the Dore- burned their idols, fetishes work among the warlike canni- vaidas. This is a great acand charms, and broken with bals forty-five years ago. His complishment. Furthermore their old heathen life. How mission has now grown to be they invite us to go inland to easily these words are tapped an interdenominational work· visit them. A little while ago cyoonudnugctsepdirfito-rfiltlheed mmoissst iponaarrtiebsy. it seemed impoSSI.ble to know off on the typewriter, and yet The whole work is thoroughly how to open that door; and in what victory in human hearts, what realization of God and evangelical and practical. Pap- answer to prayer we have not courageous yielding to His uans are first evangelized and had to do anything about it. call, they represent! And then are trained to go out as The door has opened, and the what fears and prayers and self-supporting w 0 r k e r s to heathen are seeking the misfaith and constant teaching on evangelize others. The remark- sionaries!
Davida's part have gone into able results, such as are de- A Dorevaida chief and his the winning of these men. scribed here, show the power of wife heard about Christ and Now they are being trained as Christ to transform and guide the news spread inland – not "Christian soldiers," and must through Christian agents, but even the most primitive people.* live a new life in Duram. by heathen gossip. Finally it Pray for them. It is not going reached the hills, where mur- to be easy to be forever different from everyone der is the only passport to recognition, and a man else. The younger of them is at Kwato now, and is without social standing until he has procured a getting much help there. human head. The chief and his wife came down Davida writes to say the children in the new to the coast to see Davida and Eauvenibo (his school at Duram are "getting quite tame now, not wife) and to witness the new Christian living of wild like before." They have had a tussle over which they had heard. That must have been a cleanliness and clothing, but the children are get- responsibility for the Christians, yet Davida was ting "quite accustomed to the idea." The only quite gleeful about it. "It was great," he wrote; clothing he tries to impose upon his schoolboys is "we were able to show them how we lived."
the green leaf band, such as is worn by all Eastern Two searching questions crop up in my mind: Papuans in the Kwato district. But even this Would you or I invite anyone home to see an minimum is strongly objected to by Central Pap- example of Christian living"? Is our living of uan lads whose sole attire has been caked dirt. victorious and startling quality that it would ~New Guinea Evangelization Society has headquarters at provide news for the heathen? The early Chris- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. The president is Dr. Hugh R. Monro, tians gave an astonished world plenty to talk and the treasurer Is Walter McDougall.
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about. "These that have turned the world upside rack for me," she said. "I am trusting in a Cross. down are come hither also," said the Thessalonian That is enough for me. No need to torture pigs, heathen when they heard that Paul and Silas had my Saviour was tortured on a Cross." (Primitive arrived. (Acts 17: 6.) . people feel relieved of their anguish when they can inflict it on an animal. The pig somehow suf- * '" * fers for them. You may not understand this.) These are very ignorant people. The story of the At present there is a camp being held over in Cross must still have been quite new to the woman Buhutu Valley, among the so-called "bush" peo- I have quoted. ple. This has mostly been aimed at the strengthening of the Christian communities, composed of There was a heathen feast on a few miles away. primitive though very spiritually minded folk. All through that meeting, held in the light of camp These felt their need of a new vision and blessing. fires, we could hear tom-toms in the distance. Vil- At Leileiafa they met together and prayed spe- lages were all deserted on account of it, and some cially that God would send someone to encourage Christians had been drawn back into the vortex. them. Their prayer was answered and they were The church at Borowai will never be what Siaclearly guided that help was coming. They would siada and Leileiafa are until the believers there never dream of doubting this, and in simple obe- pay the same price, that of entire surrender to dience that one almost learns to take for granted God, a clean sweep of old cults, and no more among these "bush" Christians, they gathered "sunuma labui." from far and near. They were all ready and waiting when the camp vanguard appeared, without *** warning, over the hills from Suau. There is great progress being made in some This reminds me of an incident that happened parts of this country, especially at the Morobe three years ago, when Arthur Swinfield (our tech- goldfields, which now boast "the largest rerodrome nical and boatbuilding i;nstruetor) and I suddenly in the world." (I will not vouch for the veracity decided to cross that valley, and pick up a Kwato- of this.) It is the central depor.t of 40 rerodromes bound boat on the south coast. On the way we in different parts of the country. Their annual met people from Mt. Thomson, a long way inland, freightage by air is said to exceed that of the enwho came down to a certain range of hills that we tire rest of the world. Five years ago there was crossed, and were there to meet us. In blank merely a handful of prospectors in that district. amazement, I asked how they knew I was coming. Today, a district officer whom I met last week on They replied that they had had guidance that they his way back told me, there are between 3,000 would find us there, and so they had set off in and 4,000 white people there. Many of the native obedience, arriving there an hour before we did. population, recruited for labor, come in from the And their guidance was received before we our- bush, having never seen a white man before. The selves knew we were going! It takes inland most recent exploit of the famous Kukukuku tribe Papua to teach one what an utter novice in the was to murder six Roman Catholic missionaries. Christian life one is. Where there is gold to be found insurmount- The campers have had a great time at the two able difficulties melt before human ingenuity. Christian centres, Leileiafa and Siasiada, and are Whole towns spring up, conveyed by air over the now at Borowai, further west, where there has top of impenetrable ranges. Where is that deterbeen wholesale backsliding. Heathen ceremonies mination and spirit in Christian enterprise? have reclaimed one after another, or "sunuma There, alas, one sees caution, timidity, and often labui" as they call it; that is a "double faith," retrenchment. There is not much pioneering in holding on to a bit of the old as well as the new. 20th century Christianity. We cannot often boast That, however, can't be done. of being the first on the field nowadays. Weare outstripped .by commerce. The last time I was at Borowai, Christians from Leileiafa and Bombomtiti (aren't the bush names The German missionaries in New Guinea have marvelous!) had gone there to help the dwindling become air-minded and now fly to the. newly-discause. I attended a testimony meeting they ar- covered and thickly populated Mt. Hagen plateau. ranged, at which those who had an experience to They were followed by two Roman Catholic farelate testified with regard to the giving up of old thers, _who, by shooting a pig, antagonized the things, heathen feasts, etc. I shall never forget natives, and were both murdered as a result. This the earnest face of one woman who spoke, as she has created difficufties. The unevangelized areas told of her stand against a death feast for a of the world should be on all our consciences as brother and all it had cost her. "No pigs on the Christians.
Achievements in
-&(1 By REV. J. EARL MORELAND I President, Porto Alegre College, Porto Alegre, Brazil,. Missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South .nA .T A RECENT meeting of Christian workers America, makes it easier to understand the con- in Brazil one of the outstanding Brazilian stant care given to educational institutions. leaders expressed an opinion which seemed Schools were generally organized in response to to epitomize the thinking of the group. Said he, a twofold need: the need of the people for in- "Evangelistic work in our churches is basic, so- struction, and the need of the Church for develop- cial service efforts are necessary and important, ing its own ministry and laity. Granbery Col- but through Christian education in our various lege, at Juiz de Fora, with its enrollment of nearly schools we are doing that which is of most abid- 700 students and its five well-organized depart- ing value to our people." ments, was first organized to meet this twofold This statement produced much serious thought. need. Like the McKenzie College in Sao Paulo, Many questions were raised and discussed, and Union College in South Brazil, and numerous their consideration helped to clarify the thinking other schools, its growth was slow in the early of the group. years, due to a lack of funds. Yet these schools "Why does Christian education make a contri- continued to grow and their academic standards bution of most permanent value to the total cause were invariably higher than those of the national of Christianity in South America?" schools. The teachers and administrators con- "In what way have our schools come to their ceived their Christian duty as including both per- present place of prominence in the educational life sonal evangelism and high scholastic standards.
of those countries?" Out of this twofold emphasis came their present "What is their distinctive contribution-to the contribution to church and country.
people and to the Christian cause?" The achievement of mission schools in training "What of the future?" leaders has been realized in three distinct fields: In order to understand the great opportunity in preparing its own ministers and workers; in presented to our Christian schools in Latin Amer- producing Christian leaders in education and in ica it is necessary to study the beginnings of the other professions; and in its direct, though not work. Most of the pioneers who laid the early decisive influence, upon thousands of students foundations of our work were educated, cultured who have come to places of responsibility in many men. Having enjoyed the best advantages which walks of life. the church could offer in its schools and colleges The national mi.nistryof Protestant churches in of that day, they were eager to extend similar South America is rapidly coming to be a well- advantages to the people to whom they were tak- trained ministry. The Methodist Church of ing the Good News. They believed in personal Brazil, in its last General Conference, voted al- evangelism and their first emphasis was always most unanimously to admit to its ministry only placed there. But evangelistic efforts were ac- those candidates who had completed the Ginasio companied by conservation. They early recog- (corresponding to our collegiate) course. The nized that no real success could be attained ex- Presbyterian Church has ever given first emphasis cept through Christian education. Strange as it to the training of its ministry, and it is therefore may seem to many in the home land, "Educational not surprising that, of all the Protestant churches evangelism" became an accomplished fact on the at work in South America today, it has the best mission fields long before that great slogan was prepared ministry. The Episcopal Church makes sounded so effectively in North America. The the same rigorous educational demands of its solid foundations of autonomous churches in more priests in Brazil which it demands at home. The than one country today:· are to be discovered in Congregational and other churches are also plac- educational evangelism, perhaps imperfectly in- ing an increasingly stronger emphasis upon the terpreted, yet none the less vigorously applied training of their religious leaders. The first ex- over a long period of years. planation, therefore, of the abiding influence of This initial interest upon the part of many of Protestant missions in South America is found in the founders of PrOtestani missions in South this emphasis upon a well prepared ministry.
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Without this emphasis, .our churches in thDse cumstances, as they come under this emphasis and neighboring Republics would never have advanced these Christian influences during their formative to their present position, but would still be in the years, cannot fail to be profoundly impressed- early primary stages of development. . far more than they can realize at the time. The The contribution of Christian schools in the results can .only be tabulated in terms of changed pr.oduction .of leaders in the intellectual, in the attitudes, positive personalities, transformed lives. scientific and political life of South America has One of the most conspicuous leaders in the New .only recently begun to receive adequate recogni- Brazil of today was asked recently why he was tion. This lack is perhaps traceable to tWD fac- willing to give so much of his time and effort tors: first, that for many years missiDn schools toward furthering the interests of the Protestant were few in number, and therefDre limited in schools. His reply was immediate and forceful: "quantity" of students and "output"; and second, "While I am not a member of a Protestant church and cannot accept many of your ideas, I simply our churches have fostered very few technical cannot shut my eyes to living values. In your scho.ols, with the result that due credit was not schools you are producing the kind of real men given to the basic educational foundations laid which Brazil needs today." in the earlier days. However that may be, it is true today that widespread rec.ognition is being Our Christian schools, though sadly handicap- given to Protestant schools and their contribution ped by lack of funds and equipment, are never- to national life, both direct and indirect, as a theless privileged to render basic service in build- stimulus to creative leadership. In Uruguay and ing for the New Day in South America-even in the Argentine, mention has been made repeatedly building the Kingdom of Our Lord and Master of certain .outstanding leaders who came up among our southern neighbors.
through the Christian schools. In Brazil, during the Constitutional Convention of 1933-34, some attenti.on was drawn to the fact that one of our WHAT PERU NEEDS Protestant sch.ools had nine of its graduates listed among the constituent legislators. At least two Evangelistic effort has been too local in some of these were counted among the smaller group parts, but in others it has been extensive to a de- of outstanding leaders of the Congress-and one gree of weakness. There has been too little in- of them became the Secretary of Agriculture in tensive work accompanying the widespread evan- the Cabinet of Dr. Getulio Vargas, the President gelism. In the zeal to occupy territory, to reach of Brazil. Still another drew extraordinary atten- regions beyond, the preparation of men capable ti.on from the entire nation as he focalized the of carrying on the work of the churches has been interest of the people up.on certain urgent moral almost neglected. Many of the congregations are and religious pr.oblems confronting them. Fur- weak in everything but fervor. They lack num- ther proof of our thesis might be cited in the fact bers, social influence, and the wealth of spiritual that three of the possibly half d.ozen greatest resource which an adequate knowledge of the grammarians and masters of Portuguese during Gospel should produce.
the past thirty years have been ordained ministers The urgent need of the missionary cause in of the Presbyterian Church-Drs. Erasmo Braga, Peru is a suitable training center for intensive Eduardo Carlos Pereira, and Othoniel Motta. The instruction in the truth, and deeper cultivation of last is still everywhere recognized as one .of the the spiritual life. This should provide opportuleading authorities in the P.ortuguese language nity, not only for Bible institute work for the today. training of pastors and other native Christian workers, but also for larger interdenominational Another contribution wDrthy of attention is that gatherings such as conventions for Bible instrucmade by Protestant schools in their constant em- tion and for the deepening of the spiritual life.- phasis upon Christian character as a necessary From "The West Coast Republics of South Amerbasis .of all educational devel.opment. This un- ica." ceasing emphasis upon Christian character is, we sincerely believe, of almost incalculable value as its impact is brought to bear upon the lives .of thousands of stUdents, year by year. Our Chris- A young missionary to Japan asked Dr. Kagawa tian teachers not only maintain that character what advice he had for him in beginning his work.
can and must be lived, but also that character can Kagawa's reply was significant: "Sit still. Amer- and must be taught. The two, .of course, are by ican missionaries are in such a hurry, running no means dissimilar, but rather are parts .of a here, there, everywhere in your cars. Take time total process. Hundreds, if not thousands, .of stu- to study and win one and teach him. Win a few; dents from widely diverse environment and cir- teach them and send them out to win others."
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I Effective Ways of Working 9 I, "rested Metlwds for Increasing Interest at Home I EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~'I========–==—-=–="""""""~ MOiDERNIZING MISSION- the medium of the written or the this country inclusive of Ambas- ARY EDUCATION spoken word." Of course the sador Saito has been pronounced pictures must not be relied upon by the Japanese as the only pic- In this day when Christian to work magic in themselves. ture made by a foreign group standards are no longer observed They must have an adequate proand missionary motivations seem gram built up around them. that was entirely satisfactory to to have lost their old-time pull; Speed the day when this educa- the Japanese people. [The reels when even the authority of tional method will become so Christ's Great Commission is be- general that local film library rent at prices varying from $1.00 ing called in question, it is im- associations will develop. In the perative that we build up a more meantime attention is called to for a 16 mm. or $2.00 for a dynamic missionary education three organizations whose pic- 35 mm. reel upward, transportasituation. On that all denomina- tures may be used to supplement tion both ways being extra. The tions are in agreement. The in- those brought out by the differcreasing use of the Sunday ent denominations. Foundation has a good catalog; school; of schools of missions; but orders need to be given well of organizations within the The Religious Motion Picture church for men and boys, as well Foundation of 140 Nassau St., in advance of the date of use.] as women and girls; of age New York City, with a branch groupings and studied presenta- office at the Y. M. C. A. Motion International Educational Pictions, instead of hit-or-miss en- Picture Bureau, 19 S. La Salle tures, Inc., is a large corporation deavors; of the use of attractive St., Chicago, is operating for located at 40 Mt. Vernon St., promotional and educational ma- service, not profit. It supplies terial inclusive of that brought reels for the various depart- Boston, Mass., but with branch out by the Missionary Education ments of church activity as well offices in many centers, the order Movement – these are high po- as for children's story hours, at headquarters being relayed to tency points among evangelical special meetings, recrea,tional church folk. The tested and gatherings, benefits, etc. As an the branch nearest the customer. most useful literature and plans auxiliary it has available refer- It lists 2,000 films, 16 and 35 are continually stressed in this ence outlines, including back- Department, but at ,this season, ground material and suggestions mm., silent and sound on almost when schools of missions are in for the films, consultation and every imaginable subject. The full swing, we wish to reempha- advisory service and analysis of Film Handbook (catalog) is a size the value of good motion individual equipment needs. The pictures in all branches of mis- Foundation endeavors to bring de luxe work of art and costs 35 sionary education. out each year authoritative films cents. Exhibitors using the interpretative of the current Attention, Pastors! mission study books. For in- service are required to subscribe stance they have now series of once a year, the payment of the The Church has been slow to pictures on Latin America-one recognize these educational fa- on the geographical background, 35 cents entitling them to two cilities which bid fair to replace another on historical and eco- copies of this directory, the even the daily newspapers. Mo- nomic conditions and a third on tion pictures should not be used Mexico; a two-reel picture on right to borrow 400 free films just as a bait to lure an audience life in the Southern Appalachian and the use of the clearing house because they are "not merely a region ("Unto the Hills"); a show but are a vital medium of study on the activities of the service for the rental of films. expression in getting ideas over T. V. A., etc. The picture on In most cases exhibitors are rein a vivid way that, in many in- "Japan and Her Problems," il- quired to pay transportation stances, results in a much more lustrative of last year's foreign clear mutual understanding of a theme and prepared in coopera- costs both ways, the location of subject than is possible through tion with leading Japanese in the several shipping points min- imizing the expenses. The con- [95 ] dition of free films is not guar- anteed as is that of rental reels. Those not having projectors may obtain free advice as to the vari- ous makes, although the 1. E. P.
does not deal in them.
The Pan American Union, of Washington, D. C., has in addi- tion to a large variety of free or loan printed matter, posters and music concerning the countries it represents, a supply of mov- ing picture films and stereop-
ticon slides to be loaned rent free 6. In the worldwide confusion pre- Later the subject may be thrown on condition that the borrower vailing today Jesus stands before men open to the audience for a few pay express charges from and to greater than western civilization and minutes: but enlightenment is Washington and agree to have greater than the Christianity com- the objec.t and no vote to record the films exhibited only by ex- monly known and practiced. (A, 63; a decision is expected. In a dis- perienced operators. Write for D,3; U,7.) cussion outlined in the young their catalog. Most communities people's literature of the Dis- have access to loan or rental 7. A lack of interest in extending ciples of Christ, the following projectors of 16 or 35 mm. size. the Christian religion reflects a de- questions were assigned to all cline in the spiritual experience of the participants for pre v i 0 u s Discussion versus Didactics Church. (A,59; D,3; U,6.) thought and preparation: A survey of current study 8. Missionary work is less needed Why should young people be con- books and programs reveals the today than formerly. (A, 4; D, 63; cerned about building a new world? extent to which discussions, U,4.) questionnaires, platform "con- What is wrong with the present so- versations," true and false tests 9. Missionaries should preach the cial order? and the like have replaced the Gospel and leave to others the reform hand-out information in the plat- of political, social and economic con- What is the United Youth program? form monologues of papers and ditions. (A, 15; D,48; U, 11.) Who is back of it? What is it trying talks. It is the expression of a to do? new trend and attitude of mind 10. Missions should supply teachers and as a step forward in auto- of scientific agricultural methods and How can our group share in the brain-stimulation is good for the so help remove the abject poverty and program? What would it mean for individual. The interchange of misery of rural life. (A, 64; D, 2; our group? thought results in the cross- U,5.) fertilization of group thinking. What issues should we face if we Among the used – and –proved- 11. The Church at home should al- take part? good plans recently sent to this low the younger churches to express Department are the following: the Gospel through their own genius Needless to say the study and through forms suitable to their book, "Youth Building aNew An Inquiry into Missionary own racial heritage. (A. 59; D, 4; World," furnishes the basis, and Attitudes U,8.) all should be familiar with it. Then the leader explains to the The device was used at a union 12. The miSsionary enterprise is one company that while those at the missionary meeting at Mont- department of our church life and table lead off, everyone will be clair, N. J., in October. A sheet should be supported only by those given opportunity to express an of the test topics was submitted whose special interest it is. (A, 4; opinion later. For example: to each person present to be D,63; U,6.) Agnes speaks up from the panel marked and returned without saying it seems to her rather a signature. The instructions 13. The chief objectives of the mis- large order-letting young peo- read: sionary enterprise should be to con- ple take a hand in their own vert as many people as possible, rather problems, to which the leader re- After reading each statement than to develop and train leaders for plies that we simply have to through full y, register your the younger churches. (A, 10; D,52; build a new world because the opinion as follows: If you agree U,9.) one we now live in is in pretty check A; if you disagree, check much of a mess. Jack says that D; if you are uncertain, check 14. Lack of unity in the adminis- while thing:;J are not perfect, U. On the left hand margin ap- tration at home and in the field tends they are so much better than peared the capital letters A, D, to make the missionary enterprise in- they used to be that he thinks . and U for checking. effective. (A, 64; D,3; U,4.) we would better let well enough alone: and then the discussion 1. The religion of Jesus has unique 15. The missionary enterprise should is in full swing. A climax of values not possessed by any other re- be a partnership between older and proposed action may well be ligion. (All checked A.) younger churches on the basis of reached. equality in interest and control, even 2. Secularism, nationalism and com- though large financial help is supplied Fireside Forums munism, rather than the old religions, by the stronger. (A, 55; D, 20; are the chief opponents of Christianity U,5.) These are an outstanding fea- today. (52 checked A; 20, D.) ture of the Baptist promotional This inquiry provides an ex- program for the year, the object 3. For each race its own religion is cellent basis for discussion in being to provide each church best. (15, A; 48, D; 20, U.) any church or community group with an occasion for bringing its if the leader is capable of clar- entire constituency together in 4. Since American Christians have ifying conflicts and correcting homes for f e I low s hip and more than enough to keep them busy erroneous thinking. thoughtful discussion of local in placing their own house in order, and world problems,and for the they have no call to concern them- Panel Discussions consideration of the privileges selves with the social and religious and responsibilities of Christians needs of other people. (1, A; 68, D; These are becoming increas- in their church relationships. 4, U.) ingly popular, even for a pas- The new plan has the following tor's evening service to act as a 5. Christianity loses its influence lodestone to draw a congrega- and power by recognizing values in tion. A group of people, selected other religions. (A,10; D,57; U,6.) for their ability and clear vocal- ization and carefully prepared by previous study, assemble at the front and discuss a subject informally under the direction of a leader capable of giving its initial statement and an impetus by means of opening queries.
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
technique to be developed by a where he was born, his occupation and Men and Women of Far special forum committee: what he would like to do if he changed his occupation. Horizons The division of the church into districts, following such natural bound- 2. Forty minutes for a Question- "There has come to me a volume of aries as will include in each district nairplane Flight. The leader gives to missionary articles which so thrilled ten homes (more or less) within easy each person a copy of a list of ques- me that f sincerely wish every misaccess of each other, and the selection tions about the cooperative program sionary worker and every worker with in each district of a home in which to of the denomination and one answer young people might place it in their hold a Fireside Forum. Designate to a question, the latter not to pass library for reference and help," this as the Forum Home. out of the hands of the holders. At a writes Mrs. Abram De Young, of given signal, the group enters on a Kalamazoo, Michigan. For each such division, (1) appoint thirty-minute quest for replies to all a hostess whose duty it will be to pre- the questions, each person working in- "The book is a series of articles pare for the meeting, introduce guests dependently and interviewing every compiled by Jesse R. Wilson, General upon their arrival, create a friendly other person in order to secure the Secretary of the Student Volunteer atmosphere among them, give careful right answers. At the end of this half Movement but written by missionaries attention to the ventilation and ar- hour the leader will call time and read and outstanding Christians the world range for someone to take the children the correct answers so that each one over, out of their own vast and varyinto a separate room and entertain may check his own replies or exchange ing experiences, revealing their enthem during the meeting; (2) select a with some one else for correction. thusiasm for and deep conviction conconvener who will be held responsible The person answering correctly the cerning their task, and also the great for securing the attendance of every largest number of queries wins the burden of longing in their hearts for family in his district, arranging for most points. Questions need not be the world as they have seen it. . . . the personal invitation of someone by answered in order. As I read I found myself impressed whom a less familiar family may be through every chapter with the wonbrought to the meeting, furnishing the 3. Ten minutes are next allotted to drous glory of the missionary enterhostess with a list of the telephone a "Look through the Churchscope." prise. numbers of her prospective guests so The leader makes a careful presentathat she may personally supplement tion of the local church program for "The book also makes us realize the other invitations, and send to the the year after distributing the copies how through missions there has come forum committee a list of all who at- of that program for reference. to us a greater appreciation of other tended the meeting; (3) secure a races, for it gives us pictures of their leader who will be responsible for con- 4. Ten minutes are then consumed people and of the consecrated souls ducting the meeting, helping the in the feature called "We Talk It among them who have been won for guests to get better acquainted and Over"-which is the open forum por- Christ and are now powers for Him carrying out the detailed plan as out- tion. Sample topics are such as these: among their own race . . . Most of lined by the church. In what ways could our church's all the book helps us to see the power methods of financing its work be im- of Christ over sin and darkness . . . Next, hostesses, conveners and lead- proved? To what extent should our ers are brought together in separate church cooperate with other churches "The articles may be used in formgroups and thoroughly coached. The in making our community more Chris- ing all types of pro~rams and for andate decided upon for the forum meet- tian? What are the channels through swering questions about missions and ing is publicized through church bul- which our church may seek to enlist even answering criticisms that are on letins, posters and newspaper pub- the active cooperation of every mem- the lips of some . . . The stories licity. Enlistment cards for signa- are wonderfully helpful for illustrature at the gatherings are secured and ber? tions in Sunday school as well' as misdistributed, together with copies of sionary meetings. Many of them can the pastor's program for the year, to 5. "We Enlist" is the climax of the be used effectively as impersonations the leaders: then the scene is set for program. The chairman leads the and others will lend themselves easily the forums. group in reading the church covenant to dramatizations." from copies distributed and the enlist- Each group is supposed to number ment card is considered quietly and Pastors might well incorpofrom 15 to 25 and the proposed pro- prayerfully. Each one is asked to sign rate much of this true-to-life magram of the meeting to consume about his card indicating the channels terial in a series of sermons inan hour and 40 minutes. Its divisions through which he is willing to serve terspersed and illustrated by the are: the church, and a prayer of dedication dramatizations and impersona- is offered while cards are still in the tions suggested by the reviewer. 1. Ten minutes for getting better hands of their signers. The cards are acquainted. Groups seated informally then collected and turned over to the Friendship Press, 150 Fifth Ave., in a circle, each person in turn rising pastor, after which the intensive task New York City. (Price 50 cents in and stating his name, where he lives, remains of holding the membership paper, $1.00 in cloth.) up to their high resolves.
THE CONVERSATION In the packet of leaflets, referred to in the foregoing, another form of discourse is featured entitled "The Hayrake Conversation." In the setting of a farmyard, where the farmer is attempting to repair his hayrake, a neighbor drops in and the two discuss the proposal to unite all the struggling churches of the community for better service. The dialogue furnishes a well-balanced presentation of the pros and cons.. the essential details of organic church union, church federation, the "Larger Parish Plan," pastoral unity, etc., are interwoven. At the coming community dinner soon to be held the matter will be brought to vote. Jake says: Everybody'll be there but old Deacon Peachcrab. Poor old fellow! he's just been an officer so long he can't bear to have other folks take over the reins. It's kind of funny. Four years ago the old man said there'd never be one church in this place. He would have got some officers from the other churches and started trouble against the idea, but it seems like it was all over before he knew it was happening. Just like this hayrake here-we got it all fixed bElfore we knew it. . . . Goodbye, Jim; see you Tuesday.
The packet containing the above and a variety of other material for young people may be obtained from the United Christian Missionary Society, 222 Downey Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
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BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK "WHEN WILT THOU SAVE THE PEOPLE?"
"Now when Jesus was born, . . . Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, say i n g, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him. "Then Herod the king pri- vately called the Wise-men and learned exactly. . .. And being warned of God in a dream, Joseph, Mary and the child departed into their own country another way. . . . An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, A rise and take the young child and his mother, and /lee Courtesy Art Ea;tension Press, Westp<>rt, Conn. into Egypt and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will "CHRI ST WITH CHILD R EN, " seek the young child to destroy drawn by an Austria n gi rl 15 years of a ge. From " Children 's Service of Worship," him. for u s e on the World Day of Prayer for MiSSions, Februa ry 28 , 1936.
"And he arose and took the what longing, yea what zeal, yea part of the children ·.of God.
young child and his mother by what avenging! In everything Throughout centuries men and night" and departed into exfle. ye approved yourselv es to be women have been conscious of And some nineteen hundred pure in the matter. the reasons for the hurried years later from "the land of the "So although I wrote unto you flight, and with grave concern free and the home of the brave" I wrote not for his cause' that have read of the slaughter of the another father is warned to de- did· the wrong, nor for his cause innocents by the civic authoripart at once with the mother and that suffered the wrong, but that ties. Let us not forget! your earnest care for us might child and celebrate the birth of be made manifest unto you in Will you personally do some- the sight of God." thing today and every day folthe Christ-child in exile. Be- lowing, to make life safe for the And the same pastor Paul, the little ones in America? Thus cause there is love in the family Apostle, wrote the church mem- shall we be true citizens of bers in Philippi (and they were Heaven and America, and show there will be peace in their very nice folk), "Finally breth- that we personally have some re- ren . . . if there be any virtue sponsibility for the sad event of hearts. But what about the . . . think on these things." the exile of the Lindbergh famhomeland folk? ily. Shall we now show godly The editor has received an- repentance? In a letter written to a com- nually within the last decade at Christmastide, five or six greet- Shall crime bring crime forever pany of Christians in Corinth, ing cards depicting the exile of Strength aiding still the strong?
Paul their pastor, wrote (2 Cor. the Holy Family. And in recent Is it thy will, 0 Father, years these cards appear as That man shall toil for wrong? 7: 10-12) : glorified pleasure jaunts instead "For godly sorrow worketh re- of the secret, hurried, and fear- "No," say thy mountains; "No," thy some journey made necessary by skies; pentance unto salvation which bringeth no regret: but the sor- the sin in human hearts, and the Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise, row of the world worketh death. greater sin of indifference on the And songs be heard instead of sighs; God save the people! "For behold, this self-same thing, that ye were made sorry -Ebenezer Elliott, 1781-1849. after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, yea what fear, yea [98 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
ON FEBRUARY 28, 1936 scious of our responsibilities as Wellington, New Zealand, Christian citizens to mitigate so lying geographically just east of far as we can the hardships of sunrise on the International their toil.* Date Line will be among the very Amen. first Christians to meet for prayer and commitment to "On ACCEPTING RESPONSIearth peace, goodwill toward BILITY men." And on February 28, The following. prayer was 1936, the first Friday in Lent, Mrs. Daniel A. Poling, President made by an Indian girl at the in- of the Council of Women for stallation of the new officers. Home Missions, will be among May we put this same spirit into the worshipers in Wellington. From Shanghai, Mrs. Poling our prayers for our work, and sent the message which she had add a prayer for the Indian already prepared. She thought young people in the schools and that some of us at home would join with them in prayer, in on the reservations: "Let us the very words which she will pray: Our loving Father, we use. To do this, you should know thank Thee that Thou didst give that sunrise, February 28, in New Zealand, is approximately us Jesus Christ, who desires that Thursday noon, February 27, in New York City. Excerpt: every girl should have life abun- This year near Wellington, New Hirschel Rabinow dant. We thank Thee that in Zealand, in a mountain community at sunrise we are opening the World Day Oourtesy, New York Sunday Times this school Thou hast entrusted of Prayer of 1936. After a long trip through thirty countries, Dr. Poling to us girls some of thy work. and I realize as never before the great need of men to find oneness through "FOR THEIR SAKES" We thank Thee that the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Everywhere on this trip young people The little neglected boy, be- Jesus Christ can be with us and were eager to accept responsibility of friended by the dog, is a drawing with our Association, to help using some time each Monday as pre- by a 14-year-old boy, Hirschel bring life and light and joy and paratory for this day when all join Rabinow, as his contribution to the chance for service to every in prayer for peace on earth. the Hundred Neediest Cases girl, not only here but every Fund of the New York Times, In 1920, both in Canada and the and reprinted here by courtesy place in the world. And now, as United States, church women of many of same. It recalls to us our re- these new officers .and cabinet denominations united in a Day of sponsibility for all children. He members accept their responsi- Prayer for Missions. In 1935, in more may well be one of the two hun- bility, may they begin their new than fifty countries, Christians prayed dred thousand Migrant children duties by always looking to Thee and pledged themselves to the bearing whom the Council of Women for for help and guidance. Wilt of one another's burdens. . . . Home Missions is serving, or one Thou hear their solemn pledge, whom we should be serving with wilt Thou grant them a sense of Prayer: Our God, Father of us all, your help. Thy presence in their work towe come to Thee today with grateful gether. Bless us all, as memhearts for thy Son Jesus who came to Let us pray: bers of the Y. W. C. A., and help show and be the Way, Truth, and Life. us each. to do our part in making Forgive us, we pray, and give us an "Father of all mankind, we the Spirit of Jesus felt in this hunger and thirst for peace. Teach pause in the haste of our daily school. Amen." us to seek and labor for peace-peace lives to come with quietness into within ourselves and with Thee, in our homes, and for our land in relation to Thy presence. May Thy strength the peoples of the world. We thank and Thy spirit fill us and may WHAT DO'YOU PRAY FOR? Thee Our Father for the growing and deepening consciousness of the need the love which Thou hast for all "Prayers for Self and Sofor peace, and for the personal knowl- mankind flood our hearts. We ciety," Association Press, 15 edge of Him who brings peace on would at this time bring before cents a copy, was prepared by earth. Bless the mothers and children. Thee those men and women and Rev. James Myers, Industrial We do not ask 0 Lord a life all free young people who earn their Secretary, Federal Council of from pain. We do not seek to be in meager living by gathering from the Churches of Christ in Amerthis great world of need without our ica. It is being used both for load of care. For this we know, the the fields the food that shall feed present cross is our eternal gain and that they who struggle and endure us; who bear the heat of the shall at long last reach the Heavenly noonday sun, the long hours of private devotions and in public Kingdom. So Lord keep us fit within and give us strength and light and we labor, and the rush of the can- worship. will follow through the din from darkness up to light. This we ask in the nery service while we benefit name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen. from their toil. We are con- • By M. Katherine Bennett. scious, 0 Father, of their long- ing for permanent homes, of EDITOR'S NOTE.-All material for the ob- their unfulfilled hopes for their servance of the World Day of Prayer for children. Make us equally con- Missions, February 28, 1936, can be obtained at the above address.
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OUf W orld~wide Outlook i.,'1 A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ] ~,-==========-======~E~D~I~TE~D==BY==M~R~S~.~H~EN==R~I~==~A~H~.~.~F~ER~G~U~S~O~N~,~X~E~N~IA~,~O~H~I~O==================_~~~ CHINA toward making a cure. . . . Selfish- The Music Committee in charge Free Education promoted a competition for Chi- The determined movement for ness is at the base of it all. . . . In nese-style hymn tunes to be used China we have placed so much em- for the purely Chinese hymns phasis on the family, perhaps it is not which are to be included in the necessary now to emphasize it so book. Some two thousand hymns were received but only fifty of free popular education in China much. But our conception of the fam- them were accepted. For about places Christian primary schools ily in the New Life MQvement is dif- half of these the committee had tentatively chosen tunes and the in a new situation, as they can- ferent from the past because we competition was held for the not compete with a s·tate system recognize the family as the basis of purpose of getting tunes for the the structure for civilization. . . . remaining twenty-five. Altoof free education. For the cur- gether eight hundred tunes from rent fiscal year the Chinese Gov- You can't change anything unless you all over China were received by change a man's character. It means the committee. ernment plans to spend for edu- teaching people to love others as you cation $37,211,621 (Chinese cur- love yourself. That is the heart Qf it -International Christian rency), of which 48 per cent is Press. all. . . . You have come to China be- cause you love the Chinese. Some- Famine Relief Program to go for free, mass education. times you have your discouraging Churches in many parts of moments; I admit I am discouraged China are cooperating with the Szechwan plans to spend $650,- at times. At such times I think upon China International Famine Re- 000 for this purpose. In Shang- . the life Qf Christ, how, against over- lief Commission in raising funds. About twenty schools and colhai, Chinese authorities have whelming odds, he still kept on. He leges in Shanghai have started didn't give up. And I think of the campaigns among their faculty started 900 three-months' free members and students to raise schools for illiterates, with free many missionaries coming to China- money for flood relief. Many tuition, books and stationery. It year after year-no appreciation, no business institutions, lodges and is hoped that in a year 500,000 thanks, not even the consent of the clubs are actively helping. On people among whQm they work-yet behalf of the Chinese Red Cross, Dr. C. T. Wang has turned over will acquire the rudiments of they keep dOg'goedly on. I believe that to Famine Relief $40,000 (Chieducation. In Hunan province it is this spirit of persistence and self- nese) , 12,000 suits of clothes and the plan to extend free education sacrifice which will eventually regen- 10,000 bags of flour. to school-age children is expected erate China. The relief program consists of to reach eighty per cent of them -West China Missionary three steps. (1) Emergency re- News. lief must be supplied to the flood in a year. victims in food, shelter and med- The Glory of the Bible ical supplies. (2) Labor relief This is a beginning of a free must be started on projects of reconstruction. (3) As condistate system of e d u cat ion, Dr. T. Z. Koo, well known and tions gradually return to normal, planned to spread over three a farm rehabilitation program highly esteemed Chinese Chris- must be introduced to help reperiods: from August, 1935, to tian, gives this estimate of the store the rural economy of the July, 1940, all school-age chil- Bible: "The glory of the Bible flooded districts. Temporary dren are to receive one year's schools will be started. It is free education; from August, to me is that it contains a record hoped that preventive measures 1940, to July, 1944, they are to of a life which has enabled me to can be undertaken to wipe out receive two years of such free see such teaching as 'Love your the causes of flood and famine. education; after August, 1944, enemies' put into practice. I all school-age children are to re- know many people hold many ceive four years of education free. -The Chinese Recorder. theories about the Bible, but all these pale into insignificance when one realizes the preemi- nent wonder that here is the rev- Madame Chiang on Missions elation of God Himself. Biblical Madame Chiang Kai-shek, ad- scholars are interested as to how dressing the missionary commu- this record has come to be, but nity at Chengtu during a visit to the man struggling with life, with her husband, said: the record itself is enough!' What we have found wrong with -China's Millions.
China is not with the Chinese people. New Chinese Hymns It has been with our leaders. Now, that is an unpalatable fact to admit A new Union Hymnal is being because we happen to be of the leaders prepared for the use of six of the of the country. To know what is wrong with a patient is the first step larger denominations in China.
[100 ]
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
A Baptist Objective traordinary cases, and here are a interference has been placed in Southern Baptists plan to send few of them: the way of Christian propaganda out in 1936 at least seventy new A man came with a hole in his in Manchukuo, either by local or missionary recruits and replace- cheek through which his breath ments to China to be known as whistled. Awkward, he said, central authorities. On the con- "Shuck Memorial Missionaries." when he wanted to smoke. trary, both Japanese and Man- Another came with a nonpain- chukuo officials h a v e bee n The first Baptist missionary ful fibrous tumor filling his friendly. Between the Christian appointed to China was John mouth so that he could not close communities of the two races Lewis Shuck, a Virginian, who it. He had had his front teeth one of the chief difficulties is that went out in 1835. The story is removed to give it more room. of l'anguage. Nevertheless, a told that in a missionary meet-. Still another came in holding united prayer meeting attended ing of that early day a strong his head constantly with some- by pastors and other leaders, plea was made for contributions. times one hand, and sometimes both Chinese and Japanese, has The plates were passed and the both. I asked him to release it been held at intervals in Mukden.
contents counted: bank notes, and like a flash he was looking Dr. O'Neill says that in his silver, gold. "Here is a card. out over his left shoulder with own field there is a manifest rise Who put i.t in?" said one of the no power to bring his head in the spiritual tone of the collectors to the other. "A young straight again. Church, and a deepened attach- man back in the congregation." ment to the Bible. As to reli- The card was examined and gious liberty, he says: "Within there was found written on it the word "myself," and signed. This The Ohallenge of Manchuria the buildings, we are free to give was Shuck's offering – himself. His fields of labor were Macao An English missionary at religious instruction to all the and Hongkong. Chinese Bap- Chihfeng, Manchuria, says that tists are planning a centenary there are more heathen there to- pupils, Christian or non-Chriscelebration of the opening of this day than ever before. "Due to work in 1936, in cooperation the hard crust of prej udice, tian. Prior to the Japanese ocwith missionaries fro m the which is not easily broken United States. through, apathy still abounds. cupation, the problem of religion Temples are still filled with idols; -Watchman-Examiner. and theaters, instituted for in the schools was becoming in- thanking the god of rain for good harvest prospects, still draw creasingly difficult under the Chinese Government. Now the whole position has changed for the better. The Japanese lan- guage is required everywhere, up to the higher middle stand- great crowds of people. Un- ard. -China's Millions.
Borden Hospital, Lanchow named horrors continue to be JAPAN -OHOSEN Recently a point has been practiced in the name of reli- Temperance Advance made of asking patients for decisions in the services that are gion, and in accordance with Dr. E. C. Hennigar says: "The constantly being held in Borden number of bone-dry villages in Hospital, and there have been their superstitious beliefs, which Japan has reached twenty. Tomi some interesting ones, according Oka village in Miyagi prefecture to a report of the work in China's have held the poor people in an put the scheme to test for one Millions. One was of a Moslem year. So good were the results and another of a man whose eyes iron vise for centuries. Native that on September the first the have been operated on four times villagers voted to go dry for five without success, but his beaming believers are beginning to realize years. Nagoya village in Saga face proclaims that the eyes of completed its first period of three his heart are open. More prayer their responsibility to the un- years and has voted to extend has been concentrated on the the dry regime for another three hospital's religious activities. happy people around them, but years. This is a fishing village The response of the patients has and in spite of great poverty cheered the staff. A system of many are not free to come reg- used to spend yen 20,000 per follow-up cards has been intro- year on alcohol. Miho village in duced to keep in touch with pa- ularly to the meetings. No Sun- Na~ano completed three years tients at home. The hospital of a dry experiment on August cares for about 40 lepers. day dawns in this dark land, as 1st, and has extended the period for another five years. The vil- far as the interior is concerned, lagers have struck upon a novel way of improving the economic and the industrial classes are status of their village. Each family is to contribute at least hard at work seven days in the one sen per day, this money to be deposited in a bank at compound week from sunrise to sunset. interest for 100 years. At the "Some of the Christians are always ready to testify for their Lord in the open air whenever they are free. Inquirers are numerous, and many have been saved." -The Christian.
Another phase of medical Religious Freedom in Manchukuo work is the establishment of a branch Board of Hygiene and Public Health in Lanchow, with Dr. F. W. S. O'Neill, of the an efficient staff of seven doctors, Irish Presbyterian Church, has trained in various branches of been thirty-eight years in Man- churia. In The International Remedicine.
An ordinary day brings ex- view of Missions, he says that no
expiration of that time it is to be word to many villages and to creases were: Anglican, 11.2 per used to meet village expenses. A thousands of hearts and homes. cent; Presbyterian, 17; Meth- few old men opposed the exten- Letters have come and are still odist, 11.5; B apt i s t, 21.2; sion of the dry experiment, but coming; One from "Bright Light Church of Christ, 9; Roman the young people were enthusias- Town" reports: "What a dark Catholic, 1.3, while the Congre- tic for it, declaring that if the town we were before Jesus came gational Church lost 8.8.
dry regime were extended they with your college boys. We -The Christian Advocate.
would make every possible sacri- Christians c aug h t the fire.
fice for the village good." Hardened sinners heard the A Maori Choir -Presbyterian News. Word and are rejoicing in his A Methodist choir made up of twenty young Maori chiefs and No More Cuts salvation. Our town bids fair to be like its name. We are expect- chieftainesses from the New At the November monthly ing many from the surrounding Zealand aborigines has been atprayer meeting of C. M. S. mis- tracting attention in Australia sionaries in Tokyo, Rev. George villages that are in dense dark,· Herbert Moule, treasurer for on a concert tour. Two are dea- Japan, announced that all cuts ness to come to Christ. Please conesses and four are ministers. on work and salaries for all send the boys again next sum- In full Maori costume, they ap- C. M. S. missionaries in Japan pear, render a program of Maori and China would be restored mer." folk songs, thrilling hakas and from January 1, 1936. This came from up north: pageantry. The proceeds of the -The Living Church. "Our church was about to breathe its last when your col- tour go to Maori missions. lege boys came. The little spark -Christian Advocate.
was fanned and now 122 real Christians are regularly attend- Honor to Bishop McKim ing church services, Sunday Borneo Evangelical Mission school and Wednesday evening A few days before Bishop Mc- prayer meetings. You should The Field Secretary of this Kim left Tokyo he was given an hear them sing hymns at work mission writes in The Christian: ovation, perhaps the greatest in the harvest fields. We are all ever accorded any foreigner by bubbling over with the joy of the Our work is growing, both in numthe Japanese. On the campus of Lord and praise God that in the ber of workers and area occupied, but St. Paul's University, of which hot summer months your boys it is still quite pioneering in charhe was founder and chancellor, came with the Holy Spirit's acter; there are no roads, and all in the presence of Prince Iyesato power to our town. Please send traveling is by such primitive means Tokugawa, representatives of some of them to us in the Christ- as native dugouts, or by walking the institutions of the Nippon mas vacation to rejoice with us." through the jungle. After almost a Sei Kokwai, bishops of the I wish you could read all the let- hundred years of government control Church, deans and officers of the ters that came in the Korean the Ibans are still restless under re- University corporation, and the language. straint, and only the most rigid conentire assembled student and trol prevents the practice of headfaculty body, the retiring bishop GEORGE S. MCCUNE, hunting. We find that the only way bade farewell and godspeed to Presbyterian Missionary. to evangelize them is to live simple the Church and the corporate lives right among them. bodies he has presided over for AUSTRALIA AND THE the past 56 years. ISLANDS Another of our stations is among the Bisaiyahs, and here different When the Bishop sailed from Religion in Australia methods are used. We have a school Yokohama, there was a two-hour at the mission station which is showdemonstration at the pie r. Census figures from Australia ing' good results, and some translation Bishops, priests, workers, mis- afford an interesting comparison work is being done in their language, sionaries, men, women, children, between growth of population hitherto unwritten. A beginning has business men, government lead- and church membership. Be- also been made among the Kalabits, ers, came to see him off. Some tween 1921 and 1933 the popula- another wilder tribe much further inhad come as far as 800 miles, tion of Victoria increased by land. Until a few years ag'o this tribe and everyone of the ten dioceses 18.8 per cent. The denomina- was quite self-contained; they smelted of the Japanese Church was rep- tional percentage gains for the their own iron for making' swords and resented. same period were: Anglicans, 4 ; spears, and recovered salt from nat- Presbyterians, 7.6; Methodist, ural suring'S, while they hunted game -The Living Church. 5; Church of Christ, 18; the with blowpipes and poisoned arrows.
Roman Catholic Church showed -The Christian. a small decrease and the Baptist and Congregational Churches A Tongan Choir Contest losses respectively of 2.7 and 21 per. cent. New South Wales When the Governor-General of New Zealand visited Tonga a showed population inc rea s e "A Dark Town Before (1921 -1933), 23.8 per cent. few years ago, he was so de- Jesus Came" lighted with Tongan singing that There the denominational in- During vacation last summer he gave a silver cup for a co.ncollege preaching bands had many victories far south and up test. Thirty-seven choirs to.o.k north. Fifty-two summer Bible part, presenting two. hymns and schools brought Jesus and His two. anthems. The cho.irs were divided into. gro.ups to. sing o.n five nights, and nearly 5,000 peo.-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
pIe heard the choirs praising meetings; by a' greater earnest- we found an abnormal perce9,t., God in song. ness about Christian faith and age attributable to overindul:. life; by improved leadership for gence in alcoholic beverages by A choir competition was held, student groups, both in quality auto operators both young. and and 1935 completed fifty years of personnel and in time and in- old. I regard the greatest enemy since the Tongan Church bfoke terest given by the leaders to the to the safety of highway traffic away from the parent Church in work. to be the auto driver who oper- Australia. At the recent jubilee ates while in the glow of cock..; celebration of the Methodist Methodist Union Plan tails and other strong drinks."!;'", Church a massed .choir of 1,500 voices san g the Hallelujah Details of a plan to bring -United Presbyterian. Chorus. 8,000,000 American Methodists together into a united church Books for the Blind -The Missionary Review after more than 100 years of of Australasia. separation have been made pub- Next year the American Tract· lic by Dr. H. E. Woolever. A Society will begin a new century Union Work in the Philippines judicial council is to be formed, of service for the blind. The with power to rule on the consti- Society has appropriated $1,000 The United Evangelical Church tutionality of church conference for printing the Pilgrim's Progof the Philippines which was actions. It also provides for the ress in raised letters in 1936. formed in 1929 by the union of administration of the merged They have already recorded this the Congregational, U nit e d church through a general con- as a "talking book" for the blind. Brethren and Presbyterian de- ference, meeting every four Twenty-five sets of records costnominations, has 39,266 church years, and jurisdictional confer- ing $12.00 per set were sent as members, was 126 ordained pas- ences which divide the member- Christmas presents to various tors and 165 other workers. The ship in the United States into institutions for the blind. A ruling body is a Church Council six areas and the work outside special fund was raised by the made up of elders and presidents the United States into a series of Society for this worthy enterof the church organizations. The central conferences. prise, so that the blind can purwork has a national scope. Be- chase sets of these records at a sides the usual pastoral tasks, The "articles of religion" shall fraction of their original cost. home missionary work is carried be those historically held in on among the wild tribes in common by the ,three uniting The Belmont Plan northern Luzon, in southern churches. While the word "Epis- Mindanao and among the Moros. copal" will be dropped from the The Belmont Presbyterian title, the new church will be Church of Roanoke, Va., faced -Presbyterian Tribune. episcopal in government. this situation in 1933: A new church had been built in 1929 NORTH AMERICA Before the plan can go into when money was easy, costing effect it must be approved by the $30,000 and incurring a debt of Students and the Bible general conferences of the three $15,000. The membership was denominations. Two of these 352. The silk mill where many Chaplain Knox, of Columbia meet next May and the southern worked had been shut down for University, stated at St. Paul's church two years later. Then the six months. Debt accumulated Chapel: local c h u r c h e s must ratify on interest and running expenses through annual conferences. to $2,600 and there was no one It is very remarkable to see the in- from whom they could borrow. creased interest among students in the Drink and Insurance Defeatism was rife. The pastor Bible. One finds that there are those was tempted to leave. Then the who are eager to study it, who ask Frank G. Morris, President of thought came, why not try God's intelligent questions, who want to read the Standard Surety and Cas- way? One Sabbath morning the scholarly books which will help them ualty Company, has expressed pastor requested each of the in understanding its contents. Par- himself as follows: "One of the members of his congregation to ents who recognize their responsibility most momentous problems be- write on a slip of paper the seek to learn how knowledge of the fore casualty insurance execu- amount of their weekly income, Bible can ,be imparted in the right tives at this time emanates from but to leave the slip unsigned. way, and they stress the right way. the disastrous loss experienced He found the average weekly in- Educators more and more realize that under auto liability policies dur- come to be $18, a total income of an acquaintance with this "greatest ing the calendar year 1934, $2,160 for the congregation. If English classic" is essential, and are which amounts to little less than that amount were tithed the instituting courses wherein thorough a cataclysm. Our company, like church would get $216 a week, knowledge can be gained. These signs our contemporaries, was flooded and if put into operation in the point clearly to the way in which the with an avalanche of accident congregation for a period of Bible can be made once again "the reports involving many deaths three months all deficits could be people's book." and serious personal inj uries, in wiped out and all running ex- numbers far exceeding prior penses paid. Rev. John Maxwell Adams, years. In analyzing the causes general director of university religious work under the Presbyterian Board, believes that an awakening religious concern among stu den t s is shown through larger attendance of students and faculty at religious
Twenty-five of the 27 church The second anniversary of re- Hospital Work in Guatemala officers signed a covenant to tithe peal found the drive gaining their income and bring it into headway as far as Barrow, Dr. C. A. Ainslee writes inthe church for fifteen weeks. northernmost post of civilization terestingly in Guatemala News The pastor then visited the mem- in Alaska. During the past six of hospital and ambulance "out bers and sold the idea to 118 out months, nearly 700,000 gallons work" in that country. The amof 120 wage earners. On the first of beer, wine and hard liquors bulatory clinic was held at EI day, the offering leaped to $173, were consumed in Alaska, al- Rancho in July, when hundreds and then to $228; the largest though its population is only were treated and Gospel seed amount received on anyone day about 60,000. sown. Dr. Ainslee considers the was $450. The total amount for harvest of this kind of service the period was $2,626 as over -New York Times. possibly greater than that in against $600 for the same period hospital work. "The daily routhe year before. It resulted in LATIN AMERICA tine is a story of daily rounds, all the deficit being wiped out, listening to reports of the sick, all bills paid, and a happy peo- Mexico Fights Alcohol and checking them with those of ple. While the covenant to tithe the nurse. Many of the patients, was for a period of fifteen weeks Mexico is in the thick of a especially those whose stay in liquor traffic fight. President the hospital is being paid for by ro only, yet when it was all over Cardenas has the backing of the others, contrive to find a new nation's women in this fight, pain or ache for us every morn- 72 of the original tithers which is against pulque and te- ing; our lack of interest involves agreed to keep it up. quila. "It is up to them more the patient in the responsibility than anyone else to solve the of conjuring up a new one for -United Presbyterian problem," he said recently, "for tomorrow. It is odd how a tele- Leaflet. the sake of their children and gram from home asking them to homes, and to see that their hus- come soon for a fiesta, will often Visiting Campaign in Canada bands and brothers make good turn a poor pain-racked body use of the money they earn. into an animated bundle of joy A friendly visitation of all the Women will be satisfied to know in a few short hours. families of the United Church of that they have undertaken a Canada is being planned in con- great work. In the case of ex- "Native doctors are becoming nection with the 10th anniver- treme necessity," he warned, "I more efficient medically. We feel sary of union. This will mean may even have to prohibit the that when the time comes to turn calls by ministers and laymen in manufacture of liquor, so that this work over to them-and this 440,000 homes and on 77,000 this work will not be in vain." thought must always be at the members not connected with forefront – that the hospital families. The enterprise was – Watchman-Examiner. work will be one of the Mission begun with a visitation of the branches that will feel the presbyteries by conference lead- Honors For Trinidad change the least, and this gives ers. The presbyteries are send- us great encouragement." ing members to all of the official Honors attained in the mission boards of the churches and fi- school of the United Church of In Guadalajara nally each congregation is· to Canada in Trinidad reveals the have a call from office bearers. high standards of the school's Rev. Clarence A. Neff, Amer- More than 1,667,000 Canadians East Indian teachers. One ican Board missionary, is imwill receive greetings from their teacher gained permanent pos- pressed with the sincerity of church-not for a financial can- session of the agricultural so- President Cardenas of Mexico. vass, hut for friendly talks about ciety's shield given to the school He says that the situation in the well-being of the home, the having the best school garden Guadalajara – and evidently church and community. for the year. His school at Jor- over the country as a whole-is dan Hill won this distinction for much happier than it was a year -Presbyterian Banner. three successive years. In 1933 ago. Although the anti-ecclesias- and 1934 Canadian mission tical legislation remains on the Prohibition for Alaska schools won the Madoo Gold books, there seems to be great Medal awarded to the best all- leniency in its enforcement. The Early in December, Eskimos around primary school in the col- ban on the circulation of reliin Alaska petitioned the Terri- ony, and of the final six schools gious publications has been torial Board of Liquor Control examined for this distinction, lifted. Due to the discouraging at Nome to reenact prohibition four were Canadian mission outlook for private schools in statutes, making it a crime even schools. Mexico, the Colegio EI Pacifico to give an Eskimo a drink of in Mazatlan was closed in June. liquor. In their petition, the The Tyzabod Canadian Mis- Then came a letter from the Nome natives declared "the ex- sion School won first place in an state director of federal schools, cessive use of intoxicating liquor exhibit of handwork, the first urging that the institution be reby Eskimos and persons of rural school to receive this recog- opened, especially in view of the mixed blood is highly demoral- nition. izing to the race." -United Church Record.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
efforts he had made to get gov- his countrymen, became a mem- Antonio Serrano. The work is ernment recognition for it. The making a slow, but sure, begin- ber of the Presbyterian Church, ning under his leadership. Dur- School reopened with 80 stu- ing the summer Senor Serrano dents. -Missionary Herald. then began to visit the hospitals made many visits to churches in Madrid and elsewhere with the and jails of Santiago, helping the object of getting in close contact with their youth work. As a re- Work of Bible Institute men as they got out to rehabili- sult he has received invitations Graduates from a number of ministers to tate themselves. He rented a assist in the organizing of Sun- day schools in their churches. small house, established a man -The Life of Faith. The Central America Evan- and his wife as caretakers, and Bibles in Spain gelical Bible Institute is training as the men got out of jail or hos- The National Bible Society of native young people for places of pital, took them there, until they Scotland takes advantage of the Book Fair in Madrid and other responsibility, since the national- could find work. Presently he cities to sell Evangelical litera- ture. This year conditions have istic trend in this country may gave up his luxurious apartment been unusually adverse. Such outbursts of Romish fanaticism result in a situation similar to and went to live there. Last year have not been witnessed for years. Young Romish fanatics that in Mexico. A former stu- he bought a fine piece of prop- blocked sales by saying that the Book was of no value: that it dent, working in a difficult field erty out in one of the nice sub- was not the true Bible, that it was full of evil, that it was imon Lake Nicaragua, has suffered urbs of the city, not far from possible to read i.t. Groups sta- tioned themselves short distances persecution, even stoning. An- our Instituto Ingles, and there from the stands, stopped persons who had made purchases, obligother in Nicaragua is assistant erected what he meant to be a ing many of them to return what they had bought. pastor of Managua church while Home for his ex-prisoners, his The young fanatics, incited by a third is doing very ';ell as own dwelling and a lovely chapel the priests, would sometimes buy Gospels, only to tear them up bepastor of the Granada church. seating some 120 or 150 people: fore our eyes. One day one of them approached when several In Honduras and in Salvador The whole plant is now com- other persons were engaged in looking at the volumes. He graduates are doing hspalsenbdeied~ pleted. His hope is to be or- asked for a verse concerning sacrificial work. One Christ's Resurrection, and the dained as a Presbyterian piat swtoar~ colporteur, guessing what he had greatly used in a coast field to but in view of opposition in mind, handed him a Bible so that he should find it himself. build up the second largest evan- thought best to postpone it. He For a long time he searched for it in the Old Testament until, gelical congregation in that re- holds regular Sunday evening tired of his impertinence, the colporteur showed him the verse. public. Vesper services at the Home, He tried to argue that the verse denied the Resurrection, but was A woman graduate in Salva- and at 10 p. m. evening prayers hooted out of the crowd.
dor travels miles afoot, holding for his household, and for those Threats, even attempts, were made to burn the stall. As soon meetings and doing visitation of the neighborhood who care to as the Minister of the Interior heard of this, he gave an order work in her extensive field. come. He maintains this work that the stall should be guarded night and day by six soldiers. -Evangelical Christian. out of his own funds, and hopes One morning a well-dressed gen- tleman came to the stand accom- later to have a service in French panied by two others. He exam- ined the Bibles and admired the Vigorous Indian Church for the many French-Swiss Prot- Mr. A. H. Hawley, an E. U. estants in Santiago who are en- S. A. missionary, spent five days among coastal Indians of Peru, tirely without religious services. and writes of their spiritual progress. "These Indians have -Presbyterian News. erected two buildings in which to hold their services on Sundays, EUROPE when they meet for two or three hours for a season of prayer and The "Godless Movement" meditation over the Word of God. Invariably when they The Research Department of bring their wool to Arequipa for the Universal Christian Council, sale, they visit the mission house 2 rue de Montchoisy, Geneva, with the hope of learning a new Switzerland, has brought out a hymn or chorus." study booklet on "The Methods of the Godless Movement." Ex- -The Christian. tracts from Russian literature are given as illustrative of the New Work in Santiago type of propaganda and teaching being carried forward. The A young Chilean, Sr. Suber- study is not limited entirely to caseaux, belonging to an aristo- Russia but deals with the anticratic and wealthy family, a religious efforts of communism graduate of the Sorbonne in Psy- in several other European counchology, came in touch, in Rome, tries. The pamphlet is available with the Waldensian Church and in English as well as in German. was converted t h r 0 ugh and through. He returned to Chile -Federal Council Bulletin. with the idea of devoting himself to preaching the Gospel to Sunday Schools in Spain Spain now has a full time Sunday school missionary, Rev.
book stall. He proved to be the financial help caused by the diffi- their faith in Christ. A priest Minister of the Interior, and culties of the exchange. At pres- in Athens has founded 50 catebought a Bible. ent the German societies can do chetical schools, enrolling 5,000 no more than raise the amounts children. In Greece at large -Quarterly Record. needed to maintain their foreign there are now 559 such schools missionaries. for Christian instruction, with Estonian Prisoners 45,000 studying in them. This Nazis Close Seminaries priest has also organized 200 Thirty-one years ago the call Gospel meetings for women and came to Rev. Adam Podin to An armistice between the con- children. The 126,000 Moslems carry the Gospel to prisoners in fessional Protestants of Ger- in Thrace are the object of mis- Russia, but at that time it was many and the Nazi Government sionary interest. There is a impossible to gain entrance to gave some promise of making growing interest in the Bible; prisons. It was not long before the church, legally and tech- Sunday schools are being organa man, unknown to him, learned nically at least as free as a state ized ; also many philanthropic of his difficulty and promised church can be. This armistice societies and religious groups, help. Shortly afterward, Mr. was broken November 6, when with weekly meetings. Podin received documents grant- police and Hitler guardsmen ing him access to every prison in closed two independent theolog- -So S. Times. Russia. ical seminaries, one recently es~ tablished in Berlin, the other at AFRICA In Siberia there were half a Barmen in Westphalia, which million prisoners, and not one the Confessional Synod had set Pioneering in Ethiopia Christian worker to minister to up free from government contheir spiritual needs. trol. Both professors and stu- Southern Ethiopia is peopled dents were placed under tem- by primitive, barbaric tribes, Mr. and Mrs. Podin have also porary arrest and finally turned with little or none of the Ambeen working for leper prison- out of the building. . haric culture found farther ers, both men and women. north. These tribes are Hamitic New Anti-Jewish Decree and have no connection racially, -The Christian. socially or religiously with the The New York Sun puhlishes Semitic ruling class, but are Flemish Protestants the provisions of Germany's new heathen in every sense of the anti-Jewish decree: word. Most of them would be Under the auspices of the classed as animists, and some are Belgian Gospel Mission, Flemish 1. Jews cannot be citizens, but only even charged with cannibalism. Protestant Christians assembled State subjects, and only citizens may Near the Kenya border is a comat Ghent in November for the vote. munity where a young man caneighth annual convention. The not qualify for matrimony until purpose was to strengthen their 2. All Jewish civil servants must he has first proved his prowess spiritual life. Gratitude was ex- resign by December 31. They, and by slaying a man, whose blood pressed for the liberty for Gos- war veterans, will receive pensions on must be displayed on his spear pel witness enjoyed in Belgium, the regular scale according to rank. blade. Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Street, in contrast to closing doors of the Sudan Interior Mission, around them in other parts of 3. Jewish teachers in Jewish public have entered this field, and be- Europe. -The Christian. schools may remain in their jobs pend- ing the first white people to ap- ing an exact definition of their status. pear found themselves objects The German Missions of curiosity of a friendly sort. 4. Generally no non-Jew may marry The Year Book of the United a Jew, but there are provisions for For the first few months the German Missions for 1936, under waiving the rule in special cases. Streets found a most surprising the name of the "German Evan- interest in the Gospel message gelical Foreign Missions," gives 5. "Aryan" maid servants in Jewish and were encouraged by the the newest figures for the year households may remain in their jobs, large crowds that gathered reg- 1934. On the fields of these if, by December 31, they will have ularly to listen. Some years ago united missions there are 1,552 completed their thirty-first year. a native prophet had exhorted European missionaries and 11,- the people to repent and turn 400 paid native workers. These 6. Foreign Jews resident in Ger- unto the Lord. He told them that have under their care 1,263,876 many are subject to the laws; for- some day a white man would native Christians and 62,000 in- eigners generally who are not resident come proclaiming the way of ,salquirers. They have 4,256 day are not affected. (This would apply vation, whose words they should schools and 100 high schools, in as regards mixed marriages.) carefully heed. Then the devil which they instruct 260,000 took a hand. While the Streets pupils. There are 35 European "Life Movement" in Greece were away several deaths ocand 8 native doctors in 34 hos- curred in the community. The pitals. During the year covered The Greek Orthodox Church old men concluded that the reaby the report the numbers of na- is giving evidence of an evan- son for these deaths was the tive helpers, converts and pupils gelical revival. A series of meethave kept on increasing not- ings was begun over a year ago withstanding the utter need for by a civil service official, who gathered others in government employ in his home for the study of the prophecies. These groups have been growing larger, and many have made confession of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
presence of the missionary. They peace. . . . I only wish that . . . relief of the sick and suffering accordingly decided that any instead of a mutilated Gospel has grown considerably, the last women or children caught bring- which explains the confusion and report telling of over 300,000 ing wood or hay to the foreign- the infidelity of the peoples of treatments given at various hos- ers would be put in chains. The Europe they would return and pitals and dispensaries. It is old men said that their god was lead others back to the true Gos- now possible to travel by motor angry with them for listening to pel which began with the crea- l)Jmost from the Niger to the the "Jesus Christ matter," and tion of the world." Nile, stopping each night at a that they had decided it was best -Woman's Missionary Christian mission station.
to continue offering their sacri- Friend. -The Christian.
fices to Asa, the native prophet, but the missionaries are not dis- Suez Men's Work Teaching a Mute the Gospel couraged. Moslem bigotry combines with Mr. H. A. Ogilvie, of the Su- -Moody Institute Monthly. intense nationalism to put ob- dan Interior Mission, sends this Prayer for Ethiopia stacles in the way of the "Suez interesting story to the Moody Men's Work." It had been evi- Institute Monthly: The Ethiopia Prayer League dent that some institution, in ithas been formed in England to self unobjectionable to the "man A frequent visitor at the mission compound was Wawa, a mute, a enlist and encourage prayer dur- in the street," was called for, bright, cheery-faced boy. To teach the ing the time of Ethiopia's need, especially since the majority of boy the mission house was used as an and to supply information con- Egyptian men know practically object lesson, the missionary using the cerning the missionary situation sign for to build, and then pointing to in that land. The issues in- nothing of the social side of himself, thus meaning that he had home life and spend their leisure built the house. Other objects which volved are not primarily eco- sitting in cafes where the atmos- the missionary had made were used, nomic, territorial or racial, but and finally a tree. This time the mis- phere is harmful. After many sionary shook his head to show that spiritual. Progress of the Gos- attempts a "Reading Room for he had not made that. He pointed pel in Ethiopia during the past Young Men" was 0 pen e d. into the sky, using the sign for father.
seven years has been possibly Arabic texts and Copping pic- Other objects were used, as rocks, birds, flowers, the missionary each without precedent in the history tures adorn the walls. One room time pointing up and using this sign. of missions. Evangelism is be- is provided with papers and Wawa is a quick lad, and he perceived ing intensified from Lalibella in magazines, secular and Chris- that he was being told of the Maker the North to Bulke in the South, tian, and there is a small library. of all things.
a revision of the whole Bible in chiefly of religious books. An- Then the sign for son was used, teaching that the Maker of all had a Amharic is in progress, the blind other room is devoted to games; Son; an only One, holding up one are being taught to read, the sick another is a retreat for in- finger. Different signs were used to are being healed, and hospitals quirers, and it is hoped even- depict the suffering of the Son for us, and churches planted-all this is tually for Bible classes. A radio His death and His resurrection. Heaven was described as the place jeopardized by war. About 100 has been installed and is proving where there is no sickness or death. missionaries remain at their a great asset. No stubbed toes, which would have an posts, and look for prayer-sup- appeal to a barefooted boy. Step by -Egypt General Mission port during these crucial days. News. step signs were worked out which -The Christian. Sudan United Mission would declare the way of salvation by faith in the Son. It was surprising Menelik Wrote a Missionary In a little over twenty-five how quickly the truth was grasped, years the Sudan United Mission and before long Wawa was going into It is of interest to read a letter has established a chain of mis- town and by his sign language telling written in February, 1896, by his people of the Maker of all things who lived in heaven, and of His Son, Emperor Menelik of Ethiopia to sion stations across the Sudan, who is the Saviour and Friend of an English missionary. He said: and today 136 missionaries are sinners.
"You are mistaken in thinking actively at work. Until 1910 Ohristians Grow Slowly ,that I do not care for your only one convert had been bap- prayers. All prayers of believers tized, and at that time there was At McLean Station, Presbyare dear to me, even when they not aNew Testament in any of terian West Africa Mission, one come from the children of Eu- the languages spoken in this group rebelled against the dis- rope. Not all are aggressors on region. Now there is a whole cipline of the church, withdrew, my kingdom: not all commit the Bible in Hausa available and in and attempted to start a new iniquity of attacking those whom growing use, and a number of church of their own. It is a they hope to find weaker than smaller portions of Scripture in tribal affair, for they are very themselves; not all have bent several of the tongues. In the jealous of other tribes. For two the knee before Baal, the god of last two years more than 200 years thi~ has been going on, but destruction and the slaughterer were baptized. Sunday church they ar~ beginning to realize of his brothers. Many, I am attendance averages 5,000. that a church which defies the sure, still truly adore the God of From the first small begin- rules given in the Bible for the Cross, the God of justice and nings the Mission's work for the Christian living, soon becomes a
very weak affair. Some are Paterson Smyth's "L i f e of but with books and other extras. coming back, a few of the wom- Christ," Father Gerard's "Man- At Christmas time a Russian ual of Intercession" and a bottle woman of Meshed joined a misen, one or two of the men, being of peroxide. After reading the sionary in getting up a party for brave enough to come and say, label on the peroxide bottle he refugees when, for once at least, thought that it would be a good everyone had all he could eat. "I am finished with it. I see it beginning. Many came for ,the is nothing and I do not want to medicine and were inclined to In Ramadan students in the have anything more to do with listen to what he had to say as girls' school asked to have gifts it." We have put them to the he was from a secondary school. intended for them sent to chiltest, in asking them if they Later the missionary sent him a dren in an orphanage. The girls would give the offering they had useful parcel of medical stores themselves made up Christmas and prayed for him. bags and filled them with gifts refused to give the church the they could make from their past year, and they have not only WESTERN ASIA scanty resources. In Tabriz, consented but have done so, two older students made it possible very different things in this End of German Missions by gifts of clothes and money for country where lying is second in Turkey two very poor girls to continue in school. nature and no one has any scruples about it. -Pastors' News Sheet.
-Presbyterian News. INDIA AND SIAM Congo Statistics The question of religion is agi- Evangelism on the March At the beginning of 1935 there tating the minds of the Turks to A Five-Year Forward Movewere 42 Protestant Missions and a great extent. It appears that ment, planned by the National Christian Council, is the Christhree independent stations hav- not even Mohammedanism can tian response to communism, naing work in the Belgian Congo, continue to hold them noticeably tionalism, secularism, atheism, and in the Belgian mandated ter- at present. The reason is that modernism or whatever other ritory of Ruanda Urundi, an the Turks are casting about for "isms" challenges the Gospel as area covering s 0 m e 966,000 a religion that might be consid- the power of God unto men's salsquare miles with a population ered intrinsically Turkish. Their vation. Efforts of other agencies of about 14 millions. The total writers lean to the view that are all bearing fruit; the entire number of Protestant mission anything coming to them from Bengal – Orissa Mission reports stations in this vast central por- . the outside cannot fill the re- Forward Movements. The main tion of Africa is 199, with 893 quirements and are seeking to responsibility for the movement missionaries. As for native construct an eclectic religion will be on the churches themhelpers, there is now a splendid that is more or less ethical and selves, the National Christian army of 13,058 pastors, evan- that is not earmarked by the in- Council and provincial Christian gelists and teachers, among them fluences that are not strictly Councils, which will arrange a large number of well-trained Turkish. As a result Christian conferences, issue literature and Christian men of many years ex- and even Mohammedan missions attend to details. Before the speperience in Christian work. The have a hard time of it. This is cial efforts begin, early in 1936, adult baptized church member- only in line with the extreme a preparation of seven weeks by ship now numbers 238,807, and nationalistic tendencies that are churches is suggested. the total Protestant community everywhere at work along non- religious lines as well. Sacred Books Burned exceeds a million. -Congo Mission News. The Hiilfsbund of Frankfurt, Following a recent decision of the Depressed Classes to leave has now, two years after the the Hindu fold, about 1,000 De- pressed Class youths from vil- Fighting Heathenism with driving out of the last German lages in Bombay Presidency met Peroxide sisters from Marash, succeeded at a conference recently and per- in disposing of the last proper- formed "obsequies" to Hinduism. A boy of seventeen, student at ties it had left there. The mis- The ceremonies included the an Episcopal boarding school in sionaries had the feeling that burning of the Manu Suriti Johannesburg, heard that two of since the prospects for further (Laws of Manu) and other his sisters had died suddenly in mission work in Turkey are Hindu sacred books upholding one day and a third was violently over, God Himself seemed to untouchability. A pyre was preill; that heathen neighbors were have closed the doors to them pared into which books, one trying to persuade the mother to and so they have sold all that after another, were unceremonigo to the witch-doctor to learn was left to them. ously thrown to the accompaniwhy the daughters died. The boy ment of funeral orations detail- returned to his heathen home at The Christmas Spirit in Iran once, in great distress of mind to fight the heathen. Assyrian refugees and Rus- He told the school teacher that sian prisoners in Meshed have the only thing to do was to start been cared for by the mission a Sunday school to combat the group, not only with gifts of evils. He left school armed with clothing and payment of rent
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ing the offending passages in the Youth Evangelism in Siam ties of this work. The Governor and other high officials were books. -The Living Church. For many years, under the present, and several Chinese and Burmese teak dealers and gen- guidance of Dr. William Harris, eral merchants. The s e all Bible Week in West India Principal of Prince Royal Col- pledged to do all they could to support the work we have been The Bombay Auxiliary of the lege of Chiengmai, teachers of doing and to try to get leper British and Foreign Bible So- clinics established throughout thIS school have gone out during the province." ciety invited all missions and churches of West India to take the hot vacation season to the MISCELLANEOUS part in a united campaign of country villages pre a chi n g Scripture distribution during the Whole Church a Missionary first week of last November, Christ. In the spring of 1933, more than one hundred young Society The objects were thus summarized by the Society: people of northern Siam came to- There is no Moravian Mis- gether for study and preparation sionary Society b e c a use the To ~each people and districts hith- whole church is a missionary soerto insufficiently visited, or entirely to carryon vacation Bible ciety. About one in every sevuntouched, by present colportage schools in the villages. In the enty-five of the members bemethods. comes a missionary, as compared Chiengmai field alone ten groups with about one in 5,000 in the To counteract the influence of cheap churches generally. Countries went out, and 736 children were to which Moravians have carried enrolled that year. In one par- the Gospel include Northwest ticularly difficult village several America, G u ian a, Labrador, Moskito Coast, Demerara, Northsecular literature, definitely harmful families came into the church. west Alaska and East-Central in character, which is finding an in- Africa. They maintain a leper creasingly wide circulation throughout Other village communities were home at Jerusalem, and work India. stirred, friction has been eased among lepers has been carried and new interest aroused. on in South Africa since 1818. To emphasize the value of Scripture There are over 300 stations, yet distribution as an effective means of These young people continued the annual expenditure amounts evangelism and worthy of a more to work in 1934, and in southern to but little over £100,000; of prominent place in the evangelistic this less than half is raised at program of missions and churches. Siam six more vacation Bible home, the greater proportion be- schools were added, making a ing the contribution of the mis- To encourage voluntary service and sion fields. -The Christian. individual witness on the part of all ' total of 1,292 children enrolled, Approach to the Jew members of the Christian Church. plus the 1,151 children who were Rabbi Mendelsohn, editor of To cooperate with the National taught the same lessons in spe- The Sentinel, a Chicago Jewish Christian Council in its projected pro- cial time in seven mission journal, believes in the sincerity gram for a Forward Movement in of Dr. Conrad Hoffmann, Gen- schools. The 196 teachers were eral Secretary of the Interna- Evangelism. -Dnyanodaya. the young men and women from tional Committee on the Chris- tian Approach to the Jews, and Refuses to Teach Koran the Christian schools who were says that since Dr. Hoffmann is again willing to give of their a born Christian, Jews are glad to listen to him, which they A Mohammedan con v e r t time and themselves. would not do, were he a con- -Women and Missions. verted Jew. "Jews object," says named Nur (Light) is one of the Rabbi Mendelsohn, "to the meth- od and type of approach usually new pupils in the United Pres- For Siam Lepers pursued. If those who are inter- ested in missionizing a m 0 n g byterian Normal School at Sial- Jews will send to us only men like Dr. Hoffmann they will obkot. Since her baptism she has The National Church of Siam viate a serious obstacle on the been teaching in a Mohammedan has been doing a work among the road to goodwill between Jews village school, where she refuses lepers for about two years. This and Christians." to teach the Koran. She regards the theft of her Bible as the is not a mission activity. A vilhardest persecution she has suf- lage is maintained with 33 pa- tients, most of whom have befered. She had the joy, how- come Christians. "During the ever, of seeing her mother, who first ten months or so the probis still a Mohammedan, enroll in lems of discipline and organizathe beginners class of that school tion were very difficult," writes in order that she might some day one of the workers; "during the be able to read the Bible for her- later months we have been self. Nur's joy at being in greatly encouraged by the attischool is not so much for the tude of cooperation and Chrisnormal training as the oppor- tian fellowship on the part of the tunity for getting Bible .teaching patients. There has been no efand growing in spiritual things, fort or intention to build a hosso that when she goes back to pital or other expensive edifices live among her. Mohammedan in this work; we would like relatives she may better be able. to give all the medical attention to give them the reason and the patients need, and the reliproof of the hope that is hers in gious instruction n e c e s s a r y. Christ. There have been two meetings of -Women's Missionary the representatives of the com- Magazine. munity to discuss the possibili- Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information The Turkish Transformation. A itself to a new situation wherein it authorities in the investigation Study in Social and Religious De- must confine itself to the domain of velopment. By Henry Elisha Allen, conscience. of the earliest traces of human Ph.D. 251 pp. $2.50. University life and thought on our earth. of Chicago Press. Chicago. 1935. The question remains whether The book is the reasoned convic- To make an exhaustive study of the reactions in Turkey and Islam as a religion can function tion of a true and sturdy Chris- outside of Turkey to the fall of effectively in such a secular tian scholar in defense of the the Caliphate and the rise of the new dictatorial Republic would state. The author has used his biblical account of man's origin require several volumes and many years of careful study and material with great skill. After and of the origin of his religious travel. The author remarks in an historic introduction and an belief and fundamental social his Preface that Islam is not a unit, which is true. On the account of the penetration of and moral ideas. It is amazing other hand, it is a system of Western civilization, he deals to see the facts which Dr. thought, of social life, and a religion. Whether the forces that with Turkey's res e n t men t Zwemer has gathered showing are playing on it in Turkey have against the religious incubus of the return of contemporary completed their task or not, the survey here made is of deep in- her own faith. This first part of thought toward the historic terest. the book is followed by an ac- · Christian tradition. It need not count 0 f the revolutionary · be said that one feels throughout Of the composite mass which goes to make up Islam, no unit today pre- changes that have taken place, the glow of Dr. Zwemer's deep sents a more interesting or amazing picture than Turkey in its eager rush the construction of a loyal uni- faith and rich spirit. R. E. S. to escape from the toils of ignorance and superstition which have for so fied state and the new spirit evi- Ethiopia, a Pawn in European Dimany years retarded her progress. plomacy. By Ernest Work, Pro- When one remembers the centuries of dent in Turkey's present social fessor of History, Muskingum Colbitterness and bloodshed, of jealousy institutions. The two final chap- lege, Formerly Advisor to Ethiopian and misunderstanding, in the relations ters deal with missionary educaof Islam and Christianity, and when one realizes that Turkey, long the tion, its possibilities and limita- Government. 8 vo. 354 pp. The champion of Moslem orthodoxy and tions, and the place of Islam in Macmillan Company. New York. most redoubtable aggressor for the the new Turkey. There is an ex- 1935. faith of Mohammed, is now making tensive bibliography and a good herself into a Western nation accord- sketch map in the cover. The Italo – Ethiopian controing ta the very pattern of those Euro- versy has centered the attention pean states which for so many years S. M. ZWEMER. of the world on a country until she despised and feared, he cannot recently practically unknown to deny that he is witnessing one of history's most significant phenomena. The Origin of Religion. By Samuel most of the reading public. Here before our very eyes is occurring M. Zwemer. 8 vo. 256 pp. $2.00. True, the coronation of the Ema transition of civilizations, the aban- Cokesbury Press. Nashville, Tenn. peror Haille Silassie I in Novemdonment of practices which originated 1935. in Arabia, based upon union of reli- ber of 1930 gave this country gion and politics, the adoption of pat- The origiriallectures delivered much publicity, but the general terns which developed in Europe, by Dr. Zwemer at the Columbia impression left by news reports based upon separation of religion and Theological Seminary at De- at that time was that the country politics. Far-reaching consequences catur, Georgia, have been sup- was some semibarbaric curiosity. of this transition may be observed in plemented by additional ma- Today she stands before us as government, law, education, and so- terial. The whole volume deals the prize desired by a European cial structure. Religion, which but with the origin of religion, of the nation and one to be secured by little more than a half century ago idea of God, of the world and warlike conquest. was the test of citizenship, has been man, of prayer and sacrifice, of Professor Work's book will severed from the constitution. Islam, fire as a symbol of deity, of mar- convince the reader that the shorn of its prestige, strives to adapt riage and ethics, of ,the belief in world powers in general are immortality. Dr. Zwemer does aware of the value of this coun- not accept the naturalistic theory try, the last independent empire of these origins. He believes · in all of Africa, but the general that monotheism is the primitive public is unaware of the subtle faith of mankind and not an evo- machinations of international lutionary development. His book politics. In vivid fashion, with is buttressed on every page by every important statement sup- Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RlWrltw publishers OD receipt of price.
[110 ]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
ported by documentary evidence, what is to happen in the future. gelical Church and Sunday Professor Work shows how school membership. Ethiopia has been for more than If Italy gains the land she dehalf a century the pawn on Eur- The story of the present Evanope's chessboard, with England, sires so as to connect Eritrea gelical Movement is encouraging as it gives evidence of spiritual France, Italy, Russia, Germany, and Italian Somaliland, then life in the Mexican Church. Turkey and Egypt as the play- Anyone wishing a just, clear and France is cut off as a competitor, accurate appraisal of Mexico toers. Ethiopia the lowly pawn day must read this book. has been shoved about at will, and only England and Italy re- Ralph Norton and the Gospel Missacrificed whenever a new move main. If HaiIle Silassie objects sion. By Edith F. Norton. Illus. in the game demanded it. Egypt, 8 vo. 253 pp. $2.00. Revell. New Turkey, Germany and Russia to this amputation of his strong York. 1935.
have been eliminated by clever right arm-the barrier country This stirring love story tells of moves of the other contestants the ideal married life of Edith until only England, France and so valuable to his future-it may Fox and Ralph Norton whose love for each other is subordi- Italy remain. be that the League (viz. Eng- nate only to their devotion to Professor Work continues his Christ and to those for whom land, France and Italy) will have they gave their life service. The report of the game of interest- Nortons have done for Belgians ing, although at times also to put sanctions on him to en- what Robert W. McAll did for the French. With a less wideshameful and nauseating, inter- force the amputation. spread organization behind them national politics by citing the in England and America, they This is not a volume to be have been used to accomplish as clever moves of each of the three great spiritual results as the contestants – England, France skimmed through in an evening. message of love, voiced by Mr. and Mrs. McAll accomplished and Italy – to eliminate the There is much solid food for among the working classes of other. The chessgame became France. more like a foxhunt, with the fox thought. The chapters entitled, himself watching every move Ralph Norton was born in Inand outwitting the hunters at The Land and Its Surrounding; diana on November 10, 1868, and after attending DePauw Univerevery turn. What a fox Mene- Italy Tries for the Pawn; Italy sity, followed by a brief business lik II proved to be, learning the career, entered Moody Bible Insubtleties of the game from ob- Loses the Pawn; and The Pres- stitute. He took up evangelistic servation, eluding them one after work, became Religious Work the other! The prize fell to none ent Situation, are especially in- Director of the Y. M. C. A. and then for ten years was associated of the ,three because each was so teresting. The seventeen maps with Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman and zealous that the other should not Charles M. Alexander. During get it. are of inferior quality as to the World War, Mr. and Mrs. Norton worked among the sol- The picture Professor Work clearness and art and could be diers and refugees. They went to the Belgian Front and as a releaves with us as we finish read- greatly improved. A compre- sult the Belgian Gospel Mission ing and reflect on the plight of was founded in 1918. Since the present Emperor, Haille hensive Indix and Bibliography then sixty-six stations have been established for evangelical mis- Silassie I, is that of a lion-the are appended. There is perhaps sion work in nine provinces; Lion of the Tribe of Judah-as thousands have accepted Christ many have called His Majesty, no other one book which covers and have been transformed. although he does not call himself Two Bible Training schools are by this name for he knows it re- even a chapter of the same ma- conducted and evangelistic work is carried on in halls, tents and fers to Christ. The Lion roars terial here presented, as Profes- by Gospel cars. This mission is from the Ethiopian heights, as one of the few good outgrowths sor Work refers extensively to of the World War. It is being he sees the hunters closing carried on by Mrs. Norton and around him. His eyes flash as official documents not readily ac- her associates, with the help of he sees those whom he thought an American Committee of his friends, turn against him cessible. He presents the case which Dr. Charles G. Trumbull and betray him – no cringing is treasurer. of Ethiopia most clearly. ' monarch of Africa but a fearless lion showing his teeth. STUART BERGSMA.
The student of accurate, liv- Religion in the Republic of Mexico. ing history, proven by authorita- By G. Baez Camargo and Kenneth G. Grubb. Illustrations, maps and tive documents, will :find the charts. 8 vo. 166 pp. 58. World scales dropping from his eyes so Dominion Press. MiIdmay Park. London. 1935. that he sees the professed altruism and big-brother protective We have here timely study of a land and people much in the attitude of the larger nations to- public mind. The authors are ward small ones are sham. well qualified to speak with au- Further, Professor Work's book thority. Prof. G. Baez Camargo almost enables one to predict is a Mexican Christian, secretary of the National Council of Evan- gelical Churches in Mexico and secretary for Christian Educa- tion. Mr. Grubb was formerly a missionary in Latin America and recently visited Mexico to study the situation. The survey is reliable and up to date with descriptions of ancient and mod- ern Mexico, recent political and religious developments, and the evangelical situation and out- look. There are very valuable appendices on Protestant mis- sions, five excellent maps and two charts showing the Evan-
How to Teach Evangelical Christian- college into Y. M. C. A. work in many years as the African St. ity. By Theodor Heckel. 8 vo. 121 pp. Zondervan Pub. House. Grand China. Later he became secre- Paul of the West Coast Church. Rapids, Mich. 1935. tary for Asia and through his Miss Garlick describes graph- Dr. Norman E. Richardson, of ChiGago, and Klaas Jacob Strate- travels at home and in Asia met ically the planting and growth meir have translated this work of the "Counsel for the German a multitude of interesting people, of the Christian Church, the es- Evangelical Church Union." It is a book for teachers and Chinese and Americans, and has tablishment of schools, training preachers, an exposition of methods found effective in Ger- had many valuable experiences of Christian workers and the many for reading and teaching the Bible as the Word of God. during Chi n a's revolutions. transforming influence of the We will do well to learn from Evangelical German Christians These he describes in a delight- Gospel- in Nigeria, S i err a -as we have since the days of Luther. Theodor Heckel is a ful, informal way, without phil- Leone and the Yoruba country. representative of the scientific osophical digressions but with It is an inspiring story. and spiritually-minded German teachers. The Bible is to be interpretive insight. The chap- The Answer of God. Seventieth Antaught as fact, not fiction; as niversary of the China Inland Misrevealing man in his weakness ter, "I Take My Bearings," is sion. By Marshall Broomhall. Paand the possibilities of growth in particularly refreshing and reholiness; God as supreme and Christ as divine Saviour and vealing. Mr. Brockman, how- per Cover. 12 mo. 93 pp. C. I. M. Lord. Many helpful suggestions are here made on how to make ever, seems to us to misrepresent London. 1935. the Bible live. early missionary motives and to Some think the age of miracles Christ and the Student W orId. By "discover" many things that is past. Here is the story of sev- Robert P. Wilder. Introduction by other missionaries have long enty years of miracle. This brief Robert E. Speer. 80 pp. Cloth, 75 known about the Orient. cents. Fleming H. Revell Co., New history of the China Inland Mis- York. 1935. The Bible in Our Day. A Symposium. sion reveals the wonderful way This little volume of eight ad- 12 mo. 184 pp. $1.00. The Oxdresses, given by Dr. Wilder to ford Press. New York. 1935. in which the Mission was born students in many lands, will be and developed, was guided, prowelcomed by students in America and by those who are inter- The four hundredth anniver- tected, provided for and made ested in spiritual work for them. sary of the English Bible has fruitful. The Mission began These addresses have already ap- brought forth many volumes on peared in Great Britain where the subject. Here is one with with one station and no conthey have had a wide sale. The much stimulating thought by .verts; now there are 345 statopics include the basis for Christian character as found in seven well-known writers of dif- tions in China and 8,670 were Christ, the Bible, prayer, moral ferent denominations. baptized in 1934. During the struggles and Christian service. first fifty years, 50,700 publicly Dr. Wilder's many years of work professed their faith in Christ; for students in India, Great Britain and the Continent of Co-verdale Speaks, by Charles F. during the last twenty years, Europe and in America, as well Wishart of Wooster College. 107,000 more were baptized-an as his own spiritual experience, average of over 2,000 a year for have given him a deep insight Searching the Scriptures, by Chas. the whole seventy years. The into the needs of youth and the E. Jefferson of New York. most effective way of reaching income-without any denominathem. This book makes an ex- One Book for All People, by James cellent gift for students just en- I. Vance of Nashville. tional church backing or definite tering college. appeals – has grown to nearly Rejoicing in Hope, by A. W. Beaven I Discover the Orient. Fletcher S. of Rochester. Brockman. 12 mo. 211 pp. $2.00. Harper & Bros. New York. 1935. lAle in the Light of the Bible, by $1,000,000 in one year. The Fletcher Brockman, a South- W. Russell Bowie. total income for seventy years erner from Georgia, went from Across the Barriers of Language, has been 0 v e r $25,000,000. by A. R. Wentz of Gettysburg. There are now 1,082 mission- For Such an Age as This, by Lynn aries on the field and 286 at Harold Hough of Drew Univer- home. sity.
The presentations are popular, Winning the Border. Baptist Mis- not theological; practical, not sions Among the Spanish-speaking critical. Peoples of the Border. By Una Roberts Lawrence. Pam phI e t. With the C. M. S. in West Africa. Home Mission Board, Southern Bap- A Study in Partnership. By Phyllis tist Convention. Atlanta, Ga. 1935. L. Garlick. 12 mo. 79 pp. Is. Church Missionary Society. Lon- The Mexicans in the United don. 1935. States and over the border have constituted a real problem in the The work of the Church Mis- southwestern states. Here is a sionary Society in West Africa study of their background and began less than a century ago characteristics, their history and when slavery, warfare and su- Evangelical work among them. perstition everywhere prevailed. The book is especially valuable Today the people are free and for Southern Baptists but con- many have found new life in tains much interesting and use- Christ with education and posi- ful information for all who seek tions of trust. Nigeria is the to promote the Kingdom of God. field in which Bishop Samuel There are 857,194 Mexicans in Crowther served effectively for Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
features of the book are New Books Una Alajaba de Flechas Para
the pronunciation of Mexican Arqueros Del Senor. Bautista words, suggestions for teaching A Serious Aspect of the Abyssinian Rinorosa. 120 pp. Institute .l!;vanand questions for discussion. Situation. Joseph J. Cooksey. 50 gelico. Rosario, Argentina. The work of the Baptists has pp. 18. World Today Series. New been greatly blessed among these lVlildmay Press. London. The Furtherance of the Gospel. W. people. O. Carver. 146 pp. 60 cents cloth, China Christian Year Book – 1935. 40 cents paper. Baptist Sunday The ~olitary Throne. Some Religious Edited by Frank Rawlinson. 458 School Board. Nashville. BelIefs of Mahatma Gandhi in the pp. Christian Literature Society. Light of Christ's Teachings. By Shanghai. Prove Me NoVi. J. Edwin Orr. Bishop Brenton T. Badley. Booklet. "10,000 Miles of Miracle to Mos- 62 pages. Lucknow Publishing The Case for Missions in Modern cow." 128 np. 18. Marshall, Mor- House. Lucknow, India. 1935. India. E. C. Dewick. 30 pp. 3 gan & Scott. London. Annas. The Palghat Mission. Pal- If anyone wishes to know just ghat, South India. Can God? "10,000 Miles of Miracle where Mr. Gandhi stands in ref- in Britain. 18. 128 pp. MarShall, erence to Christ and His teach- The Church of Christ and the Prob- Morgal1 & Scott. London. ings, he cannot do better than lems of the Day. Karl Heim. Chas. read this book by one who knows Scribner. World Friendship. A Bibliography. both Christ and Gandhi. Bishop Gertrude E. N. King. 79 pp. $1.00. Badley, who has been a Chris- Christ and the Student World. Rob- Chapman and Grimes. Boston. tian missionary in India for 35 ert P. Wilder. 80 pp. 75 cents. years, gives forty quotations Revell. New York. Philosophies of Father Coughlin. from Mr. Gandhi-all of which Sermons by W. B. Riley. b~ pp. contradict the clear teachings of The Essentials of Life. W. H. Grif- 25 cents. Zondervan Pub. House. Christ. In many points the fith Thomas. 126 pp. 18. Picker- Grand Rapids, Mich. Hindu teacher is in harmony ing & Inglis. London. with Jesus but in points that dif- The Making of a Pioneer: Percy ferentiate Christianity from the Eastern and Central Asia. World To- Mather of Central Asia. Mildred ethnic religions he is at variance day Series. 34 pp. 6d. New Mild- Cable and Francesca French. 288 –especially as to His deity, His may Press. London. pp. 58. Hodder & Stoughton. Lonunique character and authority, don. His position as the only Saviour God the Christlike. J ames Robertfrom sin and the only hope of son Cameron. 242 pp. $2.00. Cokes- India's New Constitution. A Survey immortality. Mahatma Gandhi bury Press. Nashvllle. of the Government of India Act, looks upon Christ as a great 1935. J. P. Eddy and F. H. Lawton. teacher and example but he says: The Great Evangel. Lynn Harold 239 pp. 68. Macmillan. London. "When I fancied I was taking Hough. 164 pp. $1.50. Cokesbury my last breath, the Gita (Hindu Press. Nashville. A History of Abyssinia. A. H. M. Scriptures) was my solace." Jones and Elizabeth Monroe. 196 "An Hundred Fold." The Faithful pp. 68. Oxford University Press. The New Home and Other Papers. Steward's Dividend. David McCon- London. By Capt. Reginald Wallis. Paper. aughy. 31 pp. B. I. C. Assn. Chi- 1 8. Pickering & Inglis. Glasgow. cago. The Real Abyssinia. C. F. Rey. 11- 1935. Ius. Map. 291 pp. 108.6d. Seeley His Things of Power. Norman B. Service. London. Captain Wallis is an evangel- Ha.rrison. 62 pp. B. I. C. Assn. ist and Bible teacher, with a mis- Chlcago. II If you use sion especially to young men. His addresses here printed relate The Lad with the Lunch Basket. PRINTING to heaven, death, conversion, Donald Davidson. 18. 96 pp. Pickcreation and victory. They are ering & Inglis. London. YOU will profit from an acthe products of Bible study, spir- quaintanceship with us. We itual experience of God and Duncan Main of Hangchow. Alex- do the job complete in our own knowledge of men. ander Gammie. 38. 6d. Pickering plant, whether it be large or & Inglis. London. small. Oh Carry Me Back. By E. A. Bland. 8 vo. 317 pp. 28. 6d. Pickering New Testament Biographies. H. C. While our specialty is Books, and Inglis, London. Moore. 75 cents. 230 pp. Baptist Magatines and Pamphlets, vet Sunday School Board. Nashville. we have a variety of modern This boys' book records the de- equipment to meet all the revelopment of a thoroughly hu- Religion in the Republic of Spain. quirements of your particular man youngster, Quaker back- World Dominion Survey Series. job. You will find our service ground, who sinks to the depths C. Araujo Garcia and Kenneth S. prompt, careful and courteous. of degradation, but is rescued by Grubb. World Dominion Movement. his mother who crossed the London. Will you allow us to estimate ocean to find him. on your next printing ? We be- Ruled by the Rudder. K. M. Mac- lieve you will be delighted with Leod. 320 pp. Pickering & Inglis. our product, price and service. London. The EVANGELICAL PRESS Songs from the Slums. Toyohiko Kagawa. 94 pp. $1.00. Cokes- PTinters of bury Press. Nashville. The Missionary Review of the World Taken Unawares. John Macbeth. 112 PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. Lon- Third and Reily Slreets Hlnl,burs, PI. don.
The Unveiled Vision. Edith Hick- man Divan. 18. Pickering & In- glis. London.
When Do Teachers Teach? Doak S. Cambell. 60 cents cloth, 40 cents paper. Baptist Sunday School Board. Nashville.
Year Book of Negro Churches. Com- piled by Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom. 111 pp. Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.
HUNDRED YEARS OF THE BIBLE IN
Last November marked the one hundredth anniversary of George Borrow's arrival in Spain as agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Since then the circulation of the Bible has been maintained whenever political conditions permitted, and the total circulation of the Society in the last 100 years has been approximately 6,857,000 copies. On July 20, 1935, a Bible coach bearing the name "George Borrow" was dedicated in Barcelona for the work.
The National Bible Society of Scotland (N. B. S. S.) began work in Spain in 1862. By far the greater part of the' circulation has been in Spanish, although there is an increasing de- mand for a translation in modern Catalan, and several parts of the New Testament have been published in that language.
In 1930 both societies circulated 277,099 copies and last year 249,903. The demand has not decreased but the supply has been limited, due to lack of funds.
The value of the Bible cannot be estimated in these figures. The desire to understand the Book has been a not inconsiderable factor in the spread of literacy; and it is the ground of faith in the hearts of many who have not identified themselves with any organized Christian Church. It has influenced the outlook of leaders and thinkers, and increasing familiarity with it is already being reflected in the literary expression of Spaniards. It is a matter of much satisfaction that since the Republic both the Roman Catholic Church and the publishing busi- ness have increasingly seen the need of placing the Book within the reach of the people.
The Bible is the most valued possession of the Evangelicals in Spain. A study made in 1932 by the World Dominion Press showed a Spanish Evangelical community of only 21,900, of whom 6,259 were full communicants. But, as with the Bible so it is with those who cherish it: their influence is out of proportion to their numbers. Persecution and absence of liberty have rendered the existence of evangelicalism exceedingly precarious in the past; while today Christians of all convictions have to face the spread of organized godlessness.
A great task thus still awaits accomplishment in the Peninsula. In 1932, of the 48 prov- inces in Spain, 11 could show no organized Evangelical church; and in 27 provincial capitals there was no Evangelical witness of any active kind. In so far as has been possible the con- ditions of wider liberty afforded by the Republic have been taken advantage of, and in the task which still lies ahead the Bible will continue to be the foundation of all evangelistic and Christian achievement. KENNETH G. GRUBB.
READ THE COMING ARTICLES By MISSIONARIES, NATIONALS AND TRAVELERS THE DIVINE CONSTRAINT OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS • The Archbishop of York THIS ENLARGING WORLD. .•. . • • • Arthur J. Brown THE CHRISTIANITY THAT THE WORLD NEEDS. Frank C. Laubach MEXICO IN THE REMAKING . . • • Gonsalo Baez Camargo EGYPT AND THE NEW DAY • . • • • • Mrs. Anna P. White OPPORTUNITIES IN KOREA . • • Mrs. Induk Pak MISSIONARIES AND SIMPLE LIVING . • • • • • • • • • Muriel Lester Also Look for the Special Number on Africa and Home Mission Number on Negroes in America Have you sent your subscription for 1936? Send it today and make your yearly volume complete.
Each issue contains valuable hints for "Effective Ways of Working."
THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa. $2.50 a Year 25 Cents a Copy
The Missionary Review of the World — January 1936
1936
Ethiopia as a Mission Field Stuart Bergsma Foreign Missions with a Forward Look Robert E. Speer America through a Missionary's Eyes Mrs. E. Stanley Jones Frank C. Laubach Building a Missionary–Minded Church Enos J. Windsor Results of the Gospel in Latin America George A. Miller Social and Religious Problems in Chile Pedro Zottele The Pageant of the Philippines Charles R. Hamilton 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember Obituary Notes ical Arts and later president of
Massachusetts State College and the January 6-12 – Universal Wee k of Dr. Lewella Miner, for nearly fifty Michigan State College, died at his Prayer. years a missionary teacher in China, home in Amherst, Mass., on November died in Tsinan, Shantung Province, on 25th. He was born in Lapeer, Mich- January 8-10-Foreign Missions Con- December 3d. Miss Miner went out igan, 67 years ago, and for the last ference. Asbury Park, N. J. to China in 1887 as a missionary of ten years has been the councilor on the American Board. She taught first rural work for the International Mis- January 12-17-Home Missions Coun- at Tungchow and later founded the sionary Council. In this connection cil and Council of Women for Home first college for women in China, the he has studied rural life in many Missions Annual Meetings. Wash- Women's College of Peiping, in 1905. parts of the world and has rendered ington, D. C., Headquarters Cal- Until recently she was Dean of Wom- an invaluable service to rural missions vary Baptist Church, 8th and H en and Professor of Religious Educa- in India, China, The Philippines, and Streets, N. W. The program is tion in Shantung Christian University. planned around the theme, "The She went through the Boxer Rebellion other lands. Rural Church Today and Tomor- and wrote a book entitled, "China's row." Book of Martyrs"; also "Two Heroes *** of Cathay." She was a member of January 15-17-National Conference the National Christian Council of Dr. Robert W. Hockman, mission- on the Rural Church. Washington, China and of the Council on Religious ary of the United Presbyterian Mis- D. C. Education. Dr. Miner was born in Oberlin, Ohio, was graduated from sion, located in Ethiopia as a medical January 21-24 – Cause and Cure of Oberlin College and received the de- missionary in charge of the American War Conference. Washington, D. C. gree of Doctor of Literature from that institution in 1914. Red Cross unit, was killed on Decem- February 2-The Moody Bible Insti- ber 13th while examining an unex- tute Jubilee and centenary of the *** birth of D. L. Moody. This day ploded Italian bomb. Dr. Hockman will launch the Founder's Week Dr. Kenyon L. Butterfield, formerly was born in China twenty-eight years Conference. A folder on "Moody president of the Rhode Island State ago, where his father and mother were Day" may be had by writing to A. College of Agriculture and Mechan- missionaries. Dr. William H. Hock- F. Gaylord, 153 Institute Place, man, the father, is now a member of Chicago, Ill. the faculty of the Moody Bible Insti- tute, Chicago. Mrs. Robert Hockman and their infant daughter were in (Continued on 3d cover.) THE WEEK OF PRAYER The Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America and the World's Evangelical Alliance of Great Britain again call Christians all over the world to observe the week of January 6th to 12th as a special Week of Prayer for an increase of personal spiritual life and service, for improvement in the home, the Church, the nation and the world. The Federal Council of Churches has sent out the Call which includes the following: First Day-For Ourselves. For courage; for a clean heart; for freedom in the Lord; Scripture, Romans 12.
Second Day-For Our Homes. For husband and wife; for children and youth. Scripture, Ephesians 6: 1-20.
Third Day-For Our Churches. For obedience to the mind of Christ; for grace to open wide the doors of the church; for daring to use all our resources. Scripture, Matthew 16: 13- 20 and 1 Cor. 3: 1-9.
Fourth Day-For the World Mission of Christianity. For courage to accept the task; for those on church boards; for nationals overseas; for the Federal Council of Churches; for men, women and children on the mission field. Scripture, selected verses.
Fifth Day-For Our Own Nation. For healing of our present distress; for the unemployed; for humility as a people; for industrial peace; that our nation may put her trust in God. Scripture, Psalm 33.
Sixth Day-For Every People. For recognition of our common sins; for sympathy with the infirmities of others; for statesmen; for grace to live together as brothers. Scripture, Acts 2: 1-21.
Seventh Day-For Light on the Way Ahead. For release from all bondage of body, mind and spirit; for order out of confusion; for eyes that see and ears that hear; for thanksgiving for sure Words already given; for grace to live well; for guidance. Scripture, John 1: 1-18 and John 8: 12-20.
The complete ordetof services include the daily calls to prayer, hymns, Scripture sentences, special prayers, litany and topics for addresses.* "I know the thoughts that I think toward you," saith the Lord; "thoughts of peace and not of evil. . . . Then shall ye call on me and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me and find me when ye search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29: 11-13.) • These programs may be secured from the Federal Council of Churches, 105 East 22d Street, New York, at 3 cents a copy or $1.50 a hundred.
MISSIONARY Missionary Medical College for
REVIEW OF THE WORLD VELLORE, INDIA DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor LET YOUR TAX EXEMPTION HELP TO GIVE MEDICAL VOL. LIX JAN., 1936 No.1 AID TO MILLIONS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN PuTbhliicrdatiaonnd aRnedilyBuSstsin.,eHssarOrifsfbicuer-g-, Pa. This Medical College trains Christian women doctors, nurses and Editorial and Executive Office– welfare workers for those without medical aid or comfort in Christ.
156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. When you make out your income tax, include in your exemption a Entered as second-class matter at gift to this great work under Dr. Ida Scudder's leadership. One Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. hundred million helpless women burden her heart. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. $25,000 will endow a Chair, $10,000 a ward in the Children's Hos- Published monthly, except August. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. pital. $1,000 will endow a bed~ Givers maY,t'ilme these. British agents – Marshall, Morgan Send for ill~trated, free booklet to Mrs. Hl!nty W. Peabody, care and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, of Miss Hilda L. Olson, Marmion Way.,Roc~port, Massachusetts. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, 10 shillings a year. Send us addresses of people who still .h:av~: irlcomes, or see them MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- personally for this cause. i· LISHING CO., INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Personal Items Society" sailed last fall to attend the centefiariesin Assam, Bengal-Orissa ROBERT E. SPEER, President Arthur E. Slater, Presbyterian mis- and South~India. WM. I. CHAMBERLAIN, Vice-President sionary at Etah, India, has been WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer honored a second time within a year. *** DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary In January, he received the Kaiser-i- hind Silver Medal; in August, the Dr. William R. Galbreath has re- SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Silver Jubilee King's Medal. The signed ,'a;g"Medical Director of the MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD latter is especially appropriate, since Presbyterian Hospital in San Juan, Mr. Slater is celebrating his own silver Puerto Rico, because of ill health. WM. B. LIPPHARD jubilee, having been a missionary in Dr. F. Glenn Irwin has been ap- India for twenty-five years. He is en- pointed to succeed him. ERIC M. NORTH gaged in industrial work and has de- JESSE R. WILSON veloped a large and widely known *** poultry farm. Raising chickens and A. L. W ARNSHUIS milk goats offers an unusual oppor- Mr.,David Glass, son of F. C. Glass, tunity to reach the people of rural has been' appointed a missionary in SAMUEL M. ZWEMER India. Brazil, a field in which he has already served. He has recently been study- Editorial Chat *** ing at the 'Missionary Training Colony and at Livingstone College, London. A Happy New Year is our wish for Dr. James R. Joy, dean of Methevery reader and for the world that odist editors, having reached the age *** of 72, plans to retire from the editor- "God so loved" and that "Christ came ship of the Christian Advocate of New Mrs. Vivian Bose, of Nagpur, Into save." York at the coming general confer- dia, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John R. ence. Dr. Joy came in 1904 to the Mott, en route to America with her *** assistant editQrship of the Advocate two-year-old son, traveled most of the under Dr. James M. Buckley. Since three months' journey across Asia and The year can be made happy by 1915 he has served as editor of the Europe in an open touring car. In spreading the Gospel and by living publication. Persia they traveled days on end withand serving in the Spirit of Christ. out seeing anyone and for a week *** could find no tree to shade them. *** Their car broke an axle in a lonely Rev. William Hallock Johnson, spot, but within five minutes a truck This is the great aim of the REVIEW D.D., President of Lincoln University came along with a driver who spoke -to reveal the world-wide need for near Philadelphia, has resigned be- English, and gave them a tow. cause of his reaching the age of re.- Christ and to tell the Good News of tirement. He was immediately elected Planned along ad· what He had done for mankind and President-Emeritus. He is the author vanced peda;,ogical lines what He is doing in the world today. of several books on religious and to provide both Home and Class philosQphical subjects. lor the pupil. Varied *** such as Quizzes. Reading Tests, True Dr. Walter Livingstone Wright, False Tests. and Completion Tests. How far is the REVIEW successful? vice-president of the University since the pupil to work out each lesson from 1926, has been elected to succeed Dr. Bible lor himself. Here are some comments of our Johnson. readers: Samples 01 our Sunday School pubhcatlOns and *** Bible Courses tor '{ oung P"ople"s SOClehes "The Latin America number is, I sent hee On request sincerely believe, alone worth a year's Rev. Albion Ross, rector of the subscription." G. W. SPURLOCK. Episcopal Church in Hollidaysburg, CHRISTIANEpm~LI(tTIONS.IN<: Pa., has been appointed pastor of the Bonnie, Ill. American Church in Berlin. Phillips 1502 N. Third St., Harrisburg, Pa. Brooks was once minister of this *** church, which is undenominational, and serves the American colony in the "I have been highly impressed with German capital. the high calibre of the issues which I have read." REV. EDWARD H. JONES. *** The Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Howard Wayne Smith, Presi- dent of the Woman's Baptist Foreign State College, Pa. [ 1] *** "I think the Methods are very valuable. I have kept the back numbers for years and find many suggestions I can adopt successfully in my work."
MISS SHIRLEY V. SCOTT, W. M. S. Community Worker, Presbyte- rian Church, New Westmin- ster' B. C.
*** "I was very much interested in the articles contained in the July issue of THE REVIEW and read them with profit." REV. GEO. A. BROWN.
Elyria., Ohio.
"TThhe Rainbow Emppire," by DDrr.. Stuarrt Ber.qQssmma, Wm. B. Eerdmans Puubblliisshing
Gr(aUnuai' Ramd8, Michigan. MISSIONARIES ON TREK IN ETHIOPIA Native carriers will carry loads of fifty pounds over single path tracks, over mountains and through rivers. There are practically no roads in Ethiopia,, eithheerr for autos or wagons–,except in the Capital City and a few miles In the vicinity. There iIs only one short railroad.. Fallen 1lo01lt:8s often furnish the only bridges. Mules must ford the streams.
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 1 JANUARY, 1936 Topics of the Times GOOD CHEER FOR THE NEW YEAR bers and influence; it is organized for service A New Year always has many possibilities for and has able leaders and immense financial regood and evil. On the one hand politicians in power are vying with each other in predicting sources. Yet not such were the reasons Christ reasons for optimism, while their opponents paint dark pictures of what the future holds if there is gave for courage then and they are not the true not a change in governmental policies. Economic and moral leaders point out the social evils that reasons for good cheer today. weaken society and religious teachers deprecate the departure of young and old from the Way The one reason given by the Son of God before of God that leads to peace and prosperity. He went to His death on the Cross was: "I have It is easy to enumerate reasons for disappointment and discouragement and yet we search the overcome the world." Whatever may be the seemhorizon for some "cloud the size of a man's hand," for some basis for good cheer for ourselves and ing evidences of defeat for His Church today, the our neighbors. Is there any such basis that will not disappear as a mist, that does not rest on the victory is assured. Christ declares that even the quicksands of human instability? devil and all his hosts cannot overcome those who In what seemed to be the darkest hour of the world's history, Jesus Christ told His disciples to have faith to follow their divine Leader. There "Be of good cheer" and gave them the reason (John 16: 33) . Those to whom He spoke were a may be trials, persecution, suffering and physical small band of weak and unlettered peasants, without political influence or financial resources. They death ahead today as there has been all through belonged to a subject nation, they were following a leader who was soon to be condemned to an the years past. But Christ _as overcome the ignominous death and they themselves were told that they must look forward to tribulation, perse- world by His victory over temptation, by rising cution and death at the hands of their acknowledged religious and political leaders. superior to worldly conditions, by overcoming evil It was in the midst of this discouraging situa- with good. And His followers can enter into His tion that their Master told His disciples to "be of good cheer." It was not an exhortation to shallow victory and partake of His cheer. Is there any optimism, but to courage. The message is also for today. Conditions are bad enough but how reason why Christians also cannot overcome the much brighter than in the days just preceding the world as martyrs and saints and servants of Christ have overcome in the past – by faith, by loyalty, by fighting the good fight of fai~h; by cooperation with Him in carrying out HIS pro- gram rather than adopt the program of worldly leaders. Christ's program includes full personal surrender, following the guidance of the Spirit of CGohdri,stwiaintnsemssainyg"btoe Christ actheheorm," enoant 1 dmearberoyaId.I.I of good spite of the dark outlook due to evil forces at work in the world, but because of the all-powerful wise and loving Eternal Spirit with which followers of Christ are allied. He is already victor.
"LIFE CHANGERS" AROUND THE WORLD Multitudes in all lands are looking for the pan- Crucifixion? Not only have science and learning acea for human weakness and the cure for all evil.
made wonderful progress but the forces contend- At many and divers times and in divers places ing for righteous have greatly increased in num- men and women have claimed to have found the ber and power. The Church has grown in num- remedy. Each of the great ethnic religions be- [3]
gan as a reformation and produced corrective have a faculty for bringing the challenge and the philosophies and better rules of conduct. They transforming power of Christ into the lives of accomplished something and leaders have come worldly leaders in society, professors and stuforward-like Zoroaster, Confucius, Buddha, Mo- dents, stockbrokers and statesmen. They occahammed and Gandhi -leaders with many noble sionally reach also the depressed and degraded. characteristics, but they and their religions have They have changed the order of "to the poor the failed to transform men and women into Godlike Gospel is preached." Word has come from many characters. A "new bir,th" is required for such a missionaries testifying to the new spiritual life, transformation, the impartation of a new life by new earnestness in evangelism and new power the Spirit of God if men are to become children that has come to missionaries and national Chrisof God. Such transformations have been going tians as a result of contact with Christ through on for nearly two thousand years, from the days the Oxford Groups. These testimonies come, not of Paul to the present, in every land and among from active leaders in the movement, but from all races. The secret of such transformations is fellow Christians who note and rejoice in the living contact with Christ. changes wrought. The Burma Gospel Team fur- nishes one example. Missionaries of the Evangel of Christ are the greatest "life changers" of history-witness Sam- In some of the countries of Europe the beneficial uel Crowther, the slave boy who became a bishop; effect has been felt in Church and State, in labor Africaner the Hottentot Terror, who became a and capital. While the movement begins with Christian chief; Narayan Sheshadri, the Brahman changing lives of individuals it is now attempting who became a Christian preacher; Pastor Hsi, to change society, business, governments, the the Chinese opium smoker who became an evan- world. A headquarters has recently been estabgelist; J. H. Neesima, the Japanese Shinto wor- lished at Geneva, the court of the League of shiper who founded the Doshisha Christian Uni- Nations. Christians believe that the only hope of versity, and Dr. Sa'eed Khan, the Kurdish Moslem success, individually or collectively, is in wholewho became an honored Christian physician and hearted acceptance of Christ, the giver of new evangelist. The list might be increased by hun- life through His death on the Cross, and in dedreds of thousands, known and unknown disciples. pendence on God for guidance and power to do His will. Today the "Oxford Groups," so-called from tlleir activities in Oxford, England, have taken SAVING THE WOMEN OF INDIA th~ name of "Life Changers," and have extended their activities not only in the United States and The new constitution for India brings new re- Canada but in the British Isles and on the con- sponsibilities to the men and women of that great tiw~mt of Europe, in Egypt and South Africa, in land. There are many evils to be corrected, as all India, China, Japan and other mission fields. They know who have read "Mother India" or have seen emphasize the need of everyone for full surrender the sickness, the poverty and ignorance, the superto _Christ and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. stition and sin that hamper progress. In the past They call for "absolute purity" of life and thought; India's destiny was controlled first by the war- "absolute honesty" in dealing with God and self riors, then by religious leaders, and later by and _other men; "absolute and unselfish love" as financiers and politicians. Women have taken althe ruling principle of life. The characteristics most no part publicly in education, business afof mflmbers of the Oxford Groups are almost as fairs, religious rites or government. Hinduism varied as those found in members of Evangelical declares that women have no souls. Their place churches. There are among them the well-in- has been in the home and any power they have formed and the ignorant, the wise and unwise, exerted has been behind the purdah walls. They the weak and the strong. But the leaders testify have suffered and died that the men might live. to their faith in Christ as the Son of God and Saviour from sin; they urge the study of the Today great changes have taken place through Bible -as the Word of God to lighten our path; the reforms instituted by the British Government they believe in prayer-in the "Morning Watch" and through the light brought by messengers of -and in seeking and following the guidance of the Christ. Under the Gospel, with its new hope and Holy Spirit. Some leaders may not sufficiently life, women have been educated; many have -disemphasize the atonement of Christ for sin, and carded the veil that has shut them in-mind, body other Bible teachings, but none of them have been and soul. They are more and more-like Pandita charged with denying these Christian truths. Ramabai, Lilivati Singh, Dr. Cornelia Sorabji and others-taking active public part in education, in One of the chief peculiarities of the Oxford reforms, in medical ministry, in law and in poli- Groups is their ability to reach the "up and outs," tics. How important it is that in the new India more than the "down and outs." They seem to
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
they be godly women "thoroughly furnished unto expected adequately to support this work without every good work." help from more favored Amercia. It is one thing to establish a work and another thing to maintain One of the great Christian enterprises for In- it so as to make it effective. Dr. Scudder says dia's women is the work started thirty-five years that the present needs are for endowment for ago by Dr. Ida Scudder to minister to their phys- ten "chairs" for teachers of Bible, medicine, surical, mental and spiritual needs and to train gery and other branches; for radium and x-ray Christian women physicians and nurses to serve equipment; for endowed beds in children's, matheir suffering and neglected sisters. "Today," ternity and surgical wards; for nursing and pharsays Dr. Scudder, "in South India we face the macy departments; for leper work, and for amproblem of one hundred million women without bulances and roadside clinics. It is a large order any medical aid. Caste and religious customs of but small in comparison with the amount spent that ancient civilization have kept women in the in American hospital centers to meet one tenth background. They were forbidden to have a med- the need. Indians should themselves bear a large ical man treat them and were left to the mercy of part of the load but wealthy Indians will not mainignorant, untrained, superstitious older women, tain a definitely Christian hospital. utterly unfit to meet the terrible need of motherhood and childhood." This is the only Medical College for women in South India as that at Ludhianna is the only sim- To help meet this need the Veilore (South In- ilar Christian Medical College in North India. dia) hospital was established as the result of Already the college has sent out 146 graduates and much prayer, hard work and sacrifice, with a dis- has now 105 students; more would come if there pensary, a maternity building, a children's. hos~ were room. This college should cover South India pital, operating room and surgical block, nurses with medical and welfare service carried on by hostel and the chapel. In 1918 the Medical Col- Indian women physicians and nurses – all thorlege for Women was opened to train doctors and nurses. While the hospital was started under the oughly Christian.t Arcot Mission of the Reformed Church in America, the Medical College is interdenominational CRITICISMS AND CONFIDENCE and international but wholly Christian and Evangelical. The American section of the Governing Every phase of life and every enterprise has its Board includes representatives of the Baptist, critics-science, art, politics, war, education, reli- Congregational, Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed gion. Some critics are captious and prejudiced, more interested in finding faults than.in pointing and Presbyterian Churches.* The British socie- out remedies. Others are intelligent and construc- tive and are true friends of progress. They seek ties cooperating are the· Church Missionary So- not to hinder but to help; they do not discredit ciety, the Zenana Mission, the Church of Scotland work and workers but awaken a desire for imand English Methodists. provement; they do not exalt their own authority, infallibility and programs at the expense of other Some years ago, as a result of a financial cam- workers and plans, but endeavor to strengthen paign, money was obtained to furnish the neces- weak places and remove hindrances to the attainsary buildings and equipment. They are beau- ment of ideals. tiful, enduring and practical and are being used night and day to bring physical health and spir- Critics are and should be a help to the Church itual life to women and children and to train them of Christ and to the missionary cause. The hufor Christian service. Dr. Scudder and her help- man element is always faulty andthe faults should ers also go out each week into the villages to treat be recognized and corrected-but it is a mistake lepers and other sick and suffering folk. The use to weaken confidence in the enterprise or in earof this equipment has already more than justified nest and honored leaders. Even the best and most the money expended. intelligent workers are not infallible and critics sometimes do great harm to worthy causes and The women of India must be prepared for the great injustice to faithful servants of Christ. great task and new opportunities before them. They must be rescued from physical neglect; they In our December issue we printed extracts from must be released from ignorance and supersti- the "Report of a Friendly Critic" of the foreign tion; they must be brought into vital contact with mission enterprise as it is conducted today.·That Christ to give them purpose and power in service. there are weaknesses and imperfections at home This is what the Vellore Hospital and Medical and abroad no one can question. Times change. College for Women are doing. But the people of New methods must be adopted to meet new condi- India, even with government subsidies, cannot be t Send to Miss Hilda Olson, Treasurer, Rockport, Massachusetts. • The American Governing Board Includes Mrs. Henry W. Peabody, Miss Clementlna Butler, Mrs. DeWitt Knox, Mrs. Wm. R. for a copy of the beautifully Illustrated booklet on Vello're Medical Moody, Mrs. Phillip N. Rossman, Mrs. George W. Doane and Mrs. College containing the messages by Dr. Scudder and Mrs. Peabody. Wm. Bancroft HilI.
tions but the aims and ideals of Christian mis- Recent news from Berlin brings disappointment sions, as presented by Christ and His apostles, are to those who hoped for liberty and justice for unchanging. They are rooted in the abiding char- Evangelical Christians who believe that the will acter and will of God, in the unchanging Christ of God and not the will of Hitler should control and the ever-present need of sinning and suffering the Church. A wireless message to The New man. York Times on December 2d, says: Dr. Barnhouse pointed out what he believes to Germany's struggle between the totalitarian State and be some weaknesses in foreign mission work as the Protestant Church took a dramatic turn today when conducted today – especially in the selection of Hanns Kerrl, Minister for Church Affairs, undertook to personnel. The Executive Council of the Presby- paralyze the opposition to his regime. He decreed the supterian Board, to which he presented his report, pression of all groups that attempt to interfere with State received it with expressions of appreciation and, control of the Protestant Church through the new governwhile exception was taken to some statements, ment-appointed church directorates. they promised to look carefully into every case and to take immediate steps to correct anything M'r. KerrI's official explanation says that the decree was found to be out of harmony with the spirit and designed primarily to prevent the exercise of spiritual or teachings of Christ and contrary to the doctrines other authority by the Confessional Synods or other adand polity of the Presbyterian Church. The whole ministrative organs of the Confessional Church, of which Board later took the following action at their first August Marahrens of Hanover, president of the Lutheran meeting (November 18th) after the report was World League, is Presiding Bishop. presented: The Confessional Church was founded over a year ago Resolved, That the Board of Foreign Missions expresses to preserve the independence of Protestantism and to preto Dr. Barnhouse its appreciation of his efforts and con- vent the introduction of Nazi doctrines into its teaching. sideration; and that the Board of Foreign Missions again The Confessional Synod pastors throughout Prussia accuse assures the Church which it represents, that it is, and ever the Government of placing "under State protection the has been, the constant aim of the Board of Foreign Mis- propagation of heresy" in the church. sions to prosecute its work in fidelity and loyalty to the purpose of missionary endeavor as set forth in the Word The new decree of the State prohibits "the exerof God and the Standards of the Presbyterian Church, cise of spiritual and material administrative func- U. S. A.; and further, that we assure the Church that the tions by any organization or group within the special cases cited in the report of Dr. Barnhouse which church." seemed to him to be at variance with the Word of God and our Standards, are receiving and will receive our im- It prohibits the nomination ~f pastors and pastoral asmediate and serious attention with the view of either sistants, examination and ordination of candidates for the justifying or rectifying the conditions cited; and that the ministry, regular visits to parishes, issuance of declararesults obtained from the inquiry will be reported to the tions to be read from the pulpit, collection and adminis- Church. tration of church taxes, collection of funds in connection with services, and parish assemblies of any sort and the This prompt action on the part of the Board summoning of synods. should, we believe, strengthen our confidence in their loyalty to Christ, as well as in their integrity This seems to mean that the administration and and ability in administering the wO'rk committed financial affairs of the churches are to be under to their care. The officers of the Board should be State control. The Government, not content with given enough time to check up on facts by cor- drastic moves to "purify" the Reich by eliminating respondence with the fields. citizens with even a fraction of Semitic blood, now seeks to strengthen the State by insisting on The position of judge is a delicate one and re- church union under State control, even at the cost quires the wisdom, the patience and the Spirit of of Christian character and religious liberty. Evan- Christ. It is comforting to know that "all stand gelical church leaders refuse to capitUlate. They before the judgment seat of Christ" and to Him do not recognize human dictators, in the Church each one is to give account of his stewardship. or out of it, and the synods insist on preserving Mission Board executives have a difficult task and their independence and refuse to compromise do not take their responsibilities lightly. They with Nordic paganism or with any German covet our prayers more than our praise, but merit churches that bear the name Christian but lack our cooperation more than our criticism. the power and spirit of Christ. Christians in Ger- many, as well as Jews, are having difficult times, GERMAN EVANGELICALS STAND FIRM not only in preserving their true Christian char- acter but in functioning as Christians to extend The true followers of Christ, the Son of God, the Good News, and to reveal the life of Christ at always suffer at the hands of earthly potentates home and in their foreign mission fields. . Conwho do not know and follow Him. We see this fessional pastors and other Evangelical leaders illustrated not only in still pagan and Moslem declare that they "must obey God rather than lands today but in Russia, Italy and Germany. men." They may suffer but they will not sur- render and are convinced that even the "Gates of Hell" shall not prevail against the Church Qf Christ.
Missions With a Forward Look *
By ROBERT E. SPEER, New York –t!iI Author of "Christian Realities," "Are Foreign Missions Done )g.- For?", "Rethinking Missions Examined," etc., etc.
BUT is there any forward look? Are foreign selves to the view that the foreign missionary missions not done? This question is an- enterprise as we have known it in the past is draw- swered affirmatively and with contentment ing to a close. As a very well known recent book, by those who believe that the central and essential appraising the missionary enterprise, declares: task of Foreign Missions has been accomplished. "There is no ground for a renewed appeal for the The Gospel has been made known in every land support, much less for the enlargement of these and in almost every land the Christian Church has (foreign) missions as a whole in their present been established as a living institution. It is quite form and on their present basis." If the foreign true that there are many people in the world who missionary enterprise is to go on at all, it is de- do not know the Gospel but that is true in Chris- clared, it must be radically reconceived and tian and non-Christian lands alike. The name of whether when so reconceived there will be ade- Jesus has become the most widely known name in quate motive power to sustain it is an undeter- the world. mined question.
There are some who do not accept this cheerful There is, after all, perhaps not so much novelty view as to the completion of the missionary task, in these ideas. They have a familiar sound to who would like to see it go on and who believe that anyone who has known the missionary enterprise the work is still unfinished, who, nevertheless, feel from the beginning. In Carey's day, when that that the enterprise cannot live in the atmosphere tiny handful of Baptist ministers began the mis- and among the conditions of the new day. The sionary undertaking, how much Christianity was old ideals out of which it sprang, and the motives there in the Church at large, and who knew better by which it has been sustained, they regard as the inadequacy of the motives of romance and now obsolete; the desperate need of man for the glamor than these men who conceived that those Gospel is no longer felt. It is not believed any who were going were going down into a pit and longer that people are lost without Christ. The that those who remained must hold the ropes for old romance and glamor of Foreign Missions them? In the Massachusetts legislature, when the have vanished. We no longer attach to man's life charter for the American Board of Commissioners on earth the dramatic and determinative signifi- for Foreign Missions was under consideration, ob- cance that our fathers attached to it. We are no jection was made on the ground that there was longer disturbed by the fact of men living with- not religion enough to meet the needs of America out thought of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. We no and that there could be no justification in export- longer regard the non-Christian religions as either ing what we had. Dr. Ritson of the British and false or inadequate as our fathers did. We think Foreign Bible Society has preserved, in his ac- of them in the most generous way and are sure count of the monthly conferences of Foreign Mis- that God has not left any of His children without sionary Secretaries held in London ever since adequate guidance. Weare not concerned over 1819, an account of the difficulties which the mis- the spiritual destitution of other peoples. sionary societies were meeting in those early Weare taught, further, that Christianity has years a century ago. He writes: ceased to have the divine value which we once at- At this period the whole outlook of missions changed tributed to it. We are in doubt whether there is from enthusiastic expectation of world-wide success to a any absolute religion or whether we have even in humble hope that a few elect might be saved. A good deal of hostile criticism was leveled against the Societies. In Christianity, as we know it ourselves, something 1825 the Association was enquiring, "In what light are we worth carrying to the rest of the world. In a word, to regard the opposition now so generally excited against so we are told, the old ideals and motives are gone the diffusion of divine truth, and in what mode should it and however reluctantly, we must reconcile our- be met?" and then in 1826 they tried to profit from the opposition-"What practical lessons may be learned from • An address dellvered at the Biennial Meeting of the Presbyterian the recent animadversions on benevolent institutions ?" Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies at Ashev!l1e, North Again a little later they discussed, "What are the causes Carollna, in June, 1935.
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of that distrust which has been excited respecting the man- ment in his First Epistle to the Corinthians tells agement of religious societies, and what is the best mode them of his plans. "I will tarry at Ephesus until of removing it?" There is a tone of resignation in the Pentecost; for a great door and effectual is opened title of a paper read in l849. "The trials of missions- unto me, and there are many adversaries!' I have the reasons of these afflictive dispensations and the bene- always been glad Paul said "and," not "hut." The ficial results of them." But they were not allowed to work presence of the adversaries constituted, they did in peace, for within three y~ars it was said, "A notion not qualify, the opportunity. It was because of prevails to some extent that the missionary enterprise is them that St. Paul intended to stay. The door a comparative failure. Is there any truth in it, and what that is open to us today is greater and more effec- are the best methods of dealing with it?" The Minutes tual, and there are no greater adversaries. of this ,meeting record the conviction that "missions had been successful beyond expectation, and probably far sur- Present-Day Difficulties passing the hopes of the fathers and founders of them." As we stand today, accordingly, at the end of a The storm broke out again in 1858 after the Indian great history and consider foreign missions with Mutiny-the friends of missions urging a bolder Christian a forward look the first thing that we note is the policy on the Government, and the critics declaring that summons of the difficulties of our task in the new the Mutiny was caused by proselytism. In the same year day. The old difficulties are with us still and there the Secretaries were also driven to examine "Some of the are new difficulties besides these. We will do principal objections made against the management of reli- wisely, as we gird ourselves for the task not done, gious societies such as the cost of deputation work, pub- not to underestimate the difficulties and adver- lications and periodicals, etc." Criticism from without saries as we go forward. I would name a few of , never ceased, but for half a century the Association has these which instead of constituting a barrier to not spent much time in discussing it. Of course it has not advance constitute an unquestionable divine sum- always come from without. There have been critical and mons and appeal. argumen,tative and candid friends in the inner circle. In 1825, Edward Irving's famous L. M. S. sermon declared 1. There is the old difficulty that is called by a that the current methods were all wrong, and a few years different name in each generation-the interpre- after there was a topic of discussion which sounds pecul- tation of life that leaves out the living God. We iarly modern-"What line of conduct should be adopted by call it humanism or naturalism today. I was with Missionary Societies in order to obviate the dangers, which a group of young student leaders recently in which may be apprehended from the agitation among their one of the ablest of the group spoke of the entire friends or agents, of those' controversies which have re- change of attitude that had come to him as a result cently been moved in the Christian Church?" of a recent trip to China. He had been inclined to stress the humanistic conception of Christianity The lllen and women who began the missionary until he had seen on a large scale in China the utter futility of a leadership dominated by a hu- undertaking a century ago faced all the objections manistic philosophy. He said he doubted whether any nation had done any other nation a greater that we are facing now, and others. If such ob- disservice than America had done China in giving jections are fatal to the continuance of the mis- so many of the young men who are now in posi- sionary undertaking, how is it that they were not tions of leadership in China the humanistic or fatal to its origin? naturalistic philosophical view in the American universities where these men had studied. He I have been reading lately some of the accounts had seen the hopelessness of their attempt to guide of these early missionary discussions in the and lift China, with no resources drawn from Diary of the Rev. John C. Rankin, who was one above and without, through a frank recognition of of our early missionaries in India from 1840-1848, man's need of God and of the hopelessness of up- and in the charges that Walter Lowrie and Elisha lifting a nation save by power from outside itself. Swift gave to the very first missionaries of the He saw now more clearly than ever the impotence Presbyterian Church. I have been noting the of a philosophy of man's sufficiency and the indis- arguments that were made at the beginning of the pensable need of New Testament Christianity. work in China as to whether the mission station Weare cQnfronted today with a new interpreta- in Canton should be continued or abandoned. The tion of life that confines man to his own limits. Persia and some of the India Missions have been This disbelief, with the elimination of God from recalling both this year and last the memories of human life, this disbelief in enlisting superhuman their establishment a hundred years ago. Let any- forces in the help of men is a difficulty that is an one go over this material, and the great mass of appeal. which it is representative, and he will see that we are facing no conditions adverse to the contin- 2. We are ~lso confronted with a distorted and uance of the enterprise that were not matched by exaggerated concept of nationalism. There is a equal or greater difficulties at the beginning. We are unworthy children 'of the fathers and mothers who went before us if we falter now on the thresh- old of the future when they refused to falter on the threshold of the past. To them the difficulties and hindrances appeared not as an impediment but asap appeal, just as to St. Paul. His state-
FOREIGN MISSIONS WITH A FORWARD LOOK
true nationalism just as there is a true sense of forms which it takes in the modern world is surely family integrity and pride but the nationalism at enmity both with Christianity and with natu,re, with which we have to deal today is too often both 'and with truth. It proposes communistic 'equality false and fictitious. It is false in that it will even but applies its proposal not to the energy of pro- go to the extent of rewriting national history in duction but to the distribution of what is pro- disregard of truth in order to create a nationalistic duced. It seeks to establish a principle of equality myth. It is false and also fictitious in that its which is irrational and impossible. There never isolation is selfish and misguided. No nation can has been equality either in nature or in man and separate itself from the rest of mankind today, there never can be. There are true Christian prin- and yet repeatedly nations attempt to do so by ciples which alone will provide what Communism admitting so much influence as they think will help is striving after. They are embodied in the for- them, rejecting the rest, by seeking only to get and mula: "From every man according to his ability; not to give, and by folly of choice as to what to to every man according to his need," but a Com- admit and what to exclude. There are organiza- munism that seeks to share that which it has not, tions built on fiction, on the possibility of national according to its ability, shared in producing is self-containment as though the Dead Sea were suicidal. It is this false Communism which across not a sufficient object lesson in nature of any at- the world today supplies a newdifficulty and a new tempt to apply the principle of self-containment appeal. "On every road in China," a recent writer to human life or society. What more direct chal- states, "there are two men today; one of them lenge to the very essence of Christianity could preaching Karl Marx and the other preaching there be than this national advocacy of a principle Jesus Christ." That is an extreme generalization.
of racial selfishness and human disunity! There are roads in China today where only the 3. Weare confronted with a new idea of toler-, man preaching Christ will be met, but alas, there ance that equalizes all religions and gathers them, are other roads where the Marxian has his way.
into a mutual recognition, into an association of We need the man of Christ on every road, in every faiths. But Christianity has never consented and land, in every market place and every shop, in never can consent to any such equalitarianism in every place, high and low.
religion. There is a great deal to be said for John 5. We have the difficulty of schism and division Dewey's view, in his Terry lecture at Yale, that among men just at a time when there is the great- the concept of religion itself is meaningless. His est and most tragic need of unity. We have this contention is that it is too indefinite and incoher- schism and division even in the Christian Church.
ent, that it means nothing by meaning everything. But then, this too, is not new. Our own Board of When you class atheism, deism, polytheism, mono- Foreign Missions originated at the time of the theism, animism and a belief in a personal God all division of our Church in the Old and New under one term it is obvious that the term means Schools. There were parties in the Church of the so much as to mean nothing. Christianity does New Testament itself, and Paul had to meet no not belong to any such common pool. It cannot greater difficulties at Ephesus than he had to deal be classified with what we speak of as "the reli- with in the parties and divisions in the Corinthian gions of the world." They are human phenomena. Church itself. If we cannot hear today the cry They are the attempts on the part of man to an- of the torn body of Christ we must 'be deaf indeed.
swer the great and irrepressible questions of the We face all these difficulties~ old arid new, as we soul: Where did I come from? What am I to do? look abO'ut us and look forward but we find in'them What can I know? Where am I going? At its simply a guarantee of" the future; they are the best they are the efforts of man to find God, but summons of God ·Himself to us to gird ourselves Christianity is nothing of this sort. It is nota for our task. Two generations ago, in the struggle set of questions asked by man. It is a revelation over the Corn Laws, someone said to Cobden that from God. It is not the attempt of man to find a certain action was impossible. Cobden replied, God. It is God's effort to find man. The religions "Is that all? Then it is time we set about it at of the world at their best are the efforts of man to once." And this also was 'the spirit and principle stumble up the altar stairs to God, but Christianity of General Armstrong, the founder of Hampton is God coming down the altar stairs to man. The Institute, and one of the great creative, educa- very intellectual difficulty which the new view pre- tional, Christian personalities of America. His sents is itself a fresh missionary summons to men daughter writes of him, "He was filled through and women who believe in the Christianity of the and through with a deep sense that by hard work New Testament. alone can a'ny of us be saved." "God's hand," he 4. Both at home and abroad today Christianity ,said,once, "points to a steep and craggy height.
meets the theory of Communism whic:!h ca:llsits:elf ,It must, be climbed. I will climb it!" "I feel happy the foe o-f Christianity and which in many of the when all my powers of endurance are taxed."
Once at one of the conferences at Lake Mohonk hold but man is not living in it as one family," or somebody spoke of a proposal as impossible as to say the same thing in other words, "Weare as someone had done in Cobden's time. Armstrong a political fact members of one another, yet we was on his feet at once with the exclamation, act towards one another as strangers, rivals and "What are Christians in the world for but to ac- even enemies." Once again the only solution is complish the impossible by the help of God?" the Christian principle of human brotherhood con- This was St. Paul's religion. "1 can do all things strued in terms of justice and righteousness. Just through Christ who strengthens me." as the Roman Empire was saved for a new lease of life through the unification which Christianity The old day has come to a close and we cannot brought, so today this disordered and divided recall it; but it is not night that is ahead of us; world can be saved by no other unity. it is the dawn of a new day and the difficulties that we confront ought to appeal to youth as strongly In spite of·· revivifying movements here and as the difficulties of their day appealed to those there in the non-Christian religions it cannot be denied that the old faiths are disintegrating. before us. Francis Wei, president of Hua Chung College in Wuchang, China, said a few months ago in an ad- New Opportunities Today dress at Yale: "The three ancient religions, Tao- ism, Buddhism, Confucianism, are losing ground But there are not only difficulties around and in China. One quarter of the human race is at before us-there is the glory of great new oppor- the crossroads wrestling with its destiny. China',; tunities. "Behold, 1 set before Thee an open door most difficult problem is not political or economic. which no man can shut." We look out on this The problem of gravest concern is whether the world of new difficulties but also new and inviting spiritual forces in the country are sufficiently opportunity. strong to direct and mold her political and eco- nomic development during the next thirty years." It is a contracting world that is becoming slowly Hu Shih, the leader of the young intelligentsia of self-conscious of its identical interest in meeting China, declared recently that Taoism and Conits deep ethical needs. It is different from the old fucianism are both dead. William Hung, of Yenchworld sprawled out over noncommunicating me- ing University, advises the missionary agencies ridians. It were well if our nation would remem- no longer to concern themselves with the study of ber this. There are no isolated or remote places the Christian approach to the non-Christian relileft in the world today. The whole of mankind is gions because they are already incapacitated and bound together in the unity of a common life. The have been replaced by different forms of antagoidea that any people can segregate itself from the nism, namely, "scientific agnosticism, materialistic rest of the world is as fictitious as that one mem- determinism, political fascism, and moral iconber of the body can detach itself from the rest of oclasm." Or as Mr. John McMurray, of BaHiol the body. College, said in a paper that was circulated at the International Missionary Conference in Jeru- It is a world that must act together and that yet salem: "These religions are going to be smashed does not have the instrumentalities for united ac- anyhow, perhaps not quickly but surely, and what tion and it is America which has most at stake; is going to do it, indeed is already doing it, is which is bound to suffer most; which has been modern science, modern commerce and modern most unwilling to share in the development of political organizations." Let anyone go through these instrumentalities which the common inter- China today and visit the abandoned Confucian ests of mankind absolutely require. In the last temples and he will realize what a change is comchapter of his recent book, "The Fact of the ing over the non-Christian world. Once again it Christian Church," Dr. Carnegie Simpson points needs to be said that the non-Christian religions out the way in which Christianity from age to age are far from moribund, but not one of them is has come with the only solution that could meet what it was, or can ever be again what it has been. the emergency of the time. When Christianity One can venture to believe that the day is drawentered the Roman world, he says, it found there ing near {)f which Sir Charles Trevelyan wrote patent inequalities running through society. Of years ago: "Many persons mistake the way in these the most conspicuous and the most deep which the conversion of India will be brought rooted was the line of demarcation between the about. I believe it will take place wholesale, just free man and the slave. Christianity did not at as our own ancestors were converted. The counonce end slavery but it introduced the idea which try will have Christian instruction infused into it in the end dissolved it. In the Middle Ages man in every way by direct missionary education, and had to make the transition from the old order to indirectly by books of various sorts, through the a new which was only possible through the contribution of Christianity once again of the principle of liberty. Now we have a new world and a civilization that is afraid of itself. . "It is one house-
FOREIGN MISSIONS WITH A FORWARD LOOK
public papers, through conversations with Euro- lem women from one of the schools in Constanpeans, and in all the conceivable ways in which tinople coming unveiled away from Santa Sofia. knowledge is communicated. Then at last, when A revolution has come fraught with danger but society is completely saturated with Christian fraught with promise if the Christian women of knowledge, and public opinion has taken a decided the West will meet the emerging womanhood from turn that way, they will come over by thousands." the non-Christian world with Christ.
In the third place the comment which I quoted I will mention only one more of the fresh opat the beginning is quite true; that is, that the portunities now-the appeals that come ever more name of Jesus is more widely known throughout clearly and distinctly from our Christian brethren the world today than any other name. A Canadian in the fields where we have been carrying on forfriend who has just come back from a visit to the eign missions work. Weare often told that the Far East, where he has been more than once be- missionary is no longer wanted and that he ought fore, said in my hearing recently that the first not to go where he is not invited. These invitaimpression made upon him on this recent trip was tions that are pouring in today from the authoritathe increased respect and reverence for that Name tive agencies of the National Churches of Asia and which he met everywhere. A Scotch minister Latin America are a conclusive answer. They set wrote recently about being asked to preside over forth in the most urgent way the desire of these a meeting in India addressed by one of India'~ churches for help. The voice of India was uttered nationalists, a Cambridge and Moscow graduate, by the Bishop of Dornakal in the appeal which he who for two hours poured out a passionate denun- sent to the meeting of the British students in ciation of India and Great Britain, of every class, Edinburgh in January, 1933: of every evil, but who closed his address with these words: "I have to thank you all for allowing me We cannot, therefore, at this time restrain ourselves to speak as I have done for two hours abusing all from sending you a call to "come over and help us" with that you hold most dear, but you must have noticed all the earnestness and passion at our command. that there was One whom I did not even criticize, and indeed He is above all my criticism or any 1. There are vast regions in many parts of India and man's – the lovely Lord Christ." There has re- Burma into which the message of God's revelation in cently appeared a book entitled, "India's Response Christ has not yet penetrated. to Christ," published by Mr. P. K. Sen, a Hindu of Calcutta, in which he writes, "I believe in my 2. There are still whole classes of people, even in alheart of hearts, that India cannot escape Christ. ready evangelized regions (like the middle class Hindus, No one can escape Christ. So has it been with me. Muslims, Buddhists, and Untouchables) to whom Christ The hostility to Christ that made itself manifest and His message have not yet been demonstrably put. in the first clash of the East and West has disappeared. Years have passed and Christ has slowly 3. The small church in India needs outside aid to train and silently entered the hearts of the thinking sec- its manhood and its womanhood and its ministry for nation of the people. Slowly and surely He will tional Christian service and for effective witness to the enter the hearts of all. For Christ is such an One regenerating power of Christ. as cannot but be accepted. 0 what picture of simplicity, reality, holiness, sweetness and love. 4. The rural churches and ,those established among . . . One sees Him and simply cannot escape classes of people once despised and suppressed need guid- ance and help to enable them to play their part in service Him." for rural India. All this represents a vast change in India and 5. Doctors and educationalists are needed for mission throughout the non-Christian world. The Name hospitals and colleges to serve India towards stronger that is above every name is becoming increasingly and saner citizenship. recognized and reverenced. The world is far from accepting Him as Saviour and Redeemer but it is We fear that the strong national feelings exhibited in slowly coming to recognize that at least He is the recent years in India may estrange even the disciples of supreme moral ideal and if men will thus recog- Christ from the call to serve Him in a land that is full nize and obey Him and do His will they will come of racial antipathies. We may assure you that, while that to know the doctrine. is true to a certain extent in the sphere of politics, it is not true in the sphere of religion. At no time has there been The new world above and ahead of us is marked a greater friendliness among the people towards Chrisby nothing more clearly than by the new freedom tians and Christian messengers than at the present time. of women. I contrast in my mind the sight of the British missionaries of the true type – missionaries who veiled women of the Near East a generation ago endeavor in the spirit of our Master to come to India with with what one sees today-concretely, with the sympathy and discernment and to serve her people with laughing faces of a great company of young Mos- that peculiar self-effacing love and power that issues out of the Cross of Christ-such are in greater demand now than ever before.
Again we fear that some may be deterred by a con- sciousness of personal inadequacy for the needs of India, and by a procrastination that makes them wait for some inward guidance and special call before they respond to an appeal for service in India. But surely the crying needs of this great country and its peoples, and especially at a time like this, and the possession of that life and power which issued from Calvary and the Upper Room, coupled with the consciousness of ability with the help of
God to meet these needs – constitute a call the Divine need to remind.ourselves of the word of one of source of which no one can easily doubt. our own missio,nary fathers, Simeon Calhoun, We therefore plead with you to consider whether Chris- whom men called "the Saint of Lebanon": "If the Christi~n Church were what it ought to be, twenty tian students can now fail to give India what they alone years would not pass away before the story of the can give and whether they do not owe India this immediate help at the present crisis of her history. We pray that the call to come over and help us may touch the hearts Cross would be uttered in the ears of every living of some of you, resulting in your surrender for mission- man." ary service in India. And the life is available. We have on the rolls This is an authoritative voice, quite different of the Candidate Department in one Board the from the irresponsible statements of non-Chris- names of some seven or eight hundred young men tian students from these lands studying in West- . and women who are preparing themselves for mis- ern universities. sionary service; Some are paying for their med- These appeals from the National Churches deal ical education by giving their own blood in trans- very specifically with the idea that missionaries fusions in hospitals. Some are ready to go and ought not to go except when sent where they are are offering themselves to the Board and the invited. The National Christian Council of Japan Church. The following letter is signed by four- at its meeting last December spoke these manly teen students, some of them sons of missionaries: words: As students of Princeton Theological Seminary and as The work which Foreign Missions Boards have started members of the band of Student Volunteers, we believe in Japan has by no means reached a full-round goal. that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of the world; and Much remains to be done to bring it to full completion. we realize that "it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise We are anxious that they shall finish it fully and hap- from the dead the third day; and that repentance and re- pily. The reason self-support and the spirit of independ- mission of sins should be preached in His name a-mong all ence lags among our churches is the tendency to lean on nations." We adhere to all the doctrines of the Presby- friends and funds from abroad. The Japanese Church terian Church. Because of this belief we are eager to should cut loose and launch out for itself. This has been preach the Gospel in foreign lands. However, because of done in every other sphere of life in the Empire; diplo- lack of funds, of the twenty-one who have volunteered macy, education, commerce, industry go forward through from the last two graduating classes and the present senior Japanese initiative and effort. Why not the Church? class, only two men have been sent to the field.
Mission organizations and missionaries should act from With an increasing conviction of the world's immediate any irresistible sense of mission and not wait for an invi- and imperative need of Christ, we appeal to the Church, tation. The missionary attitude of American Christians to individuals or local organizations, to share with us the motivated by an impelling inner urge should be positive responsibility resting upon all the followers of Christ to and aggressive. Regarding policies for evangelism in send us out as your representatives to proclaim the mes- Japan, we believe that the Japanese Church should in the sage of salvation. main take the initiative. However, we welcome assistance "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord from abroad which is motivated by a positive urge. We shall be saved. How, then, shall they call on Him in whom fail because there is too much of a spirit of compromise they have not believed? And how shall they believe in with the "Japanese spirit." If Christianity were to be- Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they come a Japanese religion it would cease to be Christianity. hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach When this is put squarely to the student, for example, he except they be sent?"
is attracted by it. We need to be more forthright in our We, the undersigned, are willing and desirous to go for presentation of the essential differences between Chris- evangelistic work to any field to which the way may be tianity and Japanism. . opened.
We thank God for the new and rich opportuni- Will the Church turn away from such a priceties in this new day. "I have set before you," God less offering of life as this? is saying to younger men and women, "a door that cannot be shut." What we need is the sacrifice that will bring together this life and the latent resources of the OUT Adequate Resources Church, such sacrifice as is not impossible, for we have seen it again and again in our churches and And as we look forward we remind ourselves missionary societies. As illustration I quote from not only of the summons of the new difficulties and two letters representative of the consecration the appeal of the new opportunities but.we remind which now and again we meet and which is God's ourselves of the new and adequate resources. It greatest gift to His Church. Some six or seven is true that there has been a falling'off in contri- years ago-I received a letter from a dear old butions but that is not because the ·Church could friend, the Rev. William Sidebotham of Michigan, not give as it did. There are individuals, of written just after his wife's death. Mr. Sidecourse, who have reached the limit of their ability botham had given three sons to the ministry, one and would gladly give more if it were in their of .whom had been a missionary in Korea who had power, but the Church as a whole is abundantly met a tragic death while home on furlough, two able to give all that is needed for tne full accom- daughters to home missionary work and teaching. plishment of our foreign missiona,ry task. W~ This was his letter:
FOREIGN MISSIONS WITH A FORWARD LOOK
My wonderful wife died last night. The funeral will be than ever before the sacrifices they made in their earlier tomorrow. I am sorry that you cannot be present. The years, that we might be"eaucated, and 1 have come to arrangements are all made. For some years the money to understand a little more fully the joy .they had when we cover expense of funeral has been ready. Many and many all entered Christian work. I feel as though we had been times she has said: "Don't spend a cent for flowers when left a great heritage, something that will be an inspira- I die. Give it to Foreign Missions." Accordingly not a tion to us all our lives. We have a· precious memory of a penny of mine will be spent for flowers. But I enclose wonderful mother and father. $100 from her for the field in Taiku, in memory of our son. She has often wished she was rich, but never that This was the faith and love of the generation she might have a better wardrobe, etc., but that she might that bore the burden of the past, and that is now help the poor and help foreign missions. Some seven gone. There are many among the older ones who years ago, at a presbyterial, Mrs. J. K. Mitchell, appealing will follow shortly on the same road. Before we for more generous giving, said, "Mother Sidebotham, don't go we want to lay this glorious work on the minds you think every woman could forego one pair of silk stock- and hearts of you who are to follow us. We reings to help the cause?" At once she said aloud, "I never joice in the oncoming company. I went recently had a pair of silk stockings in my life." to speak at a meeting of the Presbyterial Society in myoId Huntingdon Presbytery in Pennsylvania She gladly gave Richard to Korea, and she wept when where I grew up as a boy. Th€ old home church the physician blocked the way for Robert's going in Rich- was crowded to the· doors and on either side of ard's place. She gladly gave Emily to home mission work the pulpit were arrayed the representatives of the in 1900, and grieved in 1924, when it was necessary for young people of the Presbytery, some two hundred Emily to come home and be our housekeeper. My salary or more. As I saw them come in and take their was never more than $700 and manse (often less) till I places I had a fresh feeling of confidence and joy. was sixty-four; never more than $800 and manse till I It is clear that .there is to be no breach between was over seventy, in 1918, never more than $1,200 and the future and the past; that tl),ere are rising in manse till I retired, and began to get $50 a month from the Church new forces that will welcome the new the Board of Relief. Yet she uncomplainingly gave her difficulties and the new opportunities, and that children and rejoiced in our tithing until the end. En- will draw on those adequate resources that are closed is $100 in her name. I wish it could be $10,000. available in God for the carrying forward of this enterprise into the new day. Withgratefulness Some time afterwards I received the following and hope we lay it in your hands now with the letter from one of Mr. Sidebotham's daughters: prayer and assurance that the future is to out- shine the past. On February 6, my father, Rev. William Sidebotham, entered into his well-earned rest after an illness of only Let us pray: Oh Lord Jesus Christ, who art the same ten days of bronchial pneumonia. He had been unusually yesterday, today and forever – who walkest serene amid well all winter, and we were hoping for him a few more the changing generations – not fearing to hold the stars years of life. He would have been eighty-four the first and the churches in Thy hand-we are Thine and we are day of April. We know that he is happy now, united with not going out at our own charge or on any self-appointed my mother, whom he has missed more than we have real- errand, but as Thy servants, yes, even more as Thy friends. ized, and my brother Richard, whose work in Korea was For the servant knoweth not what His Lord doeth, but all so dear to my father's heart. Our only sorrow is for our- things that were made known unto Thee by thy Father, selves in our loneliness. Thou hast committed unto us. Lay Thy hand, we pray thee, upon young life, to carry the flame of a new loyalty When we opened his will, we found a sheet of instruc- to Thee wherever it goes; and to set the torches blazing tions. Among them was the following: "After my funeral across the length and breadth of Thy Church. Kindle the expenses are all paid, take $100 for flowers. Do not buy ancient fires afresh on the altars of the new day; and flowers, but send it to Dr. Speer, asking him to see that send us all out with a new sense of our commission from it is used for work in Korea, in memory of my son Thee, and a new purpose in life and death to serve Thee Richard." until the end of the day, which is the Dawn. This is our prayer. Fulfill it to us, Lord Jesus, we ask in Thine own So I am enclosing a check for that amount. I am glad name. Amen. – father was able to do this, and that he had commissioned me to carry out this wish. You may remember that he sent a similar amount at the death of my mother three years ago.
During the last eight and a half years that I have been at home caring for my parents, I have realized more possibly than the other children how dear the work of His Kingdom was to their hearts. I have appreciated more To witness to the world and to win the world are not necessarily coextensive undertak- ings; and when the Church shall have testified the Gospel of the grace of God among all nations it may be that multitudes will yet remain disobedient to the heavenly message.There- fore I boldly affirm that the Church has nowhere assigned to it the achievement of converting the world in this dispensation. Let none be offended at this statement, since I emphatically add that though our task is not to bring all the world to Christ, our task is unquestionably to bring Christ to all the world. A, ·J.GoRI)ON:
Based on a map copyrigM.ed by the National Geographic Society ETHIOPIA – THE LAST INDEPENDENT KINGDOM IN AFRICA The scene of the present Italian Invasion from Eritrea and Italian SomaJlland. Dessye recently bombed. The flteJd of Christian missionary service. Mission stations are underlined. FigUres on the map show heights of mountains and plateaus. For list of Protestant Mission Societies and names of Mission Stations see opposite page.
as a Mission
By STUART BERGSMA, B.A., M.D.
Formerly of the American Mission, Addis Ababa and Sayo, Ethiopia ETHIOPIA has so long been a hermit empire, and such country is extremely hot, dry and unin- withdrawing herself from contacts with the teresting, the soil consisting of volcanic ash, lava, rest of the world, proud and free on her na- boulders and sand, with little verdure. The poptive highland plateau, "forgetful of the world by ulation of such areas is very sparse, for even the whom she was forgotten," that it is not surprising most ignorant native will prefer a higher, more that many questions arise in the minds of Chris- healthful location, if available, to a location in tian people as they read erroneous and conflicting which he is daily burned by a merciless sun and reports about this land which now is the site of a in which he can find scarcely any water. The shameful war of conquest. Reporters following nomadic tribes inhabiting such districts constitute the armies or writing from the capitol city send the wilder people of Ethiopia. No missionary such conflicting reports as these: Ethiopia is a work is done among these people, life being prac- Christian country; Ethiopia is a country of sav- tically impossible for white people for any ex- agery and barbarism; Ethiopia is a remarkably tended period in such a climate. In the hot low- fertile and wealthy country with vast mineral re- lands malaria abounds wherever mosquitoes can sources; Ethiopia is not worth a dollar per square live, and the population is so scattered the mis- mile. sionary would find no audience.
Since the area of Ethiopia is about one-eighth Perhaps three-fourths of the people of Ethiopia that of the United States it can be readily under- live at an altitude above three thousand feet, and stood that there will be great differences in alti- I would judge that at least half of the people of tude, climate, healthfulness, people, customs, and Ethiopia live at an altitude of a mile or more above even religions in various sections of so vast a sea level. A few small villages are located at an country. The lowlands of Ethiopia are found es- altitude of two miles or more above sea level, but pecially toward the east adj oining the Red Sea, the population of these higher levels, where the PROTESTANT MISSIONS AND MISSION STATIONS IN ETHIOPIA 1. United Presbyterian of U. S. A.-ll workers now on the field.
2. Sudan Interior Mission (Interdenominational and International)-60 workers now on the field. 3. Seventh-Day Adventist-23 missionary workers in Ethiopia and Eritrea. 4. Missionssallskapet Bibeltrogna Vanner (Swedish)-18 workers. 5. Bible Churchman's Missionary Society-18 workers. 6. British and Foreign Bible Society-l worker. 7. Evangelical National Mission Society of Sweden-no detailed report.
8. Church Mission to the Jews-British-7 workers. 9. Roman Catholics have stations at Addis Ababa, Dessye and elsewhere.
10. Hermanaburg Evangelical Lutheran M. S.-West Gallaland-no report.
Protestant Mission Stations and Societies at Work in Ethiopia * Marked on the Map. Societies at Work Are Marked by Numbers.
* Addis Ababa (Capital)-I, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. * Gembe (Wollega)-3. * Gore (or Gorei)-1. Addis Alem-3. * Harar-4. * Asmara (In Eritrea)-4. * * Allata (or Homatcho)-2. Ira (German Mission). Arusi 4. * Jiran (Jimma)-2. ** – * ** * * Bulke (In Kafa)-2. (not underlined). Lalibela (or Lallibella)-2. Chercher (Arusi)-3 Lambuda (Cambatta)-2. * Maraka-2. Darassa (Allata)-2. * Nakempti, or Nakamti-4 (not underlined). Debra Tabor-3. * Saio (or Sayo)-I.
Debra Markos-3. * Dessie or Dessye (Wallo Province)-3. * Shamma (Chincha)-2. Djenda-8. * Shoa-3. * Soddu-2. •* Dire Dawa-4. Wanda (near Soddu) -2. Duromay-2. * Yerga Alam (Sidamo Provin Fitchay-5. ce)-2.
[ 15]
nights become so cold and the rains so severe and of many calling themselves Christians. By this I the air so thin, is a scattered and sparse popula- do not mean to insinuate that none of the mem- tion just as it is in the lower altitudes where the bers of the Church of Ethiopia has a living faith heat is so intense and the land so sun-baked and sufficient unto salvation. His Majesty the Em- the temperature so intensely high. peror seems to be a Christian of the highest type, Missionary stations in Ethiopia are all placed and some of the priests and nobility have a firm where the largest number can have access to the grasp of essential Christian truths. The main preaching of the Gospel and the benefits of our body of adherents to the Ethiopian Coptic Church, schools and hospitals. Hence missionaries in however, seem woefully lacking in knowledge of Ethiopia usually live in the cool, green, beautiful the simplest essentials of the Christian faith, highlands of Ethiopia, where the rainfall is about scarcely ever attend a church service or sacra- sixty inches per year and the temperature range ment, depend .on fasts and external observances is from about 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the cold- for their salvation instead of on the mediatorial est season to about 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the blood of Jesus Christ, and lead a life that cannot hottest season. This temperature range is most be reconciled with that of one bearing the name of remarkable when we remember that Ethiopia is Christian. Many people who have been baptized situated between parallels of latitude 4 degress into membership in the Church of Ethiopia know and 14 degrees above the equator. It answers the no more than that the baptismal string which is question so frequently asked: "Why should a placed about their neck at the time of baptism is European nation desire this country?" Because the guarantee and unshakable proof that they are it is white man's land from climatic standpoint, Christians. As one simple convert told me: "To whereas the present possessions of European na- wear a string about the neck means one is a Chris- tions adjoining Ethiopia are hot and dry wilder- tian, and to be a Christian means to wear a string ness wastelands. about the neck."
Roughly speaking, missionaries in Ethiopia deal The Need of "Christian" Ethiopia with two classes of people, the real Ethiopians or Amharas, and the more negroid subject people, The very members of the Church of Ethiopia the Gallas. The total population of Ethiopia is ap- itself, including even some of the priests, are in proximately ten million, although estimates as low need of the preaching of the Gospel. It is obvious, as six million are given, since there has never however, that missionary endeavor directed to the been a census. Of the total population of Ethiopia ruling class people will be far more difficult than approximately two-thirds are Gallas and one-third to a group which has had no contact with the Amharas. Gospel. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, The Amharas or Ruling Class it may mean the eternal loss of that soul, for one who thinks he has sufficient and turns a deaf ear The Amharas are the ruling class of people, tall, cannot grow spiritually.
strong, well-fed, proud, brave, and intelligent, and Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is the trace their origin back to the time of the Queen of "Jerusalem" of the present-day Church of Ethi- Sheba, who they state was an Ethiopian, and who opia. It is the stronghold of the ancient faith and they affirm bore King Solomon of Israel a son, the here are concentrated an enormous number of the son becoming the head of the great Solomonian priests of the Church. Missionary work will conline of Kings of Ethiopia which extends down to sequently be more difficult in Addis Ababa than this day. The Amharas, or ruling class people in in outlying parts where the people are heathen. general, are usually adherents of the ancient The number of converts will be small. Christian faith of Ethiopia. There is in Ethiopia a Christian Church which is a branch of the Cop- Within the last decade the attitude of the tic Church of Egypt. To the presence of this Church of Ethiopia to Evangelical Christian misgroup in Ethiopia is due the common report that sions has been one of friendliness rather than op- Ethiopia is a Christian land. position. This attitude is perhaps due to the fact that modern missions have wisely combined edu- To most of the ruling class people their peculiar cational missions and medical missions and indus- form of Christianity is so vital that they would trial missi9ns with the evangelical work. Ideally gladly die to preserve the Church of Ethiopia, as considered a mission station should have an in- did many of their forefathers in past ages in com- dustrial missionary to teach the natives better bating heathenism and Mohammedanism round- farming, carpentry and other trades; a teacher, about. However, devotion to their Church as a doctor, nurse, and an ordained missionary. His peculiar national institution which must be pre- Majesty the Emperor Haille Selassie I has been served at all costs seems to be the most commend- extremely favorable to missionary work..
able thing one can mention concerning the faith The headquarters of all mission·organizations
ETHIOPIA ASA MISSION FIELD
From "The Rambow Empire"; published by Wm. B. Ee.rdmansll, G(froand Rapid8, Michigan THE ROYAL FAMILY OF ETHIOPIA Emperor Hoaoimlle Seelloaossssie 1I , with the Empress, Woaolzlzeerro Menan , the Crown Prince Astao Wassan and Prince Makonnen working in Ethiopia are situated in Addis Ababa In Addis Ababa is to be found the largest hosand at least one third of the total number of mis- pital in Ethiopia, that of the United Presbyterian sionaries resident in Ethiopia are working in Mission, with 100 beds and modern in every way, Addis Ababa. Here we find the largest hospitals, having electric light, X-ray, adequate medical and schools, and a leprasarium. Addis Ababa is sit- surgical equipment, and a model laboratory. The uated in the very center of Ethiopia and from same mission has also on its twelve-acre compound this city radiate all the roads, most of the roads a girls' boarding school and a church organizamere mulepaths, which lead to the larger cities tion which meets in the hospital chapel. In the and villages in which missionary work is being capital city is also found the headquarters of the carried on. With very few exceptions the mis- Sudan Interior Mission, a mission which has had sionaries approach their stations by way of Addis an unusual growth since its organization in 1927, Ababa. and which has at present approximately eighty missionaries. This mission has in Addis Ababa Addis Ababa is a city of approximately 100,000 a clinic and a leprasarium housing seventy-five inhabitants and is situated at an altitude of 8,700 lepers, and maintains a bookshop, and reading feet above sea level. The city has electric lights room in the downtown section of the city. Swedish and macadam roads. Here are to be found the organizations in Addis Ababa maintain strong legations of America, England, France, Germany, schools for girls and boys, with approximately 200 Italy, Sweden and other nations. From a mis- pupils, and also have had splendid results evansionary viewpoint Addis Ababa is very important gelistically. The Seventh-Day Adventists have a for here the missionaries representing the various modern hospital of forty beds and maintain a Boards make invaluable contacts and foster the small school. There is also a Roman Catholic friendly spirit and show the mutual helpfulness hospital of 100 beds. toward the Government of Ethiopia so important in the continuance of the work in the distant prov- His Majesty the Emperor HailIle Selassie I has inces. two hospitals with a total bed capacity of about
100 beds, and maintains two schools with a total civilized people more and more into barbarism and enrolment of perhaps 500 pupils. In Addis Ababa anarchy." The Gallas are more negroid than the are the government buildings of thheei-:- Ethiopian Aniharas a.nnd have not as strong and rugged Government and the palace of the Emperor. The' bodies, nor" are they as tall or as proud as the most important churches of. the Chu~chOf Etlii- Amharas. "'
opia are also in Addis Ababa, and here resides the Numerically the Gallas outnumber the Amharas Archbishop of the Church and many'':.dther impor- about twoto one. The Gallas in Ethiopia number tant officials of Church and State. . approximately six million. They do most of the The Amharas are especially numerous about work and own least of the land. The system of Addis Ababa and certain provinces ape principally land tenure is in the main that of. a feudal system, Amharic or of kindred stock. Ruling class people the Gallas being the serf class and having over- are also found in every'village in Ethiopia in lords. Some of the Gallas have a nominal attach- ment to the Christian Church of Ethiopia, some are Mohammedan, but by far the greatest num- beelr' aare heathen. Their worship is animism, wor- ship of the things of nature such as rivers, trees, mountains and hills. Sacrifices are given to these natural objects and evil spirits of rivers and moun- tains and trees and other objects are believed to be hovering about seeking to do harm and must be placated. The witch doctor and the Galla medi- cine man still practice their pernicious rites.
The Gallas today are loyal to the Emperor and are of course real Ethiopians today, having had no other home for four centuries. The greatest part of the present army opposing the invaders will perhaps be Gallas, with Amharas generally in the higher positions. The Gallas are brave peo- ple, fatalistic, poor and ignorant.
AN OLD ETHIOPIAN PRIEST WITH HIS CHARMS Evangelistic Fruit Among the Gallas greater or lesser numbers for they function there It is especially among the Gallas that the preachas government officials, land owners, traveling ing of the Gospel has borne fruit. Many are merchants, and most of the priests of the churches heathen and the message is new and startling and are Amharas. A small church building and a appealing. Their aggressive nature makes them number of priests will be found in every impor- good evangelists when the Gospel grips them. The tant village in Ethiopia. Gallas have their own language, the Galla or Oromo language, while the Amharas have the Am- The Gallas, or subject people, are not real Ethi- haric language. There are, however, also other opians racially. They came into the country four languages and numerous dialects. The Gallas hundred years ago as savage invaders, attempted come in large numbers to mission services, our to conquer the Ethiopians they found there, but church at Sayo in Western Ethiopia frequently in turn were conquered themselves. The Galla having above 400 present and at one time as many invasion of Ethiopia retarded the advance of as 555 present at a Sabbath morning service. Ethiopia enormously. "The invasion of the Galla Within the last five years the church at Sayo has tribes has had the effect of checking national prog- received 128 converts. Other stations show enress to this day, and of throwing back a once- couraging results but exact figures are not avail- able.
It is in the outlying districts of the hinterland especially that the Gallas show their appreciation of the medical work done by missions. At our Sayo station in western Ethiopia, where we have a small hospital of twenty-five beds, 15,000 treat- ments were given last year and approximately 20,000 people heard the Gospel in the hospital and clinic services. The need of the Gallas for evan- gelistic, educational and medical assistance is great, for in many locations the doctor in a sta-
ETHIOPIA AS A MISSION FIELD
tion will be the only medical man in a radius of Swedish Mission station with church, school and five days' journey. Superstition must flee wher- hospital. From the north the armies advancing ever a mission station is established, and round- toward the Lake Tana region are near a small about Sayo the witch doctors at first complained station at Djenda and in time must pass through about the reduced income, since people stopped Dessye, a larger station of the Seventh-Day Adbelieving in them, and then the witch doctors ventist Mission, where a hospital, school and moved to sites more distant from the mission. church are to be found. Addis Ababa is the nat- ural focus of advance for the invading army and How will the war affect missionary endeavor in bombing of this city would result in a distinct Ethiopia? The answer depends, of course, to a shock to the morale of the Ethiopians in general. great extent on the outcome of the war. If Ethi- If the railroad should be taken by the invaders the opia retains her independence there may be a con- missionaries and legation officials will be pracsiderable number of important Ethiopians who tically cut off from the rest of the world. will have learned to distrust all foreigners as having selfish motives in coming to their land. On "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders the other hand, the friendly and cooperative spirit to perform" and surely this is true regarding the shown by missionaries to the Ethiopians in this missionary situation in Ethiopia. It seems myshour of intense testing may win alarge and whole- terious to us that a work as promising and fruitful some respect for Evangelical missions on the part as that in Ethiopia must go through the trial of of the natives. The organization of an Ethiopian fire dropping from heaven on an unprepared na- Red Cross by missionary doctors, the care of the tion feeling its way into the light, and that the war wounded by mission hospitals, the sharing of sword of steel must wreck its havoc' rather than dangers common to missionaries and Ethiopians the "sword -of the Spirit" its blessing. Mysterious alike, may reap a mighty harvest later. as it is, let us trust and believe that His Kingdom can come and His will be done even now in If Ethiopia should fail to remain independent Ethiopia. the future of Protestant missions may not be so bright in Ethiopia. In an adjoining territory, Family health had made necessary our deparonce the property of Ethiopia but now a protec- ture from Ethiopia several months before the war torate of Italy, Protestant missions were slowly had started. It is a time of great testing for the closed out by a government policy of refusing to missionaries also, but in this hour of great need, grant a visa for reentry into the country once the with the unusual opportunities of counselling, missionary had left on furlough. comforting, cheering and alleviating the miseries of the Ethiopians our friends in Ethiopia are to The present war situation is not without its this distressed people "as rivers of water in a dry dangers for missionaries and mission property. place; as the shadow of a great rock in a weary The army from the south is approaching Harrar, land." a city of 30,000 population, in which city is a
Through a Missionary's
-tEf11 By MRS. E. STANLEY JONES, of India 11JBe– "WHICH end of this thing do you talk on all sides by the sick and the suffering who have into?" I asked as a young cousin handed no medical aid; the poverty-stricken who have me a peculiar black instrument. never once known what it means to have their "Why the end with the cord attached," she hunger satisfied.
gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment. We fight against filth, ignorance, superstition I finished my conversation and put the receiver and sin. And somehow, as the years go by, we on the table. She snatched it and laid it in its forget that America has faults and shortcomings.
cradle. We think of America as a land of churches and "I have not used a telephone for nearly nine schools and hospitals; we think of America sing- years," I said apologetically. ing, "Our fathers' God, to Thee"; stamping on "I suppose things here seem very strange and her coins, "In God We Trust"; putting the Eight- marvelous to you now," she remarked. "Of course eenth Amendment into the Constitution; leading telephones are old. But we have progressed a lot in idealism. And then-we come home!
in many ways, haven't we?" We were in America on our last furlough dur- "Ask me that question after I have been here ing the days of prohibition. In ,the eighteen a month," I said. months that we were here, not once had any of She asked it again after three months. us seen a saloon, a glass of liquor or a drunken "Well, what do you think of us now? I suppose man. I am not suggesting that they did not exist.
you are always being astonished." But we could honestly say we had not seen them.
"Yes, I am being astonished," I replied slowly, But we returned this time- "but not with Frigidaires and airplanes and air To find ourselves in a city where we had to go conditioning and radios." hungry because we could discover no place to eat "With what then?" she demanded. where beer was not sold.
"I'm afraid you won't like it . but if you To be confronted by miles of glaring advertise- really want to know. . . ." ments, imploring us to drink, smoke, visit certain I was right. She did not like it. She is still in- roadhouses.
dignant and hurt. But we, too, are hurt. Dis- To find it almost impossible to escape the ever- illusionment is painful. And when the object of lasting cigarette. Many a time in train or bus or that disillusionment is anything as dear as one's waiting room or restaurant, I have said, "Is it own beloved native land the pain goes deep. possible that this is America, the land of the free, We have sometimes wondered about the atti- where I don't even have the privilege of breathing tude of the student who returns to India after pure air!"
study abroad in a so-called "Christian" land. But We were startled to see not only men but women we begin to understand his reactions. Because of and girls smoking, drinking, carousing in saloons our long residence out of the country, whether we and beer gardens.
will or no, I suspect that we see it very much as To hear oaths and vulgar expressions on the the foreigner sees it. lips of high school and college girls of good fam- It is very easy for us over in India to begin to ilies-expressions once limited to the type of folks idealize America. with whom one did not associate.
We live with the caste system. We see sixty We noted the change in vocabulary: Self-ex- millions of outcastes despised and looked down pression, syncretism, freedom, nudity, thrill; not upon by the 2,300 upper castes as are no other often the Fords modesty, decency, duty, responsi- people in all the world. We see the sickly, stunted, biIity, obligation.
pathetic little girl-wives and mothers; the widow We were puzzled to find many churches closed treated as an iII-omen; millions of lovely women on Sunday evening, but cinema doors wide open kept behind closed doors. and crowds pouring in.
We see men, women and children worshiping Often we could discover no mid-week prayer the cow, the cobra, the monkey; bowing down be- meeting, but forums, dramas, scouting, dancing, fore idols of wood and stone. We are surrounded bridge, in church parlors.
[20 ] To find churches being sold for debt; benevolent suppose you are dreadfully shocked with us, aren't budgets cut; Christian work of all kinds being you?" closed because of lack of funds; thousands losing their homes, unable to get work, going on relief; "No," I said, "it would take a good deal to shock but to find that, apparently, America still had a missionary who is as old as I am. But I must abundant money for ball games, motorcars, mov- confess that I am puzzled. I am wondering why ies, cigarettes, and beer. you expect me to be shocked if you consider these things to be perfectly right and proper. And I Coming from a land where if we offer to pay am wondering why the East, as it becomes more 12 cents a day for ten hours of hard labor we will and more what we have always considered 'Chrisbe besieged by ablebodied men begging for the tianized' and 'civilized,' tends to put on more job, it was strange to be in a town where there clothes, becomes more chaste and reserved in lanwere hundreds on relief but to find it impossible guage, drops habits and modes of life that we are to get a man to cut the grass or a woman to do taking up." plain sewing at $2.00 a day. The girl glanced uneasily at her watch. "Oh, We were nauseated over the nastiness of the my gracious!" she exclaimed, "I've got to get my modern literature that we sampled. Latin lesson." No missionary can remain a prude and work in It was disconcerting in our search for a Chris- India. What the Hindu has to say he says. What he has to do he does. There is a simple frankness tian college to discover that in very many inabout the most intimate details of life. But he is stances there was now no difference at all between not vulgar. State colleges and the schools founded with conse- crated money. We were accustomed to hearing a spade called a spade when necessary; we were not accustomed To find professors in those "Christian" schools to deliberate verbal filthiness. giving sly digs at the religion which brought those schools into existence; going out of their legiti- A young boy who entered our school in India mate way to speak sneeringly, disparagingly of brought with him a story book. Presently some the faith of the founders; to find even Christian of the older boys suggested that it was not a men raising questions in the classroom that they proper book for boys to read. I asked to see it. did not answer.
"It's just a translation of an American book," One puzzled college senior who had come to me said the boy defensively. with some of his problems said earnestly: "They don't let us flounder around in language or mathe- "Still, I wish to see it." matics, but when it comes to ,the things that matter He brought it reluctantly. I read it and then most if they know anything themselves they're I called the boys together. Page by page we tore d– careful to give us nothing but a question it up and threw it into the fire, and I said confi- mark." dently, "If this book is a translation of an American book it has been made vile in the translation." I talked one day at a summer conference with a Made vile in the translation! Never again can group of girls, all from "Christian" colleges. One I say that! We have turned in disgust from the said: "Our professors don't take any stock in obscenities of Hindu literature. We are producing Christianity. Why should we?" much in America that is no better. Last year I joined a Book of the Month Club to Another said: "I used to pray and I got a good which a dormitory of girls in a Christian college deal of comfort from it. But af.ter I majored in had subscribed. Over half the books we carried psychology, and began to understand the laws of down to the furnace and burned. No matter how the mind, it seemed so silly to pray." beautiful the container, we do not keep garbage in these lovely modern sanitary homes of ours. Another remarked. "I went to Sunday school Why keep on our tables literature fouled with ex- and church until I went to college. But I didn't pressions more revolting, more adominable than want to be queer and different, so I stopped." the filth that contaminates the cesspool! We are accustomed in India to a frank, un- We have monkeys in India. Day after day I ashamed nakedness of body. We are not accus- have watched them in our gardens, on our roof tomed to a flaunting of that nakedness. tops, by the roadside and even at closer range, A high school girl came to see me soon after I for a misguided son of a missionary manse prearrived. She wore as little as the law allows, and sented us with his pet monkey when the family that is very little indeed in some sections of our moved away. country. She lit a cigarette and talked of sex in the words of a medical book. Finally she said, "I And, somehow, now that I am once more where I can see my own kind in action I am inclined to believe that there may be, after all, something in the Darwin theory. There is a similarity to some- thing that I have known all too well that is very disconcerting!
A monkey shows a surprising tendency to imi- Americans, I frankly admit that at first we could tate-.to follow blindly what someone else is do- not see it.
ing, even to his own detriment. A young monkey I passed a beautiful girl on the street one day, sat on our garage roof eating a guava. I sat on lovely eyes, clear skin, hair like sunshine, but when the housetop eating a banana. I threw away the I first glanced at her, I saw only an ugly mark banana skin and without rhyme or reason he across one cheek.
tossed away his half-eaten guava. I broke a sprig Many of these blemishes on the face of our fair from a climbing vine–he broke a sprig from the land are merely unsightly excrescences-skin dis- babul tree above him. I put the sprig into my eases, as it were, which will pass away of them- mouth and although the babul was as bitter as selves or for which we will find the remedy.
quinine he promptly put his sprig into his mouth. But the foreigner, who seldom sees beyond the In our monkey friends we notice a dependence blemishes, returns disappointed, disillusioned, on mechanical amusements, an absorption in the critical, contemptuous. Is this the land that he trivial, a perpetual restlessness, a startling disre- has looked upon as a model of what he wants his gard for the proprieties of life, a heedlessness of own land to become? Is this what Christianity brings a country to? What can a foreigner think consequences, an unstable affectional nature. who must base his knowledge of America on what And somehow my mind goes back to our Indian he hears on our streets, sees in our dance halls garden when I meet those whose only sources of and on our beaches, reads in our modern magaamusements are movies, cards, dancing and wild zines and books? motor rides; when I hear of divorces secured on the most trivial grounds; when I hear complaints A Hindu student was studying in a university of boredom at the very thought of a quiet evening. in Ohio. A young woman rather thoughtlessly said to him – "Now that you're in a Christian When I listen to remarks like these: country, what do you think of Christianity?"
"I know I shouldn't drink, but everyone does." With the inate politeness of the Hindu he began "My mother hates my smoking but even Miss to apologize. "I'm very sorry. I have been so K. smokes." busy with my studies that I have had little time "I suppose sixty miles an hour isn't very safe for anything else. I'm very sorry to say that I but j.t does give one a thrill." haven't been able to see anything of Christianity "Why shouldn't I paint my lips on the street yet." car. Folks needn't look at me if they don't like it." There were other things- A young Chinese student, a Christian, entered The price of a night's sleep and breakfast on a one of our large International Houses. The first train. America, America, no other land so dear! morning at breakfast he bowed his head and silently said grace. Those at the table snickered The high standard of material comfort. We and a young American girl said to him, "Oh, you knew why a visitor from India exclaimed, "If I mustn't do that in America!" am seeing America in a depression, what must it be like in a period of prosperity?" Mr. Natarajan, brilliant editor of the Indian Social Reformer of Bombay, visited the World'~ Fresh from the preciseness and the conserva- Fair in Chicago. Since his return to India, his tism of ,the English press we were sharply aware paper shows that he has become a very enemy of of the untidiness of our national speech; of our Christianity.
prodigal use of superlatives; of the inaccuracy of If he saw what I saw, heard what I heard, when reporters; of the impudent, conscience-less false- inadvertently I found myself about midnight in hoods of the advertisements. And why, oh why, that section of the World's Fair called "The were we so interested in the nauseous details of Streets of Paris," I do not wonder. Mrs. A.'s divorce, the insipid love letters of Mr. A barker spotting my shocked face shouted, "If B., the kind of cigarette used by Mrs. C., the color you can't stand what's going on here, you'd better of the underwear of Mrs. D.! get out. This is no Hall of Religion."
We were aghast over the grotesque, artificial But I saw there young boys and girls of our own appearance of the girls; the freedom of the sexes; land. Young students from India and China and the studied frankness, often vulgarness, of their Japan and. I stayed.
speech; the queer songs and sounds that came "Surely," I said to the friend who was with me, over the radio. The first time we heard crooning "a married woman of mature years may hear and we decided that the singer had been taken ill but see what these young people are hearing and seewas bravely keeping his appointment. ing." But I found myself saying over and over, Being Americans we knew, of course, that there "Oh God! Oh God! What are these Eastern was very much that was fine and splendid and students going to say of us when they get back Christian in America. But although we were home!"
AMERICA THROUGH A MISSIONARY'S EYES
I have just read what one of them said. He like the other commandments it is violated at wrote: "The West is incredibly immoral. There is no such thing as a chaste woman." times, the prohibition ll:!-w is as effective as other .When we first went out to India a good many laws. . . . It is unthinkable that America will years ago, America was more or less idealized by the East. From America came the Bible, tracts, ever go back to the days of booze drinking." books, educative, elevating, inspiring. From America came money for schools and hospitals; And he concludes: "If we Indians are not blind food in time of famine. to our present and future welfare should we not America was the symbol of a people free, educated, sympathetic, generous – a Paradise for take a tip from the American policy of prohibiwomen and for the poor and downtrodden. Young India today has no such delusions. I said some- tion? Let us free our nation from alcohol." thing one day to a Hindu barrister about this change in attitude. He said: "Forgive me. But I wonder what India is saying of us now. Perdo you wish to know the truth ? We. feel that in a moral sense America has failed us. She has let haps Mr. Natarajan expressed it when he reus down." marked to a friend in Chicago, "We can never I picked up a book the other day written by Dr. Suhindra Bose, a Hindu, who has spent many forgive America." . years in America. The book was written for India about America while the 18th Amendment was There are reasons why the Hindu, though he still a law. may desire our Christ, wants nothing to do with He writes, "Thou shalt not drink is the Eleventh Commandment for the United States. Although what he considers our "Christian" civilization.
A Hindu judge was calling one day. In the course of our conversation he said, "Christian America, as you say. . . . "
"Oh, no," I hastily interrupted, suspicious of what might follow, "I never said 'Christian Amer- ica.' "
He smiled, "What shall I say then? Heathen America ?"
Heathen America? Oh certainly not! Chris- tian America? Dare we say it?
America Through a Missionary's Eyes Another View by Dr. Frank C. Laubach of the Philippines SOME of us who have returned to America Men's organizations of all kinds seem equally recently after an absence of from five to ready to meet need. Kiwanis and Lion's clubs, seven years sense some changes for the farmer's meetings, men's church dinners gave better. This is a pleasant surprise. We had suf- very much the same sort of response: surprise fered from a tragic decline in benevolences for that conditions are like this on the other side of foreign enterprises, and had expected to find this the world, and surprise that missions are inter- accompanied by a corresponding decline in spir- ested in illiteracy, hunger, disease, and fear.
ituality. We thought that interest in religion must "This is something so big and so important that have dropped off fifty per cent, since gifts for men ought to do it. What can we do?" One foreign missions had gone down one half. Dur- county judge said: "I have had no use for mis- ing previous furloughs we had experienced a sions. I thought it was the sob stuff we often hear guilty feeling of having overpraised America in about. If mission work is really tackling the great foreign lands. This time we think that perhaps world problems then I am for it." This seems we have underestimated our America. to summarize fairly well the reaction of fifty The first surprise did not come in churches. It men's meetings visited last Fall.
met us in a Rotary club two weeks after our ar- Church audiences, it must be confessed, did not rival. These Rotarians heard that over half the seem to be so uniformly responsive. Some of the world is still illiterate, and therefore suffering churches appear to be frozen; one felt that they from disease, hunger and fear. "We didn't know expected a pious entertainment for a half hour, that!" they said. "Let us do something about it that those who attended sought serenity, sweetness at once." So they formulated resolutions that and light, but no heat; the assurance that "God's filled a column of the newspaper and forwarded to in his heaven; all's right with the world." A mis- the International Rotary Committee in Chicago a sionary with his pictures of sin, ignorance, suf- proposal to make World Literacy a major project fering, and ugliness is a jangling discord in for their organization. A half dozen other rotary churches which usually hear only heavenly music clubs immediately did the same. . apd soothing reassuring cadences from a soft
voiced preacher. Such churches are perfect Bud- only in brutal frankness, disgusted with sham, but dhists with the word "Christian" tacked on the wonderful if you meet their real life questions outside by mistake. honestly. The only thing they seem to lack is a gripping cause that sets their hearts on fire. This But very many of the churches were neither is just what the cause of Christ can give them. cold nor soft. The farther west we went the warmer and stronger religion became. Chicago What these young people seem to need as was our farthest west visit. It was also the most much as piety is a better course in geography. aggressively religious-to our great astonishment. Robert E. Speer and his generation used to tell us The city of murders, corrupt politics, unpaid taxes that we should go to the foreign field unless we and unpaid teachers, did not live down to its repu- could prove that God wanted us to stay here. I tation. We were shown the former rendezvous of do not think that argument will convince youth Al Capone, and, still glancing furtively backward today. But one can say pretty nearly the same for possible pursuing gunmen, we were ushered thing in a way that will grip them mightily. into a Sunday school throbbing with wholesome, healthy, eager children, all of them ready to write "You are about to step forth to rule the world. letters to any and every Filipino, send boxes of You have perhaps forty years of strong active life Christmas presents or trunk loads of books, to ahead of you and this planet under you. Do not convert or educate half the world – anything decide where you will give this, the only life you progressive-and they wanted to get it all done have, without knowing all the facts. Study the by the following Sunday at the latest! Everyone whole world and then decide where you can do the of twenty-five meetings in Chicago vibrated with most good. If you decide upon a narrow basis in that same spirit of "Let's do it, and let's be at it ten years you may regret your decision. at once!" Twice I was introduced to audiences of business men by Professor Arthur Compton, A rather young man in Chicago asked for a without knowing it! America's leading scientists private interview. He started by saying that he can be chairmen of missionary meetings-in Chi- had lost every cent he owned during the deprescago at least. sion and now had less than nothing. I was about to offer my sympathy, but he said: In Michigan we were entertained in homes where they read the Bible around the table, two "N0, I don't need your sympathy. It was gloverses for each reader, sang hymns and knelt de- rious, the most glorious deliverance of my whole voutly to pray – they were not minister's homes life. It drove me to God and to real happiness. either. In Ohio, we found a man of large means Life has been simply glorious ever since." who would not spend over fifty cents for any meal, so long as other people in America were unable His radiant face told the same story. Has finanto spend that much. He and his church were cial depression driven so many people back to making a sound, successful experiment with con- God that they are toning up the entire country to sumer's cooperatives in Columbus. a greater or lesser degree? Many a man who has been serving God and mammon now has more time There is a very marked upturn in the sense of for God because he has no mammon to serve. For responsibility for unfortunate people. Whatever such men the depression can be a "glorious delivpeople may think of the present New Deal, there erance," the kind of deliverance Jesus sought for is an increasing conviction that poor people must the rich young ruler. never again have the unfair deal we once gave them. Consciences never before seemed so tender There.is one more step that America ought now for the unfortunate, the poor, the aged, and for to take. She is pretty emphatic in saying that she children. will not fight anybody or oppress anybody. Let her add one more resolve to that, and she will be There is also a very great increase in interest in nobly Christian: "America does not wish to fight world affairs. The minds of men are being or crush anybody, America desires to serve hustretched across both oceans. Every continent is manity!" America is ready, I think, for that now first page news. Ethiopia, China, Brazil and slogan if the foreign mission leaders can show France take precedence in many newspapers over her just how she may make it effective. Here is the latest murder – which is indeed a sign of a summons to the greatest statesmanship of our progress. greatest Christian statesmen. How can we out- line and formulate the world program so that it But it is youth that have given us our greatest will grip men and women, not only in churches surprise. Before we returned to America we but also in clubs, and schools? How can we bring heard shocking stories, and expected to confront our youth to say: bleary-eyed debauchees. Where are these terrible youth? We face in high schools just healthy, "I love my country so much that I want her to lovable young boys and girls; they seem terrible become a blessing to all the world."
Certainly God desires nothing less than that. How then can we, as Christians, work for less!
a Missionary–Minded
By the REV. J. ENOS WINDSOR, Cincinnati, Ohio Pastor of the Columbia M. E. Church N OW that I look squarely at the title, I am ing. Why? The early disciples won for one rea- almost afraid to proceed. The mere sug- son: they had the passion of their divine Leader gestion seems that of a project greater than with a purpose. The same prescription will win I can lay claim to. Two things cause me to hesi- today. The Church of Christ can only find hertate. There are so many who have both builded self and her task, and once again have the respect and suggested ideas and programs better than 1. of a needy world, when wandering steps have been This is problem enough to be sure. Yet even retraced and some things forgotten are relearned. greater is the inconsistent title. Could we honestly This prescription has worked in my own life and have a Christian Church, in the true sense, which has worked not only in my present church but in is not missionary-minded? If we are Christian, every church I have pastored. should we not be Christlike? And if Christlike, must not our hearts burn to preach Him wherever Success in any line is largely a matter of leader- He has not been named? ship. I was reared in the church and within the sacred walls of a Christian home. Both parents Let us ask some other questions. Can the knew Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Church be missionary abroad and not missionary were not afraid to let it be known. In our family at home? Can we succeed in Samaria and fail to of four girls and three boys, none were exempted do justice to Jerusalem? Is the church divided as from church school and church service on Sunday. to its community and its commission? Can there We were thrown constantly in contact with the ever be any other program for the Church of church programs and personalities. At twenty- Jesus Christ than the one which He gave us when one I left home to go to the university and sem- He said: "Ye shall receive power after the Holy inary. I may frankly say that I went to the latter Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses because it seemed to me rather a fine thing at unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and least to prepare for the ministry. I left both inin Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the stitutions later almost an atheist, or at least an earth." (Acts 1: 8.) Only the foolish or uncon- infidel, because I saw the inconsistency between cerned are unaware that the Church as a whole is theory and practice. In most cases I saw that not fulfilling its task. With few exceptions there the ministry was a profession rather than a pasis retrenchment and retreat at a time of great sion. As a result I practically turned from both need and greater opportunity, instead of reveille church and preacher in disgust. A few years and recovery. Instead of seeking to save the lost later, while engaged in the manufacturing busiwe are seeking to save our faces, and our very ness in a large city, I found Jesus Christ in perchurches at home. I may be criticized for this sonal, joyous experience as my Saviour from sin statement, and called a pessimist, but I can only and my Captain in life's program. I then realsay I prefer to have my eyes open rather than be ized, what I never had known as a nominal Church like the ostrich with his head in the sand. member, that each individual has a need and that this poor old sinful, sorrowing, sobbing world has Our problem today is the same which eleven a need and that both of those needs are not for men faced on Mount Olivet nineteen hundred better philosophies, psychologies, programs, and years ago. They saw only as far as the forbid- material things, but the one great need is Christ. ding hills of Judea; we have been commissioned I began to serve Him first as a layman in a harto look up and see the uttermost parts of the earth. vesting of souls, but soon came the distinct com- They were poorly equipped and organized from an mission "Go, preach the Gospel." There were earthly standpoint; we have wonderful material problems, not the least of which was my own busiequipment and human organization. They were ness with a good income. But from that moment poor in this world's goods, we are rich. They I experienced a passion for men's souls, greater walked to carryon their work, we ride swiftly by than any desire for earthly things. God's leading land, sea, or air. But they won where we lose. that at that time seemed to be that I should con- Why? Today some Christian movements and tact the Christian and Missionary Alliance movesome churches are succeeding, but many are fail- [25 ]
ment and should partake in some measure of the upon me in the day of trouble and I will answer."
experience and passion of its sainted founder. In My first text to that little discouraged congrega- that contact I realized my further need of the ex- tion was the message: "I seek not yours but you."
perience of receiving the Holy Spirit, as the eleven I meant it when I told my people that I was not apostles received Him. Two things came from interested in their money but in their souls. I this experience of being filled with the Spirit: showed that little congregation that God, our Fa- (1) the passion for souls and the vivid vision of ther, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit a lost world; (2) I was conscious that the Holy had an interest in men rather than in money.
Spirit gave the power to carry that message wher- One of the besetting sins of the ministry is the ever God might lead. preaching "for filthy lucre's sake" and that ap- Some Practical Results proach incidentally has driven many a soul away from the church. To our shame be it said that Does it work? I shall speak only of my present some churches and pastors seek to obtain as much church. Picture, five years ago, a medium sized as they can from the flock instead of showing how frame church of rather nondescript architecture; much of Christ and blessing they can bring to a hopelessly out of date even when it was con- community.
structed forty-four years ago; situated in the East My one aim was to preach Christ-a living, lov- End of Cincinnati, on a business thoroughfare. ing, saving, interested Christ; One who came On the south within three squares is the Ohio from Heaven to lay down His blessed life on the River; on the east six squareS away. is the air- cross of Calvary that men might live and experi- port; and on the north two squares away is Alms ence life more abundantly. We preach a Christ Park. Parks and rivers and airports are tre- who has a program wonderful enough to challenge mendously unproductive things in building either not only preachers but doctors, lawyers, teachers.
a church or a missionary program. To the west business men, kings and emperors, or what have lies the great city with its many churches and you. Real religion is not a mere form, not sub- movements. In our narrow neck of land are four scribing to a creed, not membership in a church, other churches, one of which is of my own denom- not just a moral life; but the Christian religion ination, to shepherd a small number of people of is a love affair with God as our Father and with the respectable working class, with the usual pro- Jesus Christ, His Son, the "lover of our souls."
portion of professionals, clerks and business men. Our people began to see that they must be "born We have no wealthy people and the years 1929- from above," saved and cleansed; then they could 1934 hit us hard. be empowered – made new creatures in Christ Now another picture: this time a struggling Jesus. Many prominent preachers have openly little congregation of about twenty-five active stated that in our day this sort of preaching is out members and sixty-one communicants; finances of date and ineffective. Let us have done with almost at a standstill; members pulling out to go such foolishness. Jesus Christ called and or- elsewhere; building in a tragically bad state of dained us to preach what He told us-not to pro- repair. Naturally the people were utterly discour- claim our own opinions or the products of imagina- aged. The only services held in this church were tions. "Ye bear witness of me," said He. That church school followed by church service each little flock in Cincinnati began to believe that if Sunday morning. Missionary offerings totaled they would fall in love with Jesus, take Him into only $105 a year. Worse than this there was no their lives and surrender themselves to Him, all mIssIOnary VISlon. There was no sign of life other needful things would be added unto them.
either within the church or in its outside interests. Then He could have their money, time, talents, Plans were under way to give the church prop- interests, or anything they might have, and He erty to the Y. M. C. A., which had already received would supply all their need.
the neighboring church property of another de- The important question is-does it work? What nomination, once prosperous. has happened?
A discouraging picture,· you say. Very! No The first noticeable result was an increased in- one who has not had such an experience can feel terest in all departments an.d work of the church.
the heartache which this sort of situation brings. Attendance in church school increased one .hun- It makes one more sympathetic toward men who dred per cent and in Sunday morning worship one have preceded us, Gideon for instance, who wept thousand per cent. Sunday evening services of because God's cause languished in the land. But, an informal evangelistic type, began four years thank God, there is a better and brighter picture. ago and now the average attendance is close t9 How could the. discouraging situation be four hundred. The. old parsonage, next door. to changed? No man is sufficient for such a task; the church, has been taken as an annex for the and all the glory must go to Him who said "call enlarged program, and a better parsonage was
TO PASTORS-"BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM" 2'1
secured on a fine residential street. The schedule, But the best part of the whole story, like the which at one time consisted only of the church good wine at Cana of Galilee, is left to the last. school and Sunday morning service, now includes All of this has been accomplished without special two regular Bible studies, class meeting, teacher's pleas or financial canvasses. Money is seldom training class, personal worker's class, and other mentioned in our church. I refuse to preach about activities. One noticeable feature is the number it. This whole program is a spontaneous response of young people in all the activities and services- from our people, who bring not only the tithe but another body blow to those who say young people the free-will offerings also to God's storehouse bewill not accept the Gospel. cause they nave come to appreciate God's unspeak- able gift – His only-begotten Son. "Love never And now what about the missionary attitude faileth" and having found Him and fallen in love and missionary gifts of the church? Here are the with Him they have His passion that others who figures for the years 1930-1934 inclusive-$105.00, sit in gross darkness in regions beyond may come $463.00, $657.00, $1,006.00, $2,082.00, and pledges to know and love Him. This does not seem to for 1935 already amount to $2,750. These figures them a strange thing but the natural thing to do. represent only the actual gifts to missionary work We look "unto Him who is able to do exceedingly in home and foreign lands. They do not include abundantly above all that we can ask or think." the large amounts expended on relief and social He abideth faithful. God has promised and will service work in our own community. The pastor's perform: "Them that honor me I will honor." salary has also been increased fifty per cent and Yes, the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ and several thousands of dollars have been expended a passion to make Him known to others is a proin repairs and improvements on the church prop- gram that succeeds in building a missionaryerty. Plans are under way for further extensive minded Church even in depression years. changes.
To Pastors-"Beginning at Jerusalem"
I II~- -o!§{ By WILLIAM A. RICH, Lawrence, Massachusetts A YOUNG friend of mine, who as a grammar were appreciative and responsive, and my joy was school boy, graduated while he was actually heightened greatly by their own simple profession two years behind in his requirements. A of faith in Christ, after their youngsters had at- friendly principal "saw to it" that he "got by." tended a few weeks, and had brought home mes- He has taken physics and chemistry in an evening sages from their consecrated teachers.
school, without the necessary foundation or be- Seeing a greater field wherein I might serve sev- ginnings, and has had to abruptly abandon his eral churches, as well as the groups to whom the further education. He intended to become a me- Gospel was made available, I made my plan known chanical engineer. Chances are he will be only a to several pastors. One at once grasped the idea laborer. and asked his Young People's Society to choose a Is there not a spiritual parallel which most so- young man to help distribute Christian literatur~ called religious educational programs fail to recog- on Sunday afternoons. This youth, in his second nize? How can a dead person receive instruction year of high school, was a stranger to me, but w~ or training? In religious education, to have value came quickly to understand each other and for al- of abiding and fruit-bearing qualities, a new birth most a year and a half we went once a month to must be experienced before one is prepared to re- the homes and institutions, confessing our faith ceive even the best seed. in Christ, handing out suitable literature and not In 1921, I began at my "Jerusalem""":':"which is forgetting children's needs for good stories. This my home city-by simple personal efforts to reacll youth made a full surrender, dedicating his life to several language groups living near my church, the Christian ministry and is now preparing for whose children were spiritually neglected. In his chosen calling. , about three weeks with the help of a cooperative Another pastor found a promising young mart teacher, I had the pleasure of seeing thirty-five who occupied a responsible position and seemed children enroll as regular attendants. Parents settled for his life's ambitions. After some1llOnths
cooperating with me, God spoke. He gave up his sensible, sober-thinking youth whose aspirations fine prospects in commercial life and is now in are heavenward, who in the depths of their hearts college preparing for the Gospel ministry. desire honestly to take their part in building the Two more have indicated their desire, as soon Kingdom whose values are not measured in terms as finances permit, to go to school with the view of worldly pleasure.
of engaging in Christian life work. Religious edu- In his young manhood the great evangelist, cation that omits personal evangelism in practice Dwight L. Moody, was a stranger in a city "at Jerusalem"-where we live-is a .poor substi- church. After becoming a regular attendant he tute for the Holy Spirit's enduement. Most decided to hire a whole pew and make an effort to churches have no aspirants among their youth for fill every seat in the pew. He succeeded and sev- Christian service higher than money-raising ef- eral of his guests became regular in their attend- forts. The secularization of youth's church ac- ance. A committee, yes, or an individual, with- tivities is nothing less than an abomination in out appointment by any society, can successfully many places. We would express horror if a par- undertake a similar venture almost anywhere.
ent insisted upon the amputation of a child's arm Initiative is not given to all young or old but where because of flabby muscles when the physician says spirit is low, let pastor or church officer suggest that all the child needs is proper nourishment and a move of such nature, even if team work and exercise. If the pastor or church would promote competition of teams may be involved.
missions, let not "Jerusalem" – the home field A class in personal evangelism conducted weekly where we live-be overlooked. As a self-appointed at the parsonage or in homes of some of the mem- recruiting committee, I decided to use my ordinary bers may teach how to win souls by putting into opportunities to bring one family a week into con- practice what they learn from the lives of eminent tact with my church. In six weeks five families soul-winners. But here, as in other lines, we shall responded. These all lived in the district where I have to use our own, not another's, talents as lived, and where my church was located. God's spirit shall inspire and direct. If your Since my voluntary activities from the early church would produce a group of soul-winners, its days of my Christian experience have put me youth must have more secure foundations.
under further obligation, because of the joys I There are wonderful opportunities for Gospel must share or lose, I must in all earnestness ap- tract distribution. One inexpensive slip of print peal to pastors and church officers to raise the was used for the salvation of an Italian acquaint- standard of service which you are calling upon ance in my home city. He then sent the message youth to render. No organization can do more for to his brother in the homeland, and later recited youth than the church. In many places young with great joy the message from the absent people see nothing in the challenge which the brother whose heart was warmed when he yielded Church offers. The Church caters too much to to the same Christ. Tracts in many languages the whims and fancies and thrills Which unregen- will be sent for postage if desired languages are erate youth are ambitious to grasp. This insults specified.
SOME PECULIARITIES OF SOUTH AMERICA Winter comes in at the time of the North American summer and autumn comes in April and May. The north wind is hot and the south wind is cold.
In many cities hovels crowd on palaces, and costly motor cars jostle donkeys and choke narrow streets.
Natives speak their own language with a foreign accent, and people and plants seem like strange transplanted things that have taken on queer forms in the new soil. Blue eyes are set in swarthy faces, fat, fair features flash brilliant tropic smiles; shining black orbs peer out of rosy fair complexions.
Exiled oak trees in Argentina and Chile, in despair at the topsy-turvy seasons, put out buds on one side while on the other their leaves turn brown and shudder in an antarctic gale.
Straw hats are often worn with thick fur coats; houses may be floored with marble, while streets are paved with wood. .
The mixture of races has practically obliterated the color line.
Indian or African blood do not stand in the way of intermarriage or of social and polit- ical ambitions.
of the Gospel in Latin
By BISHOP GEORGE A. MILLER, Balboa Methodist Episcopal Church C HRISTIAN missions in most Latin Amer- a once-a-month visit from a native pastor. This ican countries are entering upon a new seems commonplace enough. But wait! The epoch of great significance. The early days rough dances have ceased. Dishonesty has greatof missionary occupation are finished. In places ly abated, and any member of the church who where there were a dozen or two of missionaries secretly has one wife too many is condemned. A one or two or five now remain. The fruits of our new moral standard of decency has been set up planting and planning and praying are now vis- for the whole region. That country district can ible, trained natives are in practically all admin- never be the same again, but you cannot tell istrative positions, and are doing well. things like that in statistics.
Twenty years ago the idea still prevailed among There is a mission farm of nearly 4,000 acres, missionary secretaries that "The educational ap- where an agricultural school, an experimental sta- proach is most effective in Latin America." Ev- tion, a varied farm production, a series of primary angelical schools have done well, though too often schools, a good church, four Sunday schools, a they have tended chiefly toward good educational night school, a Men's Club and Women's Society, output with a high moral content and "good Eng- a social hall and organized athletic program min- lish," that open sesame everywhere. Today the ister to the 300 resident working people of the work of the organized churches, with emphasis farm and five hundred more in the district. One on effective religious education, is increasingly can get a few statistics out of this case, such as influential and these churches are coming to larg- the marriage one Sunday of 19 couples when most er measure of self-support and missionary activ- of them brought their big children as witnesses.
ity. Children are growing up and they are giving We can record the conversion of more than half a good account of themselves. of the people on the farm, the setting of new Latin American missions have always been at standards in athletic sports for the young men a disadvantage in comparison with other fields and women, the preparation of expert agricultural where the peoples are in strong contrasts with the leaders in the technical secondary school, the pro- homeland in dress, customs, religion and manner duction of new and better crops, and leadership of life. Most South Americans dress and live as in neighborhood improvement enterprises. And we do and many possess a culture and charm that so the list might grow, including sanitation and put some of us to shame. the improved housing of the people under more The results of missions in Latin America have decent living conditions.
not usually offered first page publicity material There are plenty of spectacular instances that because of the normality of what is being done. make capital stories. I know of three men, sepa- The more spectacular a story, the sooner it must rated by at least 1,500 miles, in three directions be marketed and consumed before it becomes who have each gone out without support of any stale. The permanent, climate-changing work of kind and have won converts and founded churches the evangelical movement, both in Christian edu- as apostolically as anything described in the Acts.
cation and in evangelism, do not show in any form But these are not the most significant things that of statistics yet invented. I know a neighborhood are happening. All over these lands a new moral in a lovely valley, where ten years ago no mis- tone is evident. The Roman Church is improving sionary had ever been. Concubinage was general its methods and slowly cleaning up its morals.
and respectable. Neighborhood dances were New standards of domestic decency, commercial drunken orgies. Dishonesty was prevalent. Then morality, educational open-mindedness and indus- one man came into possession of a Bible. He read trial justice are being established by the steady it through, gathered up a little money and made a and unspectaCUlar release of spiritual life and the week's journey to get more light. Then he re- unanswerable evidence of changed men and wom- turned to do what he could for his family and en who were once morally blind but now see. Re- neighbors. Work thus begun has gone on there newed life carries its own credentials, becomes until now there is a small home-built chapel, and self-extending and registers in remote regions [29 ]
where no records are kept and publicity stories Evangelical missions have also had a vast influare not published. ence in promoting better understanding between the Americans of the North and South. No other The investment by the churches of North interpreter has so sympathetically understood the America of men and money in Latin America has best in each nor so helpfully worked toward the been small in comparison with that sent to other elimination of race prejudice and that antipathy lands, but the returns have been out of all pro- that grows out of ignorance. We need missionary portion to the life and dollars used in the work. specialists, not merely in education, leadership What might have been accomplished had a really training and other technical activities, but also adequate staff of workers and support been sup- in the promotion of good will among men. We plied to, these American republics, where the same need a few well-equipped schools for the training tides of new-world life flow as those that wash of national leaders, and those schools must be our own social shores! thoroughly and unblushingly Christian. We need especially the continued help of Christians in One of the most transforming results of evan- North America in the confident faith that if reagelical missions is the widespread movement sonable missionary help can be continued for a few among the women. In nearly all denominations, years more, these vigorous young churches will the women have been organized, under one name stand on their own feet, and as one of their leador another, into what usually comes to a combina- ers has said, will "take our share in the evantion of Ladies' Aid Society, Women's Study Club gelizing of the rest of the world, alongside of our and Missionary Society. The results have trans- brothers in North America." formed most of the churches and the lives of thousands of women have been uplifted.
Social and Religious Problems in Chile I -e{ 'By PEDRO ZOTTELE, Santiago, Chile I)ie- SOUTH AMERICA is again becoming a battle- that the sword has not been efficient in solving field. Each country is shaken by strong the pending problems. Other methods must be waves of restlessness – extreme nationalism sought. Will these countries look for peaceful and agitation for social-economic welfare. The methods or will they again resort to violence? governments are facing grave problems. As a general rule, their administrative programs do not The world-wide economic depression has been recognize the confused but genuine aspirations of disastrous for most of these countries. They are the masses. Their programs reflect only the in- suffering from a depreciated currency; salaries terests of the classes which have dominated the have not been increased in spite of the fact that organized national life for nearly a century. prices have gone up; the cost of food and the housing are the nightmare of the masses desirous Armed revolutions have taken place in most of of economic progress. Pauperism is worse in the countries in South America to establish the those countries most highly industrialized, where rights of those deprived of earthly benefits. production has been according to the old concep- "What interests us in these commotions," says tions of economy, and where over-production, the review America (published in Quito), "is not under-consumption and unfavorable exportations what general may have been executed by the have created the unavoidable problem of unemorders of some other general, but what is the des- ployment. tiny of the cane-cutter in Cuba, the coffee-planter in Brazil, the peon on the Argentine'stock farm, Poverty has been a means of increasing sickthe miner in Peru, the grape-cultivator in Chile; nesses due to under-nutrition, lack of hygiene and in a word, what interests us is the destiny of the poor housing. Plague, in Chile, in the last two proletariat." years, has caused the death of over eight thou- sand persons, while tuberculosis has attacked al- But, after ten years, most of the countries which ready over two hundred thousand persons, givexperienced such commotions are in the same ing this country the world's record! condition as before, or even worse. There is still political corruption, economic suffering and very It is true that most of the countries in South marked social divisions. It has been discovered America have written in their constitutions that education is the primary responsibility of the
SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS PROBLEMS IN CHILE
State. Nevertheless, there is a very slow prog- 400 years has not been beneficial to the oppressed ress in the eradication of ignorance, because the peoples. It has been presented as an ecclesiastical, budgets for education receive secondary atten- ritualistic and legalistic system. It has always tion. The first place is always accorded to the supported the status quo. It has fed the people military defense of the nation and the adminis- with "other-worldly" aspirations only and has trative budget. Teachers are poorly paid and made it emphatic that religion is very essential they become enemies of the educational authori- for dying well. For the poor, it has this, renunties and of the State which treats them unfavor- ciation; for the well-to-do, indifference. The· ably. The wave of discontentment against the dominant church (Roman Catholic) has been government is thus being fostered by teachers silent when the poor and oppressed have adand students. Child labor is abolished in letter dressed her for help. They have found her albut not in actual practice; economic ills have ways ·on the side of the dominant powers and conobliged thousands of students to go to work so stantly in opposition to their most cherished that culture has been clipped. The problem of the ideals. campesino, or the worker in the agricultural sections, is desperate. The inquilinos are real slaves When, in the Congress of one South American of the farm owners. They receive no instruction; country, legislation was proposed making primary their houses are very primitive, and poorly venti- education obligatory the representatives of the lated. In Chile, an agricultural country, where Roman Catholic political party fought against it. about one million people depend directly on the One of them declared in Congress: "We are land, many workers receive a daily wage of only against this law, because we are against rebellion. ten cents gold, plus a plate of beans and a hard Education of the peon simply means that we would piece of bread. be contributing to the rebellion of the workers." The Catholic Church remained silent! Alcoholism exerts one of the most pernicious influences in these republics. Created interests The same can be said regarding the fight against have always ignored the aims and demands con- liquor. The forces of the dominant church have nected with the salvation of the race. The river been against control of this deadly foe of human of alcohol has been given free license; public bars lives. In some countries the producers of the are popular; the fact that the 18th Amendment strongest wines are members of that church. was defeated in the United States has made it difficult to impress public opinion in favor of es- The present energetic battle for a more social tablishing dry zones. In Chile, a few years ago, order find that church in open opposition to the there was a very strong movement in favor of masses which compose the majority of the popsuch zones but the Minister of Finance fought it ulation. The laboring classes see in the Church on the ground that the country needed the revenue the symbol of opposition to all which involves sofrom the alcoholic traffic. He secured a wider cial and economic welfare. After years of struglicense for liquor and declared officially that beer gle the labor leaders and their followers have deis not alcoholic. Officially, beer contains no al- cided that the liberation from their shackles lies cohol, but the people get drunk on it. Strong in their own hands. drink is very productive of venereal diseases and in Chile medical statistics report nearly a million The Evangelical Church has been helping forpeople suffering from these diseases. ward every reform tending to the welfare of the people. This has been more true in recent years Communism has entered South Amer:ica as a when the Evangelical movement has sought to "new gospel." It promises a time when all eco- solve the urgent problems of the hour. There renomic, social and educational ills will disappear mains a great deal to be done and the grave quesand so has attracted the attention of the masses tion is this: How far will the Evangelical Church who are neglected by the established governments. cooperate in endeavoring to transform the pres- Communism has won many sections by the affir- ent structure of society? mation that in curing the economic ills all the others will be cured. Communism offers salva- The interpretation of the principles of Christ tion here and now with the result that the masses must be applied to the.social as well as to the inof the underfed, u n e m plo ye d and sickness- dividual life. The more youthful Evangelical stricken, exhausted by prolonged suffering, em- preachers and lay leaders consider that the Gosbrace the new social and economic movements. It pel of Jesus Christ contains the happy solution seems that their whole attention is set upon ma- for all the critical social, economic, national and terial interests. spiritual problems which the countries of South America are facing. It must be remembered that the prevailing type of religion preached on this continent for nearly With that faith in the heart, the Gospel of Christ is being introduced into the heart of the great masses which have wandered as sheep without a shepherd.
Evangelization of
By PROF. JOHN C. GRANBERY -t&f Formerly of Brazil,. Now Professor in Southwestern University, . – Georgetown, Texas N o SUBJECT is discussed in Protestant Bahia until 1881. Now Baptists have 427 churches circles in Brazil as much as evangelization. with 34,358 members, every State being occupied.
The Bishop of the Methodist Church in The Protestant Episcopal Church which began Brazil, the first Brazilian Bishop ever elected by work in 1890 now has 32 churches, all in the south any Protestant Church, Cesar Dacorso Filho, except one in the Amazon Valley, with 3,430 hastened to give evangelism the first place on his members.
program. Sermons, addresses, and articles in the The Salvation Army entered Brazil in 1922. religious papers declare that evangelization is the The Assemblies of God, largely under Swedish Church's first and most important duty. And yet missionaries, are represented especially in northhow seldom the subject is comprehensively ern Brazil. The Seventh-Day Adventists are in treated! Often there are generalizations and the center and the southern part of the country. platitudes, or some one aspect only of the subject Anglican and German churches are not strictly is considered. missionary agencies working among Brazilians in This phase of mission work is given its rightful Portuguese. place in "The Republic of Brazil: A Survey of A map giving the distribution of Evangelical the Religious Situation," by Erasmo Braga and churches in 1930 indicates that every State is rep- Kenneth G. Grubb, published by the World Do- resented, centers of population being followed.
minion Press in 1932. There are included very There are 1,358 churches with 135,390 members. valuable maps and carefully compiled statistics. Anglican, German Evangelical, Lutheran, and Any study of the subject must be made with a Oriental communions are not included in these knowledge of the history of Protestant missions figures. Including the Independent Presbyterians, and with a map of Brazil. who have never had financial dependence upon a It is nearly one hundred years since Protestant foreign board, the most numerous body is the missionary work was begun in Brazil. The Meth- Presbyterian, with 45,550 members. Then come odist Episcopal Church sent the Rev. Fountain E. the Baptists, who, both in and out of the "Conven- Pitts to Rio de Janeiro in 1835 to look the ground tion," number 41,190 members. Braga and Grubb over, and after he had made a favorable report, estimate that "the Christian community, reprethe Rev. R. Justin Spaulding was sent to open the sented by the Evangelical churches, is in excess of work in 1836. He was reenforced by three others. 400,000." Elsewhere in their book they claim that This work was suspended at the close of 1841, with Anglicans, Germans, and inquirers, the but was resumed in 1876 by the Rev. J. J. Ransom. Protestant constituency amounts to about a mil- Today the Methodist Episcopal Church in Brazil lion, or one to forty~one of the population. is credited with 15,480 members and 122 churches. No single church or group of churches seems to In 1855, Dr. Robert Reid KaIley, Scottish phy- have a well-considered, systematic plan for the sician, landed in Rio, and in 1858 organized a evangelization of all Brazil. The Presbyterians Congregational church looking to no foreign board are working toward a definite policy. Erasmo for help. There are 31 of these churches, on or Braga said that the occupation of gaps and of the near the coast, with 3,430 members. vast hinterland is at present "a missionary and Ashbel Green Simonton, of the Presbyterian not a national task," by which he meant that the Church, came to Rio in 1859, and in 1862 the first work must- be done by foreign missionaries and Presbyterian church in Rio was organized. To- not by the Brazilian national churches. Certain day there are 251 churches, fairly well distributed it is that on the present lines the national churches over Brazil, with 32,622 members. are incapable of the task. Even if they should In 1859 the Baptists sent a minister to look get together, as there is now a disposition to do, things over, but as he was not favorably im- removing overlapping and friction, merging conpressed. Real missionary work did not begin in gregations, and dividing the field, there is yet no [32 ] indication that the Evangelical forces on the field Friends or Heralds of Jesus, who would go forth, are ready to undertake seriously and systemati- possibly in New Testament style two and tW.o, cally the evangelization of the whole country. living by the h.ospitality of the communities vis- Equally remote is the likelihood that the Foreign ited, teaching school, or by other employment, in MissiDn Boards of North America, either singly the spirit of the New Testament Christians, of or together, will take over the job. The northern the preaching orders of the later Middle Ages, Presbyterians appear to be giving the matter the and .of the pioneer Methodists of the United most serious consideration. States. This venture calls for a breadth of vi- sion and depth of consecration. There seem two possibilities: First, an awaken- ing of greater interest in the United States. If, One fundamental question in this connection then, the evangelization of Brazil is to be seriously has not yet been considered and is practically enterprised, let the foreign missionary withdraw ignored in discussions, namely, the meaning of from the areas already occupied, except fDr spe- evangelization. In many places only one class of cial, educatiDnal, and institutional work, leaving people has been reached; organized labor, the that field to the national churches. All the efforts upper middle classes, the academic element and of the missionary will then be directed toward the the so-called "intellectuals" have hardly been areas still unevangelized. In any case, this seems touched. Comparison in numbers with some past period is often made, but certain factDrs are over- toO me desirable. A sentiment .of intense natiDnal- looked. The population of Brazil one hundred years ago, when missi.onary work was begun, was ism has seized the Brazilian people, who have so probably not over seven or eight millions; today long been considered exceptionally hospitable to there are forty-two millions. Still more signifi- the foreigner. Fortunately all the large denom- cant is the growing complexity .of the situation. inational groups have been nationalized, and they Then there were no CDmmunists and Fascists. are capable .of running themselves at least as well To mean anything evangelization must now ap- as anybody else. The existence side by side of a proximate something like what Kagawa means f.oreign missionary on an ample salary in Amer- by the Kingdom of God movement. Neither mis- ican dollars, and the poorly paid Brazilian sionaries nor Brazilian Evangelicals have been preacher, is unwholesome. In my judgment, the willing, to any considerable extent, to face the . time has come when the FDreign Mission Boards facts of our modern world, and give hospitality should withdraw financial subsidies from these to these larger conceptions. independent Brazilian churches. . From the beginning one of the most powerful The second possibility is s.o remote that I hesi- agencies of evangelization has been the work of tate to mention it. The national churches have the Bible Societies. The statistics of the churches not the resources to send out well-equipped and were for the year 1930, and only relatively repre- well-paid workers to evangelize their people. But sent the present situation. Another fact of prime should there come to them a vision, a baptism of importance is that there are a few young Brazilian fire, a spirit of evangelical devoti.on, the forces Evangelicals who are alive to the situation and already on the field could accomplish the evan- eager to do something about it. At present they gelization of the country. The converted priest are somewhat appalled by the enormity of the Jose Man.oel da C.onceigao, .ordained a Presby- task, and paralyzed by the seemingly impenetrable terian minister in 1865, went out with Bible and wall of conservatism that confronts them; but medicine chest but without money, proclaiming they may yet surmount all difficulties and take the the gDod news. He was stoned and beaten and leadership in a forward march. after 'seven years, died .on Christmas Day, 1873. I have suggested the formati.on of a group .of the A GREAT MISSIONARY'S AMBITION William Carey listed the following guiding points for himself and his colleagues in the missionary enterprise: 1. To set an infinite value on human souls. 2. To abstain from whatever deepens India's prejudice against the Gospel. 3. To watch for every chance of doing good to the people. 4. To preach Christ as the means of conversions. 5. To esteem and treat Indians always as our equals. 6. To guard and build up the "hosts that may be gathered." 7. To labor incessantly in Biblical translation. 8. To be instant in the nurture of personal religion. 9. To give ourselves without reserve to the cause, not counting even the clothes we wear our own.
Evangelism in
By FRANK RAWLINSON, D.D., Shanghai, China Editor of "The Chinese Recorder"
"COOPERATIVE Evangelism" was the key- able to. SUPPo.rt a pastor and woman wo.rker. Such note of the Natio.nal Christian Co.uncilof workers should have at least a middle school edu- China at its spring meeting. This Coun- cation before taking special ministerial training. cil represents Evangelical Christians in fourteen One important feature of the wo.rk will be the provinces, representing fourteen church bodies, training and supervision of lay wDrkers, who. are and nine natio.nal organizations which include to be trained under village cDnditions. There about fifty-eight per cent of the PrDtestants in must be closer cooperation between theological China. Miss Wu Yi-fang, President of Ginling seminaries and churches. These centripetal mDves Women's College, Nanking, is chairman of the help to put more creative thinkers into Christian Council. service.
For over a quarter of a century certain natiDnal Rural reconstruction is one Df the movements Christian organizations have had a centrifugal in China which tends to compete with the church tendency. Recently a centripetal tendency has for its leadership. Mr. Fu-liang Chang, Rural taken its place. The China Christian Educational Secretary of the China Christian CDuncil, has re- Association and the Council on Medical Missions signed to devote his time to. rural rehabilitation of the Chinese Medical Association are now com- in Kiangsi under the NatiDnal Economic Council.· missions of the National Christian Council, re- Through .the last twenty-two years Christian taining their autonomy, at least for the present, cooperation in China has moved forward in while their staffs confer and their budgets are set strength and scope of program, but the Protestant up conjointly. Such a realignment of the Chris- movement tends to move in two. sections. The tian forces comes from a changed Christian atti- centripetal cooperative move hopes to bring them tude. Moving in the same centripetal direction closer together and find a program that will ap- the Council also appointed a "Commission on the peal to youth and open up to the organized its Life and Work of the Churches," to. be composed rightful place in the building of the new China. mainly of church administrators who will seek to There has also. been growth in the Christian co- tap more fully the thinking of the churches so as operative purpose in China. Before the Shanghai more effectively to influence the cooperative work Missionary CDnference of 1907 cooperation was of the Council. functional and resulted in the production of the The organized church is at present the weakest Bible in Chinese and in commentaries, and other part of the Christian Movement in China. During specific pieces of work. At that Conference the the last twenty-two years hospitals have gone for- cooperative purpose of the church took two forms: ward and Christian schools have largely increased denominational integration and regional councils their enrollment but during the same period the with doctrinal as well as functional bonds. The number of those preparing for the ministry has first went forward; the second expired. The decreased 31.2 per. cent. The appeal of the China Continuation Committee was organized on churches to youth-especially educated youth- the functional basis with tacit agreement on a has weakened. Without new blood the future of "zone of common ideas" (never formulated), and the organized church is imperiled. The Council toleration of doctrinal differences which were did not recommend at present any new youth or- more and more excluded from cooperative discusganization but decided to approach the youth sion. The National Christian Council has gone problem cooperatively through a "National Con- forward on this basis and in its present planning sultation of their representatives." One great dif- the major emphasis heads up in a cooperative ficulty is that of providing Christian leadership evangelism which aims to meet the needs of the for rural churches.. Groups of viIIagechurches- who.le of life… There is. tpday a greater oppor- each village is to have its own fellowship-should tunity than ever before to. lead the Christian be organized into. parishes of abo.ut three hundred, forces fo.rward in society-wide evangelism.
[34 ]
SIGN OF EVANGELICAL PROGRESS IN THE PHILIPPINES; SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY AT
The Pageant of the Philippines By the REV. CHARLES R. HAMILTON, D.D., -ot§f Manila, P. I;, 1907- President of the Union Theological Seminary, Manila THESE are days pregnant with great possi- erns the status of the masses. The people have bilities for the Philippine Islands. A people no important political rights. There is no unify- of fourteen millions have just entered upon a ing tongue but a large number of dialects so difnew period with the inauguration of the Common- ferent that they amount to separate languages.
wealth. The history leading up to this point may Spanish is spoken by only a very small percentage be divided into stages which can be envisioned as of the people, the official and wealthy classes.
the progress of a pageant, in five acts. Scarcely any highways exist for social and com- I. The curtain rises on May 1, 1898. At the mercial convenience and there are only seventy- rear of the stage there is a dim light. It repre- five miles of railway. There is no religious free- sents the Spanish period from 1565 to 1898. The dom. It is a crime to own or read the Bible. The conditions in that half light are seen as character- 'Roman Catholic friars dictate the policy both of ized by ignorance, with no system of public schools Church and State. On September 30, 1896, Jose for the children beyond those where the RomanB.izal, the greatest of the Filipinos, said by many Catholic catechism and prayers have the largest historians to have been the greatest of the Malay emphasis and where the attendance is extremely race, is led out to the field of Bagumbayam, Ma- meagre. Superstition holds the people in its grip. 'nila, and shot to death by the firing squad, the Pestilence and plague hover over the Islands.. Eco- work of the government directed by the unseen nomic oppression prevails.. A social serfdomgov- hand of the Church. Rizal's novels, "Noli Me [35 ]
Tangere" and "EI Filibusterismo," picture the sit- Hon. William H. Taft, Secretary of War under uation of that day. President Theodore Roosevelt, has arrived to rep- May 1, 1898, shows the Spanish fleet in Cavite resent the United States Government in this im- harbor in Manila Bay, with Commodore George portant function. With him on the good ship Dewey leading the Asiatic battle fleet of ,the "Minnesota" traveled three young married cou- United States navy – an episode in the Spanish ples, just appointed as missionaries by the Presby- American War. The engagement is brief, but de- terian Board – Dr. and Mrs. Robert Carter, Dr.
cisive. The Spanish ships are afire and the sailors and Mrs. George W. Dunlap, and the writer and dying, while for the American force, the victory his wife. Dr. Carter gave seven years of splendid is almost bloodless. The American flag is raised medical service and died in 1919. Dr. and Mrs.
over this Far Eastern' archipelago to become the Dunlap, after doing an outstanding work among new symbol of sovereignty. the students during twenty-seven and a half years, II. The curtain rises again four years later- have retired from the service. The writer and his wife gave twenty-ope years of service in Laguna on July 4, 1902. President Theodore Roosevelt Province, Mrs. Hamilton in medical work and the has just proclaimed at an end the Filipino insur- writer in evangelistic service, then two years in rection against American arms. Through mis- educational work as Acting President of Silliman understanding between General Emilio Aguinaldo Institute, now Silliman University, in Dumaguete and United States representatives, the former pro- and since then as President of Union Theological claimed an independent Filipino Republic and de- Seminary in Manila. fied the authority of the American Government, hostilities having broken out between the insur- The scene shows the people of the Philippines gents and the American troops in the early part gradually led along in the paths of citizenship, of 1899 and continuing for two years under electing their Mayors and Town Councils, and two Aguinaldo. His capture broke the backbone of of the officials of their Provincial Boards. The the rebellion, but in various localities the insur- establishment of the various departments of a gents kept up the fight a year longer during which civil government directly touch the life of the peo- time the civil government with William H. Taft, ple. Public schools have been established on a as the first civil governor, exercised control over scale covering the Archipelago. Hundreds of the provinces where civil government had been American school teachers are in service. The Bu- established. The military governor continued in reau of Public Works has built numerous high- charge of the remaining provinces until they were ways in practically all of the provinces and has duly organized and transferred to civil control. dug artesian wells to supply water for the people.
This scene shows not only government officials The Public Health Service has grappled cour- from America coming to take part in the new de- ageously, and with a large measure of success, velopments, but a group of missionaries led by with disease epidemics such as smallpox, cholera Dr. and Mrs. James B. Rodgers, the first duly ap- and plague.
pointed missionaries of any evangelical church to It is a great day when the members of the first the Philippines. They were transferred from Philippine Assembly, chosen by the electorate of Brazil after eight years of service there by the their country, come together, conscious that they Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. The have been charged with the responsibility of mak- stream of missionaries becomes a river flowing in ing laws for their people. They go seriously about with the personnel and equipment of the larger their tasks. Men who later become outstanding evangelical bodies of American churches – Pres- political leaders are in that first Assembly. Its byterian, Methodist, Congregational, Baptist, first speaker is a young man from Cebu, the Hon.
United Brethren, Disciples, Protestant Episcopal, Sergio Osmena. The Assembly chooses as the first Christian Missionary Alliance – the beginning of resident commissioner to Washington, the Hon.
a work which has coursed down through the years Manuel Quezon, who has risen step by step to of this epochal generation. In a true sense the political power, and is now the acknowledged mas- work of the American Government has also been ter of Philippine politics.
missionary in leading and training and developing IV. The curtain again rises in 1916. The the people for a higher type of political, social and scene is the inauguration of the Philippine Senate, economic living, while the missionaries of the the Upper House of the Philippine Legislature, Cross have gone on calling the people to life in taking the place of the Philippine Commission. Christ, establishing churches and· relating them In 1914, the writer sat in the gallery of the to world-wide Christendom. House of Representatives in Washington and lis- III. Again the curtain lifts-October 16, 1907. tened to Mr. Quezon discuss the Jones Bill provid- The inauguration of the first Philippine Assembly, ing for the establishment of the Philippine Senate the Lower House of the Philippine Legislature. as the next step in the extension of autonomy to
19836] THE PAGEANT OF THE PHILIPPINES
the Filipino people. While Mr. Quezon's English ization of the evangelical mISSSIIOons, assigned to was not as good as it is today, one was impressed each mission its particular territory and this prinwith his courage and ability in debate, even when ciple of division of territory has characterized the hectored by such eminent and veteran leaders as work of the missions and the churches ever since. Representative Mann of Massachusetts and others. The Jones Bill was passed by Congress and be- V. Now the curtain rises for the last time– came the organic law of the Islands, a further November 15, 1935. Over the radio waves comes step in the new era of political development. The the program of the most significant event that has scene shows Governor-General Francis Burton ever happened in the Philippines, the establish- Harrison, sent out by President Woodrow Wilson ment of the Philippine Commonwealth and the into speed up participation in the government by auguration of its first President, Hon. Manuel Filipinos and their investment with authority and Quezon and the Vice-President, Hon. Sergio O08sresponsibility as rapidly and widely as conditions mena, two able leaders who were elected twentywould allow. His regime covers the period of the eight years ago to that first Philippine Assembly, most extensive FiIlipinization of the government. the latter made the Speaker and the former hav- The manner and speed of bringing this about has ing been the first Resident Commissioner to Washbeen severely criticized, but it placed the Filipinos ington. The scene shows the Vice-President of in a much larger control of their own affairs than the United States, John N. Garner, the Secretary ever before. During this period we see the Filipinos taking positions as judges in the provincial Courts of First Instance, also filling four of the nine places on the bench of the Supreme Court.
Filipino teachers in the public schools increase in great numbers. Automobile highways continue to be widely extended. Many new miles of railroad are constructed. Health conditions improve. Dev- astating epidemics come under as complete con- trol as in the United States. The whole standard of living is raised. The demand for independence becomes stronger and louder.
During this period we see the evangelical churches growing in numbers and strength. The missions have established schools and hospitals throughout the Archipelago, which stretches 1,200 THE DIA BROTHERS-PRODUCTS OF E1VANGIDLICAL miles from north to south and 600 miles from east MISSION WORK to west, with a land area of 114 square miles, equal Leonardo (Th.B.), Leon (B.S.E .) and Severo (B.S.E.) to the area of New York State and the six New of War, George H. Dern, and forty-six American England States combined. These islands are esti- Congressmen and Senators representing the mated to be capable of supporting a population of United States Government at this inaugural cere- between sixty million and sixty-five million. The mony. They bear the congratulations and good Government Health Service has inaugurated hos- wishes of the President of the United States and pitals in most of the provinces, while the mission of the American people for a happy and success- hospitals not only minister to the body, but bring ful issue of the final autonomous step of the Philip- healing to the soul. The outstanding educational pine people preceding the establishment of the institution of higher learning, other than the Gov- Philippine Republic ten years hence, as the Inde- ernment University, is Silliman Institute, as it pendence Bill provides.
was called for thirty-four years, but is now Silli- Hardly any event in history is quite like this in man University, located at Dumaguete on the its significance.
Island of Negros. Its alumni have gone out to Since 1914 no less than ten special commissions every province and have taken places of trust and have been sent from the Philippines to Washing- responsibility in Government service, in commer- ton, knocking at the doors of Congress and ask- cial pursuits, in law, medicine, teaching, the min- ing for independence. At the first these Commis- istry and in other useful occupations. The Philip- sions were inclined to be peremptory and defiant.
pine Sunday School Union, later the Philippine In recent years they have become less caustic, Council of Christian Education, has been estab- more respectful and voicing their desires with exlished, and out of the Sunday schools orggaanniizzeedd. pressions of gratitude and appreciation for what in many barrios strong churches have grown. In America has done in the Philippines. The tenth the early days the Evangelical Union, an organ- Commission was headed by Mr. Quezon, then
President of the Philippine Senate, and was suc- and the former American Governor-General, Hon.
cessful in bringing about the passage of the Frank Murphy, has become the first American Tydings-McDuffie bill containing the plan for the High Commissioner to the Philippines. After the ten-year period of the Commonwealth, to be suc- continuance of the Commonwealth for ten years, ceeded by the Republic. This was signed on and the adoption of certain amendments by the March 24, 1934, by President Franklin D. Roose- Commonwealth Government, the Philippine Re- velt. Upon the return of the Quezon Commission public is to be ushered in in 1946 or 1947. Thus, to Manila on April 30th, the welcome given them after thirty-six years, the United States has ful- was the largest, most enthusiastic ever tendered filled her pledge, uttered at first by President Wil- such a group of returning political leaders on liam McKinley, that the United States was tak- Philippine shores. The address of Mr. Quezon was ing over the Philippines not to exploit, but to fit given in Tagalog and English on the Luneta in and train the people for self-government. AI- response to the program of welcome. He ex- though the action of Congress in passing the Inde- pressed the gratitude of the Filipinos to the United pendence measure was not motivated wholly by States and endeavored to impress upon the peo- altruism, but was influenced largely by the in- pIe in a sober, practical way, a sense of the great sistent demands of partisan industrial groups in responsibility about to be accepted by them and the United States, yet much of. the spirit that pre- the need of unity in spirit and effort. vailed in Congress looked mainly to the benefit of On the next day, May 1st, the thirty-sixth an- the Filipino people. There the action stands niversary of the Battle of Manila Bay, the Philip- taken before the whole world, as the one instance pine Legislature met in a special joint session to in history of a sovereign nation voluntarily grant- consider the approval of the Tydings-McDuffie In- ing freedom to its colonial possession. "The event dependence Act. It was the great privilege of the is in the hand of God."
writer to be present at that momentous hour in This brief outline of progress does not tell the Philippine history. President Quezon of the Sen- story of the gradual growth and development ate presided. As he brought down his gavel at the which has taken place in things which mean an appointed time, the Chamber became quiet and improved civilization. Probably in no country in expectant. It was a memorable moment. The the world has there been witnessed such strides resolution for the acceptance of the Tydings-Mc- in a like period of time as in the Philippines.
Duffie bill was read and an opportunity was given These improvements include a system of public for discussion, but there was no debate. The ques- school education from primary school to state uni- tion was passed by a unanimous vote. Mr. Quezon versity, with education absorbing 30 per cent of then delivered an address in English, dwelling on the national budget; a complete system of judi- the gravity of the occasion and the solemnity of ciary from Justice of the Peace to the Supreme the hour. He summoned the people and the legis- Court; a coordinating system of municipal, pro- lators to their best thought and highest endeavor vincial and national governments; an ever-ex- in working out the problems immediately before panding system of railroads and metalled high- them. Mr. Osmena addressed the Legislature in ways; a modern health and sanitation service; a Spanish in much the same vein. constantly improving water transportation; a A new era had begun. The formal relations of radio service including radio telephone giving in- the Filipino and American people had been stant communication with the world outside; an changed. Heretofore the Filipinos had entered efficient and up-to-date postal service; airways and traveled freely in the United States; from with regular schedule between chief cities and fur- now on the quota regulations governing the immi- nishing special transportation on occasion to all gration of foreigners are to be enforced for the parts of the Islands and the Trans-Pacific Clipper Philippines, with the quota fixed at fifty per Service from San Francisco via Honolulu, Mid- annum. A United States Vice-Consul has been way, Wake and Guam now in regular operation; : ppointed to superintend matters in connection industries such as sugar, coconut, tobacco, cordage with Filipino emigration to the United States. fiber and lumber, which, developed to an alleged The Rubicon had been crossed. A few weeks after dangerous point of competition in the United this memorable day, the delegates were elected to States markets with American domestic indus- the Constitutional Convention; that Convention, tries, have accelerated from the American .side after continuing in session for about six months, Philippine independence; a gold mining industry adopted a Constitution which was sent for ap- which, in actual production ranks fifth in the proval to the President of the United States. The United States gold producing areas, with two of document was then returned to the Philippines the largest producing mines in the world. These and was there approved in a plebiscite vote… The' are some of the marks of progress in this land of President of the Commonwealth is now in office, vast unexplored forest and mineral resources,
THE PAGEANT OF THE PHILIPPINES
THE UNION THElOLOGICAL SE'MINARY AT MANILA, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS healthful climate, unsurpassed beauty of scenery, response of the Filipino people. This fine coopand a happy, hospitable, forward-looking people. eration will, we hope, continue as the two peoples march down the corridors of time as independent This development has gone forward with an but friendly nations.
ever-increasing Philippine autonomy. Out of The best thing done for the Philippines by 7,000 or 8,000 in the public service at present, America, as often stated by Hon. Teodoro R. Yangco, merchant prince, the greatest Filipino there were a few months ago but a few hundred philanthropist, and former Resident Commis- Americans, those chiefly in the Bureau of Educa- sioner to Washington, was the giving of religious tion. Twenty-eight years ago there were 618 liberty and the open Bible. As a result an evan- American teachers in the public schools. Recently gelical Church of probably 200,000 communicants, there were only 188, with 27,769 Filipino teachers. with an equal number of adherents, is exercising In the higher positions of the Government only the its beneficent influence on the life of the people. Governor-General, Vice Governor-General, Insular SOme friends in the States have asked what effect Auditor, six out of eleven Judges of the Supreme Philippine independence would have on mission- Court, two Provincial Treasurers, and directors ary work and evangelical church activity. No of the Bureaus of Education, Public Works and particular effect is expected. The missionary and Forestry, were until the inauguration of the Com- church work will go on without change, though monwealth, Americans. At present these, as well the majority of the people are still Roman Cathas all other high government officials, heads of de- olic. 'Many of these are liberal-minded and many partments and bureaus, and a vast majority of the are affiliated with no church. On the whole the personnel, are in the process of becoming wholly temper of the Filipino people is to hold fast to the Filipino. The goal of complete FiIipinization of principles of religious liberty and to oppose anypublic service will be reached within a short time, thing that might look toward the union of Church certainly within the Commonwealth period. The and State, or that suggests control of the State by record of this development and the' part in it the Church. which the United States has played are things of which the American people may well be proud. There are today about 150 evangelical'mission- Politically and economically the United States has aries in the Islands. The original hope of, those endeavored to deal fairly, by her ward. The re- who organized the Evangelical Union in thhee early sults achieved have not been, however, the work days has been in large part realized in tlieestab.; of the United States alone. They could not have lishment of the United Evangelical Church of the seen the end brought about without the cordial
Philippines, organized from the constituency of Missions. The spirit and principle of cooperation the Presbyterian, United Brethren, and Congre- have taken form in the Union Theological Semgational churches and having a membership of inary, Manila, conducted by five of the evangelical about 46,000. The Methodist Episcopal Church Mission Boards in America, the Presbyterian, represents the largest communion in the Islands, Congregational, Methodist, United Brethren and with a membership of 86,000. Last year the Disciples. United Evangelical Church added 3,000 new converts to its local churches and expended $25,000 on There is promise of a great future for the running expenses. The President of the Univer- Philippines if economic adjustments are wisely sity of the Philippines is Dr. Jorge Bocobo, an made and if high ground is taken on educational, LL.B. from Indiana State University and an LL.D. ethical and social matters and if the great prinfrom Southern California University. For many ciple of religious liberty is held inviolate. One has years he was Dean of the College of Law of the faith to believe that the character and wisdom of University and was inaugurated as President in the leaders, supported by the rugged strength and January, 1935. Although he is an active evan- honesty of the common people, will meet the degelical leader, a member of the Methodist Epis- mands of the new era now upon us. One of the copal Church and President of the Philippine Na- things that begets strong hope for the years ahead tional Christian Council, he was chosen President is the splendid response which the Filipino people of the University by a Board of Regents, the ma- have made to the opportunity of the open Bible jority of whom were Roman Catholics.. The Mod- and the message of the evangelical faith. An inerator of the United Evangelical Church is Dr. telligent, thinking constituency, with life actuated Enrique C. Sobrepena, an alumnus of Macalester by the highest Christian standards of truth and College in Minnesota, educated in theology at conduct, give promise of a virile group exerting Princeton and Drew, a member of the faculty of a mighty influence for the safe guidance of the the Union Theological Seminary, Manila, pastor people in the days to come. Christian education of the largest English-speaking Filipino Church must be given the oncoming generations, so that in the Philippines and was an influential delegate with the training in modern scientific achievement to the Constitutional Convention which framed and broadening of knowledge there may come the present governing instrument for the Com- those great elemental truths which relate life to monwealth. Silliman Institute has become dur- God and call for the dedication of every talent and ing the past year Silliman University, with an an- power to the service of Christ and fellowmen. nual enrollment of over 1,000, whose President is If we can be sure of this, then the Filipino people Dr. Roy H. Brown, brother-in-law of Dr. Cleland may face the future with confidence and "tread B. McAfee of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign the earth with dignity."
One Thousand Tribes Without the Bible* THERE are about 5,000 languages and dialects America and on through Yucatan are tribes re- spoken by mankind; in 954 of these we ha.ve lated to the once mighty Mayan race; and over a translation of at least a part of the Bible; the rugged plateaus of Mexico there are more than 3,000 hardly demand attention, the people being forty other linguistic stocks, including the sturdy sufficiently accessible through other tongues, or Aztecs. Few of these five hundred tribes have else are nearing extinction; 1,000 tongues, how- ever felt a single ray of Gospel light. ever, still beckon for Bible translators. Herein lies the most urgent task of the church today! Missionary work has been carried on in Africa for over a hundred years. Much has been accom- South of the Rio Grande, in Latin America, there plished. Thirty-five tribes have received the enare 17,000,000 dialect-speaking Indians with five tire Bible, seventy-eight tribes the New Testahundred different languages. In the highlands of ment, and 191 more some portion of the Scripthe Andes live the descendants of the ancient tures. Ho-wever, conservative reports state .that Incas, as well as remnants of other former civ- there are three hundred African tribes to whom ilizations; throughout the jungles of Amazonia nothing of the printed Word has been given. rove several hundred wild tribes; in Central If to these are added unreached tribes of many * Condensed from The King's Business. Mr. W. Cameron Town- parts of Asia, we have, perhaps, two hundred tribes more for whom translation work must yet send. the author, has been a missionary to the Cakchiquel Indians be done, for our obligation is undeniable. of Central America, affiliated with the Pioneer Mission Agency.- EDITOR.
a Century Ago*
D=.D;;;;'~II'- -6(1.1.=;;;;B;;;;Y;;;;th;;;;e;;;;R;;;;E;;;;V;;;;.;;;;W=.D=O;;;;U;;;;G;;;;L;;;;A;;;;S;;;;MA=C;;;;KE=N;;;;Z1=E;;;;, 1 T HE American Board was organized in 1810. resolved to check this invasion by nearly a thou- Within twenty-five years it had sent mission- sand Boer wagons. He was a treacherous man aries to India, Ceylon, the Sandwich Islands, and foully murdered about fifty Boers with their Turkey, China and West Africa. Then its officers leader Peter Retief, at a conference meeting and made inquiries of Dr. Philip, the famous director attacked other groups at various points. . . .
of the South African missionaries of the London Chaka and his successor created a new era in Missionary Society, about possible fields in South the history of the Zulus. That influence spread Africa. He advised them to begin work among far and wide. One of his most successful genthe powerful Zulu tribes of the southeast corner erals decided to set up for himself, invaded the of the Dark Continent. Orange Free State, and then swept northwards to settle in what became Matebeleland. In 1834, six young men were ordained and despatched with their wives to that far off, hardly As a young boy I remember that able and ruthexplored and restless region. It is doubtful less monarch, Moselekatse, whom I saw in his whether, if the Board had known all the facts, court. Some of his wives stood behind him and they would have deemed it wise to send those his soldiers in a wide circle before him, with young couples on so desperate an undertaking. shields and spears in their hands. I remember the shock which came when the King spoke and About the beginning of the nineteenth century all the soldiers replied with a deep voice "Bo-o-m." the Zulus had been suddenly roused from the easy, unorganized, unenterprising life of all South Absolute subservience, prompt and merciless ac- African tribes. A young man named Chaka tion when the chief commanded, were obvious learned from another chief, Dingiswayo, who him- even to a very young boy. self had learned during an exile of six years at These were Zulus from Zululand and their or- Cape Town (1793-1799), that effective warfare ganization and habits were carried to Matebeledepends on discipline and drill, and that regiments land from the land of disorder where the first so organized and trained cannot be resisted by American missionaries arrived in 1835. the miscellaneous, undirected and uncontrolled The revolution wrought by Chaka and Dingaan methods of tribal attack and defense. was made possible because the Zulu native was Chaka carried his teacher's instructions beyond splendid material. There were in those people anything that the Zulus had ever known. He latent energy, a readiness to take new paths, and made his whole tribe an army of fierce, victorious, a mental capacity which only needed to be fired irresistible warriors: They now lived for war. with ambition and guided effectively to give them Chaka absorbed the young men and women and the renown which they have won throughout the children of conquered neighbors into his own South Africa. It is these qualities which imtribe. He destroyed the unusable enemies and dev- pressed the first missionaries and which have astated their villages and gardens. His name made the spread of Christianity among them the became a terror through a large part of South fascinating story which it is.
Africa. He was succeeded by his brother Din- The Zulus gaan, also a man of vigor and ferocity.
The Zulus first came into contact with white The Zulus have many of the beliefs and social men when a few enterprising Englishmen settled customs of the great Bantu race to which they beat Port Natal, now called Durban. With them long and which is spread almost all over the there seems to have been no quarrels. But Din- African continent. They are ancestor worshipgaan was aroused to suspicion and fear when a pers, but they believe or are ready to accept belief large movement of Boers from Cape Colony took in one supreme Creator or Ruler of the world. place in the direction of Natal. Their worship is one of mingled dread and com- fort, dependent upon the class of spirits whom The Zulus knew the Boers as slave owners and they believe to be in contact with them at anyone tyrants over the black man. Dingaan therefore • From The Missionai"3/ Herala, Boston. time.
[41 ]
But they are also slaves to magical superstition. gish souls of contented, sensual, lazy tribes that Their "medicine men" are extremely clever spe- their more active and alert minds were more open cialists in the art of creating- fear and suspicion to the startling word of God, which laziness can even among the best of friends, when sickness or never understand, for whose sowing only alert other calamity falls upon them. This makes the minds are prolific soil. people slaves to witchcraft with all its cruelty and bitter hatreds. But that could not be apparent in those confused and baffling years from 1835 to 1842. The six They are polygamists and victims of that de- couples on arrival at the Cape were divided into grading institution in their characters and even two companies. Three couples traveled fourteen in their economic life. For a man's status is af- hundred miles north to those Zulus whom Mosele- fected by the number of his wives and that de- latse had led thither, but they found the conditions pends on the number of his cattle, which of old so hopeless that it was foolish to settle down and were the "coins of the realm." they trekked the long way south to Natal.
The missionaries found these Zulu men addicted The other three couples, after various explor- to all manner of self-indulgence except when they ations, finally settled on the coast of Natal and were at war or preparing for it. Their women began that long story of devoted and powerful were the providers of food, the real workers. Only work which their successors are carrying on the care of cattle and an occasional hunt were the today. male contribution to family sustenance. Drinking . beer was their chief amusement, along with the Some one else may pay worthy tribute to the war dances which often accompanied it. men and women who pressed up into Zululand proper. Later on some of them followed their But withal there is in the Zulu nature that ele- people into the compounds of the gold mines at ment of moral and spiritual insight and apprecia- Johannesburg where their work, at first viewed tion which all their sensuality cannot utterly de- with suspicion by the mine owners, has elicited stroy. Dr. Josiah Tyler, in his interesting book, their admiration, confidence and gratitude. Forty Years Among the Zulus, repeatedly empha- sizes the fact "that conscience among a heathen When a great civilization has been developed, people is a great auxiliary to the missionary." when Zulus are the equals of any race in all the riches of culture, with scholars, scientists, states- I once asked several old men how they felt be- men equal to those of Boston, it will be remem- fore the arrival of white men in Zululand when bered that from Boston those six young couples doing right or wrong. Their reply was "Some- went out, joyously, earnestly, to open the doors of thing within us approved when we did the former the highest life to people who were then called de- and condemned when we did the latter." graded heathen.
The missionaries bear abundant witness that These six men and women: George Champion, these people, apparently sunk in sensuality and Alden Grout, Newton Adams, M.D. (who would hardened in cruelty, were sensitive to love and not leave in those first years, when the others de- sympathy. When they saw the integrity of the spaired of the situation, and who died all too soon "men of the Book," their superior knowledge, even of over-work) besides the Lindleys, the Wilsons, their greater possessions, which seemed enormous the Venables, are the true parents of that Zulu even to a chief, they could not but wonder at their civilization which is still only in its earliest stages conduct towards themselves. but destined to become glorious.
Their incredible message about the God who Later on they were joined by others, of whom had saved the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, one of the greatest, Josiah Tyler, son of Bennet was gradually made credible, realizable, accept- Tyler, was the first president of Hartford The- able by their whole manner of living. To be al- ological Seminary. ways helping others not only in those teaching ways which were at first so hard to understand, As one reads the story of their early years but in many practical ways, chiefly by relieving among the Zulus one feels himself in contact with the sick, and training the young, that was a new that thrilling combination of heroism and saintkind of life, incredible if they did not see it with hood which has been and is the glory of our pio- their own eyes, absurd but that .they were the neer missionaries everywhere. Ready to die be- recipients of its boons. cause they loved, they made real and luminous, let me repeat,… to the hearts and minds of mere sav- But let us go back for a little to the years of ages darkened by evil, the story of "the in'esti- this new revolution in Zulu history. Perhaps mabIe love" of God "in the redemption of the Chaka by his methods had so quickened the slug- world by our Lord Jesus Christ."
A Mission Doctor's Daily Dilemma*
~1~I-=-=~B~Y~S~.~H~.~M~A~R~T~IN~'~M-=.D~.'~S~OO_U~l'~Ch-=O~se~n-=-=~II~ THE day broke through smoke and cloud over it's the doctor's invariable rule never to leave a the South Mountain and into empty corridors waiting patient, he could not leave these cases, yet with their clean smell of lysol disinfectant. he had an appointment at 5 P. M. He knew there The clinic workers were singing, "What a Friend were no empty fourth or fifth class beds (5th is We Have in Jesus," when the doctor with his as- charity). He knew, too, that one case like this sistants started his long round of treating the sick, was being treated in the third class ward on per- and of giving bedside instruction to students, in sonal account. All the charity prescription blanks the main wards of the Severance Hospital. Many were locked up. Miss S., our American "Goddess acute cases were rapidly becoming normal, and of Mercy" (Kwannon) had gone home. As he others were patiently holding their own. took off his overcoat he saw, posted on the wall, But it is after 10: 00 A. M. and the doctor must the notice that he was down to speak at College hurry to the clinic, where the waiting room is the next day. He would probably plead with the filled with suffering humanity waiting in turn be- students to treat patients' souls, as well as their neath a huge painting of "Christ healing the sick," bodies, and here was he, a fine example of a mis- sionary doctor, not even caring for the bodies of when he, too, was a practicing physician. The people five feet away from him. They were examfirst patient, a youth of twenty, accompanied by ined, medicines were given and charged up to the many uncles and aunts, sat with the shoulder long list of Kimses, Pakses and Yesses to "perblades of his emaciated chest flaring, a replica of the "Winged Victory"; but this picture repre- sonal account."
sented defeat. Of these two- pictures, "Misery" and "Woe,"
Many other cases were seen, and one young such as are often seen in the doctor's clinic, woman of university standing was told, quietly "Misery" was a deserted wife of fifty, and "Woe" and honestly, that she had not a weak lung, but was the son, with a shock of matted hair and a the truth, which she already knew, was that she bony framework supporting an acute peritonitis must be treated for tuberculosis immediately. of tubercular origin. There were no beds, "There She received the shock with immobile features, was no room in the inn" for this mother and her and departed with faith in her heart, and six son. Well! what could one do for all the unfor- Kagawa books in one of her sleeves. One of the tunates in Seoul! One was not expected to take booklets was entitled "The Thorn in the Flesh," care of all the unfortunates in Seoul! Nevertheand another "Mediations on Christ." less, here was the one opportunity in the whole day to do something really worth while. Why An old man with visible stomach cancer tried bother about research on dead rabbits when liv.e to get the doctor to tell him that it was due to in- pulsating humans were suffering in sadness, with digestion, although he really knew that the demon only an occasional cry, "Sal yaw chusio!" (Please that had seized his vitals was cancer, and there save our lives). I could put a needle in the boy's was little hope. A Chinese "dancing girl," with abdomen and remove fluid, but he might die of a Shantung accent, told her many woes and de- shock and it would be considered criminal on my parted with hope and medicine. And so, through- part if he died. To make it short, a few minutes out the day, they came and went, some with bodies later, No. 51, the doctor's old Ford, in which all eased, and others with hopes denied; some with classes of people from Government officials down the gratitude and the hope of the Christian, and to opium derelicts picked up at 2: 00 A. M. have others with the Oriental fatalism. ridden, was taking these people to a home of rest, warmth and good food. As the sun set over West Gate prison, the doctor rushing into his overcoat, passed into his Leaving them there the doctor, having opened waiting room to smell and see two perfect pictures all the glass windows of his car for ventilation, of misery; one of the pictures holding, in an rushed off to the other end of the city to a very emaciated hand, a note from a missionary. As clean Japanese home, where all was silent save • From The Korea Mis·.inn Field, May. 1935. the "bara bara" of the tadis (Japanese slippers) [ 43]
on the polished floors within, and the "goro goro" tude, she placed on the table many "sticks" of of the rain without. The patient, a dignified eggs. She departed into the mud and rain (Komatron, with her son, told him of the onset of in- reans hate mud), and the doctor felt a lump in his sidious cancer. Diagrams were drawn to illus- throat as he saw her going off alone into the darktrate the operation to be done the next day. ness and again he questioned, "Should I have sent her home in a taxi?" Elaborate bows were made and No. 51, after being driven, drenched and cleaned, was housed And so to bed, until the roar of the city again again for the night, or so the doctor hoped. He steals to his window, and a lurid red breaks over climbed the hill to his home, and opened the library the South Mountain, and the corridors of the city door to find a poor woman who had been waiting hospital fill again with the sick and the suffering. two hours. She apologized as he tried to dig up As the doctor starts anew he wonders, "How from the tired depths a Christian smile of wel- many shall I turn away today, and how many come. She had come to thank him for "saving times shall I fall short of what Christ would have someone's life," and with many words of grati- me be and do?"
Yun Chi Ho of Chosen* Y UN CHI HO, who has been called the best- In 1906, General Yun, the father of Yun Chi Ho, beloved man, and the most genuine Christian said to Bishop Candler: "You were his teacher. in all Korea, celebrated his seventieth I am an ignorant man and cannot say whether or birthday last November. Dr. Yun's modesty not you taught him well, but I know this, that he threatened to veto the plan for a general celebra- came back from you a different man and differtion but he was finally convinced that the occasion ent from other Koreans. He is honest, truthful, would be in the interest of the coming of the King- obedient and diligent. I am grateful for what he dom of God. has been taught and for what he is!"
In Korea it is almost a proverl) to say that if a In 1910, he was sent as a delegate to the Edinman was of the nobility he was proud; if he was burgh Missionary Conference. Early in 1911, wealthy he was miserly; and if he lived long he after he had devoted some years to Christian edumultiplied his troubles. In the case of Dr. Yun cational work in Korea, he was falsely charged all of these statements were contradicted. Many with complicity in the attempt to assassinate Geninteresting facts of his life were brought out at eral Terauchi, the Japanese Governor-General. the celebration in Seoul, when Dr. Yun sat with The Japanese Government held him in prison for his wife, eleven of his twelve children, and his quite a while, finally liberating him without trial mother, who is ninety-two years old. or conviction.
Fifty years ago, as a result of political intrigue, Dr. Yun has been very active in the Y. M. C. A. in which he was not a participant, Yun Chi Ho in Seoul and is still active in various educational was exiled and went to China where he met Dr. enterprises. He has given some of his best serv- Young J. Allen in Shanghai, and was converted, ice to the Korean Methodist Church. He sponsors being baptized on March 23,1887. On Dr. Allen's several philanthropic projects, is the active head advice he went to America to study and entered of various cultural and research societies, and is Vanderbilt University, and later completed his alive to every significant Christian movement in studies at Emory University, at Oxford, Georgia, Korea and the world. where Bishop W. A. Candler was president. The authorities of the college were ready to help him Last December, Dr. Yun wrote to Bishop financially; but he chose to provide for his own Candler: expenses by lectures. He earned several hundred dollars for his own support, and when after two The so-called celebration of my seventieth year, which years he completed the courses at Emory University, he placed in Bishop Candler's hands $265 of some friends planned without my knowledge, has brought his earnings with these words: "I want to make this the nucleus of a fund for establishing a Chris- me some letters which are very embarrassing. The friends tian school in Korea, should I find it possible to go home." who wrote them, in their efforts to say something nice • Condensed from The World Outlook. about me, seem to have drawn more on their imagination than on actual facts. I have to take their love as a jewel and what they say simply as a wrapper. . . .
My mother is ninety years old now; my youngest boy -Joseph-is six years old. One of the reasons why I can't visit America is that I can't leave them even for a few short months.
Your affectionate boy, T. H. YUN.
Japanese Return
-at I By GEORGE WARREN HINMAN, I A Former Missionary in Japan I M OST of the second generation Orientals in at least in the large cities, has gone so far in adopt- America are Americans in spirit as well ing the standards of American life that there is as in legal status. But some of them, less danger than formerly of becoming alienated handicapped by discrimination in finding jobs in from the common life of the country by residence the United States, turn back to the land of their in America.
parents to find opportunity for using the education Dr. Kagawa made the surprising statement that and training that America has given them. We ninety-five per cent of the leading Japanese are much more fair in providing education for preachers and Christian educators have spent American children of every race than we are in some time in America, though nowhere near that providing a chance to use that education. proportion have given much time to systematic Of the older generation of Japanese a consider- Christian work among Japanese communities in able proportion return, or wish to return, to their the United States. The homogeneity of the Japa- native land. They do not go back" as some "100% nese in America, both workers and students, so Americans" imagine, to assist Japan in the ulti- different from the situation among the Chinese, mate struggle against the United States. Intimate makes it much more natural for every Japanese acquaintance with Japanese in the United States, student and visitor to identify himself with the and with those who have returned to Japan, tends resident Japanese communities and to contribute to discredit the assumption of an inevitable war. something toward work among them. The older Japanese go back home because of an Dr. Ebina, former president of Doshisha Uniunusual loyalty to the culture and traditions of versity, and one of the "elder statesmen" of the their people, and because of the difficulty of find- Christian movement in Japan, calls attention to ing an accepted place in American life. the difference in preparation and attitude between We wonder sometimes what has been the effect some of the earlier Japanese immigrants and the of American contacts, and particularly religious later students and visitors. Those who went to contacts in the United States, upon the returned America, as did Neesima, with a serious devotion Japanese emigrant. Sometimes too much atten- to the spiritual service of their country, came back tion has been paid to the experiences of the stu- to be Christian leaders because they had the dents from Asia. But the Japanese farmer and springs of leadership in them before they went.
merchant, the Chinese laundryman and shop- In general, the men and women who have had keeper, and those from both races who have some experience in Christian service in Japan, worked as house servants under alien conditions, and have proved their earnestness in life, come instead of depending upon government or private back from America strengthened and stimulated subsidies for education in the United States, are by their contacts with the religious life there and likely to provide the best evidence of what America find their way naturally to places of leadership.
does to the Oriental strangers within her gates. But many have come to America, moved merely When they return to the lands of their birth we by material considerations and without knowledge can see the indirect influence of Christian work of Christianity. Their natural energy and purpose- among Orientals in the United States upon the fulness and qualities of leadership have been de- Christian movements in Japan and China. veloped and directed by the influence of the Chris- A careful study of the subject reveals the share tian schools and churches in America to which in the Christian life and work of Japan taken by they may have come at first merely to secure help those Japanese who have lived for considerable in learning English and finding a job.
periods in America. A Japanese pastor 'who has worked sixteen Many of them are fitting in so well to the local years among his fellow nationals in Shanghai Christian institutions that the missionaries hardly was converted in Los Angeles, and spent fourteen think of them as especially influenced by their years in Christian service there. He is just cele- American experiences. Some have acquired a brating the thirtieth anniversary of his conversion "United States complex"; but Japan, as a nation, with a book of religious essays. He has visited [45 ]
the Japanese in the mandated islands of the South two years, as a private in the Japanese army in Seas, and seems to have a special calling to the Manchukuo. One wonders how his American life work among the overseas Japanese in any land. and study will affect his approach to the problems Another Japanese who came to the United States of Japan's militarism. primarily for business, and went through an American business college, was turned to Christ A mere listing of the men and women who have by the missionary forces working among Orien- come back to Japan from actual service, not meretals in California. He worked his way through ly study, abroad would fill many paragraphs. More college and theological school, selling shoes as important than such a record, however, is their Moody did, gave several years to Christian service loyalty to the friends who helped them and the in Los Angeles, taking a large share in the financ- ideals they caught from Christian life in America. ing and erection of the great Union Japanese An afternoon of friendly conversation with a church there, and is now a close associate of Kaga- Japanese girl in America years ago brought to wa in his evangelistic and social service enter- Mrs. Hinman while in Tokyo, an unforgetable prises in Japan. Another man who served a Japa- visit from the daughter of Japan's Salvation Army nese community in California is preaching to the commissioner, herself a prominent officer after Japanese in Hongkong; another is with the Japa- years of service as well as training in America, nese in Korea, and another in Manchukuo. England and Scotland. The Japanese who have returned from extended Christian service in Several of the leading pulpits in Tokyo and America are not forgetful of those who have other large cities of Japan are occupied by men of shared with them in labor and faith and brought long experience in the Japanese churches of Cali- the support of the American churches to this fornia. It was my privilege to occupy the pulpit form of missionary work among the Orientals. of one of my former colleagues in the Japanese Many men, now pastors of strong, self-supporting work in California. The church was well filled by churches, with influential political and educational a cultured audience and the number of students connections, received us to their homes and hearts attending church was very noticeable. An artist in a way few. foreign visitors are welcomed. They member of the congregation had carved a little made it seem like a spiritual home-coming. bird which was presented to me with the hope that it would symbolize the dove of peace in the rela- Government officials testify to the service done tions between Japan and China. One of the by those who have worked in the United States. former Japanese pastors in San Francisco is chap- One of the strongest women leaders in social servlain of a great girls' school in Yokohama. A man ice in Japan, joint author of the mission study who spent many years in the principal Japanese text book about women in Japan, was brought up church in Honolulu is the very earnest preacher in a Japanese parsonage in California, and the at Doshisha University. The new dean of Kobe present president of Doshisha University spent a College spent a term of service in an American year with his uncle, the pastor, in the same home Y. M. C. A., as secretary for American boys. and church relationship. Scattered all over Japan are men and women who, in spite of the suspicion These returned Japanese have not lost touch and misunderstanding all around them when they with America since their return to Japan. Many were in the United States, saw through the mists subscribe for American religious papers. The pas- the true heart of American Christians and retor of one of the large churches in Tokyo has left sponded with a new devotion to service and to inhis son as an instructor in Japanese in Stanford ternational brotherhood. They have gone back University. Another Stanford boy has returned from their American life to a larger service in from his years of American experience to serve Japan with a broader spirit.
WHAT THE DAY OF PRAYER MEANS TO AFRICAN CHRISTIANS* We went into the street and asked two women, "What do you think of the Day of Prayer? Does it really help or is it just another meeting?"
They exclaimed in one voice, "Help? It helps, truly! When we know about the condition of other tribes then we know how to pray for them. When we know how many do not yet know the good news ·of Jesus, we realize how faithful we must be in prayer and in giving money, and how we must send the words of God to them. What we learn on the Day of Prayer makes us very grateful to God for the many blessings which he has rained down upon us – the greatest of which is that we know Jesus our Saviour."
• From The Drum Call, Elat. West Africa. II Effective Ways of Working 'T'estedMethods for Increasing Interest at Home s. EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO THE NEW YEAR'S part of the present distress is new study books summon you, it OUTLOOK due to the need for those whose is one that demands our very attitudes were formed under the best consecration and endeavor. "Behold I make all things older regime to change some of This is not mere rhetoric or relinew." their thought habits, their stand- gious vaporing. The Church, the "Prove all things.. hold fast ards and ideals, even their very Christian world-builders are not that which is good." nerve reactions in the process of rising to the present emergent In the harmony between these integrating themselves into a situation nor even holding their two tones lies the keynote for the new order. But it is imperative own with the forces of disinteopening year. Pastors and all that all of us find our place and gration: but the reason may be varieties of church workers line up in an advance which im- laid at our own door in our lack should attune themselves accord- peratively conditions even the of zeal and dependence upon God ingly. This is "Moving Day" survival of the Christian Church, for guidance and the power to throughout the world, though to say nothing of civilization and follow it. Choose your own fronsome (mentally) old tenants do the perpetuation of democracy. tiers. Break your own paths. not realize it. George B. Rich- Your Department Editor is far But do get going. The Way of ter says, in Modern Salesman- from being able to blaze the trail ship: or comprehensively to map out Christ through the wilderness the exploration. She can only has not failed: it has yet to be A frog is a particularly daft crea- give a few high lights in a tried. Never for one day have ture. If it is put into a bowl of cold sketchy itinerary, from which we as individuals or the Church water and the water is very slowly you may set out for yourselves as a collective unit lived the Serbrought to a boil, the frog is so un- mon on the Mount. Volumes of conscious of the gradual change that on a pioneer journey, or at least theology have been written on select your traveling compan- theories of the birth and the it is boiled to death when at any ions. moment it might have jumped out. So death of Jesus Christ and the it is with many people. I meet scores The New Frontier of them so unaware of any change in bloodiest wars of all history have conditions, so obstinately unwilling to Pioneering is easily the key- been waged in the name of the admit that there is any change that, word of the day, but without its Prince of Peace, born of a virgin as they die peacefully in their minds, old connotations of covered wag- and dying as an atonement for their work dies imperceptibly in sym- human sin – forgetting most of pathy.
If our readers have reason to ons, camp fires, wilderness perils that Life which lay between the suspect that they are biped frogs, and log homes hewn out of the two goal posts and which, alone. gives validity to all theology and it is high time to do a little jump- forest. However in this shift all endeavor in His name. Let us ing, for the water is coming to a from geography to the realm of begin to take Him seriously and boil very rapidly. Basic needs human thought and endeavor we act as if His work were the and the fundamental verities have not been the gainers in the greatest thing in the world. with which to meet them are un- matter of perils or strenuous en- This will necessarily enlist us changed and unchanging.. but among the missionary pioneers. the thought patterns and the deavor; for the obstacles of the old frontier were but foothills modes of operation must change compared with the well-nigh in- Missions the Prime Endeavor because they are the necessary surmountable ones we now face mutations of advance. Any be- among social conditions, racial Just here lies, for some of us, lief, any enterprise which can- prejudices, class antagonisms, one of those mutations incidental not or should not be changed (by foreign folk so stultified in their to advance. "Go ye into all the enlargement or otherwise) is new nationalism that they resent world" has all the timeless urge dead: theology, missions, the Christianity and the messengers of an unchanging necessity back Church are no exceptions. It is who bring it. While it is a new, of it-but not, for many in the futile to sigh for "the good old regirded, recommissioned type younger generation, as primarily days." Look and work rather of pioneering to which religious obedience to a command (though for the better ones. No small leaders and the writers of the that may later approve itself as [47 ] a changeless verity also), but of missionary endeavor. Thus our sired pUblication) is convincing. rather as that more fundamental purpose to obey His commands will It is fine "sales talk" if backed urge toward sharing what we be deepened and intensified and our by "the goods." The sampling have reason to know is the high- interest in missions will become posiest revelation ever given by God tive rather than passive. . . . Our process is illustrated by an acto man. The non-Christian cul- magazine introduces us to and ac- count in Women and Missions of tures have much that is fine and quaints us with our missionaries. a successful literature meeting worth Christian consideration: · . . After we have come to know last spring in a Denver Presbybut anyone who claims that any them personally from reading the acpagan religion fits human need counts of their work, we not only terian church: as does that taught and practiced pray more effectively in a subjective by Jesus Christ is simply igno- way but our prayers take on objec- "Read the End Yourself." First, 10 rant of the facts, and should be tive force as well. We find ourselves members gave brief and interesting sent for a lengthy sojourn in an writing a letter, sending a bit of a papers on "The Negro Since the Civil oriental land or even in a church- gift perhaps, remembering that the War" and "Outstanding Negro Womless community under the Stars giving of a definite part of our in- en." When they had finished half a and Stripes. The evangel of the come is one of the ways we can go to dozen women jumped to their feet and Great Commission applies not the uttermost parts of the world. quoted articles in Women and Misso much to geography as to every sions, each starting her story and phase of human existence, not It is an indisputable fact that the then stopping short in an interesting forgetting the frontiers of a war- missionary-minded church is a vital, place and finishing with "But you less world and a social order dynamic church. . . . It is likewise must read it for yourself and see how without competitive antagonisms true that a missionary-minded Chris- it comes out." (Several of these or liquor-born crime. Let no one tian becomes a spiritual power in his "spontaneous" remarks were prearpersuade you that missions have circle of influence. A Christian who ranged.) Subscriptions to the magahad their day. Their need is reads eagerly his missionary maga- zine were received at the close. At timeless. zine, who comes to feel that he is a the same meeting the Year Book of coworker with God, is one who never Prayer was stressed and the society Equipment for Pioneering yields to discouragement. . . . Even went over the top in the sale of that. more than that, such contacts with the So much has been said in this great ones of earth give me the con- Samples on a larger scale are Department about mission study, sciousness of my own spiritual need furnished by a meeting in which the necessity for a church mis- and drive me back to God who re- a synthetic program affords a sionary committee for compre- kindles my own spiritual fires. mosaic of best features from hensive planning, coordinating past issues of a given magazine and activating, the annual hold- When growth stops, decay begins. or is built entirely from features ing of a school of missions or · . . How does the missionary maga- in the issue of the current month. "world friendship" which shall zine aid in spiritual growth? . . . As An illustration of the former reach every department of the food, exercise, warmth are the impor- may be found in the article on Sunday school and church life, tant factors in physical growth, it (the "The Silver Anniversary of Misthe maintenance of a circulating magazine) supplies all these elements sions Magazine," on p. 241 of library of attractive missionary which are essential to growth along THE REVIEW of May, 1935. The books, the adoption of definite spiritual lines. . . . In the magazine latter might be exemplified in the field projects to obviate the evap- we see Bible facts and truths at work following outline constructed oration of emotion aroused by in- in the lives of men and women, ac- from the October issue of THE formation into mere sentiment, complishing things for God's King- REVIEW and adapted from a proetc., that it seems unnecessary to dom, effective in the lives of believers. gram actually used that month do more than mention such mat- · . . These vital facts of missionary by a Baptist women's society: ters. Study, reading, attendance success strengthen us for our task upon good meetings for "arouse- here in the homeland. Setting: Wayside camp of a group ment" are all prime equipment of Christian tourists exploring South devices: but one of the greatest There is one thing that cannot be America with the current study books of these is the thorough reading claimed for the magazine. It has no as guide books. Camp fire, rustic of a standard missionary maga- magical power. A dozen copies scat- benches, trees scattered about (tall zine. tered through the home but unused shrubs in pots), "pup tents" and the will be of no avail. . . . It is difficult U. S. and other Greater American Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world to decide which is the more short- flags as a background. Participants and preach the Gospel to every crea- sighted policy-not to take the mag- seated and, presumably, talking over ture" and we daily pray in His own azine or to take it and fail to read it. the day's experiences. Native speakwords, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will Therefore we urge-read, digest, as- ers with or without a touch of costume. be done." In our missionary maga- similate, then release for God the new zine we should be able to find ways energy which has been produced. Talks should be mere briefs of the and means whereby we can go into all (The Women's Missionary Magazine text indicated-a few minutes to each the world with this good news, either -United Presbyterian.) and participants strictly held to time in person or by sending our prayers by flashlight signals from a front seat and means. We can pray more sin- A number of artful and enter- in audience. cerely … as we readofothe progress taining devices for stepping up The object of the meeting will be de- the subscription list have ap- feated and the Magazine brought into disrepute if the audience is fatigued peared in this Department from by an over-long presentation. An hour time to time; but intelligent peo- all told is long enough to give to a missionary program. ple are most reliably reached by testimony fro m trustwo.rthy Music should be interspersed among the talks to relieve voice-monotony readers of the publication in and freshen attention. This is very question or by the commercial important. Use "The Missionary lure of "sampling." A testimony Call," p. 470, as solo or quartet to the meeting of brief, pointed state- ments as to "What THE REVIEW has meant to me" (adding or substituting the name of any de-
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
familiar tune; short numbers of char- why should missions be so "sin- dents of 29 colleges and schools acteristic music on some stringed in- gular"-so set-apart, when it is of New Engl~nd enlisted as an. strument such as guitar, mandolin or ukelele, and "America Both North and an integral element in the outcome of just one of the 10 South" (see p. 495) as a close. church's task, to be assumed by. regional conferences on the 1. The Head Scout Speaks (material taken from "The Latin American the recruit as an "of-course" cause and cure of war. It is note- Lands," pp. 455-457, opening the subject and giving both atmosphere and and not a "maybe" obligation? worthy that youth is not content background. Use real map or reproduction of the one on p. 456). "What God (through His Son) merely to form resolutions and 2. Through the Surveyor's Transit hath joined together, let not the memorialize congress. The s e (presumably a report from the surveyor of the party, using material Church put asunder," as it has young folks made arrangements from "Unevangelized Areas of Latin America," pp. 462-464, and a repro- been doing. Especially let mis- not only to study but to take defiduction of the graph on p. 470). sions permeate every department nite steps against compulsory 3. The Doctor D i a g nos e s (the party's medical man adapts the high of the Sunday school. Looking military education and all forms lights of "The Need for the Gospel," pp. 459-461, apparently writing a pre- through the Church School Sup- of war propaganda. Other description at the close). ply catalog of The Westminster nominations have taken similar 4. The Tourists Talk (a few informal moments to relieve the monot- Press recently, the writer noted action. There is no more timely ony, in which items selected from "Our World-Wide Outlook," pp. 500-509, are that instructional and stu d y or important enlistment of piogiven informally, back and forth, as if conversationally spoken as observa- courses on missions extended neers than this. tions of recent features in the tour). from the primary departments Another line which will be pio- 5. Guests in the Southland (introduction of two or three native South through the discussion groups, neering to many good church Americans who give the merest outlines of the corresponding sketches on men's clubs, brotherhoods, fel- folk is the approach to the Jewpp. 491-494, in the first person). lowships, missionary societies, ish problem mapped out in the 6. Why Send Missionaries to South America? (Head scout proposes this ladies' aids and the home depart- study book, "The Jew and the question for discussion as a focus to the foregoing topics and atmosphere, ments, even to the Sunday ser- World Ferment." A set of forceseveral tourists giving points from the editorial of that name, pp. 451, mons by the pastor. In the study ful programs has' been printed 452.) courses which are a part of the by the Women's Missionary So- 7. Close with singing of suggested hymn and prayer for the objective. new program for Christian Edu- ciety of the United Lutheran After the camp presumably breaks up, the leader mentions the source of the cation in the Presbyterian Church, 723 Muhlenberg Buildsubject matter and introduces the librarian who will show his bookshelf church, Unit D takes up the ques- ing, 1228 Spruce St., Philadeland dispose of study books, also take magazine subscriptions, after the serv- tion "Is the Missionary Idea phia, Pa. The monthly topics ice closes. (See "Our Missionary Bookshelf," pp. 510-512). Valid in the Modern World?" considered are: The Heritage of Can you imagine a program more (the basic book selling in paper Israel; They Still Throw Stones; easily arranged or more profitable, provided the parts are not over-long covers at 15 cents) and "endeav- Next Year in Jerusalem, and !l.nd are invariably spoken and not read? You can do this with any copy ors to lead the readers to face the Thy Neighbor, the Jew. Ruling of THE REVIEW. Mix an ounce of consecrated imagination with a pound facts of the present world situa- out a few denominational speof worthful subject matter, then work. tion in its bearing upon King- cifics, these outlines are available "Calling All Pioneers" dom enterprises and lead to a for any denomination, and seJl "Mission Stu d y: Abstract noun, third person, singular fresh appraisal of the Gospel and for five cents each or 40 cents for number, feminine gender, objec~ tive case-object of feminine en~ the Christian life as solutions of the set. Much supplementary deavor in local church." Wrong! Obsolete usage! Parse the term the world problems as well as to material is included. in common gender this year; make it "collective" instead of develop and foster an earnest In the last analysis, our ml:l,in- 1'ingular, including everybody from the beginners in Sunday purpose of cooperation in the stay for successful pioneering is school to the invalid enrolment of the Home Department. And advancement of the Kingdom with the younger generation.
throughout the Church." In- Mrs. Katherine V. Silverthorne, Cluded in the missionary studies writing in Women and Missions, are booklets for leaders as well says: as students, m. s uggugpe sat e dschporooIc0ef- dur t Much is said and written nowadays es f or set about. "Youth Building a New World." missions and for cultivating the Before we dare begin building we must mind for peace, inclusive of "Be- have some new facts about the world yond War-a Program of World and its needs. . . . Missions is not Peace," describing the roots, re- something vaguely religious, set off apart from life or young people's in- sults and remedies for war, and terests. Tie missions into the young an effective dramatization (10 people's and children's programs cents). For further information rather than have it drawn: away as a write to The Westminster Press separate interest. As they plan their year's programs . . . whether the at 216 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, label "missions" is used or not, they Ill. will come to see if guided aright that Another down to date depart- ttehlelyigecnatnnoatndbuicldonasntryucktiivned opfroagnrainm- ment of endeavor enlisting youth without including the spiritual needs is exemplified in the formation of America as well as those of the in the Presbyterian denomina- world at large, which has become tion of an intercollegiate com- such an interdependent world that we cannot separate the missionary ele- mittee to prevent war, with stu- .' ment out of'it. . . .' The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK IN THE BEGINNING BaTbara Green.
God, the Father of us all, is re- The Teton Mountains, Wyoming, furnish the background for a rural church where sponsible for the beginning of tW() summers ago two young p eople met (or the first time during vacation. This summer life. The Hebrew hymn writer they made their way back to the same little rural church and were married. tells us that "God saw everything that he had made, and, behold it THE RURAL CHURCH TODAY AND TOMORROW was very good." The Home Missions Councils Missions Congress was held in According to John, "in the be- are now in the second five-year 1930. The cooperation of the ginning was the Word – the period of planned cooperative Word became flesh and dwelt advance, under the direction of Washington Fed era t ion of among us, full of grace and the Committee on Planning and truth." That was over 1,900 Strategy, representative of the Churches is assured. New Years ago! constituent Boards. The National Conference on And now-"Please turn over," "The Rural Church Today and the Rural Church is concentrated as is often written at the bottom Tomorrow" was the emphasis in three days of the Annual of a page. New Year 1936 chosen January, 1935, for the Meeting, from January 15-17, inmarks not the beginning of our Annual Meeting program of the clusive. The program will prelives, not the beginning of the Council of Women for Home church, not the beginning of Missions and theHome Missions sent the religious and economic men's fears and hopes and de- Council, to be held January 13mand for new life. On January 17, inclusive, Washington, D. C. situation in rural America, and 1, 1936, most of us, and most of Preparation has been made in ac- the significance of urban-rural our causes were like unto that cordance with the theme and relations. The speakers and. pattern carried into sleep De- place, and the programs are cember 31st or early morning of available. Meetings will be held leaders are from church and the new day, except as we con- at the Calvary Baptist Church state, from "town and gown." sciously turned over the begin- of which the Rev. Dr. W. S. Christian education of young ning of the new day with the re- Abernethy is. pastor. It isthe view of who we are, where we same church where- the Home people and of those older, will be are, .and where we are going. considered. The design for our lives and the [150 ] church is long since determined On Wednesday evening, Janby God the creator, and our response through the years to his uary 16th, in a general session, will for our lives and his purpose for an creation. the conference will consider the subject, "Christian Youth in Ac- WHY? Why? tion in Rural America," to be My tears fall- While the people are wanting food, and starving, Heartless militarists make war upon them! Wandering in the hills are men and women Hunting firewood and praying for peace. Do the militarists know these gentle hearts?
-ToyohikoKagawa.
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
presented by young people them- happen, however, that she and ness friends who. will do more selves. The guest speaker for her family and many others like than be sorry for her. She needs the evening will be Daniel Pol- her are suffering from social in- "open doors" to life's best gifts. ing, Jr., pastor of the Presby- justice of long standing. terian Church of Bedford, New Why do we Americans persist York. The young people of Cal- The picture of the Haskell in calling the first Americans vary Baptist Church and of the graduate is given for compari- "Indians," as if they were more Washington Y. W. C. A. are co- son. She is not the grand- alien than Irish, Latin, Dutch, operating in the plans. daughter. She is probably not Swedish, or others of us whose of the same "tribe of Indians." ancestors left a known country The program of Christians for She is the modern girl with for the new land? Their ancesworld peace through work for dreams and hopes, with second- tors gave them a legend of the securing social justice within the ary school education completed, Great Spirit placing them on land and through support of gov- eager for life's best gifts. this beautiful American conernment policies making for "no "What is unusual about that?" tinent. more war" is a dominant interest Nothing unusual- that is the of the church women. The Coun- point. But, she with other In- In connection with s eve n cil of Women for Home Missions dian youth is unusual in her ex- U. S. A. schools which Indian is one of 27 national member or- treme need for honest-to-good- Americans, not resident near ganizations of the Nat ion a 1 standard public high schools, at- Peace Conference, who are at tend, the two national Home Misone in their determination to sions Councils now maintain Reunify peace action. The Council ligious Work Directors. There has been a constituent member are other schools where interdefrom the beginning of the Na- nominational Christian workers tional Committee on the Cause should be preaching and teachand Cure of War, whose Elev- ing "the Good News." In the enth Conference will be held in seven – Riverside, Albuquerque, Washington, D. C., January 21- Santa Fe, Haskell, Flandreau, 24, inclusive. All peace work of Chemawa, and Lac du Flambeau the Council representing 20 na- ~there are more than eighty tional Home Mission Boards in tribes represented among 3,400 U. S. A. and three Canadian students. The boys and girls church women's groups, is based come from homes typifying on the Gospel "of peace on earth every stage in the merging of to men of goodwill" and on the Indian and white cui t u res. conviction that "now is the day United Protestant cooperation of salvation." makes possible a ministry of Christian friendship and leader- FIRST AMERICANS ship training. Americans thus served can be a power in bring- The grandmother with her dog ing "peace on earth through men had supervised the building of of goodwill." the temporary "wickiup" in the Northern Wisconsin woods, and Will you who read this do had placed the huge kettle in the what you can to open doors of center for "sugaring off" time. opportunity for the I n d ian Her children and grandchildren youth? You can secure for five were each assigned a specific cents from the Editor a mimeotask and place. No one entered graphed News Release giving ex- "the wickiup" where the syrup cerpts from the recent reports of was boiling except upon invita- the Religious Work Directors. tion. One of the youngest of the You who observe the World Day grandchildren had his fingers of Prayer (February 28, 1936) rapped when he stuck a long stick of his own finding into the should tell others how this minboiling mass of sugar. The visi- istry is supported financially, tors were given the privilege of and interdenominationally from a taste, and samples of maple year to year by the share in the sugar which had been finished in freewill offerings, and furthered previous boiling. spiritually, by the prayer pre- vailing throughout the land. "What's unusual about that?" Nothing – that is the point! It In the seven schools the Indian just happens that her tent is young people also observe the called a "wickiup" instead of Day of Prayer, and send freewill just plain "tent." It just doesn't gifts for the ministry of others -like the Migrant children, or the children of other lands.
~ Our World–wide Outlook ~I
II ~ A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~,==—-=–===========,~ EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO "
MISCELLANEOUS what better than that of the mis- ened to the exigencies of the times. For more than a year an sions, due to better living condi- enlarging group of ministers Missionary Meeting At Sea tions. The missionary group has has met for consultation and prayer; between the meetings Last August a novel mission- lower incomes, more exposed oc- prayer has gone up to God for ary meeting was held for Deep cupations and locations, less va- His leading, and for His bless- Sea fishermen on board a mis- cations, and more strenuous ing especially upon all who are sion smack, the "Edward Birk- work. seeking to do His will-that if it beck." Two addresses, with lan- . 6. In general,single persons, were in accord with His will, all tern slides, were given on the especially single men, did not who worship Him in Washing- Uganda Mission. For such' a last long either as bachelors or ton might be led to appeal as one lecture the sea must be fairly as m.issionaries, they left the so- man to those who are forgetting calm, so that the lantern will be ciety early or got married. God. steady, and the time chosen must 7. It is often said that the not interfere with the work of present – generation missionary This group has been joined, the fishermen. The seats were . does not view his work as a work at least in spirit, by practically fish boxes and the smell of fish for life. In recent decades, how- all denominations in the city, by and the oil lantern made it a bit ever, the proportion of life-long fellow Christians of the Roman difficult for the speaker.. After services has been increasing. In Catholic Church, and by Hebrew hearty singing of ','All Hail the the past nine years, ten per cent believers in the God of Abraham, Power of Jesus' Name," the men of all withdrawing women mis- Isaac and Jacob. Thus the peolistened with rapt attention for sionaries, and fifteen per cent of ple of God in Washington are an hour and a half, occasionally the men, had served for forty preparing to appeal with one adding their comments and ask- years or more. voice, as they have never been able to do before, to fellow couning questions. Salvation Army Extension trymen living wit h 0 u t God. -Toilers of the Deep. President Roosevelt has put on record his appreciation of the "Health and Turnover" The Salvation Army is quick- value of this movement. – An- of Missionaries drew R. Reid, in The Christian ening its pace. During the six Observer. In a Medical Missions Bulletin, Dr. E. M. Dodd, of the Presby- years of General Higgins' com- Peniel Community Center terian Foreign Board, U. S. A., quotes from the "Lenox Report" mand it invaded Tanganyika, One of the centers of evanin regard to the "health and gelism in the United States turnover" of missionaries. Belgian Congo, Ashanti, Algeria, which has had a continuous rec- ord of progress is Peniel Com- 1. Looking back over a cen- French G u ian a, Yugoslavia, munity Center, Chicago, an entury, there has been marked de- terprise of the Presbyterian cline in the missionary death Southern China and the Straits Church. It began in an abanrate. Africa shows the highest doned church, from the changrate. Settlements.' It also opened a ing neighborhood of which the members had departed. Now 2. Losses from ill-health are chain of large "Shelters" in there are seventy thousand Jews greater among women, and in the community. During the losses from death are greater seven of the principal capitals of Center's twelve years of history, among men. the work has been enlarged, new Europe, stretching from Riga to buildings erected, and a Chris- 3.' The greatest needs lie in tian influence exerted which has treatment for infectious dis- Rome. In Paris in the last two broken down barriers of prejueases, and neurosis. dice and won many to Christ. years,1,300 beds in 1,000 bed- 4. The highest turnover is re- -Forward. corded for Latin America, pos- rooms represent its capacity insibly due to the scarcity of missionary doctors in these areas. crease iIi this direction. In Great 5. The turnover of career men Britain it is also trying to "take of the diplomatic service is some- the sting out of old age," to its eighteen "eventide homes," with 210 men and 477 women in resi- dence, it plans to add three more shortly. -So S. Tim~s.
. NORTH AMERICA Religious Life in Washington Christian people in the Na- tional capital seem to be awak- [52] Interdenominational ranged for their distribution, the larger circulatioFl of strongly Oonference government providing transpor- evangelical literature. In addi- Between 80 and 100 men and tation. The Bible Society head- tion to its sales, both retail and women from foreign mission quarters in New York specify fields will assemble in Dayton, quantity and destination in re- wholesale, the Association is con- Ohio, January 19 and 20 for sponse to applications from the chaplains, of whom there are stantly sending large quantities what is said to be one of the some 250, army and reserve, each in charge of several camps. of books, booklets, Scripture porlargest of such conferences ever Since the work started in June, held in the country. The meet- 1933, the Society has supplied tions and Gospel tracts to prising is a cooperative program 2,000 camp libraries each with a Bible. At its meeting on August ocncse, hospitals, lumber camps, among all Protestant denomina- 1, the board authorized a further camps, fire stations, lodg- grant of 10,000 Testaments, tions, and for the purpose of ob- making a total of 105,000 Testa- ing houses, mountain and piotaining from people on the field ments so far provided for distrithe real impression and story of bution among the men, besides neer schools, Alaska, French many thousand portions sent in reactions of those countries and response to requests from chap- Louisiana, Latin America, Philnations. Mainly, the program lains. It is required that Testaaims at dispelling fear and prej- ments be given only to those who ippine Islands, India and other wish to use them. udice through learning the atti- needy places for free distribu- -Christian Observer. tude of national leaders abroad. tion. These totaled 3,735,620 The conference is to be na- Southern Presbyterian Jubilee copies, during the past fiscal tional in scope. Approval of the year. plan and acceptance of the invi- Since July 1st, the Association tation to participate has been received from national heads of has sent its literature to the practically all denominations. teachers of 2,373 mountain schools, upon their request. To these schools no less than 68,934 copies of the Horton edition of the Gospel of John, with helps, have been sent, and a copy of the Pocket Treasury offered to every On the "Up and Up" The Diamond Jubilee of the boy or girl who will read the Southern Presbyterian Church Gospel of John and memorize The Woman's Home Mission- as planned by the General As- the nine verses listed under ary Society of the Methodist sembly is intended to be a great "God's Plan for Saving Sinners." Episcopal Church reports 12,983 forward m 0 v e men t in the More than 4,000 Pocket Treasorganizations with a member- Church. Daily Bible reading is uries and 1,181 Testaments have ship of 276,325. "We rejoice given an important place in the been thus earned by pupils. A that for the first time in eight Jubilee Year observance. Other total of 12,199,343 pages have years," writes Mrs. DeVinny, been mailed to these mountain corresponding secretary, "we aims put forward are: schools, and there are still 2,100 have a net increase in member- to be supplied. ship of 4,570, also a net gain of 1. To foster a more vital sense of 545 in the number of organiza- the fellowship of Christ and a more Lincoln University tions. ardent desire to do His will. This institution was founded "The treasurer reports re- 2. To develop in individuals and in in 1854, to train missionaries for ceipts of $1,901,243.02, an in- the churches a more fervent and con- Africa and Colored ministers for crease of $505,968.03. This in- stant spirit of evangelism, that the their people in this country. crease was largely due to the Church may not lag in her supreme President William Hallock John- business of winning men to Christ at home and abroad.
3. To lead people into a better splendid personal gifts for build- understanding and more faithful prac- son recently received a letter tice of Christian stewardship of life ings. The total for buildings and possessions. from the Rev. Joel D. Mbengowas $221,733.21." . Nyangi, '13, from East London, It is hoped that a hundred -Christian Advocate. thousand tithers may be enrolled South Africa, in which he says: and a thank-offering of half a "It is gratifying to know that Bibles for 000 Oamps million dollars received. The Lincoln University is getting theme for the Jubilee Year is The American Bible Society "Christ and His Church First." stronger every year. The seed recognized a responsibility and of righteousness sown by good an opportunity when the CCC -Christian Observer. camps were inaugurated in 1933. men of that institution will grow up even in this dark continent of J. E. Yates, chief chaplain at ours." that time, responded gratefully "Ye That Sow Beside All to the Society's offer to supply Waters" A recent study sponsored by the General Education Board Scriptures for camp libraries The Bible Institute Colportage shows that of the Color.ed minisand for men who wanted them. Association of Chicago, founded ters who have the bachelor's de- It was arranged that a stock of by D. L. Moody, celebrated its gree, one-third of them were Bibles and Testaments be main- 40th anniversary last year. The trained at Lincoln University; tained by the Society at Wash- circulation of destructive litera- and of the 150 leading men of ington, under the charge of the ture by religious cults and athe- the race, more were graduated Chief of Chaplains, who ar- istic associations has called for a from Lincoln University. than
from any other single institu- In the City of Mexico a young man C h u r chis now much tion. The University stands lawyer, friend of the Minister of stronger than ten years ago. foursquare for the Gospel. Education, spends fifteen min- utes every morning studying The Protestant Episcopal -The Presbyterian. Moody's "The Way to God" and Church in Cuba has become dis- the New Testament. There have tinctly Cuban, an end toward New Japanese Mission been ingatherings among the In- which Bishop Hulse has worked. dians also. In Yucatan, where Three-fourths of the 3,411 com- Portland, Oregon, has a new the Church is mainly Maya In- municants are Cuban. Sermons Japanese Mission under the care dian, twenty-nine new groups for the most part are in Spanish. of Rev. K. W. Nakajo, Protestant have been formed, and the total The number of Cuban ministers Episcopal minister ordained in membership is now four thou- has increased almost twofold. July, 1935. He has been work- sand. There are nearly 3,700 Sunday ing among Japanese in Utah. school pupils. What One Christian Twenty-five or thirty adults Accomplished -The Living Church. are connected with the new mission, and as many children. Bartolo is in the coffee-grow- Clergy Banned from Ecuador ing section of the Lares Moun- Mission Force Reduced tains in Puerto Rico. Years ago Within six months from Oc- the Gospel was preached there, tober 16, all foreign clergymen The United Church of Canada but because of economies and re- must cease their activities in has been obliged to make drastic ductions in budgets, work was Ecuador, in accordance with a readjustments on the mission discontinued. The place became decree promulgated by President field, because of progressive noted for lawlessness and hor- Federico Paez. The decree folshrinkage in income at home. rible crimes. lowed one which nationalized The board decided to recall from church property. Churches and the fields about 60 persons rep- A Christian moved into a other buildings, designed for resenting missionary homes. In large farmhouse near the com~ public worship and built by pubsome cases this may imperil the munity and began to hold meet- lic subscription on privately future resumption of the work ings in his home, since there was owned lands, become State propshould the civil authorities, ac- no church. To his surprise erty, according to the terms of cording to their laws, take over crowds began to attend, until he the presidential decree. The the mission property for use by had to send an appeal to a Sup- buildings will not be subject to the nation. As soon as news of day school missionary. taxes and cannot be mortgaged this decision began to reach the or sold. -The Living Church. congregations, a marked in- "Come quickly with your crease in the daily receipts at the tent," he wrote. Mter the mis- Among Nicaraguan Indians foreign missionary offices was sionary had spent 15 days in noted. evangelistic services, the 103 The Moravian Church main- who confessed Christ wanted a tains a mission to Indians in Nic- LATIN AMERICA chapel. A prominent man gave aragua. One feature of the work the site; and today the Bartolo is an annual school for evan- More About Mexico people are sacrificing ollt of their gelists, usually held at Bilwask- poverty to build a place of wor- arma. Each "catechist" has According to Rev. Bancroft ship. charge of the work in a village Reifsnyder, there are more op- or a group of villages, under the portunities than ever for mis- Protestants in Cuba superintendence of an ordained sionary work in M e x i c o. minister. In villages where Churches and ministers all over The bishop of Cuba, Rt. Rev. there is no officially appointed the country are making plans Hiram R. Hulse, affirms that catechist are helpers who voland carrying them out. When Protestant missionary work has untarily keep up regular Sunday the Government a few months had a noticeable effect on the services, although they do not ago, in cutting a new boulevard Roman Catholic Church. Cath- give instruction to candidates in Mexico City, was obliged to olic bishops, suddenly realizing for baptism, nor are they retake over the Presbyterian what co u 1d be accomplished sponsible for day-school work. Church, which has a thousand among the country people, have There are also keen young Chrismembers, it gave in return a now sent priests outside urban tian men who are ready to much better building formerly boundaries. This is especially preach occasionally and assist in occupied by a group of schis- true in the Province of Cama- any other church work which matic Roman Catholics in a bet- giiey, where Spanish padres-have they find to do. It is for all these ter location. The high altar was followed close upon the heels of that the school is held. In 1935, not removed but the images were their Protestant cousins. Often fifty-four men and two women taken out of their niches, and Bishop Hulse receives inquiries were in attendance. At least John 3: 16 placed by the church from officials in the Roman Cath- six languages were heard on the members where the Guadalupe olic Church asking just how he premises. Subjects taught were Virgin had stood for many does it. Partly for this reason, Old Testament History, New years. Bishop Hulse concludes, the Ro-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK &6
Testament Exegesis, Christian ned as one feature of a scheme Gladstone was based upon what Doctrine, Moravian Church His- to evangelize that city. This is he called "the impregnable rock tory, Elementary Homiletics, but a preliminary to a world- of Holy Scripture." Lord Salis- Day-School Methods and Sing- wide evangelistic campaign, and bury was a devout churchman, ing. There were also Medical next March the effort will be ex- and so was Asquith, the Congre- tended to provincial centers and gationalist; Balfour, MacDon- Lectures. The contrast between the afterward overseas. Dr. Thomas ald and Bonar Law, the Presbypresent and 30 years ago is Cochrane, the president of the terians; Lloyd George, the Bap- striking. Then there was only movement, said that the coun- tist and Stanley Baldwin, the one Indian young man who was tries which had sent mission- Anglican of Methodist ancestry, even trying to lead a decent aries abroad were now them- who, in outspoken fashion, con- moral life : today there are many selves in danger of becoming fesses that without the Bible, he young men who are keen, pagan, and it was therefore ur- would be hard pressed by the straight-living Christians, and gently necessary to seek a re- weight of his responsibilities.
thoughtful Bible students. To- vival at home. John Bright, the B r i tis h day there are Christian Indians -The Living Church. Quaker statesman, lifted the ora- who even on business journeys tory of the House of Commons will not let Sunday pass without Oxford Group at Geneva and of the political platform into trying to gather people together the realm of prophecy by his defor a simple service. Some of the strongest repre- votion to the Bible. King George sentatives of the Oxford Group -Moravian Missions. promised his mother, Queen assembled at Geneva when the Alexandra, that he would read Evangelical Trend League of Nations was in ses- the Bible every day, and he Rev. C. Darley Fulton, South- sion, and so managed it that Dr. states that he has kept the ern Presbyterian worker, writes Benes, President of the As- promise.
from Brazil: "I am amazed at sembly, invited his associates to the extent and momentum of the Evangelical Movement in North a luncheon to meet the Groupers Waldensians in the Crisis Brazil. I am confident that the and hear their message. Some committee has little idea of the 400 persons, including represen- Young men of the Waldensian fine work that has been done and tatives of forty-four nations, ac- Church, the oldest Protestant the results that have been at- cepted the invitation. Ethiopians communion in the world, have tained. I had imagined that one and Italians were present. They been drafted to service in Africa. might possibly find as many as heard representatives of this The battalion of Alpine, first to a dozen congregations scattered Christian fellowship make a plea embark, was commanded by a through this vast territory. In- for the settlement of interna- Waldensian, son of a well-known stead I found that there are lit- tional disputes by the method of professor of history. Waldensian erally scores of them, that the Christ, by reason and under- chaplains have not been apchurches and chapels are crowd- standing, absolute honesty, sin- pointed for Africa, but the spired everywhere, the people eager cerity, purity. They did not stop itual needs may be cared for by and enthusiastic and the pros- Mussolini, but they did make a two Waldensian pastors working pects bright for a great develop- great impression on those who with the Swedish Mission in ment of the Church in this area. were present, some of whom had Eritrea. Opportunities are taken never realized the vitality of for the distribution of the New "It is freely recognized that Christian religion when em- Testament and Gospels. the evangelical cause is enjoying bodied in living men and women. a season of great favor in this One man who was present said: The situation in Italy is one of area just now. The stronger "The Oxford Group has given me exceptional gravity for Waldenchurches seem to be conscious of a new faith in the body of Christ, sians; almost every activity is their responsibility for sur- where miracles happen. The faced with the danger of being rounding communities. Prac- Group has given us a new vision closed, and the League's sanctically every organized congre- of the Church as. a living body, tions may eventually make it gation had a number of mission with Christ as the soul – a difficult, even impossible, for points through which it was Church marching, fighting, vic- Protestants outside Italy to send preaching the Gospel." torious." financial help to the Waldensian Church, although no embargo at -Christian Observer. -The Christian Advocate. present is placed upon gifts for religious and humanitarian pur- EUROPE Public Men and the Bible poses. After the present trou- bles are ended, the clerical party World-Wide Campaign for The Watchman – Examiner may come into power, with grave London urges the habit of daily Bible results to the Waldensians.
reading by calling attention to -The Christian.
With the whole-hearted coop- the fact that the Prime Minis- Warning to Nazi Neo-Pagans eration of several hun d red ters of Great Britain, one after churches, fifty campaigns in and the other, have been men of the The Nordic pagan symbol, a around London have been plan- Bible. The entire thinking of silver swastika in the form ofa
sunwheel on a robin's-egg-blue ism is probably only a bargain- were recorded during Mayas field has been subjected to offi- ing point in his controversy with against 4,381 marriages. This cial Nazi "desecration." Alfred the established churches. What revision is directed toward tight- Rosenberg and other recognized really is at stake is the moral ening responsibility of parents neopagans of the Nazi Retch, leadership of the 6,000,000 boys for their children. Indications united in what is known as the and girls in the German Youth multiply that Soviet Russia is Wagnerian Guards, have been Movement. . . . Hitler insists in recognizing the value of the told to cease their propaganda bringing them up under the home to the nation. for the neopagan cult apparently guidance of the swastika." because the propaganda is an- Signs in Germany seem to The Gospel in Siberia tagonizing other nations. Hitler point to a restoration of the priv- Although Soviet Russia tries was said also to have imposed ileges of religion within the to keep her frontier from pene- bans on Teutonic cult-festivals State. The Evangelical Church tration of the Gospel, Christian and on further building of open- Committee, recently created by workers are finding it possible air amphitheaters in Germanic Hans Kerrl, has ordered legal ac- successfully to evade this pro- style where such gatherings tion against Protestant pastors hibition. Agreements have been might be conducted. in Prussia to be stopped. made with sailors on the Sun- German churchmen believe gari River whereby they are in- that Hit I e r 's announcement Russia – Whither Bound? termediaries in this connection. means tliat twilight had set in Steamers from Harbin reaching for the Wagnerian Guards and Many different opinions are that Dr. Alfred Rosenberg's phi- expressed about Russia, Dr. the Amur River visit the wharfs along the Russian coast. There losophy of a German faith with Walter Van Kirk, Secretary of they quietly leave Scripture cop- German gods will no longer be the Department of International tolerated. ies, and there are always plenty Justice and Goodwill of the Fed- of persons eager to read the Hans Kerrl, the Nazi Minister eral Council of the Churches of much prized books. One Red Christ in America, upon his reof Church Affairs, has also is- soldier wrote the radio station, sued the following statement: turn from a recent tour of in- expressing gratitude for the ser- "Reich-Chancellor Hitler, acting vestigation, reports: mon broadcasts and saying there were many religious people in at the wish of Dr. Hjalmar "I have the distinct impres- Schacht (P res ide n t of the ·sion that before very long that the Soviet army, and that often Reichsbank and Economics Min- country will be, in the main, a they have long conversations ·godless and churchless land. upon the question of salvation. ister), has had country and dis- Churches are neglected. They As it is impossible to find a Bible trict leaders advised that 'Hitler have been stripped of their in the place where they are stawill lead the Party along the crosses. Their general appear- tioned, they were very happy path of positive Christianity and not along the false path of anti- · ance is one of desolation. Train- when some frontier sentinels ing for the ministry is strictly discovered a few small-sized Christian doctrine.' " forbidden." The offering at one Holy Scriptures when by chance The Washington Post says: church, visited by Dr. Van Kirk, they visited one of the frontier "Doctor Schacht must have been "consisted of five pieces of black villages. At first the Gospels largely motivated by a concern bread, four green apples and an for the strangling economy of his were thrown under a bench, but country. The connection between egg. Russia is in the business afterwards the soldiers began to of getting rid of religion as well take them out one by one and as Reich Treasury statements and as ecclesiasticism." – read them. They were amazed Reich Druid dances is not so re- by the logical force of the Bible, mote might at first appear. – Watchman-Examiner.
"Dances and all the other rites Divorce Law in Russia and the soldier mentioned above of the Wagnerian Guards, as the says that until he secured a copy neopagans were officially known, The Soviet Government is he had read nothing but atheistic have come .to represent in the changing its laws governing di- literature. AFRICA mind of the world the psycho- vorce, which have been so shnple pathic hysteria which dominates that a man or woman could go to Ethiopia's Black Jews the divorce bureau, signify that Germany today.
"Consciously 0 r otherwise, he or she wanted a divorce, pay a Among the 5,000,000 inhabit- there has developed a disinclina- trifling sum, and leave entirely ants of Emperor Haile Selastion on the part of civilized peo- free from a former life partner. sie's land are 50,000 who call ple everywhere to enter upon Frequently the divorced party themselves "House of Israel."
dealings with a people seriously was completely ignorant of the They claim to be descendants of interested in the worship of step taken. The new law gives Abraham; worship in syna- Wotan." eith!'lr party the right to obtain gogues, keep the Sabbath and ob- Nazi· neopaganism has made a divorce, but registration of the serve a ritual distinctly Jewish. little real progr~ss, ,says the Bos- divorce.can be effective only with The rest of the population call t o n f f e. ~r a" l "d,',-..w ·the}rnpwledge of both: parties…. them Falashes. ' It is generally hfch a d d ed : ' , , "" , " "Hitler's disavowal· of pagan- In Moscow alone 2,040 divorces conceded they are Negroes.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
These are not the only Jews The United Presbyterian Mis- ditions changed more definite whose racial origin must be ques- sion has been very successful organization became necessary. tioned. There are Chinese Jews among the Copts and the Evanand the "Bene Israel" of India; gelical Church has 50,000 mem- -C. M. S. Outlook.
on the Malabar Coast is a group bers, largely recruited from the Faith That Gets Things Done of Black Jews who unmistakably Coptic community. belong to the Negro race. Scat- Malingi and her husband were tered along the Loango Coast of -Blessed Be Egypt. old, and the big tree that stood North Africa is a tribe of Ne- stubbornly in the middle of the groes, called by their neighbors Dugald Campbell Crosses bit of land they wanted for their J udeos, who follow many Jewish Sahara garden was too much for their customs. In New York and old African strength. "I give other American cities there are The National Bible Society of up," said the husband, and went synagogues of Black Jews. Scotland has published letters back to the house leaving the from Mr. Dugald Campbell, the gardening, which is woman's Though Jews of today claim Society's agent who recently work, to his wife. to be nonproselyting, there have crossed the Sahara. He has piobeen periods in the past when neered his way through hitherto Malingi looked at the tree, and Judaism was aggressively mis- absolutely untouched peoples, go- looked at the big stretch of sionary. Christ referred to this ing from oasis to oasis, and in ground which she might use if when He declared of the zealots his six months' journey he had it weren't there. "Didn't our of His day: "Ye compass sea circulated many thousands of Lord say if we had faith we and land to make one proselyte." Scriptures, and had established could move mountains ?" she said contacts with desert dwellers of to herself. "I'm going to move -Our Jewish Neighbors. Berber, Arab and Tuareg races. that tree!"
The Copts Today He had at last arrived at Taman- Back to the house she went rasset, 4,700 feet above the sea, and brought coals from the The Italo-Ethiopian conflict where the temperature was cool. hearth fire. She laid them at prompts a word about the Copts The king of the Tuaregs had wel- the base of the tree, chopping of today. Those in Egypt and comed him cordially. He had al- out a little hole with her cutlass in Ethiopia are closely related, most died of heat and thirst in so that the fire would get a start. and in spite of age-old enmity of the desert. The temperature It was a big tree, and it didn't Mohammedans, one sees the was 1200 in the shade, and all burn all at once, but little by strange spectacle of Moham- the water he discovered was salt. little as she worked at it it medans and Copts openly united yielded. Now it lies on the in their desire to aid the Chris- -The Christian. ground, like all the others that tian nation of Ethiopia. Such Two Jubilees Malingi has brought down' to an unusual gesture may be sus- make her garden. "The Lord pected of having a political mo- The C. M. S. will celebrate two gave me my garden, because I tive. jubilees in 1936 -the diamond took His promises as he gave The Copts at present number jubilee of the Uganda Mission them to me," Malingi says. -Presbyterian Pastors' nearly one million, one-fifteenth and the golden jubilee of the . News.
of the total Moslem and Chris- Gleaners' Union, which in 1891 tian population of Egypt, and are became the Missionary Service an important minority. They League. Its chief aim has been WESTERN ASIA cherish a bitter hatred toward not to collect money, but to stir New Social Ideals other Christians, outdoing Mos- Christian people with a new vilems in this respect. Their fa- sion of the work overseas as "a A social experiment is being naticism has led them to offer great and holy cause demanding tried at Kayseri, Turkey, by open opposition in many places and deserving a front place in common accord the dirtiest town to the work of Protestant mis- the Church's thought." From the in Anatolia, despite the prover- sions and churches, but over beginning the emphasis of the 'bial shrewdness of its 40,000 in- against this are some encour- Gleaners' Union was on fellow- habitants. A state-owned settle- aging facts. Many Coptic priests ship rather than organization; ment has been created on factory are open-minded and enlightened in fact its simple form was de- grounds where workmen will be and the rank and file are reading vised by Dr. Stock to meet the given opportunity to practice all Christian literature. In the objection expressed by clergy sorts of sports and games, each Coptic church there are several and lay workers: "We really are under the guidance of some reform movements, especially overdone with organization, es- amateur official, engineer or among the younger men, and pecially C. M. S. organization." foreman. The canteen is on a co- what is more hopeful still is the The object of the Union was operative basis. Extensive build- fact that Coptic church.societies simply to unite in a fellowship of ings for personal housing are in certain place& have begun to personal service the rank and file now being erected and will con- invite missionaries to speak to of . missionary-hearted people. tain up-to-date accommodations.
them. But as the Union grew and con- A cinema, it is e~pected, will be
added. The workers will be in- the calm way in which the wom- as their bodies. To the regular troduced to a standard of living en present took it all, praising af,ternoon service on Sunday we hitherto unknown. But the fac- God for His goodness, for the have added an evening service of tory, not the individual, is the meeting, for His Word, and a free and easy type, with a wall social unit. praying for strength to meet picture to serve as an illustration these calamities bravely and to of the little talk. Each weekday -The Christian Century. be a witness to their neighbors. begins with a prayer service One poor woman whose son is a with the hospital staff, though Palestine Citizenship cripple and husband a lame ped- others are invited. This year we dler, when asked what she would have been delighted beyond A campaign is planned by do when she lost her house, an- words to see three of the staff Zionist leaders to persuade per- swered, "I don't know at all. We become Christians." manent Jewish residents of for- are just trusting God." eign nationalities to adopt Pales- -Neglected Arabia. tine citizenship. Of Palestine's -Missionary Herald. 350,000 Jewish residents, only Ion Keith Falconer Mission 130,000 are Palestine citizens. Progress in Arabia Disease and other obstacles Syrian Orphanage Dr. Paul Harrison writes that have made it difficult to estab- the new hospital at Matrah, lish a missionary footing in On November 11, it was sev- Arabia, is a joy, and that the South Arabia. Fifty years ago enty-five years since the Syrian people show genuine cordiality. Ion Keith Falconer went there Orphanage began its blessed "It has been a particular pleas- as a missionary of the Free work in Jerusalem. At present ure," writes Dr. Harrison, "to Church of Scotland, and two there are 53 European and 37 gain the appreciation and warm years later this scholar missionnative workers who carryon in friendship of the ruling sultan ary died a victim of malignant 4 stations. The mission prepares and to see the hostility of the in- malaria. His work was not in the children under its care for land sheikhs diminish, so that vain-a mission was founded in the most varied pursuits and at opportunities for touring are Sheikh Othman. In spite of disthe same time constitutes a opening in several directions. couragements this mission has strong moral backing for the Our plans for touring miscar- definitely developed. Fifty years Evangelical native Christians. ried, so that the total volume of ago the work was carried on in a The chief settlement in J eru- work is less than last year, hut fifteen feet by twelve which salem is now compelled to move though the numbers treated in served as consulting room and since the part of the city in Matrah are larger. Five thou- dispensary, and accommodated which it stands is being occupied sand patients made 18,000 visits three in-patients. Today there more and more completely by ,to the dispensary. Major opera- are two hospitals – a general Jews. The city administration tions were just over fifty. The hospital with about fifty beds, proposes to convert it into an in- summer was a very trying one and a leper hospital with about dependent Jewish suburb with and the resistance of the people thirty. There are two schools a Jewish city council and mayor. was evidently greatly reduced. for boys, a junior and senior, There have been several cases of and some educational work for The Syrian Orphanage is to tuberculosis applying for treat- girls. There is the nucleus of an move from the northwestern ment. When possible we send orphanage. In 1893 the Keith part of the city to the southern. such cases to India where X-ray Falconer Memorial Church was For the same reason the two is available, and, with it, more built; it has undertaken chap- Kaiserswerth institutions, the constant supervision and better laincy service among troops in girls' orphanage, Talitha Kumi, nursing. For nine out of ten Aden. and the German hospital, have such patients a trip to India is also decided to plant new settle- impossible, and we hope for the Converts to Christianity have ments in the southern part of the time when a small X-ray plant been so few that there are no city. will make us more competent to native Christians available as as- handle them. Practically all our sistants, but the doors into this Armenian Refugees Evicted general surgery is done under closed land are being very slowly spinal anesthesia and the results opened. About ten thousand people have been very satisfactory, so were put out of their homes dur- satisfactory indeed that we feel -E. M. M. S. Quarterly. ing the summer in the Armenian that some of the solutions now Settlement near Aleppo, Syria, in use in Muscat may be worth INDIA AND SIAM the government tearing down publishing. Women and chiltheir shacks or small houses of dren have been coming this year A Difficult Problem sun-dried brick because the own- in much larger numbers, due to ers of the land demanded their the fact that Mrs. Harrison is The so-called Chamar moveproperty. Mrs. John E. Merrill, there to mix their medicines ment is presenting a difficult American Board missionary at with sympathy and interest, and problem. The Chamars are Aleppo, led the last meeting in be a nurse to their souls as well workers in leather. Within the the Bethel Church, also to be past few years they have become torn down, and was amazed at greatly interested in Christian- ity and have eagerly welcomed
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Christian evangelists. No", they Shine on, Lone Star I Thy radiance ready for dedication in less than are seeking baptism in large bright a month. Bricks can be dug and numbers. The que s t ion is dried for nothing; palmyra trees whether to baptize them, and Shall spread o'er all the eastern sky. supply light, strong roof timber then not be able to teach them and a leaf thatch will keep out adequately, so that they may be- This time the poet prevailed. sun and rain for two years. The come communicant church mem- floor is clean sand. This little bers. Last year a large gather- Again in 1862 there was a de- church is only a mile from aning of mission workers and mand that the Mission be aban- other congregation, whose leader Chamars met to discuss the sub- doned, but again ,the decision will go every Sunday and hold a ject. Many groups are eager to was overruled, reenforcements service. -C. M. S. Outlook. have their own church building. were sent, and today there are Workers are adding to their ter- over 110,000 members of Bap- To End Animal Sacrifice ritories, already too large, to get tist churches in that area; in semi-frequent visits to these twenty-eight stations and over A Hindu pundit, Ramchander, people. 300 organized churches. has fasted for more than a month outside the temple at Indian Poverty -Watchman-Examiner. Kalighat, near Calcutta, as a protest against animal sacrifices According to a statistician of Devil Devotees Buy Gospels at the temple. Frantic attempts Gujerat College in Armadabad, are being made by priests of this the latest estimate of the aver- Mallianoor is not a very im- temple to counteract the inage annual income for each per- portant spot in Madras Presi- fluence which the hunger strike son in India is Rs. 58, which dency, except for its annual fes- is exerting among Hindus. Raamounts to 6 cents a day. This tival in honor of a goddess be- bindranath Tagore has appealed is believed to be the lowest lieved to be the head of all devils. to his countrymen in Bengal not among civilized nations. People Most of the devotees are young to turn a deaf ear to the meswho borrow money from Pa- women who begin, as soon as sage of this pundit. thians and other money lenders they arrive, to dance, jump, sometimes pay 150 per cent in- scream and run in fearful fash- -The Living Church. terest per annum. One case is ion, to eat the ashes of burnt cited where a sweeper had bor- corpses, and some hang the en- Christmas At Moulmein rowed Rs. 100 from a Pathian, trails of animals about their and in twelve months had paid necks. Without the Camp for October Rs. 150 as interest, yet not a pie sketches the 1934 Christmas at of the principal. To the festival this year came Moulmein L e per Hom e in six missionaries, to share with Burma. The patients began -Duyanodaya. the deluded throng their knowl- three months in advance to pre- edge of Christ. With a large pare for it by practicing scenes In Telugu Field supply of tracts and Gospels they from "Alice in Wonderland" and stood in different centers and "Little Red Riding Hood." The Those familiar with the more told gospel stories appropriate to men manufactured instruments recent history of the Telugu the occasion. They even entered for their Burmese band, even to mass movement know that there the temple with their message. a violin with a horn. Early in were three proposals to abandon In less than two hours they were November they gave a public this mission because all effort sold out of Gospel portions. concert. An offering was taken seemed fruitless. The first was and about $19 realized. This when Mr. Day, founder of the -Bible Society Record. went to the lepers' own Christmission, after the first ten years mas tree and for needed things of service, reported that there A Church for $4.00 for the colony later in the year. were few converts. "We must Gifts came from far and near; close the Mission," said his Far away from any road at mufflers from England, a good Board. "N0, we must send re- Mangulam in Tinnevelly, stands gift from America and another enforcements," said Mr. Day, a 15 shilling (less than $4.00) from India. Tea, coffee, sugar, and his advice prevailed. church. Eighteen feet by nine, milk, shirts. Game boards given it can seat 30 people, but it fills to the wards caused great joy. Again in 1853 the question the present need for there are The boys asked for baseballs and came up again. A poet was only six baptized Christians and bats. The soft indoor balls will present, and so profoundly was 20 inquirers in the village. The be very good for hands that he stirred by the proposals to usual service is a few simple bruise easily. For the whole abandon the Telugu Mission that prayers, and a Scripture lesson home, a hot water heater has he had a vision in his room that read by the only one of the been made and the Hindus of night and dared to become a group who knows one letter from our community are to be responprophet. The next morning the another. One family in the vil- sible for two or three good milk poem was read and it is stated lage has been Christian for many cows. This last gift caused that the whole assembly wept years, and new inquirers have much joy. At the lepers' own when they heard the words: come in as the result of a visit from a preaching band. It was the energetic leader of the band who decided .that they must have a church at once, and it was
gift giving the children gave a streets and preach to the mer- Chinese Peace Prayer pageant of the "Infant Jesus." chants in their little booths. Conference After the pageant, homemade Some say, 'Yes, we have read the Followers of Confucius in gifts, userul and humorous, were little Gospels, the Jesus doctrine China are proposing a World exchanged. A chance visitor seems good, and we will likely Peace Prayer Conference to profrom America was carried away all believe some day.' Others mote "Confucian cosmopolitanwith the genuine joy and good mock and say, 'We have read the ism." The promoters recognize cheer. Jesus Gospels and we read that the menace of the present com- when Jesus was on earth he petition in military training and A Hindu patient came to those worked miracles. Now you show equipment. They have therefore in charge of the pageant and us a miracle and we will believe,' invited their "Great Teacher," said, "I am not a Christian but and when they say that, Pastor, Tvan Szetsun, to give a series of I want a part in celebrating the I am troubled and I don't know lectures on "Confucian Cosmobirth of Jesus." He brought how to answer them." politanism" and to pray for with him little pots filled with world peace. Many high officials incense sticks, and so for the 1 thought a moment and re- of the Chinese military and civil pageant there was incense-not plied, "Well, Mr. Chang, these government – national and local only from the sticks, but the love men know what kind of man you -have endorsed the movement. of a simple heart. were before you became a Chris- The honorary secretary is Sung tian, don't they?" He said, "Oh, Hsien-zong, 862 Boone Road, The Boon Itts yes, they know that I drank and Shanghai. gambled and led an impure life." Pitsanuloke Station, Siam, was So I said, "And they know what Communists Leave a Trail served by Rev. Boon Itt, a man kind of man you have been since of determination and spiritual- you became a Christian?" "Oh, ity, grandson of one of the first yes," he said, "they know I am a Like a horde of wild beasts, Siamese Christians and a grad- very different man now." So I the large army of Soviet commuuate of Williams College and of said, "Well, Mr. Chang, the next nists who were driven out of the Auburn Seminary in the United time one of these men asks you southeastern provinces of China States. His son, Boon Itt, II, to show him a miracle, you say, have moved across country to was educated in Bangkok Chris- 'Look at me. I am a miracle of the far west border and then tian College and at Silliman Uni- Jesus Christ.''' His face lit up. turned north, leaving a trail of versity in the Philippines. On "Why," he said, "I hadn't death and destruction. Missionhis return he took up medical thought of that. But it's true. aries had to evacuate their staservice in a government hospital. I'll tell them that. I am a mir- tions in Kweichow, Yunnan, Later, two years were spent in acle of Jesus Christ." scholarship study in America. western Szechwan and western Kansu. The workers of one He was in line for notable ad- Concentrate on Christianity C. I. M. station crawled on hands vancement. Then God spoke to him and he heeded the call to The American Board reports and knees up on the city wall, Pitsanuloke to take charge of that the heads of several villages medical work under the Church in the Paotingfu area invited then dropped over and crawled of Christ in Siam. So Dr. Boon Dr. Samuel H. Leger, Secretary out of sight. Unspeakable atroc- Itt takes up the work his father of Religious ';Education for the ities were committed. From one laid down. Tiny Boon Itt, III, Church of Christ in China, and community it was reported that completes the family group. a missionary: to speak to them the Reds rounded up all the on the different religious and young men they could catch and -The Christian Century. moral teachings. Before he be- asked them how many would like gan, however, one of the village to join the "movement." Out of CHINA gentry remarked, "We really fear a number signified their willingness to join up. Then A Modern Miracle know a good deal about Bud- these "volunteers" were com- dhism and the moral teachings manded to slay their neighbors The U'(I,ited Church Record of of Confucius. What we do not who preferred' to remain at Toronto gives an example of a know enough about is Christian- home. modern miracle, and its use as ity. I think we had better ask an answer to argument. The in- Dr. Leger to spend his time on Missionaries in Kweichow, cident is told by a missionary of Christianity." He did! – And Yunnan and parts of Szechwan the United Church of Canada. every day the gentry and head- are now back in their stations seeking to comfort the hearts of One day in Hamheung, Elder men came to hear him. When it their little flocks who suffered so Chang was calling on me, and he was all over these villagers in- terribly, and gather up the broken pieces for a fresh start. said, "Pastor, there is something vited a Christian teacher to their The latest word reports these that troubles me." I said, "What school, and hired Miss Chang hordes as converging toward the is that, Elder Chang?" He said, from the Paotingfu Bible School southern part of Kansu. Per- "In my spare time I go down the to work among them. sons familiar with that section
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
are wondering what will happen not only to bring ,these men to members," 60, 70, even 90 years when they attempt to pass Christ, but to help them to be de- of age. They may be seen every through the territory inhabited livered from besetting tempta- afternoon at two o'clock, aslargely by Mohammedans, who tion. The nation's leaders are sembling at their own tile roofed· are not of the sort to tolerate an sorely perplexed with problems building near the West Gate invasion by communists or any of character building, relations Presbyterian Church. The only one else. between parents and children object of their Association is to and the like; and those who are pray, and they call their build- -Moody Institute Monthly. seriously concerned about the ing the "Old People's House of moral and ethical tendencies in Prayer." Moslem Union in Manchukuo Japan are anxious to find out the best and most effective way for Some months ago Mr. Chang The Moslem World announces the guidance of the younger gen- Shup, 81-year-old chairman of a Moslem Union in Manchuria, eration. They are kindly dis- the Association, said to Prof. M. composed of nearly 600 Moslems, posed toward Christianity. W. Oh: "We cannot forget Mr. including I n d ian s, Tartars, R. J. Thomas, his preaching and Turks and Japanese. The aim is -The Living Church. his martyrdom, and want to do to preach the Koran in the Far something in his memory. We East. The headquarters of the Kagawa's New Novel prayed for a long time about this. Union is in Tokyo. Moslem Eventually God told us to build a mosques and schools are being The first instalment of Kag- preaching boat to be called "Margradually set up in Tokyo, Kobe awa's long anticipated novel, tyr Thomas" to preach the Gosand other cities in Japan, for "Christ," has appeared in Kaizo, pel to boatmen on the Taidong which land has been given free a secular magazine of liberal and River. We never heard of anyby the Government, who is also intellectual inclination. The one trying to preach to them. providing teachers and paying story starts with the coming of Weare old and weak physically, their salaries. It is estimated John's disciples for the Bap- but we cannot sit still. We dethat there are 17,000 members tist's body, and plunges quickly cided to raise money for the of this Union in the Far East. into the incidents of Jesus' early boat. It will seat about 50, and ministry, as seen through orien- cost 600 yen. I am sure God JAPAN tal eyes. will bless this small work of His 'old children' in Pyengyang." Anglican Opportunities They Wanted a Christian Funeral -Korea Mission Field. The Anglican Church in Japan has 11 bishops, 400 clergy and A young Japanese pastor was ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC lay workers, and about 20,000 called to an isolated village communicants. This is the out- where lived a lone Christian Silliman University Attacked growth of 70 years' effort on the mother. Her baby had died and part of churches in England, the she wanted a Christian funeral. Silliman University is under United States and Canada. The As the pastor entered the door heavy fire from Catholic forces Japanese Church has not yet the grandmother said, "I want a in the Philippines. The opening reached complete autonomy. Buddhist funeral. That's what gun was fired in these words: we are used to here." Kneeling, The Brotherhood of St. An- the mother pleaded, "Please stay. After noting the activities of Protdrew has recently been revived I want a Christian funeral for estant schools, and their methods of in Japan, and finds abundant op- my baby." "Of course I'll stay," destroying the faith of young men and portunity for putting its motto, responded the minister. After women, we remind the parents that "Prayer and Service," into effect. it was all over the grandmother they are under obligation not to send Some forty years ago when suddenly said. "I want you to their children to the aforementioned young men were graduating come and give me a Christian schools, with this warning that they from Christian Mission Schools, funeral." "Bless your heart, are amenable to punishment as folgovernment offices and chief Grandma," laughed the young lows: "Parents and guardians, who, business and banking houses minister, "you have many happy by their own free will, send their chilwere closed to them. They had years of life ahead of you." dren to the schools where non-Catholic to trust only in their own sheer "Well, then," she insisted, "come religion is taught, are amenable to exability. In these days, however, and teach me to live a Christian communication, which right is redanger lies in just the other way. life." He promised to visit her served in the hands of the Bishop They are employed by some busi- once a month. This body also reminds the cure of ness and banking firms simply their duty to refuse the sacraments to by virtue of their being Chris- -Overseas News. those parents and guardians who do tians. However, when they are not endeavor to avoid the danger of brought in contact with non- Preaching Boat in Korea losing the faith of their children and Christian men who work in the wards." same office, temptation gathers Pyengyang has an "Old Men's its tremendous force. The duty Association," formed six years This was added as a sort of of the Brotherhood workers is ago. There are now over 100 postscript : And perhaps the parents will ask this question, "To what schools the Catholic children should not go?"
(A) "Silliman Institute." .
The University· waited . to Bible into Tahitian was cele- ago. Colonial authorities never watch the effect on attendance. brated in December in all Prot- allowed a mission to start work When classes opened the enrol- estant churches in the South there, but now there are a num- ment was 150 more than last Seas. ber of churches consisting of year. At the 34th anniversary The end of his 22 years of Batak immigrants.
celebration in Aug u s t, 140 labor on the project was signal- Amboinese Christians are in alumni were present for the va- ized by Henry Nott, one of the somewhat similar conditions to rious activities. Never in the great South Seas missionaries, the Bataks. Their native islands history of the school has there in a letter to the London Mis- cannot hold them, and for many been such a group gathered at sionary Society late in December, years they have been spreading one time. At the banquet, the 1835, with the words: "You will all over the archipelago, being mayor of Dumaguete, the gov- be pleased to hear that on the employed as government officials, ernor of the province and the 18th of December last, at half soldiers, police, etc. Everywhere representative of the district in past 1 0'clock, I finished the they cling to their faith, and in the legislature spoke in glowing translation of the Bible into the some cases have been the means terms of Silliman, and apologeti- Tahitian language." of spreading the Gospel among cally for the rabid attacks. Nott made his translation not non-Christian tribes. The latest -Philippine Presbyterian. only from the English but also instance is in the island of Bali, from Hebrew and Greek sources. on which attention has lately One X-Ray for a Million He arrived at Tahiti in 1797 been focused. -Malaysia Message. Milwaukee Mission Hospital, aboard the Duff, first missionary Legaspi, P. 1., is rejoicing in the ship sent out by the London Mis- A New Hebrides Martyr sionary Society, and remained at installation of an up-to-date his post until his death in 1844. The John G. Paton Mission in X-ray unit which will do all In four years the missionary had the New Hebrides has suffered mastered the native language a severe setback at one of its kinds of radiography, fluoro- sufficiently to make his first pub- stations, opened two years ago lic address to the Tahitians in among the cannibals of North scopic examinations, and surface their own tongue. Nott's body is Malekula. For more than forty and intermediate therapy treat- buried near the royal tombs in years missionaries have sought ments. Since it is the only X-ray the district of Arue. to gain entrance there, but the power of the ancestral chiefs between Legaspi and Manila it Missionary Aeroplane was so great that not until two years ago were they able to settle must serve over a million people. The Neuendettelsau Mission Apon, a native teacher, in one of in Dutch New Guinea uses for its the villages. It was a position During a ten-day agricultural work an aeroplane, named the of great danger, requiring in- "Papua" which has been in use finite tact, but through sheer and commercial carnival and this past year. Up to June it strength of character Apon suc- had made 145 flights in 107 fly- ceeded in gaining the goodwill of fair, free fluoroscopic examina- ing hours and had carried 258 the savage tribesmen, and nine tions were offered, and 1,734 per- passengers and 16,000 kgs. of converts were won. Then trousons took advantage of the offer. freight. From now on it is to fly ble arose from the recruitment every Tuesday to one of the three of native women for plantation All were intensely interested in inland stations, Ega, Ogelbeng w 0 r k. Infuriated husbands finding out whether or not they and the American station, Kero- started a vendetta not only wagi. The main purpose of these against whites, but all who were had tuberculosis. Many came out Tuesday flights is to carry pro- friendly with whites. Apon was of the room with glad faces and visions. at once marked down as a victim. a joyful "0. K." on their lips for One day when returning home their waiting companions. Those Batak Christians after his morning's visitation he was shot down from behind by who were asked to wait for fur- Because their own country is a savage, although personally re- over populated, the younger gen- spected. ther advice did not look so eration of Batak Christians is happy, but all were grateful for spreading all over adjacent In his short period of service the help. Records show that 30 areas; even in the largest towns Apon had made a beginning of a of Sumatra and Java there are Christian village. With the. conper cent of all deaths in the Batak settlements, and every- verts he had planted hundreds of Islands are due to TB. A spe- where they found their own coconuts, had introduced new churches. There are colonies of kinds of fruit, and was looking cial effort was made during the free X-ray clinics to distribute tracts and h e a I t h pamphlets. Many were the discussions overheard as to spiritual things. Said one young woman: "My husband and I have long been seeking just what we now find in the Christian religion, but we never knew where to find it before."
-Philippine Presbyterian.
Tahitian Bible Centenary Batak Christians in the Atjeh forward to a life of usefulness in territory, whose inhabitants are the service of the Master. His The centenary of the comple- considered the most fanatical death has scattered the little tion of the translation of the Muslims of the whole archipel- flock. -The Christian.
Missionary
I Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~'I===-=—=-=-=—-=–=–=~==~—-==-~=—=~ The Netherlands Indies. By Joh. tion of this island world, a sketch and the numerous appendices, Rauws, H. Kraemer, F. J. F. Van of its history, and of the dawn Hasselt and N. A. C. Slotemaker de of missionary interest in Hol- including one on Bible transla- Bruine. World Dominion Press, land. This is followed by an il- New York City, 1935. 186 pp. 58. luminating chapter on Culture, tions for this vast area. The net. Politics, and Religion by Dr. H. Kraemer. He describes the Is- five maps are large and well At last we have an adequate lamic and Animistic background and accurate account in English in which Christianity has had its printed. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER. of that part of the great mission- conquests. Today nearly one and ary enterprise hitherto shrouded a half million natives belong to Rivalries in Ethiopia. By Elizabeth in the mists of reports, manuals the Protestant Church. The P. MacCallum. Introduction by and monographs in the Dutch number of Pagans is rapidly de- Newton D. Baker. 8 yo. 64 pp. and German languages. It is as- creasing and a real impact has 50 cents. World Peace Foundation. tounding that we have English been made on Islam. In no other New York. 1935. biography of Nommensen the field are there so many Moslem great pioneer of Sumatra and converts. This is a little book of facts that the extraordinary success of touching on Ethiopia and the the work among the Bataks is Weare told that in Java Italian invasion. It contains a almost a closed chapter to those "every year the number of Jav- small sketch map to show the reotherwise well-informed on mis- anese Christians by conversion lation of Ethiopia to the sursions. There are probably 41,- from Islam is increasing by rounding Italian, British and 718,000 people on the one island many hundreds. Forty thousand French interests. Miss Macof Java, nearly all Moslems, a in the midst of forty million Callum seeks to be impartial in density of population without Moslems is, however, a very her statements, showing the imparallel (817 to the square mile) small number. Yet Java as a portance of this "bone of conand that among them Christian mission field is an exception tention" and the history of missions count 67,346 converts. among the Moslem countries of treaties that affect the country's The oldest and most successful the world. In central and eastern fate. Italy covets this "Naboth's of missions in this area is that in Java wherever well planned mis- Vineyard" and has determined Sumatra where there is a self- sionary work is undertaken re- to take it by force. Ethiopia, supporting Christian church of sults are sure to follow. The rea- Britain and France object. The over 300,000 members. Thirteen son for this exceptional situation League of Nations covenants are years ago it was our privilege to in a Moslem country is that only flouted by Italy who is losing visit the Dutch East Indies and the north coast and the western prestige and seems to care nothlearn something of the marvel- part of Java are consciously and ing for the consequences to other lous work of God's Spirit among tenaciously attached to Islam. nations. primitive tribes in Sumatra and The remainder of the country is among the Moslems of Java. still in process of Islamization. The book is readable and in- The old Javanese heritage and forming on a subject of present- This is one of the best surveys the innate Javanese psychology day interest. yet published by the World Do- make the people more openminion Movement. It is a com- minded to spiritual forces of dif- Christian Youth in Action. By Frank posite picture by two mission- ferent origin than is usual in W. Herriott. 8 yo. 169 pp. $1.00, aries and two administrators. Moslem countries." cloth; 60 cents, paper. Friendship Apparently much of the material Press. New York. 1935. was translated from the Dutch A description of the work of language and is not without oc- thirty-seven Protestant societies The youth movement of today casional error due to lack of and eleven Roman Catholic or- is not quite so insistent on its knowledge of Dutch ecclesias- ganizations and orders is crowd- "divine rights" as it was ten tical terms. In ten chapters we ed into these significant chapters years ago but the youth must have first a geographical descrip- still be reckoned with. They must be helped to establish true standards and reach Christ's ideals. Dr. Herriott has had twenty years' experience with youth-in the pastorate, during the War and in Y. M. C. A. work.
Any of the books noted in these columns wil1 be sent by the R1VI1W publishers on receipt of price.
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He is now Professor of Religious The third volume takes up how also number 3,196,623 in the na- Education and Psychology in to win people to Christ, the prin- tional (Colored) Convention. Union Theological Seminary and ciples and practice of steward- Other denominations inc Iud e at the same time Educational ship and the missionary call. Colored members in their statis- Secretary of the West Side Y. M. tics and have no separate bodies. C. A., New York. Dr. Herriott The fourth volume is, what its This Year Book gives a full re- takes up America's needs – for name implies, brief outline port of ·church Boards and offi- economic betterment, for health- studies of Bible characters in cials, of Negro churches in ier race relationships, for social their historical setting. twenty-two branches, interna- justice, for release from mili- tional organizations, missionary tarism and for a more adequate Each chapter suggests a series work, publication soc i e tie s, religious life. Christian youth of "problems" for review and ex- Negro colleges, the Negro in wants action, rather than talk, to amination and many have black- business and other valuable correct present evils. board outlines. Each volume facts. contains a selected bibliography Next Dr. Herriott shows what in its subject but we are sur- Can God-? 10,000 miles of Miracle Christian young men and young prised to note the omission of in Britain. women are doing and can do to such valuable books as those by meet these needs-in local com- Lawrence, Hoslett, Schauffler, Prove Me Know. 10,000 miles of munities, in national service and J ames, Pease and other recog- Miracle to Moscow. By J. Edwin for world betterment. The sug- nized authorities. Since these Orr. Is. each. Marshall, Morgan gestions are varied and practical studies are put out by the South- & Scott. London. 1935. so that any earnest group of ern Baptist Convention there Christian young people should be can be no question as to their The first v.olume tells how Ed- able to find 'here something to fit conservative viewpoint. They win Orr traveled six times over their abilities and opportunities. are evidently based on wide read- England, Ireland and Wales, wit- Each chapter has references to ing and experience. nessing for Christ, and living by recent books and articles for faith. He tells here the story of further study. The whole study Cooperation and the World Mission. answered prayer. It is told is practical and social rather By John R. Mott. 79 pp. $1.00. simply and to the glory of God. than spiritual in its ideals but it International Missionary Council. presents effectively the call for New York. 1935. The second volume tells of a definite service for all who claim similar experience on the con- . to follow Christ in His ministry John Mott's name on the title tinent. The age of miracles is to meet human needs. page of a book is a hallmark of not past. worth. The Christian world has Creative Learning. By J. M, Price learned that he has something to The Basic Beliefs of Jesus. By and J. L. Corzine. 8 vo. 272 pp. say and that he knows how to Bishop Paul B. Kern. 12 mo. 247 say it clearly and effectively. In pp. $2.00. Cokesbury Press. Nash- Old Testament Biographies. By H. this small but important book he ville, Tenn. 1935. W. Tribble, John L. Hill and K. M. summarizes the achievements Yates. 8 vo. 229 pp. and progress of the cooperative The author, a bishop of the movement in missionary work as Methodist Episcopal Church, The Bible and the Bible School. By he has had abundant opportunity South, has given here a study of J. B. Weatherspoon and G. S. Dob- to observe it in his extensive Jesus as revealed in his beliefs bins. 8 vo. 268 pp. travels. It is an authoritative which underlie His life and and valuable compendium and work. Here are set forth His Making the World Christian. By P. heartening to all who hope and character and His conception of E. Burroughs, A. J. Brown and John· pray for unity of planning and the universe; His belief in God I. Freeman. 8 vo. 335 pp. 75 effort in world evangelization. and in ultimate good; His faith cents each. Broadman Press. Nash- in the oneness of the human race ville, Tenn. 1935. ARTHUR J. BROWN. and in universal brotherhood; His view of himself and His rela- These four volumes offer a val- Year Book of Negro Churches. Com- tion to God. These chapters uable course in religious educa- piled by Bishop Riverdy C. Ransom. form a valuable contribution to tion for teaching training classes 1935-1936. Wilberforce University. present-day theological and prac- at home or on the mission field. Wilberforce, Ohio. tical problems. Many will differ They are prepared by teachers from the author in some points~ and are well printed and bound, The first Negro Methodist was as for instance in his view of offered at a very low price. baptized by John Wesley in "election" and "decrees of God" 1758; the African Methodist -yet all earnest and intelligent The first volume takes up ele- Episcopal Church was begun in students will find here much ments in character-building – a Baltimore in 1884. Today they light to correct misunderstand- psychological background – and have a well organized church ings and good material to stim- goes on to deal with the meaning with many educated ministers ulate thought. Bishop Kern has and methods of imparting and and a membership of over 1,200,- combined his liberal Christian receiving knowledge. 000 in three bra n c h e s – the philosophy with his Biblical the- African M. E., the Zion M. E. ology. The second volume is a more and Colored M. E. The Baptists general study of the Bible and the Bible school and shows how to make the best of both.
Books ~bt 1Stng'1S rsU1Stnt1S1S
The Answer of God. Seventieth An- published by niversary of the China Inland Mis- sion. Marshall Broomhall. 93 pp. BIBLE INSTITUTE OF LOS ANGELES China Inland M,ission. London. A monthly Bible Family Magazine with something in it The American College and Univer- for every member of the family circle sity. A Human Fellowship. Charles Franklin Thwing. 244 pp. $2.25. I SSUED for twenty-five years without interruption. THE KING'S BUSI- Macmillan. New York. NESS has consistently represented the best thought of the funda- Bible Stories for Small People. mental Christian churches of the nation. In addition to its Muriel Chalmers and Mary Ent- interesting contributions by leading teachers, evangelists and pastors, wistle. Illus. 12 vol. 60 pp. each. it prints every month several valuable departments, including: An 25 cents each. Thos. Nelson & Sons. International Lesson Commentary, Notes o~ Christian Endeavor, Daily New York. Devotional Readings, Girls' Query Corner, Junior King's Business, and Church Community and State. J. H. Helps for Preachers and Teachers. Trial subscriptions (3 months) 25c; Oldham. Pamphlet. Harpers. New Annual subscriptions $1.50. The following premiums are at present York. avaiJable ,fre~ with annual subscriptions: a teacher's Bible, a copy of Jam1eson s Bible Chart, or a copy of Objects that Talk and Teach, con- Ethiopia-A Pawn in European Di- plomacy. Ernest Wrok. 354 pp. taining 52 new and interesting object lessons. The supply of each of $2.50. Macmillan. New York. these premiums is limited, so order at once.
Ethiopia in the Light of Prophecy. Address: L. Sale-Harrison. 29 pp. 20 cents. Evangelical Press. Harrisburg, Pa. mbt i{ing'5 j'Su5int55 Jeremiah. With Explanatory Notes 558 South Hope Street Los Angeles, California and Paraphrases. E. H. Broadbent. 284 pp. 4s. Pickering & Inglis. Sex and Temperament in Three Prim- Obituary Notes London. itive Societies. Margaret Mead. 335 pp. $3.00. William Morrow. (Continued from 2d cover.) The Love Life. W. Graham Scroggie. New York. 96 pp. 1s. Pickering & Inglis. Egypt at the time of Dr. Hockman's London. Tracts for the Times. 1. Why Chris- death. He was a popular and efficient tian Missions? E. H. Jeffs. 2. Un- missionary, devoting his life sacri- Ralph Norton and the Belgian Gos- dying Flame, McEwan Lawson. 3. fieally to help the Ethiopians in both pel Mission. Edith F. Norton. Are Missions Up to Date? A. V. peace and in war. 253 pp. $2.00. Revell. New York. Murray. 4. Cmsar or Christ? B. C. Plowright. 5. Seeing, We Perceive *** Religion in the Republic of Mexico. Not, D. W. Langridge. 6. What G. Baez Camargo, Kenneth G. God Is Doing About It, C. North- The Rev. Sumner R. Vinton, for- Grubb. 165 pp. 5s. World Do- cott. 7. What Right Have We to merly a Baptist missionary born of minion Press. London. Go? H. Partington. 8. Can a Man missionary parents in Rangoon, Bur- Save Himself? E. J. Price. Each ma, died at his home in Roselle, New Rockefeller Foundation. Annual Re- about 24 pp. 4d. each. Livingstone Jersey, on November 26th. Mr. Vin- port. 407 pp. Rockefeller Founda- Press. London. ton was 61 years of age and after his tion. New York. return to America helped to promote Cosmic Christianity. Leon H. Bar- missionary and welfare work through The Shadow and the Substance. Sir nett. 45 pp. $1.00. Revell. New photography. He was for some years Arthur Blackwood. 124 pp. 1s. York. in charge of the photograph publicity Pickering & Inglis. London. department of the Golden Rule Foun- The Great Battle and Our Glorious dation. His wife, Nellie Bunker Vin- The Collapse of Cotton Tenancy. Victory. M. Borduin. 23 pp. 25 ton, and a son, S. Brainerd Vinton, Chas. S. Johnson, Edwin R. Embree cents. Zondervan Pub. House. survive him. and W. W. Alexander. 81 pp. Grand Rapids, Mich. University of North Carolina Press. *** Chapel Hill, N. C. The Gist of the Lesson. R. A. Torrey. 156 pp. Revell. New York. Mrs. William G. McClure, who Four Girls and a Fortune. Esther E. went to Siam fifty years ago, died in Enock. 256 pp. 2s. Pickering & Golden Watchwords. Almanac. 40 Chiengmai, Siam, on November 29th. Inglis. London. pp. Marshall, Morgan & Scott. She and her husband, Dr. William G. London. McClure, who died in 1927, were mis- I Go a Fishing. John McMeill. 127 sionaries under the Presbyterian pp. 1s. Pickering & Inglis. Lon- How to Teach Evangelical Chris- Board of Foreign Missions. Mrs. don. tianity. Theo. Hackel, Norman E. McClure was before her marriage Miss Richardson, Klaas Jacob Stratem- Jeannie Henderson. She was born in Keswick Convention Report, 1935. meier. 122 pp. 75 cents, paper; Aughnacley County, Tyrone, Ireland, 271 pp. 2s. 6d. paper; 4s. cloth. $1.25, cloth. Zondervan Pub. House. on April 18, 1863, and came to Amer- Pickering & Inglis. London. Grand Rapids, Mich. ica at the age of four. After grad- uating from Park College she went The Prose Poetry of Su Tungo-P'o. Agnes Weston-The Sailor's Friend. to Siam as the first foreign mission- Cyril Drummond LeGros Clark. Jennie Chappell. 96 pp. 1s. Pick- ary from that college. She became a 280 pp. Kelly & Walsh. Shanghai. ering & Inglis. London. teacher in Bangkok and later went with her husband to Petchaburi where A Historical-Educational Study of What Happens After Death. William she had charge of the Boys' School and the Japan Mission of the Reformed Striker. 226 pp. $1.50. American also directed a Girls' School. Later Church in America. S. W. Ryder. Tract Society. New York. Dr. McClure became principal of the 172 pp. $2.00. Union Theological Bangkok Christian College. Seminary Book Service. New York.
Between Two Centuries: A Study of Four Baptist Mission Fields-As- sam, South India, Bengal-Orissa and South China. 246 pp. $1.00. Judson Press. Philadelphia, Pa. THE MOSLEM WORLD SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Editor SOME ARTICLES IN THE JANUARY NUMBER January, 1911-1936 ………………………………………. Murray T. Titus Islam in Ethiopia and Eritrea …………………………… Samuel M. Zwemer Evangelism in Iran ……………………………………… John Mark Irwin The Muslim Point of View ……………………………………. Orientalist A Life of Mohammed for Children …………………………… Oscar M. Buck Theology and Philosophy at Teheran University …………….. Walter A. Groves Sacrificial Giving in Iran ……………………………….. Frederick G. Coan The Kansu-Sinkiang Marches …………………………… Harold D. Hayward The Views of a Chinese Moslem …………………………….. Virginia Dacca Mohammed, Seal of the Prophets? ………………… Maulvi Abdu Rahim Nayyar and Edwin E. Calverley Current Topics – Book Reviews – Survey of Periodicals » » SUBSCRIBE NOW « 50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 d Year (postpdid) In combindtion with THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City $3.50 d Year. (Foreign Postdge, 50 Cents) British Asents: MARSHALL, MORGAN" SCOTT, 12 p.lerno.ter Buildinss, London, E. C. Price in Great Britoin, Eight Shillings 8 Yeor, net READ THE COMING ARTICLES By MISSIONARIES, NATIONAL AND TRAVELERS CHANGING ATTITUDES IN IRAN Commodore B. Fisher FROM BONDAGE TO LIBERTY IN CHILE Laura Jorquera CONTACTS WITH MOSLEMS IN ARABIA N. D. Hakken A BLACK MAN WITH A WHITE SOUL • Casa Collier THE FIRE.WALKING FESTIVAL IN INDIA MISSIONS AND MOTION PICTURES • Millicent Moody Samuel King Gam Also Look for the Special Number on Africa and Home Mission Number on Negroes in America Have you sent your subscription for 1936? Send it today and make your yearly volume complete.
Each issue contains valuable hints for "Effective Ways of Working."
THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa. $2.50 a YeaT 25 Cents a Copy
The Missionary Review of the World — December 1935
1935
When You Think of Africa Emory Ross Lighthouses in the Mountains J. W. O'Hara Triumphs in the Solomon Islands v. M. Sullivan Morocco: Change and Opportunity James Haldane Where Christ Is Not Known in China J. Howard Jeffrey The Movement of the Spirit in Mexico Norman Wilde Taylor A Challenge of Students to the Church Wilmina Rowland 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember Christmas Gift
December 7-Universal Bible Sunday. C. T. Studd, Cricketer and Pioneer December 27-30 – National Confer- The epic story of C. T. Studd, the famous ence of Theological Students. But- ler University. Indianapolis, Ind. cricketer, will appeal to all lovers of missionary December 28, 1935-January 1, 1936- biography. "C. T." was one of the best all-round Student Volunteer Convention. In- players that the game ever produced, and re~ dianapolis, Ind. nounced wealth and position to answer the call December 30-31-Conference with Dr. Kagawa on the Relation of the of God to foreign service. Courageously he faced Churches to the Cooperative M.ove- ment. Indianapolis, Ind. a life of hardship and danger with remarkable self~denial and endurance, first in China and then January 8-10-Foreign Missions Con- ference. Asbury Park, N. J. in the very heart of Africa, pioneering for God.
January 12-17-Home Missions Coun- Illustrated, $1.25. cil and Council of Women for Home Missions Annual Meetings. Wash- The Triumph of ington, D. C., Headquarters Cal- vary Baptist Church, 8th and H John and Betty Streets, N. W. The program is planned around the theme "The Stam TNt Rural Church Today and Tomor- row" and the National Conference By Mrs. Howard Taylor TRIUMPIi Of on the Rural Church will form a JOliN ANDBETTY yAM part of the program. You have read newspaper accounts of John _ _ MRS January 15-17 – National Conference and Betty Stam, who were martyred by Chinese MOWA.RD TAYLOR on the Rural Church. Washington, D. C. communists last fall. Now read this permanent July 6-12-Twelfth World's Sunday record of consecrated lives. It is particularly School Convention. Oslo, Norway. recommended for young people. Cloth, 75 cents.
Personal Items Stories ofthe Great Hymns of the Church Dr. John R. Mott celebrated his By Silas H. Paine 70th birthday on the Pacific Ocean on —–_J A monumental work in his way home from the Far East. • The present year brought not only hymnology. A beautiful gift ……. book, de luxe edition, printed on Bible paper, full gold Dr. Mott's 70th birthday, but the 50th edges, flexible red binding, with stamping in gold. 795 pages. $3.00.
anniversary of his Christian conver- "Eye" to "Aye"
sion, the 40th of the foundation of the World's Christian Student Federation with which he has so long been identi- By Paul H. Graef "EYE" fied, and the 25th anniversary of the An unique presentment in pictorial I organization o~ the Int.ernatio~al M~s TO fashion of God's great plan of salva~ ~ "AYE" sionary Councll of whIch he IS chalr- ! tion. 132 display pages, five in color. tl~ Ml"l,. H. CMEI'
man. To take part in international Two editions: Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 cents. :~~E~~:;;~?:~::~:.::~;,!r:o~l:;;:;~~~~:>;~~;~;;~!;,:~~::.:,.~:'~,:~~ i~'
conferences, Dr. Mott has crossed the Christmas Card Box Assortments '! II Atlantic Ocean about one hundred !Ii times. ••• '1 11; ..h~I~="….,- No. 50. A popular priced assort- b ;"
Dr. Charles W. Iglehart, of the ment with 15 beautiful Scripture cards – Methodist Episcopal Mission, is chairman of the Federation of Christian and folders, each with matching envelope. 50 cents per box.
. Missions in Japan this year. This or- No. 100. Our de luxe selection of 21 beautiful Christ- mas designs with 8 distinctly Birth-of-Christ pictures. All ganization has representatives from designs are new, artistic and appropriate, and have short twenty-eight mission boards. Scripture portions and suitable sentiments. Matching en- … … velopes. Retails Professor W a 1t e r Livingston at $1.00. Wright, Jr., has been appointed president of Robert College and the Amer- Scripture Text Calendar ican College for Girls at Istanbul. Dr. Wright became familiar with the For almost a quarter of a century, Messen- Near East as teacher for several years ger's Scripture Text Calendars have been at the American University of Beirut. spreading Christian light and comfort through~ From 1928-1930 he studied in Turkey out the nations. They are known everywhere on a Princeton University Fellowship. for their beauty, completeness and religious in- He is author of a history of the spiration. No home is quite complete without the Christian influence of these beautiful pic- Turkish govern.m.. en…t. … tures and carefully selected Scripture verses.
Dr. S. K. Datta, principal of For- Single copy, 30 cents; 4, $1.00; 12, $3.00, 25, man Christian College, Lahore, who is $5.75; 50, $9.00. All prices slightly higher in now visiting America, has been elected Canada. president of the National Council of the Y. M. C. A.'s in India, Burma and THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Ceylon. THIRD AND REILY STREETS HARRISBURG, PA.
(Concluded on page 561.)
MISSIONARY DR. IDA SCUDDER liTo the Orient"
REVIEW OF THE WORLD The Woman Who Saw -in Chinese One Hundred Million Women DELAVAN L. PmBsON, Editor Without Medical Aid! GOrAST TO THE ORIENT VOL. LVIII DEC., 1935 No. 12 She planned, with her colleagues, to meet the appalling need ot 10 DAYS TO YOKOHAMA .. .fastest, Publication and Business Office– Indian women, as her Master shortest Pacific crossing … by the Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. would meet it. Empress of Asia or Empress of Russia. Or via Honolulu in 3 days Editorial and Executive Office– Send for the story told in the more on the Empress of Japan 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. beautifully illustrated booklet. (the Pacific's largest, fastest liner) Entered as second-class matter at Read and pass it on to others; or, or the Empress of Canada. if you prefer, send names to LOW ALL·YEAR RO UND·TRIP Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under FARES. Outstanding First Class; Act of March 3, 1879. MRS. HENRY W. PEABODY, comfortable Tourist Class; low-cost care of Miss Hilda L. Olson, Third Class_ Still lower Summer 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. round-trip fares to the Orient. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Marmion Way, Rockport, Mass. FREQUENT SAILlNGS … from Van- Published monthly, except August. couver (trains to ship-side) and All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. (Booklet sent free on request.) Victoria to Yokohama, Kobe, British agents – Marshall, Morgan Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, Penonll Items Manila. Orient fares include pas- London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, sage to and from Seattle. California 10 shillings a year. (Concluded from second cover.) sailings connect with "Empresses" at Honolulu. MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Dr. George W. Truett, President of • Also. ,.low-cost Independent LISHING CO., INC. World Tours. the Baptist World Alliance, and Dr. BOOKLETS, information … from BOARD OF DIRECTORS YOUR OWN TRAVEL AGENT or any J. H. Rushbrooke, General Secretary, Canadian Pacific office: New York, ROBERT E. SPEER, President are visiting Baptist mission fields in Chicago, San Francisco, and 34 W'M. I. CHAMBElRLAIN, Vice-Pre8ident Asia during this winter and the com~ other cities in the United States WALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer ing spring. and Canada. DELAVAN L. PmRSON, Secretary SAMUEL MCCREA CAVE'RT Dr. and Mrs*. E*van* Morgan, who MRS. ORRIN R. JunD WM. B. LIPPHARD went to China as Baptist missionaries ERIC M. NORTH JESSE R. WILSON in 1884, like to say that between them A. L. W ARNSHUIS SAMUEL M. ZWEMER they have served over 100 years as Editorial Chat ambassadors of Christ in China. Of We wish our readers all over the their three sons, two are in India and world a very happy Christmas. May it be a day of loving service, a day of one in Canada. Dr. and Mrs. Morgan peace and Christian fellowship, in the uttermost parts of the earth, as well have now returned to England to as in the homes of America and Europe. spend their last years in their own land. ' *** THE REVIEW carries the Christmas Obituary Notes message to its readers all through the year-the message of Jesus Christ Mrs. Susan Waddell Chu, wife of the Son of God who came to reveal God and to bring eternal life to all Dr. Hsu Shih Chu, a professor at who will receive and follow Him. Central University at Nanking, China, *** To send THE REVIEW to a pastor, was found slain October 15, apparently a teacher, a missionary, or to some other Christian interested in the strangled by bandits, near Nanking. things of the Kingdom of God, will be a most useful and welcome Christmas For 12 years, Mrs. Chu had been a gift-not only on December 25th but, medical missionary in Chin~ under the like the Tree of Life in Paradise, yielding its fruit every month. Board of Foreign Missions of the *** Presbyterian Church. Susan Wad- ,What our readers think is shown in letters. A business man writes: dell, a graduate of the University of "Each time that I read THE REVIEW I regret that every member of every Pittsburgh, had been in laboratory church does not share the privilege. Its editorials and trenchant articles and research work in the Orient and by leaders of Christian thought, and its news items on the progress of our had planned for a -further career in Lord's work, make it a mine of information of unusual spiritual power." China, where she hoped to establish HORACE N. DOUGHERTY. medical stations in some outlying *** regions. *** "We greatly appreciate the fine articles appearing in THE REVIEW and Rev. William A. Sunday (popularly such a rich store of missionary information as it brings." known as "Billy Sunday"), the fa- JOHN EGGER, mous evangelist and former profes- Newton, Iowa. sional baseball player, died suddenly of a heart attack in Chicago on No- vember 6th. Mr. Sunday was born in Ames, Iowa, on November 19, 1863, and a year or two later his father was killed in the Civil War. In 1886, while playing professional baseball, he was converted in Chicago and im- mediately became a Christian worker. It is reported that over 500,000 peo- ple professed conversion in his meet- ings.
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ISLANDERS-A GROUP OF HEATHEN ON KE'NNELL ISLAND (See page
AMERICAN HIGHLANDERS-A CONFERENCE OF MOUNTAIN SCHOOL TEACHERS IN NORTH CAROLINA (See page 577) A CONTRAST IN HEREDITY, ENVIRONMENT, IDEALS AND OPPORTUNITY REVIB ORLD VOLUME LVIII AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 12 DECEMBER, 1935 Topics of the Times THE REPORT OF A FRIENDLY CRITIC Dr. Barnhouse did not confine himself to Presby- For some years past the foreign mission enter- terian missions but his report deals particularly prise has been under fire, not only from those with the work and workers of the church in which who have little or no sympathy with the work of he is an honored minister. Dr. Barnhouse visited winning the world to Christ by proclaiming His about eighty Presbyterian stations in nine dif- Gospel, but also from those deeply interested in ferent countries. He interviewed many in each this work but who charge that it is not being mission, his stenographer taking down verbatim carried on as effectively as it should be. These notes and in many cases reading these back to the latter criticize the aims, standards and methods one interviewed for confirmation or correction. of some Mission Boards at home, the qualifications His conclusions are worthy of careful consideraof certain missionaries sent out, the character and tion not only by his own Board but by all Mission ideals of much of the work on the field, the large Boards and societies. Dr. Barnhouse's report inexpenditures, the union enterprises, and the lack cludes the following statements* : of spiritual results. Some of these criticisms I found the situation on the foreign field theologically seem, on their face, to be too general and sweep- much better than I had anticipated, spiritually about what ing, due to a lack of information or to a spirit of I had expected. It is my opinion that the accusation of hypercriticism. But other criticisms and charges the Laymen's Committee in "Rethinking Missions" con- cerning the low calibre of the missionaries at work on the cannot be dismissed so easily. They come from foreign field is entirely erroneous. The missionary body as a whole is undoubtedly more alert than the leadership missionaries and travelers who are well informed and who are evidently spiritually-minded and de- of the Church at home. . . . . voted to Christ. They accept the New Testament standards and are eager that all people shall be I am personally convinced that the vast majority of our missionary body is personally devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have every reason to believe that most of our speedily won to Christ and His Way of Life. missionaries hold to the historic truths of the Christian These critics sympathize with the ideals of such faith as expressed in the creedal statement of our denomhonored missionaries as William Carey, Adoniram ination. . . . Judson, Hudson Taylor, Henry H. Jessup, Henry The solution of every problem on the foreign field is one of personnel. No matter what work is to be done, the Richards, Mary Slessor, Fidelia Fiske, William efficiency of that work depends upon the attitudes and Goodell and others who have followed Christ and aptitudes of the person who is to do the work. Therefore, the early apostles. any kind of mission work which is carried on by a gifted and yielded missionary will be well done, while the same One of these friendly critics of modern missions type of work carried on by one of different attitudes will has recently spent over a year visiting Asiatic have different results. I have been asked what I thought mission fields, examining carefully into conditions of the medical work and educational work, as legitimate and personnel, interviewing missionaries and fields of missionary enterprise. The answer depends enothers to gather the facts. He is Dr. Donald tirely on the doctors and teachers who are doing the Grey Barnhouse, a Philadelphia pastor, who has work. . . . recently presented a very careful and detailed re- In many places the missionary work suffers from the lack of knowledge of some of the workers as to the ob- port of his findings to the Presbyterian Board of jectives of Christian witness. As in America, some do Foreign Missions. This report creates confidence not seem to have a clear view of what constitutes salvain the Christian spirit of the investigator, his tion. . . . courage and courtesy, his intelligence, fairminded- Now a missionary, by the very nature of the case, should n.ess and care l'n substantl'atl'ng hl'S statement s. * For the complete report see The Presbyterian (Philadelphia) for October 31, 1935, from which these extracts are taken.-EDITOR.
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be a specialist with a full knowledge of every spiritual men and the work which has been so wen begun and to force and law in any wise connected with the new birth. expect from the Board as a right that a small minority He should also be trained with the full knowledge of the on the field or their supporters in this land should not be means of the spiritual growth of the young believer. The permitted to detract from the worth of the cause as a fact is, however, that the mission field has relatively few whole. of these spiritual scientists, though it may have many Ph.D.'s in Education and experts in other lines. . . . I It might be well if every Mission Board could believe it would be a good thing to accept no application send to its fields some spiritually sympathetic and for the foreign field from any person who could not bring clear-headed, courageous, fair-minded and wellat least two people in America with a written testimony informed investigators to gather facts and report of how they themselves, had been led to Christ by the one back. Untrained or prejudiced observers are inwho is a candidate for the foreign field. adequate and even Board secretaries may be so taken up with special problems and a desire to The second part of Dr. Barnhouse's report takes encourage their workers on the field and their up some conditions that he believes should be cor- home constituency that they fail to discover, acrected-work that is not sufficiently evangelistic, knowledge and remedy weaknesses. Experience enterprises that are not fruitful because of wrong teaches that there is no substitute for the Gospel ideals or methods, or union with those who have of Christ and that if the work is to be effective in not a clear Christian faith and true missionary winning men to Him every missionary worker purpose. He declares that some of the more re- must be primarily an evangelist, fully convinced cent missionaries especially are "modernistic" in that Christ is God manifest in the flesh and that the sense that "they do not accept the absolute salvation through Him is the only hope for sindeity of Christ and the necessity for redemption ning and suffering humanity. through the vicarious, substitutionary death of Christ on the Cross." He says that some mission- PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES IN MEXICO aries who are honest and Christian in spirit evidently have no clear, intelligent ideas on the fun- The Presbyterian Mission in Mexico, as a result damental teachings of the Christian faith. He of recent surveys, is convinced that, in spite of cites in detail four cases (apparently carefully au- difficulties in the way of Christian work, Mexico thenticated) and refers to others. where mission- is in reality more open than ever before to the aries acknowledged openly their lack of faith in message of the Gospel when presented in a direct, one or the other of these two cardinal doctrines personal way, apart from nonessentials. The opof the Church under which they are sent out and portunities for personal work are unlimited. From supported. Some of these workers have appar- all sides comes the testimony that it is easier than ently changed their beUefs since going to the field ever to interest people in the Bible and that if the while others either failed to state their positions missions and churches take advantage of the presclearly in their candidate papers or were not ex- ent opportunities, astounding results will be seen amined with sufficient care before being sent out. in the next few years. Present difficulties have Where faith is faltering or lacking the under- to do chiefly with the impossibility of continuing lying difficulty seems to be the tendency to sub- certain old methods of work in some parts of the stitute the conclusions of human philosophy and field, rather than with the essential matter of the experience for the divinely inspired statements of spread of the Gospel itself. the Christian Scriptures. Dr. Barnhouse says in conclusion: The primary missionary task is to make Christ known. It is true that a recent amendment to the It is my studied opinion that the Board of Foreign Mis- Federal Constitution proposes to root out "fasions has infinite cause to be proud of the missionary per- naticism," and there is a group within the official sonnel as a whole, but it is self-evident that one of the circle that wishes to wipe out all religion in the great needs in our Church today is that this Board should country. But another powerful group within is admit that there are wrongs and set out to correct them. definitely aiming to exterminate the fanaticism There should be, in addition to the elimination of the un- engendered by the Roman Catholic system, while faithful minority, a stiffening of the spiritual and doc- leaving the people free to find true religion.. The trinal requirements for all candidates to keep pace with new constitutional amendment permits this, and the other high requirements which our Board has so since the enabling legislation has not yet been rightly set up. If the existence of wrongs is admitted enacted it is too early to say which of the tendand if the spiritual barriers between a candidate and the encies will prevail. foreign field are raised and if the Board can be further strengthened by the addition of more members possessing In the meantime the law is interpreted differthe fun confidence of the more conservative element in ently in various parts of the country. Missionary the Church, we ministers could face our congregations activity possible in one section is not possible in with much more peace of mind as we ask them to con- some other. For example, it is increasingly diffi. tribute money for this great cause.
In the meantime, the Church at large owes it to the faithful host at work on the foreign field to support the
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
cult to carryon mISSIon schools in the Federal than upon institutions or special plans of work.
District and adjacent regions, while the inter- The opportunity for personal evangelism is pretation of the law by State officials in Yucatan greater than ever. We need to search for new and Oaxaca seems to leave the door open for such ways of making contacts, and that will be effec- work in those States. No foreigner can preach on tive in clinching souls for the Saviour.
a religious theme in public on the Peninsula, while 3. Quantity of work must be subordinated to in many parts of the mainland such activity is continued by missionaries. Christian projects in quality. We need to do more of the kind of work different parts of the country seem feasible in that will stand the test of time and persecution. view of the varying circumstances. We need to guard carefully against trying to do too much, and to concentrate on that which each In these days of atheism, when the old ties with of us can do best and that will count most for the the Catholic Church are being dissolved as never Kingdom. Everyone should have the time needed before, it would seem that more than ever there to deepen and strengthen his own spiritual life, to is an obligation to make Christ known and extend do personal, hand-to-hand work to save individ- His Kingdom. uals, and to give needed spiritual help to Chris- tians. 'Retreats have demonstrated the value of While self-support and effective self-govern- time taken now and then for a group to go aside ment among Protestant Christians have made real and get God's point of view. The pressure of roustrides forward, yet the Mexican Presbyterian tine has often interfered with that which would Church would feel keenly the withdrawal of the be most effective for the Kingdom. moral, spiritual and economic aid given by the Mission. The ecclesiastical bodies are chary of 4. More than ever machinery and organization making official references to the foreign missions, should be subordinated to the real work. Mayet in many ways the Church has shown its desire chinery should be simplified as much as possible, to continue to receive the cooperation of the Mis- and as little time as possible spent on it. sion. Influential members of the Executive Committee ,of the Mexico City Presbytery heartily ap- 5. The work should be judged by its results, prove plans which would take them into more and should be put on the basis of the "project active cooperation than has been experienced for plan," with frequent checking up of results. These several years. recommended projects include: (1) A hostel for girls in Mexico City to enable selected girls to take The ultimate aims of every piece of work under- advantage of the educational advantages of Mextaken by the Mission should include one or more ico City and at the same time to be in a Christian of the following: atmosphere. (2) Student evangelism among students from all parts of the Republic; these stu- 1. To bring individuals to a definite experience of the dents are the future leaders of the nation and Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour from sin and Lord of their most of them now profess no religious belief; this lives. evangelism may be carried on through literature, 2. To further the full development of individual Christians in their Christian experience and service.
3. To strengthen the Mexican Church in such a way clubs, discussion groups and meetings in Chris- that it may increasingly be able to carryon its work with tian homes. (3) Evangelism through music, its own resources of money and personnel. teaching hymns, choruses and pageants to chil- 4. To remove prejudice against the Evangelical work dren and groups. (4) Develop village social and and message, and inspire confidence in it, as well as to evangelistic centers, with medical clinics in rural create the desire to learn the inner secret of its ethical and sections. This includes house-to-house visitation. spiritual effectiveness. (5) Camps for young people to win them to Each project should be evaluated as to its ef- Christ, to deepen the spiritual life of youth and to fectiveness in carrying out one or more of these train them for His service as Christian leaders.
aims. (6) The translation of the New Testament into The guiding principles for the Mission as a other dialects and Scripture distribution as widely whole, designed to make our work as a whole more as possible. (7) To stimulate Christian life and efficient, are as follows: faith in the present Mexican ministers and church 1. To strengthen the churches, as the perma- members.
nent Christian body in Mexico. Consequently, in These are only a few of the twenty-four projects so far as is possible, to train Mexicans to do the suggested by the Presbyterian Mission. The aim work involved, even though they may ask the mis- of each project is to win individuals to an intelli- sions to do it. gent and vital faith in Christ, to train future 2. We must depend upon personal seeking of Evangelical leaders, to strengthen the Church, and souls for Christ, and upon personal dealing with to interest Mexican Christians in the evangeliza- Christians to strengthen and build them up, rather tion and development of their own people.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE Can anyone count the number of books that have the Bible and its teachings as their theme; or the No book or group of books has ever been sub- number of sermons and addresses given to listenjected to such careful scrutiny as to its text, its ing millions week by week every year? The voice authorship and its meaning as has the Bible. No of God in the Bible has called preachers, like book has been so fiercely attacked by those who Spurgeon and Moody, has sent out missionaries, would discredit its authenticity and authority; like Carey and Livingstone, has given courage to and yet today, over eighteen hundred years after martyrs, has brought new life to defeated sinners, its completion, no book or group of books has such and has built up strong useful characters out of wide and profound influence on human thought the wrecks that men had made of their lives. The and life as the Bible–even its enemies themselves Bible is the Magna Charta of Christian missions being judges. No book has been translated into so many languages and dialects and none has been and its appeal and power are world-wide.* so widely distributed-not only this year but for the past hundred and fifty years. In whole or in CHRISTIAN INDIANS THINK MISSIONS t part the Bible has now been translated into 900 languages and dialects so that it is in the tongues Indians are told to hold on to their Christian understood by nine-tenths of the earth's populace. tenets and still to think that a great part of Indian Not only do the great national Bible societietl traditions and Indian religions fulfilled the spirit print, sell and otherwise distribute millions of and purpose of Christ Himself. Development will copies each year, but hundreds of private pub- be by the slow evolution brought on by the people lishing houses issue various editions as commer- themselves as distinguished from that of propacial undertakings. In the year ending March 31, ganda and outside influences, outside influences 1808, the total number of Bibles, Testaments and meaning white civilization and church activities. portions issued by the British and Foreign Bible The present government administration of Indian Society was 81,157; in the year ending March Affairs is definitely and openly committed to the 31, 1935, the number was 10,970,609. During the idea that while Indians will be permitted to adopt same year the number issued _by the American modern ways, at the same time a strong fight will Bible Society was 7,517,548. With growing lit- be made to preserve the integrity of Indian social eracy in the world the number of Bible readers life founded on the old order. will greatly increase. Our Nez Perce people have been rea(ly to lay This year marks the four hundredth anniver- down their lives if need be in defense of their sary of the first printing of the Bible in English. faith in God and His Word, and to separate Chris- It is also the 1200th anniversary of the first trans- tianity from paganism and the evils of a false lation of the Gospel of John into Anglo-Saxon, by worship. Will they lower their standard now? the Venerable Adam Bede, and the 1500th anni- No, they refuse to go back. versary of the translation of the Bible into the Armenian tongue. These events are being widely Last year the Administration sent out an order celebrated in America and Great Britain. relating to religious liberty. It was sent to gov- ernment officials, employees and to missionaries. There was a time when men considered it harm- It was to the effect that the pagan practices must ful or sacrilegious to translate the Bible into the not be interfered with, and will be protected if language of the common people. It was read by conducted under the cloak of religion. priests in an unknown tongue, as are the Coptic Scriptures today. Myles Coverdale, in the preface If the old heathen relations are retained, this to his English translation in 1535, disproved that is striking at the very heart of Christian work contention and opened the way for many improved among Indian people. It will tie the hands of translations to follow. Can anyone measure the every missionary if he or she is not allowed to influence that has been exerted by the English denounce sin-and this includes limiting the In- Bible alone? Multitud~s of authors, like Ruskin, dian missionaries who do evangelistic work among Stevenson and Bunyon, have acknowledged their other tribes. indebtedness to its elevating thought, its pure style and simple English. Artists, like Michael- If heathenism has its way, and it always does angelo, and poets, like Whittier and Browning, unless the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes the have received their inspiration from its beauty heart and enables the Indian peopie to come out and truth; lawmakers, statesmen, teachers, phi- of it, then it will tear down every church, destroy losophers and reformers have found in the Bible every home and debauch every Indian boy and. their standards and inspiration.· In the home girl. and in the church this Book has been for centuries the guide of life and builder of character. • The American Bible Society (Box 36, Station D, New York) has prepared 80me valuable leaflets and programs. Send for them.
t The SUbstance of a paper presented to the Presbytery of North- ern Idaho by the United Sessions of the Six Nez Perce Indian Churches. Printed in The Presbyterian, May 30, 1935. It is signed by the members of the United Sessions of the Six Nez Perce Indian Christian Churches.
of the Gospel in the
By V. M. SULLIVAN, Mailita, Solomon Islands Missionary of the South Sea Evangelical Mission TODAY in the Solomon Islands, as it was in the power of the Gospel he became not only the the days of the Apostles, the Gospel of Christ teacher and spiritual leader of his people, but a is the power of God unto salvation to every true shepherd of souls and a father to the vilone that believeth. This Gospel has transformed lagers.
degraded cannibals, who thirsted for men's blood, They have no word in their language which ade- into evangelists who now thirst for men's souls quately expresses the idea of forgiveness. In his for Christ's sake. It has changed lawbreakers unregenerate state a native never forgives .an ininto law-abiding men. It has made savages into jury; on the contrary he will hold a grudge in his saints. heart for twenty years or more until he finds an I It is not civilization that changes men's hearts. opportunity for taking his revenge. But when he Thirty years ago many of these Islanders were is born again of the Spirit of God he experiences .. employed on the sugar plantations of Queensland. the greatest joy if he can carry to his former Those who had been civilized, but not regenerated, enemies the message of peace and love contained returned to their island homes and took up again in the Gospel of Christ.
the old life of savagery and cannibalism. No Word for Love On Malaita, one of the three large islands on Here is one instance. The enemies of one man which the South Sea Evangelical Mission is work- had tried to murder him and, although not sucing, there is a tract of country known as the Koio district. This is inhabited by a fiery, warlike cessful, they managed to maim him for life. When tribe the doors of whose country were fast closed his son became a Christian he had an intense longto the Gospel. About six years ago two Govern- ing to bear the Gospel message to his father's ment officials, with their armed native policemen, enemies; great was his joy when this desire was had come to this district upon Government busi- fulfilled. ness. At a given signal this tribe made an attack These people have no word which adequately on the party and the two white officials, as well expresses love, yet we have constantly seen these· as fourteen native policemen, were murdered; Christians quite broken down as they were gath- seven others of the Government party were seri- ered round the table of the Lord, and as they ously wounded. A punitive expedition was sent meditated upon the love of the Father in giving to the tribe responsible for the massacre and over His Son to die for them, and upon the love of two hundred prisoners were taken and sent to Christ which caused Him to go to Calvary for Tulagi. Two native Christian teachers were them. taken from Sinarango to act as interpreters and The constraining love of Christ impels the one of them, named Peter, was permitted to visit Christians to go out and tell others of His love, the prisoners and preach the Gospel to them. The and thousands have been turned from darkness to Government officials were so impressed with his light. This is not done without cost to themselves, work that, after he had returned home, a native for it often subjects them to hunger, privation, Christian employed at Tulagi was given permis- and opposition from the heathen. If they go to a sion to carryon the work of preaching and teach- distant island, it means that they cut themselves ing among the prisoners. A number of these men off from their own folk. They go to a people who accepted Christ as their Saviour. Some of those speak another language and with customs and who had been taught returned with the message manners different from their own. At a prayer of salvation to their own distant island. Thus meeting on one occasion, I heard a man pray in pidgin-English: "0 Lord, people belong me stop these once fast closed doors were opened to the heavy long heart belong me, all same me carry one Gospel. heavy bag full up long cocoanut. No matter me One of our teachers is a man who, in his heathen tired; no matter me hungry; no matter me die; days, took part in seven cannibal feasts. Through me must carry the Gospel to them."
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Some years ago three native teachers heard teacher is often provided with extras, such as a God's call and volunteered to carry the Gospel to working knife or axe, by some of his young men Rennel Island, knowing that this would be at the who have worked for a period of two years on a risk of their lives. A few days after landing all cocoanut plantation.
three were murdered. The question may arise in the minds of some, One of our teachers on hearing of the death of "If you do not pay your teachers how do you his sister who, with her three children had ac- control them? Teachers can go off and leave their companied her husband when he had gone to an- work when they wish to do so." .
other island as a messenger of the Cross, said: This is true, and the work is not without its "It is better to die on the Lord's battlefield than to difficulties. Sometimes the temptation has come stay at home and do nothing." to lower the standard of self-support for the na- None of our Christian teachers or helpers are tive Church, but God has always shown a way paid. The teacher, who is also pastor and evan- by which the native Church could support its own gelist, is able to support himself and his family workers. A few go off to earn money on planta- by growing his own food; and he can still spare tions, but in practically every case someone steps time to go out and preach to the heathen. A in to fill the gap. Nevertheless a large majority stick faithfully to their work until the Lord calls them Home. If teachers get cold at heart, the subject of remuneration for Christian work comes up. This can only be dealt with by showing them the Scriptural methods, and it ensures having in the work only those whose supreme motive is love for Christ and the salvation of souls. It is necessary to keep constantly before our minds the ideal of a self-propogating, self-supporting and self-governing Church; this can only be attained by developing the native leaders, and by the self- effacement of the missionaries.
Even the permanent teachers in our Central Training School for native teachers and evan- gelists receive no payment. If they did so their influence with the people being trained would be nil, for they would say that the teachers were do- ing the work for what they could get out of it.
As it is, their lives are a power for God, for the people know that the constraining love of Christ is the impelling force in their work. One of our head teachers in the school, J. Maedola, who has always been ready "for all manner of work," re- cently had been unable to procure five shillings required to pay a Government tax. He had been doing extra work as launch boy and for this serv- ice we tried to persuade him to accept payment.
But he resolutely refused to accept our offer, say- ing that he had promised the Lord when he joined us in the work eight years ago that he would never accept payment for any service rendered to the mission. A few days later, a letter came enclos- ing the sum of seven pounds from a little com- pany of native Christians who were in Govern- ment employ. They wished this money to be used towards the h~ad tax for needy teachers. One pound they wished given to J. Maedola, and the· other to our second head teacher. When the money was handed to J. M. he was so overcome at the thought of the Lord's remembrance of his need that he was too much moved to speak.
ONE OF THE UNCONVERTED ISLANDERS The offerings of the Christians are steadily in-
TRIUMPHS OF THE GOSPEL IN THE SOLOMONS
creasing, and the people employed on plantations court of appeal. A few incidents will illustrate are contributing their quota. Gifts are given in the place the Word of God has in their lives. money or in kind; the latter are used for local needs such as the care of the sick, the poor, J. Filoa, one of our teachers, had .two children widows, or to help a teacher start a food garden who died within a week of each other. Much to in the new place to which he is going to preach the amazement of the heathen, who could not the Gospel. If he goes at the invitation of the understand why he sorrowed not as those who heathen, they will sometimes help him with food have no hope, he went on with his daily teaching until his own garden comes into bearing. But in and preaching. They asked why he and his wife a great many cases he goes uninvited. Permis- were not wailing as is the custom of the heathen; sion is gained to clear some ground for planting, this gave him an opportunity to tell them of the and for a house. What is he to do while he is Father's House with many mansions, and of the waiting for his garden to come into bearing? To certain hope he had of meeting his children again. tide over this period, the local church from which When he came to see me, he said, with a smile he has been sent forth provides him with money which had gained in sweetness since his bereavewith which to purchase a garden in bearing, and ment, "You know that verse, 'God shall wipe away also helps him with gifts of food. all tears from their eyes?' God has done that for me already." Entering a Heathen Village There had been a craze in the school for put- In most cases access to a heathen village is ting lime on the hair and ·M. Kalea, our cook, folgained by Christians who come from other places lowed the prevailing fashion. When lime which where they have preached. The new people be- had been on his hair was found in our soup, an come interested, and one of their number may be persuaded to go to our Central Training School JOASH FILOA AND HIS WIFE for two to three years. He comes to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and at the end of his term, goes back to his own people with the message of salvation. In all probability they will be ready to start a Christian village, with this man as their teacher and are the more ready to listen to one whose changed life they see. At first, meetings are held in the house of the teacher; when a sufficient number have joined him, a church is built of native materials. In course of time a little Christian community is built up and one of this number may be sent to the Training School. Thus are the natives brought to a knowledge of Jesus Christ. Those in training grow food to help towards their support and Christians are encouraged to send from their villages supplies of native food, and sago palms for buildings. We hope these gifts will increase.
The teachers are not educated in the ordinary sense, and thus are not lifted out of their own environment. Wherever possible they live as in their own villages. Our aim is the salvation of souls and the building up of Christian character. They are taught to read and write, and as far as time will permit, are grounded in the Word of God and taught to apply its teaching to their own lives and conditions. From the Word of God they are taught principles of church government and church discipline.
The outstanding characteristic of this native church in the Solomons is their acceptance of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and their application of it to their own lives. The Bible becomes their rule of life, and is always the final
ultimatum was issued that there was to be no the Lord, if He wants the boy we cannot say 'no' more lime on his hair while he was cooking. If to Him." put on it must be done at night, and washed off in the morning before coming into the kitchen. The other two children, one aged ten and the The next morning he said: other eight, were told and they made the same reply. The little family then committed the sick "Me can't put lime on hair belong me now, be- child into God's keeping. That evening the crisis cause me find one verse long Word belong God, came and the little one recovered. where He stop (forbids) this thing." The Place of Prayer When we inquired with great interest where this verse was to be found he turned up Matthew Prayer has a large place in the lives of the na- 5: 36, "Thou canst not (which he took to mean tive Christians. In the Central Training School, shalt not) make one hair white or black!" When one whole day a month is set apart for prayer, in he found that verse the question of lime on the addition to the two prayer meetings each week. hair was for him settled forever. At these meetings a steady stream of prayer as- cends to God. On the day of prayer the afternoon SOLOMON ISLAND CHUR CH AND CHRISTIANS is given up to intercession for others. . In many' of the villages they are now having these days of One more incident: An address had been given prayer monthly. I heard a youth of eighteen on 2 Peter 1: 11, "The Abundant Entrance." To years of age .offer a prayer which I have used illustrate this the speaker told of a ship entering many times since: "Lord, give me more love for port with sails set, flag flying, and a joyful com- Thee, more love for Thy Word, more love for pany on the wharf to meet it. In contrast with souls." It is a touching sight to watch them rethis was a ship which came in with sails torn, the sponding to the call of the "Quiet Time Bell" and whole ship badly battered, and the crew busily going off, Bibleunder arm, every day to the place bailing out to enable her to limp to a place of where they meet with their Lord. This hallowed safety. The first ship had "an abundant en- place may be a stump of a tree in a secluded spot. trance," the other had merely "an entrance." These people are worth saving. They are poor At the close of the address, T. Anilafa was and iIIit~rate, and are considered by some white asked to pray. In a choked voice he said, "0 Lord, men as the base things of the world, yet when give me an abundant entrance; don't let me enter they become new creatures in Christ Jesus, they heaven like a poor old battered ship. Do what are capable of attaining to wondrous spiritual you like with me; send sickness, pain, sorrow or heights. trouble, as long as I have an abundant entrance." But there are thousands still unreached. This That night one of his children, a boy of six is a spiritual warfare and the enemy of souls is years of age, was taken ill with malignant malaria. active. . "We wrestle not against flesh and blood Did the father mean what he had prayed. One but against . . . spiritual wickedness in high wondered if he would stand the test. On the third places." . Therefore earnest prayer is requested day he was told that the child was dying, and, for the native Christians that they may be given calling his wife, h~ said: "I think the Lord Jesus power over all the power of the enemy, and that wants our little Sipolo. What are we going to they may be kept stedfast, unmovable, always say to Him?" His wife replied, "He belongs to abounding in the ~ork of the Lord.
THE GOLDEN PRESENT Today is mine, not yesterday, Nor yet the day to be; I cannot now retrace my way Nor can I paths foresee; .
But this one day is surely mine- o God, may it be wholly Thine!
No gift-is mine which lies behind, And none which lies before, But in this present day I find A full and precious store Of all my life and heart can need: . With this, I am content indeed.
H. W. FROST.
Christ Is Not Known in China*
Extracts from an Interesting Story of Pioneer Work in New Territory Between West Szechwan and Tibet -'~IbII====B;;o;;Y;;o;;D;;o;;R;;o;;';;o;;J';;o;;H;;o;;O;;o;;W=A;;o;;R;;o;;D;;o;;J;;o;;E;;o;;FF;;o;;R;;o;;E;;o;;Y===~1I~'- t ST September the door opened for us to take sorbed by marriage relationships into the general a long journey through regions to the north, mass of the Chinese. Around these five colonies largely unknown to and unvisited by Occi- are a number of Rung states brought into subdentals. In two and a half months we must have jection to China but still retaining their autonomy, travelled on foot by yak train, by mule, on horse- though their princes acknowledge themselves sub- back, and by water in skin coracles between six ject to China and pay regular tribute to their con- hundred and one thousand miles. Medical sup- querers. Since the revolution this tribute has plies were low, but we attended to the sick as far passed into the hands of local military leaders, as we were able at the places visited. The work and has been the cause of much intrigue and civil provided us with valuable experience for the war.
future. The Lama's Offer Medicine seemed to serve as a passport into al- Above Ts'onghua the road passes a lamasery most any territory and was certainly an aid in which, when the Kinchwan was conquered, was reaching the hearts of the people. We ought to heavily subsidized and made the centre to which spend a few weeks or months in one place, then the surrounding princes were required to come move on to spend a similar period elsewhere. annually to "worship." This implied recognizing This method should be the best for the medical the authority of the abbot, who in turn had to work, and also the best method for giving the own allegiance to China. Now revenues, still Gospel to the sparse nomadic population of the legally due to the lamasery, are being misappro- Tibetan grasslands and the lonely settlements of priated by the local Chinese officialdom, so that the Rung. at present the place is largely broken down, and the present abbot lives rather a solitary life, seem- I am encouraged, by the assurance from many ingly in poverty. This man was engaged in doing prayers being made for God's work in the Sino- what some think is the lama's chief occupation Tibetan marches, to write of the work out here when "in residence," namely, looking out of a and show how these prayers are being answered window. beyond my wildest expectations. Mr. Amos, when he first caught sight of that Mowkung is the Chinese capital of the Kinch- lamasery, prayed aloud that God would do great wan, which is a system of deep fertile valleys be- things there. Within half an hour he was invited tween Tibet and China proper. It was originally into the abbot's own apartments and was telling inhabited by a people of Tibetan affinities called him the Gospel story. The previous night I felt Rung, of whom the Kiarung are the most num~r driven to pray for the Kiarung states, hitherto ous. About a hundred and fifty years ago Chma closed to the Gospel. It was in one of these that finally conquered these regions and set about their Mr. Edgar of Tatsienlu was imprisoned with a colonization by establishing five military colonies homicidal madman years ago, when he sought an (spoken of as the Wu-tuen), Mowkung, Tanpa, entrance there. Now, next day, like a bolt from Fupien, Ts'onghua, and Hstich'ing in the Kinch- the blue, the abbot announced that he controlled wan, and to make room for these, exported S9me "eighteen princes" and that he could give us a of the original inhabitants to territory to the passport if we wanted it, which would take. us northeast, where they form "five colonies of bar- through all their territory! barians" as the Chinese call them. The Chinese from these five centres, given the status of cities, We could hardly believe our ears, for this inhave so possessed the land that the original Rung cluded all the closed states! The abbot became have been driven back to inaccessible mountain enthusiastic about our visiting these places, but heights, while many have been or are being. ab- he wanted to know why we wanted to go, and we • Condensed from China's MilU,ons. told him plainly it was to "propagate religion"
[571 ]
and heal the sick, and not to trade. This was very gave us. We were shown into a guest room in his virtuous and he became still more enthusiastic, castle decorated in Chinese style. We had time to though he had come to see plainly that Christian- notice that all the walls were hung with beautiful ity and Buddhism are opposite, or back-to-back as scrolls of red satin inscribed with characters of he put it. One day he explained that he was giv- gold, that the windows were of glass, that there ing us the passport because "Our hearts were knit was a map of the world on the wall, and that on a together" (explaining this by hooking two fingers shelf over the seat of honor were three handsome together) and adding in a strange mixture of clocks, none of which was going, while the hands Tibetan and Chinese, "Kon-chhog, t'a tsu tih- of one were broken. As we were opening out our God has done it!" He spoke more truly than he passports and arranging our complimentary scarf, knew. the prince himself walked in, and with a cheery "How are you?" held out his hand in Western The Wild Valley Journey fashion for us to shake it! He spoke excellent Chinese. He entertained us to tea and then two Some time was spent preparing for our pro- good Chinese meals with about an hour between, posed journey, getting coarse woolen Kiarung and finally let us return with the further passport gowns made, and then on September 24th we we required and a good present of butter and eggs. set out for Ts'onghua again with four horses, two carrying Tibetan literature, one carrying medical As a boy he had come in contact with M. Wilden, and surgical supplies and tent, and another our the present French Minister to China, Consulpersonal effects. Crossing the K'ongk'ori shan General Brown, of Great Britain, and other forwe arrived at the Ts'onghua lamasery and were eigners whom he had found to be men of integrity. received by the abbot himself, and given quarters He was later educated in the provincial capital of in his own house. It still seems impossible to Chengtu as a Chinese. He is a wise and enlight- "hustle the East," and it was nine days before we ened ruler, with a great liking for things Western. were on the road again. There had been further Though living two days from Lianghok'eo, the political trouble and the local official with his fam- nearest place reached by the Chinese postal servily and attendants were again seeking safety with ice, he keeps himself as well informed as possible the abbot. A few days later he left Ts'onghua, of movements in the outer world and is concerned dismissed from office, and a new official arrived. just now about the "Red" menace in Szechwan. The abbot could not give himself to the weighty From among his, possessions he showed two pairs task of writing out a passport for us, but the time of field glasses, a Mauser pistol, a sword which came when it was actually written and two great might be Russian, an album of views of London seals (one Chinese and the other Tibetan) being and another of views of a town in Germany! He produced with much show, the imprints were also has a camera and enjoys photography as a placed on the document. hobby, doing his own developing when he can ob- tain the material. That we had adopted the dress From Ts'onghua our road had lain roughly of his own people, and were prepared to deal with northwards up the wild valley of the Ta-kin ho. them as equals with ourselves and his overlords, We continued further up this for a day or two and the Chinese, seemed to appeal to him greatly. then crossed the river by coracle into the State of Zung-kang. Here we had to spend some hours To the Capital of Ngaba climbing up a very wild track to the first settlements, perhaps 2,000 feet above the river. Our We spent five days in Amchhog and then set loads were carried here on men's backs, as ani- out for Ngaba, which we reached after a day and mals could not have ascended such a track. We a half. For two nights running, our encampment were given hospitality in one house, and sat with had been raided by bandits, and a third raid was our carriers on the floor round the great open expected that night, but the Lord "giveth His behearth in the centre of the kitchen, while a meal loved sleep," and we lost none from anxiety. was being prepared. We delayed a day while Early next morning, we saw some armed men animals were being procured to take our goods ride along a near-by ridge and were told they over a pass to Zung-kang, the capital of the state were the bandits. of this name. The people were much more friendly than those of Choschia, and invited us to We reached Mesang, the capital of Ngaba, about come back. noon next day and were received courteously by the prince, a brother-in-law of the prince of' We walked a further twenty li or so to the Chogschi. We were told we might pitch our tent capital of Chogschi to request a passport from outside the palace for the time being. A few days this prince to pass through his dominions to later we moved into a room lent us by royal com- Ngaba. He was considered a very excellent prince mand in a near-by lamasery. but we were hardly prepared for the reception he The people of Ngaba are not Kiarung and speak
WHERE CHRIST IS NOT KNOWN IN CHINA
what I will call Northeastern Tibetan. These Buddha. He entered our room with other visitors houses differ from those of the Kiarung in being one evening. Born at Tatsienlu, he prostrated built of mud instead of stone. The parapet-less himself over the whole of the road from that city roofs project slightly over the walls, which slope to Lhasa, setting out when aged thirteen and takinwards. The houses are excellently built, more ing eight years to reach his destination. From or less square, two or more stories high with there he took two and a half years further prosfloors and internal structures of excellent wood- trating himself to some place in Inner Tibet. work. There is not a tree to be seen, but such From there he went on foot into India. Here his timber as is required is dragged over a relatively mother, who had accompanied him all these years low mountain range to the south. The houses are carrying his bundle for him, died from the bite dotted up and down the Ngachhu basin and where of a cobra. He carries part of her skull with a number happen to be a little closer together, a him. He recently returned from India and went name is given to that group. Mesang is such a to Mesang, from which place he was thinking of group. There is no attempt at forming streets. setting out shortly for the sacred Mount Omel in The inhabitants are a wild freedom-loving people West Szechwan, and then going north again to the but are ruled with a firm hand by their prince. temple on the island in Koko Nor, prostrating Probably this basin is all over 12,000 feet in alti- himself over the whole distance. tude. The estimates of altitude in this letter are based mainly on the height of the tree line. The Few would call the Chinese a religious nation, people were quite friendly towards us. We did a but the Tibetans are, and intensely so. Surely fair amount of medical work among them and people who will endure so much in an attempt to put copies of the Scriptures into the hands of obtain peace in their souls and to better their posihundreds. A few years ago, Mr. Eckvall, of the tion in their next life, should be given the knowl- Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Dr. Rees, edge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We gave him of the C. I. M., visited Ngaba from Kansu. Their copies of the Gospels and prayed that he might visit was still well remembered, and Mr. Eckvall read, and be enlightened! We long for the day is now living only about eight days away on the when we shall be able to speak the language of Kansu border. the people and, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, explain the meaning of the Living Word to those There were reasons which decided us against who are dying without Christ! going either east or west from Ngaba just then, and this helped us to decide to press north, if pos- Ere setting out we prayed that when we resible, to meet Mr. Eckvall and talk with him about turned from our journey we might leave the doors missionary work in these parts. We waited over open for another occasion. The doors are open! fifteen days to join the first large company travel.,. Chogschi, with a population of 10,000 Kiarung ing northwards, for the road was not considered safe for small parties. But to travel further we families, is wide open and we are informed we needed to change our rupees into lump silver, and could rent property there. In Zung-kang, some this we could not do. Thus the opportunity of gave us an invitation to return. Choschia, the company on the road was lost, and we felt we must most extensive of the Kiarung states and with a now turn homewards again, the more so as we considerable grassland population must be worked had the opportunity to travel with a caravan go- with care, but is not closed to us. In Tampa, with ing south. While we were in Ngaba, the prince's a population of only six· hundred families or so, son was married, amidst national rejoicing and the people showed themselves quite friendly. holiday making. Nor must I stay to write of the Ngaba is a Tibetan state. There the possibility colony of Moslem traders there save to mention of another visit from us was freely spoken of but that they received us most kindly. The ahung, an the Gospel will be more strongly opposed in open-minded man, quite on his own, asked me for Ngaba than in the Kiarung states. Lamaism a copy of the Bible in Arabic, which has since seems particularly strong there. Medical work is been sent to him. On the morning of our de- wanted, but not Christianity. parture, he said to Mr. Amos: "Why don't you come and settle amongst us and teach us the What of the 2,720 copies of the Gospels we gave Christian religion 1" The idea of going about away through the generosity of the National Bible healing and teaching especially appealed to him Society of Scotland 1 Some will be destroyed; as being according to the example of Christ. numbers will be used to paper lamasery walls and windows; perhaps less than half will be read. A Prostrating Pilgrim But to the Lamaistic mind, the understanding of a book seems of little consequence compared with is Thomthi, a melancholy wistful faced young man the mere reading of it. Therein lies its magical whom our interpreter regarded as another Living power, the lama thinks. Thus, for Tibetans espe- cially, evangelists are necessary to explain the Scriptures as did Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch.
Christmas-Why They Did It*
-~II By MONETA TROXEL, M. E. Mission II¥.J.– A CHRISTIAN minister from America, trav- upon the Adjutant who telegraphed to them by eling through the flood districts of Central smiles of encouragement that the fine name of China, asked an old boatman, "What first their school rested upon their good responses. At interested you in Christianity?" The answer a signal every little fellow was down on his knees, came, "It was seeing the Christian doctors going and immediately a small voice piped up in a about their work. I could not imagine why they prayer which thanked God for giving the Baby did it." Jesus and the friends that had come to them that On a cold, gloomy, rainy afternoon near the end afternoon. A few of the girls sang for the small of December, when term examinations had been folks, and then the boys stood and hurled forth a finished and teachers and students of Ewha Col- volume of Christmas music with all the abandon lege, Seoul, would ordinarily have been taking the of lusty-lunged children.
first trains for home, more than two hundred of "Several in the group were newcomers in the them set forth to plough through the muddy Home. Many of them had been homeless waifs streets to places of wretchedness, loneliness and picked up on the streets of Seoul by the Salvation pain, dreariness and distress. Army workers. One lad, not in school uniform, The Y. W. C. A. of the college has sponsored a and very yellow with underfeeding, had been a collection of food and clothing for the poor, but beggar in the city. Each Sunday he had attended this year brought the first whole-school participa- the Army Sunday school, and when the collection tion in White Christmas activities. Each class was taken had droped in one of the coins out of group chose, from a considerable list of possible his ragamuffin-store. When asked why he gave, activities, the one in which it was most interested, it was learned that he had come from a Christian and made plans for carrying it out. So it hap- home in the south, where his parents had taught pened that on this stormy Friday afternoon groups him to give to the Lord. But they were both dead, set out to visit more than forty dugouts, distrib- and he had made his way up to Seoul, 'where the uting rice, warm garments, and a little money; first thing he had done had been to search for a to provide a Christmas program in three lan- Sunday school.
guages for the one hundred and fifty Korean, Jap- "There were forty little fellows in the chapel anese and Chinese workmen in our new college meeting; but in the workshops of the school were building in Sinchon; to take gifts of apples, pea- fifty others, all older lads who were learning nuts and oranges to the ex-beggar boys in the trades. The visiting students were amazed to see Salvation Army home; to sing Christmas songs, the gloves, the shoes and the clothes which these tell Christmas stories, and distribute Christmas boys were able to make.
treats to the children in Dr. Oh's orphanage and "The girls and their teachers with great diffi- in the wards of Severance Hospital. culty made their way down the winding, slippery Each group had its own sad-glad experiences, hill path. All felt that it was glorious to be able but the report of the visit to the Beggar Boys' to share even a little with these small lads who so Home, written by Miss Blanche Loucks, will show needed Christmas cheer."
what these bits of Christmas meant, both to the Why did they do it? Because they served Jesus givers and to the receivers : as their Lord and Master; because the love of Him had entered into their hearts and filled their "Forty small, grey-garbed, black-stockinged lives, and opened their eyes to needs which others little lads sat perfectly quiet on stiff, hard benches, never see; because they had found that there is while the Salvationist in charge told why they had no joy comparable to that which comes from met together that Friday afternoon in December, "causing light to appear in people's faces" and in and why the walls were lined with rather teary- the dark corners of people's hearts and lives~ eyed young Korean women who were watching Light received and Light given. Is it too much them so intently. to hope that some rays of Light found their way into the minds, of the onlookers, the passers-by, "Not one little chap looked back to see the pile as they saw groups of young women bound on of good things that had been deposited for them within the chapel entrance. Their eyes were fixed .. From The Korea Mission Fiela. errands of Christmas'love?
[574 ]
A Chinese Nurse–Evangelist·
Told to Rev. James P. Leynse by Dr. Clementine Bash, of Peiping, China MISS HO, a graduate nurse of the Presby- took pains to guide carefully his new life. Perse- terian Douw Hospital of Peiping, is little cution from the shop proprietor, however, became of stature, but her faith is great and her almost unbearable. heart is full of love for wandering souls. . She Unexpectedly Pure Mountain was called back to could work in a comfortable city hospital but she his home to settle his share of the meagre estate prefers to be a light shining in a street gospel left by his father. He found his relatives quar- hall out in the country in North China. There reling fiercely over the small inheritance. His she ministers daily to crowds of people unfamiliar grandfather, grown indifferent to the son by a with elementary hygiene; and there every eve- lifelong struggle for bare existence, ignored him ning her voice rings out in a testimony full of and strove for his. share with the persistence of understanding, power and persuasion. old age. His uncle, weakened by the prolonged Pure Mountain, a lad of eighteen, can hardly use of heroin and made heartless by a very im- wait each evening for the sun moral life, stretched greedy to go down to close with a bang hands for the deed of the land.
the wooden shutters of the drug His aunt, a woman with the store where he sells pills of strange mixture. It takes him a mouth of a Buddha and the only a few steps to reach "The heart of snake, secretly sharp- Hall of Happiness," where Miss ened a butcher's knife intend- ing to do away with the lad at Ho explains the Jesus way of night. Soon the quarrel reached Life. He had watched her at the height of uncontrolled emo- the clinic treating diseases, skil- tion, and intervention by the ful and kind. He wondered police seemed inevitable. Then why she had no trade secrets as Pure Mountain astonished them has the usual Chinese practi- by calmly giving up his claim, tioner, and why she was not saying: "You may have the afraid that others would learn land, I have my Redeemer. A her skill. He marvelled that by thatched room will be enough her help chronic complaints for me and a heart freed from cleared up, that havoc wrought sin makes even cabbage roots by trachoma disappeared and palatable." Joyfully he testi- that horrible wounds changed fied of his new faith in the Lord into clean scars. of all things, and in the Father Pure Mountain was gripped by the simplicity of mankind. His relatives were dumfounded and of Miss Ho's teaching and he became convicted of stopped their quarreling. Never before had they sin and desired to follow the Way of freedom. heard such strange words. Never before had any- One evening Miss Ho made him a present of a one been known to sacrifice a just claim to pre- little Testament telling him that it contained cious land for the sake of harmony and moved by "Precious words for hungry souls." He sat up love of Jesus Christ.
reading it until his candle allotted for the week When Pure Mountain was back at work in the was burned up. Faithfully he attended the meet- drug store, the proprietor called him to his room.
ings but the opposition of the shop proprietor was Pounding his fist on the table, he expressed his aroused and he was forbidden to leave the prem- disapproval of such a stupid procedure in sacri- ises. But walls carry sounds and the preaching ficing good land. Sternly he forbade the young from the Gospel Hall next door drifted over to the man to follow the foolish Jesus way, threatening open yard behind the shop. There, one evening to bring him before the village guild as an im- in the moon-lit courtyard all alone, guided by the practical candidate. Calmly the young man stood voice of the little nurse-evangelist he found his his ground. "Look at what I was before I met Saviour. In a beautifully worded letter he told Jesus," he said, "and see what I am now. 1 often her that he was "born again." Miss Ho, knowing pretended to be busy when you were around but well that acorns do not grow into oaks overnight, loafed when you were absent. I frequently stole [575 ]
money out of the till to gamble with; and I used Koreans living in Manchuria may become prosheroin without your' even suspecting me. Jesus perous financially and both education and religion has changed my heart and has taken away·even bid fair to make great strides. the desire to sin. Shall I go back to myoId ways, to idol worship and a life of sin and misery, or In Mukden First Church the Sunday offerings shall I go on following the living God, the One amount to between fifty and sixty yen and in the greater than our ancestors, and a constant help three-months-old Second Church, in a district in need?" Quietly the proprietor listened, mar- where there are many desperately poor, there is veling that religion could make a person confess already an attendance of eighty. When I came undetected sin and could change human nature. to Manchuria, five years ago, there were five city "Go, my lad," he said, "follow the Jesus' way, as congregations, in places like Mukden and Dairen, you desire. I am a man grown, but I have noth- and ten country groups; only three out of the ing to say against it." total of fifteen owned their own buildings. Now twenty-three have their own buildings, some of Later Pure Mountain was baptized in the little which are brick structures. village gospel hall together with fourteen other persons. After the service the proprietor of the In 1930 our adherentage was 280, whereas Gendrug store stepped forward and wrote his name eral Assembly statistics for 1933 show an adon the blackboard with the mimes of those who herentage of 3,500. Our Officers' Class in 1930 also wanted to study to know Jesus. Little Miss took as its text John 17: 21 and it has been our Ho goes on ministering to the needs of souls and bodies. Faithfully she is gathering around her the children to study the Bible and a group of volunteer lay-workers to help her spread the Gospel. She knows that the Chinese saying that where two or three are of one mind clay may be turned into gold is also true in tne spiritual realm of life.
AMONG KOREANS IN MANCHURIA* By REV. C. D. KIM FONnerly a Helper in South Gate Church, Seoul, Who Has Been in Manchuria Since 1930 As a Home Missionary When I went to Manchuria in January, 1930, A Chinese Dealer in Medicine the work in the Mukden district was not encouraging, but from the time of the Manchurian Inci- ideal to so work that the world may believe that dent in September, 1931, thousands of Koreans God has sent us. In our union classes for men who were forced to leave northern and eastern and women as many as 500 have gathered to Manchuria flocked south, while hundreds of new study. Christian Endeavor and Sunday School immigrants came from Korea itself. In Mukden Unions have been established. there were in 1930 something over 3,000 Korean residents. Today they are said to number over In 1931 over a hundred and forty women gath- 20,000. ered for a general class for women and a Presby- terian Missionary Society was established. Korea is a land of mountains, Manchuria one of plains. Labor is, therefore, less arduous in The Mukden church in 1934 established a Bible comparison to the harvest to be reaped. Chinese Institute and there were forty students, men and farmers had been in the habit of sowing broom women. This church conducts also a kindercorn, field corn and beans, but Koreans began at garten and a kindergarten normal school. once to reap excellent rice crops, and some are becoming prosperous. When I first'"went to Manchuria, travel before. 9 A. M. and after 3 P. M. was difficult on account There is always a close relation between eco- of bandits. At times on lonely byroads and even nomic prosperity and support of religious work, on trains it seemed that only by a miracle did I so that self-support is now becoming an accom- escape harm. plished thing. In ten years more, many more • From The Korea Mission Field.
MARS; HILL COLLEGE IN THE MOUNTAINS, NORTH
Lighthouses in the Mountains -4&{11 By J. W. O'HARA, Candler, N. C. 11JBt– T HE Appalachian Range begins in Maine. and and began to plan for the children as the nation's extends to the foothills in Alabama and greatest asset. Religious workers and philan- Georgia. In the Virginias and Kentucky, thropists began establishing schools. Those estabthis Range divides into the Blue Ridge and Big lished by various denominations were known as Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Ten- Christian academies. Among these were the nessee, and the Cumberlands in Kentucky and schools of the Presbyterians, Baptists, Method- Tennessee. In these ranges of mountains, there ists, Disciples, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, are approximately six million people. In the West, Seventh Day Adventists, and others. in the Ozarks, a range in Arkansas, Missouri, and The early efforts were limited by lack of funds, Oklahoma, are approximately one and one-half impassable roads, indifference, hostility and million people. limited vision. However, rays of light were pene- Fifty years ago the educational advantages in trating the darkness, and a virile people were these mountain fas,tnesses were very meagre. The gradually being awakened. Many ins,titutions of public schools were in session not over two or learning, from the elementary school to college three months in the year, and were taught by in- grade, were established. Mrs. John C. Campbell, adequately prepared teachers, many of whom Brasstown, N. C., prepared for the Russell S::tge would not remain to the close of the session. Con- ~oundation a list of these schools in 1930, showsequently, the mountain people became a retarded ing 124 schools of elementary and high school race, with latent, undreamed of possibilities. grade, of which 30 were Baptist, with 16,340 There were also in the mountains other undiscov- pupils, and 39 institutions of Junior and Senior ered assets in the way of iron, coal, timber and College grade, of which six were Baptist, with metals. 12,343 pupils. Since most Junior Colleges. at that time had some high school work, there were prob- Men and women of vision began to see and talk of these assets as they travelled back and forth ably 17,000 boys and girls in these institutions among the people of the outside world. They laid operated by eighteen denominations. Methods great stress on the young people of the mountains, and policies differed widely, but all had in mind [577 ]
the same end, namely, to offer advantages to as- from the mountain home to the schoolhouse, and piring youth, and to train head, hand and heart. have traveled it. A saved soul, a sound body and a trained mind was the cherished goal. Recent years with rapidly These schools have created a larger vision of growing state schools, together with a false phi- life for young people. Until recent years, there losophy and decreasing funds, have greatly re- was almost no communication between the mounduced this number of schools while many continue tains and !the outside world. There were no their work with difficulty. The contribution made radios, no telephones, no rural delivery, very little by these schools to boys and girls of the mOun- travel, impassable mountains and roads, consetains is notable. quently there was nothing but community happen- ings. Young people married early, and thus an- They have opened the way for boys and girls other family was started in the same small circle. from the obscure mountain cabin to the school- The Bible and a hymn book were about the only books. A girl of seventeen who came to one of DR. R. L. MOORE, OF MARS' HILL our schools was eagerly reading books in the library. When she came she had read only a house, and have given them a chance. Only those small, cheap paper-back novel, but by the time the who have been back in the mountains know what sessiQnwas about one-third gone she had read this really means. With families large and in- twenty· or more books. When she enrolled she come small, it was well nigh impossible for boys knew nothing about the outside world with its and girls to enjoy educational advantages. The opportunities but her life became greatly enriched. visit of members of consecrated faculties, or the testimony of some enrolled boy or girl, not only Another girl wrote that her Alma Mater "had helped to create a thirst for something better, but shown her how to live and to select the worthshed rays of light on how this might be achieved. while things in life." The life of the teachers, the The father of a bright lad in the Tennessee Moun- contacts with other boys and girls, the reading of tains frequently said that had not the school been books in the library, the religious activities of the built in his community, he would never have edu- school, the occasional visits of church representacated his children. This lad became the Associate tives, all contribute to the enlargement of ideas, Editor of one of our great Southern dailies, and and broadening of life's outlook and possibilities. was a regular contributor to the leading magazines of the nation. This is only one of the many The schools and colleges have contributed a soresults. Boys and girls have had the trail blazed cial, economic and religious uplift. One may travel from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the foothills of Alabama, and from Old Hog Back in South Carolina to the Ozarks in the West, and note easily the homes where a boy or girl have attended one of these institutions. Such homes have a different atmosphere, more attractive premises, flowers that beautify, buildings re- paired, and a general appearance of neatness. A business man in Asheville told of an automobile trip from Atlanta to Asheville. As he traveled through the mountains of Georgia, he noted the cheap construction and shabby appearance of the cabins and cottages, gates off hinges, buildings unpainted, yards bare and desolate. Making a turn around the point of a hill along the winding stream, he saw an attractive cottage, painted, yard clean, flowers on porch, floors clean, children neatly dressed, everything appealing. He ap- proached the mother on the porch, and asked, "How is it tnat your home is so different from others ?" She replied that she and John had a few acres of land and the cottage free from debt. They would later add another room, and possibly buy a few more acres of land. The reason for the improvements was revealed in the fact that she had been to Hiawassee Academy where they taught her how to make a home. John had gone to Young Harris College where they taught him
THE MOVEMENT OF THE SPIRIT IN MEXICO
how to build and repair, and they have tried to Such have been the influences which have gone put in their home the things they had learned. from institutions exerting a purifying and uplift- The children in that home were given better ad- ing force. vantages in life because the parents had been privileged to attend institutions which gave light These schools have greatly bettered economic and leading. conditions. They have proclaimed a regenerating and uplifting Gospel. They have cleansed and The schools have also served as a mighty force ennobled sodal life. They have trained and have in driving back spiritual darkness and bringing given vision to hundreds of bright minds and about better law enforcement. Crime has been have produced strong lives. They have been a immeasurably reduced where these lighthouses benediction and blessing during the entire period have shed their rays. Feuds, except for occasional of their operation. Increasing educational progkillings, are practically a thing of the past. In ress, in State institutions and diminishing denomone school community, the jail remained vacant inational funds have greatly reduced the number for many months. Immorality and similar forms of these Christian schools. but there is still great of vice are virtually unknown in that community. need to provide for unprivileged boys and girls, A District Attorney said that North Greenville and to serve as a blessing to community, state Baptist Academy, located in the "Dark Corner;' and nation. Better methods and equipment, use- South Carolina, had put him out of business. ful legislation and generous State appropriations Formerly he had to spend two weeks clearing the can never take the place of these religious institudocket, but now he could finish in a few hours. tions nor can other agencies render the service In another school community, a friend of the they have given to mountain youth. Those schools school said that he had known the community for that remain should be strengthened; they should years and was familiar with its lawlessness and be better equipped and endowed, and better supcrime. Even day travel had been unsafe but ported. Their light still penetrates the darkness, "since the school has been built, there is not only puts to route superstition and ignorance, ;and a reduction in lawlessness, but women may travel points the way for the sons and daughters of the day or night, unattended, with perfect safety." hills to shine as the stars forever and ever.
The Movement of the Spirit in Mexico _.11 By NORMAN WIIDE TAYLOR, Moxic. City 11j!>- T HAT "man's extremity is God's opportunity" held up in Vera Cruz, no religious papers, lesson has been proven many times in the past and helps and tracts circulating through the mails, is being seen today in Mexico. The increas- and with the failure of human agents to bring reing restrictions on religious activities, the limita- lief, the Church was thrown back upon God. And tons placed upon the ministers, the closing of the God was not deaf to the increasing volume of churches in outlying states, and the threat that prayer going up from Mexico, the United States, this policy might spread throughout the Republic, and other countries, on behalf of the Cause of drove the Christian people of Mexico to their Christ here. knees last year. Not only was there an increasing burden of prayer among the Christians, but Suddenly, in the latter part of June, a crisis on the first of December, the day President Car- came in the Government and the President dedenas took office, the Protestant Church observed manded the resignation of his cabinet. Three a day of special prayer. From early morning days of suspense followed. Would the new cabiuntil late at night people gathered in the churches net be more radical? The Christians turned to pray for Mexico and her new President. afresh to God for help. When the new appoint- ments were made it was immediately seen that the The President's first official act, the closing of radical, atheistic element had been eliminated. two palatial gambling centers, seemed to portend Two days later the President, by special decree, good, but as the weeks passed the shadows deep- removed the restrictions on the mails, allowing all ened with increasing restrictions which culmi- religious literature to circulate freely. A week nated in the closing of the mails to all religious before this crisis occurred the horizon was black literature. With a much needep supply of Bibles and even the most sanguine observer would not
have dared to prophesy such a change. What as they knelt or sat in the church and some were wrought this change? Those who see beneath the won for Christ. This realization of the personal surface will answer unhesitatingly, "The Spirit responsibility of Christians to win others is an of God" added indication of the movement of the Spirit.
The movement of the Spirit of God can be seen In certain sections of the field there has been even in the restrictions on Christian work, for notable growth in the church. In Yucatan the these have driven workers into new and rich fields Presb)'lterian Church, in cooperation with the of service. Many mission schools and other in- Pioneer Mission Agency, has made a special effort stitutions had to be closed because of the restric- to reach the Maya Indians of the interior. Since tions and some began to fear that missionary 1931 twenty-nine new congregations have been work in Mexico was at an end. But as the mis- formed and in the past year one hundred and sionaries prayerfully sought God's Will for their thirty-one new preaching points were opened.
lives, the Spirit, not being limited to time-honored This Maya church now numbers more than four methods, led them into new avenues of service. thousand. The experience of some of the Indian These include personal work among the students workers, who have gone into the interior, reads in government schools, evangelism through music, like a modern version of the Acts of the Apostles.
social and personal work in rural districts, and Time and time again apparent defeat has been evangelistic work among neglected classes of so- turned into victory by the Spirit of God.
ciety. Although there were problems to be solved In Nonchurch Groups and difficult adjustments to be made, the majority of the missionaries have found real joy in their There is also evidence of the working of the new labors and, perhaps as never before, are con- Spirit of God in groups outside the church circles.
scious that God is leading them forward. A few months ago a young man from Puebla came This is equally true of the national ministers. to one of the pastors seeking advice. He was Some years ago the Methodist and Presbyterian leader of a group of young men, whom we would Churches became self-governing, self-propagating consider radicals, who were meeting each week and practically self-supporting. This great re- to study the New Testament. Another group in sponsibility, assumed voluntarily, began to deepen the city of Toluca had asked him to guide them the lives of the leaders, and the events of recent in a similar study and he had come to the pastor years have continued the process until today there for counsel. Both these groups are outside the are in the Mexican Church men of vision and con- church but they recognize a lack in their lives secration, of which any church might be proud. and are seeking Christ. A run on a book in the However, old grievances divided many ministers Evangelical bookstore revealed another class of and Christians, and hindered the working of the persons searching for Light. The continual de- Spirit. Last fall many of these old differences mand for copies of "Mas Yo Os Digo" ("But I were healed through some special meetings con- Say Unto You"), by Dr. John A. Mackay, led the ducted by Miss Martha Moennick, of Shanghai. manager to investigate, and he found that a group Practically all the Christian workers of the Fed- of Catholic women had taken this as a study book eral District met day after day to seek more from and it was leading them to the Bible. The inter- God. The Spirit of God was present, and convic- est in spiritual things of one in a still different tion of sin and failure came upon the gathering. class was brought to my attention some months III will and differences were confessed and for- ago. In Mexico City a prominent young lawyer given, and the ministers were drawn together in has on his desk continually a New Testament and a new way. This spirit has been maintained by a copy of "The Way to God," by D. L. Moody. I special meetings for prayer. One of these, at 6: 30 was in his office a few weeks ago and he said to each morning, has gone on for months for the me, "Each morning I allow no one to interrupt purpose of praying for a real revival in Mexico. me until I have spent fifteen or twenty minutes Already some remarkable answers have been seen. with these two books." This brilliant young The effect of the deepening of the spiritual life lawyer, although outside church circles, surely is of the ministers has been visible in the life of the not far from the Kingdom, and there are many church. In many churches there has been a re- other intellectuals like him. May the Spirit of emphasis on personal work and corps of workers God continue to work among such groups until hfj,ve been trained for this purpose. For instance, they accept Christ as Lord of their lives!
one cpngregation, which occupies an old Catholic There has also been a movement of the Spirit church, knew that during Holy Week numbers of among some of the classes neglected in the past.
Catholics would visit the church, not knowing that Over two years ago work was begun among the it was now occupied by Protestants. A special soldiers of the Mexican Army. The Gospel has group of workers were trained to deal with the been presented to hundreds of soldiers in the out- vil;!it9rs. With great tact they approached them posts which guard' the highways radiating from
A CHURCH "ON THE JOB" IN MEXICO
Mexico City, and, for the first time in the history One day last Mayan old, white-haired Christian of Mexico, has been preached to regiments drawn woman was in the penitentiary visiting a prisup on their own parade grounds. At the time of oner. As she passed down a corridor, she was writing (August, 1935) over twelve hundred sol- stopped by a general. After inquiring who she diers have made a public profession of faith in was, what she was there for, what the book (the Christ. That a goodly portion of these decisions Bible) under her arm was, he asked her if she are real would seem to be indicated by the sale was connected with "Los Americanos" who were of God's Word to the converts. These men, from working among the troops. Upon learning that their all too scant centavos, have bought almost she was a friend, and that she was bringing the nine hundred New Testaments and Bibles. Thus same message of salvation to this one prisoner, God is working among a class of men whom he told her he would arrange for her to visit all everyone thought would be the last to be open to the prisoners. This he did and she has found an the Gospel. unexpected spiritual hunger among these men and women. She has shown us many lists of per- Closely connected with this movement is the sons who have accepted Gospel portions and have conversion of Colonel Rodolfo Curti, whose story asked for prayer that they may find Christ. One appeared in the MISSIONARY REVIEW, November, list contained more than a hundred and twenty 1934. He is active in trying to win the higher names. military officers and politicians, and many who have had the claims of Christ presented to them Thus the Spirit of God is moving in Mexico, have accepted and promised to read copies of the bringing spiritual blessings out of tribulation. Word. Through this man, who was converted by Problems and difficulties remain which seem ina dream, God is touching men whom we could surmountable but they are not beyond the renever hope to reach otherwise. sources of God. And God is working! Will you not pray that He may continue to work until this Work has also been begun among the five thou- land, which has known only a dead, powerless sand prisoners in the penitentiary. Up to a short Christ, shall see the mighty, Resurrected Christ time ago, every effort to obtain permission to come in power. work among the prisoners had proved unavailing.
A Church "On the Job" in Mexico -~II By REV. R. C. MORROW, Zitacuaro, Mexico 11f.le-·- I N SPITE of the many obstacles and difficulties what Jesus Christ has to say about socialism, etc. confronting Evangelical missions in Mexico, We have heard of groups of young people, in no there is much to fill the missionary's heart way connected with the Evangelical Church, enwith hope and courage. One of the most helpful gaged in systematic study of the New Testament. results of the years of revolution and reconstruc- In spite of antagonism on all sides, the religious tion has been the widespread awakening of her appeal is a strong one. Mexico is seeking light. masses to ,spiritual as well as to economic and social needs. Even the so-called persecutions of the The great need of the Evangelical Church is an Church and the limitations placed upon religious increased awakening to the real attitude of the activities are serving to keep the people awake people and to the opportunities that surround her. and sensitive to religion's claims. The widespread She needs an ever-increasing number of strong, propagation of Marxism, socialism, atheism, Rus- patient, consecrated leaders to guide seekers to selism, and many other "isms," stimulates thought the truth. The National Evangelical Church is and investigation along religious lines. Mexico's awake to the need and is shouldering her responpeople are alert and ready to look into every new sibility in a commendable way. She realizes that, thought and theory presented, and to sift, as far under the present religious laws and the nationas their limited educational advantages permit, alistic tendencies of the day, the brunt of the burthe true from the false. den falls upon her. A new spirit of self-reliance and an evangelistic enthusiasm is manifest in On all sides we find the people asking what many places, from the large city churches down these discussions are all about, what the Bible to remote rural congregations. It was the writreally is, what the Evangelical Church teaches, er's privilege to spend a Sunday recently in the
large Divino Salvador Church in Mexico City, are engaged in more helpful activities, than any and he shall take that church as an example of the other organization of the church. Besides giving National Church "on the job." liberally to the support of the pastor and general expenses of the church, they are vitally interested The Sabbath school opened at ten o'clock with in several other enterprises. They have helped an attendance of 450 or more. The church bul- to found and support a Bible Training School for letin distributed at the door gave a full list of the young women which sends out a number of well- church's organizations and complete programs of trained, consecrated young women for the Mas- the day's activities. There were some twenty ter's service. They have also sent one of their . well-organized classes in the various departments. own number as a missionary to the Indians of The morning preaching service followed the Sab- Oaxaca. They publish a monthly religious paper bath school and the maj ority remained. The audi- for women, the organ of their society, which torium of the church was well filled, and while reaches Presbyterian homes in many parts of the the service lasted until one o'clock, it never lagged. Republic. Besides their general meeting each There was good music, good congregational sing- Monday afternoon, they maintain small prayer ing and a sound Evangelical sermon. A visitor circles in many parts of the parish on other week from the North once said (speaking of the pastor) days. that he had to come all the way to Mexico to This church's most unique organization is the PART OF THE MEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY, SAN PABLO Men's Missionary Society, "San Pablo," composed of twenty-four consecrated laymen, all working "meet a genuine old-time blue-stocking Presby- men, who find time during the week and especially terian." on Sunday, to go out two and two into the high- ways and byways and organize small family The Junior Christian Endeavor Society held its groups for prayer and Bible study. This society weekly worship service in another department at meets every Monday evening for worship and the same hour as the morning service. In the study; they form their own weekly program, giv- afternoon from four till six, the Adults', Young ing much time to prayer, the study of the Bible People's and Intermediate Societies were in ses- and Westminster Shorter Catechism, and the dis- sion. The active membership of the four Chris- cussion of problems in their work for the Master. tian Endeavor Societies is about 250, and besides Some evenings the pastor or assistant pastor leads the usual activities each society has a special out- them in the discussion of how to meet incredulity, side interest at home or abroad toward which to atheism, and the many false doctrines abroad in devote its efforts and gifts. this land today, or helps them with the interpre- tation of difficult Bible passages. Thus week by For some years the Sunday evening service has week this consecrated group of business men con- been evangelistic, with an appeal, followed by an tinue to prepare better for the Master's service. invitation to all to confess their Saviour before They visit the needy districts and suburbs of the men. From week to week "the Lord has added city and work among the floating population. The unto them such as are being saved." seed is sown and sometimes takes root and springs into a permanent mission. Already the mother The, most active organization of this church is church has four active "daughters," organized its Women's Society, the ideal of which is to keep congregations with their own chapels and regular every woman of the congregation interested and worship. Some have their own pastors, while active in some service. They never resort to others are supplied by volunteer workers from church suppers, bazaars, sewing classes or any the mother church. other indirect method of raising funds. By their free will offerings they handle more funds, and The work bears testimony to the efficiency and consecration of the pastor, his officers, and assist- ants. Every organization can count on the sym- pathy, guidance and cooperation of the pastor.
There is still plenty of work for the missionary who can cooperate with the National Church, and funds are needed to help reach the great unevan- gelized areas, but the leadership in the Evangelical work and the human responsibility for its success rests upon the National Church of Mexico. We rejoice therefore when we see the Church accept- ing her responsibility and carrying on so efficient- ly in His name.
A Challenge of Students to the
By WILMINA ROWLAND Traveling Secretary, Student Volunteer Movement GENUINE missionary passion in the hearts have studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. Another of college men and women has never ceased comes from a rural background and has a prac- to exist; and many persons in touch with tical and a theoretical knowledge of agriculture.
American educational institutions are convinced All have had experience in religious and social that there is today an increasing consecration to work – preaching, church and vacation school the world mission of Jesus Christ. One of the teaching, boys' and girls' club work, summer most interesting incidents in the response of camps, work in industrial centers and hospitals, young people to the call of missions is being en- home mission work in the Tennessee Mountains acted in these very days. A group of men and and among the Indians of New Mexico. Probing women known as the Hartford Mission Fellow- into their biographies reveals a wide assortment ship is throwing out a challenge to the Church of other occupations, from bookkeeping and stethrough its deep consecration to a courageous nography to salesmanship and giving cooking plan of missionary work. Though one is im- demonstrations!
pressed with the admirable preparation of the These young people are thoroughly normal as group in terms of technical training and acquaint- is shown by the type of extracurricular activities ance with the theory of modern missions, one is in which they engaged during their college years, far more impressed with the remarkable spirit of when they ran the gamut of dramatics, music, art, the group. Raymond Lull's famous words, "I literary clubs, college publications, religious ac- have one passion, and that is Jesus Christ" is the tivities and sports. They are a well rounded group deep feeling of each member of the Fellowship. -intelligent, able, attractive – the sort one re- The Hartford Mission Fellowship came into be- joices to see planning for mission work abroad.
ing in 1934 out of the intimate friendship of the Eight of the group are now engaged in grad- Student Volunteer Group at the Hartford Sem- uate study which is planned with work in China inary Foundation. They were captured by the definitely in mind. A majority are enrolled in the vision of pioneer mission work which they might Hartford Seminary Foundation where their work carryon as a group. They conceived as an ideal includes courses in Chinese History and Culture.
that each member should be a specialist in a dif- Comparative Religion, History of Missions, Prac- ferent line so that as a unit they might be pre- tice of Missions, Missionary Character and Effi- pared for a comprehensive and well-balanced piece ciency, Methods of Education in Foreign Lands, of mission work in some neglected field. Diplomacy and Missions, Phonetics and Linguis- The group at first felt very strongly the ap- tics, Social Change and Reconstruction, Applied peal of work in Tibet regardless of the obvious Hygiene, Ethnology, as well as the social sciences, difficulties it presented. They consulted with per- religious education, and Bible.
sons experienced in mission work; and the advice The Fellowship desires to center its Christian of these friends eventually confirmed their own work in China in Rural Rehabilitation, in some increasing conviction that their best service could region in which very little is now being done, be rendered in a place more strategic from a world similar to that undertaken by the Kiangsi Chris- point of view. Accordingly they are now looking tian Rural Service Union. Such a reconstruction toward China as their field. China's great need, unit could be observed and guided by national and the influence she is having in world affairs, and missionary groups in the vicinity, thus contrib- the present decisive period in the Chinese Church uting to the continuity of the total Christian have influenced their decision. enterprise.
The Fellowship is an interesting and varied Six principles, in addition to the basic one of group. There are three men and six women at careful planning, underlie the Fellowship's prespresent in its membership. One is the son of for- eign missionaries, another a daughter of home ent conception: missionaries; one was born in Belgium and came 1. The work should be comprehensive, interto America when one year of age. Several have preting the Gospel of Christ in every realm of viI- been reared in highly privileged homes, and two lage life.
[ 583]
2. The work should be intensive, concentrating self-conscious group they met in informal conferon a small area and seeking to be permanent and ence with fifteen repr·esentatives of various thorough. boards. These men and women showed their in- terest in the project by appointing an unofficial 3. The work should be international both in committee which has since given advice and help. personnel and supervision, consciously trying to The members of the group appeared before the further the reciprocal appreciation of American Foreign Missions Conference of North America and Chinese culture as well as to express the uni- last January and an official committee representversal Fatherhood of God. The Fellowship ex- ing seven denomfuations was authorized to probe presses itself as looking forward to the time when more deeply into the proposed project and the they may join or be joined by Chinese who will problems involved, and to direct the group in share in and perhaps lead in the venture. their further work. Problems there undoubtedly are, and these YOlIng people desire the counsel of 4. The work should be interdenominational. mature leaders of missions in facing them wisely The group believes that mis,sionaries should be and realistically. They are happy that the Chidominated by their loyalty to Christ rather than nese Christian Council has expressed approval of the plans and has offered advice and counsel. MEMBERS OF THE HARTFORD MISSION FELLOWSHIP Furthermore, the North China Rural Service Union has invited the Hartford group to work to any particular denomination. Already the within its territory. Fellowship includes representatives of six groups: Presbyterian, Friends, Congregational, Mennon- What may be the future of the Hartford Misite, Methodist, and Episcopalian. sion Fellowship no one can tell. One has a feel- ing, however, that their demonstrated intelligence 5. The work should be marked by simplicity. and courage in the planning of their training and It should not be highly institutionalized or expen- in the facing of present difficulties shows a spirit sively equipped. The members are realistically that will lead them through to their goal. When planning to live very frugally, sharing as far as to these qualities is added a passionate and consepossible the daily life of the people. Their aim is crated devotion to Christ and .the will of God, one "self-help, with intimate, expert counsel." can feel confident that before many years the Hartford Mission Fellowship will be able to carry 6. The work should be done as a unit in a way out its deep desire to have a share in the spreadnot foreign to the indigenous community. The ing of that Kingdom which is a kingdom without deep devotional fellowship of the group will no frontiers. doubt make a valuable contribution to their unity on the field. MISSIONS AND COMMON SENSE While the Fellowship is now committed to these If we want to clear a field of weeds, the quickunderlying principles, it shows real statesmanship est way to do it is to start fires in many places. in refusing to be bound by any that prove to be If we want to bring the world to Christ, the quickuntenable. They have pledged themselves to be est way to do it is to begin and maintain operaguided by the critical judgment of American lead- tions to that end in as many places as possible. ers in the missionary enterprise and of leaders in the Chinese Christian Church and by what they The world will never be what it might be until learn from the further study of the history and the majority of people in a majority of countries practice of missions. accept a common standard of ideals. We believe that the Christian ideals are the noblest ever Some months after the Fellowship became a given to man.. Believing that to be true, it should be one of our greatest ambitions and joys and privileges to spread those ideals throughout the world, that they may win the countless millions of people all over the world. It seems to me that if one is truly interested in Christ and his Gos- pel, if one is truly desirous of winning the world for Christ, he must believe in missions. He cail do no other. If one is loyal to the Master and willing to obey his commandments, he can do no other. Missionary work is plain, common sense. It is practical business; it is genuine Christianity. -Rev. Granville Taylor.
Morocco: Change and
-41 By JAMES HALDANE, Ma"'gan, Mmocco 11.- A FTER twenty years development under the Such an event is not without significance for .i'. protection of France where does Morocco missionary work. Certain tribes, and districts stand today? The question has a vital such as that of Soos, have been hooped round by bearing upon Christian mIssIOnary work, for military restrictions and marked "insecure zone."
whether we treat civilization in its relation to its These districts have been closed to merchant and play upon primitive and semiprimitive people, as missionary alike but the impact of military opera- a distinct boon or of doubtful benefit we cannot tions, begun in Soos some two years ago, has escape its influence. pushed all the creaky doors open against the wall.
The difference between the old Morocco and the Traders are now busy selling their goods, build- new is as the difference between a placid pond ing contractors in some parts have their hands with scum floating upon its sur- full, and m iss ion a r y work, face, and a river rushing to- though not so conspicuous upon wards an objective. this virgin soil, has made a start.
The problem facing the Chris- We have now four workers sta- tian Church in this land is not tioned there, a mission car be- whether we should welcome or ing at their disposal for village resist these changes – since our and market work. A way has choice would not alter the fact been 0 pen e d up and if the that they are here to stay – but Church will take the opportu- it is to find out what changes in nity it may well prove to be the ourselves and methods are neces- highway of the Lord.
sary to enable us to use as an A second feature of develop- auxiliary the forces which, in the ment is the manifest desire on providence of God, are now oper- the part of many natives for ating around us. education. When the French When I arrived in Morocco authorities opened schools for more than twenty years ago and natives they had to dangle bait began to work among Moslems to attract even a few boys. The there was no possibility of get- core of every subject, said the ting a wheeled vehicle of any Moor, is in the Koran, which type to take one south; the coast contains not only the final word towns were reached by steamer, on theology but is the acme of the interior by animals. Today wisdom on every subject worthy one has a threefold choice for of man's attention.
journeying – railway, automo- A GLIMPSE OF OLD MOROCCO The few boys in each centre bile, or aeroplane. A good road who attended European schools runs all the way from Tangier to Tiznit, a small after completing their course found jobs in offices; walled town sixty miles south from Agadir. others having learned to write and count opened Some months ago, after the completion of the shops for the sale of cheap imported goods, while military operations in the extreme south of Mo- some found posts as interpreters. This meant rocco, which takes the name of Soos, the French good wages. While the full significance of this authorities planned to cut a route right through did not drop like a bolt from the blue upon the to Timbuctoo. The local papers hailed the news heads of those still clinging to the old methods, it with enthusiasm, gave long articles on the signifi- nevertheless came rapidly. It became clear that cance of such an artery, and published a map to those who were making the Koran the sole stand- visualize the vastness of the undertaking. Thou- ard of education would be left behind. In a short sands of natives are now busy working at the time the European schools became taxed to ca- scheme. Things move rapidly and soon we shall pacity, and the constant stream of applications have a route beginning at Tangier, passing on to for entrance necessitated large extensions. It Taroudant, thence to Tiznit, on to the small desert was astonishing to see old conservative Moors, town of Tindouf, to terminate at Timbuctoo. whose chief occupation since the European in- [585 ]
vasion was to gloat over the "pinnacled glory of sift the evidence on the part of the masses, and the past," cuffing their boys in the street to hand refusal to do so on the part of those who could them over to the schoolmaster. do so, has blocked our way and at times brought us to the verge of dispair. Next the unpredictable happened; schools were opened for girls and parents sent them also to be The old conservative Moors, whose education taught. Who could have envisaged twenty years consisted in memorizing the Koran, usually ago a crowd of Moorish girls romping out of a showed their resentment to our message by meet- French school with something of the same high ing it with silence. The illiterate veered to the spirits as their sisters in Europe? other extreme and checked us by vociferation. Now these classes, though not by any means ex- The time was ripe for night classes. Men in tinct, are waning and the growing generation is every town, whose school days were now past, imbibing more and more knowledge, adapting claimed the right to a higher education than had itself to European standards. The new generabeen afforded them in their youth. The authori- tion knows that neither silence nor brawls are ties began evening classes and are now making strong enough weapons to defend Islam against the penetrating inquisitiveness of the modern A STUDENT IN MOROCCO TODAY mind.
an effort to teach these men the French language. An example of the aggressiveness of the stu- Then several colleges were set up at different dent class may be seen in the following incident. centres and a large number of young Moors have I was preaching to a group of men in the street, already completed their studies and are engaged when a young man, fresh home with college in service for the government; others have been laurels, joined us. Resenting my ·efforts to win to France to receive special instruction in farm- his coreligionists to Christ he gave us a synopsis ing. of Arab history which he had unearthed from his studies. He told how their forefathers built uni- In the past we have bemoaned the fact that our versities, taught philosophy and science at a time chief obstacle to advance has been ignorance, and when Europe was in darkness, raised great this ignorance has been the more formidable in armies, organized military operations on a scale that it has been coated with a prejudice that re- that reached from Delhi to Morocco, conquered sented any poking process. calculated to rouse Spain, crossed the Pyrennes and threatened them from their age-long slumber. Inability to France with invasion.
This type of mind, which manifests intelligence even if accompanied by some show of opposition, is much more interesting and hopeful than the other class, because a combination of these two qualities is not so formidable as ignorance and prejudice. Granted adequate equipment, and workers with the proper training, the Church has now an opportunity to turn what at the mo- ment is but a perceptible straw on the stream into an aggressive advance.
Enlightenment sometimes brings its embarrass- ments as well as its benefits, but where the mis- sionary is properly trained for his work these need not hinder advance. Take the story of Mo- hammed's night journey to heaven. If we are to treat this narrative as a piece of clumsy nonsense we must prepare an intelligent reply for our op- ponents who will want to know why, while re- jecting this incident, we continue to believe in Elijah's ascension to heaven by a chariot of fire.
We cannot ~helve answers by disapproving of the questions, because the present generation will' not allow the missionary to proclaim the heart of his message until he has explained the larger cir- cumference of his theology. We must thread our way through the preliminary difficulties if the final thrust is to prevaiL A balanced appraise-
MOROCCO: CHANGE AND OPPORTUNITY
IN A PUBLIC PLAZA IN NEW MOROCCO ment of our message becomes impossible until When a lead of this kind is given by those in high there is at least the admission of it possibly be- places the crowd in lower ranks soon push mating true. Anything therefore we can do by love ters much further. Had this kind of thing been and patience to call forth such admission is the done by religious leaders when I first arrived in first important step towards our goal. Morocco the whole population would have been inflated with suspicion. Another important development of these past years is what one might call religious elasticity- Justification for this changed attitude is sought the feeling that just as civilization has compelled in calling forth fanciful interpretations from pasthem to break away from many of the customs sages in the Koran despite the fact that such inand regulations that once characterized their terpretations rob the original text of all meaning. existence, so in matters of religion there must be One could fill pages to illustrate this changed attirelaxation to meet the new conditions. No one tude towards their book, but one incident must can fail to see the incompatibility between the two suffice. systems, but many young people desirous of wriggling their way into European society have shut "You smell of wine," I said to a young Moor. their eyes and succumbed to the seduction. He admitted the indulgence. I went on to say that according to the Koran that was a luxury While the attitude of these young people may reserved for them in Paradise but forbidden on be susceptible of easy explanation, the compromise earth. "True," he replied, "but the new method is likely to have damaging effects on their future. of pruning vines, introduced by Europeans, allows The scissors which they now handle to snip off a the prohibited element in the drink to escape bebit here and a bit there of this and that prohibi- fore the grapes are formed." Surely it is not too tion, that forms a barrier in the way of their ob- much to say that when people are pushed to such jective, may yet fall into other hands that will do extremes their last stronghold is threatened. more clipping than was originally intended. The interplay of these two forces-civilization Even the most vigorous champions of Islam and Islam-is not team work tending towards harcannot altogether escape these religious compro- mony, but rather the harnessing of two forces mises, for there are state functions where they that conflict in their ideals. It may yet work out are, either by courtesy or compulsion, found be- like this: A friend of mine made a cart. With side the Christian priest. The same thing hap- the primitive tools at his disposal it cost him a pens at distinguished marriages and funerals. lot in labor. I was present when for the first time
he yoked a young bull to it. The animal sniffed, the great door, richly studded with brass nails, shuffled, pawed the ground and suddenly bolted. opened slightly and an outstretched arm placed a Bit by bit the cart went to pieces so that when the handful of barley meal in his lap. A few days bull was brought to a standstill it had nothing but later the inmates of the house heard a sound at the two shafts left dangling by its sides. If their door as if some one were dealing blows at Islam has not yet bolted with civilization there is the stone archway. On opening the door they an ominous unrest which suggests the likelihood found the old beggar trying to demolish the doorof such a happening. way with a pickaxe. To the question, What are you doing? he replied: "You don't require a door While things are in this fluid condition must of such dimensions to pass out a handful of meal. the Church stand aside and wait till they solidify I am going to demolish it and give it proportions somewhat before striking? We think not. The to harmonize with your liberality." old mold is melting, but unless the Church seizes the opportunity to give it direction and shape, it The Church of God has a great doorway studded may solidify into something more misshapen and with beautiful language about our Lord and His awkward than its original. The last state of this salvation, but so far as North Africa is concerned man may easily become worse than the first. all that has passed through it is a handful of meal. Once again we appeal to the Christians for a "Give me what belongs to God" cried a beggar larger measure of her support for the evangelizawho sat on the doorstep of a rich man's house. tion of this once Christian land. He was about to walk away in despondency when THE STEWARDSHIP OF PRAYER No more sacred trust is given to man than the personal fellowship with God the Father through prayer. Christ teaches us the stewardship of private prayer in these words: "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee."
Jesus says to His disciples-and to us today-there must be some place where you hold fellowship with God alone. Such a place may not be easy to find, but he that willeth to have a secret place, will find such a place. Each of us must choose that secret place where he may meet Him. From time to time the place of prayer may have to be changed, but there must be somewhere the secret spot if we are to learn of Him.
One poor woman, who lived in one room with three small children, when asked where she could find a secret place in the crowded little room, she threw her apron over her head and said: "Behind this apron is my secret place. It shuts the world out and shuts Christ and me in."
Behind our closed doors-the world shut out and the Father and His child shut in-we, too, may behold Christ and come to long for His loveliness to be manifest through our life. Here, in the pure light of the Sun of Righteousness, hidden sins are revealed, and hearts are made pure again. It is here that we hear Him speak words of encouragement to our hearts. It is here that we see His face, become conscious of His spirit, receive His power, learn His will, gain His abiding presence and thus learn to live for His glory.
Sometimes it may seem hard to enter the secret place, because we feel that we have so little to bring to Him, but it is not what we have to bring that is important but what He has to give to us and to others through us. The Father's heart is longing to give us something that can be released only in that secret place of prayer. Let us be true to our stewardship in prayer and daily enter the secret place to receive rest in Him, to behold His beauty, to hear His voice, to gain His power, and be prepared to go out and live conscious of His controlling companion- ship in all of life and its possessions.
TESTS FOR THE STEWARDSHIP OF PRAYER Do I pray in secret every day, remembering His directions about private prayer? (Mat- thew 6: 6.) When I enter the secret place, do I shut out worldly thoughts and realize God's presence only?
Do I believe that God has something to give me which can only be released in the secret place of prayer?
Has the time that I have spent in secret with Him given evidence of this belief? Do I not desire to prove a more faithful steward of prayer in the secret place?
J. W. MCCUTCHEN.
A Day With Farag Abdalla*
I-<Ell By WILLARD PRICE, Now Yo,k II~ D AWN in Egypt. The stars draw a veil over "Then let us go to the market," he said. He their faces. The swift-flowing Nile changes gathered up his books, untethered a little donkey, from black to silver. A faint hush of rose placed his books in the panniers, climbed to the in the East foretells the coming of the Egyptian saddle and set off down the winding street.
sun. There is a clear call from the minaret. The Every ten feet or so the donkey must stop.
village of Beni Mazar stirs in its sleep. Dogs Donkey-like, he was quite willing to do so, and bark, roosters crow, donkeys bray. White clouds remained as still as a graven image while his of egrets drift through the palm trees. Street master, using the saddle as a pulpit, discussed the criers begin to chant. Water carriers fill their Scriptures with fruit sellers, grocers, hardware goatskins at the river's brink. Soon the streets, merchants, postal clerks, students, peasants, camel empty a few moments ago, swarm with turbaned drivers. Now and then a well-dressed sheikh figures. On every hand is heard the salutation, would pause, listen, argue, and probably buy. On "May your day be happy!" the whole a surprising number of books were sold Where death is always standing at one's elbow, and a most lively interest displayed. The Amer- where polygamy is common, where divorce may ican bystander gained the vivid impression that be performed merely by repeating the three words, the Bible is still decidedly a living book that makes "I divorce you," where education is almost beyond itself the center of modern discussion, struggle reach, where fanaticism and fear take the place and progress. Stolid self-content is disappearing of spiritual forces, there is good reason for the in Egypt. Fanaticism is fading. Even the closed plaintive morning greeting, "May your day be Moslem mind is now flowering, reaching out for happy!" sun and air. The Christian Gospel is found to Who will make it happy? contain the answer to many searching questions Here is a man who knows. "In this little book," of the new day.
he calls to the passers-by, "is the story of Him At last, the market. What a crowd! What vocal tumult! Each vendor seemed to be trying who brings joy and peace." The speaker holds in to out-yell his neighbor. The cobblers, the iron- mongers, the bakers, the barbers, the tattooers, his hand a New Testament printed in Arabic. On the sellers of sugarcane, chickens, cheese, skins, eggs, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, flutes, pottery, medithe ground before him are spread his wares- cines, fortunes, charms for camels' necks – all proclaimed their services at the top of their lungs. Gospels, Testaments, Bibles. This picturesque How could a gentle colporteur make his message heard? character, in blue burnoose and white turban, who Into the mass Farag rode and held up a Gospel. looks as if he himself had stepped out of a Bible He did not speak-he could not have been heard. He trusted the little book to speak for itself. It story, is a colporteur of the American Bible So- did. There was a sudden hush. Immediately the Gospel had made itself the center of attention. ciety. His name is Farag Abdalla. His mission Then voices broke out again, but now they conis to help bring to the men and women of these cerned the Book.
poor villages the abundant life. "It's the 'Jesus Book'!" "Drive him out!" We found him at sunrise, already at work. We "We'll teach him to come here!" "Pull him off his donkey!" had come from Cairo-the agency secretary of No sooner said than done. Farag was dragged to the ground, mauled and punched. Gospels were the American Bible Society and the American lay- taken from the saddlebags and flung into the air. "Shall we go in to help him?" the American man who was interested to see what happens in the ordinary day's work of a colporteur in a far land. The secretary explained to Farag that we expected to follow him all day. ~ "I shall be most happy in your company," re- plied Farag, "provided I may proceed as usual.
I have much to do this day." He was assured that it was exactly the usual day's work that we wished to see and that there would be no interference with his plans.
• Reprinted from The Bible Society Record. asked.
[589 ]
"Farag is in no danger. But if foreigners be- the doorway with children clustering around, they gan mixing in there might be a real riot." listened to his story and frequently bought books.
Farag did not strike back. The injustice of the At one house a fine-looking Arab gentleman situation quickly appealed to the crowd. There opened the door. When he learned the colpor- were cries of "Let him go-never mind him." A teur's errand he was much interested. "Let us talk about it," he said, and invited Farag and his American friends to enter. Tea and cakes were served. There was a spirited and intelli- gent discussion. Then, "Permit me to bring my family together so that you may read to us all."
On an upstairs verandah of this spacious home the family assembled-three generations. To a curious Arab melody, Farag sang selec- tions from the l03d Psalm. The family, al- though not familiar with the words, joined in the chant. Then Farag read from the Gospel of St. John. Frequently he paused to make vivid comments, applying the story' to the life of modern Egypt. Even the smallest children were charmed by his personality and paid close attention. Then all stood and the Bible man led in prayer.
FARAG ABDALLA ON A TOUR The sheikh was profuse in his thanks. This was not his first contact with Christianity and powerful sheikh pushed back the tormentors, say- he had become persuaded that it was his way ing, "If you would all read that book you would of life. He now bought many books. Then he be better off." Three men picked up Farag and asked how he might establish a proper place planted him on his donkey's back. Many of the of worship in the vicinity. Farag and the Bible scattered Gospels were returned to him-but not Society's agency secretary talked with him long before they had been curiously examined. and earnestly. They had already sold books. Why did they "This is ridiculous," said one, reading the in- wait? Because these men of the Book do not scription on the title page. "It says here, limit themselves to the sale of Scriptures, however 'The Book of the New Covenant of our Lord important a service that might be. They regard and Saviour Jesus Christ.' How is He my Saviour? Can He save my arms or legs or GIVING THE GOSPEL TO A MOSLEM FAMILY anything ?"
The crowd guffawed. Then Farag began to speak. He told of the Saviour, and His love for those whom He had come to save. For half an hour he spoke while business stood still in that part of the market. More important business was in hand. When he had finished there was a demand for books. Thirty Gospels, twenty Psalms and aNew Testament were sold. Questioners would hardly let Farag go, but he finally departed, taking the good will of the crowd with him.
After a simple luncheon of sunbread and buffalo milk at the home of the Christian pastor, Farag led the way once more, this time going through the residential part of the town, visiting the homes. Because of harem custom, the women who responded to his knock did not admit him. Standing in
THE BIBLE AND SOUL WINNING
the germination of new churches as distinctly a The Copt read. The robber was interested. part of their task. Later he came in contact with evangelists and mis- sionaries and was converted. He called together Farag has started many churches during his his robber band. "I've always dealt squarely with thirty-five years of service. We journeyed on to you. Don't be afraid I'll squeal on you. But from see one of his latest achievements-a church of now on I don't know you and you don't know me." twenty-five members, about to call a pastor. In the meantime Farag preaches there. We visited He became a devoted Christian elder and helped another meeting place, not yet organized. There to build this church. also, Farag preaches. *** At the little village of Daquf, in the almost horizontal rays of the setting sun, Farag held an Night. We travelled back to Cairo. It seemed open-air service. Then he took us across the brook as if we had seen a lifetime in a day. Farag had to a small place of worship, and, laying his hand not only sold sixty Psalms, fifty Gospels, two affectionately upon the worn door, he told us the Bibles and aNew Testament – but through his story of this little church: ministration and the medium of his rich, Christian personality he had touched thousands of lives. A robber chief stole a Bible from a colporteur. Who could estimate the harvest of that one day's No Moslem could read i.t to him. Finally one said, work? And when we realize that there are around "There's a Copt who can read it." the world more than two hundred devoted colpor- teurs of the American Bible Society giving their "Here, read this," throwing it into the Copt's lives to such work, having an important share in lap. the distribution of the eleven million volumes of Scriptures annually put in circulation by the "Oh no, I can't." American Bible Society, teaching, preaching, and "Why not?" ministering as they go, we catch a vision of what "The Coptic priest would excommunicate me." is being accomplished by the men of the Book. The robber brandished his club. "Well, choose: if you read it, the priest will excommunicate you-if you don't, I'll kill you."
The Bible and Soul Winning* By the REV. WILL H. HOUGHTON, D.D., _.<tijf Chicago, Illinois President of Moody Bible Institute T HE Bible is uniquely a personal book. It before them; but when some Philippian jailer as contains governmental laws and imparts a lone soul asks, "What must I do to be saved?" principles which, properly interpreted and they have not the answer. applied, would bring right adjustments in every social relationship; but it is, after all, a book The revival in the church is always the making with· a message to individuals. Each one reading personal of the Bible message. As long as the it can say, "This means me." Bible is the private possession of the king, of the church, or of the scholar, the Book fails of its end Thousands in every generation have found com- and purpose. But, let the releasing of it come fort in the realization that, not only the Lord is and let it reach the hearts of the people, and a the great shepherd of his people, but "the Lord spiritual awakening has begun. is my shepherd." When Tyndale and his associates gave the Bible . It is this appropriation of the personal message to the people of England in their own tongue, he of the Bible that this age seems to have lost- opened the door to a spiritual awakening. The even those who are faithful in proclaiming that nave of St. Paul's Cathedral in London held the "God so loved the world, that he gave his only first five or six copies, and the multitude turned to begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him this church to hear the Word of God read. Later should not perish, but have everlasting life." the Bible was reproduced in such fashion that it The "whosoever," the universality of it, is always could enter the homes of the people; and out of an atmosphere of coldness and corruption a reli- • A message, issued under the auspices of the National Com- gious revival was born. memoration Committee, celebrating four hundred years ·or the printed English Bible.
The revival of the Puritan period was due to Scriptures. The useful servants of God in dis- this giving of the Word of God to the common tant and recent generations have been Bible-born people one by one. Many find it amusing today and Bible-bred. It may be a Wesley in his day, to ridicule the Puritans; but, as some one has said, or a Moody in his; but the operating agency is "Better the age of the Puritans than the age of the same-the Spirit of God through the Word of the impuritans." God. The Apostle James says (1: 18): "Of his Geneva has had the fortune to be the center of own will begat he us with the word of truth."
the world's interest for many reasons, but none When Charles H. Spurgeon was enlarging and more significant than its association with the remodeling his great Tabernacle in London he name of John Calvin. He was the man who helped went to the platform to test the acoustics. Think- students for the ministry .to realize the power of ing that the auditorium was empty, he lifted his the Bible in personal life. They called Calvin powerful voice and repeated John 3: 16. High up "the man of one book." Students gathered with on a bit of scaffolding was a workman just finish- him for the study of the contents of that book, ing his task. This Word of God found its place and soon the awakening came. in his heart at that moment, and he became a John Wesley found the church ignoring the born-again Christian.
Bible and he brought its power to bear on indi- The blessing of God is on his Word, according vidual lives; a revival was the result. to his own declaration to Isaiah: "For as the rain Every student of missionary history knows the cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and re- story of Madagascar. When the Christian mis- turneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and sionaries were ordered to leave, they hurriedly maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give finished the translation of the Scripture and seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall placed copies of it here and there. Later, when my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it the door of Madagascar was again open to the shall not return unto me void, but it shall accom- Gospel, it was found that the Bible had done its plish that which I please, and it shall prosper in work, and many Bible-born Christians were the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55: 10, 11).
awaiting the missionaries. Our age is not new in its needs. What other Weare fortunate in our day that the Bible is ages required, we require. What has brought made available to everyone in his own tongue. blessing to other men, will bring blessing to us.
But a Bible distributed and a Bible read may be The Holy Scriptures are still "able to make thee two different things. It is the Bible read, re- wise unto salvation through faith which is in leased, received, that operates for the salvation Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3: 15).
and sanctification of life. How can a powerless church find new power?
The ministers of today might well heed the How can a scorned church find new victory? How words of McCheyne: "It is not our comment on can the indifferent be aroused, the skeptical be the Word that saves, but the Word itself." How convinced? Where is a spiritual awakening to frequently in The Acts we read that the early be found? What will produce the faith which Christians "spoke the Word," and "went every- transforms character and gives life point, pur- where preaching the Word." Paul exhorts young pose, poise, and power? All the answers are in Timothy to "preach the Word," and reminds him the one answer: "Faith cometh by hearing, ~nd of how much this Word has meant in the lives of hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10: 17).
Timothy's mother and grandmother, as well as The Bible has always been the instrument for in his own life. soul winning, whether in the period of revival or In the eighth chapter of The Acts, one person, in the gleaning of quieter periods. God has used Phillip, brought the sacred Scriptures to bear his Word and He will use his Word.
upon the life of another individual, the Ethiopian, in such a way that the Ethiopian was brought to "God is love." This is :the last revelation of His the knowledge of the Divine Lord and Saviour- character. Long before, in His Word, He had Jesus Christ. This is the method and means of been presented as Righteousness, Fountain of revival that we call evangelism. Life and Light, the Holy One. But it is given to The Word of God is "quick and powerful" says John, at last, to give this new name, and :to de- the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews. The clare not that He is lovely or loving, but is love- word "quick" is old English for alive. The the incarnation of unselfish benevolence. Weare Apostle Peter calls it the "living Word." It pos- therefore dealing with One who is too wise to err sesses life, and also imparts its life, for in the in judgment, and too good to err through malice.
same letter (1 Peter 1: 23), he says that we are In His hands we may safely trust ourselves, wel- born again by this Word. coming His discipline and confident that in doing Church history is the corroboration of the fact as He pleases, He will please to do only what is that men may be born from above through the the very best. ARTHUR T. PIERSON.
You Think of Africa*
By REV. EMORY ROSS, New York -<t£f Formerly a Missionary of the Disciples of Christ in Belgian Congo W HEN you think of Africa, of what do you and early evening if it were not for canned goods think? quickly served to a more or less starving family Swamps, deserts, rivers? on her late return?
Rift valley, and Mountains of the Moon? And canned food needs cans, and cans are made Elephants, rhinos and hippos? of tin and to make tin a good hot yellow bath of Dugout-log canoes, pigmies and poisoned ar- palm oil is required, and Africa every year ships rows? thousands of tons of palm oil in United States Baboon, gorillas-and Congorilla? Shipping Board bottoms to the tin-plate mills of Trader Horn, Tarzan, Schweitzer and Living- Pittsburgh and Sparrow's Point.
stone? / Sixty-five per cent of your breakfast cup of Darkness, adventure, disease, mystery? cocoa comes from one British African colony, the Superstition, cannibals and sudden death? Gold Coast. When you "pound the ivories" you All of these and many other things may be are touching Africa, The world's largest supply thought of quite conectly in connection with of gold also comes from Africa.
Africa, but let me ask you this: And to cap it all for the future, Congo, Belgium's Did you ever think of Africa, distant Africa, African jewel, possesses some 22% of the total remote and "darkest" Africa, to reutter the old potential waterpower of the world' (American In- phrase, as being so closely tied in with American stitute of Electrical Engineers' figures) in that life, that our life would be quite something very rushing torrent of the lower Congo, where 1,250,- different were it not for Africa. 000 cu. ft. of water a second falls 800 feet over a The brilliant electric lights we owe partially, series of seven rapids in the last 250 miles of the and will owe in increasing measure in the future, Congo River.
to Africa-for Africa has the largest and richest But America's closest and most intimate tie copper deposits jn the world, and every year in~ with Africa is in the persons of more than 12,- creases her dominance in copper wire production 000,000 of our fellow-citizens direct descendants and the general copper markets of the world. of that mighty continent. Our fruitful relation- If your wife requires a luminous-dial clock in ship with them has profomidly affected United order to feed the baby promptly at 2 a. m., or a States' politics, society, economics, music, art, re- member of your family needs treatment for a ligion. And it is destined to continue profoundly malignant growth, you are immediately dependent to influence our whole future state.
on Africa-for Congo produces most of the radium Africa was the dark continent.
of the world. Young couples also turn to Africa Africa today positively glistens.
to get conventionally engaged-for Africa fur- It glistens with the diamonds, the radium, the nishes most of the world's solitaire diamonds. copper, gold and electricity which we have men- We could not assemble in conferences by bus tioned.
and automobile, were it not for Africa. For Con- But most of all does it glisten with the faces, go produces nearly all the cobalt of the world, and the eyes uplifted, the souls of 140,000,000 of the without cobalt pres,ent-day high-speed tool steel earth's emergent peoples, sturdy stock from which would not exist, and without high-speed tool steel our Negro fellow citizens have grown. From the the modern mass-production automobile, or mass- forests, the rivers, the swamps, the elephant grass, production anything, would not be. from the coastal plains and the inland uplands From what one hears, even women's clubs and they rise. They' catch the glow of a new dawn.
feminine bridge drives might not flourish as they The dawn of what? The answer is not yet do in these fair United States, were it not for sure. But whatever it is to be, you are bound to Africa. For how could mother play all afternoon help frame it. The United States may seem a good- ly distance off from Africa. Actually, in many Ch•icAagno,aMddaryes2s-5g,iv1e9n35a. t the Younger Men's Missionary Congress, ways we are with Africa as closely II'nked and as [593 ]
interdependent as our individual states are one tions with Christian whites, and its body social with another. is even yet pierced and raw. The worst war Africa has ever experienced was the gift of Chris- Twenty-three years ago I left Central Illinois tian civilization. for the first time for Africa. For months I packed and planned and girded for the journey. I bade Africa is suffering rudest shock. Consider what my parents, my fiancee and my friends good-bye is happening in Congo, typical of Negro Africa. with utter finality. Anything might happen on so long and hazardous a journey! No generation until our own knew Congo. It was the last great sweep of populated country to Last year I had occasion to go back to Africa on move from the obscurity of the unknown on to a sort of quick commuting trip. I bought a sec- the widening stage of the world's knowledge; to ond-hand Chevrolet in Cleveland, hooked on an be discovered, uncovered, opened. The year that Ohio license plate, rolled across to Central Illinois, happened was 1877. threw some clothes and correspondence in the back of the car, told my wife and children good- In the fifty-eight years since then the whole bye with a deal of funning in the front yard while impact of the world's most complex and speedy my brother-in-law made a movie of the scene, and civilization has hit one of the world's lowest and headed for US 40 to drive to Africa-and did it, most leisurely. Twelve million human beings are except for the ferry trip from New York to the right at the point of the blow. Biff! And untold mouth of the Congo. In Africa I drove 7,000 miles generations of accumulated sanctions and social in three and one-half months, sold the car for ties are shattered. An old life is being ground to more than rd paid for it in Cleveland, and ferried bits. First-generation sons whose fathers had back to New York. never seen a wheel are today driving all the loco- motives in Congo, assembling Fords and Citroens, Africa Has Changed running delicate cotton looms, operating Bucyrus steam shovels, building passenger airplanes. Sons Africa has changed, and is changing, just like of witch doctors sit with trained and knowing that. And it is doing it in a single long genera- eye looking in high-power microscopes and pick tion. A century ago it was all but unknown. Fifty trypanosomes, the organism of African sleeping years ago it was the territorial grab-bag of Eu- sickness, out of blood smears. Sons of cannibals rope. Thirty years ago it became the political preach-and live-the teachings of Jesus Christ. manreuvres ground. Cabinets, navies and armies were constantly in it, on it or about it. In this veritable welter of change, the Church of Christ has two supreme opportunities challenging Out of it they converged head-on upon what the it in Negro Africa: world will doubtless hereafter ever know as the Western Front, that ghastly gash which engulfed To replace the world's lowest religion, or one a world and nearly a civilization. of them, animism, with the world's highest, Chris- tianity, in a space to be measured by years, not Against all volitions of its own, Africa became generations; a major cause of the World War, a recruiting base for volunteer armies, a battle-ground, a vast sup- And, second, to so present Christ to Negro plier of the sinews of war, and a mandate-coated Africa that He may become there, possibly for spoils for the victors. It remains the greatest ex- the first time in history, a complete way of life ploitable area of the world, therefore the possible for a whole people. occasion of another war. To take this latter first: animistic Africa is We have thought of Africa as a cruel and piti- prepared for such a whole-life Christianity. less land, torn and bleeding from fierce inter- Animism does now control in just such fashion. tribal wars, and we have boasted of the "peace" Every phase and activity of life is conditioned by the white man brought it. God help us! animism. No department of life is too intimate, too ramified, too trival for it to enter and conduct. Africa never knew war, real, dirty, bloody war, until we began to show it her in 1914. I was in Nothing is outside religion. Their religion is a Liberia when the war broke out, and heard of it complete way-for a complete life, with almost no a week later from the lips of a Liberian native. I variables permitted. They would almost certainly was deep in Congo when it ended, and heard of make of Christianity, themselves, just such a that ten days later from the crew of a passing whole-life religion. little palm-oil steamer. But-will our Western, compartmentalized con~ In the years between, the white world had done ception and practice of Christianity permit this? things to relatively peaceful Africa whose damage It has not, so far, but in rare and incomplete inonly future generations can accurately measure. stances. In this a great, a really great, and pos- Pagan Africa had been forced into bayonet rela- sibly unique, opportunity lies at the hands of the younger laymen and ministry of the church.
WHEN YOU THINK OF AFRICA
The other challenge this very night of Negro day along twisting paths to low-wing monoplanes.
Africa is to replace the low-scale religion, anim- They drop their short-handled hoes for the wheel ism, by the world's highest, Christianity, in a of a long-coupled Caterpillar to plow their erst- measurable period of time. This can be done. while land.
Every swift new factor in African life is tending Never having seen a written word or a printed to break down animism. For countless thousands page before this generation, they have "Punch"
it is already gone. For other millions it is on its and the Bible and L'Illustration from Paris of- way out. fered for their purchase. They find themselves But the African remains a religion-thirsting jumped from fetishes and knuckle-bones and soul. With all his nature he craves something bet- witch doctors to microscopes and centrifuges and ter to replace the blank fearfulness of repres- African M.D.s.
sive animism. That's why the largest Presbyterian There are almost no intermediates in all this.
church in the world has grown up in this last gen- There is no ascending ladder from the 2-inch soft- eration in Cameroun, and why the Disciples of iron axe head insecurely stuck into the terminal Christ have their largest church in Congo. knot of a short club, to the motor-driven band A religion of deadly fear confronted by a re- saw, the 2,000 r. p. m. planer and the drum sander. ligion of godly love has no real chance whatever The same chap who in boyhood learned the use for survival. Nor will it survive if this Congress of the axe as the only tool anywhere then availand this generation of our Church puts its hand able to him for making rough necessities from collectively upon this second of the two present wood, now in young manhood skilfully moves among the whirring belts and meshing gears of great opportunities in Negro Africa. the machines and turns out satin-finished bed- In past history a people's life has been a thing room suites and ebony chess tables inlaid with slow to change. The movement, whether forward ivory or anything else which you'd wish to deor backward, has been all but imperceptible to a scribe or blueprint. living eye. It has required the successive lifetimes of several observers to measure the change, even But more staggering still is what is going on in sometimes to tell its direction. the life of the people. Guy ropes have been cut and even the flimsy shelters thrown up by primi- The Impact of Civilization tive life as a protection, and a defense against the disintegration of the group, are threatened and No such orderly advance has been allowed some of them already down in the mighty gusts of Africa. In this respect it came at a bad moment foreign penetration. Harbor moorings have partupon the world scene: just when machines were ed and the little barks of African life are far beginning to demand gorgings of raw material, out on, to them, chartless seas in the trade winds which Africa has, and when populations were be- of the West. African life is adrift. Old tribal ginning to search for spill-over territories, which sanctions and restraints have broken down com- Africa has. pletely in the lives of many and partially in the These two conditions combined with incohesive lives of nearly all. There is less and less that is Africa's heli)iessness to seal her fate. The normal firm and solid in the old life for this generation developments of a thousand years were for her to tie to·. largely to be rammed-jammed into fifty. The French and Belgians call these people de- The western world found Africa desirable, pro- racines, the uprooted, the unrooted, the rootless.
nounced her necessary and proceeded to take her Taken literally, that is too strong a term. There in a way no continent had ever been taken and to are still roots, of course. But as a figure it is apt, force her people's culture in a way no great hu- true.
man mass had ever been dealt with. Almost every element of African life is being The Dark Continent and the millions of its peo- isolated and tested. Keen young Africans are in ples, among the most primitive left, are having the vanguard of those whose slogans are, Whence?
nearly all natural growth roots trimmed and most and How? and Whither?
of the familiar soil removed, and, with some hast- One hundred forty million people are on trek, ily-grafted roots, are being transplanted, or, more emerging from the unknown, moving into the un- accurately, replanted on the spot, in the foreign- explored. In an unusual sense a whole people earthed forcing beds of a civilization hundreds of seeks a Way, a Guide, and a Life now and ever- years older and hundreds of times faster than lasting.
their own, and altogether different. "And this-and this-is life eternal, that they From dugout-log canoes Africans step to the should know Thee, the only true God, and Him decks of 1,000-ton steamboats; from 15-miles-per- whom Thou didst send, even Jesus Christ."
Books for Africa*
By MARGARET WRONG Secretary, International Committee on Christian Literature for Africa I N AFRICAN villages when dusk has fallen and could let him have more books, because in his the village fires make points of light in the mind books were inseparably associated with mis- darkness, the old grannies sit beside them and sions. tell stories to the children. African leaders are asking for books and pic- In Central and South Africa until the white tures for educational purposes. An experienced man came there were no books written in the African teacher asked for a book for the women eight hundred to nine hundred languages spoken "which will teach them all they should know about by the many peoples and tribes. Today the the care of children, the care of the house, and African, as well as the white man, is asking that the growing of food."
books should be created. The number of literate people, who will read Missionaries are the pioneers in the making of what they can, be it good or bad, is increasing, books, for they were determined that everyone and the responsibility of the missions to provide should have the Bible in the mother tongue. The good material in school and circulating libraries result is that the Bible has been translated in must be faced, unless it is to be said that Chris- whole or in part into 239 African languages, and tians have taught the people to read but left it to each year the Bible societies bring out some new non-Christians to supply the literature.
versions. Missionaries started schools to teach A major problem of supplying literatUre is the people to read the Bible, and these schools have number of languages. On a day's march of fif- grown and developed until today they include both teen miles in Liberia I have passed from one lan- elementary and higher education. From them guage area to another so that our carriers greeted have gone out Africans who are leaders among the people of the village where we halted at night their people. Even today, when governments are in English, because they could not speak the tribal starting schools, ninety-two per cent of the educa- languages.
tional work for Africans in Africa is in the hands When agreement is reached. as to which lan- of the Christian missions. With the spread of guage is to be used, authors and translators, both literacy comes both the desire to read and the pos- African and European, have to be found. Books sibility of spreading knowledge through books- already written in some vernaculars need to be books about Christianity, books for schools, books retranslated into other vernaculars, and many new for general reading. Missions have spread lit- books are needed.
eracy and provided the first books; they are now Suitable material is not now in existence, for faced with the task of creating a literature for .the background of books in European languages the continent. is foreign to the African. Some time ago I lis- Books are closely associated in the mind of the tened in a Gold Coast school to a small boy spell- people with Christianity. One late afternoon in ing out in English the story of a hansom cab lost Angola we were delayed by a puncture on a lonely in a London fog! What was a hansom cab?
road. No village was in sight. But in a few min- What was a horse? He did not know. On the utes the usual crowd appeared and watched the other hand, a reading lesson about the seashore proceedings with interest. We heard a familiar or the cussedness of the elderly goat at the school hymn tune. One of our party hummed the same door would have related his study of English to tune, whereupon a tall lad turned on his heel and the life he knew.
disappeared round a bend of the road, to come An effort is being made to get schoolbooks in back with a hymn book of an American mission English which deal with the life and interests of whose central station was over a hundred miles the people, and are illustrated with drawings of away. He had tested us with the hymn tune to Africa. A series of readers, published for Li- see if we were missionaries. Having decided that beria (African Life Readers, New York, Ginn) we were he produced the book and asked if we have proved of use in many parts of Africa.
• Condensed from The Spirit of Mil/sions, New York. Whatever language is used, it is important that [596 ] books for schools should be related to the life and as a subcommittee of the International Missioninterests of the people. ary Council. Between twenty and thirty Amer- ican and British societies, the Bible society, and Another problem to be faced is that of distribu- religious publishing houses are cooperating in its tion. Roads, waterways, railways, and the air support. Continental Protestant societies are also are opening Africa to the outside world and mak- sympathetic and all Church of England missions ing travel from one part to another possible. Men working in Africa are cooperating actively. of many tribes come from the far interior to the coast with produce and return with merchandise. There is also need of simple periodical litera- They camp in villages by the roadside. News is ture, and through a grant from the American passed from one to another and carried far afield. Committee on Christian Literature for Women Those who can read will read aloud around the and Children in Mission Fields, it has been posevening fires. Books and leaflets for them which sible to publish a little magazine, Listen, intended deal with vital matters are of increasing interest for school and village people. Listen is used in for, as literacy spreads, literature will penetrate English and in vernacular. Plans are on foot for through such travelers to places where mission- the development of similar periodicals in other aries have never been. There is no more adven- languages. turous and fascinating opportunity today than to discover how these highways of trade and com- Several needed books have been written at the merce in Africa can be made highways for the instigation of the committee. It has also been spread of Christianity through the distribution possible to arrange for the publication of picture of Christian literature. c.harts of village life for the teaching of reading, which were prepared for one station of an Amer- It is evident that literature cannot be developed ican mission in the Congo. These are now availsatisfactorily by each mission independently, and able for the whole of Africa. Missionaries have also that much work has been done in different awakened a desire for books, and are now faced missions which will be of use to others. The need with the great opportunity offered by that awakfor literature is great. The International Commit- ening through the length and breadth of Africa. tee on Christian Literature for Africa was founded This desire should be satisfied with good books.
REASONS FOR JAPANESE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP After his latest visit to the Orient, John R. Mott summed up his reasons for confidence in the continued friendly relations between Japan and the United States: 1. Basically our economic interests will continue to be best furthered by a policy of peace, goodwill and cooperation.
2. The great majority of the people who make up the real body and life of our nations desire nothing but friendly relations.
3. In the cultural realm, and in present-day intellectual cooperation, our friendship and collaboration repose on solid foundations.
4. There are twenty influential voices and pens today speaking and writing for right international relations, where there was one forty years ago.
5. The two nations are coming to understand each other better. The real America and the real Japan are peace-making, and their influence is destined to become greater.
6. Personal contacts between our peoples continue greatly to multiply, and the network of personal friendship is strengthening from year to year.
7. The fact that so many discerning and unselfish leaders of our countries are keenly aware of the dangers and perils which beset present-day international relations in general, and our nations in particular, and are determined to avert or overcome them, is in itself most reassuring.
8. The fact that the world in recent years has been so busy in building up the structure of larger and more profound international understanding and cooperation, and the further fact of the tremendous growth of peace sentiment, agencies and programs within the last few years, is unmistakably making for greater amity and for more fruitful efforts to eliminate causes of distrust and ill-will.
9. It is of the greatest significance that the Christian forces of our two countries are positively and aggressively doing so much to foster understanding, fellowship and united action.
10. It would be difficult to exaggerate the steadying and anchoring influence of the first treaty between Japan and the United States. The language of that historic instrument has never been surpassed as the expression of the finer feelings and deeper convictions of our people, namely, to maintain "perfect, permanent and universal peace, and a sincere and cordial amity between the United States of America on the one part, and the Empire of Japan on the other part, and between their people respectively, without exception of persons or places."
-Federal Council Bulletin. Effective Ways of Working 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ON EARTH, PEACE Attention is called to The Fel- (Quoted from a panel discus- lowship of Reconciliation which sion for the Disciples young peo- How shall we plan to celebrate is one of the most active peace pIe.) Two of the publications Christmas – with the rustle of agencies in our country. Have recommended for this program tissue paper, glittering tinsel, you sent for any of their leaflets? are "The Turn Toward Peace," greeting cards that run the Address them in New York City. by Boeckel (60 cents) and "Men gamut of every emotion but Conquer Guns," by Van Kirk Christian joy, an orgy of recip- How Best .Link Up Peace (20 cents), which may be orrocal gift-giving, or with the dered through your own literaspiritual emphasis befitting the With Christmas? ture headquarters or from The meaning of the day? Gift-giv- United Christian Missionary Soing, motivated by love held in Start a campaign of peace ciety, Missions Building, Indianproper proportion, is a meaning- education. A warless world apolis, Ind. The pastor and layful expression of Christmas must be born of mental disarma- men may use the material as sentiment. But is it not high ment. The young folks are ready well as young people. time that church folk redeem the for it. Their especial study celebration of Christ's birth book, "Christian Youth Building Post a list of the best peace from its overstress of mere aNew World" is full of it, par- publications on your church bulgaiety and commercialism? In ticularly Chapter IV. youth letin board or in some equally home, pulpit services and the wants no war in its "new world" prominent place and call attenprograms of the various mis- now building. Start the study, tion to the matter in various sionary organizations worship or at least feature the subject services. Among these may be may well be the keynote: but matter in December meetings mentioned: even then let us be watchful lest and programs. the spirit of Christmas evap- "Is War the Way?" by John Leslie orate in sentiment as we linger Line up with The Christian Lobinger (Pilgrim Press, 35 cents). too long in Bethlehem for the Youth Movement or The United best interests of Ethiopia, India, Youth Program which is "A pro- "Merchants of Death," by H. C. Africa, Russia and all the dark gram for Christian youth shared Engelbrecht and F. C. Hanighen places· of the homeland where by many agencies working with (Dodd, Mead & Co., $2.50). the yuletide evangel needs to be young people, such as the Intertranslated into action. national Society of Christian "National Defense," by Kirby Page Endeavor, the Missionary Edu- (Farrar & Rinehart, $2.00). All goodwill projects may ap- cation Movement, student move- ments and different church "Power of Non-Violence," by Richpropriately be stressed in De- groups, all cooperating through ard B. Gregg (J. B. Lippincott & Co., cember, for the lack of goodwill the International Council of $2.50) . is at the root of every horrid evil Christian Education. The proafflicting the world today. To gram seeks to stimulate and "Religion Renounces War," by this end many churches are guide Christian youth and in- Walter W. Van Kirk (Willett, Clark shaping up their programs for deed all youth in a serious at- & Co., $2.50). the month toward peace projects tempt at practicing Christian and demonstrations: and what ideals, teachings and principles "The Jew and the World Ferment," more appropriate celebration of in all areas of their everyday by Basil Mathews (one of the new the birthday of the Prince of life and to stir them to build a study books available at all denom- Peace could we have in our war- world society which will em- linationaI headquarters at $1.50 in smitten world, particularly in body these ideals, teachings and cloth and 75 cents in paper). view of the rather general plan principles. It is, therefore, esto enlist young people in definite sentially missionary." No reor- This last volume does not deal study and projects for world- ganization is necessary, as the directly with war but rather the wide peace beginning in Jan- program is an emphasis, an aim, fundamental of a better under- a plan for existing organizations. standing between Jews and uary? Christians, which understanding [598 ] is the common need among the nations.
Ask your pastor to preach the best sermon he can linking up Christmastide with peace edu- cation and action. What minis-
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
ter, familiar with the spirit of pr.oject. "One g~.oUP of young Guide a weekly discussion at your dinner table on some international Christ, can refuse? Shape up pe.ople," says Laura E. Aspin- current event. the various missi.onary programs wall in a leaflet of the United Christian Mh;sionary Society, Write to Washington when interfor December toward working "has altered an attitude toward national questions arise. Let them for w.orld peace, and if possible, know you stand for international co- present a peace pageant as y.our war through.out a wh.ole state. operation. Address the President and main Christmas pr.ogram. Here Ab.out tW.o d.ozen young students also your senators. Dr. Mary E. Wooley, our former are some of the materials avail- studied the causes of war and representative at Geneva, as quoted able, alth.ough many equally ways to peace. They prepared in THE REVIEW last January (p. 37), W.orthy have not been brought to speeches .on this subject and asks us to assure the President of our the Department Editor's atten- S.ought engagements to speak in active, personal support of a prac- tical, permanent peace program, and ti.on: L. Glover high schools, clubs and churches further, not to hide our light under a throughout the state . . . con- bushel as far as our senators and "Four Peace Plays," Desee (Abingdon Press, 156 Fifth ducting open forums and help- representatives are concerned, nor yet Ave., N. Y. City, 35 cents). ing many pe.ople understand the to join a "deafeatist group."
"Mother Earth and Her Children," futility .of war. These y.oung Other practical plans for acti- Barbara Abel (Woman's Press, 600 vating the angels' message on Lexington Ave., N. Y. City, 30 cents). pe.ople believed that their state the first Christmas m.orning may university .ought not t.o compel gr.ow out of y.our December ac- "Times Have Changed," F. B. y.oung men t.o take military Boeckel (National Council for Prevention of War, 532 17th St., N. W., training. They saw t.o it that pressure was br.ought to bear tivities this. year. Meanwhile Washington, D. C., 15 cents).
"The Pageant of Brotherhood," upon the administration of that are you asking, "What has all Anita B. Ferris (Representation of this to d.o with missions ?" interdependence of nations and work- university through letters from Everything. N.ot .only was the ers. 100 young people and children. birth .of Him who gave the Great llA, hours. Missionary Education educat.ors, ministers and .other Commission heralded by a proc- Movement, 150 Fifth Ave., N. Y. City, leaders in the state expressing their disappr.oval .of military 35 cents). training and particularly .of its lamati.on of Peace and Goodwill, "The Way of Peace," L. S. Copen- compuls.ory features. In that but He was the first great leader haver and others (Large number of university now students may wh.o dared envision a warless characters, 1% hours. Woman's Missionary Society, United Lutheran substitute a difficult course in W.orld attuned to br.otherhood. Church, 723 M'uhlenburg Bldg., Phil- peace education for the old Strife am.ong individuals, naadelphia, Pa., 25 cents). goose-stepping; and young peo- ti.ons, races, is rooted in ill will "The Conquest of Peace," by Annie ple themselves, by vision and and f.orms the greatest obstacle Hobbs Woodstock – an elaborate and hard work, have brought ab.out very impressive pageant dealing with this change." to the activation of the Commiswar and peace from the angles of His- si.on. N.o br.otherhood can exist tory, Scripture, Reason, Education, Lora Blount C.onn.or, in an- where the will t.o war dwells.
Industry, Finance, Science, Music, .other leaflet of this S.ociety, asks Our foreign missi.onaries' hands Poetry, Art, Youth, various racial whether. women can aid world are tied by the scheming, greedy, groups, boy and girl scouts, campfire peace and suggests the f.oll.owing crafty, avarici.ous, antag.onistic girls, blue bird groups, Sunday school practical ways for prom.oting it: and junior missionary organization, a attitudes of the nati.ons to which "World Spirit" and "World Peace." Study through a peace class or a they bel.ong and among which Marathon Round Table, the subject of they lab.or. Racial antagonisms, Of a: dignified and inspirational char- world peace, the League of Nations, even .on the h.ome field, are but World Court, Kellogg-Briand Peace war in miniature. Make Christacter suitable for a major church serv- Pact, international relations, histor- mas a Peace Celebrati.on. ice. Action not difficult. (Woman's ical backgrounds, etc. Home Missionary Society, 420 Plum Other Christmas Plans St., Cincinnati, Ohio, 15 cents.) Talk, after being adequately in- formed. "A Japanese Madonna" is a simpler Christmas-peace pageant of the same publishing house, priced at 5 cents.
"Education for Peace," by W. B. Choose some person to keep your Atmosphere for any program: Curry, and "War-Put Up Thy group abreast of developments. Have the person who reads Isa. Sword" are informational leaflets of Attend your local council on Inter- 9: 1-7 dressed as a pr.ophet and the same organization and priced at national Relations. 2 and 3 cents respectively. Urge your minister to preach on the read from a scr.oll. Mary, im- A "World Peace Worship Service" subject. personated in c.ostume, recites by Coy (not dramatic but devotional) Luke 1: 46-55. Have a "shep- Promote public displays of posters may be had from The Baptist Board and literature on world peace. Free herd" recite Luke 2: 8-20, and a of Education, 152 Madison Ave., N. Y. literature can be kept on a table at "wise man" give Mat. '2: 1-11, City, at 5 cents. the rear of the church. A vacant store window can bear this poster: "War in appropriate costume. Use After informing y.ourself thor- helped make this place vacant. Two- starshades .on y.our lights. C.over thirds of all our taxes go for war. .oughly, try to think your way Reduce armaments and save money. the principal light with a b.oX thr.ough to a decision as t.o the Peace pays." stand y.oU would take in a war out .of wh.ose sides is cut a star crisis – for it will be too late Solicit your local editors for edishould the crisis arise. Then en- torials against war. .outline, a covering .of silver list in some W.orthy anti-war paper f.or the box adding artis- Never say "The next war." Public try. (Suggesti.ons taken fr.om opinion can block it. The Window .of Y. W. A.)
A children's meeting: Using matic exercises and pageants, 4. What are we going tQ do the topic, "Around the World at with ample data as to their sub- about it? List projects adapted Christmastide," have costumed ject matter, etc. These are to location. adapted f'Or churches, schools field representatives of any num- and clubs. If given earnestly Under "Some Things Any ber of mission fields-hQme and and with a purpose, truth in the Group Can Do" are: Make a foreign – carry in 'One hand a dramatic form is powerful. friendly approach to minority racial or religious groups, study- Bible and in the other a small Side-Stepping the Race ing conditi'Ons and moving with Christmas tree with unlighted Question tact and care. Visit and report candles, as they take their parts. on the underprivileged and dis- A globe of the world resting on Among plans fQr young peo- possessed by the various govern- ple's work among the Disciples mental and charitable agencies a pedestal in the middle of the of Christ there is an outline for in your community. Find what a "Let-Us-Find-the-Truth Peri- the police court is like, what stage, Christmas trees in the od" – one 'Of many current at- happens when the under-privifour corners and the flags of all tempts to debunk church thought leged fall into the hands of the the nations impersonated (sus- and observances. Five questions police, at the family welfare sopended frQm the ceiling) form are asked as a basis for consider- ciety, the juvenile detention atiQn and research, after which home, the dQmestic relations the setting. A chorus is seated there are to be reports, discus- CQurt. What opportunities are in front. The Spirit of Christ- sions and an attempt to "follow offered to minority groups in the these trails as we daily put our matter of work, advancement, mas reads Mat. 2: 1-14, intro- lives into action" : etc.? What about housing, recduces herself and her mission reation, public utilities, sanitaand mentiQns the lack of Christ- 1. How does my church treat tion and health of the minority the Negro? Many Scripture ref- groups, comparing the conditions mas joy in many. parts of the erences furnish the starting of the poorest group with those world. The chorus sings softly, point to determine Bible teach- of the wealthy, the middle class "Silent Night." Each represent- ing as to human, nQt race, rela- and the poorer native white pop- tionship; Jesus' belief in such ulatiQn? Find what happens to ative then steps forward in turn teachings, likewise Paul's. Then a Negro lad who lands in the and gives her message 'Of joy and comes the query: Would this town a stranger, as to lodging, church in which we are meeting meals, community privileges and need, in a few sentences, the fellowship a Negro group? A protection. What are religious chorus singing appropriately Jewish? A foreign? How often 'Organizations of minority groups in the past year has its pulpit like as to leadership, churches, from time tQ time. The speakers stressed racial brotherhood? Did meeting needs 'Of young people, then form a circle around the the church observe Race Rela- etc. ? globe, the Spirit 'Of Christmas tions Sunday? If not, why? Is the church side-stepping the race Pioneer Program Accessories handing a lighted candle to the issue by maintaining a longfirst speaker (America), who range brQtherh'Ood program? Current church missi'Onary Does it send money to convert helps are replete with suggeslights all the candles on all the black men in Africa while it re- tions for handling the home mistiny trees, repeating "Jesus said, fuses black men here the right sion topic, especially 'On the key- I am the Light of the WQrld," fellowship? A Negro friend note of pioneering. For banquet could not accompany the writer favors, covered wagons made 'Of etc. Chorus sings, "The Whole into this church. How does this safety match boxes turned up- square with the teachings of side down with curved tops of Wide World for Jesus." Amer- Jesus? heavy brown paper are sugica clQses by saying that as the gested. Wheels may be made of 2. How does my city treat the cardboard with rims, spokes and light of Christmas now shines all Negro? Its policy regarding hubs crayoned in red and fast- hospitalization, hot e I service, ened with pins run through their around the world, let Christians labor, etc.? Uncle Sam, the hubs and then into the box. Inof every land do their best to tell greatest employer of Negro la- serted in the IQwer front edge of bor at our capital, follows a seg- this wagon is a tongue three 'Others in the far-off, untouched regation policy. inches long and half an inch corners of those lands. (From wide, also cut from brown paper. World Comrades.) 3. How do I treat the Negro, A unique feature would be tiny the Jew, the foreigner? Is there colonial bouquets wrapped in Plays and pageants: Write to in my life a difference between lace paper doilies, the flowers to my religion and my organized be made of gumdrops enclosed yQur own denominational head- expression of that religion? If in paraffine paper. A tin foil so am I not what Jesus called a quarters for Christmas dramatic hypocrite? material. The 'Only new plays which have been sent for review in this Df)partment are "The Gold-Diggers' Christmas Club"
(three scenes, suitable for a group of 'teen age girls) and "The Radio Speaks" (a fifteen- minute exercise for five or six women ·and an indefinite number of younger people off stage to represent the broadcasts), price 5 cents each, at Woman's M. E. Home Missionary Headquarters as listed previously. In addi- tion, The Woman's Press, 600 Lexington Ave., N. Y. City, has a free catalQg listing many dra-
stem and a gay gauze bow com- knowing very little about the familiar. (3) Determine careplete an attractive corsage or plans and hopes of the Kingdom fully where to go. Try to deterboutonniere. The caterers may enterprises yet being quick to mine where Jesus would go if he add to the atmosphere by serv- criticize all who are working were in your circumstances. ing corn bread, apple sauce, and to see the places where they Special times such as birthdays, hominy, doughnuts, pumpkin pie make mistakes without knowing anniversaries, times of success and the like. The little Perry or trying to know how to do any and sorrow alike may be capitalpicture entitled "Pilgrims Going better. Luke warm-people be- ized. Look out for all new peoto Church" (a penny each) coming enthusiastic so that when ple moving into the community. would make good place cards. stirred by some sudden interest Respond to special needs. (4) These suggestions are taken they will make an offering but How shall we go? As helpers. from a program entitled "Arts otherwise forget it; attending Go with happiness and joy. Enand Crafts," by the Baptist pro- meetings of a missionary organ- courage and sympathize in a way gram builders. ization when especially attracted to cheer instead of making peo- only; praying as a mere matter ple feel sorry for themselves. Increasing Temperatures of form, etc. Warm-giving in Carry Gospel tracts and be fa- small proportion to total posses- miliar with their contents so as World Comrades, a young peo- sions and praying at times but to bestow wisely. Do not be conple's publication of the Southern not ready to work or sacrifice, tent with one visit but go again Baptists, suggests a meeting the Kingdom receiving some at- after a suitable interval. Follow with the above title and a "Per- tention but not full loyalty. up the work until results appear. sonal Service Thermometer" for Blood heat-full of enthusiasm the illustration, the proposition which is not spasmodic and Reading or singing of the being to demonstrate "how to which continually finds expresmake the thermometer climb." sion in praying, giving and hymn, "All of Self and None of This thermometer may be made working systematically and lib- Thee" will be effective in the of poster paper with a red rib- erally, there being full dedica- course of the program. Then bon run through a slit at the tion of the life to the Master. bottom and so attached that it have the Personal Service Comcan be raised by degrees as the Query: If our lives are not up mittee ready to give out Personal meeting progresses. The stew- to standard, what can we do to ardship devotional affords the make the thermometer climb? Service cards or copies of a Perfirst increase of temperature. (1) Make a definite dedication sonal Service report. Have a Hymns such as "Give of Your of self. (At this point sing definite assignment planned then Best to the Master," "He Lead- "Wash Me, and I Shall Be and there for each person to eth Me" and the like continue Whiter Than Snow.") Christ undertake, and follow up the enthe rise. The talks and other does not assign us a little piece deavor to find how much is done. features complete the climb to of work to do but makes each whatever temperature (blood person truly born again a co- World Comrades is a publicaheat) and its corresponding life- worker with Himself. It is a tion among southern Baptists. goal have been determined upon. poor sort of missionary spirit If such definite evangelistic· Material for this program may that will give for people in far- missionary plans as these can be be built around these points: off lands and forget the people made to work in the South, is next door who may be hungry, there any reason why the North Personal means one person sick or anxious to know the working with at least one other Master. No matter how well should fall behind in the meth- -in direct conversation or close educated these people may be, if ods of the Master? relationship. Service is the de- they lack Christ they are lost. votion of the heart and life to (Song, "It May Not Be on the *** God and includes obedience to Mountain's Height.") (2) Read His commands in a happy spirit. Score One for the Chinese: The It means giving of one's energy James 1: 27 again. The first procedure of teaching the parent to to another for Christ's sake and teach the child is merely reversing the brings double pay – to the one thing is to pray and in this way process used so widely by the nationserving and also to the one alist government in China. The Chiserved. So this Personal Service to learn God's will for our work, nese method in many areas requires Thermometer measures the in- each school child to take under his terest not in people nor in work then start out to win souls for tutelage one adult – for instance a but in Jesus Christ Himself. grandmother-to whom he must daily Him. This will take study and pass on the lessons he learns at school. The degrees of the ther- The child is given no credit for his own mometer include: Freezing- preparation. (Have some one arithmetic paper until he also brings the individual against Christ'::; his grandmother's paper, no reading program and everything con- at the meeting to tell experiences credit until his grandmother also can nected with the advancement of read, no graduation unless his grandthe Kingdom. Cold-the person in learning to win souls, also mother can also pass the examinations. Seriously administered, the system is books on personal work, in order excellent. It works. Conversely, if a Protestant American parent found that definite training for the en- himself without status in the church until he could make religious experi- deavor may begin.) The best ence meaningful to his child, religious education might take on a deepened book is the Bible, and its pas- validity.-The Christian Century.
sages concerning the Way of Salvation should become very The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK 1 ~,,,,,,,,,,,~~==–==-=-=–~~==–=~-==-=-~==–==I~ "THE CHRIST CHILD do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." COMES" Pray God that we Christians Beginning with the first Sun- remember that the children in day in Advent the members of our midst, who love us, will aclocal congregations in Germany ceptas truth from our lips any are wont to greet each other in hostile, exaggerated statements market places, as well as in we may carelessly make of folk homes, with "The Christ Child of other lands. Let us plan now Comes." It places the child in to keep Christmas as a Festival the foreground of Christmas for the Children. Instead of preparations, and reminds Chris- mechanical toys, even though tians that their Lord and Saviour educational, instead of tin solwas once a little child, lovingly diers and machine guns, let us cared for by Mary and Joseph, use consecrated imagination and under whose direction Jesus supply shepherds and sheep, the grew "in wisdom and stature Inn with the manger in the shed and in favor with God and near by, the adoring wise men man." with their gifts, and above all, the Star unlike the myriads of Last December, a copy of a other stars. Let the children modern Chinese Madonna was participate in the beautiful story published in these columns. This by being Mary with a soft blue year, the Madonna i~ a Ger~an shawl, Joseph, the wise men a:Qd scissor-cut presentatIon. Durmg shepherds. Let us sing carols the World War, some one outside with them all through the month. of Germany asked if the fairies Material for "a creche" is found were dead in Germany. A stupid in many five-and-ten cent stores. question, in truth. If fairies and Wise use of pictures throughout children are killed by war, so are the month might announce to our their parents. This year, it is children, not "Santa Claus is well for Christians to meditate coming," but "The Christ Child on the fact that there are chil- Comes" ! dren in Germany, Japan, Italy, and Ethiopia. May we older The Children's Service of Christians remember that some Worship prepared specially for of the most beautiful Madonnas interdenominational use on the were given to the world by next World Day of Prayer, Feb- Italian artists, and that many of ruary 28, 1936, may well be used the most beautiful Christmas hymns, like "Away in a Manger" in churches during December, as and "Holy Night" come from an excellent preparation for a German hearts and minds. community observance by the Read in Matthew xviii Jesus' children of all churches on the answer to the inquiry of the dis- World Day of Prayer. The ciples, "Who then is gr~~test i!l theme is "Come unto me, chilthe kingdom of heaven? MedI- dren of every land, my own to tate on the "woes" he expressed, be." and then the counsel- Dear Lord Jesus, hear our prayer "See that ye despise not one of for all the boys and girls in the world. these little ones; for I say unto May Thy Kingdom of Love come soon, you, that in heaven their angels so that there be no more war, and only [602 ] happy lands. Amen.
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
"On Earth Peace, Goodwill Is It a Dream?
Toward Men" Is it a dream-and nothing more -this faith You are invited to unite in a world-wide fellowship of worship That nerves our brains to thought and prayer on the World Day of -our hands to work Prayer, the first Friday in Lent, February 28, 1936. For that great day when wars shall cease, and men Let us thank God for the growing and deepening consciousness Shall live as brothers in a unity of the need for peace, and for the Of love -live in a world made personal knowledge of Him who brings peace on earth. splendid?
Let us ask our Father to bless Is it a dream-this faith of ours all peoples and their governments -that pleads in their efforts to secure peace; may nations reconsider their ways And pulses in our hearts – and and prepare for peace. bids us look, Let us pray for the missionary Through mists of tears and time, enterprise and for all who share to that great day therein. When wars shall cease upon the Let us pray that the Church as earth, and men the body of Christ may stand firm against race discrimination, so- As brothers bound by love of man cial injustice, and war. and God, Let us pray that we as indi- Shall build a world as gloriously viduals may be willing to walk the fair Way of the Cross to secure peace in this our day. As sunset skies, or mountains when they catch The World Day of Prayer Offering In the U. S. A. helps to maintain mission- The farewell kiss of evening on ary work among Migrant children in their heights? the United States. Indian American boys and girls in Government schools, -G. A. Studdert-Kennedy. Christian Literature for children in other lands, and Women's Union Chris- From "One Hundred Poems of tian Colleges of the Orient. Peace." Compiled by Thomas Curtis Clark and Winfred Ernest Garrison. Willett, Clark & Company, Chicago, 1934.
PROGRAMS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER The program "On Earth feel any sense of doing what and United Churches. Miss MacMurchy, of the Committee, Peace, Goodwill Toward Men" ought to be done." wrote as matter of interest that was prepared by Senorita Laura the proportion of programs used Jorquera of the Church of the Mrs. Howard Wayne Smith, in U. S. A. to the population is Saviour, Santiago, Chile. It is one to every 4161;2 inhabitants, now b e i n g translated and President of the Committee on and in Canada, one program is adapted in more than fifty coun- used to every 143 inhabitants. tries. Mrs. Daniel A. Poling, Women's Work of the Foreign President of the Council of The programs as prepared are Women for Home Missions, in Missions Conference, in leaving to be followed in spirit and in writing from Jerusalem and theme in order to unite us all later from the Kashmir tells of in October for mission fields took around the earth in about forty groups of Christian women in hours of continuing prayer. The both the Near East and Far with her the World Day of form of the programs should be East now making preparation adapted to the community and to even "out through the villages." Prayer material to exchange the size and membership of "More and more" she writes, "I groups using it. In many places am convinced prayer is our with the groups in other lands. several meetings of varying greatest instrument for peace length are held and provide for and how hard we ought to work The Children's Program, with hours of meditation and prayer to enlist others to pray with us throughout the day, as well as on the World Day of Prayer. I the theme "Come unto me, chil- for the united service of worship. cannot begin to tell you how deeply I have been stirred and dren of every land, my own to Supplies: how we have been challenged to our depths to understand all we be" is described on the preceding The Program, "On Earth Peace, see with our human eyes. Only Goodwill Toward Men," is 2c. each, by constantly devoting ourselves page. $2.00 per 100; Young People's Proto the principles of Jesus Christ gram, 2c. each, $2.00 per 100; Chilin the light of our knowledge of The Service of Worship for dren's Program, 1c. each, $1.00 per His way and guidance can we 100. The Call is free. The poster oYoFuathth, ewr,itihn the theme "Lead us, (llx17 inches), like cut above, is 5c. the paths of peace" Supplies should be ordered from Mis- sion Boards. was prepared by Miss O. Mary Hill, M.A., at the request of the Inter-Board Committee of the Women's Missionary Societies of Canada, who are constituent members of both the Foreign Missions Conference and the Council of Women for Home Missions. The Inter-Board Com- mittee of the Women's Mission- ary Societies of Canada include representatives of the Anglican, Baptist, Disciples, Presbyterian.
"Carry the Word" wife that our boys have never had t~
be requested not to play on that day. How Many Christians? The Pocket Testament League My early religious atmosphere brought The Living Church, after seek- comes of age this year. The me up to respect Sunday, to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy, to ing an answer to this question, League was founded as a result 'make it a day of rest for mind, body and spirit. concludes that there are about of the efforts of Helen Cadbury 692,400,000 Christians in the (Mrs. Alexander-Dixon). When The Missionary Spirit world, of whom 522,596,000 or a schoolgirl hin Englan~, she about five-sevenths, belong to the tried to win er compamons to The young daughter of Con- gregational missionaries now on historic Catholic communions- Christ, and persuaded many to furlough wrote the following let- ter to the Board, after overhear- Roman, Greek, Coptic, Arme- carry a Testament and read a ing her parents discuss the prob- ability that funds would be innian, etc.; 169,802,000 or about chapter daily. Great progress sufficient to return them to the field: two-sevenths, to two hundred has been made in Scotland, and odd Protestant denominations. within two years some 65,000 As this leaves about 1,167,610,- men were enrolled as members 000 non-Christians, or nearly of the League. Since then it has . a,s". thos~ h 11 become truly international, with t WIce as many w0 ca. many thousands of members in I am the daughter of , and th.emselves ChrIstIans, there IS . the United States. There are I write to ask you if you couldn't, stIll an ampl~ field. a~d urgent also strong branches in Holland, please, try to send us back to India.
call for ChrIstIan mIssIOnary en- Germany, Belgium, France and The Indian people love us so, and we deavor. The Protestan~ nu~- Scandinavia, among other coun- love the Indians.
be:s would be doubled aIsf.ISthte~Ier tries. In Sweden, Prince Oscar I know it costs a lot, but I will try chIldren were counted, Bernadotte; brother of the pres- to pay you back when I grow up.
My father and mother are good mis- case in the Roman CatholIc ent King, was the first to enroll. sionaries and they work hard so I Church. -The Christian. think it's a shame not to send them back.
The Home's Importance Although I am but eleven years old, "What is the greatest hin- No Sunday Cricket I can work hard and I will gladly do drance in the life and work of your churches?" A group rep- Dnyanodaya commends the all I can to help. resenting 40 churches on the famous English cricketer, Jack Pacific coast gave the following Hobbs, on his refusal to play in -Missionary Herald. answer to this question: "The Sunday games. From the chapnoncooperative home and the ter "I Visit India" in his auto- A Word to Graduates home whose influence is directly biography Hobbs says: against religion and the Church." President Robert M. Hutchins, When invited to make the tour, I of Chicago University, is not Florida pastors consulted on had lost sight of the fact that all the concerned about the economic five vital problems facing their big matches there were played on future of the University's gradchurches, and ranked "home and Sunday. Consequently, as I didn't uates, but about their character. family religion" as the first play on that day, we had a break in Here is the advice he gave the problem. When asked why this the match and played Saturday, Mon- last graduating class: problem scored so high, the fol- day and Tuesday, instead of Saturday, lowing answers were given: Sunday and Monday. . . . I should My experience and observation lead "This is the weakest point in like to place on record how readily the me to warn you that the greatest, the the ministry of the church"; "it Maharaj Kumar respected my con- most insidious (if I may borrow a is the point of greatest need in victions and fell in with my wishes. word), the most paralyzing danger the general social breakdown to- He never at any time brought the you will face is the danger of corday" ; "the home is failing to slightest pressure upon me to play. ruption. Time will corrupt you. function as an agency of train- Quite apart from the religious issue, Your friends, your wives or husbands, ing in religion"; "here is our there is no excuse for a professional your business or professional assogreatest educational opportu- wanting to play Sunday cricket. I do ciates will corrupt you; your social, nity" ; "all our church leader- not think that he should; he has political and financial ambitions will ship comes fro m Christian enough of it all the week. He cannot corrupt you. The worst thing about homes." get the best results if he plays on life is that it is demoralizing. Sunday, because one day's rest each week is essential, and to insist on it is This university will not have done only fair to his country or club. . . . its whole duty to the nation if you I have never played Sunday cricket give way before the current of con- and never shall. It has been a great temporary life. Believe me, you are source of pleasure to me and to my closer to the truth now than you ever will be again. Do not let "practical" [604 ] men tell you that you should sur- render your ideals because they are
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
impractical. Do not be reconciled to 30 to February 2; and from practicing in the Southern states. dishonesty, indecency and brutality February 3-5 in or near Kansas The populous Negro settlements because gentlemanly ways have been City. From February 6-12 he of New York, Chicago, Detroit discovered of being dishonest, indecent will be in Illinois, and will then and Philadelphia are their most and brutal. As time passes, resist the begin an itinerary in the north- lucrative field. They are at a corruption that must come with it. west. From February 29 to disadvantage in that only a few Take your stand now before time has March 8 he is to be speaking in hospitals admit them as internes, corrupted you. Before you know it, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, and there are but thirteen acit will be too late. Courage, temper- after which he goes to the south- credited colored hospitals. ance, liberality, honor, justice, wis- west, and returns to the eastern dom, reason and understanding; these states from April 14-17. After Six desires are in the minds of are still the virtues. In the intellec- delivering the Rauschenbusch this professional group: tual virtues this university has tried Lectures at Rochester Theologto train you. The life you have led ical Seminary, Dr. Kagawa will (1) That they be recognized as here should have helped you toward sail for Europe, where he is to physicians, without qualification; (2) the rest. If, come what may, you study health insurance schemes. that they be admitted as physicians to hold them fast, you will do honor to The primary purpose of all these hospitals admitting Negro patients; yourselves and to the university, and addresses is to link more closely (3) that they receive recognition of you will serve your country. the cooperative movements and their interest in health problems espe- the churches. "Somehow," he cially affecting Negroes; (4) that col- All Get Something wrote to John R. Mott, "these ored patients be referred to them, un- two agencies must be brought less the white physician is willing to Says a writer in a Kentucky together to the end that coopera- give his best service; (5) that the infarm paper: tives become Christian, and that adequate hospital facilities for Ne- churches become cooperative." groes be recognized as a community From a bushel of corn the responsibility and not the sole burden distiller got four gallons of Boys' Logic of a disadvantaged group; (6) that whiskey, which retailed at $16.80 their efforts to remove superstition Why should boys go to Sunday and raise standards of healthful liv- The farmer got ……….. . 0.25 school? The senior boys of St. ing be met by a community interest in The U. S. Government got .. 4.40 David's Episcopal C h u r c h equitable educational facilities, and in The railroad got ……… . 1.00 School, Austin, Texas, have lined increased economic opportunities for The manufacturer got …. . 4.00 up six reasons: their people. The drayman got ……… . 0.15 The retailer got ………. . 7.00 1. The little ones ought to go to -Christian Advocate. The consumer got ……… . Drunk learn the Bible stories, and the big The wife got …………. . Hunger ones as an example to the smaller New York's Mormon The children got ………. . Rags ones. The politician got ……… . Office Monument 2. So they can enter a spiritual at- NORTH AMERICA mosphere hard to find in the modern The plates of the Book of Mor- home. mon are said to have been writ- Hebrew Christian Church ten by a prophet and priest of 3. So they can learn the Church rit- the name of Mormon, who gath- The first Hebrew Christian ual early so they will always feel a ered the records of his ancestors, Church in America has been close tie to familiar surroundings in a made a short history of them, opened in Chicago, at the Peniel church, no matter how far from home and gave the plates with the his- Community Center. There are and friends they might be at some tory inscribed thereon to his son 41 charter members. Situated future date. Moroni. Moroni hid them on in the heart of the Hebrew dis- Cumorah Hill, near Palmyra, trict, and fashioned after the 4. It is the only way to learn N. Y., and fifteen hundred years pattern of the Hebrew Christian church music and songs, which means later appeared to Joseph Smith, Church in Jerusalem, it is de- so much in life, and might keep a fel- telling him where to find the signed to call the attention of low going right. plates. In the box which held the Jewish nation to the Mes- the plates was a pair of specsiah. This church is under the 5. To gain an intelligent under- tacles, one glass of which was auspices of the Church Exten- standing of the Bible, without which called Urim and the other Thumsion Board of the Presbytery of no education is complete. mim, by the use of which Smith Chicago and the Board of Na- was able to translate the plates, tional Missions. Its elders and 6. To strengthen the highest prin- and issue the Book of Mormon. deacons are to be ordained in ciples parents are trying to teach In honor of that event, a monu- October. -Alliance Weekly. their children. ment to the angel Moroni has been erected on Cumorah Hill, Dr. Kagawa's Itinerary -Episcopal News Service. in the form of a shaft forty feet high, surmounted by the figure This famous Japanese Chris- Our Negro Physicians of an angel with the book in his tian leader is to speak at the hand. Elaborate ceremonies will Student Volunteer convention in A paper read before the Vir- shortly mark the dedication at Indianapolis, Dec. 30 and 31. ginia Interracial Commission re- Palmyra. The monument will be From January 4-17 he will tour cently brought out the fact that lighted at night, and will be visthe southeast, followed by a there are 3,805 Negro physicians ible for miles. series of addresses along the At- in the United States today, fourlantic seaboard. He expects to fifths of them trained in How- -Alliance Weekly. l;>~ in the St. Louis ar~a January ard and Meharry M e d i c a I Schools. Comparatively few are
A Japanese Anniversary Protestant forces are making Mexico Definitely Atheistic use of this laboratory for ex- The First Japanese Reformed The American Committee on periments in cooperation, and Religious Rights and Minorities Church in San Francisco celebrated its 25th anniversary in progress, though not rapid, is sent a special committee com- October. The Woman's Mis- posed of a Protestant, a Catholic being made. One promising feasionary Society of the Reformed and a Jew to Mexico last summer Church in the United States took ture of the work on the island is to inquire into the status of rethe initiative in founding this ligious liberty in that country. the McLean Conference Ground, work, and assumed the financial This committee which presented obligations. The first pastor, a tract of four acres eighteen its report in October finds that Rev. J. Mori, did not confine his miles from Rio Piedras in the the Mexican Government no labors to San Francisco, but fol- longer recognizes its constitu- mountains. Wit h additional lowed his Japanese brethren to tional guarantee of religious other places. He made frequent housing facilities it will afford a freedom. Its own enactments trips to Los Angeles, where, on desirable place for the larger in- show that "the deliberate pur- February 1, 1920, the second pose of the government policy is Japanese Reformed Church was terdenominational gatherings of not merely the correction of alorganized with a charter mem- every sort, and offers a fine op- leged abuses, but the extirpation bership of s,ixty. of all religion in the country." portunity to serve the whole Evangelical group in the island.
The seminary is well conducted and a tower of strength to all the churches. -World Call.
The "Exclusion Act" of 1925 Schools in Mexico The Committee holds that this changed the whole situation and policy is but a manifestation of emphasis was shifted to the Several members of the staff a world-wide recrudescence of younger generation. of Asheville Farm School, N. C., an intolerant spirit. Dr. Arthur under the Presbyterian Board of J. Brown, who wrote a foreword -Outlook of Missions. National Missions, visited Mex- of the Report, points out that ico last summer to study rural since the return of the deputa- Point Barrow Mission education there. Most of the tion further confirmation of its time was spent in the states of charges is given "by President At the news of the tragic Tlaxcala, Puebla and Michoacan. Cardenas's decree in September deat.h of Will Rogers and Wiley for the nationalization of church Post near Point Barrow, Alaska, Mexican schools differ widely properties, which is one of the the eyes of the world turned to from those of the U. S. Since harshest and most oppressive this seldom-heard-of community the last revolution the people are anti-religious laws ever passed in the Arctic Circle where Dr. learning how to act under the in any land." Greist, a Presbyterian mission- new responsibility. They have ary, is interpreting Christ's mes- had little or no education, but Gospel by Radio sage to the Eskimos. The serv- now the schools are teaching ices rendered by Dr. Greist in them everything. Their schools Dr. W. M. Montano, of Peru, that tragedy give interest to the are the center of all the good writing in The Neglected Confact that Point Barrow Mission Is 300 miles within the Arctic Circle. things of the Mexican commu- tinent, believes that God has put Is 2,100 miles from the North Pole. nity. Sanitation is being taught the radio into man's hand with Is on the farthest north land in and epidemics are taken care of, the express purpose of hastening North America. cooperatives are established, Is in a town of from 400 to 600 the proclamation of His message residents. nurses supplied, crafts taught to every creature. For the first Is equipped with three buildings– and homes visited. Primarily, time in the evangelical history of Peru the radio has begun to the hospital, the church, the manse. the schools are trying to bring be used in preaching the Gospel. The mission staff consists of the up the standard of living in the doctor, his wife who is the nurse, a native nurse, and a janitor. rural community. The health de- The most powerful station has partments of the different states The hospital had a total of 2,847 invited Dr. Montano to lead a patients during the church year 1934- get serum for v a c c ina t ion weekly conference and Mrs. 1935. against different diseases, and it Montano to sing from the radio -Presbyterian Banner. is the duty of the school to get station OAXAB. It is signifi- LATIN AMERICA the people to be vaccinated. cant that in this Catholic coun- Cooperative Center in The Francis I. Madero School, try there is hearty appreciation. Puerto Rico which is located in a bad section of Mexico City, has student gov- Restaurants, hotels and homes Mingled Islanders from all the ernment and has built up – a tuned their radios in to that sta- Caribbean area, as well as con- wholesome environment. Adult tion, and people gathered in pubtinentals from both North and education is also sponsored. The South America, form a ready- schools are built and maintained lic places where there was· a made laboratory for the develop- by the people; the government ment of a new technique for Pan- supplies the teachers. radio, to listen to the Gospel American harmony and brother- message. The mayor of Callao, well-known physician, declares hood. these broadcasts bring consola- tion; while Haya de la Torre, -The Owl and Spade. one of the greatest political lead-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
ers in Latin America, said after 1881 the Bible Society published land and Denmark. A larger hearing the evangelical pro- the Gospels of Luke and John in representation-some 170 people grams: "Will you accept my their language – the Yaghan. from twenty-one different coun- gratitude for the spiritual mes- These people were very low in tries – gathered at Beatenburg, sages that you have been broad- the scale of civilization, and both Switzerland, during the early casting? I congratulate you. treacherous and cruel. Although days of August. Bible classes This is the best thing that you the climate was unsuited to the were conducted in French, Ger- can do for the benefit of our peo- white man, and hardship and man and English. The last two ple." A significant letter was isolation were extreme, mission- days were devoted entirely to received from Bishop Ayacucho, aries lived with these savages, prayer. -The Christian.
84 years old: translated portions of the Bible My DEAR DOCTOR MONTANO: into their tongue, taught them to "The World for God" read, and some of them became Last night I listened to your force- Christians.-Alliance Weekly. One year from the date of her ful and interesting conference about election to command of the Salthe divinity of Jesus Christ. These Homes for Jewish Refugees vation Army, General Evanconferences are so much more impor- geline Booth set out in Septemtant when the extreme ignorance that reigns in matters of religion is con- With Dr. S. G. Inman, James ber on an evangelistic crusade by sidered, not only among the illiterate G. MacDonald, the League of people, but also among many of the Nations High Commissioner for motor. It is said she addressed intellectuals. It is because of this five open..air meetings every day, ignorance that the present wave of Refugees, visited recently six- speaking at least 30 minutes at materialism menaces and almost sub- each. This tour was intended as merges the cities. Please accept con- teen different countries in Latin an introduction to a "World for gratulations not only for the clarity of the presentation of truth in your America for the purpose of find- God" movement, which the Gen- ing homes for Jewish refugees. conference, but also for the spiritual The governments of Paraguay, eral has planned, urging her renewing that you can convey to so soldiers to work towards the inmany souls of this country and others. Colombia, Nicaragua, Guate- gathering of a million souls by mala, Chile and Ecuador offered openings. The Government of the end of 1936. Much interest Optimism in South America Ecuador officially authorized the in the Army's message was evi- "My first visit to South Amer- placing of 1,250,000 acres of denced by young people in their ica," writes S. Guy Inman, "was land at the disposal of various teens, and at every meeting in 1914 and since then I have Jewish colonization agencies. place many publicly expressed returned every two or three About 50,000 Jewish families, a desire to serve Christ. years. I am astounded at the especially German Jewish refu- -The Christian.
way the cities grow – Buenos gees, are soon to be settled here Aires with two and a half mil- in the colonies, which will be A Central Mission Building lion people, where the intellec- conducted a Ion g cooperative About 200 missionary societies tual currents of the world meet; lines. Spanish is to be the col- and philanthropic organizations Rio de Janeiro, with a million onies' official language, and the and a half population, the most colonists are to be allowed to have their headquarters in Lon- purchase their land on liberal don. A provisional plan is under beautiful city in the world; old terms within a period of five consideration, to provide a cen- years. -Alliance Weekly. Lima transformed with its mod- tral building as a common meetern buildings and paved avenues, EUROPE ing place for all these societies. The plan offers many advanbut still scented with the charm- PraYeT for Revival ing ancient colonial atmosphere. tages, such as saving in over- Since the International Prayer head charges, avoidance of waste Airplanes, radio, giant ocean Conference at The Hague, in and overlapping, a rallyingliners, with the zeppelin connect- October, 1933, a growing num- ber of Christians have been place for the religious life of ing Brazil with Berlin in three praying for revival in Europe. London, and a common center to and one half days, have elim- The first Tuesday of each month inated distances. is set apart for prayer, privately, some extent for missionary serv- and in groups. Approximately ice and fellowship. There would "But what impresses me most 1,500 in Europe, and another 500 is the tremendous optimism of in the United States, are thus be separate office suites, but ten- waiting upon God in united in- ants would share in the common the people, compared with the tercession. use of a number of committeepessimism one meets in Europe rooms, board-rooms and halls. and Norih America. They are Facilities would be provided for so busy building great, new na- such auxiliary services as bank, safe-deposit, post office, with tions they have no time for those who say the world is entering telegraph and telephone services, another Dark Age."
A Dying Tribe Three-day conferences, inter- restaurant, etc. There would be national in character, for the nothing to interfere with the Only 23 persons survive a fast gaining of inspir,ation and in- autonoIl18 of any society; on the dying, savage tribe at the south- form.ation, have from time to other hand, such a center of ern tip of South America. In time been held in Belgium, Hol- Christian life and activity, with
its world-wide i n t ere stand ginning with a communion serv- nominal Christian countries- stores of information, should be ice in which thousands took part. Italy and Ethiopia – fighting a stimulus to religious activity The president of the Council of agains,t each other is not an evi- in London and far beyond. State paid hearty tribute to the dence of brotherhood. "It is in- -The Life of Faith. characteristic doctrines of the creasingly difficult," Mr. Smith Reformation-the sovereignty of continues, "to win Moslem youth Congress of the "Blue Cross" God, the authority of the Bible, to the Christian point of view and salvation by grace. There regarding God and life." In The French "Society of the was signing by massed choirs of Egypt they are suspicious of Blue Cross," for the reclamation 1,200 voices in front of the great "Christian" institutions and are of drunkards on a religious monument to the Reformation, urged to join "Moslem Young basis, held its 20th congress in and recitation by the poet Fran- Men's Associations." It will be Paris, July 13 and 14. The cois Franzoni of his "Ode to the necessary for Christians to pre- "Blue Cross" in France has Glory of the Word of God." sent vital problems and prac- 3,222 members (including 633 This was followed by a demon- tical solutions in order to attract reclaimed drunkards). Colonial stration of 40,000 young people Moslem youth today. They are sections are also growing up. from all the churches with flags, more interested in how to re- The financial year closed without music and general enthusiasm. move poverty than in the cure a deficit. The congress regis- -So S. Times. of war; they think more of the tered a strong protest against AFRICA ravages of disease than of sin the law of June 25, 1935, con- and the claims of politics are ferring on General Councils the growing more insistent than power to grant permission to A Holy city in Ethiopia those of religion. Egyptian Mosdistil alcohol to private distilleries. It a p pea 1e d to the Lallibela is a city of Ethiopia, lems would like to see England churches· to be increasingly embroiled in war so that Egypt watchful against the ravages of sacred to the Oriental Christians might break away from British intemperance, and urged the of that church as is Mecca to the control, but Egyptians are natfaculties of theology to include Mohammedans. Pilgrims visit urally pro-Abyssinian. In spite instruction on this problem in of counter currents there is a their courses. On the day fol- holy Lallibela, which is older growing spirit of inquiry as to lowing this Congress, "L'Espoir" than Mecca, to pay homage be- truth and better ways of life. (The Hope), a Christian movement for protection of the young fore the church which has been The Gospel for Nubians against alcohol, held its 15th na- carved out of red sands,tone tional assembly. This organiza- Up to 1912 there were translation has an active membership mountain in a style of architec- tions only of the four Gospels. of 906. ture unknown to Ethiopians of In the notes of a former evan- gelist of the Sudan Pionier Mis- Protestant Church for Moscow today. Some say that the style sion, Ali Hussein, there were was borrowed from Babylonia. also translations of the epistles The Christian World, London, of Peter, James and Hebrews. reports that a Protestant church This church is located in the This evangelist, com m 0 n I y for all English-speaking non- mountains covered with cedar known as Samuel, has finished conformist denominations is be- the translation of the entire New ing established by American or- and wild olive trees. There are Testament in the period between ganizations in Moscow. At pres- twelve of these churches named April, 1912, and June, 1913. A ent the British colony is without for various saints and angels and missionary worker, Miss Noack, a church of its own. The num- the Virgin Mary as well as for has now completed a multi- some mythological heroes. The pilgrims who visit these shrines, especially at Christmas time, prostrate themselves and kiss the threshold of each church in- side of which is a tabot or ark of the covenant, holding the comber of American adherents of mandments written on parch- graphed copy of the entire New the free churches is small, and ment. Most of the worshipers Testament of Samuel Ali Husthe American church is to re- are ignorant of the true way of sein in order to give the Scripceive support from the United salvation as revealed in Christ tures to the people among whom States. although they revere Him and she is working.
many are eager to know more of Another missionary woman, Honoring Bible at Geneva the Gospel. Gertrud von Massenbach has Next year will mark the 400th Views of Egyptian MoslelI!s also completed a dictionary and anniversary of the coming of a grammar of the Nubian lan- Calvin to Geneva and the adop- "Moslems regard war as the guage. Both works have already tion of the Reformation by that will of God," writes Wilbert B. been printed and the technical city. A preliminary celebration Smith, of the Cairo Y. M. C. A. value of these works has been was held this year in the old Ca- Therefore they do not question -recognized by authorities in thedral Church, St. Pierre's, for the right of Christians to fight, the language. It is being ac- Christians of all connections, be- but the demonstration of two knowledged that these books will
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
prove basic for the work among Missions Defended Doing the Impossible the Nubians for many years. ~~esiding at a meeting of the The missionaries to the Gour- BrItish and Foreign Bible Soci- It is a fine mark of the scholar- ety in Cape Town, when 2,000 ma. tribe in Nigeria, West ship of these women mission- AfrIca, were the first white pe0aries that they have been able people assembled in the City to produce works of such merit. Hall, the "Judge-President" ple to learn the vernacular to re- duce that language to writing, Biblical Training, West Africa said: "You hear people who say and to commence translation of the Scriptures. Gourma is a After many years spent by in- that it is a mistake to send mis- rich language, except in words sionaries to the natives and who div!dual members of the Presby- speak with contempt of their essential to the unfolding of ~hristian truths. How tell of a terIan West Africa Mission to work. I can understand an athe- Just God, when justice is un- known among the people? How train future pastors, the Dager ist saying that but it seems to speak of God's forgiveness of sin me to be absolutely impossible Biblical Seminary was estab- to say it if you are a Christian. when forgiveness is not granted among the natives except on relished in 1923. The School We hear it said that Christianity ceipt of a bribe from the of- fender? opened with two departments spoils the natives and that re- ligion and education makes . No word existed for resurrecone for theological students and criminals of them. I suppose tion. One day we heard a native one for evangelists. In 1930 a there is nobody in this hall who use a word new to our ears in speaking of Christ's second comthird department was added for knows more about crime than I ing. We discovered that it was do-and the idea that Christianwomen, to improve the spiritual a word for reincarnation and izing the native leads him into this native, with others, actually life of evangelists' wives. At- thought that when we spoke of cr:ime is a lie. Of course you tendance is compulsory. From ~Ill find the educated native go- Christ's return, we meant that mg wrong; of course you will He would be reincarnated. 70 to 80 are now enrolled. Five find that if he had not been edu- For the most part such diffiof the evangelists help with the cated he would not have been cu!ties as these are overcome by teaching, which ranges from ab}e to commit a particular usmg the word which most crIme-but the same thing apreading and writing for begin- plies to the white man. No nearly described what is wanted, and by constant explanation that ners to intensive courses in the Christian can possibly say that word will convey to the native mind what we wish to express. New Testament for advanced spreading the Gospel or educa- After five years, tentative trans- tion among the natives is going classes. Many of the women to ,harm them. It. is not the lations of several Gospels have whIte. man's Christianity that is been made. had lacked a vision – they were harmmg the natives; it is the -Mrs. T. D. Hume. simply wives of mission work- white man's un-Christianity that is doing it." ers. But now they are coming -South African Outlook. to see themselves as servants of the King of kings, examples to others and real helpers of their husbands. -Drum Call.
"Those of Jesus" Fifty years ago, a missionary of the American Board baptized Another Need Met Women Witness in Jungle the first 14 converts of the Ovim- ~undl! tri~e, West Africa; today, A school for African Medical Under the leadership of Marm thIS trIbe, there is a church Workers was opened in October guerite Eldredge, of the Amerwith 7,000 communicants, the at Dondi, West Africa, offering ican Baptist Mission, twentylargest Congregational Church a three-year course and fitting two Congolese women, from named "Those of Jesus." One young natjve men and women to eight different villages, volun- ~housand members were added serve their own people along teered to spend a part of last m 1934. The pastor is one of many health lines. This School May in evangelizing other disthe original 14 first members. will be taught by doctors in the tant villages. They traveled on l;1ission giving up a month's foot, carrying only simple neces- From this center, w 0 r k sities. During the first two reaches out into hundreds of vil- time each year, a real sacrifice weeks over 2,000 adults and lage~.. Instead of establishing a under present conditions, and children of school age heard the ChrIstian community inside a the students must come recom- message from these apostles heathen village, the custom is to mended by their own church and with smiling faces and clean start a n~w village near by, with the missionary in their area. clothes. Men, women, children, good dramage and attention to The student is responsible for heathen raonydalctoym, mviollnagfeolkchgieafvs~ ~ll principles of hygiene. Life his own bedding, clothes, dishes pygmies m these model villages centers and other personal effects. The close attention.-S. S. Times.
about isthaelso"smcheoeotiln, gandhoaubsoe~t" hospital will furnish food and African Prophet Dies which lodging. Tuition is about $35 the preacher's home. American money. A prophet of a purely African -The Chronicle. -Overseas News. type died in Natal last May from
an insect bite – Rev. I s a i a h best, and which are best suited League of Nations Health Com- Shembe, founder and head of the to their educational and cultural mission, has almost done away Nazarenes, with a following es- needs. with malaria in Palestine. The timated at 30,000. Shembe rose from shepherd boy to leader of The Malagasy Bible university also has a cancer in- stitute and the beginnings of a this sect of his own devising. It The Associated Press has re- school of sub-tropical medicine. is said that, when a young man, ported from Tananarive, Mada- Both students and professors. are he was struck by lightning and gascar, that the centenary of the hard at work producing better was paralyzed, but that when the first translation of the complete grades of citrus fruit, planting tribal witchdoctors came to treat Bible into Malagasy was cele- forests, developing irrigation him he drove them away saying brated with great fervor by the projects, cultivating crops that he would place himself "in the 3,300 Protestant churches in the are new to this region. hands of the Lord." He saw a island. The Malagasies are stu- -Christian Advocate (Quoted vision in which he was urged to dious readers of the Bible. Of "go East and preach." His all books the Bible has the in Indian Witness).
paralysis left him and he set out largest sale among the native Across Arabian Trails on this mission. He claimed population. Back of this is a powers of healing and many na- story of persecution and mar- Few Christians have traversed tives were brought to him for tyrdom for the first quarter of the interior of Arabia. The opcure. Mass dancing had a place the century, but the remarkable position of fanatical Moslems, in his rituals; the special feast fact is that at the end of the pe- the long desert trails, and other day on July 25 each year at- riod of torture and suppression difficulties make it a dangerous tracted large numbers of Euro- there were 10,000 Christians, as undertaking. Dr. Harold Storm, pean and Bantu onlookers. against 1,000 at its beginning. of the American Ref 0 r m e d His followers supported him The single factor was the Bible. Church Mission in Arabia, has as they would a great chief, and William Canton, historian, says: recently completed the journey out of his abundant income he "For a quarter of a century from east to west, through Ibn built a number of schools, yet it the Malagasies had no spiritual Saud's Arabia, to Jeddah, the is reported that he died the rich- teacher but the Scriptures; no seaport of Mecca, and Yembo EI est native in Zululand and Natal. friend or counselor but the Bahr, the seaport of Medina. -South African Outlook. Scriptures; no light in darkness, On the way he and his three hos- no strength in weakness, no con- pital helpers stopped for six Developing African Movies solation in trouble, no hope in weeks at Taif, a strategic center death but the Scriptures. They in the Hedjaz, and there gave The first complete film to be were read in secret, buried in the 4,475 medical treatments, inmade under the Bantu Educa- earth for safety, treasured more cluding 87 operations, and maktional Cinema experiment in jealously than gold. As the ing many valuable tribal con- East Africa is being shown to sacred volumes grew scarce, tacts. Both gold and oil are renative audiences of different passages were circulated in ported to have been discovered types in Northern Rhodesia. writing, and, prized as precious in Saudia and this, promises to The two-hour program consists seed for the sowing of new har- revolutionize the situation there. of drama, farce and instruc- vests."-Bible Society Record. Dr. Storm has made valuable tional material. The first test surveys as to leprosy in Arabia audience of 3,000 natives re- WESTERN ASIA and has proved the need for med- ceived it with immense enthu- Palestine's Hebrew University ical mission work in this unocsiasm. Mr. G. C. Latham, for- cupied field. He plans to travel merly Director of Native Educa- On top of Mt. Scopus, over- on down the west coast from tion in Northern Rhodesia, acts looking the valley of the Jordan J eddah to Aden by way of as film director, and his business is the world's youngest univer- J eigan, hoping then to go on to is to show it to native audiences sity. It was opened ten years Hadramaut coast, southeastern of different types, and to note ago with only three courses and Arabia and so back to Muscat. carefully their reaction to the 141 students. Today it has The Wahabi King, Ibn Saud, different films. African native scores of courses and more than is much in favor with all in Hedaudiences are, it seems, accus- 400 students from twenty-one j az, in spite of his strict ideas tomed to provide a running com- countries. Seventeen dis t i n- and iron rule. He has a strong mentary to any performance. guishedGerman professors and character and is a genius. He The whole experiment is ex- scientists are among the mem- recently decreed that radios pected to take about two years, bers of the faculty. These stu- could not be used except for and at the end of that time it is dents and teachers are helping listening to news broadcasts and hoped that the experimenters to solve the industrial, agricul- to the reading of the Koran. will have arrived at an accurate tural and health problems of Runners go through the bazaars idea of what kind of films native Palestine and the whole Near of Taif, calling the idle to Africans, the most primitive and East. The malaria research sta- prayer and any neglecting to rethe more sophisticated, enjoy tion, partly subsidized by the spond are put in jail.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
INDIA AND BURMA it was supposed to be impossible of America. This Negro delega- Five-Year Forward Movement for a woman to go. Miss Scott tion will probably be the first of has even penetrated into a vil- its kind in India's history, and Protestant Christians in India lage where professional mur- its program is as follows: have made definite plans for a derers not infrequently offer Travel through most of the student Five-Year Forward Movement poisoned tea to strangers. There centers in India, completing the task in Evangelism. These are under she has nursed and cared for in the early part of March, 1936. the direction of a committee of The itinerary includes Trichinopoly, the National Christian Council, some of the children. She has a Madura, Palamcottah, Nagercoil, Tri- school in her house with eighty vandrum, Kottayam, Ernakulam, AI- Bishop Azariah of Dornakal be- waye, Mysore, Bangalore, Madras, pupils, in spite of the fact that ing chairman and Bishop Ban- she is known among the natives Vellore, Guntur, Masj.lipatam, Rajaherji, assistant in Lahore, a mem- as the jackal incarnate in human mundry and Cocanada (all before ber of the committee. Dr. Stan- form, come to steal their girls. Christmas). After attending a South Indian Conference and paying a brief ley Jones is also a committee The ruler of Sikkim has finally visit to Rangoon, the delegation hopes member. given permission for the build- to arrive in Calcutta on January 12, As the Council represents sev- ing of a church. 1936, and to visit Serampore and Bol- pur, Dr. Tagore's famous World Unieral communions, detailed plans -So S. Times. versity. Then follows a three weeks' are left to each one, the Council tour of the United Provinces and the committee suggesting only the Nipani and Its Hospital Central Provinces including Benares, broad outline. This includes a A self – supporting I n d ian Lucknow, Cawnpore, Allahabad, Jubpreparation period of seven church at Nipani has taken over bulpore, Agra and Aligarh; next the weeks, starting in October; the charge of Lafayette Hospital leaflets for guidance of pastors; which had been founded by a Punjab and the Northwest Frontier church in Buffalo, N. Y. This is Province, visiting Ludhiana, Lahore, an annual "week of witness" in the second project that Nipani Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Sialkot. each mission and church; re- Church has undertaken, the first The Negro pilgrims hope to reach treats and conferences for min- being a primary school. Control Delhi on February 20, and Nagpur on February 25. In the Bombay area isters and theological students. of the hospital is now under- the cities to be visited are Bombay, -The Living Church. Poona, Miraj and Kolhapur.
-Dnyanodaya.
Experimental Prayer taken as a five-year experiment; Crawling to Win Salvation the property involved is re- One day a Mohammedan came garded as loaned to the Church Two Hindus undertook to to the American Presbyterian for the experiment. crawl hundreds of miles to the Girls' School at Saharanpur and The hospital is in good condi- sacred temple of Badrinath, on asked to see the principal, say- tion financially. Christian peo- a 23,400 feet peak in the Himaing, "My daughter is very sick; ple used to feel that they should laya Mountains. One of them, she has had fever for weeks." receive medicine free, but now Mulchand, a middle-aged man, The principal explained that this they are learning to take pride crawled 150 miles from Patali was not a hospital, but a school, in paying for it. Now they can in Jaipur state to Delhi in two and told the man to go to a hos- feel that their few pice are help- and a half months. He was pital and see a doctor. He re- ing to bring success to a project joined at Delhi by Bhikamal, a plied, "I have seen three doctors, that is their own. A recent gov- sweetmeat seller in the city. and my daughter has eaten a ernment grant makes possible Badrinath is 550 miles from great deal of medicine during free inoculations for lepers. The Delhi. They were accompanied these past weeks. I have brought government is also contributing by a Brahman priest who jourher here to be prayed for." So toward the traveling expenses of neyed on foot, ministering to the man and his daughter were those who go to the hospital for their needs. These pilgrims said invited into the prayer room and inoculations. -Dnyanodaya. that they considered crawling to the missionaries and students the temple the best way of pleas- prayed for the girl in the name Friendship Pilgrimage ing the goddess. If they died on of Jesus Christ. A few weeks In 41 years India's Student the way they believed they would later the man came to church Christian Movement has grown be taken straight to heaven. to a membership of about 5,000 and said his daughter was bet- university students, both men Bibles by Caravan ter, and now he would send her and women. Its aim is charto school. He has been attend- acter – building i n accordance The Secretary of the :aritish with the ideals of Christ, inter- and Foreign Bible Society auxing church ever since. iliary in Bombay, Mr. Stephen -Presbyterian Banner.
Doing the Impossible national fellowship on the basis Cox, announces the success of of justice, goodwill and peace. the Society's motor caravan.
A Scotch noblewoman, the This is the aim of the forthcom- "The Bible Society Motor Cara- Hon. Mary Scott, is pioneering ing visit of a Negro delegation van has finished its tour in in the state of Sikkim within on a· pilgrimage of friendship to Western India, and has been a sight of the mighty Himalayan India, Burma and Ceylon from success. . . . The total of 1,500 Mountain, Kunchinjinga, where the Student Christian Movement Scriptures sold during the hot
weather month may be regarded work. Dr. W. Y. Chen is a lead- guages can be regularly emas quite encouraging. When the ing Chinese psychologist, who ployed in addition to Chinese- van set out from Bombay to- has recently been acting Presi- English, French, Russian, Ger- wards Nagpur at the end of dent of Fukien University. Dr. man and Japanese. A choir of 'June it was our hope that a new Y. C. Tu, head of the Physics Russian Bap.tist refugees con- record would be established, and Department of the University of ducts a sacred concert every thanks to the splendid coopera- Shanghai, has had considerable Wednesday. Mr. Garnier, lead- tion of missions and churches all experience in educational, stu- ing Baptist worker in the Chris- along our route the total sales dent and Y. M. C. A. work. tian Literature Society, has for July reached the high figure Though a professor of science he given a series in English, French of 6,037 books. One of the most "has a passion for religion and and Chinese for seekers after encouraging features of this part youth." Dr. Wu Lei-chuan, the truth, on "The Reasonableness of the tour was the number of third member of this team, has of the Christian Faith," based Bibles and New Testaments dis- been Vice-Minister of Education on Dr. Cairns' book, a devo- posed of ;78 and 209 respec- and Chancellor of Yenching tional series on the life which tively. During the early part of University, Peiping. His part is has Christ as its center, exposi- November it will be our aim to to i n t e r pre t Christianity in tions of Christian hymns, illus- place a Gospel portion in the terms of its orientation to the trated from a Yorkshire choir by hands of every literate person in best in China's culture. a Shanghai business layman, and Western India." Signs of New Life the story of how the Bible has -Dnyanodaya. been transmitted.
A notable evangelistic cam- -B. M. S. Report.
Burma Gospel Campaigns paign is going on among the Both Burmese and Karen lan- English Baptists of She n s i. The Great "Yellow Dragon" guages have a new word-"cam- Church members have been or- Within a few hours after a paign." Workers report that ganized in groups for visitation, break occurred in the dyke of the hardly a church in all the 900 two women with one evangelist. Yellow River, "China's Sorrow," and more has not experienced The favorite song of the cam- 800 villages were destroyed. A the meaning of that word. In paign is a Chinese adaptation of recent letter to the Presbyterian seven years G 0 s pel Teams, the hymn, "Must I Go and Board says that 8,000 villages chiefly from Rangoon and In- Empty-handed ?" Over a thou- are affected and no one knows sein have had over 700 cam- sand people have been moved to how many are utterly destroyed. paigns with thousands of de- confess their faith in Christ. In That means that everything is the city of Sianfu the campaign gone, homes, cattle, crops for cisions. Many of these campaigns con- called forth the active service of this year and next Spring. Most ducted by jungle schools are fifteen voluntary lay preachers. people escaped with only the crude enough, but they are a It is said that in many clothing on their backs. The insign of life; many a rural churches of Manchukuo, stand- undated area extends over an church has been strengthened by ing room only is left at Sunday area of 4,000 square miles, and them. These Burma Teams services. Thirty inmates of a it is estimated that there are have inspired Siamese Chris- country prison have so impressed now 500,000 people who are tians to undertake a similar the prison governor by the change homeless. work; while from Vellore and in their character and conduct The government is planning to Lucknow come reports of Gos- since conversion that he has take care of them for the winter pel Team work. -Koinonia. taken off their chains and al- -1,000,000 refugees. They are lowed them to move freely with- sheltered in mat sheds, and are in the prison. They have a given four to eight large biscuits CHINA Christian Endeavor. meeting a day and hot water. Needless New Day in Evangelism weekly in the prison lecture to say, conditions among these room. -So S.Times. The Chinese Recorder says refugees are unbelievable. There that one evidence of a new day Developing Radio Gospel in China is seen in the appear- is practically no medical work How it would have stirred the ance of a group of Chinese Chris- hearts of early missionaries to being done for them. The Chitian intelligentsi,a, carrying the China if they could have fore- nese people have risen to the seen that the Gospel would-he Christian message to their peers. emergency, and are caring for the physical wants with no con- This is part of the second year fusion at all.
of the Youth and Religion Move- carried every day through the Hybrid Religions ment being carried on by the air! The Christian Radio Com- Y. M. C. A. The fall campaign pany, of Shanghai, of which Several non-Christian reliin student centers was conducted mention has been made in these gious movements are thrusting by a group of four Chinese pages, has been further devel- themselves upon the scene. The Christian laymen, each of whom oped. In such a cosmopolitan most prominent seems to be a has been engaged in educational center as Shanghai, several lan- combination 0 f Confucianism,
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Taoism and Buddhism, and is letters furnish glimpses of their traveled 20,000 miles to attend. sponsored by many leaders in student life: There are saId to be 3,000,000 Chinese official, commercial, fi- The classrooms, laboratories, and Koreans in Manchukuo, and the nancial and educational circles. general equipment are similar to those trains are crowded with immi- in any well-planned American insti- Its chief exponent is a man ac- tution. Our dormitories are as noisy grants, who find work in the rice claimed as "the only sage after as any at home. . . . Rice Hall is an plantations, which are on virgin Confucius and Mencius." They appropriate name for the student soil. Planters are prospering, call him Tuanfucius. His heart mess. Dishes of Chinese food are put and the churches should soon be in the middle of the table and conis said to be "filled with the love sumed in communal style, each person self-supporting. Services are of Jesus and Buddha; his words held in rented halls, even in Harare prophetic, and his prophecies plunging in his chopsticks and trans- bin and Hsinkiang, for lack of ferring the catch to his rice bowl. It always come true; difficulties is unwise to ask any of the Chinese proper churches. students to explain the contents until and calamities invariably move -The Christian Advocate. his heart to prayer; while his after the food is consumed. . . . J APAN-CHO'SEN We owe more than words can exspirit of sincerity is that of the press to our roommates, splendid fel- gods." His followers are seek- lows everyone of them. They saw A Spirit of Cooperation ing to organize what they call a that we were. started off on the right "World Peace Prayer Confer- foot, helping us to understand more A group of parents of students ence," at which their Sage will about China from people of our own in St. J;>aul's University in age, who are interested in the welfare expound "Confucius' Cosmopoli- of their country in relation to the Tokyo, founded by the Episcopal other nations of the world. tanism," and pray for world Church, decided to eliminate the peace. It is not clear to whom -Presbyterian Tribune. poor housing facilities at the the prayers will be addressed. Results in Honan Junior College and prepared a -China's Millions. statement which was signed by Why Nestorian Missions Dr. Murdoch MacKenzie, of 200 parents.
Changte, Honan, writes in the The time has arrived for the J ap- anese to relieve our American friends Failed United Church Record of a re- of some of the responsibility for pro- cent evangelistic tour through viding new equipment and buildings. The Christian religion was the country districts east of Especially is this true now when first brought to China by Nes- Changte. In one place over one America is suffering from a severe torians 1,300 years ago. The hundred persons attended a depression, and our American friends new religion gained ground and daily Bible study class, and on are not in a position to carryon all held it for centuries, then faded the Lord's day, there were be- their foreign mission work. We Japand all but disappeared. Why? tween four and five hundred anese parents of students now being Dr. Kenneth Latourette sug- Christians present for worship. educated at St. Paul's University feel gests three reasons: (1) Most The service had to be held in the the institution must not hope for inof the converts were not Chinese open air, as there was no build- creasing aid from foreign lands, and but foreign residents; (2) the ing large enough to accommo- therefore we feel it our duty to aid in missionaries were far from date the congregation. In an- the future development of the univertheir home base and had to work other center, an equally large sity at this critical time. Our immewithout assistance, and (3) the congregation assembled, and diate objective shall be the raising of missionaries eventually compro- about one-half of those present funds for the permanent junior colmised with native non-Christian sat at the communion· table. lege building. f a i t h s. Furthermore, the y neither built up a Christian lit- There are five 0 r g ani zed Activities during the summer erature, nor translated the Bible churches in the district visited, resulted in raising 32,000 yen. into the language of the people. ministered to by three Chinese It was expected that by the end pastors; constant additions are of October one-half the total ob- -The Chronicle. being made to the membership jective of 100,000 yen would be secured. The university au- rolls, and schools are held in thorities have in addition a total many districts with a steadily- Exchange Students in Canton increasing number of promising of 100,000 yen in hand. Thus a pupils. The morning watch is reenforced three-story concrete Lingnan University, known being observed regularly in some structure is promised within the formerly as Canton Christian churches, and much emphasis is next few months to give the College, has been experimenting being placed on prayer by the junior college its own permanent for two years in reversing the Christian leaders. classrooms. tide of student migration, by bringing American students to Korean Methodists in -The Living Church. China. This year eleven full- Manchukuo tuition scholarships were In Northeast Korea granted to exchange students from America, selected with The Korea Mission of the United Church of Canada is the great care. They were scattered So scattered are the stations youngest of that Church's mis- in the different dormitories and of the Korean Methodist Church sions, except the one in South each had a Chinese roommate. in Manchukuo that the 35 dele- China. Splendid progress has The following extracts from gates to their last conference been made in Korea; the work
is largely self-supporting. Kor- Indian population is slowly but ment in the Philippines? (2) ean Christians erect their own surely overtaking the native pop- What topics would churchmen in churches, pay many of their pas- ulation, offering a serious prob- the Philippines like to have dis- tors and spend both time and lem before many years elapse. cussed in a World Consultation money in the task of evangeliz- The statistics are as follows: in 1938 to convene somewhere in ing non-Christians. The Ca- 1921 1934 Asia?
nadian Mission has sole respon- Europeans …•…• 3,878 4,763 In answer to the first the Comsibility in northeas·t Korea, a 2,781 region where the Christian pop- Half-castes •.••.•• 3,717 mittee considered as most essenulation numbers only 170 in Fijians …..•….• 84,475 98,479 tial: Christian leadership, new Indians ………. . 60,634 83,289 approaches and new emphases Polynesians …… . 1,564 1,866 2,500,000. Most of this 170 are Rotumans ..•….. 2,235 2,486 in method and message, a self- Chinese ………. . 910 1,486 of the poorer classes, who can- Others " …….. . 789 1,351 supporting Christian college in not shoulder responsibility for Manila, religious education in evangelizing the other 9970. Totals ………. 157,266 197,449 . the public schools, and special at- The Mission is appealing to the -Australian Missionary tention to the place and mean- Canadian Church for adequate Review. ing of the Lord's Supper in wor- support to meet the challenge or A New Song in Bali ship and life.
a great industrial expansion in The group suggested in ref- North East Korea. Hundreds Much has been written about erence to the second query: of thousands of Koreans are Bali, where four years ago the world-wide application of Chrispouring into Manchukuo imme- name of Christ was unknown. tianity, effective evangelism, the diately north of the Lungchingt- Missionaries were forbidden to cause and cure of war, temperdun field. These new settlers are enter; then the Gospel was ance,cooperatives, race prejuopen to the Gospel. brought by a Christian Chinese. dice, and Communism, Fascism About two years ago R. A. Jaf- and Naziism in relation to -Korean Echoes. fray, of the Christian and Mis- Christianity. sionary Alliance, addressed the Women's Bible Institute Balinese converts as follows: A Doctor for Kwato The Women's Bible Institute of Korea was founded 25 years "Two years ago there were no For forty-five years the work ago, and last year attendance Christians in Bali, nor was one of Kwato Mission has been carwas the largest in its history. In able to sing these songs of 'the ried on without a trained phythe regular course, 187 were en- Lamb of God that taketh away sician on the field. There has rolled, and 18 in the graduate the sins of the world.' Now, been no doctor nearer than Sacourse, making a total of 205. you know what it means to trust marai. In times of severe illness, Dormitory space is greatly in the Lord Jesus for the for- Mrs. C. W. Abel has been obliged taxed. During the 25 years, giveness of your sins and the to go to Australia, sometimes in there have been over 250 grad- salvation of your souls. I love an open sail boat. Even though uates who have gone out into all to hear you sing these wonderful the missionaries have been parts of the country and to ad- songs from the heart. How skilled in combating epidemics jacent countries, well prepared many of you, notwithstanding all and simple diseases, the natives to carry the Gospel message to the suffering and persecution have suffered much from lack of those who have never heard, and that believing on the Lord Jesus medical attention and advice. to instruct them in the funda- has meant to you, are glad that But last July, Dr. Berkeley D. the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Vaughan, with his wife and mentals of the faith. -Alice M. Butts, Principal. Christ came to Bali? If you are three children, arrived from glad, testify to it by raising your England, and now the hospital, hands and saying, 'Praise the built ten years ago, can become ISLANDS OF THE SEA Lord !' As soon as the message a real center for medical minis- Fiji's Population got around to their language, try, and for nurses' training.
A definite increase in the na- every hand went up promptly, Mrs. Vaughan is a graduate tive Fijian population is re- and there was a full chorus of nurse. It is hoped that tours of ported, due largely to the in- 'Praise the Lord' from all lips." outlying districts can be made, creasing attention being paid to to give instruction. in hygiene sanitation and child welfare, and -Sunday School Times. and sanitation. to the campaign by the Govern- Burning Questions -Kwato Mission Tidings.
ment of vaccination against ty- Two questions claimed chief Baptisms in Bali phoid and smallpox, as well as attention of the Philippine Na- special treatment for dysentery. tional Christian Council's execu- Rev. R. A. Jaffray felt led to It is also shown that the Indian tive committee at their annual write to the Governor-General of the Netherlands East Indies at population is slowly overtaking meeting.
the Fijian, forecasting a compli- (1) What are the issues, sub- Batavia, and request that the cated problem in the future. jects and problems most vital to prohibition to baptize· in Bali The figures show also that the the future of the Christian move- be withdrawn. At the same time
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
he wrote to the Prime Minister first two students to complete the dred yards from a Christian in Holland, Dr. Colyn, to the course were sent to China, and mission school. same effect. The permission two who had graduated for was granted and the mission- Home service were appointed as Pupils come from towns all aries have been allowed to bap- deaconesses. As time passed over south Sumatra, some as far tize those who were waiting, and some found work among the as 500 miles. Some of these to date 127 new converts have Maoris, some under the L. M. S. boys live in a small room for been baptized. Dr. Donald G. and kindred societies, and others which they pay from forty to Barnhouse, on his world tour of under the Presbyterian Foreign fifty cents a month rent. They missions, was in Bali at the time Missions' Committee in China do their own cooking in order to of these baptisms. and India. live as cheaply as possible and thus have enough money to pay -Evangelical-Messenger. Seed Sowing in Sumatra their school fees. While the parents know that every pupil is A New Zealand Institute Palembang, in South Sumatra, required to study the Bible, the is a conservative and fanatical principal says no parent has In 1903, the Presbyterian Mohammedan city where ninety ever voiced an objection. A half Church of New Zealand ap- per cent of the population are hour is spent in Bible study proved the establishment of the followers of the prophet. Their every day. Presbyterian Women's Training large mosque is only two hun- Institute. Two years later the -The Christian Advocate.
CHRISTMAS PIGS Excitement and dismay reigned in the leper colony. The next day would be Christmas, but the pig, so carefully fattened for the long-anticipated feast, had escaped from his pen and trotted off in the direction of the village. The patients could not follow without breaking faith with their beloved doctor.
When meat comes your way only once or twice a year, it is something to be dreamed about beforehand and remembered longingly for many a day. Someone had given these Chinese leper patients a little live pig at the beginning of the summer, and they had cherished him zeal.:. ously with visions of how he would look, crisp and brown, decked with flowers and with a ruddy apple in his mouth.
But now this delectable vision was fading, for the pig had run away, and on the very day before Christmas. There was only one thing to do. The aged Head Man of the colony called the patients together to pray over their troubles. All sat on the ground while Brother Sit Ling spread out his mutilated hands and began to pray. He told of their trouble, how when food was scarce they had often gone hungry, how providential the gift of the pig has been, and how they had planned to share the meat with some homeless lepers near by for whom there was no room in the colony. He closed his petition with the simple plea, "Lord, please direct this pig's steps back home."
Just before nightfall a great commotion was heard and the lepers rushed out to investigate. A wheelbarrow was approaching and on it the squealing, protesting pig. The villager, who had found the runaway rooting in his garden, had recognized him as the colony pig and returned him.
Was there ever a roast pig which tasted quite as delicious as the prodigal pig which graced .the feast at the leper colony next day? A generous portion was reserled for the wretched group waiting patiently outside the gate in the hope that some day there would be funds so that they, too, could come into the colony.
*** There are other pigs too which are having a part in making Christmas a happier day for the leper. These are the 84,000 Pete pig banks of the American Mission to Lepers, which are fed with coin so that the leper sufferers whom Christ especially mentioned may have a share in the brightness of the Christmas message which has brought a new hope to all mankind.
The Mission to Lepers is the auxiliary of every foreign mission board and of every missionary who is working for lepers. Twenty dollars will give a Christmas dinner to a whole colony of patients. Twelve dollars will feed one patient for an entire year. Fifty cents will give a leper a pair of sandals to protect the bandages on his mutilated feet and help him to get about. Other amounts will care for untainted children or will purchase cherished presents such as soap, blankets and medicines, which seem luxuries to the lepers.
Anyone can bring joy this Christmas to the most friendless sufferers on earth by sending a gift through the American Mission to Lepers, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information The Furtherance of the Gospel. By the sudden and simultaneous German Society for the Science William Owen Carver, Th.D.,D.D. exercise on the part of a number of Missions, under the editorial 145 pp. 60 cents, cloth; 40 cents, of Mexican states of the right management of Dr. M. Schlunk granted by the Federal Consti- in Tiibingen. It therefore comes paper. Sunday School Board of the Southern B apt i s t Convention. tution to apply in their own way under the encouragement of Nashville, Tennessee. 1935.
All students of missions are the provision regarding the prominent authorities in Ger- acquainted with the "History of status of religion. It was also many. The translations are Missions" by Professor Carver due, and perhaps chiefly, to the based on the renderings of Rich- and other books from his pen. intense subterranean struggles ard Wilhelm, but a number of Here we have a compact, concise going on between President quotations from English and training course for Christian Cardenas and Ex – President French versions have been ren- workers on the principles and Calles. Since the book was pub- dered in German by the author.
method of missions. The author lished, this tremendous tension Following the investigations bases everything on the Scrip- in Mexican politics has been re- of A. Jeremias on the extratures and the solidarity of the lieved by the elimination of Biblical hope of a redeemer in race through creation and re- Calles and a number of his satel- the Mediterranean area (Ausserdemption. Three chapters are lites, especially the notorious biblische Erloser – Erwartung) devoted to the reason of mis- Garrido Canabal. As a result of and the book of Evnil Abegg on sions, three to the conduct of the the fall of Mexico's "strong "Messiasglaube in Indien und enterprise, and three to the un- man" the situation has become Iran" we now have this splendid changing message amid chang- much more clearly defined. study of the expectation of a ing conditions. Each chapter is Dr. Macfarland, in spite of the Redeemer in China. This point followed by questions for review brevity of his association with was neglected in the discussions and reflection, and there is a Mexico and the use of the j our- of the religion of the Chinese. brief bibliography. The au- nalistic style and method, sup- Rosenkranz gives us in this book thor's definition of missions is plies the reader with valuable a thorough investigation. Conworth memorizing: "Missions is data about Mexico, during one fucianism divided all humanity the work by which God pro- of the strangest and most sin- into three c I ass e s: Ordinary claims and extends his kingdom ister moments in that country's Mortals, Nobles (among whom of love, redemption, and right- history. The author interrogated Confucius classes himself) and eousness among men, by means the spokesmen of the several Holy Ones who were great of men whom he has redeemed trends in Mexican life and figures of the more or less mythand commissioned as his repre- thought, and tabulated and ap- ical past. The argument of sentatives. This is the essence praised their viewpoints. Those Rosenkranz now is, that in the of missions always and every- concerned about the future of Chinese religion a redeemer was where." Would that all mission- Christian missions will find here awaited with increasing intenaries and missionary leaders at much of value regarding the sity by the religious writers and home were true to suclY ideals! tendencies of a modern totali- that with the advent of such a S. M. ZWEMER. tarian state in relation to reli- redeemer was coupled the hope gion, while the reader interested Chaos in Mexico. By Charles S. in Latin American affairs will be of a glorious consummation in supplied with fresh insights into Paradise. While the roots of Macfarland. Illustrated. 8 vo. 284 the life of the most original such a teaching exist in early pp. $2.00. Harpers. New York. Confucianism, they were more 1935. member of the Latin American The Mexican situation in re- family. J~HN A. MACKAY. or less covered up in the later cent years has been bewildering forms of Confucianism and Tao- and enigmatical. It has been Der Heilige in den Chinesischen ism. The future hope is very full of contradictions to the ex- Klassikern. E i n e Untersuchung fully developed in the present perienced student as well as to iiber die Erloser-Erwartung in Kon- book; but the author points. to the casual observer, but it has the necessity of developing it fuzianismus und Taoismus. Gernot been chaotic. The appear- hard Rosenkranz. 188 pp. Mk. still further in a separate work. ance of chaos in the early months 9.80. J. C. Hinrich. Leipzig. The book is replete with in- of the present year, when Mexico This book is volume nine of formation and is written in a came under the scrutiny of Dr. the Missionswissenschaftliche lucid and convincing style. It Macfarland, was due in part to Forschungen, published by the contains a full bibliography of Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the Rlwn;w publishers on receipt of price.
[616]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
the sources in question and is losophy and program of the in- volved.· He believes that, "the also a defense of pure Confucian- terracial agencies: present and future leadership in ism which the author thinks was 1. The Commission on Interracial Co- race relations is being recruited far more religious than is gen- operation. from southern colleges and uni- erally believed. C. T. BENZE. 2. The National Urban League. versities." He concludes on the 3. The Commission on Race Relations one hand that there are at pres- Schoolhouse in the Foothills. By ent "tendencies which point to Ella Enslow and Alvin Harlow. of the Federal Council of the development of a definitely Churches of America. 4. The Interracial Department of the Illus. by Thomas Benton. 12 mo. National Council of the Y. M. biracial soc i e t y in America C. A. 239 pp. $2.00. Simon and Schuster. 5. The Interracial Work of the within a period from twenty- New York. 1935. five to fifty years"; but that Y. W. C. A. there are other agencies, "work- Here is a fascinating and true 6. The Society of Friends. ing for the integration of Ameraccount of the trials, adventures 7. The Fellowship of Reconciliation.
and victories of a Christian 8. The American Civil Liberties ican life and the absorption of Union. the Negro into the institutions young woman who undertook to and organizations of the coun- 9. The National Association for the try." His prophecy is that "it teach in a backward town in the Advancement of Colored People. Tennessee mountains. It is a 10.. The International Labor Defense.
story full of wit and wisdom, of is probable that the next generatragedy and comedy. Miss Ens- The methods of work of these tion will witness an intensificalow met opposition, suspicion, various organizations is de- tion of the present biracial ignorance, bullying and dire pov- scribed and we are told what has stratification of society, but that erty with fine courage, Christian been done by one or more of ultimately continued cultural faith, unselfish service and intel- them in different concrete situa- contact will issue in a practical ligent planning. Several men tions which have arisen. If one amalgamation of the races." and women had been compelled wishes to know the latest infor- It is evident that the problem to resign from the school before mation about the Scottsboro of race relations is coming into this young inexperienced moun- case, the efforts to secure the increasing prominence and tain teacher tackled the job. In franchise in the Texas primary, should have the careful study of the end she won pupils and par- or the exclusion of Judge Parker every thoughtful patriot and ents by her brave struggle from the Supreme Court Bench, Christian. Here is a useful or a description of the race riots against ignorance, poverty, dis- handbook for all interracial ease, prejudice and in spite of which occurred at Tulsa, Chi- workers. threats of violence. To read cago or elsewhere, or about the these vividly pictured experi- conflicts relative to segregation WM. HALLOCK JOHNSON. ences opens our eyes and stirs our hearts to the need for giv- or discrimination, he will find Lincoln University, Pa. ing I a r g e r opportunity and greater sympathy to these moun- here a mine of information. The With Christ in Soviet Russia. By V. tain people who have so much author says, "In dealing with a Ph. Martzinkovski. Rearranged, strength of character, with inde- race conflict, a person is not abridged and translated from Ruspendence, courage and loyalty. sian by the Rev. Hoyt E. Porter. dealing with sane, normal, well- 364 pp. Nile Mission Press, Jeru- salem. balanced people, for individuals who are sane in every other This stirring account of a area of life may be psychopathic Russian Christian's personal ex- in interracial situations. The periences of the power of the Negro-White Adjustn.ent: An In- Negro and the white man in Gospel, both as a free man and vestigation and Analysis of Methods in the Interracial Movement in the America do not face each other when suffering imprisonment United States. By Paul E. Baker, as human beings;' they face the and persecution, was translated fictions which they have built up from the R u s s ian language, M.A., Ph.D. 1934. Association in their minds about each other. printed in Czechoslovakia and is Press, New York. Price, $3.00.
Those who are interested in They are fighting a straw man, sold by the Nile Mission Press in the problem of the races in an entity built from the imagina- Jerusalem. The volume has al- America and in the promotion of tion, who, nevertheless, is just ready appeared in five other helpful and friendly relations as real to them as if he truly between the white and colored existed. The Negro is just as translations. Although its story people will find in this book a confused about the white man as useful storehouse of facts. Dr. the white man is about the goes back to 1918 and is chiefly Baker was born in Texas, Negro." concerned with the early days of studied in the North, was pastor for some years of a Presbyterian The author thinks that the the revolution, it is brought up church in New York City and church should take a 'much to date by a supplementary was afterward director of reli- bolder stand upon race issues chapter on Religion in the Rusgious education at Fisk Univer- than it now does, and he finds many ministers to be restless sia of today. With a background and chafing because the church of university life and work among students in Moscow, Pet- rograd, Kief, Odessa and Sa- mara, the author attempts "to sity. He gives a careful de- is so slow to take a forward describe the religious movement scription of the history, phi- move in the moral issues in- in Russia, and to show the dif..
ferent stages through which it under the nom de plume of Bau- a setting the way of response for has been passing. Naturally, re- tista Rinorosa, is R. S. Hosford, a Christian to his Saviour took ligious activity at a time of anti- Honorary Director of the Insti- shape and gave the Church a religious agitation brought much tute Evangelico of Rosario de type of worship which could be opposition. This, too, it is my Santa Fe, Argentina. A brief universally adopted. purpose to relate, and in passing sermon theme is followed by a touch upon important historical clear analysis of the text. Mis- In this dramatic liturgy the events which were of especial sionaries working in Spanish- Church is mustered to act over significance in relation to the in- American countries might find again two events of its Lord's tellectual and spiritual life of the little book very useful for life-the triumphal entry from Russia, and which were subjects their evangelistic work. Bethany to Jerusalem and the of my own observation and ex- Feast spread at the Last Supper. perience. My narrative must C. T. BENZE. In the setting thus projected by necessarily be to some degree the author's interpretation of one-sided, for I am only a drop Sunshine Country. By Cristina Roy. the Book of Revelation the Anin the great ocean of Russian 189 pp. 18. 6d. Pickering an4 glican Liturgy is introduced, life. But he who has keen Inglis, London. Translated from whereby the participants in the enough senses can, from the Slovak by Wm. M. Strong. eucharist reenact the drama of taste and smell of the drop, form worship as produced by the early some conception of the character The author of this refreshing Christians. Such a dramatic of the whole enormous sea." story is in charge of a small hypothesis favored by a series of home for orphans in Czechoslo- students is regarded by the Bib- The book breathes the spirit vakia. It has been translated lical scholars as being artificial of ear I y Christianity. The also into German, French, Span- and missing the real character writer loves his enemies and ish. A little boy, lost to his par- and purpose of the Apocalypse. prays for those who persecute ents, remembers his mother's Furthermore, Dr. Waddy's view him. There is little or nothing story about a land called "sun- of the Lord's Supper is not that against the Soviet Government shine country." Wandering of the Protestant Church, whereas such. The book is not political about the mountains, he thinks in Christ Himself is the chief propaganda for or against Bol- he finds it and in a cave he comes actor and the communicants are shevism or Communism. The upon a book with the inscrip- recipients, but is that of the Roauthor probes deeper and writes tion : "Whoever thou art that man mass, an oblation made by as an apostle of truth. takest this sacred book in hand, a congregation under the leader- read it line after line! It will ship of an officiating priest. "Russia is sick – sick u n t 0 show thee the way to the land death. But over her dying form where there is no night and An Anglican familiar with the silently the figure of Christ where the sun never goes down." liturgy of the Catholic Church bends. He lays his healing may derive some spiritual profit fingers in the bleeding wounds, Palko, the child, went back to from Dr. Waddy's theatrical inand covers them with his own the cave at every opportunity terpretation of the Book of Revclean vestments." and studied the Book; and hav- elation and labored attempt to ing learned its truths, became a couple with it the drama of the The lesson for us to learn is: Christian and was the means of eucharist. An Evangelical Chris- converting rough woodsmen, his tian will find more satisfaction Conquer atheism at home, in Eu- master, and even the village in regarding the Apocalypse as rope, and in this way you wiU help to curate. the message of a prophet and not overcome it in Russia. Conquer it in of a priest. Such an one parthe sphere of the inner life by fur- The story is full of human in- takes of the Lord's Supper not nishing answers to the questionings terest and is charmingly told. as an offering from man to God of honest, conscience-clean doubt. but as a gift from God to man. Somewhere in America a church was The Drama of the Eucharist As Set burning down at night. A crowd Forth in the Book of the Revela- J. R. S. gathered. Among the spectators the tion of St. John the Divine. By pastor saw a well-known atheist, a Stacy Waddy, M.S., D.D. 107 pp. Ambassadors for Christ. By Mildred resident of his parish, and said to him, 28. 6d, cloth. S. P. G. House, Lon- Cable and Francesca French. IUus. "While the church was standing in don. 1934. 8 vo. 159 pp. $1.00. China Inland good condition you did not attend it, Mission. Phila. 1935. but now, when it is on fire, you come." Dr. Waddy, following the dra- matic interpretations of the These two members of the "If your church had always been on Apocalypse as given by such China Inland Mission have not fire, I would have attended regularly," writers as Archbishop Benson only a gift for writing but they the other replied. and Dr. Frederick Palmer, finds have something worth telling. in this encyclical letter addressed Former volumes have dealt with S. M. ZWEMER. to the seven churches of Asia a their missonary adventures in "dramatic liturgy." He regards China and Mongolia, this one is a Una Alajaba de Flechas para los it as the Church's first worship very clear answer to young peo- Arqueros del Senor. Bautista Ri- book used in the eucharist serv- ple who have asked them, while norosa. 120 pp. Instituto Evan- ice. Since John supposedly lived on furlough, to explain about the gelico. Rosario, Argentina. for many years in the home of missionary call, its demands, the mother of the Lord, in such This booklet contains about fifty outlines for sermons – "a quiver of arrows for the Lord's archers." The author, writing
privileges and problems, the mis- are gateways to searching expo- Christ in the early Church, and sionary's relation to the home sition and powerful spiritual ap- finally as the Christian prisoner, Board and to the work on the peal. The mirror of divine prophet and seer in Patmos.
field-all as an "ambassador" of Truth is held before the sins and Here is a wonderfully reward- Jesus Christ. This book is an frailities of saint and sinner with ing study-throwing much light excellent com pan ion to Dr. telling effect, but not without a on the New Testament and the Brown's longer treatise "The faithful unfolding, also, of the problems of the early Church, as Foreign Missionary," and will be Gospel of Grace. The themes are well as on the character of particularly helpful to those who both arresting and practical, as Christ's most intimate companare ready to consider the mis- will be judged by the mention of . ion. The bibliography is very sionary call. a few of the titles: Clean Hearts complete, with references to over and Right Spirits; When the 250 volumes on John and Johan- Die rechtliche Stellung· Christlicher Wagons Came; The Motherhood nine literature. It is the rich Missionen in China. Dietrich Huse- of God; Groping in the Dark; mann. 116 pages. R. M. 6. Pub- A Happy Home; Something for fruitage of a lifetime study-es- lished by Carl Heymann, Berlin, Nothing. pecially valuable to pastors and 1934. other Christian students. A book of such penetrating This "contribution to the study and unmasking character is That Strange Man Upon the Cross. of the protection granted to for- hardly destined for wide popular By Richard Roberts. 12 mo. 135 acceptance; nevertheless it has pp. $1.25. The Abingdon Press. eigners," is devoted principally a greatly needed message for the New York. 1935. present day. It is valuable as a to the status of Christian mis- treatise on the Way of Life and These are devout, Biblical adsions and missionaries in China. as a guide to holy living. dresses on Christ-the Man, the After an introductory discussion Teacher, the Worker, and the of the idea of missions and the H.R.MoNRO. Crucified One. The lectures stop extent of modern mission work, short of completeness since the Epochs in the Life of the Apostle Risen, living Christ is not the book is divided into two John. By the late A. T. Robertson. clearly presented. A Christ on parts, the first comprising the 8 vo. 253 pp. $2.00. Revell. New the Cross is essential to the Gosperiod of 1842-1903, the second York. 1935. pel but this is not the true clithe period of 1903-1932. There max. Dr. Roberts says, "We find A book by the leading New ourselves saying with the people is also a good bibliography and a Testament scholar in America is who heard his living voice, supplement. an event. Dr. Robertson was 'Never spake man like this man,' well-known as a professor of and perhaps at the last falling at Naturally the discussion on New Testament Greek in Louis- his feet and saying, with his the relations of missions to gov- ville Theological Seminary and skeptical disciple, 'My Lord and as the author of a number of My God.''' While we cannot ernments involves a discussion books on preaching and the min- agree with every statement of of what is meant by governments istry and on the history and ex- Dr. Roberts, his studies are themselves. The citation of the egesis of the New Testament. stimulating and bring the reader legal agreements makes the book His death last year was a great into fellowship with the cruci- loss to the Church, but he has left fied Christ, as "the last word of very useful. The author, who behind him abiding evidences of God to a wayward race." his scholarship and evangelical lives in China, discusses such standing. Christ and the Student World. By questions as the right to propa- Robert P. Wilder. 80 pages. 18. In this posthumous volume Dr. Simpkin Mashall Ltd., London. gate Christianity, the right to Robertson unhesitatingly· iden- 1935. live in China and to acquire tified the Apostle Paul with the property there, the French pro- writer Qf the fourth Gospel, and The practical value of these of the epistles and Revelation- messages has already been tested tectorate of missions, the protec- and with good reason. His book and proved. They were con- is the result of a life-time of ceived through years of prayer, tion of missionaries and con- study of the J ohannine problem. verts, the official rank of Roman Catholic missionaries, the right of Christian missionaries to engage in non-missionary pur- suits. Legal documents are quoted in original English, French or German.
C. T. BENZE.
The Sins of Saints. By Herbert Lock- First Dr. Robertson presents the Bible study and spiritual ex- yer. 1 8. 124 pp. Pickering & In- "Beloved Disciple" in his per- perience and came into being to glis, Glasgow. sonal characteristics and sur- meet the definite needs of stu- This little book of 126 pages is roundings as presented in the dents. They have been greatly almost pure gold,-not in the lit- New Testament and described by blessed in America, Europe, erary or exegetical sense, but in the Early Church Fathers. He Egypt and India where intellithe fidelity with which the truths makes a careful study of John as gent young men and young womof Scripture are applied to the a trusted follower of Jesus, a en have been brought out of common weaknesses of our hu- close companion of Peter and the darkness and despair into light man life. The thirteen texts o the r apostles, a missionary and hope.
which form the chapter headings leader and clear interpreter of There are eight brief studies
-The Fight for Character, The est, the reader gains a keener in- Uniqueness of Jesus Christ, We sight into the very heart of KAGAWA Would See Jesus, Bible Study India, and finds a spiritual tonic ~onG5 for Spiritual Growth, Prayer, out of the heart of this extraor- f1Om tHE Guidance, What Is a Missionary dinary group of women in Lud- SlUm~ Call, and The Risen Lord. hiana Hospital. ~EMS written by the great Toyohiko Kagawa, today the outstanding Christ and the Bible are the DAVID MCCONAUGHY. sociologist, humanitarian and author of foundation on which Dr. Wilder the Orient, during the fifteen years he lived as a pauper in the notorious pestbuilds, but wide reading and ex- Twice-Born Men. Compiled by Hy hole of the Kobe slums. perience furnish rich material Pickering. 12 Mo. 144 pages. 1 Christians the world over will thrill to shilling. Pickering & Inglis. Glas- these astounding word-pictures, painted for effective, careful and logical gow. 1934. originally in brush letters on sheets torn construction of his thought. Stu- from old magazines, by this son of the This is not related to the vol- mystic East, who later rose to a position dents and other earnest-minded ume of the same name by Harold of international leadership. young people will find them espe- Begbie. It is a compilation of In these poems are revealed his emotions stories of the conversion of one and experiences as, smitten with tubercially valuable. culosis, all but blinded by trachoma, he plunged among the twenty thousand The Rediscovery of the Spirit. By hundred men in different walks derelicts of Shinkawa to share his all William Owen Carver. Fleming H. of life, in different lands and with humanity'S outcasts. widely separated in time. They A wonderful gift book. Profusely illus- Revell Co. $1.50. trated and beautifully bound.
This book is a tonic for those include stories of Sir Robert An- your bookwho have been under the influ- derson, formerly head of Scot- seller or land Yard; F. S. Arnot, mis- from the ence of the cynical materialistic sionary to Africa; Dr. T. J. publisher. Barnardo, "Father of Nobody's views which have been widely Children"; D. L. Moody, the COKESBURY PRESS prevalent, but which, the author evangelist; J. Pierpont Morgan, Nashville, Tenn. finds, are now giving way to a the banker; A. J. Gordon, the Baptist preacher of Boston, and more spiritual and therefore Arthur T. Pierson. Most of the subjects are well known and more hopeful conception of life. these stories furnish good mate- He presents the evidence of a rial for sermons and other ad- revival of confidence that life dresses.
has real meaning and purpose. He does much more than this- he lays the foundations for an adequate Christian philosophy and shows that the Christian ex- "Eye" to "Aye." By Paul H. Graef. 8 Vo. 127 pp. $1.00. Christian perience and the Christian reve- Publications, Inc. Harrisburg, Pa. 1934. lation do not have to wait for the word of the scientist and the By the use of display type and psychologist before having valid some colored charts Mr. Graef, a businessman, presents the Gosassurance that in its relation pel message of the New Testa- with God the soul is in contact with reality.
SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT. ment. The main parts are Scrip- ture quotations on sin and Unto the Skies. By Lillian G. Carle- salvation, showing clearly the ton. 12mo. 207 pp. $1.00. Pickering & Inglis. Glasgow. 1934. way out of darkness to light, or from .death to life. Mission This cluster of stories from workers and other personal life gives vivid pictures from the workers will find it emphatic, childlife of boys and girls treat- clear, concise and appropriate. ed in the Memorial Hospital of the Medical College at Ludhiana, The Flying Boat. By Robert N. Mc- North India. Miss Carleton is Lean. 8 vo. 184 pp. $1.00. Friendherself· a part of the picture, ship Press. New York. 1935.
having been for years a nurse The author of "The Jumping intimately associated with Dr. Bean" here tells the story of life Edith Brown, the founder and and work among Mexican chilstill the dynamic genius of this dren in Arizona. It is a roman- great Christian institution. Next tic story in which adventure, love to seeing that busy beehive-as and Christian service are min- has this reviewer-and getting gled. It has the flavor of old and the "close-up" of it all, is the new Mexico with Spanish spices, reading of the stories found in tomale and tobasco mixed. It is these glowing pages. For out of worth reading-for young and this composite of human inter- old.
Books
The Basic Beliefs of Jesus. Bishop FOUR CENTURIES in English of the Ten Paul B. Kern. 246 pp. $2.00. Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount! Cokesbury Press. Nashville, Tenn. Four centuries in English of the 23d Psalm and the 14th of John! Four centuries in English of Micah 6: 8 and John The Bible in Our Day. A symposium. 3: 16! Four centuries in English of the Golden Rule and the 184 pp. $1.00. American Bible So- Great Commission! Four centuries in English of the Word ciety. New York. of Godl Calendars. Daily Meditation, Is. 6d.; THE ENGLISH BIBLE has brought its helpful messages of comfort, coun- Golden Grain, Is. 3d.; Golden Text, sel, challenge, and redemption to hundreds of thousands. You are among 18. 3d.; Daily Manna, 18. Pickering those who have tested its truths, lived by its light, and proved its promises. & Inglis. London. BUT RIGHT HERE IN THE UNITED STATES there are many The Conquering Christ. Inabelle G. without the Bible; in far away lands there are countless thousands who Coleman. 92 pp. Foreign Mission have never seen even a single Gospel; there are hundreds of languages in Board, Southern Baptist Conven- which no part of Scripture has ever been translated. tion. Richmond, Va. AND THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY IS EQUIPPED and ready Gold by Moonlight. Amy Carmichael. to speed the translation of the Bible into other tongues, to publish it in 182 pp. 58. S. P. C. K. London. inexpensive editions for missionary use, and to make the loved heritage of the English Bible the possession of multitudes both in this country and I Discover the Orient. Fletcher Brockman. 210 pp. $2.00. Har- abroad. * But to do this requires funds. pers. New York. AS CHRISTMAS' APPROACHES can you think of a better way of show- Miracles in a Doctor's Life. Walter ing your gratitude for your own Bible than by helping others to have the Lewis Wilson. 120 pp. Paper. Scriptures? A gift to the American Bible Society will do just that. Moody Bible Institute Colportage Assn. Chicago. THE BIBLE IS YOUR HERITAGE. TO GIVE IT TO OTHERS IS YOUR PRIVILEGE. The Netherlands Indies. WorId Do- minion Survey Series. Joh. Rauwes, MR '1 H. Kraemer, F. J. F. Van Hasseltz, N. A. C. Slotemaker de Bruine. AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY I 186 pp. 58. and 38. 6d. World Do- minion Press. New York and Lon- Bible House. Astor Place, New York. N. Y. don. I Dear Friends: Out of gratitude for what the Bible has meant to me and in recognition Points for Emphasis. A Vest Pocket Commentary. Hight C. Moore. of four hundred years of the printed English Bible, I am sending you herewith 192 pp. 35 cents. Sunday School $………………………………….. that I may share this precious heritage with others. Board, Southern Baptist Conven- I tion. Nashville, Tenn. NAKIC ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. I Philosophical and Biblical Reflec- tions on World Peace. John Boven- ADDIlItSS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… I kerk. 31 pp. 35 cents. Zondervan Pub. House. Grand Rapids, Mich. CI'l'Y AND STATIC …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. J Studies in Romans. B. H. Carroll. • Last year the Society distributed 7.517.548 Bibles, Testaments, Gospels, and Portions, in 119 pp. 60 cents, cloth; 40 cents, 148 languages, and in more than forty countries. paper. Sunday School Board, Southern Baptist Convention. Nash- ville, Tenn.
The Solitary Throne. Some Religious Beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi in the Light of Christ's Teachings. Bishop Brenton T. Badley. Lucknow Press. Lucknow, India.
The Shepherd King. John Clover Monsma. 268 pp. $2.00. Zonder- van Pub. House. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Tarbell's Teacher's Guide – 1 9 3 6. Martha Tarbell. 432 pp. $2.00. Revell. New York.
The Turkish Transformation. Henry Elisha Allen. 251 pp. $2.50. Uni- versity of Chicago Press. Chicago.
With Christ in Soviet Russia. V. Ph. Martzinkovski. 364 pp. Nile Mis- sion Press. Jerusalem.
John White of Mashonaland. C. F. Andrews. 205 pp. $1.50. Harpers. New York.
Year Book of Negro Churches. Com- piled by Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom. :'.11 pp. Wilberforce University. Wilberforce, Ohio.
"GIVE US LI FE!"
pleaded four ragged, barefoot lepers at the en- trance of the Soonchun Leper Colony, Korea, one bitter wintry night.
HThere is no room," said Rev. J. Kelly Unger, Superintendent. "We can scarcely feed and "'Give U. Life/".. shelter the patients we now have.
"All night long they lay there in the snow, beneath my window, pleading, 'Oh, give us life!'
"The next morning, with breaking heart, I watched them wind their way back into the mountains,- doubtless to die and never to hear the name of Jesus Christ.
"They had knocked on the very doors 0/ Christianity and had been turned away."
*** Your Christmas Gift Will Help To Give Them Life WILL rou FEED A STARVING LEPER ($1 a month) ?• PROVIDE A WARM BLANKET ($2) GIVE A CHRISTMAS DINNER TO 200 ($20) CARE FOR A LEPER ONE YEAR ($40) American Mission to-Lepers, Inc.
Room lIl7-E, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York As my CHRISTMAS GIFT for thel,perl, I am happy 10 enclos, I …………………………..
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The Missionary Review of the World — November 1935
1935
Conquest By Healing in Ethiopia T. A. Lambie Christianity in the New India Richard Burges Crucial Issues in Latin America .
John A. Mackay .
The March of Events in·Mexico Kenneth G. Grubb The Harvest in Hyderabad, Deccan Charles W. Posnett German Neo-Pagan Faith Movement w. O. Lewis Can We Interest Men in Missions?
George A. Brown 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yeat'
to Remember Christmas Gift
November 3-9-Christian Home Week. C. T. Studd, Cricketer and Pioneer November 17-Men and Missions Sun- The epic story of C. T. Studd, the famous day. Topic: "Jesus Christ and the cricketer, will appeal to all lovers of missionary World Today." For source material biography. "C. T." was one of the best all-round write to the Laymen's Missionary players that the game ever produced, and re- Movement, 19 S. La Salle St., Chi- nounced wealth and position to answer the call cago. of God to foreign service. Courageously he faced a life of hardship and danger with remarkable December 7-,-Universal Bible Sunday. self-denial and endurance, first in China and then in the very heart of Africa, pioneering for God. December 30-31-Conference with Dr. :Kagawa on the Relation of the Illustrated, $1.25. Churches to the Cooperative Move- ment. Indianapolis, Ind. The Triwmph of~__. . . . . John and Betty December 28, 1935-January I, 1936- Stam Student Volunteer Convention. In- dianapolis, Ind.
January IS-17-National Conference on the Rural Church. Washington, D. C.
July 6-12_Twelfth World's Sunday School Convention. Oslo, Norway.
By Mrs. Howard Tavlor Personal Items You have read newspaper accounts of John _ _ MR1 and Betty Stam, who were martyred by Chinese nowARD TAYLOR communists last fall. Now read this permanent The Archbishop of York (Dr. Wil- record of consecrated lives. It is particularly liam Temple), known as a leader both recommended for young people. Cloth, 75 cents. in Christian thought and in Christian work, is to make his first visit to Storiesofthe GreatHymnsof the Church America in December. He will fill several engagements at, universities By Silas H. Paine and cathedrals and will be, one of the leading speakers at the Student Vol- A monumental work in ~—-_ _J hymnology. A beautiful gift unteer Convent.i..on …in ..I.ndianapolis.
Rev. A. M. Chirgwin, General Sec- book, de luxe edition", 'printed on Bible paper, full gold retary of the London Missionary So- edges, flexible red b,inding, with stamping in gold. 795 ciety, is paying a two months' visit to the United States, in connection with pages. $3.00.
the meeting of the International Mis- "Eye" to "Aye" sionary Council. He plans to visit Negro schools and colleges ,of the By Paul H. Graef "EYE" South. … … … ~ An unique presentment in pictorial fashion of God's great plan of salva- TO tion. 132 display pages, five in color. John L. Mott" son of John R. Mott; Two editions: Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 cents. "AYE" I has been made director of Interna- ~l tional House, New York, to succeed . , ,..WUL 0lWl' Dr. Harry Edmunds. This center I T.. -……………. now serves students from 65 countries. ,"II _ _ …………..dyarrw- … … … .. _ … _ ………….a_ -'-"hItId.-..-.I …. ( ~~=I.. …….__ Christmas Card Box Assortments I Mrs. Adena Miller Rich has been No. 50. A popular priced assort- l!:==::::~~''}v appointed to succ,eed the world;'famous ment with 15 beautiful Scripture cards Jane Addams as head of Hull 'House, Chicago. She was associated with and folders, each with matching envelope. 50 cents per box. Miss Addams for twenty years. No. 100. Our de luxe selection of 21 beautiful Christ- mas deSigns with 8 distinctly Birth-of-Christ pictures. All designs are new, artistic and appropriate, and have short Scripture portions and suitable sentiments. Matching en- velopes. Retails at $1.00.
Scripture Text Calendar For almost a quarter of a century, Messen- ger's Scripture Text Calendars have been spreading Christian light and comfort through- out the nations. They are known everywhere for their beauty, completeness and religiOUS in- spiration. No home is quite complete without the Christian influence of these beautiful pic- tures and carefully selected Scripture verses.
Single copy, 30 cents; 4, $1.00; 12, $3.00, 25, $5.75; 50, $9.00. All prices slightly higher in Canada.
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MISSIONARY "Since we cannot adequately com-
REVIEW OF THE WORLD pensate our committee members, we cheer them by subscriptions to THE VOL. LVIII Nov., 1935 No. 11 REVIEW."
Publication and Business Office– MISS MARY 1. SCOTT, Chairman, Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. Bethesda School of Missions, 310 Tomlinson St., Editorial and Executive Office– Moundsville, W. Va. 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Entered as second-class matter at *** Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under "On our station in the bush we Act of March 3, 1879. greatly appreciate the monthly ap- pearance of THE REVIEW." 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a. year. FLORENCE N. GRIBBLE, M.D., Published monthly, except August. French Equatorial Africa. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. British agents – Marshall, Morga.n Obituary Notes and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, The Rev. Harvey S. Murdock, D.D., 10 shillings a year. head of the work among mountaineers at Buckhorn, Kentucky, died on Oc- MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- tober 4th of heart disease at the age LISHING CO., INC. of 64. He went out thirty-three years ago as a representative of the Lafay- BOARD OF DIRECTORS ette Avenue Presbyterian Church, of ROBE'RT E. SPEER, President Brooklyn, to establish this Christian W'M. 1. CHAMBERLAIN, Vice-President mission. He was very successful in WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer developing a community work includ- DELAVAN L,' PIERSON, Secretary ing schools, a church, hospital and general social program. SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT *** MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD The Rev. W. Kendall Gale, mis- WM. B. LIPPHARD sionary of the London Missionary So- ciety at Andriamena, Madagascar, ERIC M. NORTH and one of the recent contributors to the REVIEW, died on June 7th follow- JESSE R. W'ILSPN ing an operation. He had labored most sacrificially and effectively for A. L. W ARNSHUIS the Malagasy. Mrs. Gale is returning SAMUEL M. ZWEMER to England. * * * Editorial Chat The Rev. Dr. Ivan S. Prokhanoff, founder and president of the All-Rus- Our October number on Latin sian Evangelical Christian Union, said SPEEDWAY TO ORIENT America has received very hearty to have several million followers in commendations and many single Russia, died in Berlin on October 6th. YOKOHAMA IN 10 DAYS . .. fastest, copies have been sold. Order your ex- He was sixty-six years old. shortest Pacific crossing … by the tra copies now before the supply is sister.ships Empress of Asia or exhausted. In the present issue we Dr. Prokhanoff was born in Russia, Empress of Russia. Or via Honopublish some additional articles on the and educated as an engineer. Thirty lulu in 3 days more on the Empress same subject and more will follow. years ago he organized the Evan- of Japan (largest liner on the Pa- This is "Latin America Year." gelical movement, with Lord Rad- cific) or the Empress of Canada. stock, of England, Colonel Pashoff * 1* * and Count Korff. In Russia he pub- INEXPENSIVE ROUND-TRIP FARES. lished "The Christian," a periodical, The past summer and autumn have and "The Morning Star," a weekly Go by distinguished First Class or been especially rich in interdenomina- newspaper. He wrote more than 1,000 comfortable Tourist Class. Still tional and international conferences hymns and translated many others, lower Summer round-trip fares to on Christian faith, life and work. and also religious books. the Orient. Low-cost Third Class.
Some of these are reported in this Since 1928, when he left Russia for FREQUENT SAILINGS … from Vanissue; another-the Student Volun- the last time, he has raised money for couver (trains to ship-side) and teer Convention-will be fully report- needy Christians in Russia. In 1927 Victoria. Orient fares include pased, and the leading addresses will be he started in New York "The Gospel sage to and from Seattle. California printed early next year. in Russia," and in 1931, "The Faith sailings connect with "Empresses" of the Gospel," both periodicals. His at Honolulu. Orient ports-of-call: *** autobiography, "In the Cauldron of Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Shang- Russia," was published in 1933. hai, Hong Kong, Manila. One of the recent articles in THE REVIEW so impressed a missionary *** • Also •• • low-cost World Tours. bishop that he ordered copies printed and sent to every missionary of his The Rev. Frederic W. March, for BOOKLETS, information … from over fifty years an active missionary YOUR OWN AGENT, or any Canachurch. in Syria, under the Board of Foreign dian Pacific office: New York, Chi- Missions of the Presbyterian Church cago, San Francisco, and 34 other *** in the U. S. A., died on September 28 cities in the U. S. and Canada. at Suk-ul-Gharb, Syria. Mr. March A pastor in the home church offered was appointed to Syria in 1873 and to reprint another article at his own served actively until his honorable reexpense and have it sent to all the tirement with his wife in 1924. Withmissionaries of his denomination. He in his lifetime he touched the whole learned that THE REVIEW already goes span of mission activity in the Syria to all those missionaries. field which celebrated its 100th year more than a decade ago. During his *** long years of service he was engaged Here are recent comments from our (Concluded on Third Cover.) readers. Will you pass on the good [513 ] word? "Each month I attend the public library for the purpose of glancing through your magazine. I consider it the most interesting periodical of the many on the shelves of that institu- tion." CURTIS TAYLOR, Utica, N. Y.
INTERNATIONAL MISSION4RY LEADERS AT
1st Row (left to right)-Rev. Akira Ebisawa, Miss Florence Tyler, Dr. K. S. Latourette, Miss Lucy Starling, Dr. A. L. Warnshuis, Baroness van Boetzelaer van Dubbeldam, Dr. John R. Mott, Rev. C. Y. Cheng, Rev. Wm. Paton, Dr. J. H. Oldham, Baron van Boetzelaer van Dubbeldam, Dr. Leslie B. Moss.
2d Row-Dr. Martin Schlunk, Dr. W. Wilson Cash, Mr. Kenneth Maclennan, Dr. P. H. J. Lerrigo, Rev. C. E. Wilson, Canon H. E. Hyde, Dr. C. R. Hamilton, Rev. Francisco Galvez, Dr. F. F. Goodsell, Rev. E. C. Lobenstine, Rev. John S. Badeau.
3d Row-Rev. G. W. Carpenter, Prof. J. E. Moreland, M. Ie pasteur Abel de Meuron, Rev. W. E. Shaw, Rev. Ray E. Phillips, M. Ie pasteur Henri Anet, Canon Axel Malmstrom, Hon. Newton W. Rowell, Dr. Julius Richter, Dr. Murray T. Titus, Mr. T. H. Sun, Rev. H. H. Riggs.
4th Row-Dr: K. B. Westman, Pasteur Daniel Couve, Miss Sallie Lou MacKinnon, Miss Margaret Wrong, Dr. J. M. Springer, Mr. G. S. Phelps, Rev. A. S. Kydd, Dr. R. E. Diffendorfer, Rev. A. M. Chirgwin.
5th Row–Prof. G. B. Camargo, Mrs. Harper Sibley, Mr. J. Merle Davis, Miss B. D. Gibson, Dr. S. K. Datta, Dr. John A. Mackay, Rev. W. J. Noble, Mr. E. V. Yoshida, Mr. Basil Mathews.
6th Row-Dr. S. G. Inman, Miss Esther Strong, Dr. J. H. Arnup.
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LVIII AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER, 1935 Topics of the Times PREPARING FOR A WORLD CONFERENCE tries the younger churches are ready to under- The International Missionary Council (Septem- take more complete independence. A shifting of ber 27th to October 4th) brought together sev- emphasis of the missionary movement from Amerenty-five delegates, from twenty-five national ica and Europe to Asia and Africa is therefore missionary or Christian councils, who assembled welcomed in all quarters. For this reason it was at East Northfield, Massachusetts, to prepare for decided that the next conference should be in the next World Missionary Conference. The hills Asia. After careful deliberations in which parof the Connecticut Valley were glorying in the ticularly the Japanese and Chinese delegates took richness of their autumnal colors and remem- part, it was resolved with enthusiasm to select brances of the great evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, Kowloon, near Hongkong, and to make an atl:!-nd his work formed an inspiring background. tempt to secure double the number of Jerusalem The personnel included outstanding leaders of the delegates, about four. hundred of them, two-thirds Protestant missionary movement, half of them of whom should be representatives of the churches well-known representatives with a rich experi- in mission lands, particularly thos€ of Japan, ence, the other half representing a younger gen- China and India. eration of forthcoming leaders of the older and younger churches. The reports of the chairman, A second group of questions discussed related Dr. John R. Mott, and of the secretarial staff to subjects which demand a new and serious refrom London and New York proved the value of consideration, so imperative that a new world the world-wide service of the Council. It has be- missionary conference is imperative. Three groups of subjects seemed paramount.* come, or is becoming, a central consultation body 1. The missionary enterprise, like the world in which we of the Protestant world missionary movement. live, has definitely come to the dawn of a new age in which fresh forces are beginning to play a momentous part. The crucial question of this year's meeting was: Everywhere titanic forces challenge the very fundamentals where the next world missionary conferenc(=!, due of historic Christianity. On the frontiers of the Chris- about 1938, is to be held. The preceding world tian ~ovement men face the grim realities more closely conferences have been held in London, 1888; New t han In the West. e Communism, i mpe riali symo~nagn d nation al- York, 1900; Edinburgh, 1910; and Jerusalem, i sm are remorsel ssly closing in on the church in 1928. Many more Europeans and Americans would be able to take part if the next gathering China. Imperialism, commercialism, and industrialism are eating into the very fabric of African community life and destroying its immemorial spiritual and moral sanctions.
can be held in Europe or America and the inspira- From Mexico to Brazil, from the Philippines to the Congo, tional value for the sending churches would be enhanced. On the other hand the missionary from Germany to Japan the menace threatens younger force of the older churches has decreased, at least and the older churches alike. We must pool insight, knowl- edge, and resources and get a new sense and experience of world solidarity. .
for the time being. In almost all countries of old 2. A thorough study of evangelism on the mission field Christendom there are currents which slow down is to take a central place in the activity of the Internathe missionary enthusiasm so that in few coun- tional Missionary Council immediately and through the tries do we find the flaming missionary enthusiasm world conference with a view to vigorous, concerted agof a generation ago. At the same time the mis- gressive, continuous evangelism by the churches. This is done in response to calls from all over the world. The sionary movements in Asia and Africa are show- survey is to be centered in the church aiming at enlisting ing promising signs of spiritual strength and of voluntary lay and pastoral forces, with studies of the evangelistic power. In almost all Asiatic coun- • Quoting freely from Prof. Basil Mathews.
[ 515]
place of literature, the school, college, and hospital in the CHRISTIANS OF ALL LANDS UNITING work as well as the approach called for with relation to There are still many varieties of Christians. They are of divers races, nations, names habits the Jew, the Moslem, the Hindu, and others; as well as and opinions on various subjects, but they'are one in looking to Christ and His program for the soluof the methods used by communism, fascism, theosophy, tion of human problems. On creeds and church polity these Christians cannot unite but those of and other cults. The phenomena of mass movements com- many nations and denominations gladly unite to study common problems and to work together for pared with plucking individuals out of their own culture better understanding and a more perfect fulfil- ment of the Will of God. and its relation to political changes and economic status: Last summer four important international as well as an analysis of the eocfonthoemiCc,hrreislitgiaionufs~itohr. sociai Christian conferences were held in Europe. These motives leading to acceptance The took under consideration the promotion of Chris- tian unity, world peace and friendship, and pracpreparation, holding, and follow-up of the proposed 1938 tical cooperation in life and work.* meeting is to be utilized to promote fuller cooperation in The Committee of the World Conference on the world missionary enterprise. Faith and Order held its sessions at Hindsgaul, Denmark, and plans to hold its next meeting in 3. The fact that over thirty regional and national Chris- 1~37, in Edinburgh. The conference will begin wIth a statement of "The Church's Witness in the tian councils have been set up, the large measure of con- World Today," and will be closed with an "Af- firmation of Union in Allegiance to Our Lord." fidence won, and many pieces of cooperative work carried The Executive Committee of the Universal forward reveals the advance already made. Hitherto co- Christian Council also met last summer in Chamby, Switzerland. The Orthodox Archbishop operation has been confined mainly to institutions; it has Germanos, of Thyateira, President of the Coun- cil, sounded an appeal to the churches of the world not so often been extended to large evangelistic ventures. for effective cooperation against the attacks of secularism in all lands. A World Conference on It has also been mainly an activity of missionary societies Christian Life and Work is to be called to meet at Oxford University, England, July 13-25, 1937. rather than of indigenous churches. The Committee is The great concern of the Council for the setting afoot vigorous studies of all these processes and Church in Germany found expression in the reso- lution which recorded the determination to emof concrete projects of fresh practical cooperation. !)loy every possible Christian means of support- mg those who are threatened by the dominance Among the forces that demand world coopera- of an aggressive paganism. An appeal was retion of the Christian forces are: the ebb-tide of ceived from various bodies on behalf of the Chrisfaith all over the world, the necessity that Chris- tian refugees from Germany, who constitute some tianity should advance, the call to a unified Chris- twenty per cent of the total number of German tian outlook on the pagan masses, a new vision of refugees. the function of the great missionary institutions, the creation of a satisfactory new leadership, the The World Alliance for International Friendreplacing of "foreignism" and race antipathy by ship met at Chamby, with representatives from life in the universal Church, new economic and thirty countries. Lord Dickinson, of Paiswick, intellectual foundations of self-support, the de- who has been president for several years, was struction, on the one hand, of syncretism and on made honorary president; Bishop Ammundsen, the other of separatism which now divides the of Denmark, was chosen president, and Dr. Wil- Protestant churches in areas like South Africa. liam P. Merrill, pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York, was elected vice-president. Other topics discussed at this meeting of the Re~. H. L. Henriod is the general secretary. Th!'l 1. M. C. included the crisis in German missions, AllIance recommended the creation of a permanent the need for Christian literature and suitable mo- Minorities Commission, under the League of Nation pictures for the Africans, the Christian re- tions and an appeal was made to the League for sponsibility for the Jew and "the tragic plight of more effective assistance to refugees from Ger- 2,000,000 Christians in Germany in whose veins there is some touch of Jewish blood." • The facts In regard to these conferences are taken from the report of Dr. Henry Smith Leiper. The upbuilding and maintenance of the younger churches as a part of the historic world-wide Christian community is to be the objective of the 1938 conference. This requires a fresh, convincing vision for this age of the verities of the faith by which the Christian lives; the witness by which the Church is to carry the faith to the world in face of potent hostile forces; the reenforcement, intellectual, moral, and spiritual, of the interior life of the Church, in grappling with problems that affect its very being; the relation of the life of the Church to the changing social and economic order-its total impact upon society; amnodvianlgargimerpalancdabmlyoretothwoarroduguhngiotiyngbceotwopeeernatitohn~ churches which, in this emerging crisis, is the very condition of victorious advance.
JULIUS RICHTER.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
many. In preparation for the world conference STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AFTER at Oxford in 1937, it was proposed that in all FIFTY YEARS countries where compulsory military service prevails the churches should request their respective The coming convention of the Student Volungovernments to permit civil service as an alterna- teer Movement, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana tive in the case of those who cannot conscientiously (December 28 through January 1, 1936), marks serve in a military capacity. A carefully prepared the fiftieth anniversary of the Movement in Amermessage to the churches was issued, which in- ica and is the twelfth quadrennial convention. cluded an affirmation, as against the totalitarian The Movement was the outgrowth of the Student claims of the State, that "right is above the State, Foreign Missionary Society in Princeton College not the State above right." A sensation was and of the Student Conference held at Mount caused when it became known that one distin- Hermon, Massachusetts, in 1886.
guished Italian representative to the conference, The movement has had a remarkable history, Dr. Cesare Gay, had been summoned to Rome, having been founded by students as a result of along with other leaders of the Pro t est ant prayer and the conviction that the Great Commis- churches, by II Duce, who desired to know the sion of Christ to His Church was a command with reason for the refusal of the Protestant churches the promise of His presence in its fulfilment. The in Italy to pass resolutions endorsing his policies watchword' adopted was "The Evangelization of toward Ethiopia. the World in this Generation"-not adopted as a The Central Bureau for Inter-Church Aid called prophecy but as an objective. When the Movetogether representatives of the churches of many ment was formed there were few students volunlands to meet in Vienna August 31-September 3. teering for foreign service and the funds avail- Attention was directed to the current situation able were very inadequate even for the work among the churches in continental countries, par- undertaken. As a result of the student moveticularly those which are suffering from discrim- ment, and other influences at work under the ination, financial collapse or state opposition. The spirit of God, over twelve thousand volunteers disturbed conditions in Austria have created par- have gone to the foreign field in the past fifty ticular difficulty for the non-Roman churches, years and the incomes of the missionary societies which are in the minority, constituting about oIie- were quadrupled.
fifth of the population. Membership in these The past fifteen years have brought about many churches has greatly increased in recent years, to changes in the whole foreign mission enterprise. such an extent that the present staff and equip- The number of volunteers has fallen off, the sup- ment are inadequate. The Central Bureau sent a port of the work has decreased and the Movement deputation to call upon the heads of the Austrian itself has undergone considerable change. The State to acquaint them with the concern of the Student Council has taken control, with less direc- Protestant world over the disabilities of their tion from the "elder statesmen" of the missionary Austrian brethren. The Bureau also studied the enterprise.
status of the churches in Roumania, Poland, Today a crisis is felt in the foreign fields, in the Czechoslovakia, Jugoslavia, Greece, Spain, and churches and mission boards at home, and in the Russia. student world. Thinking Christians, familiar Since Christians in Russia continue to suffer with the present situation, realize that the need martyrdom, the possibility of sending a deputa- for Christ and His power was never greater than tion to Moscow to intercede for them was dis- at present, and the world is more than ever concussed and final decision was left with the execu- scious of the need for some superhuman power tives. Dr. Alfred Jorgenson, of Copenhagen, Den- to lead them out of the present social and spiritual mark, was reelected chairman of the Bureau and morass. Men are tempted to discouragement and Dr. Adolf Keller was unanimously reelected di- to abandon Christian idealism, seeking in its stead rector. the material things that this world offers. The less interest there is today in foreign missions Organic union is not necessary and may be un- the greater is the need for a spirit-filled Student wise but there is hope that some day Christians Volunteer Movement.
will still more generally unite on the beliefs and The coming convention may well have as obobjectives they have in common so that they may jectives: (1) To interest students more propresent a united front against all evil and may foundly in Christian life and in sacrificial service make their protests effective. Six hundred mil- where Christ is not known; (2) to express the lion professed followers of Christ should be able ideals and motives to which students will respond to do more for moral, social, economic and political when the claims of Christ on their lives are pre- reforms than they are doing today. sented; (3) to inspire Christians at home to sup-
port Evangelical work abroad more adequately; MISSIONARY EXHIBIT "A"
(4) to emphasize the spiritually dynamic forces At a recent meeting in Newark, New Jersey, a in missionary activity-in matters of guidance, of remarkable group of National leaders from many fruitfulness and growth; (5) to show the ability lands presented aspects of the present world sitand readiness of the coming generation to take uation from a Christian point of view. They were the leadership in the work of Christ with courage in themselves a remarkable exhibit and a convincand in His Name and Power. ing proof of the power of Christ and the world- wide influence of His Gospel to win the most out- The clear call today is for missionaries who are standing men and women of all races and nations true evangelists first of all-whatever other quali- to His standard. Dr. John R. Mott presided, himfications they may have. Christians at home who self a remarkable evidence of what Christ can do know Christ as Saviour and Lord will respond to in enlisting all a man's powers in the promotion the call to support qualified missionaries who go of the Kingdom of God throughout the world. out primarily to preach and to live Christ and to Among the Christian leaders from other lands train others for His service.
The Indianapolis Convention is calling together were Dr. S. K. Datta, a dark complexioned Indian over two thousand student delegates from the with a brilliant mind, the president of Forman United States and Canada-a much smaller num- Christian Coll~e, Lahore, and a leader in na- ber than have attended other conventions. A tional and church life in India; Dr. Cheng strong and comprehensive program has been Ching-yi, the General Secretary of the Church of planned with speakers of international reputation. Christ in China, former moderator of that church, These include national Christian leaders who are the vice-chairman of the International Mission- the fruits of mission work-Dr. Toyohiko Kag- ary Council, and a great force for cooperation awa, of Japan; Prof. Gonsalo Baez Camargo, of among all followers· of Christ throughout the Mexico; Dr. T. Z. Koo, of China; Mrs. Induk world; Professor Gonsalo Baez Camargo, Secre- Pak, of Korea, and President S. K. Datta, of tary of the National Council of the Evangelical India. The British and American leaders may be Churches of Mexico, a strong character and a bril- counted on for inspiring messages-Dr. Richard liant speaker; Mr. Etsuzo V. Yoshida, Treasurer Roberts, Moderator of the United Church of Can- of the National Christian Council of Japan and ada, and author of "That Strange Man Upon the one of the founders of the Omi Brotherhood in Cross," is a leading speaker; The Archbishop of Japan. Similar "exhibits" might have been pro- York (Dr. William Temple) will give a series of duced from South America, many parts of Africa, spiritual addresses; early American leaders of from Persia, Turkey, Syria, Burma, Malaya, the Movement-Dr. John R. Mott, Dr. Robert E. Korea and the Islands of the Pacific. The repre- Speer, Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer, and possibly Dr. sentation was enlarged by the testimonies of Pro- Robert P. Wilder, one of the founders and former fessor Julius Richter, of Germany; Baroness van general secretary-are to be present and may be Boetzelaer van Dubbledam, of Holland; and counted on to speak with their usual force and Prebendary W. Wilson Cash, Secretary of the fire. Others of more recent fame will lead Church Missionary Society, who called himself a conferences-Dr. John A. Mackay, Prof. Basil "native Christian of the British Isles."
Mathews, Prof. K. S. Latourette, Prof. Henry P. The tenor of the testimonies of these Christian Van Dusen, and Dr. Daniel J. Fleming. witnesses included (1) the great need of their fel- Christians interested in world evangelism and low countrymen for Christ and all that He offers; the progress of the rule of Christ on earth are (2) the evidence of Christ's power in their own earnestly requested to unite in daily prayer for lives and in the lands from which they come; (3) this convention-its leaders, speakers and dele- the need for greater unity and closer cooperation gates-that Christ may be uplifted; that the real among all Christians; (4) the need for clearer conditions of the world and the needs of men may manifestation of the power and spirit of Christ in be vividly presented; that the responsibility of all who bear His name.
the Church and of each Christian may be brought If every church could hear such testimonies, home to all, that church members may realize the and see such convincing exhibits there would be claim of Christ on them and all that they have; no doubt as to the worth-whileness and future of that the power and program of God for the salva- Christian missions. If the program advocated by tion of mankind may be clearly presented so as to these men were truly carried out in all individual stir to adequate unity; that Christ's forces of missionaries and in Christians in the churches in every race, nation and name may fully cooperate all lands, there would dawn a new era of life and in the great work before us, and that the future we believe that a new advance of Christianity of the Student Volunteer Movement may be made would take place that would sweep all before it in clear as it is in the Will of God. the conquest of the world for Christ.
by Healing in
By T. A. LAMBIE, M.D., F.R.G.S.
-&f/, Field Director, Sudan Interior Mission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia T HERE is perhaps no country where a med- He believed them and wrote a letter to the Regent, ical diploma acts more efficiently as a pass- His Majesty Ras Tafari, which preceded us and port than in Ethiopia. It is little wonder helped us to get to the ear of Royalty! His Maj- that foreigners are suspected in that ancient land, esty begged us to build a hospital in Addis Ababa, for many who have come to her from the outside and in answer to much earnest prayer alone, for world with fair promises have remained to cheat no one was asked for a penny, one man gave and plunder. Somehow the Ethiopians classify $70,000 and others gave nearly as much more, missionary doctors differently. and the hospital was built to the glory of God. Thousands have been treated and cured. Thou- The eyes of the world are focussed upon sands have had the Gospel preached to them. The Ethiopia, not knowing what awaits her. Twenty- hospital is modern in every respect. two years ago it would have been considered pre- posterous to imagine that a Serajevo incident Mrs. Lambie and I were asked to go out and could plunge the civilized world into war, but establish work in Ethiopia under the Sudan In- it is a historical fact that the former incident took terior Mission in 1927. Although severing of old place and we know with what results; twenty ties, particularly with this hospital, was not easy, years afterward a comparatively minor incident yet God has wonderfully prospered thisinterna- in an almost unknown land carries a threat of a tional, interdenominational mission. Station after similar major catastrophe. The world is very sick station has been opened in these few years. A and needs a physician. large Leprosarium, under Dr. E. Ralph Hooper, Over sixteen years ago, after having spent of Toronto, has recently been built and is running twelve years in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan at at full capacity. A splendid medical work has Khartoum and at a remote and needy place on also been going on at Soddu, Wollamo, one of the the Sobat River, treating annually tens of thou- populous southern capitals, and Dr. Percy Rob- sands of cases, Mrs. Lambie and I received an erts, of Montreal, is building a hospital there. In invitation to Ethiopia to help in the "flu" epi- the north at Lalibella, the famous place scarcely demic. Ethiopia was then almost closed to mis- seen by a white man, where there are eleven sionary enterprise; in all the land there was only monolithic churches, centuries old and one of the one Protestant worker. Thus, medicine was once marvels of the world, here Dr. Harriet Skemp and again the spear point, or the camel's nose, or Miss L. Blair, R.N., have been developing work whatever you choose to call it. Thousands of and a hospital is being built.
Gallas and Amharas were treated in Western Were there enough doctors Ethiopia might be Ethiopia and had the Gospel preached to them. opened to the Gospel from end to end, for where Most of the population seemed to need syphilitic a doctor goes several other missionaries can go. injections. Pneumonia and typhus were rampant There is a tremendous disparity between the but the "flu" epidemic had passed off before we numbers of young medical students who volunteer arrived. for the mission field and those who actually get A small hospital was opened and a mission sta- there. There is a wastage of medical volunteers tion established. We found that the tree wor- in the lecture rooms and hospitals. Often it is shipping Gallas seemed to have a real hunger for materialism that gets the young medico, often it the Word of God and we decided to take the long is a young lady who doesn't want to go, often it's overland trip to Addis Ababa, the capital. En a spiritual breakdown from too much study and route we stopped at Gore and treated Ras Nado, too little prayer. If something could only be done who came in the middle of the night with an ex- to stop this wastage and to inspire our fellow cruciating earache. From this ear I extracted a doctors toself-sacrificingly give themselves for tiny, black wood-boring beetle, which his soldiers work on the foreign field, how wonderful it would solemnly assured him would, if not removed, have be. Missionaries and home workers need to be bored its way through his head and caused death! tremendously more in earnest than ever before.
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If the number of Christian doctors on the foreign age really started. Many a one whom God wants field could be trebled, and their spirituality was to go to Canaan, or to Africa, on a pilgrimage for in proportion, something tremendous would result. Him, does not get beyond Haran because of some I have acquired Ethiopian nationality in order old Father "Wait:-a-bit," or some Mother "I-need- to further the spread of the Gospel, and my sym- you-at-home." Sodom proved too much of a temp- pathies are with His Majesty Haile Selassie and tation for Lot and he went to the plain. Abraham Ethiopia. There are some wrongs in Ethiopia, as went to the mountain-to Hebron. Oh the heart- there are in every land, but His Majesty, who I ache Lot caused even before he made his selfish feel is a real Christian, is seeking to right them, choice. Be careful pilgrim, of the ones you take and in the four years since his coronation has with you. Watch the separated life. Avoid the done wonders. worldly companions. They make poor travel part- ners; they are not real tent dwellers. They want Lessons from Tent Life in Ethiopia their Sodoms and their Gomorahs, their Zoars My wife and I have a great feeling of kinship and their beastly caves. They y:earn for the with Abraham. We cannot compare with him in world. They mind earthly things. The truly sepactual time spent in tents, but in distances trav- arated Abraham does not yearn for the plain, but eled we probably surpass even Abraham. Many for the Hebron mountaintop, for Hebron means, months and years have we spent living in tentsperhaps more than any other missionaries of mod- will "Communion with God." He found in Mamre a ern times and so we feel qualified to speak something of the lessons learned from tent life and "place of richness." The heavenly pilgrim can speak with some authority of the spiritual ever find it so. Lot's leftover became Hebron; implications of a pilgrim life in tents. richness in communion with God is the place to pitch your tent. 1. One of the chief lessons of the pilgrim life is that the pilgrim must be unencumbered. "Lay- 5. What is indispensable on this our pilgrim ing aside every weight and the sin which doth so way is to have an infallible Guide. The children easily beset us" (Heb. 12: 1). Extra weight keeps of Israel had no need of the eyes of a Hobab or the pilgrim back. Too many needless things are Raguel when they had the fiery pillar to lead them surely a trouble and a care and slow him up. "No on. How often on caravan have we lost our way, soldier encumbereth himself with the affairs of taken the wrong turning and had to retrace weary this life." Pilgrim, beware of encumbrances that steps. We become separated from our guide. slow you up. We thought we knew the way only to find our- 2. Hold your possessions lightly. There are a selves in "bye-path meadow" from which it is hundred travel accidents that may happen to spoil only a short distance to "Doubting Castle." We your belongings or cause the loss of them. No need to stick close to our Guide who has promised travel insurance policy can be written to insure to direct us. against white ants, mildew, and the many other hazards of tent life. One must learn to hold one's 6. Care of the tent. The tent is the pilgrim's possessions lightly, and even "take joyfully the home. It is a poor thing, perhaps; not like a spoiling of one's possessions." Don't grieve over castle, or even as good as a poorhouse, but still it them-your heavenly treasure is infinitely more is all he has to live in and it is much better than desirable. nothing. One must take care of it or it will rap- idly deteriorate and no longer keep out the sun 3. The importance of water. One learns never and the rain, the wind and the dust and when it to get far from water. Water is the life of the caravan, for even the desert camel cannot go very is gone it cannot be restored. So with these far from water. Water means life, not only for man, but also for beast, pasture as well as drink. bodies of ours-we must not neglect them. We "Wherever the river cometh there shall be life may be called to burn out for God in a quick and fierce flame like saintly Henry Martyn, but ordi- narily God wants us to live a long and useful life for Him. We should not wilfully neglect our bodies. .
. . ." (Ezk. 47: 9). In this pilgrim walk stay 7. My wife has suggested – food, and I reply close to the River of Living Water, to the water with a hearty "Yes." The life is hard. It does that Christ alone can give. take strength out of one. Almost frozen at night.
4. Companions. One of the most important in some lofty mountain pass or scorched at noon things is to decide whom to take with you. Abram in some fiery desert, when the very air seems to started out with two weak companions as a handi- reel-aching muscles from descending some mile cap-Terah and Lot. He could get Father Terah high canyon, that would almost puzzle a wild goat, ("wait-a-bit") to Haran, but not beyond. Old one does need good food to keep up, month after Father "Wait-a-bit" had to die before the pilgrim- month, year after year. Pilgrim, be careful of
CONQUEST BY HEALING IN ETHIOPIA
your food. If your only food is the Home Journal ETHIOPIA, THE LAND AND PEOPLE and things of that kind, you will never get very In "The Chronicles of Ethiopia," the descent of far. If you never read a sermon, or the biography the original inhabitants is traced from Noah of some Brainerd, or Carey or Livingstone, or the through Cush, the son of Ham. "Aithiops (son letters of a MacCheyne, or a Rutherford, how can of Cush) begat Aksumawi," who is reputed to you have an appetite for heavenly food. If your have founded the Holy City of Aksum, the former Bible reading is neglected, so that you read the capital which the Italian army has recently capdaily newspaper far more than God's Holy Word, tured. how can you be strengthened in your pilgrim life Modern Ethiopia (formerly known as Abysfor Him. We need to be fed with food "conven- sinia) is called "the Hermit Empire," or the ient for us." Once when we were traveling on a "Switzerland of Africa." It is the last independlong journey in Africa, we got tired of our dry ent empire in the Dark Continent and is mostly a food and when we saw some men carrying beau- high plateau from which rise many mountains. tiful fresh fish, we shouted for joy. We bought Its area is about 350,000 square miles and its popand ate them, to find out later to our sorrow that ulation is estimated at between 10 and 12 million they made us very ill and until we recovered we people–for the most part very primitive. Politwere not able to travel. Much of what we read ically the country is divided into four great provtoday is like poisoned fish; we eat it and our inces-Shoa, Tigre, Amhara and Gojam-with jo.urney is halted, sometimes ended. .other lesser provinces under various chiefs. Heile 8. Endurance. Patient in well-doing. When Selassie (Ras Tafari Makonnen) proclaimed him- we rush about on aeroplanes and racing cars, self Emperor (King of Kings of Ethiopia) on the streamlined trains and ocean greyhounds, there death of Empress Zanditu (Judith) in 1930. He is not so much need of a patient endurance. It is is reported to be an enlightened Christian em- different on a mule or a camel, or on foot. The peror seeking the good of his people.
miles stretch out endlessly and a journey of a few The inhabitants are divided into numerous hundred miles seems endless. In five minutes in tribes, speaking some seventy languages and dia- an aeroplane I traveled recently in Africa as much lects. The state Ethiopian Church is similar to as in one day by muleback. The way seems long the Coptic Church of Egypt. The prevailing but it will not be so in retrospect. Only one life, speech is Amharic, with 251 characters. Their "'twill soon be past, only what's done for God will sacred scriptures are written in Ethiopic or Geez, last." "Be thou faithful unto death and I will a dead language, pronounced by priests but not give thee a crown of Life." understood. Many of the people of Ethiopia are 9. Early rising. Get up and meet with your Moslems and multitudes are pagans-ignorant Lord and then you will have strength to do the and superstitious. day's work, to reach the camping place, to the journey~s end, to the desired haven. Don't put it Among the Evangelical missions in Ethiopia off. Don't be a sluggard and lie abed. are the United Presbyterians who have twenty- three missionaries, located in three stations; 10. Many other lessons have been taught us but the Sudan Interior Mission with twelve stations, and about 75 missionaries; the Seventh Day Ad- I mention one more: to have an objective is the ventists who occupy three stations, the Swedish most important of all lessons. To be going some- Evangelical Mission with 18 missionaries, and where. Our lives are planned, but the sad thing the British and Foreign Bible Society. A Danish is that so many Christians never get into the Di- Mission is ready to send three workers as soon as vine plan. Many never get on the pilgrim way conditions permit. Most of the missionaries have designed for them, that will lead them to the goal elected to remain in Ethiopia to help the people he had designed, on the path that His feet have in this time of trouble. From an Evangelical trodden. Let us remember Him, who in the days Christian standpoint missionary work has touched of His flesh was a pilgrim, who had neither nest, only a small number of the people. The oppornor foxes' hole, nor even a tent, and who occupied tunity is great for the Emperor has given the a borrowed grave in His death. missionaries a hearty welcome and the people are Follow this Guide, this Pilgrim, this Wayfaring ready to listen.
Man, this Saviour. He will lead us on a road un- The Italian subjection of Ethiopia would mean like any other, and one that will be different from that the last independent African State will never that trod by any other pilgrim in its details, but have the opportunity to develop along African one which His feet trod before. Follow even lines. The winning of Ethiopia to Christ, and the though it lead to some dark Gethsemane, without development of the people on enlightened Chris- the gate to some Africa or China, or to some Cal- tian lines, will mean national progress of the best vary Hill. "Follow thou Me," said our Saviour type and will promote peace and goodwill in and Lord. Africa and in the world.
in the New India*
By the REV. RICHARD BURGES, England General Secretary, India Sunday School Union, 1896·1921 "THE most amazing characteristic of man- cent years turmoil and agitation have swept over kind remains today what it always was; the 350 millions of India's people. Has the man's inability to recognize the expected." chariot of God stood still in these years of unrest?
India supplies an illustration of this truth spoken Far from it! The government census for the by Lord Eustace P'ercy. For generations the decade ending 1931 shows that every day, during British encouraged the use of the English lan- those ten years, four hundred were added to the guage, lauded the free institutions of the West, Christian community, even though missionary fostered the growth of democracy and adminis- ranks were sadly depleted. Statistics do not mean tered regular doses of John Stuart Mill. In the everything but they show that the Kingdom of fly-leaf of "Liberty" by Mill the following quota- God is firmly established in India and they indi- tion was printed: "The grand leading principle, cate great possibilities for the future. The spir- towards which every argument unfolded in these itual power of the Christian Church, in the fu- pages directly converges, is the absolute and es- ture, as in the past, lies in the willingness of the sential importance of human development in its Church to cooperate with her Lord in the redemp- richest diversity." Wonder of wonders; the tion of the world and thus establish the lordship Mother of Parliaments suddenly woke up to the of Jesus Christ over every department of human fact that India was adolescent, and desired at life. Mathematics cannot supply a yardstick with least a prospect of wholesome independence. which to measure spiritual influences.
Each milestone on the high road of British In- Many facts could be rehearsed. Let one only dian history tells of advance towards responsible suffice. Away on the northeastern mountains of self-government. Progress has been slow but India are the North Lushai Hills, once inhabited sure. The Simon Commission, the Round Table by head-hunting aboriginals. In the year 1897 Conferences, the cooperation of the Indian the first missionary arrived. The seed grew Princes, and the desire of the British public for a slowly and secretly and at the end of a decade, "fair deal," all reach a climax in the new Govern- there was one church with 32 members. The ment of India Bill. While not underestimating Christian community now embraces nearly 61,000 the importance of other aspects, we will consider members or about two-thirds of the whole pop- the distinctly Christian point of view. Will this, ulation. The Presbyterian Church of Wales, re- the most momentous venture of Parliament, in sponsible for this great work, can verify these our day, help or hinder Christian progress? statements. Incredible, romantic; but true!
The Romans were good colonizers, built roads There is a saying among the Chinese that and endeavored to be tolerant. They tried to though no one knows how the mustard seed was balance the scales of justice, but the Jews never brought to China, yet today the mustard trees had a good word for them. They wailed and wept could not be rooted out of the land. The Seed of for freedom. Britain has given India roads, law the Kingdom of God was carried to India in ob- courts, colleges, schools, hospitals, irrigation proj- scure ways but the tree that has grown therefrom ects, etc., but India wants to be free. The British can never be rooted out. Principalities and pow- have sown the seeds of freedom. What is more ers will never, never be able to prevail against it.
reasonable than that India should desire to man- All that the churches have done through their age her own home? missionaries is but preliminary. Indian Chris- The living seed of the Gospel, planted by Chris- tians cling to them as their best friends, and they.
tian missionaries, has produced a great tree. are trusted by every thoughtful section of society.
About two per cent of the Indian population are One effect of Christianity is to enrich and de- now connected with the Christian Church. In re- velop personality and this new life has made • The writer was present in the House of Commons on July 30th sInenddiat hree·sltrlemsso.st Tcohme pcehtuerncthmesenofanthdewWomesetn must during the last debate on this "Government of India 1935" bill. mistReonyslavl eapssreenptarbatriionngsfotor aanneewffeccotinvsetitcultoisoen nfoear rlIyndeiaig. ht years of in- sl·onaries to the East. The BI·shop of Manchester, [522 ] at the International Missionary Council at J eru- instrument which will, in due time, secure their salem, said: "We do not go to non-Christian na- emancipation. Child marriage, infant and ma- tions because they are the worst or alone in need, ternal mortality, education of girls and respect but because they are part of the world and share for woman's dignity and personality, and kindred with us the same human need." The Indian subjects, will be sure to receive effective attention.
Church needs and desires assistance in producing Christians will continue to lead the van in these Christ-like citizens. This is the hour for con- matters.
solidating our position and for advance, not re- In the years ahead, the centre of Christian work treat. in India will be the indigenous Church and I be- Many Indians, non-Christians as well as Chris- lieve that at no distant date money disbursed by tians, seeking suitable education for sons and missionary societies outside India will be used to daughters, instinctively favor the Christian insti- build up the Indian Church, under Indian admin- tutions because of their high character and help- istration.
ful atmosphere. Whatever changes the Reforms The Rev. J. I. Hasler, B.A., many years in the may impose on education in India I believe that service of the Baptist Missionary Society, says: this disposition will remain. The Christian col- "During recent years the policy of foreign mis- leges, hospitals, schools, farms, workshops, wel- sions has become what is known as 'Church-Cen- fare centres and orphanages, seek to win people tric' and that devolution of responsibility, power to Christ but do not wish to secure converts by and work to the Indian Church, is encouraged."
unfair or "camouflaged" methods. The doctor, Signs are not wanting that a united Church in the nurse, the teacher, all seek to express their India is developing. Christianity need no longer love to their Lord, by using their professional be under suspicion that it is the religion of the services and personal influence to help their fel- "White Man," the "Foreigner," the "Sahib" or low men. Conversion by coercion, from one faith the "Government." No more need the Indian to another, is condemned by Christians and non- Church be confused with the traditions of the Christians alike. Church in the West. She will be the Church of The Rt. Rev. the Lord Bishop of Calcutta, Met- Christ in India. She will be free to adopt Indian ropolitan Bishop of India, writing me as recently architecture, music, ritual. She will be free to as July 23, 1935, said: face and reform her world under the guidance When there was a peace conference in Dehli in 1923 and power of the Holy Spirit. She will be free when the Hindu and Muhammadan conflict was severe, I to make her own spiritual contribution to the was asked to take part in it and was the only Christian Church universal. "The Church," says Henry with some twelve Hindus and Muhammadans in the com- Barclay Swete, D.D., "alone among human somittee of that conference which framed resolutions. One cieties, has a Head in heaveri, and this is linked of those was to the effect that people were at liberty to to the eternal and infinite." By faith we can hear seek by fair persuasion to change the faith of others but not by material inducements. That expresses the general the march of the on-coming millions! feeling among educated people. Gandhi, I believe, has It is hardly possible to exaggerate the imporobjeeted to proselytism but I think that it is the proselytism by material inducements to which he objects. I am sure tance of the village in Indian life. The policeman that he would admit that everyone has the right to his can stop and direct vehicles, but he cannot stop beliefs and to change his mind. and direct ideas. Men and children, in increasing The Release of Power numbers, will see the pictures and hear the wire- less talks after their toil in the fields; women Under the Reforms there will be the release of from secluded places will also hear and see.
an Everest and a Niagara of personality. Slowly Motor transport is linking these villages. The the value of the electoral vote will be understood. cumulative effect on the peasant folk is enormous.
Then the power will be felt of 35 million persons Eighty-nine per cent of India's 350 million peo- at the polls. Fourteen per cent of the British ple live in villages, and four out of every five of Indian population will have the legal right to vote the Indian Christians live in villages. Beyond for their own representatives on the governing question the future of India will largely depend bodies. As a general rule the qualification for on village uplift.
the franchise will be payment of local taxes or Educationally the position of Christians is con- land revenue. The proportion of women to men spicuously high. The Christian community re- voters is 1 to 5. Six seats will be reserved for cently claimed 1570 of the total number of col- women in the Upper Federal Chamber. "A per- lege graduates, while the same community only son shall not be disqualified by sex from being ap- embraced 2% of the population. Numerically pointed to any civil post in India, other than such Christians are included among the so-called mi- posts as may be specified by general or special norities. If the seats for Indian Christians in the order." This puts into the hands of women an Legislatures are not in proportion to their num-
bers, trouble may be expected. The complaint is surprised if in this vital realm there is a tightening of also made that the fundamental rights of citizens official control. Christian institutions that depend in any in the free and full exercise of their religious be- measure on Government grants will doubtless be called liefs, and that the fundamental rights of minori- upon to accept conditions hard to be borne; a reduction ties, have not been defined in the new constitution. in grants is likely and an extended application of the It is alleged that some Indians mean to work the Conscience Clause inevitable. To maintain their freedom constitution, and then use their powers to turn and impart the education they regard as essential, it may the foreigners out, to stop grants to Christian be necessary for Christian institutions to forego Governinstitutions, and to try to smash the new con- ment grants, and even establish their own university. stitution. . . . But even here there is ground for confidence. Un- less we are greatly mistaken, the conv~ctiim is deep rooted The allocation of special seats for Christians in in the Indian mind that Christian colleges and schools the Legislatures may tend to create a new caste. have brought something of incalculable value to the cause Unimpeachable integrity is ft sounder qualifica- of education, and we believe that all who seek the highest tion in a candidate than mere nominal connection good of the nation will not readily let that influence with the Christian community. An experienced weaken. Baptist Missionary, the Rev. F. W. Jarry, M.A., says: Federated India, when it becomes a reality, will consist of H. M. The King, represented by the Some of the leaders of the Christian community have Governor General, and two Chambers styled the intimated that it is not their wish to take advantage of Council of State and the House of Assembly. In the Communal representation offered on the Councils; but the former there will be· about 150 members, have expressed their readiness to stand for election as elected by their constituencies, plus about 100 apcitizens of India, and not as representing the Christian pointed by the Rulers of States; in the House of community; and their statement made quite an impres- Assembly there will be about 250 elected and sion on some of the leading Hindus. about 125 appointed members. In debates and voting the truth will soon emerge that members The Joint Committee Report on Fundamental will not have reached their seats by the same Rights* shows the grave danger of trying to de- routes. Each elected member would have to think fine a thing which almost defies definition. It was of his constituency, while each appointed member found impracticable to draft a statement. The would have to think of his Ruling Chief. Rev. W. Paton, M.A., Secretary of the International Missionary Council, who has given the sub- Visualize the scene! With all the goodwill in ject close study, says: the world, the situation cannot fail to be delicate. What result may be expected? Democracy will The indisposition of Government to make statutory pro- grow like a palm tree. The great Rajahs will lead vision for the rights (}f minorities is simply due to the the way in the establishment of Limited Mondifficulty of putting anything into the form of a statute archies and Parliamentary Institutions. Then which is sufficiently explicit to be useful, and not danger- existing treaties will be absorbed, by agreement, ously static and formal. The Instrument of Instructions in a higher synthesis. All this may materialize given by the Secretary of State to each Viceroy and each sooner than now seems possible. Governor will lay upon them in the most explicit possible way the care of minorities, and personally I am convinced Dr. S. K. Datta, in the Legislature Assembly, that this is adequate. "held up the Indian Christian Church and its in- ternal self-government as the most real piece of I would as soon trust an able and just Governor as I democracy in India." In this spiritual sense the would a High Court interpreting a fixed Statute, or a Christian Church points to the key of progress, special Minorities Committee. and the Church can supply the amalgam with which to fuse the whole of India into a united Will there by any disposition, under the Re- Empire. forms, to take all educational work out of the hands of Christian missionaries, and to remove After many years as a missionary in India, I the subject of religion from the syllabus of all watched the sun setting as I leaned over the bulcolleges and schools? warks of my ship as I took my last look at my beloved India. Mingled memories and hopes held The Rev. J. Z. Hodge, who has recent informa- me captive. In the distance I saw a great cross tion and wide knowledge, says in his article in the on a Church silhouetted against the sky. I was National Christian Council Review (June, 1934, satisfied. The Cross is "lifted up." That is suffipage 281) : cient! I have no fear about the future of India!
That some inhibition on the free play of Christian ac- Grant, 0 Lord, that we who live in such glorious times tivity will be imposed is, we think, certain. Education, may be saved from pettiness and self-seeking, may be for instance . . . is something that bears directly on the filled with a gallant and undaunted spirit, and may be growth and well-being of the State and we need not be diffusers of light, invigorating all we meet, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. • Paragraph 366, page 215
Harvest in Hyderabad, Deccan*
By the REV. CHARLES W. POSNETT, Medak Missionary of the Methodist Church of England GOD has been wonderfully answering our Christ as Master, whatever befalls. So we put prayers in Hyderabad, When I first ar- these people off for six months. rived there forty years ago the ground When they returned home, they had to go seemed hard as iron. For several years we visited through the furnace. Their land was stolen; their the village markets, treating the sick and preach- water supply cut off; they were dragged to the ing the Gospel. Then, one day, an old man called courts on false charges. There was one continued, me to his house, and said, "Padre Sahib, we in ceaseless effort to make them recant and cry out this house want to worship your God. Yours is for peace at any cost. The devil seemed to have the only religion that cares for the untouchables. entered into the hearts of their enemies, who were When your lady doctor was trying to save my determined to stop the rising tide. Yet it was of dying boy, the people looked on and said, 'She no avail.
must be a scavenger in her own country.' She North of the Godavery River, when I first vis- was the first who ever cared for us untouchables, ited these people they boycotted us i~ every vil- and so we want to learn about your J esu Swami." lage. We could see no one, speak to no one, and From that home, the Gospel spread to a thou- we could not even buy food. Wherever we went, sand other homes, and today, in that area alone, the villagers fled, as if we carried the plague. The tens of thousands of untouchables, have been bap- great landowning chief of the district had ordered tized after they have been thoroughly taught to this boycott, for he feared that if Christianity know Christ and His way of life. entered his villages the day of forced labor, by An old missionary of another church said to me, which he had grown rich, would pass away. Yet, "If we had gone on your plan and done the job as within two years, that very man sent runners a thoroughly we too should have a great harvest hundred and fifty miles, begging me to come to him. He had been ill, and when he had been given today." up as dead by the native doctors our young travel- For years we have rejoiced over this harvest. ing doctor had come and saved his life. When I Now, must we weep over it because of lack of reached the great Godavery River, he was waiting workers and support? in the midst of all his people; and there, on the river banks, we knelt in prayer. The boycott was For twenty-five years this harvest was entirely over, and today we have in that area thousands of amongst untouchables; but gradually the young strong Christians of all castes-and, best of all, people who have been through Christian schools the Bible is beginning to be read in the homes of have gone back to their villages, by their lives and our people. character have compelled the respect of those caste people who had always trodden them under- The Rev. E. L. Ananto Rao, a splendid Indian foot as slaves. minister (who came to England as representative for the Methodist Union meeting), is the moving One day a deputation of caste people came to spirit amidst this wonderful harvest. Each week me to ask for a young teacher. They said, "We his letters tell of more villages asking for the know he is an untouchable, but he is pure as gold, light. Are we to close the Bible to them? What and he has become our friend; we want him to answer will we give? come to teach us." Last December I attended his harvest thanks- This was only the beginning. That year, six giving when about two thousand people from all hundred caste Hindus from all over the country over the countryside came, bringing their offercame to Medak, and for three days they listened ings. All along the country roads there were and asked questions. Before they left they asked groups of people, the children and old women in for baptism, but our watchword in Hyderabad has bullock carts, and the village drummers going on always been "Thorough." We will baptize no one before. The young men had gone ahead to prepare unless we are sure he is prepared to stick to • From The Methodist Reco,'der, England, for the night meeting. They had put up a thou- [525 ]
sand lights, made of little burning cotton wicks, is not a penny for new evangelists, and that even lying in earthen saucers full of oil. These were those we have, living on one pound a month, must stuck on sticks, with a lump of clay, and they lit lose nearly two months salary in the year. up the whole place. As it grew dark the villages Is it possible that this great day of opport~nity for miles around could see the great Christian for which we have prayed so long, over which we "jatra." All night people were marching in with have rejoiced so much together, must now be al- their drums and their thank-offerings. The col- lowed to pass away, and that the golden harvest lection lasted about eight hours, for every man must be left to rot upon the ground?
and woman wanted to be prayed for and blessed.
Ananta Rao had told me that there was to be a great Communion service in the early morning; he wanted both caste and outcaste to come togeth- er to the Lord's Table. They have no church, and I feared they might be very tired, dirty and dis- orderly, for most of them had been up almost all night after a long tramp in the dust. Imagine my surprise when I arrived, to find two hundred and fifty men and women, mostly young people, evidently having risen before dawn to bathe and put on the clean clothing which they had brought all the way from their homes. The caste and out- caste were all mixed together, sitting on the ground, in quiet and perfect order. I think it was the most wonderful and inspiring Communion servic~ that I have ever seen.
To crown all, a whole family of high-caste Hin- dus came up for baptism, led by the eldest son, a village chief. Nine years ago he had come to say that he had been reading the Bible with one of our untouchable Christian boys, and he had heard the Master calling him. Even as this boy spoke to me, a great crowd of his relatives came to take him back home by force. For two days they stayed, trying in every way to get hold of him, and pleading with him to come back and give up his madness. At last, his mother and his family banged their heads on the ground in despair and began to chant a funeral song: "My son is dead, my son is dead." Nine years had passed since then; and now, that very family were standing there, all in white and looking so happy, all well prepared for baptism by their own son.
Such is the harvest waiting now for the reap- A PETITION FROM THE VILLkGE OF MAMDE ing. Is it to rot upon the fields? Translation-We poor villagers have heard of Jesu Just before leaving India a few months ago, I Swami the true God and we do not want to worship wood- en and stone idols any more. We have been bringing went to meet three hundred caste people in an- cattle and sheep to the Cholera goddess for hundreds of other village. They were all asking for teachers. years, but she has never done us any good. We have Half the night I sat with them, listening to them, sacrificed to all the gods but they have never helped us. as they tried to tell the story of Jesus and to sing Now our relatives have become men of Jesus and they are a few lyrics in order to show me that they were very happy, and their children are learning to read the really in earnest. One after another they started, Holy Jesus Book, but we have no Book and our eyes are and in a few moments they broke down, and blind because we cannot read. We. want to worship the stretching out their hands, they said pitifully, golden feet of Jesu Swami but there is no one here to "How can we learn, we have no one to teach us teach us. Can we never have the Holy Jesus Book for our children to read to us? Must we always be blind?
the Holy Book?" Please send us a teacher with the Golden Book. What was I to say to them? Shall we sound a Elders of Mamde- Bommerai Abe Bhoy, retreat? Weare told that seven of our mission- aries must come home from Hyderabad, that there Pichirai Poshe.
Crucial Issue in Latin
A Meditation on the Present Missionary Situation By REV. JOHN A. MACKAY, Ph.D.
-4f Secretary Presbyterian Board o~ Foreign Missions, Author of . – "The Other Spanish Christ" and "That Other America"
T HE issue that confronts Christian, mission ural and inevitable expressions of the Spirit of work in Latin America is the same that con- Christ-the ceaseless urge to do good to every- fronts it around the world. To what extent one and to do all things well as Jesus did. But is there emerging in Latin American countries, the missionary's chief concern will be not to do on pampa and sierra, in teeming cities and forest good but to create doers of good, in whom the wilds, a community of men and women, who hav- same Spirit that inspires himself shall be regnant. ing given themselves utterly to Jesus Christ, have For unless these are formed, the outpouring of become members of His Body, organ for His life, the lavish expenditure of gifts, the idealistic ceaseless activity? How far is the Christian orientation of thought, will become one day but Church being born-that special community whos·e a memory. function it is to bear witness to God in the world and fulfil His redemptive purpose for the world? It is the emergence of an indigenous Christian The only absolute criterion of the success of community that is the goal of the missionary's Christian missions is the birth and development aspiring. Such a community, if it is true to the of that kind of living fellowship. idea that lies at the heart of it, will be a witness- ing fellowship as the early Christian community With Latin America specifically in mind, let us was. Not lovers and admirers of Jesus, or even consider three reasons in support of the position isolated believers in the Christ, is the missionthat the crucial question in mission work in that ary's goal. His goal is a community, "a fellowarea, as in other areas, is the question of the ship of the Spirit," a community of people, that Church. is to say, who have been recreated by God's Spirit and welded into a fellowship. It is not the hold- 1. Because the birth and nurture of an indige- ing of services that will bind them together, nor nous church is the supreme objective of Christian loyalty to denominational forms. They will be missions. Missionaries do not go to any country modern sons and daughters of Pentecost, which primarily as the bearers of a Christian civiliza- as one has put it, "created a community of sacred tion, even if there were, which there is not, a kind love which frees humanity from all limitations of of civilization which merited that name. The naturalegotism." The new sense of togetherness function of the Christian Church, here or any- which they have experienced in Christ will make where, is not to create a new civilization but the them natural successors of those early Christians creators of a new civilization. Missionaries leave who went to the utmost limits in the sharing of their own country and civilization, in order to spiritual gifts and material possessions. The reproduce, wherever they go, the community of kind of community which is the goal of missionfaith to which they belong, not in any merely ary effort will live a life in which theory and denominational or sectarian sense, but conform- practice as closely coincide as they do in the most ing the new community, as nearly as possible, to rigorous of communistic thinkers. Alas that God's ideal for the corporate life of new men and such a community is so little in evidence in North women in Christ. America or in Latin America! Yet it, and it alone, must be the goal of missionary efforts both' Needless to say, Christian missionaries will here and there. communicate the best and truest things they know and give of the best things they have to the people This fellowship will bea witnessing fellowship. among whom they labor, as they will also combat, It will bear witness to God. It will do so as one by all legitimate means,every form of evil among has put it, by manifesting a gift of "perpetual them. Schools of different kinds will thus appear parentage." That is to say, the community will and hospitals, and other institutions for the pro- not exist for itself. It will live for truth, beauty motion of public welfare. These are all the nat- [527 ]
and goodness in their manifold forms. But above plying that to become so is the highest of all goals, all things it will bear witness to the Word of they should do so by learning of Christ at the God, to the reality of a Divine aggression in his- pristine source of Christian knowledge in the tory, in the person of Jesus Christ, to the reality Gospels.
of the Word Incarnate, and to the equal reality Another element in the new mood of Latin of Holy Scripture as the medium in which we America that can be regarded as a true prepara- can hear unerringly the voice of God. tion for an appreciation of Christianity, is the It is perfectly obvious that just as a Christian renunciation on the part of many choice spirits, mission, though incidentally a civilizing agency, of that spiritual traditional indifference which cannot undertake the task of civilizing a country, has been so universal, especially among the culso a Christian community in a country cannot tured class throughout the continent. Many assume responsibility for all that country's needs. younger intellectuals in Latin America decry the Its chief function will ever be, as a model human traditional philosophy of life which kept those fellowship, to bear witness to the Gospel that who laid claim to culture everlastingly upon the spectators' balcony. They are now descending there is good news from God to man. from their marble towers of contemplation and A Widespread Yearning for Reality sensuous enjoyment of life to take their place as crusaders upon the road. Inasmuch as it is im- 2. Because the new mood in Latin America possible for anyone to understand Christianity demands what only the Christian Church can sup- who does not put to himself the question, "What ply. There are times in the life of a country, or shall I do?" there stands before the Christian of a group of countries, in which there comes into forces today in Latin America, an unprecedented evidence a deep and widespread yearning for opportunity to unveil the meaning of the great Christian reality. That mood is operative today spiritual crusade which began with God, which in the deepest soul of Latin Americans. There is, is being carried on by God, and to enlistment in to begin with, a growing consciousness in many which God challenges men and women in our outstanding minds that the true future, their own time. Many have become used, for the first time, and their country's, is in some way bound up with to making irrevocable commitment of loyalty to Jesus Christ. Despite the fact that the historic a cause, who formerly regarded with disdain and religion of Latin America has been guilty to a as mere "sectarians" any who linked their lives to large extent of a grave betrayal of Jesus Christ, a single idea or any single loyalty. They are yet that name, through the instrumentality of the ready, therefore, to appreciate the meaning of Roman Catholic Church throughout the continent, . the Christian cause, the Christian crusade. They has been written into the continental conscious- will not be satisfied with anything. that rests in ness. So much so is this true that one ventures mere forms or ideas and that fails to have a to say that there is an increasing longing for a great passion, a great drive, at the heart of ittrue undertanding of Christ throughout the con- such a passion and such a drive as lie at the heart tinent. The same we believe will be true of Latin of true Christianity, as that ought to be expressed America that was true in the case of St. Augus- by a genuine Christian community. tine. Having learned about Christ from his mother, no system of thought, nor way of living, The Breaking Down of Individualism ever satisfied him through all the long years of his spiritual pilgrimage that had not Christ in it. And then there is the new craving for com- These memorable words of his in his Confessions radeship that is breaking down the old individ- may be read as true of some of the most represent- ualism of the Iberian soul. A young Spanish ative men and women in Latin America today, writer has recently taken to task the great think- "For this name, according to Thy mercy, 0 Lord, ers of his country, Miguel Unamuno and Ortega this name of my Saviour, Thy Son, had my tender Gasset, because they have been too individualistic heart, even with my mother's milk, devoutly in their thinking and have not sufficiently stressed drunk in as deeply precious; and whatsoever was the conception of collectivity. The younger gen- without that name, though ever so learned, pol- eration, he said, is interested in corporate living.
ished or true, took not entire hold of me." It is What an oppor-tunity for the Evangelical Church for this reason that the Argentine, Ricardo Rojas, in Latin America to unveil to the eager thought says, in his "Invisible Christ," that he believes of new Iberians and Indo-Americans the concep- that the destiny of his beloved Argentina is bound tion of corporate living that is at the heart of up indissolubly with Jesus Christ; and that the Christianity, to show how the Church, and the ex-President of Mexico, Portes Gil, affirms that Church alone, is in possession of the key to the if Mexican children are to become Christian, im- meaning of life, and alone is able to produce that
THE CRUCIAL ISSUE IN LATIN AMERICA
type of character which makes true social togeth- the undertaking, yet this is hardly so. With a erness possible! more careful study of the mental attitude of the 3. Because only the Christian Church can suc- cultured natives, and a more thorough grasp of cessfully resist the new "demonic" forces that are the significance of the Message and the methods making their appearance in Latin America and employed, the missionary should find ways of elsewhere in our time. The liberal era is rapidly reaching every class and every individual with the coming to an end, that spirit which took up an Gospel. But the preaching of the Gospel has been attitude of appreciation or tolerance towards confused with the formal exercise of Christian potent spiritual realities. But in our day new worship. It has seemed necessary to the missionand terrible forces are making their appearance. ary to have public prayer, hymn singing, and Christianity is no longer being admired or treated Bible reading as essential accompaniments of each with patronizing or disdainful airs. It is being presentation of his Gospel message. Now, to the ruthlessly challenged and combated by forces native, to stand up with the congregation and to which are demonic in their nature, inasmuch as . join in singing a hymn, or to unite in public they are to all intents and purposes new religions prayer, is identified with a strange worship.
that usurp the place of God on the modern stage. The greatest hindrance of all, perhaps, lies in Fascism in its various determinations is the most the method almost invariably adopted in starting potent "religion" in the world arena today. It a mission in new places. The first step is to find assails Christianity and tries to eradicate it, or a hall and furnish it with seats, an organ, and a it endeavors to subordinate it to its own pur- platform. But this hall with its meeting-furni- poses. The State is the new god. Stateolatry ture becomes a real obstacle between the mission- is the great religion of our time. Ours is there- ary and the community. The native who thinks fore a period when one of the chief, if not the he is going to get some material advantage-edu- chief task of Christianity, is to offer a spiritual cational facilities, economic protection, easy em- center of resistance to this new deity. This it ployment, etc., may break through the obstruc- must do uncompromisingly in the lists or in the tion; but the average high-minded native, the catacombs. It is abundantly evident that no dif- man – and still more the woman – who would used Christian influence has the slightest chance make the most desirable convert, will not.
of surviving the terrific onslaught of the crusad- The foreign character of the missionary &nd his ers of this new god. They only have a chance of methods has become so associated with the work surviving who are a "fellowship of the Spirit" of the Gospel that thoughtful Peruvians who are and who, knit together in a common experience thoroughly in sympathy with the spirit and purand pledged to a common loyalty, will not bow poses of the Protestant missionary, feel themthe knee to this new Baal but will bear testimony selves inhibited from any identification with the to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ movement. Any participation in it seems to be and to His purpose for mankind. Think of Ger- treason against the traditions of their race. The many, think of Turkey, think of Mexico. In Peruvian finds it difficult to conceive of an edu- Turkey, alas, there is no Christian Church today cated native choosing to become a Protestant, alas the fruit of Christian missions. The great though it seems natural to think of the educated battleground of Christianity in our time is in the foreigner as being in place in the Evangelical parishes of the Third Reich. Mexico some months Church. If this difficulty is to be overcome, a ago, was in the throes of a campaign to eradicate larger percentage of the foreign missionaries Christianity and all religion from the conscious- must enter much more fully into the intellectual ness of the people. Only a living Church can stand in such a time. life of the native community. They must familiar- ize themselves not only with the language, but For all these reasons there comes a call to mis- also with the history, the problems, the aspirasionary societies at work in Latin America, to. tions, and the fears and prejudices of the people take earnest cognizance of the extent to which, through their efforts, living Christian communi- among whom they labor. And the missionary ties have been formed, which bear witness to God. must be prepared to alter his emphasis in the presentation of the Gospel so that while no less loyal to the teachings of our Lord, he may suc- . cessfully interpret these teachings so that they OVERCOMING HINDRANCES IN PERU shall appeal to the highest aspirations and the One of the greatest hindrances to the progress deepest feelings of the people to whom he has of the Gospel in Peru is the foreign element in the been sent.-From "The West Coast Republics of missionary and in his methods. At first sight South America," edited by Webster E. Browning, this might seem inseparable from the nature of John Ritchie, Kenneth G. Grubb; pages 91-92.
Bagby a Pioneer in
By INABELLE GRAVES COLEMAN, Richmond, Virginia Publici'ly Secretary, FOI'eign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention "THE most marvelous thing I have seen dur- and sugar cane. During the past half-century ing this half century in Brazil was the there has been a five thousand per cent increase bloodless revolution-the fall of a great em- in Southern Baptists' harvest crop for the Mas- ter in Brazil. pire and the setting up of the Republic without bloodshed," said Dr. William B. Bagby, the senior Fifty-five years ago Dr. William B. Bagby and eighty-year-old missionary of the Southern Bap- his bride, Anne Luther Bagby, were appointed as tist Convention. Many radical reforms-such as pioneer missionaries to South America. Sailing from Baltimore, they spent forty-nine seasick days on the small, storm-tossed barque, before they came to anchor in Rio de Janeiro bay.
Unwelcomed and almost unnoticed, they slipped into this vast country, studied the Portuguese lan- guage and proceeded to the strategic city of Ba- hia, formerly the empire's political capital and still the nation's religious capital. The next two years were checkered with danger and persecu- tion, problems and suffering, all heroically borne.
Dr. Bagby bears a scar on his forehead today as a witness to one experience in Bahia. In a small rented hall while he was telling the Gospel story to a few souls who had dared to attend the service, a stone was thrown through the window and struck the young missionary on the fbrehead. He dropped to the floor and blood streamed down his face. Calmly his youthful life-partner minis- tered to him and silently witnessed for Christ in that tragic hour. Even the Catholics were im- pressed by the courageous way in which this brave young couple presented Christ as the living, con- quering Saviour to hungry-hearted people.
Other missionaries came and the first Baptist church was organized in Brazil. Then like Paul, always lengthening the cords, Dr. Bagby turned his face to a new field, the great capital city of Rio de Janiero. In August, 1934, the fiftieth an- DR. WILLIAM B. BAGBY-TODAY niversary of the organization of the First Baptist church in Rio was celebrated. With radiant joy these veteran missionaries reviewed the years during which the nine Baptists for all of South secularizing cemeteries, separation of Church and America had increased to more than 50,000. In State and proclaiming full religious liberty for all, the same period the two small churches had grown and the recognition of marriage vows-came to more than 500 with 1,500 preaching places, with the new day. Evangelical missionaries have with 718 Sunday schools, 226 Young People's had a large part in bringing these changes to pass. Unions, 400 Women's Missionary Societies, 60 Christ made it possible to bring about the revolu- Young Women's Auxiliaries, 200 children's soci- ' tion without war and bloodshed. "God has let eties, besides men's societies, two seminaries, two some of us old fellows help to build new nations," training schools, two junior colleges, four acad- said Dr. Bagby. Brazil is often called the coffee emies, 48 primary schools, a publishing house, a cup of the world but the percentage of increase Brazilian Foreign Mission Board, a Home Mission for Christ is greater than that from coffee trees Board and a National Convention.
[530 ]
Vitality in Missions*
By the REV. WILLIAM P. SCHELL, D.D., New York Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
I N THE life of the Church no cause has been we have basked in their reflected glory. Do not more inspiring, none more uplifting, none as misjudge them, nor slander them. Do not allow unselfish, none more heroic than the preaching yourselves to believe things about them that you of Jesus Christ to the world. It is a solemn thing know are not true. Why do they offer themselves to realize that when the foreign mission service as missionaries? Because of adventure, or for a of a Church prospers, the Church is blessed, and "lark" or to teach mathematics? By no means. that whenever a Church is false to its world mis- Nothing but a conviction that Jesus Christ is the sion or disloyal to its missionaries, the spiritual Son of God, nothing but an abiding faith that He life of the Church declines. We move forward died on the cross to save the world, nothing but into every worth-while service as we move for- an unshaken assurance that He rose from the dead ward with Him into His world. and is alive today can lead a man to leave his coun- try, his home and everything life holds dear here There have been discouragements in the year and to bury himself in the jungles of Africa, or that has just closed, and we would not hide them. in the great cities of the Orient. Love of Jesus Missionaries have lived and preached the Gospel Christ sent them out and consecrated devotion to in a world in upheaval; in the midst of an intense Him and His cross and His Gospel keep them out rising nationalism; in nations in some instances there. They do not ask for pity in their difficulincreasingly pagan and antireligious; in the face ties. But they do ask, and they have every right of growing skepticism, even in the home Church, to ask, and to expect, our understanding symas to the validity of Christianity; in the discour- pathy, our prayers, our gifts and our love. agements arising from the spiritual condition of the Church in the United States. . . . Proclaiming the Gospel There have been discouragements – but it has The past year has been a year of outstanding been a year of encouragement and victory. Those spiritual victory on the mission field. First of all, who are closest to the enterprise and who live in the preaching of the Gospel and in evangelistic with it every day thank God for this victorious results. In the face of paganism and of wide hosyear in the mission field. tility to Christ over 7,000 non-Christians were won to our Lord and were received into the Pres- Let us begin by holding up the spiritual morale byterian churches on confession of their faith of the missionaries.
In their living and in their dying, we behold the in Him. Thousands more were reached and en- best that the Church has to offer. They resent rolled in training conferences and brought under being placed on pedestals, they do not recognize the teaching of the Church. In some countries, themselves as heroic, but in all their work they for example, Mexico, this straight evangelism of- reveal to the home Church the possibilities of a fers us our greatest opportunity. Listen to these victorious life in Christ. One missionary in India words from the Mexico Mission: wrote: "We have had many problems, many diffi- Weare convinced that from now on we must depend culties, always a shortage of funds and an inade- upon personal seeking of souls for Christ, and upon per- quate staff, but in spite of this the work has gone sonal dealing with Christians to strengthen and build them on." This spirit of perseverance and hopefulness up more than upon institutions or special plans of work. is also revealed by them when they come home on Our institutions have a rather uncertain existence at presfurlough. ent, but the opportunity for personal evangelism and per- sonal comradeship is greater than ever. We need to search As one who is not a missionary but who knows for new ways of making contacts and then make these and loves them all, I hold up our missionaries as truly effective in reaching souls for the Saviour.
those who have gone out from our churches and Rev. Norman W. Taylor, while distributing lit- erature to soldiers on patrol, came one day to the • Condensed from an address delivered at the 147th General As- highest point along the road and tried to enter the sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A .• Cincinnati, Ohio, outpost. The soldiers were hostile and one fanatic tried to force him to leave the enclosure. At that May 29, 1935. The full address may be had in leaflet form from the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York.
[531 ]
moment the Commanding Officer appeared. When the Bible. Rev. William N. Blair, of Korea, tells Mr. Taylor explained his errand, he called his men of the Korean colporteur who, laying down his together and recommended the literature, took life on the banks of the Yalu River a half century him to fifteen camps, and personally superin- ago, threw pages from the Bible into the air, extended the distribution of the Gospel portions and claiming as he did so: "Everywhere the leaves of tracts. In describing the results, Mr. Taylor this book touch the shore, a Christian community writes these thrilling words: will arise."
Since this work opened up six regiments of cavalry and In view of these origins, it is not surprising to three battalions of infantry have been reached. Of these, find church-wide study of the Word of God in two regiments and one battalion have been so thoroughly Korea and a Church whose activities are built evangelized that I believe practically every man has hail upon His word. What a blessing would come to the Gospel presented to him. I believe that I can safely the home Church if we could have Bible confersay, withou£ any fear of exaggeration, that between seven ences such as those in Korea, enrolling from 500 and eight hundred men have expressed the desire to follow to 1,000 women or an equal number of men, many Christ. Among the officers, one major, four captains, and of them trudging many weary miles to study the fifteen lieutenants accepted Christ, and greatly helped us Word! And hear this testimony from North by their interest in seeing that all the men had an oppor- China: "There have been during the year more tunity of hearing the message. requests than ever for Bible classes, more oppor- tunities for preaching, more avenues for personal This story, in one form or another, is paralleled wor~, more students in government schools wantin many countries on the mission field. Henry ing instruction in Christian truths. Along with Martyn in Persia thought he could die content if the inspiration of these open doors goes the dehe could see one Moslem brought to Christ. Hun- pression arising out of inability to supply enough dreds of Moslems have come to Christ during the workers to meet the demands." Over 140,000 past year, many of them undergoing great suffer- children in your mission fields were enrolled in ing because of the step they have taken. The Sunday schools, studying the Bible regularly, and great revival in Africa has continued. Enormous many thousands more were enrolled in Bible incongregations attend all the services. They come stitutes and conferences. in unprecedented numbers to the Lord's Supper. Before one can be received into the church he is The spiritual life of the national churches is required, ordinarily, to wait for two years of test- also manifest in a degree of sacrifice and prayer ing and training. the home Church would do well to emulate. The native Christians, during the year, gave in con- Recent Reports from the Fields tributions or paid in fees a total of $1,639,045. Only when you stop to think of their incomes can In India there has been an increasing develop- you have any appreciation of this sacrifice. In ment in the movement in behalf of the 50,000,000 addition to these gifts of money there have been outcastes who constitute fourteen per cent of the gifts of hundreds of days of labor. One reason population. They have been turning to Chris- why they give such large amounts is because they tianity and Islam until Hindus are concerned over are not over-concerned with budgets, quotas, althe power they may have in Government. locations or apportionments. Many of those churches have budgets, but they always look upon Two missionaries in Siam reported an interest- a budget as a steppingstone to something higher ing visit to a village in which were a number of -never as a goal in itself. The average Christian Lao slaves. Only a handful of these slaves had on the mission field does not compare the giving ever received baptism. The missionaries gathered of his church with its record of the previous year together these slaves and their children and talked nor with the records of other churches. He to them about Christ, distributing literature and simply asks: "Am I giving as much as I should teaching them the Bible. give and can give to the Lord in view of what He has given to me?" When that spirit takes pos- When it came to the last day, to the surprise of session of the home churches, we will no longer everyone seven men, ten women and twelve or report deficits, for our mission budgets will burst fourteen teen-age young people came forward and open with new spiritual vitality and power. expressed their desire to follow Jesus. And they are praying. A missionary in Japan The spiritual vitality of the Church on the mis- writes this description of the Week of Prayer sion field is also seen in the fact that it is grounded which should give us pause: "The Week of Prayer on the Word of God. Proportionately speaking, during the first week in January is widely obthere are more Bible-believing, Bible-loving and served by all branches of the Christian Church in Bible-living Christians on the mission field than Japan. The subjects of the meetings were those in the Church at home. The Bible occupies no such place in the life of the Church in America as it does with mission fields. Indeed, many churches in those lands were literally founded by
SPIRITUAL VITALITY IN MISSIONS
prepared by the Committee in London for use I also am a man. Just as I, a follower of the Great throughout the world, and the Christians felt a Physician, have been able by the skill of surgery thrill at the thought of their praying in unison to enable you to see with your eyes, so also as His with bodies of believers in all lands. I had a bit follower I am not willing to allow you to leave this of a guilty feeling, for I was not at all sure that hospital without appealing to you to accept Him the churches in America were observing the cus- who can make you see for the first time with your tom any more. The evening in which interna- soul." There in that room I saw a governor of a tional questions were part of the program was province rise from his knees and give his heart marked by some fine prayers, breathing a Chris- to Jesus Christ. Our work is conducted in the tian spirit of world-wide brotherhood and inter- conviction that all missionaries should be evannational peace. Remember that they are praying." gelists.
The spirituality of the missionaries and the na- This is glorious work in His name. What are tive Christians is witnessed in their recognition you going to do about it? Today all churches of the fact that there is no phase of life which is stand at the crossroads in their Foreign Mission not touched by Christ. Through our mission programs. On the one hand, we have a world torn schools and colleges, through the miracles of heal- to pieces, groping its way-yet ready for the mesing in hospitals and dispensaries, through count- sage of the Saviour of the world. On the other less movements for social and economic justice, hand, we have the Church hesitant, worldly, its through temperance organizations and antiopium mind on other things. In between, we see a rising programs, through agricultural rehabilitation, and generation of young people, offering their lives in through a definite program to put an end to war places most of us would never be willing to enter. and to promote good will among men, the mis- A few weeks ago there appeared a manifesto, sionary enterprise recognizes the power of the signed by fourteen students of Princeton Theo- Gospel and applies it to human life. logical Seminary, expressing their eagerness to preach the Gospel of Christ in foreign lands and Some years ago, while on a visit to China, I had appealing to the Church, to individuals or local the unusual privilege of seeing a man recover his congregations "to share with us the responsibility sight. He was the governor of a large province resting upon all the followers of Christ, to send who had made a journey of 600 miles to a mission us out as your representatives to proclaim the hospital as that was the nearest hospital he could message of salvation." find. On the day of our visit the surgeon removed the bandages from the governor's eyes, as he lay Lift up your eyes on the army of youth ready in the dark room in our inadequate hospital, and to go to the field. Then lift up your eyes to the he saw for the first time in many years, the blue fields waiting for them and, as you look, recall sky, the green grass and men walking. He arose these words of a great preacher of yesterday: from his cot, fell on his knees, and kissed the sur- "Our missionary problems will be solved when our geon's hand again and again in gratitude. Now, spiritual problems are solved, when we live daily the medical missionary might have said to him: in the sight of God. Our local church budgets are "Your Excellency, don't mention it. It has been bankrupt because there are so many of us whose a great privilege to restore your eyesight. Go spiritual lives are bankrupt. We count our houses, and enjoy your sight." That in itself would have cars, stocks and bonds. We count everything and been a Christian deed. But I have always hon- everybody-except God!" ored him for what he did. He said to the kneeling patient: "My friend, stand on your feet, for Let us count God and His Son Jesus Christ and go forward in His name.
BOLSHEVISM AND CHRISTIANITY Basil Mathews describes bolshevism as having the missionary spirit of a world religion "with a strong fighting faith, and a world program. It cannot be conquered by denunciation or derision. We who hold Communism to be based on the denial of the very root reality of the universe–that the Creator is Spirit and is Father-have a greater and truer faith, that conceives for all the world a full salvation of the whole individual, body, mind, and soul; and of the community which those individuals constitute. But Christianity can confront victoriously the greatest of all contemporary challenges-that of Bolshevism-if its followers, with unity of purpose and sacrificial heroism, live by that faith to build a world community from which the clash of classes, the war of nations, and the antagonism of races are banished under the sovereignty of God who made us all."
Galvao, a Brazilian
N EARLY fifty years ago Egydio Galvao was grew, the women coming from the best classes of converted and accepted the Lord Jesus as society-difficult work demanding a charming his Saviour. He lived in the country some personality. Dulce made, and is making, Jesus so days' travel by horseback from the City of Bahia. beautiful to those women who only knew to serve Immediately after his conversion, friends became images.
his enemies, and the Roman Catholic clergy was One day there came into the classes a young highly indignant. But Senhor Egydio bravely man representing. a well-known company. He went his way preaching the Gospel. He was asked to speak of his products. Thereafter he was seen on my front porch, late every afternoon.
Finally he said to me, "You know, Mrs. White, I am not coming down here every afternoon to rep- resent my company." To which I replied, "I know that, I wasn't born yesterday." He told me that he loved and wanted to marry Dulce. She bought a Bible, marked it and presented it to the young man. I heard her tell him of Jesus and His power. He came to church several times and then he said, "Its no use, Dulce, I can't be a hypocrite.
I can't believe; I'd give anything if I could have your faith, but I can't. However, after we are married, I'll never interefere with your religion."
Time went on, and they planned a happy future.
One day a cloud came over Dulce's face, and the next day she came to me and said, "I cannot do it!" "Can't do what?" I asked and she replied, "Oh, I can't marry that man." Looking up she saw the young man approaching, and she grabbed my hand, exclaiming, "And you've got to tell him."
"But," I protested, "he didn't ask me to marry him." I went with her. He smilingly presented her with a beautiful watch. Looking him in the face she said, "Please put that into your pocket and listen to me. I have done wrong, for I never should have fallen in love with you. I cannot marry you." The young man's face blanched, and DULCE GALVAO, OF BRAZIL he recoiled as if struck. "Why, why Dulce," he begged. With a white face, and a voice filled with beaten and stoned-almost unto death, but he and deep emotion she said, "Because you are not a his cheery wife, Maria, kept on their way with Christian. I know you have said that you would the Lord. Their children were given a Christian not interfere with my religion. But listen-my home at a great cost. One of the daughters, grandfather risked his life for the Gospel. He named Maria, married a Christian and established and grandmother, at a great price, gave my a Christian home into which was born a girl, mother a Christian home. My mother and father Dulce Almeida Galvao. Dulce was taught to love gave me a Christian home. Here I am, a third Jesus and to know the Bible stories, and at the generation Christian, a product of two Christian age of 13, publicly confessed Christ. She finished homes. I know what the Bible teaches. How her education at the Collegio Americano Baptista could I let my- Jesus down that way? I could· in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, and asked the Lord not have a Christian home with you. No, I must to show her a place to work. About that time be true to Jesus." She has recovered from the Mrs. Kate C. White had opened up classes in Do- shock of disappointment and now says, "I shall mestic Science in the City of Bahia, the capital of never marry unless it be to a Christian man."
Dulce's native state. Dulce was invited to teach Her life is counting in a beautiful way for the cooking and live with the Whites. The classes Gospel, among the better classes in Bahia, Brazil.
[534 ]
March of Events in
-eil.!oll==B_Y=KE=N_N_E_T_H=G_._G_R_U_B_B_,_L_O_O_d_oo_,_E_o_g_1a_o_d=~ll~ T HERE are factors in the situation in Mexico convergent process,es at work, even if at any given today which would make it inadvisable to dis- moment they are not clearly distinguishable from cuss certain of the present features and tend- one another.
encies at length. It is useless, however, to deny The chronological sequence of the more importhat during the last eighteen months the general tant of these events was somewhat as follows. On position has gravely deteriorated. More recently December 5, 1933, the reform of Article 3 was (and at the time of writing, July, 1935) there officially brought forward in the convention of the have been signs of some moderation in the anti- National Revolutionary Party held at Queretaro. religious process. As is well known, this reform substitutes "social- ist education" for "lay" education. "Socialist edu- The events of the last two years in Mexico may cation," although it has never been officially deroughly be classified as follows: (1) The Educational Reform, culminating in the re- fined in clearly intelligible terms, is meant to imply form of Article 3, approved by the Senate on October 19, in effect irreligious education. It is unnecessary 1934, and followed in 1935 by new regulating decrees. to say more on this very important step, as the point has more than once been referred to in these (2) The University Conflict, initiated by the protest of pages. the National Autonomous University against the reform of Article 3, on July 30, 1934, and followed by the closing of the Universities of Guadalajara and Monterrey. In January, 1934, the Six-Year Plan was pub- (3) Extreme measures in several states, initiated by lished. This is an attempt to draw out a coor- dinated scheme of government, forwarding tbe General Calles' public commendation of Tabasco on M,arch social objective of the regime through intelligently 29, 1934, followed on May 20th by suspension of religious ministry in Sonora and in October by similar measures in other states. (Last July, President Cardenas decreed directed administrative action; incidentally it enthe downfall of Garrido's power in Tobasco.) dorses "socialist education." A month later the Attorney-general issued a long circular dealing (4) The new open conflict with the Roman Catholic with the subject of nationalization of religious Church precipitated on October 22d by the alleged dis- property. Both the question of a nationalist polcovery of conspiracy on the part of the Apostolic Delegate.
(5) A moderate stage, initiated by explanation on Feb- ruary 16, 1935, that the postal decree was only aimed at icy, as well as that of education, were carried a politico-religious propaganda, and followed up by moder- stage further in March when on the fifteenth a ating statements of the President on April 14th and 15th. recommendation was made that the liberal profes- This stage was further marked by the revocation of the sions be reserved to Mexican citizens; while decree against the circulation of religious literature on June 25th. studies made in unincorporated private schools (6) In June the Cabinet was reorganized. Its two most were declared to be void of public validity.
radical members, Garrido and Calles, were left out, and On March 6th a new tendency became apparent General Cedillo, considered a centrist, was admitted. with the declaration by the actual President, Car- (7) On August 31st, a new decree on nationalization of church property was issued. It is more radical than the denas, commending Tabasco as the model state of one formerly in existence. the Republic. Later in the same month General Calles returned from that state and bestowed (8) As the result of a new radical drive to gain con- lavish praise on its achievements. The next state trol of the National University, the University's authorities decided to close and await for President Cardenas'
decision either granting or refusing further support. The to suspend all religious ministry was Sonora radical wing appointed a new Rector (President) on (May 20th) of which Rodolfo Elias Calles was Governor. A commission of school teachers from September 24th. The situation is uncertain.* These periods are not, in reality, so clearly de- Sonora had previously visited Tabasco. The infined as this classification would tend to show. cident is interesting as it exemplifies the appear- The actual events have overlapped and been inter- ance of the same spirit in geographically remote twined with each other. But in a situation as parts of the Republic.
complicated as the Mexican it is always an as- The educational question came again into the sistance to form some slight idea of the different foreground in July. General Calles made an im- portant speech in Guadalajara when he declared Ba*ezThCeamitaermgos, 6o,f 7Meaxnidco 8Ciatyre.-EkDinITdlOyR.furnished by Prof. Gonzalo that it was the right of the Revolution to educate [ 535] .
its own children.* Three days later, on July 23d, It is necessary to note that quite apart from the project for the reform 6f Article 3 was pre- these official actions of one kind or another, there sented to the Chamber. A week later the Na- has been a certain amount of general antireligious tional Autonomous University protested against activity carried on. To say that this by no means the tendentious nature of this reform. The Uni- has the President's approval, although it carries versity School of Monterrey was closed on Sep- the endorsement of one or two leading men, would tember 28th, and the University of Jalisco on Oc- probably be a correct interpretation of influential tober 22d, but by October 19th the reform had Mexican opinion on this question. In assessing been approved by both deputies and Senate. the significance of such propaganda there are cer- Meanwhile, on September 26th, another extremely tain facts to be taken into consideration. Firstly, important reform was passed, which limits the the enthusiasm behind any movement is always conditions of permanency in the tenure of the greatest at its beginning. Secondly, extreme higher judicial posts. measures advocated by minorities tend to attract On October 22d all the Roman Catholic churches attention and create their own advertisement.
in Queretaro were closed; there are practically Thirdly, the temporary significance of a move- no Evangelical 'churches in the state. Two days ment is often proportional not to its real value, later the religious ministry was suspended in but to the contrast it involves with accepted ideals.
Chihuahua and all Roman Catholic churches closed Ten thousand couples live quietly day by day in in Colima; there is also only a very small evan- any community, but a single case of divorce is gelical work in this state. After a further interval heralded on all the headlines. Nevertheless it of two days all churches were closed in Sinaloa. would be a grave error to underestimate the force The quarrel with the Roman Catholic Church and appeal of antireligious propaganda in the was simultaneously carried into a wider field. On world today.
October 26th the Bishop of Chilapa and the priests Anti-Christian Propaganda in Guerrero were ordered to leave, and the next day it was announced that an alleged conspiracy These considerations justify brief comment.
of the Apostolic Delegate had been discovered. Christians, in all parts of the world and in all Before the month was out this matter had been situations of life, must face the fact that propa- officially handed over by the President to the At- gative enthusiasm has passed from Christian pos- torney-general for investigation, and the Arch- session to that of their opponents. The maturity bishop of Oaxaca had been ordered to leave the of Christianity is being accompanied by a kind of country. Early in November the Attorney-gen- fatty degeneration of the conscience. The cru- eral found that cause existed for proceeding sading and even the prophetic spirit has today against the Bishop of Huejutla, the Archbishop of become incarnate anew, not in the ranks of the Morelia and the Apostolic Delegate, who were not, Christian Church, but in the camps of those to however, in the country. whom religion is a soporific and the Church but General Cardenas assumed the office of Presi- one of many institutions which have burdened dent on December 1st. Early in January decrees humanity with temples and priests. Even in a were issued regulating the subject of education in country like Mexico Evangelical activity is, with private and secondary schools. On January 28th certain exceptions, threatened with the pervasion the President made a public statement denying of a kind of nervous tension which renders a for- the existence of religious persecution. On Feb- ward movement exceedingly difficult. The anti- ruary 12th the use of the post was forbidden for religious spirit, although propagative, is in itself correspondence which "may imply propagation or destructive; it is quite false to suppose that it is diffusion of any religious doctrine." Four days responsible for social construction. It is well later, however, the Secretary of the Interior de- expressed in the words of Mephistopheles: clared that this prohibition concerned religious I am the Spirit publications that contained public comment or That evermore deny-and in denying defamatory attack of the Government or its insti- Evermore am I right-"No!" say I, "No!" tutions. On April 14th the President took occa- To all projected or produced-whate'er sion to state that the regime was in no sense Com- Comes into being merits nothing but munist, and the next day he denied that there was Perdition-better then that nothing were Brought into being; what you men call sin- any intention to attack the "religious conscience" Destruction-in short, evil-is my province, of the people; the Government was seeking only My proper element.
to exterminate "fanaticism." Since this date the A few of the broader aspects of the situation general situation has been somewhat easier. also require study. The Mexican religious ques- tion is a part of a much larger field of thought • I have given the substance of these statements elsewhere. See which must include the relations of Church and World Dominion, July, 1935.
THE MARCH OF EVENTS IN MEXICO
State, the threatened collapse of the world-reli- thought. How do these new circumstances affect gions, and the problem of human liberty in many the relations between Catholics and Evangelicals?
parts of the world. How far shall we meet them by emphasizing our The breakdown of Pan-Islam, the fall of the specific approach, and how far by identifying our Caliphate, and the disestablishment of religion in own problems with that of Christianity in Latin Turkey meant that secularism had successfully in- America, or the world, as a whole? What new vaded one of the world's great religions precisely light do we draw from these events on the work- in the regions where it was considered strongest. ing of evil and the powers of the Satanic? Has With the failure of the Russian Orthodox Church the day of "missions" in some parts of the world the weakness of one of the historic Christian almost ceased, and ought we to envisage the fu- churches also became apparent; a population of ture more in the nature of a world interchange of a hundred million had to be written off the reli- spiritual culture? Is there any reason to suppose gious capital of the race, precisely in a country that, in the face of antireligious fanaticism, the where mystical, and even religious sentiment to Christianity of today has a greater survival value all appearances had made a strong appeal. Chris- than Nestorianism or the North African Church?
tianity was no longer immune against the inroads Are our churches at home, in the countries where of secularism. The secularism of many countries they cannot maintain the personal link through dominated by the Roman Catholic Church has long missionaries and institutions, ready to make the been confessed, but that church had avoided an same spiritual investments as heretofore? Or is "official" collapse in any of its territories. But in our brand of exportable Christianity the type that Mexico it seems that such a collapse is taking can be stopped by frontiers and laws? How are place. Of the historic Christian churches, it re- we to meet the challenge that we have lost the mains to be seen whether Protestantism in Ger- emotional control of masses of mankind? How many will be able to withstand the storm. far is the institutional expression of Christianity an adequate one in Mexico, and how far may the A Test of Mission Work work have to pass through a process of "fraction- It is a situation which will also test the whole alization"? Have we, in our work of diffusion character of the work which has been built up and creation, anticipated or adapted ourselves to through the devoted labors of mission boards, developments of the Mexican's own capacity for their representatives and supporters. The Church expression – in fact, do we pursue a really inin China has had to face these experiences and digenous policy? These are a few, only a few, of the many questions which a situation such as the their effect was temporarily depressing, but pos- Mexican suggests. sibly ultimately beneficial. In Russia the evangelical community is different in origin and or- The present difficulties have not befallen us beganization, and little information is available as cause we are modernists, or fundamentalists, or to its real status today. In Turkey the Christian attend church rather than chapel, or retreat minorities were "liquidated" after the War by rather than camp meeting; but because we are political action, and the problem hardly exists. selfish men; because we have loved ease more But in Mexico the Evangelical Church forms the than sacrifice; because we have preferred ourmost important of the country's minorities. It , selves to our Church, our Church to our Chrisstands in close spiritual relation to the churches tianity; our Christianity to our Lord Himself; of the United States, and its future will be fol- because we have lowered the level of our aim that lowed with prayer and interest, and we should we may the more easily enjoy the complacency of further remember that it is Mexican example our success. These are the things that make us which is liable to be copied in the rest of Latin unfit to minister to the world's need, and from these we need to pray to be cleansed. America.
We should not suppose that the Mexican situa- tion is impervious to influence. If it deteriorates further it may well be because of our own inertia Four needs of the modern world are: (1) A reas Christians, and this should be remediable. But creation of individual Christian life, with an enorwe must identify ourselves with the universal mous increase of conversions in the church and the agony of Christianity, and not attempt to evade sense of the presence and power of God, with self crucified; (2) a new fellowship of Christians, noth- responsibility by special pleading, however valid. ing less than the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; (3) We must once more find the solvent for the world's a recreation of the sense of mission to reconstruct spiritual contempt in the agelong vicariousness of the whole of life, standing for a new life in Christ, suffering. By so doing we shall take the more with no compromise; (4) a better realization that effective, because much the more difficult, course. Christ is in life today and moving IUs Church.- Bishop Logan H. Roots.
There are a few questions which require
We Interest Men in Missions?
-411 By the REV. GEORGE A. BROWN Pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church, Elyria, Ohio THE whole problem of interesting men in mis- women and the children of the Church. More sions is, in its final analysis, a matter of than this, it is primarily the work of Christian interesting men thoroughly, heartily, and en- men to make Jesus Christ known to the world for thusiastically in Jesus Christ Himself. The en- when our Lord began this great enterprise He entire missionary enterprise of His Church centers trusted the task to men. The historian Harnack in Him, its living, glorified, has remarked of the first three ever-present Head and Lord. Here are some interesting centuries of the Christian era, As Bishop T. U. Dudley says, facts about a most important that "we cannot hesitate to be- "The man who does not believe problem in the c h u r c h. lieve that the great mission of in carrying the Gospel of Jesus HS 0 m e bod y said that it Christianity was in reality ac- Christ unto all men every- caoheualddna'tndbediddoint.e" sTo hhee Mweenn'st complished by means of in- Missionary League of the where does not believe in Jesus Elyria Church has been given formal missionaries"; that is, Christ. No interest in missions widespread and favorable no- by what we now call laymen. means no interest for that par- tice. The Board of Administicular thing for which Jesus tration of the United Presby- Why is it then that today the was content to be born and to terian Church has told of the work of Christian missions is live and to die. . . . Yes, no work in a leaflet entitled, HAn largely in the hands of the interest in missions means no Adventure in Masculine Mis- women of the Church, espeinterest in the Lord Himself." sions,tt sent to all pastors in cially in the local congrega- Athnedecrhsuornchsa. ys:AHs ItDhra.s Wce.aseBd. tions? They are doing a mag- The men we have in mind in to be an experiment, and has nificent piece of work and may this discussion are Christian become an accomplishment!' God bless them in it. But as a men, men who know Jesus Several missionary periodicals result many look upon the en- Christ experimentally as their tire missionary movement as a personal Saviour and Lord. women's undertaking, and not Only such men can be expected as something to challenge the to concern themselves about have called attention to the serious and active devotion of Christ's mIssIOnary passion, work, and as a result inquir- strong Christian men. At the and purpose, and program. ies have come from twelve Younger Men's Missionary This question of how to in- states, east to west, and are Congress in Chicago last May, terest men in missions takes at still coming,. The story of a delegate reported at one of least two things for granted: the League has been told with the group conferences, that a first, that Christian men ought encouraging results at Cleve- man, when asked to give to lealsnedw, heCrehiacnadgob,asAbekernonbroaanddto be interested in missions, casted over the radio. AI- missions, replied: "I contribute and second that men can be in- to the pastor's salary and to terested in missions. The only ready similar men's organiza- provide heat and light for the question, therefore, that calls tions are being formed in church; you'll have to see my for an answer is just how this other churches. wife about missions." interest may be generated, de- "Why are the men of the veloped, directed and made Church not as interested in productive of definite, practical results. Consider missions as are the women?" This very question first the imperativeness and possibility of this the Christian Illen of India 'Iare asking. Dr.
matter. That men ought to be interested in mis- Stephen J. Corey, President of the United Chris- sions grows out of the fact that the great mission tian Missionary Society, tells of conducting an of the Church is missions. Since men constitute, open forum in India with some Indian Christian in part, the membership of the Church of the Lord leaders, mostly men, who asked, "Are your women Jesus Christ, missions is most certainly "a man's and children interested in sending the Gospel to job," just as much as it is the business of the India?" When he replied that probably two- [538 ] thirds of the money for foreign work in his com- of prayer. The book of "The Acts" makes this munion came from the women and the Sunday plain as does the history of Christian missions schools, their astonishment was unbounded, and since the first century of the Church's life. There one of them said, "Why, sahib, we in India have was also a very definite purpose; after three un- always felt that Christianity was a man's religion. successful attempts had been made to get the men . . . Why are the Christian men of America'less together and to hold them together, to organize interested in bringing Christ to us than are the them around the missionary objective. Finally women and children?" In answer, Dr. Corey tol.d there was the pursuit of this end in the spirit of them that the women in America were definitely patient persistence which the Lord has so wonder- organized for the study of missions and therefore fully blessed. His hand has been so manifestly knew more about missions and were naturally present and powerful that we ascribe to Him the more interested and were doing more for mis- glory and praise of it all.
sions than the men who were not so organized. Men and Missions Sunday Why Are the Men Not Organized? Lord's Day morning, November 19,1933, marks This suggests the further question: Why are the formal beginning of this movement in Elyria.
the men of our local churches not organized and That was "Men and Missions Sunday" and the doing the same kind of missionary work as the pastor preached especially to his men on the sub- women? Here is the reason: In addition to the ject, "Missions – A Man's Job," based on Acts fact already stated, that this whole undertaking 1: 8. In closing he appealed to them to organize to make Christ known to the world is regarded as a real Men's Missionary Society, calling a meeting being largely a strictly feminine affair, there is for this purpose the next evening. Fifteen men the general and deeply rooted conviction that the met with the pastor in response to the challenge work of organizing the men of our local churches of the previous day. From that night meetings for definite, systematic mission study and specific were held twice a month, for a period of six missionary service, simply cannot be done. Even months, under the pastor's leadership, until the the leaders of the missionary movements of the organization was completed, May 21, 1934, by the men of our Evangelical churches are decidedly adoption of a constitution, the election and instal- skeptical as to the possibility of this thing. When lation of officers, and the appointment of commit- we were thinking of organizing a Men's Mission- tees. Ever since that time meetings have been ary Society in our Elyria Church, a letter was held on the third Monday evening of the month – written to the Secretary of the Laymen's Mis- a time found to be the most suitable time for our sionary Movement asking him for any help that men. The membership at present is 40, being he could give us in launching this new enterprise. about 60% of the men on the church membership Mr. F. J. Michel replied, "We do not recommend roll. The average attendance from the beginning the organization of men's missionary societies, has been 27, for the last year 31, and for the last since they cannot be maintained continuously, as five months 36, including several neighboring pas- is the case with the women." (Mr. Michel, him- tors and some of their men.
self, thinks otherwise now.) Beside the usual officers for such an organiza- The second point in our theme is that men can tion, there are membership, program, project, be interested in missions because they ought to boys' work, welfare, and social committees.
be. The divinely imposed command insures the Monthly missionary meetings include worship, possibility. The very imperativeness of this task business, an educational program and a social assigned to the men of the Church of our Lord is period. During the year there were five meet- the" prophecy of its accomplishment. Christian ings with special speakers, four were conducted men can be brought together and they can be held by members, and three were in charge of the together in a missionary organization with con- pastor. Regular mission study courses have been tinuous monthly programs of spiritual worship followed and our present missionary proj ect is and missionary education and service, with the the support of a native evangelist in the Sangla finest Christian fellowship and increasing devo- Hill District of our mission in the Panjab, India.
.tion to their Lord. It has been done, and thus This evangelist's inspiring name is Gulam Masih, the possibility is fully demonstrated by the Men's which means "Slave of Christ." Later we hope Missionary League of the First United Presby- to have some definite work in a home mission field terian Church of Elyria, Ohio. Weare now ready for we believe that "the field is the world," so to answer the question "How?". that interest in missions anywhere means interest It is not necessary to say that this work is the in missions everywhere.
fruitage of prayer, of much prayer, for every for- One of the most encouraging things in the short ward movement in missions has been the result history of our Men's Mission'ary League is the
marked influence it has had on the life and work that we covet above all things. But the responsiof the Women's Missionary Society. At the end bility for human leadership most undoubtedly of the first year of the League the president and rests on the local pastor more than upon any other treasurer of the Women's Society were asked this living person. This is what our missionary statespointed question: "Has the Men's Missionary men think. Dr. John R. Mott, writing of the work League been a help or a hindrance to the work of of promoting missionary education and activity the Women's Missionary Society?" Their replies throughout the Church, by means of local Men':=; revealed the marked increase in membership, at- Missionary Societies, says: "There are reasons tendance, interest, offerings, cooperation between why the subject of the world's evangelization the men and the women, willingness to help in the should appeal with special force to men, and to work, and the growth of the missionary spirit the strongest men. . . . This greatest work of the generally in the Women's Missionary Society. world languishes in no small measure because of During the first year of the Men's Missionary the lack of their initiative and aggressive support. League the Women's Society gained 500/0 in active It rests with the pastors to call more largely into membership, 3470 in general offerings, while the action this vast latent power."
thank-offering for 1934 was 43 % above that of Dr. Mills J. Taylor, Associate Secretary of the United Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, 1933. The total missionary budget offerings of who has contributed so largely to the success of the entire congregation for the church year end- our Men's Missionary League, says, that "Proging March 31, 1935, were 137 % over those of the ress in these matters depends more upon the enprevious year. The Elyria W. M. S. was given thusiasm, and devotion and loving persistence of the highest efficiency rating of all the thirty so- a prayerful pastor than upon any other person." cieties of the Cleveland Presbytery, for the work of the last year. The president of our local so- The great need of this new movement for "Men ciety generously attributed their high standing to and Missions," therefore, is warm-hearted, wholethe influence of the Men's Missionary League. hearted pastoral leadership. Such leadership a goodly proportion of the men of our churches will Encouraging Possibilities follow. The result will be the realization of such triumphs of God's grace and power in the realm This record shows something of the possibili- of missions as will compel us to magnify and bless ties of a real Men's Missionary League, carried His glorious name for what He has done through on continuously, twelve months in the year, in an us. When Deborah and Barak were given the average congregation, and with growing power victory over Jabin, king of Canaan, the captain and popularity. Clearly this form of activity, that of whose host was Sisera, we read (Judges 5: 2, some said could not be done, can be done, for it American Standard Revision): "For that the has been done. We know of other groups of men leaders took the lead in Israel, for that the people who have joined this new movement. In Novem- offered themselves willingly. Bless ye Jehovah." ber, 1934, a similar organization was formed at Let the pastors, the divinely appointed leaders of Ezel, Kentucky, and in May, 1935, a Men's Mis- God's people today, actually lead in this men's sionary League was formed in the Margaret Park missionary movement and their men will willingly Church of Akron, Ohio. We hope and pray for offer themselves, and will bless "the God that the largest realization of the possibilities of this doeth wonders." It may not be amiss to remind work in local congregations throughout the entire ourselves that in this same chapter (5: 23) we Church. The eyes of missionary leaders in other read, "Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of Jehovah, communions are upon us and they are anxiously curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, because waiting to see whether we really make good so they came not to the help of Jehovah, to the h~lp that they may know whether to adopt the plan. of Jehovah against the mighty." Mr. Fred J. Michel, of the Laymen's Missionary Movement, says: "I am so glad that the United Here, then, is our challenge. What are we go- Presbyterian Church has taken the matter up. In ing to do about it? If the men of our churches the measure in which it will succeed, we may hope ought to be aroused to a greater interest in Chrisfor the adoption of the plan by other denomina- tian missions, and if their organization into their tions." own missionary societies is not only possible but practicable, and if the responsibility rests upon If this work is to succeed, who is primarily re- us, the pastors, how can we be true to ourselves, sponsible for it? On the divine side it is the work true to our men, true to the unevangelized multiof the Spirit of God and we need to give to Him, tudes of the world, and above all true to our Lord the great Executive of the Godhead in this age of Himself, unless we do all in our power to realize grace, His rightful place in this whole undertak- this definite, spiritual, missionary objective? And ing. It is His presence, and power, and presi- "We can do it, if we will"; or better, "He can do dency in this promising missionary movement
THE GERMAN NEO-PAGAN FAITH MOVEMENT
it, if we will." Shall we not, then, in the face of and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the words of our the world's need of Christ, and with His command Men's Missionary League Rallying Song: ringing in our ears to "go, and preach the Gospel to every creature," and as the natural expression Came now, ye Christian men, of our own life in Him, with our whole heart, an- Obey your Lord's command; swer this call and challenge by saying, "By thy grace we will." Pray Him to send forth laborers In this and every land. What better time is there to begin this work than on the coming "Men and Missions Sunday," Present your gifts to Him, November 17, 1935? Let each pastor preach that Your silver and your gold; day to men, more earnestly than ever before, to show that "Missions Is a Man's Job." Then call But first of all, yourself He asks, a meeting for the organization of a Men's Mis- That He your life may mold. sionary League; pray, plan, proceed as the Holy Spirit may lead. God will touch men's hearts and Go forth, Ye Christian Men, the fruitage will be great. May God give you such Proclaim His name abroad; an experience, for the sake of His Son, our Lord That sinners far and near, may come To know the Son of God.
He gave His life for you, His precious blood He shed; Serve Him who saves you by His grace, The Church's Living Head.
The German Neo–Pagan Faith Movement By REV. W. O. LEWIS, D.D. I~ European Representative of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society I T HE main facts about the religious controversy Hauer was born in 1881. As a young man he in Germany are well known and many have worked as a stonemason and so came into close heard about the movement in the Evangelical . contact with many irreligious people, but he also Church which calls itself "German Christian." knew certain pious folk who had considerable in- The press has also reported the speeches of Gen- fluence on him. He decided to become a mission- eral Ludendorff in which he prides himself on ary and entered the training school of the Basel the fact that he is in no sense a Christian. Most Missionary Society. Being exceedingly gifted, he of those who direct the affairs of the "Third soon mastered all his teachers had to offer him Reich" have broken more or less with Christian- and went to India as a teacher in a high school.
ity. But relatively little is known of what is prob- He has since stated that when the Missionary So- ably the most serious of the Neo-Pagan organiza- ciety offered to send him to India, he told the tions, The German Faith Movement (Deutsche directors he was not sure that he was a Christian Glaubensbewegung). and some of the older missionaries objected to There were pagan organizations in Germany at sending him out.
the end of the last century and many new ones When he reached India, he began to study In- have sprung up since the War. After Hitler came dian religion and took up the study of Sanscrit.
to power, they were afraid they would not be Later he went to Oxford and when the War broke tolerated, but in October, 1933, they were as- out he was interned by the British Government.
sured that the new Government would not under- His experience during the next four years had a take to suppress them. At Easter, 1934, repre- profound influence on his development. By the sentatives of various pagan organizations united time the Hitler regime was established, he had under the name of German Faith Movement. renounced Christianity openly. His book, Deu- They met at Schwarzfeld in a natural cave known tsche Gottschau (German View of God) may be as the "stone church" which is said to have been taken as the most complete and authoritative ex- used as a place of pagan worship before Chris- position of the Neo-Pagan German Faith Move- tianity was introduced into Germany. Professor ment.
William Hauer, a professor in the University of This movement is already well organized all Tiibingen, was elected head of the organization. over Germany. An effort is made to keep the
membership limited to those who are sure they that Christianity furnishes a sufficient basis for know what they believe or do not believe and morality. According to German press reports, why. It is claimed that there are 20,000 mem- recently in large meetings, Hauer and other rep- bers in these smaller fighting organizations, but resentatives of the movement have openly as- Hauer himself thinks he has evidence that there serted that Christianity has not only lamentably are at least 5,000,000 in Germany today who may failed to furnish the ethical foundations which are be classed as adherents, and the number is said needed today, but has actually brought great to be growing. The movement has its weekly and harm to Europe, having prepared the way for Bol- monthly periodicals, and is already giving a sort shevism. They claim that prostitution and bawdy of training to those who are active in the propaga- houses did not exist in Germany before Chris- tion of paganism. They have adopted a ceremony tianity came. German Faith ethics can be best for the dedication of children to take the place of learned by studying the biography of Frederick infant baptism and also have pagan wedding cere- the Great and other great German heroes. The monies. Besides lectures and various public military virtues are exalted. There is a limit to rallies, they have pagan ceremonies around trees the sacrifices the strong must make for the weak.
on high places. Most of the leaders are educated In some cases they say that it would be better to and are men of clean, moral lives. The movement allow the weak to perish, and in many cases men makes a strong appeal to certain young men who and women should be sterilized so that they can- made the Hitler revolution. Hauer and his friends not reproduce their kind. The individual counts claim that the religion they preach is the true for very little, the State is everything. The Ger- spiritual and philosophical basis of the Nazi revo- man Faith approves of war and the joy of battle lution. This movement is now not only tolerated for the nation's honor. Along with courage there by the Nazis, but is even allowed privileges which goes a certain fatalism. The German Faith man the churches cannot get. They are permitted to does not desire the rewards that Jesus said the use the large Sportpalast in Berlin for their meet- heavenly Father would give to the righteous.
ings which neither the Protestants nor the Ro- The German Faith rejects the idea of human man Catholics can use at present. sin. While admitting that not even the greatest These Neo-Pagans have so far refused to put German heroes attained their highest ideals, there in print anything like the creeds of the Chris- is little place for any real doctrine of sin, of re- tians. But from Hauer's writings and other pub- pentance, or forgiveness. They acknowledge the lications, it is possible to gain some idea of what need of no mediator to bear our sins. Each must they believe. bear his own penalty. Men conquer sin in their Great emphasis is placed on race. It is claimed . own strength since the essence of every man's that there is an inner, spiritual side which cor- soul is divine.
responds to the outer distinctions of the various German Faith people profess to honor Jesus, races. There has been an age-long struggle be- but they state boldly that they do not take Him tween the civilization which Hauer calls West as model and leader. They simply do not see the Asfatic-Semitic and the Nordic Indo-Aryan which need of the Christian religion. Some may think has found its finest flower in the Nazi state. No they need Christianity just as some think they effort is made to revive the paganism of the past cannot do their work without tobacco. But they in its ancient form, but it is claimed that Chris- could do their work better without this artificial tianity is alien to the German race and blood and stimulation. The German Faith does not claim the period of over a thousand years in German to be universal and valid for all mankind, but does history between Charles the Great and Hitler is claim to offer something better to Germans.
an interlude. The ancient paganism must be mod- Hauer asks, "Have those who believe in Christ ernized and brought up-to-date. Eckehart and more power to overcome the difficulties of life?
Nietzsche are often quoted with approval. Have they more courage to face danger, to risk The conception of God seems to be a sort of position, income, life; yea to look death in the mystical naturalistic pantheism. He is the hidden face? Have they more joy than the men of the background of all things who reveals himself in German Faith 'z Is their life more real, more nature and in men. His highest manifestation is genuine, cleaner? Are they willing to serve their in the fighter and in the German culture. The nation with _more self-sacrifice? Do Christians German faith god is hardly a personal god. The have more peace in fellowship with each other?
world which is the manifestation of God is not to Let the Christian prove his faith by his works."
be despised. It is infinite and eternal. Man's Whether they will or not the Christian people spirit is a spark from the eternal. But there is of Germany must accept this challenge. Those no separate conscious immortality. who know Christ have no doubt as to the out- When it comes to the ethical side, it is denied come. There can be no neutrals in this struggle.
Ways of
'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home ~,~================E=D=IT=ED===BY==M==RS=.=E==ST=E=LL==A=S=.==A=IT=C=H=I=SO=N='=G==RA=N=V=I=LL=E='=O==H=IO================~.~~ NEW PLANS FOR PRO- ning lamp; Look and Read-an tian Ideal for America," with open book with a pair of spec- the Spirit of Home Missions, an GRAM BUILDERS tacles on it; Look at Your Indian, a mountaineer, a Span- THE LOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB Church-rays from above fo- iard, a Negro, an Alaskan, a cused upon a church building; Puerto Rican, etc., in vivid pan- Under this title the Forward and Look at Yourself-in the Looking Committee of the Meth- orama, and a ribbon visualiza- odist Episcopal Woman's Home looking glass, of course! tion of ties brought from Europe Mission Society has brought out This last volume is really the to various sections of the New a year's programs of a unique first, being intended for use in World by explorers and pioneers. character, the calendar being co- August, as a personal preface The leader next dials on a radio ordinated with a tiny "library" of 12 pamphlets enclosed in a wherein all officers and chairmen as if in search of station WHMS shall take an early look at them- from which The March of Time neat case, each pamphlet cover- selves in relation to the impend- is broadcast, short musical intering the material for a month's ing task, with the plans, goals, ludes being used between the program. The "club" is launched courses of study, organizational brief talks of people hidden be- "with the high hope that in the specifics, etc., thoroughly out- hind a screen and speaking as abstract study of the develop- lined and explained. Each de- if from a number of fields on ment and progress of home mis- partment of missionary endeav- which the society is working. sions, the understanding and de- or has the mirror held up for its The closing announcement is, votion of our sisterhood may be accurate reflection. As it is im- "The WHMS Marches on!" The deepened and broadened." The possible to follow the details of organization of the society is specific theme is, of course, "Pi- all the months, a general survey next illustrated in a large Temoneering Today in Home Mis- of the September booklet is here- ple Chart placed on an easel and sions," each month's "look" be- with given as a sample of the explained by the leader-founing at some phase of the task. development, the worthful sub- dation of Jesus Christ, organiza- Thus the first month is a "Look ject matter and its practical ap- tions, conferences and boards as Forward" at the magnitude of plication. As with all its succes- the steps, missionary education, the work. The cover design sors, the devotional service is Christian citizenship, departbears a clear cut telescope. The fully outlined even to the text mental bureaus, etc., as the pilensuing months are: "Look and for the leader's talk. Then fol- lars of a Greek temple. The Act," with a spotlight turned on low "The Look of the Month"- central pillar is finance. This Race Hatred, Intemperance and 20 minutes' study of the home feature covers the second divi- Juvenile Delinquency; Look at mission textbook (which is thus sion as outlined in each program the Work, a pair of eyes being completely covered in the course and is followed by the social focused at long range upon the of the year); a period on Wom- hour in which a recreational' map of the United States; Look an's Home Missions, which is a "Before and After" stunt is per- Up-Peace on Earth, with a specific study of some phase of formed. With the women distar; Look Ahead to Youth, the denomination's work–dti- vided into groups of four or five, with a pair of field glasses on zenship, conference institutions, or eight or ten if the audience is whose two lenses appear a boy Christian center activities, coop- large, leaders are chosen by each and a girl respectively; Look at erative projects and the like; group and a certain amount of Your Neighbor-an open win- while the last period is devoted time is given for planning. dow revealing a group of people to a social hour whose details fit When ready, a group depicts a of various nationalities inside; in with the preceding study. locality before and after the mis- Look at New Occasions-a ba- Thus in September the devotion- sionary society began its work, rometer, the sun and a cloud; al service takes a far and wide the audience in each case trying Look Far in Cooperation-a look at the task through God's to guess what institution or misyoung woman looking through a eyes; the textbook study pre- sion has been represented. The surveyor's transit; Look To- views "Toward a Christian best demonstration is then acgether-mother and daughter America" in a dramatic sketch claimed as decided upon either scanning a book under the eve- on "Home Missions the Chris- by judges or popular vote.
[543 ]
Posters suggested as adver- ination may be laid upon this by 11. What can a Christian individual tisement for this meeting fea- officers or chairmen of corre- and member of a group of Christian tured pioneer scenes, the invita- sponding committees who then young people do to improve motion tions being on a sunbonnet give their outlines for the open- pictures in your community? pasted on a postal card, and cov- ing year's work. The president ered wagons made of match cements all together, naming the 12. Can you subscribe to the stateboxes to be used as favors. binding material as "the helpful- ment on p. 162 beginning, "The fre"!- ness of each woman in the tier of the new day is largely social" While the specific details 'of this attrac- church." If the boxes are cov- as expressive of the whole task? tive series are denominational, its funda- ered with gold, silver or other mentals are of so unique a character and fancy paper, the design will be 13. Record somewhere what you so universally applicable that any Intelligent most attractive. This plan lends have definitely determined to do about program builder could adapt them to her itself to an annual meeting in the matters listed in this course. own use. It is issued by the Woman's Home which otherwise dull reports are Missionary Socitey of the Methodist Epis- to be presented. "So Built We From the Editor's Scrapbook copal Church, 420 Plum St., Cincinnati, the Wall" is the title suggested. Ohio. Price 50 cents. Capitalizing a Popular Hobby: Christian Youth in Action Hannah P. Miller, secretary for Another Year Book young women's work in the To an unusual degree this M. E. denomination, writes in a The program theme for the study for young folks may be new leaflet regarding capitalizwoman's society of the Alham- cast into the form of questions, ing the collecting hobby which bra, California, Baptist church discussion topics and the like. A enthralls all normal you t h was "Builders with Him" and few of Mrs. B. P. Heubner's as- sooner or later. Progressing the key verse "Come and let us signments as she taught this from dolls, pictures, books, pilbuild up the wall," Neh. 2: 17. book at the Lake Koronis, Minn., lows, spoons, elephants, etc., she The following is a brief outline assembly last summer were as proposes to call a halt on all of the meetings: follows: other accumulations until June 1935, the climax of the girls: Topic, "L a yin g Foundations 1. List some of the things wrong in Golden Year, meanwhile major- Through Reading." Presentation of America today. ing on "our little yellow envelnew books and the magazine Missions. opes" (containing the special 2. What are the attitudes of youth personal dues or gifts); $50 Stewardship, with the bricks of of your acquaintance toward the in- gifts from individuals or organ- Time, Money and Talent. ability to enter upon their life work? izations; names of new mem- What seems to you to be a Christian bers; subscriptions to Woman's Civic program, "Builders with Him attitude toward the situation? Home Missions, etc. Two prime for Good Citizenship." A temperance values stand out: (1) Friends program was given. 3. In what respects can the Church learning of the girls' new quest be said to have conformed to the will lend a hand to help make of Missionary program, "Building with standards of a pagan world? their favorite a Champion Col- Him Through Schools for Negroes." lector in the local or associa- 4. Arguments pro and con for sub- tional organization, and (2) Evangelism-"Winning New Work- sidizing or endowing churches to leave that whereas other collecting ers for the Wall." them free for their main task. hobbies are only for self-cen-· tered gratification, this one has Missionary program, "Building with 5. What is your community provid- an altruistic object in benefiting Him in Burma," Baptist literature ing for the leisure time of young peo- others. Even "collecting girls" and the Rangoon printing press being ple who cannot be in school? What for the membership may result featured. more might be done? in fine, lasting and serviceful friendships of far-reaching con- "Builders with Him Through White 6. From your own experience or ob- Cross Work," with dramatization servation, cite examples of interracial presented by the corresponding com- friendship. State obstacles and benemittee and a display of the work done. fits.
"Builders with Him in Our Church" 7. Would you patronize a Japanese -a workers' conference. dentist? A Negro physician? Enter- Various other special foreign fields were similarly considered.
"The luncheon feature for the year," says the Year Book, "is known as Birthday Partners. Each woman is given the name of a missionary whose birth date is the same as hers, and at the luncheon table (taking the tain a Mexican student in your home? sequences. Magazine subscripmonths successively) the women cele- Room with a Chinese at a conference? Are your answers free from race prej- tions result in a widening interbratin~ bring some news item or let- est with all its possible sequelre. ter from their birthday partners." udice?
Building the Wall 8. In the light of Chapter 2 analyze "Ships" for Toasts: The Col- your own community, considering its lege Ave. Baptist Church in Tois another widely adaptable needs, what the church or other agen- peka, Kansas, held a "covered theme based on the same Scrip- cies are doing to meet these, over- dish" luncheon using this theme, ture. The corner s ton e, of looked needs or situations, and formu- the table decorations featuring a course, should be Christ (repre- late recommendations for your young centerpiece representing a lake sented by a box of say 12 inches people's group and yourself. (silver paper) with a sparkling square), laid by a charter mem- beach, on which floated three 9. In parallel columns record facts regarding war which cause you to oppose it and why peace enlists your ber if possible. Then smaller active support. kindergarten – style s hip s of boxes labeled Prayer, Reading, 10. Has the attitude of young peo- heavy paper. Two were black Missionary Education, etc., ac- ple toward liquor changed since re- pirate ships with white masts peal? State evidence. Propose a pro- and sails – "Indifference" and cording to the departments of gram of action in dealing with the "Neglect," these being later run. work in the church or its denom- liquor situation.
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
down and overturned by the Mounted on heavy material, the ties, and dividing the crowd into third, "Friendship," flying the back of each picture contains es- groups of from three to five each, American flag. Small boats sential information about its give each group one biography. carrying cargoes of nuts and subject. Mounted on heavy ma- The groups then repair to dif- other foods were used over the terial, the pictures are suitable ferent rooms or different corners table. The leader's talk showed for framing and using as visual- of the same room and read tohow neglect and indifference izations in missionary meetings, gether their leaflets, returning must be overcome and replaced study classes or Sunday school after ten minutes and putting on by friendship in dealing with teaching and give personal in- their demonstrations, playing "New Americans." The toasts terest to descriptive or biograph- charade-fashion upon the names .w ere on "Interpretership," ical material. of the missionary subjects. The "Friendship," "F e 110 w s hip," counselor then collects the biog- "Citizenship"and "Partnership." Birthday Partners: A good raphies and asks of each group A selection from "the Ship of luncheon feature for the wom- any ten questions (except exact State" was read. The plan lends an's society is to assign to each dates) answered in its sketch, a itself to the theme for home mis- member the name of a mission- point being scored for each sion study this year-"Toward a ary whose natal day is the same query answered cor r e c t 1y. Christian America." as her own and have these wom- Should the other groups be un- en, month by month during the able to guess the charade in the A Missionary Reading Room: year, give some news item or course of the quiz, the perform- The methods department in Mis- read a letter from their birth- ing group scores ten points so sions tells of a plan used in day partners at the luncheon that its maximum score is twenty White Temple (Baptist), Port- table, thus affording a double points. "You see this makes a land, Oregon, going a step far- "celebration." plain game into a purposeful ther than the common use of a game in which some learning literature table in the church Business Around the Maypole: processes must be going on or vestibule, or some other easily some very low scores will be accessible place. Miss Nettie Johnston writes of a made. The game may be played plan used at the May meeting in through several meetings." "Ours," writes Mrs. J. Fred Bell, the Pittsburgh Branch of the secretary of literature, "is a down Methodist Women's Auxiliary "Missionary Footsteps in Ja- town church, and when the family car for livening up the reception of pan." This apropos program takes the young people to the B. Y. branch reports. It was in the was prepared by Pearle Bourne P. D., fathers and mothers must go setting of a dolls' maypole party, and is described in The Window then and wait an hour for the church the "dolls" being pieces of mail- of Y. W. A., organ of the Wom- service. So we feel that this room ing tubes about five inches long an's Auxiliary of the Southern fills a real need. It is a small S. S. dressed up in ruffles of fluffy Baptist Convention: room, easily heated and comfortably crepe paper and drooping hats furnished. We (the board of missions framing faces cut from maga- Poster suggestion, an outline map of the church) started a library with zines. As each secretary read of Japan with Japanese shoes (clogs) books bought for the school of mis- her report, she rolled it up, marching across it. Dse some such sions. We are subscribing to Missions pressed it into a tube and at- wording as this: "March with Mis- magazine so there will always be the tached the doll to a streamer of sions across Japan at (time and current issue on the table, as well as the pole. This pole was set in place)." Japanese shoes made into 'A Book of Remembrance' and free the midst of a lawn of green folders in which is printed the pro- leaflets. We are asking for donations paper and had a yellow paper gram will be effective. Hymns: of missionary books." "flower of happiness" for China, "Footsteps of Jesus"; "Follow, Fol- a real iris for Japan, a rose for low, We Will Follow Jesus"; "Where Forty Missionary Stories is India and America, etc., at the He Leads Me I Will Follow." Devothe name of a new book by Mar- top. The gay streamers of the tional: "Ye Should Follow His Steps," garet W. Eggleston-"true tales pole and dresses of the dolls re- 1 Peter 2: 21b. Talks on "Getting that have the heart touch and lieved the monotony of the re- Our Footing," "Our Footing in 44 that carry their morals without ports. Years," etc., according to the subject words. They are not of equal matter to be covered in the program. stimulus but they cover a sur- Charades for Fellowship: A Special music, "Beautiful Japan," or prising range and few readers writer in The World Call sug- "Hail to the Brightness." Other fea- will escape their emotional ap- gests after looking over the bi- tures may be: "Footfalls that Pre- peal. The book is particularly ography sets of the United saged Great Events," "Footprints on adapted for use among boys of Christian Missionary Society the Sands of Time," "Turning Shoes the hero-worshiping age. (Har- that charades should be impro- Around" (changing old non-Christian per's; $1.50, or through your vised to familiarize people with ways through missionary influence). own literature department.) the names of missionaries and "Getting Our Footing" may be a True- impart information as to what and-False test, the leader either hand- Portraits of Missionaries: The each one did. Selecting from ing out a written test for each mem- Baptist Department of Mission- the leaflets such names as Trout, ber to mark or reading the items and ary Education has a large collec- Palmer, Hunter, Weaver, etc., letting the organization indicate the tion of 10×12¥2 portraits of its having dramatization possibili- correct reply, as: "The name, Japan, missionaries to which it keeps was given by Perry when the country adding from time to time. was opened to trade. (b) By the Chinese since the sun came from its direction. (c) Because of its beauty," the second being correct.
~~I====~============~========~I~
BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY Jesus said, "When thou makest a feast, bid the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; they have not wherewith to recompense thee."
Peter in writing "to the elect" urged them to practice "hospitality one to another without murmuring." Paul, in letters to the Roman Christians and to Timothy, his "true child in the faith," repeats the charming words, "given to hospitality."
The Rune of Hospitality I saw a stranger yestreen: as it unites us to Him and makes congregations who have listed I put food in the eating place, His prayers one with ours, will the members who would be the Drink in the drinking place, lead us to intercessory prayer first to leave and who would Music in the listening place; for all men." doubtless afterwards have "gold And in the sacred name of the Triune, stars" on another flag to be hung He blessed myself and my house, *** in the church. My cattle and my dear ones. And the lark said in her song, Let us thank God for the growing In helping its members "to Often, often, often, and deepening consciousness of the seek peace and pursue it," the Goes the Christ in the stranger's guise, need for peace, and for the personal Broadway Tabernacle Church in Often, often, often, knowledge of Him who brings peace New York City has made use of Goes the Christ in the stranger's guise. on earth.-From the Call of Prayer, the following anti-war declara- announcing the observance of the tion: -Old Gaelic Rune. Recovered by World Day of Prayer, February 28, Kenneth McCleod. 1936. "I have quietly considered what I would do if my nation THANKS BE TO GOD MAKING UP OUR MINDS should again be drawn into war.
Luke tells how Paul on his last Strange how we strong- "I am not taking a pledge bejourney "thanked God and took minded Americans who usually cause I do not know what I courage." know where we want to go, and would do when the heat of war straightway go, are now fum- mood is upon the country. But Paul in writing to his Chris- bling and stumbling along in in a mood of calm consideration tian friends in Philippi and making up our minds how to I do today declare that I cannot Colossre combined the giving of keep our nation out of the hell reconcile the way of Christ with thanks to God and steadfastness of another war. Evidently too the practice of war. in prayer. many of us keep our minds on the possible war rather than on "I do, therefore, set down my Father Fabian says: "Our our probable strength to find the name to be kept in the records own interests drive us obviously Way of Peace. I have heard of of my Church, so that it will be to prayer, but it is love alone which leads to thanksgiving. [546 ] There is little enough of prayer but there is still less of thanksgiving."
"Our knowledge of the Love of God to us calls us to pray for ourselves that we may be worthy of His Love. Our love for Jesus,
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOlv.lE MISSIONS
for me a reminder if war should thority of the Foreign Policy As- sciences have performed a valcome; and will be a solemn dec- uable function in conducting relaration to those who hold to sociation, which has gained wide search which increases our recognition as a source of un- knowledge of human relations, this conviction in time of war biased information on interna- but their findings do not reach that I believe them to be right; the masses, and therefore have and I do desire with my whole tional affairs, but the facts are too little influence on public presented in popular, non-tech- opinion. The Foreign Policy Asmind and heart that I shall be sociation believes that the most among those who keep to this be- nical language. Each book con- useful service which it can perlief. tains about forty pages and is form at this time is to develop a new means of public education "I set down my name to make illustrated with unique pictorial which will secure a wider disconcrete my present thought charts or graphs. tribution and more effective use of the knowledge derived from upon the question of war, and The series is especially suited research. declare my purpose to think and to the needs of discussion groups, The project is being carried talk with others about it, that current events clubs and forums. out by a new Department of my belief in the way of Christ Study outlines and supplemen- Popular Education organized tary material are available to this fall under the direction of shall become operative in this William T. Stone, Vice-President and in other questions which teachers, ministers, and club of the Foreign Policy Associanow confuse our thought and leaders using the books for dis- tion. Mr. Stone is assisted by action." cussion groups. The books are Mr. Omar P. Goslin, as educa- tional secretary, and Mrs. *** published in two editions: a Phyllis A. Goslin as editor. Mr. paper covered pamphlet edition and Mrs. Goslin are authors of Since June, 1934, the General for organizations and study Rich Man, Poor Man, a graphic Council of Congregational and survey of our economic dilemma groups at 25 cents a copy; and which has received enthusiastic Christian Churches has author- praise fro m educators and ized preparation for "a plebis- a book trade edition bound in critics. boards on sale at all bookstores cite of our denomination to de- at 35 cents a copy. Released by Foreign Policy Association, termine the mind of our people" S W, 40th St., New York, New York. on four propositions or others The gravity of the world crisis relating to the question of war is one compelling reason for this and peace. The vote is being new venture. If society is to taken this month. solve the fundamental problems May God be praised that of our times without resort to under his guidance some Chris- violence, it must apply knowltians will be led to make up their edge and understanding more minds concerning the Way of Peace. successfully than it has in the past. In recent years the social NEW VENTURE IN ~.
POPULAR EDUCATION I Headline Books Offer Popular I Material on International Problems I The Foreign Policy Associa- FLANDERS FIELD tion announces an interesting The float, shown above, entitled Flanders Field, was a unit in the Peace Demonstration experiment in popular education, prepared by Mrs. J. H. Callister, and directed at the Northfield Missionary Conference, initiated this month with the Northfield, Mass., in July. For particulars regarding such a demonstration for Peace, publication of Headline Books. The first volume is entitled "War refer to the B1IIletin for November, or address tbe Editor. Tomorrow: Will We Keep Out?" a survey of the proposals for keeping America out of the next war, written against the background of our participation in the World War.
The object of Headline Books is to present the complicated and difficult problems of our times in a form so simple and interesting that they will be understood by the millions of Americans who don't normally read "serious" books. The material which goes into each book carries the au- ! Our World–wide Outlook ~ ~II,~,=====A=M=issi=ona=ry =Ne~ wsp~ape=r o=f C=urr=ent=Ev=ent=s =====~~ NORTH AMERICA Interior, and is expected to take can be a Scout or receive a com- from five to ten years to com- mission unless he believes in Human Relations Institute plete. The work will employ God. In 1917 a special edition of the Bible and of the New The Williamstown Institute of about 4,000 men. Rev. Roy H. Testament, bearing the Scout in- Human Relations meeting at Murray has been appointed by signia and readings on the Scout Williams College in September, the Washington Co un c i I of brought together Jewish, Cath- Churches and Christian Educa- law, were issued.
olic and Protestant representa- tion for this work. The culminating "daily good tives with a frank and deter- turn," which is the capstone of mined purpose to create a better Chicago's Kingdom of God the movement, came in 1934, understanding. The 680 mem- Fellowship when the President of the United bers of this Institute, while not States broadcast a request for a forsaking the cardinal principles Chicago is developing a "King- nation-wide good turn during of their own religion, feel bound dom of God Fellowship," with Anniversary Week. In response together in a common task of aims akin to those in the Fellow- to this call, the boys gathered combating the forces of national- ship sponsored by Kagawa: "(1) 91,863 pieces of household furniism, secularism, intolerance and The deepening of spiritual life. ture, 22,206 pieces of bedding, materialism which are alarm- (2) An educational program to 268,716 pieces of clothing for inform the churches and inter- men, 276,423 pieces of clothing ingly on the increase. The Institute was based upon pret for them the life, the Chris- for women, 266,160 pieces of recognition of the fact that while tian experience and social pro- clothing for children, besides fundamental religious differ- gram of Toyohiko Kagawa, and 79,617 miscellaneous pie c e s. ences must remain, m u t u a I to relate ourselves to the Chris- These supplies were given to ununderstanding and a working tian International Fellowship employed persons. cooperation can be established in that is coming under the impulse Now, after twenty-five years spite of them; and that interest of Kagawa's Christ-like life and of the Scout Movement, almost in mutual problems can sur- teaching. (3) The study of and 800 men are devoting their mount respective differences. the relating of ourselves to the whole time to its leadership. A outstanding social action move- training school is carried on Are Country Churches Dying? ments within our own churches near Mendham, N. J. and the cooperative movement This question is often heard, -The Christian Advocate. as a technique for world brotherand a Louisville Baptist minister hood." Quaker Branches United has worked out an answer in the following figures for Kentucky: A booklet entitled "Kagawa A breach of more than a hun- dred years' duration was healed City Country and the Kingdom of God" has when the two branches of the been prepared and is being dis- Religious Society of Friends, Churches Churches commonly known as Quakers, tributed. Dr. Kagawa expects talked, prayed and were silent in Membership ….. 18,677 18,675 to be in the United States dur- Baptisms ……. 570 1,045 ing the winter.
Pastors' Salaries. $39,573 $33,883 Total Gifts …… $201,606 $69,723 S. S. Enrolment. 14,897 11,692 Scout's Silver Anniversary the same New York meeting house. More than a century ago -Watchman-Examiner.
Another Cooperative Project About half the Boy Scout the followers of Elias Hicks, calling themselves liberals, broke Seven denominations are coop- troops in the United States are erating in the support of an in- connected with churches. Of the off from the orthodox section, terdenominational religious pro- organization's twelve laws, the and each Suriday since then gram at the site of the Grand Coulee Dam in the State of most fundamental is the twelfth, these Quakers went their sep- Washington. This support pro- which reads: "A Scout is reyvides for a religious worker and arate ways. The reunion, which helps toward the erection of a erent toward God. He is faith- took place at Gramercy Park chapel building. The dam is being built by the Reclamation ful in his religious duties, and meeting house, was character- Bureau of the Department of the respects the convictions of others ized by a quiet service. When in matters of custom and reli- the service and announcements gion." This has been embodied were over there was a filing out, in the constitution of the Boy a shaking of hands, a little nod- ding across the meeting house. Scouts of America, and no one [548 ]
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Danish Lutherans Take Washington Chinese Church religious. The "Socialist" teach- ing of Mexico is planned to a Stand The organization of a Chinese remove all religious preconcep- Community Church among the tions from the minds of the peo- The Danish Evangelical Lu- 800 resident Chinese is one of ple. In one of the most populous theran Church in America, with the most interesting recent de- states, all school teachers must a baptized membership of 18,- velopments in Washington, D. C., sign the following document: 000, assembled in convention in and is a brand new enterprise. Danevang, Texas, June 14-18, The recent visit of Dr. P. C. I declare that by all the means in passed the following resolution: Chua, head of a private hospital my power I will fight the Roman Cath- in Canton and an earnest Chris- olic religion and other religions. I Be it hereby tian, has initiated this move- declare that I will not take part in ment. The purpose is to con- private or public in any ceremony of Resolved, That the Danish Evan- duct a communuity church with the Catholic Church or any other regelical Lutheran Church in America educational, social and recrea- ligion. in convention assembled fully en- tional features in connection dorses other church bodies and peace with the religious services. The Many mission schools have organizations in their efforts to se- church will seek affiliation with been closed and it is expected cure full publicity concerning the the Church of Christ in China. that, by the end of the present facts and forces of armaments, and The pastor is Rev. C. C. Hung, school year, the few remaining in their efforts to create an enlight- of Detroit, who has had experi- schools will close. ened public opinion against the out- ence in similar enterprises. rageous increases of current appro- Mr. Grubb found the followpriations for the war and navy de- Quarters will be selected ad- ing is a Socialist Lord's Prayer partments. . . . jacent to the Chinese residential being taught in one school: area. Subscriptions promise We condemn the traffic in arma- adequate finances for the year. Our Socialism which is on the earth, ments, the diversion of money from The few Christian Chinese are Respected be thy name; public funds to channels indirectly en- all behind the enterprise and are Thine influence come, larging the power of the military es- represented on its board of man- Thy will be done as in the cities so tablishments, the subtle basis of the agers. Many other resident militaristic setup and spirit in vari- Chinese have shown their in- in the fields. ous public activities such as R. O. terest. -Christian Advocate. Give us this day our daily bread, T. C. colleges, relief organizations, Do not pardon us if we pardon our and economic agencies of control, and the taking of excessive individual and enemies, corporate profits in the production of And lead us not into the hand of armaments. clergy, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Anti-Race Discrimination Moravians in Alaska It is useless to contemplate sending more missionaries to Christians who believe with The Moravian Alaska Mission Mexico, but Mr. Grubb calls at~ the Apostle Peter that God is no is celebrating its jubilee this tention to the fact that as the respecter of persons must re- year. The most encouraging prayers of God's children turned joice in the action of Pennsyl- feature of the work has been the the tide in a similar situation in vania in passing its anti-race- eagerness to read, and learn the China so will prevail today discrimination bill. This law Bible on the part of the young prayer, and spiritual life canprovides that there shall be no people, the best proof being the not be destroyed by governments discrimination "because of race, frequent and intelligent ques- today. creed or color," in inns, taverns, tions they ask. Often the midroadhouses, hotels, restaurants, week services are entirely given Mexico's Women for buffets, saloons, barrooms, ice over to Bible readings. Eng- Temperance .cream parlors, confectionaries, lish is being used more and soda fountains, drugstores, dis- more; no new translations of the South of the Rio Grande, as pensaries, c 1i n i c s, hospitals, Bible were made by the Mora- north of it, the saloon or tavern bathhouses, theatres, motion-pic- vian Mission last year. is a focus of crime and delinture houses, airdromes, roof quency. Mexican pulque and gar den s, music halls, race -Bible Society Record. tequila are as cheap as beer and courses, skating rinks, amuse- wine in the United States. It is ment and recreation parks, fairs, LATIN AMERICA with real satisfaction that Presibowling all e y s, gymnasiums, dent Cardenas, of Mexico, welshooting galleries, billiard and Education in Mexic9 comes the women of his nation pool parlors, public libraries, in a fight against alcohol. "It is kindergartens, primary and sec- The new system of education up to them' more than anyone ondary schools, high schools, in Mexico is closely allied to its else to solve the problem," he academies, colleges and universi- religious life. By a recent said recently, "for the sake of ties, garages and all public con- amendment to the Constitution, their children and homes, and to veyances. This seems to cover "Socialist teaching" is obligatory see that their husbands and the ground pretty thoroughly. in all schools, including mission brothers make good use of the schools. Mr. Kenneth Grubb, money they earn. Women will -Presbyterian Tribune. who examined Government text- be gratified to know that they books prepared for primary schools, found them to be anti-
have undertaken a great work. prisoners throughout the world. "Christ-Believing Jews" In the case of extreme necessity," he warned, "I may even For the coming Christmas some For several years there has have to prohibit the manufacture been in Hungary a group of of intoxicating liquor, so that 25,000 English, and over 5,000 Jews who have never severed this work will not be in vain." their connection with their peo- The National Revolutionary foreign letters, each handwritten ple, but who, as Jews, believe Party is conducting a series of that Jesus of Nazareth is the radio programs against the and decorated and containing a Messiah promised in the Old traffic in strong drinks. Testament. The leader of this clear Gospel message, have al- group is Dr. Deszo Foldes, who Ecuador Nationalizes Churches is the president of the Hun- ready been prepared. Two garian Hebrew – Christian Al- A decree was issued on Oc- liance. He has just published a tober 15th· nationalizing Ecua- prisons in the United States each book in which he relates his exdorean churches. It was an- perience on entering the Chrisnounced that another dec r e e are to receive 5,000 letters; the tian life, and his later efforts to would be issued nationalizing the advance Christ's cause among clergy. total number sent to North his own people. Among the rea- sons given for the establishment In 1869 tithes on farm produce America is over 24,000, while of "The Union of Hungarian for the support of the Roman Christ-Believing Jews" are the Catholic Church were abolished, about 600 in Spanish go to following: and a tax was substituted. In 1902, civil marriage was per- South America. Weare Christ-believing Jews bemitted and two years later the cause we believe in Jesus Christ. Church was placed under State Letters in several languages With all the strength of our soul and control. with all conviction of mind, we be- are being prepared for India. lieve and confess that He, Jesus of Plans for Amazon Basin Nazareth, is the one who, in accord- There are also requests for sev- ance with the promises of God through The vastness of the Amazon the great and holy prophets of our basin, and the apparently un- eral hundred Christmas letters Jewish people, was to come, and, by limited possibilities of its future His own sacrifice, to save His own bedevelopment have engaged the for use by prison wardens in loved people as well as all other sinattention of missionary agencies. ful lost souls, from their condemna- . It is said that this basin could India. -The Christian. tion, the death of sin. support 500,000,000 people, so immense are its natural re- Italy Needs Help We call ourselves Christ-believing sources. It seems beyond ques- Jews because we are children of the tion that its development will The Spezia Mission in Italy Jewish people and remain so, for we come within a generation or two. scrupulously keeps outside all are not willed to loosen the ties of With such possibilities in mind, political and military questions. union with our Jewish brothers, but Presbyterian forces of Brazil Its hands are full caring for rather desire to cultivate and foster have been contemplating the in- souls in its many sided work. It these ties. We cannot see a solution auguration of an evangelical is anxious that in the present of the Jewish question except by spirwork along the river, in order to crisis the needs of orphaned chil- itual renaissance through acceptance gain the advantage of being on dren should not be forgotten. of the New Testament without the the scene from the beginning. The Girls' Orphanage has been surrender of Jewish individuality. The plan calls for the coopera- at work for more than half a tion of the Brazilian Presby- century, while an orphanage for -Alliance Weekly. terian Church and the Northern boys is nearing completion. and Southern Presbyterian mis- While Rome, using the political Evangelism in Norway sions joining in itinerary work crisis, is seeking to crush the that would carry the Gospel up Spezia Mission, the workers feel About twenty-five years ago and down the river by boat to that the present situation fur- a revival in Norway laid the the widely scattered communi- nishes a definite opportunity to foundations of the greater evanties. -Christian Observer. proclaim the cause of Christ to gelical and missionary z e a I the Italian people. shown by that country as com- EUROPE pared with the other two Scan- -The Christian. dinavian lands. Today a strong Christmas Letters for evangelical movement is in evi- Prisoners Campaign in Corsica dence, especially among the stu- dents. Two years ago a Swedish Great Britain has groups of The Camps and Tours Union evangelist set up a Gospel tent voluntary helpers engaged in has held a series of ten evan- in Oslo for a series of meetings, preparing Christmas letters to gelistic meetings in isolated and the demand for evangelist'ic mountain villages of the Island services has been so sustained of Corsica. So far as known, that he is still there. The people not one Protestant was present; hunger for the Gospel. the average attendance of 30 was entirely Roman Catholic. Nearly all the population (2,- French Testaments, Gospels and 649,775) belongs to the Lutheran tracts were accepted readily by all those present, most of whom had never seen a Bible. At one meeting the people asked for an explanation of the difference be- tween Catholic and Protestant belief. Personal talks, explana- 1:!ion of texts and prayer had definite results among those of every walk in life.
-Life of Faith.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Church, within which this evan- Rev. G. Guenod, which deserves Missionaries Help Ethiopia wider circulation. We quote: gelical movement finds its home. American missionary doctors The country is strongly Prot- The steamer which is taking and nurses are planning to reestant, having only 3,000 Roman us to the Cameroon made a stop main in Ethiopia, in case of war at Algiers and then at Casa- Catholics. Only 800,000 of the blanca. In the first named place with Italy, in order that they population of Norway live in we passed the Depot of the Brit- may aid the wounded and ill. cities. The country population ish Bible Society. In 1934 there is very scattered, the average were distributed and sold, copies Dr. Robert W. Hockman, a density being only twenty-two of the Bible and New Testaments medical missionary, is reported to the number of 66,614 copies. people to the square mile. recently to have left for the -The Christian. frontier with five tons of Ethio- pian Red Cross supplies, includ- This work employs seven colpor- ing operating tables, stretchers AFRIOA teurs, both among Europeans and tents. He was accompanied and natives. The agency in Al- by Dr. Malaku Bayen, Ethiopian Changes Under Way giers is able to supply the Word husband of the daughter of the Nothing that is happening in of God in nearly 60 different President of Howard Univer- Egypt, and, in fact, in all Mos- languages. sity, Washington, and 100 native lem countries, seems more sig- Casablanca is a prodigious assistants. nificant than men's awakening city which was not in existence Dr. Tom A. Lambie, field dito the desirability of educating before 1907! It contains so rector of the Ethiopian Mission, women for a place in society many things to see, among them a part of the Sudan Interior Missimilar to that in the West. "Bidonville," the "zone," the sion with headquarters in To- Arabic papers frequently pub- name of which indicates its mis- ronto, is organizing the Red lish articles on the subject, some erable appearance. of which have been translated Cross. Dr. Esther Bergman into English. At a Rotary Club "ladies night" recently in Cairo Contrary to appearances about and Dr. Tesla Nicola, both of Los there were several Mohammedan 10,000 Moslems swarm about the Angeles, and other missionary members present, including the place. Our arrival was marked doctors, will convert their hospresident of the club; but not by the Aid-el-Kebir, the great pitals into institutions for war one Mohammedan lady came day of the "mutton feast." wounded. American w 0 men with her husband. The example Every family kills a sheep, and have also volunteered their servset by the Palace, where the everywhere from u n d e r the ices in making bandages and Queen is kept in complete se- doors of the little yards flow splints. clusion so far as mixed com- little streams of blood which feed pany is concerned, tends to keep the ill-smelling mud of the Foreigners in Addis Ababa back the older leaders of the streets. This does not prevent (pronounced A'ddis A'hwahwa) community from following new the crowd from strutting about fear air raids and gas attacks social ways. in magnificent holiday attire. It most; except for a few anti- happens to be at the same time aircraft guns, the capital is un- -Wilbert B. Smith. the Jewish Sabbath. prepared for such attacks. Few are equipped with gas masks The Gospel Welcomed At the "House of the Bible" which an enterprising German we had the good fortune to meet merchant is selling at $40 each. The Church Missionary So- Mr. Dugald Cam p bell, the ciety reports a marked change in The British Legation, which is Omdurman, Egyptian Sudan, in Scotch colporteur of the desert. on a full wartime footing and is the attitude to Christianity. For more than thirty years he equipped with subterranean dug- There is a growing interest and outs; the German Legation has readiness to listen, evidenced by has been traversing the Sudan bomb-proof shelters but the the large attendance at meet- and the Sahara in every direc- United States Legation has no ings where the speakers included tion. He is particularly inter- such protection. an Armenian, an American, an Egyptian, an Englishman and a ested in the Tuaregs and has French Government Donation Sudanese. Simple Christian teaching is welcomed in the hos- written about them and his After the aeroplane accident pitals, although not a few draw trips some gripping stories. in Congo BeIge, which cost the back when they realize what is lives of Governor General and involved in an open acceptance Mr. Campbell was just about Madame Renard, the French of Christ. -Life of Faith. Government acknowledged the to start on a new tour. It takes service rendered by Baptist Mis- him about two years and a half. sionaries at Bolobo and Tshum- He needs to buy eight or nine biri by sending a donation to- camels on which he will load his small parcels and hundreds of kilos of Gospels (which are pub- The Bible in North Africa lished in his own Targui trans- ward the work of these stations. lation). He is always in danger After paying the costs in- The Journal des Missions of a bullet from a fierce, but un- curred, the missionaries plan to Evangeliques publishes a letter seen Chleuh, but the cover of apply the money toward ur- gently needed new buildings-at from one of its missionaries, the God will protect him.
Bolobo, new classrooms for Ayia Sofia, is to be turned into a zation. An Indian lady from teacher training and girls' dor- public library. Lucknow has been elected chairmitory, and at Tshumbiri improvement of missionary dwell- Persia Makes Radical Changes man of the united organization. ings. -Southern Workman. Three Indian delegates were sent In addition to other changes Another Jubilee Offering in Iran has come the introduc- to the World's Student Christian tion of music (forbidden by the Federation, which met in Bul- From the chief and oldest Koran) with military bands and garia last August. While angrandmother to the youngest singing taught in schools. Relichild, everybody helped to make gious leaders have been stripped other contact is with the newly bricks, bringing timber from 30 of old perquisites, such as the organized Student Christian miles and sand from five miles right to witness all deeds for fat away to build an addition to the fees, the control of the huge Movement of Java when four church at Qanqu, South Africa, lands and possessions of the representatives of the Indian and thus worthily celebrate the church, and the right to inter- movement visited Java last Augchurch's fiftieth anniversary. fere in political affairs. Many Seventeen hundred people at- who have protested the change ust. India is also looking fortended the opening service, 700 have been imprisoned or exiled. ward with great interest to the of them communicants. Besides visit of the American Negroes the offering, a special gift was Marriageable age for girls has also been raised from nine to six- who are planning to tour most of teen, and the consent of the first the important student centers in India, Burma and Ceylon in the coming winter.
-The Christian Century.
presented to the Bishop, includ- wife is required before a second Revolt Against Hinduism ing seven oxen and several sheep, can be taken. Modern schools 400 pounds of potatoes, 200 have been established for girls The Associated Press reports pounds of sugar and several as well as boys; moving pictures that on October 15th ten thoupounds of tea. The Bishop gave are used in government schools; sand "untouchables" revolted all this back to the people and and policemen have been ordered against Hinduism by resolution a grand feast followed. The to tear up every old style hat after they had been addressed by building fund was sec u red they see. Recently the leading Dr. Ramji Ambedkar, at a meetchiefly by the Bishop of Aber- mosque in Hamadan was com- ing of the depressed classes at deen, after his visit to South mandeered by the department of Nasik. education, and the dome was Dr. Ambedkar urged them to Africa a few years ago. used for the suspension of a abandon Hinduism and adopt WESTERN ASIA Foucalt's pendulum, showing the "any other religion which gives Changes in Turkey revolution of the earth on its you equality of status and treat- axis, thus proving that the world ment." He continued: "I had the misfortune to be born with The Moslem W 0 r l d (New does move-in more ways than the stigma of the untouchable, York) reports that further rad- one. -The Presbyterian. ical changes are taking place in but it is not my fault. I will not Turkey. Bahaism Under Fire die a Hindu."
The new Parliament proposes to Iran is using governmental His audience heard the adtransfer the weekly day of rest from authority to suppress Bahaism, dress with marked enthusiasm.
Friday to Sunday. Primarily this is one of the greatest of peace or- Practical Christianity a change due to commercial, and not ganizations. This sect, perseto religious reasons. Money and time cuted in Turkey, found freedom Ten boys from a mission are lost on the Continental Bourse by in Iran, the land of their birth, school in North India put their Constantinople being closed on ,Fri- but an official proclamation has Christianity into effect during days. At the same time the change is now closed their schools. The the hot season by providing railworking to the advantage of the reason for this persecution is way passengers with drinks of Christian, and is another blow to the that their spiritual leader peti- cold water. They also helped old Moslem. However hard it may be for tioned the League of Nations to men and women, some of whom Christians in Turkey today, their secure for them the right to elect had never traveled before and position is in no way so difficult or a representative at the Persian were glad to have cheery lads distressing as that of Islam. Out- Parliament. help them with their bundles. wardly at least, Islam is crumbling. -United Presbyterian. These same boys, during an The Muezzins are forbidden to call to prayer from the minarets in Arabic; epidemic of malarial fever, went into the villages and distributed it must be in Turkish. But the call quinine, encouraged people to brings no general response; the old keep their bodies clean and to take other health precautions. In imam's voice, breaking on a top note, INDIA AND SIAM only calls forth mocking laughter. Student Christian Movement Ayia Sofia (formerly a Christian Church and then a mosque) has been The Student Christian Movereopened as a museum. The great ment of India is entering upon a discs bearing the names of the first four Khalifs and other like decora- new phase of its history, as it some places they showed lantern tions of a Moslem character have been removed and the old atmosphere has has been found possible to unify slides which suggested ways of gone. It is rumored that the mosque the men students' and the wom- maintaining good health.
of the Sultan Achmed, the one nearest en movements into one organi- -The Christian.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Toward Christian Unity Learning to Live In and Around Malacca Dr. E. Stanley Jones is setting Rural reconstruction is mak- The missionary history of up in Lucknow a new ashram, ing headway in Burma. The for the special study of service Malacca (Malaysia) contains the and evangelism. He is an ear- Methodist Anglo – Vernacular names of three famous men. nest advocate of Christian unity, School has a rural bias in its cur- St. Francis Zavier worked there riculum. Boarding pupils pay and would combine all Christians 20 baskets of rice annually for for some time, and stories of his in one "Church of Christ in miraculous power are still cur- India," with many "branches"- their board, and do outside man- rent among his followers. Milne Syrian, Lutheran, Methodist, ual work certain hours. Weav- ing, carpentry and the like are started the Anglo-Chinese Col- Friends, etc., each branch keep- lege in Malacca toward the end ing for the present its old or- additional. Girls are instructed ganization. Over all would be in poultry raising. In the dor- of the 18th century. It was later an All-India General Assembly mitories, the students practice moved to China. Robert Moror Synod, meeting at long inter- housekeeping in groups, buying rison set up his first printing vals, the National Christian and preparing the meals on one press in Malacca, and there his Council acting as an executive rupee a week. first translations of the Bible committee. At Chaungwa is an S. P. G. into Chinese were printed. Shel- -Christian Advocate. rural center which is similar in labear Hall commemorates the aim and method. Literary work Methodist pioneers in this field, Dr. and Mrs. Shellabear. Mrs.
Telugu Convention is done at both schools and the Shellabear founded the Suydam manual training appears to In Bezwada, India, was held make the pupils more alert. Girls' School, and the boarding recently the great Telugu Con- school which accommodates 100 vention, which was attended by -Burma News. girls. more than twenty thousand native Christians, saved from A Problem in Siam Malacca has a Tamil congreheathenism. A huge structure was built for the occasion. The Dr. Barnhouse, writing in gation and one for the Hokien delegates slept on the ground. Revelation, after a recent visit, Chinese. Daily Vacation Bible Their wants were few-a little tells us that the Siamese have a rice and curry. REVIEW readers tendency to accept Christianity Schools are conducted in eight are familiar with the beginnings by households. Families are so outlying districts, as well as in of this work among the Telugus bound together that if any indi- -how for years no opening was vidual considers becoming a Malacca. One new outstation Christian, it is a matter for the has been opened recently, also a new Sunday School in Malacca.
-Woman's Missionary Friend.
gained, until some Boards were household to settle. He goes to CHINA on the point of recalling their his parents, his brothers and workers. At last the break Missions and Philanthropy came, and 2,222 were baptized sisters, and even households of Cooperate in a single day. Since then the cousins are consulted, so that work has steadily developed. The Spirit of Missions gives a when a man becomes a Chris- striking example of cooperation -Alliance Weekly. tian, frequently his whole house- between a mission hospital and hold is brought in, and some- a benevolent society. This was In the Assam Hills in Anking, where not long ago a times two or three collateral crowd of forlorn women and Rev. W. G. Supplee, Baptist households. This explains one children, driven in by famine worker in Assam, reports that from outlying farms and vilchurch membership is growing of the great difficulties that has lages, invaded the city, grabbed faster than it can be cared for. been prevalent in the work of the wheels of jinrikishas and At the present time the Christian membership of the churches the schools. A student from a non-Christian home who comes under the influence of Christian- ity, and who perhaps really has among the Serna Nagas is well become a Christian at heart, will pulled at coat sleeves, begging over 5,000; the past year 800 were added. The Association of consult his parents before con- food. the Christians of one section of sidering baptism. More often Anking has a group of Chinese than not, permission will be rethe field was held at Alaphumi, business men who call thema village 100 miles from Kohima. fused, and the student will obey selves a "Fellow Benevolence the parents. There have been Society." They are not all There were 4,400 people there. many cases where, years after Christians. When this invasion The Gospel of Mark is the only graduation, students have writ- took place, a committee of the part of the Scriptures available ten to their former teachers say- society went through the streets ing that parents having died, or after midnight and picked up all in the Serna Naga.
The missionary motorcycle other obstacles having been re- the children between six and traveled over 1,000 miles on the moved, they have decided pub- twelve years who were sleeping paths of the Naga Hills, Assam, licly to become a Christian. on doorsteps in the rain-139 of during the past year. Through the years they have them.
-Watchman-Examiner. continued their Bible reading. The men's society then ap-
pealed to St. James' Hospital in ference held recently at Kuling, hundred centers the Chinese Anking. The staff got into ac- Central China. Nanking Theo- Government is offering treattion and vaccinated for small- logical Seminary expects to re- ment for addicts of the drug and pox; scrubbed, dosed, treated, ceive about $3,000,000 from the before the end of 1935 all are redressed wounds, shaved heads Wendel estate, all of which will quired to report for treatment. and deinfested. The mission's be reinvested and the income Those who are discovered using religious education workers took used in augmenting the equip- drugs after they have been turns going over to teach tooth- ment and personnel of theolog- treated will be subject to five brushing, handscrubbing, and ical schools the country over. years' imprisonment; those who other pleasant "games"; also are compelled by force to submit put up posters from the Chinese As a first step toward reduc- to treatment and then relapse National Health Administration. ing the number of theological will be put to death. Beginning Pupil nurses took up a collection schools in the Gountry in the in- next year all persons found using to buy 139 toothbrushes and terests of greater efficiency of narcotics will be given five years' drinking cups. operation, nine institutions-in- imprisonment, and after that cluding four union theological year the penalty will- be death. More Trouble in China colleges, three union theological training schools and two post- -Christian Advocate. Dr. Susan Waddell, an Amer- graduate schools of theologyican Presbyterian Medical Mis- have been singled out to receive JAPAN-CHOSEN sionary who went out to China direct financial assistance from in 1921 and later married a Chi- the Wendel bequest. Hokkaido Calls nese Christian, Hsu Shih-chu, was murdered (probably by rob- -Dayton News. There has been both material bers) in Hanking on October and spiritual progress in Hok- 14th. Bandit Invasion kaido since the first C. M. S. missionary settled there in 1874, Dr. Waddell was born in Iowa The Missionstidning for Fin- the diamond jubilee having been and served as missionary doctor land publishes the following celebrated last year. In the at Cheeloo University, Tsinan, telegram from ones of its mis- early days the Japanese re- Shantung. sionaries: garded Hokkaido almost as J. foreign country-the land of the Another despatch from China Aug. 29 the Mission Society Ainu. Today, Hakodate is the on October 8th says: received a telegram from Pastor ninth city in the empire, the Meeder in China containing the agricultural college at Sapporo Twenty-eight missionaries, in- distressing news that the entire has become an imperial univercluding fourteen Americans, be- mission field was occupied by sity, and nearly every part of gan a hazardous 600-mile Yellow communistic bandit troops. All the island is accessible by rail. River flight from Chinese Com- the missionaries are safe. The munists, as they began to move government troops were re- By degrees, the Christian nearer to Lanchow, in Kansu ported in command of the situa- Church has spread over the Province, from Szechwan. tion over the whole field early in island. Well educated Japanese July. The society had learned clergy now have full charge of The Christians were heading that Yungshuen, the most west- their districts. But missionaries for Paotow and thence for ern of its mission stations, had have been reduced in number so Peiping. , fallen into the hands of bandits. that there has been no marked This deprives the mission for increase in the number of Chris- Wendel Bequest at Work the present of the opportunity tians, although the population to continue its work in China. has trebled. There are the large Missionary leaders in Shang- It is all the more discouraging, centers, cities of over 150,000, hai say that the Wendel bequest since after great trials endured inadequately occupied; and vast of millions to the missionary during recent years, the Society untouched areas in outlying cause in China is bringing coop- was beginning to see the dawn areas. Of the 15,000 Ainu proberation among the Christian of better days. The Finnish Mis- ably five or six hundred are agencies at work. Gradually, sion Society deserves the prayer- Christians.-C. M. S. Outlook. they predict, foreign mission- ful sympathy of all Christians in aries in China will be supplanted this new affliction. "Retreat" at Chungju by Chinese pastors whose education will have been made pos- End of Drug Traffic by 1937 Some lights and shadows in sible by the Wendel millions. Korea are given in a letter from Dr. John R. Mott declares that Rev. Harry J. Hill, Presbyterian A far-reaching program for for the first time he feels that missionary in Pyengyang. "A the coordination of all Protestant the drug evil in China is under fifteen-year-old g i r 1, meeting theological schools in China control. General Chiang Kai- with the session in preparation under the leadership of the Nan- shek is determined to "stamp it for communion, was asked by a king Theological Seminary, ac- out" as is shown in a report of Korean elder: 'What is your tual beneficiary of the Wendel the National Opium Suppression moneys, was tentatively ap- Commission. At more than six proved by the heads of the various schools concerned at a con-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
greatest sorrow?' I~ tears she Solomon Island Christians go from. jungle villages, where replied: 'The unbelIef of my life is primitive and religion father.' This father had once The Evangelical Christian crudely animistic, to jungle vilbeen a church officer, but had lage schools and churches – so lapsed, while his family re- says of the Solomon Islands: simple and crude as scarcely to mained faithful. "The outstanding characteristic of the native Church in the Sol- seem such at all-thence to town "Another little Korean girl omons is their acceptance of the churches of beauty where real whose father, though professing Bible as the inspired Word of fellowship in worship may be ex- Christianity had sold her to be- perienced, and finally to the come a da'ughter-in-Iaw in a God, and their application of it heathen home, led her h~sband to their own lives. The Bible center at Medan where excellent ana mother-in-law to ChrIst. becomes their rule of life, and is schools for boys and for girls are conducted and where, in a b~a':l "Over 130 Koreans and 18 always the final court of appeal." tiful church building, worshIp IS missionaries recently held. a One of the native teachers had conducted in four different lan- Bible study retreat at ChungJu. guages for that polyglot city. For some years there has been two children, who died within friction between nor t hand Here one sees the entire range south but in this Retreat, a one week. Much to the amazespirit' of love and reconciliation ment of the heathen, who could of missionary activity from the were clearly manifest. There not understand that a Christian early approach to the jungle was earnest Bible study and a wonderful spirit of prayer sorrows not as those without dwellers on up to the self-reamong the Koreans." hope, this teacher went on w~th specting and largely self-sup- his daily work. They asked hIm ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC porting church and school work why he and his wife were not wailing as the heathen do. He in the city centers, as a pano- told them of the Father's house rama of what the Gospel can do.
with many mansions, and of the -FRANK T. CARTWRIGHT sure and certain hope he had of in Christian Advocate. , seeing his children again.
World's Smallest Kingdom To the missionary he said with Evangelism in the Philippines a smile: "You know that verse, Tonga is one of the smalle~t 'And God shall wipe away all E. K. Higdon, Executive Seckingdoms in the world and .IS tears from their eyes'? God has retary of the Philip~ine. Nathe only independent country III done that for me already." tional Christian CouncIl,. IS ac- the Pacific. It is located 400 M. 1. M. in Australia customed to write a ~etalled r~ miles southeast of Fiji, and 36 port of each field trIp. In hIS of its many islands are inhabited, The Methodist Inland Mission latest report he says: the total population being about is doing for the settlers of West 29,000. The people are Poly- I am increasingly convinced of. the nesians, closely akin to ~al!103;ns and North Australia what "cir- value of educational eva~gehsm. and Hawaiians. ChrIstIamty cuit riders" in America did for Anyone with a degree of skIll as a was introduced by British Meth- the frontiersmen a century ago. public speaker and with a knowledg.e odists in 1826. of mob psychology can secu~e .decI- In two immense areas, which sions in mass meetings. But It IS an The Tonga Church has sent have a sparse population of entirely different story to meet young pioneer workers to Fiji and people one by one, or in sma!l gr~>u~s Samoa, to New Bri!ain and the miners, cattlemen and sheep- with the purpose of an~werlll:g mdl- Solomon Islands. SIxty per cent herders the mission has ten or- vidual questions and dealmg WIth p.erof the Tongans belong to the sonal problems. The plan of sp~ndm.g "Free We s ley a n Church," dained workers. With the help three or four hours each day m prd: of automobiles they cover large vate or small group <:onferen!!es an formed by the union of two one hour in the pubhc meetmg h!l-s fields otherwise cut off from civ- proved fairly satisfact.ory. We dldsbranches of Methodism effected ilizing influences. Roads are cuss any vital questIOn presente , mere tracks; trains on the few such as: railways run on weekly or biin 1924, and affiliated with the weekly schedules. Schools and How may I continue my e.ducatio?? Methodist Church of Australasia. hospitals are rare. Heat and What openings are there m ManIla The church is self-supporting, drought make living conditions although its income has been re- hard. Airplanes carry the mails; for a work student? Is there any future for a young man in the fishing industry?
duced by more than 50 per cent camels are used for transport. Would you advise me. to., stud?, in the past few years. The The Mission's monthly bulletin, nursing? Home economICS. Agn- Tongans are noted for their The Methodist Inland Link, gives eagerness for an education and one a new sense of the vastness culture? Tubou College trains young peo- of Australia. ple to serve Church and State. How should I make love? Religious and academic training -The Christian Advocate. is supplemented by work on What are the bases for a happy plantations. The Gospel Panorama married life? -Missionary Review In Sumatra one may see al- (kustralia) . most the entire story of Chris- Give us some methods of birth con- tian missionary effort. One may trol. ., How may I keep my mind clean.
How may I overcome temptation?
It is natural for young people to have sexual desires. What is wrong about satisfying them promiscuously?
Is the Roman Catholic Church the sinia, liquor and drugs, gam- faith movements and condemning in- original church? bling, the economic situation, the fluences stifling individual religious churches and the totalitarian liberties; Was Luther justified in starting the state, the freedom of conscience, Protestant Church? evangelism, education and Chris- 2. To demand justice in human re- tian unity. The convention de- lations by presenting facts free from Is there a judgment? plored "the revival of anti- prejudice; semitism, the denial of funda- Mr. Higdon reports that there mental human rights to men and 3. To interpret public affairs has been a marked change dur- women because of race and through an editorial policy of coning the last four or five years in color." Apprehension was ex- structiveness; the type of question asked by pressed at "the growing menace students regarding life work. of the liquor and drugs traffic." 4. To suppress crime by punishing Now, they are more interested criminals and supporting mental hyin earning a living than in be- The next Disciples' World gienic education that will avert crimcoming lawyers or professors. Convention will be held in Tor- inal-producing, nervous complexes onto, in 1940. among children; MISOELLANEOUS -The Christian Century. 5. To sponsor open forum columns Armenian Bible 1,500 Years where readers may present diverse Old The Jew and Ohrist views on controversial subjects; Catholicos Papken, of Antel- Claude Montefiore, England's 6. To give greater space to reliias, Syria, writes: outstanding Reformed Jew, de- gious features that emphasize inter- clares that the Christ of Scrip- faith cooperation; According to the tradition of the ture has a greater appeal for the ancient Armenian Church, Christian- modern Jew than a Unitarian 7. To encourage civic conditions ity was introduced into Armenia be- Christ. "The Jew," he says, conducive to improving public phystween 60 and 66 A. D. by the Apostles "cannot find God in a man. ical and mental health; Thaddeus and Bartholomew. It was God's righteousness, God's goodproclaimed the State religion in 301- ness, God's love are to him in- 8. To sponsor charity for all who 302. Armenia was divided into two comparable with man's, because, need it, but to insist that charity be sections in the 5th century and since even if he cannot understand distinct from political patronage; and Syriac (the Persian language) dom- how, the Jew always conceives inated one section, and Greek the them as so infinitely deeper, 9. To support vigorously those other, the unity of the Church was wider, wiser and more pure than highly important principles of harendangered. As a result it was de- man's righteousness, goodness monious international relations seekcided fifteen hundred years ago (436- and love. That is why, I sup- ing to supplant war with permanent 37) to translate the Bible into Arme- pose, he is unable to call any peace and amity. nian, the common laJ!g'uage of the man his Master. That is also people. As this had not been reduced perhaps why the Jew, if and Religion as it applies to human reto writing, the preparation of an when he does in honesty aban- lations involves these nine points: Armenian alphabet was necessary. don Judaism, can more easily freedom of worship, justice, construc- The period that immediately followed become an orthodox Christian tiveness, crime control, open discusis called "The Golden Age of Ar- than a Unitarian." sion, interfaith concord, hygiene, charmenia." Seven hundred years later, ity and amity. in one province (Sunik), there were -The Hibbert Journal. 10,000 manuscript copies of the Bible -The Churchman. and in all Armenia there were 150,000 The Press and Religion Biblical manuscripts-all translations Sunday School Teachers' Debt from the Septuagint. Horace D. Crawford, editor of the Indianapolis New s, and An instructor in Boston Uni- The American Bible Society is teacher of journalism in Frank- versity School of Religious Eduplanning to commemorate the lin College, believes that news- cation asserts that every Sunday 1500th anniversary of the first papers may serve religion in school teacher should pay $1,000 translation of the Armenian other ways than by printing toward Christian work for the Bible, and Catholicos Khoren I, church notices. Said he: "Edi- privilege of teaching the Bible in of Armenia, has issued a call to tors, like many others, fre- any well organized Sun day all Armenians to celebrate this quently believe religion is more school. Here is his logic: It is important event. deeply concerned with the way worth $250 to acquire a pure people live than with their par- English vocabulary, such as any Disciples Take a Stand ticular beliefs. I believe that habitual Bible student will ac- newspapers serve the cause of quire. The habit of careful, Last August more than 800 religion when they strive for the systematic study is worth $250 Disciples, from all quarters of following objectives: more; and still another $250 the earth, joined with more than represents the value of prac- 1,200 members of the Churches 1. To fight for the maintenance of ticing the precepts of the Bible of Christ in Great Britain and constitutional rights of free worship which lengthens one's life. Fi- Ireland, to hold the second world and expression by commending inter- nally, $250 is owed by the convention of the Disciples of teacher who develops h i g h Christ in Leicester, England. moral ideals, consistent with ac- Resolutions adopted included ceptance of Bible teachings. declarations on race relations, peace and war, Italy and Abys- -United Church Record.
God, give us sense,-God-sense of life's new needs, A nd souls aflame with new-born chivalries- To cope with those black growths that foul the ways,- To cleanse our poisoned founts with God-born energies.
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I Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information The Foreign Mission Enterprise and quate message. (2) There are of nearly 100 years to work in Its Sincere Critics. By Cleland B. objections to the present mis- Asia and who delight to travel McAfee. 8 vo. 190 pp. $1.50. sionary enterprise and its rela- in unfrequented and dangerous Revell. New York. 1935. tion to governments and non- ways, among brigands, in peril, Christian cultures and religions, toil and pain, not merely for the The work of foreign missions the treatment of native converts thrill of new experiences but to and the churches on the field. pioneer for Christ. They are has been under fire from critics (3) Other criticisms relate to British members of the China ever since Jonah went to Nine- methods and results on the field, Inland Mission and two of them the use of non-Christian teach- have spent over a quarter of a veh. There are critics and ers, dependence on subsidies, re- century in northwest China and critics-those who object to the liance on governmental protec- the deserts of M 0 n g 0 I i a. tion, lack of unity and the few- "Through Jade Gate" has been claims of Christ and the Chris- ness and weakness of converts. likened to Homer's Odyssey. It tian message; those who claim (4) He considers other criti- is as fascinating as the voyage cisms relating to home boards, of Captain Cook. that non-Christian religions are overhead expense and complex good enough and that heathen machinery. Even well-informed, Anyone who enjoys adventurdo not want anything different; idealistic students of missions ous travels will have a thrill in may not always agree with Dr. reading these journals (1928 to those who criticize the mission- McAfee in his diagnosis and 1932). Those who are interary personnel, the expense, the remedies but every fair-minded, ested in carrying the Gospel of intelligent reader will be im- Christ to the uttermost parts of methods and the administration; pressed with the author's hon- the earth will find here stimulus others object to the unsatisfac- esty and Christian views in har- for faith and courage and loyalty mony with New Testament to Jesus Christ. tory results abroad or to the neg- ideals. Many of the points lect of "heathen" at home. There raised might be dealt with much Living Triumphantly. By Kirby are critics who see only faults more fully-such as the place of Page. 304 pages. $2.00. Farrar and are deaf and blind to all evi- evangelism, the dan g e r s of & Rinehart. New York. 1934. dence in favor of missions and "modernism," the objections to others who are friendly critics expensive institutionalism and This is the author's companion seeking only to improve per- the problems of union work- volume to "Living Creatively" but every candid critic who is a which the Hazen Foundation sonnel and methods and to bring believer in Christ and is in sym- ranked first among 436 books the work into closer harmony pathy with His mission in the considered as being the most with New Testament ideals. world will be greatly helped and helpful to college students on the encouraged by this statement of subject of religion. Dr. McAfee has studied mis- the unshakable foundations on sions at home and on the field which Christian missions rests The author's pur p 0 s e is for fifty years, as teacher, pas- as a victorious and divine enter- stated: "To be teamed-Up with tor, lecturer, traveler and execu- prise. God in seeking to banish pain tive secretary of the Presby- and strife and misery is the terian Board of Foreign Mis- A Desert Journal. By Evangeline highest privilege that can come sions. He does not claim that French, Mildred Cable and Fran- to any man." From an extensive the work is above criticism but cesca French. Illus. 12 mo. $2.00. tabulation of scientists he shows China Inland Mission. Philadelphia clearly that science has not as gives clear, frank and convinc- and Toronto. 1935. yet overthrown the spiritual ining answers to some of the criti- terpretation of the universe. cisms he has heard from men Adventure and physical en- durance are usually linked with With the thesis of his book and women who believe in Christ youth. Here are three elderly thoroughly established, the auand His Gospel but who object women who have given a total thor then proceeds to the followto the way the work is conducted. ing eight definite methods for The list of over fifty definite the transformation of personal- ity and society: criticisms is an evidence of the author's vital contacts wit h many conscientious objectors.
Among the criticisms are those that have to do with (1) the missionaries – their arrogance, their aims, their lack of understanding, defects of habits and character and their inade- Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[557 ]
1. Intensify the Vividness of the Ideal. sis of these great themes. He undertakes to point out some of 2. Probe to the Roots of the Present Economic Order. tells what are God's methods of its glories by comparing it to the producing in us purity of hearts, Grand Canyon. 3. Struggle to Supplant Capitalism. shows the difference between Such Grand Canyons he finds 4. Strive to Abolish War. 5. Refuse to Sanction or to Partici- "peace with God," and "the in different stages of history, as, pate in Any War Among Nations peace of God," and at the end, for example, in the life of our or Between Classes. he shows a sympathetic and ef- own nation, "which, in 1789, 6. Seek to Uproot Racial Enmity and kicked off England's heavy and fective understanding with sin- Exploitation. cere souls seeking more power. suffocating taxation covers and 7. Take Time for Worship.
8. Live with Joyous and Triumphant These blessed gifts of grace and cooed in a cradle oft rocked by Abandon. experiences of the truly saved, stormy winds."
The sections on "War" and are what are greatly needed in In twelve chapters rich in "Worship" are perhaps the best. pulpit and pew today. Grand Canyon phraseology, Dr.
Mr. Page points out that war is The language is beautifully Lee takes up the several verses not caused primarily by the clear, the paragraphs stand out of the chapter under considera- "fighting instinct" or by the so- like the lobes of an orange, and tion. One marvels at his rhecalled "mad-dog nation." Most the book is well printed with torical versatility and at the of his readers, however, will not large type. FRANK LUKENS. same time admires his loyalty to agree wi,th him that the first the Scriptures and the deep step toward peace is to "abolish A Grand Canyon of Resurrection evangelical fervor which perthe system of private property Realities. By Robert G. Lee, D.D., vades page after page of this exas the chief means of produc- LL.D. $1.00. 172 pp. Wm. B. traordinary book. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand J. R. S.
tion and distribution." A defi- Rapids, Mich. 1935. South China Folk. By Mary Brewster nite attack on capitalism is a distinct strain throughout the book. This book embodies the studies Hollister $1.25. 141 pp. Revell. The unique and most helpful of the twentieth chapter of New York. 1935. part of the volume is the an- John's Gospel by the eloquent Another book by Mrs. Hollisthology of one hundred daily pastor of the Bellevue Baptist ter! One hundred forty pages readings on the main thoughts Church, Memphis, Tenn. in good-sized type, full of the set forth in the early part of the Dr. Lee recognizes the human spirit as well as fact of the counbook. On the who I e, this limitation of thought and speech try always so warmly interthought – provoking discussion in any attempt to adequately preted by this author. Adults leaves one convinced that to live describe one of the great chap- will enjoy reading it with chiltriumphantly one must follow ters of the Word of God. BatHed dren and even young people will the brave and unselfish way of as he believes himself to be, he find excellent material here. HOWARD A. ADAIR. inquires, "Who, by word and by There is the frequent sparkle of Christ. pen, by sermon and by song, by Chinese humor, the steadiness The Sufficiency of the Cross. By W. painting and by philosophy, can of patience, the pathos of aspira- W. Marlin. 12 mo. 1s. net. Pick- explore all the corners of this ering & Inglis, London. 1935. vast continent of Scripture? One tion, and a delightful sketching of personalities. One regrets These are Keswick addresses, had as well hope to haul to the that the first two chapters are therefore they are sure to be threshing machines in a wheel- quite unconnected with the rest biblical, searching and convert- barrow in one day all the wheat of the book though there is, in ing. Let every reader give trib- grown on a Kansas prairie as to Chapter 2, definite background ute to the mighty effort of Kes- expect to place within the limits for the ensuing story. The book wick, like the springs in the hills, of one book all the marvelous is neither profound nor great; upon the finest Christian life of truths of this chapter. One had there are rather too many Chi- England, A mer i c a, and the as wisely expect to put in a one- nese expressions and also too world – for over fifty years. acre garden all the flowers that much repetition of religious These addresses embody truths bloom in America as to expect phrases, but the interest is lively, which have become increasingly to write with pen and print on the pictures vivid and the imreal to the author and have paper an adequate description of pression fully worth the couple brought peace and power to all the glorious truths in this of hours spent in reading. The many. chapter. One had as well hope coming of light into a far-off vil- The four chapters concern to put all the diamonds and lage simply through a little girl four truths that are like stars of rubies in the world in the and the innkeeper's wife, with the first magnitude. "Pardon thimble of a seamstress as to ex- the help of a mission school in a through the Blood of the Cross," pect to give in anyone book an neighboring city, and some and then "Purity," "Peace," and adequate appraisal of all the friendly cooperation, convince "Power," also through the blood. Scriptural wealth of this chap- the innkeeper that he was right This is not present-day specula- ter." However, though confess- when he said, "We obey the tion, but exposition. The author ing that his "mental tent can Heaven-Father, and then He marched calmly and confidently cover only a small corner of this will bless us." through his illuminating analy- vast scriptural continent," he MARY W. HUMPHREY HADLEY.
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
The Use of Material from China's lowship in the consciousness of the ineffective humanism of Spiritual Inheritance in the Chris- pardoned sin, imparted life and their long history. tian Education of Chinese Youth. perfect provision. By Warren Horton Stuart, Ph.D., Limits of space do not permit Kwang Hsueh Publishing House, That more use than in the of detailed specifications. Shanghai. 1932. $2.50. past should be made of China's great ethical inheritance – per- C. H. FENN. The book is a dissertation presented at Yale University for haps the greatest in the world Hot Hearted. By F. I. Codrington. the degree of Doctor of Philos- apart from Christianity-and of Illus. 12 mo. 111 pp. 2 8. Church ophy, the theme having been what she possesses of the spir- of England Z. M.. S. London. 1935. itual in her early, unique, simple chosen with a definite purpose worship of a personal Heaven, Christ offers to women the' to provide "a guide and source greatest hope for liberty and ad.. book for Christian teachers in and in her emphasis on a benev- vancement. Moslem, H i n d u , China." As a "source book," olence among men which some- Buddhist and pagan women have times approaches the Christian little to hope for in this world or Dr. R. S. Smith, of Yale, says idea of Love, is certainly true, the next. Here we have eight truly, in his Introduction, "Dr. stories that show what Christ and Dr. Stuart's dissertation has done for Chinese women and Stuart has brought to his task a should serve a very useful pur- how Christian faith and life are brilliant and ingenious mind and pose in that regard, both in the helping to bring about new and the competence of a well-trained better social conditions. Mrs. hands of the Christian teacher, Ahok, a little Chinese lady of scholar and workman." Born Chinese or foreign, and in those rank, a Christian with "lily feet," and bred in China and for years of the intelligent seeker after came to England in 1890 to plead a missionary, he possesses spe- Truth. The Chi n e s e unac- for her sisters in China who were cial equipment for the task, evi- quainted with English, however, still "under the power of the idols," Mrs. Chitnio Ling was a dently a labor of love. As a will be in less danger than the Chinese girl, born in a heathen "guide," however, one's com- English reader of the book, of family, who attended the Chinese mendation of Dr. Stuart's work drawing the conclusion that, in Girls' School in Singapore and then went to China as a Christian must reluctantly be tempered her "Three Religions," China al- missionary. They are all inspirwith the caution that a sym- ready possesses so nearly all ing sketches that reveal the purpathetic translator from a for- that Christianity offers, that he pose and power of the Gospel of eign tongue, with a theory to Christ. may content himself with what demonstrate, rarely avoids an his own inheritance affords and Ethical Issues Confronting World unconscious reading into his leave to the West its own spir- Christians. By Daniel Johnson texts of more than they were Fleming. 273 pages and an Index. itual inheritance. As a matter Price, $2.00. The International ever intended to express. "With of fact, there never was a time Missionary Council, 156 Fifth Avebut little persuasion," Dr. Stuart when thinking Chinese were less nue, New York, N. Y. "would fain make Christians" satisfied than today with their own "spiritual inheritance." This is a carefully written and out of Confucius, Lao c ius fairly exhaustive treatment of (Laotze), Mencius, and espe- Some of the most intelligent some great problems. Certainly Christian leaders are urging the Christian of today, in the cially Micius (Motze). He has new missionaries not to give light not only of the melting of gathered together a remarkable geographical barriers because of much time to the study of modern communications but also collection of quotations from all because of the Great Commisthe Chinese sages and philos- China's old man-developed reli- sion, must have a world outlook. ophers, ancient, medireval and gions and philosophies, when And the issues discussed by Dr. modern, to exhibit the "Chris- China's need for the presenta- Fleming are timely. Christians, especially those in administratian values in Native Experi- tion of a God-revealed secret of tive positions in the church, are ences," and "Units of Indigenous a new life is so pressing, and the now unavoidably confronted Moral and Religious Literature," with the ethics of soliciting need for its general understand- funds, of the acceptance of as a wonderful "Spiritual In- ing and acceptance is so widely armed protection by missionheritance" which China herself felt. Dr. Stuart's purpose to aries, the population problem, has contributed as a foundation "indigenize the religion of Christ the meaning of true religious lib- erty, and similar questions. to the Christian education of in China" is manifestly sincere her own youth. To much of it and truly laudable, and his com- Dr. Fleming faces these issues we may, with the author, attrib- squarely, making a genuine efute a "high ethical and spiritual pendium of quotations forms a fort to grapple with difficult quality," the ethical, however, most valuable book of reference; problems, and at the same time one's only fear being that its standing far higher than the spiritual, because even the prim- use as a textbook in Christian Schools in China may lead some itive monotheism of Chi n a to accept the shadow for the subposited no infinite Creator, no stance, to look upon Christ as absolutely holy and righteous merely a wiser sage, a mor~ per- Ruler, no perfectly loving Fa- fect pattern, acceptance of whom as such constitutes the whole of ther, no sacrificial Redeemer, Christianity, thus condemning with whom the common man and woman, as well as the sage and themselves to little more than emperor, may enjoy eternal fel-
endeavoring to preserve a fair noncoercion on the left . . . ,vio- Evangelical Christian missions impartiality of s tat em e n t. lence has long been the weapon will first cho.ose the "vague" Moreover, there are some things of conservatism." project of preaching the Gospel, in the book that will search the This is only one example of the not forgetting the field mice as a heart of any thoughtful reader, extreme difficulty of maintaining subsidiary activity. whether he is conservative or detachment when writing upon There is, finally, one great inliberal in religious outlook. Par- the ethics of great economic, po- adequacy in this volume and the ticularly strong in this respect litical, and religious issues. In- school of thought it represents. is the section (beginning on deed inconsistency is inevitable The whole discussion proceeds page 117) regarding individual as in the case of Dr. Fleming's on an extrascriptural basis. Ocresponsibility for the use of references to "tainted money" casionally there is a fair statemoney. "We vote," writes Dr. and his citation of cases where ment of the Evangelical point of Fleming, "with our doll a r s. certain gifts were refused be- view, as on pages 80 to 82, but Every expenditure is voting for cause of scruples regarding their the whole book is almost devoid the character and quantity of source. Yet he frequently and of references to the Bible. Much goods that are to be produced; with seeming approval relies is made of missionary planning and the proportion saved by the upon the Layman's Foreign Mis- and statesmanship, we miss the purchase of simple goods in or- sions Report and the Rockefeller references to the essentiality of der to help various measures of Foundation for impressive ref- prayer in finding a solution to uplift is a measure of the inten- erences. One is tempted to ask, great ethical issues. Does the sity of one's vote for human re- "Were the Standard Oil millions Word of God have nothing to lief and reconciliation. . . . Love amassed in accordance wit h say about the problems which which expresses itself in philan- Christian ethics? To what de- Dr. Fleming treats? If the book thropy without revealing itself gree do such funds represent a leaves the reader with an imin sacrifice finds difficulty in be- 'tainted' background?" ing either creative or redemp- pression of inconclusiveness, it tive." From another point of view, is because it represents a purely In his treatment of Economic one notes that Dr. Fleming's human endeavor to face issues Reconstruction, Dr. Fleming oc- most effective cases of nobility on which God has something au- of conscience regarding the casionally lapses into what would indemnity question are drawn thoritative to say in the Person appear to be an uncritical admiration for communism. To from the experience of the of Christ and in the Book from one who recalls that, according China Inland Mission, a funda- mentalist mission of reactionary which all Christian ethics are to reliable figures, the Red attitude measured by standards regime in Russia has been in- of the Layman's Report, yet in drawn. FRANK E. GAEBELEIN. 'these instances acting in accord strumental in the slaughter of with the most advanced social Lowell and Abigail. A Realistic Idyll. about 11,000,000 human beings, By Mary Dillingham Frear. Illus. the unspeakable persecution of S vo. 325 pp. Privately printed. New Haven. 1934.
Hawaii (The Sandwich Is- countless others (cf. Tcherna- conscience. lands) , the land of beauty and of vin's "I Speak for the Silent"), Other examples chosen by the romance, furnishes the scene of the erection of a system of mili- author are less con v inc i n g. this life story of Rev. Lowell taristic tyranny, and in addition, Those who believe that the Gos- Smith and his wife, Abigail, a recognized sub rosa propa- pel is still "the power of God early missionaries of the Ameriganda for the overthrow of for- unto salvation" and that the can Board. The period covered eign governments, these sen- world needs to be converted, is 1809 to 1891 and the material tences cause some won d e r : will, if they are not too deeply is gathered from journals and "There are bounds beyond which distressed, have to suppress a letters, with additional not e s a foreigner may not go in advo- smile on reading page 40, where from their daughter, Mrs. B. F. cating changes in another cul- Dr. Fleming frankly says that Dillingham. It is first hand doc- ture or in an alien system. Some "the conversion of the world," umentary evidence of the spirit, might be willing to risk death in "preaching the Gospel to the purpose and power of the pioneer the same way as have the com- most degraded, neglected and missionaries – b e aut i full y munists whose martyrs number despised people," "the establish- printed, well illustrated and with into the thousands. It is moving ment and development of an in- a full index. Much is of personal to read the simple unadorned digenous church," these aims family interest rather than of sentences with which a commu- "are too comprehensive or vague general importance but the story nist manual for 'Calls' in China to be called projects" for the use has a fascination, human inter- lays down the duty of a party of foreign money in missions: est and a message for every member to give up his own life As an example of a missionary friend of missions and every when called upon to do so. Out- project he proposes the distribu- lover of God and man. Many fa- doing the communists may in- tion of poisoned grain in twelve mous people and events, as well volve just such a risk…. From villages to combat a scourge of as information about Hawaii and one standpoint the use of vio- field mice. Preaching the Gos- its people, find a place in the rec- lence belongs on the right and pel vs. exterminating field mice! ords.
Books T B FOR SECOND
HEOLOGICAL The Origin of Religion. Samuel M. OOKS Zwemer. 256 pp.. $2.00. Cokes- bury Press. Nashville, Tenn. Largest Stock in America. Over half a million theological Books Our Response to God. William E. -Classified by subject. Catalogues free. Correspondence and Wilson. 85 pp. 2s. 6d. Allen & Unwin. London. "Want Lists" invited. Please mention The Missiona" ReWw of the World The Four Hundred Million: A Short SCHULTE'S BOOK STORE History of the Chinese. Mary A. Nourse. Illustrated. 375 pp. $3.50. 80 and 82 Fourth Avenu. =: N•• York, N.Y Bobbs Merrill. New York.
Indian Nationalism and the Christian Colleges. Paul J. Braisted. 171 Blood-Drenched A I tar s: Mexican Obitulry Notes pp. $2.00. Association Press. New Study and Comment. F. C. Kelley. York. . 521 pp. $3.00. Bruce Pub. Co. (Concluded from page 618.) An American Translation. J. M. Milwaukee, Wise. in field itineration, in teaching, and Powis Smith and Edgar J. Good- White and Black in Australia. J. S. in literary work. spMd. 1128 pp. $2.00. University .of Chicago Press. Chicago. Needham. 174 pp. 2s. 6d. S. P. ·Elizabeth Ma*ry *Ca*dbury, who died C. K. London. ' in August at the age of 77, was among Truth and Tradition in Chinese Bud- the foremost religious and social lead- Coupectus of Cooperative Mission- dhisin: A Study of Chinese 14a-' ers in England, and had served as ary Enterprises. Chas. H. Fahs. hayana Buddhism. Karl Ludwig president of the National Council of $1.25. I. M. C. New York. Reichelt 415 pp. $4.50. Commer- Evangelical Free Churches. She was Cooperation and the World Mission. cial Press. Shanghai. the widow of George Cadbury, who Jphn R. Mott. $1.00. I. M. C. New York. The Idea of Salvation in the World's died in 1922, and a sister-in-law of Religions. J. W. Parker. 259 pp. Mrs. Helen Cadbury Alexander-Dixon, The Furtherance of the Gospel. Wil- Macmillan. New York and London. founder of the Pocket Testament liam Owne Carver. 145 pp. 60 *** League.
cents paper; 40 cents cloth. Bap- Directory of Protestant Missions- Mrs. Margaret Weaver Beahm tiBtSunday School Board. Nash- 1935. $1.50. Kwang Hsueh Pub. Denning, wife of the Rev. J. O. Denville, Tenn. House. Shanghai. ning, retired Methodist missionary to India, died at her home at Pacific D. . Over Samarkand: The Rebirth Education in Fiji. Cecil W. Mann. Palisades, California, on August 16. . of Central Asia. Joshua Kunitz. 138 pp. 6s. Oxford University The Dennings served in India from 848 pp. $8.00. Covici, Friede. ,Press, London; University Press, 1890 to 1926, being stationed for va- New York. . Melbourne, Australia. rious periods at Poona, Muzzafarpur, :traq: From Mandate to Independ- India's Womanhood: Forty Years' Gondha, Allahabad, and Ootacamund. ence. E. Main. 267 pp. 16s. Work at Ludhiana. Christine I. Mrs. Denning led in evangelistic and Tinling. 119 pp. Is. 6d. and 2s. 6d. educational work for women, and as- . ,;,',,.Ulen" Unwin. London. R. T. S. London. sisted her husband in organizing the The Land and Life of Africa. Mar- first Epworth League in India. She God and the African in Kenya. H. was national secretary, and for ten p!'¢. Wrong. Illustrated. 144 pp. R. A. Philp. Illustrated. 189 pp. years national president of the India 28. Edinburgh House Press. Lon- 2s. 6d. Marshall, Morgan ~ Scott. W. C. T. U., and for three years was ton; London. international superintendent of the Department of Prison Visiting and From Fetish to Faith: The Growth The Meaning of Shinto. J. W. T. Reformation. She wrote "Mosaics Mason. 252 pp. $2.50. Dutton. from India," "The House Beautiful," :of til" Church in West Africa; W. "Short Poems," and "Dainty Cookery J; Platt. 159 pp. 2s. Edinburgh for the Home." Mrs. Denning Souse Preu. London. New York.
was born in Harrisburg, Pa., TWO SCOFIELD REFERENCE BIBLE SPECIALS October 17, 1856, and attended Illinois Wesleyan University. Robert R*. S*erv*ice, regional secretary of the Young Men's Indil Piper Edition, Lelther Cover Christian Association for Shan- 33X. This superb Scofield Bible, leather bound, on genuine Oxford India tung Province, China, and a sec- paper, at the lowest price ever offered. All who have seen this book have retary of the International Com- been delighted, and have asked, "How can you sell so fine a volume at such a mittee of the Y. M. C. A. for low price 1" Contains all the wonderful helps for which the Scofield Reference twenty-nine years, died sud- Bible is famous. Pocket size 6~ inches by denly in Shanghai on Septem- 4U inches, 1116 inch thick, weighing only ber 29. Mr. Service went to . Specimen of 7Ype 14 And-tbe–~ord was-made 16 ounces. Only $5.00. China for the Y. M. C. A. in fbleesbhd.danhdisdl1woerlyt;a.&meon1g10u1sY. a(sanodf twhee W·Ith I.mproved 1. 0dex, 50c extra. 1906 and did pioneer work in Name stamped in gold, 50c extra. Chengtu for fifteen years. Later he went to Shanghai to join the national staff and served as re- Popullr $1.25 Edition gional secretary for Western 30. This is the lowest priced Scofield edition ever made, but contains the China. For the last year Mr. earne complete unabridged helps as the most expensive. Clearly printed on Service had been assigned to the excellent paper, and strongly bound. An excellent volume for pew use, Bible Chinese International Famine classes, and for the study table. Relief Commission, located in Shanghai. He retained, how- Cloth board binding, size 7×4~ inches. Only $1.25. ever, his post as secretary of the Shangtung region. REVIEW OF THE WORLD, Third and Reily Sts., Haul.burs, Pa.
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