The Missionary Review of the World — 1938 Index
INDEX-1938 VOLUME SIXTY-ONE
THE MISSIONARY EVIEW~ Founded in 1878 DELAVAN L. PIERSON Editor 1888 to 1911 By ROYAL G. WILDER Editor ARTHUR T. PIERSON Editorial Associates MISS GRACE W. MCGAVRAN, "Effectiv~ Ways of Working"
MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, "Home Mission Bulletin" MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, "Our World-Wide Outlook"
MISS MADELINE M. BECKMANN, Editorial Secretary REV. ENOCH F. BELL, D.D. Editorial Council REV. A. C. SNEAD REV. ARTHUR J. BROWN, D.D. REV. JAY S. STOWELL FRANKLIN D. COGSWELL REV. S. G. INMAN, D.D. REV. MILLS J. TAYLOR, D.D. REV. PAUL DE SCHWEINITZ, D.D. MISS EDITH E. LOWRY MISS FLORENCE G. TYLER REV. CHAS. K. FEGLEY REV. WILLIAM P. SCHELL, D.D. JOHN W. WOOD, D.C.L. REV. CHARLES H. SEARS, D.D. REV. MARK DAWBER, D.D. MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD WM. B. LIPPHARD ROBERT E. SPEER, President Board of Directors ERIC M. NORTH A. L. W ARNSHUlS, Vice-President SAMUEL M. ZWEMER WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer PAUL J. BRAISTED DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT DAVID J. FANT Copyrighted, 1938 Published by the Missionary Review Publishing CO.t Inc.
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Index–1938
Index to Authors Page Page Page Abraham, C. E. …………… 484 Hopkins, Robert M. ………… 402 Payne, D. M. ……………… 596 Philip, P. Oomman ………… 478 Adams, Archibald G. ……….. 405 Howard, Randolph L. ………. 236 Phillips, Ray E. …………… 363 Pickett, J. Waskom ………… 475 Alter, S. Neale ……………. 134 Hudgell, E. W. G. ………….. 27 Pierson, Delavan L. (See Topics Arnup, Jesse H ……………. 187 Hurrey, Charles D. ………… 38 of the Times) …………. 11 Price, Frank W…………. 30, 115 Arseniev, Nicholas …………. 128 Ironside, H. A. ……………. 282 Pullen, Milton W…………… 276 Beanland, G. C. ………… . . .. 417 Jaffray, R. A…………… 329, 570 Ram, Augustine RaIla ……… 467 Ram, B. L. RalIia ………….. 535 Bechtold, G. H …………….. 594 Jones, E. Stanley ………….. 526 Richter, Julius ………….. 20, 178 Riggs. Charles T………….. 327 Bergsma, Stuart ………….. 482 Kellersberger, Julia Lake ……. 224 Royall. Geoffrey W. . ……. 80, 122 Russell, Robert V………….. 270 Bhagwat, P. G…………….. 472 Khoobyar, Stephen. . . . . . . . . . . .. 581 Rymph, L. Merle ………….. 409 Schultz, Gertrude… . . . . . . . . . .. 68 Bradley, Dwight J . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 Lahrson, Gordon R. ……….. 295 Scully, Richard E. …………. 325 Sears, Charles Hatch ………. 351 Braisted, Paul J …………… 228 Lash, W. Q……………….. 574 Sobrepena, Enrique C. ……… 78 Speer, Robert E.. ……….. 215, 226 Buffa, Paul ………………. 289 Latourette, Kenneth Scott …… 7 Spring-er, J. Arthur ………… 342 Camargo, G. Baez …………. 357 Levonian, L. ……………… 234 Staudt, Calvin K. ………….. 185 Steiner, E. B. …………….. 395 Chiang Kai-shek …………… 415 Long, Eula Kennedy ……….. 584 Stirrett. A. P. …………….. 94 Storm, W. Harold………….. 23 Coleman, Inabelle Graves ……. 592 Lovelace, B. G…… :………. 137 Stoyanoff, Kroum …………. 345 Cook, Harold A. …………… 361 Lowry, Edith E. (See Home Mis- Sturgis, Norman R…………. 170 Datta, S. K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 465 sion Bulletin) Swan, George …………….. 222 Taylor, H. Kerr …………… 140 Davies, Howell D. …………. 172 Mabee, Miriam B. …. . . . . . . . . .. 121 Taylor, N. W. ……………. 425 Dawber, Mark A……….. 181, 299 Mac Nicol, Nicol …………… 462 Thomas, Winburn T. ……….. 231 Donaldson, Dwight M. ….. . . . .. 419 Maddry, Charles E.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Welles, E. N ………………. 480 Duff, Helen A. ……………. 587 McAfee, Cleland B. ………… 75 West, Samuel E. ………….. 426 Eberhardt, Herbert E. ……… 266 McGavran, Grace W. (See Effec- Wheeler, W. Reginald ………. 229 Ebisawa, Akira …………… 532 tive Ways of Working) Wilson, J. Christy ….. 132, 182, 589 Elder, E. E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578 McKellar, Margaret ……….. 538 Wilson, Jesse R ……………. 227 Wilson, R. M. …………….. 33 Faber, F. W………………. 461 McKibben, Robert A. ……….. 279 Winn, George H. ………….. 125 Fenn, Courtenay H. . ……. 326, 567 McLeish, Alexander …….. 133, 457 Wood, Violet …………… 542, 603 F~rguson, Henrietta H. (See Our McPherson, Norman S. . ……… 360 Zahir, Alfred D……………. 339 Zwemer, Samuel M.. 177,220,229,519 World-Wide Outlook Depart- Mee, Walter R…………….. 273 ment) Miller, F. S. ………………. 34 Fisher. Frederick B. ……….. 349 Millican. Frank R. …………. 92 Fitt, Frank ………………. 297 Modak, Marquerite Grove " .167, 589 Gih, Andrew ……………… 71 Montano, Walter ………….. 354 Gordon, Florence ………….. 95 Moore, Aubrey S. ………….. 263 Grubb, Kenneth G……….. 82, 189 Morgan, Barney N. ………… 89 Guthrie, Ernest Graham . . . . . . .. 291 Mott, John R. …………….. 227 Hanselmann, R. R. …………. 41 Munds. William C………….. 422 Harrison, J. F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Murray, J. Lovell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Harrison. Paul W ………….. 393 Muste, A. J ……………….. 287 Henry, Edith Fuess ………… 572 Neprash,1. V. …………….. 36 Hinman, George W. ……….. 337· Newton, Lucilda A. ………… 44 Hoffmann, Conrad. Jr……. 261, 390 Novotny, Joseph ………….. 522 Hondelink, Grace H. ……….. 192 Paton, William ……………. 399 Page Contributed Articles Page Afghanistan-Trip into Closed, J. Page China, Tragedy and Triumph, Christy Wilson ………… 132 W. Reginald Wheeler …… 229 Bible and the Koran, E. W. G. Africa, Revival in East, Lucilda Hudgell ………………. 27 – "What a Time to Be in," Cour- A. Newton ……………. 44 tenay H. Fenn ………… 567 Borneo–Call of the Dyacks, R. A. – South, Black and White in, J affray ……. ,……….. 571 – What Is in a Name in, Geoffrey Kenneth G. Grubb ……… 189 W. Royall ……………. 122 Bowen, George, of Bombay, Rob- – Story of Malam Ibrahim, The, ert E. Speer ………….. 215 Christ Found a Mexican Colonel, A. P. Stirrett ………… 94 How, N. W. Taylor ………. 425 Brazil, Need of Students in, – West, Some Transformations Harold A. Cook ……….. 361 – in Crowded Streets, Serving, in, G. C. Beanland ……… 417 Robert A. McKibben ……. 279 – Presenting the Gospel in, E. M. African Market, Sauntering in do Amaral ……………. 585 – in History, Influence of, Ken- an, Julia Lake Kellersberger 224 neth Scott Latourette …… 7 Bulgaria, "Unofficial" Missionary America and the World's Crisis, to, Kroum Stoyanoff ……. 345 – Universality of, E. Stanley Inabelle Graves Coleman … 592 Jones ……………….. 526 Bulletin of the Council of Women – World Youth Looks at, Charles for Home Missions, Edith E. Christ's Forgotten Com man d, D. Hurrey ……………. 38 Lowry ……………. Monthly Obeying, Eula Kennedy Long 584 American Indian Young People . 546 Cathedral on Wheels in Ohio, Christianity, Modern Challenge Arabia, Medical Work in, W. Har- Norman R. Sturgis …….. 170 to, Wm. Paton . . . . . . . . . . . .. 399 old Storm …………….. 23 Children's Page, Violet Wood. 542, 603 Church Federations Gan Do, – New Survey of Neglected, China, Christian Literature for, What, Walter R. Mee …… 273 Samuel M. Zwemer …….. 519 Frank R. Millican ……… 92 – of Christ Challenges the City, Assam Christians, Short Sketches – Christian Morale in War Torn, Dwight J. Bradley ……… 333 of, Randolph L. Howard .. .. 236 Frank W. Price . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 30 [622 ] Page Page Page Church Serving the Community, India, New Outlook in, Alexander Missionary, Message for Today, William C. Munds ……….. 422 McLeish ……………… 133 Julius Richter ………….. 20 Churches in Asia, Problems of, – Outlook for Churches in, B. L. -of Tomorrow, The Foreign, J. Akira Ebisawa ………… 532 Rallia Ram …………… 535 Lovell Murray ……….. " 85 City Church, Preaching the Gos- – Place of Christian Education, – Pioneering Today, Kenneth G. pel in a, H. A. Ironside …. 282 P. G. Bha~at ………… 472 Grubb……………….. 82 _ Downtown Church Can Do, – Saintly Surgeon of, Margaret Missions in a Realistic World, McKellar …………….. 538 Realistic, Howell D. Davies . 172 What a, Frederick B. Fisher 349 _ Inner and the Outer, Ernest – Some Facts About . . . . . . . . . .. 456 -to Pastors, Practical Value of, – "The Blind Receive Their Archibald G. Adams ……. 405 Graham Guthrie ……….. 291 – Life, Christ at the Center of, Sight," Stuart Bergsma …. 482 Money Is Myself-Is It Mine? " 300 – White Yogi of Bombay, George M 0 s I ems, Encouragements in Aubrey S. Moore ………. 263 Bowen, Robert E. Speer …. 215 Work for, George Swan …… 222 – Missions – "Charge Rat her – Three Great Missionaries to, C. Moslems-Privilege of Preaching Than a Retreat," Richard E. Scully ……………….. 325 E. Abraham ………….. 484 to, Stephen Khoobyar …… 581 – Work for the Outcastes, J. – Rethinking Missions with, S. – Neighbors in the Slums, Mark A. Dawber ……………. 299 Waskom Pickett ……….. 475 Neale Alter ………… '" 134 Indian Christian, An – Pandita Nationality Nights, Flo r en c e – of Tomorrow, Looking to the, Charles H. Sears ………. 351 Ramabai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 488 Gordon………………. 95 – Sadhus and Ashrams, W. Q. New Guinea, Visit to Dutch, R. A. – Outdoor, Evangelism for the City, J. Arthur Springer … 342 Lash ………………… 574 J affray ………………. 329 – Church Rea d the Bib I e – – Yesterday, Today and To- – Prime Needs of a, G. H. Bech- told …………………. 594 Through in One Day, How morrow, R. R. Hanselmann. 41 an, Marguerite Grove Modak 167 Pastor and Missionary Education, -Problems, Me e tin g Modern, – Religions, Present Day, Nicol Herbert E. Eberhardt …… 266 Mac Nicol ……… . . . . . . .. 462 A, Jesse H. Arnup …….. 187 India's Attitude Toward Chris- Peace ……………………. 598 – Religious Problems of a Mid- tianity, Augustine RaIla Ram 467 Philippine Progress, The Dynamic west City, L. Merle Rymph . 409 Industrial Workers, Contacts with, A. J. Muste ……… 287 of, Enrique C. Sobrepena " 78 – Suburban Church Can Do Institutional Missionary Work, Philippines, Challenge of the, What? Frank Fitt …….. 297 Should the Church Discon- tinue, G. Baez Camargo …. 357 Norman S. McPherson ….. 360 – The Church Challenges the, Iraq, Holy Moslem Cities of, Cal- Poem-It Is Hard to Work for Dwight J. Bradley …….. 333 vin K. Staudt …………. 185 Iran, A Sacred City of, Dwight God, F. W. Faber ………. 461 – United Church Project, A, M. Donaldson …………. 419 Policeman Transformed, A, Paul Gordon R. Lahrson …….. 295 Islam Awakening, Is, Samuel M. Zwemer ………………. 177 L. Buffa ……………… 289 – Youth Problem of the, Robert – Signs of the Undertow of, Sam- Post Office Christian Association, V. Russell ……………. 270 uel M. Zwemer ………… 220 Japanese Christian Work for Out- The, B. G. Lovelace …….. 137 Confucius to Christ, From, An- castes, Winburn T. Thomas. 231 Privileged to Help the Under- drew Gih …………….. 71 Koran, Bible and the, E. W. G. Hudgell ………………. 27 privileged, E n lis tin g the, Czechoslovakia, Reality and Ro- Samuel E. West ……….. 426 mance in, Joseph Novotny .. 522 – What Is the? E. E. Elder …. 578 Rural America, Field Notes on .. 96 Korea, Happy Lepers in, R. M. Russia, Soviet, Religious Situa- Eclectic Religions, J. Christy Wil- tion in, Nicholas Arseniev .. 128 son ………………….. 589 Wilson ………………. 33 Student World, Man Who Stirred K 0 l' e a n Preachers Illustrate, the-Robert Wilder, Various Effective Ways of Working, Grace Authors ……………… 226 McGavran .. Monthly-Sept.-Dec. When, F. S. Miller …….. 34 Russians, Distributing Bibles to, -Madras, Looking Forward to, J. V. Neprash …………. 36 Effective Ways of Working, Mrs. Sang, Mansur-A Christian Der- Estella S. Aitchison ……. . Paul W. Harrison ……… , 393 vish, J. Christy Wilson …. 182 ………… .Monthly–Jan.-July McDowell, John, A Sketch of, Santo Domingo, Christian Unity in Practice, Bar n e y N. Foreig-n Mission Appeals Today, Delavan L. Pierson …….. 11 Morgan………………. 89 H. Kerr Taylor ………. " 140 Meshed, a S'acred City, The Story Shall We Cure War? Anne See- sholtz ………………… 147 -,—- Missions, Modern Demands and, of, Dwight M. Donaldson … 419 Stewardship Statistics ……… 591 Charles E. Maddry …….. 17 Message to Non-Christians, What Sunday Schools Over the World, The, Robert M. Hopkins …. 402 Formosa-Visit to Beautiful, a, Is Our? L. Levonian ……. 234 Tibet, Christian Martyr from, Al- George H. Winn ……….. 125 Mexico Today, Gospel in, Walter fred D. Zahir . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 339 Tibetans ,at the Crossroads, E. B. Furlough, Looking Back on Our, Montano ……………… 354 Steiner ………………. 395 Ray E. Phillips ………… 363 – Winds Shift in. By a Resident T u r key Today, Religion in, Charles T. Rig-gs ………. 327 "God and Company, Unlimited," of the Republic ………… 123 Milton W. Pullen ………. 276 Migrant Workers, Misery Among, Wanless, Sir William, Margaret McKellar …………….. 538 Gospel to the Test, Putting the, Mark A. Dawber . . . . . . . . . .. 181 J. F. Harrison ………… 284 Migrants ………………. 49, 601 Why I Believe in Jesus Christ, Mine-Boy to Moderator–John Chiang Kai-shek .. , …….. 415 Imad-ud-din – A Convert from Islam ……………….. 573 McDowell, Delavan L. Pier- Wilder, Robert P., Sketch of, …. 226 son………………….. 11 Woman's Faith. Power of a, India Adventure in Panjab Vil- Ministers and Missions-in Rela- lages, Helen A. Duff ……. 587 tion to the Local Church ….. 143 George W. Himman …….. 337 Missionary Appeals Today, Effec- World Christianity, Movement – As a Mission Field Today, tive, Cleland B. McAfee …. 75 Alexander McLeish …….. 457 Missionary Is Converted, A, Edith for, Julius Richter . . . . . . . .. 178 Fuess Henry ………….. 572 World's Fair of Missions, Grace – Evangelistic Work in Ludhiana -Knows, What a, Geoffrey W. Hospital, D. M. Payne ….. 596 Roy,alI ……………….. 80 H. Hondelink . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 192 Youth, World, Looks at America, – Hindus Buy Gospels, Marguer- ite Modak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 589 Chas. D. Hurrey . . . . . . . . . . . 38 – How Lift Christ Up in, By a Missionary in India …….. 590 – Indian Christian Work in, P. Oomman Philip .. . . . . . . . . .. 478 – Indian View of the Task in, S. K. Datta …………… 465 – Indian Women Evangelizing, E. N. Wells …………… 480 Page Topics of the Times Page America, Is Religion Declining in 5 Page Japanese Shrine Worship, New Steps in ……………… 323 Arabia-Bates College Project in, Critics, Responsibility of ……. 165 Miriam B. Mabee ………. 121 Czechoslovakia, Plight of ……. 517 Jewry in Distress! What of It? Doors, Closed and Open …….. 3 Conrad Hoffmann, Jr……. 261 – Fifty Years in ………….. 566 Edinburgh to Madras, From …. 452 Foreign Mission Problems at To- Korea, Christian Progress in … 68 Asia, Present Crisis in ……… 515 Literacy, Missions and Life ….. 213 ronto, Gertrude Schultz …. 68 Missions at the General Assembly, China – Christian Activity in Home Mis s ion Cooperation, "Occupied Areas" …… . . .. 453 Courtenay H. Fenn …….. 326 Thirty Years of ………. " 70 Negroes, Crisis Among ……… 518 – Opportunities in ………… 67 India, As Christ Looks at …… 451 Retired Missionaries Can Do – Day of Opportunity in ….. " 212 -Missionary Problems …….. 564 – Only Name in ………….. 163 What? ……………….. 455 – Today, So This Is ……….. 518 Signs of Missionary Progress .. , 453 – Recent Developments in, Frank Iran, Christian Cooperation in " 455 Utrecht Conference-"That All W. Price ……………… 115 Irreligion and Paganism, Conrad May Be One" . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 325 China's Need, Our Response to .. 260 Hoffmann, Jr………….. 390 "War to End War," The…….. 4 Chosen Christians, Dilemma of, 564 Italy, Evangelical Christians in. 6 What Do We See in This World . 323 Christ and the Modern City …. 259 Japan-Emergency in ………. 212 Will Madras Meet the Opportu- Christians and the Turmoil in Japan's Losing Battle ………. 391 nity? ………………… 565 India ………………… 164 Youth for Christ, The .. . . . . . . .. 390 – Message for Today, The …… 211 Christmas Gifts for 1938 …… 563 Page Book Reviews PaDe Ambassador in Bonds, An, May Page Moving Millions, E. Stanley C. Purser ……………. 160 J ones, etc. ……………. 512 Educational Missions at Work, Apostle of China, James Arthur Ed. by H. P. Thompson …. 384 Notes on a Drum (Guatemala), Muller ……………….. 111 Joseph H. Jackson. . . . . . . .. 63 Following in His Train, Mrs. J. "Ask and It Shall Be Given You," W. Cox ………………. 447 Open Door in China, The, Martin Ida Goepp Pierson ……… 158 A. Hopkins …………… 208 For the Mountains, William Bible Problems Solved, George H. Goodell Frost …………. 208 Out of the East, Wm. A. Stanton 560 Gudebrod …………….. 256 Paul, a Christian Financier, Her- Fun and Festival from India, Bowen of Bombay, George, Robert Rose Wright ………….. 512 bert E. Blair ………….. 382 E. Speer ……………… 255 Presbyterians, The, Will i a m Goforth of China, His Wife …. 207 Leonard Peter Brink, Lee S. Hui- Happy Though Poor, Donald Grey Thompson Hansche …….. 448 zenga ………………… 160 Problems of the Pacific, W. L. Barnhouse .. , Third Cover-May "Broken Guns," Eleanor Holston Hearts Aglow (Japan), Honami Holland and Kate L. Mitchell 160 Brainerd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 112 Religion in Central America, Ken- Nagata and Lois Johnson "By Faith"-Henry W. Frost and Erickson ……………. " 512 neth G. Grubb ………… 207 the China Inland Mission, Dr. Highland Heritage, Edwin E. Resurrection of the Human Body, and Mrs. Howard Taylor … 559 White ……………….. 111 Norman H. Camp ……… . Case Against Japan, The, Charles Himself – Autobiography of a ………….. Third Cover-Feb. R. Shepherd ………….. 558 Hindu Lady, Ramabai Ra- Roman Catholicism and Freedom, nada ………………… 617 Cecil John Cadoux ……… 560 Challenge of Burma, Alice Towne Romantic Isles-A Sketch of the Eveleth ………………. 256 History of the Expansion of Church in the West Indies, Christianity, Kenneth Scott John Levo ………. .' ….. 112 Chaos of Cults, The, J. K. Van Latourette ……………. 446 Solitary Throne, The, Samuel M. Baalen ………………. 384 Zwemer ………………. 62 'ruan Hoover of Borneo, Frank Francisco Fulgencio Soren, L. M. China Marches toward the Cross, T. Cartwright ……….. " 320 Bratcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 512 Earl H. Cressey ………. 618 Ship East-Ship West, Elizabeth Household of Faith, The, Arthur Miller Lobingier ……….. 320 China Through a College Window, Emerson Harris ……….. 558 Star in the East, The, C. Darby William G. Sewell ………. 158 Fulton ……………….. 512 Interpretative Statistical Survey Story of Topsy, The, Mildred Christian High Schools in India, of the World Mission of the Cable and Francesca French 208 Alice B. Van Doren …….. 511 Christian Church. Ed. by Toward a Literate World, Frank Joseph I. Parker …… 453, 619 C. Laubach …………… 619 Christian Message in a Non- Christian World, The, H. It Began in Galilee, Reginald J. Vivid Experiences in Korea, W. Kraemer ……………… 382 Barker ………………. 617 Chisholm …………….. 559 Church Can Save the World, "It Is Hard to Be a Christian," What Has Christianity to Say, Samuel M. Shoemaker ….. 619 Samuel M. Zwemer …….. 111 F. R. Barry ……… . . . . .. 620 Church Takes Root in India, The, Japan Christian Year Book, Ed- Who Is the Holy Spirit? Henry Basil Mathews ………… 490 ited by Charles Iglehart …. 511 W. Frost …………….. 447 City and Church in Transition, Johanna of Nigeria, Henry Beets 448 Williams of Nanking, John E., W. Murray H. Leifrer ……… 383 Land of Umbrellas, The, Ruth Reginald Wheeler ……… 64 City's Church, The, H. Paul Henrich ……………… 160 Windows, Amy Carmichael ….. 158 Douglass ……………… 319 Life of John McDowell, A. Working Faith for the World, Clark, S. J. W., Roland Allen … 447 Chester Mann …………. 558 Hugh Vernon White ……. 619 Crowded Ways, The, Charles Man Who Moved Multitudes, (D. World in Which Jesus Lived, The, Hatch Sears . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 319 L. Moody), R. D. Johnston.. 64 Basil Mathews ………… 256 Dannie and the Alabaster Box, Meaning of Moody, The, P. Whit- Youth in the Toils, L. V. Harrison Constance Savery ……… 448 well Wilson …………… 448 and P. McN. Grant …….. 448 Der Arbeitslohn in China, Dr. Medical Missions at Work, H. P.
Paul Arndt …………… 620 Thompson … Third C01Jer-Feb. Devotees of Christ, D. S. Batley. 617 Miracles in a Doctor's Life, Divine Art of Soul-Winning, J. O. Walter Lewis Wilson …… 64 Sanders ……………… 63 Missionary Education of Adults, Dr. Ida, India, Mary P . Jeffrey . 617 John Leslie Lobingier …… 383
The Missionary Review of the World — December 1938
1938
"What a Time to Be in China 1"
Courtenay H. Penn The Call of the Dyacks of Borneo R. A. Jaf/ray Christian Sadhus and Ashrams w. Q. Lash What Is the Koran?
E. E. Elder The Privilege of Preaching to Moslems -Stephen Khoobyar Presenting the Gospel in Brazil E. M. Do Amaral The Prime Needs of a City Church G. H. Bechtold 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to. Remember LET CHRISTMAS COME T:O
December 6-9-Biennial meeting of The chUdren of war.torn China. orphaned. abandoned. hopeless. lift appealing the Federal Council of Churches, hands. Your prayers and aid wUlllive them a Christian Christmas. Buffalo, N. Y. HOME OF OMESIPHORUI December 13-30 – International Mis- sionary Council, Madras, India. TAIAN. SHANTUNG. CHINA December 30-31 – All-India Confer- Thill faith work. one of the largest Christian institutions in the Orient. has saved ence of Indian Christians, Madras, thousands. Founded more than two decades ago by the Rev. and Mrs. Anglin. India. Thousands of earnest Christians have been blessed by sharin. their means in this ministry. Your help now will make Christmas a time of joy for hopeless chUdren January 8-10, 1939 – Home Missions and a time of reaping a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom. Council, Baltimore, Md. Write today for FREE picture and story of Chinese girl shown in this ad; January 21-25 – Cause and Cure of also receive "Helping China's Helpless." If God speaks to your heart, War Conference, Washington, D. C. enclose cheCk or money order or indicate willingness to join in prayer for God'. blessing on this work. Addres.: January 23-February IS-Iowa School for Missionaries. Iowa State College, HOME OF ONESIPHORUS American Office Ames, Iowa. 2811 North Racine Avenue Drawer 36 Chicago, Illinois February 6-l4-International Council of Religious Education, Chicago, Ill. Hughes was born in Atlanta, Ga., sev- Amoy, China, under the Reformed enty-two years ago. Church in America, died at Hemp- FLORIDA CHAIN OF MISSION- stead, L. I., on November 12th at the ARY ASSEMBLIES *** age of 85. She was born in China, the daughter of the Rev. John Van January 24-26-Jacksonville. Miss Annabel Galt, retired mission- Nest Talmadge, a missionary, and January 25-27-Daytona Beach. ary of the Presbyterian Board, died in after being educated in America re- January 28-February I-Miami. Orlando, Fla., October 3. Miss Galt turned for her long service in Amoy January 29-31-Ft. Lauderdale. went to Siam in. 1891, and was sta- and came to America only last year, February l-3-Palm Beaches. tioned at Petchaburi for eight years. suffering from the effects of a frac- February 4-8-0rlando. From 1900, she was connected with tured hip. February 5-7-DeLand. Bangkok Christian College as teacher February 9-l0-Sarasota. of English. In addition to this work *** February 8-l0-Ft. Myers. she taught Bible classes, prepared and February 11-I6-St. Petersburg. edited several textbooks in Siamese, Mrs. A,no Liza Gulick, the widow February l2-15-Clearwater. aided in planning and developing the of the Rev. O. H. Gulick, formerly a February 17-18-Southern College. women's organizations in the local and missionary to Japan under the Amer- February 19-21-Tampa. National church, and worked in the ican Board of Commissioners for For- February 19-21-Winter Haven. Sunday school and community. eign Missions, died in Honolulu on February 22-23-Quincy. October 9th at the age of 105. She February 23-24-Tallahassee. *** was born in the Hawaiian Islands and February 24-26-All College. later attended Mt. Holyoke College, The Rev. John B. Dunlap, D.D., an Massachusetts. She was married to Obituary Notes honorably retired missionary from Mr. Gulick in 1855 and went to Japan Siam of the Presbyterian Church, where they remained until 1892 when Dr. Murdoch MacKenzie, of the U. S. A., died in Los Gatos, California they returned to Hawaii to work United Church of Canada, widely on September 22nd. He was born in among the Japanese. known by reason of nearly fifty years' New Alexandria, Pa., on Sept. 12, service for missions in Honan, China, 1860, and after being graduated from THf PRfSBYTfRIAn died recently. Dr. Murdoch was born Washington and Jefferson College and eighty years ago in Scotland. In Western Theological Seminary, he (0 The only weekly in the 1883, he went to Canada, was educated sailed for Siam in 1888 and remained Presbyterian Church. in McGill University, and the Presby- there for forty years, teaching and terian Seminary in Montreal; in 1889, doing extensive evangelistic work. He (. Its message is based upon he was sent to Honan, and with Dr. also prepared a Siamese hymnal and the Revealed Word of God. Jonathan Goforth had many perilous directed the work of the Mission Press experiences. Dr. MacKenzie was a in Bangkok. (0 Goes into every state in man of profound and devout scholar- the Union, U. S. possessions ship, upon which he drew with untir- *** and many foreign countries. ing energy in the training of a native ministry. The Rev. Masue Kawazoe, veteran Subscription rate – $2.50 pastor of the Church of Christ in J a- Ministerial rate . . $2.00 Shortly before his death, he realized pan (the Presbyterian and Reformed a long-cherished desire to visit the Church) died July 11th at his home SOc. extra..Canadian postage Holy Land, and a farewell visit to his in Tokyo. Mr. Kawazoe. was born in $1.50 extra.. Foreign postage native Scotland. Kochi sixty-nine years ago, was bap'- tized at seventeen, educated at MeJji THE PRESBYTERIHn *** Gakuin, Tokyo, and Auburn Semi- nary, New York. After being or- 121 7 Market Street Samuel Bryant, Treasurer of the dained in 1898, he was pastor of Philaclelphia, Pa. American Baptist Home Mission So- churches in Nagasaki, Osaka and ciety since 1919, died at his home in Tokyo. He was a member of the Palisades Park, N. Y., September 21. Committee on the Revision of the He had devoted eight of the nineteen New Testament, on the editorial staff years of service without salary. of the Christian Literature Society of Japan, formerly dean of the Theo- *** logical Department of Meiji Gakuin. president emeritus of the Japan Theo- Mrs. Isabel Hughes, wife of Bishop logical Seminary, former president of Edwin H. Hughes of the Methodist the Synod of the Church of Christ in Episcopal Church, died in Washing- Japan, pastor emeritus of the Aoyama ton, D. C., September 16, after an ill- Church, Tokyo. and one of the foreness of more than two years. Mrs. most Japanese scholars of New Testa- ment Greek.
*** Miss Katharine M. Talmadge. for sixty-four years a missionary in
Malwa-the Great Temple THE
REVIEW OF THE WORLD When Ihe good wOl'k calls you Easl … sail DBLAVAN L. PIBBBON, BeUtor p&O VOL. LXI DEC., 1938 No. 12 Publication and Buslnesa Ollie&– Third and Reily Ste., Harrlsburl, Pa.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROBBRT E. SPBBR, President A. L. WABNBlIUIB, V'CtI-Prerilknt W ALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer DELAVAN L. PIBBSON, Secretaf'1/ PAUL J. BRAISTED SAKUBL MCCREA CAVERT D. J. FANT MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD WK. B. LIPPllABD ERIC M. NORTH SAMUBL M. ZWEKER 1938 marks the second century of P & 0 Editorial Chat The great white Empresses hold service to the lands beyond Suez! When- every speed record to and from ever you are called to the other side of Here endeth our sixty-first volume the Orient. 10 days direct to the world, choose this traditional route. of THE REVIEW. But another volume Yokohama by Empress of Asia Cross to England by Cunard White Star begins with the January number. or Empress of Russia. Or only . . • and then embark in a great liner of This coming year is one that you will three days more via Hawaii by the P & 0 and British India fleets, led not wish to miss. Never were there Empress of Japan, largest and by the new 23,SOO-ton Stratheden and greater problems that face the Church fastest on the Pacific, or Empress Strathallan, featuring air-conditioned of Christ in China, Korea, Japan, In- of Canada. Connect at Honolulu dining saloons in first-class, hot and cold dia, Europe, and America. Never was from California ports. running water throughout, built-in out- there greater need for Christ and His From Vancouver and Victoria of-door swimming pools, children's play- Gospel; never were there larger op- to Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, rooms! Regular service to Egypt, Sudan, portunities or greater encouragements. Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila. Iranian Gulf, India, Burma, Ceylon, THE REVIEW will keep you informed Details from YOUR TRAVEL Straits Settlements, China, Japan, Aus- on these points and on progress all AGENT or Canadian Pacific,: tralia, East and South Africa, Mauritius. over the world. 41 offices in U. S. and Canada. Special reductions and generous baggage allowance for missionaries. *** Convenient through bookings can be ar- In 1939 we plan to take up the most important topics discussed at the rangedby your travel agent or any office of Madras Conference, together with rad- ical changes proposed in missionary CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE policies and methods. Mrs. Howard Taylor is to tell in our January issue General Agents the inspiring story of how God guided the program of the China Inland Mis- 25 Broadway and 638 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. sion in North America. It is a story that all should read.
A number of pastors and mission- ary executives will tell "How to In- terest Men in Missions." The answers they give are illuminating for they come from experience.
Here is the c*om*men*t of one reader as to the value of THE REVIEW: "We have been delighted with THE REVIEW. Please enter our subscrip- tion sufficiently in advance so that we will not miss any of the issues. We do not care to be without the mag- azine. It is a source of spiritual power and inspiration to us."
MRS. HOWARD THOMAS, American Presbyterian Mission, Kiulung- kiang, Yunnan, China.
[561 ]
~ C!Cbristian C!Cbristmas :!fMessage
FROM JAPAN TO CHINA* DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS: I ask your pardon for my nation. Because of what. we are doing, I cannot preach in the Name of Christ. … I ask your attention to this fact; however, that even in Japan the majority of the Japanese people were against sending any troops to China. We Christians were bit- terly opposed to it. Therefore pardon us, pardon me especially, because our Christian forces were not strong enough to get the victory over the militarists. But the day will come when we shall be strong enough to do so, and when both nations will be harmonious and peaceful in the Name of Christ. . . . We Japanese love China. Where the city of Kyoto stands today there was in former times a colony of Chinese farmers. Because they had the highest culture then known, the Japanese Imperial Household moved to that district. As the city of Kyoto grew up, eighty per cent of its noble families came to be of Chinese descent. Among the immigrant strains in Japan, from the Southern Seas, from Korea, from Siberia, from Mongolia, the one which has contributed the dominant factor to Japanese civilization is from China. Therefore we who know the facts love China. But unless we, in both Japan and China, become more Christian, we shall never have per- manent peace. . . . Sometimes we are very selfish and even some Christians do not see the need of praying. . . . When you are contented, and have no holy ambition to build up the nation, you may have no desire to pray. . . . Oppressed by wars, oppressed by capitalism, op- pressed by the injustice of the present economic social system-can we ignore the needs of men? If we are contented with the sort of world we have at present, there is no use of praying to God. But if we want real peace, and real humanity, real Godliness, there are many problems for the solution of which we must pray. We must pray for each of the nations, for Africa, for India, and for China and Japan. We must pray for world peace, for the uplifting of the poor, for the desert to be made green, for the New Age, for the New Society. We must pray for science to be controlled by conscience. . . .
If you pray, world peace will be realized; the poor will be emancipated. Abraham Lin- coln prayed through the night before he wrote his Emancipation Proclamation. I believe it was because he prayed that the four millions of poor slaves were emancipated.
Unless Christ is glorified in the Orient, the fate of our continent will be very dismal. Un- less we believe in Christ, and deepen our spiritual life with Christian idealism, peace will never come…. Stanley Jones, in his small pamphlet entitled "Christ on the Andes Road,"
tells of how war had long prevailed between Argentine and Chile. After many years a reconcili- ation was suggested, and they came to the conclusion that they must have peace through Christ.
On the top of the mountain range between the two countries a great statue was erected of the Saviour, Christ, stretching out His arms, on the one side blessing Argentine, and on the other side blessing Chile. May the Prince of Peace come thus in the Orient, and bless China on the one hand and Japan on the other! TOYOHIKO KAGAWA.
• From Friends oj Jesus (December. 1931) .
.. IIl~~!IJI!IJI!i!i~~!IJI!i!lJl!i!i!i!i!i:IIl!i»a!i!i~!i!lJl!i!lJli; [562 ] REVIB ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 12 DECEMBER, 1938 Topics of the Times REAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR 1938 moting international peace and a cessation from the building of a great army and air force. The widespread spirit of Christmas giving throughout the world is evidenced by the general Suppose that in Spain, Loyalists and Revoluobservance of Christmas even among the non- tionists should extend to each other the right hand Christians-in music, festivals, cards and the too- of brotherhood and should give themselves to the often formal exchange of gifts. How much of this work of promoting righteousness, brotherly love, activity is truly motivated and directed by the and the rebuilding of their national life on a firm Spirit of Christ? Christians acknowledge that basis. Italy might celebrate their Christmas by giving Ethiopia her freedom and her own people every good gift comes from God – our physical a release from fear. Mexico's gift might be not and mental powers, spiritual things – and are only a square deal for the peons and for the available even though we neglect, reject, despise Church but the right to teach Christianity and a or misuse them. The best gifts are those that no just settlement of questions involved in the conmoney can buy, and that enrich the recipient while fiscation of property.
they do not impoverish the giver. What about England and America? Could not With Himself, Jesus Christ gave the world His Great Britain make a better Christmas gift than love, peace and joy, the forgiveness of sin and 5,000 new bombing airplanes? How would the Life Eternal. Spirit of Christ best be shown in the settlement of Was there ever a time in history when these the Irish question, the problem of Palestine, Homegifts were more needed than today? How much rule in India and in the matter of German colit would mean if they were everywhere received onies? In America the Christmas spirit is not and shared? How infinitely better these would be shown in the increase of armaments and of taxes. than the gift of greater material prosperity for There is abundant opportunity to celebrate in a which men are striving so eagerly – better even settlement of labor difficulties and by giving unthan new laws, than new labor-saving inventions, selfish, efficient government to the nation, states higher wages. or shorter hours of work! and cities. Christ-like Christmas gifts would in- What a difference it would make in the world clude the general observance of laws and customs today if the true Spirit of Christ were manifested that promote purity in the home and personal life ; this year among all nations in the observance of sincerity in the worship of God; brotherly treat- Christmas. Imagine the effect if Japan, moved ment of Negroes, Mexicans and Orientals. Amer- by this Spirit, should give peace to China and true ica might celebrate in a Christ-like way by using religious liberty to the Koreans.. Suppose that her wealth to meet the crying needs of others Soviet Russia should celebrate Christmas by giv- around the world. Would not this be a different world if the love of Christ and a knowledge of ing the right to teach youth to know and worship His Way of Life should direct the Christmas cele- God, freedom to political prisoners and freedom bration of all nations in 1938 and in the years to of the press and speech! What if Germany gave civil rights and freedom from persecution to her come?
Jewish population, freedom from religious and We may not be able to control the giving of the political oppression to pastor Niemoller and other nations, but what about ourselves? As individuals Christians, friendly cooperation to Europe in pro- how can we best show our sense of indebtedness [563 ]
to Christ; how can we truly reveal His Spirit and thousands of Chinese find food, protection and make this a joyful Christmas, effectively carrying loving sympathy.
forward the work that He came to do-in our own Z. Should missionaries leave their stations to lives, in our home circle, in our nation and in the follow the fleeing Chinese so as to continue or world, to make this a truly joyful Christmas? establish work among them in new centers where little has been done? This course has been fol- MISSIONARY PROBLEMS IN CHINA lowed in the case of faculties of many schools and With the Japanese war-machine pressing on- colleges which have been closed by the Japanese ward in the west and south of China, the Christian advance. The Nanking University work has been missionaries as well as the Chinese find themselves moved to Chengtu in Szechuan; the faculties of in a difficult position. Driving onward up the Soochow College and Schools have been moved to Yangtse River the Japanese have captured Han- Shanghai and elsewhere ; much of the Bethel Miskow, Wuchang and Hanyang where over one hun"- sion of Shanghai has been transferred to Hongdred and fifty American and British missionaries kong or Kowloon, since their property has been have been working under the London Missionary occupied by the Japanese. Foochow College stu- Society, China Inland Mission and the American dents have been moved to a less dangerous. location Protestant Episcopal Church and twenty other further inland, since the Japanese seem to plan missions. In this Wu-Han district are located hos- the destruction of educated Chinese. Thus the pitals, colleges and schools and churches that Christians have sought to conserve their resources mean much for the development of China. Al- and to carryon their work with as· little loss of ready many of the institutions have been moved life and with as much efficiency as possible. westward to Chentu and southward to Hongkong but, with the modern airplane in the hands of a 3. In cases of Japanese occupation and dominaruthless but skilful enemy, no people or place, tion in larger or smaller areas in China, should however remote or peaceful, is exempt from the missionaries remain at their posts as neutrals and devastation wrought by these engines of destruc- serve all within reach-whether Chinese or J aption. The Chinese armies, in spite of intense suf- anese-even cooperating with Japanese for confering and against heavy odds, are still fighting structive work? This view is held by some who courageously to defend themselves and their coun- believe that missionaries are supra-national. Most try from this invasion but the immediate outcome of the missionaries, however, believe that, while is impossibl~ to predict. The Christian mission- they are ready to minister in the Spirit of Christ aries are proving their sacrificial courage, their to all within reach, their first responsibility is to real love for the Chinese and their resourcefulness the Chinese to whom they have gone as ambassain this time of danger. Without their help the dors of Christ. They believe that the Chinese are situation of the Chinese in the war areas would the victims of an unprovoked attack, and realize be infinitely worse; more and more the Chinese that there are still many millions of the people realize this. But the problems of the missionaries who have never yet even heard the Gospel and are many and do not decrease as the war advances. there are many thousands of towns and villages Questions are raised: still without any representative of Christ. They have seen the nobility and faithfulness of Chinese 1. When war threatens their ve'ry existence Christians and believe that this time of fellowship should missionaries close their work and move with them in suffering is opening many Chinese elsewhere to carry on? Some few "neutrals" ad- hearts to Christ and His message of life as never vise this in order to avoid international complica- before. tions. But the missionaries as a whole reject this suggestion as desertion of their posts. and their Christians and the Christian Church have never flocks. While women with children, who could not been exempt from suffering; but history has be of help under war conditions, have been evac- proved, times without number, that the very uated from many stations, the vast number of "gates of hell shall not prevail" against those who missionaries remain at their posts and risk their are loyal to Christ and His program. Victory and deliverance is assured since Christ is the Victor.
lives to serve the Chinese. In one mission seventy THE DILEMMA OF KOREAN CHRISTIANS out of seventy-one stations are still kept open and missionaries continue to serve as ambassadors of Reports from Chosen show the determination Christ and helpers in time of need. Many schools of Japanese officials to compel Korean attendance and colleges are necessarily closed, or have moved at Shinto shrines. At first this order was enforced elsewhere, because of danger to pupils and the only in certain centers and in government schools.
occupation of property by the Japanese soldiers; It was then extended to all Christian colleges and but the hospitals and churches are kept open and schools and now is being enforced for theological mission compounds are used as refuges where seminaries and Bible school students(and teachers.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
Churches and other institutions are included in gods or to follow the superstitious rites propithe order to set up shrines or to bow before the tiating spirits in Africa and the islands of the sea. Emperor's picture. A refusal on conscientious grounds means rough treatment, imprisonment The situation in Korea is serious. In Formosa and other forms of persecution. the Shinto shrine rule has already been enforced. Apparently "Cresar" has won for the time being The Japanese officials are evidently determined and Christian schools that did not comply have to break down all opposition and are endeavoring been closed. There is danger that the Japanese to create a totalitarian Japanese Empire with ab- will endeavor to enforce the same regulations in solute and unquestioning obedience to every order Manchukuo and in occupied territory in China. of the Government. They recognize no God or Harmony is possible between national loyalty and law of God as of greater authority than the laws loyalty to God but there can be no truce between of the Empire, represented by their "divine" Em- the Japanese conception of Emperor worship and peror. While some officials declare that obeisance the Christian obligation to put God first in every at the shrines of the "Sun Goddess" is merely a phase of life. patriotic observance, they have refused to make any compromise in the ceremony such as will con- WILL MADRAS MEET THE OPPORTUNITY? vince Korean Christians that they can take part in the observance without disloyalty to God as the There is unquestionably a crisis in missions toonly object of worship. day. The conference at Madras, composed of selected delegates from mission churches 'and A crisis came in Chosen at the time of the meet- from American and European missionary leading of the Korean Presbyterian General Assembly ers, will be called upon to face that crisis. They on September 10th. The Japanese police ordered will consider, not so much the lack of missionary every delegate not to oppose going to Shinto candidates and missionary support from the shrines and many who refused were prevented sending churches, as the problems on the fieldfrom attending the Assembly. Missionaries were the promotion of self-support; their independence; asked to sign a statement that they would comply their union or inter-church cooperation in each with the order to advise their people to attend the area; the adequate training of native Christian shrines. They refused; if they attempted to speak leaders; the development of spiritual life in the on the subject at the General Assembly they were churches and homes; the place of education in forcibly prevented by the police who crowded the missions today; but, most of all, there must be an meeting place and sat on the platform. When the earnest study of the promotion of spiritual life, question was put-advising all to attend the of faith and Christlike service in each church and shrines-very few of the delegates responded; the group. Madras must look earnestly and fearlessly negative was not put to vote and some protested. at these problems and must prayerfully and hon- As a result several missionaries have felt it neces- estly seek God's guidance and power for their sary for them to withdraw from the General As- solution. Some present-day problems that form sembly and a committee has been appointed to the crisis seem to us to be as follows: appeal to Tokyo. Should secular education under mission con- The Japanese have also ordered that steps be trol be curtailed in many fields so as to release taken to alter the character and powers of the workers and money for direct evangelistic work. General Assembly, making the Moderator a "legal The church leaders must face this matter couraperson" with authority to act for the whole geously or they may be forced out of this field Church; there are signs that the Korean Church by governments that wish to control education. may be compelled to unite in one organization with the Church in Japan. Some new plan should be formulated whereby churches and institutions in the field will ex- Loyal Korean Christians are suffering in many ercise a greater degree of self-government, and at ways-in prison and out. They offer no objection the same time receive substantial support from to showing loyalty to the Japanese Emperor, to abroad, when they show that they will use it efthe Government and obedience to all righteous fectively. That problem of support must be faced laws; but multitudes take the stand that they and solved. choose persecution and death rather than be disloyal to God. It is' practically the old question More attention must be given to the developraised in Israel by the worship of Baal, in the ment of spirit-filled and intelligent Bible-trained Roman Empire by the order to worship Roman Christian workers in every church and in each gods and in every mission field in recent years field. The means must be found for the increase where Christians have faced persecution because and improvement in such training by schools, they have determined to worship God as revealed institutes and conferences. in Christ rather than acknowledge the prior claims of Mohammec or Buddha, the Hindu or Chinese Union mission enterprises are facing a crisis. If they are to continue they need to be placed on
a firmer spiritual basis, with clearer agreement FIFTY YEARS IN ARABIA as to aims and teachings, and as to the spiritual power, personnel and methods on which their Arabia, the great western Asia peninsula, is abiding success depends. about one third the size of the United States, and with a scattered population of possibly 10,000,000 A new study should be made as to the type of -chiefly nomadic tribes of Arabs, most of them missionary that is needed in order to cooperate hunters, traders and fishermen. There was no harmoniously with the leaders of the native Christian work among them, until in 1886 a churches, to help train spiritual workers, and to young man, Hon. Ion Keith-Falconer, went out do abiding, effective Christlike service. from England and settled in the small British out- post of Aden in southern Arabia. The Arabians How can the churches, and Christian groups in were scarcely touched by the Gospel Message. each field, conserve the essentials of the Christian Then two young Americans had a vision of the message? This includes the eternal, spiritual Neglected Peninsula. James Cantine and Samuel character of God, the Father; the revelation and M. Zwemer – college and seminary graduates, salvation provided in Christ, the Son of God; the connected with the Reformed Church-heard the guidance and power of the Spirit of God; the in- call of God and volunteered to go out as mission- tegrity and authority of the Bible as the Word of aries to these fanatical Moslems, without any God; the essential unity of Christians and their guarantee of Mission Board support. Peter work as witnesses of the redemption brought Zwemer joined them two years later but died in through Christ and His manifestation of the love 1898; the" other two continued the work. They established mission stations on the Persian Gulf, of God. traveled widely over the peninSUla and faced and How, at the same time, can the churches and survived opposition and many dangers. They are now "honorably retired" but still are active in Christians in each field contribute most to the America in behalf of Moslems the world over. promotion of God's control over human life– national, physical, economical, social, mental and After some years the Reformed Church in spiritual; and how can each country be free to America adopted the mission and has since spon- develop its own type of Christlike life and service sored its activities'. Their plans for the jubilee under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, without celebration includes an interesting history of the imitating American and European institutions? fifty years ("The Golden Milestone") prepared by Drs. Cantine and Zwemer; a tour has already But most of all, and affecting all, is the problem been taken among the churches; one secretary, of how the spiritual life of churches, families and Dr. F. M. Potter, has gone out to visit the field; individuals can be promoted most effectively so all Reformed Church congregations are to hold as to carry out the teachings and spirit of Jesus anniversary services on February 26, 1939; a Christ. thanksgiving offering is to be taken and used to strengthen the work; a church-wide study of Here is a large program for the four hundred Arabia is to be undertaken to inform Christians delegates during their two weeks' conference at at home as to the needs and progress of the Madras. The problems are different in Africa, Arabian enterprise. Here is a notable jubilee, Turkey, Iran, Latin America, China, India and worthy of joyful and sacrificial celebration. Japan. But the same principles underly them all and the same Spirit of God must show their solu- God's guiding and governing hand has been tion. China is sending a strong delegation to the clearly evident in the lives of the missionaries and conference but Japan can send very few; India in the development of the work. The evidences of will be well represented but many other fields this are clearly set forth in the history of the Mis- must depend on a small number of native leaders. sion prepared by the founders. Closed doors have America is sending about fifty and Europe (in- been opened, hostile sheikhs have become friendly; cluding Great Britain) as many more. One weak- invitations to visit new districts have been ex- ness will be in the absence of representatives of tended, even by the king, Ibn Saud himself; the independent, nondenominational missions like the interior and the coast have been explored; schools China Inland Mission, Christian and Missionary and hospitals have been established; tons of Alliance, Sudan Interior Mission and other "Faith Bibles and other Christian literature have been Missions." They represent a type of work and distributed; men, women and children have been . missionary ideal that should not be overlooked. won to Christ. Many of the stories of "Arabian Days Evangelism" are as thrilling as those of the It is a time for 'Christians at home to pray for "Arabian Nights Entertainment"; in addition the delegates at Madras and to prepare for the these missionary stories are true and stimUlating messages and the messengers who will be com- to Christian faith. ing back to report and to stir spiritual fires in America and Europe. Was there ever a greater need for a world-wide revival under the banner of Christ?
"What a Time to Be in China!"
By the REV. COURTENAY H. FENN, D.D. I ~. – I For Thirty-four Years a Missionary in China ,~==========================~ T HIS caption, from a missionary's letter* gives prehension has caused this experience to become graphic expression to the diametrically op- the time of unprecedented opportunity for the posite attitudes of two groups of people-an missionary and the time of unparalleled success attitude of repulsion and an attitude of exultation. for the Gospel.
In these days the most frequent salutation of a In view of this fact, what are the perils of war furloughed or retired China missionary from his and the hardships of seeing and ministering to acquaintances in America is: "Aren't you glad limitless suffering? Not only does the missionyou're not in China now?" With the current ary ask for no exemption from the sorrows of the newspaper and radio pictures of "bombs bursting people, but from the beginning has refused to in air" and in much more deadly proximity to accept such exemption when offered him. In so human lives and habitations, and with the maga- doing he has not merely won the hearts of the zines venturing at last to print eye-witness ac- suffering people, but also such grateful acclaim counts of the frightfully barbarous massacres and from the Chinese leaders that hitherto closed burnings and rapings perpetrated by a scientifi- doors have been thrown open to him and the limically equipped and demon-inspired invading horde, tations of liberty to give religious instruction in there are millions of our people, in the Church as the schools have been removed. The thanks of well as out of it, who cannot conceive of any the nation have been proclaimed by those highest other rational answer to the question than, "In- in authority and there has been a spontaneous outdeed I am glad!" Yet, mirabile dictu, the reply burst of appreciation of the sacrificial love, like from the missionary is, "No; I am distinctly that of the Saviour, of whose commission these sorry to be compelled to be out of China at this friends from the West have not been ashamed.
time, and only wish I might go back." And many Those who have kept closely in touch with the are going back, most of them invigorated for a events in China since JUly of 1937 have been better service at the end of a regular furlough, deeply impressed with the facts and the implicabut not a few volunteering to abbreviate the nor- tions of a widespread movement, which has been mal furlough in order to rejoin their mission asso- the inevitable consequence of the way in which ciates in the most strenuous, yet most interesting the war has been carried on. Its significance may and rewarding, ministry that China missionaries extend far beyond anything in the thought of have ever seen. Though God, in His wisdom, has either belligerent, and may achieve as beneficent not yet seen fit to "restrain the excess of wrath" a divine purpose as did the dispersion of the first (except in a marvelous preservation of missionary century Christians by the persecutions in Judea. lives), He has, to an almost unbelievable degree, Preceded by terror, accompanied by death .and "caused the wrath of men to praise Him." destruction, and followed by sanguinary "mop- ping-up," the invading armies have scattered the The first impressions of the savagery of the surviving Chinese civilian population in precipi- "undeclared war" were of frightfully wasting de- tate flight, carrying what little was left to them struction and of imminent peril to all missionary in a desperate trek over hundreds of miles of as well as humane interests. There has been no roads and rivers and wastes, as far as possible decrease in the savagery in spite of the protests from the devastating s.courge which had destroyed of a horrified and outraged world, no lessening of their property and taken the lives of countless the destruction and the threats; but, as the relatives, friends and neighbors. months have gone by, "the Form of the Fourth,"
like unto the Son of Man, has appeared in the There has been no respect of persons in this midst of the fire, with the Chinese Church, the hounding of the masses in flight. Men of wealth home Church and the mission, walking triumphant have been reduced to beggary; men of native and through the flames. A Power beyond human com- foreign education have been compelled to straggle • In the September number of The Ohinese Recorder, reprinted in a along the roads with the most ignorant and unlet- AFwmrerEicaas.tern Bulletin of the Foreign Missions Conference of North tered·, all alike have been kept from starving only [567 ]
by the kindness of those as yet undisturbed in a city and town and village to which the invading their homes by the oncoming storm, or through troops may never come. In cities like Shanghai the merciful provision by the Government or by and Nanking, laid waste from the air, the water the Christian Church, of refuges for the desolate. and the land, the hundreds of thousands of home- Entire schools and colleges, whose administration less, hopeless, wounded and sick, have made diffi- has been rendered impossible, or whose buildings cult the task of ministering even to the most acute have been bombed or occupied by the invaders, needs and this work has taxed the strength and have moved to distant provinces in the far in- the resources of Chinese and foreigners alike. In terior, or have combined with others in interna- the northern cities, now for months behind the tional settlements. Much of the culture of the lines of the invaders, tens of thousands have lost coastal provinces and of the great cities has thus all their possessions and must be helped; even in been transplanted to regions formerly considered Peking, which, through early surrender, suffered backward or unenlightened. It has been estimated less destruction than any other captured city, that at least thirty million people have been ren- refugees flee from the rural districts where dered homeless, unsettled from former founda- brigands prowl, as the invader controls little be- tions. And it is a most interesting fact that, from yond the city and the railroads, and soldiers work the beginning of the consequent migration, wise their nefarious wills on the peasantry.
men in the Government and in education foresaw Christians in the Crisis something of its extent and potential meaning and made far-reaching plans for turning the agony So practically throughout China there is des- and the evil to good purpose. Not only has the perate need of material help; and the loving min- Government opened many refuges for the mi- istration to that need, by missionaries and Chris- grants, but it has opened schools in many of these tian Chinese, has aroused hundreds of thousands places and has assisted the homeless wanderers of the suffering people to ask, "Why do these with food and clothing and means of transporta- Christians devote themselves to our relief, wash tion. In the remote west and southwest, where our sores, heal our wounds, feed our bodies and there have been few roads and no railways, mil- instruct our minds? They must surely have some- lions of men have been set to work to construct thing in their hearts which we do not have: what modern roads, while millions more are being is it? They say that they have learned it from trained for various industries, the machinery for Jesus Christ whose followers they are; from the which was early transported from Central and merciful Saviour who, they say, laid down His East China cities. The population of these west- life for us as well as for them." Thus the Gospel ern provinces having been greatly increased, in has found an entrance into many sorely burdened some cases doubled, by the migration from other and bewildered hearts; facilities have been pro- parts of the country, every effort is made to train vided, in Mission compounds. and elsewhere, for the newcomers for self-support through the de- study of the Christian truth and life, and multi- velopment of provincial resources and in the large tudes are being brought into the Kingdom of our variety of new construction called for by their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
presence and by national rehabilitation schemes. As one looks back a little more than a year to Model counties are being organized; model towns, the discussion by the Mission Boards as to the villages and farms are laid out and operated. Mu- reply which should be made to the urgent advice tual helpfulness is being cultivated as an essentiftl of their Governments, and the general, popular concomitant of the new patriotism which has been clamor that the missionaries should all escape the so greatly stimulated by the foreign invasion. peril and simplify the international situation by Spiritual Influences leaving China at once, one does not like to think what vastly different conditions would now exist What is true of educational and industrial cul- in China if those counsels had prevailed and if ture is also emphatically true of spiritual develop- China and her Christians had been left to them- ment. As the Christians of the more fully evan- selves. An unequalled opportunity would have gelized provinces, driven from their homes, have been lost irrevocably to show the love of God in migrated to Kwangsi, Kweichow, Yunnan and Christ to that people, and to win their hearts to Szechuan, where new centers of evangelization Him. So thrilling has been the success of the .
and education are opening, people who had "sat policy of withdrawing only the physically feeble in darkness" are seeing for the first time "a great and of reinforcing the strong, that, from the light." The vast migration of refugees has nat- Chinese Church, from officials, and from the mis- urally necessitated the opening of refuges, tem- sions on the field, has come not only a chorus of porary or permanent, far from the actual war thanksgiving but also a united and importunate areas, for the indiscriminate bombing of civilian call for more missionaries to meet the need and populations has precipitated the flight from many capture the present opportunity. How else could
the Church and the nation hope to minister to have risen most sympathetically to the need and thirty million refugees, among whom are hun- met the opportunity most effectively. Not only dreds of thousands of war orphans? Never be- have many buildings been made available as fore were Chinese hearts and minds so sensitive refuges, but camps. have been set up in many to the redeeming touch of self-denying love, mani- places as "resting places for weary wanderers" in fested in the sharing of suffering and the planning their almost endless treks in search of new, homes.
for better days. It is the general testimony that, Wherever possible, industries have been started in through this deliberately and prayerfully chosen these refuges, both to prevent demoralizing idle- glad sharing, "the prestige of the Church and hos- ness and to fit the migrants for self-support in pital has never stood so high as it stands today" ; their new abodes. Incidentally and Providen- the infinite love of God for mankind has shone tially, among the refugees are hundreds of skilled radiant as the one glorious hope of the world, and artisans. teachers, evangelists, homeless wander- is no longer thought of merely as an item in a ers like the rest. They are drifting to Hunan, and doctrinal system from the West. The loyalty and other regions, "for such a time as this," a time courage of the missionaries, who have "stood by" when the harvest is so unusually great and ripe the people of a strange land through the most and the laborers are so pitifully few, that they acute and devastating sufferings ever inflicted by have found fullest use for their talents and ener- one nation upon another, will never be forgotten. gies. Again, in strangest wise, God has "thrust Civilians and Soldiers forth laborers into His harvest." Most appro- priately has the Hunan Presbyterian Mission en- Christian ministry to civilians in or near their titled its Annual Report, "The War-cloud's Silver own homes has been but a part of the great work Lining," as it sets forth "the calibre of these of deliverance, protection and supply; an exten- guests" from war-torn regions, "trained workers,"
sive organization has been created to help the pen- "whole schools," "hospitals with equipment, niless migrants along the way to their remote des- nurses and doctors," "scientists, engineers, busi- tinations, and none have so inspired confidence ness men, rural experts," undaunted by misfor- and shared burdens as have the Christians. And tune and peril, responsive to need, ready to start great has been the change which has taken place afresh and eager to be useful. The courage of in the mutual relations of Chinese Civilians and many of these migrants is magnificent. A thou- their own soldiery. A few years ago the civilian sand students from three North China colleges, felt no greater dread than that for the Chinese having located temporarily at Changsha, a little soldier, who seemed ready to do almost anything later started out, men and women, to walk the but protect him. Now soldier and civilian are eight hundred miles to Kunming, capital of Yun- united for the defense of the nation, and the nan, to locate their University there.
civilian, realizing that the soldier is ready to suffer Cooperating Agencies wounds and to lay down his life for his country, is responding by doing all in his power to relieve The International Red Cross has furnished the wounded soldier on the field and in transit. much equipment and supplies, with expert direc- And so, by the combined activity of Chinese and tion, to the relief measures, as has also the Inter- foreigners, an elaborate organization for first-aid, national Famine Relief Commission. The League transportation and hospitalization has been cre- of Nations Epidemic Prevention Commission, ated, very inadequate of course in view of the with its groups. of health officers and specialists, limited number of doctors and nurses and the in- in three sections of China, is fighting to prevent sufficiency of supplies and funds, yet saving thou- smallpox, cholera, typhoid and malaria. Young sands of lives and relieving untold suffering. Mis- people are being trained to give first-aid and gen- sion hospitals have been crowded to the doors, and eral medical assistance. Many church services to the floors, as these torn remnants of brave and are crowded with interested newcomers. Chris- patriotic humanity have been carried in from the tian Fellowships are being organized. Student fields and the roads of that horror-filled land, skil- Centers are being opened, for entertainment, for fully patched-up for life, or eased for inevitable varied instruction, and for travelers' aid. Mr.
death with the Gospel message of eternal life in Stanton Lautenschlager, of Cheeloo University, Christ. Many university students have also lent has spent some months in presenting a challenging a hand in humble service in the laundries and message, personal and social, to the students of dressing-stations. Hunan, hundreds of whom have responded with a Few if any of the other provinces have seen as determination to follow Christ. He reports un- much of the migrants as Hunan, as through that precedented student interest in the things of the province pass. many of the natural ways from the Spirit.
east to the west, from the north to the south; and As the writer of the Hunan Report says, "One the Christians of Hunan, Chinese and foreign, of the most beautiful flashes of silver in this
struggle is the attitude of the Christians toward pressure of disinterested kindness, the barriers their enemies." Though more whole-heartedly of racial and national fear and dislike completely patriotic and resolved to win than ever before, thrown down by the courageous, self-forgetful "there is no bitterness or hatred against the in- ministry of a Godlike love, bestowed in the name vaders." Even the missionaries "have marvelled of Christ by men and women come from the other at the Chinese Christians' lack of resentment and side of the world, to live, and if need be to die, freedom from hatred. To listen to their prayers for China. And a multitude of the like-minded for China and for Japan is like standing on holy in the home lands, to whom is denied this privilege ground." This witness regarding Hunan is of personal ministry to such a need, are exulting echoed from all parts of bruised and bleeding in being there in spirit as they avail themselves China. Has the world ever seen its equal in any of one or another of the agencies, which have other land? sprung into life or added this function to others- the International Red Cross, the Committee on the "What a time to be in China!" Truly it is no Far East of the Foreign Missions Conference of time to be there for those whose chief delight is North America, the Church Committee for China in personal ease and comfort, whose slogan is Relief, the China Information Service, China "Safety First"; who cannot bear the sight of Famine Relief, or any of the Mission Boards blood or the smell of sweat, who think the lives of working in China – to give out of their relative a hundred Chinese of less value than the life of abundance for the maintenance of the missionone American; who have no sympathy with the aries and their manifold ministries to China's apspirit which impelled the Son of God to become palling need. "What a time to be in China" inflesh and dwell among us that He might redeem deed, in person or by the proxy of self-denying the world, or with the spirit of the Apostle Paul gifts loyally continued as long as the need of that whose joy was to "become all things to all men fearfully harassed and patiently enduring people that he might by all means save some." But the continues. Is it not, for every Christian and every able-bodied missionaries who are there exult in the unselfish humanitarian, a God-given privilege, as privilege which has been given them of minister- well as a duty, "to be in China" at this time? ing to the world's greatest need, and of watching the shell of indifference break under the steady A LETTER FROM OHINA By DONALD FRASER OF CHANGTE, HONAN: Following complete breakdown of negotiations with the former bitter persecutors of the Church, should have been the active force that liberated our people. It is a marked bandits after their request for $100,000.00 for ransom, contrast to other forces around us. No ransom was given and no conditions asked. things began to happen elsewhere. Kuo Ch'ing, the bandit The fortitude and spirit of the captive young women leader, crossed the Chang River; was surrounded by the under the most trying circumstances is a thrilling story. One of them, a young teacher, said: "I was born in a 8th Route Army, wounded, defeated, his home burned and Christian home but before the raid I cared little for Christianity. This time I have had a wonderful experience many of his followers scattered. He was rescued by of God. Now I want to work for Jesus."
bandit chief supreme, Wang Chih Ch'uan, and fled south. There was joy and thrill in her voice, a changed young woman. There is a glow in the witness of many of them. The 8th Route Army declared that all banditry must cease. When carrying them away the bandits sneered: "So you thought your church could protect you. See, we will look Kou Ch'ing was cornered but slipped through the net. after you."
Wild rumors said that he was going west to Shansi with One seventeen-year-old lassie they tortured cruelly, ask- ing, "Do you still believe?" twenty-three of our Christian people. No ransom, they Gradually she became semi-unconscious but always with would sell the girls! That blackest night our minds were the reply~ "I believe" and the prayer, "Father help me."
filled with unnamed fears. All next day passed and still In sending them back some of the bandit remnants said, "Your prayers have moved Heaven." no word. At 5 p. m. a breathless messenger arrived. Others .said: "You're different; could we come and "Freed," he shouted; "nineteen girls and four men are learn your doctrine?"
coming home." Fly wheels, fly! Our bikes tore up the dust Surely a mighty triumph of good over evil. We are more one with our Chinese friends here than ever before. as we raced out to meet them. Tired and dirty, after Adversity has schooled us all. God has sent the 8th Route Army to check this dastardly scourge that has terrorized three weeks with no washing facilities and only the scanty and bled the country to death for the last ten months. There is great rejoicing over wide areas in the order, reclothes on their backs grabbed out of sleep when they were spect for life and security that is following in the wake of this cleansing, restoring force. After ten months of hell carried away, they were home, alive and smiling and all the relief is tremendous.
well, except for three with malaria and others with blisters from enforced marches. .
The other fourteen had disappeared. The whole country was chaotic. Travel was very dangerous but our men, especially Liu Ch'eng Chang, were tireless in their search.
Monday five came in. But nine young women were still missing. Tuesday 2 a. m., loud knocking on the front gate.
All were back. "Rejoice; a,gain I say rejoice."
The venture was a dead loss financially to the bandits.
Not only that, they were scattered and broken and would have been completely eliminated but for timely aid. It seems strange indeed that the sometimes called reds,
Call of the Dyacks of
By the REV. R. A. JAFFRAY, Dutch East Indies Missionary of the Christian and Missionary Alliance A MONG the Dyacks of Borneo, Buddha is them by way of the Barito River, with Banker- .r. named, Mohammed is named, but Christ is masin as a base. Some effort was also commenced on the west coast, entering by way of the Kapoeas not named. He is almost unknown. What River, but the Methodist Episcopal Mission has a great need for Gospel witness, especially in the now entirely withdrawn from Borneo.
interior of these islands.* On the north coast there are, beside the River Burito which empties into the sea at Banjermasin, The three main ports of British North Borneo five or six other rivers which are gateways to the are Sandakan, Kudat, and J esselton. The mis- interior. At none of these points has missionary sionaries of the Society for the Propagation of the work been attempted. Gospel are laboring here; the Basil Mission has independent self-supporting Chinese churches, Balik-papan is a city of about 21,500 people. and also the Roman Catholics. Work has been The district, of which it is one of the centers, has commenced among the Dyacks, the aboriginal tribes of the interior of British North Borneo. a population of about 200,000.t The city contains The Chinese are largely of the Hakka race and three-fourths of the Chinese inhabitants of Kudat a great mixture of races: Malay, Javanese, Boe- gis, Chinese, Indians, Arabs and also a sprinkling are church members. of Dyacks from the interior. As I walked the In Dutch Borneo there is no Christian mission- streets of this city, I asked: "Is there anyone here who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ?" After ary work carried on on the east coast. The inte- many replies in the negative, I was directed to a rior may be reached from many ports by river. Chinese carpenter's store, and found a Chinese On only one river is there a regular steamship who acknowledged the name of Christian. His line, at Samarinda, but by native craft the mis- face did not look like that of a Christian for his sionary can penetrate the interior and reach "the face was flushed with wine. As ·D. L. Moody once wild men of Borneo." said, "He may have been a Christian but he did not smell like one!" There he was-a lone Chris- The Dyacks, no doubt, originally occupied the tian-in the midst of the darkness of heathendom. entire island but the coming of the Malays, the He had a Bible and prayed sometimes, but could Javanese, Chinese, Indians and Arabs has gradu- not be considered a true witness for the Lord ally pushed the wild men to the interior. The Jesus. Later I met another Chinese who seemed Malays have inter-married somewhat with the to love the Lord but who dared not be baptized aborigines with the result that the Dyacks to this for fear of offending his parents. So far as I extent have been absorbed. It is said that the orig- know, no messenger of Christ has ever lifted up inal pure Dyacks of the interior are decreasing in his voice to preach the Gospel in this place. What population. The Dyacks were originally head- utter darkness! hunters and cannibals, and in some cases may still be such, but the influence of other races has I was anxious to visit Samarinda because it is had the effe~t of subduing and semi.,civilizing at the mouth of the Kutai or Samarinda River and them. On~ qf the original customs '¥f1s that a the main entrance to the interior of Borneo from young man proposing to his bride must have the th~ast coast. Here again 'is another city of darkskull of one whom he himself had slain ere he ness and the same mixture of races. There is a could hope to be accepted. This custom, I am Mohammedan mosque and Chinese temple in told, has nearly died out. Samarinda. There are houses of prostitution and gambling halls on all sides, in full swing. But no There are many different language groups Gospel chapel. I met some Chinese Christians who had been baptized in China, but who seemed among the Dyacks and most of them have Xlever been reached with the Gospel message. From the south coast some effort is being made to reach • I visited Sandakan, on the northeast coast of British BOI:neo; t Balik-papan is the great oil field of the Dutch Indies. The Ballk-papan on the east coast of Dutch Borneo; Samarinda ; Donggala ; Pare-pare and Makassar, the capital of the Celebes; installation of the Batavia Petroleum Company, the Royal Dutch Siagaradja, a port on the Island of Bali; SurabaYa on the northern Shell Petroleum Company, a branch of the Asiatic Petroleum Co., coast of Java, the largest commercial center of the Dutch Indies; is the largest oil Installation in the Far East. All the all con- sumed throughout the Far East comes from the Balik-papan wells. Bangdang and Batavia, the capital of the Dutch Indies, [571 ]
to have backslidden. In one store where I was tion is located in the port cities. The entire east telling the people about the Lord Jesus Christ, coast is without missionary work, and the Methone said in a loud voice, "God only blows the wind odist Episcopal Mission has evacuated the west on us to make us catch a cold." coast. The entire south coast is also unoccupied with the exception of Banjermasin and the work Four other rivers farther north are also gate- done by the Basil Mission and the Dutch State ways to the interior. The Kutai is navigable by Church up the Barito River. small steamer for ten days as far as Long-Iram, and by native craft for many days farther up. Dr. Slotemaker de Bruine, the missionary con- The Roman Catholic Church has a mission three sul of the Dutch missions encouraged us to occudays inland from Long-Iram at Lahan, where py some of the unoccupied areas of the Dutch priests and nuns are teaching the people farm- East Indies. We recommend the following fields ing, trades, and so forth. All the other rivers where no work is being done: from the east coast, save the Kutai, are, I fear, only navigable by native craft. A Dutch official 1. The entire east coast of Borneo, with Samarinda and traveled up one of these rivers, ascending terrible other places as centers. and dangerous rapids for seventy-five days, and came down the river, covering the same distance, 2. The west coast, with Pontianak and other places as in ten days. While I was trying to tell them of centers. The object would be to reach "the wild men of His love and of the sacrifice for our sins on the Borneo," the Dyack race of the interior. cross, and feeling the opposition very strong, an elderly Chinese lady came from the rear of the 3. The Boegis people on the coast of the Celebes, and store and said: "I once neard of Jesus when I the wild races of the interior, with Makassar as a center. was in China. I don't know much about it, but I know this-Jesus is good, Jesus is good." She 4. The whole southwestern coast of Sumatra. repeated this several times. I left Gospel tracts 5. A large number of smaller islands in the East Indies at many stores in Samarinda. where no Gospel witness has yet been given.
The population of Dutch Bornea is about 1,800,- If the Gospel does not soon enter these fields, 000. Perhaps one half or more of this popula- the influence of Mohammedanism~ which is spread- ing rapidly, will soon be such as to form a most effective barrier to the progress of Christianity. The fact that Mohammedanism is rapidly displac- ing paganism makes the evangelization of these fields urgent.
A Missionary Is Converted By EDITH FUESS HENRY, Shanghai American School, Shanghai, China I T IS homecoming for a missionary! She pauses of overwhelming facts around which sat commit- outside the compound wall to pound the door; tees, numb and dumb-nor power, nor wisdom, in the wait she turns to look back. The road nor means to cope with such; the paralyzing tales by which she has come has been a long, long road; of sorrow, pain, loss, destruction, poured from the it stretches back over eleven months in life's lips of arrivals fresh from battlefields; the feldeepest depths. In those few moments of time a lowship groups where gripping testimonies from panoramic view of never-to-be-forgotten days tear-stained eyes, quivering lips, and crushed passes before her eyes: days on days, and weeks hearts, yet dauntless spirits, could say, "I am on weeks of the ceasless roar of cannon, the pierc- bent, but not broken." . . . ing whistle of bullets, the deafening whirr of planes, the violent bursting of bombs; the heart- The gate opened! Can this be home! The shatsickening sight of scattered, mangled, bleeding, tered roof; the battered walls; the broken doors; human flesh, shrieking and groaning its prayers the empty rooms; the wild weeds; can this be to heaven; the endless lines of terrorized men, home? The home that twenty years ago in a women, and children madly fighting their way to spirit of love and dedication was built in this land safety zones; the great concentration camps of of China that He might have an abiding place hungry, filthy, frightened human beings waiting from which to reach out arms of loving ministry for the ministry of human hearts and hands; the to needy ones around? Can this be home? scurry, hurry, worry of channeling bean milk to the thousands of starving little ones; the fright- "We must begin and build again; build again ful days and nights in losing battle with epidemics the things that are gone." that stalked with relentless step among the masses, taking their fearful toll of life; the tables A house? Can one live again in the shelter of four walls, when so many thousands know only God's earth for a floor, and His sky for a roof?
A piano? Dare one make melody in his own
DR. IMAD-UD-DIN-A CONVERT FROM ISLAM
chamber when the teeming millions of this land Rugs? Can one with pleasure walk the path of hear only the rhythm of guns and bursting cushioned ways, when he sees the tracks where bombs? bruised feet have trod on rugged stones? . . .
Beds? Were it not better to companion those A stir: the neighbors, the friends, the Oriental who like the Master have not where to lay their crowds are standing by in silent commiseration. heads? "I can not see; I do not know; yet deep within Refrigerator? Why preserve food, unless one the silence of my soul there is peace. Old things can find a way to preserve for mankind love, have passed away; all things are become new. kindness, brotherliness, and peace? And I; am I not new?"
Dr. Imad–ud–din-A Convert from Islam* "BY REVEALING the Word of God I have found enjoyment in life. I rejoice greatly there was no peace in his heart. "Whatever af- in my Lord, and my soul is always making flictions or pain it is in the power of man to enprogress in his grace."-Imad-ud-din. dure, I submitted to them all, and suffered them to the last degree; but nothing became manifest The Moslem community, well organized and to me after all, except that it was all deceit." disciplined, with memories of centuries of conquest and domination, has been very stern in its At this time he was appointed to preach the resistance to foreign influences. And yet there Koran in the large Mosque at Agra with a view to were a number of important conversions among opposing the Christian missionaries and for three them in the first half of the nineteenth century as years he exponded the Moslem commentaries and a result of the earnest and vigorous work carried traditions. It was there he was perplexed most in on by Christian missions in Northern India. Even his faith and the thought of utterly renouncing the men of high social standing gave their hearts to world came into his mind with so much power that Jesus. he could not resist. He became a wandering fakir, going from village to village without plan or bag- Maulvi Imad-ud-din was a lineal descendent of gage. He was honored as a very pious soul but a famous Moslem saint, Gutale Jamal, and a de- none could know the uneasiness in his mind when scendent of the Royal House of Persia, famous as he thought of the Judgment Day.
champions of Islam. He was born in 1822 at Pani- He heard of the conversion of Maulvi Safdar pet, India, the youngest of four brothers. Much Ali at Jubbulpore and this put into his heart a care was bestowed upon him in imparting a thor- new hope so that he began an earnest study of the ough knowledge of Islamic law and religion. He New Testament. As he went on studying, a new studied at the Government College at Agra. This unspeakable joy came into his mind and he found education stirred in him a thirst after the knowl- solace in Jesus Christ. Afterwards he went to edge of the unseen. He visited fakirs and pious Amritsar and received baptism at the age of sixty- Moslems, frequented mosques and homes of maul- four, from Rev. Robert Clark of the Church Misvies, and carried on a vigorous study of many sionary Society. books on Islam. He wrote: "Since my entrance into the grace But he was assailed with doubts and perplex- of our Lord Jesus Christ, I have had great peace ities and his contact with Christians led him to in my soul. The agitation of m~,mind and restdoubt the Islamic injunctions and accepted prac;!- lessness have entirely left me. ETen my health is tices. He had some discussion with Maulvi Abd,ul improved, for my mind is never perplexed now." Hakim who could not convince him so that he once for all gave up the idea of disputation. He He became a zealous preacher of the Gospel began to acquire knowledge by reading night and and wrote many books, vindiCating the way of day, with the idea that time spent in its pursuit Christ to his Islamic brethren. One of these was given to the worship of God. books, called the Tahquiq-ul Iman (the Investiga- tion of the True Faith), was written for the He submitted his body to severe tests, by living maulvies who could not see their way to follow the apart from men, keeping awake at nights and by Crucified Christ. He was ordained in 1866 and various penances. He sat on the graves of holy the Archbishop of Canterbury conferred on him men with the hope that he might receive some the degree of D.D. in 1884. He died at Amritsar revelations from the tombs. But he says that on August 2'8, 1900, at the age of seventy-:eight after seeing his father and brother confess Christ. • Adopted from The National Missionary IntelZigencer of India.
Christian Sadhus and
By W. Q. LASH, Acharya in the Christa Prima Seva Sangha, Poona, India D ECEMBER 18th, 1904, is the date of the from place to place, on foot or by more rapid conversion of Sundar Singh, whose name means of locomotion, and are given opportunities has made the Western Hemisphere famil- in each place according to their reputations. iar with the idea of the Christian sadhu. In his Sadhus of this kind are in the minority. The life own country also he turned the thoughts of In- is full of temptations. It requires. a man of deep dians and others to the possibility of revealing humility and rare spiritual qualities to sustain Christ in ways well suited to the setting of East- them unscathed. Too many lack sufficient selfern life. Sundar Singh was neither the first nor discipline, and do not easily accept discipline from the only one to attempt such a method. He helped without. to bring to light the Secret Sannyassi Mission, which for generations. had hiddenly followed a The lack of any kind of discipline is the greatsimilar path. Dr. Pennell of Bannu and Tucker est weakness and danger of the solitary Sadhu's Booth of the Salvation Army had· made independ- life. In the Panjab, Sundar Singh's own province, ent experiments, and Sundar Singh himself came the problem is especially acute. The executors of into touch with the American follower of St. his will have made some attempt both to organize Francis, Samuel Stokes. Centuries before, in the sadhus already practicing, and to use the South India, Robert Nobile had proved the ef- funds he has left to give some training to those ficacy of presenting Christ and His message in an who feel a calling to this way of life. It was the Eastern garment. ambition of the late Canon Chandu Lal to form an Ashram at Sundar Singh's home in Sabathu, It is, however, a unique place that Sadhu to be a rallying place for the wanderers, and to Sundar Singh holds towards the methods of the help give them spiritual and mental nourishment Christian Sadhu and the Christian Ashram. His and discipline. To do so has not proved easy. influence on both has been indirect rather than Sadhu life tends to exaggerate individualism. Exdirect. In his lifetime he refused to allow a group cept in rare cases, we come to the conclusion that of disciples to gather round him and to train them the sadhu, who is unwilling to be linked with othin the way which he followed so successfully. ers under some kind of control, loses more and Disciples he has had, and even now has, nine more control over himself. In spite of the many years after his disappearance; but they are not attractions of this method of presenting the Gosall 'Sundar Singhs." They create problems for pel this way of life may prove more a liability themselves and for the Church at large, which than an asset to the Church. might have been less, if he had handed on his tradition to a company, trained by himself, and set- The Indian Ashram* is a means through which ting a standard for others. Yet his plea that his- the same inspiration may find expression. During tory has shown that organizations tend to decay the last twenty years or so many experiments after the death of their founders cannot be ig- have taken to themselves the name of "ashram." nored, and perhaps he was wise to found nothing. It is not always easy to discover what they have in common. Each is an attempt to come closer to Sadhu Sundar Singh's life is well known. It is the life of the country and to break down barnow nine years since he vanished into the Tibetan tiers, which have become increasingly serious in hills for the last time. A crop of Christian Sadhus 6ays of growing nationalism. Each has aimed has resulted, amongst them men of high mental also at a greater simplification of modes of living, and spiritual qualities, who have to their credit and a greater emphasis on the importance of much fine work as prophets of the Church. Such prayer in relation to the active side of Christian men are accorded great respect among Indians, ministry. Beyond this it is difficult to select the both Christian and non-Christian. They travel common features. Some Ashrams are only sea- sonal, being hardly other than summer schools of Footnote: The term Ashram denotes both the four normal stages asosmpeecrinaal ktyepme.arArimedonmgetmhebepresrmthaenneunct lseeutstl;emotehnetrss, of a Hindu's life, and the forest or mountain retreat to which the insist on single men or women; others have no Hindu went when the calling came to a life of meditation. In ancient days boys were sent to Ashram for spiritual training. In modern ~:y:h:a~r::::dlr:t~g:.1 and Tagore have added the Ideal of service [574 ] clear policy on this point. Equally diverse are the completed a few years ago what must be the finest environments which have been chosen; some are place of Christian worship in an Indian style of in remote jungles; others in country districts; architecture. It is a magnificent Jebalyam (chapothers in towns. el), with a walled garden surrounding it which is also used for prayer. Its architecture is that of a Three of the earliest Ashrams were permanent Hindu temple of South India. Increasingly, in settlements. In Travancore members of the this Ashram, the vocation to prayer and worship has claimed precedence over all other forms of CHRISTAKULA TIRUPATTUR ASHRAM HALL OF WORSHIP service. From time to time young men and others use the Ashram for periods of retreat or for Orthodox Syrian Church, the oldest Christian courses of training in service. Its influence is Church in India, formed an Ashram under the wide in South India; the membership is undeleadership of their energetic bishop. Two Ash- nominational, but the members adhere strictly to rams in reality were formed, one for men and one the principle of brahmacharya, or celibacy. for women. This was an Indian enterprise, as this Church is entirely Indian. It was an attempt A third experiment was made at about the to bring the ideal of community life into the same time, as the Bethany Ashram in Travancore, Syrian Church, which had already been for cen- when the Christakula Ashram at Tirupattur came turies familiar with the rampan, or solitary monk, into existence. This was the foundation of the but. had not developed the practice of a life of Christa Seva Sangha in the village area of Ahprayer among those living together. The location mednagar, in Mahar~shtra. During its early of the Ashrams was a beautiful wooded and hilly years its membership consisted of one Englishdistrict' in the interior of the State of Travancore. man and several Indian village Christians. There For several years these Ashrams brought great were married and unmarried within its fellowinspiration to their Church, and beyond it. Then ship. The members lived entirely in Indian style, its founder seceded to Rome, taking the sisters and sought to find natural Indian expressions in with him. A number of the men continued faith- Christian worship. As the Christakula has been fully under Fr. Alexios in spite of great difficul- helped by the rich store of Christian Tamil lyrics, ties. After resisting pressure for ten years he so the Christa Seva Sangha was fortunate in the was consecrated bishop this year, but continues to fact that the leader of the modern school of live in the Ashram and to give as much time to Marathi poetry, N. V. Tilak, was a Christian. it as he can. A number of other Ashrams have The idea was to form a nucleus of married memcome into existence in the Syrian Church, both bers with a band of sanyassis, who would go out for men and women. – . – _ . .-.. . .. About the same time two doctors, one an Indian and the other a Scotchman, felt a call to found an Copyrright by (Jh(JIrZes Petrasoh Ashram. This they did at Tirupattur in South India. The way of life is entirely Indian, and a INTERIOR OF THE ASHRAM CHAPEL number of young men have joined from time to time as volunteers. Until recently they were the in the manner of sadhus and return to the center only two permanent members. As was natural, for fresh inspiration. After about five years a with two men of their profession, the ideal of group of young men came out from England, service took a great place in the life. A hospital whose ideal was to be members of a community is attached to it. Other activities in the form of after the manner of St. Francis of Assisi. An schools and agricultural experiments. also serve the rural population. In this Ashram there was
Ashram was established in the intellectual center of workers from the jungle districts and carry of Poona, but the attempt to combine the idea of out devoted service to the simple peoples of the the original group with that of this later recruit- forest. The books of the founder, Verrier Elwin, ment led to difficulties. Hence in 1934, when the have done much to bring them to the notice of an original founder left the society it was divided unheeding world. into two groups. Maharashtran village Christians The Christa Sishya Ashram was open,ed a few POOL AND THE "CLOISTER" WHERE THE BROTHERS LIVE years ago in a village area, not far from the in- dustrial town of Coimbatore, South India. Its now continue a life akin to the earlier idea at a members are Syrian and Anglican. It is remarkvillage four miles from Poona, under the old able as one, if not the only, piece of work for othname. Meanwhile the Poona Ashram has become ers carried on by members of the Orthodox secthe headquarters of a community of Indians and tion of the Syrian Church, outside Travancore. Englishmen on the lines of a community. The impact of Christians, who are not the prod- uct of Western missions but can trace their own The Poona Ashram has now the name of history as Christians into remote days of our era, Christa Prema Seva Sangha. The buildings are on non-Christians is most interesting. The Ashsimple, and are arranged to concentrate the life ram regards the married state as normal for its inward. There is a chapel built in Hindu style, members. and,adorned by pictures painted by an Indian art;. ist, trained in the Bengal school. The emphasis Among the seasonal Ashrams the first to be is laid on the life of prayer; the evening and ear- founded, and the best 'known, is that of Sat Tal, ly morning are kept in strict silence to create an founded by Dr. E. Stanley Jones in North India. atmosphere of quiet. Time is devoted also to study To this beautiful spot, year by year in the hot and to active service. One of the chief tasks of weather, groups of Westerners and Indians come the Ashram is to build up a natural Christian life together for periods of spiritual and intellectual in an Indian setting, into· which others may also refreshment. Non-Christians sometimes attend. be brought whether Christian or non-Christians. Of late years, in Lucknow, the nucleus of the Sat Educated converts are frequently sent here from Tal Ashram has attempted to form a more permadifferent parts of India. There is a hostel on the nent Ashram life. It is too early yet to discern the same compound, and lectures' are given in a hall exact shape this group will finally assume. attached to the Ashram. Various works of social service, or Christian ministry, are carried out by An Ashram similar to the Sat Tal has come inmembers in the town and the Presidency, Bom- to existence at Kadoaikanal and does for South bay. Recently a branch has been founded in a India what the former does for the North. Such rural area about 150 miles north of Poona. seasonal meetings playa great part in drawing Among other permanent Ashram settlements CHRISTAKULA AT TIRUPATTUR STRUCTURE OF two of the most interesting are the Bhumjan Seva THE JEBALYAM MandaI and the Christa Sishya. The former has been founded by two former members of the Poona Ashram, among the aboriginal tribes of the jungles of the Central provinces. These Christians have gathered around them a varied group
INDIAN CHRISTIAN SADHUS AND ASHRAMS
together Westerne:rs and Indians, and help to demand for equal partnership to one of full conbreak down barriers which all too easily tend to trol. The Ashram movement has clearly an imform in ordinary mission work. They also make portant task in meeting this present situation. It their contribution in discovering and disseminat- must be Temembered that it has influence far being Indian ways of approach to the Christian yond the Ashram walls. The Christakula has faith and practice, and bring into fellowship "friends" out in the world. The Christa Prema Seva Sangha has a Third Order after the manner ASHRAM SCHOOL, VILLAGE CHILDREN AND TEACHER of the Franciscans, whose members in the several parts of India are full members of the society Christians from various backgrounds and schools with the brothers and share in its government. of thought. Similarly each Ashram has a circle more or less closely attached. Thus the ideals can penetrate It would be impossible to speak of all the Ash- the Church, and this movement is further helped rams which have come into existence, and are be- by such periodicals as The Ashram Review. ing added to year by year. Enough has been said to indicate different types of experiment, of which Yet there may be an even more important part several other examples could be quoted. There for the movement to play in the future. Chrisremains to consider the importance of this move- tianity is a supra-national religion. Great harm ment in India, for the present and the future. The will be done if Indian Christians attempt in their Ashrams have come into existence largely owing reaction to become isolated from the rest of their to a sense that India may rightly expect that a fellows. In the future the ideal of equality of religion, which was born in Asia, should reveal Easterner with Westerner, which has inspired the Eastern characteristics, and in answer to the pioneers, may turn to that of equality of Westtaunt that it is a foreign religion from the West. erner with Easterner. Thus the Ashrams will be- Every day it becomes of increasing importance come the channel of the riches of all Christendom that Christianity in India should be Indian. The being mediated to the Indian Church in a form Indian Government not only makes non-Chris- in which it can assimilate them. Some hope the tians contemptuous of anything not of the coun- Ashrams may become the much-needed homes of try, but affects the Christians themselves. They Indian scholarship and theology. resent any sign of dominance on the part of Western missionaries, and will swiftly :pass from a Finally, the discerning expect that, in spite of the present continuance of Mass Movements in some parts of India, a Dark Age awaits the Church in India in the not distant future. During such a period, institutions, whose primary task is to lay stress on the priority of prayer and worship over activity, will form valuable rallying points for the preservation and building up of the inner life of the Church, even as monasteries did in the Dark Ages of Europe. Their true worth will be proved when the day dawns for renewed expansion of God's Kingdom through Christ's Church.
THE PRIEST'S SON'S TESTIMONY Nungan, an outcaste boy of India, whose father baptized? Are you willing? It will mean that he is a village priest, has always been eager to hear must give up his idol worship and have nothing Bible stories. For years Nungan went with his to do with the heathen ceremonies or with idols." father to the temple and watched him perform the rites, offering to the idols many a buffalo, The father replied, "He has given that up long goat and chicken. Never for a moment did he ago. He won't come near the temple, and refuses think it wrong until he heard the Gospel of to eat or partake of anything offered to the idols. Christ. One morning Nungan came to the mis- He says he is not going to worship demons but only sionary and said: "Ammal, I want my name the Jesus God. You can baptize him if you wish." changed," (meaning he wanted to become a Christian). Weeks later he asked me again. While the father was standing there I asked Nungan what the Lord Jesus had done for him. Not long after this he came again up to me, Without waiting he said, "The Lord Jesus died and pathetically said: "Ammal, won't you let me for me on the Cross. I believe that and He is come?" now in my heart." He was entered upon the list of candidates for baptism. A few weeks ago At that moment his father came along and I Nungan had his heart's desire fulfilled and he took asked: "Do you know your boy wants to be the name David."-Darkness and Light.
is the Koran?
By REV. E. E. ELDER, Meshed, Iran Missionary oj the Presbyterian Church, U. s. A.
To UNDERSTAND the religious life of the nated "The Heifer" because it gives the command millions who follow the M.oslem faith one of M.oses to sacrifice a red heifer (Deut. 22: 1-9). must kn.ow something of their sacred book. The fifth sura is called "The Table" from a ref- Although the K.oran is not mentioned in their brief erence made to a festival table sent down to Jesus statement of belief: "There is no god but Allah from heaven. This is only one of the many sub- and Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah," Mos- jects discussed in that chapter which, before it is lems recognize the Koran as the Message of that a third through, has listed lawful foods and meats, Messenger. prescribed regulations for ablutions before prayer, No tW.o sacred books in the world have S.o much recalled Allah's covenant with Israel, warned in common as the Bible and the Koran. Both Christians of infidelity and retold the story of mention the creation of Adam and Eve and their Cain and Abel's offerings.
expulsion from the Garden, the flood, the faithful M.ost of the earliest suras are short and appear witness .of Noah and the promise to Abraham that at the close of the Koran. They were delivered he should have a son in his old age. The chapter by Mohammed at Mecca. The style is rhythmic, in the Koran entitled "Joseph" gives over three- but the staccato sentences are not strictly in score facts about his life which agree with the metre. These set forth such subjects as the unity story told in Genesis. From different chapters of Allah, the signs of his greatness and the cer- one may glean many details as to the life of Moses, tainty of judgment .on the unrighteous. Later in his sojourn in Midian, his mission to Phara.oh and Mohammed's career an appeal was made to his- the exodus of Israel from Egypt. The Koran also tory and many of the sections at the beginning contains a record of the tables of the Law, the and middle of the Koran tell and retell the stories episode of the calf, the manna, the quails and .of the prophets to illustrate Allah's guidance. At water from a rock. Space does not permit a Medina when the prophet became the head of a record .of all that is told .of David and Solomon, warring community the revelations took the form Aaron and Miriam, Cain and Abel, Lot and Zech- of legislation f.or peace and war, inheritance laws ariah. From scattered verses in the Koran one and regulations of religious ceremony. The sen- may learn that Jesus was the son of Mary, the tences now become involved; the rhythm is .often Word of Allah, the Spirit from Allah and the Mes- stilted and artificial. siah, and that he healed the blind and the lepers Each sura is made up of verses or ayas (signs and brought back the dead to life. But with all or miracles). This term suggests the fundamental this material in common, the Bible and the Koran conception of the book as a collection of wonderare in sharp contrast as to message, arrangement ful phra'ses and sentences. Another division of and theory of authorship. the Koran into parts cuts right across the chapter The K.oran speaks little of the "lostness" of arrangement. There are thirty equal portions man; there is great emphasis on the saying of which facilitate the recitation of the whole book prayers and the payment of alms by believers. during the month of Ramadan – the month of The red thread of sacrifice which runs through fasting by day and feasting by night.
the Bible is lacking in the Koran. Protestants, in their contacts with Moslems, The Koran, although almost as large as the New often assume that their scriptures are for them Testament, is not divided into integrated sections "the only rule of faith and practice." Alongside dealing with history, doctrine or prophecy. There the Koran there are other foundations UP.on which is little logical or chronological sequence in its religion is built; there is Tradition, what the arrangement. It consists of 114 suras (or chap- Prophet taught, practised and approved; there is ters) which vary in length from one almost as the Agreement of the Moslem community; and long as the epistle to the R.omans to some which, there is the use of reason in Analogy. All these in the Arabic text, take but three or four lines. have their place in the commentaries; all of them Each chapter has a special name referring to some have been resorted to in the making of canon law.
subject menti.oned therein. The longest is desig- Yet for the pious Moslem the Koran is the [578 ] source of all science and every kind of knowledge. forgery. Instead of simple narrative about Jesus Does it not say that it is, "a detailed account of he expects. to find God's words to Jesus. The Sereverything" (12: 111) and that in it "nothing is mon on the Mount appears to most followers of neglected" (6: 38)? When in Egypt Napoleon Mohammed to be like some of his sayings reasked the learned sheikhs whether this included corded in the traditions. the formula for making gunpowder. They replied that it did, but admitted that not every reader Another thing about the Koran that strikes the would know how to find it. Only a few years ago the representative of Egypt at the Oriental Con- non-Moslem reader is its constant reference to gress at Oxford said that those who pursue a deep study of the Koran do not fail to find there some itself. Mohammed believed that he had a message reference to the latest inventions or an explana- to deliver and that this message was contained in tion of some scientific points which have been ob- a book. Other peoples had their holy books in scure. He then proceeded to quote verses that for their own tongues. Through him the Arabs were him showed that the earth had been flung off from to receive a book in their own language. "Verily the sun and prophesied that man had the power we have revealed it: an Arabic Koran that ye to fly. may understand." The Koran is self-conscious. One dominant note repeated throughout relate to Authors of the Bible and Koran the book itself; yet during the life time of the Prophet no attempt was made to gather the "rev- There is a sharp contrast between the Bible and elations" into a volume. It did not receive its the Koran in the time occupied in their composi- present form until one of the Khalifas, or succestion. One represents less than a generation, the sors of the prophet as head of the state, realized other over fifteen hundred years. At least thirty that the oral record, treasured in the hearts of individuals contributed to the text of our Bible, men and in the few scattered written fragments, whereas Islam holds that Mohammed was the sole were futile to survive the ravages of war and human medium for the Koran. Christians believe time. An authorized edition was finally made by that the writers of the Bible interpreted God Zaid ibn Thabit who had been one of the Prophet's through their personalities as they wrote. Dif- principal scribes. All other editions were supferent times and different environments called for posed to be .destroyed. Some years ago Dr. men with different gifts. In Islam revelation and Mingana, of the Rylands Library in England, inspiration tend to merge into one another. To aroused considerable interest when he brought the Moslem's way of thinking the Koran is in no back from the east a manuscript which contained way connected with the genius of Mohammed. a version considerably different from the present text. Moslem critical works on the Koran give Some years ago a prominent Christian was ad- various readings that run into the thousands. Aldressing an audience in Cairo, and thinking to though the book is of comparatively recent date, clinch his argument he quoted from the Koran. when contrasted with other holy books, perhaps He prefixed his statement with the words, "Your no other has more variant readings. Are there prophet says." When the Moslem hearers real- verses left out that should have been included? ized that he referred to the Koran, there was a The Shiahs of Iran, who hold the preeminence of storm of protest, not only because the words were Ali among Mohammed's companions, hold that not given verbatim, but also because the foreigner some verses substantiating their claim have been had ascribed the words of the book to Mohammed. suppressed. Sura thirty today contains only sev- enty-odd verses; there is a tradition that it once In spite of this mechanical theory of inspira- contained two hundred. There is little wonder tion, native stories are given in the "Traditions" then that Umar advised, "Say not I possess the which reveal something of the process by which whole Koran, but of it what is extant." the Koran developed. One day Mohammed was dictating to his amanuensis, Abdallah ibn Saad, In spite ,of the references to the Torah and Injil something regarding the creation of man. When (Gospel) as being authoritative for their peoples, he paused Abdallah said in wonder, "Blessed Moslems today usually hold that the Koran has therefore be Allah, the best of Creators." The superseded the Law and the Gospels of the Bible. prophet was so taken with the words that he said, This is not surprising when certain verses in the "Write that down, for so it has descended." The Koran itself have been abrogated by other verses. story continues that the scribe wondered whether The text remains but a later saying has taken revelation from Allah had not also descended on away its force. The Koran provides for this by him. But such tales do not destroy the dictation saying: "Whatever verse we may annul or cause theory of the Koran. It is held to be wholly a thee to forget, we will bring a better one than it, collection of sayings coming to Mohammed from or one like it; dost thou not know that Allah is the Angel Gabriel, so that the Moslem, when he mighty over all?" first reads the Christian Gospels, rejects them as a At the same time I,slam holds that the Koran
is the replica of a Heavenly Book, written on a ers on the Arabic professional stage. The measpreserved or well-guarded tablet, sent down on uredcadences of the book have so woven themthe Night of Destiny and dictated to Mohammed selves into the life and worship and literature of piecemeal by the Angel Gabriel. In spite of the Moslem peoples that they are the expression of historical evidence for a great variety of readings their deepest emotions, sorrow and joy, anger and and the great part played by scribes in collating love, prayer and praise. the material, together with the possible omission of what was originally from Mohammed and the The percentage of literacy is low in many Mosinclusion of portions suggested by others, never- lem lands and that has increased the use of the theless orthodox Islam holds that the Koran is the Koran as a magical force. A minute edition is uncreated speech of Allah. Westerners may fail sometimes used as an amulet and worn about the to see the soundness of such arguments, but the neck or on the arm. The recitation of certain Moslem theologian, with his use of dialectic, an- verses is believed to make evil spirits flee in terswers that all the varied readings are given in the ror. Quotations are used as a means of divina- Preserved Tablet. He can even argue that, far tion. In lands where Arabic is not understood from detracting from the glory of the Koran, they the power of the Koran must often be thought of add to its glory. as magic. To the learned Mullahs any translation of the Koran from the sacred Arabic has seemed Although commentators admit that the perspic- a sacrilege. Turkey has now, however, issued an uous book contains obscure ambiguous passages, edition in Turkish in Latin characters. The reliit is held to be the miracle of the ages.. To millions gious leaders of Egypt finally admitted the possi~ who follow the religion.of Is'lam its claim is in- bility of an interlinear translation which would be violate. "Verily if men and jinns were assembled in their eyes a commentary on the sacred text. together with a purpose of producing this (book) they could not do it, even though they helped one With the invasion of Western civilization and another." Christian teaching into the world of Islam a chal- lenge has come to the power of the Koran. Even Influence of the Koran in the desert one finds that in practical life there are more real forces in a Moslem's life than the Few Christians appreciate the .hold that the sacred book Jarvis, in "Yesterday and Today in Koran has on adherents of the Moslem faith. In Sinai," tells us that the Arab will cheerfully give Arabic-speaking lands it is still the golden treas- false evidence on the Koran, and that in the Libury for examples of grammatical constructions, yan Desert if you want the truth you must get rhetoric and literature. Throughout Egypt stu- your man to make his oath at some sheikh's tomb; dents in elementary, primary and secondary in Sinai you must resort to trial by ordeal, which schools are required to memorize selected por- consists in licking a white-hot iron. Yet the edutions. Illuminated texts, in elaborate styles of cated classes among Moslems, who admit they penmanship, take the place of pictures and wall know little of the contents of their sacred book, decorations. Over the radio professional readers reverence it and say with one of the modern daily recite portions from it. The poverty- writers, "from the point of style alone, it is nothstricken beggars who ask for alms chant passages ing less than a miracle, as great a miracle as ever from the sacred volume. Rarely does a Christian was wrought." Time alone will show whether it ,preacher receive a fifth of the salary obtained by can stand translation, whether it will go down befavorites of the theatre or Hollywood studios, but fore changing ethics, and with what resistance it I have been told that the best professional reciters may confront the Living Word of God. of the Koran are as well paid as the best perform- NOW WHAT SHALL I DO?
We held our communion service at the soldier's camp, in two languages and I could not understand all of the dialects. We had put Itola's baptism off until the next communion for she had been "following afar off." She tried to speak to me several times, but the Buluba- speaking Christians crowded her out. We had not been able to check the communicants at this soldier's camp, as we usually check our outstation Christians before communion and not until after the service did Itola get a chance to speak with me. In great distress she cried out, through an interpreter: "I took the bread and wine before I was baptized and now they say I shall die. Now what shall I do?" I told the interpreter to explain to her that God would not hold her accountable if her heart was right. "Be punctual at the Inquirer's Class," I said, "and when I return, you shall be baptized." PLUMER SMITH, Mutoto, Congo Belge.
Privilege of Preaching to
-<tEf I By STEPHEN KHOOBYAR, Tabriz, Iran 115–·- THERE is probably no harder task in the of sin against God and our fellowmen and against efforts to advance the Kingdom of Christ oneself; on the other hand the teachings of Islam than the winning of Mohammedans, but these look upon sin in a very light way and even excuse difficulties are well known. The disappointments or condone the things which separate man from experienced are sometimes such that only the God in this world and the next. hope of Christ can keep one from pessimism. It is a great sorrow to see those who have confessed Christ not only shows sin in its true light but Christ fall away, but at the same time there is offers the one and only remedy for sin. In Islam real joy in preaching Christ to Moslems, when the fundamental idea concerning sin seems to be a man has been called of God. When we see Mos- that a man may make up for evil deeds by doing lems believe on Christ so that they are born into something that is good, like prayers or pilgrimage the Kingdom we are as certain to have joy in our or the giving of alms. In the faith of Christ the hearts as a rose is to have perfume. remedy for sin is supplied by God Himself; in Islam the only remedies offered are man-made It is a great privilege to be called to serve Christ works. and to share in the work that is dearest to the heart of God. David Livingstone is said to have Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has revealed the remarked that in all his toils and dangers there truth that God is our Father. Through Christ we was one thing which gave him greater comfort may approach God. To Islam the title of Father, than all else; it was the word of Christ, "I am as applied to God, is blasphemy and is almost withwith you always." In preaching to Mohamme-. out exception understood by Moslems in a carnal dans we should never feel lonely with such a way. Though the Koran says that God is as near Presence to sustain us. as the jugular vein, yet in actual practice the whole system of Islam makes Him appear like a power- It is also a joy to explain the Word of God to ful tyrant who cannot be approached. What a those who have no true message from their Cre- blessing to come to our heavenly Father through Christ, our Elder Brother! ator. It is wonderful to go from shop to shop, from house to house, from city to city as the In Christ we have a personality that is unique. bearer of Glad Tidings, an apostle of the Word of How far from anything that Islam has to offer God. If we do not preach to Moslems we are like are the love, forgiveness, mercy, service and selfthe brothers of Joseph who sat down to eat bread sacrifice of our Master. What a marvelous joy while their brother lay bound and in the pit. How to be able to point to such an example. But can we be happy while we leave our brothers Christ is far more than an example – He is the bound and in darkness? Christ is the only One One who atones for sin, the Mediator of the New who can fulfill every longing of the deepest spirit Covenant that reconciles those who were at enof Islam. mity with God, making peace through His Cross.
Our souls are also happy because in preaching a In these great offices Christ is unique; Islam has to Mohammedans we are fulfilling the command nothing like it. What a joy to present such of Christ. When He sent out the twelve and the Saviour to a Moslem and to proclaim His words, seventy they went on their errand with joy in "I am the way, the truth, and the life." "Come their hearts. The Apostle Paul could not remain silent after he had seen Christ, but found his joy unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
where we find ours in helping to carry the Gospel Christians have also the matchless blessing of to every nation and tribe. the help of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them and to cleanse from sin. Islam teaches how The Wonderful Message ceremonially to clean hands and feet before prayers, but only Christ shows how to purify the There is joy in the Christian mes'Sage that can- heart. A few years ago, I was speaking in the not be found in Islam. It is a mess.age that per- waiting room of a mission dispensary on the verse, fectly meets the deepest need of our Moslem brothers. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see The New Testament sets forth the true nature God." There were nine mullahs present. When [581 ]
I had finished one of them said, "It is impossible have presented the Christian message directly, in to be pure in heart." All the other eight agreed most cases without any reference to Islam, and with him. Without the Holy Spirit true purity many hundreds of Moslems have attended and is impossible. have shown the keenest interest.
Islam has its holy shrines, like Mecca and In one of the smaller cities of Iran we held serv- Medina, the graves of the prophet and the Imams, ices on several successive Sundays. Though there is no established Christian <church in that city we but it has nothing to compare with the Christian had a w.onderfulattendance of Moslems. The last sacred places that have a deep meaning fQr us. Sunday, though a heavy rain was faIling, there were more than three hundred Moslems in attend- Bethlehem-Place of the Incarnation. ance. N.o room at our disPQsal was large enough The Wilderness – The place of overcoming to hold such a congregati.on so I stood in a d.oor- way opposite to be sheltered from the rain and temptation. listeners filled the porches on the first and second Gethsemane-The place of agony for sin. stories of the long h.ouse where we were staying. Golgotha-The place .of atonement on the Cross. One could hardly believe that such an .opportunity The Empty Tomb-The place of victory through could be presented-that so many would be ready to hear the straight evangelistic message in a city resurrection. The Mount of Ascension-Place of power and the Great Commission.
It would be hard to imagine anything that eQuId that is noted :for its fanaticism. M.ost Christian evangelists in Iran have a room bring more jQy than the pr.oclamation of such or office where peQple may come to see them for great truths. If any Christian has, lost his joy in conversation .or to secure Christian literature. In preaching it must be because he has lost contact our .own evangelistic rQom we have a Bible class with these great and fundamental truths. If any each Sunday morning for Moslem men. Though worker for Moslems has lost the j.oy of such service let him return to his God-given Message and the attendance is somewhat irregular because most of the young men are from the upper classes of he will find there what he has lost. the g.overnment schools, we very often have thirty Islam has no real vital message. In a large or forty or even more of these intelligent young town of our province a number .of mullahs came men; they must often cut their classes to come. to our rQom. We asked them to choose a man to What a joy to have such hearers; their attendspeak for thirty minutes on the message .of Islam ance is entirely vQluntary, yet they leave their and we would speak for a similar time on the own school work to come and listen! That should Christian message. They chose the leading m.uj- bring joy to the heart of any Christian preacher. tahid who spoke for .only five minutes. We took the other twenty-five minutes of his time and the Opportunities to present the Christian message half-hour allotted to us to present the Christian are not confined to large congregations but come message. This has happened over and .over again from personal contacts in our every day WQrk. In in our experience. Great should be our JQY for a certain city I was invited, with a mission doctor, we have a wonderful message, which Islam has to the home of the head of the tax department.
not. He had also asked the Governor of the district, The Moslem Hearers the head .of the education department, several vil- lage landowners, and others to come to his home We not only have a message but we find in Mos- for conversation with us. We were able to prelem lands many who are ready to listen to it. sent tQ these officials the straight Christian mes- Though there are great .obstacles to be .overcome, sage and they seemed glad t.o listen. Recently yet we thank God for the great oPPQrtunities. that after Easter I stood in a school for girls with the lie around us. The fanaticism and bigotry which whole student body before me. The large room fQrmerly refused to listen to the message .of Christ was darkened and at the front .of the rQQm there have largely passed away. The tremendous social was a cross illumined by electric lights, covered changes and the m.odern outlook, together with by white cloth and lilies. By the light of the cross the new nationalistic spirit, sometimes make for I read the resurrection story. The great majority more freedom in preaching, and at other times of the girls were from Moslem families, yet there they .offer hindrances; yet in all we rejoice that was respectful silence and strict attention. Whose the general flow of the tide is toward a more ready heart would nQt overflow with joy at such an ophearing and more people willing to consider the portunity to preach Christ? claims of the Gospel. Last year, returning across the lake from visit- In the large cities all over Iran we have recently ing the churches in the Urumia region, I started been holding special evangelistic meetings. Some- a religious conversation with an army doctor soon times for a week these services have continued after the boat had left the pier. Others gathered each day and s.ometimes for longer periods. They around and through the whole day the conversa-
THE PRIVILEGE OF PREACHING TO MOSLEMS
tion went on, with all listening who were free to a mob of men. Some entered the room and began gather around. It was one more joyful chance for beating converts who were with us. They threw personal work. us out of the room; as they pushed us out of the yard, one man said, "If you ever come in this yard As a subject of a Moslem country, I live under again, or even in this street your blood will be a constitution which establishes Islam as the State spilled on these cobblestones." After we left a religion, yet there is an open door for the Gospel man who had lately professed Christ was shamewhich no one can shut. I have the joy of diffi- fully beaten by the rabble. culties to be overcome and the daily joy of seeing non-Christians willing to hear the message Christ Some time ago, as I was leaving the church, a has sent me to give. young Moslem put a sealed letter into my hand. I did not open it until I got home and then found it The Joys of Tribulation contained a threat that if I tried to convert Mos- lems to Christianity, either by preaching in the There is another sort of joy that comes from church or personal work, my blood would be shed suffering and persecution for Christ. The joy of in the street. It was signed "The Group of those the day of Pentecost was one sort of happiness for who Shed Blood." the Apostle Peter, but when some time later he was beaten he found joy in that experience also. We must expect at any time to be put out of We read in the Acts that "they departed from the places where we go to preach. Our books will be presence of the council rejoicing that they were seized and we may have trouble but, like the Hecounted worthy to suffer shame for his name." brews to whom the apostle wrote, most of us "have The Apostle Paul must have rejoiced to see not yet resisted unto blood." Even should it be churches spring up through his efforts but his our privilege to share the martyr's crown, we will heart broke forth in joy at the thought that his still say with the prophet Nehemiah, "For the joy apostleship was sealed by fellowship with Christ of the Lord is your strength." in His sufferings.. Just as we fail to match the apostles in power, so we fail to attain to a fellow- The Joy of the Harvest ship in suffering such as they enjoyed. The trials we are called upon to bear are trivial in compari- There is the joy in gathering fruit. We do not son to their sufferings, yet our own may be enough see great numbers of Moslems accepting Christ, to bring that deep joy which comes only through or mass movements such as are reported in India, sharing with Christ in pain and distress. Korea and Africa. We must work and pray for one convert from Islam, but in the large centers, Some years ago I was touring with one of the where churches are established, there quite a missionaries. We reached a district in the moun- group join the church each year. In the villages,· tains where so far as I know Christian evangelists on the other hand, there may be a single convert had never been. Some sixteen years before one here and there but we struggle toward the stage Christian had passed through the district. We where we may witness groups. of Christian became into a village just before nightfall, in a storm lievers in villages and small cities. The main reaof rain and wind. We asked for a place to stay sons why we do not see large numbers of converts but there was not one family in the place that are: would receive Christians – especially in our wet condition. They thought that we would contam- The lack of religious freedom; Religious or national fanaticism; a inate their houses in that condition. They showed Loss of economic and social standing; Actual persecution of converts. us the ruins of barn but we decided it would be beUer to stay in the streets than among the ver- One time, touring with a new missionary who min there. Another man took us to an old chicken had come from America a short time before, we house, one of the most filthy places I have ever stopped at a druggist's shop in the bazaar and a seen. At last one man suggested that there was crowd started to gather when they saw we were a shelter in an orchard some way from the village. speaking about Christ and the Injil (Gospel). I We made our way out there and found some sort moved to a wide part of the bazaar and at least of a room upstairs; we put our saddlebags over a hundred people gathered and gave me a wonderthe places where windows should have been and ful opportunity to preach the Gospel. They lisat last made our beds with the wind and rain tened with fine attention and were evidently imwhistling through our abode~ I have never in my pressed by the message. As we returned to our life enjoyed a sweeter sleep than that night. room my heart was singing, but I noticed that the young missionary seemed sad. When I asked the At one time I was invited with a missionary to reason, he replied, "I am filled with sorrow bethe home of a prominent man who had recently cause not one man stood up before the crowd and been converted from Islam. As we were talking confessed Christ. In such a meeting in America, a high Moslem ecclesiastic entered the room and we saw that the yard was filled with mullahs and
with people listening with that sort of attention, connection with our church, confessions had been at least fifteen or twenty would have arisen to few. One morning a young man, who had been confess their faith." Those of us who have spent attending services for some time, came into my many years in work for Moslems hope for that offic·e and made a clear confession of his faith in day but we have not yet seen it. Men and women Christ. He was from a good family and now has are born into the Kingdom one by one and great a good position as a clerk in the military service. is our joy over one soul that steps out into the How glad our hearts are made after a season of sunlight of Christ. little apparent fruit when we see the Spirit work- ing to turn men to Christ! One day as I was passin.g a vineyard, a boy came running and asked us into the garden where In one village I passed a mullah sitting in a an old man was sitting.. I read to him the story shop. Something made me turn back and I found of the Prodigal Son, and before I was through the he had never read the Injil, so I gave him a copy. old gentleman was crying like a child. He under- After that there was not a day when we did not stood the meaning of the story before I had ex- converse; he was certainly near the Kingdom and plained a word and I am satisfied he found Christ came to a full understanding of the love of Christ. in that single interview. In one village I had a conversation in a Bahai house that lasted until One of the fondest memories of my work for midnight. The owner was not converted but one Moslems was the conversion of a leading mullah, man who was present was deeply affected. He a descendant of the prophet Mohammed, who had came to see us later and before we had left the charge of several mosques. His was a wonderful village he confessed Christ and has remained true conversion and he not only believed but preached to. this day. his faith with utter disregard of consequences. He was called upon to suffer persecution which I recall three young men with whom I came in almost made him despair of life itself. But noth- .contact through the young people's society of our ing has been able to shake his faith. The last time church. One of them later confessed that he had I saw him he had a book in his hand and showed been drinking the first time he attended a meeting me two pictures,as others on the street stopped and had gone there as a lark. They all later con- to look and listen. One was the picture of a lion fessed Christ and though they have separated to and the other of a lamb. He said to me, "In the places that are far apart each has done much for end this one will triumph," pointing to the lamb. Christ in this land. It is not necessary to mention many other cases In one large city I had been working alone for which come to mind. As the angels in Heaven several weeks with very small show of results. I are filled with joy when one sinner repents, so we had given a Bible to a young man of a very prom- are happy beyond measure to see one soul from inent family. One evening as I sat in my room Islam born anew in Christ. If we carry the real almost discouraged as to the work, the young man message, in prayer and the power of the Holy came in. He had been reading the Bible, and be- Spirit, the fruit will come whether we or others fore he left, he confessed faith in Christ. My are to harvest it. I can conceive of no greater joy pessimism was· changed to joy. Shortly after this than that of seeing souls come out of Islam to take another man, who was a tailor and had been read- their place beside others who were formerly Zoro- ing much of our literature, confessed Christ and astrians or Jews, Armenians or Assyrians, and began to witness for Him. The poor man never all these together building the Church of Christ in reached the point where he could quite give up Iran. We praise God for our opportunities. "He his old custom of smoking opium but he professed that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious his faith before all up to the time of his death. seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." During some months of evangelistic work in A church that divides the Christian community is impotent to transform or redeem it.- Rev. Ross Sanderson.
*** We have sometimes covered over the ugly and dangerous weaknesses of our civilization and have given them the appearance of strength.-Rev. A. E. Keigwin.
FOR LEPER COUPLES IN A LEPER COLONY, NORTHERN
Obeying Christ's Forgotten Command Dona Eunice and the Lepers of Brazil _.o~ ~o._ r By EULA KENNEDY LONG, formerly of Brazil I A MONG those present at the fourth Interna- eradication of this dread disease in one generar-. tional Conference on Leprosy, which met in tion."
Cairo last March, was Dona Eunice Gabbi About a decade ago, under the capable and un- Weaver, a native Brazilian who married an selfish leadership of Dona Eunice, a small group American Methodist missionary in Brazil. She of Christian women began the work which is now came as official delegate and was the only woman carried on by seventy-two societies, associated in to read a paper before the conference. Dona a Federation of which she is the national presi- Eunice is a product of Christian missions, for she dent. They have erected prevention homes for received her early education in the mission the care of children whose parents have been in- schools of Argentina and Brazil. Later, she took terned in Government "colonies," and for un- a nursing course; and in 1929, toured the world tainted babies taken from leprous mothers at on one of our "Floating Universities." For some birth.
years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Weaver Since the disease is not inherited, a child's superintended the Methodist Settlement House in safety depends on immediate removal from a dis- Rio de Janeiro. eased mother. Tragic as this separation is to the About eight years ago Dona Eunice became in- mother, it is less terrible than that of seeing her terested in the lepers of her country and took up child doomed to hopeless suffering.
the work as a life investment. Up to that time, A very important phase of this work is keep- efforts in their behalf had been sporadic and ing up the morale of the patients. Dr. Muir, of In- localized. According to Dr. H. C. Tucker (for al- dia, has said that 85 per cent of the cure of lep- most fifty years Secretary of the American Bible rosy consists of moral and spiritual help, and Society in Brazil), "no one in Brazil is doing so only 15 per cent is due to medical care. Societies, great a work in dealing with this gigantic 'prob- therefore, have provided work-shops, libraries, lem as is Dona Eunice Weaver. Dr. Victor Heiser recreation centers and Christian chapels for the states that "Brazil may lead the world in the pres- patients, and organize entertainments for Christ- o ervation of the children of lepers and in the mas and other special days.
[585 ]
This work is in cooperation with the Federal and other influential men and women, receiving Government, which has built some twenty colo- cooperation from the humblest widow, as well as nies (in which about twelve thousand lepers are from the first lady of the land, Dona Darcy Varnow interned) and has fourteen more under con- gas. struction. Getulio Vargas is the first president of the country to attack this problem in a vigorous One of the most interesting and heartening and statesmanlike way. But government alone features is that Dona Eunice, although a Protescannot carryon all phases of this stupendous un- tant, has secured the cooperation of Roman Cathdertaking. It must have the assistance of private olics, Spiritualists, and Positivists. Her success beneficent organizations. in carrying out Christ's oft-forgotten command to cleanse the lepers, proves that Christian love, in From the pampas of the South to the waters of actual practice, can transcend barriers of class and the Amazon, Dona Eunice travels by train, ship, creed, and be a living force in .the service of sufauto and military plane, enlisting the sympathy fering fellow-men. and active support of state governors, Rotarians, Presenting the Good News in Brazil By E. M. do AMARAL, Rio de Janeiro Secretary of the Evangelical Federation of Brazil W HENEVER the message of the New Tes- The Christian conscience of the people of the tament reaches men, no matter how di- so-called "Younger Churches" reacts immediately, verse the interpretations may be, it will awakened by the responsibility for evangelizing always speak vigorously to the consciences, ap- the world in accomplishing the missionary task. pealing to the sacred missionary responsibility. They cooperate in the great labors initiated in Christians everywhere receive, as a command, the their country. duty of propagating the Good News of salvation; to present to men the unique Personality of Jesus But it is just to mention that, at the touch of Christ-the incarnation of the highest ethics, and the international or ecumenical spirit of Chrissupreme giver of energies for conduct. It is a tianity quite evident in the work of the Missions, duty to spread among the masses the noble in- the Christians of the evangelized countries awake, fluences of the Gospel. both in their duty to do missionary work and in their national feelings. For the love of their coun- The peoples who had already experienced try they wish to propagate the light of Christ; Christianity for centuries-and especially the or- and because Christianity awakens the conscience ganization which followed the principles of the of personality, and on account of the fact that the Great Reformation of the sixteenth century-felt national feelings do not die, there is born the dein its full power this heavy responsibility to prop- sire that the work, started by self-denying pioagate the teachings and the spirit of Jesus, to con- neers of other lands, may be carried on by those vey His influences among the people who did not who have received the fruits of the missionary know Christ, or who were in unfavorable circum- labors. stances on account of wrong interpretations and practice of Christianity. They have felt this duty, It is needless to call attention to the struggles and have sought to perform it with earnestness which have been fought, in these circumstances, and tenacity. many times due to lack of understanding from both sides as to their respective functions. Thanks In the exercise of this duty by the missionary to God, that there is already a new spirit predomcountries, there developes a true internationalism, inating and a better comprehension of duties will which exists in the religion of Jesus Christ, and bring greater blessings to the missionary enterwhich, in order to bestow benefits and accomplish prise in all the world. There is a reasonable its spiritual mission, is beyond racial and political expectation that this will come to pass. barriers. Again, this international spirit meets and often awakens the national spirit of the peo- Br.azil has already been the host to French ples who receive the blessings of the missionary missionaries in the colonial period (sixteenth cenenterprise. tury); and has had a movement of the Reforma- tion to a certain extent, during the Dutch control;
PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS IN BRAZIL
also, in colonial times (seventeenth century) ; and God, and it is fair to mention that they are en- was educated in the principles and loose practices gaged in it with enthusiasm and a burning sense of Roman Catholicism. Not speaking about visits, of responsibility.
now and then, already received in the nineteenth In the capitals and in the larger cities, but espe- century, she began to receive the evangelical mis- cially on the coast, we have already strong sionary influence only in the last quarter of the churches-many of them self-supporting and help- last century, less than 80 years ago, implanting ing smaller churches as well as the general work, the regular work of the various Missions, which and maintaining regular missionary work within brought us their great blessings and, let us say their areas. Whosoever will examine rapidly the also, transported to the new land the sectarian evangelical enterprise in some capitals, will note struggles of Europe and America. the churches maintaining various preaching sta- Already, within a half century, the feeling of tions and congregations, within a short time will ecclesiastical autonomy has been greatly awak- develop into new churches and all of them dedicate ened, which means the privilege of self-govern- themselves to propaganda.
ment, responsibility for self-support, but still the A considerable part of the evangelistic field is in sacred duty to propagate the Good News by our the rural zone, and even there, in spite of the lack own efforts. A great progress has already been of resources, the National Church does the same achieved. There are denominations entirely auton- work of evangelism. It is a perplexing problem omous; others, which are autonomous, even in Brazil, but the Christian workers and the Counthough they receive some support from the Mis- cils face the situation with courage and energy. sions; and others upon which the missions have The rapid development of the churches comes yet preponderant influence. We have gone quite a way in the direction of about in such a way, that within a short time, the field of labor of one worker multiplies itself, the rethis equilibrium, which generates a healthy, mu- sponsibilities increase, new centers come up, new tual respect between the missionary and the native churches are organized in much larger proporforces; and also we affirm that there is not, in a tion than the regular growth of the number of general sense, the sad "nationalism" which dead- workers. A distinguished Brazilian preacher who ens the work. We meap to say this: the collab- occupies an important pastorate in one of the oration of missionaries and Brazilians is of such largest churches in Brazil, and who is working a nature that these can develop, with liberty and very efficiently, was the initiator of the work of satisfaction, the promotion of the Christian cause. evangelization in a vast rural zone, in which there We are thankful to report the fact that the are today, instead of the small church then organ- Brazilian Churches, all of them, felt the impera- ized, not less than three Presbyteries.
tive missionary duty, and all of them, continually, Completely occupied with the common labors, with some enthusiasm, by their own initiative and and with this work in which the cure of souls and expenses, and employing their own methods, do the propagation of the Gospel extend together, the the best work of propaganda that they can. Brazilian workers have not always had sufficient The Christian schools of Brazil are yet in a funds for spreading out and planting new marks great part under the direction of missionaries, in far-away places in the outlying districts.
affiliated with various Missions in the United But all this is done, while the sons of the States. In the Theological Schools there are also "younger churches," feeling the weight and glory some missionaries, even though nearly all the of their mission, are face to face with the hard Schools of Theology are under the Brazilian lead- task of giving guidance to the general work. The ership. In the regular pastorate there are several Evangelical press, the training of ministers, the missionaries, but in considerably less proportIon, general work of Christian cooperation,· although and variable according to the denominations with helped by missionary experience quite often, is which they are connected. In the work of evan- on the shoulders of the nationals. Along these gelization, in zones in which the Brazilian lines, the Fifth Evangelical Congress, which met churches cannot have much influence, and espe- in S. Paulo, in 1936, had an important task; with cially in the hard task to evangelize territories far the help of missionaries who were there they made away from the civilized centers, there is a fine a careful study of questions. regarding evan- number of self-denying missionaries, including gelization, education, literature, social action, missionary ladies worthy of all respect, who are ecumenism, unity, held the attention of the Con- doing splendid educational work and nursing, far gress and very important conclusions and recom- away from the resources of civilization. mendations were made, in which there is a cou- Excluding these and other works, which the rageous acknowledgment of past mistakes and Brazilian evangelicals receive with gratitude, the shortcomings, and the presentation of desirable national leaders, naturally, have an ample and steps. and initiatives to follow in behalf of the heavy task in the propagation of the Kingdom of future kingdom of Christ in Brazil.
Adventure in Panjab
By HELEN A. DUFF Missionary of the American Presbyterian Church at Moga, Pan;ab AN AMERICAN woman, beginning mission- brought encouragement. But in many villages she r-. ary work with her husband a few years ago found none but tottering and toothless old women in the Bible classes. "Why do not the young ones in the villages of southeastern Panjab, was come?" she asked. astonished to find that almost none of the Christian women in that district knew anything about "They haven't time. They are busy with their the new religion which they professed. In each children and their husbands, with their grinding village there was usually a man or two who could and spinning, and all the business of living. What tell a few Bible stories from the mission course time have they to think of God? But with us, who then in vogue, but scarcely a woman knew so have finished with living, our children are dead, much as the name of Christ. There was no dis- or grown and it is well now for us to give a cernible difference between their mode of life and thought to God and to death and the Judgment bethat of their outcaste neighbors. The homes and fore it is too late." children of the Christians were as dirty as others in the village; many charms were to be seen about Young mothers, wrestling with the problem of their necks; and much quarreling and filthy lan- how to find enough bread for their children, how guage was heard; they showed as little interest to save them from cholera and blindness and the "evil eye," and all the rampant vice of village life in school. were not concerned with God. He could be of no "Perhaps the evangelists take no interest in service to weary and despairing souls who groaned under the degradation of an outcaste teaching the women," thought the missionary woman's lot. Why should they give much time to wife. "They teach only the men." She decided to think of Him, when as yet their day for dying explain to the evangelists that the women also was still far off? should be taught. The evangelists listened politely. Some took the trouble to explain why such a The old women's answer marked the turning thing was not to be expected. There were a num- point in that district. We decided to undertake ber of reasons-time-honored sex taboos and to do something more creative. In many villages women's brainlessness. The headstrong young the old women still sit, passively content to listen foreigners must find out for themselves the utter to Bible stories, but twice a year now, increasing unreasonableness of their expectations. numbers of young women and girls flock eagerly into the mission station for a sort of girls' camp, The missionary changed her tactics. She de- for two weeks of dynamic study. cided to inspire the evangelists' wives to take up the service, each in her own home village. But The experiment was launched with misgiving. there were many practical difficulties. In that "Parents will never send their daughters," said district there was no precedent for such a pro- the wise and experienced evangelists. In the becedure. The women were not used to sitting in ginning few did. But in that first critical two classes. All their lives they had been told that weeks' session, the few girls who came had such they had brains like the buffal'Q.cf.The evangelists' a rich experience that their drab lives were wives dften reminded them of the fact. Besides, changed and the news spread. As a result many these wives had to care for their own homes and a girl has prevailed upon fearful old parents or children and could not take on more work, for a jealous or stingy young husband, to allow her which they were not paid. to attend camp once, if not twice, in the year. But gradually, by persistent prayer, with ex- A group of little two-room native houses was ample and precept, the work was begun. From found where the girls might live for two weeks. scattered villages came reports of women learn- All the activities of the camp are used to convert ing Bible stories. No radical change of life these drab mud houses into. what a Christian vilseemed to follow ammediately, but that would lage home should be! The girls pasted the houses take time. The missionary began making visits neatly with thin mud plaster, built tidy fireplaces, to the villages where women were listening; her decorated their walls with designs of their own praise of those teachers who were most faithful in white clay, or color. Pictures cut from maga- [588 ] zines have added splashes of color. Simple little There is at times tension or lack of cooperation, hand-made pottery have a place in the scheme. but as each situation arises, it gives opportunity Beds neatly spread and clean floors gradually for the girls themselves to evaluate it in the light become the standard. Personal charm has been of the standards which they themselves have ac- enhanced by daily washings and combing of hair, knowledged. Behavior is measured by the motto weekly washing of clothes, and getting rid of lice they have chosen, "In love serve one another."
once-for-all! Girls take turns in cooking, learn- The babies who are sure to attend also learn ing from a woman who is a mistress of the art. much, for these are made the subjects of all the There are also lessons in soap making, cutting experiments in baby bathing and weighing, in and sewing of garments, knitting, baby care, and feeding and discipline! They learn to take their sometimes in simple gardening and chicken rais- food once every four hours, instead of every time ing. they whimper. They learn to sleep, cool and com- The twice-a-day lessons in reading are attacked fortable, in their little cots, while their mothers with more zest than anything else and we find attend school. They like this better than being that there is nothing which so much enhances· constantly jiggled and smothered in mother's self-respect as an ability to read. warm lap. Mothers like it better too. Finally, Lessons in Bible are not cut-and-dried, but free they return to their village homes, bedecked in discussion is encouraged, to find answers to ques- the gaudy new shirts which their young mothers tions about daily living. have made for them. Two- and three-year-olds "What shall I do when my child gets fever? learn to detach themselves from mothers' skirts, My mother-in-law tells me that the blood of a and have a good time independently in an attrac- black goat smeared on the bed posts would be tive little nursery school.
helpful." Each morning and evening during the camp the "What is the harm in child marriage?" girls gather, sometimes together and sometimes "How should my husband treat me?" in separate house groups, for Christian worship.
"Why should I not slap my child when he an- On the last days, when the girls must return to noys me? How else can I control him?" their villages, their expressions of regret and To these and other daily problems the girls and their wistful yearnings to stay longer, are di- teachers try to find the Christian answer, in the verted into the more positive attitude of service light of Christ's teaching. There is gratifying for others. What are they taking back to their evidence of the effectiveness of this more realistic villages? Will they find some other girls to teach?
method, despite its many flaws. Staff meetings to Here and there a village girl can be found who prepare for class discussions have helped. has learned to read a little, or to knit, or to keep There is also much fun in these schools. There her children cleaner and to quarrel less with her are trips to thE! ice factory (as good as a trip to mother-in-law, because a friend who has been to Europe), picnics on the canal bank, games and camp has shown her that Christ teaches her to songs, and village folk dances. do those things if she wishes to follow Him.
TEN RULES FOR OHRISTIAN LIVING By THE LATE GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH 1. Consider your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and treat it with reverence and care. 2. Keep your mind active. Stimulate it with thoughts of others that lead to doing something. 3. Take time to be holy with daily Bible reading and prayer. 4. Support the church of your faith. Mingle with others. 5. Cultivate the presence of God. He wants to enter your life and will,-as far as you let Him. 6. Take God into the details of your life. You naturally call upon Him in trouble and for the bigger things. 7. Pray for this troubled, war-threatened world and the leaders who hold the destinies of the various nations. 8. Have a thankful spirit for the blessings of God – country, home, friends and numerous "
other blessings. 9. Work as if everything depended upon work, and pray as if everything depended upon prayer. 10. Think of death not as something to be dreaded, but as a great and new experience where loved ones are met and ambitions realized.-Selected.
Lift Up Christ in
Two Methods of Introducing Jesus to Non-Christians _o·<tH{1.:;11====B;;;;Y;;;;A;;;;M=IS;;;;SI;;;;O;;;;N;;;;AR=Y=IN=IND=I;;;;A====!III.- My FIRST year of evangelistic work in the Maddened by his prowess, the Mohammedans Panjab was spent in a proud and big- grew acrimonious in their attacks, saying abusive oted Mohammedan city, where for fifty things of Christ, and making personal attacks on years Christian work had been carried on with the evangelist. The Christian maintained his good almost no visible results. A spirit of defeatism humor, but his tongue grew more adroit in trip- and indifference, and even of antagonism to the ping up his less skilful rivals, demolishing their non-Christians, characterized the local church. arguments with his brilliant irony.
The Christians, having come from the Depressed Long before the evening was over, it was evi- Classes, were scorned by their proud Moham- dent that the Moslem opponents were routed. The medan neighbors, and it is not easy to love peo- discussion ended with shrill and furious invective ple by whom one is scorned! on one side, and cries of victory on the other. On But the Indian pastor and the missionaries had their way home, some of the Christians were plans for stirring the city into new life. A short seized and beaten by enraged Mohammedans, but time before the Panjab had been startled by the they gloried in their sufferings for Christ.
news that a brilliant and zealous Mohammedan Some of us who were new to the work were dis- maulvi (theologian) had been converted to Christ. turbed by the unfriendly spirit shown and there- As in the case of Paul, the talents which former- after dissociated ourselves from such debates.
ly had been skilfully used to refute the claims of Our Christian associates were patient, pointing Christ were now even more vigorously employed out that more Gospels had been sold during that in defense of the Christian faith. In the hope of week than in the whole preceding year. God could stirring lethargic Christians to fresh zeal, and of "make even the wrath of man to praise Him,"
converting hardened Mohammedans, the church whereas indifference was more difficult to over- leaders invited this man to come and give a series come. Some Moslems came to ask questions, while of evangelistic addresses before his former co- others sought to quarrel with the pastor and the religionists-the Moslems. missionaries. We were amazed w~en three young He had accepted the invitation and the news Mohammedan men asked for baptism at the close was soon spread, through every alley of our city of the campaign. They had become convinced, and into surrounding villages. It was rumored they said, by the logic of the evangelist, that to among the Christians that the local maulvies, follow the way of Mohammed would surely lead fearful lest their learning might not prove ade- them to hell. The baptisms aroused such bitter quate to the challenge of so illustrious an oppo- antagonism in the city that the young men seemed nent, had sent to Amritsar and to Lahore for two to be in peril of their lives and were obliged to of their most scholarly and most eloquent maul- make their escape into another part of the counvies to uphold the Prophet's honor. Excitement try. For a time every home in the city was closed ran high. Christian evangelists, as they went to us. about in house to house visiting, were sharply *** questioned about the coming addresses, and some- When the Christian Students' Council of a times were taunted in the streets. Christian college planned to show stereopticon On the night of the first debate, crowds filled slides of the "King of Kings" (Life of Christ) in the arena. Men and women with babies, attended the college chapel, where attendance was volun- from the Christian compound. For the first time tary, a group of Mohammedan students, prej- in the history of our city, Christianity was head- udiced against Christianity, determined to cause line news. The debate began in dignified and a disturbance.
scholarly manner, as the maulvies matched their As the lights went out, and the picture was learning against that of their Christian rival. It shown, the mischief makers began to chatter, soon became apparent that the maulvies were far shuffle their feet, snap their fingers, hoot in de- out-classed in their knowledge of the subject. rision, and throw paper wads at the figure of Again and again the convert scored, tearing to Christ on the screen. The president of the college pieces with ease the arguments of his opponents. felt that he could not allow such insults to his [590 ] Master, and sprang to his feet to shut off the pic- ly the audience watched that broken body taken ture. Just then there came before him the mental picture of Jesus and His disciples, weary and from the Cross and laid sorrowfully in its resting footsore at the end of a day's journey, refused place by His brokenhearted friends. The crowd shelter in a village of Samaria. While the dis- was deeply impressed as that invincibly friendly, ciples, in anger at this indignity to their Master, virile, gallant Spirit went down to seeming dedesired to call down fire from Heaven on the in- feat, so unmerited and ignominious. But with the hospitable village, "Jesus turned and rebuked dawning of Easter morning, when the noble figthem; and they went to another village." The ure of Christ rose from his grave, living and vicpresident decided to ignore the disturbance, and torious, the whole student body was on its feet let the picture go on. and the oppressive stillness was broken with cheer after wild cheer, exultantly ringing through Little by little, as Jesus walked before them on the chapel: "He has conquered!" the screen, healing the sick, comforting the sorrowful, playing with little children, gradually the The next day a sober-faced committee of Moshuffling of feet, and the derisive "cat calls" les- hammedan students called at the president's office. sened. Later, when the scenes of Christ's suffer- "We came to beg forgiveness," they said, "for our ing on the Cross were thrown on the screen, a shameful rudeness of yesterday. We would never tense and breathless stillness filled the room. Quiet- have acted as we did, if we had supposed that Jesus was like that!"
CHURCH GIVING HAS INCREASED The statistics of the United Stewardship Council (Harry S. Myers, Sec.) are for the church years ending between December 31, 1937, and September 1, 1938. These figures show an increase in giving to benevolences and to congregational expenses; membership also shows an increase.
The new depression that started in the fall of 1937 caused a severe slowing up in contributions in many churches, but the total for the year is larger than the total for the preceding report. In per capita giving the United Presbyterians stand at the head with $5.47 per capita for general benevolences and $7.09 for denominational work.
The increase in giving by the listed twenty-five church bodies is $2,313,425.00, or is .007 per cent over the preceding year.
All groups except five show a growth in membership; the Southern Baptists stand first with 4,595,602. The total membership, exclusive of infants, reported by these twenty-five church bodies in the United States and Canada, is 25,143,316, an increase of 133,766, over the statement made last January.
RELIGIOUS BODY 1 – -P-ER- -OA,P-IT-A-G-IF-TS- – – – 1 – – – – -T-O,T-AL-G-IF-T-S – – – – – – 1 Membership Denomina· oongrega. Denomina· Oongrega- Excluding tlonal Be· tiona! All tiona! tiona! AIl Purposes Infants nevo!ences Expenses Purposes Benove!ences Expenses 1——1——–1———-1——–1—— I Baptist, Northern ………………. .. $1.76 $10.19 $II.95 $2,590,305 $14,957,043 $17,547,348 1,468,043 2 Baptist, Southern ..•……………… 1.24 5.78 7.02 5,702,150 26,563,537 32,265,687 4,595,602 3 Baptist, Seventh Day ……………. .. 3.79 10.45 14.24 25,736 70,968 96,704 6,793 4 Brethren, Church of ……………… . 2.23 7.89 10.12 368,269 1,300,000 1,668,269 164,784 5 Brethren in Christ, United ………..• 1.92 10.02 II.94 790,793 4,125,218 4,916,011 411,674 6 Congregational and Christian …….. . 1.57 14.10 15.66 1,613,817 14,534,449 16,148,266 1,030,914 7 Disciples of Christ ………………. .. 1.33 6.08 7.40 2,130,988 9,768,528 ll,899,516 1,607,716 8 Episcopal, Protestant ……………. . 2.53 20.26 22.79 3,437,559 27,500,570 30,938,129 1,357,496 9 Evangelical Church ………………. . .69 19.07 19.76 162,820 4,498,461 4,661,281 235,868 10 Evangelical and Reformed ………… . 2.24 II.95 14.19 1,464,002 7,796,393 9,260,395 652,668 II Lutheran Church, United …………. . 2.32 12.26 14.59 2,612,550 13,802,994 16,415,544 1,125,399 12 Lutheran Conference, American …… . 2.62 11.31 13.93 2,699,066 11,658,225 14,357,291 1,030,861 13 Lutheran Conference, Synodical …… . 2.65 10.81 13.46 2,921,804 ll,894,245 14,816,049 1,100,572 14 Lutheran, Other Synods ………….. . 1.49 7.58 9.07 123,660 627,393 751,053 82,789 15 Methodist Episcopal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. 98 14.11 16.09 7,285,917 51,788,184 59,074,101 3,671,ll5 16 Methodist Episcopal, South , ……… . 2.53 7.43 9.96 7,149,726 21,040,770 28,190,496 2,830,258 17 Muravian, North ………… , …….. . 4.86 17.38 22.24 84,603 302,234 386,837 17,392 18 Nazarene, Church of ……………… . 4.54 26.35 30.89 650,892 3,777,210 4,428,102 143,330 19 Presbyterian, United ., …………… . 7.09 16.80 23.89 1,276,683 3,025,969 4,302,652 180,065 20 Presbyterian, U. S, (So,) ………….. . 5.18 16.40 21.58 2,579,108 I 8,162,139 10,741,247 497,816 21 Presbyterian, U. S. A………. , ….. .. 3.58 17.64 21.23 6,823,443 33,584,4II 40,407,854 1,903,747 22 Reformed in America …….. , ……… . 3.76 19.66 23.41 598,440 3,132,064 3,730,504 159,343 23 Baptist, Ontario and Quebec …….. ,. 3.63 14.61 18.24 205,652 1 828,556 1,034,208 56,700 24 Presbyterian in Canada ………….. . 3.11 14.03 17.15 547,6331 2,467,362 3,014,995 175,824 25 United Church of Canada …………. . 3.62 14.13 17.75 2,306,259 8,995,562 11,301,821 636,547 1-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-. Average or total, 1938 … , …….. ,. $2.23 $11.38 $13.62 ……….. '1-.-.-.-..-.-.-..-.-1–.-.-..-.-.-..- ____A_v_e_r_a_g_e_o_r_t_o_t_a_I,_19_3_7_._._.._._._.._._'_'_"_"1__$_2_._16_ __$_1_0._9_6_ __$_1_3_,2_5_ _,_,_'_"_'_'_"_'_' _1_'_'_'_"_'_'_'_"_'_1__"_'_'_"_'_'_"_'_1__"_'_'_"_._._._. 1 1 1 _ _ _G_r_a_n_d_t_o_t_a_I,__19_3_8._._.._._._.._._.._._._._.'-'-'1-'._._.'_'_'_1_'_'_'_••_._._1_'_'_'._,_._'1 $56,151,875 _1$286,202,485 $342,354,360 25,143,316 Grand total, 1937 ….. …………. ……. .. ….. . …… $53,793,095 $272,964,745 $330,040,935 21,909,550
and the World's Crisis*
By INABELLE GRAVES COLEMAN, Richmond, Va.
Editorial Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention THOUSANDS, even millions of Christians When the first mISSIOnaries came to Yintak, around the world are celebrating milestones the present young people's leader was a tiny lad. of victory for Christ. Numerous reports of The American children attracted him and soon prevailing privations, persecutions, perseverances he was joining them in their story hour time and personalizations of both missionaries and na- about their mother's knees. Theile stories always tional Christians evidence manifold fulfillments included Jesus and the love of God. of the petitions of the pioneers of yesteryears. The Chinese lad was held spellbound by these No missionary has claimed that he or she has stories for they were like none he had ever heard made a sacrifice or complained because of priva- before. He retold them at home. None of his tions. There are some less surrendered souls who family had ever heard of Jesus but believed that may do so, but the missionaries dwell on life's there are many gods whom one must worship sweetest moments of fellowship with the spirit of in order to be prosperous. When the boy repeated God. Many of the by-products of the privations the stories of Jesus, his family did not like the however, would not be necessary if we at home idea of adding a "foreign god" to their list. would keep closer to missionaries in prayer and in knowledge of their needs. The climax came when this eldest son came home one evening declaring that this God of the One quiet evening in far interior China a for- foreigners is the only true God. Fear filled the eign missionary and an American on a missionary family. To fail to worship the spirit of one's anjourney sat sharing with the Chinese evangelists cestors and the gods of wel:tlth, health, the kitchen, their heart yearnings for God's Kingdom. After and the cradle or the gods. of thunder and disease, a little while the group knelt to pray. In Chinese, would bring great calamity upon the family. The in English, they joined their hearts in praises and lad's grandparents forbade his ever again seeing petitions to the Father of all. When they arose the foreigners. He must forget all that the twilight had given way to darkness, and only by strangers had taught him. But the child could not the glow of a flashlight could they find the door forget. The still small voice of God's Holy Spirit leading into the night. Without apology the had found entrance to his understanding. Alhostess said "Perhaps you wonder why I have not though he had never heard what Jesus said about given you light. There is a little group of Chris- loving father or mother more than God the lad tians not far from us who had no pastor. We chose to obey God. Today, as he counsels with were giving all we could to God's work, but some- Chinese youth, he understands what persecuone happened to remember that if all of us in our tion means to some who become Christian. little church would give our oil money, there would be enough to supply food for a pastor for this little *** flock. For two months we have had no oil for our lamps. We go to bed early and get up by God's Rumania's State Church is a branch of the Rosunlight. It is a good reminder to know that we man Catholic church, and when one of that church are in physical darkness that these babes-in- comes in vital fellowship with God's Spirit and Christ may have spiritual light. We remember Christ becomes his Mediator, he no longer goes to to pray more for them as we sit in the twilight's confession. Instead of paying fees to the priests, dimming glow, and have no oil for our lamps." his free-will, love-offerings are directed toward opening for others this true way of salvation In the two-thirds of the world where paganism through Christ Jesus and naturally the priests obreigns unrelieved by the Christian message, it is ject. Asa result the Evangelical is boycotted, exnot easy for one to turn from the ancestral to iled, persecuted. follow what seems to be a foreign religion. For many that would mean exile from home, family, Far in the north of Rumania is a little missionfriends and loss of means of support. ary society that included five young girls. One sunny April morning, when the beauty of spring- Ch:i~o~~e:i~~l~~~m 1~3~.isslonary Message given during the Florida time filled their hearts with melody, softly they sang a hymn. Before the chorus was completed, a [592 ] rough knock at the door filled them with fear. An The sorrow and suffering, and death in warofficer entered and marched them off to prison torn China today cannot be described. The picfor being "a public nuisance." Locked in a room, ture of death, hunger, and distress are too terrible whose ceiling and walls were dotted with many for words. knotholes, they were commanded to count these knotholes until they collapsed. It is not easy to In spite of war, imprisonment, boycott, and subbe a Protestant in dominantly papal lands. tle persecutions, the Christians of war-torn lands, totalitarian states, and other unenlightened na- The world's youth are on the march today, but tions are loyally persevering, faithfully witnesstheir bands are not playing "Onward Christian ing to Christ their Lord and Saviour. Soldier." These youth, in many parts of Europe, are marching to the commands of dictators like Recently one hundred and fifty young people Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. For disobedience of enlisted in special training for service under orders, they. suffer imprisonment. the leadership of Enrico Paschetto of Turin, Italy. More people were baptized into the Protestant In the prisons of Chosen there are today thou- churches of Rumania last year than during any sands of political prisoners. In Germany's con- previous year. centration camps there are said to be 100,000 men, of whom 10,000 are ministers of Christ. No one For the first time in China's history a corps of knows how many prisoners there are in Italy. In Christian medical students recently offered the Russia, imprisonment and exile have not been government their services and asked to be sent to sufficient to satisfy the dictators; many Christians the front to alleviate the suffering of their fellow have faced the firing squad. men. They are willing to risk their lives for others. One of the three hundred refugee camps Surely it matters to us that thousands of Chris- of Shanghai is located in Old North Gate Baptist tians in the world are persecuted for their loyalty Church. The day after the shelling of Natao, one to Christ. of the many missionaries who has chosen to re- main in China, braved the danger of flying shrap- Nazism that exalts a man above God; Fascism nels and stray bullets, and went over to this old that places. the State above God; Communism that church. The quietness when he entered the vesexiles God; Imperialism that claims divinity for tibule made him wonder what could create such a its emperor-all these attempt to fetter the souls silence among a multitude crowded into these of men. over-flowing quarters. He saw Pastor Y. C. Ching standing in the midst of this homeless, hun- Because Martin Niemoller preached from the gry crowd of crushed sorrowing humanity, readtext, "We ought to obey God rather than man," ing the 23rd Psalm. How could these people deshe was tried for treason and today he suffers in a titute, desperate, wounded, snatched from death "concentration camp prison." If he had said, that claimed their loved ones, understand those "We ought to obey Hitler instead of God," his fate words about the Lord as a Shepherd, from the would have been reversed. Over the beautiful psalmist? gates of one of Germany's oldest universities once was the challenge to youth: "To the living Spirit Then he remembered the words: "Surely He of the Eternal God." Now the word "God" has shall not fail nor be discouraged until He hath set been chiselled out, and "Germany" has been mor- his justice in all the earth, and the isles shall wait ticed in its place. for His law?"
Christians cannot be unaware of these facts. Calmly the missionary wove his way through The cause of Christ must be promoted with knowl- the mass of humanity until he stood by the calm edge of the conditions that affect missions and Christian pastor. Putting his arm about Mr. hinder or help the progress of the Kingdom. Ching's shoulders, the West and East, the white and the yellow races, brothers in Christ, testified "The Beauties of War" is the title of a recent to the fact that "The Lord is my shepherd." book from the pen of Mussolini's son, who has barely reached his majority. He depicts a spring- Faithfulness to Christ prevails in these lands time airplane flight through the heaven's blue of persecution and trial around the world. skies of Ethiopia. In the morning sunshine he spies a village of peasants-only women and chil- The Chinese ideograph for America is composed dren for all of the men and boys have gone to of a combination of characters meaning literally fight the intruding army. The young aviator "Beautiful Country to the West." Most of the drops a bomb on the peasants and with a laugh world thinks of the United States as a land synsoars above the dust and death he has created. onymous with beautiful freedom and delightful liberty. The eyes of the world are upon "Chris- Such hellish delight is incomprehensible to a tian America," as the United States is frequently Christian. Those thus destroyed lived in the land called by Christians of other lands where America of Abyssinia, the oldest nation to claim the name and her sins are not well known. "Christian."
At the Nanking home of Dr. Sun F'o in 1936, At a university luncheon in Nanking the Ameriwhen he was the head of the legislative depart: can guest sat next to a Chinese leader in Nanment of the National Government of China, a king's civic and social service work. Recalling group of Americans found their host in his office. their college days in America, they remembered Dr. Sun still wore his shaded reading glasses. that both of them had met at the Y. W. C. A. Before him were two opened books: a Bible, Camp at Blue Ridge a decade ago. (opened to the Proverbs of Solomon), and the Constitution of the United States of North "How did you come to give up the missionary America. With these pages before him, this Chi- call that burned so radiantly in your life then?" nese scholar and statesman was drafting the new ventured the American. constitution for the Republic of China. With national courtesy the Chinese woman hesi- A passenger on the Atlantic was coming to one tated, but the American urged her to forget Oriof the largest cities of the United States to teach ental politeness and to be Americanly-frank, for his native tongue. By calling, and in fifteen years she was asking the question for reasons deeper of service, he was a Christian minister and he had than curiosity. never taught school before. "Then, for Christ's sake, I shall tell you. As a "I would not have left my people-they need college girl in China I was very happy with the me now more than ever, but the churches are thought of going to America to be with and study closed; scores of preachers, who have dared to with people who love God. The night before our preach in spite of the government's repression, ship touched the United States, I did not even have landed in jail. But there is much we can do take off my clothes. I prayed all night. My heart without preaching in a pulpit. We can go from was full to bursting. I prayed three things: I h.ouse to house breaking the Bread of Life. Quiet- praised God over and over for such a privilege to ly we can shepherd our flocks. But my lad's come to Christian America; I prayed to be worthy mother died last summer. She was training him to set my feet upon America's soil-I felt so unto worship and encouraging him to be a Christian worthy; and I prayed for an open heart and mind in spite of Naziism. I was afraid to have the boy to receive the blessings of learning that I might grow up in a land that has exiled God. It is also be like the missionaries who come from this for the lad that I am coming to America. I want beautiful country to which I was now privileged him to have the blessings of growing up in Chris- to come. Then, but-" and her voice broke. tian America." Humiliated by the world's personalization of an Christian America? One trembles and prays! America unworthy of such admiration and es- May those who personalize and idealize America teem, Christians are moved by a renewed zeal to and call her people Christian, not be disillusioned! respond more faithfully to the aching heart of humanity.
The Prime Needs of a City Church By REV. G. H. BECHTOLD, D.D., Philadelphia -otil Executive Secretary, Board of Inner Missions, Evangelical Lutheran Church M OST Protestant congregations begin in supported by the congregation, usually support promising neighborhoods, in a growing themselves and are a source of support for the community of new homes and new fam- congregation. While the congregation grows and ilies. The folks have brought with them some prospers, it never outgrows its early manner of tradition of church attendance and join their new living. With the rapid changes in our modern friends and neighbors in erecting a new church urban life it suddenly finds itself panic stricken. building. For a longer or shorter period of time People are leaving the neighborhood and a differtheir chief occupation is paying the debt and rais- ent class of persons is coming in. Raising money ing the pastor's salary. Some city congregations for local expense and getting new members has not never get beyond that stage. In one communion. succeeded in permeating the community with the Gospel. Money raising devices may have made the over 80 % of the entire income was used for local congregation a nuisance to the small business man. Finally the congregation prepares to move to a expenses, interest, and liquidating debts. The Bible schpol and youth activities, instead of being
THE PRIME NEEDS OF A CITY CHURCH
"more promising" neighborhood. This is a drab tion. People have more leisure and more forms picture, but we need to examine ourselves before of amusement than ever. Amusement resorts proceeding to the building of a constructive pro- cater to capacity crowds but so do our hospitals for gram for action. mental diseases. The Church has a legitimate field in providing the plan and the opportunity for A change of attitude is a prime necessity in a clean pastimes. Music, dramatics and sports are truly Christian program. We read "My house health outlets for pent-up spirits. Folks learn to shall be called a house of prayer for all people." know one another better and are more ready to As a matter of fact, the average Protestant church work together in the serious work of Kingdom is chiefly a "house for the respectable middle building. In one large city church the older men class." We reach neither the very rich nor the were organized into twenty quoit teams. They very poor, although they are there among us. At played every night during the summer, becoming times, groups of congregations make a survey of better acquainted with each other, and in an in- their neighborhoods, but often that gives the indi- formal way, with the program of the church. vidual congregation no accurate picture of its field. Surveys must be made, in order that we may know For nineteen centuries the Christian Church who the people are who live in our parish. has been the St. Elizabeth of the needy. The vast State relief programs have overshadowed the work In every neighborhood there are static as well of the Church. Nevertheless only her persistent as moving elements in the population. Among benevolence has made it possible for the State to those who are static we find the conservative well- carryon on such a colossal scale. What the Church to-do, who were once active in the local church. lacks in funds she possesses in the miraculous Another group could not keep up the pace; they power of multiplying the loaves and the fishes. stayed in the neighborhood, but out of the church. Unemployment has had a devastating effect on In every community there are hidden treasures the life of all classes in the community. Lack of waiting to be turned up. There is a glaring illus- jobs causes lack of funds. Pride has kept many tration in the case of the aged widow in Philadel- former members out of the church. While it is phia for whose millions hundreds of hungry heirs laudable to say "Come whether you have money are squabbling, but for whose soul no church or not," what many really need is a job. Here we seemed to have any concern. have fallen down. Congregational employment committees cooperating with a community Free Having learned the possibilities of a field, the Employment Bureau conducted by the denomina- congregation must look at itself. Having gath- tion have sometimes been the means of finding ered the facts, the congregation must adopt a new work for hundreds in private and public positions. attitude of determination and optimism. First of all, its equipment must not look run down at the Social and economic changes afford the city heel. Many city churches were erected in the days church an opportunity to provide an outlet for the when folks had large families and when every exchange of ideas. In many cases, discussion one went to church. groups have taken the place of old debating clubs. People like to talk about present-day problems. People are conscious of a building that is clean In most congregations, there are one or more col- and well lighted and warm on cold days. lege graduates capable of conducting such a group. One danger is that the pastor may monop- Adequate and decent housing is one of the sta- bilizing factors in a city church. When the newly- oJize the time. Give the people a chance to answer weds can find a modern home close to the old home back. Our Lord had a deep concern for the physi- they will stay. If the family which has risen from cal welfare of the people; Christians may have poverty (are there any such today?) can find a no less. But what of the Gospel? Many sermons more comfortable dwelling among the old neigh- are only husks. The text often provides a peg on . bors they will remain. The church should have a which the preacher hangs his personal views. live interest in the enforcement of housing and What most people want is an authoritative presen- zoning laws, in order that she as well as her neigh- tation of the Scriptures in simple Anglo-Saxon. bors can live happily. It is more constructive to In many cases we have secularized the Church have some unsanitary condition corrected than to with such themes as "Patriotic Grandfathers' pay for the burial expenses of an innocent child Day," "Rocking Chair Sunday," and other cheap victim. tricks to draw a crowd. Worth-while services and messages send folks home with the conviction that People also need to be taught how to live in a they have been with God. home. Despite all the new fangled devices to lighten the "drudgery of housekeeping," nothing A church open every day, ministering to its has yet been invented to take the place of intel- neighbors all the day, is an answer to the prob- ligence. lem. True leadership involves surrounding one- self with an efficient force of workers. Instead of In most parishes in a city, nickelodeons, gramo- phones and player pianos started the process of drying up the wells of wholesome family recrea-
one pastor in a large city church there should be source of lay activity we could turn the ebbing three or four. Experience has shown that not tide in the city churches.
only the unchurched but many of our best work- We also need to cultivate the lost art of singing.
ers are in need of intense pastoral care. Mean- One small city church that we know, with a mem- while the solitary pastor is shackled by a multi-' bership of only 200 had three excellent choirs, an- tude of details that call for trained workers. other larger congregation has fifteen. Not only While every city church has audiences and or- have they served to hold together the group, ganizations, what it needs is worshipers who also spread the appreciation of good music, stimulated are workers, evangelists or deacons in the sense the singing of the congregation, but also they have of Acts 6: 3. City church societies should repre- sung the Gospel into hearts of many.
sent the spirit of Christian fellowship and be the In a community where there are people the training school for volunteer workers. In Ger- prime necessity of the city church is to believe in many the Protestant Church societies have had its mission to permeate and dominate the commu- more than three million volunteers ready at a nity with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, moment's notice for any service. With such a preached, lived and practiced.
Evangelistic Work in Ludhiana Hospital By D. M. PAYNE, Evangelist Memorial Hospital, Ludhiana, Pan;ab CHRISTIAN medical work brings us into been educated in a mission school, and would like touch with all classes of non-Christians- to read the Gospel story over again very carefully. Hindus, Mohammedans and Sikhs. Our ap- He bought a Gospel, and asked her to pray that proach to these people through our medical and as he reads Christ will reveal His full light to him health work is a very effective means of reaching so that he may find salvation and peace of heart. them with the Gospel message. In the hospital, where patients stay for a shorter or longer period, We also found this same earnest seeking after we have a unique opportunity of seeing their re- the truth as revealed in Christ, on the part of a action to the message and of finding out their atti- Hindu whose wife was admitted to the hospital for tude to Christ. Not only the patients, but their several weeks. He bought a Bible saying that he relatives, too, both men and women, have an op- had read it while in a mission school as a boy, but portunity of hearing the message day by day. had paid no attention to its teachings then. Now, however, he was anxious to read it over again very Many these days are buying copies of the Scrip- carefully from beginning to end. Another edutures and seem genuinely anxious to find out about cated Hindu, a master in a high school, whose wife these things for themselves. I think it is not an was in the hospital for some time, said that he exaggeration to say that there is a real spirit of had a Bible at home which he was in the habit of enquiry abroad in India just now on the part of reading to his wife and children. A text hanging many, who are dissatisfied with what their own on the wall of the ward, "The wages of sin is religion has to offer them, and this is causing them death, but the gift of God is eternal life through, to study: the Scriptures and listen with eagerness Jesus Christ our Lord" attracted his attention, and to the message of salvation through Christ. I one day he said, "Will you explain the meaning have, personally, met very few non-Christians of it to me? I have been pondering over it for the during my twelve years of service in this country last two days.'" who are really satisfied with their own religion, and can testify to having found the truth. On the The Hindu doctrine of Karma (salvation by contrary, I have met many who are ready to con- works) is a hopeless one, and it seems that some fess that they are in search of truth. of the thoughtful Hindus are wistfully looking to Christ for salvation that does not depend on the A short time ago the father of one of our Mo- self-effort of weak humanity. Our experienced hammedan patients was listenfng to the Gospel Bible worker, who visits among the "zenana" message while on a visit to his daughter. As the women in the city, reports that among the Hindus Biblewoman was preaching about the death and a number have given up the worship of idols and resurrection of Christ, he exclaimed, "Quite true! long pilgrimages to bathe in the Ganges to remove Quite true!" Afterwards he told her that he had the stain of sin. To some of these she has been
EVANGELIST WORK IN LUDHIANA HOSPITAL
preaching Christ for years. In some instances Him as a prophet, but since I have learnt more of their husbands have joined the Arya Somaj Com- Him during my stay here, I now know that He munity-an advanced sect of Hindus-who, in is the Son of God, and my Saviour from sin." Her spite of having given up idol worship and other eldest son, whose right it is to take the important old customs and superstitions, have still not set- position occupied by his father, refuses to do so tled the sin problem. Many are looking and long- because he says their religious teachers are false, ing for a manifestation of God in the flesh, the and rob the people whom they are supposed to coming of a Divine Being who is perfectly pure teach and shepherd. He says that his "two eyes and holy. Some of the women whom she has been have become four" since reading the Bible. teaching, have accepted Christ. One very significant fact in regard to the atti- The Mohammedans look upon Christ as one of tude of non-Christians towards Christianity, is their prophets, and reverence Him as such, but that they expect a higher standard of love and of do not believe that He died on the Cross to save life from Christians. sinners and think it is blasphemous to speak of Him as the Son of God. However we have come EIGHT CHRISTIAN COLLEGES FOR across a number whose hearing or reading of the WOMEN IN ASIA Word has had considerable effect on them, so that their ideas of Christ as taught them by their own There are eight Union Christian Colleges for religious teachers are changing, and one comes Women in the Far East. St. Christopher'S across many who have come to realize that He is Training College at Madras, India, opened in indeed the Son of God and Saviour of the World, 1923, has now an enrolment of 93 young women although only one here and there has actually with a practice school of 454 pupils. Its gradutaken the step of baptism, while there are a large ates are scattered all over India, teaching in number who are searching the Scriptures and are schools and colleges, in Christian, Hindu and gradually coming into the Light. A Mohammedan, Government institutions. a Police Officer, said to me the other day, Between three and four hundred Japanese "Since I have realized that Christ ..alone of our young women are studying at the Woman's prophets was born of the Holy Spirit, I have felt Christian College of Tokyo. Scholastic training compelled to make a study of His life and claims." is accompanied by practical Christian service.
A Mohammedan student who was in training in Ginling College recently at Nanking, China is our hospital for three and one-half years, recently having a desperate struggle and is operating in came to visit us, and said that the things she three units-one at St. John's College in Shanglearnt of Christ while here she has been passing hai, one at Hwa Chung College and a third at on to others. She said she was working in a part West China University, Chengtu. of the Panjab where many people have not heard the Gospel message, and invited us to go there Yenching College (co-educational) is operatand preach. This we did and found some who are ing within the Japanese lines at Peiping, China. really searching for the truth, and who took The enrolment is smaller than for some years. copies of the Scriptures to read. Others, to whom she had passed on what she had learnt of Christ Cheeloo University (Shantung) has had to as Saviour, are ready to come out on His side, abandon its buildings at Tsinan, but its doctors, and to acknowledge their faith before others in nurses and students are still serving the sufferbaptism. After we returned to Ludhiana a letter ing Chinese. came from a Mohammedan convert, whose home is in that area, begging us to come again, because, Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, India, has he said "The harvest is really ripe." He also enrolled 214 students; these include girls who added, "I explain about Christ, my Redeemer, to have never been out of p1;trdah before coming to the people of my blood, who are really very fond college and girls who haie never been in school of hearing the message," and then goes on to say, before. Its graduates ~re scattered all over "Most of this country is populated by Moham- India. medans, who regard the Lord as prophet. The only thing that is to be done is to get them to The Woman's Christian College at Madras, realize his Omnipotence." India, prepares for medicine and the higher branches of learning. Many of its students take Another hospital patient, the widow of a big graduate work in America or England. religious leader a m 0 n g the Mohammedans through hearing the Christian message daily, de- Missionary Medical College for Women at Velclared that she has given her allegiance to Christ lore, South India, is . .veIl known through the since hearing about these things. To quote her work of Dr. Ida Scudder. Here seventy young own words, she said, "Before coming here I knew women are in training for a life of service in a country where women doctors are especially needed. The roadside clinic run by this medical school serves a large community.
-The Church Woman.
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.~ ij Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MISS GRACE 'vY. McGAvRAN, 5718 OAK AVE., INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ~'==I===========~='IJi OHRISTMAS GIFTS materials to use; for ways of tions. Use the books that are on working are prepared by the your shelves in a conscious ef- "There is so little we can real- various peace organizations of fort to preserve the will to peace. ly do for peace," mourned a the country. Choose one organrather short-sighted member of ization and keep in touch with it. Oooperate With the Ohildren a women's missionary society. Use as many of its ideas as you can profitably put into effect. in Study "There are, on the contrary," s u g g e s te d another, "several How Many Books on Peace We often fail to have a vital things." relationship between agencies Has Your Library? in the same church, doing the "Such as?" same thing. The following in- "Object to the sale of war toys Public libraries, missionary li- teresting report from a church for children in our neighborhood braries, libraries of the church in Oklahoma shows how a really stores; give some thought to buy- school departments, private li- valuable connection may be ing for your own children books braries, all these should have made. The Primary children which will aid world friendship, some good recent materials on were given the feeling that what and toys that emphasize con- Peace. A very practical thing they themselves were doing was structive enterprises; and think you can do is to have someone of real concern to grown-ups. out a definite way of helping really interested in peace educa- Their study must have gained them to decide to lay aside war tion make a classified list of what added dignity. The adults were toys which may come to them is available and where, and for made familiar with what chilfrom thoughtless relatives and what age groups. The young peo- dren can do in a field quite unfriends." ple might cooperate in this. known to themselves in their The first member had the Late winter is a good time for a own childhood. grace to blush. "Just to do those special reading campaign on the three things would: take more subject. Books may vary from "The Primary children recentthinking and a bit more courage the short but emphatic, "War is ly completed a study of World than I've given the cause of a Racket," by General Smedley Peace based on the course prepeace yet," she admitted frank- D. Butler, to the interesting but pared by Mrs. Elizabeth Loly. "I'm glad you called my rather difficult, "Power of Non- bingier-'Ship East-Ship West' bluff. I'll get busy at it, I prom- Violence," by Richard Gregg. and the accompanying teacher's ise you." Or it may include, "Ship East- guide. This project was carried Ship West," a book for 1st, 2nd on during the departmental ses- What specific task for world and 3rd grade children by Eliza- sions of the Sunday church peace are you laying before your beth Lobingier, which has facts school and a regular weekly group? Is it something each one and stories qui t e interesting meeting of the children of this can do if she has a mind to? Is enough for use with adults to department. Stories, dramatizait something the value of which whom they are unfamiliar. It tions, e x p lor at ion of Bible she will see? Is it something will do mothers and fathers a verses, investigations of facts whose cumulative effect will be real amount of good to read relative to the cost of war, the noticeable? Is it something that some of these new children's creation of peace bridges and demands a bit of courage or de- books on peace. "Broken Guns," other memorials erected between termination? There is something by Eleanor Brainard is another. f r i end I y nations, discussions every person can do. Find it, It is for Junior children. centering around methods of livput it before the group, follow ing together in peaceful relait up and report if possible on In this period when the world tions, were among the activities results. hangs on the edge of general con- of work carried on during this flict it is essential, if we are at study. Make Use of Peace all interested in ultimate peace, Organizations that we use the written word to "At the close of their work keep people's minds turned to together, the chi 1d r en had Many excellent and detailed the possible ways of cooperative charge of the peace program of suggestions for programs on dealing with each other as na- the Women's Missionary Society peace; for lines of action; for of their church. At that time the [598 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
things which they had learned Peace in an exhibit being sponsored by and done during their study to- the group. gether were shared with the Peace in our time, 0 Lord, older members of their church To all the peoples-Peace! (3) Some young people, wantin a most effective way. Peace surely based upon Thy Will And built in righteousness. ing to make quoted material viv- "As a concrete expression of id, memorized a paragraph each their interest in world peace, the Thy power alone can break and gave it, in proper sequence boys and girls are packing two The fetters that enchain with all the dignity, emphasis suitcases to be sent to the Com- The sorely-stricken soul of life, mittee on World Friendship And make it live again. and effectiveness they could com- Among Children – one for a mand. Voices which contrasted Spanish girl, and the other for a Too long mistrust and fear and personal characteristics Spanish boy. While this study Have held our souls in thrall; which differed gave emphasis to as such has been completed, the Sweep through the earth, keen breath it and helped prevent any feelleaders of this group feel that ing of monotony. much more can be discovered of heaven, about this subject, and will con- And sound a nobler call! (4) One group wanting to tinue to carry the peace emphasis in their church program."- Come, as Thou didst of old, reach the larger church body, In love so great that men with the cooperation of the pas- Mrs. Grant Truman, Supt. of the Shall cast aside all other gods tor printed a paragraph in the And turn to Thee again! church bulletin e a c h week. Primary Department. Church members were urged to 0, shall we never learn Are your adults familiar with The truth all time has taught,- save the bulletins and reread as the mission study being carried That without God as architect a whole the entire message thus out by younger groups in the Our building comes to naught? given them. church? Are they helping the children and young people to feel Lord, help us, and inspire (5) Another group sends out that these things they are study- Our hearts and lives, that we ing are more than just matters May build, with all Thy wondrous an occasional valuable piece of of childhood interest? Why not material by mail to every memplan various occasions when the gifts, ber on the roll. It is mimeochildren's leader can say to the A Kingdom meet for Thee! graphed, as is the short accomchildren, "The· women of the panying letter, and goes for very missionary society (or the men Peace in our time, 0 Lord, little postage. of the Bible class) are interested To all the peoples-Peace! in this, too. They are working Peace that shall build a glad new You might use the paragraphs at it. Would you like to go to their next meeting and tell them world, below in one of these ways. And some of the interesting and And make for life's increase. keep on the lookout for vivid and worth-while things. we have dis- helpful and forceful quotations covered?" The sense of oneness o Living Christ, who still from other sources for similar in the great world-wide task of use. To stimulate thinking is the Church which results from Dost all our burdens share, among the most important of the such interchange is valuable in itself. It also strengthens each COofmaellnmowenanedvedrwywelhl ewreit!h*in the hearts tasks of missionary education. group participating. How Use Quotations "War is not born in a field or be- Sing Hymns of Peace hind a wall, or in a drafting room. Below you will find some very It is born in the mind of a man, or in We have had few hymns in our pertinent paragraphs on the the minds of many men. It is later on actual worship which are def- causes of war and the creation that it becomes bombs and cannon and initely related to a desire for of attitudes toward peace. They the tread of men on the march. peace. It is time we were using are part of an article by W. W. some of them. Reid. "While ideas that give rise to war are allowed to germinate in the human A comparatively new hymn One wishes that all the mem- mind-and are carefully incubated by by John Oxenham, sung to the bers of one's missionary group popular ignorance, by a jingo press, tune so familiar to us all, "Dia- or of the church might have by all the proponents of greed, hate, demata" or "Crown Him with them. There are several ways fear and jealousy, by a warped mili- in which different Qrganizations tarism and 'patriotism,' and, also, too Many Crowns" is given here.* have secured general reading of often in the schoolroom and in the such paragraphs. pulpit-we may fully anticipate the • Printed copies of it may be obtained only known fruit of such germination: from A. Weekes and Co., Ltd., 13-14, Han- (1) Mimeographed copies of wars, more wars, and worse wars. over St., London, W. 1. gngland. Send an similar material was prepared international postal money order for 2 sbil- for one meeting. Its unison "Treaties, solemn pledges, high relings and 6 pence (about sixty cents) for 250 reading was planned as part of solves and reason are powerless before copies. Or for 500 copies send 3 shillings the program. Each member was the causes of war found in the human and 6 pence. The notation says post free. asked to take it home and medi- mind. Until the mind of a whole But you might suggest in YOUI' letter that tate further upon it. world-wide generation is changed, we if postage to foreign countries is extra, they cannot hope for lasting peace. An deduct it from the amount and spnd fewer (2) A member of one group 'embargo' is but war with newer copies. made a series of posters each weapons! Increased armaments pro- carrying in vivid lettering a voke added hate and fear-new causes short paragraph. She used these of conflict! Physical disarmament- in presenting a short talk on the without disarmament of mind and theme. The posters were later spirit-leaves us like our ancestors used, placed in consecutive order who yet warred without the tools of modern combat! • Copyright by The Ohristian Centwry In 1,000 Quotable Poems. Used by permission. "To keep any generation out of war, we must teach it a new philosophy. The whole strength of school, home,
church and the channels of public very familiar one "Uncle Sam box of hanging-tinsel was pro- OpInIOn must be geared together in Needs You," (The picture of vided but by common consent, this educational task-as they now Uncle Sam pointing straight at not used. Some of the mothers gear together when war is to be pro- you). Find a contrast such as and fathers had bought a couple moted. The new teaching emphasis the Poster of the Emergency of strings of electric lights. must be a p p 1i e d simultaneously Peace Campaign of 1937-1938, throughout the world: for peace can- "For What?" (A young man What was the point? They not reign anywhere while the roots of were preparing their gift to a conflict grow in any land. tied to the mouth of the cannon.) near-by city mission, so that the Arrange these against s 0 m e children there might have a tree "One remembers the technique of to enjoy, which was just the fitting the American mind into a war background the size, shape and same tree as they had enj oyed. program in 1917. . . . The success color of an army blanket, with If you could have heard the joy- of that propaganda is now history…. 1917 in large letters over one, ful, "I think they'll like this But if these same instruments of ornament!" and "We'll let them propaganda are used to promote peace, and 1937-38 over another. Be- put on the tinsel-hanging be- they can just as readily-perhaps tween them run the legend. cause we might lose some if we more readily-insure understanding "War is futile. Help us find the used it now," or "It's the nicest and appreciation and cooperation, and Christian way." tree we ever had!" Personal? war will be impossible. Their pride and happiness in it N ow for the display of your had no bounds. It was some- "Suppose we have a misunderstand- contrasts.1 Mounted on beaver thing far more than a gesture of ing, or difference of opinion, or an eco- board, they may be slid one at a giving. Every thing on it had nomic or territorial dispute with some time across an opening in your been selected with the idea of foreign power. Suppose our news- s tag e curtains-dramatically giving delight. papers have their best journalists pre- Rent equally well both sides of the dif- lighted-with the audience in All cannot have children give ference. Suppose the cartoonists, the the dark-as part of a program decorated Christmas trees. But movie men, the radio announcers, the on peace. you can arrange for whatever teachers in their classes, the preachers personal gift they are making at in their pulpits, and the orators of 2. Hire an empty store and set Christmas to have in its prep- all parties extol the virtues of the up the display for Friday and aration, and completion, the .. people with whom we differ; picture same thoughtfulness, and delight the good of their civilization, their Saturday. Hang curtains over in sharing. artistic contribution to mankind, the the windows till you are ready reasonableness of their point of view- to display. In this event you A Look at Future Plans perhaps their very needs for new will want to have an easily-read lands to feed increasing- populations. statement on your group's atti- Pages such as these must be Suppose dolls representing the chil- tude toward war where the win- planned months ahead. There dren of that land replaced guns and dow gazers can read it after are so many lines along which tin soldiers as toys; its pictures and looking at the posters. Someone we might search for effective songs and stories were used from kin- might smash the window, so be methods of working! dergarten to college; the theatres and prepared to pay damages. schools gave plays and displays re- You will find a wealth of in- countin~ that land's history and cus- A Very Personal Gift teresting and helpful suggestion toms' and aspirations. In fact, sup- among the following themes to nose every agency thought and worked Feeling that the children's giv- which we hope to be able to give for peace and understanding. prominence in the months men- ing at Christmas was not very tioned. "In such an atmosphere, commis- sions representing both countries could personal, a Junior Superintend- January-General Plans. easily reach a conclusion of the diffi- February-How to Make Effective culty that would be satisfactory to all. ent planned a bit of Christmas Recourse to arms would be un- Contacts with Missionaries, Mis- dreamed of. sharing in a new way. They sion Leaders and Nationals. March-The Local Church and Its "This is not a small task. Rather themselves always had a Christ- Missionary Program. it is the greatest task of the human April-Various Matters of Interest. race, the task of all governments and mas tree at their Christmas May-Plans for Summer Effective- of all peoples thinking and working ness. cooperatively. It is not to be attained party. Thig year they saved June-Helps for the Home Missions without cost. Into its cost govern- Study. ments will have to transfer many of money to buy an extra big one. July-Visual Education in Missions. the millions now spent in war-produc- Septembm'-Effective Publicity for ing armaments. It was left without a decoration Missionary Events. October-Helps for Our Foreign Mis- "What if one generation today on it. sions Study. 'sacrifices' all its pomps and vanities N ovember-Stewardship. that a thousand coming generations As the boys. and girls arrived December-The Enrichment of the may live!" Devotional Life. for the party, each carried some Twenty Years After Have you used effective meth- Christmas tree ornament or dec- ods along these lines? If so, kind- Rolled away in somebody's at- ly let the Department Editor tic in your town are some of oration. It was either a new one hear of them. those wonderful war posters of 1917-1918. They were superb in chosen and bought by the child their appeal. Emotionally they did just what they were intended especially for this occasion, or it to do. was one in good condition from Why not use them now for peace education? Here's how! his own home tree. .
Choose a poster such as the What fun they had decorating that tree. Some time was spent making extra decorations. A 1 Various posters against war may be bought from The National Council for Pre- vent:on of "-ar. 532 Seventeenth St.. N. W .. Washington. D. C. Write for descriptions and prices.
BULLETIN
Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
~'================~ij THE STRANGER IN OUR MIDST-THE MIGRANT!
"Away in the Manger, finds in some instances sixteen They Starve That We No crib for his bed . persons living in a one-room May Eat t shack; the only drinking water TTamp-Tramp-Tramp available that which is sold from Shall this continue to be true a filling station at five cents a or will you, and you, and you, Can you hear the Migrants as quart; a destitute mother and who eat fresh and canned vegethey move across the country in baby shipped as freight half-way tables and fruits gathered for search of shelter, employment, across the country to join a hus- you by the Migrants become schools for their children, hospi- band in an endless trek of six- their champion! It is imperative talization for the ill members of week jobs and twelve-week peri- that we as Christians and as their families; for sanitation, ods of looking for it! citizens see that the more than simple justice from individuals two million Migrants in America like you and me who eat the veg- For generations this condition have the right to work and live etables they gather. On foot, in has existed-ever since railroads as human beings. old cars, in and under freight and refrigerators made it postrains many come great dis- sible for neighborhood markets SIX A. M. AT THE NURSERY tances in expectation of short- to obtain tropical fruits in Jantime jobs gathering peas, beans, uary and vegetables the year Does Your Church Know? tomatoes, lettuce, cranberries, around. asparagus, cotton, sugar beets, How the Council of Women apricots, hops, and other vege- Recent years have added for Home Missions, representing tables, small fruits, and fisheries greatly to the number of Mi- twenty-three national women's here and elsewhere. grants due to floods, droughts, denominational Boards is at- share-cropper eviction, and most tempting to meet this problem? Through the pressure of pub- recently the tractor. Where the If not, make it your business to lic opinion the families of the tractors are appearing the rural secure for your pastor, your city slums can turn to the clinic, landscape is strewn with abanthe visiting nurse, the relief doned houses. Residents in west- • Quoted from an artiCle on Migrants by agencies, the school, or the ern Texas explain as they point: Paul ·S. Taylor, of the University of Calichurch and receive help because "There used to be two families fornia, entitled "What Shall We Do with they are members of an organ- out there. The tractor got both Them ?" April, 1938. ized community. But not so with the Migrant families – always SUPPER FOR THE FAMILY OF ELEVEN t "They Starve that We May Eat" is the "strangers in our midst." Un- These meals must be prepared in the early protected by law he is barely in title of a valuable booklet on Migrant work the consciousness of the public. morning before going to the fields compiled by Edith E. Lowry, and published Public opinion is not aroused to by the Missionary Education Movement and the :plight of this segment of of them. . . . That farm has the Councll of Women for Home Missions, Amedcan life. As a result one made a living for a family ever price 35 cents. since the land was broke. . . . The tractors are keeping our families from making a living." * [ 601 ]
Barbara Green make out someway until tomorrow al- would like to read something. He said though Dorothy had cried all night; he would and picked out Peter Rabbit. STORY HOUR FOLLOWS WORSHIP and they had no money. . . . Worker It was a sight to see him sitting there, AT TEN O'CLOCK saw the county doctor in —. He absorbed, mouthing his way through is not too vitally interested, but told a book he should have been able to Missionary Society President, her to use bread and milk poultice and read with ease seven or eight years your Sunday School Superin- bring Dorothy to him tomorrow and ago. But at least he can read it now tendent, and your young people's he would make no charge. Worker and that is something." leader full information by writ- told Father this on way back. If he ing to the Council of Women for does not see to it, perhaps worker will "A large majority of the children Home Missions, 297 Fourth take her." in these camps do not attend school. Avenue, New York, N. Y. What Of course they do not want to attend a force for public opinion we "We had a rummage sale. Many and, as a superintendent of one of the could be if every church made of the parents came. It gave them a schools said, 'If they did all come I the story of the Migrant a con- chance to see the Center as well as don't know where we would put them.' cern of that entire church! get clothing for the family. Most But they do not all come and never articles were sold for 5 cents, a few will unless local communities make a The following excerpts are things were 10 cents. Some of the point of seeing that they come by enfrom reports of the fifty-three parents said, looking around, 'No won- forcing compulsory school attendance." projects in thirteen states where der the kids like to come here so the Council of Women for Home well!' " "We were all ready for our trip to Missions with the aid of trained the Museum. The group of ten was volunteers has been a construc- Barbara Green just a good number. First we went to tive force in the life of the CLEAN-UP COMES JUST BEFORE LUNCH! the Park, and for awhile the boys kept Migrant: busy at the playground. We had "Today I had an extensive talk with lunch near the pond. The one diffi- Christmas Eve in a Cotton Claire on religion, I, a Baptist and she culty was that the boys wanted to Camp a Catholic. Her interest and knowl- catch the goldfish in the pond. They edge were astounding. The conversa- roamed around and looked at the vari- "We came to play Santa Claus in a tion was not one of proselyting, but ous things in the park, and then we small way-in a small way of neces- rather one of sharing. Religious con- all walked down to the Children's sity because of the almost insurmount- versation is not in any degree so taboo Museum. We saw colored slides of able task that is presented. Proper here as on the college campus. . . . the West first, and then movies of the clothing, nourishing food, warm As young as they are we get into good desert, South America, and the Far shelter. The cabins are built on the discussions on religion. They told me West. The boys were really interested ground and with rough boards covered today that they thought I would go to and enjoyed the exhibits. They seemed with dirt for the floor. An old garbage heaven even though I didn't tell my to be quite enthusiastic about the can turned upside down serves for a sins to a priest." whole trip. . . . At eight o'clock the stove, and a pile of cotton with a piece children's choir sang one of their new of canvas thrown over it is known as "Our men were forced to strike this songs for devotion and did very well. the bed. This is the winter home of morning When 'thousands' of cars … The dance later in the evening four children and their parents who came tearing in to drive them out of was a huge success, though there was pick cotton when the weather permits. the fields. They are striking for a some tension when the orchestra did . . . From churches, Missionary So- fifty-cent raise for the pickers. We not arrive on time. Someone esticieties and other organizations have stuck around until the tobacco in the mated that there were four hundred come toys, clothing and food which is shed was all used up then went home. people there as dancers or spectators." distributed to every household. . . . If . . . Back to work this morning. The those who have contributed could have boys only got a twenty-five-cent raise. "Workers were putting the rest of heard the cries of joy and glee, and . . . They didn't want the strike in the children to sleep, while B, M, and seen how tickled these children were the first place. These people certainly J were doing dishes. When they went as we handed the gifts to them from ought to be organ'zed that they may out they found a note on the, refrigour trucks they would, I am sure, feel better understand their needs. But erator, 'Dear teachers, we have moped fully repaid and realize that their sac- first of all must come education. Four every bit of the kitchen flour. It is rifices were not in vain." boys accused of leading our strike real clean. B-M-J.''' were fired." "Dorothy has a badly infected "We fold our hands and softly say finger. Worker stopped to see her "Jack is a bright looking lad of fif- Mother and urged her to take Dor- teen. The worker asked him if he Thanksgiving for our food this day." othy to the doctor. The mother said she had been told she would have to Don't have your concert first, and then tune your instrument; begin the day with the Word of God, and get into harmony with Him.-J. Hudson Taylor.
Christmas Story for
A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN never had opportunity to talk it White ought to tell it, since he BETHLEHEM with some one his own age. is a real teacher," said Micah's mother. By VIOLET WOOD, NEW YORK Although he felt very shy, he approached the man and "N0," said Dr. White. "You Micah had anxiously watched asked timidly, "Please, may I come from people with a rich the sky all afternoon. An air- help carry your bags?" tradition in poetry and beauty. plane had sailed by, but even It will be wonderful to hear you that failed to shake his gloom. "You speak English!" cried tell the Christmas story." The clouds remained and he the little girl. "Do you live was very much disappointed. here ?" So, after they had eaten a Tonight was the night of light meal at the inn, they went nights! For weeks now he had "Yes, I do. My mother, fa- to the roof. The air was melprayed that his father's busi- ther and I will be here for one low and the wind gentle alness would continue in the little or two weeks more," responded though it was December;, but town of Bethlehem until Christ- Micah. there were no stars to be seen mas Day. The prayer had been in the clouded sky. granted, for it was Christmas "Well," said the fat her, Eve and he was still in Bethle- "that's fine. We'll be here for "In America," said Joan, hem. a few days. This is Mrs. White, "perhaps there is snow on the this is Joan and I'm Dr. White." ground now. The Christmas "Oh," he sighed, "if only the trees will be lighted and the stars would shine tonight, so "My name is Micah," replied shop windows gaily decorated that I can watch the sky and the boy with a low bow. in red and green. And, oh, it look for the Star of Bethlehem. will be very cold in many parts How happy I should be!" His Just then his mother came of America. Just think, next mother had promised to take out and met his new acquaint- Christmas I shall be there! How him to the roof of the inn where ances. Mrs. White had just much I will love to tell my they were staying. There she come from a visit to the school friends there about this Christwould tell him the ancient story in Baghdad w her e Micah's mas in Bethlehem. I can't beof many generations ago when mother had once been a pupil; lieve this is really Bethlehem her forefathers had been shep- so they chatted together like old and that it is Christmas Eve. herds in the hills. It would be friends, speaking of teachers It seems like a dream." She wonderful to hear the Christ- and places they both knew. laughed. "These s t ran g e mas story in the town of Beth- mosques and minarets and low lehem itself. But none of this When rooms for the White houses look just like the picwould be possible if it rained, family were found and their tures on Christmas cards at or if the clouds hid the stars. luggage arranged, Joan said: home." Dusk was rapidly falling and the "We are going to walk through clouds remained. the streets of Bethlehem, even "Tomorrow," ask e d Micah, Micah gazed sadly down the if it rains. Coming to Bethle- "will you tell me about Christroad. The sight and sound of mas in America? Mother has an approaching automobile in- hem is my Christmas present terested him, although since his from mother and father. Won't told me about Santa Claus, father was a traveling mer- you come with us?" Christmas trees and the hangchant, he had seen more cars and ing up of stockings. I want to had journeyed more than most Micah's mother looked very hear more about them." Arabian boys. The automobile thoughtful. "I am ashamed to stopped at the inn and Micah have to say this, for it is partly "All right," answered Joan, watched an American lady, a the fault of my people, the man and a little girl about his Arabs; but it is not safe to "but I want to hear about own age get out, laughing mer- walk in the streets of Bethle- Bethlehem now." rily and talking English. This hem when it is dark, even on was very exciting to Micah, be- Christmas night. There are "It is a very simple story," cause his mother, who had been many street fights. Please do began Micah's mother, "one educated at a Christian school not go. It is already dark." that you have heard over and in Baghdad had taught him English. He often talked that "Mother, couldn't they come over, but I will tell it to you as language with her and with the up to the roof over our rooms? it has been told in my family British soldiers, but he had We could watch the sky while from the beginning many, many you tell us the story of the shep- generations ago. I come from herds," pleaded Micah. a long line of Bedouins, or wan- dering shepherds. They lived "Oh, yes," cried Joan, "that would be lovely." in tents made of dark woolen cloth which they threw over "I don't think that I should be the one to tell the story. Dr.
[603 ]
long frames, leaving a flap of afraid and covered their heads ing others there of the birth of cloth tied to a pole which they Jesus. used as a door. Like all shep- with their long tunics. But the herds they spent very little time "King Herod heard the report angel of the Lord appeared and and wondered what it meant. in their tents; they preferred to Later some Wise Men came from lie on the hillside day and night told them of the birth of a baby the East and said tbey had seen watching their sheep and look- a wonderful star. They asked: ing at the stars, and thinking that was wrapped in swaddling 'Where is the newborn king of about the God who made them. the Jews, for we have seen his clothes and was lying in a man- star in the East and are come to "Hundreds of years ago to- worship him?' Herod was frightnight a little group of Jewish ger where cattle were usually ened when he heard of this and shepherds were lying on the sent for the Jewish priests and hills near here. It had been an fed. Then the whole chorus of .unusual day and it was a teachers to ask them about the strange night. The sheep were heavenly angels sang as with old prophecy that told of the restive. The camel trails had one great voice of praise: 'Glory coming of a Jewish Messiah. been much used by strangers all Then he told the Wise Men to go morning and afternoon. for the to God in the highest and on to Bethlehem to look for the decre~ of the Roman Emperor, child. Cresar Augustus, was that all earth peace, good will toward the descendents of King David "As they traveled on, the star should bring their tribute to men.' appeared again and the Wise Bethlehem. So, many travelers Men were filled with great joy. came from as far away as Leb- "As suddenly as they came, They followed where it seemed anon and Jericho and Nazareth to point until they came to a to the ancient City of David. the angels went away again; the house in Bethlehem where they found the young child with Mary "The shepherds knew of the sky became as before, and a old prophecy that a Messiah his mother and they, too, wor- great silence surrounded them. shipped him." would someday be born in Bethlehem who would deliver his The shepherds were no longer *** people. They thought of it as they lay silently watching the afraid. They talked with one Here Micah's mother stopped sky. As tonight, clouds rolled speaking and looked up into the over it. Suddenly strange mu- another of their vision and de- sky. All the others looked up, sic was heard in the distance. cided that certain of them would too. The clouds had passed and The shepherds looked at one a lovely, bright star was shining another shaking their heads. go to Bethlehem and see if they Something wonderful was about over them. to happen, of that they were could find the wonderful child. "Oh," cried Micah in joy, "the sure. "Some of the shepherds went star! See the star!" "All at once, just after dark- "Just think," whispered Joan, ness had grown soft and black down the hills and made inquiras velvet, the heavens became "this might have been the very very bright around them with ies until they found the baby in spot." a strangely brilliant light. The shepherds were very m u c h the stable of the inn at Bethle- "Yes," said Micah. Doesn't hem. He was wrapped in swad- that star seem to be pointing here?" dling clothes, with Mary his "That is because the Star of mother beside him and her hus- Christ is shining in our hearts," murmured Dr. White. band Joseph seated near by. The humble shepherds bowed down and worshipped this child, who was called Jesus, of whom the messengers from heaven had told them. .
"Then the shepherds returned to their flocks, full of wonder at what they had seen. For many days they told the story of their vision, and their finding of the Christ child to travelers who stopped in the hills to refresh themselves and to fill the i r waterjugs. Some of these trav- elers went on,to Jerusalem, tell~
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO NORTH AMERICA try area all the churches have were removed, the bottles care- been slowly dying, with only one fully washed, then a tract or "A Reaching Mission" left that has a pastor who comes Gospel penny portion placed in every second week for a serv- within, after which the bottles Protestant pastors in Philadel- ice. It has been years since any were sealed and consigned to the phia, having had a preaching thorough pastoral work has been sea. This is no small-town enmission and a teaching mission, done there. The result is that terprise. Sometimes as many as have now embarked upon a there is not one person under 2,500 bottles go into Chesapeake "reaching" mission. Ministers thirty years of age in the area Bay at a single launching. of 22 denominations have adopt- that has made a Christian coned a program of pastoral and fession and united with any Thus, the bottles once containcongregational evangelism, and church. This is true of another ing evil spirits, now are filled by unanimous resolution declare community in the western part with the spirit of the Gospel. that "the supreme task of the of the state. church is bringing men, women, -Bible Society Record. boys and girls into personal fel- The Gospel in Bottles lowship with the living Christ. Crusade Against Liquor There is no solution of problems Near the waterfront in Balti- Advertising other than the Christ way of more, Md., is a small lunchroom life." bearing the sign "Mike's Place." The National Temperance and This might suggest the under- Prohibition Council is urging all President Walter Greenway, world, but the presiding genius temperance forces to unite for of Beaver College, who proposed is a devoted Christian Italian the suppression of liquor adverthe plan, originally developed who has hit upon a unique meth- tising in newspapers, magazines, this program in a rural church od to spread the GospeL Mi- over the radio and by all other of 100 members, enlarged and chael Coscia was born over a means. An undertaking of this found it effective in a town saloon kept by his father. His magnitude will require concerted church of 500, and finally tested associates as he grew up were effort, hence the Council, comit thoroughly in two Philadelphia the type who loaf in barrooms. posed of 27 organizations seems churches, each of which as a re- When he was past thirty there the logical force to carry forsult grew from few members to came a day when life took on a ward the project. Protesting to over 2,000. The program sug- new meaning for Mike, and he the owners and managers of gests preparation for the pastor felt an urge to preach the Gos- radio stations, to the editors and and the entire congregation, out- pel, but realizing his handicaps, publishers of newspapers and lines methods of publicity and he looked for another method to magazines advertising intoxicatthrough it all stresses the su- proclaim the message than from ing liquors, and laboring for the preme preparation by the Holy a pulpit. After he had estab- enactment of legislation to stop Spirit. Its flexibility permits it lished his lunchroom, he placed liquor advertising are the lines to be used successfully in any de- a Bible verse on the roof, where along which the Council will dinomination or congregation. The it could be seen by thousands rect its efforts.-S. S. Times. ministers of the city have been who transact business in the tall asked to spend from 9 to 9: 15 buildings near by. Irreligion in Films each morning in intercession for one another and for the churches Mike's next inspiration came Rt. Rev. John T. McNicholas, in this outreaching enterprise. from finding every morning Catholic Archbishop of Cincin- scores of empty whiskey, gin nati, spokesman for the "Legion -The Christian Century. and wine bottles scattered of Decency," says that effort is around Market Place. Of course, being made in recent pictures to Godless Spots they were gathered by the white spread ideas antagonistic not wings, so that for most of the only to Christian morality, but Harold C. Loughhead has sur- day the streets were clean. But to all religion. He warns film veyed a number of areas in rural Mike saw in these empty bottles producers that they have an in- Pennsylvania, and has discov- a great opportunity. He and his escapable responsibility to safeered some amazing facts about family began to gather the bot- guard the moral welfare of the this supposed stronghold of tles daily, like the manna. Labels public by putting before them Christianity. In one open coun- right patterns of thought and [605 ] conduct.
It was the American Cath- vestigation has discovered that aries was that of transportation. olic's Legion of Decency that Chinese percentage of delin- During the summer travel becompelled a radical change in quency is the lowest of any racial tween villages is more difficult the tone of motion pictures by or sectional group, the ratio be- than in the winter. The only a boycott, launched in 1934. ing almost negligible. Chinese means of transportation in many Now the Legion is viewing with teachers, questioned by the in- places. is by dog team and sledge grave apprehension the various vestigators, said that the reason over the frozen ~round. Small subtle attempts to employ the for this remarkable showing is a boats can ply the rivers and the film to project irreligious points precept of Confucius: "The mis- sea coast, but they are inadeof view-films that portray, ap- conduct of the child is the fault quate, very inconvenient, slow, provingly, concepts rooted in of the parent." Every Chinese irregular and costly. Only the philosophies attacking the Chris- child is made to understand that villages along water routes can tian faith. his misdemeanor in public brings be contacted thus in summer disgrace not only on himself but while the regions beyond are -Dayton Daily News. on his family, and the severest neglected. punishment is to "lose face." Iowa School for Missionaries Traveling by dog teams has United Church of Canada also its hazards. Many "mush- The first Iowa School for Mis- Crusade ers" have been caught out on the sionaries will be held January 23 tundra, many miles from the to February 18, 1939, at the Iowa The United Church of Canada nearest cabin in a blizzard and State College, Ames, Iowa. The is conducting a quarter-million then he will have to make a camp courses offered are Sociology and fellowship crusade during the and dig himself and his dogs into Rural Organization, Family Life last ten weeks of 1938, including a snow drift until the storm and Health, Agricultural and a recall to worship of all its abates. Another danger is from Rural Education, Foods and Nu- membership and a campaign for the packs of hungry wolves rovtrition and Agriculture. There a quarter of a million new sup- ing the tundra. Even if the will be afternoon conferences porters. This Church stands "musher" is armed he and his and field trips to near-by com- fourth in per capita giving dogs are an easy prey for the munities, schools and parishes. among the 2'5 leading denomina- hungry wolves. A special two-day conference on tions of North America. Rural Missions Work will be The airplane is a fast and a held over one of the week-ends In the last Canadian census convenient way to travel in during the school session. The the people listing themselves as Alaska. The plane can land on school is in charge of a commit- of the United Church numbered the water, when equipped with tee from the faculties of Agri- more than two million, or one in pontoons, on the snow-covered culture and Home Economics of five of the dominion population. tundra, when equipped with skiis which Professor R. H. Porter is Of these, the members in com- or on one of the many airfields chairman. Dr. Porter was for a munion are less than 700,000; kept in good condition by the number of years a member of of these the regular supporters Government. the faculty of the College of by envelope amount to 235,000; Agriculture and Forestry of the and those who also contribute to This mission has purchased a University of Nanking, China. missionary and benevolent en- Fairchild plane with a Warner- The only expenses to students terprises amount to only 110,000. Scarab 145 horsepower engine, will be for board and room. Mis- seating three persons besides the sionaries who expect to attend -The Christian Century. pilot. It has a cruising range of the school are requested to send 500 miles with a speed of 125 in their names as soon as pos- A Missionary Airplane for miles an hour and can climb sible to Professor R. M. Vif- Alaska 16,000 feet, crossing anyone of quain, Room 122 N, Agricultural the Alaska mountain ranges. It Hall, Iowa State College, Ames, The natives of Alaska will be is equipped with all the neces- Iowa.* visited during this winter by an sary instruments for blind fly- airplane which the Evangelical ing, including a radio, all in- How Chinese Check Mission Covenant Church of spected by the U. S. Government. Delinquency Chicago has recently sent to The trip from Chicago to Seattle Nome. When the old "sour- (Z300 miles) was made in 21 There are about 3,000 Chinese doughs" used to call preachers hours, at 12,000 feet altitude. boys. and girls in the New York "sky pilots" they did not realize From Seattle it was shipped to area. During the past eight that in the future the preacher Nome as the fog was too thick years there have been among would come dropping down from on the coast to fly all the way. them only two cases of juvenile the clouds with a message from delinquency. A recent court in- above. The plane will be stationed at Bandle, a village on the Arctic • A descriptive folder of the school may In the summer of 1937, the Circle, where a new work was be had on request, either to Professor Vlf- Covenant Mission sent its secre- opened last summer. The Misquain or to the Rural Missions Cooperating tary to the Alaska missions and sion Covenant has work in sev- Committee, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York, he found that one of the prob- enteen larger villages and beside New York. lems confronting the mission- the six missionaries employ a
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
number of native evangelists. THE' ALASKA Scriptures, and where members During the last three years, five MISSIONARY of evangelical churches had been new churches have been built arrested on charges of subverand one parsonage. When the AIRPLANE sive activities. It was definitely plane becomes a weekly visitor known that this was due to presto the unevangelized regions the Put in service at sure on the part of the bishops work should quickly expand. Nome, September 27, of the Catholic Church. 1938. Will1>e piloted THE REV. G. E. JOHNSON. by Rev. Paul Ben- Representatives of the Amer- jamin Franklin Carl- ican Bible Society and the Brit- LATIN AMERICA son. On picture to ish and Foreign Bible Society right is the Secretary sought and secured a personal Human Salvage in Mexico of Missions of the interview with the proper gov- Covenant-Rev. Gust. ernment authority. This official Although the Salvation Army assured the Bible Society agents has work in some 80 countries, E. Johnson that the sale of Scriptures could political conditions in Mexico not be prohibited, since the Conmade it seem practically impos- he~dquarters, and the office cre- stitution of the republic granted sible for the Army to enter. But ated for the purpose has been in liberty both of worship and of a young Mexican, a former gov- contact with young people's commerce, but that the Governernment official and communist groups in every Latin American ment would not tolerate political leader, was converted, and with- country, trying to find out their propaganda. Assurance was givout knowing anything of the Sal- viewpoints and other prelim- en him that absolute abstention vation Army or its methods, inaries. The Congress will be from all political activity was began to work in the slums of held in 1940, probably in Lima, required of their colporteurs by Mexico City among drunkards Peru. Political conditions might both Bible Societies, and that and other human wreckage, on require the selection of another any breach of this rule led to inlines similar to those used by the city for the meeting. stant dismissal. The Minister, Army. who asked for a copy of the Bi- -World Dominion Press. ble for his own use, then ordered Street meetings were held in that a circular be sent to every defiance of the law, and when How to Handle Crime Problem Prefect in the republic. arrested this young man and his helpers continued to preach in Federal and State govern- – World Dominion Press. jail. The transformed lives that ments might make a note of the resulted convinced the govern- way the present government of An Evangelistic Odyssey ment of the value of this work, Guatemala handles its vice proband it was allowed to continue lems. Too often there is neglect A house on wheels is a novelty unmolested. This spontaneous in permitting marijuana cigar- in Colombia. The Gospel bus, movement has now been in- ette peddlers to hang around provided by Sunday School tegrated with the world organi- our high schools, but Guatemala Easter offerings and other gifts, zation of the Salvation Army. authorities hound down these was greeted along the road with ghouls and make their business this exclamation, Ave Maria -World Dominion Press. one of high crime. With the ex- purissima! Que es eso? (Hail, cellent police system, the crim- Mary, most pure! What's that?) Young People's Congress inal is most likely to be caught The bus accommodates about promptly, and alas for him if twelve people, seated on benches For several years evangelical convicted. and boxes, but on occasion more leaders of young people in Latin than twenty have crowded in America have been hoping for a Some years ago a German and listened to the Gospel story. Congress for young evangelicals merchant undertook to introduce from all the republics. The need the opium vice into Guatemala. Rev. Pryor T. Smith tells in of stronger ties among young He dropped with a thud into Colombia Clippings of some of Christians; interchange of ex- public contempt as a result, and periences; a united attitude to- his application for an importawards moral, spiritual and social tion permit was promptly turned problems; the creation of a down. Reform in Guatemala is strong force which may impress not a mere vaporous election by its idealism; and an effort to slogan for political purposes save Latin America from insta- only, but is handled calmly and bility are some of the reasons vigorously. which make the Congress a vital need. -Guatemala News.
The first River Plate Congress Scripture Distribution in Peru of young people met last year in Rosario, Argentina, and from it Early this year a number of came the formal decision to or- cases were reported where colganize the Latin American Con- porteurs had been prohibited by gress. Rosario was chosen as local officials from selling the
the difficulties encountered. Upon found anywhere. It is interest- Ethiopia when the Italian conarriving in a town, the bus is ing to recall a stanza from John quest was completed were asked parked in the plaza. Soon a Oxenham's famous poem of trib- to depart at once, and no foreign crowd of the curious is assem- ute to Livingstone: Jews have been allowed to settle bled, and often some burly ruf- there since May, 1936. The Jews fian will order the bus out of He passed like light across the dark- in Italy are roughly estimated at town, while others cheer him on. ened land, 44,000, and among them are a Sometimes the tires are punc- number who have recently fled tured, or a fictitious tax is im- And dying, left behind him this com- from Austria. posed for selling literature. But mand, in Yarumal business men filled -Alliance Weekly. the bus and bristled with ques- "The door is open! So let it ever tions about Protestant beliefs. stand!" Calvinism in Hungary As soon as one group left another took their place, and then Full mightily wrought he. Reformed Churches in eastern a third group kept the mission- Forth to the fight he fared, Hungary are among the oldest aries busy until far into the High things and great he dared, Protestant institutions in the night. Here and there, barriers In His Master's might to spread the world; some are said to have are coming down. been founded even before the Light death of Calvin. Most of Hun- EUROPE Right faithfully wrought he. gary became Protestant then, He greatly loved- and much of it remains so. A "Order of Christian He greatly lived- writer in The Christian Century Citizenship" And died right mightily. describes a walking trip through northeastern Hungary with a In Great Britain, 25,000 -United Church Record. Y. M. C. A. group, wandering young Methodists have instituted from village to village and visitthe "Order of Christian Citizen- Reich Church in Bonds ing pastors and churches. The ship," which requires the appli- boys marched behind a banner, cation of the Christian Gospel to A pamphlet has been privately singing folk songs, religious social problems. The movement printed and circulated in Ger- hymns and national songs. The is directed by a standing com- many which concludes with the banner consisted of a special mittee of the Temperance and question: "How does Pastor Y. M. C. A. flag and many rib- Social Welfare Departments of Niemoller's continued imprison- bons of various colors, which the Methodist Church, but steps ment affect us?" and the answer: they had received from places have been taken to put the young previously visited. On them people actually in control. Its It demands that we should recognize were such slogans as "For God program includes the fostering that Martin Niemoller is not in the and Hungary," "Onward with of international peace, the com- Sachsenhausen concentration camp as Christ," "Jesus Conquers," and bating of the drink, gambling a private individual, but that in him short Bible verses. Fourteen and other social evils, and the the entire Confessional Church and all days were thus spent. Each making of social surveys for the men who are fighting for the freedom church spire is crowned with a information of the young. of the Gospel in Germany have been cock and star, emblems of Cal- thrown into prison. It demands that vinism. The star is supposed to -United Presbyterian. wherever we are we do not keep our guide the people and the cock to mouths shut like dumb dogs, but speak keep them awake. Just how Livingstone Shrine out what God has ordered us to speak. much awake they are one cannot and that we fight for the freedom of say. Certainly there is much for "The most frequented person- His Church and for the authority of them to do. al shrine in Scotland," is said of the Gospel in Germany. As long as the Scottish National Memorial Martin Niemoller is in the concentra- Dictatorship in Greece to David Livingstone, at his tion camp, there is set up in our midst birthplace, Blantyre, near Glas- a signal. visible from afar, that the No sooner had Eastern Orthogow. In one year alone the at- Church of Jesus Christ in Germany dox Churches seemed to have actendance exceeded 73,000. It is is in bonds. quired the "ecumenical mind" already the greatest children's than the dictator of Greece took center in Scotland. Since the Pastor Niem611er is said to be steps to give the Greek Orthodox Memorial was opened by the in failing health. He is allowed Church an ironclad monopoly in Duchess of York, in October, one visit a month from his wife that country. Under new edicts, 1929, 406,208 visitors have and one child~ (He has seven.) persons trying to make converts passed through the turnstile. to any other church will be sub- Italy's Jews ject to fine and imprisonment; Dr. John R. Mott calls it one if foreigners, they will be exof the most wonderful things he Nearly twenty-five per cent of pelled. The police power is to be has seen in all his numerous Italy's Jews are affected by the invoked to compel school chilworld journeys, and perhaps the decree that all Jews who have dren to attend church on Sunday. finest shrine to any person to be established themselves in Italy and her colonies (excepting pos- sibly Eritrea and East Somali- land) since the World War must leave within six months, or be expelled "following application of penalties fixed by law." Under present laws they will be able to take little of their property with them, save a small amount of money for traveling expenses.
Foreign Jews in business in
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Literature expressing opInIOns the continent, yet if one mission by my own power that I am preserved not acceptable to the Holy Synod is banned. No doubt the purpose station a day could be visited, it till now and given the news of the behind these decrees is to check Roman Catholic activity, though would take eight years to see everlasting Gospel of Christ, but only an American Protestant missionary has been refused permission them all. -Pageant. by the power of the one great Cause to enter Greece, for the apparent reason that he was a Protestant of causes, the Almighty. minister. Dictatorship knows no curb. -Christian Century. White Hearts Lifted Up . -So S. Times.
AFRICA Mrs. Julia Lake Kellersberger, Memorial in Madagascar in the Presbyterian Survey, de- He Was "From Missouri" scribes a missionary meeting in World Dominion Press records the Congo: that native churches have given Mr. C. J. Mellis, sixty-year- 250,000 francs for the erection old realtor from St. Louis, after The Doxology rings out through the of a church in memory of David contributing generously to mis- opened windows and echoes in the J ones and Thomas Bevan, Welsh sions in Africa for nearly 20 mango grove. It takes no amplifier of pioneers to the island of the years, decided to take a look for man to make it resound. White hearts London Missionary Society, who himself, and see what it "was are then lifted up in prayer, though landed at Tamatave in 1818. In all about." In company with a the lips that utter them are black. 1907, the work was transferred Presbyterian minister, Rev. H. One after another these women rise to the Paris Evangelical Mis- J. Heinecke, of Greely, Colorado, and give their testimony. The first is sionary Society, whose missionhe sailed from Liverpool to the leader herself. Her testimony aries have erected the memorial Nigeria. Ten months later, after rings true, for there is a life back of church, which is the largest of traveling 15,000 miles across it to emphasize the words. the 3,500 Protestant places of Africa, these two returned to worship in the island. About New York. Said Mr. Mellis: A perfect "carbon copy" of an old- 4,000 natives were present at "The job missions is doing out fashioned Southern black mammy the opening. there is so big it beggars de- rises and with cracked voice tells of scription." The men brought her joy in being able to care for sev- Progress in Kabylia back 200 reels of movie film eral little orphan children and to cook which Mr. Mellis is showing the daily manioc for those at the hos- One encouraging feature of throughout his own state and pital too sick to care for themselves. missionary work in Kabylia is those adjoining, with a series of It has been strongly suspected that that in many places converts 12 lectures. she spends some of her hard-earned from Islam are taking the initia- pittance on delicate tidbits, such as tive in this work. Natives played Seventy-five mission stations caterpillars, or juicy ants, for the a large part in a recent Chriswere visited; to every mission- especially weak ones. A converted tian Conference. Under the ary visited they put this ques- witch doctor, sister of an African chairmanship of a gifted Kabyle tion: "How many natives in chief, reveals the fact that she had Christian, who translated the adyour particular field have never burned her former heathen medicine dresses into Arabic, French and heard a single sermon, never lis- and was made well, not by incanta- his own language, men of differtened to a single Gospel mes- tions and sorcery, but by an opera- ent tongues, from numerous dissage ?" The answer was some- tion at the Christian hospital. tricts met and told of their extimes 350,000, and never less periences in the Christian life than 100,000. Another question The climax of this wonderful meet- and their efforts to "let their was: "What special problems ing comes when a woman leper arises. light shine." do Africa missionaries have to She is a woman of unusual force of face?"; the reply was that the character. Like the one leper who re- A lack of conviction seems to greatest difficulty was to make turned to give thanks to Christ, she characterize man y Mohammebuildings and equipment keep tells of His gift of healing. Then the dans of today. In a shop in pace with the growth of the final hymn, "There shall be showers Oran, a man was heard to say: work. Another problem concerns of blessings," sung as only African "If I knew the truth I would fol- Mohammedanism. Entering a women can sing. low it. I would leave Islam and native village with a pack on his Mohammed tomorrow if I were head, the Mohammedan trader, A Strange Prayer convinced that the truth lay elsebefore untying his wares, pre- where." Those who heard the sents an invitation. "Come," he In some reminiscences of a remark showed no resentment. says, "be a Mohammedan. We'll missionary at Lovedale, South teach you to lie, steal and cheat Africa, mention is made of an -Life of Faith. the Christian infidels." African boy, pupil of a Chris- tian school, who had kept a Christ in Uganda Mr. Mellis said that while journal of his experiences. The they saw a good cross section of following is an extract: The C. M. S. Outlook says that Christianity has taken root in Before I go further I must tell you Uganda, and that the Church is about my prayers when I was a little becoming increasingly indige- boy. I could not believe that God nous. Uganda Christians have could hear prayer in Kaffir, and of served as missionaries in the English I knew too little. In fact, I Southern Sudan, in the Belgian knew but two words, "Friday" and "Amen." So I prayed, "Friday, Fri- day, Friday, Friday" four times and then, "Amen." But although this was my prayer yet the Almighty God did not cease to send down his influence upon me.
My parents became Christians, not by my power, though I often prayed for them by the same two words "Fri- day" and "Amen." Nor has it been
Congo and the Pygmy Forest, in gelized territory, covering a And what a privilege to look Ruan9a and Urundi. They have thousand miles from east to after such a family!" carried the Gospel to all parts of west, and three hundred from the Uganda Protectorate, from north to south, and suggested -The Chronicle. the great northern plain to the that the S. A. G. M. adopt it. Ruwenzori Mountains. Recently The challenge was accepted in EASTERN ASIA some men walked 300 miles to 1910, and A. W. Bailey was com- Kampala from a distant State to missioned to set a line of sta- Aleppo Beggars ask for African missionaries to tions across Rhodesia and Portutheir fellow-Africans 300 miles guese West Africa, to be known The beggars of Aleppo are an away. as the Andrew Murray Memo- interesting study. It would re- rial Field. Now, 28 years later, quire detailed research to find From Tanganyika comes the that goal has been reached and out to what extent they are orreport of steady growth in the a new challenge is presented in ganized, how their "beats" are number of African ministers, re- the recently granted permission divided and what are their musulting in more adequate pas- to occupy further Portuguese tual understandings. The Aleptoral care of Christian commu- territory. In southern Angola po visitor has the impression nities. there are from nine to sixteen that their business is on a sound large tribes representing three basis, and that there is no un- Islanders Have New Chapel language groups whose dialects employment. A number of the have never yet been reduced to beggars are quite well-dressed. The first Presbyterian mission writing. This area is totally un- The Maronite Church is the cento West Africa was on the island touched by Christian influence. ter around which they mill conof Corisco, off the coast of the tinually, but especially on Sun- French Cameroun, but the work- Undoubtedly, future work of day mornings. Old, old women ers soon moved to the mainland the mission will lie in Central sit along the walls, never moving and the island was left without Africa rather than in the south, about but waiting for alms to a resident or visiting missionary. where the natives have been en- drop into their laps. On cold African Christians on the island couraged to take responsibility, mornings, they have little brahave recently dedicated a beauti- and are becoming indigenous. ziers at which they warm their ful new chapel, planned, built hands and sometimes two or and paid for by the islanders -The Christian. three beggars will share this themselves, of material trans- comfort. Sometimes they sit and ported from the mainland in sail Tiger Kloof Family argue, instead of attending boats; the concrete was made on strictly to business; but one asthe island. The work at Tiger Kloof, siduous fellow may be seen beg- South Africa, is not standing ging even while he eats, mum- The dedicatory service was still, but widening its influence. bling touching petitions with his held in three languages: the Miss Janet Bryson has been mouth full. Benga of the island, the Bulu of Principal of Tiger Kloof Native the Cameroun mainland, and the Institution since 1923. She re- Aleppo is considered a rich Spanish of Spanish Guinea. ports that applications for ad- city, and with the prosperous are Each was translated for the ben- mission must be refused, as no also large numbers of desperefit of those who did not under- more can possibly be accommo- ately poor. Between the two, stand the others. dated. "School life," she says, this beggar class battens on the "is difficult to report, since it is philanthropically disposed. -Monday Morning. just the ordinary story of daily life among African girls-trying H. G. DORMAN, JR. More Open Doors to show them the things that really matter, trying to get them Situation in Palestine The South Africa General to grow in the things that are Mission began with work among worth while and to shake off The situation in Palestine, the white population of South those that hinder. Girls who dark though it is, has a few en- Africa, chiefly Jews and Mos- care-and those who don't; girls couraging features. lems, soldiers and sailors, rail- who know very little and those way and postoffice workers, but who know too much! Girls who 1. The Jews, driven by presthis proved to be the stepping have never known tribal life, but ent difficulties, are thinking and stone to that which followed. only the so-called civilized life of questioning about religious mat- The vast expanse of heathen a city like Johannesburg-girls ters as never before. They are darkness was a challenge, and who have never travelled beyond realizing that materialism and after claiming Swaziland, other their native village; girls who religious indifference are not a centers opened, and the work speak one language – girls who sufficient foundation on which to extended into the Cape Prov- speak three or four; girls whose stand amid the present storms, ince, Natal and the Indian set- fathers are paramount chiefs- and they are increasingly asking tlements. The next epoch began girls whose mothers earn their what Christianity has to say. when Frederick Arnot, mission- fees by hard work in a European ary pioneer, reported that he home in one city or another. 2. There is a change of outhad discovered a great unevan- look on the part of young Jews in the agricultural settlements. Formerly they were completely
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
indifferent, and often actively Education in Iran Bible and "no eyes," meaning hostile, to religion. This is no longer the case. The Old Testa- Several years ago, as a move there was none among them who ment is frequently read and to unite the nation more closely, could read. "Do you pray?" he often also the New Testament, the government of Iran pro- asked. No, they didn't pray. and Jews are ready and in many "Do you sing?" No, the young cases eager to discuss religious hibited Iranian students from man had told them their songs questions. attending any schools under for- were bad, and they must not sing eign direction. Thereupon, Pres- them any more. "What do you 3. It is evident there is a byterian mission schools discon- do when you meet in the dawning realization on the part tinued primary classes; though church ?" And the sad reply of both Jews and Arabs that in Hamadan and Teheran, Iran- came, "We just sit and wait." Christ does offer the one hope of ian Christians kept up this work. peace and reconciliation. The number of young people de- -Alliance Weekly.
-International Council of manding an education is now so A Year's Changes Christian Approach to great that the Ministry of Edu- the Jews. cation has asked the mission to Dr. and Mrs. C. Herbert Rice, reopen its lower schools. Under of Allahabad, have returned to In Armenia present staff limitations this is India, after furlough, and find not possible, but upper classes many changes; among them, the The Secretary of "Friends of Armenia" has recently visited are more and more crowded. It national Congress party had Syria to study the probable future needs and condition of the should also be noted that these taken up the constitutional meth- Armenians, and to recommend schools are in the front rank, as od of advancing the cause of some line of action. Stopping at evidenced by the percentage of self-government. Seven of the Geneva, he found that the Refugee Commission of the League of successful students taking the eleven provinces are now work- Nations was not only dead, but ing under a Congress party minwas calling in the loans made to government examinations. refugees. The whole refugee istry, many of the "stormy problem is greatly accentuated Adult education is making since Germany's seizure of Aus- great strides in the country. petrels" of agitation days now tria, and the increasing number Students in Teheran University occupying seats of authority. fleeing from areas under Nazi last year numbered 1,549, of High British officials are coopdomination. Germany is bring- erating with these ministries in ing pressure to bear upon small whom 86 were women. There countries to refuse help to ref- are 18,354 enrolled Boy Scouts. a genuine effort to make selfugees, and prevent their giving Dr. Sadiq, of the University, in government in the autonomous them asylum. a recently delivered lecture in provinces real and effective. Teheran stated that brotherhood, Measures of social, educational In Syria, Armenians have and agrarian reform are already made tremendous effort to make the sacredness of family ties and demonstrating that the new gova new start; most of them now the doctrine of the resurrection ernments are fully conscious of have SOme sort of a home. Ex- are the center of the Christian treme cleanliness and neatness religion. their responsibilities, and also was found in every shack; ter- that they have a large measure rible poverty and rags, to be sure, but self-respect and no beg- INDIA AND SIAM of popular support. The air is ging. However, everywhere full of proposals for the improvethroughout Syria, with the exception of the coastal province of Waiting for Light ment of the condition of the Lebanon, there is a feeling of rural population, for the proimminent danger, a constant The story is told of a mission- vision of specialized schools and looking over the shoulder for ary who visited a spot in India the bringing of educational what may be coming. where no missionary had ever methods into touch with the life been, yet the villagers had dis- of the people; with plans to pro- Armenians still need all the carded their idols and met each mote the mass education of illithelp that can be given them, week in a church which they had erate adults. especially in the spiritual realm, built. Inquiring into this, the lest with these long continued missionary found that a young . Says Dr. Rice: troubles they may fail to maintain their high Christian tradi- man, traveling for some foreign We are convinced that Christian tion, and their young people, business concern, had been de- institutions will in many ways receive particularly, lapse from the a greater welcome than ever before. splendid .standards of their fa- tained in their village several High-minded national leaders will thers.-Evangelical Christian. days by a flood. While there, he surely accept with gratitude all the told the villagers that they help that we can give in the solution of pressing national and human prob- should not worship idols; that lems. It is true that in the present there was a true God whom they atmosphere of religious rivalry and should worship, and that they tense communalism we may expect in- should build a house and meet in creasing opposition to the conversion it once every seven days. They of Hindus and Mohammedans to Christianity. On the other hand there had followed these instructions. is growing up a constantly increasing The missionary asked if they resentment against ancient authority and ancient forms of social and reli- had a Bible, and who read it to gious restraint. Inroads are being them. They said they had no made upon the caste system. This
growing spirit of freedom will itself that he wished a Christian mar- "Some bought gladly, others penetrate the realm of conscience and riage, before he could change his were so much confused by the religious belief. We need not fear for noise and crowds they were not mind again. This also put a re- interested. Some railed at us the future of the Gospel and the straint on the opposition. The Church, whatever the immediate difficulties connected with the political affair having come before the au- for bothering them so much. situation may be. thorities, they dared not resort Sometimes we talked until our Heathen Marriage the to violence. mouths were dry, but were- Stumblingblock MRS. A. B. GOULD, vived when anyone came to buy. Thus we worked for four days; Presbyterian missionary 3700 portions had been sold." The time – honored heathen at Ambala.
marriage ceremony is the last Ten in One Church Builds a School thing to be renounced by Indian Christians; and nothing so The Baptist Mission in Burma A church in a remote part of is in reality ten missions, owing Siam was having a hard time. arouses non-Christians as a de- to the great diversity of races The staff was small, the district parture from these rites. For and languages in this field. The large, the responsibilities many. one thing, a Christian loses Gospel must be preached to each A young Siamese minister was money by the renunciation, since one in his own tongue; and even called to this field, and soon put each guest is expected to bring a so, there are many tribes as yet his finger upon the difficulty. unreached in the hill section of· "N0 Christian education for the rupee to the bride's father. A Burma, and the border areas. So older boys," he said. "The little hundred guests would quite ma- when we read .of Bur man ones can go to the girls' school; terially help to defray expenses c h u r c h e s, Burmese-speaking but the big ones have to go to for the feast. But this is not all. churches are meant, not every government schools where they A while ago a Christian couple have to take part in Buddhist wished to marry their daughter church in Burma. to a Christian young man from celebrations, and are seldom able In addition to work among the to go to church or Sunday school. another district. The bride- many races in Burma, the Gospel They drift away from Christiangroom's party arrived the eve- is preached to Indian immi- ity. That means, too, that the ning before, reenforced by three grants. Most of the 15,000,000 Christian girls have to marry Christian preachers, whose pres- inhabitants of Burma live in vil- non-Christian .or only half-Chrisence, it was thought, would dis- lages of from ten to three hun- tian men. Some day our people courage active hostilities. The dred houses, and most .of the invited guests, Christians from will be so well trained and edu- missionary work centers in the cated themselves that they can other villages, had also arrived. towns. R u r a I reconstruction The dinner was cooked and committees are being organized. instruct their children at home in Christian faith and practice; ready to serve. But the enemy had mustered his forces. Chu- Footprint of Buddha but now we need a school." hras (Sweepers), the class from So he put it up to the church, which these Christians came, One cannot help being im- and the members agreed to start had gathered from a number of villages, and swore that not a pressed with the religious fervor a boys' school as one .of their bite of that dinner should be of the crowds, old and young, projects. It is still an experieaten until the parents consented who visit the footprint of Bud- ment, but is well under way. to a Chuhra wedding. dha at Prabat, Siam, every year. Church members contribute a The men stood by with walk- A Siamese colporteur tells in part of the expenses, some help ing sticks, to intimidate the the Siam Outlook of the oppor- comes from the mission and guests. The Mohammedans of tunities this festival offers for some from churches in other vilthe village sided with the presenting the Gospel. "We lages from which pupils come. Chuhras, and threatened to turn sang as we rode along by launch The Siamese pastor hopes to the family out of their village if to Lopburi. A man asleep was have the school self-supporting they persisted in their purpose. disturbed, and asked us what in four years.
All night the dinner lay un- we were doing. This gave us a touched. The guests drowned chance to bear witness. Great CHINA their hunger in sleep, so far as crowds were going happily Hope in the Long View the noise of battle would permit! along, some selling flowers to The discussion went on most of offer at the shrine. After we Dr. W. W. Yen, former Chi- the night, with the result that had found a place to stay in nese ambassador to Moscow and the father, never much of a force the market, we went into every Minister to Washington, believes in the family, was won over, and by-lane where we might make a that "out of the ashes .of death gave his consent to a Chuhra sale. So we continued until two and devastation, there will arise marriage. Here was defeat. The in the morning, for people were a new China, modern, sanitary, next step was for the preachers enjoying the festival all night. scientific and beautiful, testify- to get the father to the nearest Some of our Gospel portions ing to the indomitable spirit and police post four miles away, and were stolen: we pray they were indefatigable industry of the there make him sign a statement read! people." Dr. Yen thinks there
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
is no warrant for pessimism, be- upheld the cause of justice. Through sincere, often tearful confession cause throughout the ages the His words and works, He manifested of national and personal sin. Chinese have been able to the reality of His love and sacrificial Mr. Lewis says that in the many weather the storm. Out of the prayer-meetings he has attended spirit. I have come to the conviction that, if we wish to revive the Chinese present struggle, the greatest people and reform society, we must during the past year he has not gain will be national unity; an- heard one word of recrimination other is the lesson of self-help, adopt as our own the universal love against the invaders. On the the gain in moral values and in- and sacrificial spirit of Jesus. There- contrary, they often make earn- fore, I take it that in whatever sphere of life, whether in social relationships, ternational understanding. civil administrations, military com- est prayer both for the Chris- -The China Colleges. mand or other service, we must make tians of Japan and the people in charity and peace the basic principles general, and entreat God to dis- Victorious Christian Youth of action. To this end all revolution- pose their hearts toward peace. ists must accept, struggle and sacrifice A number of missionaries in Evidence multiplies as to the as a daily duty. This was the spirit widely separated areas of China victory of Christian over nation- of Jesus. This is what I meant when testify to their belief that this is alist feeling in this time of crisis. I had occasion to say before, "We the attitude of the whole Chris- shall not give up the hope of peace until peace is absolutely hopeless, but Hunan University Christian As- we will not shrink from any sacrifice tian Church in China. sociation addressed an open let- when the hour demands it."
ter to Japanese Christian stu- Snap Shots from Siangtan Time for Advance in Tibet dents, and after expressing dismay over the invasion of their Interesting things have been In China's Millions, Dr. J. H. happening in Siangtan, Hunan. Jeffrey lists the following reacountry, which they characterize One was the opening of the sons for a missionary advance as "wanton and unwarranted," Kwangtao Girls' School building among non-Chinese in Tibet: they express the hope that "our as a refuge for Christian Chinese flooding into the city. A commu- A more favorable political situation. common belief in God and our nity kitchen was set up and the love of personality will not dis- classrooms divided into cubicles A priesthood largely discredited, in appear in this time of crisis; and to accommodate 70 at a time. some parts at least. that the spirit of our common Morning worship is conducted, fellowship may be kept alive and one baptism has resulted. The destruction of many important Three refugees are tutoring as a lamaseries and the slaughtering of . . . so as to sow the seeds for means of support; others hold hundreds of lamas, thereby depriving future building for the service night classes. the non-Chinese people of their spirof God." The Hunan students itual guides. then urge the Japanese to join Another outstanding feature with them in a period of prayer was the organization of a Chris- High cost of training priests. at stated hours, saying, "Let us tian Fellowship group, that pray that this war will soon end, Christian refugees might get ac- Friendliness of the people towards the foreigner. let us devote ourselves to preparing for Christian fellowship be- Many regions formerly regarded as being closed to the missionary now tween our countries in the fu- are open.
Readiness to believe the mission- ary's message.
ture. . . . We pray for tolerance quainted with one another and JAPAN-CHOSEN and love and faith in God." The with the Christians of the city. letter is concluded by a quotation Two large gatherings have al- Delegates to Madras ready been held with over a hunfrom the prayer of our Lord as dred in attendance each time. After a good deal of hesita- tion, Japanese Christians have recorded in John 17: 20-23 and Bible study groups and a lit- decided to participate in the eracy class have been held espethe final sentence is, "God bless cially for the refugees, and the Madras Conference, and about literacy class for children has 15 Japanese delegates and seven you all!" -Advance. been reopened. missionaries are now on their way. Several full meetings of Chiang Kai-Shek on the Radio Continued Prayer for Japan the delegation have been held, and sectional and group studies In a recent radio address, the Rev. A. B. Lewis, member of are now going on. Dr. Kagawa Generalissimo referred to Jesus the Field Council of the China plans to go, and to spend some Christ as the leader of a national revolution, and also of a reli- weeks in evangelistic effort in gious revolution. He said: I have long sought to know the real Inland Mission, writes in the India. source of the revolutionary spirit of Life of Faith of the effects of Within the Christian move- Jesus. From whence did it spring? ment in Japan, there is a tend- Entirely from His spirit of love. war on the Chinese Church. ency toward a more unified con- Chinese Christians have been trol. The smaller denominations Through the spirit of love He would driven to their knees as never drive from the minds of men all evil thinking and break up systems of before. Heartfelt earnestness is and the many one-church units inequality that all men might exercise to be expected, but the outstand- are on the way to federating and the heaven-given right to enjoy liberty ing thing about their prayers then affiliating with the National and equality. has been the complete absence of Christian Council. Conferences All through His life Jesus opposed bitterness toward Japan, and the are also being held to discuss orthe use of might without right, but
ganic church union, and a spirit mise was correct, and he still has were baptized. Today there are of urgency is noted. his copy. -Monday Morning. 400,000 baptized Christians of the Batuk tribe. Their churches, ~The Christian Century. MALAYA AND THE large and small, dot the land. ISLANDS Making the Dead Give -Missionary Educator. Moslems of Malaya Japan has decided that the Chinese Conference in dead also must contribute to the Christian missions among Mo- Singapore conquest of China. A group of hammedans in Malaya have asdentists recently told the govern- sumed several forms. The first There have been Religious ment that about $2,900,000 in thing to be done is to gain the gold goes each year into graves confidence of the people, and Education Conferences in Singaor cremation urns, so it has been medical aid is one of the most suggested that a dentist be as- effective ways. Christian litera- pore in English, but recently one signed to each crematorium to ture is another. So far, only one remove gold fillings, plates, experiment has been made in in- was held in Chinese for the Chicrowns and teeth from the stitutional work; this is the bodies. boarding school in Malacca, nese Church in Singapore, in started with the idea that work, Here are some of the features to be effective, must be carried which entire responsibility for of a vast program of retrench- on outside the village environment: chemists in the Ministry ment, where Christian influence the program was assumed by of Agriculture are tanning rat has a better chance to operate. skins in their search for a leather One of the most recent experi- Chinese pastors and lay workers. substitute, and match makers are ments in establishing good-will asked to reduce the length of the contacts with the Malays has It continued for four days, June match by .029 inches. Shorten- been teaching the Malay women ing of the match stick, it is esti- to read. This has been made 28-July 1, at the new. Foochow mated, would save enough in a possible through the application year to keep the army going in of the system by Dr. Laubach, of Methodist Church. ,There were China, at the present rate of ex- the Philippine Islands, to the penditure, for about one hour Malay language. It has proved delegations from every Methodand five minutes. to be very successful, and thus another door has been opened. ist and Presbyterian Chinese -Alliance Weekly. -Christian Advocate. church of Singapore, Johore and Miserliness Saves a Bible! The Gospel in Sumatra Malacca districts, as well as While Syenchun, one of the largest Christian centers in One hundred and four years from Seremban and Sitiawan. Chosen, has active church groups ago, two American missionaries, and a living spirit of evangelism, Lyman and Munson, made the The men and women were it is a different story in a village first attempt to carry the Gospel barely three miles from there. to the pagan race of one-time about equal in number; the Voluntary Christian workers cannibals in Sumatra, called who went out from Syenchun to Batuks. Twice some of the Ba- women made their contribution conduct services and w 0 r k tuks had been killed by Mohama m 0 n g non – Christians were medans because they would not to the program equal to that of pelted with rocks; the Christian embrace the faith of Islam. villagers had even worse experi- Thinking these two white mis- the men, and were particularly ences, some were beaten and all sionaries were Mohammedans, were abused in one way or an- come to kill them, they promptly prominent in the demonstration other. Finally, local police took put them to death, and feasted a hand and jailed the most vio- on their flesh. For 25 years, ,no classes and in the smaller discuslent persecutors for one day. one dared go again. When the sion groups. Opposition was checked, but not Batuks at last realized that the ill feeling. missionaries were their friends, One day was devoted to each the way was opened for others to One young man had bought go with the Gospel message, and of four themes: children's work; five copies of the New Testament almost at once the Batuk people and his grandfather burned embraced Christianity. This re- young people's work; work them all. Then, hoping that the markable fact has no parallel in old man's penurious disposition the history of the Church today. with adults and work in the would keep him from destroying Thousands of these once cannisomething that cost a great deal, bals accepted the Gospel and community. 0 the r features he bought a very expensive copy of the New Testament. His sur- were: Church music and Sing- ing, Chinese Literacy work and methods of teaching illiterates Romanized Hokkien, and recrea- tional programs for young peo- ple. -Malaysia Message.
Filipino Christian Projects Dr. William H. Crothers, now beginning his second year of vol- untary service as member of the faculty of Union Theological Seminary, Manila, tellS' what he saw on a tour of missionary projects in the Philippines: "We saw self – supporting churches at their worship; met enough evangelical Christians in places of responsibility to know how far out of proportion to their numbers is their influence; saw three of our mission hospi- tals actually enlarging or plan- ning expansion; we saw, in fact, church history in the making- the love of Christ animating men
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
and women and children, mold- one who cannot use his brains they may be used for religious ining their lives and motivating for such purpose. They came to struction if it is so requested. institutions. If the thousands of realize that education is essenmen and women who, for the tial to progress. -Manila Daily Bulletin. love of that same Lord, have given offerings that have made Today, teachers are trained MISCELLANEOUS this work possible could have at Davuilevu, which has in addiseen what we have seen, they tion to the Normal School a pri- The Problem of the Jew would, in this dark day in the mary school, technical school Orient, thank God and take some and theological seminary. From There are evidences of incourage." -Monday Morning. this center come some of Fiji's creasing anti-Jewish feeling in best men. As a still further America and Great Britain. This An Old Timer Returns equipment for life, agricultural situation moved a group of training is provided at Navuso. Christians last spring to suggest A soldier who had served in Nor has the education of girls special days of prayer for Israel the. Philippines from 1898 to been neglected. Several schools on the first Sundays of July and 1902 recently revisited the teach them the principles of October, 1938, and January and I s I and s. Astonished at the hygiene and the art of cooking, April, 1939. Five suggestions changes he saw, he asked a needlework and home-building. for prayer have been made: friend how it was that the na- T hat anti-Semitism may be tives had made such unparalleled -The Missionary Review averted in the United States, progress. The friend promptly (Australia) . that Christians everywhere may named as factors in the prog- share something of Christ's love ress, the Filipinos' disposition to Quezon Rebukes Catholic for His brethren, that Israel will advice, the spirit of the Taft Church look to God for help and not to Commission, American teachers nations, that American nations and American missionaries. On the eve of his departure will have a share in the care of Noting an incredulous expres- for Japan, President Quezon of Jewish refugees, and that the sion at the mention of mission- the Philippines, issued a strong present issues in Palestine may aries, he added : "Yes, mission- rebuke to the Catholic Church in be settled as God would have aries. In proportion to their the Philippines. This was in re- them settled. number, no group did more to ply to an ecclesiastical letter, interpret to the Filipinos the urging a boycott of schools "Hadassah," the Women's Zispirit of America, and to assist where religion is not taught. onist Organization of America, them to assimilate its civil, edu- The President accused the has to date raised sufficient cational and religious freedom. Church of trying to meddle in funds to transfer and provide They discussed the personal and for 2,200 German and Polish community problems of the peo- affairs of State, and warned that Jewish children, and to settle ple on the plane of sympathy and this will not be tolerated. Among them in Palestine. Up to the friendship, and visited the hum- other things, Quezon, himself a present, 1500 Austrian Jewish blest of them as good Samari- boys and girls have applied to a tans."-Madras News Service. Catholic, said: Palestine Bureau in Vienna for similar transfer to Palestine. Education for Fijians It should be unnecessary to remind A Jewish rabbi of Lexington, A former student of the Meth- the ecclesiastical authorities in the Ky., VIsited Germany with a odist Boys' School in Suva gives Sherwood Eddy group last June, the Fijian point of view regard- Philippines that the separation of relying upon his United States ing education. Early Methodist passport to protect him from asmissionaries were the first to Church and State in this country is sault. He says that the situation build schools to teach Fijian in Nazi Germany has not been youngsters what they needed to a reality and not a mere theory; and overdrawn, and that all Jews know. The results were wonder- there are facing starvation by ful. Those early schools were that as far as our people are con- 1940. He calls attention to the held in the village church, if fact that cutting off these people there was one; otherwise, out cerned, it is forever settled that this from purchasing power will of doors. Lessons were mostly have its effect on economic consums and the vernacular; how- separation shall be maintained as one ditions, and the closing of Jewever, to know something is bet- ish stores will be reflected in all ter than to know nothing, and of the cardinal tenets of our govern- the industries. In his opinion, this paved the way for Fijian the faith of the Jew is not failparents to wish their children to ment. . . . . ing him. By hundreds, they are have an education, for they saw worshipping in their synathe contrast between the child If I were inclined to interfere in gogues.-I. C. C. A. J. N ew.'l who has learned to read and the Sheet, Dayton, Ohio, News. the affairs of the Church, as the School Curricula Revised Catholic bishops are attempting to do Some idea of what follows with the affairs of the State, I would when a conquering army enters tell the Archbishop and the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Cebu that it is their lack of Sunday schools and catechists to teach the Catholic religion that is mainly responsible for the deplorable ignorance of their own religion that is found among Catholic youth.
Moreover, if the desire is to have hours exclusively devoted to religious instruction in the public schools, so that the regular school activities may not interfere with said instruction, I am placing Saturdays and Sundays at the disposal of all the ministers of all the religions existing in the Phil- ippines. On Saturdays and Sundays, the public schools are not being used for school purposes and, therefore,
a country may be had from in- The first task of the Council attention to the remarkable genformation sent by Dr. S. C. Ziegler, United Brethren missionary will be to aid in keeping up the erosity of Jews toward Chrisin North China. In regard to education he says: standards, professional and spir- tians. Christian refugees from The Japanese acquired control of a itual, of the medical and nursing Germany and Austria have delarge area so rapidly that it was impossible for them to handle immedi- appointees of the various mis- pended in large measure upon ately all the problems that arose. Revision of the curriculum was dealt sion boards. A second task will Jewish help. with in only the sketchiest fashion. Military training, Boy Scouting and be the study of environments in The lot of Christians of Jewish civics, which had been a part of the political training imposed on the many countries with a view to origin is even more unfortunate schools by the nationalist party, were suggesting to the societies ways than that of the Jews. They immediately abolished. A Codex Expurgatus for the textbooks used in in which their medical work were doubly outcasts. They were the other subjects was issued, and whole pages that offended them had may become better related to the not Jews, because their parents to be torn out, while separate para- churches, to government health or grandparents had embraced graphs and sentences had to be deleted programs, and to developing sys- Christianity, and they were not under the teachers' direction. For the tems of national medical prac- recognized as German citizens coming semester primary schools are tice. forbidden to use any of the textbooks because they had some tincture formerly issued in China. New ones now being printed in Japan are prom- of Jewish blood. It is underised in a month. In the meantime, we How Much Is a Man Worth? stood that the Council will enhave to mimeograph lesson sheets to use. Japanese as a foreign language An exchange comments on the deavor to assist Christian and has been added as a required subject damages allowed in accident other non-Jewish people who are from the fifth grade through the cases, and asks what is the true' fleeing from Germany, Austria twelfth. The general trend is toward value of a human being. A boy and Sudetenland. the elimination of Western ideas and -Life of Faith. influences, and bringing in classical lost his hand and the courts al- Chinese and pro-Japanese ideas. Recently all teachers were required to lowed him $1,700 damages, but attend a three-day institute conducted later, when he lost his other Christian Youth Conference by Chinese and Japanese officials, at which the invincibility of Japan and arm, he was allowed $2,000 dam- In the list of encouraging the desirability of a Japan-Manchu- age. An eighteen months old kuo-China alliance against the West child toddled out into the alley trends of today must be classed and the white race were loudly pro- where rubbish had been burned, the increasing number of youth cla.imed. and three toes were injured. conferences, and camps. One Damage, $750. A young wom- was held at Bievres, France, in -Dayton Daily News. an, injured in an auto wreck in August, when 60 leaders from 23 Omaha, was given $9,500 by the Christian Medical Council court. A girl going abroad to countries formulated plans for a buy perfume had her nose in- World Conference of Christian The Christian Medical Coun- Youth, to be held in Amsterdam, cil for Overseas Work was es- sured for $50,000. Because of Holland, July 24-August 2, 1939. tablished in New York on June her back being broken in an ac- The delegates represented the 3, 1938, by twelve missionary you t h organizations of the societies of North Arne ric a cident a girl was allowed $38,- churches, the Y. M. C. A.~ the which have long sought a way 000. A Kansas City lad injured Y. W. C. A., the World's Student by which their medical work by a live wire so that he could Christian Federation, the Ecumight become better correlated never smile was allowed by the menical Youth Commission of at home and more effectively in- courts $20,000. A boy's ability the World Alliance for Internategrated with the needs of the to smile is quite worth while. A tional ~riendship through the environment abroad. They have motorcycle officer in Omaha was already created an office for su- allowed $30,000 damage for loss Churches and the Provisional pervision of the health of their of a leg while on duty. Ian Ku- Committee of the proposed workers abroad. This agency belik had the fingers of his left World Council of Churches. has been at work in New York hand insured for $250,000 while City for over five years and is a Paderewski carries $10,000,000 The program is to have four conspicuous example of comity insurance on his fingers. The basic emphases. The first is to among missionary societies. It question is, if parts of the body is the stated purpose of the are so valuable, what is the stress solidarity by setting forth Council, "to discover what, un- value of a soul? the essential content of their der changing conditions, should common Christian faith; the be the unique contribution of second is an approach to the Christianity through medicine; problems of the day through inand, as an advisory body, to aid the societies in making that con- Aid for Christian Refugees tensive, daily study of the Bible; tribution effective." the third discussion of actual In the Jerusalem Chamber of next steps to be undertaken by Westminster Abbey, in October, Christian young people; and there was inaugurated a Central fourth, an effort to place all of Council for Christian Refugees. these elements of the program in It is estimated that the migra- a setting of ecumenical worship tion from Sudetenland will in- in which the theme of the day volve 100,000 Germans, 30,000 and the aspirations of the dele- Jews and 400,000 Czechs. Sir gates are brought together be- John Simpson, who was elected fore God in prayer. Chairman of the Council, calls -Federal Council Bulletin.
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Devotees of Christ. By D. S. Batley, study books and will prove in- Himself. The Autobiography of a Illus. 12 mo. 147 pp. 28. Church Hindu Lady. By Ramabai Ranada. of England Zenana Missionary So- teresting reading for mission ciety. London. 1938. study circles. Translated from the Marathi by Mrs. Katherine VanAkin Gates.
If anyone still has a doubt Dr. Ida, India. By Mary Pauline Jef- 8 vo. 253 pp. $2.00. Longmans Green & Co. New York. 1938. about the conversion of Indian fery. Introduction by Mrs. Henry women to Christ and the value W. Peabody. Illus. 212 pp. $2.00. This is a very delightful of such "new birth," this book Fleming H. Revell Co. New York. by Miss Batley of the C. E. Z. 1938. autobiography of a Hindu wom- M. S. will supply uncontestable an, married to an educated Hinevidence. They not only became Anyone in America at all in- du reformer whom she refers to Christians but efficient workers formed about mISSIOns, and as "Himself." They never befor Christ. As the Right Hon. many in India not so informed, came Christians but continued to Viscount Halifax, former British will know that this book tells observe many Hindu rites and Viceroy of India says in his in- the thrilling story of Dr. Ida S. customs. The interesting story troduction, "These women, by Scudder, President of the Medi- reveals the highest kind of famtheir noble work, accomplished cal College for Women at Vel- ily, public and religious life much in their time." The stories lore, South India. And it is a among educated Indians. The of some twenty-three of these truly wonderful story – fuB of wife, married at the age of women are told here and told ef- stirring incidents and inspira- eleven, was later the founder of fectively. Almost all of them tion. the Seva Sedan Society, to uplift were connected with the Church Indian womanhood. The picture of England missions, but many It is an indication of the place is not typical of India any more others equally remarkable came Dr. Ida holds in India that a let- than are the sordid pictures in out through the work of Bap- ter from America, addressed "Mother India," but Mrs. Ratists, Presbyterians, Methodists with only the three English nade shows the brighter side of and others. words that form the title of this the picture and uses language book, should reach Dr. Scudder that might refer to the Jewish The biographies are very brief in a land of over 350,000,000 or Moslem religion. There is no but enough facts are given to people living in over 740,000 Christ in their thought or expemake them interesting reading. cities and villages and speaking rience so that the Christian view over thirty languages! of sin, salvation, God and eternal Some names are well known like life is not mentioned. Chandra Lela, Pandita Ramabai, The life story tells of Dr. Ida's famous grandfather, John Scud- Ellen Lakshinie Goreh and Susie der, and his call to India; of the It Began in Galilee. A Study in Sorabji. Others are known only father John who followed to the Revolutionary Christianity. By to a few outside of their immedi- same field; then .of Ida's mis- Reginald J. Barker, Director of the ate circles-but they are worth chievous girlhood and the "three Methodist Central Mission in Tonyknowing-women like Shuruth calls in the night" that led her to pandy (Wales). 317 pages. $2.50. Mohini Datta and Marmarna devote her life to the neglected Cokesbury Press, Nashville, Tenn.
Bose. Most of them have gone women of India. Most criticisms of Christian- to their reward but some are still Dr. Ida of India has built up ity are directed against some excarrying on their devoted serv- the large Christian hospital, isting form of it. But the critics ice. They came from many walks nurses' training school and Med- of the revolutionary Christianity of life and all had tasted the un- ical College in South India. To here proposed will have to direct satisfying fruits of Hinduism or the advantages of good birth, their shafts against the theory, other Indian religions before thorough education, beauty and not the practice, for the precise they found peace and satisfac- unusual ability are added, in Dr. gravamen of Mr. Barker's tion in Christ. They entered into Scudder, co u rag e, Christian charge (so far as he is critical) Christ's service as preachers, character and a vital fellowship is that unless Christianity is revteachers, mothers, doc tor s , with Christ. olutionary it is not real, and that nurses, matrons and Bible wom- The book gives much valuable therefore most actual types of en. Here is an excellent sup- information on India-caste, dis- this religion, as now exemplified, plementary volume to this year's ease, women and children. are not genuine. What Mr.
Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[617 ]
Barker proposes, however, is not Barker sees only failure for any upon Christ's head, if he has not set forth as something newly in- revolutionary movement, how- first crowned Him King and ever much he may sympathize Lord of his own life." vented and therefore untried. During the making of this book with their aims, which does not An Epilogue offers an answer he has re-read the New Testa- include re-making of men by the to the question any reader would ment many times-and with vig- power of Jesus Christ. Individ- ask: If the present state of ualistic (traditional) Christian- things is so diametrically unorous results. He goes straight ity fails because it is essentially Christian, and if not only the to the New Testament for the State but the Church opposes al- selfish and other-worldly, and most every attempt to right the bases of his contentions: that therefore is false to Christ and world, how can genuine Christi- Christianity is in essence revolu- to the Word of God; secular so- anity get a start? The author sees no mass-movement, but a tionary, not simply for the indi- cialism and revolutionary anti- few outstanding personalities, an vidual but for society; that per- Christian com m u n ism are "order" cutting across all fron- doomed also to fail because they tiers, perhaps forced out of orsonal and social Christianity are ganized Christianity and cominseparable. The light of the do not aim at inner transforma- pelled to found a church-life of Gospel upon this world, and our tion. The revolutionary appeal its own; filled with power, swinging open the gates of civilization in it, has never been "must be evangelical to be effec- prayer again, knowing God not turned more unsparingly and tive. . . . The Christian ethic only in limited interior ways but in the whole gamut of human exvividly than in this book. The as an ethic is impossible; as a perience. author re-examines carefully the religion it is gloriously possible." KENNETH J. FOREMAN. records and the ideal in Gospels Unlike some who have been and Epistles, surveys the present strongly moved by the social China Marches Toward the Cross. By Earl H. Cressey, Executive Secstate of the world, and concludes challenge of the Gospel, the au- retary of the China Christian Eduthat if the true Gospel of Christ thor does not ignore theology. cational Assn. Pamphlet. 25 cents. were really preached and prac- On the contrary, his social pro- Friendship Press. New York. 1938. ticed it would mean a revolution. gram is entwined with his re- Here is a timely pamphlet on Mr. Barker means just what ligious beliefs. He is no Calvin- the Japanese invasion of China he says. Many persons assent and its effect on the land, the lazily to the proposition that ist, but his brilliant excoriation people and Christian missions. of Calvinism is less an indication First the author, an American Christianity would make a dif- of that system as it is preached Baptist missionary for 28 years ference, if practiced. Where Mr. and now on the China Christian Barker differs is in proposing today than a reflection of the ef- Council staff, gives a brief statethat we do something about it; fect that a high Barthianism has ment as to the Marco Polo and in envisaging the revolution on a sensitive and social-minded Bridge incident in July, 1937, in concrete economic-social that was used as an excuse for Christian. the Japanese military advance. terms. Capitalism is flatly de- Even those who cannot go all The result has been increasing solidarity, resistance and announced; absolute pacifism is the way with the author can tagonism to Japanese on the part held up as the only really Chris- profit from reading such a book. of Chinese sufferers. tian position; repeatedly the No one can read it with compla- In the midst of this suffering saying is quoted, that "the bias cency. A gift at pointed phrase- and cruelty the story of the sacof the disciple who has the mind making makes truth stick. Al- rificial service of Christian mis- sionaries stands out as an epic of Christ, will always be towards most at random one may note: of heroism. They have defied communism." The truly radical "They were pricked to the threats, danger, suffering and nature of Christ's religion is so death. Men and single women heart-by the sharp point of the have stuck to their posts in order plain, we are told, that only those that they might minister to the can miss it who are comfortably Cross which had been driven Chinese refugees and wounded. cushioned in their own security. into the heart of God." "His The story quoted from various centers is thrilling and might be A Christian who speaks thus death was necessary for the greatly enlarged. should have earned the right to hard-hearted whose ve r y re- spectability obscured the i r Chapter three describes some do so; and Mr. Barker, as head need." of the work of relief, the exodus of a Methodist mission in the from invaded areas and the refamous (or infamous) Welsh "The Cross is no historic trick sults of air-raids. Christian to appease an angry God; it is work in "occupied" areas is the coal-mining district, has not only the eternal truth of God and His seen the end-results of capital- way with man in all his history." ism in a "Christian" country but has given his own life to bring a "The Kingdom (of God) is Christian solution. our world seen under the aspect The distinctive feature of this of the universal sovereignty of author's viewpoint is the God." "The significance of Jesus can warmth of his evangelical fervor, his high reverence for never be taught as a doctrine; Christ, and his deep-rooted it is born of that knowledge Christian faith. In no irritable which comes from love of him." or sarcastic spirit, but in love, "It remains true, however, that no man can lift a hand to place moves the entire argument. Mr. the crowns of earth's kingdoms
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
subject of chapter four. Mis- only once and then merely to re- Church and the Oxford Group," sionaries and Chinese Christians fer to an incident, his theological and that the Church should not have carried on with increasing viewpoint is apparently the same be "guilty of the insensate folly vigor, in spite of heavy losses. as that of the first four chapters of rejecting unity with any force Most of the mission stations re- of that formerly much discussed that can help in the winning of main open and active and thir- but now half forgotten volume. the spiritual world war." Critics teen of the great Christian edu- He holds that "the answer to of the "Groups" may not relish cational institutions are still in present world turmoil is a new such a characterization. The operation but eight of them have Christianity freed from the dog- book as a whole is excellent, a moved to new locations. Their matic metaphysics of the Catho- fervent summons to Christians enrolment is 4,305 compared lic Church, and from both the to get in pe'rsonal touch with God with 7,098 for the previous year. irresponsible otherworldliness of and unite in a spiritual mass The great Chinese trek to the Lutheranism and the legalistic movement which God can mobil- "new West" is briefly described conception of Calvinism." He ize for the salvation of the world. as the greatest mass movement strongly urges a "liberal Prot- ARTHUR J. BROWN.
of population in modern history. estantism" w h i c h "recognizes Factories, public buildings, rail- the will of God as supreme over Toward a Literate World. By Rev. roads and bridges have been de- all life, individual and national," FTank C. Laubach, Ph.D. Foreword stroyed in the path of the in- a Christianity the heart of which by Prof. Edward L. Thorndike of vaders. The last chapter (Nine) is the revelation of God in Columbia University. 8vo. 175 pp. describes the present missionary Christ, and the goal of which is $1.50. Columbia University Press. New York. 1938.
"opportunity." The prestige of the Kingdom of God as Jesus Dr. Laubach's short cut meth- Christianity was never so high described it. Those who do not od of teaching illiterates to read and people everywhere are ready as well as those who do agree and write has created quite a to listen to the Gospel proclaimed with some of Dr. White's state- stir not only among the Moros by men and women who are giv- ments and theological presuppo- of the Philippines where it was ing their lives for China and are sitions will find much in this revealing Christ by their acts as thoughtful and remarkably in- originally tried, but in India, well as by their words. teresting book in which they will Africa, and other lands. Dr. heartily concur. This book furnishes material Laubach has been called "an for many missionary addresses. ARTHUR J. BROWN. evangelist of literacy" who carries on his campaign success- A Working Faith for the World. By The Church Can Save the World. By fully among all classes of people. Hugh Vernon White. 213 pp. Samuel M. Shoemaker. 162 pp. He estimates the illiterates of $2.00. Harper & Bros. New York. $1.5!J. Harper & Brothers, New 1938. York. 1938. the world at 62 % of the popula- Although Dr. White became The rector of Calvary Protest- tion and in some countries it is sec ret a r y of the American ant Episcopal Church, New Board of Commissioners for York, has earned the right to be as high as 90 %. The progress Foreign Missions only seven heard and read. At the age of thirty-two, he took an old down- toward literacy has been steady during the past thirty years but it has been slow. By Dr. Lau- bach's method illiterates have years ago, he has already won a town Protestant E pis cop a I learned to read their native recognized place a m 0 n g the church (Calvary), with a large tongue in a few weeks. This scholarly thinkers and writers plant and a small congregation; will be of immense advantage in on missionary problems. The his flaming zeal has made it an general education and in openthesis of his present volume is evangelistic powerhouse in that ingavenues of Christian truth. well expressed in its title. He part of the city. . The present What has been accomplished and presses for a "faith" that volume, like its predecessors, the method, form a fascinating "works." In Part I, "Christian- shows that he has something to story. Missionaries and educaity a World Faith," he discusses say and that he knows how to tors in backward countries will the world's need of a unifying say it in straight-forward fash- be especially interested in Dr. faith, the different kinds of reli- ion. He believes that the situa- Laubach's story and many will gion, the role of religion in hu- tion at home and abroad is omi- be eager to apply his principles man life, and the effect of reli- nous with peril, but that the to their own people. The achievegion on civilization. In Part II, Church can yet be used to save ments among the Moros and the "Christianity at Work," he dis- the world if its members will influence on their whole life and cusses the religious character of dedicate themselves to the task thought constitute a miracle of the world mission, "sharing and in full surrender to the guidance progress.
beyond," and the two poles of of God. His viewpoint is that of the Christian movement. Part the "Oxford Group," of which he Directory of World Missions. Edited III describes the "Objectives of is the recognized leader in the by Joseph 1. Parker. 8 vo. 255 pp. Christianity" as Christian truth, United States. His zeal leads International Missionary Council. Christian personality, and Chris- him to declare that "antichrist New York. 1938. tian community. While he men- has been busy attempting to This companion volume to the tions "Re-Thinking Missions," wedge apart the organized "Statistical Survey" gives the
main facts-names, addresses, subsistence by hard work. The do not believe, in the hope of officers, periodicals and fields of reward 'Of toil, outside of char- winning their assent but we the mission boards, societies, col- acter and personality building, meet with disappointment. Why leges and councils connected is kept before the reader in the with Protestant foreign mis- form of wage'S or returns for is this? Such books are good sions. Merely this brief direc- service. The change of wages and useful, but· is there some tory impresses one with the mag- in various economies is carefully other approach to which Chrisnitude of the enterprise. Over considered as related to China. tianity must turn? Canon 1,100 organizations are listed Barry's restatement is firm and (without duplications abo u t The 3,000 years of feudalism persuasive-a genuine and hon- 1,000) ; these are related to nine- in China repeated many condi- est service to the Christian teen denominational families and tions found in the world tQday, cause. He himself, no doubt, independent groups. The Pres- showing the way to organic CQ- feels the perplexity. Our Chrisbyterians and the Reformed rep- operation among variQus ecoresent the largest number of so- nomic groups. The study of tian case is clear. Why then do cieties, (83); the Lutherans wages is fruitful for the scholar, men not believe? That is our come next (60); the Methodists the agriculturalist, the me- problem. The Gospel of John is next (43); and the Baptists chanic, the tradesman and 'Other full of answers to it. (42) . Independent and "Faith" workers but nQt to the militarist missions are not separately whose life is built on the philoso- R. E. SPEER. listed, but they number over 175, phy of force. union enterprises. 275 and indig- Steps Toward the World Council. enous societies over 100. The This book traces the primal By Charles S. McFarland. 8 vo. independent "Faith" missions cell of China in society toances- 128 pp. $1.25. Fleming H. Revell have had an especially large tral relations and then thrQugh Co., New York. 1938. growth in the past twenty-five property holding, bartering and years. This reference volume is the problems of industrial diffi- The recent Conference at particularly valuable for mission- culties. Facts as to' incQme, the Utrecht, Holland, draws attenary executives. cost 'Of living and the means of tion to the movement for church subsistence are carefully CQm- unity. The next step seems to Adventures of Service. Stories of piled. In an estimated popula- bet h e "World Council 'Of Modern Pioneers. By D. M. Gill and tion of 474,569,181 or 80% are Churches," proposed at the Ox- A. M. Pullen. 127 pp. $1.00; paper, active in agriculture. The me- ford and Edinburgh Conferen- 50 cents. Friendship Press. New chanical trades are growing in ces. Dr. McFarland, who was York. 1938. number and their products are the first Secretary of the Fed- becoming diversified. These eral Council of Churches of Here are eight stories of facts help the missionary to Christ in America, presents a pioneers who worked against gauge, not only the condition but brief history of the Movement, heavy odds to help their fellow the possible support to be ex- showing the need, progress and men and women. Some are well pected fQr the Church and its some of the suggested plans; known -like Jane Addams and institutiQns. Booker T. Washington. Others Victory Through Youth. By Luther are comparatively unknown- While there is nO' direct ref- J. Holcomb. Booklet. 83 pp. 25 like John Flynn of Central Aus- erence to the Christian mission- cents. Boardman Press, Nashville, tralia, Edward Wilson of the ary enterprise as such, every- Tenn. 1938. Antarctic Scott Expedition and thing in the book bears some re- Sophia Jex-Blake of Scotland lation to missions and to all life It is estimated that over 15,- who opened the medical profes- as related to sound economic sion to women. They a'"8 read- principles. JOHN M. G. DARMS. 000,000 young people under the able stories told fQr young people. Additional facts, a few What Has Christianity to Say? By age of thirty are connected with dates and names of places are F. R. Barry. 192 pp. $2.00. Haradded in the notes in the ap- pers. New York. Protestant churches in America. pendix. Canon Barry deals in this At least 10,000,000 are Roman Der Arbeitslohn in China. By Prof. fresh and refreshing book with Dr. Paul Arndt, Dr. Djini-Schen the modern world in its sickness Catholics and 40,000,000 are and Dr. Chii-Fen-Lo. R. M. 9. and with the Gospel worded to Hans Buske, Leipzig. the mind and speech of the mod- outside any church. One-half 'Of ern world a'S the one remedy for Every missionary to China its disease. To us who believe these are between twelve and will find great prQfit from read- it seems that such a statement, ingthis illuminating and inform- meeting the modern mind in its thirty years of age. Mr. Holative book. Evidently it was own habitat, ought to be conwritten after years of research, vincing. Of many present-day comb, a young man, writes of and from first-hand knQwledge statements of the Christian view of the field, by men who gained we have this feeling. And often the need of these youth for a we give these books to men who spiritual revival. The first sec- tion deals with planning a re- vival, suggesting committees and their work. The second part is a series of ten very short mes- sages from such men as Dr.
George W. Truett, J. H. Pace and Norman W. Cox. While the general tenor is Baptist, the whole book relates to youth and their spiritual revival. It has a definite message and practical value. •
Missionary BookshelF Prisoner of War 31,163-Bedros M. Dr. William Pierson Merrill
Sharian. Ernest Pye. 202 pp. recently resigned from the pastorate $1.50. Revell. New York. (Concludea from page 620.) of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, has been elected A Year of Children's Sermons. By Soudan's Second Sunup. Desmond W. President of the International Com- Joseph A. Schofield, Jr. 192 pp. Bittinger. 254 pp. $2.00. Elgin mittee of the World Alliance for In- $1.50. Cokesbury Press, Nashville, Press. Elgin, Ill. ternational Friendship through the Tenn. 1938. Churches. Dr. Merrill is also Presi- Studies in Church Unity. Angus Dun. 48 pp. World Conference on Faith The pastor of the First Pres- and Order. New York. dent of the Church Peace Union. byterian Church of Gouverneur, Urban Scene. Margueritte Harmon New York, has acquired the art Bro. Illus. 61 pp. 25 cents. Friend- … … * of preaching also to adults ship Press. New York. through his talks to children, Vivid Experiences in Korea. William Rev. J. Quinter Miller, Ph.D., has without seeming to do so. All H. Chisholm. 136 pp. $1.00. Bible succeeded Dr. Roy B. Guild as Executhe stories in this volume of Institute Colportage Assn. Chicago. tive Secretary of the Federal Counfifty-two sermons-and they are The Spirit of the Shepherd. M. P. cil's Field Department. Dr. Miller real sermons, each based upon a Krikorian. 125 pp. $1.00. Zon- will continue to carry part-time re- Scripture te~an be adapted dervan Pub. Co. Grand Rapids. sponsibility in the work of the Con- necticut Council of Churches.
… … * Rev. Eleazar Guerra has been elected Bishop of the Methodist Church of Mexico. He is a graduate to local audiences. In some of Studies in Hymnology. Mrs. Crosby of the Southern Methodist University them, simple objects are used as Adams. 96 p:p,. $1.00. Cokesbury of Dallas, Texas. Press. NashvIlle. illustrations. H. H. F. .. * .. The Star in the East. C. Darby Ful- Sclrsi.ptu6are. Calendars for 1939. lB. and ton. 264 pp. Presbyterial). Com- Kemal Ataturk, President and each. Pickering & Inglis. mittee on Publication. founder of modern Turkey, died on November 10th at 58 years of age. The Victory Life. John Wilmot Ma- He is succeeded in the presidency by London and Glasgow. General Ismet Inonu, former Premier and sometimes called "the conscience These daily calendars combine hood. 120 pp. 35 cents. Zonder- of Ataturk." The late president was dates, Scripture texts, and com- van Pub. Co. Grand Rapids. regarded as a military genius who ments from well known Bible seized the reigns of power at the end teachers. The larger calendars What Has Christianity to Say? F. of the World War in 1918 and built a (with the comments from men R. Barry. $21.00. 190 pp. Harper dictatorship (nominally a republic) on like D. L. Moody, Horatius Bo- Bros. New York. the ruins of the Caliphate of Constan- tinople. The new president is expected The Way of Partnership in India. P. L. Garlick. Is. 86 pp. C. M. S. nar, F. B. Meyer, Arthur T. Pier- London. son, Campbell Morgan, Graham to continue constructive work in Tur- Scroggie, Hudson Taylor and Youth in the Toils. Leonard V. Har- key and to preserve friendship with others) are one shilling six pence rison and Pryor McNeill Grant. Great Britain and the Soviet Union. each; the others are one shilling. 167 pp. $1.50. Macmillan. New He is looked upon as an able soldier, York. a talented diplomat and a stern ruler.
There are also almanacs and di- Personal Items He was said to be responsible for aries that make very useful gifts abolishing the Moslem Caliphate, –especially to missionaries. closing religious schools and monas- teries, and forcing Turks to discard Dr. Hu Shih, the new Chinese am- the fez and wear hats. bassador at Washington, is the highest type of Chinese practical philosopher New Boole. and sage, with an American education. J)pmn~ He is not a professing Christian like. Central Africa Revisited. D. M. Mil- his predecessor Dr. C. T. Wang, but ler. 120 pp. 2s. Africa Inland is sympathetic with Christian ethics of tbe and ideals. Dr. Hu Shih is anti-mili- Mission. London. taristic and has been working for peace and unity in China, based on Cruickshank of Calabar. 6aA. lePxiacnkdeerr- literacy unity with a common national €btf~tfan Gammie. 110 pp. 2s. tongue, general education and agreeing & Inglis. London.
Five Times Ten. A Child's Story of ment in ideals. He uses politics to 1fft the Woman's Missionary Union. promote education, unity and liberty ell BOOK of worship in song, com- Myrtle Anderson Love. 64 pp. 25 based on it general recognition of the bining a hymnal for general cents. Broadman Press. Nashville. rights of man. He wrote in The Forum in 1927: church use, and a Song book for evan- Interpretative Statistical Survey of ~elistic purposes. Oilly songs sound the World Mission of the Chris- "The part played by the mission- tian Church. Edited by Joseph I. aries in the modernization of China In the faith and inspirational in char- Parker. 324 pp. $5.00. Interna- will long be remembered by the Chi- acter included—emphasizing Evan~e1- tional Missionary Council. New nese, even though no Christian church ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life. York. be left there. They were the pioneers of the new China. . . . They agitated against foot binding, which eight cen- Japanese Terror in China. H. J. Tim- turies of esoteric philosophizing in na- Many of the new—the best of the old. perley. 220 pp. 75 cents. Modern tive China had failed to recognize as Age Books. New York. an inhuman institution." 504 Songs Responsive Readings The Man by the Side of the Road. … … * Topical Index Gold Embossed Willard W. Bartlett. 62 pp. 50 cents. Albert Pub. Co. Westerville, George H. Theuer, a graduate of Published in round notes and Roxite cloth Ohio. Yale University Sheffield Scientific edition only at $65.00 per 100–an especially School and a member of the Evan- low price. Single copy, 8Sc postpaid.
Write toda, for returnable sample cop, Patches-Missionary Life in India as gelical Church, has been called to be CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS, Inc. Seen by a Dog. Loretta P. Root. associate secretary of the Student Illus. 98 pp. $1.00. Women's Mis- Volunteer Movement, 254 Fourth 1502 NORTH THIRD STREET sionary Society, Winona Lake, Ind. Avenue, New York. HARRISBUR.G, PA.
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The Missionary Review of the World — October 1938
1938
• Special India Number India as a Mission Field Today Alexander McLeish Some Important Facts About India Editorial Present Day Indian Religions Nicol Macnicol An Indian View of the Task in India S. K. Datta India's Attitude Toward Christianity A. Ralla Ram The Place of Education in India P. G. Bhagwat Indian Christian Missionary Work P. Damman Philip Work for the Outcastes of India J. Waskom Pickett Indian Women Evangelizing India E. Naomi Wells "The Blind Receive Their Sight" Stuart Bergsma Three Great Missionaries to India C. E. Abraham "The Church Takes Root in India" F. M. Perrill Best Methods for Creating Interest Grace W. McGavran Helpful Books for the Study of India Basil Mathews 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember Per.onal Item. Obituary
October 4-S-Warren, Ohio, School of Fred B. Fieber Memorial Mrs. John S. AIlen, of New Yot. Missions. Mrs. George Konold, 314 ' Scott Street, N. E., Warren, Ohio. Ten years ago Dr. Fred Fisher City, died in Portsmou~ New~ October 5-12- United Lu therail. brought a Hindu temple from Be- shire, on August 25. Edith Mar H~ Church in America, Biennial Con- nares, India. Just before his death den was born sixty-nine years aa9. ~ vention, Baltimore, Md. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. CJuUolilli he promised it to a Southern College Hedden of Newark, New Jersey.8be 'om' married the Rev. Dr. John S. All.." in Lakeland, Florida, where it is now October 6 – General Conference of being erected under the supervision wDhuotchwaRsefaosrsmisetdantMmaribnliesteCr oollfeda "', the Evangelical Church, Johnstown, of Mrs. Fisher, as a memorial to her Pa. husband. The temple will stand near Church, New York, from 1906 to 191 " October 9-10-Home Missions Confer- the E. Stanley Jones School of Reli- and who died in 1934. Mrs. Allen wq; ence on the City Church. Buffalo, gion; it will be surmounted by a N.Y. cross, and inside,,"-instead of an idol, active in Christian work, having beea" for over twentr years the Secreblr.r October 14-20 – American Lutheran there will be an 'altar, signifying the of the Woman s Board of DomestJe' Church Biennial Convention, San- change that has taken place in many Missions of the Reformed Church tit' dusky, Ohio. Hindu villages. America. ' ••• October 16-21-International Conven- ••• Rev. Carey Bonner, formerw ot tion,_ Disciples of Christ. Denver, Rev. Robert F. Ogden, D.D., a Colo. Southern Presbyterian missionary, is Bengal, died in England last J~ October 20-Baltimore, Md., Institute going to the Louisville (Kentucky) He was the author of a missionary Theological Seminary as instructor in cantata, "In God's Garden." Mr. Bon- for Church Women. Mrs. Bruce H. Hebrew and Old Testament for the a,.. ner also prepared the musical setti~ McDonald, 515 West Fayette Street, academic year 1938-39, a position Baltimore, Md. made vacant by the death of Dr. Jesse for the two Bengali hymns which Lee Cotton in December, 1937. • • pear in "Hymns For Today." October 24-25 – Home Missions Con- ference on the City Church. Cleve- ••• • land, Ohio. Mrs. Ervin L. Pederson, of Saba- Dr. E. Stanley Jones, who IeftIndia ranpur, India, a missionary under the: October 25-27-Congregational-Chris- in July for an evanr,listic tour of Board of. Foreign Missions of the: tian Mid-West Regional Meeting, Australia and the Umted States, will Presbyterian Church, was killed by & Wichita, Kansas, under aUspices of take part in the University Christian landslide in Landour, India, August 6- the Missions Council. Mission under the auspices of the Before her marriage she taught in October 31 to Nov. 1-Home Missions Federal Council of Churches, October Isabella Thoburn College, and when, in 1923, she married Mr. Pederson, Conference on the City Church. 2 to December 2. Dr. Jones plans to she went with her husband to Allaha. Kansas City, Mo. sail December 4 for England, and · . . from there he will fly to Madras to be • bad where both taught in the Institute. November 6-11-International Good- will Congress. San Francisco, Calif. in time for the International Mission- •• ary Conference, DecembeT 13-30. William Charles Willoughby, wbo December 6-9-Biennial meeting of is remembered for his ministry in the Federal Council of Churches, Khama's country and for founding' Buffalo, N. Y. Helen Keller has been al?pointed by President Roosevelt as chairman of a TigerkIoof, died recently in London. December 13-30 – International Mis- commission to promote the govern- After Prof. Willoughby was advised sionary Council, Madras, India. ment purchase of goods made by blind by doctors to give up work he taught persons. ••• in, the Kennedy School of Missions in Hartford, Conn., for several years, and while there wrote authoritative ISERVICE I Rev. W. T. Morris, B.A., who has books on the Bantu. succeeded Rev. Robert Griffith as Sec- ••• retary of the London Missionary So- Rev. Emory W. Hunt, D.D., Bap- ciety for Wales and Monmouth, has tist educator, preacher and mission- been active in social service in the dis- ary leader, died May 20, at the age of tressed areas of South Wales. He was one of the secretaries that organ- 66. Dr. Hunt, for 20 years, was a member of the American Baptist For"; IF YOU are considering the • • • ized the miSSionary exhibition of 1926. eign Mission Society, and later was publication of a book, Mr•• Eunice Gabbi Weaver, Bra- President of Denison University and • • • then of Bucknell University. pamphlet, or tract, why not zilian wife of an American Methodist let us make it for you? Our missionary, now on a visi~ to America, Dr. William Goodell Frost, Presi- has devoted her life to the preventive facilities are most modem, phases of le'p'rosy treatment. She was dent of Berea College, Kentucky, from and our location is at the one of Brazll's delegates to the Inter- 1892 to' 1920, died at his home in 1 "heart of distribution." Esti- national Congress on Leprosy in Cairo. Berea on September 11th. Dr. Frost was 84 years of age, having been born mates on your pllrticu/ar re- ••• in Leroy, N. Y., July ~f 1854. After quirements, with expert Dr. Oscar B. Maurer, since 1915 being graduated from uoerlin College, Recording Secretary of the American counsel, will be gladly fur- Board, is the new Moderator of the he was a professor there until going nished on request. Congregation-Christian Church. He to Berea. Dr. Frost was a fascinat- in, speaker and writer on the Moune~ 8otJu. has been for thirty rears pastor of tameers of the South and did much the Center Congregational Church of to bring their needs before the atten- New Haven, Conn., and has served p~ twenty-four years on the Executive tion of Americans everywhere. When he went to Berea, the college Committee of the American Mission- trained both Negro and White stu- E:FFE:CTIVE: PRINTING AT • ary Association. ECONOMICAL PRICE:S dents but in 1904, Kentucky pro- •• hibited teaching Negroes and Whites Dr. Hugh Elmer Brown, pastor of in the same classes. The Negroes, The Evangelical Pre•• the First Congregational Church of therefore, were sent to other institu- Evanston, Dl, was elected President PriIIIIs.. 01 of the Congregational Board of Home tions. For the following 16 years Dr. The Jf~ …… o/fIuJ World Frost worked to build up the student Third and R.ily St:….b Missions at the General Council at body and to secure income and endow- Beloit. His church in Evanston is . Harri.&url, P.nnsylvania known as the ''winter capital of Con- ments. When he went to Berea the school had only 375 students; when gregationalism." he left there were 1,218 studentll.
MISSIONARY Editorial Chat how much I enjoy your
REVIEW OF THE WORLD Herewith we publish our special magazine. Since I went out to the DELAVAN L. PIBBSON, Editor INDIA number of THE REVIEW. It Peruvian field four years ago, with will repay a careful reading, especial- my family, we have received the RE- VOL. LXI OCT., 1938 No. 10 ly the articles by Indian Christians. VIEW as the thoughtful gift of a Other papers, not received in time for Publication and Business OIDce– this issue, may be expected in our No- friend. It has been one of our most Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. vember and December numbers. One fertile sources of inspiration, and has of particular interest is by W. Q. provided a fund of useful missionary Editorial and Executive OIDce– Lash of the Ohrista Prema Seva information. 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Sangha of Poona. He deals with the Entered as second-class matter at Indian Sadhu and Ashram as an ef- IRANaNza. rTreAnYeLOCRnl uMrcihssiino=Preyruo.f the fective means of spreading Christian- Post OIDce, Harrisburg, Pa., under ity in India. "We find * *RE*VIEW especially Act ot March 3, 1879. Send in your orders early. THE 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Dr. S. M. T*enn*ey,*curator of the helpful in our loan packages and we Published monthly, except August. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1938. Historical Foundation Library of the recommend it at every available op- British agents – Marshall, Morgan Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, portunity." and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, desires to complete the files of THE ALMERE L. SCOTT, Director, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, Dept. of Debating and Public 10 shillings a year. especially copies of the first ten years Discussion, University of of THE REVIEW, 1878-1887. Wisconsin. MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- LISHING CO., INC. This library, located at Montreat, We couldn't *"ke*ep *house" without N. C., is in a fireproof building and BOARD OF DIRECTORS has the best collection of books and the MISSIONARY REVIEW. We depend ROBERT E. SPEER, President reports of Presbyterian and Reformed upon it to keep up on general mission A. L. WABNSHUIS, Vic8-Pre8itJ8nf Church work in existence. Dr. Ten- trends in the interdenominational WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer ney has spent many years in his ef- world, and appreciate particularly DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Becretaf'!/ forts to build up this remarkable col- your two issues per year given over lection. to the interdenominational study PAUL J. BRAISTED themes. Of these issues we distribute SAMUEL MCCREA. CAVERT *** great numbers to our general church constituency, particularly for use in D. J. FANT Among the recent comments on women's missionary groups. THE REVIEW, received from various MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD friendly readers, are the following: Very truly yours, WM. B. LIPPHARD ERIC M. NORTH "I take this opportunity to tell you GENEVIEVE BROWN, SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Executive Secretary, Mission- Before the various communions or ary Education Department, denominations can agree among one United Christian Missionary another, each must obviously agree Society. within itself.-T. S. Eliot, London.
~25,000 PASTORS USE Cbt IIpptr Room More than 25,000 pastors-in America and other lands-are using THE UPPER ROOM in their congregations and have found it immensely helpful, not only as a daily devotional guide for individual and family worship, but also for its value in encouraging such important phases of a year-round church program as Family altars Church attendance Daily Bible reading Soul winning If your church has not used THE UPPER So effective is this devotional periodical in strengthening the religious ROOM, the fourth quarterly issue, now ready lives of those who read it regularly, that in the brief period of three for distribution, is an excellent one to begin years it attained a circulation of 1,000,000 copies per issue. with. Decidedly one of the best yet published, it will prove a valuable aid in your fall and CONSIGNMENT ORDER INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION· winter program. Issue lor October, November, December THE UPPER ROOM. You are invited to order the October-No- (For use 01 Pastor or Group Leader. vember-December issue on our liberal con- Order ten or more copies.) Doctors' Building, signment plan. Use the order form at the Nashville, Tenn. right. THE UPPER ROOM, Gentlemen: EL APOSENTO ALTO, the Spanish edition Doctors' Building, I am inclosing herewith thirty cents of TIlE UPPER ROOM, is available at the Nashville, Tenn. same price as the English. (Ioreign, lorty cents) lor which please Gentlemen: send me The Upper Room for one year, THE UPPER ROOM Please send me copies 01 The Upper Room postpaid. I will postpaid, begininng with _ _ _ __ Doctors' Building Nashville, Tenn. sell these lor five cents per copy and quarterly issue. pay lor same when sold. It is under- Name stood that I have the privilege 01 re- &treet or Route _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ turning at your expense any unsold Post-ollice _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ copies. • A single copy by mail anywhere 10 Name cents. Street or Route _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Post-ollice _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ [449 ]
hy H. R. Ji'e"fJer FOUR METHODS OF MISSIONARY WORK IN
1. Education-Students in Rang Mahal School, Lahore. 3. Industrial-A Carpentry Class at Moga, Panjab. 2. Medical~'aklng Blood Tests in Leper Asylum, Allahabad. 4. Evangelistic-A Bible Woman Telling the Gospel Story. ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 10 OCTOBER, 1938 Topics of the Times AS CHRIST LOOKS AT INDIA works of mercy, He looked with righteous indig- nation. Does He not look with the same dis- India's view of Christ has vastly changed in the pleasure today on Indian priests, gurus and other past fifty years. Then, so far as she saw Christ at all, India looked upon Him as some strange leaders who selfishly seek to keep the people from following the true Light?
foreign God, an enemy of the Hindu deities. She Toward the weak and erring, as in the cases looked upon Him and His representatives as the of the woman taken in adultery and Peter in his opponents of caste and the suttee, of the Hindu denial, Jesus looks into Indian hearts today with temple rites and of Hindu priests; of child mar- sorrow and rebuke, but with understanding and riage, purdah and other long established customs. a deep desire to bring victory out of defeat. Consequently the Gospel of Christ was bitterly opposed, especially by the priests, and converts The varied motives and acts of men He sees were ostracized or threatened with death. Today with clear discernment, as when he distinguished between the gifts of the poor widow and of the the name of Christ is honored by great multitudes rich who cast their money into the temple treasof Indians, even by those who do not profess to ury. Does He not see, today as then, the varied accept Him as Lord and Saviour. Men like Dr. motives and values in the gifts of missionaries Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. Ambedkar, Mr. Na- and Indian Christians as they offer their lives, tarajan, (Editor of the Indian Social Reformer) their children, their testimonies and their ma- and Mahatma Gandhi, acknowledge the suprem- terial gifts to God? Like the Father, Jesus disacy and beauty of the character and teachings of cerns the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jesus, even while they refuse to accept His claims Toward the -ignorant and helpless multitudes, and do not acknowledge His authority. This who are still like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus change of attitude has been brought about chiefly was and is moved with compassion. Then he by the lives and faithful witness of missionaries looked on the sorrowing widow of Nain whose who have sacrificially interpreted Christ to the only son had died, on the leper who came for people of India. Today caste, long looked upon cleansing, on the blind who sought healing, and He as the great obstacle to Christianity, is gradually gave them help. He had compassion on the hunlosing its hold on India and there are signs that gry crowd by the sea of Galilee and fed them. great masses of the people may wish to come into How about Christ's view of the three hundred the Christian Church-in fact they are coming. and fifty million people in India today? He can The attitude of India toward Christ has indeed still·supply the Bread of Life and asks His dischanged. What about the attitude of Christ to- ciples to distribute Living Bread to the hungry. ward India? He who is "the same yesterday, to- Toward all India, and in a peculiar way toward day and forever" does not change; His attitude earnest souls who have been endeavoring to live toward the people of India is the same as it was up to their light, Christ's attitude is one of yearntoward ignorant, sinful and suffering mankind in ing and appealing love. During His days on the days when He came to earth to seek and to earth, when the law-abiding young man came runsave the lost, nineteen centuries ago. What was ing and kneeled before him, we are told that His attitude then? "Jesus beholding him, loved him." The price that On the selfish hypocrites and the hard-hearted, Indians today are called upon to pay for followwho opposed His healing on the Sabbath and other ing Jesus Christ is great-too great in the minds [451 ]
of some-but, as of old so today, Jesus loves these The Jerusalem Conference also gave a new groping multitudes and calls them to leave all and impetus to the program of evangelism. The Five- follow Him. Year Movement in China was one result; the India today is filled with its multitudes of sin- Kingdom of God Movement in Japan was another; ning, suffering, i'gnorant and hungry men, women in India there wail also the Forward Evangelistic and children but they are lovable-God loves Movement and a closer study of the Mass Move- them and Christ died for them. What wonderful ments. The "Jerusalem Message" was a great possibilities He sees in them! What a privilege it gift of God to His Church. It has been very is to help them attain larger life-Eternal Life- widely used and has stimulated and directed mis- so that they may grow into "the measure of the sionary effort.
stature of the fulness of Christ." Many Indian While the younger churches received more men and women, like Dr. Chatterji, Sadhu Sun- recognition at the Jerusalem Conference than at dar Singh, Susie Sorabji,and Pandita Ramabai, Edinburgh, at t1te Madras Conference their rep- have already shown what God can do in those and resentatives will equal or exceed in numbers the through those who yield their 'ives to Christ. delegates from the sending churches of the West.
This coming year shall we hot study India in In the younger churches of the mission lands in order that we may look upon the great people of 1903 there were 1,214,797 communicant members that wonderful land, through the eyes of Christ? (Protestants), eight years later there were 2,301,- By such a study we may see not only their short- 772; in 1925 the number had grown to 3,565,443; comings and their great need, but we may learn the new Statistical Survey reports that in 1935 to appreciate their wonderful possibilities and the there were 6,045,726 members. The younger transformations that have already been wrought churches are growing in size and independence. by the power of God. Here is a fascinating sub- Madras will be the most representative Ecuject for study; it is also a challenging opportu- menical Christian gathering ever known, reprenity to bring the people of India a saving knowl- senting particularly the Protestant world. Dele- gates will come from every continent and from edge of God's unspeakable Gift. sixty nations and races. Africa will have more * FROM EDINBURGH TO MADRAS native representatives than ever gathered at one place outside that continent. Latin America is to World-wide systematic missionary cooperation be fully represented; sixty delegates are expected began to develop at the Edinburgh Conference in from China and twenty-five from Japan. Others 1910. There bad been experiments in coopera- are coming from Moslem lands. Of all the elected tion before bm; only the American and German delegates to Madras, more than half will come missionary boards met together in conference be- from the younger churches. These people are fore that time. Today there are twenty-six Na- coming with great expectancy-with a great hope. tional Christian Councils and Conferences that We are living at a time when righteousness are fully organized for cooperation in promoting seems to be in danger of being defeated. We have the Kingdom of God throughout the world. From had a century of experiment in evangelical mis- Edinburgh, too, there sprang great Ecumenical sionary work. We have still much to learn in the Church Conferences. way of winning the individual to Christ and at The Jerusalem Conference in 1928 marked a the same time winning his family and his clan. distinct advance over Edinburgh. Those eighteen From Madras we hope there will grow it remarkyears revealed real progress in the conception of able forward movement in bringing the Gospel to the task. At Edinburgh they talked of unoccupied whole groups of people. A new challenge will be geographic areas. At Jerusalem there were no brought in evangelism. maps, no discussion of geography, no statistics. Madras will be concerned not only with evan- The discussions were in terms of Christ and hu- gelism but with the Church as a fellowship of beman relations-the whole idea of the missionary lievers in Christ. The organization and support task was enlarged. At Jerusalem the delegates of indigenous churches is one of the subjects that were not thinking merely of occupying the face challenge us. Madras will be concerned particuof the globe but of bringing Christ into control larly with the Church-its message, the sources of the whole range of human life. Thus a natural of its inner life, the promotion of unity and codevelopment was the emphasis placed on the need operation. of the great rural populations of Africa and Asia. We also learned that we must give more attention Madras will also bring a message to youthto the problem of presenting the Christian mes- otherwise it will fail. If the missionary movesage to the Jews. ment is going forward, the young people must carryon in the Name and Power of Christ. Much • Extracts from an address by Dr. A. L. Warnshuls, given at study and earnest prayer has been going up for the Farewell Dinner to the women delegates to the Madras Conference. Madras. We are trusting in God to lead us on to
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
a mount of vision where we may learn what He Another feature of the Survey is the more adewould do through us, and where we may receive quate place given to the work of the rising power for His world-wide work. churches in the various mission fields. The Sur- vey shows that most of these churches are grow- * SIGNS OF MISSIONARY PROGRESS ing in size and strength, in self-support, in mis- sionary activity and in independence. They are Foreign mission work has been carried on by facing their own problems; they are looking to the Christian Church ever since Paul and Barna- God and His Word for guidance; they may be bas were set apart at Antioch in Syria at the com- counted on to carry forward the work even if mand of the Holy Spirit and were sent out to foreign missionaries should be withdrawn. preach the Gospel of Christ in Asia Minor and beyond. They came back to report to the church One sign of progress-but perhaps the least at Jerusalem what God had been doing for the significant-is that the total Protestant Christian Gentiles through them. Ever since that time re- community in so-called "non-Christian lands" has ports of the missionary progress have been made -more or less complete – and in recent years increased over 50 % in the past decade. This is many volumes have been printed to show how God has fulfilled His promises and has continued not as large a percentage of growth as marked to work through His Church unto the uttermost the previous twenty-five years but the numerical part of the earth. increase has been much greater. In 1903 com- municants numbered 1,214,797 and in 1936 there A new statistical survey of world missions has are reported in the same fields 6,045,726-a fivejust been published under the auspices of the In- fold increase. At the same time it must be borne ternational Missionary Council, with many new in mind that the growth of the non-Christian popand valuable features. It is now thirteen years ulation in such lands as India, China and Japan since the "World Missionary Atlas" was pub- has been much greater than the numerical inlished, including statistics gathered from every crease of Christian believers. land and from practically all the Protestant missionary agencies. Many changes that have taken It is significant to note in this Survey the very place in the world-economically, politically and diversified activity of the 27,577 Protestant Chrisreligiously-have affected the whole missionary tian missionaries. They not only preach the Gossituation. These changes call for a new review. pel of Christ as evangelists but they have estab- lished 55,395 organized churches; they conduct The approach of the coming International Mis- 53,158 elementary schools and 1,923 higher schools sionary Conference at Madras in December also and colleges; they minister to health in 1,092 calls for a clear statement of the facts on which hospitals and 2,351 dispensaries and they support conclusions may be based. The Madras Confer- 195 orphanages and rescue homes. They have ence may be expected to mark the beginning of a also translated and printed the Bible in about new era in Protestant missions. Statistics speak 1,000 languages and dialects and each year disvolumes when rightly interpreted by those who tribute over 15 million Bibles, Testaments and know the facts; world-wide statistics are required Scripture portions. Other work in Christian litto make intelligent comparisons as to progress, erature, social service and industrial education is effective service and the extent of the unfinished not recorded here. task. This vast Protestant missionary enterprise is This new statistical survey is unique in the fact supported by free-will gifts from the home lands that twenty-six missionary specialists contribute amounting to $31,000,000 and an almost equal to the interpretation of the facts. These contrib- amount ($28,738,790) from the Christians on the utors include such missionary statesmen as Dr. mission fields. John R. Mott; professors of missions, such as Dr. K. S. Latourette; missionaries like John L. In the midst of the discouraging problems and Eakin of Siam; and Christians from mission difficulties of the present day, we find in this surlands, such as Dr. Paik of Chosen and Dr. Francis vey much to encourage. There is need to study Wei of China. Twenty-seven interpretive articles these facts and figures so that Christian misare supplied by these authorities, dealing with sion work may be better balanced and may be various mission fields and different phases of mis- carried forward in harmony with New Testament sion work, including evangelistic, educational, ideals and with full dependence on the guidance medical and literary activities. A special section and power of the Spirit of God. is devoted to Roman Catholic missions and another to Christian work among the Jews. CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY IN "OCCUPIED" AREAS IN CHINA • A review of the newly published "Interpretative Statistical Survey of the World Mission of the Christian Church." Edited by The Japanese-occupied areas of China, extend- J?seph I. Parker. 324 pp. $5.00. International Missionary Coun- ing over nine provinces, are marked by much suf- CIl, New York and London. 1938. fering and misery. But everywhere Christian
workers, foreign and Chinese, are continuing copal Church all the dormitory buildings are oc- faithfully and conscientiously their Christ-like cupied by the Christian workers and their fam- ministry. They are striving to counteract the ilies who were compelled to flee from the interior evils brought by the conflict in the nine provinces -altogether over 400 people. In addition, 250 of Kiangsu, Chekiang, Anhwei, Shantung, Shansi, women and children are housed in one of the Hopei, Honan, Charhar and Suiyuan. According wings of Yen Hall.
to charts compiled by the National Christian Some 1,298 churches of different denominations Council of China there are 261,500 of these Chris- in Japanese-occupied areas throughout the nine tians engaged in combatting the evils of war. provinces are rendering relief service; and 89 They have had the courage to remain in their mission hospitals are functioning within these homes to face dangers and are trusting God to areas. Nine universities, 2Z seminaries, 67 senior protect and help them. middle schools and 34 junior middle schools run Kiangsu reports 98,000 such Christians stick- by Christian missions are carrying on their aca- ing to their posts in the Japanese-occupied areas. demic work throughout regions now occupied by Scattered in the eight other provinces there are the Japanese.
also 65,000 in Shantung, 50,000 in Hopei, 20,000 The Church of Christ in China, which has its in Chekiang, 17,000 in Shansi, 5,000 in Honan, supervisory organization in the General Assembly 2,500 in Anhwei and 2,500 in Suiyuan and Char- with head office now in Hankow, has 61 churches, har. These Chinese Christians have a great field six hospitals, three senior middle and one junior of service, helping their war-afflicted fellow-men. middle schools in Kiangsu Province; 45 churches, The Christian hospitals and churches have proved one hospital and one senior middle school in Che- to be lifeboats in the storm-tossed sea. kiang Province; 230 churches, four hospitals, one The National Christian Council is the national seminary, two senior middle and two junior mid- and interdenominational body whose secretaries- dle schools in Shantung Province; 38 churches, American, British and Chinese-are busy raising four hospitals and two senior middle schools in funds for war relief. The N. C. C. is cooperating Hopei Province and 48 churches in Honan Prov- with the China International Famine Relief Com- ince.
mission. The Presbyterian Missions also report fifty In Nanking, despite the Japanese occupation, churches, two hospitals and five senior middle foreign missionaries and Chinese Christians are schools in Kiangsu Province; 58 churches, three earnestly trying to alleviate the suffering of 25,000 hospitals, three seminaries, four senior middle and destitute, mostly women and children in the two junior middle schools in Shantung Province refugee camps with the help of the Red Cross. and one university in Hopei Province.
Some of the missionaries in Nanking are seek- The American Methodist Episcopal Mission re- ing ways that will reform the Japanese soldiers. ports nine churches, one hospital, one seminary, Mr. Forster, of the American Church Mission, three senior middle and one junior middle schools says that "all sorts of evil influences surround the in Kiangsu Province; one hospital and one junior Japanese soldiers in Nanking-cabarets, saloons middle school in Anhwei Province; eleven and brothels . . ." He speaks of the possibility churches and two junior middle schools in Shan- of persuading the Japanese Church to send over tung Province; 71 churches, six hospitals, two Japanese to work among the troops, to hold serv- seminaries, six senior and two junior middle ices, keep open house, offer opportunities for read- schools in Hopei Province and three churches in ing, writing letters, and wholesome diversions. Charhar.
Such work would be invaluable for the men and Missions and denominations that maintain for the cause of Christ. churches and institutions in the Japanese-occu- In Shanghai, missionaries and Chinese Chris- pied areas include the China Inland Mission, Inde- tians form one of the most active groups in pendent Mission, American and English Baptist refugee relief work. No.2 camp has a capacity Mission, Bethel Mission, American Advent Mis- of 250 beds and an average daily clinic of between sion, Church of England Mission, American Board 150 and 160. Dr. Joseph McCracken, superintend- Mission (Congregational), American and Cana- ent of St. Luke's Hospital in Shanghai, and his dian Presbyterian Missions, the Salvation Army, staff are giving part of their time to this work. United Christian Mission, American Friends Mis- Many of the refugee camps are provided by Chris- sion, Northern and Southern Methodist Missions, tian groups and tens of thousands have been ac- and Oriental Mission.
commodated in single camps at different times. Is it any wonder that the Chinese are coming to The Salvation Army, backed financially by the realize, more and more, that the Christian mis- International Red Cross and by private subscrip- sionaries are their best friends, and that in Christ tions, has also done notable service. and His program are to be found the hope of At St. John's University of the Protestant Epis- China?
WHAT CAN RETIRED MISSIONARIES DO? spired letter, the "fruit of the Spirit" is not ora- tory or great deeds, or large gifts of money. The There are hundreds of missionaries who have fruit of the Spirit is seen in the manifestation of been obliged to retire from active service in their true love and in the resulting characteristic of chosen field because of temporary ill health or Christ. This fruit can be produced in the sick because they have reached a specified age limit. room and in missionaries who are without phys- Many are almost discouraged. They are "honor- ical strength. "Though the outward man is decayably retired" but retired nevertheless. Some are ing, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." from home mission fields and others from foreign The result is often an inspiration to young people, lands where they have spent their energy in sac- leading them out into lives of consecrated service. rificial service. When these are obliged to return to their homeland on half-salary, many find them- Third: Many "Retired" missionaries can share selves in a strange land, among strangers, and their experiences with others by preaching and out of joint with their environment. What can speaking on missions, without any financial apthey do to use their time, their remaining energy peal. Many a congregation and many individuals and their rich spiritual experience? may be aroused to take a new interest in the work of the Kingdom by hearing what missionaries The first thought to consider is that the people have seen with their own eyes of the needs of in the homeland owe them a great debt for hav- man, and of the work of God, at home and abroad. ing been the representatives of the Church, in Any missionary who has spiritualli/e and experibehalf of Christ, in the distant and more difficult ence can be used to inspire and enlist others in sections of the vineyard. A royal welcome should the great world-wide campaign of Christ. John, be given these servants of Christ in every com- the apostle, is said to have continued his ministry munity, in every church and in every Christian until he was 100 years old-an age at which most circle. They should be made to feel at home and missionaries have been "retired." that their help and comradeship are needed and desired. CHRISTIAN COOPERATION IN IRAN But what can they do? Dr. Walter L. Lingle, The two principle evangelical church bodies in President of Davidson College, North Carolina, Iran have cordial relations with each other. The suggests (in the Christian Observer) some things leading body in the south is an outgrowth of the that "Retired Ministers" can do. Cannot Retired work of the Church Missionary Society of Eng- Missionaries do the same? land, and the one in the north of the American Presbyterian Mission. A census· shows hundreds First: They can engage in a special ministry of Christian converts from Islam, other hundreds of prayer. Nothing is more important than fer- of the Armenian race, a large body from the old vent prayer that is effectual. They have more Nestorian church, more than a hundred Jewish time to pray than most busy Christians think they converts and a few former Zoroastrians and memcan spend in this exercise. From long experience bers of other races. they know better how to pray. They have learned to know God; they know the scriptural principles A deepening of spiritual life is urged upon all of prayer; they know the needs of the field and of Christians and a series of meetings on the meanthe human heart; and they know the blessedness ing of Christ to the individual, led by Christian of answered prayer. They can pray for other mis- teachers and doctors, have resulted in awakened sionaries by name and need; for the children of interest, especially among young people. Other missionaries away from home, or in unwholesome series are to follow. A number of new converts surroundings. They can pray for the officials and from Islam are reported in the south and wherfor the problems of the native churches; and they ever a small group can be gathered this is used can pray for the office and work of the Boards as a nucleus for a church. at home. They can pray for the pastors, and Sunday-school teachers and for the churches of the At a Bible Conference at Ramadan last year communities where they live; they can pray for there were seventy-one women and seventy-four the 'conversion and consecration of individuals men delegates. (Forty-nine were converts from with whom they come into contact. Can anyone Islam, one from Zoroastrianism, thirty-eight were have a richer field of service? Armenian, sixteen were Assyrian by race, twenty- five were Jewish.) There was one Russian, and Second: Retired missionaries can show the fifteen English and American missionaries were power of Christ in personal life and conversation. in attendance. Many ripened saints are a benediction merely because of what they are as Christians, rather than Wherever Daily Vacation Bible Schools have because of what they do? "What they are shouts been held, results have far exceeded expectations so loud that we do not need to hear what they and there is also increased interest in literacy and say." According to the Apostle Paul in his in- adult education.
SOME FACTS ABOUT INDIA* AREA OF TWENTY BRITISH-CONTROLLED PROVINCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,094,300 Over four times the size of France; over twenty times the area of Japan proper.
AREA OF 562 INDIAN STATES AND AGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711,032 These are in 18 geographical groups and the total areas are nine times the area of the British Isles.
TOTAL AREA OF INDIA (including Burma, but not Ceylon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,805,332 This is about two-thirds the area of Continental United States of America.
TOTAL POPULATION OF INDIA AND BURMA IN 1931 ……………………. 352,976,876 British Provinces ………….. 271,739,312 Indian States. … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81,237,564 PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES OF INDIA, AND NUMBER OF USERS (1921~.
Western Hindi ……………. 96,715,000 Bengali …………………. . 49,294,000 Telugu ………………….. 23,601,000 Marathi ………………… . 18,798,000 Tamil …………………… 18,780,000 Rajasthani ………………. . 12,681,000 Panjabi ………………….. 16,234,000 Oriya …………………… . 10,143,000 Karanese ………………… 10,734,000 Burmese ………………… . Gujerati …………………. Malayalam ………………. . 8,423,000 9,552,000 7,498,000 Eighteen other Languages – 73,000,000.
RELIGIONS OF INDIA AND BURMA: 1921 1981 Increase Hindu Sects …………………………… 216,734,586 238,463,996 10% Moslem. .. . . . . . . . . . . … . . . . … . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 68,73'> 233 79,889,792 16% Buddhists …………………………….. 11,571,268 12,725,329 10% Sikhs ………………………………… 3,238,803 4,316,717 33% J ains ………………………………… 1,178,596 1,205,245 9% Primitive Religions ……………………… 9,774,611 7,898,081 Loss 20% Christian ……………………………… 4,754,064 6,290,292 Gain 32% At the same time the population of India and Burma has increased over 11 %.
CHRISTIAN POPULATION OF INDIA, BURMA AND CEYLON: Protestants ………..•………………….•…..•………….. 3,002,558 (Of these 901,804 are communicants) Roman Catholics …………………..•…….•.•..•………….. 2,113,659 (Counting all members of a family) Syrians, Armenians and Others •…••.••……………………….. 793,260 (About 2% of the people of India are counted as Christian adherents) DISTRIBUTION AND EVANGELIZED PEOPLES: Cities and villages of India ……………………………………………. 740,832 Cities and villages where Christians reside ………………………………. 46,794 Cities and villages where missionaries reside ……………………………… Villages without any Christians ………………………………………… 1,134 634,038 There are 2,313 towns and cities with populations of from 5,000 to 1,175,914 each.
INDIAN STATES UNOCCUPIED BY MISSIONARIES: Various areas .. . 958,113 Nepal ………. 5,600,000 Bhutan…… … 300,000 MISSIONARIES AND INDIAN CHRISTIAN WORKERS IN INDIA, BURMA AND CEYLON: Missionaries "'M en Indian Men Women Women Pastors and Evangelists ………………… . 1,380 1,004 13,637 6,191 Educational Work ……………………… . 419 854 20,753 10,079 Medical Work ………………………… . 89 334 Miscellaneous …………………………. . 168 718 1,168 1,173 2,805 896 Total ……………………………. 2,056 3,456 37,913 18,334 These missionaries work in 281 societies-including 65 British, 51 American, 10 European, 10 from British Dominions and 35 Indian and Burmese societies.
THE MANY TYPES OF WORK conducted by missionaries are seen in the fact that there are 1,977 missionary institutions in India. These include 15 union schools and colleges, 50 agri- cultural settlements, 65 leper homes, 568 boarding schools, 242 high schools, 46 colleges, 34 printing presses, 112 industrial schools, 69 seminaries for pastors and evangelists, 283 hospi- tals, 525 dispensaries, 10 tuberculosis sanitariums, 12 homes for the blind, 40 homes for women, 75 orphanages and 37 social welfare institutions. Total Christian schools, 13,769.
• From the Statesman's Year Book, the India Directory of ChrIstian MIssIons (1933), and the Statistical Survey of the World MIssion (1938). ,.. I • & T ARA81AN SEA 6' __ INDIA, BURMA and CEYLON mis5fonUY oc.cu~ …!!2!1~~…. "-,-",, ……}-. ~~-=–=.:- ~{~– ,,'
From the India Directory of Christian Mi"sions THE MISSIONAR'Y OCCUPATION OF INDIA, BURMA AND CEYLON Each dot represents one of the 1,134 stations where Protestant Missionaries reside. The unoccupied areas are easily distinguished. The numbers refer to British provinces and Indian states as numbered In the Direotory of Missions.
India as a Mission Field Today By ALEXANDER McLEISH, London i~ Formerly a missionary in Ajmerj now Survey Editor for "The World Dominion"
~==========================~, T HE study of India as a mission field today places out of the more than 670,000 towns and presents us with a problem of vast dimen- villages of India, and that Christians reside in sions. The demand which it makes on the certainly not more than 70,000 of these places, Christian Church might be considered from four of which more than half are in the Madras Presi- standpoints: dency alone, it can be seen how great that un- FIRST, there is the great unfinished task of finished task is. Five hundred Native State areas have still no resident missionary. There is only missionary occupation. When it is remembered an average of nine missionaries to 1,000,000 that missionaries are resident in less than 1,000 [457 ] people, and the greater number of these are con- church, of combating the economic dislocation fined to a small number of cities and urban areas. which their existence in the Indian environment A very large number of missionaries are absorbed has produced. There is also the need of working in institutional work so that a comparatively and praying for the day of a truly indigenous small number are free for the task of evangelism movement such as the many group movements of in the great rural areas. The pioneer work and today show to be inherent in the situation, and far-flung evangelism still called for seems quite towards which every effort should be deliberately beyond the ability of the foreign missionaries directed. likely to be· available. THIRD, we have the sphere of activity in the The possibility of the foreign worker achiev- 4,500 mission institutions of various kinds which ing much in this field is limited in other ways also. have sprung up. It is computed that less than five The climatic, the geographical and political diffi- per cent of the Qhristian community is served culties to be confronted have been largely the by these institutions, and only a fraction of one reason why the more difficult part of the task is per cent of the non-Christian community. Yet untouched. Linguistic difficulties also greatly there is more than one institution for every misincrease as the missionary moves out from the sionary. Many believe that there are too many; settled centres of life. The villages and hills that all do not serve the main objective of effechave innumerable dialects in addition to the 225 tive evangelism; that this type of effort has been main languages which make it slow and difficult over developed, and that consequently the number work for the foreigner. A pioneer mission would of these institutions should be reduced. Some be well advised, therefore, to study all these fac- missionaries feel that they can serve best in that tors and send out a few well-equipped men who particular type of work and if they can truly be could select qualified Indians who know the lan- most effective to the cause of evangelism and the guage and the people, and plan to carryon the future of the indigenous Church in this service, work of evangelism mainly through them. To it will be time well spent. But the new missionary send out large numbers of foreigners into this will not be able to judge as to this for a confield at this time of day is folly. The Indian siderable time, and may later feel convinced that Church must be called upon to produce its own such work could be better done by an Indian missionary volunteers, and in the fellowship of Christian. The fact that most of these institutions a few choice men from the West and with the sup- are under the charge of foreign missionaries (see port of Western churches, pursue a widespread list in "Directory of Church and Missions in India, work of evangelism, and proclaim by acts of Burma and Ceylon") shows that the process of Christian love and helpfulness the spirit and evolution, so much talked of, has not advanced power of the Christ whom they preach. That very far in them. In any case it would certainly seems the only wise policy in face of the great seem that the extent of institutional work has areas of India where the Gospel has not yet been been developed much beyond the power of the made known. present number of missionaries to conduct it, so that these enterprises suffer from under-staffing SECOND, there is the field of continuing the on one hand and on the other hand tie up the misevangelism of areas where the mission and the sionary and destroy his mobility in face of the un- Church is already established in some measure. finished evangelistic task which lies at his doors. Here the work is still slow, being mainly indi- In one city known to me there are over a hundred vidual work for individuals, resulting not in any missionaries, only one of whom is free for evangeneral movement as yet, but only in slowly build- gelistic work in either town or district. ing up little churches unfortunately largely divorced from the life of the country and not truly FOURTH-There is a great service for the misindigenous. This is not only slow, but very sion today in following up the great "mass movecostly work. I might instance a mission, typical ments," better called "group movements" which of very many, where 37 missionaries have labored are rapidly spreading over India. It must be for over thirty years with a quite substantial recognized that these movements, no matter how budget, and where there is a Christian community indigenous they may be, are the result of the of only about 300 people which is not even self- work of missionaries in these fields extending over supporting. The one hope of such work, provided a considerable period of years. They are parit is dealing effectively and intelligently with the ticularly the result of the widespread preaching evangelism of the rural areas, is that a group of the Gospel in rural areas which, however spasmovement will arise created from the understand- modically and imperfectly it has been done, gives ing of the Gospel. Until that occurs such work is us cause to thank God for this marvelous developlargely a question of marking time, of facing the ment which has overtaken the work in India, and artificial problems of a small conglomerate for the testimony of Indian Christians.
INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD TODAY
The Present-day Challenge in Group ing change, there group movements arise in which Movements the religious motive predominates and where the Christian Church can be established. It does not As this constitutes a new demand on missionary matter in such cases what other influences are support and missionary planning-a demand at work, whether from the West or in response which will profoundly affect previous commit- to the quite legitimate desire for social and ecoments and the whole future outlook of work in nomic uplift such as may be voiced by Dr. Am- India it will be well to consider somewhat the bedkar or anyone else. These other motives will nature of the challenge presented. in fact only help to make the movement, affect- ing as it does the whole life of the people, the Some impressions have been left on my mind more effective and better grounded. as the result of several recent visits to different parts of India. A fourth impression was that in the "mass movements" studied there is no overlooking or The first impression consisted of a new under- minimizing of the importance of individual constanding of the peculiar background of all work version. The truth is that the individual, torn in India due to the solidarity of the social, econ- from his communal group and social environment, omic and religious aspects of its life. In the West cannot live a true individual life at all. Such we have divided life up into compartments but in converts are tragically handicapped from the India a unified outlook and a communal conscience start, and at best can only function in a narrow still exists. The individual belongs to the com- group of similarly situated individuals largely munity in a way that we find difficult to realize. cut off from the life of their community. Many, Hence when we find groups and castes moving it has been found, have not been able to endure bodily into the Christian Church we realize that such a life, and those who do so for the most part such movements are inherent in the total situa- become dependent on some foreign organized tion, and that the appeal for a group movement is group, and their power to exercise an effective a valid method of evangelism. evangelistic influence and function as Christians in the wider field is tragically curtailed. On the A second impression, resulting from this, is other hand, the individual who is persuaded of that these movements are not inexplicable or Christ's claim and who moves with his group is mysterious. They are the inevitable consequence, from the beginning placed in a position of great Indian social life being what it is, of many years advantage. He can at once witness of his new of spade work, in these areas where mass move- faith to his responsive fellows, and may win many ments have occurred, of various kinds of mis- of them from nominal response to real faith. He sionary service-evangelistic and medical tour- can likewise function as a Christian in his ening, famine relief-which have prepared the way vironment and with his fellow Christians can face for them. all the problems of their common life. An in- dividual convert in a group movement is, there- A third impression was that, while the motives fore, worth many times more than an isoinspiring these movements may be mixed, they lated individual torn from all effective contact are nevertheless genuine spiritual responses. The with his old group. In the one case, he is a true solidarity of the social-economic-Teligious life indigenous product rooted in the soil of his own makes it inevitable that social uplift and economic land, while in the other, he is largely an exotic 'betterment as well as religious. aspirations should growth. be in evidence. If this were not so these movements would not be genuine. The question for In this connection, too, it is being everywhere the missionary is: Which motive predominates? duly stressed that while response may be com- If it is a predominantly social, economic or politi- munal, entrance to the fellowship of the Church cal motive which is at work, then the missionary must be one by one. Sad experience makes it is in for trouble; but if the religious motive dom- improbable that this should be overlooked today. inates then the movement can be dealt with on Preparation for baptism is now being emphathat basis, while all other motives fall into their sized; while this hitherto was largely the work of proper place. the missionary and his evangelists it has now be- come chiefly the work of the Indian group leaders. It "follows then that if groups were to express The preparation goes on in the atmosphere and the desire to enter the Christian fold in response under the impetus of a living movement, the to political or social leaders such as Dr. Ambed- spiritual quality of which has only to be seen to kar, among whom evangelism had not prepared be recognized. the way, the resulting problem would be incapable of a Christian solution as things are today. But In a land like India, in group thinking and where missions have been in touch with depressed group action there is actually more solid ground class groups and have in various ways been seeking to serve them, and where the Christian Gospel has been proclaimed as the only basis of any last-
to proceed on than in the case of most individual as its full significance is not generally grasped. thinking and action. Moreover the adequate meeting of such response introduces a new factor which must profoundly In movements having these characteristics the affect the demands of the other fields of service missionary contribution is not an easy one to referred to at the beginning of this article. render. While vitally necessary it is largely supplementary, directing attention to better prepara- The Witness of Indian Christians tion for baptism, right habits of worship along indigenous lines and follow-up work generally. In the first place it profoundly affects the way What is needed is wise planning for foresight in which we view the problem of unevangelized rather than very extensive financial help. A India and the character of future pioneer work. numerically large movement may need the help Here in the witness of these movements is an of only a few extra trained workers and ex- evangelistic appeal which completely overshadows perienced missionaries. With such large numbers all methods ever dt!"vised by missions. The witness self-support should not be difficult if ambitions are of the new converts is not only effective in bringnot allowed to exceed economic possibilities. ing in tens of thousands of the .depressed classes themselves, but its influence on the castes above The responsibilities of Christian missions in a them is one of the most impressive features of the group movement are of a different order from situation (see Dr. Pickett's "Christ's Way to those where the task is the gathering of small India's Heart"). It would indeed seem that India groups of dissociated individuals into churches is to be evangelized from below. As the "deover an extended period of time. The new situa- pressed classes" are scattered everywhere, this tion, if met with on a growingly wider scale, will evangelizing power will be found everywhere, and require a new type of approach. our hope is that there will be enough life in the movement to carry the witness of Christ to the These movements are bringing into existence whole of India. an indigenously minded Church, very different from the conglomerate groups of the past. It is In the second place, it leads us to look with now being recognized that the latter was an in- critical eye at the thousands of institutions that terim stage, the difficulties of which have directed have been created in India. Are all designed to mission activity into many artificially created strengthen the present Christian movement? Are enterprises. In the mass movement we at length they strategically situated? Are they inside the face the true situation from which alone an effec- movement or still outside it? Is it in carrying tive indigenous Church can evolve. Present mis- on these that we can in the present crisis give our sionary activities must henceforth be judged by best service to the on-going Church? These and the searchlight of the requirements of the new many such questions demand an answer. situation and not vice versa as the natural tendency is: Is not this just what missions were Where Group Movements Do Not Exist established to bring about? It has finally happened almost unawares, largely outside our im- In the third place it prompts us to ask very mediate program and creates a dilemma for many pertinent questions regarding the majority of missions as to how to adjust demands of old work our fields where group movements are not in eviand the claims of the new opportunity. dence. Are we dealing realistically and intelli- gently with the actual situation confronting us? A communal movement towards Christianity What are the possibilities of group movements in was not in our missionary plans, and the great- the area? Is our present evangelistic work diness of the opportunity has partially paralyzed rected to creating widespread spiritual hunger some misslOns. Some are more affected than which might be expected to develop into a mass others, and for them the situation calls for drastic movement? Are we working inside the Indian readjustments. All missions, however, whether communal life or outside? In fact, what contriyet affected or not, are called upon to adjust their bution is the present work making to the latent outlook and policies to'the possibilities of the situ- indigenous church which may declare its presation. It has been abundantly demonstrated that ence any day if mission work is being properly wherever contact is being made or can be estab- directed? Remembering that mass movements lished with the depressed classes or aboriginal have been most vital in areas where the Gospel tribes a widespread response can be expected. has been faithfully and widely preached and It would be tragic indeed if the opportunity for throughout which medical and other relief work which so many have labored and prayed should has interpreted its spirit, it is natural to ask be lost through lack of vision and faith at this whether this is the kind of work we are doing juncture. and have we the right objective in view?
I have dwelt at length on this sphere of oppor- In the fourth place, in the mass movement areas tunity which lies before missions in India today
themselves are we realistically facing the possi- the contribution which the mission can render is bilities of that situation in seeking in every pos- continually changing, and it is vital to keep sible way to undergird the movement and, while abreast of the situation. jealous to preser've its indigenous character, doing all we can to help it forward? The Madras Oonference The contribution which missions may be called It is situations such as these that the Madras upon to make is illustrated in the work of the Conference of the International Missionary Bishop of Dornakal where a large Indian staff Council will have to face. It will be called upon under Indian direction works with a few Euro- in no uncertain way to strike the right note in peans who do the kind of work for which they are a distracted world and in face of an organized peculiarly fitted, namely-training teachers and opposition such as has never before existed. pastors for the Church. In another new movement area the mission is called upon to plan for The leaders of the churches of many lands will erection of hundreds of simple places of worship, be present in greater numbers than ever before; for the developing of worship services, for train- it will be the work of the conference to clarify ing of voluntary workers, for provision of some the issues which face the Church throughout the ordained pastors, for promoting indigenous melas world, and to direct it to the one place of power, (conventions), for establishing a single rural mis- namely the Cross of Christ. This incredible fact sionary unit to serve the whole movement from has once again to be declared to be the only means within its borders. Meanwhile, it is important by which God's redemption can be experienced that the actual care and development of the com- and whereby men may meet God in repentance munity be left from the beginning in the hands of and in humility, and thereby can experience His Indian leadership. altogether adequate provision for dealing with sin as this is revealed in Jesus Christ, our Saviour With the emergence of an indigenous Church and Lord.
IT IS HARD TO WORK FOR GOD Oh it is hard to work for God; It is not so, but so it looks; To rise and take His part And we lose courage then, Upon this battlefield of earth, And doubts will come if God hath kept And not sometimes lose heart. His promises to men.
He hides Himself so wondrously Ah! God is other than we think; As though there were no God; His ways are far above"
He is least seen when all the powers Far beyond reason's height, and reached Of ill are most abroad. Only by childlike love.
Or He deserts us at the hour The wondrous fashion of God's ways The fight is all but lost; Love's lifelong study are; And seems to leave us to ourselves She can behold and guess and act, Just when we need Him most. Where reason would not dare.
Yes, there is less to try our faith Workmen of God! Oh lose not heart, In our mysterious creed But learn what God is like; , Than in the godless work of earth, And in the darkest battlefield , In these our hours of need. Thou shalt know where to strike.
III masters good; good seems to change For right is right, since God is God; To ill with greatest ease; And right the day must win; And WDrst of all, the good with good To doubt would be disloyalty, Is at cross purposes. To falter would be sin. F. W. FABER.
Day Indian
~~ By REV. NICOL MACNICOL, D.D., Edinburgh ~ – Recently Secretary of the National Christian Council of .- India, Burma and Ceylonj Author of "Living Religions of the Indian People"
~==.!, ..An.NY general account of the Indian religions the United Provinces has given a list of the would, of course, be impossible within the enemies against wlt6m his people need to be prolimits of this article. The most that can be tected. "We fear the rent-collector," he tells us; attempted is to suggest some ways in which the "we fear the police watchman; we fear everyone circumstances of the present time in India are who looks as if he might claim some authority influencing those religions and altering their over us; we fear our creditors; we fear our character and to indicate the direction in which patrons; we fear too much rain; we fear locusts; they are traveling. Even that limited aim must we fear thieves; we fear the evil spirits that be pursued with much hesitation and uncertainty threaten our children and our animals; and we in view of the long, slow process of growth which fear the strength of our neighbors." 1 has brought the religions to their present form Such fears as these, some of them new and and in view of the deep roots in the spirit of man some as old as the religion they have created, from which they spring. The religions of India make the peasant's life as troubled today as it are unquestionably changing, and yet,· at the same was two thousand years ago. The object that time, one can say that the more they change the casts the shadow changes its shape but the shadow more they remain the same. Isaiah's description still falls and drives the Hindu to offer a victim of Egypt as "Giant Sit-still" might as apJ)ropri- at a shrine or to daub a wayside stone with ver- ately be given to Hinduism. Nevertheless, while milion. If smallpox and plague can sometimes that is true, neither Hinduism, nor any of the be guarded against, still the dread of such hostile other faiths that share with it the control of the forces remains and the "disease-mothers" must Indian spirit has been able wholly to resist the be placated. To make up for the lessening of the powerful influences that in recent years have in- danger from epidemics there is the fact that with vaded India and disturbed her ancient tran- the rapid growth in the popUlation (in an age quillity. when there are fewer epidemics and wars and Hinduism is the religion of the vast majority of famines) there is an increase in the poverty of the people of the land. We must remember that the village people. Centuries ago the poet Kabir in the case of a religion of what we may call so represented a peasant as saying to the obj ect many stories, it is extraordinarily difficult to of his worship: make reliable generalizations. It is a closely A hungry man cannot perform thy service; woven web, holding together the lives of its Take back this rosary of thine.
people in every relationship, providing some kind That situation still persists and it is not surprisof spiritual food for them according to the level ing that ancient laws are not observed in the face of their intelligence and aspiration, buttressing of such necessity. A Hindu believes that he could them with custom and ritual and keeping them al- be guilty of no greater sin than that of killing a ways "in their proper stations." It furnishes ob- cow, but when hunger drives him to sell his cow jects of worship to be dreaded or adored and the to a Moslem butcher it is plain that his religion is means by which their anger may be averted and less powerful in its control over him than once their favor won. Especially in the case of the it was. peasant does Hinduism concern itself with his economic needs, so that the rains may come, the Other causes than poverty are at work, even at seeds germinate and the harvest be gathered. It this religious level, loosening the ties that hold the is no less true today than it was centuries ago social order together and creating that "caste conthat the life of the village Hindu is lived in the fusion" which has always been reckoned a serious midst of fears and he believes it to be the business peril to Hinduism. A sentence from an Indian of religion to protect him against them. Some newspaper gives a startling illustration of the of the old objects of dread may have passed but breaches that are being made in the ancient walls.
new ones have taken their place. A villager of 1 Behind Mud Walls, by C. V. and W. H. Wiser, p. 160.
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PRESENT DAY INDIAN RELIGIONS
A married Nair young woman, whose husband was The question of the liberation of the outcaste studying in England for some years, contracted an alliance is not proving so simple. Here orthodoxy and with a Pulaya (Pariah) youth, professing to believe that modernism are in fierce conflict. One of the deher husband was dead. mands made in behalf of these oppressed people is that their rights be restored to them as wor- This "marriage" of a high-caste woman to an shippers within the temples of the Hindu gods. outcaste shows, as the Hindu reporter of the in- But when the Maharaja of Indore recently cident says, that "the sentiment of repulsion" that ordered that the State temples be opened to them, was especially strong between this class of Hindus and this was followed by the murder of a leader and the outcastes, "is losing some of its sharp- of reform in the State, the crime was believed to ness." It reveals, indeed, such a complete break- be the vengeance of orthodoxy. down, both of the Hindu ideal of the sanctity of marriage and of the belief in the untouchability There can be no doubt of the zeal of those who of the outcaste as may well create disquiet among are fighting for the emancipation of these ancient orthodox Hindus. helots of Hinduism, but they, with Mr. Gandhi at their head, claim that in this struggle they are These are two directions in which the old the vindicators and not the enemies of their re- Hinduism is showing signs of strain under the ligion. When introducing the "Bombay Harijan pressure of modern opinion. On the one hand, Temple Worship Bill" one of the Bombay minthe ancient inviolability of Hindu marriage is isters made the bold assertion that "if Hinduism threatened and proposals are being brought be- is the selfish, arrogant creed the orthodox make of fore the Legislature to make the hard lot of many it; if Hinduism could be preserved by perpetuat- Hindu wives somewhat easier by the introduction ing untouchability; if to deny the sight of gods of divorce. On the other hand Mahatma Gandhi to men is an injunction of their scriptures, then is bringing all the influence of his personality to Hinduism had not the right to exist…. Then the bear upon the problem of those whom he calls not Sastras (scriptures) should be consigned to the outcastes or untouchables but "people of God," flames." (Harijan) . These are brave words and might be expected It is no new thing that such matters as these to be the preface to determined action. It is someshould create division and conflict within Hindu- what disappointing to find that the bill does no ism. What is new is that the power to deal with more than empower the trustees of a temple to them is now more fully in the hands of the Hindu open it to Harijans if they so desire. To persuade people themselves than was ever the case before. Hinduism to give as much as a cup of cold water In the Indian Provinces, the ruling ministries are from the common well to these unfortunate outelected by the people and are responsible to them; castes, so long the victims of its indifference, is this fact has changed the whole aspect of public even today, and even with Mr. Gandhi leading life. Reforms that the Indian National Congress the onslaught of reform, a slow and doubtful have long clamored for are now within their process. reach. It would be unfair to expect too much change at once from those who have little ex- Islam in India, Today perience in responsible government. This much can be affirmed: in most cases these ministries, But Hindusim is not the only religion in India Hindu and Moslem, are proving themselves though by its mass weight and its pervasive inworthy of the trust that has been placed in them. fluence it far surpasses in importance all the They are setting up high standards and are seek- others. There is, in uneasy comradeship, its rival ing to be loyal to them. the Moslem faith. If Hinduism is King Log, Islam is King Stork, passionate of temper, im- The Indians are finding also that laws without patient, aggressive. In former days the followers a public opinion to support them are ineffectual. of the two religions, so diverse from each other, Ram Rajya-the ideal age-cannot be brought lived together in their villages for the most part about by Acts of Parliament alone. For that in peace. But times have changed; a new rivalry rea1l0n it is not sufficient to establish loyal dis- has arisen; the poverty which Hindu and Moslem ciples of Mahatma Gandhi as the Prime Ministers face alike has awakened jealousies between them of Madras and Bombay; it is necessary also to which political ambitions have fanned. A few have behind them working tirelessly among the years ago it was not difficult for the astute policy people the influence of the Mahatma and of the of Mr. Gandhi to bring them together in a comorganizations that he has established. Total ab- mon hostility to the foreigner who denied them stinence from intoxicants is a traditional demand the rights they claimed. Now, however, when of both Hinduism and Islam and it has not been these rights have been in large measure achieved, difficult for the new legislatures at least to in- enmities that were economic in origin become augurate a policy of prohibition.
transformed into the bitterness of religious strife. Religion has always held so high a place in men's There is no more disquiting aspect of the religious situation in India than this, and it does not appear lives in India and holds so high a npelawceMsitniill~trthieast to improve. it is no surprise to find that the It is true that there is no religion that claims are showing a wise caution in interfering with more loudly than does Hinduism to be the eX'- ponent of an all-embracing tolerance. This is, in their practice. . Hinduism-if a virtue at all-an intellectual virtue. Its tolerance, as we have just seen, does Reference must be made to one more evidence not extend to social and caste relationships. The monistic doctrine, which is so powerfully en- of the dissatisfaction that has been awaking withtrenched in the background of its thought, reduces all else than the One to unreality, and so its in all the religions in India. It inevitably comes tolerance is the tolerance of shadows. about that Hindus and Moslems and Parsees are Islam on the other hand with (like Christianity) its conviction of the possession of a revealed all affected profoundly in their religious traditruth cannot show itself to be so accommodating. The only way in which the Moslem can become tions by the shrinkage of the world of our time tolerant in the Hindu fashion is to cease altogether to believe in Allah and the Koran. When and by the invasions of belief and unbelief that the acids of modernity have loosened the rigidity of his conviction he may learn to agree with the are continually b~king in from every quarter. Hindu that all religions are equally true, and, he might add, equally false. But meantime, in their It is, however, much more surprising that a sudpursuit of the rewards of political power and of the "loaves and fishes" that political leaders can den upsurgence of revolt should have taken place distribute, hostility between these rivals grows apace and casts a grim shadow over the future among those who, beyond all others, are pariahs of both religions. among their fellows. That Mr. Gandhi and other Apart altogether, however, from the various religious ideas that might make their followers enlightened leaders should desire to lead the outfriendly or unfriendly to each other, there is abroad in India today, and has been for some castes out of their bondage is what one might exdecades, the spirit that ranges men in hostile camps and too often makes out of religion a flag pect, but that they should themselves say, "We can around which to rally hostile armies. This is the spirit of nationalism. Its influence has been no no longer submit to the indignities that Hinduism worse in India than in other lands and some of its has laid upon us," is a portent of unparalleled acerbity in that land has been modified since the recent advance towards self-government: Per- significance. None of the religions of India can haps, rather, the attainment of self-government has to some extent diverted the force of Indian remain unaffected when over forty millions of nationalism away from hostility to Great Britain and concentrated it upon racial and cultural rival- their countrymen come with the demand that they ries within the state. It is not easy to estimate the effects upon the nationalist spirit of the new should be provided with a spiritual haven. This political outlook. New alignments are being formed which will affect religion as they affect event cannot fail to make the leaders in every reother things, but what the ultimate consequences will be cannot as yet be determined. We see, for ligion ask themselves what spiritual treasures example, that Hinduism, and, no doubt, the other non-Christian religions as well, are becoming they have to offer. What will be seen as the ultimore suspicious of the designs of Christianity. Voices are being raised demanding that religious mate significance of this strange spectacle and propaganda and "proselytism" should be forbidden in the new India. It is scarcely to be be- where this most moving of human pilgrimages lieved that "tolerant" India will follow in this respect in the wake of Afghanistan and Tibet. will end, no one can as yet foresee. Of this at least we can be certain, that we see here a symp- tom of a deep religious unrest that is affecting India in all its borders, as it is indeed affecting all the world. Humanity is on the march, not only in India but in all the restless and unhappy lands of earth. The question is-which among them all will prove to possess the chart that will make plain to these wayfarers the straight road that will lead men home to God?
DIFFICULT DAYS IN INDIA The village Christians in North India face a difficult problem as there is likely to be an increase of persecution by Hindu leaders to prevent weak- ening of the voting strength of the Hindu commu- nity. Hence a severe testing time is not unlikely; it can be met by those who have real Christian convictions. The publicity given to the dissatis- faction of the Depressed Classes with the Hindu religion has aroused organized opposition which makes the existence of semi-Christian groups pre- carious, and increases the difficulties of the mis- sionaries. Educated Hindu sadhus are now open- ing schools, medical dispensaries arid centers of popular instruction and social service in remote parts of India.
Indian View of the Task in India*
By DR. S. K. DAITA, Lahore, Panjab Principal of Forman Christian College W EARE told that the purpose of the mis- of the current literature of India, especially the sionary is to make India Christian. What autobiographies of eminent Indians of the last exactly does this mean? Since the early fifty years. Such a study, I think, would result in nineteenth century various interpretations have the discovery of the immense place that Christian been given. In the first place, the task was said thought, life and even phraseology have in modern to be the substitution of Christianity for the older Indian expression. It is clear that the two main and indigenous beliefs of the people. In the second sources have been schools and colleges, and the place, the task was conceived as one of per- circulation of literature. In a smaller degree, but meation; the change was not to be cataclysmic. probably qualitatively even more valuable, has It was conceived that indigenous religious ideas been personal contact with Christian men and would change through the inductive influence of women. From the days of Raja Ram Mohun Roy Christianity. In the third place, some have held to Mr. Gandhi, the "Sermon on the Mount" has that the product would be not Christianity, as we been one of the outstanding sources of spiritual conceive it today, but the resultant of inter-reli- stimulus to many Indians. In more recent times gious activity in India; in fact, Christianity would the Christian life has made its influence felt even also be transformed by this process. more impressively than Christian doctrine.
In India there are examples, on a small scale, Christians have often been challenged on their of substitution. In the old Portuguese dominion failure to live up to the teachings of Christ. On of Gao, where the non-Christian religions are now the one hand, Christian propagandists. have at- in a minority, churches and monasteries have tacked the Hindu social order because of its illib- taken the place of Hindu temples. Yet, it would erality and failure to acknowledge the equality of be legitimate to ask whether this substitution has all men. But some modern Christian countries brought Christ nearer to India. Many would have erected a social and political order from doubt it. During the nineteenth century some which the Asiatic and other non-European races substantial communities have become Christian; are debarred. It would appear that a Hindu social this is true in the "mass-movement" areas. As a order has been transplanted from across the seas, result of Christianity these particular communi- and has taken root in alien soil, among nations ties become unified, on the whole show great reli- whose religious representatives are dinning into gious zeal, and their local churches have become the Indian ear the injustice of the caste system.
the centre for a social revolution among the out- India, among other Eastern nations, has suf- castes. The movement is directed against the old fered a rude awakening and has attempted to or- social order of Hinduism, which looked upon the ganize herself. She has adopted a creed in which lowest as being without the pale of civilization. the main articles are as follows: (1) a system of India is reaping the Nemesis for the neglect of the national education. But such a system is bound, outcaste, and today is beginning to recognize that in the long run, to become an instrument of intel- these groups are embarrassing her in her political lectual and spiritual tyranny, and, if carried to evolution. Twenty or thirty years ago no respon- its logical conclusions, will destroy that intellec- sible British statesman would have conceded that tual liberty on which Indians have prided them- this class was of any political value. Very largely selves. (2) India, together with other Eastern .this revolution has taken place as the result of nations, has developed a profound belief in the work carried on by the Christian Church. In efficacy of the modern economic and industrial South India we have also a very remarkable move- order. Mr. Gandhi's life and teaching are a pro- ment among the particular caste who by their own test against the view that in economic and indus- unaided efforts have successfully attempted a trial power lie the means of national salvation.
social revolution. We have arrived at the stage where money has A fascinating study would be the consideration become a power that attempts to exploit the poor, • Condensed from "The Christian Task in India," Macmillan and and all this in the name of nationalism. (3) In Co., London. spite of Mr. Gandhi's protest, the directing classes [465 ]
in India have acquired a new faith in the efficacy chinery or by a system. Christianity is a divine of force. The. governing bodies of universities, power and its inspiration is caught from the exwhich are largely composed of Indians, have even ample and lives of its followers, carrying on the considered schemes for compulsory military train- ordinary tasks of life, through their social life and ing for all students in their universities. spiritual experience.
In these situations what part can Christianity The task of Christianity is to open doors to the play? If she can rid herself from her Western spiritual experience and life of all around them trappings, only then can she give effective guid- who seek to discover God. Christianity has influance and help. The task of the Christian Church enced Indian religions, but the dominant civilizais far greater than she has ever conceived. tion has proved irresponsive to the wealth of spir- itual experience and religious idealism outside its The right of self-government for any nation is immediate boundaries. An immense field of disa sacred concern, and Christians should not stand covery lies before-Christian thinkers in India. in the way of genuine and even radical reforms. But with this assent, the task of Christianity has The task of Christianity is as varied as evolving only just begun, for upon Christians will lie some Indian life itself. Our concern should be whether of the responsibility of constantly directing the its capacity to fulfil those tasks. is not limited by attention of the nation builders to higher ends, its alien environment. The missionary system may and, above all, to spiritual realities. Spiritual itself be a handicap, but here the necessity arises ends are too often forgotten and the individual is to state what is involved with greater precision. subordinated to materialistic conceptions of per- While it would be untrue to say that Christianity, sonal profit. Can Christians so live and act in as introduced to India through the missionary systhis new world of India, that men will recognize tem, has exercised a dominating influence of power the direction of God, and the imperative rights of and authority; this, at any rate, would be the verthe spiritual world? This can only be accom- dict of many a thoughtful Hindu. Where does the plished if Christians will humble themselves even solution lie? It may be stated in these terms: as their Master did, by emptying Himself of all the task of Christianity is to create in India a privilege, by taking up the Cross of self-effacing Christian Church – not a community – whose service, by uttering the Gospel of life and helping agents will be a spiritual order of men and women, to heal the world's strife. without distinction of race, who will give to India through their lives and teaching the inexhaustible The missionary enterprise is called upon to con- riches of Christ. tinue in many spheres its efforts of service to the people of India, possibly not so much by the TROUBADOURS OF GOD amount of its work as by its quality. During the Who are these last ten years or more, constant evidence has been That run along the highways of the world, given by the missionary body of its desire to meet And seek its meanest suburbs with their feet? the present situation, and this probably most vi- They are the troubadours of God, tally in its educational activities. Missionaries Blowing an airy melody along earth's aisles can become the conduits through which the best As solid as the masonry of dreams. in Europe and America flows into India in the They are the wise eccentrics form of educational ideals and technique-educa- Who reason with divine hilarity. tion in its broadest sense. They are the canny merchants Who buy the hearts of nations for their Prince. Christianity is called upon to emphasize con- They are the vivid tailors stantly the value of the individual, the necessity Who push the threads of ages through their to free him from oppression of all kinds – economic, social, religious. The welfare of the agri- hands. cultural laborer, and of the industrial worker, Who take no blood, to spill it, save their own. claim attention. Christianity must summon men They are the blessed coolies to pattern their lives according to the example of Who lift the loads of folly on their backs Jesus Christ. The essence of Christianity lies in And dump them into truth's dissolving streams. the transforming qualities. of a personal relation- They are the blithe outrunners ship of men to its Founder – whether within or Who trek the world's long reaches for old trails without the Christian Church as it is constituted Whereon to lay the pavement of new years. today. Of this, men such as Narayan Vaman They are the grave cross.-carriers Tilak have dreamed: "The Lord Jesus Christ is Who bear stern wooden gibbets on their backs, founding Swaraj in men's hearts, hence also in And nail their loves and treasures to the beams. the world of men; . . . by Swaraj is meant the They are our princely brothers, Kingdom of Heaven, the Rule of God." But this Born of the womb which bore us, transformation cannot be accomplished by ma- Who speak for Christ amid the courts of life.
India's Attitude Taward
By REV. AUGUSTINE RALLA RAM, B.A.,* Allahabad, India .. – General Secretary of the Student Christian Movement of India, Burma and Ceylon I NDIA is a world in itself, a sub-continent with The Opposition to Christianity a teeming population constituting one-fifth of No impartial observer will deny that there is the human race. All sections of humanity such some strong opposition and resistance toward the as Aryans, Dravidians, Semitics, Mongolians, proclamation of the Christian message. The rea- Negroids and various aboriginal tribes fill the sons for this antagonism may be stated briefly: land. It stretches out one arm to the Far East (1) Christianity is still regarded in India as an and the other to the West, and is a central meet- alien faith. While Christianity was introduced by ing ground of the East and the West. way of Travancore in the early Christian cen- India is a land of marvelous contrasts and is a tury, it never penetrated the country but re- baffling, colorful panorama of darkness and light; mained limited to that one state. Later Nestorian naturally, generalizations are impossible and and other influences beat upon the Indian shores, sweeping remarks are a doubtful commodity. but remained spasmodic and sectional. With the Nevertheless some general facts and trends can coming of the British it became a noticeable in- be marshalled with confidence and conviction, and novation, with the stigma of being the faith of the although some may be furiously disputed in cer- conquerors. Previous to this the Moguls and their tain quarters, yet they will prove to be helpful predecessors had brought another alien faith, Is- signposts. lam, and while from the point of view of popula- Let it be said at once that there is not merely tion India is the largest Moslem country in the one single Indian attitude to present and to ex- world, nevertheless Islam failed to reach India's amine; all kinds of reactions are rampant and heart. After six or seven centuries of Islamic claim recognition. Even the term Christianity it- occupation, Europeans came as conquerors and self carries with it most interesting connotations Christianity, their professed faith, became and which we must consider in the course of our dis- has remained an alien faith. While we might call cussion of the subject. a long rOle of British devotees of Christ, never- The question may well be. raised whether the theless Britain in its relations with India has Christian message has truly found its way into tragically failed to commend Christ to the Indian the soul of India. This is a difficult question to people. Of course, neither Britain, nor any coun- answer. We may, however, say without fear of try in Europe, can be truly called a Christian contradiction that a sense of Christian brother- country; therefore it is too much to expect that hthoeod~oihlowanedvesrt faulty, has become firmly rooted in Britain would be interested in making India a ands for three out standing ideals; Christian country. But let it be stated to the ever- the Gospel must be adorned by· coming to be in- lasting credit of British occupation that Great creasingly understood by the growing fellowship Britain has remained a stout champion of re- of the brethren' a spirit filled Church; the proc- ligious liberty and has not followed the example lamation of the' GQspel to the world through life of some of its Moslem predecessors.
and the riches of God's grace. (2) Again it must be frankly admitted that the What is the attitude (or attitudes), taken in Christian Church has been a denationalized body.
India· to these distinctly Christian convictions? Missionaries from abroad were the unconscious Bluntly stated these attitudes are as follow.s: (1) cause of this and intolerance of other communities opposition; (2) indifference; (3) meam?gless has made Christians an exclusive lot who have cceoputratnecsey'~ (4) critical sympathy and parbal ac- broken loose entirely from even the wholesome and (5) whole-hearted committal. asnects of Indian culture; by identifying them- • I am writing this article from the steamship Conte Verde as it selves with European life and culture, adopting even Euronean names and habits and often esagsoesif fIorhwaavred aDclqouuigrhedinga t,hsoertdeoefp poanrtiIatsl wdeatyacthomeE~utroipne,deaanldinsgo wfeitehl chewing all national aspirations for self-gkove.rnthis subject. Furthermore, I am privU"ged to be !D the. companlon- ment. Today Chri stian s ar e r aanduidalIyIy acwoam.IenngInt g ship of ·a number of learned Indians who represent varIOUS sections to th~:'nl:ltional call and a re g r 0 of the country and who come from different walks of life; these I have been interviewing on board and have solicited their opinions relating to the theme nnder discussion. Their observations nave proved most illuminating. A. R. R.
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the forefront of national demand for emancipa- Christian school, said to me: "I admire Christ tion. and have great affection for Him, but I refuse to (3) Christians have been guilty in the past of renounce the matchless catholicity of the Hindu Community in which all that is required of me is overemphasizing an increase in Anduvmabnetras~ewhiaths not to J."enounce the Hindu fold and yet at the hasty additions to the Church. same time hold any opinions I please, even to the extent of actively opposing Hindu teachings. This been taken of famine conditions and similar situ- Hindu fold, which is replete with contradictions but gives me full liberty, is far more acceptable ations, to gain proselytes. Fortunately today such than being bound by Christian dogmas."
methods are strongly opposed and Christian mis- sionaries are exercising great care in avoiding any careless influx of numbers. Nevertheless everywhere we are told that Christianity is out He was not impressed by my remonstrance to to add to its ranks at all costs. We must be active the effect that truth in all realms-scientific re- in removing this impression. ligious or otherwise-is a most uncompromising There is one fact, however, which is the con- taskmaster and that the discipline of truth leads stant marvel of the opponents of Christianity. to real liberty. I suspect that he was putting up They know that seventy-five per cent of the Chris- a bulwark for the sake of keeping in the fold tians have been recruited from among the lowest where he now is.
strata of Hindu society and yet these people have India is in the process of seeing and coming become quickly transformed beyond recognition. to appreciate Christ, apart from the organized Thoughtful people are "sitting up" and taking Church. A great deal of criticism that is hurled at the Church is grossly unfair. But we must note of this marvel. face the fact that while the faithful ambassadors (4) Even Christian hospitals and educational institutions are usually regarded as baits which do take Christ to the world, yet the Cvheiulrcoh~eirn its Christian missions throw out with a view to entice organized life, very often draws a the victims. As a Christian I repudiate this charge, but that does not altar the fact as to the prevail- face of Christ. A very distinguished gentleman ing impression. The truth of the matter is that these agencies report very few actual baptisms. traveling with me claims that it is only for census One day the Christian will be heard as he asserts with deep-seated conviction that he does not en- purposes that he permits himself to be enrolled gage himself in these good works merely to swell the ranks of the Church, but that a true follower as a Mohammedan. He surprised me with his inof the Master must go about doing good, healing bodies, illuminating minds, giving bread to the tellectual grasp of Christian truth, but at the same hungry, like his Lord. time he holds that joining the Church has no (5) Especially at this time, when Europe has turned into a "Bull of Bashon" and seems to exult meaning for him because of his individualistic in its satisfaction over materialistic culture, when so-called Christian countries (such as Ger- temperament. He is a fair sample of many who many, Russia and Italy) are repudiating basic forces of Christianity and are in a mad race for are opposed to being affiliated with organized rearmaments, India cannot help asking whether, after all, Christianity can accomplish what it ligion and profess to see no value in joining the claims to be able to do. Here again we declare, in season and out of season, that there is no such Christian Church. thing as Christendom in the geographical sense. While Christian people exist in all lands, there is (7) Finally, India is offering resistance to no land that can truly be called Christian. But a blatant betrayal of Christ has been repeated in Christianity because multitudes believe that all nominal Christian lands and India watches this spectacle. religions are various groups into which we have been placed by the fiat of God and that, while we may accept truth from all sources, the fact re- mains that ultimately all religions will lead to God who is our beginning and our end. There- fore they hold that the least suggestion of mi- grating from one community into another is wrong. Such an attitude is championed by such men as Mahatma Gandhi. He doubts whether even open preaching, with a view to conversion of others, should be permitted. He says that if one has anything worthwhile in his faith it will become known even as the fragrance of a rose can never remain hidden. This opinion is fairly prevalent, so that Christianity, which is re- (6) Opposition also comes because of the in- garded as an alien intruder, comes under the fire veterate solidarity of caste affiliations and family of criticism and opposition. While Christian prin- ties. As Christianity calls for a new brotherhood, ciples and teachings have entered into the very naturally resistance is offered. A Hindu pro- texture of Mr. Gandhi's being, yet he teaches and fessor of physics, a most attractive young man practices these principles without attributing traveling with his charming wife brought up in a them to their origin; at the same time he resents
INDIA'S ATTITUDE TOWARD CHRISTIANITY
deeply any effort to advance the membership of would be hastened. This is a very ill-considered the Christian Church in India. attitude. In spite of their insistence that even Christianity has blackened the pages of its history Another eminent professor said to me: "I by militant warfare against adherents of other used to be a bitter opponent of Christ and I al- faiths, their argument lacks validity. It is true ways used to resist missionaries, but it is because that man's religious instinct has been abused, but of Mr. Gandhi and his life and teachings that I that is no reason why faith in God should be comhave begun to understand something of the Chris- pletely abandoned. The instincts of sex and tian faith." hunger have been similarly abused, but no one would say that therefore they must be rooted out It is incumbent on us to grapple with the atti- of our beings. Much more could be said against tude of opposition in India and then raise the this contention, but the fact remains that indifferprayer to God, "Lord what wouldst Thou have ence to all religion, and therefore to Christianity, me do?" It is no use glossing over realities or to seems to be temporarily gaining ground; we must fool ourselves with superficial optimism. There wait for the vindication of God's truth and of are, at the same time, many hopeful factors which enter into the situation but we cannot hoodwink righteousness. ourselves with shallow make-beliefs.
Indifference to Christianity "Meaningless Courtesies" and Criticism Callousness to the claims of Christ is not pecul- There is another attitude which is evident on iarly Indian; it is a repercussion of the world the part of myriads of my people-that is the "exsituation. A kind of agnosticism seems to have change of courtesies." India is a country of kindlaid hold of many, which is not just a humble way liness and courtesy, but sometimes this attitude of acknowledging human limitations, but a de- becomes only an empty compilation of words. liberate attitude of "leaving things alone." The When I ask my countrymen what their attitude spiritualist East, over against the materialistic toward Christ is, invariably the reply is, "I was West, is an empty phraseology. Human prosper- formerly a student in a mission school and I have ity and craving after the tinsels of modern ma- a great respect and admiration for Christ." On terialism blatantly rampant in India, has brought closer questioning I learn that these students have about this attitude of "caring not." never opened the New Testament since school or college days, and they know next to nothing about More than this, India is passing through a Christ. In some cases, from this friendly attitude, period of bewildering disillusionment. A great one can lead them on to deeper realities, but in deal that passed for religion has now ceased to many cases a false satisfaction deprives them of appeal to the people. Countless youth have come that spirit of enquiry which is a healthy asset to to hold a negative attitude toward religion. They sincere seekers after the Truth. have come to believe that much in which their forefathers put their trust was "much ado about It should be stated that teeming millions are nothing" and so they have come to the na'ive conclusion that all religion is whistling in the dark still completely ignorant of the very existence of to keep up one's courage. While the old belief's are being rapidly abandoned, no new and posi- the Christian faith. Masses of men and women tive religion has yet gripped them; materialistic philosophy of life has been adopted. tread India's dreary roads of pilgrimage, steeped The tin-god of nationalism has made many of in ignorance and superstition, and are selfishly the Indian youth exclusive votaries in its shrine; they are so intoxicated with the wine admin- exploited by blind leaders of the blind. Poverty, istered in its so-called sanctuaries that they have ceased to consider any higher loyalties. Here illiteracy and superstitious practices have almost again all that is happening in countries like Germany and Italy has found its repercussions in made many people immune to fresh truth and India. they continue in the tradition of their fathers This indifference is due to persistent Hindu- Moslem conflicts. The young people of my country from age to age. Such people cannot be regarded often throw into my face the statement that religion should be left severely alone as a hot-bed as indifferent or hostile; they courteously give of divisions and strifes. They have become impatient of this incessant conflict between the two their approval to what you may have to say and major communities and believe that if "religion" be discarded, reconciliation and brotherhood yet carryon as if they never heard. This is what appears on the surface and yet one never knows what even a casual word can mean to a seemingly ignorant soul. A visitor to India may meet these masses everywhere and it is well to know what their attitude toward Christianity is. But it is mainly from these masses that the Christian Church has risen in India. .
All that has so far been said reveals one out- standing truth-Christianity is a most self-criti- cal religion and does not spare its own adherents
when they fail to be faithful to their Master. The There has also arisen in India a new type of educated womanhood which may be the pride of torch of criticism which turns to others is con- any nation. Women in the Christian Church have been the great pioneers in the public life of India stantly applied to itself. This is a most whole- and have led the way for their sisters to take their places in the national life. Of course other insome attitude that should be tenaciously held. fluences have also been at work to produce this change. An outstanding Hindu citizen of Alla- Among the critics of Christianity both within habad, who not long hence will be a judge sitting on the bench of the High Court, recently volunand without, are a large number who are sympa- teered a statement along similar lines.
thetic and cordial and whose criticism serves as The disillusioned young India, tired of old tra- ditions and callouttoward organized religion, yet a wholesome corrective. is an open-minded India. Preachers like Dr. Stan- ley Jones and pthers are listened to attentively Many good results have come from the wide- by thousands and their responsiveness is amaz- ing. They are "not far from the Kingdom of spread direct and indirect influence of Christ and God"; on the fringe and outskirts of the Chris- tian Church a vast multitude gropes after some prepare for the time when Christianity will be ac- truth that can satisfy their souls.
cepted by many more. I am aware of a growing Wholehearted Committal to Christ number of critics who maintain that Christian The Church Universal, which has taken upon itself the name of the Lord Jesus, 'has its counterschools and colleges which cater to non-Christian part in India. It has gathered unto its fold men and women from various tribes, cultures and recommunities and which do not produce many di- ligions, who love the Lord Jesus and who are seek- ing fulness of heritage in Him. Note some of the rect baptisms should be abandoned, and that mis- characteristics of this Brotherhood of Christian Believers: sions and churches should concern themselves It is a growing Church.-Statistics must not wholly with the work of direct evangelism. This be despised, although they are not an all-sufficient test of progress. For the last forty years the attitude I believe to be shortsighted, for it gives Church has grown in numbers at the rate of .400 versons a day, until now there are over five milpreference to the immediate over against the lion Christians in India belonging to various groups. potential remote. Christianity is the greatest reconciling force in Let me cite some evidences of this quiet per- the country.-India is a land of colorful contrasts and baffling divisions racially, economically and meating influence of Christ due to the promotion religiously. The Church which is arising in In- dia is taking into itself people from all these of Christian education. Christian standards are backgrounds and spheres and is welding them in- to a separate brotherhood, which has its affinities becoming the norm of public life and conduct in with the various cultures of the land. Although errors have taken place in the treatment of Indian India. The late Mr. C. R. Das, President of the cultures, yet it can truthfully be asserted that the Church in India is identifying itself growingly National Congress and a Hindu, in the course of with the national aspirations of the country; it looks with favor upon converts bringing the discussion in the meeting of his cabinet turned wholesome, elevating aspects of their cultures into the Church. From the point of view of names, to one member and said, "What an unchristian costumes and ways of living, the Church is be- coming an all embracing brotherhood. The higher thing to say!" The remark was probably casual castes, and the lower castes are being welded to- gether into this common brotherhood. Men and and did not mean to them all that it connotes to women are forming a family life together and are bridging over age-long cleavages and barriers. us, but it is a true indicative of the way in which opinions and life are being molded by Christian ideals. The whole movement led by Mr. Gandhi toward the uplift of the untouchables has been in- spired by Christian teachings. A paper like The Indian Social Reformer, an ally and opponent of Christianity, is playing a very vital part in per- meating public life with Christian standards of conduct. This norm and criterion is steadily gaining ground. .
Many people are becoming "Christianized" in thought and spirit without identifying themselves with the Christian community. They mig-ht even take a public stand for Christ and give free help in conducting evangelistic meetings.
Age-long wrongs are being righted in India and customs. hoary with age. are being challenged and abandoned because of the light that can only be traced directly or indirectly to Christian sources.
The great movement among the untouchables.
which has led them to become "a neople at bay"
seeking for a better country. is a direct result of the nreaching of the Gospel of Christ. Tt is widely admitted that the influence of Christianity has brought about this g-reat coming trek when a whole people is striking its tents to throwaway the age-long bondage.
The Church of Christ may truthfully be called Jesus Christ. These illustrations suffice to show a Bridge Church-a spanned arch of reconcili- that in spite of limitatiQns which impede its ation between Man and God and between man growth the Church in India is going forward. and man. The Church in India is a new Church and It is a transforming Church.-This Church is suffers from many unnecessary impositions from holding out a great hope to the downtrodden de- the West; these have come as unnecessary accrepressed millions who, for over thousands of years tions to the Christian message. Realizing that have been crushed under the heels of the privi- these have not grown out of its own experience leged classes. These depressed people in large the Indian Church might impatiently embark on numbers are coming into the Christian Church a career of its own, defying historic values found and are being completely transformed, liberated in the growth of Christianity throughout the and uplifted. In one of the central parts of our world. But we are engaged in working at the . country people belonging to a higher caste are material already provided and we are evolving coming into the Church in thousands and their a pattern to meet the needs and tastes of India. introduction to Christ came through the trans- These are some of the characteristics of this new formations they had witnessed among converts Church-an infant Church. from lower castes. They openly say "These people whom we had regarded and treated as good for This is an inadequate survey of the Indian pannothing have gone ahead of us in character and orama from the point of view of the growth of culture so that we have been led to open ourselves Christianity. That vast sub-continent which is to the preaching of this transforming Gospe1." replete with colorful diversities, is today teeming with new life and is experiencing a veritable It is an evangelizing Church.-We are not as springtime. All lovers of Christ in India and evangelistic as we ought to be, but the work of abroad are called upon to help build that beloved evangelism is widely regarded as absolutely es- community which is the Family of God. selltial. Our interdenominatiQnal National Missionary Society is a united expression of the evan- The question may well be asked whether the gelistic task of the Indian Church. Some of our Congress or any other body, with political dechurches are beginning to send their own mission- velopments, will exert an influence and power to aries to other lands. Their missions in university impede the growth of the Christian Church. towns are alsQ attended by large groups. While some of the features of organized Christian work may be re-examined and even suppressed, It is a pioneering Church.-Three examples yet I believe that the sentiment of the country is may be cited. The South India United Church liberal and comprehensive enough not to interfere negotiations have set the pace for a vigorous pur- with the main life and task of the Church of suit of the ideal of unity throughout the world. Christ. For one thing the Moslems, who form a The Indian Church has also emphasized the mean- strong community, will never consent to any ening of "Fellowship in the Gospel" through the actment to take place which would interfere with Ashram method of worship, study and service. privileges which they enjoy. While discouraging Of late special attention also has been given to features enter into the present situation, yet the relate India's spiritual heritage and culture to the Kingdom of God is going forward. "His Truth unique message of redemption through the Lord is marching on."
LIVINGSTONE'S IDEA OF SACRIFICE People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own best reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view, and with such a thought! It was emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger now and then with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink, but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be· revealed in and for us. I never make a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which he made who left his Father's throne on high to give himself for us: "Who, being the brightness of that Father's glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."-David Livingstone.
Place of Christian Education in
By P. G. BHAGWAT, Ph.D., Coonoor, India Lecturer for the India Sunday School Union W EARE not concerned here with the broad it and all the teaching falls upon deaf ears. A meaning of Christian education, namely pupil who has not already been prepared may the work of preaching Christianity to spend some time"'in hesitation, but in the end he people through various agencies like the evan- will come out against the Christian teaching of gelistic, the hospitals, educational institutions and his school.
the like. We shall deal only with the limited field This does not mean that teaching in a Chris- of Christian education, that is, through Christian tian institution makes no difference in the life institutions of learning. It is in such places that of the child who attends that school. He does we should usually look for the birth of Christ in get more liberalized in his ideas and broadened in children, apart from what the Church can do his outlook. The deeply religious Christian staff through its Sunday school and its young people's of a school has a beneficial effect upon a child, societies. It would be profitable first of all to in- but such teachers do not necessarily lead the quire what have been the achievements of Chris- pupils to the acceptance of Christ as their per- tian education and whether any change in policy sonal Saviour. The atmosphere merely helps the and method is called for to meet the changing children to realize the value of higher ideals in conditions in modern India. life and in that sense they are benefited. But a Christian Education for Non-Christians similar result can be obtained by institutions like those of the Deccan Education Society, the Seva For over a hundred years Christian schools and Sadan, the Anath Vidyarthi Griha and others- colleges have been used as a means for propagat- Hindu schools and colleges which are carried on ing the Christian Gospel. But the results do not by devoted men and women at great personal sac- seem to have justified the enormous expense that rifices. Today the Christian schools do not even has been poured into these institutions. The early boast of a 1000/0 Christian staff. And even if expectations that non-Christians would come out they did the results they would obtain would never in hundreds to accept Christ as their personal be commensurate with the enormous amounts of Saviour have been frustrated. Not only did they money wasted on such schools. To continue this not come in hundreds asking for baptism, but on education in the face of these facts is purposely the other hand it is generally believed that the blinding our eyes to the situation. It is also un- fact of their having been in a Christian school or just to the Christian Church which needs our at- college has made it harder for a person to change tention more than ever before.
over to Christianity. And knowing the situation It might be interesting to mention in this con- as we do today, we could not expect anything dif- nection the findings of Dr. D. A. McGavran pub- ferent. The non-Christian parents who send their lished in 1935 * in which he gives us a study of children to Christian schools and colleges do not the Secondary School boys in the Central Prov- send them because they have lost faith in their inces, and tells us what effect Christian teaching own religion but because of other benefits which has had on them in regard to popular Hindu be- a well disciplined and efficient school bestows liefs. His conclusion is, upon the pupils. They prepare their children be- The high school is not achieving for either Hindu or forehand against accepting the Christian doctrine Christian students that degree of Christianization of outby ridiculing the Christian religion, by various look which appears reasonable . . . the evidence in this suggestions, by direct instructions and by social study indicates that high school education makes very influence. Being thus inoculated against the mes- little difference in Christian outlook as measured in regard sage of Christ as preached in the school, and also to the dominant ideas of popular Hinduism (p. 112). helped by a feeling of their superior numbers, since they form the vast majority in such schools, Among other figures he gives this as an exthere is no wonder that every day that the child ample: "forty to fifty per cent of Hindu and Christian boys look on women as servers of the or youth listens to the Christian teaching, its heart becomes more and more hardened against • JubbEudlpuocraeti,onC. anPd.. tIhnediBa.eliefs of Popular Hinduism; Mission Press, [472 ] husband, as less intelligent and more sinful than The Church's strength will also depend upon men." (p. 100) A better showing in these re- the extent to which it is sensitive to the problems spects might be made by the Christian schools if of the day. It must encourage or discourage, ap- certain conditions were realtered; yet as stated prove or disapprove, according to the merits or above, in so far as Hinduism is concerned Mc- demerits of issues that are at stake. It must think Gavran also concludes that "Christian education with vigor and guide with courage in the moral is making changes which public education would and spiritual questions of the day which agitate in any case make" (p. 103). There still remains the mind of the nation. Friendly and truly na- the question of the highest goal of Christian edu- tional in spirit, it must yet stand fearlessly for cation, namely, revealing Christ as the central what is right in the sight of God. Not only must dynamic force of a personality. The conversion it be known that it holds up the highest standard figures from high schools and colleges which are of life and conduct, it must become the conscience conducted for non-Christians speak for them- of the people. The nation must constantly think selves. of asking: Now what has the Christian Church One more thought in this connection is the new to say about these things?
political authority which is making its existence The Church makes its influence felt in various felt more and more as regards its attitude towards ways. One way is through the everyday life of Christian institutions in India. It seems quite its members who live among their non-Christian evident that the congress governments which brethren. It is through them that the Church hold sway over seven out of eleven provinces in broadcasts her message in all walks of national British India will require by law the withdrawal life. More and more Christian men and women of compulsory teaching of Christianity to non- will be called to take part in nation-building activ- Christian pupils in their schools. In the face of ities of tomorrow. Christianity will rise or fall such a future outlook would it be worth while to in the estimation of the non-Christians by the keep on running these institutions to achive re- integrity which the followers of Jesus exhibit in sults which a non-Christian school can achieve their daily contact with their neighbors.
anyway? Through the Christian Community Through the Life of the Church The life of the Christian community as a whole Christian education is the task of the Church also will contribute to the strength or weakness but if the Church is not strong there will not be of the Church. The Christians have come from much Christian education, and whatever there is communities whose restraints are not binding on will not be worth much. It is for this reason that them any more. Until the Church is strong, and our first concern must be the strengthening and inner as well as outer sanctions are created, the vitalizing of the Church itself, which is the great last state of the community may be worse than power plant of Christianity. Christ works the first. Furthermore, for the non-Christians to through the Church hence the Church must be join the Christian communion means joining the set on its feet before we can expect any results. existing Christian community. It must be attrac- We must concentrate upon building the strength tive in its life and ways for others to join it. A of the Church which will, by its activities and great deal of effort is necessary to raise it to a ideals set up a Christian standard of life in India. high level of education and expression in self- The inculcation among Christians of self-sacrifice, sacrificing service. The great number of mass nobility, devotion to tasks, faith in God will do movement converts as well as the growing num- more to attract people to Christ than teaching ber of the Christian population is rapidly de- unwilling people in Christian institutions. creasing their former percentage of literacy, The strengthening of the Church must include education and an economic standard of living. If the building of loyalty to the Church. With a few a community is poverty-stricken and uneducated, exceptions loyalty to Church is sadly lacking in it does not have much chance to live on a high India. The reason is not only the comparatively spiritual plane and consequently it has no attrac- short time the Church has been in existence in tion whatsoever for the non-Christians which it India but also and mainly the life and work of seeks to take within its fold. People should join the Church. If the members feel that the Church the Church for Christ, it is true, but the human is not meeting their deepest needs, if their lives factor must not be forgotten. The human mind are not intricately bound up with the Church does look to the society of which it will become a through uplifting and self-sacrificing activities, part, and the condition of this society has a lot if the Church does not help them to grow in to do with the turning of men to Christ. Unless spiritual strength, it cannot expect any loyalty the whole community is raised to a high level it from them. A dead Church cannot stir the hearts will not be respected and it will lose what in- of its members for sacrifices and cooperation. fluence it has.
Christian Education for Christians we run such schools along communal lines. But With the vast additions to the Christian popu- the school is to be like a Christian family whose lation that are being made by the mass move- members are protected from undesirable influments these days, as mentioned above, it is more ences in their formative years and still have a important that all efforts should be concentrated living contact with children of other communities upon the Christian education of these new con- for physical and cultural contests and social acverts, especially the young ones among them. The tivities. In that way they will be able to combine problem is acute just now specially because more the benefits to be derived from good Christian and more Christian primary schools are being atmosphere inside and healthy contacts outside.
closed and children of Christian parents are being A Strong Ministry for Voluntary Education compelled to attend Hindu schools, where the vast majority of children and staff are Hindu. Now If it is not possible to have a Christian school it is true that Christian parents can inoculate for Christian chiklren and if they must needs go their children against any Hindu ideas that are to Hindu schools, then the question of voluntary likely to be absorbed by them in the school. But Christian education must be faced. Such children here the position of Christian pupils attending must be provided with religious educational facili- Hindu schools is different from that of Hindu ties by the Church through voluntary aid from pupils attending Christian schools. Hindu pupils, its members.
because of their vast majority in Christian The leadership for such work must naturally schools, are not as amenable to Christian influence come from the ministry if it realizes the deep im- as Christian students attending Hindu schools are' plications and seriousness of this task. That is, amenable to Hindu influence. Here everything is we must work towards the creation of such a min- against them, the great number of Hindu pupils, istry through our theological seminaries. For the the staff, the management and the general tone future Church we need a well educated, enthusi- of the school. Under these circumstances it will astic, intelligent and devoted army of trained not be surprising if our children unconsciously pastors. For all depends upon the pastor. He is absorb certain ideas that are not in keeping with the key to the whole situation. An enthusiastic Christianity. Neither can we expect them to have and intelligent leader can arouse his lay friends a very strong faith in Christianity if no special and can make the Sunday school a vital part of effort is made by the Church to educate them in the life of his church. But not only that, for the the faith and doctrines of the Church. By neglect- Sunday school alone will not meet the whole situ- ing this phase of Christian work we are laying ation where Christian children have to attend the foundation of the future Church on very un- non-Christian schools. Provision must be made certain ground. Thus the Sunday school or church for their daily instruction in the Christian faith.
school during the week for Christian children is A pastor can enlist the cooperation of the Chris- the greatest need of the hour. All thought, energy tian teachers in the village for voluntary instruc- and resources must be applied to this important tion during week days before or after school.
obligation of the Church, not only for the sake Even if this instruction is given three times a week of the individual lives, but also for the Church's instead of every day of the week, preferahly by own future existence. the Christian teachers of the Hindu school itself, If fortunately there are any Christian schools it will go far towards strengthening the children at all-and every church should make an attempt in their Christian faith.
especially in the primary stage of education to The Content of Religious Education provide schools for its children-they should be run only for Christians. If non-Christians are ad- As regards the content of religious education mitted in that school, they must be in a very for our children, which will be given through the small minority and only of such a type that they Sunday schools or through special instruction are in full sympathy with Christian teaching. during the week, we might say that a fairly good Such schools, be they primary schools or second- knowledge of the Bible by means of a uniform ary schools, are the only means by which we can course covering several years is a minimum neces- keep alive the torch of Christianity burning in sity. Of course we cannot be satisfied merely India. with the possession of the knowledge of biblical An objection might be raised at this point that facts. The study ought to result in the student if we segragate our Christian children from other himself acquiring such interest in the Book that communities in this way, they would be cut off he will proceed to dig for himself the treasures from the national current of life and would find in which the Bible so richly abounds. This knowl- it hard to adjust themselves later to life with edge should also lead to a conversion experience.
others. This objection will hold ground only if An acquaintance with the doctrines of the Church
WORK FOR THE OUTCASTES OF INDIA
will also be a help to the student. And lastly we Christian students to Christ is wasted because the must not forget to study Christ's principles in fruit bears no proportion whatsoever to the vast their relation to the problems of everyday life. sums spent for it, while the same funds could go Religion is not merely knowledge; it is for life far towards constructing the lives of Christian and every effort must be made for its expression children through religious training-the children in life. who will be the future pillars of the Church. Again and again the conviction is borne in upon Some Conclusions us that the Indian Church is the place from which Our conclusion is that the place of Christian Christian education must take its inspiration. The education today, in so far as it is carried on in Church must be strengthened continually by all educational institutions, is with the Christian the means in our power. But there is no hope community itself. It is the Christian children for such a consummation until the future members who need Christian education first and foremost. of the Church are first taken care of. The longer All resources must be applied to this great task this problem is neglected the worse it will be for which is increasing in magnitude day by day. The the Church and for Christianity in India. money and efforts spent on trying to win non- Work for the Outcastes of India* By BISHOP J. WASKOM PICKETT Methodist Episcopal Church; Author of "Christian Mass Movements in India"
N o OTHER area presents a situation so en- of Christ is demonstrated in the Depressed couraging from the point of view of the Classes. And one certain way to arrest the move- eventual rule of Christ in India as does the ments of the higher castes to Christ is to turn work among Depressed Classes in Andhra Desa. away from the poor and the despised to those of Nowhere else in contemporary life do we find so better estate. much information on how friends of Christ can prepare his way and make his paths straight in There are many areas where no sustained pres- India. And nowhere is' it more important that entation of the Gospel has yet been attempted. In the lessons of experience in the service of Christ some of these areas groups of the Depressed in India should be understood and applied. Classes, having learned something from converted relatives or itinerant evangelists, have expressed Since the first observation to be made in the a desire to learn more and to follow Christ. This many new movements to Christ in Andhra Desa fact constitutes an urgent call to the churches of is that they have all resulted from earlier move- adjacent areas, to missions and Mission Boards ments among the Depressed Classes, and since and to all Christians who are able to stand bethis observation is fully confirmed by thorough hind and aid those agencies, to provide the ininvestigation, our first recommendation is that struction, fellowship and leadership in worship every possible effort be made to win all remaining necessary to bring these groups to an experience groups of the Depressed Classes to Christ. Al- of Christ and to aid in education necessary to though the case for this recommendation is clear enable them to realize their heritage in him. The and compelling, we consider that there is grave need is urgent. danger that it will not be implemented. There is a disposition to neglect the Depressed Classes In a week of witness in one rural area last whenever hope is entertained that the higher castes may be induced to respond. To do so now month, Oct<;lb,er, 1937, more than .uvethousand would be both a capital folly and a grievous wrong. There is strong reason to believe that the of the Depressed Classes and over two thousand surest way of multiplying conversions of higher caste Hindus is to increase the scale on which caste Hindus declared their desire to. be enrolled the transforming, enriching and uplifting grace as Christian believers. A missionary report calls • Condensed from "Christ's Way to India:'s Heart," Lucknow Publishing House. from forty-four villages; a,nother tells .of thou- sands eager to be taught, baptiz~d and organized into churches, and tens'of thousands. vaguely in- terestedand ina mood' torespoiId' if the Gospel were preached to them. .
Second-The new group movements of caste coming Christians has spread far and wide with- Hindus are limited to a few areas and are associ- in the castes concerned and has created enough ated with certain conditions that are recognizable interest to insure a respectful hearing of the and definable. We therefore recommend that ef- Gospel by most groups of members of those forts be made to encourage similar movements in castes. As an example we may take the Wadevery part of the territory by reproducing daras. They are a large caste spread over most throughout Andhra Desa the conditions that seem of the Andhra country. At least seven thousand to have contributed to the growth of the present have become Christians. Probably ten thousand movements. What are those conditions? First, others have already manifested interest in Christ. unquestionably, is the development of genuine religious experience within the Church. The quality We will not mention all the castes within which of its spiritual life appears to determine the movements toward Christ have developed, but we measure of the influence which the Church exerts recommend that churches and missions ascertain upon its neighbors. what groups to ~.om they have access are repre- sented in Christward movements anywhere by A Kamma woman who at the time of our in- relatives or caste associates and seek to put the terview had not yet made a public confession of claims of Christ before them. In some cases it faith said, "I'll tell you what makes us accept will be advisable to invite converts to visit areas Christ. We see him working in the lives of people where their testimony and example are needed. we know. The Mala women here were always sad However, two dangers have already appeared in but now some of them are always happy. My connection with such efforts, namely that the conaunt went all the way to Benares to get a religious vert called upon to travel among his former caste experience like that, and when she came back fellows will be confirmed in an attitude of exwithout it, she was so disappointed she died in a clusiveness and be encouraged to import into the few months. I know these Mala women have Church too much of the spirit and practice of his really experienced God." former caste, and that the convert will develop a sort of professionalism in which considerations Influence of Cleanliness of monetary or other reward are evoked.
Third-The increased cleanliness of Christians Fifth-The growth of the Church is dependent is strongly influencing public opinion in favor upon the witness of unpaid lay Christians. We, of Christianity. We recommend that advantage therefore, recommend that all churches and misbe taken of this fact and increased attention be sions consider ways and means of securing a large given to the teaching of habits of cleanliness. The increase in honorary evangelistic effort by laycustom of wearing clean clothes to the house of men. Every convert is a potential evangelist and God generally follows closely upon the establish- the potentialities of many converts are enormous. ment of orderliness and reverence in worship. In this example of the families of the pastor and We recommend that annually two special the teacher is very potent. The quarters of the periods of evangelistic effort be arranged for in Depressed Classes, especially those of the Madi- each church during which the entire membership gas, have been notoriously filthy. In some villages of the church is encouraged to bear witness cona generation or less of experience as Christians cerning Christ to relatives and friends. has effected so much improvement that those same quarters are now cleaner than the quarters of the Sixth-The growth of the Church is retarded highest castes. Such conspicuous improvement is by the aspect of foreignness and promoted by evia mighty aid to evangelism. dence of beiIlg Indian and indigenous. We, there- fore, recommend that church policy, orders of In this connection we recommend that efforts worship, architecture, policies with reference to made by Christian agencies to improve sanitary festivals, social customs, discipline and leadership conditions in the villages begin with the quarters be adapted as much and as speedily as possible of the Christians, and be extended into other to national and local conditions, subject, of course, quarters as a project of the local Christian com- to the preservation of Christian character and munity. In no way can Christians promote sani- values. tation more effectively than in making the quarters of a people once noted for their insanitary Teachings Against Idolatry surroundings a model for all classes. Seventh-The Christian teachings against idol- Fourth-several castes are strongly represented atry and for personal and group acceptance of among the converts in each of the chief areas of the highest ethical standards of conduct appeal the new movements to Christ. We recommend to the conscience and commend the Gospel. We that persistent approaches be made to those castes recommend that more strenuous efforts be made everywhere. The news that their people are be- to protect the Church against violation of these teachings. Despite the prevalence of idolatry, bribery, plural marriages, oppression and social
impurity there is a widespread recognition of the not yet adequate to ,the needs of the Church in evil of these practices and a desire for their over- Andhra Desa and that the supply is superior to throw. The Church has raised the standards of the distribution. We recommend that the Andhra judgment on all of these wrongs but needs to Christian Council undertake responsibil;ty for be on guard against the temptation to lower them promoting a literature program adequate with and be untrue to itself on these issues. The com- respect (1) to the preparation of what is needed, ing into its membership of many people of the (2) to its publication, and (3) to its distribution. higher castes accentuates the danger of com- The chief difficulties relate to vocabulary, size of promise. For example, it is difficult for a Church type and content. composed in the main of day laborers to enforce the demand for personal purity upon a rich land- Caring for Women and Girls lord who lapses into immoral relations with a concubine or to discipline a village head man who Twelfth-The women and girls are less adeaccepts a bribe. quately cared for in the program of the Church than are the men and the boys. We recommend Eighth-The new movements into the Church that efforts be made to correct this situation (a) combined with the rising cultural standards of by including a larger number of women in the the older Christian groups necessitate a better officiary of the Churches, (b) by promoting the trained ministry. Many ministers who were quite organization of women's societies within the adequate for the demands of a decade ago are Church, (c) by using more lady workers in village not able to meet the requirements of the present service, and (d) by supplementary classes for situation. Happily, the educational preparation women in training for baptism and for communiof the ministers now being recruited is quite cant membership in the Church. The services of superior. But many of the experienced men al- Christ to women and girls are recognized and proready at work require help. We recommend that duce a most favorable attitude toward Christianshort-term Refresher Courses be conducted an- ity in the minds of onlookers. The extension of nually for several years and that attendance be the Kingdom would be greatly assisted by made compulsory for all ministers. strengthening women's work in the Church.
Ninth-The use of schoolteachers, partly sup- Thirteenth-The Church is in urgent need of ported by grants-in-aid by Government and partly clarifying its thinking and purifying its attitude by mission subsidies, for pastoral work under the toward caste. We recommend (1) that the implisupervision of ordained ministers, cannot be ex- cations of the teachings of Christ and the apostles panded to meet actual present and probable future as touching this problem be studied throughout needs. We, therefore, recommend that steps be the Church in Andhra Desa, (2) ,that differences taken to enlist and train men who are able to between Christians based upon caste origin be maintain themselves in their villages as honorary, recognized as a menace to the spiritual integrity or semi-honorary, pastoral assistants to conduct of the Church, (3) that help be requisitioned from every evening worship services, to prepare candi- the churches in the north of India to promote the dates for baptism, to visit the sick and to do all merging of converts from different castes into one kinds of ministerial work not necessarily reserved inclusive community, and (4) that only such perfor the ordained ministry. Among the newer sons be enlisted in the ministry as have shown Christians are many men possessing gifts and complete freedom from caste prejudice. graces which would enable them to render notable service as lay preachers. Their appointment would Fourteenth-The strength of the Christward need to be subject to the approval both of the local movements in Andhra Desa is derived from the congregation and of some supervising authority. fact that God is there in Christ Jesus reconciling men and women unto himself. We recommend Tenth-The existing school system is disap- that while striving to improve their work as pointingly slow in producing a literate Church. friends of Christ and servants of God all who are We, therefore, recommend that the schools be related to the Church in Andhra Desa place their supplemented by a non-institutional effort to pro- trust not in the efficiency of human endeavor or mote literacy among adults and adolescents. Mis- the power of man's wisdom but in the revealed sions should make available as generous assist- purpose and the almighty power of God. We were ance as possible, in finance and personnel, for a impressed by the frequency with which new consustained campaign to teach all Christians to verts when asked who had influenced them to beread. Every effort and interest of the Church, in- come Christians replied that no man had including the spread of the Gospel and the social fluenced them but they were moved directly by and economic life of its members would profit by the Spirit of God. There is in the present movethe conquest of illiteracy. ments a strong sense of the mystery of God at work in human hearts. Eleventh-The supply of Christian literature is
Christian Work for India*
By P. OOMMAN PHILIP, Magpur, India -<tif A Secretary of the National Christian Council of India, Burma and Ceylon W HILE organized Christian missions have Church in India must be turned to for help. At been carrying on their operations in India the same time the fact that Indian Christians for only a little over one hundred and were divided int().-many denominations was confifty years, there are today a number of Christian sidered an obstacle in the way of their joining activities conducted wholly by Indians in differ- forces to undertake the work.
ent parts of the country, Some are local and some After some preliminary conferences, in which country-wide.t Although they may have at first prominent missionaries took an important part, come into existence under the inspiration of the and after wide consultation with foreign mission- Western missionary movement, these activities aries at work in India, the society was formally have been made their own by Christian Indians, organized on Christmas Day, 1905, at Serampore, and depend on them for direction and support. a place hallowed by the labors of pioneer mission- The oldest of these ventures goes back less than aries like William Carey and Henry Martyn.
fifty years, while the youngest is only a few years Though Indian Christians generally do not attach old. Their significance, however, is far beyond much value to the denominational differences that what may be indicated by the years they have have come to them from the West, it was signifi- been in existence. cant that the National Missionary Society was not First of all these efforts are an expression of organized on an undenominational basis but the spirit of Christian service which is taking recognized the denominations that existed in hold of the Church in India. Second, they stand India. This was perhaps due to the fact that at- for a real desire to render this Christian service tempts made in the past by certain ardent Indian untrammelled by the limitations involved in tak- Christians, in the direction of doing away with ing financial help from Western churches. Third, denominations, far from achieving their purpose, they represent a venture, much needed in India only tended to add to the number. In view of at the present day, for discovering ideals and such experience, the organizers of the National methods of Christian work that would be suitable Missionary Society were wise in making it an in- to the peculiar conditions of the land. terdenominational effort, in which Indian Chris- The most noteworthy Indian missionary effort tians of different communions could actively par- is what is known as the National Missionary ticipate without compromising in any way their Society of India. This society was organized denominational loyalties.
thirty-three years ago for the purpose of "evan- The Society caine into existence at a time when gelizing the unoccupied parts of India and ad- a great awakening of the national consciousness jacent countries," and of "laying upon Indian was taking place in India. The Indian Chris- Christians the burden of the responsibility of tians, by their associations and training generally evangelizing India." indifferent to movements which had a political A study of the Census Report of India for 1900, complexion, were at first inclined to stand aloof undertaken by a group of Indian Christian young when the national movement swept over it. But men soon after its pUblication, revealed the fact a movement like the National Missionary Society, that, in spite of the work carried on by many aiming at the evangelization of India "with Indian missionary societies from the West for the past men, Indian money and under Indian direction,"
one hundred and fifty years, more than one-third helped the Christian community to discern the of the people of India had, humanly speaking, no spiritual elements in the national movement, and chance of hearing the Gospel in their lifetime. It to realize the contribution they, as Indian disciples was realized that for this work of making the of Christ, could make towards its enrichment.
Gospel known in these regions, entirely unreached The highest service that Indian Christians could or unreachable by foreign missions, the Christian render to their country was rightly conceived as * Condensed from "Tbe Cbrlstlan Task in India," MacMillan Co. sharing with their countrymen the unique knowl- t Over forty missionary societies bave tbelr beadquarters in India edge and experience of God derived from Jesus Christ. Mr. V. S. Azariah (now Bishop Azariah) and over balf of these are entirely manned, controlled and supported by Indian Christians.
[478 ] and Mr. K. T. Paul were among those who first with the vast activities of foreign mISSIOns in carried the appeal of the Society throughout the India, the work done by the National Missionary length and breadth of the country, and from a Society in all its eight districts taken together is thousand platforms and pulpits they made Indian insignificant. In the number of workers, in the Christians of all churches and provinces realize range of activities, in the institutions maintained, the importance and privilege of the task to which and in the number of those admitted into the they were summoned. The enthusiasm aroused Christian Church, the results are not great, but and the idealism stirred up were promptly organ- the uniqueness of its work consists in the fact ized and directed along channels of definite that it is being carried on as a purely Indian ef- Christian work in so'me of the neglected parts of fort. A sure indication that Indian Christians are India. IIi this way the Society was led within a few years' time to start work in "unoccupied" really making this effort their own is that it has districts situated in the provinces of the Panjab, been slowly evolving methods of Christian work the United Provinces and Madras. The Society suited to the conditions of this land. If these has now eight centres of work in different parts methodsare.to be worth anything in God's Kingof the country. dom they. a:r~ to grow out of the experience of Christ":possessed men, who, being familiar with While the income of the Society comes from all that is best in Indian life and thought, bring Indian Christians of all churches into a common to bear on it the values and. standards of Jesus treasury and is administered by committees Christ. This is necessarily a·slow process. drawn from all churches, members belonging only to one denomination are sent to a particular field In spite of the difficulties, the National Missionas workers. The ordination of workers and other ary Society h~s been tackling this problem, and ecclesiastical matters are regulated by the ec- the Ashram method of Christian life and service, clesiastical authority of the denomination con- which has been adopted with such remarkable cerned nearest to the field. In this manner the success in Tirupattur, its South Indian field, may work of the Society in the different fields is related be cited as an illustration of the discovery and ecclesiastically to the following communions: The application of methods best suited to Indian con- Anglican Church, the United Church of Northern ditions. India, the Lutheran Church, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the South India United There are also several indigenous denomina- Church. Under this arrangement the bishops or tional missionary societies which are called "home the church councils of these bodies cooperate with missions." A number of the organized church the interdenominational committees of the bodies in India prefer to give expression to their Society. But in the appointment of workers, the missionary spirit through these home missions supplying of the funds needed, and the general of their own rather than cooperate with an alldirection of the work, the National Missionary India organization like the National Missionary Society is solely responsible. Society. At least three church bodies in South No Financial Help from Abroad India maintain their own home missions and take also an active share through the National Mis- One of the principles of the National Mission- sionarv Society in the evang"elization of some ary Society, from which it has not swerved, has p:lrt of India far away from their own field. All been that no financial help be solicited from of them claim to be indigenous efforts, depending foreign countries. In the year 1906 the income for support on the contributions of Indian Chrisfrom voluntary contributions was only a little tians, and with the management and direction over Rs. 2000. There has, however, been a steady entirely in the hands of Indians. Some of them rise in the income and now the average annual carryon well-planned work among" non-Chrisincome from voluntary contributions'is about Rs. tianf'!, involving the emuloyment of high-grade ,60,000. This is a small amount when compared workers and a considerable annual budget. The with the incomes of some of the Western mission- Ludhiana Church Council, for instance, has been ary societies, but when we consider that Indian ~arrving on work in the Karnal District of the Christians are generally on a much lower eco- Panjab for the last forty years. In the South, nomic level than their non-Christian countrymen where there are larger numbers of Christians than and that insistent demands are made on their in any other part of India, we find a number of generosity by their own churches, this is very en- such efforts. The two most noteworthv of these couraging. The bulk of these contributi:'ons is are the Indian Missionary Society of Tinnevelly, made up of small subscriptions offered with faith- ~()nnected with the ATIJ~'Ii~an Church, and the Mar ful regularity by the middle class and the poor. Thoma Svrian Christian Evangelistic Association. Behind these gifts of money there is also a great Out of the work of the Tinnevelly Society has deal of genuine prayerful interest. In comparison Q'rown the well-known Dornakal Mission of which Bishop Azariah is the head. He first went to
Dornakal as a missionary to the Telugus of that and who throws himself on the charity of others. area, sent by the Tamil Anglican Church of Tin- They cannot quite reconcile themselves to the idea nevelly. The Mar Thoma Syrian Christian Evan- that a Christian worker should be given an allowgelistic Association is the missionary society of the ance to keep him above need and to enable him to Mar Thoma Syrian Church, one of the branches carryon the work without any anxiety about the of the old Syrian Church on the west coast of support of his family. Though the exigencies of South India. This Association represents the first church life and religious work under modern conmissionary effort organized on modern lines in ditions are making Indian Christians accustomed the long history of this ancient community of to the salary system for Christian workers, there Indian Christians. Started fifty years ago on a is, deep down in the minds of many good Indian very small scale for the purpose of evangelizing Christians, a lurking fear that all this is sometheir non-Christian neighbors, it has now grown thing un-Christian and unspiritual. There is a into an efficient Christian agency carrying on ex- similar attitude towards organizations. Thus the tensive work among the depressed classes, and National Missionary Society and other Indian maintaining a large number of educational and missionary societies have to find support and other institutions both for Christians and non- make progress among people who have such a mental and spiritual background. Perhaps this Christians. may be a reaction against the over-organization which so often characterizes Christianity in India. *** Very little attention is being given to the study of this attitude, which is fairly widespread among Many Indian Christians have imbibed from the Indian Christians, with a view to reconciling it religious atmosphere with which they are sur- with the highest teachings of Jesus Christ, and of rounded a belief that matter is essentially evil, applying the results of such study to the work of and, as a result, the most spiritually minded evangelization which the Church in India is facamong them have a tendency to despise all ma- ing. terial aids in carrying on religious work. The ideal of a Christian worker is a wandering sannyasin who is a celibate, who owns nothing in this world, Indian Women Evangelizing India By MISS E. N. WELLS, M.R.C.P., Ludhiana, Panjab Women's Christian Medical College W HEN the Women's Christian Medical tian work, and the remainder are non-Christians. College was founded forty-four years ago Of the compounders, the greater proportion are it was with this aim in view that Indian Christians and many are in mission hospitals. All Christian girls should be trained as medical mis- the nurses are Christians, and while several go insionaries to their own people, whether as doctors, to Government service the majority are employed compounders, nurses, midwives or dais. Has this by missions, several returning to the missions ideal been fulfilled? from which they have come for training. The midwives include women who come for midwifery Statistics are revealing, and so I give a few only and some compounders, and the nurses. regarding the graduates from this college and the Memorial Hospital attached to it. We have in training now: Since its inception the following have gradu- 130 Medical students of whom 85 are Christians. 16 Compounders of whom 14 are Christians. ated: 64 Nurses, all Christians. 67 Midwives. Christians and non-Christians. Medical Students ……………. 352 Compounders ……………….. 144 Our students in these classes come from, or are Nurses…………………….. 236 working with, about 26 different missions in *Midwives …………………… 813 India. Indigenous Dais …………….. 100 approximately The opportunities offered the graduates for Of these medical students about 120 are defi- spreading the Gospel are tremendous, especially nitely in mission work, about 50 Christians are in when it is realized that 90% of India's 340 milprivate practice, some of them doing real Chris- • These midwives include some nurses and compounders.
INDIAN WOMEN EVANGELIZING INDIA
lions live in the villages, and that each mission pital evangelistic work, and it is said that she is station is situated in a district surrounded by always willing to "go the extra mile" no matter numerous villages. (Ludhiana for instance has what comes in she is ready to help, and is loved 500 villages within a -five-mile radius.) by the people.
The founder and principal, Dame Edith *** Brown, is in England for a short furlough and in preparation for deputation meetings, she has Dr. M. in Bengal, who is in charge during the written to several mission hospitals where our absence of the senior doctor on furlough, is doing graduates are employed, asking for a report of a real work among the people. She goes out to their influence and work. The replies have been the villages with a band of people, who have been most encouraging in the majority of cases, and formed into a Witness Band, and they give their extracts from some of the letters which we quote time and help voluntarily, witnessing to the people prove that the quickest way of winning India for of what Christ has done for them. This is in ad- Christ is by sending out Indians trained for serv- dition to the evangelistic work in the hospital. ice, and with a real missionary zeal and vision. They can touch the hearts of their people as no *** foreigner ever can, and by their lives and witness show the power of Christ. The following extracts One of our Panjabi graduates, who married are typical of many others received: another doctor, went with him to work in a very backward district. She had a picture of the Cruci- Writing of one of our more recent graduates, fixion in her small dispensary, and the people the doctor in charge of the mission hospital says, visiting her for medical aid were told the story "Dr. J. is a fine Christian woman and has shown of the Cross. The message was spread through her influence in a number of ways…. Dr. J. is the village, and enquirers came forward, one happy to go out on calls regardless of what the woman and her daughter were baptized, and are patients can pay. What is even better, she is witnessing their faith in Christ far and wide. Dr. happy also to go out on tour with the Biblewomen. P. has come back to us to work in a village dis- If every Indian village could be within reach of pensary nearby, and is already winning the hearts a Christian woman doctor like Dr. J. the lot of of the people by her life and work. She is a the Indian women and children would soon be im- zealous evangelist and has a real gift for giving proved…. I wish we had funds to employ a half the Message in a way that is understood by the dozen doctors like Dr. J. and send them out into simple village folk. the villages. It would be one of the quickest ways of evangelizing this section of India." These graduates are all in mission service, but some who have gone into Government service are *** also doing a great work. One in particular comes to mind. She is in one of the Indian States, and Another doctor, writing of a senior graduate, in her spare time visits the people in their homes, says that Dr. C. was awarded the Coronation teaching them the Word, and has found many Medal last year, and this year was appointed as openings for witnessing for her Master. medical superintendent of the hospital, not an acting post but a regular appointment. It was re- *** ported in the papers that she was the first to be given such an appointment in the institutions of While in training the students receive instructhe South. We now have about six graduates who tion in evangelistic work, and have opportunity to have been made full members of the mtssionary go out to the villages if they wish to do so. Those societies, under which they are working. who have a real missionary vision are keen to do this, and in addition of course have contact with *** the patients. The language question is a problem. Our students collectively speak about 16 different Two interesting reports' come from a hospital languages, English being the common one in use on the North-West Frontier employing a doctor for study, but many keen students cannot speak and compounder. The former belongs to the dis- to the patients in Panjabi or Urdu, and while trict and knows the language. The latter is learn- studying have not the time to learn the language ing it and doing good work. A special hill tribe but it is encouraging to know of several who have came down to where the hospital is to trade, and to work out of their language area, and have were not allowed to return by the Government. mastered the local dialect in order to do more The senior doctor was not allowed to visit them, effective evangelistic work. but Dr. W. is allowed to do so and has been going regularly to teach them. Writing of the com- These particulars show how Indian Christians pounder they say "Her true Christian character are preparing and are evangelizing their own is what we value most and we hope she will stay people. We feel sure that it is the experience of with us many years." She does village and hos- missions all over the country, that it is India's own people who can and will bring her to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"The Blind Receive Their Sight" I•n
A Remarkable Example of Modern Medical Missionary Service in Shikarpur, Sind, India "'1 l/iI>– By STUART BERGSMA, M.D., Trudia, P"'jab, loma FIVE thousand patients come to Shikarpur Glaucoma is a dreaded eye disease in which Eye Hospital in January and February of the "window" of the eye becomes a greenish hazy each year. For twenty-eight years the color and the eyeball becomes hard. Patients who present themselves early for operation can be C. M. S. Hospital of Quetta has maintained this helped a great deal, but many suppose they are branch hospital which is open only two months developing cataracts and there will be plenty of of the year. For twenty-eight years Dr. Henry time. They arrive practically sightless, only to T. Holland, dean of all eye surgeons in India, has be told: "Too late! Nothing can be done!" Strong carried on his amazing work of giving sight to thousands of India's almost countless blind men break down and plead: "Just a little operapeople. Between 1,000 and 1,500 cataract opera- tion! please, give me just a little sight!" They tions alone are performed each year. It is no beat their foreheads, they grope to some corner exaggeration to say that sight has been restored to ponder upon the magnitude of the calamity that to 30,000 by this man and his co-workers. has befallen them. They sneak back into line two or three times in hopes the opinion may be It was my great privilege to be one of the guest changed; maybe the doctor who has such great surgeons invited to help in the eye work at Shik- arpur in January and February of 1938. I found power in his hands does not want to help them Shikarpur like most other Indian cities, dirty, con- after all; they offer the extra 40c they have gested, lacking necessary sanitary arrangements, knotted away in their shawl to spend for the food with narrow streets and open sewers, bazaars for the journey home; all to no avail, the eye is with food stalls swarming with flies, dust filling "burned out." Finally it sinks into their dulled the air-all ideal conditions for the spread of brain that they are really doomed to blindness for disease. the rest of their life. Again they take the hand' of their friend and hopelessly they plod the Few of our patients, however, come from the journey homeward. city itself. They come from villages scattered all over the Sind Desert. The fame of one' man, The Hospital Is the Patient with a Roof "Holland Sahib," draws them to the Eye Hospital Over Him at Shikarpur, about three hundred miles from Karachi in Southwest India. As many as 400 The patients are carried on primitive stretchers patients come in one day and on the two busiest from the hospital to the "sheds," erected by days our staff of four doctors performed 88 stretching poles from an enclosing brick wall to cataract operations and an equal number of other brick posts set in rows with mats placed over the eye operations each day. In January and Feb- poles to form a roof. As the number of in-patients ruary altogether. about 1,500 cataract operations increases the "hospital" is enlarged by stretching were performed. more poles from brick pier to pier and adding The most common eye condition for which relief more matting. It is a type of building which ilis sought at the Shikarpur Eye Hospital is cata- lustrates Dr. Paul Harrison's definition of a hosract. Indian hakims or untrained "doctors" have pital: "A patient with a roof over him, and the for ages treated blindness due to cataract by push- roof isn't very important." ing a needle into the eye right into the pupil and pushing the lens that has become opaque away To this hospital comes the high strung, nervous, from the aperture where it blocks the channel of sleek and well fed Hindu who has perhaps atlight and back into the rear chamber of the eye. tained his position of wealth and influence by The patient so treated has vision restored im- lending money to less fortunate brothers at 1000/0 mediately in many cases and as a result the hakim interest. He calls on "Ram," his god, to bless him makes a lucrative living. He does not stay in that as we remove his cataract, and he rolls his eyes village very long, however, nor does he return from side to side as we instruct him to remain if he can help it; for his patients in most cases quiet if he desires a good eye. He may be able to eventually become incurably blind. pay as much as $50 to $100 for his operation- (but try and get it!).
[482 ] Yonder is the calm and placid Mohammedan rails and four legs with rope woven across the peasant from a barren village far away. He lies frame. The patient and his attendant will freimmovable on the table except for a few muttered quently sleep in the same narrow bed and if other "Allah-Allah's" and because he is unspeakably members of the family have accompanied the poor will perhaps have his cataract removed for patient they sleep under the bed on the dirt floor. 40c. Mohammedans form two-thirds of our pa- There is a happy-go-lucky atmosphere about it all tients in this hospital. even though the scanty, thin bedding, the patched ragged clothing and the undernourished bodies Our next patient is a restless Brahui, outwardly tell of great poverty in the case of most of them. calm and trying to act indifferent and fearless at the prospect of an operation, but one can never "And the Poor Have the Gospel Preached tell what he may do. Or we may next see a long- to Them." haired Sikh with long black beard and hair untouched by scissors or razor. The stocky and A team of five evangelistic workers carried on strong Baluchi, the fanatical and suspicious an intensive and practical evangelistic campaign. Afghani, the plodding Panjabi peasant, the In the clinic, the sheds, the city and the neighbor- Pathan with the chip on his shoulder looking for ing district they sold 3,600 Scripture portions, trouble-all are represented. As many as five chiefly single Gospels, but also several whole hundred patients may be actually in residence at Bibles. When one considers that the district is one time, making this the largest Eye Hospital largely Mohammedan these large sales are really in the world while it is in operation. With each surprising. patient must come at least one friend to care for his needs, and frequently the whole family makes Daily preaching services were conducted in the it a time for vacation, bringing all the children hospital, and stereopticon talks on Scriptural and even the cow and the dog with pups. themes in the evening. The most fruitful work was done by hours spent in personal talks with Fifty fires will be burning with groups of a inquiring patients and friends. A greater evandozen or so about each campfire. Chipaties or gelistic opportunity could scarcelY,be imagined Indian breads are baking on skillets. Queer spicy anywhere. To estimate spiritual results is imsmells arise from the pots and pans over the possible. The physical results are clear and confires in the Hindu section. A small mob is milling vincing. Hundreds of men and women, whose about the kitchen from which 200 pounds of rice, eyes were blind so that they could see nothing at 200 pounds of flour and 200 quarts of milk are all, went home rejoicing, having received sight. distributed free to patient and one friend each It is our earnest hope that many also had "the day. eyes of their understanding enlightened" and could go home rejoicing, that whereas they once Each patient brings his own bedding, but native were spirtiually blind they now can see the charpais are furnished free. These charpais, or wondrous Light of the World. Indian beds, consist of a framework of four side- THE FASCINATION OF THE CITY The City man muses on the magnitude and significance of the daily migration of two millions of people from home or sleeping place into the business area of the city to its vital organs. He wonders what, if anything, this daily oscillation of human flesh has accomplished. It has helped to turn the turbines of industry and of commerce, true, but what has it all done to the people themselves?
Surely the city is at once dynamic and stimulating. The great metropolitan communities of London, New York, Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco exert a lure and fascination on hamlet and cross-road. The city is exhilarating to the young, challenging to the prepared, albeit enervating to the weak, frightening to the old and relentlessly hard on the hindermost. If only men never felt fatigue and never grew old, is the long, single sigh of the city.
Yet, even in his weary moments, there is respite and revival for spent City man; he sees his city, despite its inhumanity, a city magnificent; its buildings towering skyward, commanding a view of the whole metropolitan area; bridges with their graceful arches concealing strength under their grace; educational institutions magnificent in their equipment; art galleries and museums; imposing luxurious hotels; apartment houses designed to give the favored a sense of security and power; a flow of traffic magnificent in its equipage, pulsating with unlimited energy; a skyline splendid in outline despite its haphazard notches and irregular curves. Yet, what a toll in human substance this magnificence has cost!
CHARLES H. SEARS.
Great Missionaries To
Lessons from Their Ideals and Methods -<till I By REV. C. E. ABRAHAM, Serampore College, Bengal jSt– INTRODUCTION. A missionary may be judged 9, 1834 Carey died at Serampore at the age of seventy- by the historian from various points of view. three. His achievements, methods of work and ideals Certain things are a source of perpetual inspirand aspirations may each entitle a missionary to ation and enlightenment to posterity in the life a niche in the temple of fame, and a man be well and work of William Carey. The secret of his satisfied if he has something to his credit on any of wonderful achievements may be found in his love these counts. Taking the long roll of missionaries for His Saviour and in his faith in God's promises.
from the West who have labored in India, scores Carey was a child of the evangelical revival in- have earned a secure place in the history of the itiated by the Wesleys and Whitfield in England.
Church by the brilliance of their achievements or Since the day of his conversion, as a young man, aspirations in the cause of the Kingdom. A few the cross of Jesus was a theme that constantly may be ranked as pioneers in missionary annals engaged his thought and touched new chords of and upon them posterity has bestowed a greater wonder and joy in his soul. We may recall here degree of honor than on their fellows. This is not two incidents in Carey's life. When Marshman only because.of what they were in themselves, but asked one day for a text on which he might preach because they typify in a more conspicuous manner, during the memorial service after Carey's death, the ideals and aspirations of their fellow mission- Carey at once suggested "By Grace ye are saved."
aries. (Eph. 2: 8.) At the beginning of his career Alexander Duff Among this select few may be reckoned the three figures that form the subject of this short came to receive Dr. Carey's blessings. At the end sketch. Each may be called a pioneer in illustrat- of the conversation in which the veteran was ing certain qualities or certain methods of work complimented by the young missionary on the which are unique in mission history. At the same work the former had accomplished, Carey turned time all of them are in various ways like other to Duff and said: "When I am gone, don't speak workers of whom the world has heard little or of Dr. Carey, but of his Saviour." Even today it nothing. In appreciating these pioneers we are is only the cross of Christ that can enable men to not paying homage to a few supermen on top of be true missionaries and can keep them Christthe missionary roll of honor, but honoring the like in their life and service for the Kingdom. rank and file who have enlisted themselves in the valiant task of building up the Kingdom of God Amazing too is the breadth of vision that Carey in India. displayed in his work at a time when parochialism prevailed everywhere. While in England he William Carey awoke to the need of preaching the Gospel to the non-Christian world and tried to arouse others We shall consider first the great mIssIOnary also to a sense of the same need. That is how who is justly called the "Father of Modern Mis- the Baptist Missionary Society came to be founded sions." The main facts of his life are well known: in 1792. In India, too, Carey's work was charac- William Carey was born August 17, 1761, at Paulers terized by the same wide sweep of vision. He Pury in Northampton-shire, England; in 1779 he was was not content to work in one spot; being overconverted while serving as an apprentice in a shoemaker's whelmed by the sense of need of the whole counshop; he was pastor in Moulton and Leicester and in try, he wanted to make Serampore a centre of 1792 preached his deathless sermon on Isaiah 44; "Ex- far-flung missionary operations throughout the pect great things from God, Attempt great things for God"; on October 2, 1792, the Baptist Missionary Society East. In translation work, he took the whole of was founded and in 1793 Carey was appointed missionary to India; from 1794 to 1800 Carey was an indigo planter India as his field, not only Bengal. It will be reand padre at Mudnabati; in 1800 he reached Serampore; in 1801 the Bengali New Testament was published; later membered that he translated the Bible into all Bible and Bible portions were translated into 34 Indian the prm.C.Ipa1 1anguages f I n d·Ia excep t t wo m. languages; in 1818 he founded Serampore College; June 0 the extreme South (Tamil and Malayalam) for which provision had been otherwise made.
[484 ] Further, Carey found no difficulty in cooperat- council. As a rule the Indian cannot easily see ing with those of a different persuasion from in a missionary a follower of Christ of the Indian himself in theological and ecclesiastical matters. Road. Carey's covenant reads as follows: Himself a Baptist by conviction, though not by birth, he moved on the most friendly terms with 1. To set an infinite value on men's souls. Anglican chaplains like Henry Martyn and David 2 To acquaint ourselves with the snares which hold Brown. The Martyn Pagoda in Serampore is a the minds of the people. witness today to this interdenominational amity 3. To abstain from whatever deepens India's prejudice that Carey valued so highly. The broad basis on against the Gospel. which Serampore College is founded is another 4. To watch for every chance of doing the people good. illustration of his broad outlook. It is laid down 5. To preach "Christ crucified" as the grand means of in the College statutes that "No caste, color or conversion. creed shall debar anyone from becoming a student 6. To esteem and treat Indians always as our equals. of Serampore College." In his methods one finds 7. To guard and build up "the hosts that may be the same comprehensiveness of outlook. Though gathered." he never tired of preaching by word of mouth in 8. To cultivate their spiritual gifts, ever pressing upon the streets of Calcutta and Serampore and else- them their missionary obligation-since Indians only can where he did not conceive the Gospel to be merely win India for Christ. a message to be delivered; it was for him a 9. To labor unceasingly in Biblical translation. Power to transform society as well as individuals; 10. To be instant in the nurture of personal religion. that is why he adopted, along with his colleagues, 11. To give ourselves without reserve to the cause, "not various methods in fighting social evils such as counting even the clothes we wear our own." infanticide and suttee (widow-burning). Alexander Duff Some Missionary Ideals Here is a representative of the second genera- Amongst the ideals that Carey has bequeathed tion of Protestant missionaries. Duff was a to posterity may be mentioned two which have a pioneer in the field of Christian higher education. special relevance to the present time. He saw early the value of indigenous leadership in relation Duff was born April 25, 1806; in 1823 to 1829 he was to the missionary program. Serampore College in St. Andrews under Dr. Chalmers; in 1829 he was was founded for the training of "native youth" appointed missionary and arrived in India; in 1830 he to preach the Gospel. He also saw the importance opened a school which later grew into the now famous of giving a thorough training to Indian youth, Scottish Church College; in 1832 lie published the first not only in the truths of the Christian religion, number of the Calcutta Christian Observer; from 1844 but also in the thought and culture of the East. to 1849 he was editor of the Calcutta Review; in 1854 Sanskrit had an honored place in the Serampore he gave evidence before the Government which influenced curriculum for a long time and the vernaculars the famous Education Dispatch of 1854 (resulting in the too received recognition that they had not en- creation of the University of Calcutta, Bombay and joyed before. The value of the vernacular is now Madras); on February 12, 1878, he died in Edinburgh being recognized by every missionary society, but at the age of seventy-two. one wonders whether the same emphasis is given by all missions alike to the cultural heritage of The ship in which Duff came out to India with India in the training of evangelists and pastors. his wife in 1830 was wrecked off the coast of Africa and Duff lost all his possessions, includ- Another of Carey's ideals was that mission ing a library of 800 books which was a gift from work should be carried on upon the basis of a the Mission Council of the Church of Scotland. fellowship and sh~ring between workers on the Two of these books were washed ashore and field. The covenant drawn up by the Serampore eventually came into Duff's hands-a copy of trio, Carey, Marshman and Ward is one that Bagster's Edition of the Bible and a Scottish should prove a challenge to every mission field at Psalter. These were practically the sole possesthe present time. Carey and his colleagues tried to sions with which he landed in India, but Duff was live their lives, in spite of difficulties, in the light not disappointed for he knew that there was only of this high ideal; and it is perhaps this aspect one thing needful and he held in his hands the of his life which evokes the greatest admiration treasure that India needed most. for them in the eyes of the Indian Church. The members of this Church want not only to receive The problem of presenting the Gospel to the the Gospel from the West from the missionaries, people of Bengal was by no means an easy one. but to see its truths demonstrated in the mission Missionaries before him had preached the Word compound, missionary conferences and church in the market place and in the highways; the Bible had been translated into the vernaculars, yet the heart of Hinduism r.emained apparently untouched. Intellectuals among Hindus were either orthodox or agnostic and were not kindly disposed towards Christianity. Duff believed that the Gospel would be able to uproot the evils of Hinduism only if the Bible was presented in the context of Western culture and philosophy. West- Christianity. This is clear from the follow- ern education carried on through the medium of ing quotation from Duff's writings.
English might be used to work this miracle and I have never ceased to pronounce the system of giving so Duff made up his mind to try this new method. a high English education, without religion, blind suicidal The times were propitious. Whether English or policy. On the other hand, . . . I have never ceased the oriental languages should be given primacy to declare that . . . no wiser or more effective plan can be conceived than that of bestowing this higher Engin the administrative policy of the East India lish education in close and inseparable alliance with the Company was a live issue, and Duff threw the illumining, quickening, beautifying influences of the Chrisweight of his support in favor of English. Even- tian faith.
tually, thanks to the advocacy of Macaulay, the If we criticize the modern system of education English language came to be accepted as the in India we must remember that its character as medium of instruction in India and thus higher visualized by its advocates like Duff, was differeducation received a new dignity and status which ent from what has been developed in the course it has retained until the present day. of time. The Lindsay Commission which visited Duff's greatness lies in the fact that he was the India in 1931 investigating the conditions under first to make higher education in English an effec- which higher education was carried on, has at- tive handmaid in the Christian program. The tempted to restore the Christian colleges to their Christian school and college are now accepted as original level of usefulness to the community and a matter of course as an integral factor in mis- the nation at large as in the days of Carey and sionary and church work, and we are apt to lose Duff. This in itself is a tribute to the inherent sight of the difficulties of the pioneer. It is true soundness of Duff's ideal for Christian higher edthat in Duff's day, there was a widespread desire ucation. Discussing the aims of Christian higher in Bengal to learn English since it afforded a education, the Report of the Commission says: key to the treasures of Western culture. But to To give the students who come to them a sound educa- learn it from a missionary and to learn it in a tion, to open their minds to the opportunities of service school where the Bible was given the first place which are all about them, and through contact with the was not a proposition which all enlightened Gospel of Jesus Christ to inspire them with the spirit Hindus were prepared to accept. The noble ex- which will enable them to render that service effectively; to furnish leaders for the Christian community, which ertions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in making Duff's in its growing numbers and enlarging influence is beexperiment a success may be remembered with coming a factor of increasing importance in India's nagratitude both by the Hindus and Christians of tional life; and through the studies of its scholars into the present generation. Duff opened his school on the baffling problems-economic, social, and religious- July 13, 1830 in the presence of Ram Hohan Roy, which cry out for solution, to lay a firm basis on sound who had specially been present, on the occasion knowledge for wise action: this is to do for India what India most needs (p. 119).
to dispel the suspicions of his countrymen about If every missionary and Indian Christian the new missionary move. Duff's school grew into teacher would bear in mind the primary purpose large dimensions, and by the end of his career in of Christian education as it is sketched here and India Christian missions were vying with one would seek to go about his work in the spirit of another in promoting this new line of evangelistic the pioneer of this movement, Christian education work in different parts of the country. in India may increasingly become the spearhead Duff made his appeal on behalf of the Gospel, of a great evangelistic advance. We need today not only through the classroom as a teacher, but more men of Duff's type, men with conviction he appealed to the mind of non-Christian India about the spiritual value of Christian education.
through the press and the platform. By such a many-sided intellectual appeal he hoped to create Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur a ferment in Hindu society through which Bengal The jungle village of Dohnavur in Tinnevelly intelligentsia might be won for Christ. He was district in the south of India, has come on the not altogether disappointed in the result, for there missionary map during the last two decades. were several notable conversions from among his Here a wonderful piece of work is being carried students during his life time. on by Miss Amy Carmichael and her associates, Duff's Conception of Christian Education European and Indian, who are knit together into a spiritual fellowship of life and service.
In pleading for a system of education in which Miss Carmichael first came to South India English was of fundamental importance, Duff's nearly forty years ago and there saw one of the main consideration was that it would be a reli- horrible customs in Hindu society-that of dedi- gious system through and through. He had little cating girls and boys to the gods and goddesses in use for education divorced from the teaching of Hindu temples-still lingering in certain parts. The fate of these children is ultimately a life of The following "Confession of Love" signed by girls joining the "Sisters of the Common Life" shame and misery. Since the more enlightened (organized March 18, 1916) expresses wonder- fully well, the spirit of the Fellowship as a whole. public opinion in Indian society does not counte- My vow: nance this scandalous custom, it has created an un- Whatsover Thou sayest unto me, by Thy grace I will derworld of its own with its secret agents for do it.
trafficking in the souls and bodies of innocent My constraint: Thy love, 0 Christ, my Lord. children. Moved to sympathy with the victims of My confidence: this evil custom in the Tinnevelly district Miss Thou art able to keep that which have I committed Carmichael, an Irish woman and formerly a mis- unto Thee.
sionary under the Church Missionary Society, My joy: To do Thy will, 0 God. started rescue work among them. There were My discipline: very heavy odds against her but God blessed her That which I would not choose, but which Thy love efforts and from humble beginnings it has now appoints.
developed into noble proportions both in size and My prayer: Conform my will to Thine. personnel. From being the work of a lone hand it My motto: has now become the united effort of a heroic Love to Live: Live to Love.
Fellowship* at Dohnavur. In a sense, the work My portion: The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance. (Gold Cord, being carried on is not very different from that p. 162.) found in some other mission stations. There is In recent times Fellowships similar to that of preaching the Gospel, teaching the children, vil- Dohnavur have been formed in different places in India under the name of "Ashrams." lage uplift, medical service-all these are featu~es These Ashrams and Fellowships are the harin the Christian missionary program of IndIa. binger of a new day for the missionary movement in India. At the same time it may be said that Yet the spirit behind the work is unfortunately they cannot wholly take the place of the mission- ary societies, Western or Eastern. What we need not found in every mission. is a sufficient number of Fellowships throughout the country s~ that they may act as living cells There are two things in the Dohnavur spirit promoting the spiritual health of the missionary organization as a whole. which we may note specially. First, there is the Our Conclusion spirit of faith and complete dependence on God We may recall the thought we gave expression for every need and for guidance and power that to in the introduction to this article. The three figures introduced into this sketch are pioneers animates all the work and workers. Their mis- as well as types. They have accomplished differ- ent kinds of work which may in a sense be called sion was born of faith and is sustained by faith. unique; yet in another sense it is work in which Western Missions have been engaged from the be- It is not supported by any missionary society or ginning of their history. What India longs to see is that the work of missions and missionaries to church council in the West or in the East. The India is carried on today in the spirit of the pioneers-the spirit of Christian faith, spiritual buildings at Dohnavur, as well as the men and fellowship and self-sacrificing adventure.
women serving there, are reminders to a visitor of God who answers prayer, the prayer of believ- ing faith. Elaborate organization in missionary work, it seems, has too generally tended to reduce the element of faith almost to the vanishing point, but one feels that what Dohnavur stands for is a corrective that is greatly needed in India at the present time.
Second, the Dohnavur spirit is the spirit of fel- loofwCshhriip~t.intMimenataenadnwd ovmiteanl and rooted in the love belonging to different races and communions have come together in a spirit of love based on common loyalty to their Lord and Master.
• The story of the Fellowship is recorded by Miss Carmichael In "Gold Cord" S. P. C. K.. 1932.
Our Part in His Task By HENRY VAN DYKE Every mason in the quarry, every builder on the shore, Every chopper in the pa!m grove, every ~aftsman at the oar-:- Hewing wood and drawmg water, splIttmg stones and cleavmg sod- All the dusty ranks of labor, in the regiments. of G<?d, .
March together toward His triumph, do the tas!: HIS hands prepare, Honest toil is holy service: faithful work is praIse and pr~~er. . -From The Mar~t'/,me Bapt'tSt.
Indian Christian-Pandita Ramabai*
PANDITA RAMABAI was born in 1858 and own people. Her book with the title Morals for was the great pioneer of the modern women's Women had brought her in enough to provide movement in India. She inherited from her funds for her and her child's travel. ,father, Ananta Shastri Dongre, a learned Brah- It was about this time that she had been called min, the best traditions of Indian civilization. before the Education Commission to give evi- Her mother, who had been educated by her hus- dence. It is said that her words were reported to band, taught little Ramabai in her earliest child- Queen Victoria, who was greatly impressed, and hood to know the sounds of Sanskrit as the sacred that her appeal for women doctors for India texts were intoned around her. Her youth, hastened the formation of the Dufferin Hospital 1858-78, was spent wandering with her parents scheme for women's hospitals. Pandita herself from the south to the north of India. Her father had hoped to be a medical woman but was pre- taught the Hindu Puranas or Sanskrit texts wher- vented by deafness.
ever he went and encouraged the idea of women's Baptized into Christ education. He was an enlightened Hindu mission- Arrived in England Ramabai and her daughter, ary. When her parents both died suddenly, Ramabai Manorama, went to Wantage. Here, in 1883, they and her brother were left alone in the world and were both received into the Church of Christ.
they continued to travel on foot for two thousand The following year found Ramabai at Chelten- miles, searching for truth at ham Ladies College working great Hindu seats of learn- with and learning from Miss ing and expounding to the The chief characteristics of Ra- Dorothea Beale. The two ignorant what they them- mabai's life were her noble, digni- women made a fast friend- selves knew. Everywhere fied and commanding personality, ship and after Miss Beale's they saw the sufferings of her exceptionally loving, sympa- death a Ramabai Fund was women and preached their thetic and generous nature, her im- started by some members of emancipation. Ramabai lec- mense mountain-moving faith, her the College Guild. At Chel- tured in Sanskrit and so as- strength of character, deep humil- tenham, Ramabai tau g h t tounded the learned Pandits ity, wonderful administrative ca- Sanskrit to a chosen few and that they gave her the title pacity and above all her great pas- continued her own studies.
Pandita and called her Sa- sion for winning souls. Prayer was She was young in Christian rasvati (Wisdom). the power which worked her great faith and experience and In Calcutta she married a institution. The Word of God was once left Miss Beale, who Bengali gentleman, Mr. Bi- her ever abiding strength. thought that she had lost pin Bipari Medhavi, M.A., her faith; but it was not and they had one little for long and she returned daughter and a happily married life for two years. more radiant than before.
Then her husband died and Pandita, finding her- Later, in America, whither she went to study self a lonely Hindu widow, determined to devote Froebel, she investigated such cults as Christian her life to the uplift of Indian womanhood. For Science and Spiritism. The former she called a this purpose she went back to her own country, sort of old Vedantism, and she thought it had its Western India, and arrived at Poona where she origin in Tibet. A lady who was a spiritist came hoped to form branches of a society which had to Pandita offering to put her into communication been formed to encourage the education and social with her mother. Ramabai, who had loved her reform of women. She was welcomed by the re- mother very dearly, consented to receive the mes- formers and feared by the orthodox. sage. When it was delivered the lady repeated Near to the entrance of Poona City the Wan- such a garbled edition of Ramabai's own nam::: tage community has its convent and here Pandita that the latter turned away disgusted, saying, found a friend in one of the sisters. She became "My mother could never have called me that." inclined towards Christianity and studied the A group of American friends, who were im- Bible. Finally she decided to travel to the West pressed by the charm and scholarship of this in order to fit herself better for service to her Indian lady who toured their country dressed in her simple white sari and eating purely vege- • From the July (1938) number of National Missionary Intelli- tarian food, formed a "Ramabai Association" to qencer, India.
[488 ] provide funds for her work for widows in India. of which any committee would have been afraid. With this help Ramabai sailed home in 1889. In later years she turned all her own powers of scholarship to a Marathi translation of the Bible. On arrival in Bombay she was met by the social This she did because she found the existing reformers who helped her to start a home for editions too erudite for ordinary villages. She widows in Bombay. This was subsequently moved had studied Hebrew and Greek and made a system to Poona. Her faith in Christ grew ever greater of comparison with other editions. All this printand with it her work broadened and she desired ing was done at Mukti where she had her own to help not only tlie high caste but any woman in printing presses run entirely by wom~n. distress. Pandita Ramabai possessed an Indian woman's In the terrible period of famine in Gujarat, gift of spirituality, combined with common sense; the district to the North of Bombay, Pandita, who she had the strength of character which belongs had herself suffered in famines, visited the area to the Deccan. She was first and foremost a and brought away famine children. Funds she re- mother. Seated on the floor at the Sunday service, ceived from America were used in starting homes the little children pressing up against her white at Mukti, Khedgaon, thirty miles from Poona. and flowing sari, played with her keys and This now became the centre of her work and at a fountain pen while she listened to a long one time the number of inmates at Mukti totalled Marathi sermon. She had a huge responsibility 1,900. on her shoulders, but she did not appear worried or anxious. Her early wanderings in the jungle Her years of wandering among the villages of had given her a love of wide spaces in nature, no India stood her in good stead in organizing such fear in loneliness, and vision and simple faith. a work. To feed these numbers was in itself a large task and Pandita had a hundred cattle and She was a loving mother, but also a firm dismany wells and a whole department for cultivat- ciplinarian. ing the adjoining fields, the work being largely done by the women themselves. Manorama, who seemed so fitted for the work, died in 1921, and in her g,reat sorrow She desired those in her charge to learn to be Pandita went bravely on alone. Pandita herself good housewives and that every Indian woman died the next year. At the memorial service Hindu should be a good cook. Many departments of in- and Christian joined to honor her and Mrs. dustrial work, graded according to the intelligence Sarojini Naidu, foremost among Indian women, of the worker, were organized by a devoted band said that she had learned her first inspiration for of helpers, many of whom came from America, service from Pandita. the colonies or Europe. No Christian leader has ever inherited such a Later the education of the Mukti community wealth of Hindu culture; but for her it proved was organized by Manorama, who had in- insufficient; and she found the fulfilment of her herited her mother's gift for accepting responsi- religious life in the simplicity of the Gospel of bility; the schools were held in the great central Christ. She accepted the guidance of God in every building which was used on Sundays for church. detail of life and her leadership was sure and Manorama, besides providing for the education quiet. The tradition of Pandita Ramabai means of more than thirteen hundred girls, was finding a great deal to the Church of Christ in India; time and energy to attend the Deccan College in but she was even more than a great Indian, she Poona and take her degree. was also a great international in her outlook and realized that the love of Christ makes all men kin. The Pandita's great faith made her see visions of what might be and launch out into schemes Note: Read also: "Devotees of Christ," by D. S. Batley, 2 shillings, Senana Missionary Society, London,1938. This is a very stirring series of fourteen short biographies of Indian Christian women. They are for reading aloud. D. L. P.
"CENT-A-DAY" MOVEMENT IN CHINA Throughout China Christians are subscribing to the "Cent-a-Day" Movement inaugurated by the National Christian Council to provide relief funds for Chinese sufferers. This movement is part of an effort to mobilize all the resources of the Christian community. Everyone who wishes to cooperate is expected to give one cent a day. The National Christian Council assumes responsibility for making surveys of conditions and needs and allocates money on the basis of these surveys. The movement is also expected to strengthen the spirit of giving and of stewardship.
Church Takes Root in India*
Reviewed by F. M. PERRILL Condensed from "The Indian Witness," Bombay H ERE is a comprehensive presentation of In- lord who refuses to give the untouchables any dia's response to Christian teaching. Basil sort of equality of opportunity; this is but a heri- Mathews, incessant traveler, discriminat- tage from the past. The difference is that today ing observer, succinct writer who visited India in the untouchable is crying out for a different treat- 1936-7, has made telling use of his ability as a ment; in olden times he would never have thought gatherer and analyzer of pertinent facts. of such a thing; he would not have dared to cry It is not a simple matter to describe the way in out.
which the Christian Church is taking root in The Christians in the villages, along with the India. Many do not realize that India is a country others who are classed by high caste Hindus as as large as the United States east of the Rockies. depressed or untouchable, must bear the brunt Christians are found in almost every section of of the social and economic oppression that is found that vast domain. Situations are not the same in everywhere. Christianity has not brought magi- all parts of India for there are marked spiritual cal social or economic release and so there is no awakenings in some places while a thousand miles temptation for the untouchables to become Chris- away, in a different language area, there may be tians in the hope of finding immediate deliver- little evidence of such interest. ance. As Mr. Mathews says, "What is given to Eighty-five per cent of India's three hundred the outcaste who comes into the Christian fold and fifty million people live in villages and most today is never economic betterment but power to of the Christians in India live in the villages. No raise himself."
one lives on a farm; but farmers live in villages . The author tells of the reform movement among and go out to work in their fields. Most Chris- the Hindus, which is trying to do away with un- tians are poor and come from groups who work touchability. Mr. Gandhi is rightly credited with for the landlords. As a class they are almost at leading this reform. Evidently the author does the bottom of the economic ladder. For the not believe that Hinduism will be able to bring Church to take root among these groups means about the social transformation that the reform- that the pastors and teachers must work against ers desire. "If caste, karma and maya are thrown great economic, social and educational odds. out, what remains is not Hinduism." Certainly Mr. Mathews tells us that there is a "changing caste must go if untouchability is to go. Dr. Am- tempo" to be found in rural India. He says, "We bedkar, the untouchable leader, says that Hindu- see the age-old rhythm of her life being strangely ism cannot remove untouchability since the caste disturbed by the restless mechanism of the new system has produced it. The untouchables must age and by the ferment of ideas in action, such as leave Hinduism if they are to find spiritual re- nationalism, communism, feminism and Chris- lease.
tianity…. Priceless wealth lies in the old system; Weare shown something of the struggle that untold benefits lie in the new." The Church the untouchables face as they seek to raise throughout rural India is "taking root" in a soil themselves. The part which Christianity is play- that is being deeply plowed. The Gospel has much ing is indicated by the statement that "every to do with this plowing and the Sermon on the month at least fifteen thousand untouchables are Mount has plowed a deep furrow across India's coming out of animism to enter the Church in age-long complaisancies. The introduction of India because of the changed lives of their fellow democratic ideas, along with British rule, caused men who are in the Christian fold." It is this the unrest in rural India. In the olden days the steady movement towards Christianity which the villages had more than their share of famine and Hindus are trying to check.
pestilence, of cruel oppression and poverty, and If a liberal-minded Hindu like Mr. Gandhi can there was no effective remedy. If today there is attack with some warmth the work of Christians the pride and arrogance of the high caste land- in India, it may be taken for granted that others not so liberal are showing greater "warmth." And Fri•eBndyshBipasPilreMss.atheNwews. Yo1r9k8. p1p9.38. $1.00 cloth; 60 cents paper. SO it happens that in many parts of India the vil- [490 ] lage Christians are facing severe persecutions and from India so to let its light shine that all men denunciations. Mr. Mathews gives a clear picture may glorify God." of the struggle that is .going on. There are thousands of these humble illiterate village people who The reading of this book will bring a better have taken Christ as their Lord and Master. This understanding of the problems which the Chrisstatement merits attention: tian Church faces in India. It will also give a "The Church in India is indeed a community very vivid picture of the different ways in which desperately ignorant, marred with dark blemishes, these problems are being solved. It will show that divided within itself, stumbling at times into the the efforts to bring about extensive Church union slough of despond from which it is being lifted are succeeding. Those who have learned much by its divine Lord. I do not understand, how- about India through the years will find this book ever, how anyone who has seen that Church at its a help in correlating their information, while worship, met in comradeship the rank and file of those who are looking for help towards a better its leaders, come face to face with the harsh, understanding of present-day India will find here loathsome forces that it has to fight, and been the book they need. It is good literature and lifted in soul by its singing courage, can doubt there are many quotable passages. that, sharing as it does with the holy Church throughout the world the grace of its living Lord, The book is particularly well suited for study it is destined to be the saving salt of India, and or discussion groups. It has a good index and one of the most useful features of the appendix is the full and well-arranged reading list.
THANK GOD FOR YOUTH!* Youth-heir of the sufferings, ministries, achievements of past generations; whose life blood is the very life blood of those who gave them birth; whose intellectual grasp is the product of patient tutelage at home and at school; whose spiritual ideals root in the great souls of yesterday and today-youth, heir of all the past.
Youth—come into a wanton world create d by the sin and stupidity of its elders; handicapped by the mistakes of well-meaning but blind generations; burdened but not overwhelmed by the immensity of the problems of the hour-youth, creature of the past but creator of the future.
Youth-energetic and dissatisfied; sometimes moved by a reckless restlessness and again by a divine discontent; misguided and uncontrolled, at times, wasting its substance in riotous living; divinely motivated and sublimely purposed, at times, daring to attempt a perfection which seems, to cautious older minds, to be idealistic folly-youth, unwilling to accept the world as it is.
Youth – suffering deep pent-up sorrows, enduring well-nigh crQshing defeats, hoping against tremendous odds, fighting cruel inner battles, winning, unherill.ded but glorious triumphs-youth, victim and victor.
Christian youth—captured by the dream of the young Idealist of Nazareth, impelled by the lofty concerns which led Him to Calvary; Christian youth, seeking to know and follow the Will of God, embracing all human kind wi thin the family circle; determined to rid the world of its besetting sins and unnecessary sorrow-Christian youth, with whom the name "Christian" takes on a new, and yet its oldest, meaning.
Christian youth-newly conscious of its potential power, impatient with the trivialities which divide the Church of Christ, accepting the responsibility to build a Christlike world, counting the possible cost of allegiance to Christ and increasingly ready to pay the price- Christian youth a dedicated minority, intent upon the work for which Christ gave His life.
Christian youth-aware of the limits of their own wisdom, taking counsel of the experiences of the past, seeking the help which comes from God alone, cherishing no fantastic thought that theirs will be a quick or easy victory-Christian youth who call Jesus "Master," who enlist in His cause for the duration of life, trusting the God of all power to give them strength for every need.
Thank God for Youth!
* From the Missionary Herrald, Boston.
BULLETIN
Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
THE MADRAS CON- this Conference as it considers ty years, and who himself has some of the great problems been a Foreign missionary in FERENCE which face the world Church to- Turkey for a quarter of a cen- day. tury. The decennial meeting of the International Missionary Council, to which THE INTERDEPENDENCE Too often the great achievefour hundred and fifty delegates from OF HOME AND FOREIGN ments of the Home missionary all parts of the world will assemble, MISSIONS movement go unnoticed and unwill begin in Madras, India, on De- sung. Why? Foreign missions cember· twelfth and continue through Both Home and Foreign Mis- go on, ever growing, ever gain- sions find their origin in the December thirtieth. Dr. John R. Mott same source – the Christian ing in strength. Each new Church. Out of the Church flows achievement adds to the totaJ will preside. both life streams, one going to- picture of the results of Foreign wards the Home missionary missions. In contrast, in the Home Missions is well repre- fields and the other maintaining Home missionary field, the consented in the delegation sched- the Foreign missionary move- stant and commendable effort uled to meet in Madras on the ment. morning of December twelfth. has been to get a church that Among the home mission l~ad Thousands of our American was founded by Home missions ers representing America at this churches were founded in the up to the status of a Helf-sup- Conference are Mrs. Hilda Ives, Home mISSIOnary movement. porting church, whereupon it Executive Secretary of the Asso- During the period of their ciated Commission for the De- growth, these same churches immediately ceases to become a velopment of the Rural Church were either established by a part of the Home missionary in New England, and President Home missionary, or a little program and emerges as a part of the New England Town and group of Christians were able to of the supporting constituency Country Church Commission; build their church through the of both Home and Foreign mis- Dr. Mary Sweeney, Rural Ex- financial help of the Home Mis- sionary work. Take for example pert from Merrill Palmer School, sion Boards. the First Congregational Church Detroit, Michigan; Miss Celes- of Pittsfield, Massachusetts,- tine Smith, Y. W. C. A. Student In my own denomination some which is one of the seventy-one Secretary working among Col- of the strongest churches, which ored schools in the South; Mr. today have the greatest sense of churches which contribute to- ;Martin Harvey, President of stewardship, and which contrib- gether over twenty-five per cent the Christian Youth Council of ute loyally and substantially to of all the missionary money giv- North America; Dr. Roy G. both Home and Foreign mis- en by over six thousand Congre- Ross, General Secretary of the sions were founded by Home gational and Christian Churches. International Council of Reli- Missions. Studying the history of the First gious Education; and Dr. Edwin A. Odell, representing the All of our Foreign mission- Church of Pittsfield, one finds Committee on Cooperation in aries came out of the Church- that its first building was erected Latin America, and of the Pres- many of them came from Home with the aid of Home missionary byterian Board of National Mis- missionary churches. Among my money. The writer is persuaded sions of North America. These Foreign missionary friends are that a comprehen~ive study of and many others from America those who caught the vision of all churches built in the last one will take to the Conference their being a Foreign missionary, be- hundred and fifty years would very great interest, concern, and cause of the spirit and devotion reveal that there would have information on the whole home of their parents as Home mis- been very little of the great Formission field. sionaries. One of the most won- eign missionary enterprise of derful illustrations of this is Dr. the past century were it not for Following the Madras Confer- Fred Field Goodsell, Executive the vitality given to the home ence there will be two teams of Vice-President of the American nationals from all parts of the Board of Commissioners for churches by the Home missionworld who will visit fifty cities Foreign Missions, whose parents ary movement. in the United States bringing were Home missionaries for forback the message of Madras to One of the failures of the misthe home Church. [492 ] sionary enterprise during many years has been an inadequate May the continued prayers of the American Church be with handling of the marvellous op- portunity of the foreign student
BULLETIN: COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
within our gates. Perhaps For- tian group in the world. Those at Christmas season this year. of us who lived and worked with eign missions have been so busy China's Christians know their CHRISTINA MARTYN OUTERBRIDGE going to the ends of the earth, stature. The reality of their ex- perience of God and their con- Former Congregational Missionary in China. they have overlooked or neglected sciousness of the central place of the great opportunity of bring- Jesus Christ in their lives en- WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ing the foreign students in ables them to bring to us a mes- America in contact with Chris- sage of great power and insight. February 24, 1939 tians, and especially failed in in- The growth of the Kingdom of troducing them into Christian God will be hastened by our wel- As the October Bulletin goes homes. No greater tragedy has coming to ourAmerican churches to press the printed material for occurred than that of a student more of the leaders of Christian the World Day of Prayer, obwho has spent from two to eight thought from these lands where served always on the first Friday years in America's colleges with- the Christian religion is a new in Lent, is being prepared for out discovering the Christian and vigorous growth. publication. The theme will be way of life, and yet thousands of "Let us Put our Love into Deeds students have lived in America Recently one of our Chinese -and Make it Real." The proand gone away again without pastors, Wang Hsueh J en, whose gram has been prepared by a church at Taiku, Shansi, is built group of young women of the becoming Christian, and without on the site where the mission- Presbyterian Church in the the Christian churches in Amer- aries were massacred in 1900, U. S. A., who meet together ica being very much disturbed came and spoke in many of our monthly for the preparation of New England churches. His helps for the development of about their lost opportunity. Dr. audiences were immediately im- spiritual life and is an enQeavor Hu Shih of China, one of the pressed that here was a man for to direct us to face unflinchingly greatest philosophers of our day, eighteen years in the pastorate some of the aspects of our modwho spent four years at Cornell in his own country-a man of ern life which are definitely unand four years at Columbia, is rare insight, deep compassion christian. It would be an en- and capable of great suffering. riching experience for commita notable illustration of this sit- His most thoughtful observation tees planning for such an obuation. He once told a group of of us was that it was too easy to servance to meet early in the fall American friends at Shanghai, become a church member in and regularly thereafter, using "Perhaps I could become a America. He said that we had the program as a consecration Christian if you Christians only made it so easy to join the service for each meeting. Those acted as though you believed Church that membership had lost taking part in the service on the what you say you believe." How much of its meaning for many World Day of Prayer should of our members. In a reflective have prayed the program did we miss this great oppor- mood we must admit that his through at least three times for tunity that came to America statement is too true in many the deeper realization of their during the first thirty-five years cases, but are we willing to lis- own participation. ten to a Christian missionary of the twentieth century? Was from China as we hope they will Two thousand five hundred it because Foreign missions be willing to listen to our mis- and eleven letters commenting thought their function was out- sionaries? on the observances in various side of America? Or was it be- parts of the United States had cause Home missions felt that No longer can the lines, Home been received in the Council ofthese foreign students were none fice by July 31, 1938; an increase of their responsibility? Believ- and Foreign, be so sharply of 176 over 1937. Many of the ing as I do in Foreign missions, letters comment on the spiritual drawn as in the past. It is no response growing out of this I nevertheless am confident that communion, and the fine ediit is more important that every longer the impact of Christian torials in the newspapers on the student that comes to America significance of the world-wide has an opportunity of discover- nations upon non-Christian na- day of prayer. The following excerpt was taken from some of ing the irresistible beauty of tions, because we have been the letters received: Jesus, than it is to send a mis- humbled in the realization that "There were twenty-two present at the meeting including five men. The program sionary back to his country to our own nation is far from was the one sent out by the committee. Mrs. Christian. The future of the – – , wife of the missionary pastor, very tell his people what we failed to missionary enterprise calls for a ably led the devotions and a number of the united mobilization of Christian younger Indian women who read and undertell their own emissary whom forces of all lands against the stand English took part in the program. non-Christian world which sur- Mrs. – – acted as interpreter for those they sent here. Incidentally, rounds all of us in all countries. who understand only the Cree language. This is the supreme reason that . . . One of the outstanding features of they will be more quick to be- the friends of Home missions as the program was the singing of 'What a well as Foreign missions look Friend We Have in Jesus' in three languages. lieve their own. with prayerful expectancy to the • • • Through this World Day of Prayer World Conference of Christians who can tell what racial feelings of distrust The next century must wit- which will assemble at Madras are being broken down, what thoughts of love for other races are being built up, and into ness a closer coordination of our how many Indian American hearts will come total missionary enterprise. The the first spark of the great love of Jesus?" growing Christian community in lands where the Foreign missionaries have been working, such as China, reveals a vitality of spiritual growth that stands shoulder high with any Chris-
Ways of
'fested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home w. . EDITED BY GRACE MCGAVRAN, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Some Definite Aims gions of India. They wanted to structed as to be of general in- do two things: to satisfy them- terest. Often special interest Work toward a definite aim selves that the native religions groups may be formed, for from in your meetings. What do you one to six meetings. No atwant to occur in the lives of of India do not really answer tempt is made to force general members of your group through India's religious need, and to see this study? Here are some aims what Christianity as a religious attendance. which certain g r 0 ups have Such things as the following worked toward. faith can give India which the are possible: other religions cannot. 3. A third group set out to Following the general address 1. The missionary supported discover the facts and statistics of a medical missionary, a meet- by the Jackson Street Church of their denomination's work in ing in a home might be planned, was to be in town on a year's India. They wanted to know to which the doctors, dentists, furlough from I n d i a. The where their mission stations nurses, health counselors, Board church decided to take advantage were, and exactly what pieces of Health members, sanitary of it (a) to become thoroughly of work were being carried on; engineers, etc., are invited. Not acquainted with their mission- who are the missionaries and for all, of course, will be interested, ary as a person, interesting her what type of work each is re- but many will respond to an in- in their lives, both pleasures and sponsible; what nationals are vitation to hear something of problems, as well as coming to outstanding and in what ways; health problems and the mission- know her as a person; (b) to what churches are established ary's task in meeting them. In find out all they could about her and how they are operating. such a gathering, technical queswork, experiences, friendships, Through such a study they felt tions can be asked and answered, interests, joys and difficulties on they would gain a foundation for and an angle of medical work re- the mission field; (c) to do some understanding reports, stories vealed which cannot be done in special reading on Indian back- and news of their church at work a public address. Be sure that ground, discussing the books with in India through the coming the host's little daughter is not her to see what her comment on years. allowed to sit in! And make it and interpretation of situations 4. Another group, not par- a purely professional group.
presented in them might be; ticularly interested in missions, Otherwise its purpose will be (d) to have some special occa- was led to a study of outstanding defeated. sions when she would talk not women of India. Through this The ministers of the town only to the group specially inter- the sponsors hoped to awaken a might gather to consider the re- ested but to a larger audience; realization of the meaning of ligions of India and their rela- (e) to arrange times when 'She Christianity to the womanhood tionship to problems of social would meet the children to help of that land. reform such as are troubling all give vitality to a study of India We might cite other instances of us at the moment. If a well- which they would be encouraged of definite aims for study in con- informed speaker can be had to to take while she could visit their nection with India. A decision open the discussion, well and group frequently (she was not to try to attain a certain attitude, good. If not, your denomina- asked to take charge of the amount of knowledge, or point tional board will recommend the study); (f) to have times when of view, helps you to select that most recent and best book to be she would help the young people which is most pertinent from used as a basis for the study.
in their study of India; (g) to among the mass of materials A group of mothers might set culminate the year's study with available for the India Study. out to discover some of the proba three-evening program and ex- Know where you want to go. lems of mothers in India. It is hibit on India which she would Then plan the route which will through such a search that the help them plan and to which take you there most effectively. need of Indian childhood for every group and individual in Interest Groups on India Christian nurture will become the church could contribute. most apparent.
2. A small group decided on Your program for the study A group interested in art a concentrated' study of the reli- of India is probably so con- might consider Indian arts and (494 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
crafts and try to find out some- should be linked up with the delightful favors. Pink crepe thing about the growing expres- study of India, not only for what paper, and a little paraffin are ;,lion of Christian art through it will do for that member, but all that are needed, unless you architecture, for instance. Such because it will make possible a want each to rest on a green a book as Daniel Fleming's "The breadth and variety to your spe- leaf. Consult a Dennison or Heritage of Beauty," gives much cial meetings, exhibits and what party-favor shop for directions worth considering both for In- not, which artificial last-minute for making these, or take a good dia and for other lands, while assignment will never secure. look at a picture of a water lily one chapter in "Craftsmen All" and design your own petals. by Edward Shillito has the fas- India is as wide in its appeal Shape and baste them together cinating story of Bezalel, master- as is humanity. Behind and with thread in the middle, and craftsman of Ceylon who is ex- under and beside our study of then dip the whole flower in parpressing Christian idealism in India's need of Christ, is our affin. They will float in little understanding of India herself. bowls of water if you want to terms of ancient Singalese art. add that touch. Favors for a Luncheon For those to whom biography Atmosphere for a Visiting appeals there is no more inter- Tiny doll-sized clothespins Missionary esting study than that of the make dainty f a v 0 r s when emerging figures of outstanding dressed in Indian saris made of If you are to have a visiting nationals. To become acquainted crepe paper in pastel shades. missionary from India there is with some of these leaders of You will find that with pins and a greal deal you can do to pro- India, both Christian and non- paste it takes but a few moments vide the atmosphere in which Christian, is well worth while. to have a dainty little lady to her message will be most effec- The study books on India this stand at each plate. For those tive. To fail to do so is to hamyear give glimpses of them. Any of you who have not better direc- per her and to lose a great deal woman, or man, for that matter, tions, a sari is draped from one which you cannot later regain. used to preparing a paper on long piece of material, whose any subject, will not find it hard width is the length of the figure Here are some ways in which to search out the references to from waist to floor. Bring it atmosphere has been provided a half dozen interesting leaders around, forming a skirt and then by various groups: and give a somewhat more co- across the chest from under the herent account of one or more right arm, to over the left shoul- A returned missionary from of them than the rest of the der, and thence over the head India was invited to a dinner group will have gained by desul- and down over the right shoul- meeting. She was asked to tory reading. der. It is effect and not exact- bring her costume and her ness which is wanted. curios. She was met at the sta- There will surely be those in- tion and taken to the home of terested in dramatics who will Another much-appreciated fa- one of the members where she want to give a play on India. vor is a tied-and-dyed napkin. might dress in comfort and also These make the table very color- rest for a while before meeting There are plays available, from ful and are characteristic of a the group. She was then driven, the long pageantic presentations well-known Indian craft. To in comfortable time for the to the little dramatizations make them, take a square of meeting, to the church. Others which hardly suggest more than cheap muslin the size of the nap- were arriving. a mood. There are children's kin you want. Do not hem it. plays and young people's plays. Wash the size out of it. Then At the door they were met by Perhaps a group of only two or pick it up by its center and tie a young ladies in the costume of string firmly around the point India. Happy surprise for the three might sponsor a children's thus formed. Dip into dye, such missionary! So they had cared play. Perhaps a group of young as yellow. Then tie again tightly, enough to go to all that trouble! people might adapt a play and every two inches and dip into Right then and there the misproduce it with marionettes. deep blue dye. This will give sionary was able to enact the you a napkin with its center forms of polite greeting which A musically inclined trio white, a field of green and rings would be exchanged between might round up the music from of yellow blending into it. If hostess and guest in India. The India which will be found in you want the center blue, untie ice, if there was any, was broken. various program materials this the first string before dipping into the second dye. Tying in Informal introductions folyear. Real Indian music, accom- several places at once, will pro- lowed in a room decorated with panied by a tom-tom, would en- duce rings around each tie. Ex- maps of India, a lovely picture liven many a program. Some of periment with this, for many of the Taj Mahal, palms and the deeply religious lyrics of the designs can be made. ferns. A few moments of con- Indian church are given in metri- versation followed. cal translation in some of the Tiny lotus-blossoms for each materials issued this year and place and larger ones for the The tables in the dining room could form part of a devotional centerpiece make a very effec- were another surprise. Each or of a special program. tive table; and the tiny ones are one was decorated in some way symbolic of India. The speak- Wherever a member of the er's table was especially set up missionary society has a special interest or hobby, it can and
with little scenes from that land. the meeting in time to meet the put on by various churches here The food was Indian, too. hostess and be in the receiving and there over the country dur- line, which was planned so that ing the past few years. One of Conversation about food and each woman might meet her be- the most successful methods cooking and about taboos re- fore she spoke. seems to be that of a study covgarding eating led to animated ering, rather spasmodically, a conversation about the caste sys- Here again the effort put on period of some six months, cultem and the place of the Indian the occasion gave the members minating in an exhibit and prowoman in the home. The only a glow of pride. The missionary drawback was that the speaker felt inspired to do her best for gram on India which lasts from was not at every table. had they not had enough confi- one to three days. dence in her to make her coming Finally, without other speeches a special occasion for others be- Let us mention some of the or business, the guest was in- side themselves? There was elements which enter into such troduced. With what eagerness present that feeling of fellow- an all-church study. she was able to begin, knowing ship through which both speaker from the very atmosphere with and members could give and re- First, there is the serious which she was surrounded that ceive more. study of India by age-groups. here was a group anxious to This does not mean by the mishave her message and willing to But suppose you do not want sionary groups. It means by give themselves in service for a special occasion with invited age-groups such as the men's the cause of missions. guests. Bible class, the Junior depart- There come moments in every There is always the opportu- ment, the Girl Scouts, etc. The speaker's life when she senses nity to be intelligent on the sub- study is often based on one of a fellowship between herself and j ect of India. Why act as if the interdenominational textthose whom she is addressing. your guest speaker was from books, and covers six or more At such times she is at her best. Timbuctoo? Or from the moon? class sessions. You are responsible for the at- There must be in every group mosphere in which a speaker several women who are used to Second, there is a general plan finds herself. It is well worth meeting strangers and able to for an exhibit which will serve while to consider what will best make them feel welcome and at two purposes: (a) to let each create that feeling of fellowship home. Your missionary speaker group share with the rest some in which she can give you her may be a stranger, but you have of its interesting activities; (b) very best and in which you will much in common, if you stop for to present India to those who be in the most receptive mood. ten minutes to think it out. An have not followed the study in atmosphere of intelligent inter- any age-group. As many indi- But perhaps you are not plan- est can be created very easily by ning an occasion on which such asking a few capable hostesses viduals and classes and organizasurroundings will be practical. to make the informal moments tions as possible are interested after the guest's. arrival pleasant in preparing sections of the ex- Another group felt that their ones for her. She is a friend hibit. The preparation involves, guest speaker merited a larger who has been to a far country of course, considerable study as audience than their own small in which you are interested. She missionary society could provide. has been your long-distance well as mere mechanical prep- Their interest showed itself in messenger to its people. Make aration. In this the interests arranging a tea, to which many her feel at home. Make her feel women outside their regular your interest in her and in what and hobbies of members of the circle were invited. The invita- she has been doing. We don't church will naturally come to tions given were so personal and need to give instructions for that the fore, and assignments are so warm and so interesting that here. Every good hostess knows before the day they were assured how. The trouble often is that wisely made with this in mind. of an attendance almost double when a woman comes to missionthat of their usual meeting. ary meeting, she forgets that she Third, there is a program pre- did not leave her responsibilities pared, often by the same groups They agreed to wear their as a hostess within her own as are preparing the exhibit. prettiest afternoon frocks and home. Remember to exert all to have something a bit unusual the charm you have in making This has on it such things as in the form of refreshments. your speaker feel welcome, for demonstration of hospital clinic, They were careful to plan some this is your church home and map talk, dramatization or play, very necessary business so that you are as truly her hostess here it did not take over a few min- as in any other place. costume demonstration, f 0 I k utes. The program itself was song or dance, music of the Inshort. Most of the time was Lead Your Church to Study dian church, movie showing the left, and rightly so, to the India speaker. work of the mission, lantern Many and successful have slides of the same, short talks on In this case, too, the guest was been the all-church India studies various phases of life in India, met, taken to a home where she an address on the work of the could rest comfortably for a short while and then brought to church in India, etc. Since all age groups may have a share in this, a program of interest to the whole community will result.
Careful study, adequate or- ganization, proper publicity and unbounded enthusiasm are the ingredients for success.
i Ou; ~'=========–==='~
M!~r~?:sp':!~:cu~~?Ok .:It EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO ~I============~~==~~~~==~========~======= INDIA AND BURMA mind and peace of heart that he soon found, was far from holy.
Voluntary Service craved. He found it, but not in He next joined a Hindu hermit the mela observances, nor in his who had been doing penance for Missionaries find unfailing visits to the temples and to the ten years. Still he lacked some- cheer in watching the growth of holy places. He found what he thing, and journeyed on until he a spirit of service in the lives of craved in the acceptance of met a Christian Indian, accom- native Christians. A recent re- Jesus Christ. Since that time he panied him to his home where port from the Khed-Shivapur has remained in Brindaban and several teachers were praying station of the Poona and Indian in a modest Ashram which he together. Glancing at an open Village Mission, says that one of constructed, he has been tire- book he read: "This have I done the outstanding features of re- lessly and intelligently preach- for thee, what doest thou for cent work has been the volun- ing the Gospel to the people who, me?" Perplexed, he asked a tary service rendered by the like himself, visit the city of teacher what this meant, and Christian community. Sunday Krishna in search of heart satis- the explanation showed him the services have been taken by the faction. book was better than all the men, and prayer meetings by This Christian Ashram has shastras and vedas. Some days the women; weekly instruction a strategic location, since the later he was baptized.
classes have also been main- route to the Hindu temple passes -Life and Faith.
tained by voluntary service. it. On the last annual pilgrim- "One Christian widow visits age in November a stream of Christian Women of the Bible-women regularly to pilgrims, 350 long and 6 feet Travancore hear the Bible read," writes wide passed the Ashram. There Miss Bates, "and there have is thus an opportunity to show Dr. E. Stanley Jones has been many heart-to-heart talks pictures, distribute tracts and made a remarkable statement with her. One day, as they sell Gospels. Sometimes the about the Syrian Christians of Hindu pilgrims snatch the Chris- Travancore, following his recent talked of the Lord's second com- visit there. "They are noted," ing, she said, 'Oh, I do want him tian books and tear them in he says, "for the purity of their to find me faithfully witnessing women. Divorce is practically for him when he comes.' pieces, but the sale of Gospels unknown and unfaithfulness the continues to be very encourag- "Another old woman in one of ing. -Baptist Missionary Re- same. The women are educated the villages said: 'For five years and free, yet restrained. If I view (India). were to put my finger on the now I have been trusting in the Lord Jesus: He is the only Sav- place where I thought the best sex relationships are found in iour. I tell the people that it is Peace Found at Last the world, I think I would have no use worshipping any other gods.''' -Indian Witness. A time-honored custom in In- to say among the Syrian Chris- dia is one where religiously-in- tians of Travancore. There is Persecution Not Ended clined young men attach them- practically 100 per cent literacy selves to a Hindu teacher, or of children of school-going age, The days of persecution of guru, and follow him about and 95 per cent of the education- Christians have not entirely wherever he may go. This cus- al institutions outside of Govpassed. This year, some of the tom proves equally effective in ernment are in the hands of the buildings of the Christian Ash- training Christian converts, and Christians. They comprise oneram at Brindaban were destroy- there are many Christian gurus third of the population of Traved, and the head of the institu- with little groups of followers. ancore, and are the most gotion was told that this was only One such guru has among his ahead people of that land." a beginning; that he and the "disciples" John Ramayya, mem- Ashram are to be run out of this ber of a Hindu high caste fam- city, which is sacred to Krishna. ily, who became restless after he The Missionary's Message It was twelve years ago that saw an injured low~caste man an educated young man came and could not help him because Frances N. Ahl, writing in with the pilgrim multitudes to of caste, however great his sym- The Missionary Herald, says Brindaban, seeking in the kumb pathy. As a result he attached that during her visit to India mela of that date the rest of himself to a Hindu guru who, he last year she asked the same [497 ]
question of all the missionaries mote physical culture; (5) to had been about 760,000 acres, she met: "What is your message train Hindu Pracharakas for and in 1935 this area had dropto America?" Here are some of propaganda; (6) to provide fa- ped to 35,978 acres. India's own the answers: "Hold steady," cilities for those who wish to consumption had also dropped, were the words of the first mis- come into the fold of Hindu So- and there was strict control in sionary questioned, explaining ciety. India of the cultivation, producthat the people of America were tion and distribution of opium." so weary with the depression The mission has 118 centers, and church debts that they were each with a supervisor. It is -Baptist Missionary Requestioning whether to continue maintained by an ample govern- view (India). support of foreign missions. But ment grant. No doubt its agthe people of India, she said, gressive campaign is the result A Significant Anniversary have never been so willing to ac- of the widespread movement cept Christianity as now. among the Depressed Classes to July 13 marked the 125th an- break away from Hinduism. niversary of the arrival of Another emphasized the im- -Baptist Missionary Review. Adoniram and Ann Judson in portance of the Anglo-Indian Rangoon, Burma. They were the work, because anyone who is "The Upper Room" first American missionaries to not a Mohammedan, a Hindu or that land. For six years they Parsee is classed in the census An edition of the "Upper labored without winning a sinas a Christian; and a third mis- Room" has been printed in Ro- gle convert, but today, Northern sionary said that we in America man Urdu, the devotional book Baptists have thirty-two mismust remember that the Indian published by the Methodist sion stations among ten racial people have the same desires Church in Nashville, Tennessee. groups. Two Foreign Mission and shortcomings as people in Societies have ninety American the United States. This e d i t ion is going into missionaries there, and 3,051 native workers. The churches StilI another missionary ex- schools, hospitals, churches and number 1,590 and their total plained how within the last fif- homes of all denominations in membership is 137,323. In 1937 teen or twenty years the social the north, west and central por- there were 4,461 baptisms. religion of Christ has permeated tions of India where Urdu is the There are 816 schools with Hinduism and Mohammedanism. prevalent vernacular. Bishop 39,059 pupils. These young peo- Formerly the members of these B. T. Badley, of Bombay, writes: ple are instructed in the Gospel faiths were selfish. They thought of Christ. Five hospitals and only of the individual, the caste The opportunities for Christian fourteen dispensaries ministered or the family. They had no con- work are greater than ever. The to 44,278 patients last year in cern for the other person. But number of secret believers is increas- the name of Christ. A number today they are thinking beyond ing, and we find no difficulty in sell- of Burman Baptists occupy leadself, beyond family and caste. ing Gospel portions and all kinds of ing positions in their country's They are beginning to realize Christian tracts. Among our Chris- government. that whether Mohammedan or tians the need for devotional books, Hindu they are their brothers' such as the "Upper Room," is widely – Watchman-Examiner. keepers. acknowledged. They have so few books in their own languages that the CHINA Kerala Hindu Mission appearance of one is hailed with de- light. Evangelism Among Refugees Future plans of the Christian churches in Travancore must The devotional quarterly has The opportunities for evantake into account the program already been published in Hin- gelistic work in refugee camps of the Kerala Hindu Mission, dustani, and plans are under are unprecedented. Those who managed by a Board made up way for a Korean edition. organize and visit these camps chiefly of retired government find the people hungry to hear officials. Among the objects of – World Outlook. the Gospel; they crowd around the mission are: (1) to encour- the speaker and listen with a age the study of different faiths Opium Reduction new understanding in their with a view to promote religious faces. All other problems fade toleration: (2) to establish Dnyanodaya reports that In- into the background, as the mis- Hindu Young Men's Associa- dian exports of opium to coun- sionary concentrates on just the tions and to encourage the study tries in the Far East has entire- question of presenting the Chrisof Sanskrit, Hindi, Malayalam ly ceased, following the Govern- tian message. It is touching to and Tamil; (3) to elevate the ment's ten-year plan, introduced hear the heartfelt expressions of backward classes and to estab- in 1925, of progressively reduc- gratitude to God for deliverlish schools, prayer houses, col- ing such export. This paper ance, and more impressive stilI onies, dispensaries, etc., for the adds that experts on the opium are their prayers for their Japapurpose; (4) to teach and prac- question repeatedly assert that nese enemies. tice rules of hygiene, combat the opium policy of India's govepidemic diseases, and to pro- ernment is a model for the The English Bulletin for the world. National Committee for Chris- tian Religious Education in In explaining this policy to the 1937 Assembly of the League of Nations, Pandit Narain of India said: "In 1905 the area under poppy cultivation in India
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
China says that the Religious was the greatest academic event distant tropical Chinese village, Education Fellowship is proving ever witnessed in China; it was the missionary found a Chinese very helpful to both the Chinese distinctly international in char- translation of "The Principles and the missionaries. One of the acter, since American, British of Jesus," by Robert E. Speer, workers who lost everything, and Chinese interests are repre- engrossing the woman's entire and with his wife and seven sented in these institutions. attention! small sons walked 500 miles to a place of refuge, wrote to Dr. The principal address was by The Fruits of the Spirit Miao: Dr. W. W. Yen, who appealed for optimism, pointing out that An inqUIrmg reporter in Everlasting spiritual values have China, long weakened by lack of Chengtu sees evidence in the come to us. Our hearts are full of unity, is now being welded in- following incident that the seed praise and thankfulness. Please keep to a strong nation. He urged the of the Gospel is taking root. The the religious education materials com- young graduates to make the government of Chengtu decided ing to me, for while I have lost all of consecration and sacrifice which to get all the beggar children off mme in Nanking I mean to continue their special privilege calls for. the street, so they gathered the work wherever I am. them up, several hundred boys A special fund of $300,000 and not so many girls, put them -The Presbyterian. has been raised to tide thirteen in two temples on opposite sides American-supported colleges in of the city, and gave them a Looking Into the Future China over' the present crisis. mere pittance on which to exist. Not one has completely closed The temple where the boys were Ten selected leaders of the down, and by continuing have was near a mission hospital. va rio us denominations have fulfilled a duty not only to Chi- One of the Chinese nurses heard been visiting China, making a nese youth, but to the future of about them, went to see, and survey of conditions there, pre- Christianity in China. came away determined to do liminary to the forming of some something. policy for missionary work in Madame Chiang Aids the future. Even now the prob- Orphanage She enlisted the help of other lem of relationships between nurses, went there regularly to Japanese Christian bodies. in Mr. and Mrs. Herman N. give medicine and treatment, Japan, Japanese Christians in Becker, in charge of a famine begged clothes for them, taught China, Chinese Christians and orphanage at Chihkiang, Hu- them to clean up, persuaded foreign missionaries in China is nan, send a copy of a letter from friends to organize c I ass e s a baffling one. Pressures are Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, writ- among them, and throughout the more and more pronounced, and ten after she had read Mr. Beck- months has given herself sacri- Christian institutions are envel- er's booklet entitled: "What God ficially to those boys. All of this oped in questions of adjustment, Hath Wrought." She expressed was without prompting from with a good deal of tension and her appreciation of the work be- missionaries. strain. Increasingly pressed up- ing done by missionaries, and the on the churches is the whole stand they have taken during -Christian Advocate. question of Shinto in relation to China's trial by fire. With her the Christian faith, and its com- letter she enclosed her personal Japan and Relief Funds panion problem of support of check for $1,000, to be used in the shrines. A creedal statement any way that Mr. Becker Reports have been circulated is in preparation by a committee thought best. She offered to to the effect that the Japanese of the different denominations. send a further sum to care for military leaders in China have additional orphans which were been using American relief -The Christian Century. being gathered together, saying funds for their own advantage, that she felt sure that these chil- and that they have obstructed Union Commencement dren would have, in this orphan- the work of the relief adminis- Program age, the very best training for trators. A Bulletin of the useful citizenship. Church Committee for China War is not usually considered Relief corrects this impression an ally of educational progress, The Uttermost Parts of China by giving the names of those but because of the present con- who allocate these funds, includflict China took a step toward Off the southern coast of Chi- ing Dr. John E. Baker, Director the long desired union of Chris- na visited by few tourists, and of the Shanghai International tian colleges and universities remote from the main stream of Red Cross, and the American when seven such institutions Chinese life, is the great island Advisory Committee, composed held a joint commencement in of Hainan. On the south shore of businessmen and mission- Shanghai last June. Some 280 of the island, a missionary fol- aries. Not much can be "put men and women received their lowed a local guide through a over" a group like this, men who degrees from Nanking Univer- maze of paths to a little village have had long experience in sity, Ginling College, St. John's where a Christian woman lived. dealing with both Chinese and University, Hangchow College, She was not expecting visitors Japanese, with both national University of Shanghai, Wom- and was absorbed in reading as and provincial governments, an's Christian Medical College they approached. There, in that with civil and military leaders. and Soochow University. This
There have been attempts to Christian life and service alone can by the Christian Advocate as a use relief funds for political pur- furnish the motive and dynamic neces- Japanese bid for the favor of poses. For example, in occupied sary for genuine social betterment. the 10,000,000 Mohammedans of territory where the officials are China. The dignitaries who at- Japanese or Japanese sympa- Rural reconstruction must wait for tended the opening ceremonies, thizers, there have been at- the coming of trained leaders. The personal representatives of the tempts to restrict the distribu- most significant contribution the Premier and various other offition of relief to those who pledge Christian Church can make toward cials seemed to give the event support to the new regime, but the betterment of rural life is to train political signifiance. There are these attempts have been suc- Christian leaders. said to be 1,000 Mohammedans cessfully resisted. in Japan. The complicated conditions of urban New Roads Mean New life increasingly call for cooperative In West China, the proportion Opportunities relations between Christian Churches, of Mohammedans in the popula- and with the constructive forces in tion varies from twenty-five per Rev. J. C. Jensen, Baptist the communities to which they strive cent in Shensi to ninety per cent missionary of Suifu, says that to minister. in Sinkiang and Kokonor. Furthe opening of new roads into thermore the roads over which ~ndo-China has changed the The success of the cooperative war materials and supplies have whole missionary situation in movement also waits for men and been passing from the Soviet much of that area. Fine new women who will give them unselfish Union to the forces of Generalisroads have been built and car- Christian leadership. simo Chiang Kai-shek traverse riers are traversing them by the these provinces. If Japan could thousands to bring in goods that -Presbyterian Tribune. succeed in establishing pro-Japformerly came up the Yangtze anese administrations, tied to River; and to take out local "Pillar of Cloud ~oundation" Tokyo by the bonds of religion, produce that has had no outlet China would be cut off from since the war began. These new Dr. Kagawa's numerous activ- Russia. The puppet government roads offer greater facilities for ities have been incorporated as at Peiping has made a friendly covering the work. "The Pillar of Cloud Founda- gesture toward Mohammendan- tion," the purpose of which is to ism by including white-symbol A remarkable phenomenon is provide an endowment of about of Islam-among the five colors taking place in China in that the $150,000 to relieve the leader of of its flag. leadership element in the oc- some of his literary work and cupied areas, together with mil- place the support of some 200 Farmers' Gospel School lions of refugees, have gone in- workers and their projects on a land as the Chinese army with- permanent basis. There are now Christian groups in rural draws. Thus, a new China is about a dozen centers of work. Japan, during the slack winter being built far inland. It is hoped to increase the en- period, organized "Farmers' dowment of the Fund by gifts Gospel Schools," where young -Watchman-Examiner. in honor of the 30th anniversary men spent several days in inten- of the beginning of Kagawa's sive study and conference on JAPAN-OHOSEN work in Kobe in 1909. Dr. Ka- farming methods, rural recon- gawa is continuing to write, struction and Bible study. A Ohristian Social Work preach and promote various co- young missionary and his Jap- operative projects, in spite of ill anese associates who conducted It is unquestioned that Chris- health. the first of such schools have retian missions were the pioneers -Japan Christian Quarterly. ceived many letters of appreciaof social welfare work, for most tion from the young men who of the early projects were Independent Ohurches were thus helped. One wrote: launched by the Christians. Of "Before the conference I thought the 4,000 welfare institutions There are said to be about six- of nothing but to get away from conducted under private or re- ty Christian churches in Japan the deadly monotony of country ligious auspices in Japan today, independent of any mission or life and get into a city. It is approximately 275 are run by denomination. Under the lead- impossible to say how valuable Christian organizations. ership of Mr. K. Takemoto and these three days were to me. I Mr. H. Shirato, 22 of them have was taught true rural recon- Last June, the National Chris- decided to unite on the basis of struction, and the principles of tian Council's Commission of So- loyalty to the Imperial Family, Jesus Christ." cial Welfare convened in Tokyo, respect for the national constiand centered its study around tution and laws, political and -Monday Morning. the problem of social betterment, economic independence from forpresent and future. Some of the eign missions in the propagation Japan's Opium Monopoly questions that received emphasis of the Gospel, and unity in were: Christ with mutual respect for Skepticism has been expressed each other's faith and non-inter- concerning Muriel Lester's re- Christianity must more and more ference in dogma and organiza- port on Japan's systematic cultiaggressi.vell g~r into every :phase of tion. the natIOn s hfe and as a spiritual -Japan Christian Quarterly. dynamic fulfill its social mission. Tokyo's Moslem Mosque Redemptive love incarnated in The opening of a Moslem mosque in Tokyo is interpreted
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
vation of the narcotic trade in Dr. Jaffray, a missionary of was able to change the whole connection with their war of the Christian and Missionary situation, and in less than ten conquest. Alliance, is not allowed to pub- years after the death of Wil- lish his pictures of these newly liams the entire Bible had been According to the Japan Chronicle, discovered regions. translated. During the past hun- British-owned, of Kobe, a recent dred years there has been no Manchukuo government report put New Guinea Plane Service retrogression. Cannibalism and out by the foreign office at Hsinking idolatry have long since disapshows that the annual sales of opium An interesting development in peared; churches are to be by the government monopoly have missionary enterprise is seen in found in all the villages of the mounted in this fashion since the the establishment at Finschafen, Cook Islands, arid practically all monopoly was established in 1932: New Guinea, headquarters of the the evangelistic enterprise is in Lutheran Mission, of an air- the hands of native pastors who 1933. . . . . . . . .. 5,511,033 yen plane, which is to be used in are remarkable for their devo- 1934 ………. 14,372,726 " maintaining communication be- tion and trustworthiness. 1935 ………. 28,230,347 " tween the different Lutheran 1936 ………. 38,667,556 " stations. The plane, which is in The high standard of Chris- 1937 ………. 47,850,000 " charge of Pilot Garms and Me- tian living of these islanders chanic Paul Rabe, has already might well be an example to the Bootleg sales, admitted in the made a number of flights be- rest of the world. They rise earpamphlet as going on, are not tween Finschafen and Lae. ly for a devotional period. Three included in this report. It is times a week they meet at dawn stated that profits are to be de- -Pacific Islands Monthly. for worship. On the Sabbath voted to the care of addicts, there are five services, all of though medical care is not as yet The Radio Helps Missions which are well attended. Among provided, and plans for hospital the male membership there is construction are merely in the Wireless sending and receiv- an unwritten condition that they blue print stage. ing sets have saved much ex- shall be willing to conduct a pense in carrying on the work in service and preach whenever ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC Papua and North Australia, and called upon to do so. have given the people a sense of The Gospel for New Guinea fellowship with the rest of the One of the most serious prob- world. In time of crisis, it is a lems now is that of helping these Rev. R. A. Jaffray is planning comfortable feeling to know that Christians adjust themselves to to open new work in Dutch New help can be had. Rev. J. R. An- changed conditions. No longer Guinea. The Evangelical Chris- drew writes in the Australia isolated, they are introduced to tian gives the location of these Missionary Review: the vices of civilization, as well new fields: as its benefits. As one means of The Bi-Centenary Convention we combating evil influences, a 1. The Amaroe Lake district, had purposed holding in Salamo, had Boys' Brigade was formed in northern New Guinea, a region to be cancelled on account of an epi- 1935; its membership has 'now known by the Dutch as "Bird's demic of whooping-cough there, and reached 300. Refresher courses Head," the lake forming the eye the danger of sending the infection at the Pastors' Institute last of the bird. A garrison of 100 out in all directions. Dysentery has year resulted in a campaign native soldiers and three Dutch also appeared at many places in other which brought 250 new conofficers with their wives are now parts of the Territory, and some verts. Since the population stationed there. The Papuan deaths have occurred. The Govern- numbers about 5,000, many of population around the lake is ment Medical Officer at Samarai, Dr. them already Christian, this estimated at 5,000, and in the Hopkins, broadcast a talk on treat- represents a significant advance. whole district are various tribes ment and prevention, which I was numbering from 15,000 to 20,- able to take down, and Mr. Dixon -The Christian. 000. Already, 1,000 coolies have translated and printed it. Radio has been employed by joint com- been much used for advice and treat- New Church in Fiji panies to drill for oil-a parish ment in this epidemic, and natives in itself. are cooperating in measures against Here is the way a new church the spread of the disease. is dedicated in the Fijis. At 2. The Island of Misool, south- Lovoni, where the past sixty west of northern New Guinea. Cannibals Become Evangelists years have wrought almost un- This has an estimated popula- believable change among the tion of 3,000; two-thirds pagan There could be no greater tes- wild, warrior cannibals, a new and the rest nominal Moslems. timony to the power of the Gos- church was opened this year. Dr. Jaffray thinks this is the pel than a race of cannibals, un- The same old drum that called devil's own island. der its transforming influence, the forefathers to cannibal or- becoming evangelists. Such has gies sounded a call to prayer and 3. The Wissel Lakes district, been the case in the Cook Is- thankfulness. First there was a newly discovered, along the lands. It is 100 years since John feast-a whole bullock, several southwest coast of New Guinea, Williams, commissioned by the pigs, fowls, piles of bread, yams, with a population of some 20,000 London Missionary Society, met etc., were presented, and the old friendly Papuans. They are a death on Erromanga at the primitive people, still living in hands of cannibal savages. But the Stone Age, uncivilized but a Tahitian whom he had trained by no means stupid.
white-haired native preacher of parents make written request, In the same year, congrega- kneeling on the grass gave and if someone not employed by tional expenses increased 18 per thanks to God for the wonders the government does the teach- cent; this points to more stewdone. At the door of the church, ing. ardship and cooperation in pro- built by boys trained in the mis- Undoubtedly, the most impor- moting Christian advance, since sion school, voices were lifted in tant achievement American oc- expenditures provide the facilisong and entrance made in the cupation of the Philippines has ties for such advance. Evidence name of the Father, Son and to its credit is the establishment of more stewardship is seen in Holy Spirit. A mighty volume of a system of free education an 11 per cent increase in benevof song then arose from the 300 and religious liberty. Now that olence contributions. outside; then came the collec- American control is in process tions which began at 9: 30 p. m. of being lifted, both these blessand lasted until 4 a. m. The Religion and Economics chief, standing in front of the ings are endangered. The fact pUlpit held an enamel dish and that only a presidential veto pre- Three years ago the magazine called the name of a village. The vented the placing of a priest in Fortune announced its first quarpeople of that village then every Philippine school fore- terly Survey of public opinion, casts an early renewal of the marched up one by one and de- struggle. and a confirmation of its find- ings has given it a measure of posited a penny in the dish, -Christian Century. authority. Recently, it has been sampling opinion in the United while the choir sang lustily. States as to what the world most This march up the aisle is NORTH AMERIOA needs today – more religion or keenly enjoyed, shillings being Marks of Progress greater economic security, and changed into pennies beforehand in order to lengthen the cere- Today, when the Church of gives the result in the August mony. The last hymns of praise Christ is being put to one of the number. were sung just as the sun rose most crucial tests in its history, The forces of religion, both over the mountain. the Lutheran Council points out Christian and embattled Jewish, -Missionary Review two notable features of the 1937 have apparently been drawn (Australia) . statistics which furnish cause more closely together recently for encouragement. They are than they have been in many Religious Liberty in the the increase in the number of years, in defense of freedom of Philippines communicant members and the conscience and in presenting a Although President Quezon increase in general expenditures, spiritual front to the economic including benevolences. While and Vice-President Osmena are it is difficult to measure progress and political world crisis. It is members of the Catholic Church, by figures alone, statistics may both look with strong disfavor at least indicate the possibilities. noted also that baccalaureate adon the determined efforts of the Roman hierarchy to regain con- From 1936 to 1937, communi- dresses last June gave more than trol of the government of the' cant members in the Lutheran Philippines. A bill recently Churches of America increased usual stress to the world's need passed by the assembly provid- five per cent. The number of for a more religious view of our present problems. Here is the way the answers stack up in the questionnaire: ing for compulsory religious in- 20 to Over struction in all public schools Men Women 40 Years 40 was seen as a preliminary move Total to restore Roman Catholic domi- 51.00/0 35.2% 46.9% 39.3% Greater economic security for 28.8 44.3 31.9 41.1 the people of all nations 43.1 % More religion …………. 36.5 nation of the state. It was op- Combination of economic se- 4.1 posed by the vice-president and by a former assistant director of curity and religion …… 3.5 3.0 3.4 3.7 education, as well as by Protestant groups, all of whom at- Other* ………………. 5.3 5.9 4.6 5.3 5.3 Don't know. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11.6 11.3 11.8 12.5 10.6 * "Other" includes "peace,''' "education," "honesty," "better government and leaders," etc.
tacked it as undemocratic, un- congregations decreased slightly, Church officers and women constitutional and unpatriotic; but the pastors increased by 159, cleave to religion, as do farmers, but for the veto of President Quezon the bill would have be- which may indicate less duplica- the people of the Southeast and come law. He based his veto on tion and greater efficiency. The the Negroes. Compare the anhis belief that the law would be unconstitutional. number of church schools in- swers by religious affiliation: Optional religious instruction All ROm4n Jewish None in the Philippine public schools Protestants Catholics is now provided for by the con- 69.6% 51.4% More economic security 39.4% 48.3% lOA 23.5 32.6 20.0 25.1 More religion ……………. 40.8 19.1 Other answers and don't know 19.8 stitution. The present law directs that public school rooms creased seven per cent, although It should be noted that in the may be used for religious in- proportionate increase of teach- great cities economic insecurity is more obvious and terrifying struction if a sufficient number ers and pupils was smaller.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
than in the country; and that law was defeated; in Indiana a ing its activities with such effi- the Jews who are being so ruth- bill to open the saloons on Sun- ciency that it is confidently ex- lessly despoiled of their posses- day was killed by a vote of three pected that the number of cities sions and means of livelihood, to one; and in several other which will observe the day this look to religion even less than states attempts to bring in com- fall will exceed 1,317, the num- those who acknowledge no mercialized sports and amuse- ber participating last year.
church connection. ments and other business were frustrated. The Lord's Day Al- Women and Religion Work Among Students liance has been largely instru- Speaking of surveys, here is mental in getting these results. another. The Ladies Home Jour- One of the recommendations nal has been trying to find out made at Montreat in July by the – Watchman-Examiner.
Southern Presbyterian Educa- Stewar~ship Convention what women think on a variety tional Association was that in of subjects, and in June the sub- every Synod a Presbyterian Stu- The National Committee for ject of inquiry was religion. In dents' Association be organized. Religion and Welfare Recovery the matter of belief in the exist- It would be composed of all announces a national Steward- ence of God and immortality, Presbyterian students in all ship Convention to be held in 91 per cent gave an affirmative recognized institutions of higher Chicago, November 1-3, as a answer. As to prayer, 95 per learning within the bounds of part of a national movement in cent of the Protestant and 96 the Synod. The purposes of this the interests of all religious, per cent of the Catholic women organization are set forth in de- educational, medical, scientific, affirmed their belief in it; while tail as follows: character-building and welfare among non-church women the To lead students to know and follow institutions. percentage was 78. As to church Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour The secretary of the National membership, 76 per cent were and Lord. Committee gives two maj or ob- members of some church, but To keep them in vital touch with jectives of the cooperative edu- only 47 per cent were regular the life, worship and service of the cational program: First, a call attendants at public worship. local (college) church, and through it to worship, having as an ideal: Interest in religion seemed to be with the whole Church. To train them in Christian work "every citizen in a house of wor- at its lowest ebb on the Pacific and cooperative service to their own Coast, with the Mid-West a close ship every week"; and second, second. In the South, devotion generation. to organized religion is highest. To help the students make a larger every citizen a steward of life and money for the welfare of contribution to the Christian atmos- phere and life of the college, the mankind. church and the community. -Christian Advocate. All Black To keep them informed as to the entire program of the Church. Men and Missions Sunday No jail and no major crime III To hold intercollegiate conferences 13 years in a town of 8,000 is This year's observance of Men front-page news. This is the within the bounds of the Synod to be- and Missions Sunday, November record of the self-governed allcome better acquainted with each 13, promises to receive more Negro town of Mound Bayou, other and develop the bonds of Chris- wide-spread attention than in Miss., and a writer in the Southtian unity; to consider and act upon any year since the day was in- ern Workman reports an intercommon problems, and strengthen and stituted in 1931. It is now spon- view with Ben Green, Mayor, encourage one another in Christian sored by Dr. Arthur H. Comp- who explains the modus operfaith and in work for Christ and His ton, noted physicist; Francis B. andi. Says Mayor Green: Church in the colleges. Sayre, assistant Secretary of State; Charles P. Taft of Cincin- We try to find out what is behind A second recommendation nati and other well-known lay- any piece of wrong-doing. We have made by the Educational Asso- men. The theme for this year is discovered that certain families exciation was that each Synod ap- "Building a Christian World ploit their children in the cotton-pickpoint a Committee on Student Community." ing season. If a father takes all his Work. This committee would be boy's earnings away from him, one of charged with the promotion and "Nations are caught between two things is likely to happen. Either direction of Presbyterian stu- two profoundly conflicting ways that boy will begin to steal to get dent work among all the institu- of life," says Mr. ~ayre; "on the spending money, or he will run away tions of higher learning in and one hand, the primal law of from home. We're stopping that. of the Synod. tooth and fang and on the other, the way of cooperation and mor- But the most important fact is that -Christian Observer. the Negro is living in complete self- respect-a normal life. Fundamental Preserving the Sabbath human impulses, helpfulness, coopera- In the 43 state legislatures in al restraint and human brother- tion, good will and the desire to live at peace with their neighbors find opsession in 1937, proposed laws hood. It is high time that fol- portunity for expression. adverse to preserving the Sab- lowers of Christ awake to hubath were defeated more than manity's need, and go valiantly Mound Bayou was founded twenty times. In New York forth to win the world for fifty years ago by a remarkable Negro, Isaiah T. Montgomery, State five such bills went down Christ." to defeat; in Iowa a bill to Dr. Compton, General Chair- who had been a body servant to amend broadly the State Sunday man of the movement, is direct- Jefferson Davis, who had a keen
understanding of the Negro. To- Mexico; Presbyterian, Meth- he might ride into the city with me. day the community covers 30,000 odist, Disciples, Baptist, Con- I gladly assented and as we drove acres, farmed to cotton and corn. gregation and so forth, entirely along he turned to me and said: A larger proportion of these independent of their respective "Senor, I want to tell you that for two people own their own land and churches in the United States. years I have longed and longed to hear there are fewer mortgages than They are carrying on an exten- the message which you gave us today. in the average community of sive program covering the ordi- Two years ago on the highway you mixed whites and Negroes in the nary activities of the church. gave me a Gospel portion, and I read South. The town has a $115,000 But there are a great number of it with deep interest and desired to consolidated school, with 800 "extraordinary" activities en- know more, but you did not return. pupils, 15 teachers and a Tus- gaged in by Christian forces of Day after day I looked for you, and kegee graduate as principal. Mexico, supplementing the reg- then we were withdrawn from the ular work of the church and highway and transferred to another One Way of Widening the meeting the needs of the present state. Later I was changed to this Horizon situation. regiment and we came to the district, and now at last, I have heard the mes- At the Third National Rural Mr. Reifsnyder lists a number sage!" … About six weeks ago, I Home Conference in Manhattan, of things the visitor to Mexico made a trip to Laredo, visiting all the Kansas, Mrs. Charles Schuttler might see: an increasing num- camps on the international highway. said in an address: ber of religious discussion I found the soldiers eager to have the groups among students; and the literature. On the return trip we A few weeks ago, I had occasion to distribution of Christian tracts spoke to all the camps and had the joy stop at a cabin in our Ozark hills, among students; weekly revival of seeing 49 men accept Christ. So in a community where living con- services in the national peniten- anxious were the men to buy New ditions were definitely primitive. I tiary in Mexico City; cradle roll Testaments and Bibles that our supply entered into conversation with an old classes in the Sunday schools; was exhausted when we were only woman in the home, and quite by evangelistic meetings three or about two-thirds of the way home. chance mentioned the situation in four times a week; Bible Insti- China. There followed one of the tutes and Conferences on Sun- In five years we have seen almost most amazing half-hours of my life. day school methods, young peo- forty regiments reached with the This little old woman, miles away ple's and lay workers' confer- Word of God, hundreds of soldiers from a town, evidently having had ences. turned to Christ and more than 2,000 only very little education, knew more Testaments and Bibles placed in the about China-its geography, its gov- Or perhaps the visitor might hands of these men. ernment, factors influencing its eco- sit in at a meeting of a young nomic conditions, its relationships people's club, run in connection Oonditions in Haiti with our own country, etc., than any with one of the churches, or be other person with whom I have had invited to attend a young peo- A British missionary staoccasion to discuss the subject. ple's Christian camp. If he is tioned in Jamaica gives a brief willing to go into the slums he survey of the religious situation How did it happen that her horizon might see the Mexican version in Haiti, the French-speaking had been widened to include a country of the Salvation Army; and al- Negro republic in the West Inbeyond the seas, of which the average most anywhere, if he is observ- dies. Until recently it has largecitizen knows but little? The answer ant and knows Spanish, he ly been bound by demon-woris that our missionary societies last might hear a Christian explain- ship, but now, says this missionyear made a special study of China ing the Gospel to his companion ary, a wave of evangelism is missions; she became interested and -on a bus, a sidewalk, in a shop sweeping the land, and there is through papers and books and the or in a school patio. Then, when a definite trend toward Protesradio-the one modern touch in her he has visited a mission hospital, tantism. Day after day two mountain cabin-she had pursued the he might accompany a district missionaries from Jamaica held subject for months. Weare not ac- nurse on her circuit of rural meetings as they journeyed customed to thinking of missionary areas, or go with a Christian through the country from north societies as important factors in wid- doctor to the mountains. to south. Mornings and afterening horizons, but as you see, they noons were devoted to talks to may well be. Evangelizing Mexico's Christians, and in the evenings Soldiers great crowds, even up to 2,000 LATIN AMERIOA in some places, gathered to hear Soldiers are usually consid- the Gospel. The great need is The Ohallenge of Mexico ered callous and indifferent, but for workers to teach the con- Captain Norman W. Taylor who verts, and send them out to wit- Rev. Bancroft Reifsnyder, is working among the Mexican ness among the masses. who has had opportunity to ob- soldiers has proof to challenge serve conditions in Mexico, says this belief. In the Moody Month- -Life of Faith. that many Americans remark: ly he writes: "Well, you really can't do any Mapuche Indians in Ohile religious work in Mexico today, The day before yesterday I was can you?" His reply is that speaking to a group of soldiers and, Mr. William M. Strong, of the while there are indeed restric- at the close, nine of them accepted Soldiers' Gospel Mission in tions, there was never greater Christ. One of these men asked if South America, tells of the Gosopportuni,ty for Christian serv- pel's influence upon the Maice in Mexico than there is to- puches, who once occupied all of day, and the Church is meeting southern Chile and part of Arthe need. There are a number of gentina. They have been so destrong national churches in pleted by wars, drunkenness and
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
disease that they can now all Christian Association. A writer In order to obey its divine live within a sixty-mile radius. in The Christian tells an inter- vocation, it preaches to this sin- Most of them live in extreme esting story of postal evangel- ful world the Gospel of repent- poverty in most primitive fash- ism among the farmers of Eng- ance and of forgiveness, of the ion, though within a stone's land. It began nearly four years new birth of holiness and of the throw of modern farms and up- ago when Rev. J. C. Williams of eternal life.
to-date cities. Alcohol is still a the Free Church, who earned his -The Presbyterian. great cause of their troubles. first money weeding turnips on French Bible Mission For forty years, the South a farm, was storm bound at a American Missionary Society of farmhouse in Kent. While wait- The French Bible Mission re- England has been at work ing for the rain to cease he cently made a special effort to among them, with boarding found that the farmer was reach the 70,000 inhabitants of schools, and out-stations reg- ignorant of God's plan of re- Colombes. Two hundred posters ularly visited from a main cen- demption. Upon reaching home were displayed, and 13,000 ter. One is tempted to wonder Mr. Williams wrote the farmer handbills were distributed by whether any results are possible explaining the Way of Life and members of the Mission, workamong people in such a hopeless in reply the farmer asked that ing in pairs. At the meetings plight, repeated incidents show the same message be sent to a about 25 persons decided for what dynamite there is in the neighbor. The idea of postal Christ, and 150 New Testastory of Christ on the Cross. On evangelism among farmers was ments, supplied by the Scripture trips about the country, more born; a list of farmers was com- Gift Mission, were given to perand more districts have been piled, and to each letters were sons who had never seen a copy found hungry for the Gospel sent. A printed folder, the before. and more calls for meetings are Plough and Sickle, is now disreceived than the workers can tributed at 13,000 farm homes At Rue de Sevres, near Paris, fill. Once their suspicions are as often as funds permit. A where the Mission is responsible allayed, the Mapuches are found movement, to be known as the for a small church, four special to be a lovable people, with "Fellowship of Christian Farm- meetings were held recently. many noble traits. ers," is about to be formed so Eight persons decided for that the work may have a back- Christ, and fifty New Testa- The Indians of Peru ground of praying men and ments were given away. No col- women. lections were taken at any of the In Peru, the setting up of a meetings, all the expenses being Bureau of Indian Affairs indi- Another Reformation in covered by gifts of the members. cates a change of attitude on the France part of the Government toward Bible Reading Revived in the problem of the Indians, who The Reformed Church of Spain comprise about half the popula- France has experienced another tion. Missions among them have reformation. It has recently Visitors to the Barcelona been most encouraging both in affirmed the perpetuity of the Book Fair last June saw the the mining regions in the cen- Christian faith through its suc- Bible on display and special atter, and in the agricultural parts cessive expressions, in the Apos- tention drawn to it as "the first to the south. Bi-lingual Indians tolic Creed and the confessions essential book for your library." have been the principal evan- of faith of the Reformation During the Fair in 1937, 205 gelists. One missionary reports period, notably the confession of Bibles, 65 Testaments and nearthat in five years, ten churches, La Rochelle. It finds its source ly 200 separate books were sold with a membership of over 500, in the central revelation of the in three days. The promise that came into existence in spite of Gospels: "God so loved the Bible distribution would not be world that He gave His only be- hindered during the civil war opposition from the Whites. For some years the 2,000 gotten Son, that whosoever has been kept. Twenty thousand Mennonites, occupying a colony should believe in him should not copies of the Gospels have been in the Chaco, Paraguay, have perish, but have everlasting distributed in Castile and 10,000 interested themselves in the life." With its saints and mar- in Catalonia, still Loyalist spiritual welfare of their Indian tyrs, with all the churches born strongholds. The British and neighbors, and have a deep con- of the Reformation, it affirms Foreign Bible Society gives cern for evangelizing them. The the sovereign authority of Holy three reasons for the increased general atmosphere is favorable Scripture as the inner witness interest shown in buying and of the Holy Spirit who founded reading the Bible in Loyalist to the spread of the Gospel. -Missionary Educator. it, and recognizes in it the rule Spain: the government's toler- of faith and of life. It proclaims ance of all religious work that is in the face of the fall of man, not soiled by connection with EUROPE salvation by grace, by means of politics, the fact that such lib- faith in Jesus Christ, the only erty is practically new, and the Postal Evangelism Among Son of God, who was betrayed spread of education among the Farmers The March Review contained for our sins and who rose from masses. -The Christian Advocate. an article about the Post Office the dead for our justification.
Nazi's Revised Bible ficial lives of the missionaries, still has 30,000 churches, called P r inc e Oscar Bernadotte, for stronger anti-religious prop- In Germany, the extreme younger brother of King Gustav aganda, saying: "We must re- "Leftists," led by the late Gen- V of Sweden, decided to devote member that religion is an ineral Ludendorff, would like to his life to soul-winning. His strument of opposition . . . The scrap everything Christian and wife is a consecrated Christian, Cross, the Bible and the Koran substitute Teutonic paganism. and since she is not of royal are serving as a mask for spies Extreme "Rightists"-Evangel- family, the prince and his de- and terrorists." Presiding at ical Lutherans-hold to the scendants are not in line for the a Moscow conference of the Protestant faith of the Reforma- throne. His children, all counts League of Militant Godless, Emtion. The center group, repre- and countesses, have followed ilian Yaroslavsky charged that sented by former Reichsbishop in the steps of their parents in in recent elections "enemies of Muller and his colleagues, have Christian service. Forty years the people tried to influence written their own version of the ago, the prince and his wife superstitious, religious elements New Testament, and a group of visited the Keswick Convention with a whispering campaign. Friends in Europe have issued a in England, and he has intro- Wherever there are churches," pamphlet with parts of the Nazi duced in Sweden similar meet- he added, "there are Christian version printed in parallel col- ings for the deepening of spirit- believers." umns with the King James ver- ual life. sion. All idea of sin, except as AFRICA it may interfere with Nazi ideas, Sunday Schools in Finland has been removed from the new Ban on Christian Propaganda Germans' thinking. Grace has In Finland the centennial of been omitted entirely; everlast- the establishment of the Sunday Such is the heading of an aring life is changed to "real" life. school was observed in 1932, but ticle in an English daily pub- There is no longer any "Heav- since that time it has been lished in Cairo on June 25. It is en." The "Golden Rule" has learned from some old congrega- a call to prayer that a proposed been rewritten so that it applies tional records that the Sunday bill, depriving children of a only between Nazis. Galilee is school in F'inland was first knowledge of Christ as Saviour, claimed to have been inhabited, started in 1700, three-quarters may not become law. The folat the time of Christ, by Aryans of a century before Robert lowing is a translation of the who were violently anti-Jewish. Raikes organized the movement bill: It seems strange that such a per- in England. Today there are version of the Bible should occur 25,000 Sunday school teachers Article 1. Missionary propaganda in Germany, the home of Luther in Finland who attend a teach- to youths of both sexes under the age and the Reformation, where the ers' training school for a week of sixteen, aiming at their conversion Scriptures were proclaimed as or ten days each year, and in by preaching, inducement,' by making of supreme authority. Sweden 375,000 of a possible comparisons between two faiths or by 727,000 children regularly at- allowing them to join in prayers or -The Living Church. tend the ~unday schools. It take part in religious ceremonies other must be remembered that in ad- than those of their own creed or that German Missions Hampered dition to this training they reg- of their parents, or by the employ- ularly receive religious instruc- ment of any other means intended for Since the War, Germany's tion in the public schools. In their conversion, is forbidden. foreign missions have suffered Norway there are 2,789 Sunrestriction, both in personnel day schools, 183,022 pupils, and Article 2. Any infringement of this and finances, but some progress 11,315 teachers; and although law is punishable by imprisonment for had been made. New difficulties attendance at the public schools one year or a nne of L.E. 100. have now arisen. In the Sunday has decreased by 15,000 during School Times we read: the past decade, Sunday school Article 3. In the event of a second attendance has increased by offence, the term of imprisonment be- The German Government has 20,000. comes 5 years, and the fine is raised strictly forbidden the export of cap- to L.E. 1,000. ital. German Protestant missions re- Anti-Religion in Russia quire RM. 225,000 monthly for their -Blessed Be Egypt. work abroad, but have never been able Newsweek publishes two fresh to obtain permission to send the whole indications that, for political Governor Honors Mission amount. .. . The government draws reasons, the Russian Govern- Schools the cords ever tighter, checks solicita- ment is abandoning its guartion for mission work, and forbids antees of religious freedom. The The Governor of Assiut Provasking for contributions from new newspaper Godless has been re- ince, Egypt, addressed an aupersons. This is bringing German vived and the "Godless League" dience of 2,000, assembled for missions into great and growing diffi- has begun a sustained member- the graduation exercises of the culty. ship drive. United Presbyterian Assiut Col- lege. It is the second time he Prince Evangelist of Sweden The Army newspaper, Red has made the commencement ad- Star, noting that Soviet Russia dress for this school, and again After a visit to a Swedish he emphasized his approval of mission station in Massaua, Christian educational efforts. Africa, where he noted the sacri- Among other things he said: "Wherever these missions have gone they have become angels of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
mercy and examples of perfect eral missionary enterprises in "Have you ever run away?" fulfilment of duty. . . . For central Africa, and since the "Does your husband flog you?" more than 70 years the Amer- War the number has increased "What did your husband pay for ican Mission has persevered in until no fewer than 40 societies you?" diligently educating our young are engaged in evangelizing the "If he did not buy you, did you run people. Many who have rendered Congo BeIge. The missionary off with him?" services to the country have force numbers 1,200. There is a "Would you be willing to marry my been graduated from this insti- living church membership of a husband?" tution. It has also prepared a quarter of a million and a Chris- One man was heard to remark that great number of girls for ful- tian community of a million, God allowed the white man only one filling their natural office of with tens of thousands under wife. Another offered the missionary motherhood and homemaking. Christian teaching. an ivory as big as his body if he would This effort furnishes the main sell him his wife! cause for the high standing of From the beginning, the variknowledge and character which ous societies were drawn to- Noway was then known to is evident in Assiut." gether by their hardships. They feed orphaned babies, so they shared their experiences, and died. -United Presbyterian. largely shaped their work on similar lines so that they became One healthy woman stood The Kabyle People pioneers in cooperation, and looking at a baby dying from when the World Missionary starvation; at one breast was Fifty years ago the Kabyle Conference was held in 1910 the her baby nursing, at the other a Congo Continuation Committee baby monkey. She was asked to people of Algeria heard the Gos- was the first of its kind to be give up the monkey and take the formed as an outcome of that starving baby, but refused bepel for the first time. In the face gathering. This developed later cause of her fear that a dead of indifference and bitter oppo- into the Congo Protestant Coun- woman's baby would kill the cil, with a representative mem- child of a living woman. Today, sition missionaries gradually ex- bership. this woman has a granddaugh- ter who teaches a Sunday-school tended their work. In 1936, land Last June the Diamond Jubi- class and leads the women's was secured outside the village lee of missionary achievement in meetings. this area was celebrated at Leoof Eaglefen for a mission cen- poldville, with about 150 mis- Girls now have a say in the ter. Early opposition has disap- sionaries in attendance. The choice of their husband. The proceedings opened with a Na- number of girls in Christian peared; even the sheik is friend- tive Christian Convention which schools is limited only by the lasted for five days. This was number of teachers who can ly, and brings his children for attended by 220 natives, who give their time to training them. medical attention. represented eighteen language There is today opportunity to areas from many parts of the have a four-square life of phys- Every alternate week the mis- colony. Between this conven- ical development, mental develsionaries visit Eaglefen for tion and the conference a pag- opment, respect from the men three days. The people soon eant was presented, almost en- and the grace of God in their tirely by natives, and dealt with hearts. know when they have arrived, mission history, including Stan- ley's journey down the river. Training Teachers in Rhodesia and before long a company of women and girls are gathered at Forty Years in West Africa A movement is under way in Rhodesia for the more thorough the gate, asking for medicine. Mrs. Emily T. Johnston, writ- training of Sunday-school teach- ing in the Drum Call, draws a ers. The plan provides for train- After a Gospel talk they are vivid picture of the changes that ing intensively a group of pros- have been wrought by the mis- pective teachers for six months treated one by one. When the sionary in West Africa in the during the Sunday-school hour. past forty years, especially as At the completion of the course women have gone the men come, regards the position of women. these new teachers are sent out not primarily for medicine, but When the J ohnstons first arrived and another similar group en- at what is now Metet station, rolled in the training class. to hear the Gospel. Remember- the Gospel message went un- Some communities hold training heeded until curiousity was first classes in the town school one ing the days when these men, as satisfied concerning the white evening each week, and many lads, would break the doors, woman. Such questions as these new pupils are being recruited. were asked: Two new Sunday schools are rethrow stones on the roof, tear ported, one being in a women's up whatever the missionaries "How many times have you been police camp, where women are married?" gathered with their children to had planted, this seems marvel- study the Bible.
ous. The work has now ad- -The Presbyterian. vanced from Eaglefen to a village some miles away, where the relative of a convert offered his one-room house, free of charge, to the missionaries for preach- ing services. This man is not yet a professed Christian, but seems not far from the King- dom. -Life of Faith.
Congo Mission Jubilee The seventies of the 19th century saw the beginning of sev-
WESTERN ASIA ber in Asia. The number of mittee would like to accomplish Romanists in Africa has been it in five. This will be the job Radio in Palestine more than doubled in the last 10 of Permanent Director George years, it is stated. Last year Rublee, Washington lawyer. In An extended Gospel service, it was 6,794,951 as against addition to finding countries of in English and Arabic, was 3,202,993 in 1927. settlement for the refugees, he broadcast from St. Paul's must first persuade Germany to Church in Jerusalem last East- The total advance made in all allow them to take out resources. er, and short portions of the districts subject to propaganda Gospel were read by repre- during the last 10 years has been -Newsweek. sentatives of various Oriental from 14,330,629 to 21,143,328. churches. In Egypt, which has Do Men Need Missions? a powerful broadcasting station, -The Living Church. the property of the Government, The Outlook of Missions rereaching all the East, it has been Who Reads Religious Books? minds us that while the missionimpossible thus far to secure ary enterprise needs men, it is any time for the Christian mes- Charles W. Ferguson, asso- equally true that men need missage, although the Koran is read ciate editor of the Readers' sions, and lists a number of readaily. Digest, makes some interesting sons: comments about religious books. "Y" Growth in Turkey He says: 1. It keeps before Christian men the vision and the challenge This year's membership cam- Of all the new books published in of Christ, because the missionpaign of the Istanbul Y. M. C. A. America in 1936, there were more in ary enterprise is the ongoing coincides with the 25th anniver- the class of religion than in any other work of Christ in the world. sary of the founding of that or- save fiction and juveniles. The actual ganization in Turkey. Dr. D. A. number listed as religious was 684, 2. It widens their horizon and Davis started activities on a twice as many as appeared in the field scope of thought in Christianmodest scale before the War. of science and greater than the num- izing their world-view and mak- During hostilities the work was ber in the field of sociology and eco- ing it inclusive of all nations and interrupted, but after the Ar- nomics put together. The proportion people. mistice the "Y" resumed its has been relatively the same in years leadership in the development of past. Signs notwithstanding, the de- 3. It gives to their industrial physical education, and of social mand for religious books is perennial, spirit a broader economic sweep and recreative life, serving both and increases rather than abates in and understanding, one of the as an example and a yeast for an age of sophistication. Preachers basic elements in developing other similar organizations. In buy enough books to support three world trade. 1929, a branch was opened in a publishing houses who rely on their typically Turkish quarter of the trade entirely; and to keep going 4. It makes men recipients capital, and in 1933 the head- religious departments in five other and champions of much that is quarters in the cosmopolitan sec- large publishing houses. Preachers rich and fine in the character tion of Beyoglu were closed. To recommend books in church bulletins, and life of men living in other a considerable degree, the Asso- at luncheon clubs and among their environments and countries than ciation is self-supporting. friends; thus they get into circulation those of the Christian. among the laity. . . . It is certainly -The Christian Century. not too much to guess that the wide 5. It broadens their patriot- circulation and attentive reading of ism and citizenship to world pro- MISCELLANEOUS these books has gone far toward . . . portions. preparing the way for books of more Catholics Report Large Gains general interest. 6. It keeps Christian men in touch with the great social prob- According to the Catholic The World's Homeless lems in our own country, which Herald, the Roman Catholic pop- can only be solved cooperatively. ulation of Asia has increased by In London the Intergovernnearly 2,000,000 during the past mental Committee on Political Andrew Murray's Children ten years. In 1937 the total Refugees, organized in July by reached the figure of 7,911,370 27 nations at Evian, France, In the family of Andrew Muras compared with 7,699,227 in convened at the Foreign Office. ray, of South Africa, eleven 1936 and 6,029,029 in 1927. Myron C. Taylor, head of the children grew to adult life. Five American delegation at Evian, of the six sons became ministers Although Africa is smaller told the committee it would have and four of the daughters bein size than Asia and is also less to find homes for 660,900 poten- came ministers' wives. The next densely populated, obstacles to tial "involuntary emigres" from generation had a still more missionary activity are less seri- Greater Germany, 300,000 of striking record in that ten ous, and it is expected that the these being Jews (Hitler had grandsons became ministers and number of Roman Catholics in just announced his intention to thirteen became missionaries. Africa will soon exceed the num- get rid of all Jews in 30 days) ; The secret of this unusual con- 285,000 "non-Aryan" Chris- tribution to the Christian min- tians; and 75,000 Roman Cath- istry was the Christian home. olics. -John R. Mott. At the present rate, emigra- tion of these thousands would take sixteen years, but the com- Our ,Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~~il'==============================================~~~~~ A GUIDE FOR PROGRESSIVE READING ON INDIA By BASIL MATHEWS, Author of "The Church Takes Root in India," etc.
In reading about India today, scene can only be truly envis- Oxford Student's History of India. aged in a world perspective. In 13th ed. Vincent A. Smith. New the essential element to hold con- the light of the towering might York, Oxford University Press, tinually in the mind is the in- of new Japan, the attitude of In- 1931. $1.35. creasing momentum of change dian nationalists to Britain is becoming rather like that of A condensed, relatively short taking place in even the remot- Filipino nationalists to America. scholarly history of India which, est of her seven hundred thou- although written and published sand villages. The new Consti- Finally the Christian commu- in Britain, is objective. tution establishing, so to speak, nity in India is increasing cona "United States of India," tinuously at the rate of fifteen Cambridge Shorter History of India. which came into active being in thousand new members every New York, the Macmillan Co. 1934, 1937, sends revolutionary poli- month, or nearly two hundred 3 parts in 1 volume. $4.00. ticians into every nook and thousand a year. By wise procranny of India in search of the gressive educational processes A rather longer book about votes of 50,000,000 Indians. their literacy and their appre- which the comment on the Ox- Motorbusses by the ten thou- hension of Christ and of the ford history is relevant. sand carry the people from Christian meaning of life is steadily growing. They are mak- India. Sir Valentine Chirol. New those villages to the towns and ing the foundation for a new York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1926. back. Millions visit the cinema. life fora new India. $5.00. India is now only sixth in the nations of the world in actual GENERAL AND DESCRIPTIVE Sir Valentine Chirol knew his production of her own films. India from within, and from a Even the native princes, like the Land and Life of India, The. Mar- world point of view. He was for Maharajah of Mysore and the garet Read. London, Edinburgh years editor of the foreign news Nizam of Hyderabad, have their House Press, 1934. (Available from of the London Times. While his broadcasting systems. The Pres- Missionary Education Movement. book was written twelve or thirident of Congress. in 1936-7, 80 cents.) teen years ago, it is of perma- Pandit J awaharlal Nehru, and nent value for its sympathetic the President for 1938-9, Mr. A small, accurate, picturesque insight into the nature of the In- Subhas Chandra Bose, are Marx- descriptive book that sensitively dian peoples. ian Socialists. These are all ex- and with a true perspective pressions and agents of the in- achieves the promise of its title. Rise and Fulfilment of British Rule cessant ferment that is leaven- in India. Edward Thompson and ing the stupendous mass of In- Renascent India: from Ram Mohan G. T. Garratt. New York, The Macdia's ancient, immemorial, tra- Roy to Mohandas Gandhi. H. C. H. millan Co., 1934. $7.50. ditional life. Zacharias. New York, E. P. Dutton & Co., 1933. $3.25. This is the most stimulating, One other thing to recall is vigorous and pungent record of that, while Indian political revo- A book from a nationalist the British rule in India from lutionaries work for home rule, point of view, giving from with- two men of unexcelled knowlthey are increasingly conscious in an impression concentrating edge and brilliant powers of more on the political than on the writing, combined with capacity of the fact that if the present economic and cultural aspects of for acid comment. Their critical world-wide threat from Central the Renascence. faculty is exercised with equal and Southern Europe and the zest against the weaknesses of Far East to the very existence Legacy of India, The. G. T. Garratt, both rulers and ruled, while of the British Empire succeeds ed. New York, Oxford University their historical record is intiin tearing it to pieces, India Press, 1937. $4.00. mate, searching and accurate. would not find freedom but inevitably would come under the A very scholarly, often bril- India's New Constitution. J. P. Eddy rule either of Tokio or, less liant and always educative, rec- and F. H. Lawton. New York, The probably, Rome. The Indian ord of ,the past of India from the Macmillan Co., 1935. $2.10. point of view of its contribution to the present, and the future. This book is important for reference particularly, and for [509 ] those who would get an accurate description of the new Constitu- written on the life of the Indian Indian Thought and Its Develoption, which is the largest adven- village. As readable as a first- ment. Albert Schweitzer. New ture ever undertaken towards class novel, it is also as author- York, Henry Holt & Co., 1936. the application of the democrat- itative in its psychological in- $2.50. ic idea to a vast Asiatic popula- sight as it is in its description tion habituated through millenia of the outward aspects of life. The value of this volume is in to despotism. bringing clearly to light the Hindu Jajmani System, The. William fundamental contrast between Mahatma Gandhi's Ideas. C. F. An- H. Wiser. Lucknow, Lucknow Pub- the life-affirming philosophy and drews. New York, The Macmillan lishing House, 1936. 2r. Sa. faith of Christianity and the Co., 1930. $3.00. life-negating mentality of Hin- This unique book describes duism. This book, through the eyes of with scientific accuracy and psyan intimate friend, conveys the chological analysis for the first Crown of Hinduism, The. J. N. Farmore permanently valid ele- time the true working of the In- quhar. New York. Oxford Uniments of Mahatma Gandhi's dian village. It is of priceless versity Press, 1917. $2.00. thought. value to anyone who desires to get a scientifically true "close- Dr. Farquhar's unique work Mahatma Gandhi: His Life, Work, up" of the Indian village. It is in India of editing volumes and Influence. J. R. Chitambar. interesting that it has been left that interpreted Indian religious Philadelphia, John C, Winston Co. to an American missionary, thought with scholarly insight 1933. $2.00. aided by his brilliant wife, to do culminated in this great book, this valuable piece of analysis which reveals the relationship This gives from the point of of the social pattern on which of Hinduism to Christianity. view of an Indian sympathizer India has been built. the record of Mahatma Gandhi's Bhagavad Gita, The. Translated by life up till some six years ago. Indian Peasant, The. Marquis of Lin- A. W. Ryder. Chicago, University No coherent record has yet been lithgow. London, Faber & Faber, of Chicago Press, 1929. $2.00. made of his more recent concen- 1932. Paper, 1/-. tration upon the uplift of the This is a fine translation of outcaste. This pamphlet, written with the Hindu Scripture which, as restrained eloquence and unex- Mahatma Gandhi said to the Autobiography; With Musings on celled knowledge, is significant present writer, is the only book Recent Events in India. Jawa- as the production of the present in the world that he finds be- harial Nehru. London, John Lane, Viceroy of India who was Chair- yond criticism and that is used 1936. 15/-. man of the Agricultural Com- by him every day in his devo- mission that for the first time tional life. This singularly beautiful book, examined the whole rural life of which Edward Thompson likens India. Indian Islam. Murray T. Titus. Reto Newman's Apologia Pro Vita, ligious Quest of India series. New not only gives from the angle of Up from Poverty in Rural India. D. York, Oxford University Press, one of its outstanding leaders Spencer Hatch. New York, Oxford 1930. $4.50. the story of the last decade of University Press, 1936. $1.50. 3rd change, but reveals in poignant ed. This volume, alongside Dr. and in often tragic autobiog- Bevan Jones' The People of the raphy the strange crisis which Dr. Spencer Hatch and his Mosque, describes the Mohamcomes through the working of wife at Travancore, South India, medanism of the greatest Islamthe Western ferments in Indian have created a pioneer experi- ic population of the world, the life. This book, although very ment in rural reconstruction. eighty million Moslems of India. long, should be read with joy as This book should be read alongsheer literature as well as with side "The Gospel and the Plow," EDUCATION sympathy as a unique human by Sam Higginbottom which document. It is disappointing most unfortunately is out of Christian College in India, The. Rethat repeated efforts· have failed print but can be secured from port of the Commission on Christo persuade any American pub- many libraries. tian Higher Education in India. lisher that it is worth while to New York, Oxford University produce it here in the United INDIAN RELIGIONS Press, 1931. $2.00. States. Copies of the English edition can be secured through Living Religions of the Indian This is the famous Lindsay the Friendship Press, 150 Fifth People, The. Nicol Macnicol. Lon- report which gives still the best Avenue, New York. don, Student Christian Movement perspective available not only of Press, 1934. (Available from MiE- the existing situation but of the RURAL CONDITIONS AND MOVE- sionary Education Movement. 150 lines of progress for the future. Fifth Avenue, New York, $3.50.) MENTS Christian Education in the Villages This is the best available up- of India. Alice B. Van Doren. New Behind Mud Walls. William H. and to-date volume on this subject. Yo r k, International Missionary Charlotte V. Wiser. New York. Its author, who has given a life- Council, 1931. 80 cents. Richard R. Smith, 1930. $1.50. time to India, is simultaneously (Available from Harper & Broth- a scholar of highest quality, a This book, alongside the same ers.) Christian saint, and a poet. author's new volume, The Chris- tian High School in India, gives This is the ablest and most the best available picture of penetrating descriptive book yet rural education alongside the
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
training of those who are be- Other Recent Books churches, as shown in four chaptween the village and the college. ters, is not very encouraging. The Japan Christian Year Book- Both the nation and the Church Builders of the Indian Church. 1938. Edited by Charles W. Igle- are passing through a crisis. Stephen Neill. London, Edinburgh hart. 8vo. 454 pp. Yen 2.50- The increase in evangelical House Press, 1934. (Available Kyo Bun Kwan, Tokyo; $1.25 from Church membership has been t h r 0 ugh Missionary Education the Foreign Missions Conference, small (only 5,111 reported by all Movement, 150 Fifth Avenue, New New York. 1938. societies), in spite of Kagawa's York, 80 cents.) evangelistic campaign. The sta- Nineteen foreigners and six tistics are incomplete. This little volume gives a Japanese, who contribute the vivid insight into the past work chapters to this annual volume, The Year Book includes the together with the prospect for give a reliable but incomplete usual list of missions, stations the future architecture of In- picture of political, industrial, and missionaries. One of the dia's Christian life. social and religious. life in Japan interesting chapters deals with today. The picture is incomplete "The Revival Movement in For- Christian Mass Movements in India. for government censorship does mosa" and another 'is on "Ja- J. Waskom Pickett. New York, not permit the publication of pan's Christian Activities Over Abingdon Press, 1933. (Available facts in regard to the military Seas." through International Missionary situation, the financial distress, Council, 156 Fifth Avenue, New the real attitude of the better Christian High Schools in India. York. Cloth, $1.00.) informed people as to the war By Alice B. Van Doren. 170 pp. against China, or on the Shinto Rs. 2-12. Calcutta, 1936. This is by far the most au- shrine situation. At the same thoritative survey of what is time there is much recorded here Few pUblications of the exnow becoming the most chal- that is of great interest and cellent "Education of India lenging flow of multitudes of un- value regarding "The Year of Series" of the Y. M. C. A. Pubderprivileged people into the the Ox" (1937)-supposed to be lishing House, present more church that has. been witnessed a period of "patient rumination." helpful, and at the same time, in any land in modern times, if Politically the per i 0 d was more challenging material. The not in all history. marked by a further breaking work of the twenty Christian away from the plan of coopera- Colleges in India is of great sig- Christianity in the Eastern Conflicts. tion with America and Europe nificance, both for the nation William Paton. New York, Friend- in the limitation of armaments, and the Church of God; the 170 ship Press, 1937. Cloth, $1.50; and a refusal to join in plans for odd high schools covered by Miss paper, 75 cents. (Especially Chap- the promotion of peace and Van Doren's survey, which pre- ter III.) friendly relations with the more pare many boys and girls who advanced nations. The "military later go on to the colleges, are This magnificent book has two party" is in the saddle in Japan also vital centers of influence. particular contributions to make. and is determined to carry out One finds among them throb- It puts the Indian Christian ad- its own program, without regard bing, colorful, unique instituvance in the heart of the world to treaty obligations and the tions but some that are drab, scene, and it reveals with the in- rights of other nations. "The dull, commonplace. This Survey sight of one who has given years Year of the Ox" might be inter- dodges none of the depressing of splendid service in India the preted as "the Year of Sacrifice" facts but it pictures fully the large significance of the present -but it is the sacrifice of achievements of the b est growth of the Christian church. Japan's good name and of the schools; covering the essential principles of justice, truth, peace issue of curriculum, organiza- Heritage of Beauty. Pictorial Studies and friendship. tion, and methods, the survey is of Modern Church Architecture in at its best in the section which Asia and Africa, Illustrating the Dr. A. K. Reischauer of Tokyo reviews the relation of religion Influence of Indigenous Cultures. says that "Everywhere today re- to education. Thoughtful and Daniel J. Fleming. New York, ligion seems to be uncertain of wise but practical and sugges- Friendship Press, 1937. $1.50. itself and in a state of con- tive, this section is of funda- fusion." Primitive elements of mental importance for the work The'pictures here show the in- superstition and low moral of these church-fostered schools. teresting and significant adapta- standards still remain in Japan's Illustrated amply and suppletion going on today of church religious, political and social sys- mented by sample charts, the architecture to Indian patterns. tem – in spite of their fine pa- book makes its appeal to the triotic ideals and their modern reader who wants a fresh view Untouchables' Quest, The. Godfrey education. Japanese will ac- of Indian education at i,ts best Phillips. New York. Friendship knowledge no authority above -that is where it is self-critical. Press, 1936. Cloth, 75 cents; paper, that of the Emperor – as inter- Valuable statistics make this 40 cents. preted by his human advisers. study useful for the student of missionary education. Professor Godfrey Phillips, But the influence and power with the insight of one who has of Christ is growing in Japan- Miss Van Doren and her Adhimself given decades to South in spite of great difficulties. The visory Committee, all operating India, gives an up-to-date pic- pro g res s of the Christian ture of the Untouchables and their movement towards the light.
under the direction of India's and sympathetically of present- Brazilians from appointment as National Christian Council, day events and the modern missionaries. Francisco Fulhave given us a readable book, trends-in China, Japan and gencio Soren became a great in- a digest of a great volume of Korea. He considers the ex- fluence for God in his native data, selected with the wisdom pectant East, the teaching and country. So unusual was his of experience. The book is most influence of Confucianism, Bud- work that his Alma Mater con- timely and will remain for years dhism, Shamanism and Shinto- ferred upon him the degree of to come both an authoritative ism; he describes briefly the Doctor of Divinity. He devel- document of fact and also a work of Protestant Missions and oped the small church of Rio into guide a program of help to those the growth of the Christian a large congregation and a now at work in India's schools. Church, and the present status temple worthy of that metropo- B. C. HARRINGTON. of Christianity, the many obsta- lis. He and his wife also helped cles and the outlook. Each of the to establish a theological sem- three countries is taken up sep- Moving Millions – A Pageant of arately. The book is full of inary, and a woman's college of Modern India. By E. Stanley Jones, which Mrs. Soren is the prin- facts, important facts, related Bishop J. Wascom Pickett, C. Her- facts, well presented. Christ is cipal. Dr. Soren became the bert Rice and others. Introduction the only hope of Asia and of the interpreter between the mission- by Robert E. Speer. Map. 224 pp. world. ary viewpoint and the Brazilian Paper, 50 cents. Missionary Edu- Church and vice versa.
cation Movement, New York. 1938.
This is the senior textbook for This biography will be a great the study of India. It is full of Radiant Youth. By Captain Reginald help to every young minister and facts that are essential in such a Wallis. 128 pp. 80 cents. Amerstudy, and the chapter headings ican Bible Conference Association. especially to the outgoing mis- Philadelphia. sionary. A. H. PERPETUO.
indicate that the picture of mod- While this book is written for Fun and Festival from India. By ern India's "moving millions" is young people, no adult will lay Rose Wright. 48 pp. 25 cents. adequately presented: The Un- it down when once he begins to Friendship Press, New York. 1938. touchables; The Ministry of read it. Some of its thirty-three Healing; Rural Millions; The chapters have appeared in The This little pamphlet is just Christian Church and Higher Christian Herald. Each is in- what the title indicates. It con- Christian Education. Dr. Stan- tensely practical. The author tains suggestions for suppleley Jones sums up the whole skillfully deals with such topics menting the study of India with in a final chapter-"Facing the as: "The Dynamic of the Cross," music, games, costumes, menus Future." He points out that "Does Sin Matter?" "Is the Bible from India, and creative recreaconversion from one faith to an- God's Book?" "Attainment or tion such as metal work, "tieother is no longer a religious Atonement," etc., so that the and-dye" work and other arts question only, but a political and youthful reader is thoroughly native to India. cultural one. There is a plea for and unconsciously grounded in a demonstration of the Kingdom stable doctrine. Each chapter Hearts Aglow. Stories of Lepers by of God; people must see its begins with a bit of humor or a the Inland Sea. By Honami Nagata principles and power in opera- gripping story, and telling illus- and Lois Johnson Erickson. IUus. tion. The Christian message 127 pp. $1.25. Printed in Japan must be the Kingdom of God on trations fall thick and fast, hold- for the American Mission to Lepers, earth-no less. We cannot com- ing the attention to the end. New York. 1938: promise or tone it down. Clever reasoning and skilful use of Scripture quotations clinch There are over 1,800 Chris- The Star in the East. By C. Darby the argument in each message tian lepers in Japanese leper col- Fulton. Illus. 12mo. 264 pp. and much helpful information is onies. Mrs. Erickson, a mission- Presbyterian Committee of Publica- contained in this delightful book. ary of the Presbyterian Church tion, Richmond, Va., 1938. in the U. S., has long been inter- HOWARD A. ADAIR. ested in these sufferers of Japan and has translated many of their The tragic events in Eastern beautiful poems. Here she trans- Asia are of tremendous impor- Francisco Fulgencio Soren. By L. M. lates stories written by Honami tance to the world of today and Bratcher. 224 pp. $1.25. Broad- Nagata, a Christian leper, who tomorrow. Here is a message of man Press. Nashville, Tenn. tells his own experiences and Hope in the midst of dark days. A young Brazilian who was those of his friends. He is a Dr. Darby Fulton, formerly a brought to the Lord by one of leader in the Poetry Club at missionary in Japan, and now His missionaries later came to Oshima where there is a hospital Executive Secretary of the For- the United States, went through for lepers. To the stories and eign Missions Committee of the college and seminary and then poems by Mr. Nagata, the trans- Presbyterian Church in the U. was sent back to his native land lator adds others that reveal S., knows the situation from by the Southern Baptist Board beautiful faith and courage. first-hand contacts. His parents of Foreign Missions. The Bap- They repay the reader and show went out fifty years ago as mis- tist Board did not follow the ex- the power of Christ to bring sionaries to Japan. Dr. Fulton ample of other North American comfort and courage to stricken writes graphically, intelligently Boards in excluding native-born souls in leprous. bodies.
BooIe. Evangelize or Foaailize. Herbert Lectures on Japan. Inazo
Lockyer. 92 pp. Bible Institute 393 pp. $2.00. University of Chi- The American City and Its Church. Colportage Assn. Chicago. cago Press. Chicago. Samuel C. Kincheloe. 177 Pl" $1.00 and 60 cents. Friendship Evergreen and Other Near East Bible G. Campbell Morgan, Bible Teacher. Press. New York. Talks. Abdul-Fady (A. T. Upson). Harold Murray. 141 pp. $1.00. 120 pp. 28. Marshall, Morgan & Marshall, Morgan & Scott, London. All Around the City. Esther Frei- Scott. London. and Zondervan Pub. Co. Grand vo~l. 96 pp. $1.00 and 50 cents. Rapids. FrIendship Press. New York. Education in India-1935-36. 140 pp. 3s. 3d. Bureau of Education, Delhi, Men of Power. Fred Eastman. 186 America's Share in Japan's War India. pp. $1.50. Cokesbury Press. Guilt. 80 pp. 15 cents. American Nashville. Committee for Non-Participation in The Heathen. Henry W. Frost. 106 Japanese Aggression. New York. pp. Fundamental Truth Pub. Street Comer. Harold & Eunice Findlay, Ohio. Hunting. 118 pp. $1.00, cloth, American Bible Society's Annual Re- and 50 cents, paper. Friendship port – 1938. 300 pp. American The Household of Faith. Arthur Press. New York. Bible S?Ciety. New York. Emerson Harris. 232 pp. $2. Revell. New York. A Stud~_ in Christian Certainties. Blue Skies. Louise Harrison Mc- John Wilmot Mahood. 77 pp. 35 Graw. 262 pp. $1.00. Zondervan Hearts Aglow. Honami Nagata and cents. Zondervan Pub. Co. Grand Pub. House. Grand Rapids. Lois Johnson Erickson. 127 pp. Rapids. $1.25. American Mission to Lepers. The Church Can Save the World. New York. – -_ – ……………,………… Samuel M. Shoemaker. 162 pp. $1.50. Harper Bros. New York. It Began in Galilee. Reginald J. Write c.tIay Barker. 317 pp. $2.50. Cokesbury The Church and the Tribulation. Press. Nashville. TIle ……..f Fe…,.,. H ……. C. F. Hogg and W. E. Vine. 63 pp. ef tIae …..byaerlaa a..rell 6d. Pickering and Inglis. London. Johanna of Nigeria. Life and Labors of Johanna Veenstra. Henry Beets. la 'lie ValtedState.of AaIerIea Christ and the Hindu Heart. J. E. 228 pp. Grand Rapids Printing .UFUtlaAye..NewYerk.N.Y. Graefe. 155 pp. Revell. New York. Co. Grand Rapids.
The Case Against Japan. Charles R. Japan Christian Year Book -1938. Shepherd. $2.50. 242 pp. Daniel $2.00. Christian Literature So- Ryerson, Inc. New York. ciety, Tokyo)" or Committee of Ref- erence and uouncil, New York. The Christ. A. Wendell Ross. $2.00. 222 pp. Revell. New York. Living Word. C. M. S. Report. 56 pp. 6d. C. M. S. London. The Doctor Comes to Lui. Eileen Fraser. 71 pp. lB. C. M. S. Little Saint Barbara. M. E. Mark- London. ham. 101 pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. London.
HAVE YOU READ?
THE LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN OF BOMBAY By ROBERT E. SPEER The biography of a remarkable missionary whom the (then) Prince of Wales visited in Bombay at the request of his mother, Queen Victoria.
What some readers say of this book: Robert Speer's "Life of George Bowen of Bombay" is one was so far-sighted and so deep-seeing I-the former because of the richest of missionary biographies. the latter. If one wants to sum up the interests of our Da. J. LoVBLL MUUAY, Director of the students today-Biblical, social, theological-Bowen is a Canadian School of Missions, Toronto. representative figure. And what a lesson in apparent failure! What a life! He was old enou~ to know why he went, , apnrodd~bcatd enough to know the meamng of salvation. One by_ . . , I feel strongly that every student and alumnus of our of his exper!ence was his. wonde!ful hwnility-aoth- Seminary needs this book. What better book to lead them to feed on the- Bible. One hears so much "vestibule religion"- mg m the show wmdow and himself m the remote back. mtherenshpoolidn,tinbguttontoheo doo~ r andutpakoinfg their people as far as the ground. It is inspiring. the treasures within the Da. GaoltGB P. PInsoN, fotmlf'J, of Tapa. Father's House. Read the topics of current sermons, and We must all be grateful for this revealing of the main· Bowen's expositions are precisely what Christians need in order springs of Bowen's character, his abiding faith in God, his to grow from puerility into spiritual maturity. Here is no earnest purpose to be a true and faithful follower of Jesus adolescent, but a f1III1I in Christ. This is no volume to be Christ; and -his deep-seated conviction that the Gospel of read and dismissed, but to be marked and to be turned to Christ could meet the religious needs of India's people. repeatedly. HlNRy SLOANE CoPPIN, WU.LIAM HAzEN, P"sidml of U"io" Snni1lllr'1'
Missio"., i" SboJaplI', It.dia. The Memoirs of George Bowen will continue to be for y~ to come a searching manual of devotion. He has set A biography of one of the saintliest figures of the nine- before me an ideal which few could attain; his life is a scath· teenth century. I could not put the book down. There is a ing rebuke to our ease, comfort, self-indulgence and inef- fascination and a depth in this man's soul which held me in nciency. J. Ross STEVBNSON, devout attention. I found myself marking his moving sayings which would serve as starting points for chapel talks. He P,eside", Bmeritlls, P,i1Imo" Semi".,.
Send $2.50 lo-day for YOllr copy of this latest book by Dr. Speer THE MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBLISHING CO.
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The Missionary Review of the World — September 1938
SEPTEM8~
The Crisis-Looking Toward Madras Paul W. Harrison With Tibetans at the Crossroads E. B. Steiner Some Problems of a Midwest City L. Merle Rymph '
Why I Believe in Jesus Christ Chiang Kai..shek The Story of Meshed, The Sacred City Dwight M. Donaldson , The Modern Challenge to Christianity William Paton The Sunday Schools Over the World .
Robert M. Hopkins Practical Value of Missions to Pastors Archibald G. Adams 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yea,.
I Church Management
For 1938 and 1939 IF YOU are considering the A Preaching and Worship Manual for the Year publication of a book, pamphlet, or tract, why not PRICE POSTPAID. $1.00 let us make it for you? Our facilities are most modem, (A full credit coupon in each book gives you a $1.00 and our location is at the credit on a Bubscription to "Church Management") "heart of distribution." Estimates on your particular re- ADDRESS quirements, with expert counsel, will be gladly fur- CHURCH MANAGEMENT nished on request. Auditorium Building Cleveland. Ohio e~ 8~ October 5 to 12-United Lutheran Obituary Notes p~ Church in America, Biennial Con- vention, Baltimore, Md. Dr. ~vi~on D. Lord, for over fifty years pastor of the First Baptist EFFECTIVE PRINTING AT October 6 to ll-International GOOd- church of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N. ECONOMICAL PRICES Y., the president of the American will Congress. Palaee Hotel, San Baptist Home Mission Society and re- The Evangelical Pre•• Francisco, Calif. cording secretary of the Federal October 9 to II-Home Missions Council of Churches of Christ in Jr_-.,. 2'1oe"""s"-i"e"u0I/0 / . For14 Conference. Bu1falo, N. Y. America, died in Brooklyn, on July October 14 to 20-American Luther- Third and Reily St…. an Church, Biennial Convention, 18th at the age of seventy-nine. Dr. H.rri.J,urg, Pennaylv.nia Sandusky, .ohio. Lord was born in Hillsdale, Michigan, October 20-Baltimore, Md., Insti- and was graduated from Union The- tute for Church Women. Mrs: ological Seminary fifty-five years ago. Bruce H. McDonald, 616 West Fay- He was instrumental in effecting the ette Street, Baltimore, Md. union of the Free Bapti8t Church, of October 23 to 2~Home Missions which he was a member. with the D.e. to Remember Conference. Cleveland, .ohio. • • Northern Bapti8t Convention in 1911. October 30 to Nov. I-Home Mi8- September 11 to 13-Italian Baptist 8ions Conference. Kansas City, Mo. • Convention o;f America. Cleveland. Dr. Lemuel Call Barnel, formerly THE PRESBYTERIAn secretary of the Department of Eng~ September 26-Home Missions Con- lish-speaking Mis8ions and Indian ference. St. Louis, Mo. • The only weekly in the Work of the American Baptist Home Presbyterian Church. Mission Society, died in Yonkers, N. September 11 to 16-International Y., on July 18th at eighty-three years Convention of the Disciples of • Its message is based upon of age. Dr. Barnes was born in Kirk- Christ. Denver, Colo. the Revealed Word. of God. land, .ohio, was graduated from Kal- amazoo College, Michigan, in 1876 September 19 to 30 (tentative)- • Goes into every state in and from Newton TheoloJieal Sem- School of Missions. Mrs. Mitchell, the Union, U. S. possessiOns inary in 1878. After servIng pastor- Langdon, Tex. and many foreign countries. ates in St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Newton Center and Worcester, he became the September 21 to 28-General Council, Subscription rate – $2.50 eftlclent field 8ecretary of the Amer- United Church of Canada, Toronto, Ministerial rate – – $2.00 ican Baptist Home Mi..ion Society Canada. from 1907 to 1917. He was the author SOc. extra–Canadian postage of 8everal volume8, including "Two September 26 to 30-Southern Cali- $1.50 extra– Foreign postage Thousand Years of Mission8 Before fornia (Los Angeles) School of Carey" and "Baptist Work Among Mission Study. Mrs. H. M. Horn, THE PRESBYTERKIn American Indiana." His widow, Mary 1811 Huntington Drive, South Pas- Clark Barnes, survives her husband adena, Cal. 121 7 Market Street after nearly sixty years of married Philadelphia. P •• life. September 27 to. 21i'-A Second In- ••• terdenominational Women's Insti- Dr. Paul Rader, the well-known tute is to be held in the McCormick "cowboy evangelist," fonuerly pastor Memorial Y. W. C. A., Chicago. of the Moody Memorial church in Chi- Dr. T. H. P. Sailer, Dr. Arthur E. cago, (1914-1921), died in Hollywood, Holt, Prof. Samuel Kincheloe, Mrs. California, on July 19th, at the age E. E. McClintock and Miss Esther of 68 years. He was born in Denver, McRuer will be the leaders. Dr. H. Colorado, and in early youth was a cowboy. His father, Rev. Daniel L. —–Paul Douglass will conduct a semi- Rader, was a Methodi8t minister and nar on church unity and Dr. E. K. Paul became interested in evangelism Higdon, formerly of the Philip- at the age of thirty-one. He began pines, will conduct a seminar on preaching on street corners in Pitts- the Madras Conference. Dr. Sam burgh and afterwards he fllied pas- Higginbottom will speak at an eve- (CO'1/eltuled on pa,ge 887.) ning mass meeting.
October 4 to ~Warren, .ohio, School of Mi8sions. Mrs. George Konold, 814 Scott Street, N. E., Warren, .ohio.
and because O'f the fine print-
THE MISSIONARY ing, paper and pictures used to' illus- REVIEW OF THE WORLD trate its articles."
DBLAVAN L. PIBBSON, BcUtor (2) "THE REVIEW gives a gO'O'd ac- cO'unt O'f different fields O'f missiO'nary VOL. LXI SEPT., 1938 No.9 wO'rk. I vO'te this as the best when Publication and Business omce– Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. cO'mpared with all O'ther missiO'nary Editorial and Executive omce– magazines. I like the way in which 156 Fifth Avenue, New York CltT. it handles each subject." . ~ Entered as second-class matter at (3) "THE REVIEW is a magazine;bf Post Omce, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. the three-star variety. All the main 25 cents a copy-$2.50' a year. articles are O'f timely interest. This Foreign Postage, 50' cents a Tear. Published monthlT, except August. interdenO'minatiO'nal REVIEW gives an All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan unbiased view O'f the great issues at· and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, stake." . London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, 10' shillings a year. (4) "I place THE REVIEW first MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- amO'ng missiO'nary magazines. The LISHING CO., INC. department of Wa.ys of Working is BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROIIERT E. SPBER, Prellidcmt an effective feature fO'r the far- A. L. W ABNSHl1IS, ViC7e-Praridmt WALTER McDoUGALL, Treasurer sighted pastO'r. The World-Wide Out- DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretof'll look is alsO' far abO've all O'thers in giving wO'rld news. The magazine is PAUL J. BRAlSTED SAMUEL McCREA CAVlIlRT evangelical withO'ut being narrow." D. J. FANT MRS. ORRIN R. JunD Personal Items Malwa-the Great Temple WM. B. LIPPHARD ERIC M. NORTH Miss Anna Belle Stewart, for many When Ihe good wOl'k SAMUBL M. ZWBMBll years a very effective missiO'n wO'rker calls you Basi … sail Editorial Chat among the mO'untaineers O'f the SO'uth, is retiring frO'm active service under p&O Since nO' August number O'f THE REVIEW was published both July and the Presbyterian BO'ard O'f NatiO'nal 1938 begins a second century of P & 0 September issues are enlarged in size. service to the lands beyond Suez! When- If the subscribers will nO'te this it will MissiO'ns, having reached the age ever you are called to the other side of save extra cO'rresPO'ndence. the world, choose this traditional route. limit. Miss Stewart did a remarkable Cross to England by Cunard White Star Our October number O'f THE RE- ••. and then embark in a great liner of VIEW will be devO'ted to' India, the fO'r- wO'rk at ColcO'rd, West Virginia, and the P & 0 and British India fleets, led eign missiO'n study subject fO'r the by the new 23,SOO·ton Stratheden and cO'ming year, and a large number O'f fO'r the last few years has been pi- Strathallan, featuring air- conditioned very valuable and interesting subjects O'neering in the Smyrna CO'mmunity dining saloons in first class, hot and cold are in view. The main tO'pics and au- running water throughout, built·in outthO'rs are nO'ted O'n the third cO'ver O'f Center, Byrdstown, Tennessee. Her of·door swimming pools, children's playthis issue. These include articles by rooms! Regular service to Egypt, Sudan, outstanding authO'rities, bO'th Indian wO'rk is to' be taken up by Grace Jus- Persian Gulf, India, Burma, Ceylon, and fO'reign. Straits Settlements, China, Japan, Aus- tice, whO' has been associated with tralia, East and South Africa, Mauritius. *** Special reductions and generous bag- Miss Stewart as a vO'lunteer, and has gage allowance for missionaries. N O'W is the time to' O'rder quantities O'f this issue O'f THE REVIEW in O'rder shO'wn the ability, understanding and Convenient through bookings can be arto' take advantage O'f the special price ranged by your travel agent or any office of and to' avO'id the danger O'f waiting Christlike spirit that fit her fO'r this until the editiO'n is exhausted. CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE resPO'nsibility. *** General Agents Dr. E. Stan*ley*Jon*es O'f India, will Pastors and professors of missionll 25 Broadway and 638 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. in theO'IO'gical seminaries will be espe- address a meeting O'pen to' all mincially interested in the article in the present number O'n "The Practical isters in Marble CO'llegiate church, Value O'f MissiO'ns," by ProfessO'r Archibald G. Adams O'f Temple Uni- New YO'rk, at 10: 30 a. m., MO'nday, versity. In a persO'nal letter to' the EditO'r, PrO'fessO'r Adams quotes the September 26. He will participate in O'piniO'ns O'f many O'f his students as to' the interest and value of THE RE- the University Christian MissiO'n VIEW in keeping them in touch with wO'rld events and in helping them to' which will be cO'nducted this autumn educate their people and to' prepare at 14 American cO'lleges and univermissiO'nary sermO'ns and addresses. AmO'ng these O'piniO'ns O'f theO'IO'gical sities. •*• students are the fO'llO'wing (stated in substance fO'r brevity) : Dr. Douglas Horton, minister O'f Hyde Park CO'ngregatiO'nal church, (1) "THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF ChicagO', has been elected secretary O'f THE WORLD is rated high because O'f the General CO'uncil O'f the CO'ngregaits cO'ntent which is O'f wO'rld-wide tiO'nal and Christian Churches to' suc- ceed Dr. Charles EmersO'n BurtO'n, retired. Dr. HO'rtO'n was educated at PrincetO'n, Edinburgh and OxfO'rd Universities; has served as chaplain in the U. S. Navy, trustee O'f the American University in CairO' and at- tended many internatiO'nal cO'nfer- ences.
*** Capt. Ellis Skolfield, O'f the GO'spel Ship in the Philippine Islands, whO'
has been in America because of the ill health O'f his sO'n, has nO'w returned to' the SO'uth Seas to' cO'mplete plans fO'r taking the ship to' New Guinea and adjacent islands O'f the Dutch East Indies, as a preliminary to' O'pen- ing a permanent wO'rk there. It is expected that this survey trip will re- (Concluded on page 386.) [385 ]
I Itemi retary to the Board of Foreign Mis- What Shall We Study?
(Concluded from page 385.) sions of the Presbyterian Church, The American City and Its Church U. S. A. He assumed his new office (Kincheloe) presents the missionary quire about three months, after which on July 15, and is in charge of the task as emergent, with our rapidly in- Capt. Skolfield will return to America work in China. creasing urban population, treating to make his report and lay plans for ~!,mn5 the subject vigorously and construc- the future. *** tively. (Cloth, $1.00; paper, 60 cents.) City Man (Sears) is a special edi- Dr. Charles E. Maddry, Executive tion of a recent book that provides Secretary of the Southern Baptist of tbe Foreign Mission Board, who attended valuable supplemental material for the study topic. ($1.50 and 75 cents.) the Baptist Union of Italy in Rome, ctCbrl£ittan Urban Scene (Bro) presents the sailed from England for West Africa city today and its church in striking to visit Southern Baptist work in Ni~1 photographs, maps, pictorial statistics, geria. He expects to be back in Rich- 1Lt ~'f~ brief, gripping statements, etc. Inmond, Virginia, in September. dispensable for groups of all ages.
*** (25 cents.) ell BOOK of worship in song, com….. The foregoi,ng are for adu~t Mr. William Albert Harbison has resigned as treasurer of the American bining a hymnal for general groups. SpeCIal young people s >: Mission to Lepers and is succeeded by books are: Mr. W. Espey Albig, deputy manager A Course for Young People on the of the American Bankers' Association. Church in the City (Geer), which fur- church use and a song book for evan- ~elist. iC ~u'rposes: Onl d song~ • soun *** an the faith and Inspirational an char- nishes a guide to study, discussion, Dr. H. H. Underwood, President of acter included—emphasizing Evangel- worsh!p and. service, is based on The Chosen Christian College, Korea, has ism, Missions, and the Deeper Life. A merwan Ctty and Its Church and been elected President of Severance M any of the new—the best of the old. UrCblt;ttny SScheandeo. ws(25(Sceeanrtlse.)) – a coHec- Medical College, Seoul. At one time, tion of true stories challenging to Dr. O. R. Avison was President of 504 Songs Responsive Readings keenest interest. ($1.00 and 60 cents.) both institutions and under Dr. Underwood's administration these two Topicallndex Gold Embossed Street Corner (Hunting), a reading schools will continue to cooperate. and source book by which juniors ex- Published in round notes and Roxite cloth plore a city ($1.00 and 50 cents.) *** edition only at $65.00 per 100—an especiall~ low price. Single copy, 8Sc postpaid. My Community, My Church and Me Write today for returnable sample copy The Rev. Dr. Lloyd S. Ruland, for (Hallenbeck) is a helpful guide for eleven years pastor of West Presby- CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS, Inc. city groups in studying their own com- terian Church in Binghamton, New 1502 NORTH THIRD STREET munities and developing a program of York, has accepted a call to be sec- HARRISBUltG, PA. local service. (35 cents.) HAVE YOU READ?
THE LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN OF BOMBAY By ROBERT E. SPEER The biography of a remarkable missionary whom the (then) Prince of Wales visited in Bombay at the request of his mother, Queen Victoria.
What some readers say of this book: Robert Speer's "Life of George Bowen of Bombay" is one was so far-sighted and so deep-seeing !-the former because of the richest of missionary biographies. the latter. If one wants to sum up the interests of our DR. J. LOVELL MURRAY, Director of the Canadian School of Missions, Toronto. students today-:-Biblical, social, theological-Bowen is a What a life! He was old enough to know why he went, representative figure. And what a lesson in apparent failure! . . . I ·feel strongly that every student and alumnus of our and bad enough to know the meaning of salvation. One by- Seminary needs this book. What better book to lead them to product of his experience was his wonderful humility-noth- feed on the Bible. One hears so much "vestibule religion"- men pointing to the door and taking their people as far as the ing in the show window and himself in the remote back- threshold, but no opening up of the treasures within the ground. It is inspiring. Father's House. Read the topics of current sermons, and . DR. GEORGE P. PIERSON, formerly of Japan. Bowen's expositions are precisely what Christians need in order We must all be grateful for this revealing of the main- to grow from puerility into spiritual maturity. Here is no springs of Bowen's character, his abiding faith in God, his adolescent, but a man in Christ. This is no volume to be earnest purpose to be a true and faithful follower of Jesus read and dismissed, but to be marked and to be turned to Christ; and his deep-seated conviction that the Gospel of Christ could meet the religious needs of India's people. repeatedly. HENRY SLOANE COFFIN, WILLIAM HAZEN, President of Union Seminary. Missionary in Sho/apur, India. The Memoirs of George Bowen will continue to be for A biography of one of the saintliest figures of the nineteenth century. I could not put the book down. There is a years to come a searching manual of devotion. He has set fascination and a depth in this man's soul which held me in before me an ideal which few could attain; his life is a scathdevout attention. I found myself marking his moving sayings which would serve as starting points for chapel talks. He ing rebuke to our ease, comfort, self-indulgence and inef- ficiency. J. Ross STEVENSON, President Emeritus, Princeton Seminary.
Send $2.50 to-day for your copy of this latest book by Dr. Speer THE MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBLISHING CO.
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[386 ]
Notes bined the supervIsIon of a Boy's The great white Empresses
School with evangelistic trips. Mrs. every speed record to and from (Concluded from .2d cover page.) Derr gave her time to personal evan- the Orient. 10 days direct to gelism, teaching girls' industrial Yokohama by Empress of Asia torates in Boston and Chicago. From classes and training Bible women. or Empress of Russia. Or only 1921 to 1923 he was President of the three days more via Hawaii by Christian and Missionary Alliance *** Empress of Japan, largest and and later was President of W orld- fastest on the Pacific, or Empress Wide Gospel Couriers, a Chicago mis- Miss Lucy H. Dawson, formerly of Canada. Connect at Honolulu sionary society. Mrs. Rader and three from California ports. daughters survive him. General' 'Secretary of the Presbyterian Woman's Board of Home Missions, From Vancouver and Victoria *** died in Baltimore, May. 22, after an to Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, illness of· several years. Her mission- Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila. Fred S. Goodman, for many years ary service included volunteer work Details from YOUR TRAVEL a member of the International Com- in city missions in Baltimore, re- AGENT or Canadian Pacific.: mittee of the Y. M. C. A. and for ligious work director of the Y. W. 41 offices in U. S. and Canada. some years an invalid, died at his C. A., in the Presbyterian Training home in Monclair, New Jersey, on School for Christian workers, the July 12th at eighty years of age. Mr. Daily Vacation Bible Schools and Goodman was born in Rockport, Illi- various women's missionary organizanois, in 1858 and was graduated from tions. After the consolidation of all Kalamazoo College, Michigan. He en- home mission agencies into the Board tered into Y. M. C. A. work in 1881 of National Missions, Miss Dawson and became associated with the In- became Promotion Secretary for ternational Committee twenty years women's work. later. During the World War he served on the World War Council and THE CITY had charge of the Religious Work Institutes for training those engaged The city-what is a city? in Y. M. C. A. war work. He was A city-that is where both Dives and retired in 1922 and then for ten years was American Secretary of the Wal- Lazarus live. densian Aid Society. He is survived A city-that is where men die of loneby one son, a daughter and eight grandchildren. liness in a crowd. A city -that is the land of plenty *** where men die of starvation. Dr. Charles C. Selden, formerly of A city-that is where a thousand peo- Canton, China, died suddenly in Oberlin, Ohio, June 15. He was an affili- ple live on an acre of ground that ated missionary of the Presbyterian they never see. Board, and devoted his personal for- A city is where thousands live in a tune and his life to work for the in- single block and never know they sane and the blind of China. He never have a neighbor. accepted any salary and lived simply A city is a place where may be seen in order to make conditions easier for both the glitter of vice and the the unfortunates. He retired in 1932. glow of virtue. but continued to live in China until A city is a place where vice centers in last March. sunless spots, and where virtue shines in secluded places. *** A city is all desert for some, all oasis for others. Mr. Walter W. Gethman, General A city is a place which some greet Secretary of the World Committee of with a cheer; others endure with the Y. M. C. A. from 1926 to 1936, tears. died in Geneva, Switzerland, July 8. But a city may not be characterized Mr. Gethman followed his war service in epigram. with the "Y" by founding a Y. M. C. A. in Czechoslovakia. He remained -CHARLES H. SEARS, in the there until taking up his post in Biblical World, October, Geneva. 1916.
*** Wherever the State claims to give Rev. J. H. Cope, American Baptist a theology to its people, or to set a principle of education, or tries to ormissionary to the northern Chin peo- ganize a conscience or impose a myth ple in Burma for thirty years, was upon the people, there you. will find stricken while on tour and died at the ultimate menace to the Christian Haka in the Chin Hills on June 13. Church.-Adolf Keller, G en e v a, Hundreds of converts and many Switzerland. churches organized among the Chins are testimony to the quality of his The fellowship of all the members service. In addition to preaching and of Christ's spiritual Church with one teaching, he translated the New another, overleaps all denominational Testament, Scripture portions and lines and all national boundaries.- Pilgrim's Progress; and also pre- President J. R. Sampey, Louisville, pared hymn books and school texts up Ky. to fourth grade in four dialects of Chin. The problem of more union among the churches of Christendom is not *** one of legislating ourselves together but rather that of the slow process of Mrs. Charles H. Derr, Presbyterian growing together.-T. S. Eliot, Lonmissionary to Chenchow, China, died don. in a sanatorium at La Vina, California on May 12. With her husband [387 ] she went to China in 1904, and located at Chenchow .where Mr. Derr com-
SANG TEACHING IN CHINA TELLING THE GOSPEL STORY IN
A WOMEN'S BIBLE CLASS IN KOREA WITH OVER 1 ,000 MEMBERS A SUNDAY SCHOOL IN NAZARETH, pALESTINE JAPANESE CHILDREN LEARNING OF CHRIST SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK AROUND THE WORLD (Bee arti ole by Robert M. Hopkins, page 402) electronic file created by cafis. org REVIB ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER, 1'938 Topics of the Times SOME THOUGHTS ON EVANGELISM There must follow guidance as well as training in the practice of devotion (Bible study and The University Preaching Mission has defined prayer) building up a Christian character, and its objective to be "to lead students to faith in finally help to enable the convert to give articulate God through Jesus Christ." If in this definition expression of his new found faith in service to his one were to substitute "men" for "students," one fellow men. Only then is the task of evangelism, might so define evangelism. However, when so so far as the convert is concerned, completed. doing, one should stress the fact that the term Faith without works is dead and of no avail. The "men" as used, refers to all men, male and fe- real test of faith is seen in the effect on a believer male, old and young, Jew and Gentile, black and and in what it impels and enables him to do.
white, agnostic and atheist, Buddhist and Mos- No doubt most people will agree on a basic lem without any exception whatsoever. This em- definition of evangelism and will probably admit phasis is essential in these days, when many its validity. Real difference of opinion arises foster a fellowship of religions, in which all re- when the question of methods of evangelism is ligions are more or less placed on a par, and who considered. Billy Sunday's high-pressure meththerefore protest against efforts to evangelize ods are not approved by some. The use of Bibmen as unwarranted "proselytism." The initial lical prophecy and scriptural appeal would be task of evangelism is to lead men to faith in God opposed by others; still others would claim sterthrough Jesus Christ. This task is not complete ility for any evangelistic effort that failed to until it has also helped such men to make a full stress personal sin, Christ crucified and redempsurrender to God and to articulate their faith, tion through His sacrifice. first to Him and then to. their fellow men in particular and to society in general. The intense emotionalism of many of the pre- war evangelistic campaigns and revivals are To lead men into faith in God through Jesus largely taboo' today. Such emotionalism is sup- Christ involves what is called conversion. Con- posed not to be in accord with present-day psycerning conversion Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof chology, practice and sophistication, though it is in his book "Stormers of Heaven" says: still used in certain Christian circles and appar- ently with success. No doubt the old revivals did There seems to be a uniqueness in the nature of Chris- often overstress the emotional appeal to the negtian conversion. Judaism is patient discipline, and Chris- lect of the appeal to reason. But today the tianity is sudden deliverance; Judaism is concerned with pendulum seems to have swung to the other exsocial development, Christianity is personal revolution. treme with intellectualism overemphasized al- 'fhere is explosive power in the Christian faith which can most to the complete exclusion of the appeal to the capture the souls of men in the calmest moment of their heart and conscience. True evangelism embodies self-contentment, tear down their spiritual organization, both. However much we may think and seek to and build it upon a new plan. understand God and our relation to Him, such an experience becomes ,articulate in life only when Would that more Christians had such convincing one feels it sufficiently to act. Mere argument faith in the explosive power of their Christian and apologetic, however convincing, rarely confaith! This tearing down of a man's "spiritual verts; invariably it is the Christian witness of a organization and building it upon a new plan," life that brings the'result. to use Freehof's words, is conversion or regeneration; this, is the first step in evangelism.
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Followers of Christ cannot evangelize others As we face the increasing human need in the until they themselves are more completely Chris- wake of wars, racial discrimination, social in- tian. Thus evangelism involves a further re- justice, moral relapse, and economic maladjust- sponsibility; it must include efforts to bring more ment, we are assailed by a sense of futility and Christlike reality into the lives of those already helplessness. What is the use of human efforts, known as Christians. This is of great impor-:- however sincere and energetic the individual may tance. We hear many criticisms of Christianity, be? Here one is forced to rely on God and away but few of Jesus, Christ. Many Jews, even the from dependence on man. As Fritz Beck writes: atheist type, assert that if Christians were more "A man without God, but with a knowledge Christlike, there probably would be no anti-Semi- of present world conditions, must surely despair."
tism, and more Jews would become Christians. At such times as these one realizes our utter de- Very true; but does not such assertion imply a pendence on GqQ and the need of Christ-centered remarkable faith in the power of the person of lives, projected out in service on the battle fronts Jesus Christ to mold lives and to influence human of human needs. Apart from God there is no relationships for good? hope or help for mankind.
One more word! God needs no proving. God One last word. Psychology stresses integra- is whether we are able or not to prove Him. Let tion of personality. That is essential. But inte- us not therefore be overanxious to prove His ex- gration of one's personality within one's environ- I istence by logic and apologetic. Let us not fall ment would seem to be of even greater impor- into the error of believing that God is simply a tance. In our world today, constituted as it is, one satisfying means of explaining an otherwise in- of the most difficult things is to be one's self, that explicable universe. God exists irrespective of is, to be an individual or to maintain one's dis- man's views or understanding of Him. And be- tinctive individuality. Independence of thought cause God is, I am. is not easy in the face of the intellectual "goose- IRRELIGION AND PAGANISM stepping" that is being enforced. We tend to conform to type and convention, like sheep which Today one encounters a lot of apparent irre- follow the bellwether. This is often especially ligion, if not out-and-out paganism. Experience true of the Christian. Some one has said "you reveals this to be very largely a veneer. Scratch it, cannot be Christian in this unchristian world and and you uncover great personal need and spirit- hope to survive." In other words, "Except a ual hunger. Men are hungry for spiritual and grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it soul-satisfying food. Many suffer from a spirit- can bear no fruit." How many are prepared to ual vacuum which craves to be filled. To others, go all the way with Christ? How many of us life means little or nothing beyond "eat, drink would do as the apostle Paul, or Kagawa, or and be merry, for tomorrow we die." They talk Schweitzer or Niemoller have done?
of the failure of the Church but hope against President Robert J. Hutchins of Chicago Uni- hope that the Church may somehow satisfy their versity, when speaking to a recent graduating personal and spiritual needs. Modern and so- class, declared: phisticated man still longs for guidance, for as- My experience and observation lead me to warn you surance, for a power that will give him victory that by far the greatest, the most insidious, the most where now he suffers defeat. He knows that paralyzing danger you will face is the danger of corrup- tion. Time will corrupt you; your friends, your wives or "the world within us means more than all the husbands, your business or professional ambitions will worlds without." " corrupt you. The worst thing about life is that it is demoralizing. One may well wonder whether all the interest, feigned and real, in world affairs, such as prob- Life was never more demoralizing than now.
lems of war and peace, of racial discrimination Never was there more need for Jesus Christ than and of economic maladj ustment, is not largely a now-not vague or general religion~but a per- smoke screen to hide this ache and yearning in sonal Christ and Saviour. To give men such a men's hearts. Christian Evangelists must deal Christ is the task of evangelism noW as ever in with these world issues, but our interest in them the past. CONRAD HOFFMANN, JR.
must not be a beating around the bush and an evasion of other essential factors. We need to THE YOUTH FOR CHRIST preach Christ and the forgiveness of sin. After conversion, then is the time to give needed ex- We thank God for youth. They are to the pression to the faith that has been born, and Church and the State, what fresh young shoots then it is necessary to project that conversion into are to the future harvest. Everywhere we hear service for others. But there is no first and of "Youth Movements."
second here in order of importance. We must do It is estimated that there are nearly twice as the one and not neglect the other. many people in the world under thirty-three as
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
over that age. It is a well-known fact that there the youth of the world wants is to be given a high is ten times as great a likelihood of a young man standard to imitate. or young woman yielding to the claims of Christ under twenty years of age as there is when they Primitive people look to those of more advanced are older. Youth is the time for taking new countries. India has copied England, Japan is steps, the time of adventure, the time of growth, imitating Germany; China is seeking a model in the time when foundations are laid and when the United States. Good patterns must be set in habits are formed. art, in literature, in education, in politics, in so- cial life and in religion if the world is to make And yet is not youth today largely wasting its progress and is not to slip back into barbarity. energies and opportunities? The spirit of ad- Inventions, discoveries and modern machinery venture is too often spent in seeking thrills in will not produce purity, peace, brotherhood and illegitimate and dangerous paths. Natural curi- love. All peoples are truly hungry for clear osity and the desire to investigate lead too fre- knowledge and for a better way of life. To inquently to spiritual skepticism and blindly look- spire them to higher things the youth need: (1) A ing for truth about God without finding Him. good example of unselfish service; (2) a good How often the strength of youth is wasted in fool- example of unpatronizing friendliness; (3) an ish self-indulgence. opportunity to learn and to improve their condi- tion; (4) the knowledge of God as revealed in And yet, humanly speaking, youth is the hope Jesus Christ. of the world. The young people of today must be the parents, the teachers and preachers, the All creeds and all "isms" are contending for the scientists and artists, the authors and leaders of enthusiastic and devoted support of youthtomorrow. If the youth of today are not won to though that support may not be intelligent and Christ what will become of the church, the school, unselfish. There is no ideal, no inspirational exthe home, missionary work, and still more im- ample and no assurance of power to attain ideals, portant what will become of the youth as they that is equal to those found in Jesus Christ. In pass through this life into the eternity beyond? Him and in His program are combined all the ele- ments that appeal to the best in youth of all ages. In ·the face of some disconcerting signs in the And youth is responding to the challenge in their world today, there are many encouraging signs of readiness to enlist in sacrificial missionary servpromise. All over the United States and Canada, ice at home and abroad. many thousands of youth are gathered every summer in Christian camps and conferences. No JAPAN'S LOSING BATTLE less than a half-million young people come together, under trained leaders, for physical and , In spite of Japan's military advantage in modspiritual recreation. At a thousand or more re- ern equipment and trained soldiers, her military sorts these multitudes of earnest young people party is waging a losing battle in China. This meet to listen to inspirational addresses and to is becoming more evident as the months pass. learn what life and service mean. Japan has disregarded justice and mercy, has alienated other nations that are not ruled by the Similar gatherings are being held in foreign same ideals, and she depends on deceit and force lands, not only in Great Britain and many parts to keep her people in line at home. While China of Europe, but in practically all the mission fields. has now the most enlightened patriotic and able There were pra.ctically no such Christian gather- rulers in her history, Japanese leaders in power ings for youth fifty years ago. They have grown exhibit less intelligence and more cruelty than has up as the result of the growing consciousness of characterized her and puts her dependence on the necessity for giving a Christian training _to armed force. The general sympathy of the world the youth of today to prepare them to be the -inactive as it is-is with the Chinese in their leaders of tomorrow. The Bishop of Uganda desperate struggle for life and peace. While the writes of African youth: conflict is welding China into a united country, it is sowing seeds of discontent in Japan; while Dr. Aggrey used to say that he would like to have nine China is becoming more Christian and is even lives if he could be sure that in each he would be an suggesting opening their schools to the teaching African and born one after the other in Africa in this of Christian truth, Japan is becoming more pagan present century. The future of the world lies largely and is forcing her Christian people to worship at in the hands of the youth. Very much, however, depends the shrines of the Sun Goddess; while China is on the next few years. Primitive youth is imitative-it showing mercy to the enemy, scattering peace is important that the youth of England and America leaflets in place of bombs by airplane over Japan, should give them a good example to imitate. Youth is the Japanese continue to spread destruction in perceptive: he looks below the surface and very quickly China by bombs and machine guns that ruthlessly sums up what a man really is.
There is a passion for reality in youth. People cannot "get away with" shams and "window dressing," at any rate for long; but youth is impulsive and so is easily influenced temporarily by an emotional appeal. What
bring death to multitudes of men, women and Thus failure to comply with the demand that all J apachildren; while China is looking forward to re- nese participate in certain Shinto ceremonies may be reconstruction after the fighting is over, Japan is garded as a good reason for withdrawing the privilege becoming more and more impoverished physically of freedom of religious belief. and spiritually; while China appeals for peace on the basis of justice and friendship, Japan seeks It is natural that special efforts should be made to control by conquest and alienates those who would secure the obedience of subject peoples when it comes to be her friends. Shrine observance. This has become an acute problem in Korea and Formosa, and will be so in Chinese terri- Other nations in past centuries have tried J a- tories which come under the control of Japan. pan's tactics and have failed, even when they have seemed to win a temporary advantage. If the Japanese realized what their military leaders are doing and planning in China we be- The situation in Japan is revealed by a letter lieve that they would rise up and overthrow the just received from one who has lived there for present regime… But they are misled by governtwenty years and who knows and loves the Jap- ment censorship and propaganda. They are told anese people. (The letter could not be mailed in that China must be protected from Communism Japan on account of the government censorship.) and liberated from the Nanking regime and from The Japanese themselves are kept in ignorance General Chiang Kai-shek, their Christian ruler. of the facts and the military propagandists pro- Staged motion pictures are used to show that the claim that ignorance, fear, selfishness and jeal- Chinese are welcoming the Japanese soldiers as ousy are the motives that actuate all foreigners liberators and benefactors rather than ravishers, who oppose the program of the Japanese mili- terrorists and spreaders of venereal disease and tarists. narcotics.
The letter (dated in Japan, June 12, 1938) is In the meantime the common people in Japan in part as follows: are suffering from economic depression through high prices and many restrictions. They are told We can easily understand the causes of the rising tide that such suffering and self-denial are patriotic. of anti-Japanese feeling in other lands. While the The work of missionaries of Christ, presenting Japanese' people themselves are conscious of the antago- His ideals and message of life, is more than ever nism of certain foreign nations, it is attributed in the needed and is welcomed. The Japanese are hunmain to Chinese propaganda and the jealousy 0:1; the gry for life and peace. It is a great opportunity powers who are losing their economic spheres of influence in China. . " The people here only know what for the missionaries who show spiritual life and appears in the newspapers, and the result is that they power and have the message of God's love and are the victims of a propaganda which interprets the salvation. And the missionaries with reduced war in terms of a righteous crusade "to deliver China forces and income are busy teaching, conducting from the peril of communism." They know nothing of conferences and summer camps, and working the ruthlessness which has apparently characterized the through the churches and Sunday schools. The operations of the army and believe that the conduct of Japanese are responding with larger attendance the war has been above reproach! at evangelistic services, and with increased en- As is the case in all wars, the common people are the rollment in mission schools and colleges. Dr. ones who bear the burden and they are the ones who Toyohiko Kagawa, and other Japanese Christians, suffer. In thinking of Japan we trust that you will dis- express the feeling of the sense of shame and tinguish between those who are leading the nation in chagrin that "Christians are so impotent to stem paths of conquest and the great mass of people who are the tide of militarism in Japan." in the dark and are having to submit to increasing regimentation and more personal self-sacrifice. The people ,Evidently humanity must learn lessons through are in darkness and need desperately to be "translated warfare and suffering that they are not willing into the kingdom of God's dear Son." The fact that to learn through peace and prosperity. Among militarism is in the saddle is no reason for reducing mis- these lessons are the futility of selfish warfare, sionary interest in J.apan. Recent developments here and the superiority of spiritual forces over the main other countries present a challenge to the Christian terial, the supremacy of true love over the seIf- Church to increase their missionary interest. seeking human ambitions. Christ did not estab- lish peace in the Roman world but He did sow the The Japane~e Christian Church is finding itself in an seeds of life and of peace and victory in the hearts increasingly difficult position. This is in spite of the fact that Japanese Protestants have always been distinguished of His followers. Among His last words to His by their loyalty to Emperor and nation, by their obedi- disciples were these: "These things have I spoken ence to law and integrity of character, and by their faith- unto you that in me ye may have peace. In the fulness in the performance of the various, duties imposed world ye have tribulation but be of good cheer, I by the State. But officialdom has not been satisfied with have overcome the world." . This is the peace and this and has seen fit to make the observance of the various the victorythat the world cannot give and cannot ceremonies of State Shinto the 'sign of good citizenship. take away. They have put believers who regard the observance of State Shinto as idolatrous in the position of appearing disloyal. The Imperial Constitution provides that: "Japanese subjects shall, within limits of law, not preju- dicial to peace and order, and not antago!listic to their duties of subjects, enjoy freedom of religious belief."
A Crisis-Looking Forward to
By PAUL W. HARRISON, M.D., Muscat, Arabia Author of "The Arab at Home"; Missionary of the Reformed Chutch in America A WORLD Missionary Conference is to be held will the Conference be a success. To the degree this year in Madras. The hope is that the that it fails to do this, the Conference will be a whole Church of Christ may focus there failure. her thanksgiving for the past, and her intercession for the future. Most of all we hope that God Nor is this something only for the few who go will give us guidance for the present. Certainly, to that South Indian city. Now is a time for us hitherto hath the Lord helped us, and we have all to bow down and pray for guidance and power come a long way in carrying out the command, from God. With our attention focused on gain- "Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the na- ing God's guidance, and bringing our work into tions." We will stand with the Apostle Paul in line with His will so that we can go forward in Madras. In every direction, a great door and ef- His power, this should be a day, above all things, fectual is opened unto us "and there are many for reverent and careful study of God's Word that adversaries." If the Apostle could actually speak we may learn how He would have us carryon His to us, he would perhaps tell us that he faced no work. We need profound and prayerful studies such wonderful open doors, nor such appalling of the mind of Christ in regard to our missionary adversaries. problems. We must penetrate below the surface and understand what the Holy Spirit has to teach This is not the day of the grinning stone image. us in the life and policies of the Apostle Paul. We deal with emotional idols, terribly alive all of Different men will discover many different things them, fashioned after the likeness of Mohammed- in this Book which God has given us. No one anism~ Men and women and children, from the man will understand it all. Indeed, reflecting least to the greatest, deliriously worship some God's mind as it does, all of us together will enter class or race or nation, sure that thereby they be- only the fringes of the Divine revelation. God come the elite of the universe. Worship of that wants us to see visions and dream dreams out of sort must have an object of pers.ecution as well His Word. Thus He will guide us and give us as an object of worship. Jews serve the purpose power in carrying His message to a turbulent and excellently. So do Christians. Those of us who distressed world. work in the arid desert into which Mohammed transformed a sixth of the human race, look out Christ's View of the Kingdom on the nations today with a feeling very close to terror. It is a very dreadful disease that is spread- In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew we find ing over the world, but it is not a new one. And a remarkable group of parables in which Christ when this outbreak has run its course, and men's shows us the essential nature of the missionary enterprise. He was speaking of the Kingdom of hearts have hardened into shape under its pride God. The phrase has puzzled us and from it have and falsity, will it again be a thousand years be- been developed most diverse and complicated and fore the Good News of God's love finds its way materialistic notions. But evidently in Christ's into men's hearts once more and the first convert mind the idea was as simple as sunlight. Wher- is won to Christ? ever God rules over the human heart as king, No! It will not be even a thousand days for there is the Kingdom of God established.
when "the enemy comes in like a flood," the Spirit This was something new which Christ brought of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. -a gift from Heaven. With Him came the glori- But we must realize, with a deep and terrible ous opportunity of being under the direct and realization, that we on the mission field today genuine rule of God. Christ spent His time pro- need two things, and only two. We need God's claiming this good news of the possible realization guidance and we need His power. It will be only .of the Kingdom. He sent out His disciples two by to the degree that the Madras Conference sensi- two to carry the message further. He left us to tizes us so that we can hear and obey the Divine finish the task through the centuries, and finished voice, and opens. the windows of Heaven so that it will be, for "this good news of the Kingdom God can pour out a blessing,only to that extent shall be preached in all the world for a witness [393 ]
to all the nations." Here is a simple message: a seed which will grow in men's hearts. Indeed "The time is fulfilled, the Kingdom of God is at that seed grows. up to be Christ Himself abiding hand. Repent, and believe the Good News." in us. It is thus that God rules.
Christ emphasized three things about this King- Good news of that sort is not much of a seed, dom. In the first place it is open to all men. The philosophically and scientifically. Christ explained entrance requirements are simple. "Repent ye"~ carefully that it is "less than the least of all seeds" leave your old life; "and believe the good news" which are sown so assiduously in men's hearts. -accept as genuine and true this announcement It takes no extraordinary insight to see the truth that men can actually come under God's personal of that. Any monist has us beaten philosophically control. The offer is for every man to the ends before the debate begins. Any second-rate idol of the inhabited earth. It is an ecumenical thing. temple can surpass our most ehtborate rituals, and emotionally, ~_mpared with communism, and In the second place, this wonderful opportunity, fascism, and emperor worship, we are most prethis door to an eternal destiny linked to God cisely the least of all seeds. We feel a great urge himself, is to be found only in Christ. Even the to assert that the Gospel is really good seed, and God-given Jewish religion could not provide it. we spend much time measuring its philosophical Salvation to a few, that religion certainly did and scientific dimensions and convincing ourselves bring, but apparently not to many. This Kingdom of its impressive character. However, the Gospel of God that He preached was a new thing. Christ seed is really most unimpressive, as Christ told brought it, and its lowliest member stands above us long ago. Its virtue is in its vitality and in the highest of the prophets. The implications of the astonishing result that it can produce when this are tremendous. Even with the light of the sown in men's hearts. Epistles and of the Acts, we can grasp only a few of them. Christ, however, shows us the simplicity As God looks down on a faithless and perverse and unity of the wisdom of God. One thinks of generation, perhaps few things seem so incon- Fujiyama, as he meditates on it. gruous as the audacity of men who produce a showy and resplendent philosophy out of Christ's The third characteristic, in its way as remark- teaching, but lack faith to believe that God who able as the others, is that this Kingdom is to be spread merely by proclaiming the Good News of has embodied Himself in it, can by its means over- God's gift. The Kingdom of God is like sowing a come the idols of our time. We must pit the very seed. There is food for deep meditation in that power of God Himself against the terrifying teaching. It is a message much needed in these forc·es of evil which have become so strong. There days when the missionary finds himself confused is one way to do that, and only one, in season and and perplexed. Whatever else is true of our work, out of season, and that is to sow the Good News it must always be the proclamation of the Good of the Kingdom in the hearts of men. News of the Kingdom of God. That good news is CHRISTIAN MISSIONS-BANE OR BLESSING?
Why should we make sacrifices to support foreign missions? One great reason is because of the results of this work. Had there been no Christian foreign missionaries, then Cyprus, Ephesus, Philippi, and Berea would never have heard the Gospel of Christ. Except for mis- sions the message of Life which He came to bring would not have reached Rome, and from Rome could not have spread into Spain and Gaul. Without missionaries, Great Britain and America would not have heard the message of Christ; India, China and other lands would have no Christians and no Christian enterprises. Had there been no missionaries, there would be no Christian Church today. Most, if not all, of the humanitarian and philanthropic organ- izations that now minister to mankind would never have been established. Hospitals, homes for the aged, orphanages, colleges and public schools all have had their first inspiration in the ideals of life and service taught in the New Testament. History shows clearly that these un- selfish ministries of love did not exist prior to the coming of Christ and apart from the spread of Christianity. They are due to the revelation of God and His ideals for man as revealed through Jesus Christ and as they have been imparted to His followers.
'BY THE LIPU LEKH PASS INTO TIBET-ALTITUDE 16,750
With Tibetans at the Crossroads By REV. E. B. STEINER, Dharchula, United Provinces, India Missionary of the Tibetan Border Mission TIBET-called the "Roof of the World"-is and consist of peas, barley and some type of grain the loftiest country on the face of the globe. which. can be ground and made into very coarse The line of vegetation lies at 13,000 feet alti- bread, which the ordinary European stomach is tude. Tibet has successfully kept herself aloof not able to digest.
from the outside world for centuries, and because Tibetan traders are more numerou.s than farmof this has had a tendency to draw the country ers, especially in the south. They are made up of into seclusion. two classes-Khampas and Dokpas. The former spend summers in Tibet and winters in India. The Tibetan is what he is because of four fac- Leaving Tibet in October, they cross the Himators-altitude, lack of vegetation, seclusion and layas for their trading in the foothill cities of religion. His characteristics are the product of India. After bartering they return in March, these factors, particularly in that region over entering Tibet over Lipu Lekh Pass in June. They against Bhot on the south central border of Tibet.
This country can be conquered, not by war, but speak Hindi and other Hill languages. by the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will change The Dokpas cross by Lipu Lekh Pass into India these backward Tibetans into progressive citizens. only to near-by towns in the Upper Himalayas. Tibetans may be divided into four classes: They speak Tibetan only. These traders export farmers, traders, robbers, lamas. Farmers in wool, salt and borax; they import wheat, rice, Tibet are the least prominent of the four classes. dal, sugar and cloth. They reside in valleys only; their crops are few The Tibetan robbers are called Jokpas in our [395 ]
area. In India they call at our bungal.ow and beg and another 5,500. (We do not vouch for these alms and food. In Tibet they rob us, but not in figures.) India because the British Government would im- Lamaism is a religi.on of works. The word prison them. As liquor dealers in America pay "grace," as understood in the Christian religion, license to the government and are permitted to is not found in Lamaism. The doing of religious .operate drinking establishments, so in Tibet a acts is believed to be the means of entitling a per- robber buys a license to rob whomsoever he son to a place in the Tibetan heaven. Everything pleases. a lama does-whether worship, prayers, reading, In 1930 the Tibetan Government granted Mrs. eating, sleeping or working-is a religious act.
Steiner and the writer a passport to travel 145 The spirit of the mind or the condition of the miles in Tibet. We were accosted by robbers heart has nothing to do with securing merit for twice during our twenty days in the country. the Tibetan heaven. The larger number of acts One Saturday aftern.oon suddenly three Tibetan a lama can do in a given time, the greater his robbers galloping on horseback,with flags floating merit and the Lama can accumulate far greater and guns raised, rushed out from between moun- merit by prayers than in any other way. It makes tains, calling to our Christians who were half a no difference for what he prays or how; the thing mile behind: that counts is that he performs his prayers. Be- "Halt, you are traders; you have money; open cause of this erroneous conception, the lama re- your bags! And over there is a white man and sorts to all sorts. of devices for prayer to assist a white woman; they are traders; they have in the accumulation of merit. Am.ong these de- money; open your bags." vices the most common in our area of Tibet are They continued talking roughly and yelling. prayer-wheels, prayer water-mills, prayer-flags Soon those Tibetan robbers began to talk less and prayer-walls.
roughly and finally they rode away without tak- Every lama possesses a prayer-wheel which he ing anything. holds in his right hand and revolves it as rapidly A month later we received a letter from a wom- as he can. In the wheel is written a prayer and an in Indiana who said she was praying for us. each revolution counts for merit for the owner of That letter was dated JUly 17, 1930, the very day the prayer-wheel. Large lamasaries have made that we were accosted by those Tibetan robbers. huge prayer-wheels called "Sipo Khorlo," inter- preted, "Wheel of Life." We saw one prayer- Ten days later, just as we were breaking camp, wheel seven feet in diameter in the lamasary at a robber party of twelve appeared. One robber Taklakot. On his way out of the lamasary a lama examined Mrs. Steiner's coat sleeve and after- gives the huge prayer-wheel a couple of turns, and wards my water bottle. Seeing his primitive gun I began to examine it in turn. He was pleased S.o it registers prayers to his credit. The lama and looking into my face he smiled. After that he would not rob me. While .our party .of ten does not need to say a word for the prayer-wheel Christians stood with bowed heads in silence in does the praying for him. Inside of this wheel is our morning worship, these ten robbers stood a paper on which is written that meaningless there on the side listening. Mter prayer they prayer, "Om Mani Padme Hum," interpreted in passed on and we went our way. English: "0 Jewel in the Lotus Flower." We do not know why this prayer has been adopted as the The Buddhist Lamas lama's formal prayer, save that the Tibetan be- lieves that Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, The fourth class of Tibetans, and by far the sprang from the lotus flower. About the year most prominent, are the Lamas or Buddhist 400 A. D. a great lama adopted this prayer as a Priests. The home of lamas is called a lamasary model for his followers and it has been used ever and the religion of Tibet is called Lamaism, a since.
form of Buddhism. Many lamas attach dozens of "prayer-flags"
The first-born son of each Tibetan family must to a cord or rope that stretches from one building be surrendered to the lamasary to be trained as to another, or to a tree. These prayer-flags are a lama. As all families are small, the percentage small pieces of cloth six or eight inches long in of lamas is great. A lamasary is a training school strips, on each of which is written this same . as well as a church, and some are in training for meaningless prayer-"Om Mani Padme Hum."
twenty or thirty years. The women lamas are When there is no wind these prayer-flags are silent sometimes called nuns. They are not permitted and therefore produce no merit; but when the to marry. Lamasaries are therefore like medire- wind blows, these flags flutter in the air and pile val monasteries, and sometimes the number of up millions of prayers to the credit of the owner.
inmates runs into the thousands. One lamasary Riding on a pony a hundred miles into Tibetan in Lhasa is said to admit 1,100, another 3,300, territory, we came to numerous "prayer-walls,"
WITH TIBETANS AT THE CROSSROADS
four to eight feet high, made of stone. On each Lekh Pass; our two stations,Dharchula and was inscribed this same prayer. Some of these Sirkha, are located on this highway and all who walls were twenty feet long, some fifty or a hun- travel to the plains of India must pass our way.
dred or two hundred feet. As we traveled, I no- Many call at our bungalow for alms or for med- ticed that my horseman, a Tibetan, owner of the ical aid. Each call brings a contact and makes an pony, always passed on the left side of the walls, opportunity. To many we give a Christian tract never on the right. When we came to another and to some we tell the story of salvation by prayer-wall, I said: "Go on the right side," but Christ. Most of these Tibetan travelers halt near he only smiled. Coming to the next wall, I spoke our Sunday School for four or five days at a time firmly, "Why don't you pass on the right side?" and some draw near to see what it is all about.
He paid no attention. My cook, a Mohammedan They may remain for the hour. Our Tibetan evan- from that area, told me that if this Tibetan passed on the right he would receive no merit but, pass- ing on the left, each stone with that inscription (and there are thousands on a wall 200 feet long, on its four sides and on top), produces. merit to his credit. It is the movement of something that counts, not thoughts. of the heart.
The Dalai Lama, the ruler of Tibet who lives at Lhasa, is the head of this land of seclusion reli- giously and politically. Dalai Lama means "Ocean of Virtue." He is helieved by Tibetans to be an incarnation of Chewasi, the son of the God 0 Pak Me, "the Buddha of Boundless Light." They be- lieve that "0 Pak Me" has been reincarnated again and again; being an incarnation, they think that the Dalai Lama cannot sin. It is likewise believed that each is an incarnation of that same god and therefore does not sin.
Many Tibetans practice polyandry. A woman marries the oldest brother in a family and thus automatically becomes the wife of all the brothers.
Consquently morality among the Tibetans is low, and their conception of home and family life are vague. These concepts of loose marriage rela- tions even creep into the Christian Church. Some twenty years ago two Tibetan brothers became Christians; one was married; the other was a widower. It was claimed some years ago, al- though not proven, that when the married brother was. absent from home for a month or more, his wife lived with the other brother as his wife. A TIBETAN LAMA AND HIS FAMILY About three years ago a Tibetan Christian sought a wife among Bhotiya Christians for his nephew. gelists and Bible women preach in their camps, He had difficulty in persuading members of one and our Tibetan Christians have friends among family to give their consent so he came to us. We some and invite them to their homes. Our work- suggested that he try to secure the daughter of ers also display their Tibetan scriptures and tracts one of our Tibetan Christian widows. But the on a blanket to attract passing Tibetans. We are widow said, "He who marries my daughter, mar- not permitted to preach to the Tibetans inside ries me also." Is there any doubt as to the need Tibet, but on our evangelistic pilgrimage to Mt.
of Tibetans for Christ and His Gospel? Kailash, 60 miles inland, there were ten Christians , We are sometimes asked how we make contacts in the group, four of whom were Tibetans. The with Tibetans in order to win them to Christ. We government cannot prevent us from worshipping are located in Bhot, that triangle in India on the our God as we choose and therefore on Sundays borders of both Tibet and Nepal. Lipu Lekh Pass, in Tibet, we have services and Sunday school for at an altitude of 16,750 feet, is one of the six main ourselves. Tibetans often stand around listening.
outlets of Tibet; the great Tibetan highway of The ruler of Taklakot gave us permission to this part of India passes through Bhot. Hundreds visit the lamasary in his city and there we found of Tibetans annually travel out and in over Lipu 300 lamas, men and women, boys and girls-aged electro nic fil e created by cafis.org
6 to 60. In one room we heard a Christian hymn. A family of ten pure Tibetans, devil worshipers, Upon inquiry, we learned that the lama had heard left their home, sear.ching for the true God. One us sing that song last year in India. I recalled of the number, our Tibetan cook, tells the followthat the year before, I had sung this hymn at ing story: "My grandfather was a priest of the every camp along the Tibetan highway as I was devil. Often have I seen him beat his body with returning from Naini Tal. The wonder was that heavy cords until it bled. Three times did the this Tibetan, hearing this hymn but once, was devil demand everything we possessed. After the able to remember both the words and melody. third time, we began to think that there must be Leading lamas followed us, pleading that we sing, a God somewhere who would not make unreasonand there, beside the huge wall of that lamasary able demands. Ten of us left in search for this in that land where we were forbidden to preach, true God. We wandered around Tibet. Then an four of us sang a Christian hymn. These lamas epidemic overtook us, killing six of our number, then begged for tracts. They sent two messengers including both-iny parents. My grandparents, my to our tent and we gave them forty-eight tracts. aunt and I only were left. iWe continued our search and passed through vast areas. Our food A year later I toured along the Indian side of was gone and we could get none. We came to the the Tibetan border. From Kuti, the last town, I Holy Region, Mt. Kailas, the Lakes and Taklakot, ascended a mountain up ·to 16,000 feet, coming to but we did not find the true God in this so-called a large open plain where we camped. Here an- 'Holy Region.' Then we came over Lipu Pass nually Bhotiyas and Tibetan traders meet for bar- and down into this Kali River Valley to Sirkha. tering. Among other Tibetans, were ten wealthy The Bhotiyas told us not to go near the Mission traders with 7,000 sheep, who came across the Compound or we would be made Christians. We border from their Tibetan town some twenty days' did not know what kind of wkked people Chrisjourney distant. Before we could pitch our tent, tians are, but they visited our camp and invited us these Tibetans crowded about, gazing at me, for to come to the mission. They did not look like they had never before looked upon a white face. bad people, so we thought we would go and live A peculiar feeling comes over one to think that in the Mission Compound, but would not go to one's white face is the first such face another hu- their meetings. Then we heard singing which man being has seen. sounded good and we thought that this might be the place to find the true God. We sat outside to We were hungry and tired, for we had made listen and later we went in and sat in the rear. this ascent of 4,000 feet and had had nothing to Then we found the true God we had been seeking eat since seven in the morning. Our helpers con- and we forsook Buddha for Christ." The grandcluded that this was the time to conduct a service parents have passed on, but our Tibetan cook has for these Tibetans, and each in turn gave a mes- entered deeply into the Christian life and is now sage-including my Tibetan cook, a boy of seven- one of our strongest Christians. teen. The Tibetans listened eagerly and then bought every Gospel and tract we had. They A Tibetan lama student in one of the leading wished to buy also my Tibetan hymn book and lamasaries in Lhasa for twenty years left the offered me twice its value. We forgot our hunger, lamasary because he felt that he was not sinless. but I never before saw such hunger for scriptures He married and wandered around for three years and tracts. with his wife, who contracted tuberculosis. To- gether they came over Lipu Lekh Pass into our We have been told that in certain areas, pure valley as far as Sirkha, and there his wife died. Tibetans cannot be won for Christ, as their hearts Our Tibetan evangelist, Chirring, befriended this are impregnable to the Gospel. We have not lama, Lobsang, and invited him to our Mission found it so. A Tibetan widow with two little sons Compound. Lobsang was impressed and finally came begging alms of Dr. Sheldon thirty-three renounced lamaism in April, 1929. He is now years. ago. She was told the story of Christ and conducting a Tibetan school and preaches the was asked to give up her beggar life, but she Gospel. In 1937 Lobsang and his family made an would not. The next year she came again and evangelistic tour into Tibet and brought back a yielded herself to Christ. She remained true to pure Tibetan, who came from a town eight days' her Lord for thirty years, first as matron and journey north of Lhasa. This man was baptized later as Bible woman, until she went two years on January 16th. Lobsang is now trying to win ago to be with her Saviour. Dr. Sheldon died in another Tibetan, who came a couple of months 1912', but Bunden continued as Bible woman all ago from the interior of Tibet.· Was it worth these years. One of her little sons is now a Tib- while befriending Lobsang? etan evangelist and the other a Christian tailor.
Modern Challenge to
By the REV. WILLIAM PATON, London Secretary of the International Missionary Council W HERE does the Christian missionary a world there may be religion, but religion will enterprise stand in this world of national- have become like other things just one among the ism, racialism, economic struggle, and other parts of life, ruled by its own law, an interauthoritarian states? It is not enough to show est among the many interests of man. I know no that mission hospitals do much good and that more terrible example of the secular spirit than Christian schools in the East and in Africa are the acceptance by religion of a specialized place lifting the burden of illiteracy from thousands. among the affairs of men. When religion, and In our typical modern struggles. is the missionary above all the Christian religion, abandons its enterprise relevant? claim to shed light and guidance upon the whole What is the characteristic modern issue? Let life of man and becomes one professionalized in- us go back a little in our own history. There was terest among a mass of others, we have the once something called Christendom. The word supreme secularism.
covered the idea ofa region of the world in which This was our state until these last years; but there was a civilization dominated by a single we are not facing that sort of world now. The great view of the world. In that medireval Europe, disintegration of human culture and the fading there was a common faith, a single Church, a gen- away of the central and life-giving belief in God erally accepted philosophy, and a recognition of was not an affair only of the scholar; there set in the unity of life, in such wise that, whether or not a deep disintegration of society. The World War men kept the Christian moral law, it did not occur hastened the process. One can speak only with to them to suggest that, for instance, the world of great sympathy of the situation that faced Ger- economic life lay outside the boundaries of moral many, for instance, in these post-war years. To and spiritual rule. In that sense the whole of life see their country losing all its coherence and dig- was integrated around the truths of Christianity. nity may well Ikive men to desperate remedies.
We know how that world broke up; I am no And in many lands today, as we know so well,.
medirevalist and I am not suggesting that we there has come into view the new type of integra- regret that vanished world. There came the Ren- tion, or more truly the new type of religion. No aissance of learning and the Ref.ormation; nations longer do we face a negative kind of secularist arose in Europe and separate churches came into temper; we face the bold attempt to regiment the being. Natural science was reborn and as the life of man around the primacy of the nation, or years passed science was harnessed to production of blood, or of class, or of the State. This is what and industry and we had the industrial revolution. is meant by that ungainly word the "totalitarian"
Life became far more complicated as well as much State. It is more than merely nationalism or class- richer. But one great consequence followed. The loyalty. It is the claim that devotion to this cen- world of men-our Western world at least–':'no tral standard-race or blood, community or state, longer was integrated round the Christian view or class-has absolute worth, and that in obedi- of life. The life of European man became divided; ence and surrender to it man finds his whole the world of economics was believed to have its meaning.
own law and to be separated from that of ethics; In modern Germany we have a classical instance what was true there became true of all the parts of the struggle which such a mode of life must of life, and the characteristic of our Western entail upon the Christian Church. The Church in world was that it had no common governing idea that and in every land has two essential features and was not ruled by any universally accepted which make it the enemy of the totalitarian state.
view. Each part of life became a law to itself. They are, first, that every local or national Church This is what I understand by secularism; the is not only local or national but also a part of the loosening 'of the parts. of life from their proper universal Christian fellowship. It is therefore a uniting centre in the will of God, so that not only constant reminder of a fellowship and loyalty is there no God acknowledged but there is no wider than that of the nation. But the other rea- other dominating idea to take His place. In such son goes. deeper. It is the fact that in the last r 399]
analysis the Church is' not a human society only- work, only more rapidly than in the West. Among not a sort of club that we have formed to carry educated Hindus today one finds everywhere a out purposes of our own, but is a society divine lack of belief and a communal loyalty that has as well as human. It is human and therefore nothing at all to do with true religion. In such a stained with the sins of humanity; but its origins country as Egypt you will find Moslems of educa- lie in the Divine love and it is still the Body of tion and earnestness, but for many of them, real Christ in which His Spirit dwells. So that in the faith has gone and what is left is a keenly national last resort the Church of Christ can only obey consciousness cloaking itself in religious dress.
God first and can never assent to any other pri- In such countries it is inevitable that the same mary loyalty. sort of process should be followed as we have If we look at the world of our Western life, we traced in our Western world. A force of integra- see a society that once was Christian and now is tion there must be; life must have a common pagan, with Christian forces and groups at work energizing centre. Thus we find the old cry of within it; that the emptiness' of a purposeless Pan-Islam wholly discredited in the Mohammedan society is being for myriads today filled by the countries, and nationalism or, as in Turkey, a keen worship of new gods; that these gods are in fact racial loyalty taking its place. In India you see only Man himself, worshipped in some group such a portent as the opening and consecration of manifestation; and that as against all this there a temple in which there is no object of worship is today only one force, small and weak as it may except a great marble relief map of India- seem, that is inescapably committed to a wholly Mother India, into which the spirit of the god is different view. That force is the love of God in called as in other idols of Hinduism.
Christ with the transformation of life and the In Japan and her empire we see most plainly total view of the world ·and the active fellowship the rise of the new nation-state worship. It is an that accompany it. The Church with all its weak- ancient thing there, for the doctrine of the divine nesses is still the fellowship in which men cannot Emperor, his descent from the Sun-Goddess, and be thought of as submerged in racial or commu- the divine quality of the Japanes.e nation go back nity groups, or as mere automata in the interplay to the dawn of Japanese history. Yet is it not of economic forces, because men 'are known as certain that a country like Japan, in which there those whom God made for Himself and for whom is an almost unparalleled concentration of wealth Jesus Christ was content to die. in a few hands, must be exposed almost more than But this attempt to analyze our modern prob- others to the social strains that aooompany such lem has referred only to what used to be called an economic organization? It can hardly be a Christendom. What of the rest of the world? mere coincidence that in this modern world, sub- Do we realize to what a vast extent this same ject universally to the influences I have tried to process of disintegration and this same drift away sketch, there should be felt in Japan the need to from the religious centre of life have appeared in strengthen the claim of the nation-state and to the East also, and in Africa? In Africa the mat- use the old doctrine for this purpose.
ter is perhaps. plainer than in any other place. So it is that in Japan itself, and far more reso- One does not need to have lived in Africa to com- lutely and indeed ferociously in Korea, Formosa prehend something of what it means that, for and in the nominally independent but actually instance, tribesmen come great distances to labor puppet state of Manchukuo, we find the rites of in the copper mines, there to exchange the life of emperor worship, or a rite akin to it, pressed upon the tribe, in which the individual hardly exists the schools and the colleges. It is explained that and the tribal group is everything, for the life of the rites are not religious, but merely patriotic.
a modern industrialized settlement where a man This is not the place to argue this matter in detail, is forced to become an individual. But consider but I feel that when this claim is made it is meant the countries with the ancient religious cultures. really that the rites defined as patriotic, are more Hinduism has never been a religion only in the important than religion. It is the determination sense that it offered a religious consolation and of those who rule events in that empire to lay guidance to the individual; it has been a social down as the foundation of life the absolute accept- system and upon its precepts and governing ideas ance of the State. When you have that, then you a whole society rested. The word "caste" will may have your private religion – your sectarian suggest all that is. bound up in this statement. Or Shinto or your Buddhism or your Christianity.
again Islam has never been a reJi.gion in the nar- But that absoluteness of claim and of range which row sense; it has claimed to provide an under- we associate with religions is reserved for the standing of the whole of life. It has indeed been patriotic claim symbolized by the patriotic rite.
a boast of Moslem scholars. that Islam offered a It is therefore no matter for surprise that the synthesis of sacred and secular. But today we see Christian Church in these lands should be suspect.
exactly the same process of disintegration at I would only say here–for there are many things
THE MODERN CHALLENGE TO CHRISTIANITY
it is not expedient t.o say-that my own touch in .of economic forces, or a pawn in national policy, recent months with them left me with a clearer or that He is. in fact these and these alone. The and a more poignant sense of the meaning of the Christian faith, in basing man's dignity on God's Church in the modern world than I have ever had. love, offers the only ground on which that dignity and freedom can be maintained. Can we now gather up something of what this rough and most imperfect sketch suggests? Sec.ond, the Christian Church offers in the Christian fellowship something that transcends It is the inescapable and eternal paradox of the barriers of nations, race, and class. Where man's life that he cannot find peace within him- it fails to do this it is plainly false to itself; where self but only as. he returns to God. When he de~ it does this it is plainly true to itself and its parts from God-and even from the gods of the Founder. .old faiths of the East-he finds that the disorder of his life demands a commanding centre, and he Third, and here we touch the centre of the makes a god out of some part of his human endow- Christian struggle in our modern world, the ment-race and blood, or class, or nati.on. But Christian Church is a society not only human but that god not only leads him to war and strife and also divine, owing allegiance to God and pointing internecine feud, it demands also the total sub- beyond all human associations and loyalties, merging of the individual in the grQUp .or mass claims and obligations, t.o the unshared majesty or totality. of God and the absoluteness of His will, the pri- macy of His kingdom. The Christian asserts three things in opposition to this modern idolatry: First, we declare that In this struggle there is no East and West. It man is created by God, in His spiritual image, tQ is the peculiar significance of the Christian misdo His will in loving obedience, and that in the sionary movement that it symbolizes the univerpassion and death of Jesus Christ there is ex- sality of the Christian Church and provides the hibited the value that God set upon man. It is means whereby the older church can aid and not possible for Christians to agree that any .one, strengthen the younger in facing what is essenfor whom the Lord Jesus Christ was CQntent to tially and .universally a common task. die, should be a mere racial unit, or a plaything TRENDS IN MODERN MISSION WORK By THE REV. CORNELIUS H. PATTON, D.D.
Formerly Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
1. Transfer of leadership and ownership to the national Christians of each land at the earliest possible moment.
2. Recognition more fully .of the responsibility of governments and to cooperate with them in so far as fundamental Christian principles allow.
3. Efforts to encourage and conserve the values of indigenous religion and culture wher- ever found, seeking always to domesticate Christian ideals and institutions in the environment and tradition of each land.
4. Purpose to maintain, as may be necessary, the distinction between Christianity and so- called Christian civilization.
5. Interpretation of the Christian message in such a way as to make it applicable to the total life of a people.
6. Desire to make evangelism complete byemphasizing the Christ-spirit as the saving ele- ment in all processes of social improvement.
7. Stressing the improvement of rural communities as the special need of the hour.
8. Endeavors to offer motive and guidance in the effort to save the people of the East from the mistakes of the industrial order of the West.
9. Work for the consolidation of the Christian forces throughout the world.
10. In the selection and training of missionary personnel, insistence upon the highest de- gree of efficiency attainable. .
11. Preaching the eternal Gospel by word and in terms that men and women of this age will understand.
12. Attempts to find in the leadership and saving power of Christ the only hope of a dis- tressed and bewildered yet spiritually hungry world.
Sunday Schools Over the World*
By REV. ROBERT M. HOPKINS, D.D., New York Secretary of the World's Sunday School Association A S WE look over the world today it is increas- Word to the people than the Sunday School. Even .l'. ingly difficult to decide which nations may in the lands ""here antagonism to the Bible prebe called Christian and which are non- vails, Sunday School pupils grow up to have a Christian. Some lands that have had within their very keen appreciation of the Book. An illustra- borders a preponderance of people affiliated with tion will be helpful. In spite of the fact that the Christian Church are today following pro- Puerto Rico has the largest Sunday School enrol- cedures that are decidedly not Christian. Other ment of any Spanish-speaking area in the world, lands that have been known as, "heathen" are there is a distressing lack of copies of Spanish today conspicuous. for their forbearance and other Bibles throughout the Island. A little girl, whose Christian virtues under the most difficult circum- parents are affiliated with the Roman Church, stances. somehow found her way into an evangelical In lands that have been known as "heathen" Sunday School, and with the consent of her par- and where the Christian Church is young, and ents she became a regular attendant. As her the vast majority of the people have not as yet birthday approached, her father and mother pre- openly identified themselves with Christ, the Sun- pared a party, with invited guests and special day School 'is a great factor in the spread of the refreshments. When asked what present she de- Gospel and in Christian training. It is chal- sired most of all she said, "I want a copy of the lenging at the outset to learn that in Africa, Latin Bible." This request grew out of her attendance America and Asia the Sunday School is making at the Sunday School. Her parents discovered its greatest numerical advance today. In Africa to their amazement that they were unable to buy during the past fou.r years the Sunday School has a copy of the Bible in any of the regular book made more than half the net total gain of the stores, but she was not satisfied until a copy was entire world; South America came second. What procured. Thus the Word of God found an hon- are some of the reasons for such progress? ored place in an influential home that had hitherto First, the principal constituency of the Sunday not possessed a copy.
School is the children. Young people and adults Various kinds of related Christian literature mayor may not be enrolled in mission lands, ac- have also grown up with the Sunday School move- cording to whether the standards that prevail ment. Ofttimes in mission lands Lesson Helps have come from America or Great Britain. But were at first mimeographed copies of the patient everywhere the Sunday School serves the chil- work of some missionary. Frequently the surplus.
dren. Thus its contrihution is made in the plastic materials are sent from Sunday Schools in more period of life. A single illustration will suffice. favored lands. These are greatly in demand, par- In a Sunday School rally in Aleppo, Syria, chil- ticularly the colored picture charts and picture dren came from a wide variety of home back- cards. In the village of India, the forests. of Af- ground. When asked if any child wished to send rica, the crowded lands of Korea, especially in a message to the Sunday School children of the lands like the Philippines where English is known, world, a little lad arose and said in Arabic that such used materials are never sufficient to meet he wished to send the message : "We ought to love the demands. The street Sunday Schools in Egypt one another." This boy had been raised in a and Wayside Sunday Schools in other lands are Yezidee home where the basic doctrine is one of made possible by grouping the children for the hate, rather than love. He had learned the mes- first time about the picture rolls, and by giving sage of love in the Sunday School. out Httle picture cards.
A second reason is that the Sunday School is A recent report from China indicates that the concerned with the study of the Bible. Many National Committee for Christian Religious Edu- agencies are uniting to spread the Christian cation has published ever since the outbreak of Scriptures around the world, but none make their hostilities, a special Sunday School paper giving task more directly related to the teaching of God's simple teaching material for use in refugee camps.
• See Frontispiece. One copy of this publication has a picture of the r 402] soldier camp in the background, while a little National Committee for Christian Religious Education in China Chinese lad gives thanks for the bowl of rice of which he is about to partake. Thus,even in times Congo Protestant Council (Sunday School Committee for of war and distress, the children are taught to the Belgian Congo) thank God for the temporal blessings of life. Sunday School ASEOciation in Czechoslovakia Egypt and Sudan Sunday School Union Latin America has oeen one of the leaders in Esthonian Sunday School Union the development of indigenous Sunday School lit- India Sunday School Union erature. A graded series of lessons has been pre- National Sunday School Association of Japan pared, most of it written by Latin American au- Sunday School Association of Jugoslavia thors and largely published on presses in Mexico, Korea Sunday School Association Latvian Sunday School Union Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile and other Latin Madagascar Sunday School Union fields. Brazil has also developed its Portuguese Concilio Nacional De Iglesias Evangelical (Mexico) literature, the demand for which has exceeded Bible Lands Union for Christian Education (Palestine, the Sunday School enrolment, since many outsiders are eager to have the lessons. Syria and Transjordania) Alianza Evangelica De Peru Philippine Committee of Christian Education The Sunday School has been greatly blessed as Sunday School Association of Poland a means for securing cooperation among the vari- Comrr.ittee on Christian Education of the Association of Evangelical Churches of Puerto Rico ous denominational churches. The World's Sun- National Christian Council of Siam day School Association is a federation of fiftyone national (or in a few instances international) We have not called the roll of the cooperating organizations each of which represents the organizations in lands where the work of the churches within a given area that desire to coop- churches has been long established. To include erate in Christian education. No ecumenical or- them would bring the number up to fifty-one con- stituent units of the World's Sunday ganization is more widely representative. In many School Association.
lands cooperation began in a An especially gratifying outreach of the Sunday School union. Sunday School movement has recently A recent visit to Cuba re- been witnessed in lands where the East- vealed the way this move- ern Orthodox churches have predominated.
ment is going forward. There Early approaches of West- is no organization there that ern missionaries were often brings Christian churches to- resented as proselytizing. In gether to consider their com- recent years the organization mon task. A conference held within the Orthodox church- in Havana upon the invita- es has opened new doors.
tion of the World's Sunday One of the first approaches School Association, resulted of the Sunday School was in a representative attend- SUNDAY SCHOOL BOYS IN INDIA made to the ancient Church ance from the seven evangel- of Armenia in the Near East.
ical churches. There was an outspoken desire to A loyal son of the Apostolic church, Levon Zenian, have some agency created that would enable them eager to serve his people, was introduced to the to work together in the task of Christian edu- Armenian prelates in 1929 and with their cordial cation. approval began the organization of Sunday The Sunday School has been thus at the very Schools. His work has been inspiring and has heart of cooperation in the Christian enterprise made· possible many new bonds of fellowship.
in many lands for half a century. It seems easier Within the Greek Orthodox Church the Zoe move- for Christian forces to unite for the Christian ment, stimulated in part by what was occurring education of their children and youth than in any in other Eastern churches, has resulted in the other Christian activity. This has been especially true in mission lands. Note this inspiring list of organization of many Sunday Schools in that organizations charged with responsibility for co- ancient body. Following the historic example of operation in the work of Christian education: Robert Raikes in Gloucester, England, the Greek Orthodox Sunday Schools were first limited to Council of Religious Education in North Africa (Algeria) boys, but recently they have included girls. The EI Comite De Cooperacion De Las Republicas De La Plata leaders of the Zoe movement are in cordial fellow- (Argentina-Paraguay-Uruguay) Conselho Evangelico De Educacion Religiosa De Brasil ship with Sunday School leaders of other churches Burma Sunday School Union and attended the last World's Sunday School Con- Ceylon Sunday School Union vention in Oslo, with the sanction of the Holy Comision De Educacion Religiosa Del Comite Consultor Synod. If a banner had been awarded at the Oslo De Cooperacion de Chile electronic file created by cafis. org
Convention to the city which reported the largest movement for religious education has been wiped proportionate gain in its Sunday School enrolment out. Also the totalitarian states in many parts of during the previous four years, that banner would Europe are now drastically retarding the growth have gone to Athens. . of the Sunday School. In America the growing Another very vital contribution to Christian spirit of secularism has likewise slowed down the progress in mission lands has been through the rate of previous progress, while in Great Britain, pioneering of World Sunday School Conventions. where the modern Sunday School had its origin, Twelve of these world .gatherings have been held losses rather than gains· are recorded. It is rein the past fifty years and each was widely repre- markable that, in the face of such adverse condisentative of the Sunday Schools in many nations. tions, there has been gain at all around the world. Three World Conventions have been pioneers in their respective lands-Jerusalem in 1904 in the This has been due to the so-called non-Christian Near East, Tokyo in 1920 in the Far East, and lands. In ~_me Latin American countries the Rio de Janeiro in 1932 in Latin America. These Sunday School enrolment has doubled within four representative gatherings of Christian leaders years. This movement is thus proving to be the from around the world have made great contributions to the lands visited. For the fourth time the medium whereby there is achieved a continued net gain of the total movement in behalf of Chris- tian education around the world today. .
Movement is proposing to pioneer with the first representative world gathering of Christian lead- ALL HAIL TO THE WOMEN! ers on the continent of Africa. The next World's The Central Committee on the United Study of Sunday School Convention is announced for Durban, South Africa, July 22 to 28, 1940. Thus one Foreign Missions This remarkable organization of women for the promotion of the study of foreign missions and the publication of missionary literature was or- ganized at the time of the Ecumenical Conference in New York in 1900. Now, after thirty-eight years of very effective service, it has closed its work of pUblication (July 1) and has turned it over to the Missionary Education Movement, with which the Central Committee has been cooperat- ing. Miss Abbie B. Child was the first chairman of the Committee. Mrs. Peabody, one of the or- ganizers, was the efficient chairman of this Com- mittee for thirty years. Miss M. H. Leavis has been the agent for the literature and is largely re- A SUNDAY SCHOOL IN LAPAZ, BOLIVIA sponsible for its successful business operation.
century after Livingstone left Scotland to make Other women leaders who have been very active his first momentous journey to the then almost include-Mrs. John T. Gracey, Miss Margaret unknown Dark Continent, a pilgrimage is planned Hodge, Mrs. Helen B. Montgomery, Mrs. Fredin which thousands of Christian workers from erick G. Platt and Miss Gertrude Schultz (the many lands will trek to Africa, now the continent most recent chairman). The Committee has pubwith the largest actual gain in Sunday School lished forty-eight senior textbooks, besides hymadvance of them all. nals, junior and kindergarten books and a chil- dren's magazine Everyland. The total number of We must not overlook the contribution which Committee books sold number 3,770,947 copies. the spread of the movement in mission lands is Three of the textbooks have been translated into making to the Christian cause ata time when in one or more of the following languages: Chinese, so many parts of the world Christianity seems to Japanese, Tamil, Urdu and German. The books be retrograding. The report for the last Conven- published by this Committee form a remarkable tion, held in Oslo in 1936 (gathered by World missionary library, covering practically the whole Dominion Movement at the request of the World's world, viewed as a Christian mission field.
Sunday School Association), was in many ways the most comprehensive review of Sunday School In one New York public school a recent religious census progress ever compiled. It showed a total Sun- showed that out of 457 "Protestant" pupils only 33 had day School enrolment for the world of 37,285,519. religious instruction in any church school. The New York This is a net gain of 894,579 over the report for Federation of Churches estimates that only one-half of the previous quadrennium. At the same time it the children of the city are receiving any religious train-. should be remembered that in Russia the entire ing under church auspices-Protestant, Roman Catholic or Jewish.
Practical Value of Missions to Pastors*
By PROF. ARCHIBALD G. ADAMS t Chair of World Religions and Missions, Temple University Philadelphia .nA.S A MISSIONARY for twelve years, bO'rn with preachers who are mostly underpaid, as they and bred and almost buried in the mission- see money gQing for unseen, unappreciated needs ary tradition and purpose, I am vitally interested in interesting young ministers in mis- elsewhere while their O'wn needs are sO' painfully sions, even more than I am in securing new re- present and felt. As prQtagonists. O'f the missioncruits for WQrld service. It is a difficult task, and ary cause, they are defenceless against the critifor several reasons. First there is the depressiO'n cisms O'f their people whO' seek every excuse to which has driven many churches tQrO'b Paul, the escape gIvmg. Thus they endanger their popmissionary, to pay Peter, the preacher. An Epis- ularity by supporting missions. copal Bishop was visiting the rector in one O'f the parishes of his diQcese, and as he left his auto- Moved by these conditions and cO'nsiderations it has been my purpose to' be as practical as posmobile he carefully lO'cked it. The rector ex- sible in ,presenting the .subject to my classes in claimed, "You don't need to' lock your car arO'und Temple University. I recall the resentment I felt here, Bishop, we're all honest." "I'm not sO' sure in college on being compelled to take courses that of that," replied the Bishop, "hasn't your church seemed of nO' possible use to me in my life work, been taking the missionary money for current ex- and the joy I experienced in the theological sempenses?" inary because all my studies were more or less geared into my preparation for service. There- SecO'nd, the effects of the Laymen's inquiry re- fQre it has been my intention to present the subport, "Rethinking Missions." Its unfortunate ject of missiQns in the most practical way in order publicity played up the failures of missionary work and soft-pedalled the successes. to' meet the O'bjectiO'ns to' missions and to' meet the need of ,pastors for information and training in Third, the keen competition in the ministry, missionary sermQn preparation. compelling young seminary students to bend every effort to prepare themselves for the demands of The Need for Information About Missions the pastorate, leaves, little time for so unrelated an interest as world missions. From my experience in teaching missions to As a pastor fO'r eleven years, I can sympathize high school students I did not expect to find much with the difficulties pastQrs experience in interesting their people in a subject on which the pas- knowledge of the subject on the part of seminary tors themselves are very slightly informed, and often greatly misinformed. There is hardly a students, but I was not prepared to find so little. subject on which the O'rdinary pastO'r feels it his None had ever heard of Adoniram Judson and duty to preach, or is compelled by his church rules to preach, which he finds SO' hard, dry and lifeless O'nly a few had heard of David Livingstone! At as the missiQnary sermQn. This attitude is naturally reflected in the sermon, and his people come least there would be novelty in the subject for the to' share his attitude. Then, too, in these days, O'f reduced income, one cannQt help sympathizing students, and their surprised delight at finding the subject so interesting was most encouraging.
Their need for information has been met in my classes in the following ways: (1) The history of missions has been made in- teresting by likening it to' a Prayer Rosary. This is an appropriate figure because most religions • CQndensed frQm a paper read at a HartfQrd Seminary CQnfer- use rosaries and the Prayer Rosary is a way by ence Qf ProfessQrs Qf MisslQns, 1938. which Christians have been helping to answer t the'Ir prayer: "Thy KI' ngdom, Corne."The lI'nks TahnQdugfhorI mhaanvye tyaeuagrhs t haadvuelttaBuigbhlet cmlaissssieQsnsmOinore ytQhuanng hpaeIQt pmle'ys f the ChaI'n h ave b een supplI' ed'In the connectI' ng life, 0 summer assemblies, I dQ nOot pretend tOo be a specialist In the field facts of each periQd Qf histQry; each student has Qf teaching. I Qwe my apPQintment tOo the Chair of WOorld RellgiQns and MissiQns at Temple University tOo the fact that I have spent a supplied a pearl in the chain, each pearl being the quarter of a century Qn the fQreign mission field, half as a bQY receiving vivid impressiOons Oof Qld China, and later as a missiOonary critical and atpapkreenciaf trQivme recponosret couft. Itvhee lip. feerloofdssomI.ne fQr 12 years tOo Western China, the rapidly changing China Oof tQday. mi"SSIQnary I attacked my new task at Temple University in the same way in Church history. These reports were read in class which I apprQach this subject, nQt as a specialist in educatiQn, careful tOo Qbserve the laws Oof pedagQgy, but as a missiQnary first, f::dt';~ N~ini~~k ~~~~~:~t!~.~~~ g~sl.eleven years have been spent [405 ]
at their chronological place in history. Each source of great satisfaction. One actually bought report of from 2,500 to 3,000 words covered the for his own library everyone of the eight mis- following points: a brief outline of the mission- sionary books assigned for his reading, after he ary's life; the influences which led him to enlist had read the library copies.. Of Morrow's life and his preparations for service; a description of Judson, entitled "Splendor of God," another of the most worth-while accomplishment of the student wrote in his review, "Thank you for put- missionary ; criticism of the least praiseworthy ting this on the required reading list. It is abso- missionary methods and attitudes; the suitability lutely the most -inspiring and gripping book I ever of his message in the light of present-day stand- read." Another said that missionary biographies ards; lastly, a portrayal of the most inspiring and "had so stimulated his thirst for more" that he impressive characteristics of the missionary. was reading biographies which had not been as- As far as possible each student chose the mis- signed, duri~_ his vacation, for pleasurable in- sionary he preferred; only a few had to take sec- spiration. .Another outstanding senior enthused ond choices. At each of our two-hour sessions over Brockman's "I Discover the Orient," saying throughout the semester a paper was read, taking that it had opened a window to better understand- about half an hour. In spite of a limited mission- ing and appreciation of the Chinese. A serious- ary library, by the end of the semester the stu- minded student wrote: "The life of Adoniram dents had come to know about sixty home and Judson by his son, Edward Judson, challenged me foreign missionaries, half of them thoroughly. with the question, would I be willing to serve They were assigned readings in other missionary Christ at such sacrifice? I thank God for having biographies, besides their individual assignments. read this book, and hope that if such a command (2) The students' need for information was comes I will be found in His will and not my own."
also met by the study of some fourteen mission- Yet another student laughingly declared that he ary magazines. They had to appraise these mag- always left his mission assignments to the last, azines, and classify, giving their reasons. Then because his weariness of mind and flesh from as- they described an ideal magazine that they be- signments in other courses would always be dis- lieved would meet all needs. In this way they in- pelled by the inspiration in his miss,ionary read- directly gleaned much information and learned ing. He would retire refreshed in body, mind and where more could be secured. The examination soul ~rom the stirring information he had secured.
called for a letter to the editor of each student's After making due allowance for a desire to get denominational periodical, making criticisms and a good grade, the character of students making suggestions. such testimonies, convince me that missions, if (3) Information was also imparted through given half a chance, can be made most interesting the eye-gate, both by the professor's own stereop- and inspiring. But the subject must find good ticon slides and, in one course, by the missionary soil in which to bear fruit. It is usually the most slides secured from various denominational head- intelligent, earnest and slerious-minded students quarters, the students delivering the lectures who respond most enthusiastically to the appeal themselves during the first half hour, followed by of the heroic in missions.
criticisms from other students. We must let missions slpeak for themselves in (4) For one course that presented "A minis- the following ways: ter's brief for world missions," information was (1) Reading good biographies of missionaries. provided in lectures and by 'assigned readings.. (2) Reading stories and bi,ographies of native (5) In the course on a "Critique of Modern converts to Christ. Bishop Frederick B. Fisher, in Missions," based on the Laymen's Report, a criti- his testimony to ministers of Buffalo at their ancal judgment was developed to evaluate informa- nual retreat some years ago, said: "When I went tion, and data on the outstandingly successful to India as a missi,onary my heroos were all ,of my missionary enterprises was given to the students own race: Livingstone, Carey and Judson. Now through missionary periodicals. my Christian her,oes are of another race: men In these five ways much information has been like Kagawa of Japan,and Sadhu Sundar Singh supplied in interesting ways. of India, and Sun Yat-sen of China."
The Students' Need for Inspiration (3) Many stories of missionary heroism and sacrifice were gleaned from the lives of my own To save missions from its reputation of being parents and other missionaries I have known.
one of the dryest subjects taught in seminaries it There are books like "Waste Basket Surgery" by was with no little concern that I undertook' to Dr. Gordon Seagrave.
make the subject inspiring to our School of The- (4) A study of Christ's missionary spirit, ology students. That most of them found the teaching and practice as the minister's chief missions courses unexpectedly inspiring was a source of inspiration.
THE PRACTICAL VALUE OF MISSIONS TO PASTORS
The Pastor's Need for Missionary Defence JudsQn's challenge to missionary effort, they grew by leaps and bounds until today they are 90 times At the outset of a course entitled "The Minis- as great (9,000,000) in a little over 100 years. ter's Brief for World Missions," the class was We read that in the Baptist churches in Lincoln's asked to bring in all the criticisms they have home town in Illinois, the majQrity refused to supheard in opposition to WQrld missions. These port foreign missions. Today thQse anti-missionwere met as fully and frankly as possible; then ary-minded churches are practically dead, while a series .of lectures followed which aimed to do the missionary minded churches have over 50,000 two things.: (1) to provide the students with the members in .one ass.ociation. most convincing arguments for maintaining world missions; and (2) to provide them with the foun- What would Sunday school teachers do without dation supports fQr a year's series of monthly ser- missionary stories? mons, which, with topical variations, could last them for a life time. Grenfell's mother was right when she said: "Labrad.or has doOne much more for my son than In selecting the eight most cogent arguments my son has done f.or the Labrad.or." for missions I am aware of what my friend Guy W. Sarvis, formerly a missionary in China, writes If there were no missions in the Christian in his review of Sewell's "China Through a, College Window." There Sarvis says: "The time Church we would have to invent s.omething like has passed to defend missions on the basis of Biblical texts and abstract ethics. They must be them to keep the Church alive and growing. evaluated for their worth to the persons and communities. directly involved as well as for their (3) Because we owe a debt to the past t.O pass significance in international relations at a time on the Gospel to the future. A mother and child, when the world is contracting physically in in East Aurora, New York, attended a missionary airplane tempo, while doctrines of national sep- service. When the mother put nothing in the colaratism are supplanting the ideal of human broth- lection basket, the child said: "Mother, aren't you erhood. The missionary process is essentially one going to pay for me?" Could that mother ever pay of the impingement of cultures, inevitable in the for her Christian home, husband, church, land and modern world, good or bad in terms of concrete Gospel? Never, yet someone had to pay! "The effects." noble army, men and boys, the matIlon and the maid," martyrs and pioneers, all the way back to While we attempt to apply this truth we do not the Cross, where the greatest price was paid, tesabandon the authority of the Bible as part of the tify that "We are not our own; we have been defense of missions, because in the rightly selected bought with a price." G€neral Pershing, when passages we find the support which Jesus Christ he laid the wreath at Lafayette's tomb in France, gave to world missions in spirit, teaching and said, "Lafayette, we are here." Should we not practice. Hence the first argument, practically say to the dead champions of the faith, pioneer the only Biblical one, is: missionaries who gave their all, to Christ and to spread the Gospel we now enjoy: "Pioneers, (1) Because Jesus taught and practised world we are here" ! missions. In this lecture the student is shown, in some cases for the first time, how Jesus gave much (4) Because the sacrifices of missionaries must of His time and effort to preaching to the Gentiles not be in vain. Using the theme of Col. John Mcof His own country. As He was almost lynched Crae's poem: "In Flanders Field": by fellow townsfolk because He said He was going to preach to the Gentiles owing to the Jewish To you from failing hands we throw the Torch; Be yours to hold it high! indifference and unresponsiveness, so the preacher If ye break faith with us who die of today, to be truly like his Master, must expect We shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders field. to meet opposition from unenlightened fellow Christians to the world missionary program. But We read of heroic sacrifices of missionaries, of we must not, for that reason, desist from earnest missionary mothers, missionary children, of pareffort to spread the Gospel. ents at h.ome who have given their children for foreign service; sacrifices.of devoted Christians (2) Because the Christian Church needs world in the h.ome churches, to supp.ort missionaries. missions to keep it Christ-like and growing, by the As Paul said: "I .take pleasure in necessities for challenge of a great task, such as world missions Christ's s·ake." If soldiers, explorers, and scienpresents. "They who live unto themselves, die tists are ready to make sacrifices f.or their coununto themselves." TQ deny is to die, to give is try, why should we not be ready to sacrifice for to live. This is true of churches as of individuals. Christ? Baptists in 1818 numbered only 158,000. But, mainly because .of the spiritual effect of accepting (5) Because we should give of our best to atone for the w.orst we have given. Review of the his- tory of the white man's invasions of colored races -American Indian; African slave trade; parti- tion of Africa; Mexican conquest by Spaniards;
South American conquest; the occupation of In- lined in the previous. headings) so that they can dia, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of repeat the main theme with variations made effec- Oceania; the semi-partition of China. Albert tive by fresh illustrations. These can be obtained Schweitzer of Africa says: "A heavy guilt rests from missionary magazines. More than forty stu- upon our Christian culture," and he adds that he dents voluntarily took out a year's SUbscription to is there to try to make some atonement. a missionary magazine, and have been enthusiastic (6) Because those who sit in darkness deserve readers of it.
to share in the light of the world. Multitudes Popular magazines also sometimes supply mis- earnestly follow what light they have, though this sionary stories and articles. These are at work is often superstition; many have an earnest in minds of people who never read a missionary hunger for the truth; they are ready to make magazine. Missionary books, especially biog- sacrifices for their own religions; they suffer raphies of nY.ssionaries, are a fertile source of through ignorance, superstition, and wrong. The inspiring illustrations-stories of work, stories of least we can do is to share with them the greater converts, the products of missions. Other good light we have from Christ. missionary literature can be secured from denom- (7) Because when they have the light non- inational headquarters.
Christian peoples often rn,a,ke the best Christians. The suggestion is also made that five minutes While it is all that American Christians can do to may profitably be devoted during the Sunday get an hour or two of religious programs a day morning service to reports on missionary events over the air, the Chinese Christians of Shanghai and progress, under some such title as, "The March have their own broadcasting station and fill the of Missions" or "News Not in the Newspapers."
air with Christian messages all day long. If made brief and pointed, such a feature will edu- (8) Because the kingdom of G,od cannot come cate and inspire the congregations.
fully anywhere until it comes everywhere, and it Good missionary drama is immensely effective, cannot be accomplished without the help of Chris- and suggestions are made as to ways in which this tians of every race and nation. America could can be used. Lists of recommended missionary not be kept "dry" under prohibition, largely be- drama (one is by Rev. La Rue Cober of Colgate cause of wet Canada to the north and Mexico to Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, N. Y.) are the south, and wetter Europe across the Atlantic, distributed to the students and they or their wives so no land can ever beoome fully Christian until urged to try their hands at similar drama. every land has accepted Christ and His way of life. As Lloyd George said to Stanley High: "If The Need for Example and Practice missions fail, the rest of us will have to shut up shop!" , The seminary chapel furnishes an opportunity for the students to hear missionary speakers, as The Need for Missionary Ammunition examples of how (as well as, how not) to preach "The best defence is an offence," militarists tell on mISSIons. One speaker, using stereopticon us. The preacher needs ammunition for mission- slides, unsllspectingly furnished a good opportu- ary sermons and guidance in dropping his bombs. nity for the students to criticize pro and con, in The strategy of the Trojan horse is a wise prece- the light of their class training.
dent for the .general who would take the enemy of Only practice makes perfect. The practice pro- missions unawares. When one student started vided for the students was in sermon construction, his sermon with the bald statement: "This is a and in presentation of missionary lectures with missionary sermon," he was warned that he had stereopticon pictures in the classroom, and sermon made a tactical error before he had a chance to delivery in their own churches.
be heard. Opponents of missions close their ears Sermon construction was after this manner.
and hearts at the outset, while others need not be The professor assigned missionary books on told. The "Trojan horse strategy" is to iriter- which sermons were to be written, then to be sperse sermons with int~resting missionary illus- preached by those students who were supplying trations, occasionally at first, until an appetite for pulpits. Thus they "killed two birds with one such food has been stimulated, and a demand is stone," a feat which students alw'ays appreciate.
created for missionary sermons. Then give mis- Those students who had churches where they sionary sermons attractive, catchy titles, such as could preach the sermons prepared in class, re- Modern Miracles of the Master; Good News from ported impressions made upon their congrega- Far Countries; Saddle-Bay Surveyors of the tions.
Kingdom; Jesus the First World Missionary; At the beginning of each two-hour class half an Are Christians Color Blind? hour was given to stereopticon lectures by the Students are urged to collect clippings and students two at a time, each taking turns prac- notes on each of the arguments for missions (out- ticing the mechanics of running a stereopticon
RELIGIOUS PROBLEMS OF A MIDWEST CITY
lantern, andgIvmg the message. At the close sermons, because they have information and inthe students criticized the presentation and the spiration, and confidence in their ability to put mechanics, before the professor made his contri- the message across. bution. One of the examination questions called for a list of instructions as to the physical, mental Great encouragement to this method of teachand spiritual preparation for the presentation of ing missions comes from the fact that one student missionary lectures to guide the novice. Students was so much interested in his study of the history were also asked to criticize the quality of mission- of missions in the Caribbean islands (on which no ary lectures supplied by their denominational book has been written so that no little research headquarters, and to compose a letter to the au- on his part was necessary) that he submitted a thorities making suggestions. master's thesis, illustrated with handmade maps of every Caribbean island. The assignment had Thus the students are helped to become efficient been for a 3,000 word paper, and the student had in the presentation of missionary material so that not yet graduated. To have aroused such interest they will no longer dread that duty but will look in a missionary subject is one indication that the forward with pleasure to preaching missionary methods work.
Religious Problems of a Midwest City By REV. L. MERLE RYMPH, Wichita, Kansas President of the Ministerial Association and Minister of the Fairmount Community Church, CongregatiQnal W HAT are the religious problems of a Mid- Street and Douglas Ave. According to the story west city? Even a superficial study of of pioneers, Douglas Avenue became the prized facts, made by a casual observer, would business and residence street by a mere chance reveal a series of religious problems in a city like circumstance, in that the cowboy surveyor who Wichita, Kansas. These problems grow out of flung his rope across Douglas Ave. used a 114-foot five contributing social factors: (1) the rapid rope instead of a 100-foot rope as intended. Be growth of the city, (2) the missionary zeal and that as it may, this prairie city developed as most optimism of its pioneer founders, (3) the rapid prairie cities tend to develop in the form of a shift of its population from an agricultural econ- "cross" with the original business center at the omy and life to an urban economy and life, (4) the intersection. Douglas Avenue, being the wider secularization of its common life, and (5) the ex- and more beautiful street, attracted the more perience of chastened optimism during the more desirable business and residential development.
recent depression years. Main Street became the center of industrial de- I velopment north and south, as well as the center of the less desirable business and residential de- In less than seventy years the virgin praIrIe velopment. That fact has had its bearing today has been overlaid with a city population of 117,000 on the types of churches and the success of church residents. In the year 1867 the spot on which the developments in the various sectors of the city.
city of Wichita now stands was vis,ited by a corps In considering the city's phenomenal growth, of government surveyors. and this territory was it is well to remember that the city's growth to a laid out in government homesteads, laying the large extent has been the result of the develop- foundation for the rigid pattern of the City's north ment of the Southwest trade territory. The trade and south, east and west streets. The shallow territory in a very real sense made the city. In ford and the grove of cottonwood trees at the 1871,·800,000 cattle were driven through this city intersection of the Little Arkansas and the Big to the nearest market. When the Santa Fe Rail- Arkansas Rivers was a normal meeting place and road was extended to Wichita in 1872, two mil- trading center for homesteaders. In the year lion dollars changed hands in Wichita in the ship- 1870 the two original town plots, laid out by two ping of cattle. In the next few years most of the pioneers, Munger and Griifensteing, were joined immediate trade territory was homesteaded. By and incorporated as the city of Wichita, fixing the 1885 the Board of Trade in Wichita was adver- two main business streets of the city as Main tising the southwest territory, as "the cream of
the Southwest, . its land as rich as the plains As evidence of the underchurched situation that of Belgium, its breezes laden with the perfume is ours, I submit some facts revealed in a study of wild flowers and apple blossoms as sweet as of Week-Day Religious Education in Wichita as ever blew over Ceylon's isle, . . . its corn fields made by the Board of Week-Day Religious Edustretching mile on mile, which will ere long be cation in the year 1935. That year 10,950 elekeeping rhythmic time to those breezes." Such mentary children were eligible to attend W. D. optimism, such faith in the Southwest, such busi- R. E. schools in the churches, for one hour one day each week. Of these 10,950 elementary chilness and commercial enterprise set the stage for dren that were eligible for such instruction, only the rapid development of the Southwest and in 5,371 were in public schools adjacent to churches turn the rapid growth of the city itself. It is that were able and willing to offer facilities and against this background of individual enterprise, leadership f~. such instruction. Five thousand agricultural and business advance, that the five hundred and seventy-nine other elementary churches of Wichita have functioned until recent children were enrolled in public elementary years. schools either not adjacent to churches or adjacent What has the rapid development of the South- to churches not able and willing to offer this inwest, and the rapid growth of the city, meant to struction to these children. The proportion of the the church life of Wichita? It has reflected itself children that should rightfully be looked upon as in the mood of the churches. The churches expect a Protestant opportunity and responsibility is to grow. They expect to be fed continuously by the transfer of members from the great Southwest indicated by the fact that of the 5,371 who had -hence the success of those churches in the South- the privilege of attending W. D. R. E. in adjacent west as feeders into the church life of Wichita has churches, able and willing to offer them instrucbeen of no small consequence. The churches like- tion, 4,032 accepted the opportunity offered them. wise have expected the wealth of the Southwest The lowest percentage attending from any public to transfer itself to Wichita and express itself in school where the privilege was offered was 84% the building of great churches here. The wealth of cattle, and wheat, and oil has been a major con- and the highest percentage 96 %. These pertributing factor to the financial prestige of many of· our city churches, and not a single established centages indicate the measure of Protestant opchurch continues to function today entirely inde- portunity in Wichita, if only Protestantism was pendent of the wealth of Wichita's trade territory. organized and eager to serve the city, i. e., if the city was adequately churched. In the number of churches that have been founded in Wichita and in the number of Prot- I know that there are those that argue that estant sects and churches that are endeavoring to such things as Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, and W. D. continue to serve the city, it would appear that R. E. are not necessary features of the church much of the religious faith, so expressed, has been program. I know that there are those who still ill-advised. With the hopeful expectancy that fol- contend that a Sunday church program is suffilows pioneer individual enterprise, Protestant cient. Let me call attention to the fact that Sunchurches were established throughout Wichita day School attendance is not sufficient. I have with reckless abandon. Today we have, accord- only the figures on Sunday School enrolments at ing to the Saturday Church Page, 114 Protestant hand, and could only make a guess as to the regchurches and sects trying to serve the city. The ularity of Sunday School attendance. I would omit the wild guess in favor of the hard, known city may be, as some claim, 80 % Protestant re- facts. The study made in 1935 previously referred to also reveals the fact that throughout the city sponsibility, nevertheless, it would appear that it the average percentage of elementry school chilis beyond reason to expect 114 churches to accrue dren enrolled in Sunday School is only 58ro, the sufficient leadership and financial strength to adequately serve the needs of city people. Many of greatest percentage in any sector being 63 % and the churches are so weak and feeble that whole areas are unserved by the Boy Scout and Girl the lowest being 44 %. . Certainly these percent- Scout organizations. Many other churches make no attempt to set up Week-Day Schools of Reli- ages leave a clear picture of the underchurching gion because they feel themselves too weak in of Wichita by our present program of Sunday leadership and financial resources. Still other religious education through our Sunday Schools churches carryon very inadequate and low-grade in these 114 churches. Sunday programs of religious education and worship. Wichita is now underchurched because it A study of the relative childhood responsibiliis overchurched with inadequate church organiza- ties of neighborhood, subcenter, and downtown tions. churches is still more revealing. The same study referred to in the above paragraphs reveals that it took four downtown churches with a total mem- bership of 8,900 to care for 1,284 pupils in the Week-Day Schools of Religion. The study also
shows the fact tha.t at the same time three sub- ties. Right now the sense of competition exceeds center residential churches with a total member- the sense that is ours of cooperation in meeting ship of 1,750 were caring for 341 pupils in Week- our common religious civic responsibility. Day Religious Education. More surprising still is the revelation we find in the studies referred to, The Influence of Sectarianism that three outlying re!>idential churches of 1,400 total membership were supplying Week-Day Here one may face frankly the heritage that is ours of our frontier missionary zeal in the Religious Education facilities for 601 pupils. establishment of denominational and sectarian Certainly the cost of Week-Day Religious Educa- churches. On the Saturday Church Page of the tion and the leadership of these schools is not Wichita Eagle the 114 Protestant congregations very equitably divided in the system of W. D. R. E. are listed under 36 different denominational and as it now stands in Wichita. I understand that sectarian captions. I suspect that this listing since 1935 two of the downtown churches have minimizes the actual number of sectarian groupaccepted the responsibility of helping finance and ings. Protestantism in every city has its myriad types of churches and Wichita is no exception. promote schools in outlying unserved districts. All home mission boards in the early days were Yet only one-half of our elementary children are offered these opportunities of religious instruc- eager "to possess the land" and to gain their tion. Surely no one will deny the fact that a greater statesmanlike churchmanship must be ex- rightful place in this metropolitan center. A pressed if Wichita children are to be offered this study of the Saturday Church Page reveals that minimum of religious instruction. the individual with the most rare and sensitive taste should be able to find the congregation of In a Midwest city like Wichita, all churches his choice here. We have our defenders of the are accessible to the adult population on Sundays. faith and we have churches' most tolerant and lib- From the most distant outlying point the down- eral. We have rigid sectarian churches and we town sector can be reached by bus in 15 minutes have churches that practice intercommunion as and by car in 12 minutes. The Sunday program well as open communion. We have our highly liof churches then is highly competitive and. each turgical churches and our non-liturgical churches. church finds itself in real, though friendly com- We have national cultural churches transplanted petition with every other church in the city. The from European scenes and we have typical Amerbigger downtown churches have the prestige of ican churches. We have country churches that years, of central location, of greater numerical have merely moved to town and we have highly and financial strength, and of a more highly paid ,adapted city churches. We have the more regular staff. The outlying residential church has the typ,es of Protestant churches like Methodist, Bappower of neighborhood appeal, the social power tist, Presbyterian, Congregational, etc., and we of contiguous and intimate family and age-group have a more or less irregular list including Penterelationships, and the warm spiritual appeal of costal, Tabernacle, Mission, Spiritualist, The- osophy and Unity. We have churches that insist intimate understandings. The subcenter residen- on being known as Trinitarian and one that above tial churches, many of them, face the area of all things is' Unitarian. Then beyond Protestantgreatest human need as' indicated by juvenile de- ism are the seven Roman Catholic churches and linquency, transciency, low rents and divisive the one central Roman Catholic Cathedral. Bereligious competitions. Having served for 11 yond this the two Jewish synagogues, the orthoyears as pastor of the Fairmount Community Con- dox and the liberal, with which some measure of gregational Church, a residential church five miles fellowship exists through the local Round Table from the heart of the city, I am most familiar of the National Conference of Jews and Chriswith the adaptations that such a church must tians. make, majoring in its community responsibilities The problem of fellowship and cooperation in throughout the week, without minimizing those such a myriad situation at times becomes a most opportunities that remain for intensive religious baffling one. Some of the more recept questions work on Sunday. For my own part, I ch,eri@the that ,ha:v/il come up in cooperative church fellowspiritual heritage that is ours of religious''iree- ship cit.cles are these: "How can church groups dom, with the right of people to worship and;;erve work odt an effective cooperative publicity and wh.en and where they choose; but I do hope t.hat promotioriprogram?" "Just what churches should along with recognition of that freedom as Prot- be represented in the Council of Churches-more s,pecificalIy, are churches such as "The Reorganestants we can so enhance our sense of shared ized Church of the Latter Day Saints" and "The social and religious responsibility that the needs Unitarian Church" sufficiently like-minded and of residential, subcenter, and downtown churches alike in faith and practice to be welcomed into the will be adequately met, that these several types of churches may fulfil their God-given responsibili-
fellowship of these already in the Council?" churches which were thriving churches in 1888 "Just how far and in what way should the Prot- were so depleted in 1892 that the only way they estant ministerial group share its fellowship with could see their way clear to carryon was to merge the Liberal Jewish Rabbi, who is most fraternal their forces into one church. Some churches have and eager for greater fraternity?" "What part been left stranded, located in the center of illshall Protestantism play in championing the reli- advised real estate ventures that failed to work gious rights. of minority religious culture groups ?" out. Other churches have been made by being Finally this most perplexing modern problem: located in the center of rapidly developing resi- "How can the radio time offered by the two broad- dential territory. In the main all those churches casting stations be most equitably and effectively located in good time in the heart of the "city divided among the various religious groups within cross," north and south, east and west, have the city?" If the reader of this, article is inclined grown by leaps and bounds regardless of their to feel that these questions have no real signifi- denomination~t affiliation. The only churches to cance, it would be well to sit in on some of the exceed them in growth have been those first estabconferences where these items· are inadvertently lished and centrally located downtown near the and unexpectedly brought to the fore for solution. heart of the business sector. Location means Here they must be faced as factual and emotional much to a church. Nowhere is this more evident realities. Sometimes the emotional factor is the than in a growing city like Wichita, with its varymajor factor. The religious problems that now ing types of residential and industrial developcome to a focus in this post-home missionary ex- ment schemes. pansion period are the problems that arise out of the Babel of sectarians that insist on their rights Just a word about the mind-set of the people of being heard on the city's streets, yet are more who move from the farms to Wichita, for to a or less desirous of finding their unity of expres- very large extent the city is made up of those who sion with others at the point of common under- have moved here from its trade territory. The standing and purpose. population is homogeneous and, for the most part, native American stock. Some come from the rural The Changing City Populations area, crowded off of the farms either by the mech- anization of those farms or because of the fact In dealing with the religious. problems that that the families have been too large for homearise from a shift from an agricultural economy stead farms to support all members generation and life to an urban economy and life, many things after generation. They come to Wichita full of come to my mind, but I shall limit this treatise expectancy and hope, expecting to be absorbed in merely to those problems which arise out of real the industrial and commercial life of the city. estate promotion schemes and those that appear Many of them do find their permanent place in the in the mind-set of the city man, recently trans- work life of the community. Some rise to high planted from the rural to the urban scene. places in civic and religious leadership. Others are absorbed in the city's industrial and commer- When one begins to study the different real estate promotion schemes that have had their day cial activities for a time only. Many are "let out" in Wichita, one begins to suspect that at least in at 45 and younger. Then it is that the sense of this respect Wichita has just grown up "like lostness and conscious maladjustment seizes them Topsy." Many subdivisions of the city have been and they suffer severe disillusionments, growing sanely promoted and have come as a normal result out of their own false hopes and the inadequacies of the demands of a growing city. Charts made of our modern city civilization in making perfor the city planning commission as early as 1923 manent room for them. One could not catalogue indicate some 23 different city plots that were the personal, the home, the social and the spirannexed, undeveloped, tax delinquent, and va- itual difficulties that the alert pastor must face in cated. Since that time many of these have been the fulfilment of his day-by-day pastoral duties, reannexed and developed as residential sectors. ministering to city dwellers today. The burst of the real estate boom in 1887 was purely a resultant of wild land speculation that One tremendous opportunity that the city brought a stalemate to city growth for ten years. church has today is the religious opportunity of Fifty church fammes from one church group influencing various professional groups through alone moved their residence from Wichita to the channels of religious inspiration and counsel. Eureka because they thought it offered more se- This seems to be the growing edge of the church's curity for their religious colony, and a more per- responsibility in civic life. So much of the work manent location for a denominational school of the Christian pastor in these days must be done center. The church of which I am now pastor as a professional religious adviser on the city came into being in those years, when two young streets and in the marketplace. Jesus found the condition quite different in the temple of Jeru-
RELIGIOUS PROBLEMS OF A MmWEST CITY
salem and on the streets of the Holy City from inadvertently. Adults are caught today in the what it was on the plains of Palestine and along throes of diversified and competitive Sunday pulls, the quiet shores of Galilee. The city pastor today, until Sunday for many has become a nightmare, likewise, finds the demands of the city quite dif- instead of a day of rest and worship. Schools, ferent from that of the more distinctly rural field. particularly universities, tend more and more to Religious work in the city must be adapted to the use Sunday for extras such as rehearsals, open highly specialized interests represented in city house and public concerts. Recreational groups life. The churchman in the city must face with and institutions, particularly those heavily com- courage and vision the demands of the city and mercialized, make their appeal more and more to adapt the work of his organization to the meeting Sunday crowds. Certain industries and commer- of those apparent spiritual needs, if the church of cial enterprises feel that they must open Sundays, the city is to have transforming and redemptive and the fact that people, including some church power. The city religious worker, today, who is people, patronize these businesses would indicate true to his trust, will face fearlessly as Jesus did that there is a public demand for Sunday open- the clannishness, the bigotries, and the self-suffi- ing. Then as a more recent development is the ciencies of privileged city classes, as his Master growing practice of professional and civic groups did before him. Likewise, he will follow the foot- to use Sundays as their big days for opening and steps of his Lord in entering sympathetically into closing their festivities. One divisive pull alone the problems of the underprivileged, the confused, would not be so devastating to the work of the and the harassed individuals who walk the city churches-but the aggregate of all these divisive streets without a real sense of security and "at pulls make it most difficult for churches to carry homeness." The spiritual service man renders to on consistent and constructive work on the day common humanity is still the best indication of that was once recognized as the Lord's day, and man's divinity. the day of the church's major opportunity.
The Secularization of Life What is the church to do about the seculariza- tion .of Sunday? Some churchmen are militant The secularization of contemporary urban life about the situation – and seek legislation, safemanifests itself in a number of ways, but no mani- guarding the Lord's Day for church purposes, festations of that secularization are more signifi- particularly certain well established hours. Some cant in the demands upon the city church for are troubled in the face of the situation-and seek urban adaptation than those that grow out of counsel. Some are intensely serious in the face (1) the secularization of Sunday and (2) the secularization of youth's sense of relative values. of the situation and are seeking ways to make Sunday more meaningful and ways also to sup- The secularized competitive usages that city plement th,e church's Sunday work with mean- people are bringing into their week-end and Sun- ingful week-day activities. Who is there who day experiences handicap the work of city does not recognize the gravity of the situation churches more than any reader of this article fully realizes. The chart made by the Week-Day sufficiently to realize that the church's one day of Religious Education Board reveals the percentage major opportunity has been and is being ruth- of attendance of elementary children in attend- lessly dissipated by many thoughtless and needless ance at Week-Day Schools of Religion in 1935 and competitive usages? Easter Sunday, our churches . in Sunday Schools for the same year. The aver- were crowded to the doors. One member of the age percent for Sunday School attendance stands regular Sunday worshipping congregation was at 58.70, ranging from 44% to 63%. The average heard to remark: "This shows how many people percentage in attendance at the Week-Day can go to church when they really want to."
Schools of Religion, 90%, ranging from 84% to I wonder just where are we going, and what 9670 in the different schools. Many factors enter are we going to do next Sunday, and the next into the fact that a greater percentage go to Sunday, and the next. In Wichita, we are for- W. D. R. E. than to S. S.; among these factors tunate enough to have both a board of education are "clothes," "the gang spirit," and the fact of and a city council that are sympathetic to the "no collection"-all in the favor of the W. D. R. E. church's problem. The publicly owned buildings school-but beyond these factors is the factor of Wichita are not open to the public on Sunday that parents. do not take the children away from for commercialized, competitive programs. Some the public school and the W. D. R. E. school for professional groups have given consideration to picnics, visiting and rural outings-as they take the church's need of a real opportunity to carry them from the Sunday School and the Sunday on its constructive and creative work by recog- worship program of the church. nizing Sunday as primarily the church's day. In But children are not the only ones who have the the main, however, it must be confessed that the influences of Sabbath observance taken from them problem has not seriously been faced by most in-
dividuals and groups within the city that should to be as group- and class-conscious as the Chamber be most concerned. of Commerce. A city-planning commission has been working since 1923 to effect a more whole- The other aspect of secularization I feel led to some city life. In times past the problems of face is also most real-I refer to the subconscious Wichita have been problems of its youth, exsecularization of our youth that takes place when pressed in growing pains. The problems today youth is educated only in and by our public school are the problems of middle age. Day after tosystem. Such education, valuable as it is, alone morrow they will be the problems of age. Right is not enough. The public schools, the high now interest is being manifest in filling in the schools, and the municipal university in this mid- gaps in city development by encouraging the erecwest city are so big, that the youth program of tion of diagonal streets to the four corners of the our churches appeal to the youth as too small and city. One of these has already been constructed, insignificant, unless the youth program of our terminating 'tlJt the airport. Another, soon we individual churches really does for these youth trust, will terminate at the Municipal University. what no public school, no matter how big, can ever Individual, unrelated real estate promotion do. Life to be healthy and whole must be under- schemes are giving way to city plannng and cogirded both by an adequate religious faith and an operative promotion enterprises. One cannot lisadequate religious experience in real spiritual fel- ten in at Democratic meetings these days and hear lowship. The church that meets this two-fold the words "the present recession" and at Repubneed will have the loyalty of its youth. The lican meetings and hear the echo, "the Roosevelt church's opportunity seems to be in those small depression," without feeling that the buoyant ingroup and age fellowship organizations where a dividualism of the past is really giving way to a type of religious. work and experience is nurtured sense of chastened optimism and perhaps also a quite comparable to the experience and work sense of somewhat restrained social responsibility. Jesus shared in the intimacies of fellowship with His disciple band. This likewise is true of the The Church in these days is caught up by the Christian Youth Council and the "Y" organiza- mood of the times. No great church buildings or tions. cathedrals are now being built in Wichita. No church is rushing into. new territory. The Council Looking Into the Future of Churches is not reaching out to take advanced ground with the boundless enthusiasm of the days I began this paper with an expression of bound- of its youth-yet it is conserving its status and less optimism, growing out of the consciousness it is undergirding itself for real work ahead, as that Wichita has been a rapidly growing city, are many of the churches. The Council of from the time of its founding until now. A new Churches grew out of a sense of shared church factor, however, has come into our common ex- responsibility some 18 years ago. The principle perience in more recent years. These depression of unrestrained individual church freedom had and recession years have disciplined our minds as Wichitans, as it has the minds and spirits of men run its course, and through the vision and courage and women the world around. Weare beginning of men like A. A. Hyde, Wichita's chief philanto recognize that the problems we now face and thropist, and Ross Sanderson, Wichita's pioneer are destined to face in the future will be more cooperative statesman; the Council of Churches difficult and baffling, for they will grow out of a was organized on a sane and constructive basis. more static situation. We already have one-fifth Last fall the National Preaching Mission conof our population on relief-in that we are one ducted in Wichita demonstrated the increased with our nation. Our sense of self-sufficiency has spiritual power that is released within a city like been somewhat broken in recent years as we have Wichita when churches join wholeheartedly in watched great dust clouds roll in from the South- united Christian effort. The growing sense of west and· as we have watched government agency interdenominational interrelatedness that is ours after goVernment agency established with head- today is a powerful and latent spiritual force quarter§: in our city for the relief of those in need undergfrding the churches for better days ahead. of govenhment subsidy. Kansas wheat farmers, historic~1ly individualistic and independent, have The future is uncharted. Spiritual needs will sensed their dependence and their interdepend- forever manifest themselves as real and all-com- ence, and have been learning to cooperate to pelling: The spirit of the Christ in the churches forward common interests and welfare of the com- will forever rise up to meet those needs. Just so .mon weal. Then, too, group- and class-conscious- long as the church, as "the body of Christ," emness has been growing within the city itself. bodies His Spirit and adapts itself to the changing Under the Wagner Act, labor g"roups are coming needs of the city, just so long will spiritual transinto a consciousness of group needs and bid fair formations take place and Christ's redemptive power wiiI be felt in the life of this midwest city.
I Believe in Jesus
I I~.- –tijf By GENERALISSIMO CHIANG KAI-SHEK* of China · AITH and superstition are two entirely dif- did he receive a so-called higher education. He ferent things. We must all realize that super- was born in an ordinary home of the laboring class, the son of a carpenter. Because He per- Pstition is not faith, and that those who really have faith will not wander off into vulgar super- ceived that His nation was on the verge of ruin, stition. If a man lacks faith he can accomplish that Abraham's seed was about to be destroyed, nothing; nor can he accomplish anything if he He courageously decided to undertake the arduous admits superstition into his life. Men nowadays task of restoring His nation; He dedicated him- often regard faith as superstition, and supersti- self wholly to the cause, and resolved to struggle tion as faith, and because the two are confused, sacrificially for the salvation of his people; more those who oppose superstition also discard faith. than that, to save all mankind. So He led his fol- We should all know that the success of any lowers throughout the land, and by means of enterprise means that faith is indispensable. In preaching and healing, and through His divine these days when principles are in eclipse and de- wisdom and His unequaled power to present the sires run riot, when government is torn up, when three great themes of truth, righteousness and the people are suffering, and the nation is strug- life, He awakened His nation, He led His people, gling in disaster, how can we be saved from un- to bring about national revolution.
paralleled calamity unless there is vigorous faith Social Significance of the Gospel and confident assurance of victory? On the one hand we must break down all superstition, and Second, believe in Jesus because He was a leader on the other hand we must all the more exalt a of social revolution. The causes of a nation's de- cline are indeed many, but failure to remedy, by positive faith. For example, if we can believe in orderly change, the people's economic life is one the "Three Principles" first enunciated by Sun of the chief causes of national downfall. So who- Yat-sen, we can go and practice them. Because ever would promote a national revolution must we firmly believe the truth and righteousness. of first completely eradicate the ignorance, the corthe "Three Principles," we fear nothing. And ruption and the disorders of society, its selfishness this psy;chology of not being afraid, this spirit of and greed; then with a new spirit he can build fearlessness, comes from faith. up a new life, abundant, expanding and ascending. Thus he will seek the emancipation of His people. Jesus the Revolutionary First, believe in Jesus because He was a leader Jesus attacked with all his might the evil forces of national revolution. When Jesus came to earth. of His day; He tried with all His power to over- the Jewish nation was daily growing weaker. It come its pernicious mores. His purpose was none had suffered the full measure of insult and oppres- other than by means of His leadership and ideal- sion from the Roman imperial authority. From ism to deliver His submerged people out of dark- history we can see that the Jewish people, stag- ness so that they might become a new people. He gering under the violence of their enemies, were laid the foundat'ions of social revolution.
no different from cattle and slaves; all liberties Third, believe in Jesus because He was a leader had been taken away from them and all power put of religious revolution. Jesus saw the rottenness into the hands of Romans. At that time not only of religion in his day, the evil customs, and per- could Jewish national independence show no re- verted beliefs; the leaders one and all cheated the sistance, but even the will to resist had vanished. people, and imposed on them their false beliefs, Fortunately, at this point in the course of events seeking only their own selfish profit. Autocracy in Jesus Christ was born. the Jewish church, and the hollowness of its rit- He was not a scion of the nobility. He was ual, pained and deeply grieved Jesus. He recog- without temporal position and worldly power; He nized that unless the perverted beliefs and the did not grow up in a home of wealth, and still less hypocrisy were done away with He could not re- * A radio address broadcast fronl Hankow, China, ,on Easter eve, vive His prostrate people, and still less could He spread abroad and exalt the true spirit of religion. April 16, 1938. Translated into English by Prof. Warren H. Stuart So He constantly rebuked those who vaingloriof the College of Emporia, Emporia, Kansas. Reprinted from The Chl'istian Century.
[415 ]
ously prayed at street intersections; he vigorously China and C~ristianity opposed those who in the name of religion would Now look at our nation. Suffering the last hundeceive the people-evildoers who undermine so- dred years from the corruption and weakness of ciety. He cast out the traders and overthrew the the Manchus, its condition bears striking resemmoney changers' tables; by means of a parable blance to the situation in Jesus' day. He exposed the wicked husbandmen, brought to book the wicked tribute-eollectors, and rebuked Sun Yat-sen, cherishing love for God and man, the covetous capitalists. suffused with the revolutionary spirit of Jesus, and motivated by universal love, followed the path All these efforts were solely to lead his people of revolution for forty years as if but for a day. out of darkness into light, from defeatism into With utter self-sacrifice He sought freedom for active struggle, from riotous living into decency, the Chinese people. At last in 1911 the Manchus' from greed and corruption into frugality and holi- imperial rule was overthrown, and the Republic ness. This work of reforming religion and cleans- of China broul'ht into being. Thus was the work ing away its evils – how important it was, and of national revolution achieved. what a Herculean task! How daringly and decisively, and with what utter abando~, Jesus en- As Sun Ya.t-sen's successor, I look ahead into deavored to rescue the Church and SOCIety of that the consequences of the people's revolution and day from its myriad ills to awaken the masses think over the causes of our present spiritual defrom their ignorance! So Jesus was a leader of pression, I firmly believe that in seeking to bring religious revolution. national recovery and social progress, we must advocate Jesus' spirit of universal love and of Love the Law of Life sacrifice. I feel that whatever one does, whether As I constantly study the basis of Jesus' revolu- dealing with men and situations, or commanding tionary spirit-where it was actually rooted-I and carrying on the government, in all forms of feel that the basis lay entirely in His spirit of love. service, only love and peace are the foundations of He a.imed by this spirit of universal love to expel human life; and struggle and sacrifi·ce are a revo- lutionary's duty. This was the attitude of Jesus. the wrong thinking of men, to abolish their unj ?st This was my meaning on a former occasion when systems, to make it possible for everr man to .enJoy his God-given rights, and the blessmgs. of lIberty . I said, "Until peace has become hopeless, never and fraternity. Jesus felt that "all within the forsake peace; when sacrifice has become necesfour seas are brethren," so he wanted men to sary, then sacrifice without reservation." draw near and love one another, sharing in time During the last few years, whenever at leisure of trial, helping one another in time of illness. from pressing duties, I have been promoting a Between nations He wanted to promote peace and social movement which has produced some wide- spread results. I refer to the New Life Movejustice, so all his life He opposed v!olence and ?I?- held fair dealing. He always cherIshed the SPIrIt ment. I am well aware that in this movement the of mercy, and helped the weak. His ~ords an.d superficial aspects may easily be emphasized while deeds manifest at every point the realIty of HIS the heart of it is neglected; it is easy to stress its universal love, and His spirit of revolutionary material phase, while overlooking its spirit. Now I have something new to add: that is to say, self-sacrifice. Because Jesus desired to fulfill His heaven-ap- if we are really going to practice the new method of living, not only must we have a new spirit, we pointed mission to save mankind, h.e held. fast to must have a New Life. This new life must have an indomitable resolve, an unwavermg faIth; He Jesus' spirit of universal love, and His determinamaintained an attitude of perfect good will, even tion to sacrifice Himself; only thus can this qualat the cost of life itself, not hesitating to sacrifice ity of new life be obtained. all so that his courageous. heart might struggle to th; end. And even when He faced the cross, with In brief, the spirit of Jesus is constructive, sacits unparalleled torture, he still remained un- rificial, holy, true, peaceable, forward-looking, full moved, unshaken by his trials. He maintained of eager striving; and it is revolutionary throughsupreme loyalty to ideals and duty, supreme mag- out. My fellow countrymen, let us cherish the nanimity toward friends. and comrades. Such de- idea of a "new birth"; let us maintain the resovotion and sympathy are the more precious be- lution of "sacrifice." Let us hold Jesus as the goal cause so difficult to attain. Then see Him nailed for human living; let us keep the mind of Jesus high on the cross, asking His heavenly Father to as our mind, the life of Jesus as our life. Let us have mercy upon His foes because of their igno- bravely go with Him to the cross, to seek the everrance. Behold how limitless is His spirit of uni- lasting peace of mankind, and the renewal of our versal love! nation of China.
Jesus' creative revolutionary spirit is founded The economic mess in which the world finds itself today just on this, His spirit of universal love. is more a mess of sin than a mess of economic ignorance. ·-Professor John Baillie.
Transformations in West
By G. C. BEANLAND, Nkolmvolan, Cameroun.
THERE is warfare which is far more subtle out, then carry them to their towns where they and engaging than any military campaign; are planed and prepared for these new buildings the warfare carried on between the soldiers and for attractive furniture. Others are learning of the Cross of Christ and the hordes of evil in the art of burning brick and tile, with which they all parts of Africa. Here is the great adventure are constructing very durable and serviceable for the Christian Church. It is a difficult task to houses. Still others are learning to build houses overthrow the evil, superstitious practices of with mud walls, which, when whitewashed with paganism and supplant them with the truths con- white clay taken from the beds of the streams, cerning God, man, and nature. The missionaries' make very attractive houses. part in this great work is that of teacher of hand, Another change is noticed in the dress of the head, heart and health. His work is never done. He must be continually on the job and no matter people. Our Industrial School conducts a tailorin which of the four categories of mission work, ing class in which young men have been taught industrial, medical, evangelistic or educational, to make clothing like that worn by the white man. his work lies, all his talents must be engaged all After an apprenticeship of sufficient time, these young men graduate and, on returning to their of the time to be able to see hts cherished plants towns, set themselves up as "village tailors" and grow and flourish. very few of them suffer from idleness as they Cameroun Colony on the West coast of Africa, have all the work they can do for their towns- where the work of the American Presbyterian people. Chauffeurs and mechanics are trained in Church is carried on, is a mandated colony under our Industrial School who are in great demand to the care and protection of the French Govern- care for and drive the many motors which have ment. It was a German colony prior to the great been brought out by traders and government World War, and after the war was mandated to officials. In order for these motors to function France. Mission work was greatly hampered and properly, of course, there must be good roads, impeded during the struggle but the natives were and the old trails of former days have given way led to realize our great dependence upon God and to modern gravel roads threading the country and His protecting power over all of us and we suf- connecting the different administrative points and fered comparatively little during those terrible days. Changing regimes brought about many commercial centers. Our medical department ad- ministers to the many sick people who are broug~t changes in our mission work but we adjusted in to our hospitals from all the regions round ourselves to the new government and we have had about, so that the natives who are suffering from very cordial and sympathetic relations with the the various tropical diseases can have medical French administration since their occupation of attention. This is bringing about a great change the colony. in the health conditions of the country.
Certain changes are noted in which the mission Since the introduction of our mission schools, and missionaries have had some part since the which at first had a very skeptical reception, work of the mission was established along the there has been noticed quite an intellectual change West coast of Africa about fifty years ago. One among these people. They are a people of marvelnotices today new and attractive homes of some ous memories, keen perception and very vivid of the natives which are being built along the imagination. They are not such philosophers as motor roads of the country. The young men have are the sons of Shem and Japheth but they are learned in the carpenter shops how to saw the nobody's fools. They have a very rich storehouse planks from the great timbers of the forest and of folklore and traditions and much of their how to build their homes with these planks. Not past is to be known only as one draws it out of being able to haul their timbers to the sawmill, the older people in conversation. To introduce they resort to the primitive method of digging a our schools to them we had at first, of course, to pit and rolling a section of the log over the pit reduce some of their language to writing as they ancl with large saws laboriously rip the planks have never had any method of writing or record- [417 ]
ing their language. It has been merely handed of the hardest fields of the mission. He and his down from father to son through countless faithful wife were sent far away into the heart generations. After the first translation of some of a very heathen tribe and there they established parts of the Gospel, and after the school children a home and set up their family altar. Soon word had become able to read and write their own came down saying "I have one convert." Later language, the schools took care of themselves. on he gained others and slowly he built up a little Word spread to many of the tribes that the mis- nucleus of believers about him. Other evangelists sion was able to teach the children to read and were sent up into that tribe because the people, write and soon schools were asked for by many of through the influence of this first evangelist, be- the chiefs of the different tribes, until today our gan calling for them. Finally it was deemed ad- schools are scattered throughout the entire area visable to establish a church in that tribe and of South Cameroun, even to the border. today there is one of the strongest churches in Not only did we give them our schools but we Cameroun in "hat locality, which was formally have given them a literature. At first the Gospels a superstitious, pagan, cannibalistic tribe.
and Acts were translated and later the whole of Another young man, Ze Esim, is a very lovable, the New Testament was given to them in their Christian character. He came to us from one of own language and put into the schools as a text- the older mission fields and was placed in the book. Now we have about finished the translation center of a very wicked tribe as there were a few of the entire Bible. Other literature, such as boys there who were inclined towards the things Pilgrim's Progress, school books, pamphlets for of God. Ze scoured the country round about and distribution in the towns and a monthly· news attracted scores of children to his school where sheet are some of the materials which have been he saturated them with the Gospel and taught gotten out on our well equipped Halsey Memorial them verses of Scripture to carry away in their Press. The printed page is going into the homes hearts. Opposed by some of the old heathen men, of most of the people who have learned to read he would preach to them and pray with them until and it is having its effect of spreading the news several of these men came over into the camp of of the Kingdom of God into many parts of the Ze's God. "Pray for me," wrote Ze, "as old land. Satan is trying to tear up my work, but I know Besides the physical changes and the intellectual that if I am faithful and persistent, Christ will change of the people we notice a spiritual change give us the victory for has He not said, 'Lo I am as well. These Bantu people are animistic and with you always even unto the end of the world.' "
have nothing in their faith that we may class as Craving more learning and a better way to preach a religion, but there is a superstitious fear of the Word of God, Ze is preparing himself for the the Great Spirit (Zambe) who made the world pastorate. With such a spirit he is bound to win and peopled it. There are many lesser gods and many more souls for the Kingdom of God.
their idea of worship is only some method of On such men as these, whom we can number appeasing the wrath of the Great Spirit or of by the scores, we are depending to build up the these lesser gods by sacrifice of fowls or animals; Kingdom of God in Cameroun. It is told that the consequently the old Jewish custom of sacrifice authorities in one of the African ports desired to as an atonement for sin has a special appeal to build a wharf alongside of which ocean-going them. We have, however, sought to teach them vessels might tie up and discharge their cargo of the great sacrifice made once and for all for and take on other cargo, so they ordered great those who believe in the strong Son of God. This timbers from Europe. These timbers were sunk Good News has laid hold upon thousands of these into the mud at the mouth of one of the big rivers natives and for them there is joy and happiness and their wharf built upon them. Soon the ter- in the new found life in Christ. Young men and mites began to eat into these timbers and they women are turning away from their old fetishes crumbled away into the river. Then the authori- and are giving allegiance to the Man of Galilee ties went into the great forest adjoining and cut who "came not to be ministered unto but to min- down some of the fine old mahogony trees, squared ister and to give His life a ransom for many." the logs, and, bringing these down to the coast, There was a fine young man who entered our sank them into this same mud and built their village school. He came from a very pagan tribe wharf upon them. There they stand because they and, by persevering in his studies, progressed are indigenous to the country and the termites rapidly and later asked to be admitted to the theo- cannot destroy them. The foundations of the logical school. He was a bright, inquisitive fellow Church of Christ are strong and we have faith to and tried to carry out the instructions of his believe that the faithful, Christian men and wom- teacher very faithfully. He was noted for his en of Cameroun will withstand the ravages of all piety and prayerfulness and when licensed by the destructive agencies for they are built upon Presbytery to preach, he asked to be sent to one the solid Rock.
A MOSLEM FEAST IN GOLDEN BANQUET HALL OF IMAM RIDA
The Story of Meshed, a Sacred City y the REV. DWIGHT M. DONALDSON, -.<!Ii{ Meshed, Iran A.uthor of "The Shi'ite Religion",. Missionary of [ : the Presb'yterian Church, u. S. A.
THE modern province of Khorasan has an area This is the third largest city in Iran and lies of 150,000 square 'miles. This is a little less about as many miles east of Jerusalem as Rome than one fourth of the entire area of Iran. lies to the west. Among the Jews of the Disper- Its population, notwithstanding its vast stretches sion, who returned to their homes after Pentecost of desert, is about equal to that of the fertile prov- with the marvelous news of. the risen Christ, were ince of Azerbaijan (1,500,000). While in Azer- Parthians, liedes and Elamites, and dwellers in baijan, in the northwest, American missionary Mesopotamia. It must have been shortly after the work was begun as early as 1835, in Khorasan, writing of the great report of St. Paul's mission- the large province in the northeast, bordering on ary jour~ys and preaching in Rome, that other Afghanistan and Turkestan, there was no mission believers, 'such as the Apostle Addai and Tatian, work established until the opening of Meshed in made their way East with the Christian Gospel.
1911. This is the largest and most significant pil- We know that before the overthrow of the Par- grimage city in Iran. Preliminary itinerating thiandynasty in A. D. 225, there were more than journeys were made by American missionaries in twenty Bishoprics in Mesopotamia and in Iran.
1878, 1894, and 1905, and finally in 1911 Rev. Furthermore, at an Eastern Council in A. D. 424, Lewis F. Esselstyn, D.D., was ,sent to occupy delegates came from the distant cities of Nisha- Meshed. pur and Herat and Merw.
[419 ] electro nic fil e created by cafis.org
In spite of the severe persecutions of Christians which has acquired this significance because it by the Sassanian kings, there were still communi- has been taken from near the tomb of the Imam ties of Christians in Iran at the time of the rise Rida, whom he trusts as his Friend, his Guide, of Islam in the seventh century, but the power of hi~ Mediator, and his Master.
the old Sassanian Empire was completely over- It is believed to be a special advantage to be thrown, and the forces of Islam pushed rapidly to buried near the Imam, in order to rise along with the East. Arab influence swept across Iran and him on the Judgment day, and be thus rated Afghanistan and on to India. Devastating wars among the friends and supporters of the Prophet and famines followed, so that by the time of Mohammed. Accordingly, for nearly a thousand Harun aI-Rashid (who died A. D. 786), who years, high prices have been paid for cemetery showed marked hostility to his Christian subjects, privileges near the grave of the Imam. For ages the remote communities of believers in Khorasan were almost wiped out.We read that Christian camel caravans have wended their way on long doctors took part in meetings that were held for desert j ourne~' that ended in Meshed, and frereligious discussion before the Caliph Ma'mun quently, in addition to their loads of merchandise, early in the ninth century in Merw. they have brought the bodies of good Mohamme- dans who died in distant places but who had ex- The Imam Rida pressed the wish to be buried in the great ceme- tery here. It is the custom also for corpses to be Harun al-Rashid's last military expedition was carried in solemn procession around the Imam's to quell a rebellion in Khorasan, but when he tomb before burial. About this tomb successive reached the city of Tus he fell ill'and died.' He kings of Persia, (Iran) have built a magnificent was buried in a garden sixtl'len miles away, and . shrine, with a dome and minarets of gold. Behis son Ma'mun moved on. .with the troops. to side ·it is. a, mosque, with a still larger dome of Merw, where he established his capital and main- tiles of turquoil?e blue. The sacred center of the a tained the authority of the Abbasid Caliphate in city is thia;;shrlrte;area. Devout Moslems stop as the East. Ma'mun made what he thought was a they cross st:reetthat leads to it, and bow to- politic effort to unite the great schism in Islam be- wards its resplendent golden dome.
tween the Sunnites and the Shi'ites by designating Changing Time as his heir apparent to the Caliphate the highly esteemed lineal descendant of the "prophet" Mu- A new day has now come in Meshed. On the hammad, the Imam Ali al-Rida, who was the other side of the city from the tomb of the Imam, recognized spiritual leader of the Shi'ites. This but with money from the Shrine endowments, a expedient proved to be exceedingly unpopular large modern hospital has been erected. The gov- among the Sunnites, however, and when the army ernment is systematically administering Shrine was on the return journey to Baghdad, it is said funds for public welfare, and among the efforts that the Imam Rida fell ill from eating grapes thus subsidized is a school for boys, with an im- that had been poisoned. As he died during the posing building that resembles the main building days of the encampment at the tomb. of Harun al- of the American College in Teheran, a curriculum Rashid, the Caliph Ma'mun had him buried with for 12 classes and an attendance of over 700 boys.
conspicuous honor at this place, in the garden of There is a similar school for girls, all in the name Sanabad, which later came to be known as the of the Imam Rida, with money exacted from the mashhad, or place of martyrdom, of the Imam Shrine authorities by the government.
Rida. Meshed~The Shrine City In order to accommodate automobile traffic the streets of Meshed have had to be widened, and to In the ravages of the Mongol invasions in the the amazement of everybody a great thoroughfare thirteenth century the city of Tus was destroyed, has been cut directly through the famous old cemeand a new city gradually grew up aro~nd the tomb tery on the north side of the Shrine, and hundreds of the Imam. This was the city of Mashhad, of the flat tombstones were used to pave the new which foreigners have come to call Meshed. sidewalks. Stories were told of miracles of healing through After ten years of work; in rented houses, the prayer in the name of the Imam, or through drink- missionaries in Meshed secured the present coming water mixed with dust swept from the tomb. pound of something over fourteen acres. It lies The very clay from the garden was reported to inside the city and is within view of the Shrine. have magic powers, and tablets of it are regularly used in the ritual of the daily prayers. The wor- Formerly it was land used for truck-gardening shiper lays the clay tablet on a cloth or prayer-rug but now there are trees and lawns and it is known that lies before him, and in the prescribed pros- as "The American Garden." It was purchased at trations he touches his forehead to the sacred clay, forty cents a square yard, but now it is appraised at four times as much.
THE STORY OF MESHED, A SACRED CITY
On this land there are five missionary resi- the Mission compound. It has enrolled a small dences, a fifty-bed hospital, and an elementary but homogeneous group of boys, in spite of serious school for boys. At the entrance to the compound opposition from Moslem parents .and the keen there is a Reading Room, which is a center for the competition of government schools. The reasons sale and distribution of evangelistic literature, for the existence of Mission schools, both for boys with a room where individuals come for Christian and for girls, are at least as strong as the reasons instruction. Another small building, near the for such schools in any other city in Iran. There football field, is used as a recreation center. is no other mission school within a radius of al- Medical work was begun in 1915, in a rented most six hundred miles. Well within that circle Iranian house, with one doctor and no trained as- lies the great province of Khorasan, with a fourth sistants. After steady development there is now of the area and about a sixth of the population of a well-planned hospital with good modern equip- all Iran, and including about a dozen smaller cities ment and trained workers. In addition to the tens that would send some of the best of their boys of thousands of patients who have been treated in the base hospital at Meshed, many more thousands have been helped on itinerating trips to other cities in the province of Khorasan. In 1924 a trip was made to Herat in Afghanistan and an- other a few years later.
Patients include many Iranians, Turks and Afghans, as well as some Indians and Arabs, Rus- sians and other Europeans. The great majority are Moslems, but there are also Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians, as well as some who have no religious belief. It is the aim of the hospital staff that all should receive loving care in the name of the Saviour of mankind. Many pilgrims to the Shrine also come to the "American Chris- tian Hospital," and when they return to their far- off villages they sometimes take with them, not only gratitude for physical improvement, but a new spiritual hope.
The hospital also provides medical care for lepers who live in a village two miles outside the city. This is the only organized work for lepers in all Iran. There have been some actual cures from the dreaded disease, and treatment almost always stops its progress and relieves acute suf- MOSQUE OF THE BLUE TILES .aT ME'SHED fering.
The hospital maintains a standard of medical and girls to Mission schools in Meshed if they work that may serve as an example to the na- were developed so as to have boarding departtionals as they build their own hospitals. To co- ments, a secondary school, an industrial branch, operate with the Iranian doctors there are med- and such other facilities for work as would be ical conferences and public health meetings to commensurate with the strategic location and the stress matters of hygiene, sanitation and pre- unique opportunities of Meshed. ventive medicine. Infant and maternal mor- tality, though slowly decreasing, is still appalling, The Church in Its Khorasan Environment and much attention should be given to the instruction of mothers in child-care, midwives should be The fresh-water streams of Khorasan disappear trained, and constructive public health programs in the great salt desert, for they flow from the should be inaugurated. Along with this growth upper plateau into the central depression, known are even more favorable opportunities for the as the Great Kavir. This may serve as a parable presentation of the Christian message of hope of much missionary effort which seems to have and salvation. been in vain. New converts from Islam may show Christian educational work was begun on a a kind of ecstasy and enthusiasm while they are very small scale, with classes in two hospital among the hills of vision, but too often their rooms; then the school moved to a rented building Water of Life seems to be lost as they come down and finally in 1929 a good building was erected on to the problem of making a living in Moslem SQ- electro nic fil e created by cafis.org
ciety. For several years the number of converts as their Saviour, may give more effective testiwho have been kept together in the Church group mony in their present occupations. Those Chrisin Meshed has been made up almost entirely of tians who are artisans and small tradesmen must those to whom the Mission or missionaries have be able to withstand petty persecution and boybeen able to give employment. Happily some of cotting and win their way by honesty and forthese have rendered faithful service and have bearance to recognized Christian influence. made progress in Christian living, but in the case of others, when Mission employment has not been It is said that the horses of Khorasan, the faavailable their loyalty has waned. mous Turkomans, have by adaptation to their environment become "bony and clumsy-looking At the present time there are significant changes quadrupeds, with marvelous power of endurance." in the social life in Iran and we believe that the The camels of Khorasan also are celebrated for time has finally come when it is altogether pos- their size and strength. "They have very long sible for Moslems who have become Christians to hair and beat"·cold and exposure far better than find employment without working for the Mission. the ordinary Arabian or Iranian camels, which With industry, foresight,· thrift, patience, and carry only 320 lbs., whereas the Khorasan camels other virtues that make for Christian stamina this will carry from 600 to 700 lbs." In like manner can be done. Nevertheless, these Christians, in it is greatly to be desired that the converts from their capacity as pioneer missionaries among their Islam in Khorasan, and likewise the missionaries own people, need much sustaining love and prayer who are sent to this distant province, will so adapt that those of them who became Christians as themselves as to take root as Christians in this young men in mission schools may continue to be difficult environment, and in consequence may known as Christians in the cities where they go develop exceptional powers of endurance with a to work and that those who were patients or help- strong faith to carry cheerfully extra-heavy ers in mission hospitals, and who accepted Christ burdens.
A Church Serving the Whole Community By the REV. WILLIAM C. MUNDS, Corpus Christi, Texas f3.- Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd ,:' of splendid educational buildings and parish houses closed from Sunday to Sunday. That is I N VIEW of the communal life upon which so- why the Church is often looked upon as purely a ciety is organized and in view of the service one-day-a-week institution. In the use of its equip- ideal which undergirds all Christian activity, ment, the Church must lose its smug, ecclesiastical the whole community is the definite responsibility life in the effort to have the spirit of Christ per- of the Church. If this be not so, the Church has meate every phase of our every-day life. The no reason nor excuse for its existence. Church must become an integral part of the life of man. In assuming responsibility for the whole One of the outmoded concepts of the Church's community, the Church must set up a compre- mission is that the Church is merely a preaching hensive program. This will vary in different station. According to the Gospel record our Lord types of communities, therefore we shall suggest preached very little, but he did a great deal. The a variety of activities in the hope that those in- Church should concern itself less with words and terested may find some helpful suggestions. more with deeds. The work of the Church in the ; foreign field for the past quarter century is a con- To begin with, the Church needs to understand crete illustration of this method. its community. This can best be accomplished by careful survey to determine the community's We must also cease stressing the importance of needs. Many splendid programs have failed for denominational loyalty to the exclusion of a pri- the reason that they were conceived without any mary loyalty to Christ and His way of life. This reference to actual conditions. Since the trend larger view is necessary as one cannot think in today is in the direction of highly institutionalized terms of community interests if he is first forced programs, the temptation is strong to make our to hurdle denominational barriers.
Church buildings must serve community needs. It is nothing short of a disgrace to see thousands
A CHURCH SERVING THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
churches beehives of activity. But little is accom- The crux of the community problem is here. It plished through such activity unless it effectively is not possible to raise the general moral level of a serves a definite purpose. The wise minister will community until the basic causes for juvenile know his community. That is the first step. delinquency are eliminated. It is utter stupidity and neglect of duty to assume that the general In making a survey, it is also necessary to know moral tone of a community can be improved until the assets of a community as well as its liabilities. more attention is given to the underprivileged There are usually agencies doing splendid work groups. Leadership for such work should come both in the character building and in the general from our churches. health field. The Church should use these agencies and bring people in contact with the organizations The city slums constitute a terrible indictment best fitted to serve their needs. It is a sinful against the Church, for often individual church waste of energy and money for the Church to members are responsible for the continued existduplicate work already being done efficiently by ence of such areas. Every social study reveals others. Our communities need today wise social the downward pull of the slum areas upon the engineering, and the Church can make a valuable moral tone of a community. The slums are the contribution in the field by supplying the initia- breeders of every known type of crime, and they tive and leadership. must be eliminated before civilization can be pulled up to higher levels. That is a responsi- Responsibility Toward Youth bility of the Church.
But there are many other contributions that the The Church and Moral Evils Church can and should make to the life of a community. The list that we shall discuss will not be The Church, being responsible for the whole comprehensive, but merely suggestive. The most community, must assume some obligation for the important phase of the Church's responsibility for evil conditions, as well as for developing the the whole community is towards its youth, and forces that are good. It is fallacious reasoning to being responsible for youth, the Church must as- assume that God will be satisfied to receive a sume the responsibility for the whole life of youth, chosen few into close fellowship with Himself social and recreational as well as religious. The and not be concerned with the multitudes who, prevailing theory of Christian workers is that if because of unspeakably bad social conditions, are youth is given proper spiritual foundations, other outside the circle of His divine society on earth. phases of youth's life will take care of themselves. Christianity is not only a personal religion, it But such a theory does not work, for youth de- is also a social religion which touches every area mands more than religious training. A whole- of life. As our Lord so trenchantly said, "I am some, social and recreational experience is needed not sent but unto the lost sheep." and if the Church does not supply it, the youth will go elsewhere to find it, and much of the com- One of the most degrading and injurious elemercial, social and recreational activities offered ments of any community is prostitution. This sin to youth is unwholesome, even harmful to char- only encourages the beast in man, destroys the acter. The time has come to face this situation idealism of youth, harbors the criminal, spreads frankly and inaugurate a youth program which gonorrhea and syphilis to a degree which is alarmwill provide wholesome social and recreational ing, but it injures the home and takes toll· in huexperiences as well as religious. training. man life that is enormous. Far from protecting virtuous womanhood, prostitution threatens her An increasingly large number of parishes and life and happiness. Whenever it is abolished, sex congregations are now conducting socials for crimes are reduced to a low level and the moral young people with splendid results. Other forms tone of the community is raised. Nothing is acof amusement may also be provided: girls' and complished by merely publicly protesting against boys' basketball teams, choral societies, young the existence of this institution. Far better for people's service leagues, dramatic clubs, Boy the churches to employ trained experts to handle Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and a score of other ac- the situation. Prostitution can be removed from tivities that not only fill a real need but also serve a community and it is the Church's duty to help to tie young people closer to the Church.. remove it.
In thinking through its responsibility for the If it is true, as someone has said, that "it is the whole community, the Church must also minister duty of the Church to always concern itself with to the underprivileged groups. There are chil- the social problems that harass humanity," then dren and young people who need the Church, but the Church should instantly concern itself with who belong to the group not often welcomed by the divorce problem, a problem that is threatenthe Church. Admittedly, there are very real prob- ing the stability of the American home. Christ lems presented, but such problems can be solved. cannot be a dominant factor in homes that are
being broken up by divorce. Here again preach- viding the young people with wholesome social ing will accomplish little. The roots of the divorce and recreational activities. Desiring t{) meet this problem lie deep and the Church must adopt a need, at least in part, the Church of the Good c{)mprehensive educational program if construc- Shepherd, Episcopal, decided to build a Parish tive results are expected. Since marriage is a House. Several civic-minded citizens, who were serious undertaking, greater care must be used not members of the Episcopal Church, petitioned in preparing young people for it. If ministers the Church of the Good Shepherd to allow this everywhere would refuse to perform a ma.rriage building to be used by the whole community. The ceremony until they were convinced that the con- Parish was immediately faced with the question tracting parties were well qualified to undertake as to the Church's responsibility to the whole the venture, many hasty and ill-advised marriages community. would be av{)ided. An increasingly large number of churches are offering courses for young people After carefully considering the problem, it was on "The Preparation for Marriage, Home and decided that t'he community's needs must be con- Family," with surprisingly good .results. The sidered before parochial needs. A separate cortime is near when such courses will become a poration was formed, and an Operating Board recognized part of every Church School cur- was also appointed which included members from riculum.* practically every church in the city. While it is not officially an inter-church project, yet it is an Then there is the field of mental health. Every evidence of the splendid cooperative spirit which clergyman is now called upon to deal with people exists among churches of this city. who need the services of a psychologist or a psychiatrist. While he may be able personally to The Corpus Christi Civic Center is a building handle some of these cases, yet most of them will dedicated "To God for Youth." That is its prineed the services of experts. By putting those in mary purpose although it will serve a variety of need of this type of service in touch with the uses. proper agencies, the Church gives evidence of its concern for every form of human need. Some The building has a large auditorium seating churches have sponsored mental health clinics about 500 people and a stage for amateur drawith excellent results, especially where there is matics. It will be an ideal place for lectures, conno other agency doing this type of work. certs, and particularly socials for the young people. A fully equipped kitchen will serve 200 How One Church Served the Community people. Offices are provided for the Camp Fire Girls, Y. M. C. A., and other agencies. The base- It may prove helpful to relate how one Church ment contains a handball court, shower baths and accepted responsibility for a whole community locker rooms, free clinic for indigent children, a and is seeking to fulfil its obligations. game room and two parlors where various civic clubs may meet. A survey of the city {)f Corpus Christi, Texas, revealed a deplorable lack of facilities for pro- While this building will in no wise be able to serve the needs of the whole community, yet it is • Some communions require their clergy to give some type of a step in the right direction. There was a need. instruction to all those who apply for marriage. Individual The Church felt a responsibility to meet that need ministers of many communions have long offered such courses to and then did something about it.
prospective brides and bridegrooms. Few clergymen, if any, are In Corpus Christi there is another communal project. The missionary societies of six different qualified to give technical instruction on sex matters, but in every churches support and manage a Community Mis- sion in the Mexican section of the city. Each large city there are maternal health clinics available for such .pur- church is responsible for the religious services poses. In smaller communities progressive physicians will be glad conducted at the Mission for one month at a time. A trained Christian worker is soon to be employed to cooperate. Also there are splendid books on marriage that will to work among the people of that section.
prove helpful to those who read them. Every clergyman should have Each Church, as has been said, must study its particular community, and work out its own such books in his library to lend those who are to be married. program.
Obviously, none of these services can be rendered so long as the Church and her clergy refuse to assume a responsibility for dealing with this problem. The Church has an obligation which is some- thing far greater than actually performing the marriage ceremony.
Many communions realize the seriousness of this problem and are taking steps to safeguard the stability of the .home. At the last General Convention of the Episcopal Church a measure was intro- duced forbidding any clergyman of that communion to marry any couple until they had presented him with a certificate of health which included a Wassermann test against syphiIls. The measure was defeated by a small majority and wl!l undoubtedly be passed at some subsequent convention. The home is an institution which is vital to every community. Sinee the Church sanctifies the mar- riage relationship, it must help to make it a more intelligible and a more harmonious relationship. W. C. M.
Too many Christian bodies of various kinds are spending more time and effort today in winning members one from the other than in winning souls from the darkness of the King- dom of Evil.
Christ Found a Mexican Colonel*
This is the story told to Rev. N. W. Taylor, of Mexico City, by Colonel Rodolfo Curti V., formerly an army officer and then chief of Traffic Department, Police Force, Mexico City. Now he is on the Military Headquarters Staff, the Garrison of Mexico City.
TWELVE years ago, when stationed with my carrying out this commission that I received the regiment in the Mixtec region of the State of commendation of General Calles. I received praise Oaxaca, I was taken very ill and in my suf- also and promotion for my part in the organization fering, my thoughts naturally turned to my young of the Traffic Department and for other things wife and our four-months-old baby, who were done in the interest of the welfare of the city.
then in the city of Puebla. As I became worse I But then came disillusionment! I resigned from cried to God, asking that he spare me to them. the Traffic Department and for a time it seemed Finally I sank into a state of coma and the people that I had been forgotten by the Government in the village thought that I had died. I was pre- which I had tried to serve faithfully. I was even pared for burial and surrounded with candles. tempted to commit suicide. This was God's op- After some hours I regained consciousness and portunity.
sat up, causing terror among those who were in One night I dreamed that I was hurrying down the room at the time. a narrow, dark, tortuous street. I met a group of It was thought that the only chance to save my people and inquired, life was to take me as quickly as possible to "Have you found Him?"
Oaxaca City for an operation. But the village, "No," they replied.
where I lay sick, was four days' ride from the "Then let us seek Him together," I answered.
railroad and, as, the heat was intense, it seemed We threaded our way along the narrow street impossible for me to make the trip unless they for an interminable time it seemed and our anxiety could keep ice packs on me continually. But there increased every moment. At last we turned a was no ice in this mountain village nor in the dis- corner and saw in front of us a figure sitting on trict. The General commanding the State advised a low bench in front of a closed door. His head us by telegraph that he would send ice from the was resting on his hands but as we approached he city as rapidly as possible, but it was questionable looked up and I recognized Him as Christ. His whether any ice would last long enough to get me face shone and His hands and feet glistened like to the city. The first day, while we were waiting mirrors. I fell on my knees before Him; and all for the ice, a heavy cloud overshadowed the part His goodness, from that day in the Mixtec village of the town where I was lying and hailstones, so when the hailstones fell, flooded my memory and great that they killed chickens and turkeys, fell I burst into tears.
heavily for some minutes. The people hurriedly I awoke crying and the burden of my ingrati- filled sacks with the hailstones and I was placed tude and sin seemed unbearable. For the re- in a litter and the journey to the railroad began. mainder of the night I could not control myself I recovered but so great was my unbelief I forgot and continued crying like a child. When morning my prayer to God and ascribed the hailstorm to came I was like one in a daze. I could not even mere chance. remember the name of my only daughter whom I A few years later, when stationed in Guadala- love dearly. This condition lasted for three days.
jara, I was passing an evangelical church and I was in an agony of grief and sorrow and walked heard them singing "Nearer My God to Thee." up and down my living room or in the garden for Something seemed to grip my heart and I could hoursi at a time, crying, "My God, help me. My not restrain the tears. However, feeling that such God, help me."
emotion was unworthy of an army officer, I hur- Then I procured aNew Testament and began ried away. Later, my wife and I attended a serv- to read. Still no light or peace came. At last ice but did not understand the message. there came to my mind the words of the hymn I Then I was called to Mexico City to aid my Gen- had heard in Guadalajara and I remembered eral in the reorganization of the police force. At where there was an evangelical church in the city.
that time it fell to my lot to superintend the clos- I attended a service without getting any peace.
ing of all the Roman Catholic churches in the city I went a second time but still could not understand on the 31st of July, 1926. So zealous was I in the Way of Salvation. On the third occasion the * From The Philippine Evangelist, May, 1938. speaker was giving a Bible study on sin. As the [ 425 ] •
different sins were written on the blackboard I The following Sunday was Easter. We atsaid to myself, "Someone must have told about tended the morning service at which we learned me," for it was a perfect description of my condi- that some new members were to be baptized that tion. At the end of the meeting an invitation was evening. After prayer, my wife and I decided to given and I went forward. As I knelt there at ask to be received into the church in order to make the rail to my joy found my wife was kneeling our public confession and thus cut all that bound beside me. That night the pastor of the church us to the old life. That evening we publicly took led us into the Light and peace came into our our stand for Christ. In the four months which hearts. have passed since then we have been experiencing the truth of Paul's "If any man be in Christ, he Then came a great struggle. To go on with is a new creature; old things are passed away; Christ meant breaking with the old life. Christ behold all things are become new." All things must be all or nothing. There could be no half- have become l1oriously new for us and we are hearted surrender. But what would be the re- seeking to follow His Will. suIts? Would it mean losing position, rank and friends? I walked up and down my garden fight- *** ing it out and then like a flash there came to my mind the words, "Be of good cheer; I have over- The only knowledge Colonel Curti had of the come the world." I hurried into the house and Gospel story was through a very slight contact called my wife. with Roman Catholicism, which, in Mexico, em- phasizes a suffering or dead Christ, not a glorified "It is all settled," I said to her. "Christ has one. How was it that in his dream he saw a resurovercome the world and nothing can touch us ex- rected and glorified Christ? cept as He wills." From that moment we have tried to give our all to Christ, to do His will each Today Col. Curti is active in personal work day and have determined not to let a single day among the military and political leaders of the pass without trying to win one soul for Him. country.
Enlisting the Privileged to Help the Underprivileged By the REV. SAMUEL E. WEST Rector of St. lames Episcopal Church, Wichita, Kansas T HE sort of church of which I am rector is alike repeat the words too glibly. I have caught easily labeled as "privileged" by the news- myself talking to children about their privileges papers. They revel in announcing "A fash- and urging them to realize their responsibilities ionable wedding of socialites in the swank, to the underprivileged, and then wondering if in exclusive Episcopal Church on the HilL" It is a so doing I was not actuaJly aiding and abetting form of reporting whioh is exasperating to say the the subtle process of creating snobs.
least. By the same token there are still many people As a matter of fact this congregation represents left in the land 'who, despite the fact that they have been up against it, are senSitive and have a a cross-section of substantial middle-class business lot of self-respect; they by no means wish to be and professional people, with a fringe of wealth classed among the "underprivileged." Would it and another fringe of poverty. One of my faith- not be much better to use a good old scriptural ful laymen is a WPA worker and another is a expression, such as "we that are strong ought to janitor working for $60.00 per month. We have bear the infirmities of them that are weak." It eighty employed women and girls in a communi- is true that there are in all of our cities many cant membership of seven hundred. strong self-supporting parishes and likewise many weak, struggling, mission churches. By all of Personally I am inclined to think that we over- the precepts of the Christian religion, the strong work the phrase, "privileged and underprivileged." Religious leaders and social workers
ENLISTING THE PRIVILEGED TO HELP THE UNDERPRIVILEGED
should do all in their power to help the weak. The ago, when churches were having a hard time raisdifficulty which most of us experience in enlisting ing their budgets, we were discussing missionary the so-called privileged is probably due to the ab- quotas. One of the Vestrymen said, 'I don't see sence of the personal element, rather than to any why we should continue to send money to the other factor. This is true in regard to the mis- Chinese when we are so hard up ourselves. Why sionary enterprise and to the great programs of not forget missions until times are better?" I social welfare. To many people, missions and said to him, "Would you apply that same prinphilanthropy today seem to mean programs and ciple to our own Bishop and his program in the quotas rather than personal service. Something Diocese?" He replied, "No, dog-gone it, we can't must be done to remedy this condition. let the Bishop down. I wish I were not so fond of him; then it would be a lot easier to cut out During the recent Lenten season we tried an our Diocesan Assessment." The man knew, of experiment along this line in the Diocese of Kan- course, that the Bishop was vitally concerned sas. Bishop Wise suggested that in all of the about his mission clergymen and their congregaparishes and missions we conduct a series of mis- tions. Sometimes I ask myself if I am really in sionary book reviews. I invited six women to earnest in appealing for the missionary enterundertake these reviews and a number of men to undertake a similar task for the Men's Class. We prise. Do I really care about the advancement of have had such noted personalities presented as the Kingdom, or am I motivated rather by paro- Bishop Schereschewsky, Bishop Hare, Dr. Albert chial pride? We all need to ask oUI'selves ques- Schweitzer, Bishop Franklin Spaulding, Bishop tions of that nature. We can appeal, plead, cajole, condemn, denounce, argue and quote Scripture by Talbott, Dr. Grenfell of Labrador, and David Liv- the yard, but if we ourselves are not thoroughly ingstone. In every case both the men and the converted to the cause of missions all of our pulpit women who undertook the task have, I think, been thumping will fail to produce results. The telling thoroughly converted to the cause of missions, and of a story of missionary endeavor and personal I believe that they were able to communicate their adventure is more effective in enlisting the interown enthusiasm to the others. The lawyer who' est and support of the local congregation than all reviewed the life of Livingstone made the most of the high-powered arguments of ecclesiastical complete commitment to the cause of missions, at spellbinders. the conclusion of his review, that I have ever heard from a layman. The woman who was to tell But I wish to tell about the relationship of this about Albert Schweitzer happened to be in New parish to a struggling congregation of colored York the week before her review was scheduled, Episcopalians in the city. It may not be common and had an interview with Madame Schweitzer knowledge that we have no separate denominawho was in America at that time. This woman tional organization for colored Episcopalians. had accepted the assignment rather reluctantly as They are under the same jurisdiction, are reprea '~church duty," feeling it would be dull and tire- sented in the same Diocesan Convention, are some but she kept the .other women on the edge of their seats when she told the story. To "per- confirmed by the same Bishop and many of their sonalize" missions, philanthropy and the relation ministerial candidates attend the same Theological of the strong city church to the weaker mission Seminaries as the white Episcopalians. Conseis a difficult undertaking, but in some way it must quently the relationship of the mission for colored be done. The well-to-do members of our churches people in this city to the two self-supporting white are, I believe, no less generous than they used to parishes is just the same as that of a mission for be, but they are more careful. They have lost white people. At the present time these colored much of their own security and some of them feel Episcopalians are fortunate in having a priest of that they are contributing a good bit to the under- their own race, but from time to time during privileged through taxation. However when I years past they have been without pastoral overhave a personal problem which must be presented sight except from the two white rectors. It has as such, I find that the purse strings are open. been my privilege for several years to minister to Recently a young man in my parish was ordered this congregation but it is not of this pleasant by his physician to move to another climate. He personal relationship I wish to speak. was almost entirely without funds and appealed to me. I, in turn, appealed to two laymen over We have in this parish four licensed lay readers, the telephone, and within five minutes the neces- all of whom, with one exception, have served an sary amounts were forthcoming. apprenticeship in conducting services at the col- ored church. The Daughters of the King, a group One of the important factors in "personalizing of women who have charge of altar work, from the need" is the personality, enthusiasm and sin- time to time have supervised the colored women cerity of the leader. One evening several years in the care of their own altar and finally organ- ized a similar group for them.
,In our parish we have a tradition that we thought in helping to solve the problems of this carryon no money-raising activities for the sup- weaker mission church. Our aim has been to port of the parish by dinners, bazaars, rummage- avoid pauperizing the mission congregation. sales or anything of the kind. The one exception Their membership of not more than fifty is made is that once a year the women give a Musical Tea, up of school teachers, chauffeurs, porters, domesthe proceeds from which are sent to the Bishop tic servants and some business men. But their for support of missionary work within the Dio- greatest need is not for money but for personal cese. On two occasions several hundred dollars leadership and genuine friendly interest on the from this source have been used for the support part of the stronger white congregation. They of the local colored congregation. The women of are now approaching the time when they can soon the parish also help the colored women byemploy- support themselves, but they will continue to look ing them to serve possibly half of the parish din- to their many friends in this parish for guidance. ners given in this parish. Incidentally t~s cooperation has undoubtedly helped to ease the tension which so frequently Three years ago this mission congregation was exists between the two racial groups. in great need of a parish hall, for their ramshackle structure was about to fall to pieces. They took Whatever success we have had in this respect the matter up with some of us in this parish and is due to the enlistment of so many of our white we were able to secure a loan from the American laymen for personal service to the weaker congre- Church Building Fund and also a temporary loan gation. Had it been our policy simply to make a from the Bishop of the Diocese. These loans were grant of money each year to the colored brethren, made on condition that the people themselves raise very little would have been accomplished. The a certain amount, namely, $500.00, in about eight most intensely personal story in the New Testamonths. I shall never forget a day when the ment is the parable of the good Samaritan. In committee from the mission church met me in a that story we are told that the Samaritan, who local bank with the $500.00 in hand to apply on was undoubtedly a privileged person, when he the note. When the time came to build the parish came to the man who had fallen among thieves, hall one of the members of our white congregation did several things of an intimate personal nature donated his services as a contractor and gave a -"He saw him, he was moved with compassion, great many days to the supervision of the work. he came to him, he bound up his wounds, he Later another layman, an architect, gave his time poured on them oil and wine, he set him on his in further improving and beautifying the church own beast, he brought him to an inn, he took care structure. Another member of my congregation, of him." And after all of that he told the inna lumber dealer, has helped very generously in keeper that he would stand good for the expenses their purchase of supplies for the church and the and would come back to see how the poor fellow parish hall. was getting along.
Last year the vestry of the mission church ap- It is that sort of thing which we have largely pealed for help and we appointed a committee to lost in these highly specialized modern days. give them what leadership we could in conducting Somehow we must recapture the method of pertheir own Every-Member Canvass. The joint sonal service both in religious work and in social meetings of the two committees have been held in welfare, and when we do recapture it, I am conmy study and again I find the business men of my vinGed that we will have no difficulty in enlisting own parish are willing to give of their time and the privileged to help the underprivileged.
MORAL OR FINANCIAL DEPRESSION?
Many plead hard times as their reason for failing to support the Church and to give to benevolent causes. As a matter of fact, Government reports show that income is not a cri- terion of the gifts that may be expected. In the year 1936, taxable incomes in the United States increased 30 per cent over the previous year, but for the same period contributions for religious education and public welfare work decreased. The United States Treasury statis- tics for 1936 show a total declared net income (exclusive of tax exempt income) of $19,069,- 137,719 as compared with $14,212,403,587 the previous year. The contributions reported for the same year amounted to only $388,142,000 or about 2 per cent of the taxable income. The highest percentage of contributions to charity ever recorded by the Treasury came in the darkest depression years (1930-1934). On the gross incomes reported to the Government, the contributions amount to less than 1.8 per cent. Contributions through the churches in 1936 were less than at any time between 192'0 and 1934, being 40 per cent less than they were in 1928. Moral depression is more difficult to overcome than financial depression.
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II Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MISS GRACE MCGAVRAN, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ~~=================~~ How Awaken Interest BOOKS ON CHINA of its civilization. Its pictures in Books? HOUSE OF EXILE, by Nora range from the old court to mod- ern factories. A study of the missionary li- WaIn – a very sympathetic picbrary at the church was discour- ture of upper class country life That is enough to give an exaging. Old books; out-of-date in China, by an American girl ample of what was done. Sevbooks; books that not even the eral women have taken to readmost ardent missionary worker who lived for a while as an ing widely the library books on could call interesting! Worst of adopted member of the Chinese the subject of whatever country, all, fifty women supposed to do family. Read it for contrast race, or nation is being studied. missionary reading and no with Pea r I Buck's "Good The mission study books proper, money to buy new books. Earth." and books of missionary stories worth buying have, conse- Here is what the group lead- LIVING CHINA, by Edgar quently, had behind them a much ers did. more fundamentally prepared Snow – translations of modern group of readers than was pos- The few interesting, recent Chinese short stories, written sible before. and worth-while boo k s were pulled out. There were new and published in China for home Even where the public library members in the group who had consumption. They contain some d.oes not have much that is modread nothing. They could start things you will find it hard to ern, there are chapters in recent with these. books which may have decided stomach. But here is modern China, in at least some of its phases, as seen by the Chinese themselves. Read it to help you Four people were asked to buy decide whether China has any bearing. For example, in Dr. for themselves and then loan to real need of the Christian mes- Heiser's "Oddyssey of an Amerthe missionary society one each ican Doctor," the chapter on lepof the best new books bearing on sage and Gospel. rosy and the colony at Culion, the subject of the current Philippine Islands, is excellent studies. HO-MING: GIRL OF NEW background for a consideration CHINA, by Elizabeth Lewis (chil- The public library was ap- dren's library), a story which of missions to lepers. you will find interesting light proached, and a committee of reading, to give you a picture of Kn.owledge awakens interest. capable women chose and read young China in transiti.on. Read For a club paper many a woman those books which seemed to it because you want to know will read background books for have promise of being at least something of young China in the months. Why not as much for good background books; i. e., terms in which young people a talk in the missionary society? those which in addition to beirig read of each other. The deeper the knowledge, the vivid, interesting and accurate, WHAT AND WHY IN CHINA, by deeper the interest. gave a picture of home, school, Paul Hutchison – an answer to town or country life; or a back- the puzzle which modern Chinese How Get New Members ground of the country, race, or history is to most of us. Clear, One young women's missionnation; or, an interpretation of concise, and interesting, though ary group has an unusual prothe people; or, a picture of their very brief, it gives us an excel- portion of new working-memneeds; or, any other specific lent summary.of China's politics bers. They have a sort of unpresentation which would give to 1927. Read it for clearer written rule that no one is ever women a background pattern understanding of some of asked to join their missionary against which their program China's present difficulties. society. Instead, a prospective talks and considerations would LOTUS PETALS, by Princess member is asked to come as a stand out. The very best of der Ling-most interesting com- guest to one of the regular meetthese were listed. ments on va rio u smatters ings; she is greeted as a guest Mimeographed sheets, bearing Chinese by one who was first- of the one who has brought her, the following sort of informa- lady-in-waiting to the old Em- and is treated as such. She is tion, were given out at the early press Dowager. Read it so that asked by the same person to fall meeting, where background you may see China through Chi- come again, perhaps not next reading was stressed. nese eyes in yet another aspect time, but soon. She is welcomed [429 ]
as a visitor for as long as she ship plays when· well produced. the draping of the graceful garwants to come. Then, as she becomes a familiar guest, she is We also know how hard it is to ments of India. asked to help with this or that. And then, sometime, quite cas- discover from the printed de- Why not secure, in your disually, she is asked if she would like formally to join the group. scription of a play just what trict or state group, a demonstra- If she does join, it is because effect it will have. And even tion program of plays and dramshe knows the group, likes the fellowship, is interested in the after reading a play it is a bit atizations, suitable for use durmeetings, and has done some work in connection with them. hard to know what impression it ing this next year? It should be She knows, through regular reports and minutes, about the will give. held at least a month before such educational and financial aims of the group, and is already taking Why not have a demonstration plays will be given in the local time to attend. There is, thus, no influx of new members to be night for missionary plays and churches. coddled along. There is no un- playlets? A district or state con- .W~y not send someone to ~ee willing member who has joined vention is a fine place to do this. ~IssIO~ary plays that ar~ bemg because she was pestered to be- An institute or young people's ,~_gIven m other churches m .y.our come a member. Anyone is welcome as a perennial visitor to conference is also excellent. A own or near-by commumtIes? that group. But no one is asked to join until she has shown a de- county interdenominational Sun- Send someone who can coach a sire to become a working mem- day school council meeting gives play for yoU! ~roup. ber of the organization. . another opportunity. Why not Jom WIth other mlS- P. S. Oh, yes, its quite true that this group has an unusually Here are two examples of how sionary groups or churches to good time together, has good this has been done very success- ask a drama~lCs club to prepare programs, and carries an inspir- fully. The Boston University and pr~sent, m each of yo~r I?roing financial responsibility. But School of Religious Education grams m turn, the b~st I?IssIonthen, you know, so could your society. used to have one month before ary play or dramatIzatIon you Improving Missionary Christmas an'd one month before can find? P!o.duce t~at play! Easter, a program of plays, You can Meetings music and other items, given as Or you can Jomtly .wlth some "If we don't stop taking so demonstration, to which were o~her group secure Its ~rodu~ much time for business," sighed tIon. A~d you can be gUIded m a bored member of a missionary invited representatives from the your chOl~e and h~ve your p~th group, "I'm going to quit com- city's churches. Two or more ~ade eaSIer for ItS productIon ing." She was right. The busi- plays, of differing difficulty and If y:ou arrange for an~ual, or ness seemed interminable. The secretary's reports were espe- type, were given each time-new cially boring. Attack at that point seemed strategic. At the plays which were available for semI-annual demonstratIOns. by next election, one of the church's most devoted club-women, was, use that season. How much bet- competent amateurs, at pomts with her previous consent, elected secretary. Her minutes, ter they could be judged, when where many are together who brief and to the point, gracious in their necessary acknowledg- produced on the stage than in can use such plays. ments, and in perfect order, have been a joy. It is noticeable that any other way! Ideas were Looking Ahead when this new secretary is oc- gained for costuming, for lightcasionally not able to be present, there is no slipping back into old ing, for music, for setting, all October is the special issue on ways. An ideal has been set up within the ability of the ordinary India. All the glamour and color for making the minutes a real church and yet stressing simple of the Orient can be introduced contribution rather than a detri- and dignified treatment. ment. into your meetings. And against A second example, which bids When You Produce That Play! fair to become a yearly custom, it you will present the tragedy is the presentation of two dem- and the hope of that ancient We all know the effectiveness onstration playlets, one on the land. We shall give some of the of missionary and world-friend- ways in which m iss ion a r y home missions theme and one on groups and leaders here and the foreign missions theme, at a there have made India a live luncheon program of the Mis- issue in their meetings.
sionary Institute of Indianapolis, In November we hope to have Indiana, early each May. It some very helpful suggestions would be interesting to know in for developing a sense of stew- how many missionary groups, ardship among the people of our missionary groups. Stewardship over Indiana and in adjacent is more than a faithful presenta- states from which delegates tion of the regular dues. It is an come, those little playlets. with their missionary message are attitude of life. And a very im- given in the missionary year portant part of Christian educa- tion is the nurture of individuals which follows; and just because and groups in that attitude. they were demonstrated there in a fashion which could be fol- Christmas and World Peace lowed in the smallest church. seem more and more to be joined in our thoughts.. We like also to For the current year, 'such a think of Christmas around the demonstration might include the world. In our December issue correct winding of a turban and we shall have some very definite
EFFECTIViE WAYS OF WORKING
suggestions for making the A missionary in Mexico, not Such a project can become Peace emphasis effective, and for long ago, found no welcome in a part of the stewardship training achieving a deeper sense of the certain village. So she moved of the children. Through it they real meaning of Christmas. over there to live, as a neighbor, become aware of the needs of Some avenues of service will be in a tiny Mexican "adobe" hut- others, they review their own regiven which other groups have to be, not a missionary, but a sources, decide to part with some found meant much to their own neighbor. She did not know things dear to them through asdevelopment. whether during the few months sociation, yet too often "hung she planned to be there, she onto" for only that reason, and Ventures in Understanding would find more than one or two they give time and money and curious children who would be effort to make the things "as A young women's missionary friends with her and to whom good as new" in order that they guild were studying the living she could be a friend. She ar- may be useful gifts to make, valreligions of the world. When rived with some trepidation. ued by those to whom they are they came to Judaism, they in- But the village people, hitherto to go. vited a young Jewish social hostile, welcomed her as they worker to come as a guest of one would have received one of them- Seven Rules for a Good of the members. They met her selves. Great things arose out Meeting socially before their supper, of that determination to give chatted with her during the herself, in their own manner, to 1. Be friendly. The regular member meal, and later listened with friendship. Is there anyone of who is retiring can be as lonely deep interest to her talk on your group making herself a as the stranger-almost. Great Jewish Women. For the member of another group, for an first time, for many of them, the hour, for a day, for a week? Is 2. Begin on time. Announce, "Thurs- Jew was linked with modern so- anyone putting herself in the day at 2: 00 P. M., with the procial reform. They began to real- position of needing from them gram beginning promptly at ize that Jews are a force for that same friendliness which she 2: 15." Stress the earlier hour, righteousness in America today. hopes to give them? for the greeting of friends and Theirs was more than a dispas- strangers is as important as the sionate study of Judaism that A New Avenue for Children's rest of the business, but begin night. They had a personal ex- Giving the program very promptly at perience in deepening their the time set. understanding of and liking for In connection with your study the Jew. What such experiences of the City, it might be wise to 3. Conduct all business with dispatch. in understanding are you plan- find out about Toy Libraries in Having planned a proportionning for your group during the your own or in some adjacent ately suitable time for the businext few months? city. Many city children in the ness, do not let it infringe upon underprivileged sections have the rest of the program. If it is *** not one toy of any sort. One of running over, analyze your tech- the interesting newer projects is nique and improve it. A young people's world friend- the establishment of a "Toy Liship group meeting included a brary" in some such district 4. See that the devotional period is Chinese boy and a Japanese girl. where children may withdraw a short but reverent in every way. What happened? Sparks flew! toy for a week, gs they would Stress simplicity and dignity; Some regretted that the two had withdraw a book from a library. and frown upon starting with an been invited at the same time. excuse for lack of preparation, But others realized, as never be- Where such a Toy Library facetiousness, or last – minute fore, how pride of race can cre- exists, an excellent avenue is passing of hymn books, etc. If ate antagonism even when Chris- open for a service project for the hymns 'are familiar, announce the tian brotherhood exists. From children of more privileged verses to be sung and sing withthat situation rose a deeper areas. Most of these children out books, not adding the hope understanding of the problem of have toys – such as scooters, that the hymn is known to everyracial antagonisms, and a sleds, roller skates, .and games one. If not familiar use books stronger desire to meet such an- which they have outgrown but or do not have group singing. tagonisms in the spirit of Christ. which are, basically, still sturdy This alone can produce. as it did and good. Dolls, games, toy fur- 5. Give sequence to your study. Rein that group, a greater senti- niture, puzzles, and other play- mind the group of the general ment than that of race, and things are lying in attics or on theme of study or program being draw alien peoples together. Are back shelves. Why not have a followed. Review in a sentence you keeping your group clear of "Paint and Scissors Club," meet- or two the ground already covsituations which might prove ing weekly for a few weeks, to ered in past meetings. State the embarrassing? Or are you out which will be brought these old aspect of the subject to be conto demonstrate, right within but good toys, to be renovated sidered today. Introduce each your own circle, that the most there by the Juniors under the item of the program with a word difficult race relationship can be direction of one or two adults or as to its bearing on today's desolved if courageously faced and young people? velopment of that aspect. met in the spirit of our Lord? 6. Relate the offering to life itself. At the time of its presentation, have a two- or three-sentence preSentation of some service the group is rendering through its gifts. Have a prayer dedicating the day's offering to its use.
7. Close on time. Never run past closing time. A meeting which closes on time has a rhythm and effectiveness which is lacking where it just runs on and on. Prompt closing makes for much more careful preparation.
BULLETIN
Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. I ==================I~'
SETTING-UP CONFERENCE The central theme run~ing FOR EASTERN MIGRANT ""–through the w.orship serVIces STAFF was the need for spiritual re- Hartford Theological sources in the midst of a c.om- Seminary plex and confusing world – "I JUNE 16-19, 1938 can do all things thr.ough Christ As Seen by Two Leaders who strengtheneth me."
The fourth annual Setting-Up THE STAFF OF THE NEW YORK AND The cl.osing session was held Conference for the workers in NElW JERSEY CENTERS; MISS HELEN Sunday morning in the Semthe Migrant centers .of the East- inary Chapel preceding breakern Area was held this year, WHITE, SUPERVISOR fast and was led by Dr. Miller. June 16-19, at the Hartford In that early morning hour the Seminary Foundati.on, Hart- message of the joy of service ford, Connecticut, when Dr. J. Quinter Miller, Executive Sec- in crafts, recreation, s.ongs, nurs- fell upon minds and hearts alretary of the C.onnecticut C.oun- ready prepared. And as these cil of Churches, his able assist- ery school methods, child care, highly endowed young people ant, Mr. R. Stanley Kendig and camp sanitation, first aid, be- Miss Vera MacCracken, Secre- haviour problems and religious had themselves been ch.osen tary .of the Hartford County education methods made a rich largely because of the privilege Y. W. C. A. proved to be m.ost program. genial and perfect hosts. of their experience, they left The earnest and energetic Hartford newly commissioned Thither they came – 40 Col- staff .of young men and women and eager to go out to serve. lege students representing the had crammed noteb.ooks, broad- ShaufHer College of Religi.ous ened minds and understanding Into my hearl's treasury I slipped a and Social Work, Pennsylvania hearts. There was a strong feel- State, Bennett College, Kansas ing .of fellowship and unity. coin State Teachers College, Bucknell University, Virginia State Am.ong those who were .of That time cannot steal nor thief pur- College, Kalamazoo College, very special help were Mrs. Maryville College, Muskingum Phyllis Williams, of the Insti- loin, C.ollege, Oberlin College, Amherst College, Yale University; tute of Human Relati.ons .of Yale o better than the mining of a gold- Divinity Students from Hart- University, who gave an inter- crowned king ford Seminary F.oundation and pretation of 'the Folk ways. of Andover Newton The.ological the Italians; Miss Lola De- Is the safe-kept memory of a lovely Seminary; and experienced Grille, of the International Inkindergartners, recreational and stitute .of New York, interpreted thing. -Sara Teasdale. home-economics folk, as well as Polish f.olk; Mrs. John Ainley, sch.ool teachers. Many were who taught songs and also gave LAURA H. PARKER, new to the work while others meth.ods in song leading; Miss PETRICHA E. MANCHESTER. had had much experience, for one of the sl.ogans .of Migrant Frances Hedden with concrete As Seen by a Worker Workers is "once a Migrant, al- and practical suggestions. in reways a Migrant." Here they ligious education; Miss Marie Sharecropping and its horr.ors .assembled to receive training in Gaertller in nursery scho.ol have been studied and effectively "center" technique, to plan f.or methods; and Miss Agnes Diehl dramatized to the country. Yet the current season, and to ex- the migration of w.orkers from change helpful experiences. community to community seek- Lectures and dem.onstrations ing new employment, supple- menting irregular employment at customary occupations, or habitually following seasonal employment is an accepted phe- in the field of crafts. nomenon in contemp.orary in- Saturday night the picnic sup- dustrial society.
per with the singing, camp fire Consci.ous .of the extent of the and worship service br.ought to problem .of migratory labor in all a nearness of God through the United States, the C.ouncil the great .outdo.ors and a realiza- of Women for H.ome Missi.ons in tion, by contrast, .of the severe 1920 established centers for the care of migrant families. It was and sordid things that would the staff .of these centers in the have t.o be faced during the ex- East which met at Hartford perience of the summer.
[432 ] electro nic fil e created by cafis.org
BULLETIN: COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
Theological Seminary fro m grant ranks. The emplQyer June 16-19, 1938. looks at his migrant laborers as It is evident that a s'Ocial prQblem as comprehensive and people "whQm he gets cheap." basic as migratory lab'Or- 'Originating from a search for Hence, there is n'O coordination economic security and creating or cOQperatiQn among the groups. further problems of disintegratiQn 'Of family life, inadequate The good migrant social worker child care, poor housing c'Ondi- can and must break down these tions with consequent health problems, lack of sufficient edu- barriers. This was discussed by cati'On 'On the part 'Of children and adults, lack of time fQr Mrs. Manchester, Messrs. NewrecreatiQn and aesthetic expression, lack of opportunity fQr field, Glick, and Dr. Miller. participatiQn in dem'Ocracy, and a feeling 'Of intolerance–has n'O The migrant mQvies and the 'One final answer. Hence, the conference could best be viewed visit to the tobacco plantatiQn by stating its issues in terms of fundamental questions. expressed more adequately than It appears that a rather vital words the actual physical needs pre-supposition that undergirds of the migrant. each 'Of the issues, and is im- THE STAFF OF DELAWARE AND MARY- LAND CENTERS; MRS. P. E. Definite prQgram suggestions plied in each is: that the educa- MANCHESTER, SUPIDRVISOR tional and religiQus processes and helps were given in the should it be arran~ed? What which culminate in creative in- should be its extent? periods. with Misses Hedden, telligence and human under- 5. In facing the problem of healthstanding can transcend the cul- What can we do as inexperi- GordQn, Diehl, Gaertner, Mrs. ture and develop it. Upon one's enced, untrained people in giving reaction to the pre-supP'Osition first aid, camp sanitation, ar- Maramarco, and Messrs. Thomhangs the hQpe 'Of the social mi- ranging meals, summoning the grant worker. For, as seen aid of county agencies ? sen, North, and Kullgren when 6. Accompanying the maladjustment through: the issues and the dis- in labor and home, certain unde- we learned (bQth through hearcussion 'Of them, the migrant so- sirable and abnormal behaviour patterns are developed. How ing and d'Oing) something about cial worker is expected t'O be shall we meet them? an educator, religi'Ous director, 7. The migrants represent every cul- children's work; folk games and nurse, home economist, libra- ture. One works best with those rian, musician, and business he knows and understands. dances; homemade games; eveman. Unless he has faith, then, What are the folkways of the migrants with whom we are to ning, Sunday and rainy day pr'Oin the power 'Of a creative dy- work? namic educati'On coupled with grams for yQung people and the Qmnip'Otence 'Of God, he is as Let us develop these issues briefly as they were discussed at adults; and crafts. . a lost sheep. the c'Onference. ThrQugh the help of D'OctQrs With this in mind some basic The seven-minute presentaquestions and issues which were tions 'Of the four areas discussed Calverly and Clifford and Mr. cQnsidered are: picturesquely and interestingly by the Misses Vera MacCracken, Scott V e were ,able to feel that 1. What are the duties and problems Mary Cannon, CarQI Ferwerda of a migrant social worker? and Gladys Corkum prQvided an untrained health educatQrs could How does his work differ from excellent backgrQund orienta- the social case worker? tion for the understanding 'Of do something. the duties and problems of the 2. The migrants-How do they live? migrant socialwQrker. How Inspired, challenged, and defi- What are their needs? different her work is frQm a city sQcial case w'Orker! HQW much nitely helped by the experiences 3. What are the values of the migrant is involved! No longer are y'OU program for the employer, com- a case worker, or a nurse, or a of the conference we strove to munity, migrant? What should teacher, 'Or religi'Ousdirector- be the relationship between the but you must be a combination plan 'Our programs. Balanced migrant and community, em- of them all. ployer and migrant, social work- as they may be, we can still feel er and community, social worker Because any successful pro- and employer, migrant and so- gram 'Of migrant education must a lack, f'Or our prQgrams cannot cial worker? Where should the represent this cQmbinati'On, it focus be? What are some of the must include the empl'Oyer and get at the real roots of the prob- methods of attack? the community as well as the migrant. There exists, undoubt- lem. It· is evident that the old 4. Our program-What should it in- edly, a feeling 'Of intolerance clude for infants, children, among the community folk be- econQmy, attitudes land educa- young people, adults? · How cause they dQ n'Ot understand their migrant brother. There tion are inadequate, but the is, therefore, "a man without a country" attitude within the mi- problems of migrancy can be abolished is our cry.
May we keep always in 'Our hearts the spirit 'Of the "Work- er's Prayer" which we felt at the close of the conference.
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of thy tone; As thou hast sought, so let me seek Thy erring children, lost and lone.
Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things thou dost im- part; And wing my weirds that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart.
Oh, give thine own sweet rest to me; That I may speak with soothing power A word in season, as from thee, To weary ones in needful hour.
-F'rttnces R. H avergal.
DEBORAH CANNON.
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events .~ EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO 1 ~'='===—-=-===–=-=======~ J APAN-OHOSEN who is a Christian and I see eight out of ten, because of the sQmething in his face that is dif- Japanese insistence on attend- A Soldier's Penance ferent. I want it." AnQther ance at the shrines. These were The United Church Record wrote: "I was riding a bicycle, "-great institutions wit h fine reports the following incident, told by the pastor in whose returning tQ my home from buildings, a good reputation, a church it .occurred: school. You gave me a tract. I capacity student body, and ap- A Japanese soldier came to a little chapel at Pingting, a rural town in believe now in the true God. I parently a future of great useeastern Shansi, on Christmas Day. He knelt and prayed before the Cross have .one friend who believes fulness. But it became imposwhile the pastor looked on with a great alsQ, and we gather the village sible to preserve the Christian deal of interest. children t.ogether sometimes and c.ontent of the sch.ools and at the Rising, the soldier approached the pastor and handed him a five-dollar talk to them about God." same time meet demands made note, explaining that he and three of -Presbyterian Survey. on them which loyal followers his comrades wished to donate this to the church. He Never Met a Ohristian of Christ would find impossible to meet with.out comprQmising Asked what was his calling before An .old man in the country their consciences, so we had no the war, the soldier revealed that he was converted by reading the choice left save tQ follow the and his three friends were all evan- Bible before he ever met a orders of our Executive Comgelists before they were conscripted. Christian. Hearing of Chris- mittee and make this great sac- Why didn't his friends come to the tianity, and thinking it sounded rifice for the sake of our convicchurch too? The answer was: They reasonable, he wrote to a city tion that we, as Christians, had no "face" to come to the church friend who sent him a Bible and should serve only one God, and after all the sinful things they had a Christian newspaper. After that our deepest soul loyalty bedone in invading China and killing the reading these he asked where he longs to Jesus Christ. Chinese people. They thought they could meet a Christian and was could not present themselves in front told there were some in Hamada. "There is still a strong native of Jesus Christ. Finding some of the Christian church that is witnessing for wQrkers holding an open-air Jesus Christ. It is working and He, however, decided that he could service, he joined heartily in the growing. There are also still at least atone for his sins by coming singing, making a joyful noise wide open fields for evangelism. to worship in the church, especially quite out of tune, and laughed The Gospel can be preached as since it was Christmas Day. He and chuckled all through the freely as ever, and people listen hoped that with the love of Christ the talks, so that the wo r k e r s as gladly. WQmen's work offers world might be changed, all national thought that he was mentally many opportunities for Chrisdifferences sunk and all human suf- deficient, until they realized that tian service in home and comferings avoided. it was his overflowing joy at munity. All the hospitals are meeting fellQw Christians for filled, and witnessing for Christ The Printed Word the first time in his life! He has is being emphasized in each of never turned back from the them. More extensive Bible Japan has one point of ad- faith he entered intQ through training is being planned, SQ vantage over all other mission reading the Bible. When he that every church may have fields in that practically every prays he follows no conventional competent leadership." Japanese can read. Education method, but sits down with open there is compulsory. A mission- eyes and chats to his unseen Presbyterian Survey. ary, therefore, can write out Friend as if he could see the .one anything he wishes to tell to the to whQm he talks. A Oommunist Oonverted thronging multitudes whQm he passes in city streets, or to Korea Mission Losses A United Church of Canada farmers he meets along country missionary visited a Korean palanes, and hand it with a smile Rev. L. T. Newland, D.D., .of tient in a hQspital and noticed a and a greeting, and know that the Southern Presbyterian Mis- copy of Luke's Gospel laying on it will be read and understoQd. sion at Kwangju, writes: "With- the bed. Upon being asked what As a result, letters come tQ the he thQught of it he replied: "I mission, confessing sins, telling used to be a cQmmunist. I .of dQmestic problems, asking thought the wQrld was in such hQW tQ be forgiven or how to find peace. One man wrote: "I in the last few months the a bad state that only by destroygQt yQur tract. I know a man Southern Presbyterian Mission ing everything and beginning in Korea has lost its schQols, all over again could things be [434 ] set right. Since I have been here deeming love is read with great two or three portable steel I have been reading this book, interest and appreciation. houses that will be set up by -Bible S.ociety Record. R. G. Letourneau, Inc. One of listening to the hospital evan- gelist, and have had time to NORTH AMERICA these will be used as a dwelling think. .I am now convinced that for exhibition purposes; another the Jesus' way is the only way Christian Youth Council will be the headquarters of the Christian Business Men's Comthat will work, that of changing Problems of war, poverty, un- mittee, while it is likely that a the world by first changing the hearts of men, and I have de- employment, slum living, race third will house a Bible exhibit. termined first of all to become a prejudice, crime, in d u s t ria 1 -Alliance Weekly. strife, alcohol and political cor- Christian myself." -Korea Mission Field. ruption cannot be solved by any- New England Bible thing less than a united Chris- Demonstration ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC tian movement, according to the At the Metropolitan Theater consensus of opinion among al- Bible Distribution in Hawaii most 3,000 Christian educators, in Providence, R. 1., this sum- Thirty thousand children in representatives of forty-one de- mer 3,500 Evangelical Chris- Hawaii's public s.chools have each received a copy of the nominations in the U nit e d ti·ans lifted their Bibles high Gospel of Luke. This was in response to a request of the chil- States and Canada, who came above their heads and repeated dren themselves, and the earnestness of the request was :r together in Columbus, Ohio, for three times: "The Word of the proved by the enthusiasm with which the gift was received. the twentieth quadrennial con- Lord endu~eth forever." he Some of the teachers wrote: vention of the International demonstrabon passed resolutIOns "The children are very much Council of Religious Education· recalling people everyw~er~, "~o pleased. Many read these little volumes during the free-reading in July. The delegates discussed a reverence for the BIble m period."-"Since the arrival of such problems as Christian fam- these ~ord~: "We again a!fi.rm the Gospels of Saint Luke a new ily life, Christian leadership for ~)Ur f~uth m. the . au~henbclty, interest in religious literature has been shown."-"This school the modern world missions and mtegnty and msplrabon of the wishes to express i·ts thanks and missionary educ~tion, drama, Holy Scripture as. being the ~ne appreciation for the wonderful story in the form received. A visual education, temperance and final authorIty. for. faith dozen different nationalities attend this school, and to many education, education and gam- and conduct; that, m VIew of this is a new book and a new story. We feel that much bene- bling, Christian education and the desperate need of the world fit will follow; for surely the industrial _economic problems, ~oday, we go on ~ecord as send- Word will bear fruit." Christian education and race re- mg forth from thIS rally a clear, Messages. like these cam e from the pupils: a Portuguese lations, and world peace. Facts pl·ain and forceful call to the about the world situation were world to return to that rever- presented, not by theorists but ence f?r the Bible w~ich sh.all by experts speaking b e for e result m earnest readmg, bellef small groups that took advan- in i~s rede~ptiye message and tage of the opportunity for ques- ~bedlence to Its mvaluable.teach- tions .and discussion. The task mgs."-Watch'lnan-Examtner.
of Christian education was viewed as one that concerns . Readjustments in Presbyterian Christian attitudes in facing our Foreign Board critical problems. Because of the retirement of girl remarked: "The first night Christianity on Exhibit several members of its staff, the I read four chapters to my whole Presbyterian Foreign Board is family. I shall read the whole At the Golden Gate Interna- readjusting the duties of other tional Exposition in 1939 an ap- members. Rev. William P. book for them."
An eighth-grade Japanese boy peal for Christianity will be Schell, D.D., continues as· chairproudly remarked: "Thanks for made to those who take no man of the Home Base Council the story. I carry it in my thought for religion. About and a new division of special pocket and read it every chance 8,000 square feet of outdoor gifts and annuities; Miss Ger- space will be leased, upon which trude Schultz remains in charge I get." A Japanese girl declared: will be erected a large steel audi- of women's work in the Home "Even though I believe in the torium, and in this Mr. Irwin Base. Rev. Charles T. Leber, Buddha, yet I like this story of A. Moon will present several D.D. has been transferred from times daily his "Sermons from the secretaryship for Japan, the Christ." These children carry the Science," a series of spectacular China, Siam and the Philippines Word of God to their various scientific phenomena used to il- to the promotional work of the homes-in the city, plantation lustrate spiritual truth. After Home Base, with a supervisory center, fisherman's hut, labor eight years of preparation, Mr. connection with young people's camp, homestead shack and Moon seeks to present the first work. Rev. Willis C. Lamott, primitive native houses, scat- century Gospel with twentieth D.D., of the Japan Mission, has tered from ocean shore to moun- century illustrations. In con- been asked to assume responsitain peak, where the story of re- nection with this exhibit will be bility for publicity work while
Miss Mary Moore, one of the appointed to deal with problems Church Cooperation and Union.
secretaries f.or y.oung people's of harmonizing rituals, co.ordi- Bishop Perry presented a resolu- work, will go to San Francisc.o nating pr.ograms and merging tion passed by the General Con- to replace Miss Marcia Kerr, organizations of the Methodist vention in Cincinnati: wh.o comes t.o New Y.ork t.o as- Episcopal Church, Methodist The General Convention of the sist Dr. Young in the new de- Episcopal Church, South, and Protestant Episcopal Church in the partment .of missi.onary person- Meth.odist Pr.otestant Church. U. S. A., acting with full realization nel. Rev. S. Franklin Mack will Other questions considered were of the significance of its proposal, church extension, missions, hos- hCehruebrcyh ininvthiteesU. tSh.eA. Ptoresjobiyntewriiathn give his entire time to directing pitals, education and young peo- it in accepting the following declarayoung pe.ople's w.ork.
Rev. George T. SC.ott, D.D. is pIe, pensions and publication tion: chairman .of the F.oreign De- work. A small committee .of The two churches, one in the faith lawyers will furnish counsel in onfatetheWLoordrd oJfesGusod,Chrreicsot,gmt~z~mginctahrepartment C.ouncil, with special alliega} matters. The next meet-"'·-Holy Scriptures as the supreme rule responsibility for interdenomi- national relationships. Rev. ing wIll be held January 24, of faith, accepting the two ~acra- LI.oyd S. Ruland, D.D., of Bing- 1939, at Jackson, Miss. minegnttshaotrdtahienevdisbibyleCuhnriistyt, aonfdCbherliisetv'shamton, N. Y., a former mis- Church is the will of God, hereby formally declare their purpose to sionary in China, becomes secre- School for Missionaries achieve organic union between their tary for China. Pending the The first Iowa School for Mis- respective churches. election .of a successor t.o Dr. Leber, Rev. J. L. Hooper, D.D., si.onaries will be held January -The Churchman. of the Philippines, will serve as 23 t.o February 18, 1939, at Iowa secretary f.or the four countries' State College, Ames, Iowa. The Library, and Racial Problem recently under Dr. Leber's su- first three weeks will be devoted t.o classes in the following sub- Here is what can happen pervision. jects: sociology and rural or- when a mission study class ganizati.on, agriculture and ru- learns something and acts upon Lutheran Unification ral education, foods and nutri- it. The minister of a Colored tion, family life and health, and church in Portsmouth, Va., city Delegates to the Eastern Dis- agriculture. The aftern.oons will of 50,000, told a white mission trict Convention .of the Ameri- study group that the Colored can Lutheran Church voted to be devoted t.o conferences and people of the city had n.o access put aside "doctrinal differences" field trips. A two-day rural mis- to a library. This was news to with .other Lutheran churches sions conference will be held many of the white people. and to unite "in fell.owship .of pulpit and altar" with them. during the course .of the school. The mission study class inves- The vote foll.owed long discus- The fourth week c.oincides with tigated, secured the cooperation sion of the reports of the Ameri- Iowa State Farm and Home of the National Youth Adminiscan Lutheran Church Commis- Week, the lectures and exhibits tration, which made the desired sion on Fell.owship with the .of which will be open t.o the mis- library a pr.oject, obtained aid United Lutheran Church in from the PWA, was given space America and with the Lutheran sionaries. The Iowa School for in Mr. Birchette's parish h.ouse, Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Missionaries is being carried on received gifts from citizens for .other states. by the Iowa State College at the lumber, paint, labor, and some request and with the co.opera- but n.ot yet enough furniturre T.h e Evangelical Lutheran an,d b.o.oks (the Church Periodi- Synod of Missouri has churches ti.on .of the Rural Missions C.o- cal Club assisting) and put a in every state of the Union, and .operating C.ommittee, repre- trained librarian in charge. a total membership .of 1,305,000 senting some eighteen foreign in the United States and Can- The library was opened by a ada. At the recent Triennial missi.on b.oards in the United States. -Agricultural Mission Notes.
Conventi.on the Syn.od auth.or- Presbyterian-Episcopal program inc Iud i n g eight ized a drive for a thank offering s pee c h e s by representatives Negotiations to commemorate the hundredth from co.operating groups.
anniversary .of the arrival in the A delegation fr.om the Pres- Border Cooperation United States .of the Saxons who byterian Church U. S. A., met f.ounded this church. The sum Every Texas city of moderate sought will be in addition to the last December with Bish.oP Per- size has its "Little Mexico," cut annual budget of $1,500,000. ry and Dr. Howard C. R.obbins .off from the rest .of the town by of the Protestant Episc.opal The- United Methodism Meets ological Seminary to confer on invisible but definite lines that a closer union ·of the tW.o b.odies. are seldom crossed except by The first large j.oint meeting Representing the Presbyterian teachers, missionaries or occa- .of Methodists held since unifi- Church were Dr. L. S. Mudge, sional tourists. Few of the cation was approved by the stated clerk of the General nearly 7,000 Mexicans in Texas Methodist Episcopal Church, Assembly and Dr. J. Ross Stev- speak English: they have their South, took place in Columbus, enson, chairman of the Presbyte- own stores, newspapers, church- Ohi.o, in JUly. C.ommittees were rian Assembly's Department on es. While the majority are
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Roman Catholic, every Mexican notified the large canneries at ment is given for an hour three center has a struggling evangel- Ho.onah and Yakutat that no na- times within one week, and then ical mission, and the American tives need bother to apply for the patient is allowed to rest for Bible Society tries to provide work either as laborers in the a month before the treatment is Spanish Scriptures at cost. Sec- canneries or as fishermen, for continued. retary Marroquin, American Bi- they would n'Ot be hired." The A wealthy philanthrQpist 'Of ble Society's Mexican agent, a natives in that region, threaten- Brazil has offered a set of the few months ago made a two- ing to take things into their own apparatus to the United States, weeks' tour of the centers of hands, are prepared to fight, if for use at the Leper Clinic in Mexican population in Texas; a necessary, fQr their right to Carville, La. journey of over 1,500 miles, work. The largest cannery in -The Christian Advocate. with stops in various centers Alaska, located at Kassan, has where local c'Ommittees had definitely decided not to reopen. Thr.ough Brazil with the Bible previously planned interdenomi- Others may do likewise, rather national meetings to hear his than yield to the unreas.onable An outstanding piece .of work during the year has been the reillustrated lecture. He shows demands of the labor unions. markable journey through Brahis audience how colportage Unless the deadlock is broken, zil of two colporteurs, George work is done in Mexic'O, takes Glass and the redoubtable Antao them over mountain passes, on thousands of Alaskan families Pessoa. They c'Overed 5,000 burro back or oxcart; and tells will suffer. them how, under the present Mexican g'Overnment, the circu- LATIN AMERIOA miles, mQstly by mule back, but lation 'Of the Bible increased the SQme 1,300 miles was in a "dug past year by 10,000 copies; how the Scriptures are being trans- Educati.on in B.olivia out" and almost 250 miles on lated into the native tongues of foot. There were perils to face, 3,000,000 Indians .of Mexico The public school teachers of such as terrific cataracts, rapids, who do not speak Spanish; how Bolivia have petitioned the wild beasts and hostile tribes, the 130,000 Protestants of that g.overnment to use for public the latter sunk in poverty and country contributed 4,152 pesos schools the money now given to ignorance. Once 'On trek they (over a thousand d'Ollars) to the support the State church. The came to an abandoned region support of the Bible Society; Roman clergy have jointly is- ruled by a murderer who tried how even the illiterates often sued a pastoral letter to all Bo- to get them in his p.ower, but buy copies .of the Bible, in the livian citizens warning them with the c'Onnivance of two 'Of hope that someone will read that their religion is in danger, the man's own cut throats they aloud to them-so great is their that Communism is just arQund managed to escape. desire for the Word of God. the CQrner. and that they should The largest sales were made c'Onsider very carefully for in the priest-ridden town of Eighteen such meetings were whom they cast their vote. This Campinas. One very suspicious held, and 'Over 7,000 Mexicans year 1938, may prove a momen-· old lady refused to touch the heard 'Of the work of Bible dis- tous .one for Bolivia, especially books, but as the colporteur read tribution, while 14,000 Gospels were left with local pastors to if the Congress and the Senate one passage after another she be given out. should decide on the separation began to make exclamatiQns of -Bible Society Record. of Church and State, which ac- apprQval, and finally bought a tion is not altogether improb- copy, say i n g apologetically: able. "You see, I thought the bOQk -Baptist Missionary Review. was Protestant." The lurid pic- Alaskans in Distress tures 'Of Protestants, painted by Oxygen f.or Lepr.osy the priests, had filled the people Native Alaskans, who depend Brazil is said to lead the wQrld with dread. entirely upon the fishing in- in the fight against leprosy, and dustry for their living, are fac- These two intrepid men had ing a desperate situati'On grow- a new treatment being tried ing out of the activities of the there is reported by Dr. H. W. many adventures and escapes, Wade, of Washington, D. C. It labor unions in the United but the greatest experience was States who seek to control the consists of the administration fishing and canning industry of oxygen under pressure, and the satisfaction .of circulating throughout the Alaskan Terri- the inventor is Dr. Ozorio de 100 Bibles, 700 Testaments and Almeida, wh.o first thought of it 3,000 Gospels in 'One .of the dark- est regions 'Of the earth.
-The Neglected Continent.
tory. Demands of rival labor as a means 'Of treating cancer. Five Year Increase in Brazil unions have prevented the re- The patient is placed in a tank opening of the canneries. These into which pure 'Oxygen can be The Presbyterian Church of unions insist upon determining introduced and the pressure Brazil reported at the annual who shall be employed, discrim- gradually increased until it General Assembly held this year inating against native Alaskans. reaches an atmosphere and a in FQrtaleza that there are now A correspondent of the Presby- half (some twenty-one pounds 266 organized churches and 140 terian BQard of National Mis- to the square inch) ab.ove the .other groups, exclusive of 1,522 sions writes: "The C. I. O. has normal pressure. The treat- places where the Gospel is regu-
larly preached. These churches EUROPE heads of families-men in good are organized into three synods Mohammed's Birthday Cele- standing with the governmentand are ministered to by 183 or- must be presented for approval. brated in London dained ministers and nine licen- tiates. There are 43,100 church On May 12, a group of Mo- Calvinistic Congress members, and a Sunday school membership of 47,939. It will hammedans in London cele- The fourth Biennial Calvinbe seen by comparison with the brated the birth of their prophet istic Congress met in Edinburgh figures published in 1932 in the World Dominion Survey of Bra- and Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer was in July, and created "no small zil that this is an all round increase during the last five years. invited to attend. Two hundred stir" in the city. An announce- This church has maintained a persons were present, of whom ment of a "Nazi ban on Edinworker in Portugal for some nearly half were women. SO!lle burgh Congress" drew attention time, and it is hoped that a col- of the men wore the Pers~an to meetings which might otherleague will be sent to him from headdress, a few the IndIan .wise have passed with less nothe Brazilian Church shortly. turban, but as to the rest they tice but the added interest was -World Dominion Press. might have been any group of justified. Four German pastors cultured London people. About were refused permission by der three-fourths of those pr~s~nt Fuehrer to be present, the reason were Moslems. :r'he presldmg being that the Congress was ex- officer was a R.usslan a~d prayer pected to take a sympathetic at- Cooperation in River Platte was offered III ArabIC by an titude toward the Confessional Republics Egyptian. One speaker declared Church as did the World Con- A new epoch in cooperation Mohammed to be "the redeemer ference' on Faith and Order at among Evangelical forces in Argentina, Uruguay and Para- of womanhood, the light of the :n Oxford last year. However two world and the glory of civilizaguay is believed to have begun tion" ! !-Religious Digest. Germans of the Ref 0 r e d Church were present, but took as a result of a conference called Bans and Concessions in by the Committee on Coopera- Roumania no part in the program. tion in Buenos Aires. This Con- The Congress was made up of ference considered the question The Religious News Service about 130 delegates, and inof organizing a Confederation reports that the Roumanian cluded a number of Europe's of Evangelical Churches in this Government has made it illegal foremost theologians. Holland area, and a committee of nine for eight different religious sects and Hungary sent some of their was appointed to draw up plans to continue the practice of their best thinkers, and others came for such a federation. faiths. . from France, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, South Africa, New Of the forty-five pastors and The sects banned are: the Mil- Zealand, Australia, America, laymen in attendance, repre- .lenium group (which, .according Eire and Northern Ireland. The senting sixteen church bodies to the decision includes the In- general topic was "The Reand organizations, twenty-two ternational Students of the Bi- formed Faith and its Ethical Consequences" in the Individual, were nationals; eighteen were ble, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Family, the Church, in So- ciety, the State, in Economics, missionaries of North American others) the Pentecostalists, the in Art. It was emphasized that the world must get back to the and British Boards; and five Tremblers, the Church of God vital principle of Calvinism, the were ministers to non-Spanish- the Apostle, the Penitent Naza- sovereignty of God.
speaking groups in Argentina. renes, the Reformed Adventists, -The Christian.
It was regarded as the most rep- the Illistii, the Innocents and the resentative group ever meeting Stilisti (the Old Stylers).
in Buenos Aires to discuss At the same time, the official decision granted new concesmeans of closer cooperation. Reformed Church of France An "Evangelical Youth Con- sions to Baptists, Seventh Day gress," held in Rosario, Argen- Adventists and Evangelicals. The Reformed Church of tine, last year revealed an in- Baptists received special men- France, which now unites the creasing solidarity among young tion, the last clause of the long four principal French Churches, people. Strong leadership was decision stating that they will will officially function in its unimanifest; the delegates declared be permitted to organize church fied form on January 1, 1939. their allegiance not only to the communions throughout the The new organization will be Church and its place in deepen- country by fulfilling certain con- marked by a work of conquest, ing the spiritual life, but also ditions, which in countries like consolidation and forward evanadopted important resolutions the United States and England gelism. in the field of social action. would be considered imposi- The churches in Paris are These young people edit and tions; for example, a minister seeking to spread among their publish two excellent periodicals must confine his activities to the congregations a desire for Bible in this district and share in a four walls of the recognized study, carried on by groups radio preaching broadcast twice "prayer house," and before such meeting daily in places of worweekly. a house can be lawful a petition ship. The great success which -The Christian Century. bearing the signature of twenty has resulted is due to a deep de-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
sire to know better the Word olics are not concerned, since AFRICA of God in order to spread this they concluded a concordant knowledge throughout ,France. nearly ten years ago. Jewish Islam's Sudan Campaign The fall in the value of the problems appear to be more po- As a result of Egypt's ac- franc and the rise in the cost of litical than religious.. knowledged rights in the Sudan, living presents a troublesome The head of this new depart- Azhar University in Cairo is deproblem to all the churches, and ment has traveled widely and is veloping a Moslem missionary es.pecially to the Paris Mission- conversant with all these prob- enterprise for various countries, ary Society with its large com- lems at first hand. and proposes that young Sudan- mitments in British Sou t h There will be seven divisions ese be trained at the University Africa. It will force them to in the new department, each in the technique of teaching Isconsider seriously the salaries under the direction of a special- lam to the pagans of the Sudan; of pastors, their pensions, and ist in such fields as education, and that they imitate Christian the maintenance and current ex- religion, labor, culture and eco- missionaries in acquiring the penditure of all Christian ac- native languages of these people. tivities. Yet the church has nomics. In spite of various discour- unanimously decided upon ad- The Gospel for Refugees agements, Christian missions in vance. the southern Sudan are meeting -World Dominion Press. In spite of the difficulties with great response. In some which beset the Russian Gospel areas, thousands attend the Sun- Evangelism in Greece Movement, conversions and bap- day services, and native Chris- A small group of Grecians, tisms are continually taking tians have started hundreds of converted to evangelical faith place among refugees. in various bush schools throughout the through reading the Bible, were country. charged by the Orthodox Church parts of Europe. Evangelistic with illegal proselytizing, for meetings are held regularly at Danger in Half Knowledge which the penalty is banishment. A Greek lawyer, now Montbard, France, where there Rev. P. A. Unwin, of the studying in England, was em- are numbers of refugees. The C. M. S., says that with the ployed to defend them and was Movement is responsible for the preaching of the Gospel there so impressed with the unfalter- must be systematic Christian distribution of a magazine and education, and clinches the point quantities of Gospel literature, mostly Scripture portions and ing faith of these unlettered books. with the following story: "A men that he entered into a During the International Ex- workman, educated in a governdee per spiritual experience position in Paris last year, more ment technical school, came to through their testimony, and is than 15,000 tracts in French and my room a short while ago. 'I now devoting his life to the Russian were distributed. Large want to see the thing which Lord's work. He reports that texts were on display, where makes the noise inside that box,'
this little group has started a they could be read by visitors. he said, indicating the wireless church which is growing stead- In this connection, it is start- set. I took off the back and ily. One old, illiterate woman ling to note in a report of the showed him all I could; but I asked a neighbor to read a Bible National Lutheran Council that am ignorant in such matters. chapter to her every day, and the 1938 budget of the Godless Then he railed at me and the gist half the village was converted of his remarks was this: 'You through this one instance, one of organization in Russia amounts English are all the same ; you the converts being a man who to 65 million rubles. Of this had spent seventeen years in sum 42 millions are contributed keep the African back. You do not want him to learn lest he prison. by members and 23 millions de- rived from the sale of anti-reli- should govern himself and you After completing his studies gious literature. During the would be deprived of the shillin England, this lawyer plans to year 14 millions will be allocated ings which you get from native return to Greece and help to to subsidize activities of the In- taxes. The Mission is the ear shepherd this flock. ternational Godless committee, of the Government. You are as and the remainder will be uti- bad as the rest. Have you not Situation Eased in Roumania lized for propaganda purposes refused to tell me how the wire- less works? Did they not refuse All religious questions have within the country. It is ex- pected also that a contribution to tell me how to make electricity been taken out of the office of will be sent to aid in financing at the technical school? And the Minister of Cult, and a the International Free Thinkers' why do you not let the African special department has been cre- congress to be held in London make his own shillings as you ated by the Roumanian Govern- next autumn. This amounts to do yourselves?' " ment to handle all minority a total of $13,000,000, of which questions, including religious -C. M. S. Outlook.
and ethical. This move is high- $2,800,000 is designated for Education Proceeds Slowly ly pleasing to such minorities as "foreign missions" in the United the Baptists, Evangelicals, Re- States and other Christian na- A diagram in the Gold Coast formists and Adventists. Cath- tions. Annual Education Report shows.
the total number of children at- man it was not for them to say WESTERN ASIA tending school for the past no. Hebrew University twenty-five years: according to the ratio of increase, it would Bantu Sunday Schools The Hebrew University in Jetake approximately 600 years before a child-population of the The s,econd Bantu Sunday rusalem, when founded in 1925, present size would be attending school. School Convention in Johannes- consisted of one building, a li- burg was attended by 117 dele- brary of 74,000 volumes, a fac- A further diagram, taking galtes from 43 centers in all ulty of 30, a student body of 64 into. account increases of population, shows the percentages of provinces of the South Africa and a curriculum of four departchildren of school age attending school to the total child-popula- Union, Basutoland and Swazi- ments. Today, on Mount Scotion year by year for the 25-year land. ~us there are 12 buildings, a period; and shows that it would take over 3,500 years before The Convention endorsed the lIbrary of over 350,000 volumes, primary education would be made available for the whole recommendation of the Inter-De- ",",a student body of over 800; a of the child-population of the partmental Committee on Na- faculty of 110.; and a currICU- Gold Coast. Figures for the tive Education that native edu- lum on a par! III both scope ~nd whole of Africa would be even cation should continue to be sta.ndar?~, WIth .that of leadmg more startling. centered in religion. It urged umve:;slbes. WIt.h some of. the upon the administration of Na- world s ou~standmg ~ ~ WI S h -World Dominion Press. tive Education and the teaching ~cholars on Its facu~ty, I~ IS mak- body to make religious educa- mg ~emarkab~e strIdes m schol- Pioneering in the Congo tion worthy and effective, and arshlp and sc!ence. . . Perhaps no type of mission- that every subject in the school In. connecbon Wlt~ t~e Ulllary service makes a greater ap- curriculum should be made a verslty, a great sClenbfic repeal to the imagination than pioneering. Rev. Malcolm Guthrie medium for the teaching of re- search activity is being deof the English Baptist Society writes an account for The Life ligion. veloped. This includes special of Faith of a pioneer trip in the de~artmen~s of ~rchreology, edu- Belgian Congo, when he covered Grave concern was expressed ~abon, sOCI~1 SCIence and agrar- 315 miles in less than four at the growing evil .of gambling Ian economIcs, as well as a deweeks, walking or cycling. "In among children both native and part!llent of par~sitol?gy, wh~re the most distant villages," he European. Chu~ches were asked specIal rese.arch IS bemg carrIed says, "they had not only never to give definite teaching on the heard the Gospel-they had never even heard of people with subject, and the Government on concernmg leprosy and cana Gospel to preach. The only was urged to curb gambling by cer.-Hadassah News Letter. white men they ever see are the government doctor who comes all possible means, and to de- Challenge to the Christian twice a year, and the tax col- stroy the facilities for the evil. Church lector once a year." -World Dominion Press. Most people showed a real desire to understand the message. Laborer Starts a Church An Arab Christian leader in In the first village visited, two Palestine writes the following boys wanted to go back with Mr. A young Portuguese, with his Guthrie in order "to get wis- wife and family, has gone to Sao letter: dom"; others asked for an evan- Tome, Portuguese Africa, to gelist to come and live among strengthen a work that was What can one say about Palestine them, and there were discus- started by an indentured la- at present! It is a country torn to sions as to how his belongings pieces by strife, hatred, rioting and could be conveyed such a long borer who had been converted aggression. Materially as well as distance. At Bokwo, another to evangelical Christianity in morally the country is on the eve of village, the people ran away in Angola; and whose initiative a total collapse, and what is still fright, and during the two days' resulted in the formation of a more painful is the fact that the services nobody took any notice small group of Christians. They troubles of the country may be traced at all. Later, a solemn conclave had no Scriptures to instruct back to racial ambitions based on was held to determine whether them, but found some fragments religious tradition and history. Jews an evangelist should be allowed of a Bible in some waste paper. as well as Arabs hold fast to their to locate in the village, and they These they copied by hand and claims in this respect, while the Chriscame to the conclusion that if distributed. At first they were tian Church has not yet come forward Mr. Guthrie wished to send a persecuted, but later it was with proposals to reconcile matters on recognized that the evangelicals the basic principle of Christianity, were the best workers, and they In the meantime unemployment and were no longer molested. what it entails is growing rapidly, suffering, hunger, dissatisfaction with This young Portuguese work- life, etc. Yet missionary activities, er has been commended by all hospitals, orphanages, welfare centers the denominations in Portugal, continue their work, often under very and it is hoped that the work In strained conditions and financial dif- Sao Tome will be adequately ficulties, particularly those who de- supported. pend for their support on Middle Europe. But nobody sees how this -World Dominion Press. country's affairs may be settled, there is not one, ray of hope that matters will clear up in the near or distant future, and I think that all of us have failed in the paramount duty of pray- ing constantly for this holy land, as
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
God only can send peace and He will meeting. "I have written the the divine power of the Good undoubtedly do so in His time if we unite in prayers to Him. music for the Lord's Prayer," he News. said, and handed me a neatly -Near East Christian Council.
Iranian Christian Art written sheet of music. "Will INDIA AND BURMA you sing it for us· tonight?" I Recent relaxation of the Mos- asked. He agreed, and later on lem rule in Iran against displays impressed us all deeply by sing- Legislators Face Problems of Christian work has been fol- ing "Our Father which art in Indian legislators are finding lowed by the use of Christian Heaven" to Iranian music of his pictures in educational p r 0- own composition. Then he gave that their economic and social grams. An Iranian was asked to a splendid testimony, telling the problems are not capable of select from a catalogue of Perry others what God had done for speedy solution. Mr. Gandhi's pictures those best suited to his him. educational proposals are called people. Unerringly, he picked impractical; and obstacles cononly great masterpieces, and one Field Widens in Arabia result has been increased sales tinue to arise in regard to childof Christian literature. Dr. Paul W. Harrison outlines marriage laws. The usual dis- some reasons for encouragement turbances involving Hindus and Converted By a Dream in medical work in Arabia. One Moslems result in clashes here of these is the steadily improv- Rev. W. McE. Miller, Presby- ing equipment. Better build- and there. However, most obterian missionary of Teheran, servers agree that the experi- ment of self-government is working not too badly. Iran, tells the story of one of the ings, instruments andautomo- A halt has been called in the latest converts, a man about 30. biles all contribute to the doc- prospects of any large communal He came to a meeting for in- tor's efficiency, but more im- movement of the d e pre sse d quirers and introduced himself portant than buildings and in- classes. Dr. Ambedkar is out at the close. He had been seek- struments, better trained men for guarantees that if any gen- ing the truth for five or six are now available, and with eral movement should take place, years, but had not found it. better training come increased assurances must be forthcoming Finally, one of his friends sug- resources of medicine itself; for that the political rights and sogested that he read the New anemia, they now have some- cial and economic well-being of Testament. He came to the gate thing better than powdered his community shall be conof our Mission where there is a shingle nails. served.
small bookshop and bought the As the friendlines:s of the peo- The general attitude of these book, and was profoundly in- ple grows, the field for medical classes is favorable to the recepfluenced by Christ's teaching. A work widens. Some have come tion of Christianity wherever year passed, and he did not be- to suspect that dirt is as much missions are in effective touch come a Christian. Finally, he to blame as the evil eye in mak- with them, and this work prohad a dream. He saw a great ing babies sick, and some of the ceeds in proportion to the abilmultitude, dressed in various most picturesque smells in the ity of missions to buy up the costumes, following a float on Near East are about to pass opportunity. The various "mass which a majestic Person was en- away. With all this have come movements" are proceeding· throned. A voice said to him, enlarged opportunities, and it is apace. The movement in the "Follow the teaching which is the day of beginnings for the Bhil area of Central India is exruling the world today!" He Christian Church. ceedingly promising, and if the tried to go nearer, but the crowd There are regular preaching missions were in a better posi- services where men and women prevented him. After ten days hear the good news about tion to follow up what is an unthe dream was repeated, and the Christ. Some of these are held doubted desire on the part of voice said, "Why do you hold in the Hospital compound, and these people to become Chrisback? Follow this teaching!" some of them in the little houses tians, there is almost no limit to the degree in which these This time he found himself quite near the glorious Person. He of the hospital helpers. There 2,000,000 people could be rerealized it was Christ, and he are social evenings where Chris- ceived into the Christian Church. determined to become a Chris- tian men and women learn how The five – year evangelistic tian, so on the advice of his Christ wants them to associate movement continues to occupy friend he had come to church, with one another. These are the attention of the churches, and the sermon had made a deep church affairs. The outside with notable results in many impression. We suggested that world is not invited. They are places. Conferences of farhe yield himself to Christ at hilarious and useful. The sum reaching importance are being once, and he said he was ready, total of all this is that the held in preparation for the so we prayed together, put his Church is emerging, and slowly Madras World Missionary Conhand into the hand of Christ, taking shape and growing, not ference, and there is a new spirit and he arose with a new light in because of any exhibition of hu- of optimism growing up in many his face. Next week he was the man skill or efficiency or wis- quarters. -World Dominion Press. first to arrive at the inquirers' dom, bp.t simply as a result of
Fighting Fear and demonstrated at a meeting of could be done for them, are now Superstition the Kolapur Church Council at being treated successfully. The C. M. S. Schools in Srinagar Sangli, when the eight or ten addition of this deep X-ray is are teaching their pupils to live up to their motto: "In all things missionaries present marvelled probably the hospital's greatest be men." Superstition and the at the progress made by Indian milestone in years, while for the fear of doing what "is not done," are twin evils in Kashmir. The Christian women in the past first time in its forty-five years' fear of public opinion is very strong, but the following inci- fifteen years since their first history an ambulance makes dent shows how this fear is being overcome. Those who lived participation in this organiza- possible more village work. The near the lake at Srinagar considered it useless to learn to tion. It was not just an occa- office has been made into a censwim because the "djinns" in the water would pull them down. sion to get together and talk; a tral unit, a cash register in- To disprove the theory, a yearly swim across the lake was organ- great deal of constructive activ- stalled to simplify routine work ized. Howe v e r, the "djinn" ity was reported. One village and a central storeroom makes woman reported apologetically. for greater efficiency and econ- for her group: '~'- omy. Plans are under way for I am only a country woman and I a second operating room and a library. can't read, but I'll tell about our so- -Western India Notes. ciety. We live in the country and Cholera Outbreak there is no one to help us or show us how we ought to do things. We don't even know how to pray proper- worshipers were not satisfied. ly, as we've never had a real opportu- In the recent outbreak of "It is true you have conquered nity to learn anything much, but we cholera in the United Provinces, the day-water 'djinns,'" they met regularly anyhow and did the 15,000 cases, out of 30,000, are best we knew. reported to have died. Fortysaid, "but how about those who four out of forty-eight districts inhabit the water at night?" The Here is a list of activities, are affeded. According to the challenge was accepted, and taken at random from reports Associated Press, entire villages thirteen boys swam safely across read: the lake at midnight. have been wiped out. Giving information regarding tem- The first crew of boys to pad- perance and missionary work of other India is one of the world's dle a boat through the city, lands. greatest cholera danger spots, about thirty years ago, hid them- Supporting Christian p rim a r y with more than 400,000 cases selves under b I a n k e t s, so schools for non-Christian children. every year. The ignorance and ashamed were they as sons of the educated to be seen engaged Helping support widows and or- superstition of the common in manual work. In various phans by sewing and other activities. ways the school is modifying people hinder the efforts of the the social customs of Kashmir. Conducting a nursery school in a officials to cope with the disease. For example, the rule that boys needy neighborhood. Native custom requires that under 18 who marry must pay double fees to enter the school Doing voluntary evangelistic work, bodies of cholera victims be is an effective method of reduc- usually in villages. thrown into streams, instead of ing the number of early mar- being buried or burned, and any riages. More than fifty widowed Conducting Sunday schools. attempt on the part of the govgirls have remarried in the past Supervising primary schools. ten years-another old custom Selling Christian literature (one ernment to prevent this is met dethroned. There is a new atti- enterprising woman sold over 100 tude toward the suffering of ani- Christian booklets to delegates in one with opposition. However, the mals; many boys are entering day). government is making every ef- Teaching illiterates to read. Teaching sewing, crocheting, knit- fort to deal with the problem on ting, etc. a large scale by using mass in- Helping small village societies to oculation and disinfection of conduct their meetings. dwellings as rapidly as possible. Cleaning the church, each woman voluntarily taking a turn.
-Western India Notes.
the veterinary profession. Bet- Bright Spots at Miraj Converts Walk 100 Miles ter still, more consideration is being shown the sick and afflict- Miraj Hospital is known all It is news when we hear of ed. There is a marked spiritual Christians so anxious to attend influence in the school, where over the world as one of the few a Christian service they will 1,400 boys and 280 girls are be- self-supporting mission instituing prepared for life. tions, and is unique in its being walk one hundred miles in order the only hospital to support a to be present. A group of eleven -The Christian. medical school. It is especially men in the Telugu area agreed Women to the Fore known for its surgery, a repu- they would walk the fifty miles tation which the late Sir Wil- there and fifty back to attend Daily papers in India indicate liam Wanless and Charles E. the conference in Hindpur. Then how rapidly women are coming Vail established. Notable acqui- they decided to make an evanto the front in politics, education sitions of the past year were the gelistic campaign of it so and social service, while their deep X-ray and the ambulance. preached in the villages en progress in the field of Christian Patients suffering from deep- route, and in order that they religion is becoming more and seated cancer, who were turned might reach as many villages as more noteworthy. This was away formerly because nothing possible with their witness, they
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
decided to return by a different Evangelism Among Bunnans result will be is not yet foreseen. route. Not only did they walk Educators find themselves in an 100 miles but it cost them at A writer in the National impossible situation. On the lease nine days' wages for the Christian Council Review asserts one hand, they face the humiliprivilege of attending the s e that Burma is today as strongly ating demands of the arrogant meetings. The leader of the Buddhist as it has ever been; invading army. On the other, group, who is a cripple, told and if the non-Burman Christian they must reckon with the risfriends how God had supplied community were removed, the ing tide of Chinese patriotism all their needs and kept them Church would number not more which suspects every attempt at from harm along the way, his than 15,000. Some have main- accommodation with the conface fairly beaming as he told it. tained that the time has come to querors as incipient treason. abandon work in Burma· and Sooner or later, the missions -Darkness and Light. concentrate upon more respon- will find it impossible to main- sive peoples, such as the Karens tain even a semblance of neu- Santal Christian Council and Chins, and thus form a ring trality under such conditions. of Christian people around the For the mission colleges in the An unusual feature of the land, trusting that the evangel- Peiping area, that time has evi- Santal Christian Council held ization of Burma will ensue. dently arrived. last February was that all the sessions, both devotional and The Burman cannot be said -Christian Century. business, were held in the Santal to be antagonistic to Christianlanguage. There were 14 Euro- ity. The message does not Farm Cooperatives for pean and American, and about arouse opposition. The Burman Refugees 40 Santal representatives pres- is influenced by public opinion ent. An entire session was which regards Christianity in a Plans are being developed to given to a discussion of the Sad- political rather than in a reli- form cooperative communities hu Movement. Sad h u s are gious light. The Burman Bud- of farmer refugees. It is estiknown as "clean people," and dhist attitude toward Burmese mated that between fifteen and they urge the Santal to give up Christians is that they have cut twenty million Chinese have eating unclean things, chickens, themselves off from the life of been driven off their lands in pigs., goats and sheep being their country by associating the devastated war zone, and classed as such. They urge the with the foreign cult. Preach- only heroic efforts by the Inter- Santals to worship the sun. The ing and routine work will not national Red Cross and similar fact that they respond to this bring the Burman into the agencies can save most of them teaching is proof of a heart Christian Church. He will from starvation before the end hunger which makes it all the change his religion only if he of next winter. Something more more imperative that they be cannot get away from the fact is needed than merely to feed given a chance to hear the that the new religion is better and clothe these helpless hordes, Christian message. than the old in the quality of and this something is now be- character it produces. ing sought by setting up in Two other subjects. discussed sparsely settled parts of China, were rural education and evan- CHINA AND TIBET far removed from the battle gelism. The following points lines where the likelihood of inwere indicated as essential: Japanese Orders Defied vasion is sma II, cooperative farming settlements. The money Training in handwork as well as Three Christian universities required to start these is coming academic subjects. in Peiping have risked their fu- in part from the Chinese gov- ture existence by refusing to ernment and in part from Chi- The use of materials easily avail- comply with orders to partici- nese banks. able in the district in which the school pate in celebrations of the Japis located, such as date palm leaves, anese occupation. The schools This establishment of farm jute and bamboo. involved are the Protestant cooperatives may have a far- Yenching University, the Ameri- reaching and permanent social Opportunities for gardening and can Catholic Fujen University importance in China. Perhaps the study of methods of improving and the French Catholic Peiping this may be one of the ways in agricultural work. University. The presidents of which an unexpected good may all three were ordered to hoist come out of the present evil of A cottage plan of hostel especially the flag of the puppet provision- war. for girls, and training in domestic al government, to make speeches science and the care of children. against Chiang Kai-shek's gov- Emergency Fund for Colleges ernment, to call on Japanese Opportunities for self-government army officers and tender official Nearly 4,500 individuals and in the hostel; responsibilities in the "thanks" for the Japanese in- organizations in the United Church and of service in· the village. vasion, and to send telegrams to States have united to raise an Chinese abroad denouncing Chi- emergency fund of $300,000 to The need for a positive faith, ang Kai-shek as "the arch crim- ensure the continuance of the 13 backed up by the testimony of a inal of eastern Asia." What the American – supported women's Christian life, was emphasized, as was also the need for a program of adult education among rural Santals.
-N a t ion a l Christian Council Review.
and coeducational colleges in Shantung Christian University, dhist theories in the form of a China, as the consummation of a seven months' campaign. The and the Central Government "Wheel of Life." The six reproject was undertaken by the National Emergency Committee University at Nanking have all gions of rebirth are painted on for Christian Colleges in China. moved to Chengtu. Dean S. N. a scroll which ranges from two This Christian educational work was begun by Americans Cheer, noted Chinese medical feet to several feet square, and as early as 1864. Some of the thirteen institutions have been educator and graduate of Har- which can readily be rolled and forced to leave their buildings temporarily; others have been vard, who has been in charge of unrolled. It occurred to misbombed, and are now in dugouts on the campus, but all of them the government medical school sionaries in Tibet that a Chrishave managed to maintain some, or all of their programs through- at Nanking, has been placed in tian Tibetan scroll on the lines out the past year. The total annual budget of the 13 colleges is charge of outpatient and inpa- of those used in the country normally about $1,600,000, of which a little more than $1,000,- tient clinical instruction at would be a novel and effective 000 comes from western sources and the remainder from Chi- Chengtu, thus centering almost way of presenting the Christian nese resources. Prevailing war conditions have reduced radical- all Chinese medical education in ". message. Services of Mr. John ly their income from Chinese sources, necessitating this spe- this one institution. ""Carey were secured, and he has cial fund of $300,000 both to replace losses of normal income -Christian Advocate. made some very beautiful paintand to meet heavy emergency expenditures. ings showing the life of Christ Another Rockefeller Gift Evangelizing Tibet and some of the parables. A lo- cal touch is given by depicting The Rockefeller Foundation Mass movements are not like- the learned men questioning J ehas made a grant of $35,000 for ly to occur in Tibet where travel sus in the temple as dressed like new buildings and modern is difficult and villages are sep- the lamas of Tibet. equipment at the University arated by mountainous districts. Hos.pital of West China Union Furthermore, the people are The scrolls, six of them, are University, Chengtu, Szechwan like the soil on which they live each sewn on to material of yel- Province. In addition to this -arid and stony. Statistically, low, blue and red, the colors gift, the University has received there is not much to show for used by the lamas. Each scroll $50,000 fro m an American the effort put forth to spread is carried in a sheath made of Methodist and $175,000 from tin with loops so that a string or sources in China. With its new the knowledge of Christ; yet leather strap can be attached equipment the University Hos- there is no doubt that the evan- when the evangelist goes on pital will have 275 beds and gelists who live among the peo- tour. -Moravian Missions. educational facilities for 150 ple and show the Christian medical students in nor mal times. In the present war emer- example are exerting a strong MISCELLANEOUS gency it has 325 medical stu- influence. An experiment is bedents from all parts of China. ing tried by opening a Gospel World Outlook for West China Union University, Inn for pilgrims and travelers Christianity "isolated" in the recesses of West China and far from the to and from Central Asia. The The World Alliance of Rewar area, is now the acknowl- object of this venture is to pro- formed Churches appraised the edged educational center of the vide lodging for these people, outlook for evangelical Chrisnation. It is a missionary in- and to tell them the Good News, tianity, and finds that in some stitution in which American besides distributing the Scrip- countries it is improving, in Methodists and Baptists, the tures to them on their depar- others declining. Adverse con- United Church of Canada, the ture. It is hoped later on to ditions affect the evangelical Friends of Great Britain, and keep an evangelist permanently churches in Italy, Germany, the Church of England combine posted in the Gospel Inn, and Ethiopia, Egypt, Chosen, Forto maintain. Faculties and stu- improve its usefulness as an mosa, Manchukuo, Russia, Spain dents of the University of Nan- evangelistic agency as circum- and Belgium. Protestantism, king, the School of Medicine of stances permit. however, is either growing or holding its own in Scandinavia, Another is the industrial proj- Holland, Switzerland, France, ect, intended to help indigent Czechoslovakia, Poland, Ruma- Christians to tide over a period nia, Greece, Hungary, India and of financial hardship, but the Africa. Finding a "marked re- isolation gives ve r y limited vival of Calvanism in the scope for such an enterprise. It Ref 0 r m e d and Presbyterian is encouraging that the little churches of Europe," the report attributes this in part to "the group of Christians in a village influence of the writings of Karl called oSheh are planning to build Barth." There is no doubt that a small church, independent of the attack of neo-paganism on any help from the Mission. -Baptist Missionary Review.
Christian Tibetan Scroll the Christian Church is driving evangelical church bodies in Eu- The traveler in Tibet frequent- rope back to the Biblical and ly meets in villages a pictorial spiritual fundamentals of their representation of current Bud- faith.-Watchman-Examiner.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
By-Product of Missions baptized converts among the year over 1936," the report states. Married women com- Missionary activity is not heathen and Moslems in the prised' 73 per cent and single limited to the field of religion, same period was 2,000,000, or women 17 per cent of this total, but flows over into other realms, one to every 525 of the heathen widows and divorcees making up and one important by-product and Moslem population. The the remainder. Their average is the contribution which mis- same degree of success among age was 41.5 years, the youngest sionaries have made to science, heathen and Moslems as among being 25 and the' oldest 65. Last especially in such fields as phi- Jews would have shown 7,000,- year's total is 115 per cent lology, geography, anthropology 000 converts, instead of 2,000,- greater than that of 1933, and and the study of ethnic religions. 000. Three times as many Jewish 159.5 per cent above the average Their contributions have often converts enter the Gospel min- yearly total number of women been of eminent importance, be- istry as of converts from among patients during the period from cause they have usually grown the heathen. A careful com- 1916 through 1936. out of a long personal contact parison of facts shows that no with the subject treated and mission field of modern times Turtle Eggs-Novel bear the stamp of a thorough has been so fruitful as the J ewand minute acquaintance, in viv- ish. Contribution id contrast with so many weak, theorizing productions of the se- The Great Delusion Dr. Albert W. Beaven, who cluded study rooms of univer- has made a recent visit to Bapsities. The New York Sun reports tist Missions in the Far East, these facts for those to ponder says that one of the queerest in- Progressive Ministry to Lepers who have thought that the li- cidents of the trip was one censing of strong drink would man's contribution of 4,000 tur- A summary of the past year's help America financially and tle eggs as his offering toward work of the Mission to Lepers otherwise: the Burma Baptist Convention. evidences an increasing scope of Some churches responded by this Christ-like ministry. Here In three years the Federal sending bags of rice, some a are some of the advances: in- government was defrauded of whole ox, while another church creased accommodations and $1,800,000 in alcohol taxes, and sent 2,000 ducks for entertain- New York State of $900,000. Five illicit stills were discovered, larger numbers in its institu- with capacities ranging from ing the 4,300 delegates. But one tions; a steadily increasing num- 200 to 500 gallons. More than man who specialized in turtle ber of out-patients; more service 500,000 gallons of alcohol were eggs sent 4,000 of them. These, for healthy children of lepers. distributed annually by the ring. being very perishable, had to be This work is developing rapidly Whiskey dispensed consisted of kept in wet sand in the basein India, especially. In China the a blend of alcohol, water, some ment of the church, and because need for such work is becoming coloring matter and a portion of of heat and humidity had to be more and more apparent, and in so-called "cooked whiskey." In turned over every ten hours to the widely affected areas of Af- this way 500,000 gallons of al- keep them from germinating. rica it is now realized how much cohol were converted into 1,000,- The entire time of two people can be done in this direction. 000 gallons of bad whiskey. It was required just to turn turtle The Children's Hospital Home was used chiefly by bars and res- eggs. in Uganda is an outstanding taurants to refill empty bottles Much has been written about example. Transcending all this that bore advertised brands and the missionary giving of the alleviation, is the spiritual com- labels of popular liquors. Karens, their self-supporting fort that is being brought to the Here was a triple delusion. churches and their evangelistic sufferers. This phase of the The government was cheated out work. Dr. Beaven was amazed work is proven of value in pro- of tax revenue. The legalized to find, instead of the bamboo, moting physical recovery. liquor industry suffered from thatch-c 0 v ere d shed for a -Life of Faith. illegal competition. The drink- church, a magnificent concrete ers were deceived into thinking and b ric k structure, seating Some Facts About Jews the bottles handed them by bar- from twelve to fifteen hundred According to the J ewish Year tenders contained what the la- people and with a pipe organ that probably cost about $15,000, Book the number of Jews bels said. throughout the world is over The K eel e y Institute at all paid for by the Karens 16,000,000. In the nineteenth Dwight, Illinois, reports that themselves. The seven or eight century 72,000 Jews accepted more women alcoholics took the other buildings, including high Protestant baptism, not to men- Keeley cure in 1937 than in any schools and dormitories, were tion the 132,000 baptized into previous year since 1915, and built 'and paid for by Karen the Greek and Roman Catholic the total number of patients of money. This in the face of the Churches. This is one Protes-' both sexes last year was the fact t hat the average Karen worker's income is from eighttant convert to every 156 of the largest since 1907. Jewish population at the end of "Women patients at the insti- een to twenty-five cents a day.
that century. The number of tute'increased 57.6 per cent last -Watchman-Examiner.
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information A History of the Expansion of Chris- jacket Df this vDlume which ….ance and especially what they tianity. (Vol. II.) The Thousand bears the symbDls Df falling pil- called the HDly Spirit-by their Years of Uncertainty-A. D. 500 to lars Df Crusader and MDslem very nature led to' variety and A. D. 1500. By Kenneth Scott La- tourette. Maps, Chronological Table warriDr; but the CrDss sur- to' extensive prDliferatiDn." This and Index. pp. 492. $3.00. Harper & Brothers, New York. mDunts the crescent and there is in line with the prDfessed in- are stars in the night-sky. One tentiDn Df the writer to' be "his- The first vDlume O'f this unsurpassed histO'ry Df the ex- reads these chapters with kin- tDrical and whDlly Dbjective" in pansiDn O'f Christianity was dling faith; thDugh God may his treatment Df the subject; reviewed at sO'me length (see December REVIEW, page 573). hide Himself, yet His truth and but his statement dDes nDt satisfy The purpDse and SCDpe Df the great wO'rk remain the same and right will win the day at last. Christians. every page bears the marks Df schDlarship and wide research. The treatment of sO' large a . Elsewhere the authDr ex- PrDfessor LatDurette has a clear theme is topical rather than presses his cDnvictiDn that Dnly style and does not waste wDrds. chrDnological. In the Introduc- thel"impDnderable"JDrces (sure- He Dmits nO'thing essential Dr tion we read: germane to' his theme and gives ly he means the HDly Spirit) "gDDd measure, pressed down, shaken tDgether and running First we will describe the conver- kept the Church alive and alight Dver" with very valuable fDO't- sion of those peoples who came into in medieval darkness. In dealnDtes. ing with the witness Df the the faith through Roman Catholicism, The title Df ProfessDr Latour- next of those who derived their faith martyrs and the patience Df the ette's book is arresting. The from Greek Christianity, and then re- saints during these dark days millenium Df racial migratiDns, count the territorial progress of the we IDng fDr a flash Df light and barbarian invasiDns and Islamic Nestorians and of the Syrian and fire. Even the stDry Df RaycDnquests seemed to be highly Coptic J acobites. Then chronologicalunfavDrable to' the spread Df ly we will double back on our tracks mund Lull is tDld in a rather Christianity. The hearts of the and tell of the spread of Islam and of lukewarm fashiDn, althDugh the faithful were perplexed. "At the the reverses which it brought to facts are faithfully chrDnicled. clDse Df the fifth century, Chris- But as Dne reads page after page tianity had becDme master Df Christianity. Next we will narrate the of the stDry Df the spread Df RDthe Mediterranean wDrld, which efforts of Christians to regain the was still, in spite Df its decay, ground lost to Islam and to carry man CathDlic Christianity in the majDr cultural centre Df their faith beyond the eastern bounds Spain, Gaul and NDrthern Eumankind. Within the next three of Islam into the lands of the Far rDpe, Df the missiDnary wDrk Df centuries it had IDSt abDut half East. Finally we will note the fresh this area and in the pDrtiDn outbursts of Moslem peoples which in the NestDrians in Ambia, Cenwhich still prDfessed the faith the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries tral Asia, China and India, Dne the level of civilizatiDn had dis- wiped Christianity from the map in is cDnfirmed in the cDnfessiDn: tinctly fallen." much of Asia and threatened it in "I believe in the HDly CathDlic Southeastern Europe. Following this The story Df these thDusand account of the varyin~ fortunes in the Church." years is black with tragedy, but expansion of the faith we will adnDt withDut rays Df hope. dress ourselves to the questions of the This secDnd vDlume Df PrD- effect of Christianity upon its en- Thrice blest is he to whom is given vironment and of the effect of the fessDr LatDurette's magnum The instinct that can tell environment upon Christianity. opus is a specific against all the That God is on the field when He Is most invisible. And the marvel is that such parDchialism and prDvincialism wealth Df material, such a sweep The entire hymn by F. W. Fa- across Europe and Central Asia, Df thDse whO' sDmetimes seem to' ber might have been put on the such a crDwding Df a thDusand years intO' Dne day, in Dne bDDk, think that Church history be- does nDt apparently Dver-tax the writer nor weary the reader. It gan with the RefDrmatiDn Dr is a great achievement. One sentence in the IntrDduction we with the DisruptiDn in SCDt- regret, where the author speaks Df the FDunder Df Christianity: land! Our LDrd Jesus Christ "The experiences which came to' His disciples after the crucifix- was head Df His church all iDn – the resurrectiDn appear- thrDugh all these thDusand dark years and made even the wrath Df men to' praise Him. He was cDntinually working Dut his eternal purpDse Df IDve in the midst Df human failure and un- certainty. S. M. ZWEMER.
[446 ] S. J. W. Clark. A Vision of Foreign presented here, are his lack of Forward Through the Ages. By Jesse emphasis on the importance of R. WHson. 139 pp. $1.00. The Missions. By Roland Allen. 12mo. prayer, his failure to state the 170 pp. 28. 6d. World Dominion Judson Press, Philadelphia. 1938. Press. 1938. This small but important book This unusual story of a Chris- necessity of the spiritual new contains a readable summary of tian business man should be read birth and the spiritual qualifica- "missions and missionaries of by every missionary and every tions for missionaries; there is yesterday and today." Mr. Wilexecutive of missions. In seven also no clear statement as to our son has written out of rich exjourneys, (from 1905 to 1924) dependence on the Holy Spirit in perience, first as a missionary in Japan, then as general secretary Mr. Clark looked into foreign the calling and preparation of of the Student Volunteer Movemission work as a pioneer "fact missionaries and in the actual ment; since 1936 he has been finder." He formed his own work that is being done on each western field secretary of the opinions as to the results of the field and in the offices at home. American Baptist Foreign Miswork and the way in which mis- Mr. Clark had positive convic- sions Society. It is an excellent sions should be conducted effi- tions and courage; he stood for book to put into the hands of ciently to be in accord with the new and better methods, rather young people and members of teachings of Christ and the ex- than for more life and better missionary societies. Even those ample of the early Apostles. As personnel; for finer mechanics who are well read in missionary a result, he severely but con- rather than for greater dynamic: literature will like its admirably structively criticized the work of clear and sympathetic survey mission boards to their face. He Der Arbeitslohn in China. By Prof. and evaluation of foreign miswas convinced that too much at- Dr. Paul Arndt, Dr. Djini-Schen sions, past and present. tention has been given to "dig- and Dr. Chii-Fen-Lo. Hans Buske. ging in" on the mission field, and Verlag. Leipzig. A. J. B. too little to surveying the fields in order to understand the need .Every missionary to China Who Is the Holy Spirit? By Henry and to evangelize the vast un- ~Ill find profit from reading this W. Flrost. 12mo. 124 pages. occupied areas. He believed that $1.25. Fleming H. Revell Co., New the Gospel of Christ must be mformabve boo k, evidently York. 1938. widely scattered as "living written after much knroeswelaerdcgh~ Many Christians are like the Seed," that the Bible must be and fro m first-hand disciples at Ephesus in that they of the field.
given to all mankind as the Word The 3,000 years of feudalism have scarcely "heard whether of God. He advocated the use of in China duplicated many condi- there is any Holy Spirit." Much "simplified script." Mr. Clark tions found in the world today, less do they understand His naheld that native leaders must be and suggests the way to organic ture, offices and relation to trained and indigenous churches cooperation among various eco- themselves. It is one of the most should be established and taught nomic groups. The study of important subjects in Christian to be self-supporting from the wages is fruitful for the scholar theology and life. Huge volumes start; and that these Christian the agriculturist, the mechanic: have been written in attempts churches must be the real agen- the tradesman and other work- to interpret the Scripture teachcies for the evangelization of ers, but not to the militarist ings. Here is a simple, clear their own people. What he stood whose life is built on the phi- and practical study that takes tip for deserves the attention of mis- losophy of force. briefly the Spirit's personality, sionary executives today. When This book traces the primal offices, baptism, filling, em- Mr. Clark died a few years ago social cell of China to ancestral powering and other subtopics. he left his fortune to make pos- relations, and then through prop- It is wholly Biblical with a few sible the world surveys of the erty holding, bartering and the -too few-facts of Church his- W 0 rId Dominion Movement. problems of industrial difficul- tory and personal experience to Mr. Clark's main principles in- ties. In an estimated population show how the Holy Spirit has cluded: (1) an organized, well- of 474,820,000 there are about been carrying out the predicconsidered plan for the evan- 78,568,245 families, of which , tions of the New Testament. Dr. gelization of the whole world; 80 % are active in agriculture. Frost 'has rendered a real serv- (2) cooperation and coordina- ice, especially to pastors and tion among all evangelical Chris- The economic facts help the young Christians, in giving us tian forces; (3) special empha- missionary to gauge not only the this illuminating and undersis on evangelization, rather condition of the people but the standable presentation of what than on institutional work; (4) possible support that may be ex- is to many a difficult or negan unpaid native ministry and a pected for the Church and its in- lected-but very vital-subject. stitutions. While there is no self-supporting native church from the beginning; and the de- direct reference to the Christian Following in His Train. By Mrs. J. missionary enterprise, every- W. Cox. 8 vo. 217 pp. 60 cents. velopment of truly indigenous thing in the book bears some re- Boardman Press, Nashville, Tenn. churches, independent of foreign lation to missions and to all life 1938. control. as related to sound economic Mrs. Cox, the wife of a deacon The essential elements that we principles. in the First Baptist church in miss in Mr. Clark's program, as JOHN M. G. DARMS. Memphis, Tenn., was for a time
President of the Woman's Mis- by friends and critics, by evan- would not accept her as a mis- sionary Union. Her chronicle gelists and by men of little faith sionary until she was twenty- of the women's missionary work in the things for which D. L. five, so she filled the intervening of the Southern Baptist Conven- Moody stood committed. These time with the study of medicine, tion is filled too much with seek to set forth the man, his and sailed for Africa in 1919.
names and dates to be popular message, his achievements and Her life was crowded with rich in style, but it gives evidences the secret of his power. All see experiences and achievements, of devoted service and real in him a great man who wielded interestingly recorded in this achievement. a vast influence and left a last- biography. Miss Veenstra died ing impression, but all are inade- in 1933, but the work goes on Dannie and the Alabaster Box. By quate. with signs of blessing.
Constance Savery. 12 mo. 62 Mr. Wilson, a Christian jour- H. H. F. pages. 9d. Pickering & Inglis, Glasgow. nalist, who never knew Mr. ""l'he Presbyterians: The Story of a Moody but has seen the results Stanch and Sturdy People. By An active, mischief-loving boy, through the dramatic, vivid of his work and sympathizes William Thompson Hanzsche. 194 stories of a former missionary, pp. $1.25. The Westminister with his faith and purpose, ha~ Press, Philadelphia. 1938. here tried to interpret the becomes enthusiastic in the "Meaning of Moody." He suc- Ministers, members of Prescause. When Dannie was kept ceeds in giving us many interat home by illness and could not esting glimpses of the man and byterian churches and other stu- attend the big Missionary Ex- some idea of the secret of his dents of religion will doubtless hibition, "Uncle Arthur" made power, but they are only frag- agree with Professor Gaius up for his disappointment by mentary glimpses and ideas. Jackson Slosser of Western telling him thrilling stories of Most of the biographical ma- Theological Seminary, that this Red Tiger, the converted robber terial given here deals with Mr. "is a distinct contribution to of India. He suggested ways Moody's early years, before he historical literature." In brief by which even a small boy could gave all his time to evangelistic compass it gives the main facts earn money to help send the work-in other words to the first regarding the founding and de- Gospel to people whose religious half of his life. velopment of Presbyterianism in beliefs often caused them to Mr. Wilson clearly points out treat even little children cruelly. that D. L. Moody's one aim was the United States, with some ac- count of home missions, but A treasured "Alabaster Box," only a short reference to the brought from India by Uncle Arthur, was chosen by enthusi- to exalt Christ and to win men extensive foreign missionary astic Dannie to hold their gifts to Him – not to himself. He w 0 r k 0 f the Presbyterian says: "I am one who doubts that Moody will ever pass out of the Church. The author, who is a and Dannie enlists his sister, pastor in Trenton, N. J., and a Charlotte, and many 0 the r friends in the good work. His picture. I doubt it because former edito,r of The Presbyenthusiasm, coupled with his Moody was never in any picture terian Magazine, has written in love of mischief, gets him into some pretty serious situations, that did not include the Cross of a fine irenic spirit, declaring and invites frequent correction. Christ. It is not Moody's par- The children are so bluntly that, while "we need to hold to truthful, that they often cause ticular job that explains his great amusement. meaning. It is the fact that he our standards in a world which became big enough for whatever job might be ahead of him. 'God apparently has no standards at is able,' he would say. Love will all, we need to be sympathetic find a way; and this means that to the viewpoint of other Chris- tians." A. J. B.
The small boy seems almost a man filled with the love of God Youth in the Toils. By L. V. Hartoo well informed, and too well becomes the capable man that rison and P. McN. Grant. 167 pp. acquainted with books, for a the world needs." $1.50. Macmillan, New York. 1938. child of seven but the story is bright, interesting and dramatic. Johanna of Nigeria. By Henry Beets. This study has two objectives: 8vo. 228 pp. Grand Rapids Print- to state a very real social proband should help any child or ing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. 1937. lem of every large city, and to a d u I t to become missionary stir public sentiment to the point This is the life story of a of dealing with it. Mr. Harrison Ir.inded. L. W. P. Dutch Mary Slessor. Johanna is an outstanding criminologist The Meaning of Moody. By P. Whit- Veenstra was born in Paterson, and Mr. Grant has devoted his well Wilson. Illustrated. 12mo. N. J., of sturdy Dutch parent- life to boy probleIru3. The book 151 pp. $1.50. Fleming H. Revell age and at the age of sixteen includes actual stories of delin- Co., New York. 1938. worked in the Gospel Mission quent boys, some told in their One of the evidences of the conducted by Peter Starn. One own language, showing what greatness of D. L. Moody is the day at a Training Institute she made them delinquent. These fact that no biographer, and no heard Dr. Karl Kumm explain "case studies" indicate how difnumber of biographers do justice his idea of a chain of. Christian ferent handling might have to his life and work or fully por- missions across Africa asa bul- made good citizens, in place of tray him. We have "Lives" by wark to stem the tide of Islam. criminals. It is a timely book his two sons and his son-in-law, The Sudan United Mis s ion for this present day. H. H. F.
Book. Chiang Kai-Shek: Soldier and States- Foreign Missions Conference
man. Hollington K. Tong. 2 vola. North America. Report of Forty- 322 and 359 pp. Each vol. 158. fifth Annual Meetin(r. 188. pp. Missionary Arrives in Brazil A. T. Hum & Blackett, London. $1.35. Foreign MiSSIOns CoBler- Bentley Duncan. Svo. 192 pp. ence, New York. 28. 8d. Pickering & Inglis, London. Strong Man of China: Storr of Chiang Kai-Shek. 288 pp. ,3.00. W orId's Need of Religion, The. Pr0- New Testament, The. John Wesley's Houghton Mimin, New York. ceedings of World Congresa of Translation. Introduction by George Faiths, Oxford, 1937. 189 pp. 68. C. Cell 891 ])p. John C. Winston Christian Missions in Mid-India. J. Nicholson & Watson, London. Co., Phi1adelplUa. W. Pickett. 111 pp. 12aB. Jub- bulpore Mission Press. Educational Missions at Work. Ed- Forward Through the Ages. Jesse R. ited by H. P. Thompson. DIu. 128 Wilson. 189 pp~ $1.00. Judson Niger Ibos. G. T. Basden. Map. Il- pp. lB. 6d. S. P. G., London. Press, Philadelphia. Ius. 448 pp. 2lB. Seeley, Service, London. Buddhist Sects of Japan. E. Steinil- E,!aqelize or Fossilize. Herbert her-Oberlin and Kuni Matsuo. Lockyer. 92 pp. Bible Institute, Gambia: Country, People and Translated from the French. 308 Chicago. Church. John Laughton. DIus. 38 pp. 108.6d. Allen & Unwin, Lon- Seeing London With My Young pp. 6et. S. P. G., London. don. Friend&. C. A. Puncker. 144 pp. Drama of Madagascar, The. Sonia F. 28. Pickeding & Inglis, London. Howe. 359 pp. 158. Methuen, Christianity Explained to Muslims. L. Bevan Jones. 225 ])3). Rs 8. Roman Catholicism and F.reedom. London. Y. M. C. A. Publishing House, Cal- Cecil J. Cadoux. 207 pp. 58. In- cutta. dependent Press, London. Interpretative Statistical Survey of the World Mission of Christianity. An Open Letter to J ewa and Chris- Church Can Save the World, The. Edited by Joseph I. Parker. 331 tians. John Cournos. 188 pp. Samuel M. Shoemaker. 162 pp. pp. $5.00. International Mssion- $2.00. Oxford University Press, $1.60. Harper Bros., New York. ary Council, New York. New York.
Century of Mission Work in Basuto- Directory of World MiNions. Ed- Some ASl!ects of Religious Liberty land. V. Ellenbe}"ger. 882 pp. ited by Joeeph I. Parker. 382 pp. of Nationals in the Near East. Sesuto Book Dept., Morija, Basuto- $2.00. International Miseionary Compiled by Helen C. M. Davis. 182 land. – Council, New York. pp. ,3.00. Harper Bros., New York.
Children of the Rising Sun. Willard Sir, We Would See Jesus. D. T. Church and the Tribulation, The. Price. 816_ 3)p. $3.00. Reynal & Niles. 128 pp. 28. Student Chris- C. F. Hogg and W. E. Vine. 68 pp. Hitchcock, New York. tian Movement, London. 6d. Pickering & Inglis, London.
Send in Your Order Now for The October-Special India-Number of THE MISSIONARY ~'VlRID Some Leading Articles by Leading Authors with Maps, Chart., Illustrations INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD TODAY ……………… Alexander McLeish WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR INDIA …………………… A Record THE UNTOUCHABLES AND THE GOSPEL ………… Bishop of Domakal • INDIAN RELIGIONS TODAY …………………….. Nicol Macnicol ATTITUDE OF INDIAN STUDENTS TOWARD CHRIST …….. A. Ralla Ram. OUTLOOK FOR CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA ………….. E. Stanley Jones.
INDIAN ASHRAMS AND SADHUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Father Lash • HOME MISSIONS OF THE INDIAN CHURCH ………….. Thomas David CHRISTIAN VILLAGES IN INDIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Z. Hodge OUTSTANDING INDIAN CHRISTIANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. D. Devanandham NOTABLE MISSIONARIES TO INDIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. E. Abraham INDIAN ATTITUDE TOWARD CHRIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. N. Wells • Expected but not yet received.
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Edilor.. SA..,.UEL M. ZWEMER, EDWIN E. CALVERLEY SOME ARTICLES IN THE JULY NUMBER Islam a Sevenfold Problem Samuel M. Zwemer "Some Libraries of _Cairo ,William M. Randall Islam in Sumatra Raymond L. Archer Allah Before Islam F. V. Winnett AI KUmai1: Companion of die Secret Dwi&ht M .. Donaldson 'The Moslem Antagonist Robert S. Darbishire Sins and Their Punishment in ISlam Francis T. Coo'lce Church and State in the Near East • Alfm-d Carleton A Theological Poem ' I. Lowrie Andenon Book Reviews-Current Topics ,f Survey of Periodicals Sue Molleson Foster _ ~ SUBSCRIBE NOW I( II[ '0 Cents a Copy. $2.00 a Year (postpaid) In combination with THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City '3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents.) ',…
British Agents: MARSHALL, MORGAN It SCOTT, 12 Patemoster Buildings, London, E. C. Price in Great Britain, Eight S~gs a Year, net THE LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN, OF BOMBAY By ROBERT E. SPEER 'Ibis is the biography of a very remarkable Christian missionary to India and for twenty years the inBuential and able editor of the Bombay Guardian. Dr. J. Sumner Stone"c;alled him, "The White Yogt..
When George Bowen died i~ 1888 there was call for a worthy biography but its preparation was delayed. Later all the biographical material-including his diaries, letters, reminiscences, and the books and pamphlets of which he was author-was turned over to Dr. Speer. This material has now been put into shape for publication and the result is a frank and stimulating picture of the man,-his experiences, unique character, forceful views and methods of work. Here is a life story that is of absorbing interest and will richly reward the thoughtful reader. The book is now ready for delivery.
CONTENTS I. Family of George Bowen. XI. ADecisive Year, 1849. II. Boyhood and Youth. XII. From 1850 to 1855. III. Three Years Abroad. XIII. Ten Years' of Independent Work. Life in New York, 1840-1844. XIV. The Bombay Guaraian. IV. Illumination of a Hopeless Love. XV. Relations with the American Board. V. Conversion to Christianity. XVI. Association with the Methodist Church. VI. At Union Theological Seminary. XVII. Bowen as a Writer. VII. XVIII; Correspondence with Henry W. Rankin. VIII. His Missionary Appointment. Cosing Testimony. IX. The Voyage to Incha, 1847. XIX. X. Beginning Missionary Work.
This latest work. by Dr. Speer may be ordered at $2.50 per copy from THE MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY- 186 Fifth Avenue. New York
The Missionary Review of the World — July 1938
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Religion in Turkey Today Charles T. Riggs A Visit to Dutch New Guinea J. A. Jaf/ray The Church Challenges the City Dwight J. Bradley The Power of a Woman's Faith George W. Hinman What a Down..Town Church Can Do , Frederick B. Fisher Looking to the City of Tomorrow .Charles H. Sears Shall We Discontinue Institutional Work? G. Baez Camargo 2S Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
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CLAIMED DAILY DE- THE UPPER ROOM Jti1rll to IS-Bethesda, Ohio, School Upptr contains meditations. of Missions. Mrs. John Seward, VOTIONAL CUIDE – Scripture selections and ,902 North 6th Street, Cambridge, Now Used by a Million Room suggested prayers for Ohio. People in English- and each day. Spanish – Speaking July July 11 to 19-Nprthfield Missionary Countries. Every Chris- EL APOSENTO ALTO, Conference, Notthfield, Mass. Mrs. tian desiring to have a August the Spanish edition, Gula Plummer, 330 West Emerson, family altar or some September shipped to a" Spanish- Melrose, Mass. other form of daily speaking countries on devotions lin the home Cbe exactly same price July 18 to 24-Mountain Lake Park, should have a copy of schedule as the English Mel. Interdenominational Summer THE UPPER ROOM- Upptr edition. School of Missions. Mrs. B. H. buy from the pastor of Sincell, Oakland, Md. your Church or order Room Order from direct THE UPPER ROOM July 12 to August 17'-:";Winona Lake Doctors' Bldg. School of Theology, Winona Lake, Nashville, Tenn. Indiana. Assembly. He will remain in this AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT August 21 to 27":""Chautauqua, N. Y., country for about a year, speaking By an oversight, two charts used in Institute of WorId Missions. Miss the June REVIEW, pages 265 and 291, Louise B. Woodford, 930 23d • • • in various parts of the United States. were not credited to the book, "The Avenue, North, St. Petersburg, Fla. Dr. Stephen J. Corey has resigned American City and Its Church," by from the presidency of the United Dr. Kincheloe, published by the Mis- August 23 to 29-World Conference Christian Missionary Society to be- sionary EducatIon Movement. There on International Friendship Through come President of the College of the were also two quotations on pages 286 the Churches, Larvik, Norway. Bible at Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. and 294 from the book by Dr. Robert Corey has given thirty-three years of Searle, "City Shadows," also published September 11 to 16 – International his life to the cause of world missions. by the Missionary Education Move- Convention of the Disciples of ment. We gratefully acknowledge Christ, Denver, Colo. Dr. Frederick• Sc•ov*el, Presbyterian these sources.
September 19 to 30 (tentative)- missionary at Tsining, Shantung Obituary Notes School of Missions. Mrs. Mitchell Province, China, was seriously Langdon, Tex. wounded by a Japanese soldier the Rev. Roger C. Cumberland, an first week in June. Dr. Scovel was American Presbyterian missionary to September 21 to 28-General Council, attempting to protect the nurses in Iraq for the past fifteen years, was United Church of Canada, Toronto, the mission hospital when one of the fatally shot by a Kurd at Dohuk, Canada. soldiers shot him in the side. It is forty miles from Mosul, on June 12th. reported that he has an excellent The Kurd escaped to the desert. No September 26 to 30-Southern Cali- chance of recovery. reason for the attack is known. Mr. fornia (Los Angeles) School of Cumberland was born in Verne, Cali- Mission Study. Mrs. H. M. Horn, *•• fornia, forty-three years ago, and be- 1811 Huntington Drive, South Pasa- gan his missionary service in East dena, Cal. Dr. Enrique C. Sobrepena of Ma- Persia in 1923, going soon afterward nila has been unanimously elected as to Mosul, Iraq, and then to Dohuk. October 4 to S-Warren, Ohio, School Executive Secretary of the Philip- He made long trips to the villages of of Missions. Mrs. George Konold, pin e Federation of Evangelical tribesmen, living with the people and 314 Scott Street, N. E., Warren, Churches, an interdenominational or- establishing Christian centers among Ohio. ganization representing the whole them. He is survived by his wife, Protestant movement in the Philip- Mrs. Harriet Gunn Cumberland, who October 5 to 12 – United Lutheran pines. He succeeds Dr. Higdon who went to the field in 1928. Church in America, Biennial Con- remains in America for a time, after vention, Baltimore, Md. which he hopes to return to Manila Rev. Edwin F. Frease, D.D., a to engage in interdenominational Methodist missionary in India and October 14 to 20 – American Lu- North Africa for 44 years, died in theran Church, Biennial Convention, Canton, Ohio, April 22. Dr. Frease Sandusky, Ohio. went to Bombay In 1888, and one year later was transferred to Baroda, October 20-Baltimore, Md., Institute where for 20 years he was pastor, for Church Women. Mrs. Bruce H. Superintendent of Gujarat District McDonald, 515 West Fayette St., and editor of a Christian publication. Baltimore, Md. He also translated the catechism and other Christian books into the native Personal Items language. In 1910, he was chosen to t3ke up a new work among the Mo- Dr. Sam Higginbottom, of Alla- hammedans of North Africa with his habad, India, arrived in America in time for the Presbyterian General (Concluded on page 821.) work. ••• Rev. Lewis Seymour Mudge, D.D., LL.D., after 17 years of faithful serv- ice as the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., has been honorably retired at the age of 70. Dr. Mudge has ren- dered a remarkable service, to the whole Church and to the Cause of Christ by the faithful and efficient way in which he has carried his heavy resllOnsibilities. Temporarily, he is acting as General Secretary of the Board of Christian Education for the Church, filling the place of Dr. Harold McAfee Robinson, who has been or- dered to take a rest on account of ill health.
MISSIONARY -~;, PARENTS
REVIEW OF THE WORL~ In the Foreign Mission Field O.,LAVAN L. PIERBON, Kd,tor , Endorse Calvert School ." :'l-Iome Study Courses VOL. LXI JULY-MJG.,1938 Nos. 7-8' for Children Publication and Business omce– Calvert School, through its Home Instruc- Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. tion Department, will give your child a Editorial and Executive omce– 156 Filth Avenue, New York City. superior elementary education ••• by mail, Entered as second-class matter at regardless of where you may live. Mod- Post 01llce, Harrisburg, Pa., UDder Act of March 3, 1879. ern, approved courses from this famous school are being used by parents all over 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. I"orelgn Postage, 50 cents a year. the world with outstanding success. Published monthly, except August. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. Give your children the advantages of these Brill.h agents – Marshall, Morgan and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, interesting lessons, carefully chosen books, London, E. C. 1 shllling per copy, and attractive materials. Instruction is 10 Bhlllings a year. under the personal guidance of teachers in MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- LISHING CO., INC, Calvert's prominent and successful private BOARD OF DIRECTORS day school in Baltimore: ROUEUT E. SPEER, J'resident t Write today for booklet of complete in- A. L. WARNBHUlB, Vice-Pres>dent W ALTIl:R McDOUGALL, 7'reasurer formation. Costs are low. DFlLAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary PAUL J. BRAlBTEO CALVERT SCHOOL 180W. Tuscany Road SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Baltimor. + Maryland D. J. FANT MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD Obituary Notes The great white Empresses hold WM. B. LIPPHARO every speed record to and from ERle M. NORTH (Concluded from 2d c01Jer.) the Orient. 10 days direct to Yokohama by Empress of Asia SAMUEL M. ZWEMmB headquarters in Algiers, where he or Empress of Russia. Or only served until he retired in 1932. three days more via Hawaii by Editorial Chat Empress of Japan, largest and *** fastest on the Pacific, or Empress The July and August numbers of of Canada. Connect at Honolulu the REVIEW are combined into one. Dr. Maria White, who went to from California ports. The next issue will be September, and Sialkot, India, as a United Presbywill come from the press about August terian medical missionary in 1886, From Vancouver and Victoria 25th. It is to contain some very in- died in Wilkinsburg, Penna., March to Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, teresting and valuable articles on the 20, at the age of 84. She was the Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila. Madras Conference Topics; others on first woman doctor to serve in the Details from YOUR TRAVEL the City, Brazil, Tibet. Africa and Punjab and after repeated efforts AGENT or Canadian Pacifio: "How to Interest Students in Mis- secured enough money to build the 41 offices in U. S. and Canada. sions." Miss Grace McGavran will Sialkot Memorial Hospital. She also begin her contributions on Best Meth- established a clinic at Pasrur and in ods for Promoting Missionary Interest 1910 built a small hospital there with at Home. Do not miss this number her own funds which she named the because you are absent from home. White Memorial Hospital in memory Write to give any change of address. of her parents.
*** *** Here are some recent comments't to John Elijah Case, father of Brayindicate why you and your friends ton C. Case of the American Baptist will find the REVIEW of interest atld Agricultural School in Burma, died February 8 at the age of 81. John and value: "I am an interested reader of E. Case went to Burma in 1882. Due to the shortage of missionaries he the REVIEW. I both enjoy it would not take any furlough and profit by it. You are rendering incal- stayed continuously on the field until culable service to the cause of the 1901. He then came back to America, Master's Kingdom in the world. God broken in health, and did not return. bless you!" *** BISHOP J. R. CHITAMBAR. Jubbulpore, India. Mr. Albert G. Adams, honorably retired Presbyterian missionary to *** West Africa, died on May 27th in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1902, Mr. Adams "I have been a reader of your val- heard that a mission treasurer was ued journal for a number of years, needed in the West Africa Mission and have long admired its fine com- and applied for the position. The bination of evangelical loyalty and position entailed an immense amount breadth of vision," of work in handling shipments, keep- ing accounts and dealing with all the NORMAN S. MCPHERSON, intricate problems involved in con- Vice-President, Association of nection with French Customs. In 1935, after he had served for thirty- Baptists for Evangelization' three years, the French Government in the Orient. recognized the high quality of his work by awarding him the "Order of "I think that*thi*s (*REVIEW) is one the Black Star of Benin," the highest government honor given in Africa. of the finest publications that I know. It has been a great challenge to me, [ 321 ] and I hope to acquaint others with it."
(MISS) LILA MAE CHAPMAN.
305 Adams St., Macon, Ga.
BOYS AND GIRLS'-GIVING CHILDREN A CHANCE TO GO TO THE
REBUILDING MEN-GLIMPSES OF WORK IN GOOD WILL INDUSTRIES MISSION, CINCINNATI, OHIO (see article by Richard Scully-page 335)
NARY
REVIE ORLD AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS VOLUME LXI JULY-AUGUST, 1938 NUMBERS 7 AND 8 #'fI'
Topics of the Times WHAT DO WE SEE IN THE WORLD? by the need of the Athenians for a knowledge of the true God and for the life offered through The earth is made up of material things, of Jesus Christ. animals and people. History is a series of events, discoveries, disasters, conflicts, human problems What we see indicates what we are and what and heroic deeds. What do we see when we look are our chief interests. These determine our amat the world of matter and of time? bition and plan of action. What Japan sees in China and the Chinese is vastly different from In an automobile men see different things ac- what the Christian missionary sees-and these j:!ording to their interests, experience, viewpoint. They see a beautiful piece of mechanism or a pile different viewpoints lead to opposite courses of of junk; a wonderful invention or a mystery; a possible joy-ride or a vehicle for business; an action and opposite results. . expense or a means of profit; a family asset or an engine of destruction. The summer is here, with its opportunities for What do you see in a sunset-a "weather work and play, for travail or travel, for self inbreeder," a mass of clouds and sunlight, a wonder- dulgence or for service. Where and how will we ful picture or an evidence of the glory of God, the Creator? and our families spend the summer if we have an opportunity for choice? There are factories and There is a similar variety and contrast in the offices for constant toil; there are summer reway men and women look at the heavens on a ~orts where the world, the flesh and the devil clear night, on a school, a church, on the Bible, hold sway; there are camps and summer conferor on money. In a baby some see a cute play- ences that offer opportunities for Christian felthing, others a nuisance, an adorable bit of hu- lowship, wholesome recreation and spiritual manity, a son and heir, ransom money, the mak- growth. Which will we choose? ing of a possible criminal or a future servant of God and benefactor of mankind. How differently, The Christ-centered and Christ-controlled life too, men look at a cross! has a different viewpoint from that of any other life; and the results are different here and will When the hosts of Syria came against Israel be through all eternity.
"The things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal."
and besieged the city of Dothan, Elisha's servant NEW STEPS IN JAPANESE SHRINE saw only horses and chariots and an enemy's WORSHIP army; but when his eyes were opened he saw horses and chariots of fire-the encircling hosts It seems self-evident to many Christians that of God assuring victory. the act of obeisance at the Japanese State shrines In a multitude of people did Jesus see only a transgresses the implications of monotheism and mob or possible commercial asset? No, He saw violates the explicit requirements of God as found hungry, straying "sheep without a shepherd"; in the first and second commandments. This is He saw men and women whom He had come to so fully borne out by a careful study of State save. At Athens, the apostle Paul was not im- Shinto, that it comes as a distinct shock to find pressed most by the wisdom of the Greeks or by some Christians willing to bow at these shrines.
the beauty and expense of the Parthenon, but to direct students under their care to attend and [323 ]
bow, and to influence Christian leaders to ac- necessary for such arrests, and no trials are quiesce. Imperfect apprehension' of the moral held, but these people are told that if they will implications may explain this tragic anomaly. do obeisance all else will be forgiven.
In the ancient and modern conflict between At meetings of Christian organizations the de- Christ and "Cresar," the issue eventually becomes mand is made that they adopt resolutions favorclear. The significance of the attitude of mind ing obeisance. When one Presbytery met, the which the Japanese Government desires to de- town was filled with soldiers and Christian leadvelop in every subject of the Empire is becoming ers were told that the town was under martial evident-namely the entire subservience to the law, that failure to obey -orders meant death Japanese State and the worship of "spirits" other and that resolutions "must" be passed approving than Jehovah. Recent events in Korea are mak- obeisance at the shrines, even by the Presbytery ing it clear that the ultimate question that Chris- itself. Such pastors and elders as were suspected tians and churches are facing there is that of of opposition 'tvere detained at the police station, monotheism or polytheism. while weaker brethren were' persuaded to pro- pose such resolutions. The small affirmative vote Weare convinced that if Christians yield to was heralded as the action of that Presbytery! Government requirements that students attend When the men detained at the police station were and do obeisance at Shinto shrines, later demands released and wished to rescind the resolution, will lead to further acquiescence in Shinto wor- the police declared that such action would not be ship. Two missionary teachers who attended the tolerated. shrine were soon ordered to make offerings at the shrines. No official, whatever he might say about Some Christian congregations are also being the act of obeisance, can deny that the offering coerced, as in one province where the Governor of sacrifices to "spirits" is a religious act. When ordered the churches each time they met to go in missionaries have declined to make such offer- a body to the Shinto shrine and do obeisance. If ings, their educational qualifications have been there was no shrine in the village the church rescinded. was ordered to erect one on its own property. In this province, an oath of allegiance to Japan must When a Christian School Board declared that be repeated in unison by those in the church; it would do all that the Government required, the the Japanese calendar must also be substituted missionary principal (who had done obeisance) for the Christian calendar. Such "regulations" demurred, but the Board members told him there corroborate the conviction that the Government was no difference between obeisance and meet- intends to force "obeisance" upon the whole popuing other requirements. In connection with the lation. A year ago, in another province, it was war in China the orders of the Government show announced that a Shinto shrine would be erected what is at the core of State Shinto worship. On in every village, and each household would be September 21, 1937, the Japanese army invading ordered to contribute toward the cost. When China was halted and prayers for victory were Christians objected, "pressure" was exerted to offered to Amaterasu-Omi-kami (the Goddess of compel contributions. Heaven). On February 11, 1938, the whole Empire was ordered to go to the shrines and pray The issue is being drawn more and more defor victory. Christians, formerly excused, are no finitely and more and more clearly it is seen that longer permitted to absent themselves. The police the issue is actually:-"Will the Christian Church in Chosen hIve volunteered the information that do obeisance at Shinto' shrines to 'spirits' other they are driven by the military, "who look upon than Jehovah?" Amaterasu-Omi-kami as their god," to compel the Christian schools to do obeisance. A missionary says, "We are tryipg to live up to our Lord's words in Matthew 22: 21. … There Coercion, in various forms, is being used to is no danger of God's demanding the things that make it appear that "right-minded Christians" belong to Cresar, but it is a historic fact that have no difficulty in doing obeisance. All Chris- Cresar has often demanded the things that belong tian gatherings have long been under police sur- to God. . . . We do not pretend that conditions veillance, with special severity in the case of those here are as severe as those in the first three Christian bodies which have shown scruples about centuries (under Rome) ·but the differences are doing obeisance. All over the country people are rather of degree than of kind." being urged to purchase "Kami-dan" (I!'od shelves) and small replicas of the shrines, and to Christians need to awaken to the facts in reinstall them in their homes. Once installed, these gard to this struggle between Christ and the must be treated with special reverence. Japanese Cresar, and to aid in the effort to keep Christian schools and the Christian Church from Christian leaders in Korea who will not do entering the road which is likely to end in aposobeisance are being imprisoned. No warrant is tasy. To many a Japanese subject, the demand
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
"Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" is a terian Church U. S. A., on the other hand, was terrible reality. the first ecclesiastical body to vote to approve cooperation with this proposed "World Council THE UTRECHT CONFERENCE-"THAT ALL of Churches." MAY BE ONE" Those who become members of this fellowship Last summer's interchurch conferences, at Ox- will appoint members of the Assembly of 450 ford and Edinburgh, were followed by a special members, which will include lay and clerical, men delegated conference at Utrecht, Holland, May and women. There will also be a Central Com- 9th to 12th, called to plan for a proposed World mittee of which Dr. Visser t'Hooft of Holland Council of Churches. This Conference was pre- and Dr. Henry Smith Leiper of New York were sided over by Dr. William Temple, Archbishop of elected secretaries. York, and was attended by about fifty-six delegates and twenty-five other representatives from At the Stockholm Conference in 1925 the twenty-one countries. Many denominations were slogan was "Doctrine divides; service unites," cooperating, including the Old Catholic and Greek but at Utrecht the conviction was that there must Orthodox churches. Among the delegates were be a solid foundation in a Christian faith that Dr. Francis C. M. Wei of China, Mr. Thomas unites. The doctrinal basis, unanimously adopted David of India, Dr. John R. Mott and Dr. A. L. for submission to the various churches, had as its Warnshuis of the International Missionary Coun- main point "the acceptance of our Lord Jesus cil; Dr. Kenneth S. Latourette, of Yale; Dr. S. M. Christ as God and Saviour." Representatives of Cavert of the Federal Council of Churches of some groups-such as the Unitarians and Czecho- Christ in America, Dr. Adolf Keller of Switzer- Slovakian Church-objected to this basis, but land, Dr. J. H. Oldham, Wil1iam Paton and the without avail. Archbishop of York, of Great Britian. The proposed World Council of Churches will The Conference unanimously adopted a form not attempt to judge orthodoxy or to exercise of constitution, recommended for the World authority over the constituent churches. It will Council of Churches, which will be submitted to be consultative and cooperative, not legislative. the various constituent bodies for their criticism or approval. A provisional Committee was appointed to carry forward the work of the Conference, with Reporting on the Utrecht Conference, Dr. La- the following members from the United States: tourette says, "In our day, as in no other, tbe Dr. J. Ross Stevenson, Dr. John R. Mott, Bishop Christians of the world are beginning to come to- George Craig Stewart, Dr. A. R. Wentz, Dr. Samgether and to find in their common Lord a bond uel M~ Cavert and Mr. Charles P. Taft. which is stronger than the rising divisions of Whatever may be the differences in opinion as to the feasibility of such a World Council of international jealousy and hatred. Growing Churches, or the methods and characteristics that should mark such a Council, there can be only Christian fellowship in a divided world cannot sympathy and admiration for those followers of but give to thoughtful souls convincing evidence Christ who seek to fulfil His prayer "that they all that in the Church of Christ is a superhuman may be one, even as thou, Father, art in me ann T power that makes for love and trust." in thee, that they also may be in us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me." AJl While practically all truly Christian churches disciples of Christ are called to form a united believe in promoting unity of spirit and harmony in operation among all followers of Christ, there stand against paganism, atheism and materialism, against sin and selfishness and to promote a are strong differences of opinion as to how these united faith in Christ with a growth in loyalty, objectives may best be brought to pass without love, cooperation and sacrificial service. compromise in matters that are considered essentials. The United Free Church of Scotland, for example, considered the subject at its recent As Dr. A. L. Warnshius says: "The mission- General Assembly and proposes to withdraw from ary significance of the proposed Council consists the ecumenical movement on the ground that their in the recognition of the world-wide character of affiliation would "endanger the whole position of the Christian Church. A .primary purpose of its religious freedom, religious equality and volun- organization is to make visible the essential unitv taryism for which the United Free Church has of the churches throughout the world that are i~ contended and suffered." "State Churchism vs. agreement with the doctrinal basis stated above.
Free Churchism," the historic Episcopate, and co- The possibility of now organizing a wor1d-wide operation with some church bodies that are con- Council of Churches is accepted as a demonf1trl'l- sidered "non-evangelical" are among the dangers tion of the results of the missionary service of the to which objection is made. Church. "Ecumenical" means the "inhabited The recent General Assembly of the Presby- world," and that includes more than North
America and Europe. Christian missions have from India, Dr. Stanley Smith from China and now made it possible to speak of an 'Ecumenical the veteran Secretary Robert Speer picture the Church.' The form of organization of the pro- world's need and the proved sufficiency of Jesus posed Council is based upon the experience of the Christ to meet it; and finally, on the last great day International Missionary Council. of the feast, the presentation of the Report of the Assembly's Standing Committee on Foreign Mis- "The missionary work of Christ is not finished, sions, with its courageous, forward-looking resobut only well begun, and it will necessarily be lutions – all this constituted a program not one of the primary responsibilities of the Council, likely to be forgotten by Commissioners or when organized, to cooperate in the advancement visitors. It renewed assurance of the fulfilment of missionary endeavor everywhere, so as to of the promise of the retiring moderator's constrengthen and extend the churches in every part fident sermon, HI will build my Church." Dr. of the world. The realization of the missionary Foulkes calle~he Church, with impassioned apresponsibility of the Council in its service is es- peal, to believing prayer and consecrated effort, sential to the achievement of its purpose; other- both in behalf of suffering China and sinning wise it will become merely an academic debating Japan, and for all mission lands, where, though society. Missions are no mere department of the the harvest is great and the laborers few, yet the life of the Church, to be remembered only by a Lord of the harvest is wonderfully blessing both minority of its members. The whole life of the the sowing of the seed and the garnering of the whole Church must be directed to the fulfillment sheaves. of its world-wide evangelistic mission." The fact that this Assembly was entirely free MISSIONS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY from the doctrinal and judicial contentions, which have disturbed and saddened many recent As- It seems hardly possible that any future meet- semblies, and that many enc()uragements were in ing of the Presbyterian General Assembly, at evidence that seem to point toward an early releast for fifty years to come, should surpass in union of all branches of the Presbyterian order missionary signficance the Sesqui-centennial As- and the ultimate fulfilment of our Saviour's sembly, with its two days of pre-assembly con- prayer "that they all may be one," contributed ferences, which convened from May 24th to June greatly to the missionary inspiration of this As- 1st in Philadelphia's Municipal Convention Hall. sembly. Great encouragement was derived also Even the distinctively Foreign Mission Centennial from the fact that, in spite of the current financial Assembly of last year can scarcely be compared recession and the disturbed state of the world, with it. Everything seemed to combine to make the Board of Foreign Missi()ns has received more it a record Assembly. More than 150 of the than $500,000 toward its special Centennial Fund Church's missionaries were present; the Board of a million dollars for the reinforcement of a de- Exhibits were most appropriate and attractive; pleted missionary force and the restoration of the arrangement and atmosphere of the great missionary salaries. The group of consecrated "Hall ()f Fellowship," beneath the huge Conven- women present, who had just come from a week of tion Hall, left nothing to be desired for the meet- soul-stirring conference at Buck Hill Falls, were ing of old friends and the making of new, within enthusiastically, if not enviously, applauded 011 and with()ut the missionary group itself; the in- their report that, instead of raising a mere half spiring foreign mission gathering after the Evan- of their Centennial allotment, they had raised gelism Conferences, followed by the delightful every dollar of it. The Presbyterian Board, fellowship dinner the next day; the world-wide though made tragically short-handed by many Communion service of more than 6,000 after the recent retirements from its executive staff, yet Moderator's sermon; the Women's Reception to rejoices in the finding of able and devoted sucmissionaries; the Stewardship Breakfast and the cessors for some of the veterans, and is devoting Men's, Women's and Young People's Fellowship its energies to the development of new plans for Dinners for 6,000; preaching by scores of mis- increasing its official and field efficiency, and for sionaries through all that region, in churches of calling the finest new recruits to the colors. The many denominations; the Vesper Prayer Con- new Century of the Church's Foreign Missions ference led by Dr. Cleland McAfee, with reports opens with a cheer.* COURTENAY H. FENN. from all the mission fields and intimate intercession: the gathering of many thousands in the • The Rev. Charles W. Welch, D.D., of L()uisville. Kentucky, was Great Hall, the platform crowded with mission- elected moderator to succeed Dr. William Hiram Foulkes of Newark; aries and Board officers, to hear Mrs. Carruthers and Dr. William Barrow Pugh of Chester, Pennsylvania, was elected Stated Clerk for a five year term to S1Icceed Dr. Lewis Mudge, who is honorably retired at seventy years ()f age.
in Turkey
By the REV. CHARLES T. RIGGS, Istanbul, Turkey For forty years a missionary of the American Board THERE appears to be prevalent an impression his capacity as Sultan. One illustration of the that Turkey has thrown off her Mohammed- power of the Moslem religion over the Ottoman anism and is trying to go along without any State. was in the fact that the Sheikh-ul-Islam, religion. To understand what has happened, we who was the highest authority in the Moslem relimust first distinguish between official and per- gious courts-the Chief Justice, so to speak, of the sonal attitudes. Officially, the United States might Mohammedan Supreme Court – was the only be said to have no religion, since Church and State power legally entitled to pronounce a decree deare entirely separate. But that would be mis- posing the Sultan. Now, in these Republican days, leading. Officially, Turkey has pronounced herself when the dominance of the old Sultans is held to to be entirely secular; but religion is ingrained have been the cause of the many disasters to in the life and thought of her people, as it always Turkey, this union of religion with the highest has been. secular authority is regarded as a calamity. Steps have therefore been taken to abolish the power There is no such anti-God movement in Turkey of the Moslem clergy for the purpose of preventas exists in the United States of Soviet Russia. ing any return to the old absolutism and tyranny There is in Turkey no organized attempt to eradi- such as existed in the days of the Sultans. cate religious faith and sentiment; any such at- tempt would be rigorously opposed even by the Unfortunately, in the process, much of the secular Government. Nor has there been any at- ethical influence of the clergy has also gone. The tempt to get rid of the mosques, or even of Chris- abolition of the old mosque schools for children thin churches or Jewish synagogues. Religious and the more recent abolition of the medresse, or worship goes on in hundreds of churches and in theological schools, the reduction of financial aid thousands of mosques, without hindrance. It is from the State to mosques, the forbidding of the true that many old mosque buildings, long prac- use of clerical dress on the streets, the abolition tically disused for lack of adjacent Moslem pop- of all civil compulsion in the observance of Ramulation, have been condemned and torn down. It azan (the annual month of fasting) and finally is also true that churches have either been torn the suppression of the early morning "call to down or diverted to other uses, where the Chris- prayer" on the ground that it woke many people tian population has disappeared. But these facts up who did not wish to pray at that time-all are not proof of anti-religious feeling. While the these and other new regulations have given the Turkish State is absolutely separated from reli- religious leaders an inferiority complex. They gion, the Government has taken over the manage- feel that their authority is gone, and the average ment of the mosque properties, and repairs or man no longer looks up to them as the models in renovations are made by order of the Government all things ethical as well as religious. which also sees to the payment of the clergy. As One of the most ominous results of modern reg- to the Christian churches, the Government is try- ulations is, that in the secularization of all schools ing to regularize the affairs of each and to prevent and in the suppression of mosque schools, chila misuse of church funds by appointing some one dren no longer have any religious training aside for each church who shall be directly responsible from what they may receive in their own homes to the Government for the correct use of its funds; from their parents. Since the reading of the this person is to be one designated by the church Koran in mosques is still in the Arabic language, itself. and since no school lower than the University is To understand the situation in Turkey today, allowed to teach Arabic, children no longer com- mit the Koran to memory or learn its precepts. one must remember the centuries during which And with the suppression of the theological semthe religious and secular powers were united; when the Sultan was also the Caliph, and was inaries, one wonders just where Turkey will obmore powerful as Caliph than as Sultan, his reli- tain religious leaders of the future; certainly they gious dominance was paramount. In those days, will not have the preparation they formerly rethe Moslem clergy had a strangle hold on things ceived. There is a course in Moslem theology ofsecular, through their influence with the Caliph in fered in the University, but at last accounts there [327 ]
were no students who had enrolled in that course! pupils are all of Christian families. The Arme- The larger mosques, and to a certain extent the nian day-schools have thus kept on with their smaller ones, are still frequented by worshipers, religious lessons; and one of the Mission schools especially during the fast-month of Ramazan. In in Istanbul has its Sunday services in a separate some places, owing to the substitution of Sunday building; these are attended by Armenian girls for Friday as the weekly holiday, one finds more only. As for leadership – priests, pastors and people attending the mosque at the noon prayer ministers of Christian churches of all denomina- on Sunday than on Friday. Yet in most mosques, tions are on the same footing with the Govern- Friday is still the great day and often there will ment as are the imams of mosques.
be many hundreds in each of the larger mosques Further, the publication and circulation of of Istanbul for the noon prayer on that day. Christian literature is not forbidden in Turkey, Popular interest in religion in Turkey is notice- and many Christian books have been on sale for able in another and more unusual way -=In the a long time:….' Strangely enough, and without sales of the Christian Scriptures through the apparent reason, after a Turkish translation of Bible Society colporteurs. Those parts of the new Fosdick's "The Manhood of the Master" had translation that have been issued in the new alpha- appeared, all copies were confiscated by the Gov- bet have met with a good sale; and many Turks ernment, and the publishers were told it was "un- are reading the New Testament to find out what desirable." But this prohibition was not on the this Protestant Christian religion is. The Bible ground of its being a religious book. The Gov- Societies have opened a new store on the main ernment pUblication office itself has in recent years street of one of the great business quarters in issued translations of European biographies of Istanbul, with an attractive show-window where Jesus and of Mohammed; and now, within less open Bibles are constantly displayed; and these than a year, it is hoped, the entire Bible, in mod- attract much attention from passers-by. There ern Turkish and in the Latin type now adopted, is, and has been for many years, a weekly sel'vice will be issued from the press. This should meet of worship of one of the Evangelical churches in with a good reception.
the Turkish language; it is a rare Sunday when A comparatively new development along reli- two or three or more Turks are not present-men gious lines is the interest shown in the history of who are professedly Moslems, but who wish to the early introduction of Christianity among learn what Evangelical truth is. Turkish tribes. A book has appeared by a Turk There has been considerable misunderstanding on this theme, showing the extent of the early as to the attitude of the Turkish Government to- prevalence of Christianity in central Asia among ward Christian communities today. These are not Turks; there has also been published a book by being interfered with, except in certain individual the celebrated historian, Dr. Fuad Keuprulu, on cases in cities remote from the centers. There "The History of Religions Among the Turks"
are scattered groups of Gregorian as well as Prot- (192'5), in which he gives considerable space to estant Armenians in many towns in Anatolia, and this matter. A philosophical work by Prof. Hilmi each of these conducts its public worship. In Ziya, of the University of Istanbul, "Turkish Talas, near Cresarea in central Asia Minor, the Philosophical Thought," treats of the same sub- Protestants were told they could go to the church ject. Recently a long article appeared in one of in Cresarea, four miles or more away, but were the Turkish dailies, Cumhuriyet (Dec. 13, 1937), forbidden to continue their worship in Talas. referring to three recent Italian publications on This was decreed by a peculiarly hard-hearted this topic, proving that Christianity existed in governor who has since been removed. In Sivas, the early 13th century, before the days of Marco a little farther east, the Gregorians have likewise Polo. The author of this newspaper article read a been forbidden to gather in their church. But paper at the Historical Congress held at the invi- with rare exceptions, services go on wherever tation of President Ataturk in September last, in there are Christian groups large enough to sus- Istanbul, in which he set out to prove that Chris- tain such. Four Evangelical churches in Istanbul tianity had already penetrated among the Turkish continue their services as usual without hindrance. tribes by the second century after Christ. He is The question of Christian Sunday schools has convinced that the supposed Nestorians, who in- been more difficult, because of the name "school," troduced Christianity into China about the seventh which led the Government to classify them as un- century, were themselves Turks. He cites with authorized schools not under the Department of hearty approval the writings of Dr. Alphonse Public Instruction. Where Sunday schools are Mingana of the John Rylands Library at Man- known as Services of Worship for Children, they chester, England, who takes the same view re- go on unhindered. Another concession of the garding the early introduction of Christianity Government has been in allowing religious in- among the Turks.
struction to be given in day-schools where the Such studies, and the idea that many of the
A VISIT TO DUTCH NEW GUINEA
early Turks, before the days of Mohamm~~,:wer~ .it is certainly true that there is a more open- Christians will undoubtedly help counteract the .. minded attitude among them toward the claims nationalistic opposition to Turks bec9ming Chris- of Christ, especially if this can be dissociated tians today. We rejoice in all such light as can from any political connections with so-called be thrown on the early spread of" Christianity in Christian nations. Nationalism is still rampant Central Asia, as having ,~ direct bearing on the in Turkey and whatever presentation can be made attitude of the descendants .of those same Turks of the Gospel, it must be free fr.om any attempt today. to interfere with this. Thus we may hope for an While one cannot point to any wide-open door increasingly favorable reception of truth as re- among the Turks for the preaching of the Gospel, vealed in Christ.
o Q HaJmahelra /) U ('j THE DUTCH EAST INDIES-SHOWING MR. JAFFRAY"S RECENT JOURNEY TO DUTCH NEW GUINEA A Visit To Dutch New Guinea A Letter from R. A. JAFFRAY, Makassar, Celebes ~- Missionary of the Christian and Missionary Alliance W ITH the exception .of Greenland, New The trip to New Guinea and back to Makas- Guinea is the largest island in the world. sar took me twenty-four days, stopping en route I have recently returned from a visit to at fifteen different places, . three of which are this almost wholly unevangelized territory. Every in New Guinea. A map will show the location new tribe we reach with the Gospel adds a link of the three new fields that we have definite in the chain that will bind Satan for a thousand hope to enter with the glad Message of the years, and hastens his eternal doom. No wonder Gospel. Also in my possession I have a number he tries to hinder. of good pictures of native Papuans, most of which
are not presentable as originally photographed. million American dollars have already been ex- Our Bible School at Makassar is producing able pended at Babo. They evidently have faith for oil! Have we faith for souls from the interior of native Christian workers for the field, and we this great unknown, unworked field? At Babo it want to find new unreached fields in which they was a pleasure to meet Americans-geologists and can do pioneer work. We believe that the Lord aviators, who are working for the joint oil conwill provide the right men and women, mission- cern. They had flown over much of the interior of this part of New Guinea and gave me much in- formation about these' recently discovered areas, where we want to go with the Gospel message.
Again I felt that, if men for oil and for gold will leave all and go to the uttermost parts of the earth, why dO'-hot missionaries go with the Gos- pel? If they spend huge sums for that which will perish, why cannot we carry the imperishable Gospel to those Papuans of the interior who have never-dying souls to save? One hundred and twenty more Americans are expected to arrive at Babo during the year. When shall we begin to work for the precious souls of men who still sit in darkness and in the shadow of death?
We then sailed around to another port, the largest port of this part of New Guinea, Fak-fak.
One Chinese merchant said that he had heard me preach in Makassar ten years ago, during my first visit to Makassar.
Mr. Cator, the Assistant 'Resident, has done a deal of rough work for the Government in the in- terior of Borneo, and is now doing much the same kind of work in New Guinea. Modestly he told me of his experiences, by sea, by land, afoot through the jungle, and by air. He has discov- ered lakes in the interior, and many new tribes of Papuans hitherto unknown to the world, people who have never been to the coast, for there was no road from their villages to the coast until the Government made a trail. These people had con- sidered themselves the sole residents of this world.
A NEW GUINEA HOUSE OF BAMBOO, IN THE JUNGLES I had asked the Lord to lead me to the right people, in order to get what information was These houses are built from twenty to thirty feet above the ground, necessary to start Gospel work among these hith- for protection from their enemies.
aries from home and Chinese missionaries, to go erto unknown tribes. He surely answered prayer as His pioneers to these uttermost parts. and led me to Mr. Cator and others who knew the Our first stop, after leaving Makassar, was facts, and were willing to help. Mr. Cator prom- Ambon, a Christian island, the result of some ised to do all in his power to recommend us to the three or four hundred years' labor by Dutch mis- Government for permission to work in the newly sionaries. We had several important interviews, discovered lake regions. When one comes in the gathering valuable information regarding New name of the Lord, even to the borders of these Guinea, which is under the control of the Govern- lands where Satan has indisputable control, the ment of Ambon. Brigadier Woodward and his enemy tries hard to cast an indescribable gloom wife, of the Salvation Army, were very kind and over one's soul, and to destroy faith for the on- helpful. A number of earnest Chinese Christian ward triumph of the Gospel to every place where friends knew us, as they are readers of The Kalam Christ is not named. At this stage it all seems Hidoep (The Living Word), our monthly Malay such an utter impossibility.
magazine. The Papuan of the interior of New Guinea is Our course was eastward to New Guinea, and perhaps the most degraded of all the races of the first port was Babo, an oil town, though the mankind. He has sunk lower far than the Dyak, oil has not yet reached the surface. Some twenty "the wild man of Borneo." He is not only a head-
WHERE WEST MEETS E'AST-AN AIRPLANE LANDS AT BABO, DUTCH NEW GUINEA hunter, but a cannibal. He kills and eats his hu- for sin." The Christ of the Cross transforms men. man victim. Can the message of our Gospel save In New Guinea we also met Dyaks. We cQuld him? Can he too be transformed? We have seen the wild man of Borneo tamed, and become a never mistake them. They had been brought over humble, devoted follower of the meek and lowly to New Guinea by the oil concerns to work as Jesus-yes, thousands of them. But, can He save coolies. As I looked at them, and then at the and change the Papuan also? It is the supreme Papuans-like a flash of light it came to metest of the power of our Gospel. He has done it; Dyak evangelists from our Bible School will come He can do it; He will do it. over here, and teach these Papuans to love and trust, and to serve the wonderful Saviour that The man of the world, who does not know the they have found! The Dyaks I met were not transforming power of the Gospel, says that it Christians, but there are many of our Christian will take generations to raise these people out of Dyaks here in New Guinea, and we will yet find the deep mire of sin and superstition into which them. Yes, "the wild man of Borneo" will yet be they have sunk. But, as never before, I believe the bearer of the Message of Salvation to the still that the Gospel which we preach is "the power wilder man, the Papuan of the interior of New of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth." Guinea. A leading Dutch official, whom I met, By the Holy Spirit,this message of the Life, the was impressed with the idea, and heartily ap- Death and the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus proved of the missionary working with Christian will instantly transform and cleanse the vilest Dyak evangelists among ,the cannibals of New heart and life, even though a man be a pagan Guinea. cannibal of New Guinea. By believing in the Saviour, he becomes "a new creature" in Christ A clear distinction must be made between Jesus. As one has said, "The blackest, vilest, Dutch New Guinea and British New Guinea. most debased, most debauched,polluted, filthy, Also, it must be remembered that much noble unclean, hard-hearted, evil-tempered, lying, covet- work has already been done by the Dutch Misous, thieving, murderous, gray-headed sinner that sions, especially on the northeast coast of the ever tottered on this side of the grave, is reached island. One has said, using a rather unfortunate and broken, and wonderfully saved and trans- figure, that the Gospel has spread in some parts formed by Him Who hung between two. thieves of this northeast coast of New Guinea like an epi- demic! All credit to the brave men and women
who are working in these parts. Most of them, ing. Shall we let them sink, and not even give however, are far distant from the part of the them a warning call, or offer them the helping fields of which we are speaking. Some work on hand of full and free salvation that is to be found the southwest coast has been done, but it is mostly only in our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ? . in the port towns, and among the mixture of races who have settled there. Where we plan to go, no 3. The Wissel Lakes District one else has gone with the Gospel. We have made it quite plain to all with whom we have spoken These newly discovered lakes lie down the that we will not tread on the toes of any other southwest coast of New Guinea, and may now be missionary, for there is plenty of room. The reached from the little port called Oeta. With Roman Catholics are attempting a good deal of no little hardship, a way has been made from the work in Dutch New Guinea. coast to these lakes. The trail is not yet complete, but will be i~. better shape a little later his year. 1. The Amaroe Lake District Mr. Cator lost his way once when attempting to cut the trail through the jungle to the lakes. He This lake lies in the midst of the northernmost was deserted by his men and had to return to the part of New Guinea, known by the Dutch as coast, but finally made the perilous journey, and Vogel-kop, or Bird's Head. The lake forms, as it found a wonderland of three lakes, some 4,500 were, the eye of the bird. Lake Amaroe is reached feet above the sea, and a popUlation of some from the southern coast up the Kaiboes river. The 20,000 friendly Papuans. His last trip took him port town is Temin-aboeah. From this town, a three months and a half. Mr. Cator has since Government trail has been recently completed to made the trip by air, and has made further in- Lake Amaroe. It is not by any means an auto- vestigations, his hydroplane alighting on the lake. mobile road-only a trail, a walk of two or three He tells us that the people were not greatly excited days. "Rest Houses" have been provided on the by the sudden arrival of a hydroplane. The cliway. A garrison of 100 native soldiers and three mate around these lakes is very fine and he is Dutch officers with their wives are now stationed anxious that missionary work be opened among there. One of the three Dutch officers is a doctor. these people. They are of course primitive, still I was assured that a lady could be carried over living in the stone age, and know nothing yet of this road without trouble, as even a frigidaire and the use of iron. Like other such unknown races, a billiard table had been transported to the lake! they are uneducated and uncivilized, but they are by no means stupid. They are called the Kapauku The immediate population of Papuans around tribe which means the "Mountain Man." Other the lake is estimated at about 5,000, and there is tribes may be reached by motor boat up the rivers in the whole district a population composed of which, at times, can be traveled for 100 kilovarious tribes of about 15,000 or 20,000, no one meters. Let us pray till they are reached for Him. knows exactly how many. The chief tribe is called the Mention tribe. There seems to be no Here is another world to conquer for the Lord reason why missionaries may not go there as soon Jesus. Who will hear the call, for not only are as the proper Government permission is obtained. these people calling, but the Voice of the Lord is All along this southwest coast line of this north calling, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will section of New Guinea there are rivers, along go for us?" Too many at home say, "Here am which there are peoples who know not that there I, and here I stay!" Who will say, "Here am I, is a Saviour. Lord, send me, even to New Guinea!"
2. The Island of Misool Over one hundred American men and women are coming to Babo, New Guinea, this year for This island lies off the south coast of northern oil. How many are coming to Misool, to the New Guinea in a southwestern direction. It has Amaroe Lake region, and to the Wissel Lakes an estimated population of 3,000, of whom two- plateau, to seekAost souls for the Lord Jesus? thirds are pagan tribes of the interior. The re- We will never ~rest till the missionary places his mainder are nominal Moslems, living in the coast feet on thisunteached soil, and claims it for the towns. No missionary work is being done at all Lord Jesus. 'lfhe missionary promise is, "Every in Misool. It seems to us to be the devil's island. place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, We have been recommended by the Missions' Con- that have I given unto you." Let us ask, and ask sul at Batavia to take up work in Misool. The largely, for the Lord Jesus has already asked for island can most easily be reached from the south "the uttermost parts of the earth" for His poscoast of Vogel-kop (Bird's Head). Here is an- session. He has' also said, "All power is given other challenge. Dare we ignore it? If we let unto me in heaven and in earth-Go ye therefore these people sink and perish in their sins and superstitions, under the awful sp~ll of Satan's . . . and Lo! ·r am with you all the days, even power, are we to be held guiltless? They are sink- unto the end of the Age."
Church of Christ Challenges the
By the REV. DWIGHT J. BRADLEY Pastor of the Union Church in Boston, Mass.
I AM not sure that the word challenge is the one seems interested enough in them to speak to best word to use in this connection. I should them even though they live in the same building prefer the word invite, for, while the Church or lodging house. of Christ certainly does challenge the city in important ways, it invites the city in a way that is Such a condition of human relations constitutes far more important. This is the conviction de- a very definite challenge by the city to the Church. But instead of talking back to the city, as it were, veloped and matured through a good many years and telling the city how impersonal it is, and how of experience. sullenly it ignores the people who live in its area The word challenge suggests a tension, and a -instead of answering the challenge with a chal- kind of almost belligerent attack to resolve that lenge-I think that the Church must set about the task of creating within the city's area a kind of tension. The word invite suggests a kind of per- friendly oasis, so to speak: that is, a "nurturing suasion which, if persuasive enough and if heeded, fellowship."
could render belligerency unnecessary. While it Cities are strange creatures, and have been such would be cowardly to ignore tensions that actually from the time of Thebes and Babylon, Rome and exist between the Church and the city, the Church ancient Jerusalem. Cities bring out the best there may well exercise persuasive power to the utmost is in human beings, and also the worst. Cities in an effort to meet the challenge of the city, provide unsurpassed opportunities for intellectual, rather than to meet the challenge with a counter- resthetic and social creativity and enjoyment. On challenge which might make persuasion far less the other hand, cities tempt men to superficiality, effective in the future. vulgarity and social deterioration, such I;S the Putting this in another way the chief under- countryside or the village or the small town could never know. Thus, the city represents civilization taking of a city church ought to be that of active at its highest and at its lowest-and in about equal friendliness in all its relations, both with its parish measure. The city is like a great divinity and a neighborhood and with the city as a whole. One great beast at the same time. But whether diof my colleagues recently said that in his opinion vinity or beast, one thing the city of itself can the Church, especially the city church, should be never be; it cannot be a neighborhood, a fellowa "nurturing fellowship." The implications of ship, a community where men and women as a this apt description are many.
City life tends to be terribly impersonal. In whole may feel truly at home. If there are to be this regard it differs greatly from life in the coun- within the city, neighborhoods, a fellowship, a try and the small town. There are certain advan- community, then some other agency than the city tages to be found in the city's impersonality; must be responsible. I contend that of all the there is likely to be less gossip and less of that things a city church can do and must feel under barbarous cruelty which the too personal exist- obligation to do, this is the most important. ence in some village communities seems to encourage between individuals and groups when these There may be other agencies besides the Church are not under the rule qf Christ. But even so, that cando this, but. we are interested in the there come times when th~ city dweller, especially functiOn of the Church in doing its part in helping if he arrived originally from a small town, could human beings find their way into a simple, almost wish to hear some gossip, and would be friendly, sustaining, nourishing fellowship.. Our almost willing to take the risks of heartless mis- Christian conviction is that of all forms of fellowunderstanding, if only he or she might really know ship, the Church has the best to offer, since it is a someone well enough to be gossiped about, or even fellowship based essentially on the fellowship beto be subject to the torture of a sadistic tongue. tween God and men and women, made most pure and most wholesome by the presence of Jesus The pastor of a city church becomes used to hear- Christ. Here is something that cannot be found ing people complain wistfully that no one notices in any club, in any social settlement or in any them, or seems to care anything about them; no other association.
[333 ]
The Church, therefore, invites the city people problem of contemporary secularism made more into the fellowship of God through Christ, and in- complicated by all sorts of fugitive paganisms- to the fellowship of the body of Christ. It promises still each section or stratum of the city's life pre- an experience of real communion through wor- sents its own peculiar challenges. The Church ship, through prayer, through constructive and must know its own neighborhood well enough to helpful work, through happy self-expression, and be able to "spot" the situations definitely as they perhaps most significant of all through that sheer arise. Having "spotted" them, the Church must sense of being at h.ome which is what we all crave. know with whom to cooperate and how to render In seeking to provide this, the Church comes effectual aid.
up sharply against forces in city life, and these All this having been said, it ought to be repeated plainly throw down a challenge. These are some- that the chief business of the city church is to times so openly sinister that we realize that they create and ~aintain the nurturing fellowship, by constitute a menace to the very existence of the inviting the city people to enter, and by providing fellowship we are seeking to maintain. The that feeling of homely and friendly security which church in Boston to which I minister is surrounded human beings crave. If the Church develops any on every side by such forces: liquor shops, gam- illusions about being able to "save" the modern bling dives, cheap pool rooms, as wen as little city merely by engaging in schemes and move- pockets or nests of viciousness and hidden crime. ments for this or that reform, the time of disillu- One can literally feel the presence of evil; and sionment will not be long postponed. Salvation yet, in the midst of all this, there live people and by outward reform is found to fail; while the families of pure Christian quality; on the streets constant, quiet persuasive effort to redeem the are playing hundreds of children who are as yet city-not by some great stirring crusade nor even unsoiled by the filth of the environment. What by some spectacular evangelistic campaign, but can we do? We can invite these people and fam- by invitation and nurture and pastoral care.,–will ilies into the church fellowship; we can gather at do more to promote the Kingdom of God in the least some of these children into the Christian city than any "activism" could ever do.
community; but by doing no more than this we Reform is necessary, of course, and a certain have only begun to touch the problem that our amount of the Church's energy must be spent in neighborhood presents. such undertakings. And no city church can prop- Here is where Christian social action comes in. erly do its work as a nurturing fellowship unless The housing in our part of Boston is inexcusably it is constantly on the look-out for opportunities wretched. It is inexcusable that gambling, liquor to develop an interesting program of boys' and selling and hidden vice should flourish in seeming girls' club organization, games, plays and pag- security. It is inexcusable that children should eants, creative handiwork, week-day kindergar- be obliged to play in the streets where traffic is a tens, mothers' clubs, motion pictures, and all such constant menace. It is inexcusable that any city wholesome activities. These, however, should be should tolerate such outward squalor and such derivative aspects of the greater enterprise, which insidious evil. It becomes the duty of the Church, is the nurture of the fellowship through the Chris- therefore, to do whatever it can in cooperation tian community of worship, prayer and ever-in- with social agencies, with the police and the city tensifying faith in God's love as expressed through government, and with individuals and groups, to Jesus Christ.
fight back the encroachments of evil, and to make When I first entered my present field of work, a positive attack upon the network of problems raised by modern social decay and by a decadent it was thought that we might institute a kind of economic system and political corruption. To do religious experiment station in Boston's South this requires the wisdom of serpents as well as End. I have long since abandoned that notion. the harmlessness of doves. It requires courage A church must not be used as an experiment staand patience, backed up by common sense and tion, for it cannot become such without becoming a species of monstrosity. The people of a church Christian devotion, and implemented by the best are not "guinea pigs," upon whom an aspiring available knowledge of sociological and psycho- parson may tryout certain social and ethical thelogical, as well as practical political techniques. ories. Far from this, a church is a church whether In different sections of the city, the problems it be set down in a city or set up in a suburb or vary somewhat, at least in degree, from those we set out in a country town. And a church is a bit face in Boston's South End. In each case, in each of the Church-a cell in the Body of Christ. The parish, it is necessary to know what the problems task of the Church is fundamentally the same in are in order to be able to attack them with any all places: namely, the establishment on earth of effectiveness. While the underlying problem is a community as nearly as possible like the com- common to all sections of any modern city-the munity of Heaven.
"A CHARGE RATHER THAN A RETREAT"
The city throws down a challenge to the Church that the Church may find itself under moral oblito settle such a community in its midst, despite the gation also to make effective use of the knotted hindrances which city life inevitably puts in the cords as Jesus did. Nor does it preclude the posway. The Church best answers this challenge by sibility that the Church may let itself be led, by repeating in deed as well as word the invitation the city in its sin, to that Calvary of sacrifice and of Jesus to the whole world: "Come unto me, all suffering which, in the final term, always proves ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give to be the spot from which the redemption of all you rest." This does not preclude the possibility earthly cities invariably comes!
"A Charge Rather Than a Retre,at"
I By the REV. RICHARD E. SCULLY, Ph.D., D.D.
1)1- Executive Secretary, Good Will Industries, Cincinnati, Ohio ~==============================~ I T IS notoriously true that the Church has he had a change of heart. This is what he says: tended to run away from areas that become a "Let us look now at another problem of city moral and spiritual wilderness, to fields where church work which cuts across the strategy, mes- the pastures were greener. In downtown Cin- sage, and program. It has to do with desire on cinnati a marked trend in the last thirty-five years the part of the churches to seek the greener pas- has been the merging or moving out of churches. tures which lie over the fence. For ten years we Especially has this been true in the west down- have been seeing a scramble on the part of all the town area. In this section sixteen Protestant denominations to pre-empt the locations in grow- churches have closed their doors. The chief fac- ing suburban communities where a future for tors that have contributed to this retreat are the Protestantism was bound to exist. The writer of shift of population and the economic inability of this paper was probably the most guilty of all men the present people to support churches. Such a at this very point. He went up and down his situation calls for "a charge rather than a re- bailiwick preaching over and over to people that treat." the huge investments of denominational money In his volume, "The Economic Sources of De- should be taken out of unproductive downtown nominationalism," Richard Niehbuhr has shown centers and should be located in productive sub- that from the beginning of Christianity the estab- urban home areas. Nor was this wholly untrue.
lished religious bodies have tended to neglect the On this basis the Society for which I work spent people called "disinherited." He gives many illus- many hundreds of dollars in producing a survey trations of this' process· of passing by these of the church work in the three counties served wounded people, "on the other side." by our' Society. The opening chapter of that book, Large tenement house sections are considered which had my entire sympathy and approval at unproductive from the standpoint of the Church, the time, was a discussion of a map which showed and a spirited debate has gone on whether to the areas in these three counties which probably spend missionary money in such areas, or in more would be the least productive places in which to promising fields. The other day a minister of a establish churches. By varied degrees of shading fine hill-top church remarked that the City Mis- these maps also pointed out the best of the happy sionary Society should stop sinking its money in hunting grounds and those in-between places hopeless areas, but should put it in newly devel- where there was a fair chance of livelihood. But, oped suburbs where people are building homes, somehow, I am not so greatly impressed with that and can afford to support the church. map. There is growing on me, instead, a feeling Without question new suburbs of the middle that churches should be erected and programs car- class people should be churched. Denominational ried on, not from the standpoint of whether a Boards will see to that. But, from the missionary successful church can be developed, but from the standpoint, whether we should take missionary standpoint of the need-condition of a community."
funds from blighted areas to put in more prom- In our more blighted areas, in Cincinnati, where ising fields is a serious question. The head of a the little ones have been called "The Children of city missionary society in a large city at one time the Shadows," we have not altogether made the was convinced that this was the best policy. Then mistake of deserting these areas where the need
was great. In fact, we have strengthened rather Visits also revealed the fact that there were than weakened our ministry in the basin 'of the many handicapped people, physically, mentally, as well as economically, and that these people city. wanted "not charity but a chance." Out of this At five different points, weak churches were need grew the Good Will Industries, with its workshops, offering work opportunities instead of combined into one charge, and a stronger per- alms. (See Frontispiece.) sonnel made possible by the uniting of funds, in addition, a deaconess assigned to each one of these In eighteen years almost three quarters of a combined charges, and a more able pastor ap- million dollars were paid in wages to handicapped pointed. Very good results have been obtained. people.
Another wise allocation of funds strengthened The little mission church has continued to the hands of a struggling little mission in the preach the Gospel through its Sunday services poorer section of the city. The church superin- and, in due "time, was able to build a beautiful tendent of missions, instead of spreading thin the little Gothic structure which has portrayed the funds that were available, concentrated them in beauty and dignity of religion. this one point where the need was outstanding. The result has been that there has grown up a Delinquency was recognized as being one of the strong church and missionary institution that great problems of this field, so the facilities minhas commanded the respect of the city. From a istering to boys and girls were greatly enlarged little struggling mission, with an annual budget in the way of play rooms, gymnasium, library, inof $2,200, it has grown to an institutional church dustrial clubs, art, music and character building with a budget running from ninety to one hun- activities. Now the Children's Settlement Departdred thousand dollars. This has happened in a ment registers about one thousand persons. field where eight other churches of that denomination have moved out, and eight other Protes- Through proper support and enterprise, other tant churches also. activities were made possible. The institution, seeing the plight of children in summer, on hot A survey of this great tenement house section city streets and in uncomfortable homes, with tuberculosis taking a large toll, purchased a onerevealed the fact that 95 % of the people were hundred-acre farm and established a fresh air camp for the children of the tenements. This was renters. The density of the population had so a boon, for the "children of the shadows" now increased that in comparison with a growing had glorious sunshine and beautiful country to suburb to the west, it was found that there were take the place of their dark homes. When Spring fifty-two times as many people per acre in the arrives the children can scarcely wait until they tenement house section as in the suburb of middle- can make the trip to their "country club," as Jane class people. Addams called her fresh-air farm for tenement house children. The Public Health Survey reported twice as much disease among the tenement house dwellers Still another need was apparent, and that was in this section as among those living in the proper housing of elderly people. One day an op- portunity presented itself when a former college suburbs and in separate homes. building was abandoned" and the building was of- The State Department of Charities and Cor- fered to the Good Will Institution for its use as a Home for Elderly People who could not purrection reported that 70 % of the inmates of hos- chase their way into an expensive home for the aged. Here they may live together in good felpitals, jails and workhouses came from this lowship, the only requirement being good charcongested area, and the census tracts show a acter and ability to pay room rent at a minimum majority of delinquency of the city is in this basin cost. area. In this "Wesley House," as it is called, town "In making a charge" on this blighted field, one meetings, entertainments and religious meetings of the first things which was done was to establish are held. The building was fortunate in having a playground for children who have no other parlors which afford a delightful place for fellowplace but the city streets and the near-by railroad ship meetings and entertainments. yards, always involving danger to life and limb. In all the activities of this work, established in While the little mission continued to preach the the West End of Cincinnati in 1918, religion has Gospel, supposedly to "the poor who heard it always been the motivating force. Contrary to gladly," yet not very much progress was made. the view of some social workers that you cannot The people had physical, social and economic carryon a religious enterprise with social work, needs to which the mission had paid little or no this institution has always maintained religious attention. services in all of its varied departments.
Discovering that many women were breadwinners in their families, and were forced to leave their children with neighbors who gave them inadequate attention, a Day Nursery was established.
THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S FAITH
It is, very difficult to judge the results. With- petitor to the pool room,. gambling joint, and quesout question many hear the Gospel gladly, and are tionable dance hall. happy to have a well-ordered church with good appointments for their own kind, not feeling at Here handicapped men and women find not only home in churches where fashion 'and culture a physical and ther~peutic value but also a moral count more. and spiritul value in earning their own way in the industrial department rather than being pau- Without question, too, rough-and-ready boys re- perized and morally broken by accepting relief. ceive something when they apply their hands in building aeroplane models, doing linoleum block When some of the younger people marry and work, building radios, and working in their Junior move off to the better suburbs, and still retain Achievement workshops. The boys also come in their interest in the church, one feels that the off the streets to play in game room and gymna- money invested and the seed sown in the tenement sium under efficient supervisors. house wilderness has not been sown in vain.
Without question there must be value in the set- This enterprise has come into being because a tlement social rooms, where young people meet City Missionary Society, instead of calling on a under right auspices to sing and play together in mission church to beat a retreat, gave it support good fellowship. Such a social room is a com- to make a charge.
The Power of a Woman's Faith* -~ I By the REV. GEORGE w. HINMAN, Foochow, China 1)Be- FAITH in the power of God has been the mo- mits that Madame Kung, by her faith in the fu- tive power of every social revolution which ture of China and her executive ability, has has brought nearer the realization of the vis- greatly helped her distinguished husband in the ion of better things. And it has been frequently remarkable reorganization of China's finances. the faith of women which has helped the world The third daughter, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, in the midst of danger and discouragement, still has borne witness to her Christian faith. The to endure and to struggle against pride and power story of her rescue of her husband, supPo.rted by and greed, against the aggressors, the tyrants faith and Io.ve, has become like the message o.f the and the exploiters. stars: "There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their sound is gone out There is no reason to doubt that the faith in the through all the earth, and their words to. the end heart of Madam Soong, a humble Chinese woman, of the world." It is literally true that the testiliving in restricted circumstances with her hus- mony of Madame Chiang, and her brave and reband in western America, inspired and stimulated sourceful work in rescuing her husband from his ,the faith of her three daughters, who became captors in Sian, has gone out thro.ugh all the earth. Madame Sun Yat Sen, Madame H. H. Kung, and One American paper paid more than fifteen tho.u- Madame Chiang Kai-Shek. They have, in their sand dollars for the publication rights of the turn, brought a new and unquenchable faith to story. That may be regarded as an indicatio.n of so many men and women of the new China. How how pro.foundly it interested all the rest of the much the Chinese owe to that humble woman, wo.rld. who first learned the source of all faith in a little Christian school in America, where the overseas Students of Chinese history know that this is Chinese were welcomed and taught the spirit of not the first or the o.nly time when a wo.man's faith' Jesus Christ! and courage have profoundly affected the future of the nation; but probably never before have History has not yet recorded the great share such faith and courage been motivated by such taken by the oldest daughter, Madame Sun Yat trust in Him "who hath showed strength with His Sen, in upholding the faith of her husband, the arm," the Almighty God and Father of all men, founder of the Chinese Republic. Everyone ad- who is the defense of the weak, and the champion of the poor and the humble. All men of every * Part of a baccalaureate sermon preached to the graduating class land should be glad that General Chiang wa:s great at Hwa Nan College, January 2, 1938, by Dr. G. W. Hinman of the American Board MiSSion, Foochow, China.
enough to recognize and acknowledge the Chris- me I" Mary's joy at the message of the angel is tian faith and resourcefulness of his wife, and to paralleled in the lives of myriads of women who record that obscure verse in Jeremiah (31: 22), feel just as truly that the Lord has called them found in his daily Bible reading: "The Lord hath to definite service. created a new thing; a woman shall protect a man." The reason why women have a special power to save their country and society by their faith is But it was not altogether a new thing. Ever that their faith is not uncertain and wavering. since the days when Deborah "arose as a mother Origen, one of the successors of the apostles in the in Israel" and sang the song which is recorded early Christian church, said: "Christians hold the for us in Judges 5: 1-23, down to the days when world together." It is even more true that Joan of Are, that peasant girl of seventeen, women hold the world together, by their unrallied the crushed and demoralized French quenchable faith in ideals. Women are conservaarmies, and led them to victory and to the crown- tive in the be~t sense. They "hold fast that which ing of King Charles VII-throughout all the his- is good" in human relations. One philosopher has tory of civilized men, nations have again and taught that the development of the sense of moral again been saved through a woman's faith and obligation in the human race began with the inleadership. creasing dependence of children upon their mother, and her increasing response of protection Nor do we need to go back to remote history to and care. Though the males of animals forget find instances of the power of a woman's faith. and desert their young, the mothers show, with One of the Shanghai papers has just issued a spe- each advancing step in evolution, an increasing cial supplement reporting the faith and courage faith in the future of their offspring and an inof the Chinese women in this critical period of creasing responsibility for their preservation and China's history. The paper begins with a glow- care. ing editorial saying: "The glory of the Chinese woman, as exemplified by her heroic deeds and Another reason why we are so often saved unselfish devotion to duty while her beloved coun- through a woman's faith is that women are not try fights for its very existence, will live forever only more sensitive to the "voices," as was Joan in the history of the Chinese nation." In a text- of Are, and more steadfast in following their dibook which every middle school student in Foo- rection, but also more daring in what they atchow reads, written by a woman teacher in your tempt in carrying out the call of duty. Nowadays neighbor school, we are told of the faith of Kath- we have become accustomed to the march of solerine Wright, who helped her brothers to carry diers following the drum beat. But not only in through one of the greatest inventions of all ,times, these critical times – always in fact, there have the aeroplane. There is also given the story of been many women as well as men who "dared to Edith Cavell, who nursed the soldiers in the World walk to the beat of the drum that they alone heard, War and gave her life because she helped the and who kept step with that drum regardless of wounded prisoners to escape from the German circumstances." The faith in God that "endures army. Her faith in the cause of the allies, and to the end" is found perhaps more frequently her witness that we must have not only patriotism among women. The courage that dares and enbut love for our enemies, was one of the greatest dures is the central pillar of the home and the lessons to the world that came out of the Great nation. War. Women are the champions of faith, because The reason why the faith of a woman has so their lives are always an expectation of "the joy often been the decisive factor in the success of a set before them" (Hebrews 12: 2), in the birth man or a nation, is that women more often than of children and the successful growth of those men feel in their hearts: "The Spirit of the Lord children in the world. Even if they do not receive is upon me." They may not often express the the promises, "they have seen them afar off, and message in words. There are not many like Jane were persuaded of them, and embraced them" Addams, Maude Royden and Muriel Lester, who (Hebrews 11: 13). Beyond their own families can publicly proclaim their faith in peace and women are thus led to be the guardians of faith in righteousness and social justice; but, even though a better world, the preservers of all that is good, voiceless in public assemblies, many women yet and the prophets of that which is better just know that they are "anointed to bring good ti., ahead. dings to the meek, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to comfort all The failure of the Church after nineteen centhat mourn." How many women, in their hearts, ~uries to occupy the world more completely is due, rejoice to sing, in the words of that old Negro III large part, to the failure to fulfill Christ's hymn, "I know the Lord has laid His hands on prayer that they might all be one.-Daniel A. Poling.
A Christian Martyr From
The Story of a Tibetan Who Died for Christ -ef I By ALFRED D. ZAHIR, an Indian Christian I j3t-.- ~============================~I JESUS CHRIST has the power to draw out of which the Christian preached. The wdrds en- men the best there is in them. Out of Simon, tered the heart of Shunar, and made him think of the hot-headed, impulsive fisherman, He drew religion as he had never thought before. the steady man of rock. Out of fiery John, the son of thunder, He drew the man of tender, strong "What can this saying mean," he thought as the love. Ever since that clouds received Him out of Christian delivered his message? "My religion teaches that we may not look for any peace in this men's sight, He has been drawing men of all ages world, nor seek for any comfort of soul until we and of all climes. Men of every rank, high and have attained nirvana (the complete extinction of low, in every nation savage and civilized, in every desire). Who is this teacher who says: 'Come generation of all these centuries have felt the unto me and I will give you rest.' " thrill of His power, and followed Him at the cost With such thoughts troubling his mind, and of all that men hold most dear. How wonderfully real this power of the Saviour is, and how won- arousing his curiosity Shunar forced his way to derful and complete the transformation that takes the Christian preacher, and conversed with him place is well illustrated in the case of Shunar, an on the subject of sin and salvation. He obtained orthodox Buddhist who became a Christian, and a copy of the Tibetan New Testament and a few followed his Master to death. tracts to carry with him.
The story of Shunar comes to us through a well- A few days study of the Word of God, and hours of thought on the question of religion, soon con- known evangelist working in a dark corner of vinced him of the reality of sin and its deadliness. India. He was the native of a viUage on the It was a source of joy to think that the power of borderland of Tibet. His father being a rich man, Jesus Christ could free him from its bondage. owning extensive property in land and cattle, He decided that he would give up everything and Shunar lived in luxury and, like most aristocrats be His disciple. He realized that suc,h a step of his country, considered work below his dignity. would involve him and the whole family in great The little education he had received did not equip difficulties, and in all probability spell his ruin, him for any profession, nor elevate his character so he decided to say nothing to his parents until above the level of that of the average uncultured his changed life prompted their curiosity, and Tibetan. His unprincipled life was very largely might gradually lead them to the knowledge of the result of the careless and easy way in which his new faith. he had been brought up,and also of the undesirable society in which he moved. As he became more and more convinced of the truth of the Gospel, Shunar became a totally dif- Despite the fact that he possessed a strong reli- ferent man. From the licentious libertine and gious instinct, he had from his very boyhood godless infidel that he used to be, he now became shown a distinct tendency to be apathetic towards a dutiful and obedient son, a faithful and devoted the religion of his own people. A growing dis- husband, and a thoughtful and conscientious regard for the religion of his own country, and worker, dealing justly with his clients and sub- total ignorance of any other, cut him loose from ordinates. all spiritual moorings, and tossed him on to the Christ produces not merely a superficial change, sea of irreligion and impiety. The life of dissipation led during these years made him a profli- but a revolution in character. He not only alters gate and an out-and-out infidel. Shunar, one day, a man's life but creates an entirely new perheard a Christian preaching the Gospel in a near- sonality. The phrase "new birth" is not the- oretical hyperbole, but a fact. Men irretrievably by village. That was the first time he had ever bad, cold and indifferent become good, warm- heard of any religion other than his own. hearted and ardent seekers after the "lost."
"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy- Shunar's new life attracted everybody's attenladen, and I will give you rest" was the text on tion, and became a subject of popular comment [339 ]
amongst members of the community. Some said Christian friends across the frontier; there he it was a touch of lunacy, some that he was pos- expressed his whole.,.hearted devotion to the Lord sessed of a ghoul or devil; others that some enemy Jesus, and was admitted as a member of the had cast a spell of magic on him, and had thus Christian Church.
contracted his ruin. Day ·after day they watched On his return home, the retiring young man be- him, and offered sacrifices on his behalf, praying came so bold and energetic that he went about, that he might return to his normal condition. openly declaring that he was a Christian, and When many days passed and no change seemed to wished that everybody else would be the same.
come over Shunar's new manner of Hfe, his father' Whenever there was an opportunity he told men accosted him one day as he was returning from of Christ, and urged them to accept Him as their the fields, and said: Guru, or Lord.
"Tell me, my son, does all go well with thee, or Shunar's evangelistic zeal now disturbed the art thou overburdened with secret care, oo,trou- peace .of the"iamily, and they attempted to draw bled by some fell disease? Unlock thy heart to him away from the "strange deity" he had de- thy father and let the Ups speak nothing but the cided to follow. Once when his mother tried to truth." reason with him on the subject, Shunar explained These touching words almost brought tears to his position in the following characteristic way: the young man's eyes. Drawing close to his par- "Mother, supposing we all went on a journey of ent's side Shunar placed his hands on his shoul- a dark night, and I was appointed to carry the ders and answered: light. Do you think I would so hide the light be- "No father, I have no trouble hor sorrow of hind my cloak as to darken the path for the rest any kind; in fact I am happy as I never was be- of you? Would I not hold it high above my head fore in all my life. And do you know why? Be- so as to lead you in safety? You and I have all cause I have discovered the true source of been travelling in the darkness of a dead religion.
happiness. " But in His great mercy God has revealed to my "What is that?" inquired the father eagerly. eyes the Face of the Sun of Righteousness. He "It is faith in the Lord Jesus," answered Shunar can shine upon your lives just as He does on mine with a ring of joy in his voice. "As long as I be- today to fill them with true happiness. Can you lieved in our old form of faith I was so uneasy expect me then to hide the secret of this joy in my that I often felt desperately sick of life. I real- own heart, and not wish that your minds might ized that I was going from bad to worse every also be enlightened and your souls saved? A day, and yet there was nothing that could keep great peace has entered my heart since the day me from going wrong. I am not going mad; the I gave myself to Jesus. I desire now that you change you notice in me is the result .of the new may have this rich treasure too, and may know hope that has entered my heart, and the new hope the joy of possessing Him."
is the outcome of the new faith I have adopted." But to his kinsmen, Shunar's religious zeal These words were calmly spoken, but they en- seemed something to be feared and hated. After . kindled a fire within the angry parent's heart. they had tried various ways to win him over, and "So you have proved that after all you are mad; found them unsuccessful, they resorted to stricter I shall see that this madness of yours does not go measures, and persecuted him by burning his relitoo far." gious books; forbidding his friends to visit him; cursing and scolding him whenever he mentioned So saying he walked away and left Shunar de- Christ, and treating him more as a menial than bating the wisdom of the words he had just a member of the family. When these methods spoken. He was sad all that day, thinking that also pr.oduced no effect they adopted harsher he had hurt his father by telling the truth so measures, making him an outcaste and putting bluntly. But his sadness was overcome by a feel- him out of the baradari, or brotherh.ood. They ing of joy that entered his heart. dispossessed him of his property, and finally beat him and dr.ove him from home. With the confession of his faith in Christ he felt that the curtain .of doubt and uncertainty had When Shunar had been rendered homeless and been lifted off his people's minds, and that they penniless, some of his friends counselled him to now knew the secret of the change in his life. leave the district and to go elsewhere where he With this feeling also came the joy of having would be immune from further persecution, and made the first public confession of his faith in could live in comparative safety. Jesus. The conviction grew stronger and stronger that if he was to grow in grace, and would enjoy To such friends Shunar's answer was: the blessings of his knowledge of the Great "I have been called that I might bring the rest Saviour he must share that knowledge with of my countrymen to Christ, and might lead them others. Acc.ordingly he went to pay a visit to his to the knowledge of His saving grace. Do you
A CHRISTIAN MARTYR FROM TIBET
then advise me to turn traitor to my Lord, and started throwing more earth into the hole, and forego the wonderful privilege of serving Him? buried him to the neck. Then they inquired again That can never be, even if I must die for His if he was still willing to renounce Christ, and so sake." secure his release. A heavenly smile pervaded his gentle face as Shunar opened his lips and replied: Driven from home, Shunar went about from village to village, proclaiming the Name of his "Please yourselves my friends, and do to me Saviour, and enduring all manner of trials and whatever you will. After all it is only my body temptations. Wherever he went troubles pursued you can torture, for you cannot touch my soul and his faith was tried in the fire of suffering. which is my real self. The same is eternal and Often as he stood preaching round street corners everlasting." and other public places, men would angrily abuse him and his religion. Others would pelt him with At this they kicked his head, and marred it so dirt or stones, or even buffet him and push him that his face could be hardly recognized. RealIzfrom his place. The humble Christian scarcely ing that his end was near and the strength of his ever said a word, but blessed them in return for body fast declining, the faithful Christian opened the treatment they gave him. his mouth for the last time and said: As Shunar grew richer in Christian experience "I see the gates of heaven open before my eyes, his all-absorbing passion was to win men to Christ and I am soon to enter therein. Do you, my and save their souls. His love for the Master friends, think that yoU: are killing me? You canfilled him with great enthusiasm to proclaim His not kill me for I am soon to enter another life ::Name with greater courage, and to endure the which is a thousand times more glorious than the loss of all things for His sake. But his country- one you are now taking from me. You are tormen noticed no change in his attitude, the opposi- turing me to death because I sought to lead men tion to him gathered great volume, and his haters to Christ. Mark my word, more souls will find planned to kill him, and thus rid the country of Him through my death, than my life has ever won his "baneful" influence. for Him; and so my joy is great."
One day, as Shunar was returning from a cer- No murmur of pain or hatred came from his tain village, a gang of men waylaid him, bound lips. Those that stood by saw no shadow of his hands behind his back, and drove him to a anguish on his face; only the earnest eyes raised lonely place. Here they had digged a deep narrow to heaven, and the angelic tenderness and strength pit in which they made him stand upright; they covering the whole countenance. So Shunar went filled the pit with earth, thus burying him to the to be with his Lord in Paradise. waist. A great silence crept over the gathered group. "Now," said one man harshly, "take your choice. Promise now that you will solemnly renounce Men who had been railing at the Christian, and your accursed religion, and never speak of the kicking at his head, were awed and filled with a new dewta (god) you worship; or be prepared touch of remorse. For a few minutes not one for death." moved, and the silence grew more intense. Then as though waking from a dream, one of the crowd The suffering Christian remained perfectly calm heaved a deep sigh and walked away. Others did as the men railed at their victim and made likewise. Hard hearts had been touched and the fun of his religion. When several minutes had patient suffering of the innocent Christian had passed, and the sufferer made no answer, his spoken to their souls. Later the martyr's prophsilence incensed his persecutors, and spurred ecy was fulfilled and we are told that twenty-five them to greater brutality. One of them gave him men became Christians at heart, and openly cona violent kick and ordered him to speak; others fessed their faith in Christ.
A Church which is not at heart a missionary Church, which is concerned chiefly with its own selfish interests and has little desire to extend its messages to others, is not the Church of the Gospel or the Master. Christians should be the first to recognize that yet today we have the spectacle of secular states on fire with missionary enthusiasm and rejoicing in every ex- pansion, no matter what the cost, setting an example to a self-centered and lukewarm Church.
Moreover, such states are also paying great attention to the training of the young, thus in- suring a rising generation to carry forward the cause. In the Church we hear on every hand the complaint that there are few to take the places of the devoted Churchmen of the older generation who are now too rapidly passing from the scene; and, if that be true, the Church is facing a dubious future. BISHOP OLDHAM.
OPEN-AIR MEETING-LISTENING TO THE "GOOD NEWS" NEAR THE PElNNSYLVANIA RAILROAD STATION, NEW
Outdoor Evangelism for the City By J. ARTHUR SPRINGER, New York Director of Evangelism, Nation.al Bible Institute PROBABLY the very first preacher of the have been saved by God's grace and commissioned Word of God in history was an outdoor to take the Gospel to the whole world! What are speaker. It may have been Enoch, or Noah, we doing about it? but in any case the preaching was probably done In the city of New York there are over 7,000,000 out of doors. Some of the greatest preachers of souls in the small area of approximately 310 all time have been outdoor speakers. Think of square miles. This includes over one million per- Elijah, of John the Baptist, of the Apostle Paul, sons of Italian descent, almost a million more of and of our Lord Jesus Christ himself, preaching Russian descent, and over 450,000 of Polish ex- to large crowds under the open sky – and with traction. Altogether, some five million New York- telling effect. Nearer our own day, John Wesley ers are of foreign white stock. In addition, there and George Whitefield addressed great throngs of are more than 300,000 Negroes, and over 2,000,- people in the open air. 000 Jews, most of them without Christ. Less than Think of the great centers of population, par- 2,500,000 New Yorkers profess any Christian ticularly in North America. There were in the affiiliation and not over 600,000 are members of United States, according to the latest census evangelical churches.
(1930), thirteen cities having a population in Here is a great mission field and one of the most excess of 500,000 persons, containing seventeen open fields in the world. It is a strategic field, as percent of the population of the country, or a total New York not only has the largest concentration in excess of 20,000,000 persons. Cities of over of population, but is also the gateway to the coun- 100,000 population, ninety-three in number, con- try, and wields a great influence over the whole tained more than 36,000,000 persons, over twenty- land.
nine percent of the entire population. The vast Only a small fraction of the population attend majority in these great concentrations of people any place where the Gospel of Christ is preached are undoubtedly without Christ and therefore in its fulness for salvation. There are nearly without life. What a challenge this is to all who 5,000,000 in the city who make no public profes- [342 ]
OUTDOOR EVANGELISM FOR THE CITY
INDOOR GOSPEL MEETING–LOOKING INTO THE JERRY McAULEY CREMORNE' M.ISSION, NEW YORK sion of Christ; few of the others ever attend a result is that perhaps half a dozen are going on Christian service. These "unchurched" will not simultaneously, each within earshot of the rest. come to church services to hear the Gospel. If A similar situation, although perhaps less aggrathey am to be reached we must go to them! This vated, exists now in other parts of the city. means preaching the Gospel on the streets, supplemented to some extent by evangelistic adver- Borough Hall, Brooklyn, still is a favorite spot tising on billboards, subway cards, and even by for the preaching of the GDspel. Mr. Scott Asskywriting from airplanes, and by house-to-house pinall, who has been preaching the Gospel on the visitations. Such methods are expensive, either in streets of New York approximately forty-four time or money. Large numbers of people who are years, has used this location to great advantage. without Christ but without a clear understanding of the Gospel can be reached through outdoor Wall and Nassau Streets, in the heart of Manevangelistic meetings such as are conducted in hattan's great financial district, was for many, New York under the auspices of many different many years the site of at least one daily outdoor groups of Christian workers. preaching service. Every business day the "Bishop of Wall Street" and other men who have succeeded Columbus Circle, where Broadway and Eighth him spoke here during the lunch period at noon Avenue cross at Fifty-ninth Street, was formerly to the assembled crowd of messengers, bank one of the choice locations for Gospel preaching. clerks, and dignified financial men. Great inter- Immense' crowds would gather to listen to the est was shown in these meetings which were story of the Cross. In recent years, however, almost regularly attended, at least for a consider- Columbus Circle has become the meeting place for able period, by crowds running up into the hun- dreds. This best of all noonday locations was groups of all sorts including Communists and closed for outdoor preaching early in 1937. others who are unfriendly to Christ. Police and traffic regulations have restricted the use of the One of the agencies that has been most prom- Circle, and for the greater part of the week all inently active in outdoor evangelistic work in meetings must be held within a small area. The New York City so far in the twentieth century is The National Bible Institute. For thirty-one
years this agency for Christian education and service man, who was also intoxicated, took excep- evangelization has maintained a persistent wit- tion to the manner in which the American flag was ness for Christ on the streets of the metropolis, displayed in the meeting. He took it upon him- from a Gospel car, or more often from a small self to move the flag and place it in front of the portable platform. Hundreds of locations have speaker. As it would have been very disadvanta- been occupied in the five boroughs of the city by geous for him to attempt to speak with the flag students and other representatives of the Insti- between himself and the' audience, the speaker tute. During 1937, over one thousand outdoor moved the flag to another spot. This angered the meetings were held. ex-service man and he made considerable trouble.
Last July a Christian young man was talked Some young "roughs" came into the meeting and with after a meeting, who had received his one of them snatched the flag from the hand of Christian training in a Christian school in Tien- the worker who was holding it. It was recovered tsin, China. The young man'sf~tb~r was·a cap- by the speaker, but shortly one of these young tain in the army and the youngman, himself, was men came up behind him and struck him on the taking examinations for Wel'lt Point. Another head with a piece of glass fastened in a metal man dealt with at the same meeting was a young frame, breaking the glass over his head. This in- Jew, a graduate of Cornell University, who was in- cident was the means of bringing four men in the terested in sociology and criminology. He ad- audience to accept Christ.
Outdoor evangelistic work cannot be done by everyone. Often there are efforts made to break up the meeting. It is a very difficult field of evangelistic activity and those who engage in it should have care- ful training, and experience .with other qualified leaders. The leader of an outdoor meeting should know how to handle a crowd of people composed mostly of men. He should know what things to say and what things to leave unsaid. Heshould know how to deal with hecklers and intoxicated persons. He should know the Gospel thoroughly and should also know how to present it REACHING A LARGE AUDIENCE WlTH THE GOSPEL to others in the midst of difficulties and distractions. He should know at Madison Square, New YC)rk City, in overcoat weather. Daily noon meetings how to illustrate his talks with anec- are still held here by the National Bible Institute dotes. He should know when to mitted that he was confused. He said he believed pray in public. He should know how to reply in God but could not see his way clear to accepting when asked embarrassing or irrelevant questions.
Jesus as his Saviour. This young man's case He should have an abundance of God-given wis- shows clearly the need for the preaching of the dom, tact, and love. * Gospel and the opportunity that lies before the If the people of New York and other cities are Christian people of America and especially of to hear the Gospel, it must be taken to them by New York City to give the Gospel out of doors to those who have experienced its blessings in their those who are in darkness and confusion, their own lives. The need is great because our cities minds blinded by Satan. abound with sinners who do not know the Lord Perhaps one of the most dramatic outdoor meet- Jesus Christ and the Gospel of His saving grace.
ings conducted during the 1937 season was held The privilege we have to be ambassadors for the evening of June 28th at 65th Street and Christ is great, but our responsibility to the Lord Broadway. A previous meeting had just been who has redeemed us and commissioned us to concluded at 73rd Street and Broadway and two carry His Gospel to the world about us is even of our workers had just commenced a second serv- greater.
ice at nine forty-five p. m. This second meeting • The National Bible Institute recognizes the need for special was one long to be remembered. It was inter- training along these Jines, and offers courses in its day and evening rupted successively by two women, both of whom schools in both General Evangelism and Personal Evangelism so that were under the influence of liquor. Then an ex- those who wish instruction may be prepared for the ministry of evangelism. Special attention is paid in the course· in General Evangelism to the problems which are constantly met in outdoor preaching in the city:
"Unofficial" Missionary to
I —!{if By KROUM STOYANOFF, Sofia, Bulgaria IJ5t— TEAVING America to work as a Christian min- These people, whose way of thinking had Lister in my home land, many ideas whirled changed little since the Ecumenical Councils of in my mind as in a kaleidoscope-ideas and the seventh century when the stronger party in a pictures which different teachers ~ad impressed religious discussion was always considered right.
on me in the Seminary. I kept seeing chapels, The view of the Holy Synod is so involved in this pipe organs, beautiful and simple church services ancient conflict, and this view has so much to do full of religious depth; statistical graphs and with the political history of this country, that the questionnaires; ideas for or- idea of God had to shrink ganizations wit h i n the until He became a small church; ways of working Mr. Stoyanoff is a native of Bul- tribal God. To enter the with people outside the garia and a Bulgarian citizen. He Orthodox Church meant to church; personal and social has a Bulgarian wife who has never compromise and appear to work. I was full of hope con- been outside of the country, al- favor things which I could cerning the religious fervor though she received her education not accept. of the people with whom I at the American College in Sofia. Nor could I go about and was to work, but I wondered After an early training in the preach apostle-like from vilhow one could succeed in a American Mission schools, Mr. lage to village. I saw that land which, as I well knew, Stoyanoff went to America to com- much more can be accomhad long been antagonistic plete his education and acquired a plished by living with people to the Protestant Church. thorough training in the best Amer- for a longer time; not only In the name of Christ, preaching to them but also what course should I follow ican style. He "worked his way" giving them an example in through three years of high school, in Bulgaria? Should I work through college, and finally three Christian living. I believe with this Protestant Church years of Seminary training – no in the Church and so decided or should I leave it and work easy accomplishment even for one to work through the Protat large, living. apostle-like, whose native language is English. estant Church. I knew about traveling and preaching? Having been away ten years, and its many handicaps and that Should I work with the dom- having visited the length and it was dragging behind a inant Orthodox Church, if it breadth of the United States, he little. Yet this is the one would permit me? These returned to his own land (which is organization through which questions turned over in my no larger than Ohio, with about the I could try to carry out the mind as I traveled home- same population) to work among message of Christ for today.
ward. The political unrest his own people. This was two years When I reached Sofia I re- in Europe reflected itself in ago. The following article tells ceived a letter from a church dark colors over Bulgaria. about his experiences as "a Bul- in a small town asking be to The situation in the Balkans garian missionary to Bulgaria," in preach. A month later I left was growing worse every an unofficial capacity. for Assenovgrad, a small day. How was I to obey town built in the canyon of the command of Christ? the river Chai, one of the As soon as I entered the country most of these main tributaries of Bulgaria's largest river, the questions cleared themselves up. I could not work Maritza. The church looked like an ordinary with the Orthodox Church. Most of its leaders small house. Inside, it was one large room with had so much prejudice toward everything that seats for about 100 people. On the platform was differed from their own thinking and practice an old, worn-out pulpit. At the right stood an old that I could not convince them that I had anything portable organ and at the left a shelf of torn to give. They said, books. Above the pulpit hung two large gold- "It is true that the young people refuse to go to painted frames enclosing scripture passages. On church, but with compulsion they can be forced that Sunday morning about thirty people came to go." to hear my sermon on The Great Need of Faith.
[345 ]
The next day I climbed a near-by mountain and ister, in his name, to the needy, hungry, and destilooked at that small town with its crooked streets, tute. These ideas did not enter their hearts very its river and bridges, its many Orthodox churches, readily. Their life outside of church continued its forty-two shrines built on the cliffs around the to be the same as the life of the people who never town. .I loved it and wanted to work there. It listened to these things. seemed to me it would be glorious to try to understand the problems of these people and to help The interests of these people were very narrow. them, to love them, and constantly, little by little, They seldom read anything but the local daily show them the light of Christ which made me rest- paper-a one-page affair. They spent their time less till I should share it with all people. I was criticizing their neighbors. This constant gossip asked to be their minister, and entered upon this is the most cruel torture of small town life; it new work with all the zeal and enthusiasm of one makes life petty. With this in view, and because who for ten years had been preparing for just I received many papers from abroad, I arranged this task. hours when news of the world could be discussed. But I discovered they were not interested. Noth- Discovery-The First Year ing interested them except their own way of liv- ing, the welfare of their homes, the enlarging of My first year was full of illuminating trials and their business, the buying of another field. Anyerrors and discoveries. It began with sermons thing which interfered here they were ready to that took me a whole week to prepare. Later on crush and destroy. How could I work with such I advertized throughout the town and gave a series people? They wanted the church to give them of sermons for "outside" people. only peace and contentment when Christ was beckoning them to a new way of life. Very early I discovered a situation which gave me my first project. I found that there was an- Some of the people understood what I was tryother small Protestant group in that town, calling ing to do, and at the same time I was learning itself the Church of God, and having nothing to many new things. I began to understand how do with our church. Such a division seemed deeply the Church was a part of the life of these strange in a town which was already unfriendly people. I understood also how the special Church to Protestantism. As I made inquiries, hoping to terminology, which may be useful for the transunite these two insignificant groups, I discovered mission of theological doctrine, neither excited that the fault was not all on one side. In both their imaginations nor influenced their lives. Most there were some old people who held personal of the church-going people of Bulgaria felt that grievances against members of the other group, they had already "heard" the Word of God, and and they were determined not to allow any re- that God had no new word for them in this day. union. Hence I stopped pressing the matter for They would not be convinced that Christianity the time being, hoping that the future would see today has to compete with communism and nathe situation cleared up. tionalism; they did not think Christ had any word to say about these things. For them Chris- The more I worked with these people, the more tianity spoke only of the life to come and had little I became sure that for many of them the Old to say about life today. Testament was the center of the Bible. They seemed hardly to have understood the meaning of While I was learning much, the people of As- Christ's life and of his death. They had made senovgrad heard Christian teachings in termiof God a very strict, narrow-minded, doctrinal and nology strange to their ears, and teachings that revengeful being. It reminded me of the "right- were strange to them about this life. They were eous Bostonians and citizens of Salem" who making up their minds whether they wanted to wanted to purge their country of sorcerers. Here continue hearing this type of Christian truth also there seemed to be many who were sniffing which tended to disturb their slumber. They may the air for heretical teachings and who were ready have learned a little, but I was the chief learner. to throw heretics into the fire. I realized the great need of sacrifice by us who teach the life of Christ, and I saw also the great But these people had called me to work with need of his Gospel in the world of today. The them. I had to become a patient teacher, as one people decided to ask me to stay. who would teach the beginnings of mathematics to little children, hoping that by and by they So I started the second year in Assenovgrad would understand the higher mathematics. I surer of my position and of the Gospel which must talked about the love of God, love which we need touch the lives of these people. In order to build so much, love which will heal bruised souls, love anything on an old site, be it a house or a way of which will clear the poisonous atmosphere which thinking, some pulling down is necessary. But suffocates Europe today. I told them that we shall this process is always painful to some. As I see God not in the clouds, not in the smoke in the started "building the Kingdom of God," I had to church, but when they search for Him and min-
AN "UNOFFICIAL" MISSIONARY TO BULGARIA
find the best method of clearing away the type of long ago that inward beauty was most important.
Christianity which seemed to affect their lives in Almost no one saw the need I saw, except an a way which was not helpful. This Christianity, architect friend who drew a plan for the interior.
which had lost its passion for "preaching into the With the money from the English lessons, a part world," becoming only a state of mind, was futile of the plan was carried out: the pulpit was re- to affect the life. It was necessary to change that painted, the church yard was beautified, the young way of thinking and in its place build another people's hall was enlarged and redecorated. Fi- way, new, clear, shining, dynamic. To this I di- nally the church bought a beautiful little organ, rected my efforts during this second year. the best of its kind that had ever come to Bulgaria.
Soon I became familiar with the "secrets" of Fortunately there happened to be in the town a their special terminology. I realized when it was musician friend whom I had known in America. possible to use new words to impress some Chris- With his help our church services were modified tian truth on their minds, and when it was best considerably. to put the new truth in the old terminology in After the arrival of the organ we gave a con- order not to awaken suspicion. In this way I cert, and for the first time in this town Handel's managed to preach everything that a modern min- Messiah was heard. We invited local talent and ister would preach. Many outsiders began to the choir of the larger church in the near-by city.
come to the church and the attendance was larger The little church with its places for 100 people managed to accommodate 250 by filling all the than the membership.
Difficulties arose later when I turned from aisles and the platform. I read the scripture on ideology and started doing things. The first thing , which each number was based. The concert was that I wanted to do was to break the iron circle such a success that we planned to give another and which divided this small protestant community organized a choir to include the Orthodox people. from the world. I wanted them to stop thinking In spite of the difficulties made by some of the of themselves as the favored people of God, as priests we gave this concert twice. better than the rest of the world; I wanted them One idea was constantly in my mind: the to be interested in the spiritual and material con- Church of Christ must be the representative of the Kingdom of God on earth. Pe'ople must have dition of people outside their own group.
In order to start in a quiet way not to arouse a more abundant life because of the Church. Yet the suspicions of the Orthodox Church, I an- I saw misery everywhere in Assenovgrad, even in nounced that I would give lessons in English. the church group with which I worked. It seemed These were given free at first, until I found that tragic to see that even in the group who had listhe people had less interest because they did not tened to the teachings of Christ for forty-seven pay. To attend these classes many entered our years the principles of Christ had apparently not church building for the first time. Among them begun to work. The more privileged seemed to were the owner of a large mill and the chief of have no real concern for those with less ability the railway station. In spite of their prejudice and little money. No real help was given even against the Protestants, these people spent many within our own small group.
long hours with the minister of that church, be- In our group we had poor families who needed coming friends, and occasionally speaking with help, but the church did not help them by making him about Christianity. them independent materially, by improving their in an "Orthodox" Home means of support.
I was invited into an Orthodox home for a reli- With the help of some friends I succeeded in gious discussion with a group of more than thirty organizing a small loan fund to aid honest people people. For the first time in its forty-seven years to better their condition. By means of this fund of existence this Protestant church had the oppor- one family was able to build a place for raising silk worms. Another family was able to plant a tunity to meet the Orthodox townspeople face small orchard. A third could buy a pig which, to face on a friendly basis. The discussion interested young people especially. Many homes be- when fattened, would be used for winter food. gan to think of me as a friend, rather than as a One young man could buy a sewing machine to dangerous "propagandist" who wished "to destroy work at his trade. All were held to their promise the faith of the Bulgarian people." to repay their loans in order that others might be helped. In answer to my letter, Dr. George W.
When these people came to our church, as Carver, of the Tuskeegee Institute of Research in many of them did, the difference in appearance Alabama, sent me instructions for the manufac- was so great that they did not think they were in ture of products from crops which might be raised a church. Their church was so ornate; ours was in this region. I hoped that something might take so plain. The people of my church had learned the place of tobacco. I wanted the church to b~-
come, on weekdays as well as Sundays, the place faith in God. A few days later he told me that where all might find help in whatever they needed. unless I preached things which he approved I I wished that Christ, like sunlight, might enter would have to leave the church. I replied that ,every home and bring health and joy. there were certain things I felt so imperative that they must be spoken. After that his conduct dur- But trouble started right here. Some old peo- ing church services became such that worship be- ple felt that it is not the business of the church to came impossible. meddle in everyday life problems, and should not even mention contemporary events in sermons. Two other important events happened about Sermons, they thought, should be strictly Biblical. this time. One was that for the first time one of the Orthodox priests asked the Protestant min- The Turning Point ister to cooperate with him on the anti-war com- mittee of which he was chairman. The other was About this time an event happened which that money 4wd come and my plans had developed proved to be the turning point. One day as my far enough to revive in a new form the neglected wife and I (our marriage took place after the be- paper which had formerly been published by the ginning of the second year in Assenovgrad) were Young People's Society of the Evangelical visiting in a poor district, we entered a home Churches of Bulgaria. I intended to use the where three members of the family were sick in Ecumenical News Service from Geneva and to bed with typhus – two children and the grand- translate articles from the magazines which I re- mother. We thought best to take one of the chil- ceive, so as to widen the vision of some of the dren, a girl of eleven, into our home. When the people. doctor came and examined her he said she had tuberculosis as well as typhus, and that she ought However, for the good of the church, I thought to go to a private hospital where she would have best to leave before it was too late. Now I am proper care. The family had no money so I went back in Sofia, as busy as ever, hoping that God to the church treasurer to ask for a part of my will use me further in His work among my people. over-due salary to advance what was necessary. When he learned why I wanted the money, he ad- r know other young men who are trained and vised me not to take any measures,but to pray, as becomes a minister. He said I should not depend who also want to be ministers. upon the word of men of science but upon God. I One man is supported from England by people insisted on having the money and took the girl to the railway station. This man, and a few others, and churches who believe in him and in the work concluded that I was propagating some new the- he is doing. This makes me wonder if churches ology, that I had strong faith in science but weak in America will, in addition to the work of their Mission Boards, support other "unofficial" mis- sionaries in the places where, they are needed most.
CHRISTIAN THINKING AND ACTION People are confused; they hardly know what is Christian, or how to come to a Christian judgment on issues placed before them. Selfish interests try to exploit them; propaganda machines attempt to dominate them; programs and laws, panaceas of a thousand kinds, are placed before them.
Most people are willing to be far more Christian than they know how to be. If they could be mobilized they would constitute a tremendous force pulling toward a Christian solu- tion of many of our issues. But their thinking is not concerted, their imagination not cap- tured, and their loyalty not challenged. Is it not possible for the, churches to say, in a voice united enough in the name of their Lord so that the world can hear and so that any proposal of society or government which asks for the backing of Christian people, but which would protect property at the expense of people, would protect the privileged at the expense of the underprivileged, would seek material profit rather than the enrichment of life, would rely upon force rather than justice, would manipulate and control the gifts of God in nature for the interests of the few as against the many, would breed the fears that destroy rather than the confidence that releases and strengthens, would exploit humanity rather than enlarge the life which humanity lives-that any such proposal is not consistent with the purpose of God and the teaching of Jesus and cannot have our support?
Such thinking, if it were honest, might be disturbing. It might disturb our prejudices and present customs. But they are going to be disturbed anyway, and I would rather have them disturbed by those who are thinking toward the purpose of Christ than by those who think toward selfish views. ALBERT W. BEAVEN.
a Downtown Church Can
By FREDERICK B. FISHER * Late Minister, Central Methodist Church, Detroit T HE first step in making the downtown church provision is made for every member of the family: a successful representative of the Gospel of Nurses, in sanitary rooms, care for the babies and Christ is to analyze the life of the church. very young children.. A hundred of the older chil- No program should be attempted without first dren are in the boys' choir and the girls' choir.
making a careful scientific survey of the condi- A half-hundred youth are in the young people's tions, resources, potentialities and purpose of ,the choir. A full,.time choir director, with an assis- organization. Each church is a problem in itself. tant, gives expert attention to the training of It is difficult to generalize but for the purposes of these children in music, as well as in those phases discussion it might be said that there are three of religious .edU:ca~ion that have to do with public types of downtown churches: worship. The school of religious education, under 1. A mission to dispossessed residents of slum the leadership of a' full-time director, continues districts; its departmental sessions throughout the worship period, as well as one hour following. Trained 2. A social center and preaching point for lodg- teachers are in charge of the various departments, ing-house people and transient hotel even though in some cases it means an honorarium guests; for the service rendered. We believe that the church budget must of necessity provide expert 3. A cosmopolitan center of worship for kin- training for children and youth, because of the dred spirits from every part of the city. danger of leaving such training to haphazard It is impossible for one church to attempt to cover all three of these phases of life and work. methods and desultory instruction. The church is The geographical location, the social traditions so located that all the street car lines and bus and constituency, as well as the financial resources routes of the city pass the door.
and ministerial leadership, must all be taken into Our constituency is divided into fourteen terri- account. These factors will very largely deter- torial units, with a leader in charge of each sub- mine the type of service the church can render. urban section. This leader has a group of four Central Church, Detroit, about which I have lieutenants, who by telephone and personal visita- been requested to write, is not, strictly speaking, tion keep in touch with the constituency of that a downtown church. In spite of the fact that it area with reference to sickness, church attend- is located at the very heart of the city and sur- anee, financial support' and spiritual guidance.
rounded by hotels, department stores, banks, One of the slogans of Cehtral Church has come to theaters and office buildings, it has remained a be "We are fourteen community churches." We dynamic family church. Not more than one fourth h~ve discovered that this plan does not compete of our congregations could be said to belong to with, nor proselytefrorri, the regular community the transient hotel group. Three fourths of all churches. The reason 'for this is that we have a the personalities to whom we minister are defi- specialized emphasis. We major on pageantry nitely related to the church and its activities. and color in public worship; upon personal reli- Only a few of these members live within a half gious psychiatry; upon social adjustment and mile of the church. The vast majority of our wor- reconstruction in the pulpit messages; upon a shipers and workers travel a distance of anywhere on selectitie school of religion; and upon popular from one mile to twenty miles. One of our careful analysts estimates that the average is eight Wednesday night lectures public topics by outmiles. They come in whole families. The~e is no standing' nati~nar' Vdfces. My experience in Greater Detroit, and in visitation among scores subway or elevated system of transportation in of churches in other modern cities, leads me to Detroit, consequently the vast majority of our believe that a great deal of unwholesome competi- people come to church in their own automobiles tion could be eliminated in our city churches if we and the whole family comes together. Once there, recognized that the mind of modern humanity is • This article was prepared for the Review by the late Dr. Fred.. divided by several definite spiritual interests. seericcrketaBr.y.F-Eisdhietor r.just before his death, and was sent us by his There is need for great centralized fundamentalist [349 ]
churches, where people who interpret religion in able burden. It is a heavy task to have a church these terms can come together for mutual sup- supper every Wednesday night. In the course of port and spiritual stimulus. Churches with a dif- the last year more than twenty-six thousand meals ferent theological outlook may serve personalities have been served on the fourth floor of Central that see life in "liberal" terms. The evangelistic Church House. This is an absolutely self-supporttabernacle and temple has its place. The plain, ing feature, but none of the money goes into the unembellished service of the Quakers has a real current expenses of the church. The women are contribution to make. There is also a wide and constantly interested in furniture, equipment, a growing field for churches that specialize in choir vestments, Red Cross work, family relief forms of ritualistic worship. Central Church, and kindred interests. During this last winter, though Methodist, is altar centered, with a high careful record has been kept of attendance at the altar and heavily carved symbolic reredos. We various activities, with the result that our chart have a processional and recessional in vestments shows a monthly attendance, on the average, of of purple and white and red. There are approxi- approximately eighteen thousand people. mately two hundred people in the choir organization, and on certain occasions the full choirs march Special attention is given to children, youth and in the procession. A "crucifer" carries the cross, young married couples. Boys are trained, and a "hook-bearer" carries the open Bible, and a consecrated by the laying on of hands, as Junior "flag-bearer" carries the flag. The ministers are Deacons for assistants at the altar. Crucifers, in vestments, and wear stoles which vary in color book~bearers and flag-bearers are all similarly with the seasons of the church year. It is inter- trained and consecrated. Special confirmation esting to find what a strong appeal this makes to classes are held for the training of young people modern youth. In the midst of this colorful serv- as to the meaning of church membership, and ice of worship, the pulpit message deals with Gos- white capes with purple cross embroidered on the pel as it. relates to social justice, problems of collar are used in the confirmation ceremony. personality adjustment, and the vital issues of modern life. The newest feature to be added to the life of the church is a specialist in psychiatry and person- There are two distinct Sunday congregations, alityadjustment. He is a medical doctor with his morning and evening. Few of those who fill the degree in philosophy from Vienna, Austria, where church on Sunday. morning come again at night. he has been a student and a lecturer on the fac- The services differ in emphasis, with the result uIty with Freud, Adler, Jung and others. Lecthat there is a solid Sunday morning congregation tures are given in personality adjustment, and the and an equally solid evening congregation. problems of psychology and nervous diseases, to selected groups, and hours for personal consulta- Wednesday night is a gathering of all the clans. tion are provided. Modest fees are charged for It is a "church night." .School children begin to these personal consultations. No hospitalization arrive at three or half-past three on Wednesday or actual treatment of patients is provided afternoon, before the real activities hegin. They through the church, but all pathological cases are bring their home work from school, and rooms are referred to their own doctors and to the regular made available, under proper direction, for home hospital staff of the city. study. If they come from families which cannot afford to pay the price of the church supper, a Central Church cannot claim entire success. room is provided where they may open their own The problems are great. The complexities of lunch baskets and have a good time together. modern urban and industrial life make experi- Many of the other children are served in these ment essential, with its attendant failures and same rooms, so that there is not the consciousness inadequacies. The staff is composed of thirteen of prosperity or poverty and there is an utter full-time people. The mere statement of this fact lack of self-consciousness. By five o'clock a va- will reveal to ministers and laymen the problem riety of activities is under way: Bible 'study of supporting an organization of this size. Howgroups of youth and adults; youth forum; Boy ever, the church has no debt, and a group of Scouts and Camp Fire Girls; dramatic clubs and splendid laymen manages the finances with great orchestras; handicraft classes; choir mothers' devotion. Our small endowment helps to make club; hoys' choirs and girls' choirs in practice; possible a program like this at the heart of an committees on social justice, parish visitation, industrial city. One interesting feature is that financial budgets, religious education and other all three ministers have had experience on the subjects. At six o'clock there are several simul- foreign mission field. These three men and their taneous suppers. The efficient women's commit- wives all feel that they are performing the most tee employs a full-time housekeeper and other essential missionary task of their lives. The dihelpers, so as not to make this feature an unbear- rector of religious education is likewise a former missionary of the foreign field.
to the City of
By the REV. CHARLES HATCH SEARS, D.D.
Author of "The City Man"
O NE is bold indeed who attempts to describe follow the crowd, to lose a sense of individual re- the future formation of a molten mass. sponsibility. Collective behavior tends to level Scientists may do this on the basis of well down character, as erosion wears away high'
established natural laws. Social laws affecting mountains. Individual character has been devel- environment are not nearly so well established. oped in America, at any rate within a family and Spiritual laws may be clearly marked out in terms within a neighborhood setting. In a city, particu- of individual conduct but are less defined in their larly in a great city, the individual has quite gen- social application. erally been separated from his family and from It seems clear, however, that the church is jus- the neighborhood in which he was reared. He has tified in looking to the world of tomorrow in too frequently been forced to live in isolation. The terms of facts which are clearly discernible today. city man touches elbows with thousands, but The Fact of Urban Life touches hearts with few. The city man lives in isolation within a multitude of contacts. A city In looking to the city of tomorrow the church is where men die of loneliness in a crowd. He has must accept the fact of urban life. This fact is to do with people whom he does not know and accepted on the basis of a general trend of a forces that he does not understand. He is com- century and a half of American life. This trend pelled to make inferences and to draw conclusions.
has been accelerated during the last two or three He does not deal with the concrete but is com- decades. True it is that the early years of the pelled to deal with the abstract.
depression (1929 to 1932) witnessed a migration The city man has developed certain fairly de- from the cities, but already this has proven to be fined attitudes. Self-assertion is a characteristic only a temporary check in a generally rapid in- sin of the city man. Compelled to yield to his crease of urban population which during the pre- superiors in shop, factory, store or office, he loves ceding census decade was at the rate of almost to enter a little world of his own where his opin- 27%, with a record of sixty-nine millions by 1930. .ions have weight; hence the gang, the club and That this was an American migration move- the social set. The city mind is preoccupied, in ment is the more significant. It is difficult to this sense absent-minded. It tends to lose its sense comprehend that forty out of everyone hundred of relationship to humanity, to lose the joy of the boys and girls between the ages of ten and twenty ,common touch, and to cease to find pleasure in who were on farms in 1920 had located in some homely things. The insistent stimulation of city city by 1930. This is the more surprising in that life tends to produce indifference and inability to urban growth during the most of the present gen- make a normal response.
eration has been so largely augmented by immi- The creation of these attitudes is a matter of gration which is no longer a major factor in the concern to the church. It is one of its tasks to growth of cities. provide correctives. Its problem is to establish It is safe to say that the church of the future relationships with the detached individual and must accept the fact of urban life both because particularly to follow him into his group relation- we are gregarious and like to flock together, and ships from which all but members of the group on the other hand because it requires a decreasing are generally debarred.
percentage of the working popUlation to produce the raw materials of foods and fabrics which in The Fact of Metropolitan Community Life turn are subject to almost infinite refinement. The second fact which the forward-looking. city This processing takes place largely in cities. church must take into account is the fact of met- ropolitan life in contrast with mere urban life. The fact of urban life would not be of so much City men in the main have shown their preference significance for the church of the future if cities, for the great metropolitan centers rather than for particularly the great cities, did not so profoundly cities of average size. In fact, many of the smaller change people. City men are influenced by what cities have lost population in recent years. we may call collective behavior-the tendency to [ 351]
All cities have not fared alike. Urban growth with which the church of the future will be con- in America in recent years, particularly during fronted to an increasing degree.
the last census decade, has been strikingly selec- The churches everywhere in America have been tive. The average American is quite surprised to built from neighborhoods. City neighborhoods learn how spotted the growth of cities has become. have been broken down by the incoming of new Accustomed to reports of loss of population in peoples and by the exodus of the more favored to rural areas, he is not greatly surprised that nearly suburban areas. The flood of newcomers, men one-half (46.5 per cent) of all villages in the and women and young people, attracted by their United States under 2,500 lost p()pulation from specialty interests has created quite a new situa- 1920 to 1930-6,285 villages out of a total of tion. They have no interest in a particular neigh- 13,530. borhood. Their only concern is to live where they In view of the enormous increase of urban can be comfortable and within reach of their own population from 54,305,000 in 1920 to 68,,955,000 chosen group'1$•• in 1930 (or an increase of 26.9 per cent during It is true, old neighborhoods still p2rsist. There the decade) and particularly in view of the Amer- are still parish churches in metropolitan New ican assumption that all cities grow, he is quite York of which we might speak; many of them unprepared to learn that many cities fared very are in the suburbs though conditioned by the metbadly during the last census decade. Five hundred ropolitan structure; some of them are in survival neighborhoods illustrated by the recent coming and twelve places rranging in population from 2,500 to 100,000 lost population from 1920 to 1930. together of the old Church of the Sea and Land A very much larger number of cities has failed and the old Mariners' Temple into the new Henry to keep pace with the rate of population growth of the nation. As Dr. R. D. McKenzie points out, Street United Church, Presbyterians and Baptists of the 746 cities of 10,000 popUlation and over in 1920, almost one-half of them (354) showed a settling down together to a continuing parish rate of increase below the national rate of increase. work, but how changed the parish from the old It is obvious that the great metropolitan com- days of the "Kirk on Rutgers Street"! munities have grown in recent years at the expense of all other political unity-towns, villages While still prepared to serve so far as may be and smaller cities. These communities have tapped the sources of population;-in Europe, Asia, Af- along parish lines, the church frequently, generrica and South America, on American farms and villages, and in the smaller cities of America. ally, finds itself compelled to minister either on a Foreign-born whites, children of immigrants, Negroes and especially native Americans gravi- metropolitan-wide basis or to people on the basis tate thither like iron filings to a magnet. of a selective interest or both. The Community It is not so much the fact of metropolitan growth in terms of increased population to which Church of New York City served by Johns Haynes the church of the future must adapt itself, as to the tremendous changes in which these communi- Holmes and the Riverside Church with its dual ties have been and will be involved. The attraction of specialists to these centers and their voluntary ministry to the neighborhood in its educational association into groups is at the heart of it. This ever-growing process of specialization creates and social program and to the greater metropol- itah community in its preaching ministry are cases in point. .
The Calvary Episcopal Church apparently has chosen for itself, on the basis of its rector's inter- est, to minister to a particular group with a dis- tinctive religious interest. The church of the future almost inevitably will be selective in its ministry, however much it undertakes to remain the Church of the Open Door to All Who Will Enter.
The Fact of Cosmopolitan Life groups. As a result, special interest communities It is evident that the church of the future must or special activity groups, ever in process of for- adapt itself increasingly to meet the needs of a mation, take the place of neighborhoods. cosmopolitan community. The executives of de- Finding association within the group, to an in- nominational Church City Societie3, who have fol- creasing degree the members become subject to lowed neighborhood changes in great metropolitan the ethics and social attitudes of the group and communities, may be more conscious than the are not amenable to the ethics and social attitudes average pastor of the tremendous changes which of the community as a whole. Devoted to their have grown out of immigration and that are now peculiar functions within their own chosen group, emerging through the influence of the wide dis- they are disposed to carryon largely in accord pers'ion of second generation immigrants.
with their own cultural pattern and often with The presence of great numbers of immigrants, little accommodation to the larger community. who until less than twenty years ago were con- This creates serious ethical and social problems fined largely to "colonies," did not greatly· upset
LOOKING TO THE CITY OF TOMORROW
the cultural situation, or disturb the church The church that looks to the city of the future outlook of older Americans, but when the well must orient itself to a cosmopolitan community trained second generation young people began to and adjust its outlook to world vistas. emerge it became evident that great changes were taking place. The older Americans were not deep- Man, the Abiding Fact ly concerned that customs and codes, wrought through long centuries in the homeland of these The church that looks to the city of tomorrow immigrants, no longer had controlling force in the will seek to adapt itself to urban life, to metrolives of the second generation that was emerging politan life, to cosmopolitan life, but it will lose from these homes. They were more alarmed, how- itself in the process unless it has a sense of its ever, when they discovered that the old New Eng- own universality which was so strongly emphaland culture and ideals were being broken down sized at the Edinburgh Conference. by this infusion of second generation immigrant life into the best residence areas of the great To put the matter in other form, the church cities. must adapt itself on the one hand to its environ- mentbut recognize that while man too is a vari- It became evident that old incentives and re- able, he changes far less rapidly than does his environment. As compared with the shifting sostraints, old sanctions and social controls which cial scene he is a constant. While he changes in obtained in these cities until a score of years ago, outward appearance and in his customs and while whether in Anglo-Saxon communities with their his attitudes reflect the conditions under which he New England background or in foreign-language lives, his essential needs are the same from gencommunities with their varied European back- eration unto generation and among all peoples. grounds had been largely repudiated. The result We affirm, therefore, that the church must find its is a cultural phenomenon, moral phenomenon if universality in its consciousness of God and in you please, practically without precedent-a great its realization of the needs of men. body of people living without a generally recognized moral pattern and without sanctions hon- Staggered by a social burden which he finds ored by generations. It is evident that the church unbearable without the assistance of religion, imof the future must address its'elf to building up pelled by a moral imperative, the ethical contents new spiritual foundations to take the place of the of which he does not understand, the city man in old spiritual foundations upon which America was his more confident moods looks to religion for established. support and to Christianity for moral guidance. Christianity, in the past at periods of crisis, has While the immigrants of pre-war decades and met the challenge of destiny. The city man, theresecond generation immigrants of today have quite fore, calls upon the church to mediate to him a completely transformed old American cities domi- religion adequate to his personal needs and internantly Teutonic and Protestant into cities domi- pretive of his confused social relation. nantly Latin, Slavic and Semitic in race and Roman Catholic and Jewish in religion, there are Under normal conditions nature enters into the other factors which have had a part in the cosmo- creative religious process. Trees, streams, the sky politan process. and the stars are all sources of life valuable in the cultivation of the soul. It is apparent that Changes in the function and structure of these nature plays a large part in the cultivation of great metropolitan communities sketched in a religion when man and nature are living in norpreceding section have come in no small degree mal reciprocity. But is it possible to pursue the from the national orientation of industry, of com- mystical approach within city walls where the merce, and of professional life in America. A stars are rarely seen and where frequently in myriad of interests in each of the classifications winter the dust-laden atmosphere hangs like a has selected a major metropolitan community, pall over the city, shutting out even the sky? most likely New York, as headquarters with branch centers in other metropolitan communities. The city, particularly the metropolitan commu- nity, with its specialization in art, in music, in The church that looks to the city of tomorrow literature, is peculiarly rich in the materials 'for cannot afford to be provincial. It can not remain the cultivation of the mystical qualities of the parochial. It, too, must cultivate world-wide at- spirit. "A certain type of mind has always distitudes and relations. If Christianity is to survive cerned three straight and narrow ways going out in America it must become in fact a world reli- towards the absolute-in religion, in pain, in gion. The Christian movement in its world out- beauty," says Miss Evelyn Underhill. reach can not afford to think in terms of separate hemispheres of foreign missions and home mis- The expansive qualities of the individual may sions but of a church universal in space as well be cultivated generally by finding essences, someas in'concept. thing akin to universal experiences, in other human lives-by finding those qualities that life lives by.
The city is peculiarly rich in opportunity to continuing fact of urban life and adjust its prorelate spirit to spirit through a common under- gram to conditions which have grown out of the standing of ideals and through association in transformation of the small city into the great noble undertakings, even as we have found the metropolitan community. Facing the breakdown city peculiarly rich in its interpretation of life in of the old Anglo-Saxon, Puritan, and to a large its mystical aspects through literature and art degree Protestant standards, the Christian church and poetry. must address itself to the recreation of Christ's standards of faith, character and conduct. For the sake of the individual, his self-realization, his peace and joy on the one hand, and for In this process the church finds itself at home the creation of moral energy directed to social because it is still dealing with man forever changends on the other, it is highly important to culti- ing but forever presenting the same basic needs. vate the mystical aspect of the personality The fortunes of the church have never been inthrough an appreciation of nature, through aware- extricably bo~d with any secular order. It has ness of the essential qualities of the human spirit ever had standards to which it could repair. and through communion with God in Christ as the only source of religion and of moral energy. The abiding task of the church in the city, as elsewhere, will ever be to regenerate and to re- As important as these things are the church vitalize the individual and by this process to culmust accept as its primary responsibility the cul- tivate new social attitudes and to release a new tivation of worship in the individual and a sense ethical vigor equal to the task of social reconstrucof his vital personal relationship to God in Christ. tion.* As the church looks to the city of the future it * By permission of the Publisher, Harper & Brothers. the author is convinced that it must address itself to the has made liberal excerpts from his recent book. "City Man." adapted to the purposes of this article.
The Gospel in Mexico To~Day -~ I By WALTER MONTANO* Iffl.- FOLLOWING my decision to visit Mexico I re- Near Mexico City I was surprised to see news- ceived a cordial welcome from President Car- paper notices and accounts of the activities of the denas on behalf of the Mexican Government, Roman Catholic Church, just as in the most lib.. and from the Minister of Public Health. The eral country in the world. This was surprising, National Council of the Evangelical Churches, as I had seen and heard much about the oppresthrough their Executive Secretary, Professor Gon- sion of the priesthood. zalez Baez Camargo, had prepared a full program of evangelistic meetings, not only in Mexico City, My first week in Mexico City was filled with but in other States. As a result, I traveled a dis- meetings, held in the largest Protestant church in tance of six thousand miles in about one month. the republic, which used to be a Franciscan mon- astery. We began with some thousand people, and At the frontier, I saw that various persons were by the end of the week, there were more than being refused permission to enter. The officials fifteen hundred present. There were high army carefully examined my passport, and enquired as officers, government servants, representatives of to the object of my visit. However, my letters the intellectual circles, even Roman Catholic froin the President of the Republic and the Min- priests, in fact all classes of society, political and ister of Public Health were sufficient, although religious, were represented. For an hour each my passport described me as an "evangelical min- night there was attention, silence and interest. ister." I was shown every courtesy, and even my suitcases were passed through the Customs with- The way God worked in these meetings was out examination. The five hundred Mexican truly marvelous. At the last two gatherings, the dollars, which most who enter the country are local brethren urged me to make an appeal to those supposed to deposit, were not required of me. who wished to come forward and accept Christ. On the first of these occasions forty people, their • Sr. Walter Montano has been a missionary of the Evangelical eyes streaming with tears, came forward and Union of South America since 1929. His article appeared in the knelt, confessing their sins and accepting Christ. World Dominion. The following night, when I told the story of my
THE GOSPEL IN MEXICO TO-DAY
own conversion, more than a hundred came for- In Orizaba the hall, big though it was, would ward, crying to God for the pardon of their sins. not hold the people. The street was full and men The Gospel was new to these people, Roman Cath- and women were sitting on the paths. There were olics who, in all sincerity, were seeking peace for more than fourteen hundred people present. They their souls. Nor was it only the common people begged me for another day and I invited them for who came forward, but society folk and well- a meeting at five in the morning. At this hour, known persons. Professor Camargo stated that in the bitter cold, there were six hundred people he saw many people come to the meetings full of waiting. . . . The power and presence of God pride and even hatred toward us; at the close of were evident and we felt the fire of the Holy Spirit the service not a few of them were crying like kindling our hearts. children, among them an army general, who, moved to the depths of his soul, gave way to tears. From this last place we returned to Mexico City After the meeting many Catholics came to me say- for other meetings in the Y. M. C. A. There was ing, "I am a Catholic, but I know nothing about .a magnificent gathering of people who did not bethe life eternal, and now I accept Christ as my long to any of the churches. Some Communists only personal Saviour." in the audience tried to make trouble, but there were no serious difficulties. On another evening A Visit. to Pueblo two thousand united youth of the Federal District met me; it was a most touching occasion, when It was not my intention to remain in Mexico for crowds of young people of all denominations dedimore than two weeks, but Professor Osuna, an cated themselves to the service of God. They outstanding Christian, and a prominent figure in agreed to issue an appeal to the evangelical youth the Mexican Government in the time of Presidents of all Latin America to work on behalf of the Carranza and Calles, came from Monterey to Mex- forthcoming Congress of Latin American Evanico City and exacted a promise that I would visit gelical Youth, in which they proposed to study the Monterey. After prayer, I decided to remain best methods of a vigorous campaign for the evanlonger and visit Pueblo, Vera Cruz, Orizaba, gelization of unconverted youth. Guadalajara, Aguas Calientes, San Luiz Potosi, Saltillo, Torreon, EI Paso (Texas) and Nogales. In Mexico City there is a center for preparing These last two places are on the frontier of the young men for the ministry. The president and United States. Professor Camargo accompanied the other professors are men of real consecration me to Pueblo, and there we had united meetings to God, and the seminary is a center of training for two nights and a large number of people were for all denominations. As part of my program in led to Christ. During our visit to Pueblo, the first Mexico, the brethren arranged that I should give National Anti-Alcoholic Congress took place at devotional messages to faculty and students every the invitation of President Cardenas, with dele- day. God blessed these meetings and foreign misgates from all the Mexican states and from other sionaries, pastors of churches, professors from countries, chiefly Latin America. Dr. Siurob, the seminary, as well as the students, and also Minister of Public Health, presided over the Con- workers from Sunday schools, came unfailingly. gress and represented the government. He in- The theme was that of consecration and service. vited me to preside over the third full session, in my capacity as delegate of the National League of Other States Social Hygiene of Peru, and extended to me the privilege of being a guest of honor of the Govern- From Mexico City I set out for Guadalajara, ment of Pueblo. accompanied by two outstanding Mexican Chris- tian leaders, and again had most encouraging In Vera Cruz the church was full, and at the services. Our journey was continued to the places close of the meeting the platform would not hold already mentioned, and in every town we saw the the crowd of people who came pleading for our hand of God. The fact that most of the meetings prayers. The brethren asked if we could not re- were united gatherings tended to more cooperamain another day, but the itinerary was already tion between the different churches. There has fixed and it was quite impossible, so I said, jok- come a greater spirit of unity among the workers; ingly, "If you would like a meeting at four-thirty in fact, in many churches there are now united in the morning . . . !" Thinking no more about meetings for prayer among the workers of the difit, I went to bed, tired out, but exactly at four- ferent denominations. thirty in the morning I was awakened; the pastor and other brethren had called for me, and when Mexico is passing through a unique phase of its I went to the church there were two-hundred and history. The clouds of confusion have not yet fifty people gathered for a meeting. God worked passed from its sky, nor will they do so quickly. that morning in the hearts of those people! Everything is in a state of uncertainty and it is impossible to foretell what tomorrow will bring. The properties of churches and religious colleges
are in continual danger, for at any moment the of the intellectual classes; we stayed from seven Government can take possession of them. As a until ten in the morning, while I spoke to them matter of fact, many of the Protestant schools are closed and cannot exist if they teach religion. of my personal experience of Christ. Some evangelical schools have had to be turned 3. Now that the foreign missionaries cannot into purely commercial colleges or institutes for social instruction. It is difficult to understand the conduct definitely religious services, they are dissituation, for some of the actions of the Govern- covering other methods. Mr. Norman Taylor, a ment seem quite contradictory in nature to others. Presbyterian, is working with fine results among Shortly after I left Mexico, I was told that the the soldiers. He has a small wireless set 'installed Government had restored valuable property to the in his car, and Mr. Huegel gives them a Bible talk, urging upon them the need for repentance and Presbyterians. turning to Christ. All the soldiers held up their As Mexico is a Federal country, it is left to the hands asking for our prayers, and many bought Governor of each state to interpret the program New Testameqt,s. of education as he may Ghoose. Consequently 4. Other missionaries, such as Mr. Reifsnyder, there is a great variety according to the local attitude. There are a few schools where the teaching have sought some method of reaching the students is not only anti-religious but immoral; there are of the college and university, gathering them some teachers who pervert the children by ex- weekly for "lay sermons." The night I was there, treme programs of sexual education. . . . This twenty-two students, among them Roman Cathdoes not occur everywhere, nor is it officially olics, were deeply interested. recognized. Nevertheless, because of the liberty of interpretation and the fact that there is no uni- 5. In the midst of the difficulties presented by formity or standard of teaching, the enemies of the law, the workers have had to fall back on religion take the opportunity to inject their poison propaganda by the press. It is difficult to calcu- late the great results attained by the Latin Amerinto the hearts and minds of the children. ican bookstore, under the direction of Sr. Baez The preaching of the Gospel by foreigners is Camargo. The method which he uses attracts Communists, revolutionaries, students, professors, severely limited by law, but foreign missionaries publicists and others, and all receive the Gospel in Mexico still carryon their work, perhaps with even better results than before. The central de- message. partment of the Government made it clear that 6. The youth, indifferent hitherto to the neces- I was free to speak in any part of Me:xico with sity of testifying before others, are not only perfect liberty. uniting among themselves but are working openly; groups of young people go out to different suburbs New Methods of Evangelism in Mexico t and carryon regular services, also visiting homes. One such group has dedicated itself to carrying the Gospel to outcast women, a truly apostolic The restrictive laws of Mexico in the matter of labor. religion have turned out favorably in many 7. The difficulties which the evangelical bodies senses: face have made the Christian workers feel the im- perative necessity of more prayer, and a turning 1. The Evangelicals have felt compelled to unite to God for the solution of the religious and spirfor one common object, to preach Christ crucified. itual problems of Mexico. They have issued a 2. They have adopted new methods of evan- circular, addressed to "our brethren in the comgelization, which in other circumstances probably mon faith of Christ scattered throughout the enthey would not have adopted for many years. Dr. tire Mexican Republic," calling them to a deeper Wallace, a missionary of the Presbyterian Board, consecration of life and to the practice of daily and Sr. Baez Camargo took me to what they call prayer. "Wednesday Breakfasts" in one of the best res- t See Religion in the RClYUblic of Mexico, by C, Baez Camargo taurants in the capital. To this are invited people and Kenneth G, Grubb, published by the World Dominion Press, The Christian laymen in one Mexican church have organized a "Salvation Patrol" which works in the tenement districts at night. A missionary has developed a group of university students whO meet for the discussion of spiritual and social questions-probably the first ~or~ done ~y. Evangelicals for university stu.dents in Mexico City. In Tabasco, where preach- mg IS prohIbIted, a group of laymen orgamzed themselves as peddlers. With packs on their backs, they go from home to home selling merchandise and talking about Christ. A former ci~y pastor has dedicated himself to country wo.rk. He tells of a poverty-stricken village, WIth an ugly? n.ear-deformed, po~rly educated IndIa~ boy who went there to shepherd the little flock of ChrIstIans. The town IS gradually becommg transformed and this simple Indian boy is its hero.-S. G. Inman.
the Church Discontinue Institu–
tional Missionary Work?
-.~i By G. BAEZ CAMARGO, Mexico City, Mexico ._. ",,==;;;;;E;;;;;x;;;;;ec;;;;;u;;;;;ti;;;;;v;;;;;e;;;;;s;;;;;e;;;;;cTC_et;o;.;.au.;;;nTyc=oi;;l;;;f;;o;;;thf;;;;M;e=eN;;x;;;iac;;;;o;ti;;;;;o;;;;;na;p;;I;;;;;E;;;;;V;;;;;a;;;;;n;;;;;ge;;;;;lt;;;;;'c;;;;;al===!.f.l.- EVANGELICAL Christianity throughout the whole missionary program and to an examination world is looking forward to the international of the comparative and real values of evangelistic missionary conference called to meet in and institutional mission work. The question be- Madras, India, in December. Christians from gan to press itself upon the minds of both the many lands will come together to appraise the missionary and the national Christian leaders: status of the work, and to plan for united advance Should mission boards give less attention to elabin the evangelization of the world. Four hundred orate speciaU.~ed institutional work and more to delegates will wrestle with the most crucial prob- pioneer evangelism and the training of Christian lems of the Church and will seek to understand workers? our Lord's, mind and will for His people in these trying times. Among these problems, and not Another element in the situation was the growthe least of them, stands the whole question of the ing sense of responsibility in the National "institutional work" of the church, especially in churches and their increasing desire to attain the the missionary enterprise. ideal of a self-governing and self-supporting in- digenous church. This would naturally lead to Pioneer mis,sionary earnestness has been poured the taking over of the administration and support into several types of auxiliary institutions-edu- of the institutional work. New questions arose. cational centers, ranging from parochial schools In view of the nationalization of the churches, to universities; medical institutions, from modest was it the proper course for them to take over the dispensaries to large and well-equipped hospitals; institutions founded and supported by the missocial centers and even agricultural and industrial sions? Could the national churches support projects; other philanthropic agencies also have themselves and also afford to conduct the rather been established and sacrificially maintained the expensive institutional work as established with church at the home base and by native Christian foreign funds? Would it be wise for the missions organizations in the lands where they are estab- to withdraw their help from the support of the lished. Thes'e institutions have absorbed most of churches and pioneer evangelism and to devote the missionary budgets in many cases and often foreign funds exclusively to the support of instihave been used as the decisive argument for mis- tutions? Or would it be better to give up the sions. Many have found in their work one of the institutions and concentrate on new purely evanmain sources of satisfaction, as rel~orted in mis- gelistic projects, in cooperation with the national sionary reports and surveys. churches?
All seemed to be going well with these institu- In some countries there was a third and very tions until three new elements entered into the important problem involved. The national govsituation. There was, first, a serious setback in ernments were committing themselves to political mtsswn income. In readjusting the budgets, it doctrines of different types, all of which coincided was necessary to cut down expenditures. But the at least in one particular-the gradual or violent problem was: What appropriations should be re- assumption of control by the State of all the deduced? It is not easy to cut down on upkeep of partments of human life, educational, social, and plants, equipment, personnel and current expenses even individual. The situation was the more comof large institutions, without risking their very plicated in countries where totalitarianism was existence. On the other hand, should the cuts be strongly impregnated by hostility to Christianity made on the distinctly evangelistic work an4 on the support of churches? It was easier to' cut or to all forms of religion. This trend, often incorhere, but perhaps not the best way out of the financial difficulty. All this led to a review of the porated in a very definite form in legislation, has been making it increasingly difficult for churches in Mexico, Turkey, Iran, Korea, and some other [357 ]
countries to maintain their educational and med- people, teaching, healing and nursing the people ical institutions. Some governments have been to an abundant Christian life.
very active of late years developing a compre- In other fields, where there is a degree of cul- hensive program of national welfare, opening ture and social welfare and where, as in Japan, schools, dispensaries, social centers and hospitals. the government is fulfilling its medical and edu- Thus the institutional work of the churches does cational responsibility, the need for philanthropic not seem to be so necessary as in former times, and cultural work by the missionary agencies is when the missions were the only agencies con- not so pressing. It is here not impossible for the ducting it. Except for their evangelistic purpose, churches to consider giving up their institutions most of the institutions are now becoming a dupli- or their turning over to governmental or other cation of government enterprises. In several national agencies. The churches should be ready, countries evangelistic work in Christian schools within the measure of their possibilities, to coop- and hospitals is looked upon with suspicion by the erate with puba.ic and private philanthropic and governments and in some cases is even prohibited educational agencies, where such cooperation is by law – as in Turkey. When this is the case, possible.
would it be advisable to give up such church in- The stage of progress in evangelization, par- stitutions and turn this work over to the govern- ticularly with reference to the strength of the na- ment? tional churches, is also to be considered. There . This missionary agencies and the national are at least three main stages in evangelizing a Christian churches have come to face the prob- people in any country: lem: Should mission boards and churches of the First, there is the approach, penetration, and missionary-sending countries withdraw from edu- planting of the first organized groups of converts, . cational and philanthropic work on the field and entirely under the wings of the mother churches throw the responsibility for these forms of service and under the almost exclusive leadership of the on the churches and governments on the various foreign missionaries. Forms of organization, fields? methods of work, supporting funds and leaders, Obviously, this question cannot be answered all have come from abroad.
categorically Yes, or No. The answer depends The second stage is one of national growth, the upon several factors, and no wise decision can be upbuilding of Christian churches, the development reached that ignores one or more of these factors. of a trained native leadership, the progress in The best answer will result from the careful con- self-support and the progressive transfer of resideration of combination of facts and experi- sponsibilities to them. Important steps towards ences. The main factors are: self-government culminate in the organization of (a) Conditions prevailing on the particular national churches.
field; The third stage, one that perhaps has not been (b) The degree to which evangelization has fully achieved on any mission field, is when the national churches assume complete responsibility, progressed; both financial and administrative, of the work and (c) Financial ability of the mission boards; they become in turn missionary churches, send (d) The real purpose of the missionary enter- out to evangelize other fields.
prise; Clearly it is not possible for the mission boards (e) Type of work that the institutions are ac- of the sending churches to think of throwing on tually doing.
There are some countries where educational, the national churches the responsibility for the hygienic and social conditions are primitive and institutions which they are unable to support, if where the people are still in a desperate need of the evangelization of the field is in its first stage help along these lines. The governments are or entering its second. The national churches either unable to take care of the people's intellec- must first assume responsibility for their own tual, physical and social needs or they lack a sense maintenance and their evangelistic work proper; of responsibility. The result is the abandonment if they succeed in this, then they may begin to of the people to illiteracy and misery. No Chris- accept full responsibility for the institutions.
tian mission or church would wish to confine Where this process of nationalization is under itself to purely preaching the Gospel while the way, the institutions are the last points from people are the prey of ignorance, disease and pov- which the mission funds are expected to be with- erty. Where these conditions prevail, as in parts drawn. Naturally the national churches cannot be of Africa, India and elsewhere, some form of expected to assume the support of the institutional work to relieve these conditions is imperative and work while the churches themselves are being SlJP- has no substitutes. We must not hesitate to make ported by the mission. The national churches will great sacrifices to minister to the needs of the not be able fully to take over the institutions until
SHOULD THE CHURCH DISCONTINUE INSTITUTIONAL MISSIONARY WORK?
the third stage is reached – if these institutions arated from the churches, leading their own life are to be continued in any effective way under and doing their own more or less secular work. church auspices. But many others insist upon the supreme impor- tance of evangelistic task of Christian institu- The financial status of the mission boards is an tions and cannot conceive of a missionary project essential factor to be considered. If the mission that does not seek to bring to the churches a receipts are down to that point where drastic re- harvest of "saved souls" or souls to be instructed ductions in the budget must be made and the in- and saved. The situation varies widely according stitutional work cannot longer be supported then to place and personnel. Many institutions, like the mission must withdraw. If there is any pos- the hospital at Miragi, India, and the Union Colsibility of turning over the institutions to other lege in Pyenyang, Chosen, actively engage in satisfactory agencies, the national churches should evangelistic work. Others are more secular in be given the first option, next the work may be character and outlook. Not a few have practically offered to some other responsible organizations or made their Christian character so abstract as to to the government. In any case, there must be be hardly distinguishable from wholly secular inthe assurance that the plants and equipment will stitutions. really be used for the good of the country and for the benefit of the more needy people. This is a sore point in the whole discussion of missionary work. A fair 9.istinction should be Perhaps it is too much, in many cases, to insist made, at the very start, between proselytizing and that their Christian character will be maintained. evangelizing. To proselytize is to be primarily in- terested in winning members from one particular But, in the whole problem, the essential and cen- religion, denomination or church to another, withtral purpose of Christian missions must be kept out regard to any vital change in faith and life. in view. This is the ultimate guiding principle To evangelize is so to preach Christ in word and and the supreme criterium for any change in mis- deed as to bring people to accept Christ as Saviour sionary service. Fortunately, this matter has re- and Lord, and His way of life as a daily path of ceived prayerful and earnest consideration lately, conduct. As to the best means by which to achieve although perhaps the outcome has not been always this supreme goal there is no uniformity of rule true to the New Testament standards. But the or opinion. It depends much upon the local situafact that it is a real concern to re-define, for our tion and the individuals with whom one comes in times, the supreme purpose of Christian missions, contact. Steadfastness of purpose is essential but is in itself gratifying. The writer of this article uniformity of method is as fatal to true evandoes not pretend to pronounce dogmatically on a. gelistic work as is the lack of aim and ideals. It question that is still keeping busy the best Chris- is certain that no Christian institution should tian minds of today, but it is necessary to give lower the central purpose or depart from the plan his own views if this discussion is to be clear and of all missionary work in the name and power of conclusive. Christ; otherwise it will lose its vision and de- pendence on the Spirit of God. The central purpose of Christian missions may be briefly stated as follows: The purpose of Chris- Non-cooperation with the national churches is tian missions is threefold in its active expression: another strong temptation of socially successful mission institutions. Some seem afraid that by (a) To preach the Gospel of God's redemptive disclosing their connection with the churches the grace in Jesus Christ; institutions will risk their prestige. It is not neces- sary, and may be even harmful, for these institu- (b) To cooperate in the upbuilding of an in- tions to be wholly subordinated to the churches. digenous educated Christian church; In most cases they should have their separate ad- ministration. But to part from the churches, re- (c) To serve this church and the people of the fusing to have anything to do with them, pn the land where it is established. pretext that success may be attained only in this way, is to pay a very high price for such success. The whole problem of institutional work should It has not been found necessary in America. Exbe kept under the spotlight of this one and three- perience shows that institutions committing themfold purpose. To what extent are Christian in- selves to this policy find it increasingly difficult stitutions faithful to it? What is the actual type to maintain their true Christian character; they of work being carried on by the institutions and are finally dragged down by the spirit of humanhow do they rate when measured with the yard- istic secularism. This at least can be strongly stick of the supreme purpose of Christ when He stated: no mission institution should allow itself founded missionary enterprise? to come to this self-defeating point of refusing to recognize its Christian character and purpose. Many believe that Christian institutions need to be Christian only in their inspiration and motive, but that they may refrain from becoming agencies to win others to Christ as Lord and Saviour. In order to avoid the charge of "proselyting" they are expected to keep themselves sep-
Every mIssIOnary institution should actively Christian boy or girl to get an education. The serve the churches and people in the country writer once visited a mission high school, finely where it is established. Duplication of govern- equipped and with excellent social prestige. When mental or private institutions should be avoided inquiring about the curriculum, the principal, in as far as possible. Instead of this, mission insti- all candor, informed him that their program was tutions should always be reaching out to unserved adjusted to similar schools in the United States, areas. In this work elaborate and costly plants as there were so many pupils from the British and may become a hindrance. Expensive plants then American colonies who wanted to secure credit become an end in themselves, and in order to keep for their studies when going abroad to college. them up, other important elements of the mission- The principal appeared to have given scarcely any ary program are sadly neglected. We should thought to the question as to whether this curnever forget that institutional plants are made riculum was the best suited for the needs of the for the missionary work and not the missionary nationals of tha't-.country. work for institutional plants. After all, to accomplish the primary task of serving Cnrist by Now we come back to the starting point in this helping the people of any country, it is not indis- discussion. Should mission boards, and the pensable, and not always desirable, to set up costly churches in the mission fields, plan to withdraw plants that in a time. of crisis and readjustment from their institutional work? An absolute anbecome veritable "white elephants." swer is not possible. We have tried to point out the factors which should be combined to make up As an illustration of what has been said above, the criteria under which the answer in each parthe complaint is heard from several fields that not ticular case is to be sought. In dealing with our a few of the "Christian" colleges "have estranged problem, we often come closer to the solution by themselves from the churches and the Christians reminding ourselves again and again of facts and and have become schools for the rich and socially principles we know but which we are apt to forelite, where it is practically impossible for a poor get or ignore.
The Challenge of the Philippines By the REV. NORMAN S. McPHERSON -tEl Vice-President of the Association of Baptists for Evangelism );.- in the Orient A FILIPINO high school senior who was work- many months had passed yielded his life for full- ing his way through school in Manila by time service and enrolled as a student in the laboring in a laundry was one day handed Institute. a tract in jest by a fellow workman. The tract was entitled, "Are You Born Again?" by Bishop This is but one of hundreds who have found J. C. Ryle. The message fell on good soil. At Christ through the varied ministries of the Assohis first opportunity the young man sat down and ciation of Baptists for Evangelism in the Orient. wrote a letter, addressing it to the Manila Evan- It is not too much to say that the Philippines congelistic Institute, publishers of the tract. He con- stitutes one of the most responsive harvest fields in fessed: "I am exactly the man concerned in your the world today. article." After mentioning some of his temptations and seeking advice he asked: "Am I eligible The Association of Baptists is an evangelical to be born again?" agency formed eleven years ago for the propaga- tion of fundamental Christianity – there is no As director of the Institute I replied to his let- other kind-in the Orient. Its activities thus far ter, arranging for him to come and see me. The have been confined to the Philippines, where it interview closed with both of us on our knees maintains two training institutes for Christian while prayer and surrender forged the link bind- workers in addition to a growing provincial work ing another soul to the Christ who once again extending from the northernmost Batanes Islands looked upon the travail of His soul and was satis- down to the Palawan group in the extreme south. fied. The young man began attending Sunday Millions of pages of gospel literature are printed services in the First Baptist Church, and. before on the mission press in Manila in both dialects and English every year. Through the evangelis-
THE NEED OF STUDENTS IN BRAZIL
tic efforts of itinerant gospel teams new churches angels in heaven found fresh cause for rejoicing are established and manned with graduates of in the 672 who found Christ in the opera house the training institutes. and on the street corner during those two weeks.
An indispensable means of evangelizing the While the Philippines constitute a striking op- Palawan group of some forty islands is the Gospel portunity by reason of the cordiality of the re- Ship, Fukuin Maru, formerly used by Northern sponse, the Association believes the time has come Baptists in the Inland Sea of Japan. Captain to expand beyond the confines of these islands, and Skolfield cruises from island to island with a thus fulfil the purpose for which the Association group of Filipino evangelists preaching the Gos- was originally chartered. A new field on the pel and rendering simple medical aid. Twelve island of Ceylon has recently been acquired, and churches have been established with over a thou- plans are now being made to release the Gospel sand members. One day a Moro asked the cap- Ship for a year's survey of New Guinea and other tain what to do for an aching tooth, to which the fields in the Dutch East Indies, many of which captain replied that it would be best to extract it. represent virgin soil. New Guinea is the second Whereupon the Morosaid: "All right, and as soon largest island in the world. Never has the inas you have stopped the ache be sure to put it terior been explored by white men except from back again!" the air. We must not, however, overlook the par- tial penetration in the region of the Fly River. The keynote of the Association of Baptists for Now that mining companies and scientific parties Evangelism in the Orient is, as its name suggests, are planning to exploit the island's natural reevangelism. All of its activities-whether preach- sources, it is believed the Church of Christ caning, teaching, housing students in dormitories, not afford to neglect the souls of the tribesmen in printing, broadcasting, street corner ministry, vis- the interior, many of whom are said to be headitation in hospitals and on ships, student center hunters and totally ignorant of the Gospel. activity-find their focus and impetus in that supreme objective. Every form of evangelism is Nothing short of prevailing prayer will release used to good advantage. At least two hundred the resources in men and money needed for such decisions for Christ a month ar.e made on one a gigantic undertaking. The newspapers recently street corner where student teams proclaim the announced that scientists of the Metropolitan Mu- Gospel six nights a week. During the eucharistic seum of Natural History of New York City expect congress that was held last year in Manila the to explore New Guinea this year with a $250,000 Association of Baptists rented the Manila Grand airplane. What will the Church of Christ do in Opera House for two weeks and brought Leland the face of those thousands who have never so Wang of Hong Kong as special speaker. The much as heard of Christ?
The Need of Students in Brazil –'11 By HAROLD A. COOK, Rio d, Janolto 1111– W E HAVE missions to the Indians, and ef- or after. Remember that he had lived ,his twenty- forts to reach the poor and teach the two years in another world, quite untouched by ignorant in Brazil. Evangelical colleges the Gospel, even though in a modern civilized city. reach a very limited .proportion of students; but On receiving a Testament, he said that he was the Teacher Training Schools, the medical, dental holding the Word of God in his hand for the first and law schoo!<s, and the academic class, as a time in his life. If you do not know who is the whole, present an untouched field, without any leading American jockey of today or the present special effort to evangelize them. They are com- heavyweight boxing champion a member of the paratively untouched. sporting fraterniity would say: "What astounding ignorance! Where have you been brought up?" The students are brought up in a Roman Cath- The pages of the newspaper to which sportsmen olic atmosphere; and a large number of them be- turn first, you do not even look at. The case is come formalis,ts or wander into the desert of the same with the majority of our academic stuagnosticism and scepticism. dents in Brazil. They have not come within a thousand miles of the Gospel, even though there A few months ago I met a college graduate who did not know whether Moses was before Christ
may be an evangelical church round the corner. 3. He would endeavor to keep himself informed The spirit of Christ requires of us, not that we concerning books suitable for his constit- uency and in keeping with the purpose of shall wait for them to come to us, but ,that we shall his mission, so that he could advise and guide go to them. The Good Shepherd went after the inquirers into profitable avenues of Christian lost sheep. literature. (A suitable magazine we already have–.:.viz., Sacra Lux.) A book talk might Brazil is nominally a Roman Catholic country, be the theme of one of his lectures. and for them the world is divided into Catholics and non-Caitholics. Hence many think of Prot- 4. He would make a speciality of personal interestants as in the same class with all the freak view by appointment; at these interviews he religions that have found their way into South could deal with intimate problems which America. Our task is to bring these people to the could not be handled at question time after living Saviour whom they have not so far discov- a lecture. ,While not evading the intellectual ered. side of such problems, he would stress the fact of Christ as the infallible solution to How can ,this be done for the academic classes? every problem, whether intellectual or moral. Not through invitations to our church services; for the large majority would not come. I suggest Doubtless there are many American and Engthree methods, each one dependent on the other; lish graduates who could ably occupy this p{)siefficiency requires all three, but a measure of suc- tion, but other things being equal, a Brazilian cess could be obtained with anyone alone. would be far more preferable. We have such a man. He is still on the youthful side of life, elo· 1. Well-bound Testaments and other suitable lit- quent in speech, attractive in personality, and well erature (well printed) sent through the post, educated, he everywhere gathers large audiences addressed to persons whose names could be of the intellectual class. The evening audience at obtained. The literature should not be sent his own church invariably includes a number of out in large numbers at one time. A safe the professional men of the city, as well as stu- number would be five. dents from the colleges. His book on "Christ as the Man of Sorrows" has gone into a second edi- 2. Personal work by church members who are tion. His pastoral duties prevent him from mak- themselves academics. Andrews should be ing frequent trips away from home, but those he on the lookout for Peters. has made have been crowned with success. The local churches will hire the cinema for a night, 3. A college graduate or university man could give and he will be advertised, not as a visiting pastor, his whole time as a missionary to academic but as an orator and an author. A subject such students. as "The Defects of the Human Will" provides ample opportunity to include the Gospel. Scores The firs.t method requires money and inside co- will attend such a lecture though they would not operation. The second requires men-and there go to a church service. After the leoture it is exare few church members among the academics; plained that owing to the expense of the cinema some who are there have not caught the vision of theater, one of the churches had been offered, and the harvest so near to hand. The third method re there the speaker of the evening could again be quires a specialist. He must have not only grace, heard. By this means many have been lead to but gifts also. If ithere were only one such spe- visit an evangelical church for the first time, and cialist, his work would have to be extensive; if have heard the full Gospel there. They discover there were more than one, their work could be that the Protestants are not as the priests have proportionately intensive. represented them. After the firs,t visit, the sec- ond is much easier, and they are on the way to What would be the work of such a missionary? find the light. I suggest the following main lines. Experience would probably indicate others: The academic class contains the future leaders of this progressive country. Here is a wor-th- 1. He would mix with academics as far as .time while work, which offers a fine opening for invest- and circumstances permitted, in order to ment, with guaranteed returns. make personal contacts. (These contacts would enable him to combine methods 1 and . Not only have we the man for the task, but we 2.) He would be careful not to disclose his also have an organization under whose auspioes he own denominational connection, because he could work and travel-viz., the Brazilian branch is not out ,to win men for his church, but for of the Committee of Cooperation in Latin Amer- Christ. ica, with offices at 254 Fourth Avenue, New York City. 2. He would embrace every opportunity to give addresses – not sermons – to audiences of academics only; these addresses would con- tain the hook of the Gospel, skilfully baited. At such gatherin~s he would invite questions.
B'ack. on Our Furlough*
By REV. RAY E. PHILLIPS, Johannesburg, South Africa Missionary of the American Board; author of "The Bantu Are Coming"
W E HAVE come back to South Africa laden It takes heroic leadership these days to compel with riches. Not in coin of the realm- attention to spiritual truth when the movies, the American or otherwise – but in friends, modern novel, the motor car, and the very air itfresh associations, and a better understanding of self, are agencies of such distracting, conflicting, our task. and competing appeals. It has been a frequent, Nine months of study have been immensely re- and thrilling experience to discover in various warding. We have become acquainted with the parts of the country churches which have evi- work of students of primitive cultures, as well as dently found the message and the methods for with that of research workers in modern indus- enlisting the joyous cooperation of young and old.
trial areas, and we have been assisted in looking There are people in our churches who are crit- at our task from new angles. ical of missions and say so quite frankly.
Mrs. Phillips and I have been privileged to "I have no time for missions," said a church meet with many young people at summer confer- member just before a church supper. "I have ences. What memories we have of companionship always questioned sending missionaries to people with high school and college boys and girls on col- who were perfectly happy in their own way, to lege campuses and at rallies and week-end confer- teach them to wear clothes, to eat our food, and, ences. in short, to bring all of the troubles and problems We have been given ample proof that some of of civilization to them. Wouldn't they really be the finest people in the world are to be found in better off without all these things 1"
the churches. We have been brought into close Statements of this sort are not only a confession contact with people whose names leap to mind of ignorance as to the actual, fear-ridden, soulwith a quickening of the heart-beat. We met destroying life of primitive peoples, but also a many devoted, intelligent, women scattered throughout the churches who are quietly, pa- curious admission that one's religion means little tiently, year after year, creating interest among more than food and clothing and the troubles of the indifferent, raising their quota for benevo- civilization! lences in spite of obstacles of all kinds, leavening the lump of more or less nominal church mem- Which introduces the question whether religious faith can be called "Christian" until it is so vital bership. and radiant that it overflows the bounds of one's We are back in South Africa with a new under- own family, church and nation to embrace all men everywhere 1 standing of the difficuties of the home pastor in America, and a deeper appreciation of the men As we look back on experiences in various cenwe have met in individual churches and at Con- ters, those which seem to have been the most references. Out in the Dust Bowl are men and warding were those where we had time really to women who would have been canonized had they get acquainted.
lived a few centuries back. And they are not all Conditions to Be Improved in the Dust Bowl, or in the smaller, rural Is there anything we have seen that we would like to see improved 1 We would prefer to dodge churches. this question were it not that one or two things In larger churches in the cities and towns, we have forced themselves quite definitely on our at- tention and are grateful for a chance to "off-load have sensed the steady, sacrificial giving of them- themselves," as we say in South Africa. selves on the part of pastors and their wives and the loyal church folk who stand by, all without First, my personal impression is that, in dealthe glamour surrounding missionary activity nor ing with young people, our church leaders are not the rewards and satisfactions that often come to concrete and personal enough when it comes to the worker in foreign lands.
• Condensed from The. Missionary Herald, religious experience. In spite of the ubiquitous [363 ]
insistence upon being realistic it seemed to me and are making Christian activity ultimately that it is almost entirely second-hand testimony meaningless. that is given out to the future members of the church. "Kagawa says-," "Stanley Jones Christ'~ insistence upon individual perfection says-," is about as far as many speakers get in -"Be ye perfect as your Heavenly Father is percommending the practice of Christianity. fect"-requires an eternity for its achievement. Belief in an eternity of existence in the realm of But I cannot escape the definite impression that an active, working God, one who is working speakers to young people and conference leaders against difficulties and who rej oices in the growth would rather do anything else than explain just of his children to share with him in his vast, coswhat Christ means to them. mic enterprise – this gives glorious meaning to life now. Is prayer a reality to them? Just what response do they receive from the Unseen God that deepens It validates and justifies the presence of probtheir conviction that they are on the right track? lems of increasing complexity in human life and Can they look back in their lives to any certain regards sacrifice and suffering as stepping stones time when they were certain that they were being to that finer type of manhood pre-requisite to guided by The Heavenly Father? emergence on a loftier plane of deity.
In short, is their faith something that they We must re-discover belief in Eternal Life on themselves have experienced, or is it a good phi- a new basis, not as "dope" but as "dynamite," losophy of life to be assented to intellectually as attaching permanent value to present-day spirethically sound. itual attainment, in order to inject fresh interest and more powerful incentive into Christian life On the occasions when I have suggested to and activity. Stripped of faith in the immorspeakers at summer conferences that they con- tality of the individual soul, how are we Christclude their talks with a personal testimony, noth- tians any better off in the matter of objectives ing has happened. than the Communists who are working for a righteous order here on earth and who have ex- In my seminar groups I have found that young ceeded the humanists in cleverness by making its people are hungry for an exchange of real, vital attainment lie just ahead-a few more five-year experience, and are grateful for personal confi- plans? dence on the part of the leader. With the background of belief in a Father God To my mind the main appeal of the Oxford who operates. in a universe so vast that he can Groups can be found right here. There is the utilize through the eternities that lie ahead, the ring of reality about their doing. One after an- potentialities latent in every individual on this other "Grouper" will say: "I have experienced-," small earth, this Christian task takes on added HI have been guided to-." radiance and significance.
Again, some churches and Christians seem to Even my black friends in Africa are seen to be be groping in a fog when it comes to a Christian of stupendous value; their future growth is of basis for missions or for Christian life at all these vital concern to all of us. We go gladly back to days. our work in that great land to bring the Good News to Bantu folk of their magnificent destiny Our fathers had a long-time objective, a heaven as sons of a Living God, and to help mold enof rest for the weary and of bliss for the suffer- vironing conditions which will help to develop ing, which put in proper perspective the inequali- that type of character which is essential to those ties and disabilities of earth and gave a sense of who would become "joint-heirs" of Christ. urgency to spreading the Good News. In the last ten years the American Bible Society Col- The whole idea of Immortality seems to have porteurs have sold eighty-five million copies of Scripture, become vague and indistinct, certainly it has small and .great. The Eastern Agency of the United ceased to have richness of content to many Chris- States showed last year an eighty per cent increase in the tians, many clergymen. Some of the younger purchase of whole Bibles. The Society put 35,000 Testachurch leaders are frank in admitting that Eter- ments into the Civilian Conservation Camps in 1933. One nal Life has no meaning for them. They say: agent and his colporteurs is working the little State of S·an Salvador on a house to house program, and expects "Why worry about it when there is so much to to cover the entire state in five years. Already they have be done in cleaning up this old world? Let us gone through 27 towns and 272 rural districts with a work for the coming of the Kingdom of God on population of 219,128. Gideons have placed Bibles in three earth." of the largest hotels of the City of San Salvador; also in those of Santa Ana and San Miguel. This is their first While agreeing as a social worker, that stu- placement by Gideons in Central America. pendous tasks remain to be undertaken to make society Christian, I cannot but feel, and with ERNEST GORDON. equal intensity, that without a long-range view of life as Eternal we are emasculating our Gospel
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II Effective Ways of Working Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~=I==============================~~~ PATTERNS TO FIT ANY A hymn, "Lead on 0 King She then calls on the entire membership to rise and take a PROGRAM Eternal," or "The Light of the World Is Jesus" may be used as pledge for cooperation and sup- Whether your organization is an opening. While the pianist port in every way, in order that planning to use the study topics the kingdoms of this world may or an independent outline as a plays suitable music softly, a basis for the year's programs, young woman in white, carrying become the Kingdom of our Lord plans to brighten up the topics and S a vi 0 u r, Jesus Christ. and also to mark certain out- a large candle, enters and is imstanding days and occasions in mediately followed by the six re- Leader declares the officers are the course of the yeftr are desir- tiring and six incoming officers, duly installed and a closing able, unless the work is to be- all bearing candles but with only prayer is offered before the parcome dull and unalluring save those of the former lighted. to those already interested in ticipants march out to the tune missions. Look through the fol- When the leader moves to the of "Fling Out the Banner." lowing suggestions, gathered right side of the table, the offifrom here and there, and see cers take their places in front of Another effective installation whether you may not find some the chairs, the two presidents usable program patterns. exercise is based on the plan of standing in the center, etc., in a wheel. Called to the front, the corresponding pairs. new president stands at the cen- ter with the other officers When all are in place, the around her to form the hub, the leader sets her large candle in circle chairman a few feet far- For Special Days and the center of the circle and re- ther out constituting the rim. Occasions cites impressively selected Scrip- These chairmen hold ribbons ex- ture passages regarding light, its tending to the president, to form Installation Services: With function in the City of the New the spokes. Then the installing new officers coming in at the be- Jerusalem, and our obligation to officer reads a choice statement ginning of the fiscal year, many extend this light to the non- as to God's mighty plan for His societies will welcome ways of Christian world, this being the work on earth necessitating hu- placing the mantle of responsi- occasion for the present recon- man activation, the Church bebility on the shoulders of the secration service. ing the chief instrument through leaders and rallying the mem- Next, the retiring president which this cooperation is accom- bership to get behind the work. places her candle on No.1 in the plished. Each machine has many An impressive service used for circle and recites, "The Lord is wheels, each one has its place the Young People's Department my light and my salvation," ad- with its specific work to be faith- of the M. E. Women's Foreign dressing the incoming president fully and steadily done. The so- Missionary Society first sets its as to her duties and responsi- ciety (whatever organization is stage with 12 chairs in a semi- bilities. The latter lights her giving the program) is one very circle back of a table on which candle at the large central taper important wheel in the local a circle 18 inches in diameter and placing it in the circle on church unit, the officers before has been marked, 12 numbers No.7, recites, "They that wait the audience being a most re- being marked thereon at regular upon the Lord," etc. sponsible portion. "This wheel intervals so the officers may see The retiring president steps before us has 10 spokes, a frame- just where to place their candles. back a pace while the leader calls work as you see, each one the Instead of, or with, the candles, the first vice-presidents, the pro- chairman of a group which in- a cape of white with a cross of cedure for the two presidents cludes you and me. There must blue may be worn on the left being duplicated, with new be an ever-widening-out in shoulder of each retiring officer, verses. In similar fashion each hearty cooperation, the whole and taken off and put on the set of officers takes part, until circumscribed by the rim of officer succeeding her at the all are in position. The leader united cooperation. The wheel moment when she is installed. faces the (inner) circle of offi- must be oiled, kept clean and Headbands of white with blue cers and calls on them to repeat free from rust, have perfect bal- cross in front may be worn by the pledge for faithful discharge ance, do its work in harmony all. of duties, as she lines it out. with other wheels, avoid fric- [365 ]
tion, and be repaired from time N. J., tells of the meeting place praise the Lord," and "Come to to time by the One who regulates the whole (Jesus Christ)." A arranged as the waiting room of the Y. W. A. meeting of Praise consecration hymn and prayer follow. a railway station, "Division of and Thanksgiving, at" (date The Annual Meeting: Much our Great Baptist National and and place). tact and endeavor are usually necessary to lighten the heavy International Railways." There A very charming plan, as details and make the service attractive. Church Business re- were reports. from the secretary, given in the Baptist mimeoports this one, as used in a church at Medina, Ohio: The the treasurer and the corre- graphed sheet, Program Pointprogram sheet was headed: sponding secretary-who arrives ers, describes a pot of gold "ON BOARD THE GOOD SHIP on a late train preceded by "red (brass bowl filled with orange 'FIRST CHURCH,' IN PORT AT caps" carrying her luggage, etc. flowers) on a table decorated MEDINA FOR ITS 115TH ANNUAL Around the room was a maga- with rainbow colors, seven gold MEETING ON . . . . . . (DATE AND zine stand displaying the denom- paper streamers leading into it. HOUR) ." inational magazine and reading Seven participants, each with a Order of the Day- contest books; travelers' aid crepe paper sash representing a (a) Hear the reading of the Ship's log for 1938 (nominating (White Cross work for mission'-. rainbow color, stand together committee's report). hospitals) ; tickets (the new gift with a silver box in one hand (b) Transact business and make necessary repairs while Ship boxes); information booth (new and the end of one of the gold is in dry dock. literature), etc. Girls of a junior streamers in the other, singing (c) Set it afloat for 1938-39 with all good wishes. organization served as red caps "There's a Rainbow Shining (d) Election of new officers for the or helpers. Certain reports are Somewhere," the audience join- Ship (clerk and tellers). received as telegrams by girl in ing in the chorus. (This can be (e) Assembling of Officers and Sail- ors on Upper Deck-special messenger's cap. The Prayer obtained in sheet music from the music on ship-board. (Gath- ering for church dinner.) Committee reports on the Source Rodeheaver Co., Philadelphia.) (f) "All Aboard!" of Power. The Scriptures were One by one these seven persons The Ship's Mess-the Stewardess and used as "running orders." Post- take part, each holding up her Helpers (dinner at 6: 30 p. m.) . ers told of house parties to be box as she speaks. Calling of Crew together for the An- nual Session. held in summer (missionary (1) Violet stands for Faith, (a) Devotions and prayer for safe conferences). There was a without which we cannot fill our return ….. the Chaplain. lunch ro?m glee club, and. after silver offering boxes. (b) Reading of the Ship's Log ….. the meetmg t~e membershIp fol- (2) Indigo stands for Hope, the Captain. lowed the SIgn to the ~unch and without hope for the future (c) Recognition of the Crew (pas- counter w her e sandWIches, we shall not have the inspiration toral committee, trustees- who keep Ship afloat; mis- doughnuts. and co f fee. were needed to fill the boxes. sionary committee – who di- rect its course to faraway served. Fmally the trll;m an- Similarly there are repre- parts; the men – "who lie down below, below"; the nounce; called, the. trams. on sented Blue for Joy, Green for choir-who keep us joyful; tracks 35 ,~nd 36, w~~h ,~tah?ns the S. S. – that makes good sl:1ch " a~ .Harm?n~;" AmIty- Brotherliness, Yellow for Pa- sailors; the young people– v~lle,', FrI~~dshIr,,, Opportu- who will be officers some day; mty and SerVICe, ~nd the tience, Orange for Loyalty, Red the scouts-who are at your for Sacrifice. "We put these service). boxes in the Rainbow Pot of The Purser's Report (treasurer). newly elected officers (mstalled silver; but if given with our by the p,~stor) left ~y t~e door Faith, Hope, Joy, Brotherliness, Report of Keeper of Records (clerk). marked To the Trams. etc., they will surely come from Three Cheers for the Old Crew-the *** Stokers and All. the Pot of Gold transformed into Launching of the Ship for Another Thanksgiving and also the golden gifts ready to lift the Voyage (announcement of new officers) . annual Thank Offering Meeting burden of our denomination and Ports Ahead ("What I'd like to see are high lights deserving special worthy of the 'Well done' of the Ship do this year," and "Where the Ship might go"). features. A poster suggestion our Master." Then followed a "Blest Be the Tie that Binds." for advertising a young wom- song specially composed for the Benediction. an's meeting (in The Window occasion.
*** of Y. W. A.) showed two young A good devotional for a Another plan used by Mrs. women standing at opposite Thanksgiving meeting uses a A. H. C. Morse, of Jersey City, sides of the page, the one on the Scriptural acrostic. After open- left carrying a basket of goodies ing remarks on the special occa- labelled as petitions for things sion, say, "Let us think for selfishly desired, with a very awhile of the letters in the word few labelled "Thank you." The T-h-a-n-k-s-g-i-v-i-n-g that are girl on the right held a basket of also the first letters of the words delectables labelled for things that cause our hearts to be for which she was grateful. Both thankful" : baskets were extended as if be- T-ruth, Psalm 117: 2; H-ope, ing offered up to God. Blessings Psa. 39: 7; A-bide, John 15: 10; poured in a shower on the girl N-ame, Luke 8: 30a; K-now, at the right, the words under- Luke 19: 43; S-ee, Psa. 65: 5a; neath being, "0 that men would G-race, Acts 11: 23a; I-ncline,
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
Josh. 24: 23; V-oice, 1 Cor. 14: Seat. Once more we are re- member of the several women's 10; I-ncrease, Provo 9: 9b; minded that out of one blood boards, thus acquiring a knowl- N-ew, Rev. 21: 5a; G-o Forward, God hath made all nations of edge of missionaries under Ex. 14: 15. We can "Go For- men, and that all may come to world-wide conditions. For 25 ward" on deeds of mercy and Him with their burdens and years she was Methods Editor love, after this service, and so cares. of Missions and wrote missionfind happiness in things to be ary leaflet literature, pamphlets thankful for. Sing, "Count And now as the day lengthens and pageants. In 1932 she be- Your Many Blessings." A brief toward the setting sun, the West- gan to edit this Department in talk follows each letter in this ern Hemispheres take up the the REVIEW. Mrs. Aitchison acrostic. – Adapted from World strain – from pole to pole, in hopes, after a period of rest, to Comrades. many tongues-Spanish or Por- take up writing and speaking tuguese, Alaskan or French, again. Outstanding Features for English or Indian, we lift our Any Meeting hearts and voices to the God of Miss Grace McGavran Nations, who is the God of the Takes Hold A Diurnal Cycle of Prayer, as individual too, and pray for perused at a Presbyterial group sonal and civic righteousness- As we bid farewell to Mrs. meeting, may be incorporated "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will Aitchison, we welcome to our into any program as its devo- be done." editorial staff Miss Grace W. tional, or used on the Day of McGavran of Indianapolis, In- Prayer. Another name for it is "Prayer in the land of the fir tree and diana, who will become the Ed- "A Prayer Quest" : pine; itor of this Department. She is a member of the "Disciples" Out on the wide Pacific where Prayer in the land of the fig tree Church and has had wide and East meets West, this day's peti- valuable experience in writing tions are borne. Faraway Japan and vine; and in promoting better and hears the call to prayer and more effective methods of pre- Christians, both white and yel- Prayer where the waves dash loudly senting missions to groups of low, gather and bow the knee Christians at home. to the same Father. Our own and cold; hearts but echo the terror and She was brought up in India appeal in theirs, as they see that Prayer where the lion stalks fearless and later was a secretary of Misfair land following the god of sionary Education in the United War. and bold; Christian Missionary Society. Her first contribution will ap- Swiftly the hours move west- Prayer in cathedrals whose spires pear in our September number, ward and soon the call to prayer dealing with "Tested Methods resounds across the far East, in tower high; for Increasing Interest at Home" Korea and Siam, in Cambodia -through books, enlisting new and Anam, and in war-torn Prayer in kirks and cabins close by; members, improving missionary China. Thousands lift up their meetings, drama and other pracvoices to Almighty God in a na- Prayer where two are gathered to tical plans. She will keep in tion-wide cry for peace and mind the interests and needs of safety. pray; , pastors, teachers and parents, as well as those of officers of local Christians all over India join Everywhere, everywhere, prayer to- societies and laymen. We bewith us and with each other to speak for Miss McGavran your plead with the God of nations to day." hearty cooperation. If you have lead them to the right solution any problems or questions along of their internal difficulties. Mrs. Aitchison Retires these lines, or any experience or ideas that have proved effective The sun moves on over the After editing this department in promoting missionary inter- Near East and bathes the ancient on "Effective Ways of Working" est and cooperation, send them land of Iran and the Hqly to Miss Grace McGavran, 5718 Land of sacred Writ ……… . for nearly seven years, Mrs. Es- Oak Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana. (add a suitable complete statement) . tella S. Aitchison feels it neces- EDITOR., sary to retire. Health needs to Day dawns in Russia, but we be conserved, and other respon- Yesterday evangelism was vodo not find Christians gathering sibilities call for attention. We in churches to pray together. . . join with the readers of this De- cational; today it is avocational. so in humble homes behind partment in deep gratitude to locked doors . . . Mrs. Aitchison for the faithful Yesterday it was perennial; to- way in which she has presented As the hours fly swiftly by, the methods that have been of day it is only seasonal. Yesterwe see the blacks in Africa by help to many in the churches. the thousands, and Christians in day it was victorious; today it every country in Europe, meet- Mrs. Aitchison was born in ing around a common Mercy Iowa, and from an early age has is simply visitational. – W. G. been identified with church mis- Coltman. ' sionary organizations. She was married to Dr. John Y. Aitchi- son, a Baptist. minister, who subsequently became joint secre- tary for Baptist Home and For- eign Mission Societies, later Home Secretary for the Baptist Foreign Mission Society, and finally General Director of the Baptist Board of Missions Cor- poration. Mrs. Aitchison shared his rich missionary experience in the pastorate and served as BULLETIN Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
~,==================~ THE CHURCH IN THE CITY in which his Church is to face CITY MAN. Charles H. Sears. Friend- the city or the extent to which '.". ship Press, New York. Cloth, Where do the greatest number hI·S. Chu'rch'~s t a 11 ow t h.e C' tI.y TH$E1.50C;ROpWaDpEeDr, 7W5AcYeSn.ts. Charles H. of Americans live? How much do they know about their en- 0 vironment? How do they earn to mfluence It. Not only IS thIS Sears. Friendship Press New their living? What do they theme for study exceedingly York. Board, 35 cents; pS:per, 25 really get out of life? What part has the Church in influencing tsi.mmce~lry~, bCuh.trIi.St ti·~sanesms. enhtiI'a~l pfroerst~hnet CITcMYenutrsAr.aNyD HC. HLUeRiCffHer. INWTilRleAtNt,SICTIlOarNk. this life in all its varied aspects? partIclpatIOn m Amerlcan hfe. & Co., 1938. $2.50. What part ought the Church to have? All groups whether urban or OUR CITIES: THEIR ROLE IN THE ~A- ·11 fi n' d the S.t ud~ st·lmu- TtiIcOsN, AgLraEpChOs,NOcMhaYr.ts, Hetecl.pfuFl osrtastaIsle- These and many other ques- ru~a1, W tions await answer or stimulat- I ing discussion and enlightenment latmg. Those who hve m large by the Superintendent of Docuin the study of the Home Mis- cities are the subject under con- ments, Washington, D. C. 70 cents. sion Theme for 1938-39 on "The sideration. Those in smaller CITY CHURCH INVENTORY. A brief Church in the City." Follow- ~l·t·les or t owns h. ave some S.lm- mapapnruaaisletoitshelilpfe aanndavseerravgicee.chuPrrcohing the study of last year on Ilar problems or may face them cure from Home Missions Council, the "Church in Rural America" it is appropriate to give equally later. Those in rural areas de- 297 Fourth Avenue, New York. studious attention to the exceedingly challenging city situation. pend upon cities for the pattern 10 cents. Those who fail to take advantage of modern 1I·v·mg. All wh0 be- CO2L1L,IER1S938M. AGAAZrItNicEl.e oIsnsue"Shooft-MGuany long to the Church face the Houses."
Christianizing of the city as a What You Can Do with common task.
Resources Available These Materials As an individual in a number of this opportunity will be losing The Missionary Education of ways you can help to inform a valuable and helpful personal Movement of the United States yourself, your Church and your experience, and will be failing and Canada presents again this friends outside the Church, so as to measure up in their obliga- to profit by these materials. Few year a number of books and lead- city people know their own city, tions to the Church in its major and few realize how important Home Mission task today. ers' guides which will make it a knowledge of the city is in pro- possible for every type of age or moting the City Church. If you The city is a part of a great interest group to outline a course can first increase your own change in trend in American for study or to build programs knowledge and then arouse an which will bring keen interest interest in others by the added life. "In a little more than a and value. Although most of facts you have acquired you will century, our country has pro- the women's groups or mixed be taking an important first step foundly altered its mode of life, adult groups will give major in advancing this program. emphasis to the adult book by and has been transformed from Dr. Kincheloe, leaders will find Some significant facts put a frontier settlement into a full- much valuable reference mate- upon striking posters; some fledged urban, industrial so- rial in all of the books published. graphs or some important staciety." In the June REVIEW Book De- tistics; a map showing different partment will be found a list of population areas in your city; "City Man" has not been pre- books recommended by Dr. the housing situation; the depared for the growth of his city Charles H. Sears of interest to linquency record; the welfare in all of its marked variations. those studying the Church in program; any of these linked up the City. In addition we note wherever possible with the He finds it difficult to adjust here a few additional source ma- Church of your city in its coophimself to the changed and terials that have seemed to us eration, or its lack of cooperachanging environment. Who valuable for reference: tion, may attract the attention of some one and lead to an really is his neighbor becomes a THE CITY'S CHURCH. H. Paul Doug- inquiry concerning the source of question that he himself is baf- lass. Friendship Press, New York. fled in answering. And of ever- Cloth, only 35 cents. increasing importance to him, if he is a church member – not merely on the membership list, but in active service-is the way [368 ]
BULLETIN: COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
your information. If all that For program building for conferences that should lead to a World Federation of Churches. you can do is to read and have women's or you n g people's Secondly, it seeks to renew someone else read these thought- groups there is also adequate the passion that has fired the Christian Church through the provoking books, you have material on the city theme for ages to send forth laborers into all areas of need. Personal conachieved a first goal. many use s. Denominational tacts and messages from our own missionaries and from those But this first step might well headquarters will give you sug- of other races reveal again the lead to the organization of a gestions and will have series of need of a redeeming Saviour. group for more intensive study. programs outlined for your use. It ought to. If so, the group will If you cannot find already out- A balanced program not only be glad not only to work for lined just what seems to meet stretches the mind and gives their own advancement, but they the need of your group, we refer world vision, but attacks the will assist you in bringing to the you again to the above list of concrete problem of how to proentire congregation the results references. From the leaders' ject this vision into the local of your work together. For guides you may select what will church. This year the challenge group study, refer to the lead- appeal to your group. Dr. of India and the miracle of what ers' guides noted above. You Searle's book "City Shadows" is happening to one-sixth of the will find in them many helpful will be sure to find among all a people on the opposite side of the suggestions. If you have a sympathetic response. Anyone globe, will be paralleled by a group to assist you, there might of these chapters will give back- course on how the Church may be produced a more informing ground for a most stimulating make the Kingdom of God efmap of your city. It might be discussion which will make an fective in a modern American started in one session and grow excellent program. city. Instruction on how to profrom session to session. Begin- The City Church in America mote these courses and how to ning with the central area in should be awakened not only to arouse the Church to an urgent your city which will be first geo- thought but to action by the need for action, is essential. graphically and historically, you home mission study for this can ,work out until you have put year. Those who have prepared The third objective of a suminto the map all of the features the materials have done a note- mer conference is the social felof special concern to your group. worthy service. It remains for lowship. In the renewing and It will be found that the general those who have the privilege of forming of new friendships with pattern of city life is similar for using them and of urging others those of like interest and pasdifferent cities in different parts to use them to make the best of sion we find a stimulus to greater their opportunities. May the service. of the country. Many subjects will present "Church" and the "City" profit In the Bible and devotional themselves for discussion or de- in large measure and may the hours, prophets of today will bate. Interesting assignments Kingdom be advanced by this present the Living Christ who, can be made to individuals with- program! as in the days when He walked NONA M. DIEHL, and talked with men, remains in the group from the wealth of today the only hope of a tangled Member of the Annual Meeting world. Only as our hearts burn books and pamphlets available. Committee of the Council of within us will women attending Women for Home Missions. summer conferences find a cre- In a discussion of the city ative faith equal to the mission- Church itself and its present ary task of the Church.
purpose and function a good OBJECTIVES OF A SUM- B. LoUISE WOODFORD, method will be found in the leaders' guide to Dr. Kincheloe's MER CONFERENCE Chairman of the Chautauqua Com.mittee for the Council of book by Kenneth D. Miller. It "Did not our hearts burn with- Women for Home Missions and the Foreign Missions Conwill be agreed that the pattern in us as He talked with us." ference.
of the average city Church Thus spoke two weary, disillu- CONFERENCE LEADERS!
should no longer provide chiefly sioned, discouraged men who Having studied Rural America, leaders will find knowledge of migrant work an infor a Sunday morning service. had found a dynamic faith that dispensable springboard connecting Rural America with the American City and its Neither should the Neighbor- sent them out to help change a Church. Conference Packets have been ashood House, built up chiefly . world. The summer missionary sembled for the use of leaders, including the booklet They Starve that We May Eat; a around group activities, be al- conferences plan to bring to Leader's Guide to be used In connection with They Starve that We May Eat; an Illuslowed to take the place of the women today, who also live in a trated map; A Volume of Service,' Around the Calendar with the Crops; and other Church. Mr. Miller presents in weary, disillusioned world, a valuable material all for the price of 60 cents. Write to the Council of Women for the last two sessions of his out- faith that will dare the impos- Home Missions, 297 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y., or your denominational headline a constructive plan for dis- sible. quarters for the packet.
cussing the place and function First it seeks to clarify the of the Church in the modern place of the ongoing Christian city. The Church should not Mission of the Church amid the duplicate other city service movements that threaten the activities, but it must become democratic ideals of Christiancivic-minded. It must not only ity. It presents the urgent need elaborate its policy but rethink of a united Christian front and its philosophy. the attempt made in recent
World~wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~~ EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO "
~'I=·================I~ ISLANDS OF THE PAOIFIO ment and plaster work. The about to devour Jesus. Numer- Ways of Working in building will accommodate 1,000 ous caricatures of God, the Pope, the Philippines people. It will be cruciform in ,,..priests, ministers and rabbis Filipino Christian workers emphasize the personal touch, shape, with a bell tower and were included. The crusade and recognize the value of Christ-like living. One of them cross, a concrete base, raised against the Roman Catholic writes: altar and choir stalls, over which Church in Mexico was portrayed "We have tried to meet individuals at the most opportune there will be a Gothic arch. with numerous pages from time here and there, in our homes or theirs, on the street, in Spotlights will be used to illu- school books. Communism, the market, in the stores, in their places of work in the town or minate the choir, altar and fascism and totalitarianism were country. We have met people on all sorts of occasions, at electric organ chamber. All fur- also featured as enemies of weddings, funerals, receptions, parties, birthday celebrations, nishings will be of redwood to Christianity. In the German fiestas, social functions, recreation times – wherever a word resist white ants, which de- section, newspapers and pamcould be said to turn attention to Christ and the Church. stroyed the old church. phlets set forth the German "Many of our best members -Pacific Islands Monthly. Neo-Pagan Movement. One have been won by following up the faithful work of teaching the pamphlet, w h i c h emphasized Gospel in the Sunday Schools. Much good has been accom- Australian Youth Oalling anti-Semitism, was entitled, plished through the use of tracts. "Jesus-Only a Jew." Also, the traveling clinics have Ninety thousand Australian proved powerful evangelizing Christian Endeavorers have in- An hour in this exhibition was agencies. A doctor, a nurse, two deaconesses and two helpers vited other Endeavorers from a sobering experience. It is now comprise such a team. Two all nations and tongues to meet weeks as a rule are spent in a in Melbourne on August 2', 1938, on a tour of schools, colleges and town. The days are given to the healing of men's bodies, while for the Tenth World's Christian patriotic societies throughout the evenings are devoted to Endeavor Convention. Here is health talks and messages which one of the youngest nations call- the country as an evidence of the point them to the Great Physician who is able to heal their ing Christian youth of all na- extent to which anti-religious souls. propaganda will go when given Portable Ohurch license. -Missions. A church, to be shipped in sections to Nauru Island, in the tions to meet for an advance. Juvenile Delinquency Central Pacific, has been built Australia is a great, largely unin Melbourne, Australia. Wood, The New Jersey Juvenile Decement and fibrous plaster are developed continent about as linquency Commission has just the main materials. They were large as China or as the United submitted a report to the Govpaid for with £3,000 subscribed ernor, in which it is shown that by the Nauruans, who will erect States of America – but it now failure to attend church and a the church and complete the ce- contains only about 4,000,000 lack of religious training has a people-mostly white.
NORTH AMERIOA direct bearing upon the problem An Anti-God Show of juvenile delinquency and crime. In their search for causes An unusual exhibition was re- and cures, the Commission inter- cently held in New York City, viewed 1,500 offenders serving sponsored by the Roman Cath- terms in four penal institutions, olic Church. It featured more inquiring into their home rela- than 2,500 books, pamphlets, tionships, school experiences, magazines, handbills, posters church attendance and other and other anti-God propaganda factors. In the findings of the material. Three years were re- Commission we read: quired to assemble this array, "Though the great majority including a number of bitterly of the mothers and fathers of anti-religious posters from Rus- these offenders attended some sia. church, according to the testi- One poster showed a Russian mony of their sons, regular at- peasant with a gigantic broom tendance was far less common sweeping away Bibles, ikons, in- among the sons themselves. cense burners, etc. Another "Of the mothers, 80 per cent showed a group of cannibals were declared to be regular in [370 ] attendance, and 65 per cent of object was to examine personal fect would check the spread of the fathers. No fewer than 43 lives in the light of God's truth false political systems. Said per cent of the offenders gave a and God's commands, so that we she: blunt 'no' with respect to their should heed Him when He own attendance, and enough speaks. "The Christian world has paid tribute to the witnessing of the more returned equivocal answers "As soon as the term began German church and its pastors to bring the number of irregular the program was sent to every against Hitler. We know what attendants up to 53 per cent. resident member of the Univer- Christianity means to those peo- Thus, only 47 per cent claimed sity-both senior and junior- ple now. I would like to know some 6,000 people. Together what it meant to them at an any regularity of attendance." with it was an open letter from earlier date. What were they the three missioners stating the doing when Hitler was rising to Is New York Pagan? case for such a mission and power? What was the Church emphasizing their own unity of doing? What was the Y. W. The City of New York, with conviction." C. A. doing? Was there a time when the united action of Chrisits 7,500,000 inhabitants, has -Intercollegian and Far tian forces could have averted H.orizons. Naziism? Is not that where we 1,074 Protestant churches, with are today? … Preaching Mission Continues 554,000 members. Thus only "This is not an easy time to In spite of the fact that the be a Christian. We are faced seven per cent of the population National Preaching Mis s ion with the problem of putting ended last December, the impulse Christianity into practice in an is reported as having member- continues, of which the latest in- age characterized by a meaning- dication is the decision of the lessness that is terrifying, by an ship in Protestant churches of North Dakota Association of insecurity that breeds fear and Denominational Superintendents drives us to unreasoning action the American metropolis. Of to conduct a state-wide mission when the securities we set up in the autumn of 1938. The for ourselves prove vulnerable." these members less than forty plan has been endorsed by the state organizations of the Meth- -Religious News Service. per cent indicate that they at- odist, Baptist, Congregational and Presbyterian bodies. Six Presbyterian Centennial Fund tend church and only two per missions will be held in six dif- ferent centers of the State- A year ago the Presbyterian cent, on an average, will be Grand Forks, Devil's Lake, Board of Foreign Missions, cele- Minot, Fargo, Jamestown and brating one hundred years of found in Christian churches on Bismarck. service, set a goal of $1,000,000 to be raised for foreign missions. anyone Sunday. There are 194,- Nine missions have been held The Fund has now passed the at different centers in Maine, half million mark. In view of 000 on the rolls of the Sabbath four days being spent in each the sudden and unexpected place by the group of cooper- financial "recession," the Board schools, or about two per cent ating leaders; 141 local churches considers it a matter for thank- of 10 denominations cooperated fulness that this much has been of the population. This shows and the total attendance in the accomplished. It has been voted nine missions was approximately to approve the following per- New York to be one of the great 18,000. One of the practical out- centage allocation of this Fund: comes of the Maine Mission was non-Christian centers of the the decision to hold a state con- I. New Missionaries …… 600/0 vention of the pastors of all II. Restoration of Salary Cuts 200/0 world and one of the places denominations next fall for wor- III. Evangelistic Expansion. 11 0/0 ship, to plan the year's program IV. Educational and Medical greatly in need of evangeliza- and to promote interdenomina- tional comity and understanding. Expansion ……….. 80/0 tion. -Revelation. V. Other Urgent Needs …. 10/0 -Federal Council. Christian Evangelism Pioneer Among the Pimas in Colleges Fresh Dynamic Needed This year marks the hun- Twenty universities in the Mrs. Austin Kimball, national dredth ann i v e r s a r y of Dr. United States are planning president of the Y. W. C. A., in Charles H. Cook, who for thir- "Christian Missions" during the her opening address to the 2,000 teen years worked among the next college year. The report of delegates to the organization's Pima Indians of Arizona witha "Mission to the University at 15th biennial convention, in Co- out a single convert, but lived Oxford, England," meeting last lumbus, Ohio, last April, said to see 2,000 of them accept February, will help to clar- that Christian ideals put into ef- Christ. Not far from where he ify the thought of those who first taught stands the First plan these missions in America. Presbyterian Church of Tucson, We quote from this report: "It was decided that what was needed was a clear and unequivocal declaration of the one eternal Gospel. The essential thing for a Christian university, now so largely oblivious of its Christian origin, is to be clear about what Christianity is. …
"The preparation began publicly at the beginning of last October, and since then weekly services of prayer have been held. In all the twenty-eight colleges there were meetings of small groups of Christian leaders, for prayer and study. The
a memorial to this "apostle to damaged. Last April the Church Scofield, the report says: "Only the Pimas." From this center have sprung up seven other filed claims against the Japanese recently has it taken the whole churches which serve a population of 6,000 Indians. They are government for this damagE;, and question of church development strategically located over an area about the size of Connecti- for the use of its property for seriously: in the past it has been cut. war purposes. The lowest esti- confent simply to preach and to Through Dr. Cook's influence a training school for Indians was mate of the damage sustained is pass on." founded in 1911. All the native evangelists now at work on the $500,000. That is to say, more impor- Pima, Papago, Maricopa and Apache fields are former pupils This appeal to Secretary of tance is being given to the mainof the Charles H. Cook Bible School. There are also many State Hull is the first to be made tenance of a settled ministry. others who are Sunday School teachers, choir directors and officially by a Church board. The book's statistics show that exemplary citizens in their home communities. Pimas have sent Other denominations have con- the total number of evangelical forth their missionaries to the Papagos, the Apaches (their sidered such action, but so far Christians in the one republic ancient enemies) and to others u n til the establishment of none have been made. of Guatemala is almost equal to Christian citizenship among the 18 tribes of Arizona is one great '~–the total number of the other enterprise. LATIN AMERIOA four republics combined. -Monday Morning. Training Porto Rican Youth – Watchman-Examiner. China Relief Organizations A Training School for Sunday Indians' Search for God The following agencies in School teachers and officers in America have been at work the three Presbyterian churches The South American Missionhelping China's distress: The of Mayaguez, P. R., was held ary Society has been engaged American Bureau for Medical recently, with an attendance of for nearly a century in the diffi- Aid to China; the American 65. The courses included: Sur- cult task of taking the Gospel to Red Cross; American Student vey of the New Testament, the Indians of that continent. Union; Associated Boards for Teaching P rim a r y Children, One piece of pioneer work in the Christian Colleges; China Emer- Story Telling, History of the Argentine Chaco has been regency Civilian Relief; China Bible and Methods of Teaching. markably successful. About Famine Relief, U. S. A., Inc.; Almost all who took the courses seven years ago, Toba Indians China War Relief Association; were young people. Specific sent a deputation to the Mission, Chinese Women's Relief Asso- problems of the field were dis- asking for a teacher and saying ciation; Federal Council of cussed, and a spirit of enthu- that they were in search of "Our Churches; International Stu- siasm was manifest. Father." Mr. Leake accepted dent Service; National Intercol- the challenge, prepared to graplegiate Christian Council, the In Porto Rico, where there are ple with the difficult language, National Student Federation of more children in Sunday School and in November, 1930, launched America and the various Church than in any Spanish-speaking the new undertaking. During boards having work in China. country, there are thirty Pres- the intervening years, there has Send your gift to any of these. byterian Young People's Socie- been a steady stream of converts, ties, with nearly 1,200 members. corporate church life has been Other groups whose only ac- Three district Unions hold quar- established, and the singing of tivity is raising funds for relief hymns has now superseded the include the International Mis- terly Conventions; once a year incantations of the witch-doctor. sionary Council, China Child Before the advent of the mission- Welfare and China Medical all assemble in one general Con- ary, the Tobas were a dying race, Boards. vention. At the last such meet- but medical service has effec- ing, those in attendance were tively arrested a mounting Damage Claims Against divided into three groups for death-rate. Furthermore, total Japanese discussion of the "Youth and illiteracy, which originally pre- Spiritual Emphasis Program of vailed, has largely been over- Of Southern Methodist prop- the Board of Christian Educa- come. erty in China, 24 buildings are tion." This proved to be more said to be in ashes and 98 per stimulating than the usual pro- A striking feature of the work cent of the remainder have been gram of speeches. is the self-appointment of twelve Indian evangelists who, on their Religion in Central America own initiative, determined to go out each Sunday afternoon into The World Dominion Press the villages and preach the Gos- has added to its numerous sur- pel. Before setting out, it is veys of mission fields one on their practice to meet in a small Central America. One finds prayer-hut, where they seek from this survey that "there is guidance and plan their itiner- less educational activity in Cen- ary. Results everywhere follow tral America in proportion to their preaching, and their ex- evangelistic enterprise than is ample has led to the erection of general in the larger Latin other prayer-huts. American republics." -The Christian. Of the Central American Mis- sion founded in 1890 by Dr. C. 1.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
North Brazil Evangelical tional) received an additional so prevalent among Christians is Seminary faithless and unreasonable. . . . income of over 17,000 pounds, Two years ago a group of and came within some 8,000 Religion is a natural instinct. Deworkers in North Brazil unani- pounds of wiping out its accu- generate people will have a degenerate mously agreed that the solution mulated deficiency of 76,000 religion. If Christianity becomes exto their problem was an inter- pounds. The Baptist Society tinct for want of teachers, the Holy denominational Bible School for finished with a heavy' deficit of Spirit will take care of the Church. the training of Brazilian work- Church history has shown us again ers. As the months passed, one 13,000 pounds. Through be- and again that the blood of the mardifficulty after another was re- tyrs is the seed of the Church. I think moved, and the Union Bible quests the C. M. S. received the Church was probably at its purest School became an established 98,000 pounds, the Bible Society during the persecutions which weeded fact. A spacious house was 68,000 pounds, and the London out the insincere and the half-hearted; Missionary Soc i e t y 33,000 and I believe that in all these coun- pounds. tries which I have mentioned the ulti- mate result of the anti-God campaign placed at the School's disposal will be the revival of Christianity in and fifteen students appeared at Protestantism in Portugal a purer form than before the troubles. Religion really is not taught: it is the opening. The two Bible The Evangelical Alliance of caught from someone who has it al- Portugal has recently issued a ready. And your duty and mine, if Schools which had previously we want to make Christianity a more existed and whose amalgamation compilation of those laws which vital force . . . is to show forth the affect the standing of the Prot- fruits of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, formed the "Seminario Evan- estant Churches in Portugal. longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, gelico de Norte," taken together, The fact that these occupy forty temperance.
had not approached this number.
There had been no effort to in- pages of small print show the Unified Church in France duce students to come and no attention which is given to regpublicity whatever. They just ulating the position of the local A unified Protestant Church arrived. religious bodies. The effect of in France was achieved as a re- They come from the various sult of a meeting at Lyon of the recent cases of discrimination Constituent Assembly of Protstates in North Brazil, from against evangelicals by local au- estant Churches on April 28. Pernambuco, Sergipe, Parahyba, thorities is reflected in these The Assembly brought together pages, which contain the text of Ceara, Maranhao and Para. over 600 congregations of four They represent all classes. There recent instructions sent to all such authorities, laying down denominations to heal a breach are those from the hoe, and the in French Protestantism that more cultured city men. They that "it is not to be tolerated goes back to 1872, when liberals that evangelical C h r i s t ian s among the Evangelical Reare drawn from the various de- should be the victims of vionominations at work in North formed Church declined to sub- Brazil. They vary in capacity. lence." scribe to a new Declaration of -World Dominion Press. Some are taking only the two Faith and established the Reyears of intensive training for evangelists offered by the Sem- "Gloomy Dean" Sees Gleam formed Church. inary, while others avail them- The two other groups now selves of the full theological The former Dean of St. Paul's joining in the unification are the course. in London, Dr. W. R. lnge, has fifty odd congregations of the -The Neglected Continent. no gloomy view of the future of Free Evangelical Church and religion. In an article in the about 2'5 Methodist congrega- Christian World on "The Revolt EUROPE Against Christianity," he says: tions in France. The union is based upon a new Declaration British Mission Deficits . . . It is true that real persecution of Faith which is a moderate re- eXIsts in sev-.:n,J parts of the world With an estimated 30% of statement of the historic Calvin- church members supporting the quite as violent as the early church ism of the Reformed Churches. missionary movement in Eng- suffered at the hands of the Roman This is the fourth major move Emperor. In Russia thirty bishops land, three British missionary and more than eight thousand priests toward unification of Western societies report deficits, one have been murdered. In Spain four Protestant Churches. Previ- thousand priests have, they say, sufmanaged to hold its own and an- fered death. The property of the ously there was the creation of other reduced its debt. Church has been confiscated, and the Church of Scotland from the churches have been destroyed; the many Presbyterian sects in that The Church Missionary So- ciety, with an income of 415,000 public performance of divine worship country, the formation of the prohibited and religious education enpounds sterling, reports 570 tirely stopped. Blasphemous posters United Church of Canada which deficit of 20,000 pounds for the from Russia and other countries have year. The Methodist Society has been exhibited, intended to bring reli- has developed a very close work- ing agreement with the Church been able to make ends meet, gion into contempt. The same things of England in Canada, and the while the Bible Society received have been enacted in Germany. . . . almost completed move towards I have no wish to minimize the 378,000 pounds and spent 385,- danger of these revolts against all Methodist unification in the 000 pounds. The London Mis- that we hold true and holy; but I United States. sionary Soc i e t y (Congrega- think that the pessimism which is now -Religious News Service.
Persecuted Waldensians time witnessing to what the explain this book to the best of Lord has done for them. their knowledge during the R. M. Stephens, of the Wal- -Scripture Gift Mission. church service. densian Church Missions of Lon- Poland's Bible School "The National Church is dedon, tells of his recent visit in The eyes of the world have termined to exterminate unalter- South Italy and Sicily. Speak- been focussed on Poland in coning of an interview he had with nection with the Lithuanian ably and by all necessary means the Waldensian pastor in charge the Christian faith which was problem, but with the peaceful imported into Germany in the of the work of the Bible Society fatal year of 800, and pressed in Rome, he says: "The difficul- upon the German people though ties of Bible circulation increase. settlement of this question Po- it was of an entirely foreign na- Last year the authorities in- l~nd has strengthekned ~er poshi- ture and substance.
formed him that 'it was incon- bon as a bulwar. agamst t e "In the National Church f the venient' that Bibles should be hordes of commumsm and athe……__ ~erman!t e·ICh h . roeml.~- ism pressing upon her eastern t ere IS no sold without any indication as to sS!lOrensos ft~sl~Sns.agaIm~ aassnedrtasg, a3m:nd, . which Church published them. border. While the State is the wIll On being informed that the Bible fence to keep out communism, that it is left for the Church to stem sms 'YhI~h ha;re been comm.ltted Socety was not a Church it was the tide of atheism. The Evan- once m .lIfe wIll. be unrelentmgly ordered that no Bibles should be sold. . . . At Foggia I met Pas- gelical Churches are in the fore- met wIth pymshment by the tor Castiglione and went with front in this undertaking, and brazen and Irrevoc~ble l.aws ~f are cemented by the World's na~ure,', and certamly m thIS him by car to Orsara in the mountains, where there has been Evangelical Alliance. Recently, wo ld.
a church for forty years. A few the Alliance sent a deputation to Rome's Influence in Yugoslavia hours before our arrival the Poland to survey conditions and leading elder and founder of the needs. The visitors were as- According to a new law in Church passed away. While I sured by the Prime Minister, a Yugoslavia, all religions are was there a message came to the Protestant, that the Government placed on a nominally equal offi- pastor from the police to say will favor the constructive work cial basis, with no group enjoy- that while a service would be of the Alliance. ing special privilege. However, permitted in Church, no speak- The first interdenominational the Roman Catholic Church in ing would be allowed at the Bible School in Poland was es- strength and initiative is far grave or in the cemetery. The tablished last December, through ahead of the Orthodox Church.
local priest is a bitter enemy, the initiative of the W. E. A. Numbering something 0 v e r and through his influence the au- Beginning with eight students, 5,000,000, it is endeavoring to thorities refused to renew the there were soon more applica- . obtain advantages t h r 0 ugh pastor's permit last year. No tions than could be accepted. agreement with the State – ad- meetings are allowed in private The churches in Poland, poor vantages that are denied the houses without the permission though they are, are doing their Orthodox Church, which num- of the police, which is seldom best to promote this School. bers about 6,500,000.
forthcoming." -The Christian. Among other things it would -Evangelical Christian. seek to enforce the Roman Cath- Revival in Hungary Nazi's National Church olic rule that all children of The political situation in Hun- A "National Church of the mixed mar ria g e s must be gary is difficult for both govern- German Reich" with "no scribes, brought up Roman; if a parish ment and people, yet word comes no pastors, no chaplains and no of a great revival movement should go over to orthodoxy it is clergy," and which would pro- stipulated that all its possessions hibit the printing and publishing remain with the Roman Church.
there, not only in Budapest but of all Christian literature, is Under such circumstances, it in other centers. Evangelistic now the plan of the National So- is encouraging to read incidents meetings are being held many cialist Party. It would put Hit- like the following: times a day, and at some of them ler's "My Struggle" in place of "In the elementary school in from four to seven thousand peo- the Bible, and the swastika in Novi Sad, the New Testament ple are present, many of whom place of the Cross. Its thirty- is used as the text for religious have never heard the Gospel be- point program requires accept- teaching. One day a lad about fore. Special editions of the ance of the State race ideology. nine years of age came into the Gospel of John and the Epistle Some other points are: shop and asked if he could get to the Romans have been placed "On the altars of the National an Evangelical Bible. Looking in the hands of inquirers; while Church our most holy book, 'My at the child, I said, 'How much Christians are urged to take five Struggle,' shall be consecrated money have you?' 'Eight dinars,' copies and, after prayer for to the German people and thus he answered, so I knew he guidance, to seek out five rela- to God, and at its left the sword wanted the New Testament. To tives or acquaintances to whom shall be sanctified. The speakers make sure, I asked, 'Who is your they may give them, at the same of the National Church have to teacher?' 'Mr. Dietrich,' the lad
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
replied. 'What is he teaching to see Islam rule over the social the population of Egypt has for you?' 'Just now we have the life of Egypt because the great too many decades been unable good Samaritan.' And without majority of the inhabitants of to share in the great movements my enquiring any more the this country are Moslems, and of Egypt's development. But schoolboy said, 'I believe on the because the official religion of now that half, the half of the Lord Jesus Christ, my father the country is Moslem, and noth- population which is made up of does not, and today I am going ing else. Other religions differ- women, is awakening and is beto read that story to my father entiate between religion and ing set free to cooperate in the -he promised me that he would politics; Islam does not." activities of the nation." 'listen.' " This statement was made fol- -Blessed Be Egypt. New Era in Greece lowing widespread rumors that the Sheikh had incited the stu- Religion as a Therapeutic The spirit of persecution, so dents of Al Azhar to rioting in long a feature of religious life the recent political crisis in Leper work that failed under in Greece, has, to a large extent, Egypt. This was a virtual ad- government administration is been overcome, and unrest has mission of his activity in the somehow succeeding under the given place to a spirit of peace. attempt to dislodge the govern- direction of Christian mission- Twenty-five years have passed ment of Nahas Pasha. aries in Northe·rn Nigeria. Late since the death of the founder in 1936, the government in this of the Greek Evangelical Church, Nile Mission Press Mohammedan territory gave and there are now twelve or- over to the Sudan Interior Mis- ganized churches, six of them On March 10, Mr. Arthur T. sion and the Mission to Lepers self-supporting; while scattered Upson laid the foundation stone the responsibility for directing throughout the country are more for a new building for the Nile the leper work; and since then than twenty preaching places. Mission Press. Dr. Charles R. four colonies have been estab- Watson, President of the Amer- lished. One of the more recent con- ican University in Cairo, said in verts was a Doctor of Mathe- his address: "I found in looking Some one visiting the colony matics, and his influence among at the government statistics for at Kano, after a long absence, the students is being much felt literacy that every ten years the commented: "What has hap- at Athens. In his student days literacy of Egypt increases by pened to the Colony? It seems he was an atheist, but his life like a new place; the spirit of was changed. After his conver- more than 50 %. According to the people is so much happier." sion he started meetings. in his It seems unquestioned that a own home and, as a preacher in that, the Press, merely to keep new hope instilled in the hearts the Evangelical Church and in pace, ought to increase over 5010 of the patients, a knowledge of halls, his compelling message is in the outreach of its publica- a force outside themselves work- winning many for the Kingdom. tions. But since it has never ing to implant this hope, has a All Evangelical Churches in from the beginning overtaken definite part in bringing about Greece have a special collection the need, it would seem that improved physical condition. It annually toward the work of dis- every ten years jt should more was the government's recogniz- tributing Bibles. than double the scope of its ing this fact that moved them to activities and the output of its turn over the leper work to mis- -The Unchained Word. literature merely to meet the sionaries. challenge of the increasing lit- AFRICA eracy in this country. -Without the Camp.
"Religious Politics" "To this literacy challenge Women Advance in the Sudan may be added the challenge of a Egypt has about fourteen mil- changing mental outlook. This The women of the Moru tribe, lion Moslems as against a mil- is calling not merely for a larger southern Sudan, are more back- lion and a half Christian Copts, volume of literature, but for a ward than the men. Even the the original Egyptians. In an fresh presentation of the· old wives of teachers have not made exclusive interview, She i k h truth to which we hold. Science much progress, in spite of reg- Maraghi, who as head of the is invading every sphere of life ular attendance at school. It is oldest university, Moslem or even here in Egypt and the only in the last two or three otherwise, in the world, the Al reconciliation of science and re- years that girls have shown any Azhar, wields almost as much ligion is more and more urgent. desire to learn; but after a few power as the Caliphs of bygone There is also a growing sense of had begun to attend the women's days, made it clear that Egypt need for moral power. The pop- school, their numbers and inter- is a Moslem nation. ulation is coming into touch with est grew until there are now 70 European life and European on the roll. Eight of the girls The Sheikh declares he does temptation. The old moral mo- have made their stand as Chris- not engage in party politics, but tives no longer hold against the tians; they have shown amazing that he does engage in "religious engulfing tide of temptation and responsiveness, and application politics." immorality. To this I would add of Christian principles to every the challenge of an awakened day life. -Life of Faith. "I will even go a step farther womanhood in Egypt. One-half and say that I personally wish
Darkness Still Reigns twenty of them are Christians. and especially the discussion They have their own church, periods. -Neglected Arabia. Human sacrifices and twin murders still take place in the their own elders. Though physismall, isolated villages of Nsukka, West Africa. The missionary cal healing is denied to many of Iran Has a C. C. C. in charge of this district recently visited a village where a woman them, they laugh and sing and The Christian Courtesy Circle and child had been sacrificed a praise God. -Life of Faith. of the Evangelical Church of few days before. Out of a population of a million and a half, WESTERN ASIA Hamadan was organized in Ocabout 8,000 are Christians, or more accurately, church attend- tober, 1933. The young women ants. There are sixty churches in the area, staffed by African Modernizing Jericho of the church were divided into teachers, most of whom are do- four groups, each group having ing good work. The people are A mo~erniza~io~ of J erich?, a missionary leader. The groups beginning to realize the value of education for their children, and that anCIent BIbhcal town, IS meet in the homes of its memapproximately 3,000 are attend- now b~in?" undert.aken br a local , bers every other week and the ing the schools. A large central CommIssIOn. It IS not mtended ~-young women take turns in leadschool, which will accommodate to change the character of the ing the meetings~ A school for sixty to eighty boarders, is being built. small city, especially the residen- the children of church members The dispensary attracts an tial character of the community who attend public schools on average of more than 100 patients daily, and the maternity which is thought t? be its grea;t- Sundays has also become a projblock, with beds for about fifteen women, is nearly always full. est asset. New JerIcho was bUIlt ect of the C. C. C. It is conducted Three girls and two boys are in training as medical workers. by the Crusaders. It is below as a Sunday School.
-C. M. S. Outlook. sea level, and has a popUlation Last year in order not to be Moravian Missions of 1,700, including 170 Chris- hearers of the Word only but tians a~d four J ~ws. It enjoys doers also, one group started a The Moravian Church may well claim to be a missionary popularIty as a 'Ymter resort. Friday school for children who Church. Its missionaries labor in 300 stations in all parts of the In the RUSSIan Garden of were working as weavers of world, and there are no fewer J er~cho are to be seen the re- carpets, and a few children of than 130,000 Moravian converts mams of ~n old fourth century the neighborhood. They were in foreign fields. The youngest of all their fields is that in East church, WIth a mOSaiC .floor. In taught Gospel stories, reading Central Africa, where a witness one corn~r of the town IS a .tower and singing. It proved so worth has been maintained for about on t~~ SIte where, accordmg to while it was continued this year. fifty years. Here are some remarkable figures concerning the tradItIOn, stood the house of There is also a baby clinic, conextension of the work in recent years: In 1922 there were 300 Zaccheus. ducted by a missionary doctor. baptized Christians; in 1930, nearly 6,000. Medical work be- Boys' School in Iraq Even the children of well-to-do gan in 1923, and it was six families are undernourished. months before they could persuade any native to come for Rev. John Van Ess, Reformed The problem is to impress the treatment; but in 1930 there Church missionary in Basrah, were 250 in-patients, and last Iraq, lists the encouraging fea- mothers with the value of care year there were 350, while outpatients numbered nearly 5,000. in feeding. -Iranew8. Two years ago a new hospital was built. tures of educational work for Building Solidly. boys at Ashar: Comparatively new is the leper work. A home was estab- 1. The overwhelming propor- Alborz College, of Teheran, lished about eight years ago in tion of Moslem pupils. In a Iran, limits the number of its an unused compound. There are students to 700, admitting only now 37 lepers in residence; typical month the figures were: Moslems, 207; Christians, 13; such students as can be assimi- lated into the existing student Jews, 11. Of the Moslems the body without lowering the stand- great majority are village boys. ard of the School. This policy results in building up a reputa- 2. During this, the first year tion for excellence which is re- flected in the confidence shown in which the conscription law the School by government offi- has been applied, pupils who con- cials and hundreds of families formed to the regulations were throughout the country. exempted from military service. Primary work was dropped in There has been no evidence of 1932, but preparatory grades discrimination a g a ins t the are included. Many students are School. turned away for want of room. 3. In government examina- -Monday Morning. tions the pupils compared favor- ably with those from other schools.
4. One of last year's pupils, Literature for Moslems now employed in Baghdad, has asked for, and is to receive bap- To set the men of Moslem tism. lands reading Christian litera- 5. There has been a marked ture would be an achievement of response to the Bible lessons, the highest order. It might come
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
about if we could discover a new once in his life to journey to believe Dr. Ambedkar has himway of presenting the world's Mecca. One very holy man of self made this very plain. Heart most interesting story to these India is taking ten years to it. conversion most certainly will master story-tellers of the world. He is a saint called Shah Sub- remedy the evil of untouchabil- Moslems have the firm convic- han, often known as the "King ity; it is the only thing that tion that they know far more of the Strivers after Happiness." will." -Dnyanodaya.
about true religion than Chris- Shah Subhan started from Allatians, whom they regard as habad some time in 1933. He is hopelessly astray in polytheism journeying on foot, and every Indian Young Women's and other dangerous heresies. five paces he stops and recites Secretary The younger generation how- prayers, which take two minutes The United Presbyterian Inever, who are leading the Na- to repeat, thanking God for hav- dia Mission presents its first nationalist renaissance of intellec- ing permitted him to undertake tive young women's secretary, tual and religious freedom, and this pilgrimage. If he is still and here is her first report: are escaping western domination alive he must be near Baghdad. "In our Punjab church we by adopting western civilization, Thence by way of Damascus and have five presbyterials and in are obviously thinking different- Jerusalem he will journey on to four of these there are young ly. These modern-minded men Mecca, some 5,'0'0'0 miles in all, women's societies. In each presin Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Egypt saying those prayers every five byterial there are other societies and, in lesser degree in North paces. Africa, are appreciating Chris- such as the Junior and Senior tian literature productions. Shall we say that missions are organizations. The missionary no longer needed in India? societies help in the evangelistic The day of controversial lit- -D'nyanodaya. work in every way, some by goerature of the old type for Mos- ing out and telling the Word, lems appears to be passing. The India's Tanners and some by prayer and some by giv- Conversion ing money. Christian story, to command wide attention, must be cast in "But my wish at this time is attractive form by the pens of Twenty-three per cent of the to tell something about our Eastern Christians, instead of world's buffaloes are supplied by young women's societies. There in the form of theological debate. the Bombay Presidency, and the -World Dominion. export from India to England of are 214 members in the six so- cieties. These members not chrome leather rose from 3'0,'0'0'0 only try to do evangelistic work INDIA ANJ) SIAM square feet in 1931 to nearly but also temperance work. They 9,5'0'0,0'0'0 square feet in 1936. give out temperance literature, Missionary Opportunities Similarly the export of dressed and by dramas and meetings, in 1938 leather increased from 2,'0'00 place the temperance message In spite of modern trends in square feet in 193'0 to almost before the people. In all these India, temple goldsmiths have as 4,'0'0'0,'0'0'0 square feet in 1936. things, by the grace of God, we much to do as their predecessors In the Bombay Presidency alone are making progress. We do had in the day of Paul. If you nearly two million people are our work wholeheartedly and do are inclined to forget the hold of engaged in the leather industry it all with God's help and for Hinduism on present-day life in and almost all of them belong to Him. the Depressed Classes. Condi- India, note that last year at tions in their villages are ap- "Finally, I would ask you to Tirupathi, the most sac red palling. please remember our societies in shrine in South India of the god your prayers that we might Vishnu, goldsmiths were asked to On the same day that an in- grow daily in numbers and make send in designs for a new crown dustrial conference made these progress in our work." for the image of the god. The revelations, the village tanners image is large, perhaps three had a conference, and their Students' Prayer Service times as large as an ordinary president observed: "I do not man. The crown is to be 43 believe in Dr. Ambedkar's con- The Intercollegian and Far inches in circumference, where version move, knowing as I do Horizons tells how the annual it is set on the head of the that this will not remedy the evil Day of Prayer was observed by image; and will be about 3'0 of untouchability nor raise the students at Lucknow: "Early in inches high, all of solid gold. In social status of Harijans irre- the morning the students prothis crown 2,4'0'0 diamonds, 2,4'0'0 spective of what new faith they ceeded to a grove beside the emeralds, 3,9'0'0 rubies and many embrace. On this question, we river. After a period of devohundreds of other gems from the ourselves earnestly hope that tions the students divided into treasury of the temple are being every Christian worker in India groups to discuss the findings of set. All these are gifts from will make very clear that any the Rangoon Quadrennial Confaithful Hindus who have come so-called 'conversion move' that ference; then a morning serv- aims mainly at 'social status' is ice and a picnic lunch. They as pilgrims to this temple. Keep in mind also that every no 'conversion' at all in the truly went to their colleges for the devout Mohammedan expects Christian sense; and, indeed, we afternoon siesta, and in the eve-
ning together again for a united ary of $8 a month if he would must contribute tow a r d the service in a local church. r e n 0 u n c e Christianity and maintenance of the family, with preach Hinduism instead. This the result that what is learned At other centers of India the is soon forgotten. However, Day of Prayer was used as an Kotiah refused to do. Then a those who are able to continue opportunity of celebrating also gift came to him from a friend in school soon earn more than the Jubilee of the Indian S. C. M. in America, and to show his they could have done without an and the service was modeled on education. the jubilee service at Rangoon. gratitude, he resolved to win one After a proc€ssion, 25 earthen person to Christ at once. Shortly -Baptist Missionary lamps and candles representing Review. the years 1912 – 1937 were after that a shepherd from his lighted; then they were re- village was baptized. Christian Wanted lighted as a sign of consecration of the next twenty-five years. -Watchman-Examiner. Prayers and responsive readings of Biblical passages followed, Children Help China Miraj Hospital is one of the then intercessions for the work of the S. C. M. in India. The "Criminal Tribes" children at'''- best in Bombay Presidency for service clos·ed with a hymn that symbolized the evangelistic task the Sholapur Settlement have the treatment of cancer, if not of the Student Christian Move- s€nt 25 rupees to the Red Cross the. best. The qh~rles Edwa~d ment. to help China's suffering chil- VaIl Cancer ClImc, !l~med m dren in the war with Japan. memory of the physIcIan who Village Improvement This contribution is the result of served there for so many years, The young Maharajah of gifts of grain in the Sunday has tre~ted more than .100 can- Gwalior, whose state is 28,000 Schools from both Christian and cer p~~Ient~, and there IS always square miles in extent, with a a waItmg h~t. human population of 3,500,000 non-Christian children, and was . and a cattle population of 4,000,- presented on "White Gift Sun- 000, decided to do some rural day." The serVICe and mfluence of uplift work, and set aside $3,500,- this, the only C~ristia~ medical 000 for the purpose. He invited The remaining Sunday collec- school for men ~n IndIa, re.ach Col. Brayne, British official who has done much to improve vil- tions were set apart to help 150 out far. beyond ItS ?wn reglO!l' lage life in the Punjab, and of the poorest children in the Th~ chIef of a natIve state m others including Sam Higgin- G~Ja~at wrote and as~ed for a bottom to advise him. There are Settlement, and provided needed MIraJ. ma~, to run a dIsI!e~sarr, now thousands of villages where clothing for them. for hIm. I want a ChrIstIan, there is nothing to offend eye or he stipulated, "for only a Chrisnose, and where the health of the -Dnyanodaya villagers is thereby improved. . Garbage and wastes are collected and carried to the fields, where Bengal's Boarding Schools tian has the true spirit of servit is demonstrated that cleanli- ice." Former students of Miraj ness is profitable financially, According to the last census, are at work i·n Arabia and Iran, since the crops are from 50 to the total number of In d ian as well as in India. 100% better. The whole state Christians in Bengal is approxiis working with enthusiasm to mately 132,000. Of these about -Presbyterian Board carry out the program as drawn 26,000 live in towns and 106,000 News. up. -Sam Higginbottom. in the country. There are 43 towns of various sizes in Ben- For Chinese in Bangkok Proving His Gratitude gal. About 14,000 Indian Chris- tians are permanent residents of There are about 12'5 members Velugu Kotiah is a Sudra Calcutta and Howrah, while the in the Cantonese Church of preacher of South India, and is rest of the Indian Christian ur- Christ in Siam in Bangkok; 91 one of the staunchest Christian active members and an average converts of recent years. He is a fearless and eloquent evan- ban population, numbering ap- attendance of 85 at Sunday servgelist, though illiterate. Two proximately 12,000, live in 41 ices. Last year four adults were years ago, he encountered a severe testing, since his harvest towns. These 106,000 rural In- baptized, two members w ere failed and three of his cattle dian Christians are scattered in received by letter and four by died. About this time, two Brah- 27 districts of Bengal. They live reaffirmation of faith. Two inmins offered him an assured sal- either in single families, or in fants were baptized. The Sunday very small groups in predomi- School has an average attend- nantly non-Christian communi- ance of 60. A Young People's ties. It follows that Christian Society was organized a few children must either be educated years ago, and every Saturday in non-Christian schools, or go they play games in the church without education. T his ex- compound. The same evening plains the low percentage of lit- they have a Bible study class, eracy in Assam, Madras, United followed by a religious service Provinces and Behar. and then training in pub I i c Missionary schools of primary speaking.
grade have not proved success- This year, this Cantonese group ful in certain districts of Ben- gal, because pupils from the started family prayer meetings, poorer homes are not permitted dividing the city into districts. to study continuously, as they This kind of work is of great value, as families invite their
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
neighbors to the service; also, disputes and imposes penalties. In Seventeen Air Raids it strengthens the interest in families where only one member A labor bureau has charge of Rev. R. W. Porteous, of the is a Christian. C. 1. M., Nanchang, writes that all the work, each activity under the Coleman Bible Institute was The Church conducts a school able to open on schedule time in for the children of the neighbor- the supervision of a skilled the new memorial buildings, alhood-most of them very poor. though seventeen air raids have There are now 180 enrolled, workman, trained in the institu- passed over them. He writes: with f 0 u r Chinese and four "I think it would be quite safe Siamese teachers. Bible classes tion. Each patient is assigned to say that hundreds have been are held each afternoon at the brought to a definite decision for close of school. A textbook is work according to his strength Christ at the daily services in used which will take each child the Gospel Hall, the larger prothrough the whole Bible in six and ability. portion being among wounded years. Another piece of work soldiers. Recently, Mr. Wang connected with the church is a This plan has revealed the fact and I had the joy of baptizing clinic on t h r e e afternoons a seven of them. They were leavweek, conducted by a Christian that many of the patients are ing shortly to rejoin their divisdoctor, a member of the church. ions. One of them remarked, 'I Patients treated last year num- thoroughly dependable. Con- have lots of pocket money now bered 1,160. Most of this work that I have given up gambling. is for the very poor, but they are tentment and a feeling of re- If I am spared to return I will expected to pay a little, if pos- surely come to visit you-if not, sible. The church hopes eventu- sponsibility is fostered, because we will meet in heaven!' We ally to have a hospital. are now working in five of the the status is changed from out- military hospitals, which we -Siam Outlook. visit regularly each week." cast to citizen. . Self-Governing Lepers From Kiang comes news of -Siam Outlook. exceptional opportunities for Partly because of limited presenting the Gospel among funds, leper homes in all mission CHINA students and soldiers, which fields have had to grapple with abound everywhere during these the problem of inadequate staffs. War's By-Product war times. After the preaching The one at Chiengmai has found service there has been inaugthe solution in self-government, One of the most important urated an "appointment hour" at patterned after Siamese village sequences of the Japanese in- four each afternoon. Every day, government. This Home is di- vasion of China is the westward groups of soldiers come to this vided into three distinct groups. trek of China's social, educa- enquirers.' class. They are a Over each group is placed a tional and political leaders, the special lot, all being officers, sent headman and his assistant, who significance of which is just be- to enlist and train new men and are responsible for the behavior ginning to be realized. This is take them back to the front; of those under their direct indeed history in the making. therefore, they are in a position charge. A chief headman or Cultural and educational influ- to influence many others. mayor elected by them is di- ences that have for centuries rectly responsible to th€ manage- been confined to coast cities, or Mutual Aid Groups ment and must answer for the eastern areas, are suddenly efficient handling of all internal planted in virgin soil; isolated The Foreign Missions Conferaffairs. provinces are being brought into ence of North America reports the stream of modern life; trade the way family loyalty is seen in A department of morals and routes over deserts or mountains Chinese efforts to meet their rebehavior functions under the are supplanted by air routes or lief problem. One method that oversight of the Christian elders. new railroads. Thus, China's has helped greatly to steady and A sanitary squad of eight men back door suddenly becomes a maintain the usual life of the and four women, cares for the front door; or shall we say that suffering villagers, and prevent sick, gives the semi-weekly in- in future China will' have no them from "taking to the road" jections of chaulmoogra oil and back door? Her isolation and has been that of organizing muis responsible for the cleanliness seclusion seems to be gone for- tual aid groups and providing of the institution. Homeguards, ever. them with small loans. This composed of twenty-seven uni- enables many farmers to sow formed men keep order among The Province of Szechwan is their wheat fields. It will emthe more than four hundred in- twice as large as the areas of ploy carriers from market to mates and insure protection England, Germany, France and market, and barrowmen who from outsiders. A court made Italy combined. It now has a push coal from mine to conup of the chief headman, the population of 48,000,000, but, sumer. It will help keep farm minor headmen and the elders, with improvements in methods tries all minor offences, settles of agriculture and irrigation and with the development of other untapped resources, it could sus- tain a much larger population. Then there are the other half- dozen provinces – Y u n nan, Kwangsi, Kweichow, Kansu and Sinkiang – which the Chinese believe they can hold even if all the rest of the provinces should be subjugated. China's pro- gressive leaders and her cultural institutions are to a large extent being concentrated in these in- terior provinces.
carts and burden animals busy, plained all this until slowly the JAPAN-CHOSEN to revive the household indus- truth dawned on him; and then, Satan Released, Says Kagawa tries of spinning and weaving a light came into his face until and to continue the many other the hard, bitter look was gone, Again, we hear from this and we knew that, there was one Japanese Christian: activities of ordinary village life less bandit in the Y a n gt z e that usually help to feed, clothe Valley." "In the Orient it is very dark. and shelter the peasant in his We feel like we were back at the Agricultural Experiments beginning of the fourth century home surroundings, and prevent of the Christian Era. Satan his becoming a wanderer or a Long-range agricultural ex- has been released again, and the pauper. world is swayed by his power One Bandit Less periments are under way at the rather than by the Spirit of the Oberlin-in-Shansi Me m 0 ria I Lord. But somehow we have The Outlook of Missions tells School at Taiku, North China. great hope in Jesus Christ. Tothe following story: "A Chinese These are important in the pre-'''~'day young men are willing to bandit was brought into the hos- vention of famine and the im- listen to the gospel, as are also pital at Wuhu after a raid. No provement of the food supply. farmers and the laboring classes. one who saw his cruel face had These experiments, begun six or Japan feels her isolation and is any doubt as to which side of seven years ago, have been very lonesome. But the Spirit the fray he had been on. While handicapped by war conditions, of Christ can remedy this, so we we cleansed his frightful wound, but it is hoped to complete the must preach the gospel without we discussed the man. 'He won't experiments this year in spite fear. Missionaries are wellive, so there will be one bandit of a limited personnel. less in the Yangtze valley, and a comed; and if they preach the good thing, too.' Yet it was our Oberlin-in-Shansi is a sister gospel of the Love of God, no duty to save life, and after weeks school of Oberlin College, Ohio, we saw with amazement that the hindrance will be put in their man was going to recover. No and is conducted in cooperation way." -World Call. flicker of pleasure responded to with the American Board of our congratulations, so we said: Commissioners for Foreign Mis- Drugs as a Weapon 'Aren't you glad you are going sions of the Congregational and Christian Churches. Its prin- Muriel Lester, writing for the to get well?' The reply was an cipal was formerly Dr. H. H. Christian Century, says that unqualified 'No.' Kung, now Premier of China and brother-in-law of Madame when the new Peace Preserva- "Thinking he must have mis- Chiang Kai-shek. -Bulletin. tion Council was set up in the understood, we had one of the Japanese-occupied territory last August, it was announced that the Nanking law no longer ap- Chinese nurses ask him again, Missionary Tomatoes plied. The drug habit reassumed 'Wouldn't you rather be well its tyranny. Anti-narcotic hos- Mr. Frank Dickinson, Canathan die?' But again he gave us dian missionary in West China, pital work was stopped. In an emphatic 'No!' Puzzled, we in talking with a prominent pro- Peiping, the trade is in charge pushed the inquiry fur the r. ducer of tomato seed in Ontario, mentioned the contribution that of Koreans, under Japanese pro- 'Why would you rather die?' tomatoes would make to the diet tection. Death is the penalty And he answered very simply, of the people in West China, who number more than 100,000,000. for any Chinese trafficker that is 'Because I have sinned.' The seed-growing expert ac- discovered, and the difference "It was quite obvious that he cepted this as a challenge to his between the furtive expression skill, and offered to share seed had sinned, and grievously. Had for experimental purposes. of Chinese'traders, and the selfwe any help for such as he? We assurance of all Korean dealers Father and son, both specialhad ! 'You have heard while you ists in the production of a num- is very marked. ber of varieties of tomato seeds, Miss Lester also reports that have been here in the ward,' we have agreed to supply annually reminded him, 'about the heav- the best products of their tech- the japanese in Peiping are enly F:ather who loves us earth- nique for trial and experimentapeople and sent His Son to us. tion at the West China Union opening small clinics, with well University, Chengtu, Szechuan. Don't you know, because He illumined street signs to guide loves us earth-people so much, passers-by from the main roads He has thought out a method to their doors on side streets. about sin? His Son came to give They advertise in the papers the us that method, and so you don't various diseases which they have to carry the burden of your cure. The procedure in many of them seems to be that each sins with you all your life. You Mr. Dickinson feels sure that person on entering is given a are sorry for your sins, and God this kind of sharing will not only cursory examination by an un- is willing to forgive them. Don't give gradually to millions of qualified doctor or dispenser you know that?' No, he had Chinese in the heart of Szechuan who registers him as suffering never heard of it. a splendid supplementary addi- from some specific diseases; "We sent for our wise Chinese tion to their meagre diet, but then he is allowed to buy as pastor, who sat beside this un- soul satisfaction to the givers. much heroin or morphine as he happy man and patiently ex- -United Church Record. likes.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
MI.SCELLANEOUS in content or point of view with- For Every Man Why Not Attend Church? out consulting the Director of It is interesting to know that Radio Education of the Interna- seventeen new languages were Eight reasons for the failure tional Council. A set of these of people to attend Church have programs will be supplied with- added to the Ust of Bible translabeen authenticated by the Ad- out cost to any organization tions during 1937, making a vertising Club of the Lutheran which definitely plans to broad- Church in the Mansion at Flush- total of 1,000 languages in which ing, N. Y. The group made an cast them. They may be secured the Bible can now be read. extensive survey of the North through the office of the Divi- Forty years of work by Presby- Shore of the Queens area which sion of Christian Education of terian missionaries, working might well reflect attitudes of the Board of Home Missions, 14 among the 600,000 people in the the unchurched throughout the nation. Beacon Street, Boston. French Cameroun, culminated -Advance. in the completed manuscript for Here is a tabulation of the re- the Bulu Old Testament. Rev. plies: Causes of Religious Decline E. B. Stilz, of the Southern (1) Twenty – three per cent Methodist Mission in the Belgian wanted Sunday for themselves A Council of 24 members, Congo, completed a translation and their families. representing the principal Prot- of the New Testament in the estant churches of England, ex- (2) Twenty-one per cent did pects to look into such questions Otetela language, the first comnot go to Church because of the as: "Why does the church fail plete New Testament for these unfriendly or insincere people to attract the younger genera- people. they found. tion?" "What is the cause of the almost incredible disappearance A revision of St. Luke for (3) Nineteen per cent stayed of knowledge of the Bible?" and Quechua Indians in Ecuador has away because the Church was "What can be done by the been completed; while the Saalways asking for money. churches to relate the Church to every day life?" mareno Bible, in a Philippine (4) Fifteen per cent stayed dialect, was published last year away because the sermons were This Council will then seek for uninteresting. a formula to revive an interest and met with a hearty reception. Translation of a revised Turkish (5) Nine per cent had indi- Bible is ready for the printer. vidual reasons, no two of which were alike. in religion. Mohammedan View of The same problem claimed the Christianity (6) Five per cent did not go because they never experienced attention of the "All-New Eng- The Moslem World quotes a any spiritual help. land Conference on the Rural Church," meeting in Keene, Mohammedan's tribute to Chris- (7) Four per cent stayed N. H., in May, when Carl C. tianity: away because no one had ever Zimmerman, Harvard Professor "I can definitely say that invited them. of Sociology, stated that the Christianity is stronger than it (8) Four per cent remained masses of the people are in the has ever been in history. I am away because the minister was always telling people to be good. quandary of Cresar vs. Jehovah, surprised at the number of peo- "Building a Christian World" and blamed present tax policies ple, both pagan and otherwise, The International Council of for declining church allegiance. who feel that Christian ethics Religious Education has had a special committee at work devel- He said, in part: constitute the only answer to the oping programs for radio broadcasts. The whole matter has "The central problem of the present world-chaos. been very carefully studied, the members of the committee have relation of the Church to the "We Moslems have a secret interviewed many people connected with broadcasting, and family is whether it can keep· feeling that the ',collapse of the the script which they have prepared has been examined by a the role of the moral guardian, present world order is the greatnumber of competent critics. The result is a series of six pro- while the state increasingly adds est verdict in favor of Christiangrams on the theme "Building Together a Christian World." to its role as economic guard- ity, for world civilization is still These are available for use over local stations by responsible re- ian. . . . largely pagan. It is the pagan ligious organizations. Such organizations are free to make "If the governments are go- elements in your civilization that necessary adaptations to local situations, but no major change ing to be responsible for the are working havoc. Where real family economy they are going Christianity has penetrated to claim most of the allegiance there has been steady progress.
of the people. An overtaxed or Weare honest enough to recog- a relief citizenry neither have nize that. Never believe this the funds nor the inner moti- nonsense that fills one of our vating gratitude to build up or papers, condemning your reli- preserve strong churches. State gion. It is only a means to relief means. state religion. strengthen our group-conscious- When Cresar becomes the source ness by assuming a superiority of maintenance he also wants complex. In a great many cases the praise formerly accorded we are continually borrowing Jehovah." from you – your thoughts, your -Religious News Service. method, your outlook."
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Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information The Christian Message in a Non- must always be the same-a new the influence of Christ and west- Christian World. By H. Kraemer. Foreword by the Archbishop of relation to God and a new atti-,…. ern culture. York. 8vo. 455 pp. $3.00. Pub- lished for the International Mission- tude toward men. Unfortu- As to the missionary approach ary Council by Harper & Brothers, New York. 1938. nately, too often an old church to non-Christians of different Dr. Kraemer is a member of becomes a corrupt church and a lands, Dr. Kraemer recognizes the Dutch Church; a former missionary in Netherlands East In- weak church. the importance of the personality dies, a missionary statesman, and now a professor of the His- In dealing with this great of the missionary, a clear undertory of Religions in the University of Leiden. He has given us theme, Dr. Kraemer first looks standing of non-Christian charhere an unusual treatise on one of the most important subjects at the present world situation- acter and thought, as well as a that is to be discussed at the coming Madras Conference of the widespread secularism and vital relation to Christ and a the International Missionary Council. Without a true Chris- the new political, social and spir- knowledge of the Gospel He tian message to non-Christians, the missionary work of the itual revolutions; he notes the came to proclaim. Church must be fruitless; and yet too many who go out as mis- effect of the meeting of East and In conclusion, the author gives sionaries seem to have no clear knowledge of the vital Christian West. Not only is there a crisis his conception of the true nature message of salvation that Jesus Christ authorized His Church to in the world because of revolu- of the Church as a living organproclaim. Many emphasize only the importance of the fruits of tions, but there is a crisis in the ism based on intelligent faith in Christian life, but neglect the essential elements of faith and Church because of obscured vi- Christ, rather than an organizafull surrender. sion, weakened faith and atten- tion based on western theological Dr. Kraemer goes back to Apostolic conceptions as he deals tion diverted from the main concepts. He re-emphasizes the with the evangelistic message, the method of approach and its issues and Source of power. need for a clear Gospel message application to non-Christians. The message is essentially the These conditions have brought and for active, continued evansame for all classes and conditions of men, at home and about a new crisis in the mis- gelism. He considers the presabroad-a message of God's love and His offer of eternal life sionary work of the Church. ent missionary outlook cloudy through acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and The early pioneer stage has but hopeful. The Christian misonly Saviour, through His sacrifice on the Cross. The method passed, and young churches have sion in the non-Christian world of approach may be different in New York and in Central Africa, been founded; today, these must be accomplished in the to Moslems and to spirit worshippers; but the evidence of churches must. be strengthened present complicated conditions the power of the Gospel in life and kept true to the original pur- with all the means that human pose and plan of the Founder. intelligence, ingenuity and de- They must be loyal to Christ, votion put at our disposal. The must show evidence of His life underlying fire, however, with- and power and must be sacri- out which all our endeavors are ficially and aggressively mission- nothing and all our missionary ary, or they will die. enthusiasm is powerless, is only Dr. Kraemer bases his state- kindled by faith and prayer born ment of the Christian faith on of Divine Love that burns in the the Bible as the revelation from Heart of the universe, and which God, and on Jesus Christ as the became incarnated in Jesus incarnation of God. He sees Christ, our Lord.
Christianity, not as one of the world's religions, but as the one Paul, a Christian Financier. By Her- bert E. Blair. Christian Literature clear revelation sent from God, Society, Seoul, Korea. 63 pp, $.50. in contrast to human attempts to United Stewardship Council, 156 understand and approach God. Fifth Ave., New York City. 1937.
In this connection the author Out of many years of prac- states the positions of Barth and tical experience on the foreign Brunner, and looks into various field, promoting systematic giv- non-Christian religions. He de- ing and putting Church fi- scribes, too, the changes that nances on a Scriptural as well have taken place in non-Chris- as a business basis, has come tian lands and their response to this little study of the Apostle Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REvmw publishers on receipt of price.
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OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
Paul as a pioneer in Church and Mission Boards join definitely City and Church in Transition. By missionary finance. Murray H. LeHfer. 8vo. 301 pages. in the promotion of stewardship $2.50. Willett, Clark and Company, Mr. Blair has been a mission- Chicago. 1938. ary of the Presbyterian Church plans on the various fields in in the U. S. A. in Korea for Professor Leiffer's book is thirty-four years. His leader- which they have work. Indi- based upon certain case studies ship in the work of promoting Christian finance has been rec- viduals are already doing this in of medium sized cities (called ognized by the Korean Church a mediopolis) ranging in popuand year after year he has been several countries but there is lation from 50,000 to 150,000. continued in the official position The author's most notable servof developing a Scriptural sys- need of coordinated effort and ice is in describing the patter:n tem of Church and personal of the mediopolis and its varifinance and stewardship. This cooperation. He suggests also ants. He properly places embooklet develops the proposition phasis on the commercial city that the Apostle Paul was God's that the International Missionchosen instrument to inaugurate as the typical American city. a system of Christian finance ary Council might well take the and stewardship to supersede Prof. Leiffer's treatment of and to be an advance upon the lead in developing a stewardship the industrial city and the in- Levitical tithing system of Ju- dustrial suburb is admirable. daism and that the basis of and systematic benevolence pro- He points out that both have Paul's system is both implied been influenced in their ecoand explicitly stated in the in- gram for the benefit of the nomic and cultural life by the spired instructions of 1 Corin- near-by metropolis. Moreover thians 16: 2. younger national church groups. "the industrial suburbs· of the The Apostle Paul met condi- Instruction in these inspired, nation will be found chiefly in tions in his foreign mission enterprise' that required the de- authoritative, Pauline principles the vicinity of such cities as velopment of a system of self- Boston, New York, Philadelsupport for local churches as of individual giving and church phi a, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, well as for the support of evangelistic itineration and contribu- finance w 0 u I d benefit the Detroit, Chicago and Los Antions for the relief of the poor. geles." He brings in a new note in his churches in every land and proelaboration of the thesis that in We feel that the analysis of raising funds for "the saints" mote self-support in fields where the residential suburbs is not as Paul was not merely helping the comprehensive in its scope as his poor in Jerusalem who were the national churches are still study of other variants of the suffering, presumably from a mediopolis. His statement that famine already nine years past, weak and in financial difficulties. "relatively few come direct to but was in reality conducting a the suburb from the hinterland" carefully audited and supervised This book, arising as it does is not true of New York city's international financial campaign many suburbs nor is his statefor the furtherance of the Gos- from intimate experience with ment that "a residential suburb pel work. never springs suddenly into problems of stewardship and being," true of Long Island. His Among other practical sug- generalization regarding the c h u r c h finance in a young gestions the author points out child population of the suburbs c h u r chon the foreign field, and the relative size of Sunday the possible Scriptural basis for schools in the old city and in the should be read by all who are suburbs has many exceptions. the use of a "three years average" income in making up an interested in s t e war d s hip, Professor Leiffer's analysis of "resort cities" and the dilemma estimate of the individual's re- church support and missionary of the church is especially pen- etrating. He says: "It is not sponsibility in systematic stew- administration. . surprising that in such a setting ardship giving, and its value in WALTER C. ERDMAN. the Church is confronted by al- most insuperable obstacles in its circumstances where there is The Missionary Education of Adults. effort to develop a Christian wide fluctuation of incomes due By John Leslie Lobingier. 182 pp. community. The institutions of to local conditions. $1.00. Missionary Education Move- religion, always influenced by the way in which people earn He urges the extension of in- ment, New York. 1938. terdenominational, international their living, are more affected promotion of the stewardship In every church there are by the economic life of the reidea by the various Stewardship sort city than by that of any Councils and the World Stew- those who have a genuine con- other urban center." ardship Union, and suggests that cern for humanity, whether in The author makes abundantly clear that "Every factor shaping China, Chicago or Chile. The the life of man also influences his church. The dominance of interest of another group is "in inverse ratio to the square of the distance" ; their religion is looked upon as a personal pos- session – something to enjoy rather than to spread. Thus the author, one of the Board of Managers of the Missionary Education Movement, states the divergent viewpoints.
In the ten chapters of this book he not only shows the im- portance of impressing the latter class of church members with a "sense of missions", and points out how missions are bound up with world affairs, but he out- lines methods for stirring Chris- tians to greater interest. Every leader of a mission study class will find this book of practical value. H. H. F.
manufacturing in the suburbs neglected to see, emphasize or the spirit. Unity denies sin, ties the church closely to the whole industrial process. Where apply. But most, if not all, of sickness and death and teaches wages are low, social institutions, the church included, suf- them are false philosophies and that "in his true estate man is fer. When unemployment stalks the streets additional problems mislead their devotees in some the Christ, the Head of the are laid on the church's doorstep, while its ability to meet important respects. Mr. Van body." these increased demands is restricted by shortage of funds. Baalen has performed a real Most of the cults either are … The intensity and strain resulting from high-speed indus- service in his careful review of naturalistic and deny the supertrial production, the feeling of ten different modern cults, more human (supernatural)-as in e con 0 m i c insecurity which hovers over nearly every wage or less related to Christian Mormonism-; or they hold that earner, the omnipresent, smokebelching factory, produce in teachings. These cults include everything is spiritual – as in people social and psychic reactions of which the church must Spiritism, theosophy, Christian Christian Science. Mr. Van be cognizant." Science, Unity, Baha'ism, Mor- Baalen emphasizes the need of a In his prophecy regarding the futur~ significance of the medi- monism, Seventh Day Advent- world-wide revival in evangeliopolis, Professor Leiffer appears to lose sight of the intimate re- ism, Russellism, "Buchmanism,'~_ cal Christianity as the best antirelation between industrial sub- and Unitarianism with Modern- . dote to error in faith and life. urbs and residential suburbs that constitute a considerable ism. These are not by any means He calls for clear-cut, sound, exproportion of these cities and of great metropolitan co:mmu- all in the same class, except that pository teaching of Biblical nities. The growth in the population of cities from 50,000 they differ in some more or less truth, producing a sense of sin to 100,000 for the last census decade was 20.5 <70, if located important respects from what is and acceptance of Jesus Christ within metropolitan districts, while only 11 <70 if located out- generally accepted as "ortho- as Lord and Saviour. This is a side these districts. dox" Christianity. day when many are turning CITY AND CHURCH IN TRANS- ITION should be read by adult The author bases his own es- aside to fables and will not enstudents of the background of American history, by specialists timate of each cult on its har- dure sound doctrine. Many false in church administration, Home Mission executives who are en- mony with the teachings and teachers and philosophies are deavoring to equalize religious privilege in America, and by spirit of Christ as revealed in abroad and deceive, if possible, pastors and students of the world mission of the Church. the New Testament. He has the very elect. This book should Part Two will be of particular interest to ministers who are in evidently read widely and gives help many to avoid the pitfalls search of new techniques. an excellent selected bibliogra- that lie in the path of those who CHARLES HATCH SEARS. phy, including books on both depart from the clear teaching The Chaos of Cults. By J. K. Van Baalen. 8 vo. 227 pages. $2.00. sides of each subject. He en- of Christ and the Bible. Wm. B. Erdmans Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. 1938. deavors to be intelligent and Educational Missions at Work. Ed- fair in his presentations, giving ited by H. P. Thompson. 128 pp. Many Christians are confused Illus. 186d. S. P. G. London. 1938. today because of the various the history of each movement, cults that have arisen to inter- and describing its strong points This brief sketch of the educapret or apply Christian teach- and its errors in teaching and ing, or to dispute the claims of the results. Here is a book that tional work of the Society for Christ and the teachings of the ministers and teachers should Bible. There is some good, some read in order to guide and guard the Propagation of the Gospel in truth, in all of these cults-often those who are in danger of besome truth that Christians have ing led astray. India, Burma and Malaya, South "Unity," for example, appeals Africa and the Far East shows to many because of its emphasis on health, happiness, peace and conditions under which Chris- love. Mr. Van Baalen shows its relation to mesmerism, Chris- tian education is being given and tian Sci e n c e and "N e w Thought." Unity emphasizes the problems and difficulties that certain phases of truth-such as must be faced, illustrated by de- aVbidance of anxiety and fear. scriptions of a few typical But Unity seeks to spiritualize everything and fails to face schools. The nine chapters make facts. Jesus is called "the Su- it clear that it has been the edu- preme Ego" that rises in the cational work of the Christian Church that has kept civilization alive; and that in these turbu- lent times it is the privilege of Christian schools to make this civilization a blessing to the world. H. H. F.
subconscious mind as a Star in' The House on the Island. By Grace the East (or occult realism) and Pettman. 181 pp. Is. 6d. Picker- grows in our consciousness – ing & Inglis, London. 1937.
as the Wise Men came nearer A wholesome story for girls their goal-until the soul re- of 'teen age, recounting the ex- ceives this "Supreme Ego." periences in an English board- Galilee is said to "represent the ing school of a girl unfamiliar life activity or soul energy of with school routine, but who man acting in conjunction with knew the Great Teacher, and substance." God is pantheisti- made her influence felt. A touch cally conceived and Jesus, the of mystery holds the reader's at- man, is separated from Christ, tention.
Boole. The Heart of the Levant. J. McKee The Kingdom of God and
Adams. 163 pp. 40 cents. South- .H. G. Wood. 216 pp. 78. 6el. Allen The Church Takes Root in India. ern Baptist Foreign Mission Board. & Unwin. London. 1938. Basil Matthews. 197 pp. $1.00. Richmond, Va. Friendship Press. New York. 1938. Church and Community. K. S. La- The Process of Change in the Otto- tourette. 259 pp. 88. 6el. Allen & Who Is tne Holy Spirit? Henry W. man Empire. Wilbur W. White. Unwin. London. 1938. Frost. 124. pp. $1.25. Fleming H. 315 pp. $3.50. Cambridge Univer- Revell. New York. 1938. sity Press. London. 1937. The Universal Church and the World of Nations. Marquess of Lothian. Seeing Prophecy Fulfilled in Pales- Congo, Past and Present. Alfred R. 325 pp. 88. 6d. Allen & Unwin. tine. George T. B. Davis. 127 pp. Stonelake. 202 pp. $1.25. World London. 1938. lB. Pickering & Inglis. London. Dominion Press. New York. 1937. 1988. The Industrialization of the African: Children of the Veld: Bantu Vig- Memorandum Prepared by Thirty Business Men of the Bible. James nettes. Robert H. W. Shepherd. Persons with expert knowledge of C. Muir. 110 pp. National Pub- 194 pp. 68. James Clarke. London. African Affairs. 22 pp. 6el. Anti- lishing Co. Philadelphia. 1988. 1937. Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society. London. 1987. S. J. W. Clark. Roland Allen. 170 Religion in Central America. Ken- pp. 28. 6d. World Dominion Press. neth G. Grubb. 146 np. 58._"World The Thousand 'Years of Uncertainty. London. 1938. Dominion Press. London. 1987. By K. S. Latourette. 492 pp. $3.50. Harper Bros. 1938. Impending Great Events. John The Romantic Isles. John Levo. 88 Ritchie. 192 pp. 28. 6el. Pickering pp. lB. S. P. G. London. 1938. City and Church in Transition. By & Inglis. London. 1938. Murray H. Leiffer. 302 pp. $2.50. On Both Sides of the Equator. F. Willett Clark & Co., Chicago. 1988. Outline History of the Christian Braun and C. V. Sheatsley. 284 pp. Church. Dorothea J. Stephen. 92 $1.00. Lutheran Book Concern. My Community, My Church and pp. Madras. S. P. C. K. Columbus, O. 1937. Me. By Wilbur C. Hallenbeck. 62 pp. 35 cents. Friendship Press, The American Chfistian Missionary World Chaos or World Christianity. New York. 1938. Society and the Disciples of Christ. Henry Smith Leiper. 181 pp. Grant K. Lewis. 216 pp. $1.50. $1.50. Willett, Clark. Chicago. City Shadows. By Robert W. Searle. Christian Board of Publication. St. 1937. 165 pp. $1.00. Friendship Press, Louis. 1937. New York. 1938. Missionaries' Who's Who. (Bi- The Sixth Decade of the Woman's lingual.) 578 pp. National Chris- Devotees of Christ. By D. S. Batley. Board of Foreign Missions. S. T. tian Council. Tokyo, Japan. 1938. 147 pp. 28. Church of England Winkel. 111 pp. 40 cents. Wom- Zenana Missionary Society, Lon- an's Board, 1937. Reformed Church Adventures in the Campaign for Lit- don. in America. New York City. 1938. eracy in India and Africa. F. C. Laubach. 22 pp. World Literacy Dinabandhu. By Ruth' Isabel Sea- Japan Over Asia. W. H. Chamber- Committee, 156 Fifth Ave., New bury. 182 pp. $1.00. Friendship lain. 395 pp. $3.50. Little, Brown. York. 1937. Press, New York. 1938. Boston. 1938. Religious Education in the Method- Francisco Fulgencio Soren. By L. Japan Defies the World. J. A. N. ist Church of Mexico. 100 pp. M. Brachter. 224 pp. $1.25. Broad- Scherer. 311 pp. $2.50. Bobbs Free on application. Joint Commit- man Press, Nashville. 1938. Merrill. Indianapolis. 1937. tee of Relij!l'ious Education, 740 Rush St., ChIcago. 1937. Following in His Train. By Ethlene Chinese Women. Florence Ayscough. B. Cox. 217 pp. 60 cents. Broad- 324 pp. 128. 6d. Cape. London. Devotees of Christ: Some Women man Press, Nashville. 1938. Pioneers of the Indian Church. D. S. Batley. 147 pp. 28. Church W orId Treasure Trails. V01. II. Thirty Years in China. Story of the of England Zenana Missionary So- India. By Ethel E. Ward. 127 pp. Augustana Synod as Told by Mis- ciety. London. 1938. $1.00. Women's Missionary Society, sionaries. Edited by G. Carlberg. Free Methodist Church, Winona 230 pp. $1.50. Board of Foreign The Cost of Reunion. Edwin James Lake, Indiana. 1938. Missions. Augustana Synod. St. Peter, Minn. 1937. Palmer. 22 pp. 4a. Student To Be Continued. By L. B. Thomas. 66 pp. 25 cents. Broadman Press, With Christ in Indo-China. E. F. Christian Movement. Lon don. Nashville, Tenn. 1938. Irwin. 164 pp. $1.00. Christian 1937. Publications, Inc. Harrisburg,· Pa. The Living Word. The Church Mis- 1937. Toward a World Christian Fellow- sionary Society's Review for 1937- ship. K. S. Latourette. 64 pp. 50 38. 56 pp. 6d. C. M. S. London. Inside India. Halide Edib. 378 pp. cents. Association Press. New 108. 6a. Allen & Unwin. London. York. 1938. Steps Toward the World Council. 1938. By Charles S. McFarland. 128 pp. Missions and Unity. W. J. Noble. $1.25. Fleming H. Revell, New Christ's Way to India's Heart. J. 23 pp. 4el. World's Evangelical York. 1938. Wascom Pickett. 117 pp. 28. Alliance. London. 1938. United Society for Christian Litera- Victory Through Youth. By Luther ture. London. 1987. The Secret of the African. E. W. J. Holcomb. 83 pp. 25 cents. Smith. 142 pp. 28. 6a. United Broadman Press. Nashville. 1938. Better Villages. F. L. Brayne. 304 Society for Christian Literature. pp. 38. Oxford University Press. London. 1938. Voices of Twelve Hebrew Prophets. London. 1938. By G. Campbell Morgan. 60 pp. The National Faith of Japan. D. C. 28 6el. Pickering & Inglis. London. Moving Millions. Introduction by Holton. 829 pp. 158. Kegan Paul. 1938. Robert E. Speer. $1.00. Central London. 1938. Committee on United Study of For- Seventy Less Known Bible Stories. eign Missions. 1938. The Nestorian Documents and Relics Br George Goodman. 331 pp. 38. in China. P. Y. Saeki. 645 pp. PIckering & Inglis, London. 1938. The Challenge of the Northwest 408. Toho Bunkwa Gakuin. Tokyo. Frontier (India). C. F. Andrews. 1987. The Approaching Advent of Christ. 208 pp. 38. 6a. Allen & Unwin. By Alexander Reese. 327 pp. 68. London. 1937. Revolutionary Religion: Christian- Marshall, Morgan & Scott, London. ity, Fascism and Communism. 192 Tibet and Her Neighbors. E. T. Wil- pp. 58.. Student Christian Move- Weare not confronted with the Iiams. 40 pp. 50 cents. University ment Press. London. 1938. problem of a spiritual church facing of California Press. Berkeley. a secular world, but rather with the 1937. The Christian Understanding of Man. problem of a secular church in a sec- T. J. Jessop. 268 pp. 88. 6el. Allen ular world. – T. Z. Koo, Shangltmi, & Unwin. London. 1938. China.
/)0. NotMtu THE MOSLEM
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50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 a Year (postpaid) In combination with THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City $3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents.) British Agents: MARSHALL, MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. Price in Great Britain, Eight Shillings a Year, net THE LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN, OF BOMBAY By ROBERT E. SPEER This is the biography of a very remarkable Christian missionary to India and for twenty years the inBuential and able editor of the Bombay Guardian. Dr. J. Sumner Stone called him, "The White Yogi."
When George Bowen died in 1888 there was call for a worthy biography but its preparation was delayed. Later all the biographical material-including his diaries, letters, reminiscences, and the books and pamphlets of which he was author-was turned over to Dr. Speer. This material has now been put into shape for publication and the result is a frank and stimulating picture of the man,-his experiences, unique character, forceful views and methods of work. Here is a life story that is of absorbing interest and will richly reward the thoughtful reader. The book is now ready for delivery.
CONTENTS I. Family of George Bowen. XI. A Decisive Year, 1849. II. Boyhood and Youth. XII. From 1850 to 1855. III. Three Years Abroad. XIII. Ten Years of Independent Work. IV. Life in New York, 1840-1844. XIV. The Bombay Guardian. V. Illumination of a Hopeless Love. XV. Relations with the American Board. VI. Conversion to Christianity. XVI. Association with the Methodist Church. VII. At Union Theological Seminary. XVII. Bowen as a Writer. VIII. His Missionary Appointment. XVIII. Correspondence with Henry W. Rankin. IX. The Voyage to India, 1847. XIX. Closing Testimony. X. Beginning Missionary Work.
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1938
How the Indian Church Reads the Bible Marguerite Grove Modak A Cathedral on Wheels in Ohio Norman R. Sturgis Mansur Sang.-.-.-Christian Dervish J. Christy Wilson The Holy Cities of Islam in Iraq Calvin K. Staudt Black and White in South Africa Kenneth G. Grubb The Pastor and Missionary Education Jesse H. Arnup 2S Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yea,.
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ica's Greatest Theological Teachers. April 28-General Conference, Meth- odist Episcop·al Church, South, Bir- Winona Lake School of Theology, Winona Lake, Indiana mingham, Ala. For Ministers, Teachers, Missionaries, Sunday School Worker. and Laymen May 12-16-Southern Baptist Conven- tion, Richmond, Va. Courses leading to Regular Theological Degrees • Cost Reasonable 50 July 12 to August 17- Two Terms 15 Days Each· Interdenominational May 18-22-General Missionary Con- Free ference of the Woman's Missionary Evangelical Faith and High Scholarship Combined Rooms Union of Friends in America, Whit- tier, California. Mrs. Virginia Dr. W. E. BiederwoU, Director (Asic: for free Prospectus) Dr. J. A. Haffmu. Doaa Peelle, Wilmington, Ohio, President. nal at 24, and was private secretary to deeply interested in the Y. M. C. A. May 19-General Assembly, Presby- and Y. W. C. A. and in THE MISSION- terian Church in U. S., Meridian, President Benjamin Harrison in 1889, Miss. died at Leonia, New Jersey, on Feb- ARY REVIEW.
May 22-Rural Life Sunday. ruary 27th, at the age of 95. George Foste*r P*eab*ody, noted phi- May 25-General Assembly, United Colonel Halford was very active in lanthropist and churchman, died at Presbyterian Church of North Pine Glade, Warm Springs, Ga., on America, Cleveland, Ohio. church work and in the Y. M. C. A., March 4th. He was 85 years of age. and was a memb~r of the Board of May 26-General Assembly, Presby~ Foreign Missions of the Methodist Mr. Peabody had a keen interest in terian Church in U. S. A., Philadel- the welfare of the Negro. He gave phia, Pa. Episcopal Church. time, attention, and money to various He was born in Nottingham, Eng- organized efforts for the advancement May 31-June 4-Triennial Conven- of the Colored people. For many tion, and 50th Anniversary, Wom- land, in 1843, and was brought to the years, he was a trustee of the Amer- an's Missionary Society of the ican Church Institute for Negroes. General Synod, Evangelical and United States in 1848. He was a Reformed Church, Akron, Ohio. delightful personality and was deeply Mr. Peabody was born in Columbus, Ga., on July 27, 1852, the son of June 2 – General Synod, Reformed interested in Christian work. For George Henry Peabody. Church in America, Asbury Park, N.J. s·ome years he was active in the Amer- He often said that he was grad- uated from the Y. M. C. A., declaring June 15-22-General Council of Con- ican Mission to Lepers. he obtained the equivalent of a college gregational and Christian Churches, education in its libraries and lecture Beloit, Wisconsin. *** rooms.
June 18-25-Geneva Summer School Dr. John R. Fleming, emeritus sec- *** for Missionary Education. For in- formation address Mrs. Paul H. retary of the Alliance of Presbyterian Amy Blanche Greene, Director of Wezeman, 1177 S. Humphrey Ave., and Reformed Churches, died suddenly Young People's Work for the Greater Oak Park, Ill. New York Federation of Churches in London, December 28, at nearly 80 since 1933, died on March 2, in New June 25-July 2-Interdenominational York. She was a graduate of Miami Conference of Missions, Eagles years of age. Dr. Fleming was born University, the Chi c ago Divinity Mere, Pa. School and Union Theological Sem- in Fifeshire, Scotland, and was edu- inary. June 28-July 3 – Twentieth Interna- tional Convention on Christian Edu- cated in Edinburgh. He was one of cation, Columbus, Ohio. the first Scottish supporters of the July 12-August 17 – Winona Lake School of Theology, Winona Lake, Christian Endeavor Movement, and in Ind. 1902 was elected its national presi- dent. Among his books are The Burn- September – General Com mit tee, ing Bush and History of the Church World's Student Christian Federa- tion, Japan. in Scotland. *** December 13-30 – International Mis- sionary Council, Madras, India. Rev. Levi B. Salmans, M.D., first Obituary Notes medical missionary to found a hospital The Rev. Dr. J. Sumner Stone, a in Mexico, died in Pasadena, January Methodist Episcopal clergyman and missionary for more than fifty years, 29, aged 83. He had retired in 1927, died in New Rochelle, New York, on February 18th at the age of eighty- after 42 years of medical-evangelistic I SERVICE I two. work. *** A native of Wheeling, W. Va., Dr. Stone studied medicine at the Univer- , Mrs. Nora Jones Bowen, wife of sity of Pennsylvania and, after his graduation in 1879, he went to Cal- the former President of Nanking Uni- IF YOU are considering the cutta, India, as a missionary for eight years. He then returned to the United versity, died January 14, in Altadena, States and did mission work in New York before assuming his first pas- California. She had gone as a mistorate. sionary under the Methodist Board in publication of a book, He retired nine years ago after having served nine churches. He was 1897, retiring in 1930. pamphlet, or tract, why not for a time the president of the International Missionary Union. *** let us make it for you? Our *** James H. Post, one of the most facilities are most modern, generous givers that America has ever Lieut. Col. Elijah Walker Halford, known, died on March 5th, at his home and our location is at the who rose from "printer's devil" to be- in Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Post had lived come editor of The Indianapolis Jour- an abundant life of Christian service, "heart of distribution." Esti- both in personal ways and in move- ments for the welfare of his fellows mates on your particular re- and for the evangelization of the world. He had given largely to many quirements, with expert missionary enterprises, notably the Laymen's Missionary Movement. Mr. counsel, will be gladly fur- Post and his wife, Louisa Wells Post, a daughter of the Rev. John D. Wells, nished on request. I'li D.D., a former president of the Pres- byterian Board of Foreign Missions, e~ B06Iu have generously cooperated in the p~ undertakings in home and foreign lands. They founded the John D. ~FF~CTIVE PRINTING AT Wells School in Seoul, Chosen, and the ECONOMICAL PRIC~S John D. Wells School in Siangtan, Hunan, China, and aided substantial- The Evangelical Press ly MacKenzie College, in Brazil, and many other undertakings in various Printers of missions. Mr. and Mrs. Post were The Missionary Review of the World Third and Reily Streets Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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USED IN OVER ONE MILLION CHRISTIAN HOMES HURLBUT'S STORY OF THE BIBLE By.JESSE LYMAN HURLBUT. D.O. Recommended by all denominations for Its freshness and accuracy, for its simplicity of language,for itsfreedomfrom doctrinal discussion.
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RELIGIONS OF THE
The .twelve leading religions of the world which have persisted through a succession of centuries are, in the order of their origin: Animism, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto, Zoroastrian- ism, Taoism, J ainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism.
Numerically, Christianity has the largest following of any religion, with more than twice as many adherents as Confucianism, the next largest. .
The 1937 World Almanac gives the following statistics: Christianity, 682 million; Confucianism and Taoism, 351 million (about 43 million of these are Taoists) ; Hinduism, 230 million; Islam, 209 million (most authorities give 240 million, placing Islam third in the list) ; Buddhism, 150 million; Animism, 136 million; Shinto, 25 million; Judaism, 15 million. The number of adherents of th~ three religions not listed by the World Almanac are commonly estimated as: Sikhism, 3 million; J ainism, 1 million; Zoroastrianism, one hundred thousand.
Islam is the only r.eIi~on which started in opposition to Chri~tianity.
Only three of these religions claim to have a universal claim on mankind – Islam, Buddhism and Christianity. Islam excludes its women, approximately half its adult followers, from full participation in its privileges and responsibilities.
Four religions are strictly monotheistic: Islam, Sikhism, Judaism and Christianity. Only Christianity presents a loving deity who actively seeks the redemption of the world and who is represented in human history by a Person of the same high moral character and purpose.
Four non-Christian religions claim in some form supernatural birth for their founders: Buddhism, Taoism, J ainism all(~ Zoroastrianism.
All the living religions, except Animism, have sacred scriptures: Hinduism, the Vedas; Judaism, The Law, The Prophets and The Sacred Writings; Shinto, Ko-ji-ki (The Records of Ancient-Matters) and Nihon-gi (The Chronicles of Japan); Zoroastrianism, Avesta; Taoism, Tao:"Teh-King (The Canon of Reason and Virtue); Jainism, the Angas; Buddhism, Tripitaka (Three Baskets) ; Confucianism, The Five Classics, and The Four Books; Christianity, the Bible; Islam, the Koran; Sikhism, the Granth.
All report some miraculous happenings of religious import in connection with the life of the founders.
Seven religions have teachings approximating the Golden Rule as teaching right relations with others.
Hinduism: "Do naught to others which, if done to thee, would cause thee pain: this is the sum of duty."
Buddhism: "In five ways should a clansman minister to his friends and familiars by treating them as he treats himself."
Confucianism: "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do unto others."
Taoism: "To those who are good to me, I am good; and to those who are not good to me, I am also good. And thus all get to be good."
Zoroastrianism: "That nature only is good when it shall not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self."
Judaism: "Whatsoever thou wouldest that men should not do unto thee, do not do that to them."
Christianity: "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them."
There is a like precept in Greek philosophy: "Do not do to others what you would not wish to suffer yourself.'" …
All living religions hold some belief concerning a future existence, though they differ widely as to its character and even concerning its desirability.
Dr. R. E. Hume, in summing up the essential features of Christianity which are not paralleled among all the religions of the world, states three distinct characteristics in terms of the Christian belief concerning God: (1) In God there is something eternal (God as the creator and universal, loving Father); (2) In God there is something historic (the incarnation of God in the Son, Jesus Christ); (3) In God there is something progressive (the continuing, available, transforming presence, known as "The Holy Spirit") .-World Call.
[162 ] REVIB ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 4 APRIL, 1938 Topics of the Times THE ONLY NAME – IN INDIA them th3it are bruised.' He gave the invitation, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy "The problem of the uniqueness of Christ may laden and I will give you rest.' . . . His Sermon perhaps have only an academic interest for those on the Mount is a unique enunciation of eternal who were born in a society where the people en- ethics.
joy their elementary birthrights of the equality of 5. "He is unique in His claims to divine author- man. But to us Indians, it is one like the new dis- ity and power. (See John 8: 51; 14: 6; 11: 25; covery of a great treasure of Itornugthcetnhtautrlh·eas" s. been Ma6t.t."2H4e: 3is5.u) nique in His claims to be one with hidden away in the earth f or These are the opening sentences of an article God. (John 10: 30; 14: 9; 15: 23; 5: 21; Matt.
on "The Uniqueness of Christ" by Bhagat Ram 10: 37 ; J 0 hn 5 : 25.) in The Indian Witness of January 20, 1938. He 7. "He is unique in healing the wounds of the says: "In Christ this writer, who has been long brU.lsed. (Matt. 11 : 28 ; J 0 hn 6 : 35 ; 2 Cor.5: 17.) walking in darkness, has seen a great light." He 8. "He was unique in changing the world for then proceeds to set fOllth thirteen aspects of womanhood..,. ~ He regarded women equally Christ's uniqueness. with men, as capable of full intellectual and spir- 1. "His life and teachings are unique in that itual apprehension, as responsible for the exercise they are of a different order from the world's de- of the highest intellectual and spiritual faculties.
batable theories and ideals. . . . In a complex .. . . This message of His brought a liberty that world He gave us simple, basic truths upon which made available to her such service in the home and life is founded. society as has accomplished great things for the 2. "The central place He occupies in the history world.
of mankind. . . . Christ is the central figure of 9. "He is unique in finding the great spiritual the universe. Christmas, the day of His advent value in child life. (Matt. 8: 3.) in this world, has come to be recognized as the 10. "He was unique in bringing a new concep- universal day of exchanging joyful greetings of tion of fitness for leadership. (Mark 10: 43.) good will and peace. 11. "He is unique in that He rose again from 3. "The unique purpose with which He came the tomb and is ever alive.
into the world. . . . Christ brought a new dy- 12. "His unique character.
namic of love. . . . My Hindu brethren tell us 13. "Christ is' unique in His influence on the that Lord Krishna came 'for the destruction of world tod'ay."
the wicked and the preservation of the good.' But And the writer concludes: "Now, of the evi- Jesus Christ came to turn the wicked into good; dence from His disciples, His life, His teaching, to give them both the desire and the power to His regenerating power in' individuals, and even conquer sin. from the evidence of the avowed enemies of His 4. "He set forth His unique mission to the world mission, any rationatbeing with a brain to think as follows: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and a heart to throb in his heart of hearts must because He has anointed me to preach the gospel conclude that Jesus Christ is God as the one Man.
to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken Very hard indeed must be the person who is not hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and attracted and captivated by the story of His life recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty and death."
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This is a voice from within the Christian com- Lord, can form a regenerated world and bring muni,ty in India. The same voice speaks from universal peace and righteousness, with a release within the Hindu community. The Statesman of from selfishness and fear.
India recently published a two-column article en- The latest overturning in Europe is but another titled "Jesus Christ, the Saviour," written by illustration of the failure of human diplomacy and Swami Apurvananda at the Rama Krishna Mis- the inability of any League of Nations to guarsion, a Hindu ascetic monk, in which he declared antee peace or the "self-determination" of weaker of Jesus, "He is the golden link to bridge the nations. Austria, formerly united to Germany hiatus between this mortal world and the King- but for over one hundred and thirty years an indom of Heaven. . . . We worship Jesus of Naz- dependent nation, was taken over by Hitler's Nazi areth as God incarnated on earth to save human- forces on March 12th and without a battle has ity. . . . There is nothing in history so sublime, been made a part of Germany. Thus the German so majestic. He stands there above all as the nation, that was stlpposed to have been made in- King of mankind, the Son of God, the Lord Him- capable of defying Europe, has defied the world self, beckoning all, with bleeding hand, towards by force of arms and selfish "self-determination." Heaven." European governments are now waiting anxiously Indian literature is full today of testimonies to to see what will be Germany's ne~t move. Will Jesus. One more may be quoted. It is from a Czechoslovakia and Danzig, with their large Gerlittle book, "India's Response to Christ," by P. K. man populations, be absorbed by the Reich? Will Sen, a Hindu of Calcutta, who writes: "I believe Italy also attempt to absorb more coveted terriin my heart of hearts that India cannot escape tory in order to increase Mussolini's prestige? At Christ. No one can escape Christ. So has it been any rate, the map of Europe continues to change with me. The hostility to Christ that made itself .-and will change until the kingdoms of this manifest in the first clash of East and West has world become the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus disappeared. Years have passed and Christ has Christ. slowly and silently entered the hearts of the thinking section of the people. Slowly and surely He What have the unrest, the wars, and thechangwill enter the hearts of all. For Christ is such an ing governments in Europe and Asia to do with one as cannot but be accepted. . . . One sees Him Christians and the Christian program ? Naturally and simply cannot escape Him." every Christian is disturbed, saddened and aroused by the sufferings of those affected by .Every such sign is welcome, but Christ's day is war, greed and injustice – whether in Asia, Eustill not come. There is still no answer in these rope, Africa or America. The two hundred thousigns to Narayan Tibah's question: sand Jews in Austria will suffer, like those in When shall these longings be sufficed Germany, and can find no peace out of Christ. That stir my spirit night and day? True followers of Christ in Europe will suffer for When shall I see my country lay their uncompromising loyalty as the Evangelicals are suffering today in Germany and in Korea. Her homage at the feet of Christ?
Yea, now behold that blissful day There may come still more bitter persecution When all her prophets' mystic lore from those who are opposed to the sovereignty And all her ancient wisdom's store of God and the Spirit of Christ. All this is pre- dicted in the New Testament. Evangelical mission- Shall own His consummating sway. ary work is naturally being hindered by the forces ROBERT E. SPEER.
CHRISTIANS AND THE TURMOIL of unrighteousness but Christians are being chas- IN EUROPE tened and tested and their testimony will not be silenced.
Unrest, uncertainty and fear characterize the What then shall be the attitude of Christians in situation in Europe. Statesmen who thought that these days of change, turmoil and trial? "When the "Peace of Versailles" would bring peace if not the foundations are destroyed, what can the right- good will among men have been sadly disap- eous do 1" They can still be loyal tc, Christ; they pointed. Those students who expressed the con- can refuse to compromise; they can suffer for viction thirtY,or forty years ago that the Kingdom righteousness sake; they can help the needy and of God and the reign of Christ was already estab- afflicted and encourage the faint-hearted; they lished on earth and would prevail by the gradual can witness to God's love and supremacy by their dissemination of His spirit and teachings, find words and their Christ-like lives; they can trust that neither the Bible nor history confirm their and not be afraid. Jesus Christ and His disciples expectations. It becomes clearer every day that in the early days were not disturbed by political only truly regenerated men and women, and the turmoil and by changing human governments in universal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Judea and Galilee. They submitted to their
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
L'TBtlAN7A'~~ R U S S I A . i,i . ~~~, .;.J • MOSCOW· • , ._.'~L" ,…..~ ~."'.-…
i uK RAIN.E Scale of Miles 100 31,0. 30, 0 40$0 THE THEATER OF TURMOIL IN EUROPE TODAY A Herald-Tribune map showing the German absorption of Austria and the position of surrounding "interested observers"
earthly rulers but were controlled only by the claims of Jesus to be the true revelation of God, supreme sovereignty of God. The same principles the Father. The Scribes and Pharisees, the Sadwill guide true Christians .today. The nations ducees and Herodians, may have had different may rage and rulers take council against God and reasons for opposing the teachings and claims of against His Anointed, but "the Lord will have Jesus but they were all united in opposition by them in derision." He who rules the universe pride in their intellectual acumen, by their desire must ultimately prevail and His people will share for personal honor and by consciousness of what in .the victory. Is there anything for Christians acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah must cost to do in the present time of testing other than to them. They therefore rejected Him and influenced be loyal and unafraid, to live lovingly, righteously the Jewish people to rej ect Him on the ostensible and godly in this present world and to continue to ground that He came from obscure Galilee, that witness by word and deed to the saving, directing He mingled with despised Publicans and sinners, and keeping power of God? that He did not conform to their interpretation of the Old Testament prophets, tha.t none of the THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CRITICS Jewish rulers followed Him, that He did not suffi- ciently respect the temple or the laws and cus- When Jesus Christ came into the world, He toms of the Hebrew writers and tha.t He claimed came to His own people, but they did not receive that God was His Father. The immediate result Him. At first the multitudes crowded around, was Jesus' rejection by the multitudes, His final even going out into the desert and hillside to listen condemnation by the Jewish and Roman courts to His teaching. Why then did they not receive and His death on the cross. Jesus' self-appointed Him and accept what He offered? The respon- critics were humanly responsible for the fact that sibility rested largely on the shoulders of Christ's severe critics, the Jewish leaders. They set them- Jewish multitudes did not receive Him. selves up as interpreters of the Jewish law, as intellectually superior and able to decide on the Is not a similar situation found today, both in America and in other lands? A missionary to
Moslems in Central Africa, A. R. Pittway, writes OPPORTUNITIES IN IRAN of the difficulties put in the way of the acceptance of Christ by Moslems. Self-appointed critics- Rev. William M. Miller, Presbyterian missionnot only Moslems but also some who claim to ary in Iran, writes in the Presbyterian Tribune: be Christians and who take to themselves the role of rationalistic judges – hinder many from ac- I accompanied a group of Meshed evangelists cepting the authority of the Word of God or the to a village in the mountains where the people are claims of Christ and faith in His redemptive extremely friendly, and where a Christian Church work. Mr. Pittway says: will soon be established. The first person to carry the Gospel to these people was Mansur Sang, the Obviously in our approach to Islam there are many diffi- Christian dervish. (See page 182.) We were inculties. Among them are some which are of our own mak- vited into Christian homes for meals; they always ing. For instance one finds, in a study of Islamic litera- asked for hymns and a talk, and we had the opture published in England and elsewhere for educated portunity of giving our message to the family and Moslems, that the attack upon the Bible is mainly based to forty or fifty nei~hbors as well. At night they upon the written and verbal statements of professing would come to our tents, and our singing and Christian leaders, whose theology is of a rationalistic na- preaching would continue as long as we had a ture. Again and again Moslem leaders have brought such voice left. How they did sing the hymns! statements to me with the question, "Are not these men the leaders of the Christian Church? Are they not your Everywhere these days it is possible to tell the teachers? Do not their statements show that your Scrip- Good News. In one town I was called to the police tures are not trustworthy?" Our rationalistic theologians office because I gave a few tracts to a man by the have, by their declared attitude towards the Bible, made a wayside. I was detained for three days while the difficult task still more difficult. matter was referred to the Capital, and I was examined at length by the officers in charge. This Then again, there is abroad among many Moslems, a gave me an excellent opportunity to give my mesconception concerning the doctrine of the Trinity which is sage to them. One of them listened with deep inentirely false, but one for which that section of the Chris- terest, and after my return to Teheran I received tian Church is to blame, which calls Mary the "Mother of several letters from him in which he expressed a God." I have been told many times by Moslems that the desire to give himself to Christ. Trinity in which we believe and which we worship is the Father, the Mother (Mary), and the Son (Jesus) I-a In October, I saw for the first time the famous thoroughly heathen conception; but who is to blame? mosques of Isfahan. A few years ago it would Surely the responsibility rests on the Christian Church have been impossible for a non-Moslem to set foot which allows such false teaching to be propagated by its inside them, for Iranian Moslems consider all representatives. non-Moslems unclean. But they have now been taken over by the Governmen.t and repaired, and There must be a recognition of the fact that the battle they are to be kept as specimens of the best is a spiritual battle. "If our Gospel is hid, it is hid to Islamic architecture. Three of us, a convert from them that are lost, in whom the god of this world hath Judaism, a convert from Islam, and I, went toblinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light gether from one lovely structure to another, and of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, as we entered one large room which much reshould shine unto them." sembled the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem one idea came into the minds of all three of us- The Bible, the claims of Christ and the disciples "What a. wonderful place for a Church!" "Let's of Christ need not fear any honest, unprejudiced, see whether the acoustics are good or not," said constructive criticism. All-important claims the preacher, and going to the far end of the room should be carefully examined but heavy respon- he repeated in Persian the best beloved verse in sibility rests on those whose desire for leadership, the Bible, "For God so loved the world." "We intellectual· pride or false standards cause them heard you perfectly," said the other two, "and that not only to reject Christ and the Word of God for was the first time those words were ever spoken themselves, but who raise barriers that cause in this building." others to reject those just claims. THE SECRET OF SUCCESS IN MISSIONS The credentials of the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God, and the claims of Jesus Missions are the special work of the Holy Spirit. No Christ as the Son of God and only Saviour for sinful men, are so well set forth in their very one may expect to be filled with the Spirit if he is not nature and in Christian experience, that openminded, intelligent and honest investigation re- willing to be used for missions. No one who wishes to moves doubt. This has been proved through twenty centuries. On the other hand does not work or pray for missions need fear his feebleness or povany leader who awakens doubt and hinders any man's acceptance of Christ, assume tremendous erty: the Holy Spirit is the power that can fit him to take responsibility and fall under the condemnation of Christ for preventing others from entering the his divinely appointed place in the work. Let everyone Kingdom of God? who prays for missions and longs for more of a mission- ary spirit in the Church, pray first and most that in every believer personally, and in the Church and all its work and worship, the power of the indwelling Spirit may have full sway. ANDREW MURRAY.
THE BIBLE
How an Indian Church Read the Bible Through in One Day A Christian Adaptation of an Indian Custom By MARGUERITE GROVE MODAK,* Ahmednagar, India "IN THE beginning, God,,-uThe Spirit and the Pride filled me but now I am humbled, Bride say, Come." Thy disciple, thy humblest, I. . The opening words began on Wednesday mornmg and the closing triumphant invitation Pride deceived, parting me from thee; was given on Saturday night. The reading had Now slave of Thy name am I. not stopped during the whole day, except for a moment while one reader after another took his Void I am of strength, thought, knowledge. place before the open Bible. Thou, 0 Thou alone art my refuge, 0 Christ.
A low platform was placed under the Cross in Men took the leading part in the Saptaha as the prayer-room of the Hume Memorial Church they do in Indian churches, but many women of Ahmednagar, India; a silk rug was spread came and a few took their turn in the reading. over it, the platform and a small table six inches Leaders were appointed for two-hour periods; high was placed at the front to hold the Bible. they chose three helpers and these four kept the Incense was kept burning according to the Indian reading continuous. Never were there less than custom; flowers were placed beside it by the peo- twelve people present even during the hours after ple who came to hear the reading, a fresh garland midnight. High school boys prepared tea during of flowers was hung over the Cross each morning. the night and saw that no one monopolized the The people sat on the floor, a few following the reading. reading in their own Bibles. Each reader closed his reading by starting the singing of one of the The closing three hours were highly impressive. best loved hymns: Two hundred people collected, sitting on the floor in silence and in rapt attention. The pastor, who From this time henceforth, 0 Lord, I cling to thy feet had read the first five chapters of Genesis, read alone. the last five of Revelation. His voice was full of triumphant emotion as he read those magnificent A waste, barren waste, my life 'til now. words: * Mrs. Marguerite Grove Modak Is the American wife of the Behold I am come quickly; and my reward is with me To render to each man according as his work is. Indian pastor of the Hume Memorial Church, Ahmednagar.
[ 167]
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the loved the foreign hymns they had been taught End. from childhood. Indianization was not appre- ciated by the mass of the Indian Church. Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the Tree of Life, Not many missionaries can do more toward put- ting the church in its national setting. than by And may enter in by the Gates of the City. showing their willingness to cooperate in what- ever way the Christians of the land choose'to do it. With the last words, "Amen and Amen," he closed Being a Westerner, I did not warm to th~:Saptaha the Bible. A tremulous sigh of satisfaction was as proposed by the Ahmednagar Churyh. What heard to pass through the crowd. The pastor good could come from reading the geneologies and raised his hands to his face for prayer, and the some of the chapters in which moral delinquency people bowed their heads to the floor. Then one is portrayed? But God gave me the grace to reof the elders came forward with a final garland frain from e~pressing my objections and I folfor the Cross, one for the pastor and others for lowed the Saptaha through, attending four to six retired ,pastors. Here and there people rose and hours a day. I read through in my English Bible came forward, dropping a few flowers on the as I grew tired of following the Marathi, from Bible or placing baskets of sweetmeats before it. Genesis through the Songs of Solomon. Several When all the gifts had been presented the pastor of ,the books were not highly edifying but I got a presented them to God in a dedicatory prayer. telescopic picture of the Hebrew people which I One by one the people came forward, held out had never had before. What Bible student ever their hands, and received a piece of sweetmeat- reads these books through in so short a space of prasad it is called, "the gift of God," a peace of- time? It was a useful event in the life of the fering given to Him and returned by Him to the church and it was gratifying to see so many peopeople, doubly blessed. After the benediction the ple, young and old, listening to the Word of God people retired to the church auditorium to listen and to see the spirit of fellowship engendered in to a bhujan – admonitions and stories sung by the group as they united in this eighty-four-hour one man, accompanied by an orchestra of boys. project.
This is a genuine Indian ceremony adopted for Further, it was a project in Indianization in the Christian purposes in the church. It was adapted people's own way. The form of the Saptaha could from the Hindu practice called Saptaha or "seven have followed more closely the Hindu manner of days of continuous religious exercises." It is cele- having the scriptures expounded verse by verse brated in many ways. Sometimes the people or by singing the scriptures in kirtan where a gather in the dry bed of the river during the hot whole book is sung by one man. season, thousands of them, only repeating the name of the god "Ram" for seven days and nights. There is the matter of hymns in the church- At other times they gather in temples for eight or when one is thinking of Indianization. Any nine hours during seven days to read certain sec- hymn singing is a western innovation in Indian tions of their sacred scriptures as the books are worship. Congregational singing is a special featoo voluminous to be read entire. On these occa- ture of socialized religion. The first hymns used sions usually one man reads a small portion, fol- in India were necessarily translations of western lowed by an explanation. Whatever the form of words with western tunes. Latterly there has been the Saptaha it is followed by Prasad, a gift to God a movement by missionaries to discard them for returned to the people. They feel exalted as they purely Indian compositions. However if the peoeat, even as Christians feel uplifted upon receiv- ple prefer to sing western hymns why should they ing Holy Communion. not do so? It is difficult, if not impossible, to ex- press some qualities of the Christian life by In- A few years ago "Indianization of the Christian dian rhythms and similes; qualities which are Church" was on every missionaries' lips, and 'was peculiar to the Christian heritage, expressing echoed with various degrees of intelligence by such great central truths as distinguish Chris- Indian leaders. Few had very concrete ideas as tianity from the eastern religions, namely, the to how this was to be carried into practice but vicarious suffering of Christ, God's loving Fatherthere was much talk about Indian music and In- hood, forgiveness for sin, the Resurrection, vicdian-composed hymns, about Indianizing church torious faith and the work of the Holy Spirit: architecture. Some carried this to an extreme, the mission of the Church. Indian rhythms and one group of missionaries going so far as to build similes do not express these concepts. "A mighty a small Hindu temple for the worship of God. fortress is our God" – can you imagine those These early attempts of the occidentals to put the words set to any Indian music or that concept put Christian religion in its national setting were not into an Indian simile? And yet American and understood by many Indians. Some older Chris- British Christians would experience a sense of tians felt that they were being led back to Hinduism from which they had recently escaped; others
HOW AN INDIAN CHURCH READ THE BIBLE THROUGH IN ONE DAY
loss if we could not sing it for fear of insulting sionaries, he read a book throughout the service. our nationality! But there are other thought- Finally he withdrew entirely to the great relief of forms that are better expressed in Indian con- his Indian brethren to whom that book was a concepts and rhythms than in English. For ex- stant insult. ample, the hymn, already quoted, badly translated as it is. , An account of the Saptaha was listened to by one missionary with sad shaking of the head The Christian Church in India will ultimately which was equally insulting. "If the reading of settle itself into its national setting as missionary the Bible had been followed by Bible study," he control and influence recede. There was a time said, "it might have been worth while, but what when I believed that missionaries should become good is it merely to read the Bible without undermembers of the Indian churches and take a nor- standing it." Such criticisms of the efforts of the mal part in the church work but since I have church give no encouragement to go on to somejoined the Indian Community I have come to feel thing better. They are sources of great irritation that many churches are not on their own feet suf- to the Indian churches. ficiently to make this either helpful or advisable. There may be more stages in church development Indian employees of the mission naturally find than we had thought. Perhaps there is a stage it difficult to express opinions contrary to those where missionaries should withdraw even from of their employers. A few days ago this comment membership on governing bodies to avoid embar- was made by an Indian clergyman : "The Bishop rassment to Indian church membership. Indian is calling a meeting of his clergy next week but it members must learn to govern their churches as will be the same old experience we always have. they wish. When churches are composed of He sets before us high ideals of service and we sit mostly second- and third-generation Christians quiet and unresponsive. How can we discuss who are rising in the social scale they are ready these things with him? If we tell him that our to carry on their own affairs, even though their people cannot live up to the ideals he expects, he way may not satisfy the western standards of will say that we are not faithful and will soon lose highly trained and privileged missionaries. In his faith in us; then what about our jobs?" This one church where the preaching did not satisfy the fear for the safety of their daily food is one of intellectual and spiritual needs of one of the mis- the greatest hindrances in the way of Indianiza- tion of the church.
A TESTIMONY FROM FOREIGN WAR VETERANS The following is a letter recently sent by the Walter G. Allen Post No. 743, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, to the Rev. R. Park Johnson, of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, on the occasion of the pastor's departure to take up missionary work in Teheran, Iran. These Veterans, who are often considered militaristic, nationalistic, and irreligious, show appreciation of things truly Christian. The letter reads, in part: "As you sail forth to your new field of Christian work, in Teheran, we wish to herein convey to you the earnest wish of every member of this Post that you and your family may have a pleasant and safe journey. We admire your courage in carrying the message of Christ to distant fields and know your efforts will be productive of good, also, that it is a most important mission. The sooner the whole world embraces, truly, the vital principles and intents of the doctrines of Christ the sooner will peace come. Noone yearns for peace more than the Veteran who has been through the heat of modern battle. And, it is our genuine belief that peace treaties, conferences, and diplomatic delegates thereto, are not the answer or the media to realize it – but rather by the every-day living of the teachings of Christ. It is claimed that, irregardless of races, the blood of all is inherently the same, but there is some virus in the blood stream which causes hatreds and stri.fe; this can only be eliminated by the renovation of the individual. When man treats man like his own brother and follows the Golden Rule of Christ and adopts the attitude of the Maker, in the parable of the Vineyard, respecting the labor of man's hands, will a better understanding come in the world.
"It is needed sorely in every nation, and the good old U.S.A. is not excluded. So you see we place more importance in your mission that we do in some Peace Conference delegates and hence speak for you health, power and fruitful effort in the service of Christ. . . .
"Sincerely yours, "J. R. MORGAN, Commander."
PAUL'S WAYSIDE CATHE'DRAL ON
A Cathedral On Wheels in Ohio 11 By NORMAN R. STURGIS, A.I.A., R.A. II~ THE Episcopal Church of Southern Ohio is should spend or where the Cathedral should be fairly typical of most dioceses in the Middle placed. It would be very difficult to select a si,te West in that the population is very largely which 50 years. from now would be sure to be still suburban, widely scattered in small towns and the proper one for the Cathedral. villages, and the parishes are comparatively small and poor. In Southern Ohio, the Diocese is led by The Bishop conceived the idea of a movable Cathedral which would make itself felt by visiting a Bishop with youthful enthusiasm and with quali- the outlying parishes and make them feel that ties of leadership and vision. they were part of a great organization vitally interested in their welfare. The Diocesan Con- The Cathedral in Cincinnati, bunt shortly after vention in Columbus in April, 1937, most enthuthe Civil War, was not only poor in design, but siastically received this proposal in spite of the was becoming expensive to maintain on account of its age. That part of Cincinnati which it served unique implications. The Aerocar Company was has changed considerably during the past twenty- commissioned to build the trailer along standard five years, with the result that the number of lines structurally similar to the fuselage of an communicants has been steadily declining as the airplane. It is towed by a coupe, into the rear outlying suburban parishes increased. In other deck of which the nose of the trailer is fastened words, the Cathedral, in the Bishop's opinion, had so that all road shocks are cushioned on air. The outlived its usefulness. exterior is sheet steel with a backing of Masonite.
The natural solution tOo this problem might have The interior fittings were installed by the been the abandonment of the present Cathedral oldest woodwork manufacturing company in the and the building of a new one in a better location. United States. The walls are covered with walnut This would have meant the raising of a large veneer. The trailer will seat about 25 people, building fund, and even if this had been possible, some accommodated on the seat which runs the Bishop would not have known hOoW much he across the trailer at the front end, and others on [170 ]
A CATHEDRAL ON WHEELS IN OHIO
pews which fold, when not in use, into recesses "This Wayside Cathedral is a symbol of the under the automobile windows. missionary spirit of this Diocese," Bishop Hob- son explained. The sanctuary is at the rear end. The rest of the space on both sides is taken up by storage cup- "Just as this Wayside Cathedral is dedicated to a program of seeking those living without Christ, boards, bookcases, and a hot air heater. The altar and bringing them into His fold, so the Diocese is is movable and for outdoor servkes can be re- ready, through prayers and pledges, to aid the versed in order to face outward through the missionary program of the Church throughout the double rear doors. The carved front panel of the world." altar is removable in order to provide storage space for a Hammond organ console, which can INTERIOR OF THE WAYSIDE CATHEDRAL be wheeled out into the body of the .coach. A One of the Cathedral projects, sound movies, portable standard mkrophone is carried. received special praise at the various meetings. Provisions are made in the forward end for the This use of sound movies in the missionary pro- gram marks a forward movement in the Church's storage of a moving picture projector, and for this plan to strengthen missionary and religious eduand the organ 110 vol,t outlets are available which cation through visual education. can be connected to any available current source Outdoor services preceded the regional meetthrough an extension cable. The circuit also feeds ings, and demonstrated there was a great opporindirect tubular lamps installed in the cove of the tunity of reaching persons in this way that other- wise would not have been touched by the Church. cornice. The coach can be lighted by six-volt ceiling fixtures fed by an auxiliary battery carried in the deck of the tow car.
Ordinarily the Cathedral is accompanied by a clergyman in general charge and two or three as- sistants representing missions, religious educa- tion, social service, and evangelism. Exhibits of the activities of all diocesan departments will be carried in the storage space provided.
All the windows are plain glass with the excep- tion of two small fixed openings closest to the altar which are filled with stained glass panels.
One of these depicts St. Paul as a teacher, and the other St. Paul as a preacher. .
Every effort has been made to make the Cathedral primarily an efficient and" dignified expression of what Bishop Hobson feels is a new trend in the Episcopal Church. It is not so much a church on wheels as it is a mobile headquarters designed for modern needs.
"St. Paul's Wayside Cathedral" completed its first missionary tour in Southern Ohio and indi- cations are that this new Christian adventure will be decidedly successful. With the Wayside Cathedral went a team of missionary speakers to four regions of Southern Ohio as a follow-up to the recent General Convention.
"God's love puts a new face on this weary old world, in which we dwell as pagans and enemies too long. . . . Love will accomplish, by imperceptible methods – being its own ful- crum, lever and power – that which force could never achieve. Have you not seen in the woods, on a late autumn morning, a plant without any solidity – one that seemed nothing but a soft jelly – by its constant and gentle pushing manage to break its way up through the frosty ground, and actually to lift hard crust on its head? This is the symbol of the power of loving kindness. Once or twice in history love has been tried in illustrious instances, with signal success. Our great overgrown dead Christendom still keeps alive at least the name of a love of mankind. If men will become true lovers of God and of their fellow men, then every calamity will be dissolved in the universal sunshine of God's love."
Missions in a Realistic
By REV. HOWELL D. DAVIES, Chicago, Illinois Regional Secretary, Missions Council of the Congregational and Christian Churches Secularism of its frontier work in terms of what it will have .to do with these same new forces: Scientific ag- T HE life that now is, existence on earth, is the nosticism, mater1alistic determinism, political all-absorbing interest of most men individ- Fascism, and moral iconoclasm." ually and nationally. The market is dull for the chief commodities of missions-God and per- The effect on missions is deadly. If this ma- terial life is all, then only fools will do anything sonality values. but labor for mammon! All programs not in line A ruthless realism is upon us-even in missions with a selfish struggle for existence will seem both itself, for some would cut off all support to any futile and wrong as not in harmony with so-called enterprise that cannot attain self-support on "nature." To help the weak, to serve the under- schedule time. (1) Science is "pope." Facts, privileged, to enlighten the ignorant, to raise the their classification, physical forces and their ap- status of those whom nature has placed low, to plication are paramount – all for a program of spread love and tender consideration and to recogphysical enrichment, good enough in itself. Air.;. nize personality constitute an unlawful insurrec- conditioning has it all over soul conditioning. tion against the Brahmin order of material privi- (2) Biological necessity, with survival of the lege and rebellion against the God of things as fittest, is the cry. The first article in the new they are. Congregational creed is larger Congregational How do missions meet this challenge of secular- families. Horace Bushnell's thesis of the outpop- ism? The basis of Christian missionary work is ulating power of the Christian stock is taken from wholly different-personality and God-not mat- the attic, dusted off and put on the mantel for ter. Property rights are secondary to personal consideration. Thus are super-men and super- welfare and our relation to God. Persons are imnations developed. Put your money on blooded portant everywhere and must be recognized and stock in the struggle against all scrub stock. developed. Human individuals are creation's goal (3) It is felt futile to interfere with the work- and crown. The world can only be more and more ing of natural forces. Let them have their way. a madhouse as this is progressively forgotten.
What must be will be. At bottom more people Therefore, children have the right to be well-born are fatalists than we imagine. The world turns to physical, mental and spiritual development the on its physical axis, its instinct axis, its psycho- world over, not less in India than in America.
logical axis, and its social axis, and what can we Women have equal personal rights with men. do about it? (4) Marxian dialetical materialism Men of humble estate are entitled to respect and is widespread – even outside of Russia, though not to be exploited for the enrichment of the more otherwise labeled. History is the story of the powerful; none are to be regimented as subinterplay of material forces – nothing else. (5) personal units for the glorification and so-called There is precious little apocalypticism or other- success of any State, political system or social worldliness today. Heaven as a compensation, an scheme. Christ's mission was to turn the world escape or a model is little known. "Henceforth upside down so that it may be right-side up.
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness" Every crown and throne must perish until perand "Father into thy hands I commend my spirit" sonalityas such "wears the purple." Missions is are but the pallid straw-grasping op.timism of ,the symbol of the assurance that the world will beaten souls. (6) The material world itself has finally be adjudged sane. become spiritual. Atoms are miniature solar sys- The goal of missionary work is to create Christtems or whirligigs of electrons around protons. like manhood and character, the ethical and spir- Electricity has become the father of our spirits. itual completion of the unfinished personality. So, what shall we do to be saved? Plainly, become Characters, self-controlled, right-motived and electrically minded. A Christian Chinese profes- well-willed are .the chief ends rather than their sor wrote Robert E. Speer: "Christianity must economic or social rights. Being, not having, ignore the incapacitated ethnic religions and think with Jesus Christ as exemplar, is the goal.
[172 ] This work is based on love as the ultimate cording to the blueprints of the future, while sec- arbiter and dynamic, not biological warfare. We ularism still follows the plans of the primitive see scant hope in the loveless socialism of Russia man of the past. Missions believes a better man as it makes for class war. The best hope is an can be built in India, in Africa, in China and in order where the Christ-like impulse is to share the uttermost part of the earth.
rather than grabbing one's share, individually, or ,-Secularism prolongs selfishness. Missions pro- groupwise. When a delegate at the Conference motes the highest and the most needed unselfish- at Lake Geneva defended the American Legion ness-world neighborliness, fully as important as and said, "We live in a world of reality," the home neighborliness.
speaker replied: "The basic reality of the world Secularism sees no forces at work but the secis not fear and hate but love." Christian love is a ular, the common instincts of man, cultured aspower. Love is wise. Love can help the weak piration and imitation, the general increase in without weakening society. It can direct strength knowledge, the occasional shocking into new realfrom destructive to constructive ways. izations, the continual working of expediency, Secularism is selfish and deteriorating. F. W. action and reaction, thesis, antithesis and synthe- Robertson, of Brighton, in his Advent sermon on sis, etc. This is humanism. Missions witnesses the Roman as the secular type, says: to the working of an outside force. It perceives And whatsoever is only of this earth is destined to de- something beyond natural evolution at work. It cay. The soul of the Roman, bent on this world's affairs, notes redemptive evolution. Missions does not became secularized, then animalized, and so at last, when wait for the untouchables to have a remote chance there was little left to do, pleasure became his aim, as it to drift upward but takes them by the hand and had been the Grecian's. Then came ruin swiftly. by the Power of Christ gives them a certain lift If the things of this world are our only posses- upward here and now. How long would it have sion, we will naturally pursue them avidly, hold taken the Fiji Islanders to rise naturally from them tenaciously and release them reluctantly- ciimibalism? In the New Hebrides, John G.
so reluctantly that war may issue. It is increas- Paton, as an agent of redemptive regeneration, ingly dangerous to be worldly as the unappro- led savages upward. "Missions" implies being priated part of the world becomes smaller. If sent and also a sending Person. This brings in all having is all, then the "have-nots" will ever those empowerings from outside that go with a scheme to be among the "haves" and the "haves" soul attachment to Jesus Christ in the effort to will ever scheme to hold. We blame much the ac- be like Him. Japanese secularism makes the la- quisitive instinct, but it will be strengthened boring man a hopeless slave. Kagawa, as a Chris- rather than otherwise by a continuing secularistic tian redemptive force, entered upon the scene and philosophy. The central idea of missions is shar- organized the labor movement. Likewise good ing what God has given, rather than shearing, and Christian women applied redemptive love to the giving rather than getting. This is based on the white slaves of Japan. "Christianity lives and idea that there are spiritual values greater than thrives only as long as its apostles and ministers the secular. It is more important to be just than are heroic adventurers," says E. Stanley Jones.
to get one's just share, to be sainted than to be The challenge of secularism is particularly stim- sated, to be inspired than to be amused, to be Ulating because it comes from the Christian scien- great rather than to be comfortable, to be bound tific countries. Let us keep our churches from to a cause rather than to be free from all obliga- opportunism and secularism by making them tion, "to be a miserable man than a happy pig," centers of "redemptive love."
to feel restive over the precariousness of other Social Emphasis in Missions lives than to feel rested in the midst of one's own security, to have an outgoing hear,t rather than an "Rugged individualism" in religion, as in com- ingrowing provincialism, to work for the future munity life, is discounted. This bears on mis- good of all rather than to grasp all possible pres- sions. Is the missionary movement to be over- ent good for oneself alone. shadowed by the general social program? Is Secularism studies a great textbook, "Material sociology to supplant evangelism? Is the world Nature," but neglects the higher post-graduate to be saved simply by spreading the cooperative study of human nature in its deeper aspects, and movement? Shall we concentrate on peace, race especially its deepest aspects as found in Jesus relations and economic justice and consider the Christ. Missions inquires of the mind – not of winning of men to Christ and His program an the cave man, the Demas-man, the Epicurean man outdated program?
or the Cresar-man, but of the mind of Christ in Missionary work has always had a social em- casting its horoscope of the future man. Christian phasis. William Carey, who went to India in missions would build more stately mansions ac- 1793, fought suttee with all his might, and the proclamation abolishing it was issued in 1829. trial and economic order, and revolutionize it, Alexander Duff founded educational missions. humanize it, Christianize it. To the expansion of Livingstone was a medical missionary and threw Missions is now added this intensification. Mishis might against the slave trade. Social work sionaries, as naturally alert, sense all this. They became an early necessity of every pioneer mis- helped end the Belgian Congo injustices, are worksion, for it was obviously impossible to "save" the ing on rural reconstruction, adult education, and ignorant, the diseased, the destitute, by mere welfare work. Emphasis is being laid less on evangelism. Dr. Peter Parker opened China to ameliorative work and more on rebuilding the sothe Gospel at the point of his lancet in 1834. cial fabric. But more is needed and quickly. And Joseph H. Neesima established the Doshisha Uni- Dr. D. J. Fleming warns, "when it comes to speversity in Japan in 1874-the year after the edicts cific programs of social and economic reconstrucforbidding Christianity were removed. Alex- tion the missionary enterprise in the church can ander Mackay was a great mechanic missionary, scarcely go furthe;r than the church itself." So it engineer, builder, physician and surgeon under is the church at home that decides how much so- King Mtesa in Uganda. Cyrus Hamlin, in Turkey, cial action can be done on the mission field. invented the modern washing-machine, with a revolving beer-barrel, to launder the vermin-in- There is also need of developing our home fested clothing of British soldiers in Crimea when churches socially. A 50% church cannot send a the washerwomen of Constantinople would not 10070 Gospel abroad. A church without a social touch them. The three volumes by Dr. Alfred passion has a lame enterprise that cannot walk. Dennis on "Christian Missions and Social Prog- This does not mean that the church must be comress" are an encyclopedic account of how mis- mitted to a particular economic theory, especially sions have been working on all social fronts since if untried, though it should unhesitatingly conthe beginning. This is going on today. Note demn all that is unbrotherly in social relations and Wolsted's farmers' cooperatives in India, Higgin- insist on that order which is plainly Christian. bottam's silo system for famines, Laubach's lit- There is need of developing a new type of indieracy campaign, Ray Phillips' social work among vidual Christian. There may be debate as to how the Bantu, and Mt. Silinda Industrial Mission, much social action the church as an organization medical missions, Kagawa's cooperatives, schools should undertake, but there can be none as to the everywhere. Modern missionary work promotes greater socialization of the individual member by community enterprise. enlarging his horizons, reducing his provincial- ism, getting his mind off himself more and de- The social emphasis is a part of the Gospel of veloping his imaginative capacity to put himself China. "Bear ye one another's burdens." The in the place of others so that he can better pracbook of James is against a selfish, individualistic tice the Golden Rule. Gospel. The four Gospels are full of social implications. And there is call for newer applications "We Preach not America but Christ" of them to newly industrialized centers on the mission fields. Slums, exploitation, wages and So pressing is the social question that we are working conditions, are vital questions. The Gos- told that we had better make America more Chrispel should everywhere befriend the oppressed, tian before trying to convert India and China; seek to promote justice and to provide all privi- that our race prejudice, economic injustice and leges implied in men's status as children of God. militarism and imperialism invite the taunt, "Phy- The Jerusalem Council of 1928 urged "the neces- sician, heal thyself" and hamstring our efforts sity of a comprehensive program for those larger abroad. On this principle of making the sending sections of the population in any country who country thoroughly Christian first the Gospel labor for mankind in field or factory and who . . . would never have left Judea and Galilee where are without many of the conditions necessary for there were all of the evils that afflict America. that abundant life which our God and Father de- Noland at any time can be fully Christian. Moresires for all His children." The National Chris- over, it is provincial and egotistical to assume that tian Council of China has for 10 years had an America's example can settle all world affairs. active committee on Christianizing economic rela- An educated East Indian who objected to lynchtions. The National Christian Council of India, ing was asked if he would became a Christian if Burma and Ceylon resolved as far back as 1924 it were abolished, and replied, "Never. What you to inaugurate "a study of industrial conditions in do with the Negroes in America is your own prob- India with a view to creating a more vigorous lem. We shall have to solve ours along our own public opinion and advancing Christian standards lines. The genius of our country lies in some kind in regard to industrial reform." A leading Jap- of caste organization. We shall stick to that." anese missionary says the missionaries are chal- War cannot cease in America until it ceases all lenged "to come to grips with the existing indus- over the world. We preach not America but Christ to people everywhere. America will not show itself Christian until it helps other nations. Prince Albert and stove-pipe hat preaching the It is simply not true that the Gospel is not mak- creation of the world in six literal days to nearing progress in the Orient because of the sins of nudist natives who are skeptical because they the West. The church in India made a 32.5 '1'0 could not make even a canoe in less than two gain in a decade, 20 '1'0 being from other faiths. weeks. Over against all such we can put the judg- ment of first-hand able observers. The missions cause is helped by the Christian social emphasis. The more the church at home is Robert Louis Stevenson said, "I suppose I am concerned to bring about social righteousness in in the position of many persons. I had conceived America the more welcome will its representatives a great prejudice against missions in the South be in India and among all nationals working for Seas. I had no sooner come there than that prejuthe betterment of their own country. The more dice was reduced, and then at last annihilated." socially minded we are, the more missionary He regarded James Chalmers of N~w Guinea as minded we will be, for the missionary program "a man that took one fairly by storm for the most is surcharged with the social emphasis. World attractive, simple, brave and interesting man in friendship will be furthered by every form of na- the whole Pacific"! tional brotherhood. The fact is that in social emphasis' the church at home has yet to catch up When Darwin saw the work among the Indians with the missionary cause. And, too, the social of Tierra del Fuego, he said, "I certainly should action enthusiasts can find plenty of outlets and have predicted that not all the missionaries in the channels for their energies through any estab- world could have done what has been done." lished missionary society. On the other side, the social emphasis can enrich the program of the Ex-President Taft could not praise too highly missionary society and thereby interest more local the missionary work he observed in ,the Philipchurch people in it. Social justice is one of the pines when he was governor. first outcomes of the missionary message. E. Alexander Powell (author and traveler) But with all the social emphasis we do not for- said: "I have observed the results of their labors get that the fundamental objective of missions is in every great field of evangelistic endeavor and to extend faith and devotion to Christ and the fel- it angers me to hear missionaries and their work lowship among Christians in all the world. condemned."
Criticism of Missions The Governor of Bengal reported: "In my judgment the Christian missions have done more This is nothing new. It is naive to suppose that lasting good to the people of India than all other all went swimmingly until the "Laymen's Inquiry" agencies combined." was launched. The East India Company refused passage to missionaries and stigmatized missions Chas. A. Selden says: "After 30,000 miles of as the most fantastic and lunatic idea that ever en- travel and something like 300 interviews, my tered the human mind. Ridicule was common. prejudices gave way to great respect for the mis- Typical was the attitude of the early Massachu- sionaries and their work." setts senator who said: "Here you propose to export religion, whereas there is none to spare at Wm. Boyd, Advertising Manager of the Curtis home." A list of objections a century back is Publishing Co., wrote: "I believe that every dolalmost identical with what is heard today, inti- lar invested in foreign missions has produced mating that we have so many needs at home, that greater returns than any dollar invested in any we should not interfere with the religions of human enterprise." others, and that their own religion is best suited to them; that missions are paternalistic and pau- 2. There are criticisms of ardent nationalists, perizing; that foreign peoples should help them- like Gandhi who object to proselyting. Should selves; that we shouldn't meddle and disturb courtesy keep us from offering the Gospel, therethose already contented; that they do not want fore, in India? No, for it can be offered without us anyway; that missionaries cause trouble; that objectionable proselyting. Moreover, the Gospel they destroy native culture; that they are all is not one culture displacing another and it beagents of American imperialism. longs no more to America, England, or France than to India itself. The Gospel has no less right We can classify criticisms. 1. There are those of way than science, commerce or education. It hostile to Christianity itself. People who see no will help India's true nationalism in the higher value in the Gospel will see no value in missions. sense. It is doubtful if many, if any, Hindus re- Such a playas "Rain" and such articles as those gard their religion as for others. in the American Mercury ridiculing missions in the South Seas are only caricatures like that of (3) Those ignorant of the whole idea. All ob- Jack London who pictures a missionary in a jections based on misconceptions are invalid. On any such theory all life would stop, for there is nothing against which objections based on igno- rance are not directed. Both Democrats and Re- publicans will tell you this. Prejudice being the thing that begins where your information leaves off, no enterprise should halt for just that. Pre- verdict was: "The mission must go on and there sumably it is those who take the Gospel and those is enough in its program to bankrupt Christendom who receive it who are most competent to judge if we try to do all that is, calling to be done." of it. None apparently are dissatisfied with the article sold them and want to return it. Rather In brief, most negative criticisms of missions they recommend it to their friends as something are, at bottom, ratio.nalizations of prejudice, ignosuperior to what they have had before. The Jap- rance or selfishness. Mission work welcomes inanese list six points of superiority of Christianity vestigation, knowing this means vindication and to Buddhism. God, as personal. God seeking men. interest. Worse than to be criticized is to. be The sense of personality. Practical, convenient ignored, and most of all to be ignored by church Scriptures. A superlative ethical sense. Social people. But it may be safely said that missions justice and service. cannot and will not be ignored by those who know the God who is the God of all the earth and not (4) There are the criticisms of those who judge the God of a tribe., whether it be a family tribe, a everything by a single unfortunate detail, such as community tribe or a national tribe. an ignorant o.r tactless missio.nary, an unwise local policy, a bungled program, a wasted dollar. Pessimism and Optimism Judged by this standard, "Who or what, 0 Lord, shall stand anywhere"? One poor farmer is not There is doubtless some on the mission field itsufficient to condemn agriculture, a poor preacher self, where difficulties are o.bstinate and results the ministry, a fake mining scheme the whole min- are slow. But this is nothing new. Moriso.n, ing enterprise, a poor student flunk all education, waiting 7 years for the first convert, said, "0 nor a quack doctor the whole medical profession. rock, when wilt thou break?" Livingstone was appalled at the prospect of trying to. heal the open (5) The lawsez-faire objections of those who sore of the world. Henry Martyn said that if a want things left alone-all forces and factors, to high caste Hindu were ever converted, it Wo.uld work out themselves. But laissez-faire never be as great a miracle as if one were to rise from built a school, founded a hospital, or developed a the dead. Yet the rock did break, the sore is belighting plant and water system at a conference ing healed, and the dead do rise. But the pescamp. The consistent laissez-faire critic will simism on the field is small. recognize Christianity as a force with the same rights as any other force. There is too often pessimism at ho.me (1) among church leaders who see receipts fall over (6) The cro.ss-fire based on the idea that we 50% and, worse, who see anti- or non-missionary have only a social Gospel to offer and that nearly pastors; (2) among pastors who face hostile, proevery effort is o.f a political scheming sort, gate- vincial church officers and callous unimaginative crashing and imperialistic, the work of reactio.n- members; (3) among lay leaders of heart and ary, self-centered or even villainous denomina- visio.n who vainly attempt education, organization tional Boards. The answer is that the motive and and appeal; (4) among men, especially, who are movement o.f missions are lo.ve and friendship, crushed by the belligerent, caustic, cynical o.Pposihowever inadequate be the channels through tion of their fellows. which it flows. The earthen vessel is only too apparent but in it is the treasure o.f divine redemp- Pessimism is not so bad if it sends us to God, tion. and if, Moses-like, it feels the support of the Aaron o.f truth on the one side and of the Hur o.f love on (7) The criticisms o.f uninformed and selfish the other. There is an eternal difference between church people. Education, persistent and kindly, the discouragement of those who. yearn and toil can help the former and more Christian grace the for the Kingdom and that of the quitters who latter. The trouble is to connect information and have given it all up. If we must abide in the love with these parties. All that can be said for shadow, it is better to abide in the shadow of the the Gospel itself can be said for missions, and cross of crucified love than in that of the palace shall it not be said? There is a sufficient answer of a selfish, materialistic, disillusioned, cynical to every criticism honestly and sincerely proffered. Cresar. But better than all answering of objections is an infusion of Christlike love. Our great need is to Missionary work finds much to encourage: make mo.re church members into Christians. (1) The Gospel is spreading o.ver all the world, (8) The criticisms of sincere friends of the so. that nearly o.ne-third of the people of the world cause. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." All constructive criticism can do only good. The are at least nominally Christian with every proscause most to be pitied is the o.ne that has lost the capacity to criticize itself. The church of the 16th pect of continuance. On the foreign field it has century was saved by the self-criticism of Prot- had a perio.d of remarkable expansion in this cenestantism. And this goes for missions too. The tury. Between 1907 and 1925 the number of mis- sionaries increased from 12,000 to 20,000, the number of communicants from 1,800,000 to. 3,000,- 000, and the total Christian community from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000. There are doubtless cycles one denomination more is contributed by native in missions and we now see a slowing up. This Christians abroad than by all living donors at may be good by diverting us from superficial sta- home. The China Inland Mission called for 200 tistical missions and compelling us to go deeper new missionaries and got them and the money to before we go further and getting the church in other lands to strike its roots deeper both in the send them. spiritual life of its individual members and in its (3) A great ally is the spread of the cooperatransforming power in its local community. Prof. Schermerhorn, of Evanston, says, "Christianity's tive idea. Truly some of it is on the low plane of growth is characterized by periodicity, with ex- cooperating for cost reductions, but much of it is pansion and arrest. Now is a ,time for a mora- for helping the needy. torium on statistics and attention to inner life rather than outward expansion." (4) Jesus of Nazareth is today gripping the heart of youth and of new groups everywhere. (2) The work is holding up well despite the de- His Gospel is seen as the practical need of the pression, benevolences falling little more (54'1'0 to world. He is the great Social Engineer who can 40 %) than current expense. Total giving to For- reverse the stream of life from selfishness to shareign Missions in North America fell only from ing and service. $Z8,523,939 in 1929 to $27,164,572 in 1931. In (5) This is God's program; Christ Jesus has promised to be with us in the enterprise and He cannot and will not fail.
Is Islam Awakening?
By the REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D.D., Princeton, New Jersey Editor of "The Moslem World"
T HERE is "in the Arabic-speaking Near East truths of Christianity will in the long run even a strong religious, ethical, and social revival there prevail." Such judgment may be prophetic of Islam," says Dr. Kampfmeyer, "and this but it is undoubtedly premature.
revived Islam is taken to be the basis of a renewed Islam faces a crisis in the lands where once it national life." His conclusion is that "the conver- was dominant. Its efforts in India and Africa sion of an Islamic community to the Christian "remind one of those sparse green twigs some- faith is now impossible." The conclusions of Dr. times still appearing at the extreme ends of half- Kampfmeyer have been challenged, however, by dried-up boughs in trees whose core has for long Dr. Arthur Jeffrey, a leading Christian Oriental- been decaying from old age." ist in Cairo who states that "his picture is entirely out of perspective and omits all the important fac- In Turkey Islam suffers by being viola.ted in its tors." Last year's report of the Board of Foreign own bosom; in Russia from Soviet persecution; Missions of the Presbyterian Church says: "There and in Persia from a revolt against the Arabic is now abundant evidence that the religion of language and tradition. Mustapha Kemal raised Islam is slowly disintegrating." . . . great expectations, but Ataturk turned out a bit- ter disappointment for all Moslems. The disen- The collapse of the caliphate and the failure of chantment was cruel but complete. The high all attempts to revive it would lead to the conclu- hopes fixed on Ibn Saud to revive the caliphate sion that Pan-Islamism is dead. The policy of the were blasted. The Moslem World Conference new government in Turkey and the complete sec- proved a failure and none of the resolutions was ularization of the republic points in the same di- carried out. Professor C. C. Berg speaks of "derection. The Turkish press utters severe judgment structive forces that are at work against Islam on Islam and its Prophet, while one by one the old all over the world." sanctions and customs of religion are publicly dis- carded. A few years ago a British official of high The geographical expansion of Islam in Africa standing actually wrote to me: "Islam as we once has been exaggerated and the latest statistical sur- knew it is dead in Turkey, it is dying in Persia, it vey shows a smaller proportion of Moslems to has ceased to carry real weight in Egypt, it may nearly every area in North-central Africa. Dr.
survive some generations in Arabia, but the basic Deaville Walker wrote recently: "Within a comparatively short time, we pictured of Ramadhan is being less and less faithfully kept. great pagan populations being rapidly Islamized. Are the uniting forces that remain, the Arabic I am convinced that the position is wholly differ- language and culture, the sense of brotherhood, ent today. Careful personal investigation in the press and Al Azhar of Egypt-are these forces Sierra Leone and Mendeland, the Gold Coast and strong enough to counteract the disintegrating Ashanti, Nigeria, and in the French ·colonies and factors? Will the progressive secularization of protectorates of Dahomey, Togo,and the Ivory Moslem life rob all life from the religion of Islam? Coast, have made it very clear to me that the ad- Will .the waning of the Dervish orders and their vance of Islam is being definitely checked, and suppression, as in Turkey, continue? that today we are winning far more Africans to the faith of Chris·t than the Moslems are winning A careful study of all these questions leads to for their Prophet. Startling as this may sound, the belief that, as a cultural and even as a political force, there is yet a future for Islam, but as a I believe it to be absolutely true." religious force the future does not look promising. Islam has been severely wounded in the house of What elements in Islam are today resurgent-:: its friends. The younger Egyptian modernists, Does Mohammedan law or jurisprudence any instead of building carefully on the foundations longer prevail under the new nationalism and the of reform laid by Jamal-al Din-al Afghani and new state? Or has the purely Islamic-governed the great Mohammed 'Abdu, have ruthlessly state disappeared even in Arabia and Afghani- undermined what remained intact. Mansur stan? Fahmi, in his doctor's thesis, proved that Islam was progressively responsible for the degradation Has the social structure of Islam withstood the of womanhood. Dr. Taha Housain raised a storm feminist movement and female education any- of hostility by a book proving that much of early where? Can we seriously speak of "resurgent Islamic literature was a forgery fabricated to prop forces" as regards polygamy, slavery, concubi- up the Koran and tradition. The story of Abranage, and the seclusion of womanhood? Was the ham and Ishmael building the Kaaba is all fiction. suppression of the age-old Moharram celebrations in Persia a sign of vitality in Islam? Is the reli- When ,the best thinkers in Islam accept an hongion of Islam showing a new vitality when three est historical research of all her spiritual property of its "five pillars" are crumbling? The daily it will mean a revelation of bankruptcy. "When prayers are no longer observed as they were ten the foundations are destroyed, what can the rightyears ago. The number of pilgrims to Mecca, in eous do? Only the real gold, the theistic spiritual spite of new facilities by motor-bus and steam- values of Islam, will be able to withstand the heat ships, has dwindled from 250,000 to 80,000. of this inevitable furnace. Mecca is losing its importance and the annual fast The Movement for World Christianity -'-e!ill By PROF. JULIUS RICHTER, D.D., Berlin, Germany 1l!Jt-·- THE "Foreign Missions Inquiry" of 1932 in friends if I, as an outsider who for fifty years has two directions has aroused a far-reaching eagerly watched the missionary movement in interest. On one side there has been a defi- Europe and America, present my objective estinite division of opinions with regard to the doc- mate of the situation. trinal points developed in the first four chapters of "Re-Thinking Missions." They have been re- After a nation-wide propaganda for their manigarded as a manifesto of liberal Christianity or of festo, "Re-Thinking Missions," our modernist a new modern type of foreign missions. The well friends, in May, 1935, started a "Modern Missions established conservative Christian leaders have in Movement." As this first start was not too sucdecisive terms declined to follow this new move. cessful, perhaps in connection with some awkward This clarion call of the conservative group was a criticisms on both sides, they changed their leadchallenge to the liberals to develop their views. ing committee and now call themselves "The This has gone on actively for the last four years. Movement for World Christianity." They pub- It may be of some interest to my American lish a quarterly, "World Christianity," in the form of a digest. Two other periodicals, the Christian
THE MOVEMENT FOR WORLD CHRISTIANITY
Century and Christendom, are opening their files cognition and on feeling; they are the positive to statements of their views. The foreign secre- attachments which the soul must win toward what tary of the Congregational Foreign Boards, Hugh is supersensible and real; 'they are its hold on Vernon White, has also written "A Theology for God. And enter, this conscious demand-which Christian Missions" to lay a broad theological specifies an active historical church as an organ foundation for such modern concepts. For their of individual religion-marks a difference between Executive Committee they have a panel of leaders Christianity and any other of the great religions. like Dr. Douglas Horton, Dr. E. C. Lobenstine, Bishop William Scarlett, Dean Luther Weigle and We do not enter into a theological discussion of Miss Ruth Woodsmall. The various theological the merits or demerits of these and similar points views of this group renders an objective survey of view. We only state that though Dr. White of the situation difficult. No very clear line of and Prof. Hocking acknowledge at least the superdemarcation in the theological camp is now vis- sensible God and Jesus Christ as His interpreter, ible. Yet there is a strong group of theological they leave out many points which we of the conliberals whose views are expressed in Prof. Archi- servative group would regard as indispensable and bald Baker's "Christian Missions and a New fundamental-the self-revelation of Almighty God World Culture," Dr. Hugh Vernon White's "A in the continuous scheme of redemption; Jesus Theology of Christian Missions," and Prof. Wil- Christ as God's only begotten Son and not only liam E. Hocking's "Evangelism." our teacher and companion but our Lord; the atonement through His death on the cross; His Professor Baker's view of the "world in two bodily resurrection and our hope of a similar flats" – a transcendant superworld above our resurrection; the objective reality of the Spirit sense-world-is out of question. There is here no of God and His work within the Church; the two room for the self-revelation of Almighty God. sacraments as pledges of divine grace; the glori- He believes in a continuous process of creative ous consummation of the Kingdom of God in the evolution. We as Christians are convinced that parusia of the Lord. It is of no use to enter into we have in Jesus Christ the highest form of reli- a discussion about them; we do not share them gion, and claim the right to share this with other by theological or philosophical principle. Yet it nations. Prof. Baker claims that the old form of is very important, perhaps decisive, to keep in missions is passed and that now we must exchange mind that not all members of the "Movement for contributions with other religions. World Christianity" share such radical theologi- cal views. Dr. White states that modern missions began a theological point of view which has now been radi- We have had in Holland as well as, in Germany cally transformed. He raises the question: Is a similar wave of liberal missionary movements, there truth in the realm of religion? And says in the Netherlands in the midst of last century, that the answer can no longer be made in terms in Germany fifty years ago. For both cases the of an alleged divine revelation, or of the authori- overwhelming mass of missionary people have detative word of a Church. It must be found in the clined the neology and. those societies and boards nature of religion itself and in the interpretation which stood fast for the Biblical Gospel came out of religious experience. He believes. that the victorious from the contest. We are deeply conquestion is not, therefore, whether truth is to be vinced that at the end the same result will be apfound only in Christianity, but whether Christian- parent in America, too. But in a curious way at ity has some fundamental truth which will be present in the U. S., the question of modernism in found adequate and which is not in any other re- missions is closely connected with a thorough-goligion. He conceives this truth to be that the ing change in the missionary background at home life of active trust in God and love for all men is and abroad. There are four important factors eternally right and represents the purpose of God which more or less deeply influence the missionary for mankind. That truth Jesus lived and is and activities of the ch.urches. The first is the dethis life pattern Christian missionaries are seek- plorable dwindling of the income of the foreign ing to implant in men. mission boards. The American Missionary Con- ference is publishing regularly in its year-book a Prof. Hocking stresses the view that our mod- financial survey. From living donors these boards ern evangelism must be modern and embody the in 1930-that is in the first year of the disastrous abiding essence of Christianity contained in the depression – received $33,131,245; in 1935 this four words: repent, believe, love, enter. Repent income had dwindled to $18,543,329. This shrinkthat is – bow decisively and whole-heartedly to ing is even more evident if we look at some of the God instead of worshipping a false God, placing greatest foreign boards: some creature (such as science) in the place of the Creator. Believe and love, these two demands From living donors the Methodist Episcopal go together; they are the requirements placed on Foreign Board and the closely connected Women's
Board received $4,945,987 in 1930 and $2,483,771 the younger churches. They want and in many in 1935. The Presbyterian Church, North, re- cases need full autonomy. And the old churches ceived $3,339,918 and $2',030,967 in those same are quite willing to give them all they want. Yet years. So it is more or less with all foreign mis- after all the membership of these younger sion boards, a loss of from 30 to 45 per cent of the churches is representing only from five to one income they could command eight years ago. The per cent or even only one per mille of the non- Presbyterian Board, North, in 1929, had an in- Christian population. The baptized constituency come of $7,527,079, and in 1935 hardly more than of the Protestant Churches may be between four two million dollars. It is evident that that neces- and six hundred million souls against one billion sitates a thorough-going reduction of the expense, four hundred million non-Christans, so that there and the inability to send out necessary recruits, is the danger of their reabsorption, and their miscrippling of the budgets of one mission after an- sionary vigor, in spite of such wonderful achieveother, perhaps giving up whole fields. Of course ments as the Kin~om of God Campaign in Japan it needs the most careful deliberations in every and the Five-Year Movement in China, is lacking missionary committee how best to adjust to this or intermittent. changed condition, and to prevent the life nerves of the missionary enterprise from being damaged How, then, shall the Prote~tant missionary or ruined. movement go on? What ways and methods of cooperation between the older and the younger The second fact is the radically changing en- churches should and can be developed? vironment of the missionary movement. In the nineteenth century foreign missions were advanc- There is no question that the younger genera- tion in almost all countries is not in agreement ing on the crest wave of a rising tide. There was and sympathy with the traditional lines of Church a general culture hunger in the non-Christian work either at home or abroad. In Germany and countries. They were eager to assimilate as thor- in some other countries a glowing nationalism has oughly and as fast as possible the achievements got hold of them and is sweeping the millions in of Europe and America. The missionaries were its flowing ardor. In Russia communism has been able to generate a similar enthusiasm for social regarded as the most appropriate and the most justice. In America, men like the President of welcome teachers of the new era. Christianity Princeton University, who are able to feel the was rightly or wrongly regarded as the richest pulse of the younger generation, tell me that there exponent of that highly developed modern civ- is a good deal of real and sound enthusiasm, but ilization. This situation, as everybody knows, is it is not in line with traditional churchism and radically changed. In the old "Christian" coun- with the slogans of the missionary movement a tries, secularism is raising its ugly head. In generation ago. Dr. Charles' Fahs writes: "To Russia, atheism is the watchword of the day. In be sure, certain of those of the post war, and now Germany, one non-Christian school or philosophy specially of the depression, generations do not is emerging after another. In France, govern- really know or seemingly greatly care what is ment and masses were estranged from the Church happening of vital significance in missions or anylong ago. Science in almost all branches simply where else. . . . Economic cooperation? Yes. is' glorying in its complete independence from Interracial justice? Yes. International forth- Christian influence. The non-Christian world rightness and fellowship? Yes. World peace? knows this situation. Opposition against real or Yes. Foreign missions? No sure note in the reapparent imperialism of European or American plies now." This changing outlook of the younger powers, intensified race feeling of nations which generation, of course, is of the utmost significance more or less' feel injured or exploited by EurQpe and importance. It must be carefully studied and or America, a revival of the traditional non-Chris- pondered over. New ways of approach must be tian religions, a definite reassertion of national discovered. On a higher place of theological and pride and superiority feeling, all combine to force philosophical thinking these currents of mind the missionary movement into the background, to must be integrated into a real and living Christian slow down its advance, to hinder the free activity consciousness', as Christianity for two thousand of one agency after the other. Of course, that years has been able to assimilate and integrate means a very careful deliberation again as to what the highest aspirations of different nations. ways and means are at disposal-if methods effective or at least useful a generation ago are ad- Of course, these four facts are not overlooked visable under these changed conditions or if new by the foreign mission boards; there has been for methods have been discovered, perhaps by the years much heart-searching and praying over rapidly advancing electrical technique, such as them. Yet after all, if a new group with a good radio and navy. knowledge of the facts, a vivid interest in the mis- sionary movement, and a burning zeal for the A third fact is the growing independence of
Kingdom of God is taking them up we shall only men, out of their penetrating thinking and their be grateful for any and every contribution they deep insight, have to say. It is the common cause may be able to supply, only that not theological of all Christians in whatever camp, and it is the modernism may confuse the issue. We are fairly clarion call: "Onward, Christian soldiers." We sure that a missionary theology, like that of Dr. must remember our Lord's commission: "Ye shall White, is not furthering the cause. Yet we shall be witnesses unto me unto the utmost part of the always respectfully listen to what whole-hearted earth."
Misery Among Migrant Workers By the REV. MARK A. DAWBER, D.D., New York Executive Secretary of the Home Missions Council The migrant labor situation is getting worse Texas, also from the dust bowl and drought secevery year. Time was when this was for the most tions of the Dakotas and western Kansas are pourpart a problem of a few foreign-speaking groups, ing into California at an alarming rate and are Mexicans and Filipinos being the major nationali- creating a terrific .problem for the relief agencies. ties. But now it is a general problem, including Most of these migratory families are ineligible for all races and with an increasing number of Ne- local aid because they are unable to meet the regroes, also white farmers who have lost their quirements imposed by state, county, and local farms; or agricultural laborers who until recently authorities. were working regularly on established farms and who themselves had a settled abode. Many factors are contributing to this develop- ing migrant problem, such as the increase in The tragedy of the new migrant movement is farm machinery; the rising tenantry in agriculthat it now includes a large numb~r of persons ture; the continuing drought and dust in the who were accustomed to a home of their own, or middle west. But the chief thing is the movea settled residence; who were home-lovers and ment of certain types of agriculture from the also were citizens of a definite community which southeast and the south to the west. Gerald W. they were helping to build. Thousands of these Johnson, in his recent book, "The Wasted Land," families are now transient, moving around from paints a sordid picture. "It is assuming no great place to place, glad to. get any opportunity that risk of prophecy to say that the end of another ten presents itself for occasional work in the fruit, years will see cotton farming so precarious and vegetable or cotton sections of the West. unprofitable that only victims of due necessity will undertake it." He is writing of the south- California, Oregon and Washington are the east and the south where some twenty-two million states where these migrants are found in the acres of cotton land have been destroyed by wind greatest numbers. A recent survey reveals that and water erosion and by a system of agriculture some fifty thousand people from Arkansas alone that has been recklessly prodigal with the natural moved into California in a year. These are mostly resources, and in particular, the soil. As this tide "share-croppers" who are no longer assured even of soil erosion has developed, so human erosion the precarious existence that "share-cropping" has accompanied it, and the further loss of huhitherto provided in their own state. man resources by migration to the west.
Social conditions among these groups are such The federal and state authorities are doing that the federal authorities are alarmed. Dr. something to improve conditions in the camps and Owen Mills, regional economist for the Farm Se- to make possible a minimum of education and socurity Administration, has just completed an in- cial care for the children of migrants. With the tensive field study in California and reports "a present influx, a greatly enlarged program and large number of families living in miserable leadership is necessary and it is now necessary squatter camps consisting of dirty, torn tents and to arouse the Christian forces in the territory makeshift shacks in a sea of mud." He reports where these migrant problems exist and to solicit also alarming conditions of hunger, privation and the cooperation of pastors and churches to minmisery among the farm workers in the San J oa- ister to these neglected people. Their spiritual quin Valley and other agricultural districts of destitution is even greater than their economic California. extremity.
New migrants from Arkansas, Oklahoma and
Sang-A Christian Dervish*
I 1)1- -e( By the REV. J. CHRISTY',WILSON, D.D., Tabriz, Iran M ANSUR SANG'S life story is unusual. He Teheran. His wife finally left him and Mansur did not know the date of his birth, but it Sang journeyed to Resht as a trader in small was probably a little before 1870. His articles. He got into touch with Christians there father kept sheep and goats, and sold hay and and wished to be~ome a member of the church.
grain in the city of Meshed. His mother was a Before his probation time had elapsed he left Kurd, a descendant of those who were moved by Resht, returned to Teher.an, and later went to Nadir Shah from the western frontier of Iran to Meshed.
the Meshed region. Mansur Sang often said that In the city of his birth Mansur came into touch the blood of Iranian Moslems, Kurds, Zoroas- with the Christian church and with missionaries.
trians, and Arabs ran in his veins. Receiving further instruction, he was finally bap- As a boy he was apprenticed to a butcher and tized and began his career as .a "Christian deralso worked for a time with a gold- and silver- vish." This calling took him on foot or by any smith. At the age of twenty-five he went to transportation he could get, over deserts and Russia where he worked as a day laborer. He mountains, and into almost every part of Ir.an. fell in with Bahais in Bokhara and Samarkand We can give here only a few interesting details and finally went on a pilgrimage to Acca, where of his career.
he remained for two years. He was at last per- How little Mansur cared for the ordinary comsuaded that there was no hope of salvation or forts of life is illustrated by a story he told me. peace in Bahaism, so he returned on foot to Iran. "I had been traveling through the forests and vil- Again he visited Russia, and in a Trans-Caspian lages of Mazanderan, down near the Caspian Sea, city made the chance acquaintance of Benjamin and decided to go back over the mountains to Badal. This great Christian colporteur told him Teheran to see my friends there. I was climbing the story of Christ and sold him a Testament in up a steep mountain pass when I lost conscious- Persian. In that chance interview Mansur Sang ness and fell beside the road. I do not know how saw the first spiritual light that his soul had ever long I lay there, but finally I was awakened by known, and he longed for a clearer vision. cool rain falling on my face. I began to think when I had last eaten and then remembered that The young man could not read, but he kept the I had had nothing that day nor the day before. Testament and at times had others read it to him. I went on and soon came to a tea-house where I He became especially fond of the verses: "The ate some bread and drank tea. It is true that Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath man shall not live by bread alone, but we should annointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; not try to get along on spiritual food alone either." He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering At one time Mansur invited one of the missionof sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that aries to lunch with him. Among other things he are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the had locusts and noticed that the missionary did Lord." not seem anxious to partake of this particular viand. Mansur said, "If locusts were good enough In Teheran, about 1915, Mansur came in touch for John the Baptist are they not good enough for with American missionaries to whom he told of you ?" He was a great admirer of John and his the little light he had found and was further in- desert life and never ceased to wonder at the fact structed. He later confessed Christ, but his bap- that although John was such a great prophet yet tism was put off, principally because of family the least in the Kingdom of God was greater than troubles. Mansur was married and had several he. Mansur used to say: "The word for prophet, children. A boy and a girl died, leaving one pegambar, means !One who carries a message' daughter who attended the mission school in and I am that." And indeed he did carry God's * Some time ago a letter from a c(}Ueague in Teheran brought this Message to hundreds of places where no Christian news: "Mansur Sang died quietly and in faith, in our h(}spital a evangelist had been before him. ,.
few days ago. He Was ready to g(} and had n(} fear of death. Poor old man, he had suffered much, may his reward be great." Thus Although Mansur could not read, village people has passed a most extraordinary character-the Christian dervish. d'd no t d!' Scover t he f act I' N(}w that he has gone to be with Christ the Church shJo.ulCd. kWn.ow for he could open the more of his llnllslIal story.
[182 ] MANSUR SANG, THE CHRISTIAN DERVISH, EXPLAINS THE GOSPEL TO AN IRANIAN STUDENT AND A BEARDED MOSLE'M DERVISH New Testament and quote from memory the pas- 'distributing his tracts and Gospels among the wild sage he wished to teach. He carried with him on tribesmen. Someone started the rumor that these his tours a few simple medicines and made his were books of the foreigners, against whom there living, largely by pulling teeth. He became adept was high feeling at the time. All the Scripture at this with his fingers, but if a stubborn molar portions were gathered and burned. Mansur reresisted his efforts, or if he wished to make an ceived news of what had been done, and pushing impression as to his professional ability, he would his way through the crowd, put out his hands over produce a rusty pair of forceps given him by one the ashes and prayed in a voice that all could hear, of the missionary doctors. Like the Canadian "0 God, forgive these people for having burned mounted police, "He always got his man." One thy Holy Word. In their ignorance they have of the English missionaries in southern Iran, who committed this great sin." The wild men of the accompanied him on a village trip, saw him ex- tribes stood about in silence, awed by his courage tract eighty-seven aching teeth in a single day. when he J<new that at any moment they might But always most important was the "Seed" he treat him as they had his books. But no hand carried-a pack of Scripture tracts and Gospels. was raised against him. He was so zealous an evangelist that a missionary was heard to say, "I am sure Mansur Sang has On his return journey, Mansur met a refugee brought the message of Christ to more people in from Russia. It was cold and the stranger had Khorasan this past year than all the members of no coat. The dervish gave the refugee his large our station." sheepskin coat, or pustin, which served him as bed and bedding as well as protection from the At one time Mansur met, in the village where cold. He slept for some time without any coverhe happened to be touring, the missionary who ing and later became seriously ill, probably from had baptized him. After their greetings, the this exposure. He recovered and started off on friend noticed that from long travel in the villages the road again for southern Iran where it was the shirt the Christian dervish was wearing had become rather soiled. After some admonitions as warmer. to Christian cleanliness, the missionary volun- Our Christian dervish was visiting a certain teered to purchase a new shirt for his friend. Later Mansur returned, very pleased, and wear- village in the south. He wished to sell a man a ing the new garment. The missionary was also Bible, but the latter said: "No, I have a much pleased, until by chance he found that the dervish finer book than this, with a wonderful leather still wore the old shirt underneath. binding and an illuminated title page. It has come down to me from my father and grand- Mansur Sang was traveling along the border of father." Mansur replied: Afghanistan during the revolution there, and was "Yes, I know, the book is a Koran and no doubt its decoration is wonderful. I will tell you a
story. I knew a man who had two daughters. sionary friend came from Shiraz and found Man- One was most beautiful and the other was ex- sur working among the patients in the Isfahan ceedingly plain. He had the homely daughter hospital, lustily singing. The missionary repaint her lips and cheeks, blacken her eyebrows marked, and fix herself all up, but he couldn't get anyone to marry her. He did not need to decorate the "Why Mansur, you don't sound married." other girl at all and could hardly keep the suitors "N0," he replied, "you see it was like this. I away from his door. Now this Bible I offer you said to the lady, get your things packed so that is the truly beautiful daughter. It needs no fine we can be married and start out on a tour of the cover or decoration. It is the Word of God." villages. But she objected that she couldn't pos- sibly leave Isfahan. I couldn't possibly stay in In another village Mansur was stoned and one place, so we parted the best of friends." beaten because of his open witness for Christ. Many times the Christian dervish was put in An old blind man who had been a leader in start- jail for his faith;lohut as one prison keeper said: ing the trouble was beating the air with his stick, since he could not see the dervish to hit him. "It does no good to put that fellow in jail. He When the latter saw the situation he pushed the is just as happy inside as out, and he starts trying others aside, saying, "You are all selfish indeed, to make Christians of all the prisoners." give this old man a chance to ease his wrath." So the evangelist took the stick and laid it on his In one large city a police officer, who was a own head, saying, "There is my head, brother, member of the Bahai sect, thought he would have beat it until your feelings are relieved." some fun with Mansur. Calling him from his cell, he took a small book out of the pack that had been In one village the quaint evangelist was again taken from the dervish, and asked: beaten and stoned and the old women ran after him to spit upon him. He said later, "I don't mind "What book is this and how much do you sell being beaten, it is a wonderful thing to have fel- it for?" lowship in the sufferings of Christ, but I don't like to see the old ladies spit. I don't think it is "That is the Gospel according to Matthew," polite, do you?" . Mansur replied, "and I sell it for four shais" (about two cents). In another place where he was preaching and was ·continually hackled by his hearers, one strap- The officer laughed and said: ping young man well over six feet tall, was im- "Yes, you are right. Your so-called 'Gospel' is pressed and bought a Gospel. Reading it that only worth two cents. You have put the right nighj;, he was convicted of sin, saddled his horse value on it." early in the morning, and hurried on to the next Then he picked up a small tract and asked what village. There he found Mansur and constrained that was and its price. him to return with him to his village and later "That is Christ's Sermon on the Mount," the take.him to the missionary in the city. There he prisoner answered. "I distribute that free." confessed, "I have been a highwayman and have The officer, almost convulsed with laughter, rerobbed and stolen and wounded people and beaten marked: them, but thank God, this man with the words of Christ found me before I had killed anyone." He "Correct you are, you yourself admit that these confessed faith in Christ and went back to his books you distribute are worthless-you give them village but could not live there. He took up life away. Perfectly right, you ought to do so since among the roving Kashgai tribes, went on with they are worth nothing. If you wanted to get a his study and was later baptized. The former copy of our holy book you would have to pay five highway robber is now a radiantly happy Chris- or ten dollars for it. It is valuable." tian. He referred to the Aqdas, copies of which are Mansur used to walk in the streets and public rare. gardens swinging his walking stick from side to side, saying, "Sword, a sword." Someone would "I beg pardon, sir," Mansur replied "but what say, "Why man, that's not a sword, it's only a is that above your desk?" cane." He would immediately produce the New Testament and say, "No, that is not a sword, but "That is an electric light," the officer answered. here is the Sword of the Spirit." "Does it cost money to burn that?" the dervish asked. At one time the Christian dervish confided to "Why of course," the man said with a smile, some friends that he had found a Christian woman "that is a good thing. It's worth while and we -or rather she had found him-and they intended are glad to pay for it." to be married. Sometime later a very close mis- Mansur pointed out the window of the office and asked: "What is that up there 7" "Why that's the sun," answered the officer. Mansur pointed his finger at him in a character- istic jesture, when in deadly earnest, and said:
THE HOLY MOSLEM CITIES OF IRAQ
"Yes, that electric light is like your book. Man He always magnified his office and was ready made, and you have to pay for it. That sun out to witness anywhere to Christ, his Lord. there is a gift of God, it is free, just like His Word." Much more might be t()ld of the Christian der- vish, but the incidents related show his character. On one occasion Mansur Sang visited us for He has gone Home, but his influence will live several weeks, at the end of that time I went with long. He was unique in the Christian Church in him to request a police permit for him to leave the Iran. He could not sign his name, but he carried city. He was asked a number of questions and a small seal, in the center of which was a cross, when the query came as to his business, imagine and around this was engraved, "Mansur Sang, the surprise of the desk sergeant when he replied, slave of Christ." There is great need of more such Christian dervishes in every Moslem land. "I am an amb!;tssador of the Lord of Glory."
THE MOST SACRED MOS'QUES OF THE SHIAS IN WHICH ARE VALUABLE TRE'ASURES-AT NAJAF The Holy Moslem Cities of Iraq )5t- -tE{ I By the REV. CALVIN K. STAUDT, Baghdad, Iraq THE, most interesting, the most formidable, The Shiah religion forbids its followers to have the most wicked and the most fanatical places any dealings with "unbelievers" and if an "in- in Iraq are the four Holy Cities of the Shiah fidel" drinks or eats from a vessel it becomes Moslems. In each one of these cities (Kadhemain, polluted and must at once be broken and thrown Samarra, Kerbala and Najaf) there is a golden- away. domed mosque to an Imam (Holy Man) who is supposed to be buried there. Boys have come from Kerbala is surrounded by gardens and palms two of these cities to the American School in and as there is much water, the situation is very Baghdad. beautiful; real Persian gardens have a profusion and variety of flowers. The shops are interesting,
having all kinds of tempting things for the pil- sages in some cases that run into the desert outgrims. side of the city. Sometimes there are three or four surdabs (cellars), one below the other, and The city is built around the golden-domed in these are subterranean wells, which are also mosque of Hussein, the son of Ali. Another connected all over the city and through which curmosque, with a golden dome and golden minaret~, rents of cool air pass, making living possible underground. These communicating cellars and cisterns offer illimitable opportunity for plotters and criminals to meet and escape capture. The wickedness of Najaf is like that of Sodom and Gomorrah, and is very degrading; lust, murder and all the crude sins that flow from avarice. Najaf;" encourages "temporary mar- riages," mostly for pilgrims; they may be for an hour or for months. Children born from these unions are distinguished by wearing a single ear ring, a custom that undoubtedly goes back to Babylonian times when temple girls were em· ployed in the temples.
The fabulous treasures of Naj af are said to sur- pass the wealth of Croesus. The rich jewels and robes of crowned heads in Europe are insignifi- cant compared to those in the storerooms of the mosque. At a visit of Nasreddin Shah, many cen- turies ago, the treasures of Kerbala and Najaf were opened and it was reported that the silver and gold alone weighed seven tons – besides the precious stones and silks. Every Shiah, whether THE ENTRANCE TO THE MOSQUE AT KERBALA rich or poor, makes a contribution to this sacred shrine.
is the mosque of Abbas, Hussein's half-brother. If Sayyid Abbas, the keeper of the treasures, with a Shiah swears by Abbas he will never violate his whom I stayed in Najaf, is a typical Moslem poli- oath; it is said that a man once swore falsely and immediately his head flew off and embedded itself in the ceiling where it is still seen!
The drive from Kerbala to Najaf is over the smooth desert. The city, with its high wall and .golden minarets and dome, looms up out of the golden sand. Najaf stands isolated in the desert with not a green thing in sight; a formidable wall protects its treasures rakher than its people. It is the most fanatical and the most wicked city in Iraq-a city where only Shiahs live and where no Christian is supposed to enter. It containscthe shrine of Ali, who was mortally wounded in the mosque at Kufa, a town seven miles away. The story is that Ali, when wounded, was put on a camel and here is where the body was later found and buried. This is the cause for the building of this city in the desert. It now has a teeming pop- ulation of 45,000 crowded inside a wall, the cir- A STREET SCENE IN KERBALA cumference of which is not more than three miles. What must this dty be like on feast days when tician who knows how to keep the flow of treasthe population swells to 150,000? ures coming to Najaf. Because of this flow the Iranian government forbade its pilgrims to come No one knows Najaf unless he has seen the to Iraq. He has two wives and a home for each. underground city where the people dwell in summer to escape the unbearable heat of the burning Najaf is the center of Shiaism and the seat of desert. It is a net work of catacombs, with pas- the Mujtahid who is like the Roman Popes who
A PASTOR AND MISSIONARY EDUCATION
enjoyed temporal and spiritual authority. He is tive religions, there is slight connection between chosen because of his learning, rather than be- religion and morality. A religion which is devoid cause of his spirituality. He interprets the Ko- of morality is a poor sort of a religion. ranic and traditional law and also makes new laws. To disobey him is believed to result in The transformation of these Holy Cities will be eternal damnation. through the slow and silent process of Christian education. Boys going to Christian schools from The Shiah fanaticism is breaking down. Mrs. these cities will be the leveling influence. Staudt and I could walk the streets of Najaf, look into the mosque as we passed by the gate, be enter- Kerbala and Najaf are shrines that are symtained by the Killidar, who is next to the Mujti- Bolic of vicarious suffering. Both Hussein and had. This we could not have done a few years ago Ali died in behalf of a cause. Tradition has it and live to tell the tale. Now the people do not that Hussein, before setting out from Kufa, always obey the Mujtihads. prayed to Allah: "I am going forth to die for Thy (God) people." Is it not possible to bring These Holy Cities thrive on religion. The reli- byr tact and patience, and through Christian edugious standards for the Shiah world comes from cation to the Shiahs, the news of a Mediator, bet- Najaf. They are very religious, but like in primi- ter and truer than the one whom they know?
A Pastor and Missionary Education By JESSE H. ARNUP, ll..,D., Toronto, Canada Missionary Secretary of the United Church of Canada THE missionary impulse is first of all a reli- recently aroused religious feeling, arose the world gious impulse; missionary endeavor is the movement of modern missions. Similarly, during outward projection of heart-felt love for God a period of expanding settlement on the American and man. The logical end of a religious revival continent great religious revivals issued in nais the beginning of a missionary campaign. In tion-wide expansion of home mission effort in the the sequence of church history great missionary United S,tates and Oanada. movements have arisen out of creative periods in the life of the home church. Any course of mis- With these facts in mind we can see how a pubsionary education which fails to take account of lic school lesson in geography or history, in so far this central fact will lack the primary impulse to as it helps to produce a world view, may make a missionary service, the spiri,tual glow without valuable contribution to missionary education: which no missionary enterprise can hope to suc- Here, also, we find justification for a program of ceed. Conversely, every quickening of Christian missionary information and education, both inlife or strengthening of religious purpose in an side and outside the curricula of organized reliindividual or a congregation provides a fresh op- gious education. The church which has set herportunity for successful missionary education. self to make this a Christ-like world must accept it as a primary duty to let her membership know For the religious impulse must needs be fer- what the world is like today. Details of the pictilized by the missionary idea if it is to bear fruit ture must be filled in so that real understanding in missionary service and suppor.t. Sometimes may produce sympathy and fellowship between that idea seems to lie inherent in the circum- the Christian church and all communiUes, peoples stances of the hour. The eighteenth century re- and areas of life that are without Christ. vival went flaming through England at the very time when the British Empire, through her sol- Two other elements in the missionary equation diers and sailors, was reaching out to the ends of exactly match each other: they are the purpose the earth. The new Gospel message was literally of God and the needs of man. Ultimately, the carried around the world on the wings of the wind claim of Christian missions rests down upon the and the waves of the sea. Explorers like Captain unity of God and his eternal purpose for the world Cook became indirectly servants of the Gospel, of men. Over against that purpose lies the need pointing the way to its world-wide application. of our common humanity. The answer to that Out of these numerous world contacts, acting upon need can be summed up in the one word, redemp- tion. It is impossible to think of God as divided:
He is the one Father of us all. Jesus Christ like- fundamental social proces'ses have 'been set in mo- wise spoke always of His own revelation in terms tion which when complete will bring about condi- that applied to the whole world. These two fea- tions more nearly resembling the rule of God in tures provide the missionary message of the Bible: human life.
the universality of God and Christ's sufficiency The meaning of all this for the Christian min- ister, and its application to his efforts on behalf to meet the universal needs of men. Take the mis-. of missionary education, are not far to seek. What we have outlined is op, one hand the unisionary message out of the Old Testament and you have taken out the heart and meaning of it. The New Testament is from first to last a missionary versal message of the Gospel and on the other it book. Leave out its missionary message and its is the practical program of the Christian minister implications and what you have left has lost its in the interests of the world of men. On what power and appeal. So it is with the Church. foundation rests the minister's claim to authentic Rob it of its missionary purpose and passion and proclamation and eff~tive appeal to his own conyou remove both its right and its power to carry gregation if not on his knowledge of the eternal on. Regarding the experience of the individual pu~pose of Almighty God? What other salvation Christian one has recently written, "The ultimate dare he offer to mortals than that of a univers1al in individual self-fulfilment is found in s·haring the Saviour, whose provision reaches to the uttermost divine self-giving." In the words of Henry van of human need? In a world which is rapidly be- Dyke, "We are chosen, we are called, not to die coming a unit how can he hope for solution of any and be saved, but to live and save others." God's ,major human problem on anything less than a eternal purpose finds expres·sion by way of indi- world basis,? Whatever may be said of men in vidual human experience and missionary devotion. other relations, the Christian minister is inextri- The needs of men are of infinite variety but cably involved. in the presentation of the world even the least of them is included in the loving mission of Christianity and the missionary effort provision which God has made for His children. of the Christian church. The issue of success and The operation of sharing Christ with others in- failure, in the ultimate meaning of those terms, will rest upon his faithfulness and efficiency in volves the sharing of all those blessings which fitting to local conditions the larger setting of a world-wide and age.J.ong undertaking. For, takhave come to us through the effect of His life and ing it by and large, the progress of the average congregation in spiritual sympathy with the world teaching upon the conditions and standards of enterprise of Christ, in intelligent understanding of the operations of the Church and in response to human living. Missions are more than a philan- the material needs of the world, will be measured thropy but they form the most important philan- by the vision and intelligence and faithfulness of thropic effort in the world. It is written of Jesus the minister. that "He went about doing good." Lord Irwin, late Viceroy of India, has this to say of His modern representatives in that land: "Among outcastes and lepers, among criminal tribes or aborig- inal dwellers in jungle tracts, I have seen men Prayer for Missions and women s·laving devotedly to translate the message of Christ into the practical language of Him One of the greatest opportunities of serving the who went about doing good. They are doing work missionary cause comes to a minister through of quite incalculable value in India and their most public prayer. Probably the congregation forms powerful sermons are their lives." its idea of what is vital in a preacher's life and ministry quite as much from his- prayers as from It was ever thus. The Good News includes re- his sermons. What a man habitually carries on lease from all forms of captivity. The emancipa- his heart will come out in his prayer. What he tion of women throughout the world has alone really cares about sooner or later will have a place been worth all the money and all the labor spent in his petitions. Yet how many prayers in the on the missionary enterprise since its beginning. congregation are concerned with no one outside If you seek a verdict, ask the women of non-Christian lands whether Christian missions are worth the four walls of the church and touch no interest while. Slavery has been fought ever since Living- beyond the confines of the parish! The usual peti- stone cried out, "I call down Heaven's blessing on tion in the mid-week service is entirely local. If anyone, be he Englishman, American or Turk, a pastor really desires his congregation to catch who will help heal this open sore of the world." a world vision and yield themselves to it in loving The practice of witchcraft in its varied forms· is service he will lead them in prayer to the Cross yielding to the light of the Gospel and the influence of One who died for the whole world. For the of the Christian school. Among primitive folk world purpose of Christ is, still unrealized and He new arts ,and industries have been introduced; still is straitened until the object of His suffering the tumult of tribal warfare has been stilled and and death be accomplished. Our prayers, both
BLACK AND WHITE IN SOUTH AFRICA
public and private, should somehow reflect that that the missionary thinking of the Church has attitude of the Master's mind and heart. fallen far behind the present-day operations and objectives of the missionary movement at home Every minister can keep himself and his congre- and abroad. For that reason we have lost to some gation informed about the progress of Christian extent the interest of our young people and espemissions, both as a world movement and as an cially of students. These young idealists have enterprise of his own Church. The Gospel lends given themselves in thought and purpose to such itself to missionary illustration and application. objectives as the elimination of war, the improve- Many ministers habitually enliven and enrich ment of race relations, and the reconstruction of their preaching by frequent reference to the diffi- our social and economic order. Ministers can take culties and successes of the Gospel in the mission advantage of this enthusiasm by showing the relefields. It pas'ses comprehension why some of the vance of the Gospel in its application to these "teaching elders" of the Church should labor so problems. How else dare we assert that our hard to master the details of church history in Christ is sufficient for all the needs of men? past ages and neglect the church history of equal or greater s'ignificance that is being made in vari- The missionary question thus assumes a vital ous places round the world in their own time. relation to the success of the home church. It is said that we live in an age of transition. A period But preaching, though always of the utmost of transition is, usually a period of confusion, but importance, is only one means of missionary edu- it may also become a period of new creation. In cation. The minister who desires to have his con- this hour when the Christian Church stands at the gregation intelligent in matters affecting the crossroads, leading to world succes's or universal world-wide work of Christ will foster missionary defeat, shall it be said of us that, unaware of the education in all the organizations of his church. significance of the issue, we sought to explain and Outstanding opportunities' are presented through extenuate our apathy to the great purpose of our the Church School, the Young People's Society, Lord by the lame apology, "The missionary enterthe Men's Club and the various organizations of prise doesn't seem to make the appeal it used to the women. Among young people and adults it will make." We have no such poor opinion of the be the peculiar function of the minister to show ministers of the Christian churches in the United the importance of the missionary enterprise to the States and Canada. life of the world in our day. It is our conviction Black and White in South Africa The Responsibility of the Christian Community By KENNETH G. GRUBB,* London 1r )1- Of the World Dominion Movement ~==========================~ C LIMATE and the course of history have at times injected into the relations between these ordained that the most numerous and most two peoples, so different in language, general in- active Christian population in Africa terests, political attitudes, and, in their types of should be the European community of the Union Christian culture. Nevertheless, it may be of South Africa, numbering two millions. It can- doubted if so strong a European community could not, therefore, be altogether a waste of time to ever have existed and maintained its position note its relation to the evangelization of the na- without a degree of tension which has produced tive peoples, not only in the Union but also in a virile character, and has created a powerfully Africa as a whole. assertive type of European civilization, which owes its very strength to a variety of outlooks The European community in South Africa is and habits. composed of two different national stocks, the Dutch and the British. The tension between them The effect of this is seen in the religious sphere. has been acute at times, culminating in the Anglo- There is a strong religious life among the Euro- Boer war; even today an element of bitterness is peans, particularly among the Afrikander folk; while among the British, the Church of the Prov- • Mr. Grubb has recently returned from an extensive visit to ince of South Africa (Anglican), the Methodists South Afrlca.-EDITOR.
and other "Free Churches" command a popular dan. Apart from these Dutch churches are two following. This active religious life has enabled others: the "Hervormde" Church, the official these people in some measure to resist the fatal Church of the old South African Republic; and temptations and allurements of the prosperity in- the "Dopper" or "Gereformeerde" Church. But to which the gold-mining industry has dragged even these organizations, which have traditionally many families. Of recent years the religious ten- represented the most rigid racial views, have unsion has been increased by the rapid advance of dertaken at least some mission work. The Dutch Roman Catholicism, by its progress in native mis- churches, notwithstanding their well-known racial sions especially in Basutoland, and by the increase attitude, have undertaken mission work both within its already considerable provision of high-class in and outside the Union of South Africa. educational institutions for European children. The most powerful church in the British com- In face of this situation the problem before munity is the (Anglican) Church of the Province those interested in missions is therefore: How of South Africa>~ The first bishop of this church can the religious energy that results from this had been strongly influenced by the Oxford Movetension be used for a more earnest and thorough ment, and the church, although it contains some evangelization of the Africans? Second: How evangelical parishes, is a good exponent of Anglocan those who have lapsed among the European Catholicism at its best. It still receives substan- Christians best be reclaimed? Finally, how can tial assistance from England, and is therefore by the prayer of our Lord for spiritual unity among no means so fully rooted in the country as are the His people be answered in South Africa. Dutch churches; neither is its hold over its peo- ple as firm. But this church has developed a re- Foreign mission work (American, Scandinavi- markable native mission work with a vast number an, French, German and Swiss), cannot be ex- of outstations, and some excellent educational and pected to remain in South Africa indefinitely. medical centers. Much of this work is in the Many have very considerable responsibilities in hands of the Anglican religious orders, such as Asia where there is no immigrant European the Mirfield Fathers, the Society of the Sacred Christian community of any size in proportion to Mission and others. the total population. On the other hand, so long as South Africa remains a land of white men as The Methodist Church of South Africa also carwell as black, the Bantu Church will need the ries on a very extensive native mission work, cooperation of the indigenous European churches. which is now almost entirely independent of any It is, therefore, the European Christian commu- grants from Great Britain. It is the church which nity that must prove their willingness to play a has the most numerous following among the Banvital part in the evangelization of the Africans. tu population, and the quality of its native min- istry is such as to command respect. The whole The most important European churches are the church is permeated by a keen evangelistic spirit, Dutch Reformed. They are the most closely iden- and certain of its missions, such as that on the tified with the general development of the country; Rand, furnish a good example of the response of they command, to a remarkable extent, the loyal- the native population to the Gospel. Many other ty of their people; and they have developed types South African churches carryon evangelistic of religious life which admirably suit the aspira- work, although on a smaller scale, among natives. tions of their Christian community. There are four European Dutch churches in the Union, These two churches, the Methodist and the namely the four synodal churches in the provinces Church of the Province, contrast strongly with of the Cape, Natal, Orange Free State and Trans- the Dutch churches in their organization and the vaal. These churches are for Europeans only, and nature of their religious appeal. The differences they delegate only certain very limited powers to between the Dutch churches and the Church of a Federal Council. It is, therefore, not strictly the Province are especially noticeable and from correct to speak of the Dutch Reformed Church some points of view are regrettable. It is of the of South Africa. Corresponding to these four utmost importance for the Christian future of European churches there are three "mission South Africa that there should be a clear underchurches": that in the Cape is a church among standing between the Dutch churches and the Colored folk, with a Christian community of over Church of the Province. This situation offers a 120,000; those in Transvaal and the Orange Free real problem for the newly formed Christian State are native churches. These "mission Council of South Africa, but it is one which will churches" are entirely independent, although they be solved more by personal contact and spiritual receive subsidies from the European churches. interchange than by organization. Each European synod has a permanent committee on missions, and through these committees an ex- When we consider the attitude of the Church tensive work is maintained in Nyasaland and to the racial problem, the contrast remains be- Southern Rhodesia, and a smaller one in the Su- tween the Dutch and the other leading Christian churches. The Dutch do not permit Black to wor-
ship with White in the same place; in fact, they senting to the native a wholly barbaric and lustful are opposed to any form of equality between Black picture. It is they who have mitigated the threatand White either in Church or State. The prob- enrngs of war by the message of the Prince of lem is, of course, by no means confined to South Peace. Dispense with their labors, and it is Africa, but the numerical relation of the commu- doubtful whether the native of today would have nities there, where Black outnumbers White by any educated leaders at all. In modern times more than three to one, makes it singularly acute. when, under the influence of close contact with The question has been repeatedly debated from a European civilization, the ancient sanctions of score of different angles, and it is unnecessary to native life are being swept away, the Message of recapitUlate the arguments here. An extreme the Gospel has taken fruit in the realization of a policy of geographical segregation is no solution Christian community, a form of spiritual fellowto a problem which is fundamentally one of ship and cohesion that, amidst the confusion of the inner attitude rather than geographical position. times, offers salvation to the bewildered African Neither hatred nor love are created or removed by from his heart's long torment and the anarchy of distance alonli. Rather, the churches of South his own desires. Africa, whatever be their actual machinery of organization for dealing with the racial problem, But the old paths are being broken up in South will be increasingly driven to echo the conviction Africa as elsewhere; the old order is passing of Shelley: away. The mines, the farms, and the towns all bring White and Black into constant contact. In- We – are we not formed, as notes of music are, creasingly it will become evident that although For one another, though dissimilar; color may be made the basis of an aesthetic judg- Such difference without discord, as can make ment, it cannot be the foundation of a religious Those sweetest sounds, in which all spirits shake one. If six~and-a-half million Bantu are in con- Like trembling leaves in a continuous air? tact with two million Europeans and remain in any large part non-Christians, it can only be be- The point to emphasize here is that the racial cause the latter are in large part non-Christians problem of South Africa, in its implications for themselves. There are two million potential misthe Christian community, is not so much a prob- sionaries in South Africa. In face of this fact we lem for the foreign missions, as for the indigenous have to ask whether, through the testimony of European churches of the land. The missionary European Christianity, the native community is can never view such a problem with the same feel- to be won for Christ or repelled from Him. If it ings as he whose whole past is bound up with local is not won, then the future will witness the traditions, whose father or grandfather was per- mingling of two paganisms to form one neopaganhaps slain, or may be saved from death, by a na- ism. The cynical indifference of the civilized tive warrior, and whose land was once occupied European, who has no reverence and no fear, no by a primitive or warlike tribe. These things be- purpose, no convictions and no religious beliefs, long to history, but their effect remains. The will mingle with the secularized native who has present with all its difficulties has been molded cast adrift from the old moorings and is afloat on and created by the past, and only those, the roots the sea of uncertainty. Of these two paganisms of whose life are in the soil of South Africa, and the second, being the paganism of ignorance, is to whom all other shores are foreign strands, can the more pardonable. determine these issues. To answer the questions we have raised we The contribution which foreign missions are have first of all to pray for a revival of true faith called upon to make is, therefore, to create the in God and true devotion to Jesus Christ among Christian community among the native peoples. the two million persons of European descent, Racial questions, and all questions affecting the nearly all of them nominally Christians, in South relations between Black and White, will be Africa. We may then expect that in their inbrought vastly nearer solution when they can be evitable contact with the native peoples, by the treated as problems between fellow Christians. day-to-day testimony of a Christ-controlled life, They will then be transferred to the sphere of the the Gospel will receive an impetus which the la- Church: that will not, of course, mean that they bors of missionaries alone could never bring. will be automatically solved, but their solution Finally, in order to eliminate useless strife and will be brought sensibly nearer, in so far as they wasteful competition among those who call themare handled by men who are consciously led by the selves disciples of our one Lord, there is a great Spirit of God. work of fellowship and cooperation to be patiently and carefully undertaken. Two years ago the South Africa owes much to the devoted labors Christian Council of South Africa was organized of missionaries. Through their presence and la- and should bring about helpful cooperation. It bors the harsh asperities of the pioneer age of is evident that the field is lying open before it. occupation have been sensibly mollified. It is they who have saved European civilization from pre-
Ways of
'Tested Metlwds for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO MISSIONARY TOURS joining "tent" (room) a typical day from noon till the evening Arabian luncheon was served, ';' assembly, with guides and inter- "Tours of Moslem Lands," the cost being covered by an of- preters in each ,.room. Notewith costumed impersonations fering. The same plan was worthy were the exhibits of and characteristic luncheons, used in all of the programs. the Episcopal Church activities have been featured in four Details of costumes and lunch- throughout the world, shown at monthly visualizations by mem- eons will be furnished for a the Chicago World's Fair; the bers of the Presbyterian church, stamped and addressed envelope, miniature replicas of the Amer- Quincy, Illinois. Arranged by by writing ,to Mr. Githens, 318 ican Mission to Lepers; the Harry W. Githens, the church's So. 4 St. Complete programs Centennial exhibits of the Pres- Dramatic Director, the pro- will be typed for a fee of $1.00. byterian Board; appealing photograms were sponsored by the graphs from the Baptists; the Women's Missionary Society and the Christian Endeavor Society, A WORLD'S FAIR Chinese exhibits of the Methodin an effort to reach a larger OF MISSIONS ists, .and the lighted panels and group in studying the current By GRACE H. HONDELINK posters of the Reformed Church Boards. Daily missionary motheme. Missionary-minded persons from other .churches also The World's Fair of Missions tion pictures drew large groups held in Salem Evangelical and were invited. The programs be- to the room devoted to this feagan at 5 p. m. on Sunday eve- Reformed church, Rochester, ning, and averaged about two N. Y., January 19 to 23, was the ture. most comprehensive and com- First of the ten sessions of the hours each, so there was no con- pelling missionary review ever flict with other services after 7 projected in western New York. Fair was a luncheon on Wednes- Sponsored by the Rochester day noon, attended by over 500 o'clock. women. The speaker was Dr. Mary Ely Lyman, on the theme, Sailing on the Steamer "Mis- Council of Church Women and "Thy Kingdom Come." Another sions," a worship service was assisted by the Rochester Fed- social event was the Women's conducted by the pastor, Rev. eration of Churches, the Federa- International Dinner on Thurs- W. N. Dewar, as Chaplain. The tion of Men's Bible Classes, and day evening, with hostesses and first country visited was Arabia, the Monroe County Youth Fed- tables gay in costumes and dec- "Land of Romance." The next eration, nearly 200 churches of orations of many nations. About three visits were to Syria, "The thirteen denominations shared 400 women listened to the speak- Land Where Jesus Lived"; Iraq, in this project for bringing fresh ers, from China and Japan. A "The Cradle of Civilization"; enthusiasm for missions to all somewhat smaller group at the and Iran, "Land of the Lion and church members. men's dinner on the same eve- the Sun." En route to these Eight rOOInS of the spacious ning heard a past president of three countries the worship serv- church plant were given up to the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, ice was supposed to be on either exhibits grouped according to on "A Business Man Looks at a Desert Bus or a Railway train. countries, with two rooms filled Missions." The president of Arriving in Arabia the tour- with materials appealing to chil- Colgate – Rochester D i v i nit y ists went immediately to the dren and their leaders. Home School, just returned from a "tent" of Sheik Ilderim (which and foreign mission boards gen- round-the-world trip, gave latest had been erected from brown erously lent their best in the news from the mission field. burlap, in another room) where way of pictures, literature, pos- Afternoon teas on Thursday missionaries and native students ters, banners and curios; the and Friday gave opportunity for (the latter in costume) pre- Rochester Museum of Arts and fellowship with missionaries and sented an interesting program Sciences loaned large contribu- acquaintances, as did the buffet which told of the historical, geo- tions from its collections, and supper on Friday night. graphical, economic, and reli- many friends in Rochester of- Inspiring music was furnished gious conditions, with a vocal fered their art objects for the for the various meetings by talsolo by the Sheik host as ,a spe- week of the Fair. ented soloists, a Negro baritone, cial feature. Then, in an ad- The exhibits were open each a quartette from the German [192 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
Baptist Theological Seminary, modate the crowds of interested FROM ONE BOOK-END the mixed chorus of Jefferson listeners. TO ANOTHER High School, an Antiphonal Friday evening's forum on The following combination of Choir of 400 voices, and the choir "World Christianity and Human monologue and dialogue has of Salem Evangelical-Reformed been prepared to give publicity Church. The high point musi- Needs" was led by the President to the Interdenominational Concally, however, was the presenta- of the Rochester Federation of tion of Mendelssohn's "Elijah," Churches. There were four ference of Missions to be held at in the dramatic adaptation ar- speakers, each one followed by the Hotel Raymond, Eagles ranged by Rev. Phillips E. Os- discussion from the floor. An Mere, Pennsylvania, June 25 good, D.D. This was given by Episcopalian bishop spoke on the fifty-voice Rochester Chapel "The Church's Need of World to JUly 2, 1938. The same type Choir. The sanctuary of the Vision" ; a missionary from of sketch may be used ,to angreat church proved utterly in- nounce any other conference, or adequate for the throngs that China, on "The World's Need of wished to enter. Christian Education"; a gifted to present mission study book woman from India, on "The Re- reviews. The group adapting Stirring addresses were given sults of World Christianity"; on Thursday, Home Missions the idea may prepare the book Day, by an Alaskan (Aleut) and an exchange student at Waminister and an Indian mission- seda University, Japan, on "The reviews. ary. The eminent pastor of a Challenge of World Christianity The idea is to give the effect Negro church gave readings from the works of James Weldon on the Threshold of Service." of a row of books held in place Johnson and Paul Lawrence . by book-ends. The "book-ends" Dunbar. Home missionaries introduced to the audience included are two girls, sitting in identical workers among the Indians, On Children's Day, Saturday, positions, one at each end. Southern Mountaineers, in city children in convenient groups missions, and on the far western were conducted through differ- First Book-End is dressed as frontier. ent rooms, where they were in- a girl of an American city. troduced in turn to story-telling, Friday afternoon, Foreign games, folk songs, costumes and Second Book-End wears a col- Missions Day, brought speak- customs of missionary countries, orful sari of India. If a sari is ers from Chosen, the Women's finally gathering in a large as- not available, use seven yards of Christian Union Colleges of In- sembly for a drama centering bright-colored material draped dia, and Nellore, South India. around the picture, "The Hope as follows: Hold one end in left The Missionary Commission was of the World." hand at waistline in front. Pass given by Mrs. Laura Hyde goods tightly around hips in Foote, 81 years old, pioneer med- Saturday evening was Youth front. Tie upper corner in firm ical missionary, who appeared Night. A most impressive dra- knot to upper edge of goods held on the p I a t for m with her matic devotional service, fea- in right hand. Bring cloth daughter and granddaughter, turing a processional and pleas snugly around body once, then representing the tradition of of the nations, and an antiphonal lay the long line in pleats to generation after generation in Youth Chorus, were followed by within three or four yards of the missionary service. an address by a speaker from end. Tuck these pleats in over Iran, on "New Horizons." the knot in the middle of the Hymn singing was led by the front. Pass the loose end of City-wide Missionary Sunday cloth on over the left hip, up former pastor of the Union was observed with missionary under right arm and over left addresses by missionaries, board shoulder, bringing it up over the Church, Kobe, Japan. Over a secretaries or the pastors in head and letting it fall over the score of foreign missionaries, practically all of the Protestant right shoulder. A plain waist garbed in the costumes of their churches of Rochester and vicin- with short sleeves may be worn underneath sari. The Books are adopted countries; some mem- ity. At Sunday afternoon's ves- girls holding in front of them bers of foreign mission boards, per service, the former executive long narrow posters lettered to secretary of ;the Rochester Fed- imitate the backs of books. As and several mothers and sisters each girl speaks she may step eration of Churches brought the challenge of personal responsi- upon a hassock so that her head bility, and a local pastor con- appears above the poster. ducted the closing devotional of missionaries now on the field, 'Service. were presented in a recognition The World's Fair of Missions *** Girl of India: (After sitting service. The meeting closed was the culmination of many still long enough for audience to with the Lord's Prayer, re- months of work by some 150 get the effect, moves about rest- peated, "each in his own women, serving on various com- lessly, then stretches arms wide) (adopted) tongue." These after- mittees. The outstanding suc- Ah-h-h! (Yawns, peeps around noon meetings had been sched- cess of the venture, both in corner at her neighbor at the uled for the Bible class room, numbers attending and in the other end, who does the same.) seating 300, but it was found spiritual tone of all the meetings, Oh, how stiff I am! I wonder necessary tg move to the church argues well for the future of what would happen if I -should auditorium, in order to accom- missionary interest in Rochester. move. (Leans forward; end
book immediately leans too) Oh, ing on a vacatio.n? They sound way to solve all problems, dear, no! They can't stand up, very serious-minded to me. whether of the East or the West, poor things, without me. But I What sort of place is Eagles is the same, by following the One am stiff! Mere? who came out of Nazareth to be City Girl: Stiff! I'm b,o.red City Girl: Look, here's one the whole world's Saviour.
stiff! I like books well enough, called "The Good Times Book." Girl o.f India: Hark, I hear but this thing of just sitting be- Give it a tap and see what it has someone coming. We'll have to to say. go back to our places. (Resumes side them all this time- (Peep- position as at first, very deing at her neighbor again). Oh, The Goo.d Times Bo.o.k: I mure.) you're from India! I know it by can't keep quiet any longer. Where have you been that you City Girl: Goodbye for the your beautiful dress. (Rises, don't know Eagles Mere is just present. Let's try to get toholding one hand against nearest the most beautiful mountain re- gether at Eagles Mere, when book to support it, looks at Girl sort in Pennsylvania? these neighbors of ours won't of India.) have to be in a stiff row all the Girl o.f India: (Apologeti- time. (Waves hand and takes Girl o.f India: Yes, I'm from cally) I've been in India. position as at first.) India, but (also rises, same ac- The Bo.o.k (somewhat molli- JANE GILBERT, tion as City Girl) I've seen fied) We-ell, of course, you American girls like you travel- might not hear about it in India. Member o.f Co.nference ing in my country. I wonder Co.mmittee. City Girl: I live in New York. why these books are standing in SUGGESTIONS FOR a row like this. (Gazes at The Bo.o.k: (Sniffs) Oh, New INVITATIONS books.) York! They are always so superior! Well, anyway if you Picture of drum and sticks, City Girl: (Same action) I flew over Pennsylvania and saw with the inscription, "Drum up a lake right on top of a lovely a crowd for" (time, place and heard someone say they were all mountain, like a sapphire sur- title of meeting) . going on a vacation together, to rounded by emeralds- A mirror on the bulletin board a place called Eagles Mere. City Girl: (Whispers across Girl o.f India: (Touching to Girl of India) Guide-book nearest book) This one is called with cover drawn over its face "Moving Millions," but it doesn't move a bit while I hold it. City Girl: I wish one of them stuff ! The Bo.o.k: (Ignoring inter- and the words: "Look inside would speak. ("Moving Millions" speaks ruption) You might think a bit and you will see the picture of of the sky had got stranded someone invited to the next briefly, then disappears.) Girl o.f India: That's a book I there, but when you came down meeting of" (society, place and must read for myself. There're to see, you'd find Eagles Mere! date) . things in it I probably don't And when you came closer, you'd Large sketch of finger ring, know even though I live in In- find rubies and rose quartz here with diamond, and the words: dia. It seems several people and there in the emerald setting, "You are engaged to . . ." or, wrote it. for the laurel and rhododendron "Your engagement is announced City Girl: Here is another grow close to the edge of the with the Young People's Misbook about India. "The Church lake. And the fun you can have sionary Society for" (date and Takes Root in India" by Basil in the lake! Then there are all place). Mathews. sorts of hikes through the woods, and of course tennis and golf- Sealed o.rders-Sketch of large ("The Church Takes Root in well, a week won't be nearly hand with tiny envelope held be- India" speaks.) long enough to enjoy all the good tween thumb and firs,t finger times to be had at Eagles Mere. (through slit in paper). Inside Girl o.f India: That's interest- the envelope place the names of ing. But I'd like to hear some- (City Girl and Girl o.f India two women to be won for the thing about your country. What stand in same position, looking next missionary gathering by is this next one? (Leans over up at the book after the head has the recipient of these "orders." to read title) Oh, yes, (reads disappeared, and then the W o.rtitle) perhaps it will speak too. ship Bo.o.k speaks.) Personal invitations written on outline sketches of the state (First book on The City Wo.rship Bo.o.k: Of course, or states whose Home-missionspeaks.) there's another book that every- ary work is to be studied, and one will take to Eagles Mere leaflets enclosed with them. City Girl: Dear me, I live in which is not on our shelf. the city but I believe there are Everyone will study the Bible Sketch of heart with words: still some things for me to learn. every day. There will be lead- "Take this invitation to heart" Wait, here's another one about ers who know the Bible and (add information). to make remarks. Sketch of a girl sitting at a (Second book on The City know how to make it real and telephone apparently calling up speaks.) living to young and old. When recipient; the accompanying de- Girl o.f India: (Doubtfully) these other books spoke, did you tails of the invitation should be Are you sure these books are go- notice, they reminded us that the in telephonic terms.
~'I===========~
BULLETIN Council of Women for Home Missions EDITED BY MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
~,=-=================~ INTRODUCING While in Paris she was also erend Cornelius P. Trowbridge President of the Woman's Guild is the Canon of St. Paul's Cathe- Mrs. Augustus Trowbridge, of the American Cathedral. dral Church in Boston. President of the Council of Women for Home Missions During the war she was ac- Under her leadership the tive in Red Cross work and Council of Women for Home The Council of Women for served a term as Chairman of Missions looks forward to con- Home Missions is honored to in- the Red Cross Committee in tinued opportunities for usefultroduce to the readers of this Princeton. The New Jersey ness and deeper dedication to Bulletin, its newly elected Presi- Church Mission of Health has the cause of Unity in Christian dent, Mrs. Augustus Trow- claimed her attention and en- service for all church women. bridge. Elected in Annual Meet- thusiastic support for many ing, January 9-12, 1938, in New years. As a member of the MAY LUNCHEON York City, she succeeds Mrs. Board, and for a time its chair- Millard L. Robinson, retiring man, she has worked for the re- Tuesday, May 3, 1938 President. Mrs. Trowbridge has claiming as useful citizens young been a stimulating member of girls who, as unmarried mothers "UNITY IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE" the Council's committees, taking found themselves in need of active part in the Migrant work much sympathetic guidance. For years the Council of and peace work of the Council, Women for Home Missions has and for the past year as Second In 1937, she attended the announced in these columns in Vice-President assisting in the twelfth Conference on the Cause April plans for the May Lunchformulation of policy and fur- and Cure of War, in Chicago, as eon held annually under its austhering the meaning of home proxy for Mrs. Millard Robin- pices for closer fellowship of mission work through the Coun- son, President of the Council of church women of its twentycil of Women for Home Missions. Women for Home Missions, and three constituent denominations, her appraisal of the Conference and better acquaintance with A member of the Episcopal called forth praise from church their common tasks. Last year, church, Mrs. Trowbridge has women of many denominations you may remember, marked a participated in the work of the and challenged church women to definite advance in fellowship in Woman's Auxiliary wherever strengthen the spiritual ties of that other national church orshe has lived. Her interest in women round the world building ganizations joined with us and peace and among young people for peace. sponsored this luncheon at the brought her into service as a Biltmore Hotel, in New York member of the Board of the Stu- Her connection with the City. It was a signal success dents International Union where Young Women's Conference at and the succeeding months have she retains active membership. Northfield, and at one time been spent in planning how to F'or many years she made her chairman of its Program Com- extend the enthusiasm and inhome in Princeton, New Jersey, mittee, has kept her in close spiration of such meetings to where her husband was a mem- touch with the thinking and ac- church women all over the counber of the faculty of Princeton tivities of young people. try. It is with a sure knowledge University, the last four years of therefore of what similar gathhis life serving as Dean of its A woman of keen insight, in- erings of church women in all Graduate ColI e g e. For five terested in all that goes to make of the communities of the counyears she made her home in for universal Christian brother- try may mean to those commu- Paris, where her husband was hood in a confused and material nities that the Committee on Director for Science (in Eu- world, Mrs..Trowbridge says of Women's Work of the Foreign rope) of the Rockefeller Foun- herself that her "chief inter- Missions Conference, the Nadation. It was at this time that ests have always been in church tional Council of Federated she became very much interested work and minor positions in the Church Women, and the Council in the International Migration church." This is evidenced by of Women for Home Missions Service and she is now a mem- the fact that her two sons are under the banner of "National ber of its New York Committee. both ministers: the Reverend Council of Church Women" urge George A. Trowbridge is the the holding of interdenomina- Rector of All Angels' Church in New York City, and the Rev- [195 ]
tionalluncheons, simultaneously, close the meetings in Riverside Council of Women for Home in all communities on Tuesday, Church. The"A d v e n t u r e Missions. May 3, 1938, to consider together through the Years" depicted the Unity in Christian Service. development of the home mis- The topics discussed during sion enterprise. The pageant the business sessions of each day Those who attended the con- provides admirable material for included such themes as "Social ferences in Oxford and Edin- use as a whole or in part by Frontiers," "Child Labor," "Juburgh last summer have already church groups. venile Delinquency," and the a vision of what may be accom- "Underprivileged Migratory Laplished by church women in all On Monday, the two Councils, borers," indicative of the larger parts of the country, in similar meeting in Marble Collegiate implications of the missionary gatherings, and at the same church, held separate executive enterprise in the complicated sotime, earnestly thinking together sessions until the evening. Then cial structure of the present day. of their relation to the affairs of a panel discussion of the eco- The problems of the city as the church, the nation, and the nomic and spiritual needs of the viewed from the chair of the world, and of ways in which we migratory laborers presented to 'liayor of New York City were can jointly attack those prob- the j oint session of the Councils admirably presented by Mayor lems. It is suggested that all the complexities of the migrant Fiorello H. La Guardia. In this groups hold to the same theme problem. Participants in the single metropolis is concentrated for the luncheon programs and panel included Mr. Courtenay a population greater than that make them as uniform as pos- Dinwiddie, Executive Secretary in anyone state, yet its form of sible. An outline program is be- of the National Child Labor government is similar to that ing prepared that will be sent Committee, Mrs. Petricha E. for a city of 10,000 to 100,000. free on receipt of a stamped and Manchester, Executive Secretary addressed envelope (size 5"x of the Consumers' League of The memorable days came to 10") to the National Committee Delaware, Miss Barbara Stokes a climax with the Anniversary of Church Women, Room 63, 297 and Mr. Leon Dickinson, two dinner. Three remarkable ad- Fourth Avenue, New York City. student workers in Migrant Cen- dresses comprised the program. Will you encourage friends in ters who related their experience Dr. Robert W. Searle, Execuother communities in your and recorded the gratitude of tive Secretary of the New York county to plan such luncheons in migrant families for the inter- City Federation of Churches, their communities? Aim to est demonstrated on their behalf. speaking on the question "What have an inter – denominational Miss Edith E. Lowry, Executive Constitutes a Mission Field?" church women's luncheon on Secretary of the Council of made an impassioned plea on be- May 3rd in every city, town and Women for Home Missions, half of the city for home mission village in your county. Send proved the problem to be one of service. Mrs. Millard L. Robearly for the outline program. national proportions and of in- inson, the beloved president of creasing magnitude, and stressed the Council of Women for Home THIRTY YEARS OF COOP- the gratifying response of the Missions, reviewed the "Thirty ERATION IN HOME Council of Women for Home Years of Working Together MISSIONS Missions to the call of need in through the Councils." The clos- the increase from seven centers ing address by Dr. Charles E. The annual meetings of the in three states to the present pro- Schaeffer, former president of Home Missions Councils (the gram in fifty centers in thirteen the Home Missions Council, paid Home Missions Council and the states.. tribute to the outstanding lead- Council of Women for Home ers, each of whom by character, Missions) held January 9-12, The inter-relation of the Coun- personality and devotion had 1938, in New York City, cele- cil of Women for Home Missions shaped the service of the Counbrated the thirtieth anniversary with other bodies was forcefully cil. He closed with a ringing since their organization in 1908. shown in the annual report of challenge to advance in the spirit Miss Lowry. Almost without of the founders, ever pioneering, The meetings of Sunday were exception, the program com- striving, straining toward the held in Riverside Church. A mittees for the year 1937 were goal of making our country conference for young people joint or cooperating with some God's country. and their denominational leaders other national religious organsought for solutions to the baf- ization. The effectiveness of the The Council of Women regretfling questions of the "Social Council's work among migratory fully released its president, Mrs. Frontiers," as illustrated in the families received recognition in Millard L. Robinson, who, havproblems of the Negro, the In- a resolution of the Inter-Council ing given two years of devoted dian, the Mountaineer, the Mi- Field Committee which repre- service felt compelled to retire. gratory Laborer. sents seven national interdenom- Mrs. Augustus Trowbridge was inational organizations, which elected to serve as president. A worshipful pageant pre- called upon ,their field units to She enters upon her office with pared and directed by Miss direct that all such work under- assurance of support of her as- Nancy Longenecker of the First taken by religious agencies be sociates in the Council. Presbyterian Church in Brook- done in cooperation with the lyn, New York, brought to a MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD, First Vice-President.
World–wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO INDIA-BURMA-OEYLON of the Mission to Lepers in In- cure are usually convincing; dia, over 700 children have, since even more so is the demonstra- Women Leaders Ask Reforms it was founded, been rescued tion of Christian living by "un- from leprosy, and have gone out touchables." This is so genuine Now that India's Parliaments to take their places in the healthy that caste people who knew them community. In one place there before are coming to the Bishop include over 50 women members, is a self-supporting village of of Dornakal and his clergy in one may expect to see some Christian families, who are de- hundreds for instruction for greatly needed reforms for the scendants of those who them- baptism. "The Indian Church selves were the rescued children will have to extend itself to the benefit of women and children. of lepers. limit of its powers in order to One woman reformer recently do its duty by the host of illiterurged that for every five square -The Chronicle (L. M. S.). ates now streaming into it- 7,000 every month," says The miles there should be one ma- "Band of the Oross" Untouchables' Quest. The s e ternity home. When women are amazing results have come dur- The Sialkot Convention of ing a time of world depression seriously ill, men say that God 1937, held at the United Presby- when the supplies of men and is able to cure them; but when terian Mission Compound, was money have been inadequate. marked by clear evidence of the men have even an ordinary ail- work of God's Spirit. A revival, A further result has been the ment they run for doctors. The which took place some months birth of a new sense of responsicondition of women in purdah is ago in the Christian village of bility by individual Christians much worse. Martinpur, contributed much to and congregations to witness by this result. The situation in this word as well as by life. Another Indian woman legis- village, often discouraging from lator has been drawing attention a spiritual viewpoint, underwent -The Open Door. a marked change last summer to the problems of Hindu wid- under the influence of Mr. Bakht Girls and the Best Seats ows. The appalling situation is Singh Chhabra,the Punjabi illustrated by the following fig- evangelist, who s e preaching, It is the Bible period for a prayers and faith, were re- girls' class in Forman School. ures from the 1931 Census Re- warded by many changed lives Those who have the best seats port: and relationships. Under his want to keep them, and a situa- leadership a group of about tion develops that calls for a Ages No. of Widows sixty men and boys, calling demonstration of Christ's prin- themselves the Salibi Jatha, ciples for an age-old problem. 0-1 1,515 "Band of the Cross," left Mar- Mrs. J. M. Benade writes: "We tinpur ten days before and have a spirited discussion. 1-2 1,785 marched 130 miles to be present Those who have the good seats at the convention, preaching, say, 'We got them first, we have 2-3 3,485 praying and singing God's praise a right to them.' Then we talk as they went. about cooperation; we talk about 3-4 9,076 India's national aspirations; we At the close of the Convention, talk about 'in honor preferring 4-5 ……………. 15,018 this Band continued this pro- one another' and then as frankly gram on the march home, carry- and as powerfully as I know 5-10 ……………. 105,449 ing the Gospel message to all how, once more I try to present 10-15 ……………. 183,998 they met, Christians and non- Jesus and why I believe that 15-20 ……………. 514,394 Christians. only His way of life can help es- tablish justice in our midst- 20-25 ……………. 846,959 -Christian Union Herald. whether in school or in the na- tion. As I talk I feel a new atti- Saving Leper Ohildren "Living Epistles" tude creeping over the group. Soon, one who has been defend- Increasing attention is being Advertisements which picture given to treatment of children "before and after" effects of a who have incipient leprosy. Christian missions are in a posi- [197 ] tion to render valuable service in mission homes and through mission work in the villages of Asia and Africa. The success that has followed the rescue of healthy children of lepers from leprosy in India is outstanding.
It was a woman worker of the London Missionary Society who, sixty years ago, suggested this work, and gave a practical example of it in her own work in North India. At one home alone,
ing her right to a good seat, preparing for the crucifixion, the need for prompt aid is imspeaks up, 'Let the other girls soldiers came and rescued him. measurably great. Millions of have our seats.' I ask, 'Do you people have fled from their say this just because you think After the death of Thra Nga homes. Great cities and towns I am insisting on your giving up Lay, his son, Thra Ya Loo, was and villages over large areas your places?' She replies, 'No, the pastor until he died. Then have been depopulated, and these but when one's heart bears wit- his son, Thra Han Bo, was their multitudes are without food, ness that a certain action is pastor. His son, Thra Hla clothing and shelter in a cold right, then one must do it.' " Gyaw, is the present pastor. The winter. He expressed the ear- former pastors would have been nest hope that a great wave of Eventually, a committee was deeply impressed, could they real sympathy and Christian formed to work out a way to give have seen the 5,000 Christians love would bring a response to everyone a chance at the good at the Centennial, singing the the Red Cross appeal that would seats. "We will settle it all our- hymns they love, without fear of ex:ceed the President's expectaselves," laughingly agreed the the Burmans. -Missions. tion several fold. A recent regirls. port from an authoritative CHINA American committee in Shang- Handicaps in Ceylon hai has asked for not less than Ministry to Refugees $3,000,000. Such a gift from In Ceylon, the general attitude America can be efficiently adof the government is undergoing Chinese Christians have main- ministered by existing organizaa change which is not altogether tained milk stations in three tions in China. favorable to Christian institu- chapels in Peiping for refugee tions. Amendments to the Code children. The "milk" is a soy Christian Education Goes of Educational Policy give less bean product, with the same Forward and less opportunity for work food value as cow's milk-a rare among non-Christian children, article in China. Between three China has never before exparticularly in the field of reli- and four hundred children have perienced such a national congious education. Two-fifths of been fed each day. A relief com- sciousness as has been brought the children enrolled in Sunday mittee, composed of Chinese and about by the Japanese invasion. schools are of non-Christian foreigners, follows up neighbor- Dr. C. S. Miao, of the National parents, and the Sunday school hood cases and brings in under- Committee for Christian Educais one of the few avenues open nourished children. tion, is seeking to utilize this to reach non-Christian children growing spirit of unity to offset in Ceylon. The Ceylon S. S. Another valued service is ren- the interference which military Union publishes three Sunday dered by the China Travel Bu- operations has brought. As a school journals in Singhalese reau – a department where all result, literature sales have inevery three months, with lesson refugees can register their creased. Materials for parent helps for each Sunday. names and addresses, in order education, including "Standards that relatives and friends who for Christian Homes," have been In Burma-100 Years have lost track of one another published and two additional may regain contact. Thousands units are in course of publica- The Karen Baptist Church, at of refugees from war-torn dis- tion. Four numbers of the Re- Thay-ghay-ko, Bur m a, cele- tricts have been pouring into the ligious Education Quarterly have brated its centennial last year. Wuhan area, and in the confu- been issued. It is sent to every During these one hundred years sion numerous missing persons member of the Religious Educathe church has had only four have thus been found. tion Fellowship, of which there pastors. are several hundred, and per- In Shanghai, more than 100,- haps as many other subscribers The church was organized in 000 children in 181 refugee are receiving the magazine. troublous times. When the Bur- camps of the city are nowattend- There has been among the mans heard that the Karens ing school two hours daily. churches an awakening interest were accepting the new religion, Plans have also been made for in the vital necessity for Christhey used every opportunity to mass education among the 137,- tian education, and this new persecute them. Meetings had 000 adults in the refugee centers. quarterly has been seized upon to be held in the jungle, with The Salvation Army and the Chi- as the best medium of commuwatchers on guard. Should any nese Y. M. C. A. camps are hold- nication. of the men on watch see or hear ing adult classes, and movies are a Burman, he would coo like a being shown to the refugees Position of Missionaries dove and all the people would through the cooperation of the scatter. Educational Movies Association. The Anking correspondent of the L i v in g C h u r c h writes: Burmans kidnapped the first Appeal to Aid Distress "When China was in the first pastor, Thra Nga Lay, and car- throes of nationalism in 1927, ried him off, bound hand and Dr. A. L. Warnshuis, one of she was inclined to protest the foot. They planned to crucify the secretaries of the Internahim if he would not give up his tional Missionary Council, says faith in Christ. While they were that reports from wen-informed missionaries in China show that
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
domination of outside influences; Will Tibet Be Open? worded statements prepared in recent months by the churches and missionaries, as representa- The Dalai Lama, temporal tives of an alien power, were head of Tibet, who died in 1933, and the National Christian persona non grata. It was then has not yet been replaced. The Council show the Japanese the part of wisdom to turn over Panchen Lama, spiritual head of Christians to be not onl~ pamission property to the care of triotic and loyal but ChrIstIan Chinese Christians, who were the land died last November. in their attitudes with respect to thus enabled to assert them~elves He had been in exile for some the present situation. as both Christian and natIOnal- years, and as his recognition of ist. the reincarnation of the succes- The present crisis is demon- sor of the Dalai Lama was thus strating the strongly developed "Today, the situation, is re- unavailable, it was impossible versed. Missionary leaders:- humanitarian side of Japanese clergy, doctors, teac.hers, by VIr- to choose one should he be found. Christianity. Recruits for ~he tue of their educatIOn and pro- Tibetan history records no pre- army represent a cross-sectIOn gressive leadership, are in most vious case when the death of of Japanese life; they are taken danger from a power that wishes both these important characters to set the clock back, and bring from every rank of society, from China to her knees. The revival left the country of some three the farm, the shop, the stor~, the of Confucianism is a means to millions with no official head. professional office, the busmess this end. . . . It may develop office the faculties of schools. that leadership in the Church, so A missionary on the Tibetan No church, no school, no family, ably carried by Chinese Chris- border says (in the New York tians, may have to be returned to Times) that rites are being held but can count by the dozen its the missionary." to determine a ruler and that a friends who have gone to the boy, in whom it is claim~d the front. The welfare of these Dalai Lama has been remcar- men, the care of the families left nated, may be accepted. In this at home, the comfort of the be- Persecution in Yunnan event, there would be a renewal reaved-such matters have been a primary concern of the church of the conflict between age-old in the crisis.
Word comes to the World Do- exclusiveness and a measure of -Japan Christian Quarminion Press that in the extreme modernization, which a "Young terly.
southwest of Yunnan terrible Tibet party" is 3:dvocating. .It Korean Mission Schools is an opportune tIme for ChrI~- persecution is going. on a~ai~st . tian missions to press theIr The latest statistics of the the American BaptIst MIss~on claim. Federal Council in Korea, which Christians among the Wa trIbe include the figures for the six near the border of Burma. The JAPAN-CHOSEN Chinese soldiers seem in~ent on destroying every vestIge of Open Doors Not Lacking constituent Missions and the two Christianity in that tribe. Re~ National Churches (Presbyteresentations through the AmerI- The "Omi Brotherhood" becan Consul have proved worse lieves that in spite of the politi- rian and Methodist), indic3:te than fruitless. This is not, how- cal turmoil throughout t~e that there is a total of 768 mISever, typical of the attitu~e of world or perhaps because of It, sion schools with an enrolment the Chinese Government, eIth.er there 'is no lack of openings for of 86,552 pupils of all ages an? civil or military, towards mIS- grades. Of these, 340 are prIsion work in Yunnan, for in al- spiritual service, or of responmost every place there is tolera- siveness to religious work. The mary schools, up to .the 6th tion and even friendliness. Many Province of Omi, after long ef- forts· on the part of Christians garreade~enw'ist h 47,500 pupIls; two of the officials are either Chris- and social-minded leaders, has at colleges with about tians themselves, or friendly to last voted to abolish licensed Christian propaganda. prostitution; all brothels I?u~t 500 pupils, and one is a wome~'s be liquidated by 1940. ThIS IS It is probable that Yunnan has perhaps the biggest forward step college with about 300 pupIls. more aboriginal Christians than in more than 30 years' work of all other provinces together. T~e the Brotherhood. It is, no doubt, a safe estimate American Baptists alone m southwest Yunnan have baptized A large number of baptisms to say that there are a thousand about 28,000 aborigines, and and additions by letter to the many other missions have con- church in Omi-Hachiman are schools of all grades and kinds also reported in the Omi Mussiderable work among them; for tard Seed. in Korea giving education under instance, the English Method~st Christian auspices to about 100,- 000 pupils annually.
sMioisnsiothn~ the China Inland MIS- Japanese Christians in Then there are the hundreds Pentecostal Missionary the Crisis of pupils in the other priva~e and the government schools m Japanese Christians, although Korea who constitute a chal- lenge to the Christian Church and offer an opportunity to it.
tUhneibSn~etdhieshAFssreemebMlieisssioofn Gao~dd, These students are rapidly inthe German Vandsburgher MIS- Christian, are Japanese. A creasing both in numbers and sion. -Baptist Review. study made of the carefully importance. What they are d?- ing and thinking, a~d what ~s being done for and WIth them IS
of great concern to both the Mission Schools to be Closed work, for it was at Somosomo church and the state. Whatever happens to these schools in the According to the Korea Mis- that pioneers faced their severest future, we shall be grateful for trials. It was the first place in the wonderful opportunities dur- sion Field, official applications Fiji to have a mission burial ing the past fifty years and for the fruitage of those years. for closing Soongui Girls' School grounds. Near the church is a -ROSCOE C. COEN, in The and Soong Sil Academy, Pyeng- small mound that might pass Korea Mission Field. yang (Heijo) were made on Oc- for a flower bed, but is a most Student Evangelistic Bands tober 29, and application was historic spot. It has been called The younger people of the Korean church have not fallen made for closing the Union "the mustard seed," for it marks behind their elders in their zeal to make Christ known to their Christian College in the same the actual site of the first Misfellow young people and students in the church schools have set city on account of the "shrine" sion House at Somo.somo. Early the pace for others. question.. The Presbyterian missionaries explained to the na- In the Northern Presbyterian tChuh.usrch~loIsIIestheedUu~.ah~o. nAal. Mission, evangelistic bands have (PN) tives that the work they were dogone out during summer vaca- work ,.jng might not appear to be of tions and sometimes during the WhICh It ha~ CarrIe? on for over much importance, but in God's winter vacations from the fifty years III the CIty of Pyeng- good time it would grow and Chosen Christian College, the Union Christian College, the yLaeneg.ChoAngKm~onre!anwlhaoymfaonrm, eMrlry. transform Fiji. This prophecy Soong Sil Academy in Pyeng- has been fulfilled, for a number yang and from the Sinsung Academy (boys) and. the Po- gave half a mIlho? yen for rural of important achievements had sung Academy (girls) in Syen- dona~e their beginnings at the very chun. These schools have also work, has promIsed to me~ s done a large work in the Daily 1,200,00.0 yen to star.t a spot known as the mustard seed. Vacation Bible Schools. college III Pyengyang, of a dIf- -The Missionary Review fer~nt . type than the college (Australia). These bands consist of from WhICh IS to be closed. Two other two to six people. In the larger bands there are two or three for Korean Christians have an- T. h preaching, two or three for nounced that they would sponsor Where Christianity rlUmp s music, and one for work with children. Their trips last about a new boys' school and a girls' The island world of the Neththree or four weeks, usually higher common school in the erlands Indies has a total popwith only one day at a church, city. but sometimes three or four ulation of more than 60,000,000, days. Usually they go to the smaller churches located in some 42,000,000 of whom live on out-of-the-way places and in ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC .the island of Java and the small mountain regions sometimes separated from each other by Stirrings in the Philippines contiguous island of Madura. distances of twenty to seventy or eighty li, which must be trav- Considerably over a year ago About one-half of the total Chieled by foot and often in the an evangelistic program was nese population of 1,250,000 also rainy season. launched in Filipino churches with a fourfold aim, listed in live on these two islands. These The members of the men's the order of urgency: to awaken tropic lands have become one of bands spend an hour or two in individuals, churches, communi- the most important meeting the evenings calling at the ties, and the nation. houses of the villages within a places of Christianity, Islam and radius of four or five li from the There has been a general feel- paganism in the world. church giving out tracts and in- ing of ineffectiveness among viting the people to church. Christian workers in the face of Paganism progressively crum- Usually the attendance is sev- such a stupendous four-year eral times more than the task. But Dr. E. Stanley Jones bles before the advance of churches have at their regular has stirred the nation with his Christianity and Islam, and now services. life and message. He touched maintains itself chiefly on the all classes of people who are now -E. M. MOWRY, in The Ko- ready to go further in the way small islands of Bali, Lombok, rea Mission Field. of evangelism and social and Soemba, Soembawa and Timor, economic reform. With the in- spiration received from him, it also in the interiors of the is expected that local churches larger islands of Sumatra, Bor- will go forward in an aggressive neo, Celebes and New Guinea. and creative evangelistic effort The triumph of Christianity is reaching all classes of people, using every member of the everywhere apparent. Aft e r church, and adapting all legiti- little more than a century of mate methods of evangelism to Protestant missionary effort, make the movement successful. nearly 1,500,000 native Chris- tians have been won. One of its hardest tasks was on the island of Java, whose people are en- tirely Moslem, and here it has displayed one of its greatest tri- umphs. More than 40,000 Jav- anese, all Moslem converts of The Mustard Seed in Fiji the last eighty or ninety years, are Protestant Christians, and Somosomo, capital of Taveuni, in addition Roman Catholic mis- Fiji Islands, is referred to in sions claim more than 27,000 every account of early mission converts on the island. Every
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
year the number of Javanese It is hoped that attention may The financial objective is $10,- Christians by conversion from be focused on the vital problems 000,000, to be raised from indi- Islam is increasing by many of the day, and that both enthu- viduals and not from churches, hundreds, and the rate may be siasm and inspiration will come as the Board is anxious not to expected to increase. with the knowledge that so many interfere with the normal pro- -World Dominion Press. in all parts of the country are gram of the General Assembly.
simultaneously gathering for NORTH AMERIOA earnest thought of their relation Lutheran Ohurch in Sound The Great Delusion Picture to the affairs of the Church, the nation and the world.
The Evening Standard of Lon- To the Lutheran Church of don says that the people of the Reformed Ohurch Oentennial America goes the credit of pro- United States in 1937 purchased 1,000,000 more cases of Scotch The Board of Foreign Mis- ducing the first religious sound whiskey than they did in 1936. sions of the Reformed Church film ever presented in this coun- So great is the demand that Brit- will celebrate its Centennial this try by a Protestant denominaish shippers cannot sat is f y year. Plans for its observance tion. This production documents America's requirements. Ac- are grouped around four topics: the history of their church from cordingly it has been decided to education, finances, missionary Luther to the present day. Four commence this season's distill- day and other meetings. By edu- more films are planned and it is ing in Scotland much earlier cation is meant preparing for hoped they will equal, if not surthan in former years. the observance, and of first im- pass, the present one. The spirit portance is prayer; next, study of a crusading church runs American beer drinkers, says for which the Board expects to throughout the film. an Associated Press despatch issue a book giving a complete from Berlin, consumed 597,088 record of the Church's mission- -Presbyterian Tribune. gallons of German beer imported ary work. into the United States in 1937, Needy Mining Oommunities as compared with 56,126 gallons The slogan for the Centennial in 1934, an increase of more offering is "A Cent a Year for a Rural mmmg communities than 1,000 per cent. A still Hundred Years." In other present the most difficult of all higher record is predicted for words, a dollar a member for the home mission tasks, and are the this year. whole Church. This is the most needy. They have all the amount of the Foreign Mission disadvantages of both city and Advocates of repeal assured apportionment. It is hoped that country, without the advantages the American people that the many will want to contribute a of either. Taking H a r I a n legalization of liquor would hundred nickels or a hundred County, Kentucky, as an exbring prosperity to the United dimes or a hundred half dollars, ample, we see a community that States. The fact is, vast sums or more. has for years bled with strife. of American money are being Here the Congregational Church sent to Europe to make Scotch The Board of Foreign Mis- and the Methodist Episcopal distillers and German brewers sions was organized in the First Church, after two years of planprosper. Church in Lancaster, Pa., on or ning, have joined in a coopera- about the 29th of September, tive parish. Mine owners, man- Women to Oonsider Present 1838, and the Centennial cele- agers and leaders of the local bration service will be held there unions, join hands with the Problems at that time this year. Other Church and other social and wel- meetings will be held in various fare agencies in this organiza- Three national church wom- church centers, with outstanding tion, pledging their support and en's organizations-the Commit- missionary speakers. expressing their interest. tee on Women's Work of the Foreign Missions Conference, the Council of Women for Home Sesquicentennial Fund A similar development is go- Missions and the National Coun- ing forward at Van Hornesville, cil of Federated Church Women American Presbyterians gave N. Y., where Baptists and Meth- -are uniting in an appeal to the Foreign Missions Centennial odists, with the cooperation of church women in all the commu- Fund the right of way in 1937, Mr. Owen D. Young, whose innities of the country, said to deferring the Sesquicentennial terest in this community has number 77,000, to hold similar Fund for Christian Education, g a i ned national recognition, interdenominational luncheons approved by the 1936 General have pooled their interests and on Tuesday, May 3, 1938, to con- Assembly, until the years 1938, resources in the employment of sider together "Unity in Chris- 1939 and 1940. This Fund will a special worker in religious edutian Service." This is in accord- be used to stabilize the finances cation. Miss Elizabeth Harris, ance with a custom of the last of Presbyterian Colleges. It a well-prepared teacher in the few years in New York City, will furnish an opportunity to field of religious education, is when a May Day luncheon has strengthen Christian education giving her whole time to the been held for Protestant church which may not recur for a gen- boys and girls of this commuwomen. eration. nity.-Home Missions Council.
Largest Church School place in that regard also. The country districts by v a rio u S Baylor University, Baptist in- program for young people has means of travel, and has had unstitution at Waco, Texas, is credited with being the largest in the also advanced, including contin- usual acceptance from all classes world under church direction. It attracts students from seven ued emphasis on the conference of society. foreign countries and twentynine states. Its enrolment is program and the preparation of The work of translation of the more than 2,100. China has sent a delegation of six, Japan two, materials for young people's Scriptures into the languages of and Hawaii two Japanese. These students have been quite sociable classes and activities in local the indigenous populations has despite the warfare of their relatives in the homeland. Six of the churches. A magazine for young been continued and, in the case seven Puerto Ricans transferred people, Adelante, which means of some books of the Bible, has from the University of Madrid, Spain, from which they were "Forward," follows the world- been completed. This type of driven by the Spanish Civil War. There are three students from wide Christian Endeavor topics work among the native Indians Brazil, four from Mexico, and two from India. and gives regularly short, pithy of Central America has unusual -Watchman-Examiner. articles dealing with young peo- significance. pIe's problems. It is applicable " Student Manifesto to all Spanish-speaking coun- Colombia-Important At a recent meeting of pres- tries. -W. S. S. A. News. "About fifty per cent of the byteryof the United Church of Canada, in Edmonton, B. C., a In Mexico missionary force in Colombia group of students from St. serve towns which together con- Stephen's Theological College One of the accomplishments tain about 10 per cent of the presented a manifesto calling of the Cardenas' regime in Mex- population. There are 52: 'muupon the Church to take its ico has been the opening of Christian profession seriously. nearly 6,000 new rural schools, nicipalities' in the country, with They based their statements a 75 per cent increase in three between 20,000 and 100,000 popupon the following quotation years, with nearly 750,000 chilfrom Dean Inge: dren. There are still 1,500,000 ulation in each, but in some children of school age for whom thirty or more of these there is "Religion embodied in institu- there are no educational facili- no evangelical witness at all. In tions is like those chemical sub- ties, while secondary schools and this nation of nearly nine milstances which are never found the university are beyond the pure. . . . The religion now reach of all but a handful of the lion souls there are under 2,000 identified with the institution very well-to-do. Sixty per cent evangelical communicants, after mixes itself with certain forms of the population is illiterate. eighty years of endeavor. Much of belief and traditional modes of worship; it finds room for of the existing work is 011' a primitive superstitions and hal- small scale with weak resources, lowed traditions . . . it is often and in some instances efforts entangled with the tortuous policy of a hierarchy greedy for Infant mortality is nearly have been abandoned after a power and pelf; it is drawn into secular policies and identified three times as high as in the promlsmg opening. There is with non-religious interests." United States, and disease is evidence that Colombia is today The students felt that this has happened to the teachings of far too common. Even in Mex- ready to respond to the Gospel Christ. ico City, two-thirds of its mil- in a greater measure than ever -Christian Union Herald. lion people live in sub-human before. Probably three-quarters LATIN AMERICA conditions, preyed upon by tu- of the population are beyond the Puerto Rico's Many Children berculosis, typhoid, typhus and reach of the present provision Puerto Rico has the largest Sunday school enrolment of any rickets. It is obvious that much for evangelization, and the coun- Spanish-speaking country in the world, and with the growth of work remains to be done by try is still the most important the Daily Vacation Bible School movement will soon take first Christian churches. unevangelized field south of -Episcopal News. Panama." -Kenneth G. Grubb.
Advance in Guatemala Campa Indians, Peru In spite of many problems, very real advance has been made Of all the Indian tribes that in the Guatemala Mission dur- live in the Peruvian jungle, the ing the past year. A wide ener- Campa is the largest and most getic evangelistic campaign has savage. The jungle provides the been maintained, and, through Indian with everything he needs the Synod, the Mission has been for his daily life, except Christ, able to cooperate in various ways and He is not there. Perhaps with other Christian organiza- one may "find God in nature,"
tions. Schools have registered but while no one lives closer to the usual full attendance. Fu- nature than these wild savage ture evangelists are being pre- Indians of the jungle, no one is pared, and m e d i c a I work, more absolutely without God and centered in the Hospital in more ignorant of Him than they.
Guatemala City and including Campa Indians live in sin and the training of nurses, has been degradation, knowing nothing of carried on both in city and God, and unaware of their need
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
of Him. It would be difficult to Voice of the Andes in the Flemish posts of Ichfind a people more ignorant of teghem and Genck-where chilall spiritual values. "The Voice of the Andes," dren of Protestant parents had evangelical radio station, is con- been refused admission to the -Inland S. A. Union. tinuing with a full, and valuable public schools. Equipment and program. Each morning there funds for these day schools are Religious Freedom in Brazil is a fifteen-minute devotional coming from Dutch Christians reading, every week-day there is and from the parents of the chil- Although centralized author- an open forum and on Sunday dren themselves. ity is the keynote of the new con- there are two Gospel services. stitution of Brazil, President Regular listeners in Peru, Co- A Christian literature depot Vargas assures the continuance lombia and Central America has been opened at Eupen, where of religious freedom. Article 32 have expressed appreciation of the open Bible in a display winof the constitution reads: these messages. dow attracts much attention.
"It is prohibited that the Perhaps the most valuable Christian Union in Holland Union, the States or the munici- part of the program is the open pal authorities . . . should es- forum. An office has been Holland Christians are feeling tablish, support or hinder the opened in the center of Quito, keenly the danger which conexercise of religious worship." Ecuador, to which listeners are fronts the churches on the Con- Article 122, section 4, adds to invited to come for discussion tinent, and are expressing their this statement: "All individuals and personal instruction. Dis- desire for more unity in visible and religious. sects can exercise cussion groups have been formed ways. A recent example was the their beliefs publicly and freely, which have included professional great assembly for a united serv- I forming associations for this men and members of the Gov- ice in the Cathedral of Utrecht. purpose, and may acquire prop- ernment, the subject being the The service was conducted erty, in accordance with the person and work of Christ. jointly by an Old Catholic and a common right and the demands Protestant. The sermon was of public order and good cus- Newspaper evangelism is preached by a representative of toms." closely tied up with this; three the Dutch Reformed Church and daily papers in the three main dealt with the service of the As for religious teaching in towns of Ecuador have signed Christian Church in the modern the schools, it is stated that this contracts to publish Gospel arti- world. A later address dealt shall be regarded as part of the cles on alternate days. Wireless with the specific tasks of unity. curriculum of all primary, nor- sets are being lent to Christian The Dutch newspapers record mal and secondary schools, but families, in order that they may more interest in this expression that attendance shall not be com- gather their friends together in of ecumenical Christianity than pulsory. their own homes to hear the Gos- on any previous occasion. pel, and colporteurs are sent out – World Dominion Press. with sets to relay the messages -Advance. in villages. North Brazil Itinerary Waldensian Church Alive -World D.ominion Press. A worker of the Evangelical February 17 marked the nine- EUROPE tieth anniversary of the estab- Union of South America, as- lishment of freedom of worship "After Many Days" for the Waldensian Church of sisted by a native evangelist, has Italy. Today, the church is very Gospel plantings are coming much alive. There is standing undertaken an itinerant work in up in Belgium. One of the Di- room only at their services, and rectors of the Belgian Gospel in congregational singing fora North Brazilian field, consist- Mission, John C. Winston, re- eign visitors find them superior ports coming across early con- to any church in Christendom. ing of ten cities, sixty villages, verts of Ralph C. Norton every Their ministry as a group are now and then. Mission workers, the best trained, hardest workand "hamlets and other small as they go from house to house ing and lowest paid of all evan- and village to village, are find- gelical preachers. Most of their districts without number," with ing those who received the word theological students have had during the war, or before, and one or more terms of study a total population of more than have since come into newness of abroad, chiefly in Edinburgh. life. Just before his death, Mr. Their younger ministers as a 280,000. Ralph C. Norton had the joy of rule hold the degrees of Doctor leading a man to Christ to whom of Letters or Doctor of Laws Initial meetings on the border he had once given a New Testa- from one of the Italian universi- ment in an army camp eighteen ties. They are making worthof Pernambuco were most suc- years before. while contributions to the cul- tural life of the Italian people cessful, and about 300 people at- Last fall evangelical day schools were opened for children tended; but on the third evening the parish priest gathered a crowd, and tried to break up the meeting, without success, since most of the listeners were in sympathy with the missionaries.
At another point, intensely Cath- olic, ignorant and lethargic, there was no response. Work in other centers has been opened, and two families have been con- verted. -Life .of Faith.
through original work in poetry, Cairo, Helen J. Martin, presi- arated from the support of famusic, history and philosophy. natical believers. Perhaps a dent. passing trader, qua:r:tered in the They are faithful pastors and In the religious instruction neighborhood for a time, had visit regularly in the houses of turned them to Islam. It may be their parishioners, though their which has a central place in the that they know little Arabic; people are widely scattered. As curriculum, Christ the Saviour, they cannot read; they are far for the laity, many of them hold from a sheik or religious leader. high positions in Italian life as as well as Christ the teacher and These do not offer as strong opjudges, university professors, guide, is made known to the stu- position to the claims of Chrisphysicians, teachers, Govern- dents. The following is an tianity as do their more active and educated sectarians. Such ment officials, officers in the analysis of the student body by are the Mohammedans of Ethioarmy and navy, nurses, bankers, religions and nationalities: -pia. A conservative estimate of manufacturers and business their number would be between men. Everywhere in Italy they Religions Nationalities one and two million. They are ,are eminent for their trust- not well organized or educated; 245 Moslems 383 Egyptians for the most part, without effecworthy Christian character. 43 Protestants 20 Syrians tive leadership. 'They are pioneers in modern 15 Greek Ortho- 14 Armenians 12 Italians Many of them mix strange l>hilanthropy in Italy. Further- dox 9 Greeks pagan beliefs with their Mohammore, their religious education 99 Copts 8 Turkish medanism to such an extent that program, coupled with home 13 Armenians 3 Trakian they are really closer to the training, is establishing the 31 Jews 2 French pagans. Before Italian occupa- 9 Roman Cath- 2 Palestinian tion, Christianity was making young people in Christian atti- 8 Hegazi great inroads among the Mohamtudes and a working knowledge olics (Arabian) medans in Ethiopia. The govof the Bible. 3 Syrian Or- 2 Zanzibar ernment was Christian; modern education was Christian; the -Robert W. Anthony. thodox 1 Persian missionaries were Christian; the 1 Bahaist 1 Roumanian hospital and other philanthropic 1 Christian 1 American institutions w ere Christian. Christian pressure came from Scientist every side.
Total……………. 460 -Women's Missionary Magazine. -Christian Union Herald. Ethiopian Refugees in Kenya Russia Orders Religious Sudanese Young Men Census Permission has been granted As one outcome of the visit of the Bible Churchmen's Mission- From behind the thick screen Dr. John R. Mott to the Sudan ary Society to commence work last year the Unity of Fellow- among Ethiopian refugees in 'of Russian propaganda comes a ship, which includes men of all Kenya. About 8,000 of these Christian communions except refugees have made their way most significant story. It has to the Roman Catholic, has started across the border into Kenya, monthly meetings for young men and they have been accommo- ,do with the much publicized in Khartoum and vicinity. About dated by the British Government 200 assembled for the first meet- -at Isiolo, where the District census which was to have been ing. They are looking forward Commissioner resides. to having a Young Men's Chris- 'completed and announced re- Mr. David Stokes was leader tian Association. of the Society's former work in 'cently. But suddenly it was In North Sudan the churches Addis Ababa, and he has under- taken this new responsibility. abandoned and a new one or- are undertaking responsibility for sending evangelists to cities -The Life of Faith. -dered. Why? It seems obvi- of the Sudan who have no Prot- estant Church. It is the plan Walls Cut Away to Admit ously because it revealed some that the pastors of the five Crowd churches will take turns, so that very uncomfortable facts. It a monthly visit is made to some When World-Wide Commun- of these centers. These trips ion Sunday was observed by all showed, for example, that, trust- are financed by special offerings Presbyterians on October 29, taken in the churches, and the those present at Abong Mbang ing in the promise of religious Women's Missionary Society of (West Africa) Church num- the K h art 0 u m Evangelical bered nearly 1,200. Long befreedom, supposed to be assured Church has contributed money to make one trip possible. in the new Constitution, so many -Christian Union Herald. millions of citizens recorded themselves as believers that the government could not afford to have the failure of its anti-reli- gious work so definitely estab- lished. One careful estimate puts the number of believers at about one hundred million- more than one half of the popula- tion. Uprooting religious faith is not so simple a ma,tter as was supposed. -Advance.
AFRICA Islam in Ethiopia Many Races in Student Body A United Presbyterian mis- sionary to Ethiopia, C. F. Ken- Fourteen different nationali- neweg, differentiates between ties, professing ten different reli- entrenched strongholds of Islam gions, are to be found in the and its outlying fringes, where student body of the American its nominal followers are sep- Mission College for Girls, of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
fore the service began elders ran relatives and friends that he was turned away from our boarding· to the missionary saying: "What going to die, saying that God schools. One of us took a truck shall we do? The house is packed had told him so. When his rela- load of girls to the nearest town' and the second drum has not tives wept he said: 'Why do you so they could scatter out to their· sounded. Shall we cut away the cry? If I am going a journey homes, as they had come withoutside walls?" In a thatched to visit my earthly father you out first making arrangements. church this is a simple matter, would not cry, you would say and not all could possibly be acand all went to work with a will. Kwenda muzuri (good jour- commodated. We wish the work After serving the required ney); and now that I am going could always be lasting, but we: three years of preparation, 20 to my heavenly F'ather you cannot use the word "always." were admitted to membership; should do the same.' He sang But twenty fine young men and 60 were passed into the "second- hymn after hymn on the day of women were graduated from the year class" and 183 enrolled in his death, and exhorted all the Training School, most of whom people to make their peace with have caught the vision of servthe first year. -Monday Morning. God." ice. Two girls have been sent In Nasir Land out as Bible women, making five Training the Children Lottie M. Adair, United Pres- now at work. Their program in- byterian missionary in Nasir, The women's session of the cludes class meetings, children's Congo Native Council, held at Sudan, tries to make her home Leopoldville, Belgian Congo, was a center of servi~e. After being meetings, Sunday-school classes entirely in the hands of native away for seventeen months, she Christian women. One of the returns to find evidences of and teaching Bible in day findings of this session was: Christian growth in the lives of schools. Some assist in the day, "We must teach our children the people, with a deepened sense to pray to God. A mother can of responsibility for the spiritual schools. All of them, as far as. start teaching her child when it life of their neighbors. "But cannot even talk, by praying at they are able to find materials, bedtime and at meals. We can many still doubt the missionary's tell them stories of the childhood motives," she says. "When we have sewing classes. of Jesus and other Bible stories urge village schools most of the that are suited to them." parents still think that it is a "Their religious meetings are -Watchman-Examiner. scheme to get their boys away quieter, not so much demonstra- from them. Others do not want Stories from the Congo to take orders or work for any tion and more depth. Meetings Here are a few sidelights from white person, either for cash or throughout the year were much the Belgian Congo, showing how for cows. One father whose son the Gospel is entering hearts of was a boarder encouraged his helped by the ministration of black men: son in irregularity. He said to him, 'We do not need anything Bishop Springer who is also an "I found an old man sitting in the doorway of his hut and he of whites, we are not a poor fam- evangelist. At Chiduku he slept said, 'I have heard your news ily. Why should you go to often and often, and I have been in a grass hut with a pile of watching, and everything you school?' Others question, 'What people say comes to pass, so we grass for his bed, but that was know that you are people of will we get out of it?' truth.' Then he burst out, nothing, as he had more than 'Madamo, I want Life; I want "Our educational program inthese things of which you are cludes not only reading, writing thirty years of that before he telling me.' and arithmetic, but an apprecia- became a Bishop. Weare enter·. "I met a woman while going tion of such useful arts as they through a stretch of forest, to already have, and their enlarge- ing the new year with faith and whom I explained the Way of ment. Agriculture, as they in a courage." ' Life. As I started to move on, she said, 'I am not going to limited way practice it, is being WESTERN ASIA move. I am going to stand right improved slowly, but steadily, here while you tell me more. I through the work they are ac- Handicaps in Hospital Work want to know what this Heaven tually doing under supervision. We emphasize the dignity of The Syrian idea of a hospita} is death's ante-room. This is one labor. We also have a health of the missionary's most dis- program, which goes contrary to heartening problems, for not infrequently a patient prefers; their age-old ideas." remaining at home for certain death, rather than trust the haz- -Christian Union Herald. ards of a hospital. For the most part, the hospital physician is of which you are speaking.' " never sees the disease in its, "Two evangelists went down early stages.
Mrs. Glenn Rost, R.N., of Aleppo, gives a concrete example of this in Aboud, an eleven-year- old boy, whose parents brought him "three days walking" to see Crowded Schools at Umtali the American doctor. This lad presented a very severe infecto Bomili district for a month. Pearl Mullikin, of the Meth- tion of the left foot and leg, rap- On their way they stopped at the odist's Umtali Mission, sends a idly extending. When the fam- village of a Christian and found review of last year's work. ily were offered surgery (free of him very ill. He had told all his "Great crowds are being charge) the parents refusedI
When told that the boy should for their Lord they are often renewed interest in Jesus Christ be hospitalized, they refused. crucifying Him anew, and very on the part of the Jews. As one Likewise when offered the free nearly denying Him. One such of the evidences he cites an aruse of the hostel on the com- rare Christian is Vartuhi, which ticle in the December, 1937, Atpound, hoping thus to be able to is Armenian for Rose. When lantic M 0 nth 1y, entitled "An control his care in a measure, it missionaries first came to Kir- Epistle to the Jews," writen by was refused and they took the kuk, her town, she said: "For one John Cournos, a Jew. Again, boy home to an inevitable and two years I pray to God to send Rabbi Isserman, of St. Louis, rapidly approaching termination missionary to Kirkuk, and when speaking before the Chicago -death. The only value gained I hear you have come I say, Sunday evening Club, stressed by such a trip seemed to be the Glory to God." the necessity of the Jews' remeager advice one could give to- claiming Jesus. In New York, ward his care at home. This widow of an Armenian Rabbi Rosenbloom spoke in a pastor and mother-in-law of the similar vein, though he was bit- However, once they make up man who was later to become an terly attacked by another rabbi. their mind to enter the hospital evangelist had been holding In all these references, the emthey give themselves completely weekly prayer meetings for phasis is on Jesus as a great and trustingly into the care of women. prophet of Israel, but in no sense the doctors and nurses, and for a Redeemer. the most part are very coopera- Her chief ministry is visiting tive. On several occasions when the sick and troubled. With -Monday Morning. asked: "Would you like to get feeble step she gets into every up?" a patient has replied, "If corner of Kii·kuk and never The Second Hundred Years you want me to." misses anyone in need of en- couragement and prayer. Often We are told that "the first Mourning Technique in she takes a group of church hundred years are the hardest." Near East women to the sick room, to sing Dr. J. Ross Stevenson, President- the hymns, read the Scripture emeritus of Princeton Seminary, The same perfunctory wailing lesson and review the message lists several reasons why, in the follows the "Great Reaper" in from the morning service, no case of foreign missions, the secthe Near East as one reads about matter what the race or creed of ond hundred years will be the in the Gospel story of J airus' the person visited. hardest: a vast, unevangelized daughter. It is always carried population in every mission on by the women. There are A year and a half ago she was field; a growing spirit of nationthose who make it a profession, hit by an automobile in Baghdad alism seeking to establish a state and can be hired to lead the and received a bad fracture of religion subservient to civil and weeping and swell the volume. the upper left arm. Owing to military authority, but tran- The ceremony is put on with her weak heart the doctors at scending all other faiths; a desuch abandon as to leave the par- the government hospital feared cline in the prestige that ticipants completely worn out. to subject her to the operation Christian nations have had, and They work themselves into a necessary for the proper repair a consequent loss in moral infrenzy, tear their hair and beat of the splintered bone. During fluence; secularized education their breasts for perhaps ten her· suffering she continually which antagonizes or ignores reminutes, and then can be heard read her Bible and prayed. Once ligion; a rejuvenized paganism talking naturally as they walk when the pain became unbear- that directly attacks the Chris- .about. able she asked the nurse for tian faith. relief and the nurse angrily re- This procedure is the standard plied, "Oh, pray to your God and "Mary Reed Day" for Lepers ,custom; it would be considered let Him heal you." Soon after .sacrilege to omit it. The mourn- that they brought her home to Mary Reed, pioneer in leper ing is carried on for three days Kirkuk where purely by the work, who has devoted nearly and at the end of that time the grace of God she did recover and fifty years to that service in Inwomen of the household are ex- what is more, has the use of her dia, under the Methodist Womhausted, to say nothing of the arm and hand again. She is an's Foreign Missionary Society, little children who have wit- filling an important place in celebrated her eighty-third birthnessed the proceedings, often in Kirkuk in this voluntary service. day on December 4. Churches in great terror. her home city, McConnellville, -Outlook of Missions. Ohio, celebrated the occasion. -PresbyterianBoard News. MISOELLANEOUS Despite her age, Mary Reed is Faithful Witness in Iraq still at Chandag Heights, India, Jews Renew Interest in Ohrist continuing her ministrations to It is rare to find a faithful, the lepers. Rev. George C. witnessing Christian among the Dr. Conrad Hoffman, secre- Southwell suggests the annual Armenians of Iraq. Persecution tary for Jewish Work under the observance of "Mary Reed Day," .and massacre have either made Presbyterian Board of National on the Sunday nearest her birththem bitter or so filled them with Missions, has written the mem- day. fear, that far from witnessing bers of his advisory committee that there are many evidences of
Missionary
Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information "Goforth of China." By his wife. or social service might be. He lics are popUlated by a mixed lIlus, 8vo. Price, $1.50. The Zon- had a divine passion for souls population of Indians, Negroes dervan Publishing House, Grand and was persuaded that the only and Mestizos or Ladinos. Social Rapids, Michigan. 1937. means of salvation is the cruci- fied and regnant Christ. He conditions are low and religion It is not often that the con- would go into heathen areas and is largely superstition. amongst men of dense prejudice, tents of a book may be antici- superstition and opposition, and The maps in this volume are pated by its cov~r. But,it i~ so proclaim the Saviour as .if his clear and informing, showing all in this case, for Its covermg IS a listeners knew all about Him, or, the principle mission stations of if not this, must know all about parable, the meaning of which is Him. God confirmed his faith some twenty societies. The and daring, for rich and poor, Protestant or E van gel i c a I clear. The jet black cloth sug- high and low, were saved, and a Churches number 108,600, of gests the dark!less ~f heath~n multitude of Christian churches whom 41,188 are communicant ism; and the bright gIlt lettermg were organized in China and Manchuria. He thus taught the members. They comprise about of the title proclaims the glory missionary body a great lesson, one in every 78 of the popula- and one which God's servants tion. of God, such as surrounded will do well to take to heart. There are general chapters the earthly life of Dr. Goforth Mrs. Goforth has not written covering all the republics and of herself, but between the lines and now enshrines his Heavenly we can perceive that her life has others dealing with each of the been as devoted and beautiful as six separately. The appendices life. This is an arresting qual- that of her husband. and diagrams deal with statistics ity of the volume and it becomes H. W. FROST. that show the work and fields of each mission, the converts, and a constraint to the one who holds Religion in Central America. By adherents, medical and educa- tional work and the languages it to read its pages eagerly and Kenneth G. Grubb. Illus. 8vo. used. There is a good index and the pictures show the people, the carefully. . 147 pp. 5sh. World Dominion It is a daring thing for a wIfe Press. London. 1937. attractiveness of the scenery and to write the life of her husband, Here is another valuable sur- vey volume, with chapters, for one is likely either to write maps, diagrams and statistics that show the past progress, the too frankly or not frankly present situation and the pros- pects for Christian missions in enough. But Mrs. Goforth has the six republics of Central A meri.ca. been guided by the Spirit into a The history of this part of middle course. She adored her America goes back to the Maya PARENTS … husband and greatly admired his civilization nearly two thousand missionary zeal', but she saw his yeals ago. The Maya architec- In the Foreign Mission Field faults and speaks honestly 0f ture and SC.lent·Ific achl'evements Endorse Calvert: School them. Her portrayals, therefore, still awaken admiration. These are sincere and true, with the re- people worshiped the gods of Home St:udy Courses suIt that she presents a man who earth and sky, with temples and I'S definl'tely human. Thl's I'S well, elaborate ritual. Then came the For Children retrogression which Rom a n for we humans are most in- Catholics from Europe did not I fluenced by the example of other overcome. Today the six repubhumans. But we want the hu- tCioanlveDret pSacrhtomo~lntt,hrowuigllh giit,s:eHoymouer cnhsitlrdu,ca- superior elementary education ',' • by mall, man, whoever he is, to be in- regardless of where you may live. Moddwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Dr. Goforth, as de- escrnh~olapaprreovbeedingcouusrseeds bfyropmaretnhtiss aflal moovuesr scribed by his wife, becomes more than an example " he is an the world with outstanding success.
inspiration. Give your children the advantages of these The paramount lesson of the interesting lessons, carefully chosen ~ook~, book is the necessity and worth of direct evangelism. Dr. Go- and attractive materials. Instruction ,IS forth never allowed himself to uCnadlveer rtth'se ppreormsoinnaelngt uainddanscueccoefsstfeualchperi:vsaItne be turned aside from the simple day school in Baltimore. preaching of the Gospel, however tempting educational work Write today for booklet of complete in- formation. Costs are low.
, CALVE~T SCHOOL 180W. Tuscany Road '
Baltimore + Maryland Any of the books noted In these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price, [207 ]
some results of mISSIOn work. The Open Door in China. A Spir- istic theories as to the origin and Everyone interested in the itual Interpretation of Missions, by development of all religion, illusevangelization of Central Amer- Martin A. Hopkins. (Paper.) Re- trated in the history of the ica will find this new survey of ligious Tract Society, Hankow, world's chief religious beliefs. real value. China. 1937. He briefly surveys man's search for truth in Babylonia, Egypt, For the Mountains. An Autobiog- These furlough addresses, raphy by William Goodell Frost. With Introduction by Albert Bush- given at various conferences, Greece, Rome, India, Persia, nell Hart. Illustrated. Indexed. 352 pp. $3.00. Fleming H. Revell. deal with the Open-Door policy China, and Arabia, and as it is New York, London, Edinburgh. for a Lost World, The Real Rea- seen in Modernism.
1937. son for Foreign Missions, The From the treatment here one A former president of Berea Premillenial Hope and Missions, might easily get the idea that gives here the whole story of his life, which to him has been char- T.he Bible as the Basis for a .R.e- different civilizations produced acterized by a marked unity. In vIval, ??rayer, The Holy SPIrIt, the various great religions, so far as any eager spirit is ever ~alvat~on by G~ace, The Church .•.whereas, as Dr. G. M. Grant, of satisfied, he views his earlier m Chma, Go~ s. Ideal Servl;tnt Queens University, Canada, has years with satisfaction. Of his and The AfflIctIons of qhr~st. pointed out, "Every systematized youth he could sincerely say, These. addre.sses ~re. co~vm~mg religion has given birth to a civwith Wordsworth, "Fair seed- an~ stImulatmg, ~Ibh~al m Vl~W- ilization." It would have been time had my soul"; and his p.omt and practIcal I~ apphca- more satisfactory to deal directly young manhood is to him both a tIon. They. are well Illustrat~d with the different theories of the happy flowering of :the seed and promise for the time of full fruit. fro!ll experIence at home and m origin of religion, and draw il- Then follows in detail the account of the later twenty-eight Chma. lustrations from the great reliyears when he was largely instrumental in bringing Appala- The Story of Topsy. By Mildred gions of the world. chian America into recognition, Cable and Francesca French. Iland in opening that section to lustrated. 8vo. 212 pp. 5 sh. net. Unfortunately the author's education through Berea College. zeal for truth inclines him to Hodder and Stoughton, London. The story is one of intense ac- occasional acrimonious exprestivity, often under difficulties, 1937. that involved weariness and dis- sions such as are too often found appointment. Tremendous zest is seen in Dr. Frost's manner of Miss Cable and Miss French in discussions involving differwriting: in rapid-running sen- are already well known for their ences of religious opinion. Aptences, with their frequent fascinating books of missionary parently the proofs were careinitial "ands"; in unwearied de- adventure in the Gobi desert and lessly read, as various sentences tail and comment. "Such ex- Central Asia; also for their "The are incomplete. periences push into forgetfulness all pains and hardships," says Making of a Pioneer" and "Am- Dr. Whiteley has included the author, but really, says the bassadors for Christ." The lat- much that is worth while, both reader, into their own place in a ter is an unusually fine book for in information and criticism. life felt to be good. Dr. Frost missionary volunteers. Now Perhaps his most valuable point enjoyed it all greatly. His cen- comes a story for young people, is his emphasis on the fact that tral achievement was creative. one with the same charm, the monotheism was not the result Possessed of traditions in educa- same evidence of Christian love of an evolutionary process, betion but not bound by them, he and courage and fidelity to ginning with the most primitive freely combined and adapted his Christ, as we have found in the superstitions; but that the origmaterials; the result was orig- missionary pioneering narra- inal religion was monotheistic. inal. tives. It is the story of a young He calls attention to the now begger girl, deaf and dumb in growing view that belief in one The book has documentary her early years, rescued from Supreme Being preceded polysignificance other than auto- abuse and poverty, won to theism, a view supported by evibiographic. Those interested in Christ and lead out into a beau- dence quite apart from the Berea College will find here ma- tiful Christian life. There is testimony of divine revelation. terial previously scattered, not also much interesting light on The author also stresses the widely accessible, or not in print. the life and customs of Central fact that the nearer we approach Here are Berea's background, Asia. It is an especially inter- the origin of any religion the early history, and .development esting book for young girls. until Dr. Frost's retirement less corrupt it appears, this fact from its presidency in 1920. in itself pointing to a pure foun- MARY B. SMITH. Reaching Upward, or Man's Age- tain as its source, and con- long Search for Truth. By Charles D. Whiteley, D.D., Pastor, 'First versely.
Presbyterian Church, Albemarle, Even with the limitations in- N. C. 182 pp. $1.50. Zondervan dicated, there is a large amount Publishing House, Grand Rapids, of historical information in this Mich. 1937. modest volume, as well as sug- Here is an excellent plan in- gestions for special Bible studies differently carried out. The au- and study courses. Although the thor seeks to show the contrast book is not well documented, between Christianity, the one there are numerous quotations. revealed faith, and the natural- ROBERT M. KURTZ.
Books TI-IE IDEAL GIFT AT ALL
Bible Problems Solved. George H. GOD'S MINUTE ••• A. Spiritual Gudebrod. 385 pp. $2.75. Put- thoughtJor nams. New York. Here is a marvelous collection of 365 Daily Prayers, every day each 60 seconds long, written by 365 of the most emi- George Bowen of Bombay. Robert nent preachers and laymen in the world. Cloth. 60 • E. Speer. 366 pp. $2.50. Mission- cents; Limp Leatherette. $1.00; Art Leather. $1.50. ary Review Pub. Co. New York. A. daily GOD'S MESSAGE •• reminderoJ Five Minutes to Twelve. Adolph Keller. $1.00. 125 pp. Cokesbury 365 prominent clergymen have chosen their favorite the giver Press. Nashville. Scripture passage, and, with this as a text, have written a Message that quickens faith. brings comfort. Cloth, How Tbey Live in Congoland. W. F. 60 cents; Limp Leatherette. $1.00; Art Leather. $1.50. P. Burton. 159 pp. 2s. Pickering & Inglis, London. THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bldg., Phlla.
Mission Memoirs. R. Petter. 79 pp. latest news of the work of Pres- For next day's trip-at dawn the call Mrs. R. Petter, Lame Deer, Mont. byterian missionaries and Chris- ,arouses, tian nationals? They are printed The Qur'an. Volume I-Surahs on the field and mailed direct to When all you want to do is to lie 1-XXIV. Richard Bell. $6.00. 343 the subscriber. They are: Co- still. pp. Chas. Scribners, New York, lombian Clippings, The Drum and T. & T. Clark, Edinburgh. Call (Africa), Guatemala News, If you can take a school of little chil- Korean Mission Field, Mexican dren, The Rapture of Saints. Dr. Herbert Moments, Philippine Presbyte- Lockyer. 126 pp. ls. Pickering & rian, Siam Outlook, Syria News And train their minds and teach of Inglis. London. Quarterly and West India Mis- Jesus too, sion Notes. Gambia. John Laughton. 36 pp. And watch them grow as they con- S. P. G. London. "If"-A Missionary Version fess the Saviour, Studies in the Book of Daniel. Sec- If you can rise up early in the morn- And bring to other children the ond Series. Robert Dick Wilson. ing, good news too. 286 pp. $2.50. Revell. New York. To hear the sound from front and If you can take your work with all its Moga – Training School for Village back porch too failures, Teachers. 1. M. and A. E. Harper. 163 pp. 25 cents. Publicity Dept., Of little girls and boys, with needs too The task unfinished -leave with Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis- numerous, Jesus too, sions, New York. For soap and salt and books and Yours is a peace and satisfaction, but Poison Peddlers. Dan Gilbert. 102 clothing too. what is more, pp. 35 cents. Zondervan Pub. House. Grand Rapids. If you can then sit down and eat your You know the joy that missionaries breakfast do. Prophecy and the Tottering Nations. Keith L. Brooks. 100 pp. $1.00. With mind upon a dozen things -MAY F. TAYLOR-With apol- Zondervan Pub. House. New York. outside, ogies to Kipling.
Long Suffering Love. Paul M. Of school palavers and disputes to Personal Item. Tharp. 144 pp. 35 cents, paper; settle, 75 cents, cloth. Fundamental Truth Rev. M. E. Dodd, First Baptist Publishers. Findlay, Ohio. Needing the wisdom of Solomon to Church, Shreveport, La., is on an air- decide. plane tour of South American Baptist Educational Missions at Work. mission stations. He will report his Edited by H. P. Thompson. 128 If you can then start out to the dis- findings to the Southern Baptist Con- pp. ls. 6d. S. P. G. in F. P. pens'ry vention. London. Where sick and suffering await you Dr. Arthur H*. C*omp*ton, 1937 Nobel Magazines Printed on the Field at the door, prize winner and co-chairman with How many know that there And search your mind to know how Dr. John H. Finley of the laymen's are nine foreign countries in you may help them, committee of the $10,000,000 Presbywhich monthly or quarterly mag- terian Sesquicentennial Fund for azines are published giving the Praying you will not kill off one or Christian Education, has succeeded more. the late Newton D. Baker as Prot- FEATURES: estant co-chairman of the National Introduction, by George Shaw, B.D. If you can hurry back to find an Conference of Jews and Christians. The Lesson Verse by Verse, byD.J. Fant,Jr. orphan, Le..ontfromtheLesson, byl.E. David,Ph.D. President Ha*ch*iro *Yuasa, of Do- The Beginners J Class, by E. M. Jones. "The mother died and what are we The Primory Class, by S. M. Rudy. to do?" shisha University, Japan, recently The Junior Class, by A. M. Frencb. tendered his resignation to the Board The Intermediate Class, by M. E. MacPhee. And ask yourself, as tempted .to re- of Trustees. It is reported that the The Les.on IUustrated, by A. M. French. ject it, resignation has no connection with the difficulties from reactionary elements Soad "Now if He were here, just what which have beset the path of the would Jesus do?" president since his assumption of office. The trustees of Doshisha re- If you can take a trip to Nanga- gretfullyaccepted the resignation. EbOko . The Rev. G. *W.*Bo*uldin, D.D., the With school girls and porters not a few, former president of the Seinan Col- lege in Fukuoka, Japan (Southern And go from town to town and give Baptist), has returned to take the the gospel, pastorate of the Yokohama Union Church, which ministers to the for- And climb the hills and wade the eign community of the city. rivers too.
If you can then sit down in small bark houses, And visit with the people, dispense pills.
/)0. NotMU4 THE MOSLEM
PUBLISHED BY THE HARTFORD SEMINARY FOUNDATION Editors: SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, EDWIN E. CALVERLEY SOME ARTICLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER "With All Boldness" Samuel M. Zwemer Islam in the Chanson d'Antioch Robert S. Darbishire Ethiopia: Moslem or Christian? • Paul Simpson McElroy The Nubians of Today S. J. Enderlin Woman's Status in Islam Begum Sultan Mir Amiruddin The Moslem Convert and Polygamy Gerrit J. Pennings The Prophet of Islam Arthur Jeffery Dr. Alphonse Mongana C. P. Groves Pakistan: The Rebirth of a Nation G. L. $chanzlin Book Reviews~~~Current Topics Survey of Periodicals Sue Molleson Foster :. ~ SUBSCRIBE NOW ;fi .: 50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 a Year (postpaid) In combination with __ THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF fHE WORLD 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City $3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents.) British Agents: MARSHALL, MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. Price in Great Britain, Eight Shillings a Year, net THE LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN! OF BOMBAY By ROBERT E. SPEER This is the biography of a very remarkable Christian missionary to India and for twenty years the influential and able editor of the Bombay Guardian. Dr. J. Sumner Stone called him, "The White Yogi."
When George Bowen died in 1888 there was call for a worthy biography but its preparation was delayed. Later all the biographical material-including his diaries, letters, reminiscences, and the books and pamphlets of which he was author-was turned over to Dr. Speer. This material has now been put into shape for publication and the result is a frank and stimulating picture of the man,-his experiences, unique character, forceful views and methods of work. Here is a life story that is of absorbing interest and will richly reward the thoughtful reader. The book is now ready for delivery.
CONTENTS I. Family of George Bowen. XI. A Decisive Year, 1849. II. Boyhood and Youth. XII. From 1850 to 1855. III. Three Years Abroad. XIII. Ten Years of Independent Work. IV. Life in New York, 1840-1844. XIV. The Bombay Guardian. V. Illumination of a Hopeless Love. XV. Relations with the American Board. VI. Conversion to Christianity. XVI. Association with the Methodist Church. VII. At Union Theological Seminary. XVII. Bowen as a Writer. VIII. His Missionary Appointment. XVIII. Correspondence with Henry W. Rankin. IX. The Voyage to India, 1847. XIX. Closing Testimony. X. Beginning Missionary Work.
This latest work by Dr. Speer may be ordered at $2.50 per copy from THE MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY 166 Fifth Avenue, New York
The Missionary Review of the World — February 1938
1938
From Confucius to Christ Andrew Gih Effective Missionary Appeals Today Cleland B. McAfee The Dynamic of Philippine Progress Enrique C. Sobrepena What a Missionary Knows Geoffrey W. Royall Missionary Pioneering Today Kenneth G. Grubb The Foreign Missionary of Tomorrow J. Lovell Murray Christian Unity in Santo Domingo Barney N. Morgan 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Yea"
MISSIONARY To have the restoration of Palestine so phenomenal-.-
REVIEW OF THE WORLD To have the building of Jerusalem so progressive·– DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor To have the wealth of the Dead Sea so extraordinary— VOL. LXI FEB., 1938 No.2 To have the unfolding of Bible prophecy so manifestly before our eyes— Publication and Business Office– Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. is to cry out, "THE JEW! THE JEW!" , Editorial and Executive Office– Read this timely and attention-holding volume- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Entered as second-class matter at THE JEW AND HIS MISSION (IN NEW AND REVISED EDITION) Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. By HENRY OSTROM, D.O., Author, Bible Teacher and Evangelist 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Library Cloth Covers, 156 pages, only $1.00 net Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Published monthly, except August. The Bible Institute Colportage Association, 848 North Wells St., Chicago, III. All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan important place in the program of the active members of the committee and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, missions." are Mr. Philip Benson, president of London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, the Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn; 10 shillings a year. ADAM W. MILLER, Secretary of Dr. Hugh R. Monro, president of the the Missionary Board of the Stony Brook Assembly, and Mr. James MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- Church of God. E. Bennett, attorney, Bible teacher LISHING CO., INC. and radio speaker. The secretary is BOARD OF DIRECTORS *** Rev. Alexander H. Sauerwein of the First Presbyterian Church, Flushing, ROUERT E. SPEER, President "I follow the articles published in N. Y. A. L. WABNSHUIS, Vice-President THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE W ALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer WORLD with great interest." March 4. World Day of Prayer.. DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary The day of prayer for missions was PAUL J. BBAlSTED REV. F. A. GOETSCH, D.D., begun in 1887 by Presbyterian women SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Executive Secretary, Board of the U. S. A. and was made a World D. J. FANT of Foreign Missions, Evan- Day of Prayer in 1927. lt is now ob- MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD gelical Synod of North Amer- served in more than fifty countries, WM. B. LIPPHARD ica. beginning in New Zealand and the Emc M. NORTH Fiji Islands at daybreak and contin- SAMUEL M. ZWEMER *** uing westward around the world until the day ends forty hours later at Editorial Chat "I have been a reader of your splen- Gambell on the St. Lawrence Island did magazine for many years and off the coast of Alaska. Plans are under way for two more would not like to get along without it. special numbers of THE REVIEW this lt is a great help m giving the needed II If you use year. Our June issue is to be devoted information regarding missions the to the important Home Mission topic world over." for 1938-1939, "Christ and the City Today." Very attractive and stim- STELLA WOOD, Editor, Albert ulating articles, with noteworthy au- Lea, Minn. thors, are promised. *** Our October issue is to be devoted to that great continental peninsula- "I have been a reader of THE MIS- India – the land of many races, SIONARY REVIEW for nearly ten years languages, castes, religions and op- and value it highly. Its material is portunities. This i& an especially excellent and helpfuL" fascinating subject. MRS. M. W. DOUGHERTY, Morn- *** mg Sun, Iowa.
The annual business meeting of CHRIST AND THE WORLD'S PRINTING THE REVIEW is to be held at 156 Fifth FAIR Avenue, New York, on February 10th, YOU will profit from an acat 2 P. M. The next great World's Fair is to quaintanceship with us. We be held near Flushing, a suburb of do the job complete in our own *** New York, on Long Island in 1939-40. plant, whether it be large or Already the grounds and buildings on small. The special numbers of THE REVIEW Flushing Bay are taking form and the on Rural America and Moslem Lands architects and exhibitors promise a While our specialty is Books, have been in great demand and orders most attractive, complete and unusual Magatines and Pamphlets, yet for additional copies continue to be exhibit – scientific, industrial, educa- we have a variety of modern received. tional and recreational. A Committee equipment to meet all the re- of New York Christian laymen and quirements of your particular *** women have also formed a committee job. You will find our service to promote Christian activity at the prompt, careful and courteous. Here are some recent comments on Fair. This committee includes reprethe value of the magazine to our sentatives of over sixteen interdenom- Will you allow us to estimate readers: inational organizations, among which on your next printing? We be- are The National Laymen's Christian lieve you will be delighted with "I want to express appreciation for Fellowship, the Gideons, Union of our product, price and service. the MISSIONARY REVIEW and what it Gospel Missions, Pocket Testament means in the program of missions. League, Christian Youth Movement The EVANGELICAL PRESS Leaders in our missionary societies and the Missionary Review of the and groups throughout the country World. Printers of subscribe to it regularly. During our The Missionary Review of the World annual convention in June when our The main purpose of this committee new program of missions is inaugu- will be to present Christ and His Gos- PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE rated, special prominence is given to pel to those who attend the Fair-by Third end Reily Streets Herrlsburl, P•• the place that the REVIEW has in help- mass meetings, personal work, over ing to create effective missionary pro- the radio, by distribution of literature, grams. lt is our sincere wish that motion pictures and art, Christian THE REVIEW will continue to hold this education and entertainment. Among [ 65 ]
FILIPINO BABIES-MOTHER AND BABY DAY AT A MISSION HOSPITAL
SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ON PARADE – DUMAGUETE PRESBYTERIANS TRAINING THE COMING GENERATION IN THE PHILIPPINES (see page 78) REVIE ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY, 1938 Topics of the Times OPPORTUNITIES IN CHINA Christians have not wavered. Out of about six thousand Protestant foreign missionaries in China Larger harvests follow thorough harrowing; at the outbreak of hostilities over one-half remain better fruit is the result of careful pruning; light at their posts-many of them in the war-torn is increased by trimming the wick; spiritual areas. Most of the women with children have growth is stimulated by hardships and persecu- been evacuated to port cities or to the Philippines tion. This has always been true-in the days of and other countries, but the men who could do so the early Church, during the Reformation, and in are standing by to minister to the Chinese and to the modern missionary enterprise. It is true to- encourage the suffering people. Of the American day in China. In spite of many difficulties and Presbyterian missionaries, 115 remain at their dangers-or because men's hear.ts are made tender stations and 70 more have been transferred to by trials-increased spiritual fruitage is evident other points of service in c:uina. The spirit of among Chinese Christians today in the midst of the missionaries is shown in their disapproval of the horrors and hardships of a foreign invasion. the Government's "evacuation policy." They are While Japanese soldiers loot, ravish women, com- in no mood to withdraw. One missionary writes: mit cruelty and murder, the missionaries befriend "All feel that if it was worth while for us to come the Chinese who find refuge in their mission to China in time of peace, it is even more imporchurches, schools and compounds. A recent dis- tant for us to remain here in time of suffering patch from a Canadian insurance surveyor in and warfare-to heal the sick, feed the hungry Hangchow, at the time of its capture by Japanese and to preach the Gospel of Christ. Today is the soldiers, reports: day of challenge to missionaries. Woe betide us if we sound a retreat." Hundreds of women and girls found refuge in the six refugee camps established by thirty American, British The China Inland Mission reports on several and French missionaries throughout the city. Heroic places where God is working; among them there service was rendered by these plucky foreigners. Every is a revival at Salowu, Yunnan. Chinese woman and child who appealed for a haven in these camps was taken in, although all were badly over- The work began in the Bible School. The work spread crowded. . . . Bishop Curtis E. Clayton, of the Methodist among church leaders and church members. I have not Wayland Academy; Dr. K. Vaneverer; Gene Turner, of seen such a deep work among so many people since coming the Y. M. C. A. refugee camp; Mr. E. Fairclough, of the to China. We felt led to form a revival band, planning a China Inland Mission, and other Americans risked their visit of several months to various tribes and stations. The lives on many occasions. revival blessing is still spreading. Considerably more than one hundred church members have come out confessing The American Protestant Episcopal Mission re- sins, while fully one hundred unbelievers have come out ports great damage to their mission property, in- and made profession of conversion. cluding hospitals, churches, schools and residences in Shanghai, Kiangwan, Woosing, and elsewhere, Similar reports come from many stations scatbut the missionaries are still carrying on their tered throughout China. Pray for the missions work of witnessing and mercy. Many mission- and Chinese Christians particularly. aries and Chinese Christians have lost all their possessions in the battle zone. Many have been In the majority of the provinces the missionary passing through a baptism of fire and blood but work is continuing and all are encouraged by reports of revival movements in the churches and of numbers coming forward for baptism.
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The following is an extract from a missionary's coming of Christ into the world. As to recent letter: progress The Korea Mission Field says: The people's hearts are very fearful, and we have a Half a million enrolled Christians, meeting in 5,000 special ministry amongst them just now-a ministry of places, in groups large and small, not only create an comfort and encouragement, and these days of distress are impression of a large organization but they render a great making openings for the Gospel. N ow is the time to put service. Tens of thousands of Korean youth are enrolled into practice what we have so often preached, namely, in extention Sunday schools, in day and night schools, in that our God whom we trust is able to deliver us and to children's clubs, and in Daily Vacation Bible Schools. give us His peace no matter what the outward circum- There are kindergartens, orphanages, homes for the aged. stances. The very fact that we are here is a help. A The Christians assist in flood relief, fight intemperance, sanctify the marriage relationship, elevate the home, edu- Chinese was heard to remark, cate their children and enlist in community betterment "Oh, they haven't run away yet." movements. "No," replied the other, "they believe and trust in God."
The British Baptists, writing of "New Oppor- As Korean Christians scatter into Japan, into tunities in Shensi," say that while in Shansi and Manchukuo, China, Mongolia, and Siberia, many Shantung work has been completely dislocated by become heralds of the Gospel to other peoples in the Japanese advance, there are great opportuni- these lands. Missionaries are being sent by the ties there for aggressive evangelism. Korean Church to the Chinese with satisfactory results. As the momentum of the Korean Church Rev. A. Keith Bryan writes from San Yuan: increases, an evangelized Korean people may do much to fulfil the purpose of God in the Far East. Several new village Sunday schools have been started. This work is still in its pioneer stage and is beset with CONSIDERING FOREIGN MISSION -difficulties, but shows great promise. . . . PROBLEMS AT TORONTO Weare planning a special campaign throughout all the churches in the Sanyuan and Fuyintstin districts. The Never in the history of the Foreign Missions object is to strengthen the faith of all church members at Conference has the missionary enterprise faced this time of national crisis and to enthuse those who have such a world crisis as in the warring world of grown cold and indifferent. today. For the first time in the more than forty years of close fellowship between the Foreign CHRISTIAN PROGRESS IN KOREA Mission Boards of Canada and the United States, the Conference met in Canada (Toronto, January In spite of poverty, hardships and persecution, the Church of Christ has grown and continues to 3-6) * for the forty-fifth annual session. grow in Chosen. Periodically Christians have been called upon to suffer and even today indi- The spirit of the Conference is hard to put into vidual Believers are being persecuted by their un- cold print; there was a depth of feeling and a believing neighbors. In the past, many attempts spiritual atmosphere which permeated every seshave been made to blot out Christianity and to sion. The periods of worship, the messages, the obliterate the Christians' Bible. Temporarily the papers all carried this atmosphere so that the number of Believers may have been reduced but whole program was a unit with the dominant note the Church has been purified and unafraid, and of "Maintaining the spirit of love in the midst of will endure as long as it is faithful to Christ. hate"; the love of God as revealed by Jesus Christ in the midst of a world filled with hate and greed. The Federal Council of Evangelical Missions in It was the message of a supernational Christian Korea recently reports: fellowship to a needy world. The outstanding result of the Conference were two resolutions The Korean Church has gathered momentum; its houses given below. of worship and school buildings dot the landscape everywhere. On Sundays, long lines of people can be seen Naturally much of the thought of the delegates going to and from the Christian services. Everybody in centered in the China-Japan situation. Again and Korea knows about the "Jesu Kyo" and knows something again it was emphasized that as followers of the of what this doctrine stands for, particularly in the field Christ we must live and teach the spirit of love of morals. regardless of the provocation for hate. Facing the present need in China the Conference adopted, The Roman Catholic Church in Korea has been in exist- with a rising vote, this very significant action. ence for over 150 years and reports 150,000 converts (in- cluding all adherents). The Protestant Church has been • The Canadian hosts excelled even their own noted hospitality in at work here for a little over fifty years and has won 225,000 baptized members, not counting enrolled Christians the plans which were made for the conference in the spacious hotel who are neither full members nor probationers. The total number of adherents in both churches is greater than ever and in every detail including a tea to the Conference on Women's before. Work and a complimentary dinner given t<> the delegates by the In all Korea there are at least 425,000 non- Roman Catholic Christians enrolled. There are Canadian Boards. Miss Mabel E. Emerson of the American Board, now more Christians here than there were in all as chairman of the conference, presided with great ability, wisdom, the Roman Empire one hundred years after the tact and with spiritual force. There were a hundred and ninety-six delegates and seventy-two visitors. G. S.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
A resolution concerning relief in China was wherever needed, developed along lines to reveal adopted, in substance as follows: the underlying motive of this world mission; co- operation not as graciously offered to the younger The Conference is confronted with a situation in the churches but as the inherent right of all groups. Far East which already involves human suffering on a Miss Lyon closed by speaking of the need of these scale unparalleled since the World War. Millions of men, newer concepts of the world mission in order to women and children are homeless and on the verge of meet the needs of a "world rocking on its base," starvation. They will perish unless the Christians of the and quoted from the bulletin of the Japanese Stuworld rally to their rescue. If in this hour of China's dents' Christian Association of North America, supreme distress the Christian churches of North America "In the present hour of darkness, even patient, rally to the help of the sufferers in China, they will give a peace-loving people are apt to fall into victims of demonstration of the reality of their own Christian char- dark despair. Yet, everyone who has made his acter and will strengthen their witness to the Gospel of or her deliberate choice with Christ must see Christ which they profess and proclaim.t through the present darkness the approaching dawn. . . . To lead men in the way of Jesus-a In view of this situation, be it world project indeed, and how glorious that North America can be one unit in that world adventure." Resolved: It is difficult in a few words to give a summary (1) That the Foreign Missions Conference recognizes of one of the most deeply stirring messages which that this is a primary responsibility which the Protestant came to the Conference from Dr. Lyman J. Shafer churches of North America must accept as their own and on "What should be the bearing of the foreign to which they must devote unstinted energy. missionary enterprise on world peace?" peace as a positive not a negative force; the building of a (2) That to carry forward the share of the Foreign world Christian community to give recognition to Missions Conference in this responsibility the Conference the values of nations and races and to proceed not appoint a special Committee on Relief in China with power across but through national units. "As Christians to add to their number, this committee to report to the we should seek not one vast world community of Committee of Reference and Counsel from time to time. like-minded people but as a federation of states which for mutual advantage-have given up the (3) That this committee be instructed to cooperate in notion of absolute sovereignty for each nation and Canada with the National Committee for the Relief of have accepted the principles of self-denial- the War Sufferers in China and in the United States, with way of the Cross – that the abundant life for all China Emergency Civilian Relief, Inc., the Federal Council may be realized." of Churches of Christ in America and other interested groups in making and carrying out effective plans to enlist Embodying the spirit of this message by Dr. the support of the Protestant Christians of North America. Shafer, another resolution was passed concerning progress toward world peace. (4) That the Conference urges all churches and mission boards in North America to do their utmost in responding The representatives from China and Japan who to the needs of the suffering people of China; and with were attending the Conference and particularly this in view, instructs the above named committee to ap- the Nationals from China embodied in a remarkproach the responsible church authorities to obtain effec- able way this spirit of love and Christian fellowtive action on their part by such concrete methods as a ship. China Relief Sunday, use of denominational publications, utilizing the services of China missionaries on furlough Dr. Mott and Dr. Warnshuis presented plans for and other plans to secure an early and generous response. the International Missionary Council at Madras, India (December 13-30, 1938). The theme will Outstanding messages were given at every ses- center around the universal Church as a Christian sion. The spirit of the Conference is revealed in fellowship creatively cooperating in presenting an the summaries of two of the messages. The first intensive evangel to the mind and heart of men dealt with "The Newer Concept of the North everywhere. The delegates will come from prac- American Missionary Program as Part of the tically all of the nations of the world, half of them World Project." Under the skilled leadership of being from the Asiatic and African churches and Miss Sarah Lyon, the Conference faced five types half from the churches of Europe and North and of patterns which reveal the field as the whole South America. The National Christian Council world, with the Church of North America as a in each country is making extensive preparation struggling unit in this world Church; this world in order that this Conference may be most sigmission of the Church going from East to West nificant in the development of the universal and not only from West to East; the new mis- Church. A call to prayer is going out to all sionary as a servant "realistic, flexible, compell- churches throughout the ·world since prayer preping, winsome"; "headquarters" not centering in aration is of the most vital importance in order North America as the home base but mission units 1" In response to this situation, there has been formed in Canada a National Committee for the Relief of W,ar Sufferers in China, in which the Canadian Red Cross Society and the Religious Bodies of Canada, cooperate. In the United States, while China Famine Relief, Inc., the American Red Cross, the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, the Foreign Missions Conference, and Mission Boards and other groups have secured and forwarded limited sums for relief, no adequate program has yet been undertaken. At the present time, a national movement is being launched by China Emergency Civilian Relief, Inc., which is being developed as a unified agency with the active cooperation of the Far East Committee of the Foreign Missions Conference, of the Federal Council and of other interested groups.
that the Conference may arrive at a united under- and stimulating statement that brought new constanding of the Will of God and of the mind of Christ for the World mission of Christianity. fidence as to the efforts of the City Government In the closing service of worship of the Confer- in promoting good living conditions, especially to ence, led by Dr. E. W. Wallace, Chancellor and President of the Victoria University of the Uni- the children of this metropolis of over seven milversity of Toronto, each delegate faced personally the responsibility of having been a delegate. "Our lion people, including all colors, races, languages, hearts have been burdened, our faith has been tested and yet our hearts have been warmed as faiths and conditions. news has come to us as to the ways in which God is moving in the hearts of men even in war-torn DI;. Robert W. Searle, Secretary of the Greater China. We have faced the glory of the expectation which lies before us." GERTRUDE SCHULTZ. New York Federation of Churches, gave a power- THIRTY YEARS OF HOME MISSION ful address at the annual dinner on "The Mission- COOPERATION ary Challenge of the City." (We hope to publish In 1908 three councils were formed to bring into closer cooperation the various Protestant this later.) Church bodies working for the advancement of Christianity in North America. These were the Much has already been accomplished in inter- Home Missions Council, the Council of Women for Home Missions and the Federal Council of denominational cooperation and by church federa- Churches of Christ in America. The first two of these interdenominational councils held their thir- tions in many states, and in promoting evangelical tieth annual meetings in New York City, January 9 to 12, .to consider reports of progress, to elect work for Spanish-speaking peoples of the Southofficers and plan for the future. The secretary of the Home Missions Council, Dr. Wm. R. King, west, as well as in other fields. Dr. Edward D. who for the past ten years has served the cause most effectively, has resigned because of ill health Kohlstedt, the re-elected President of the Home and has been succeeded by the Rev. Mark A. Dawber, for some years the able secretary of the Missions Council, gave a stimulating address on rural work for the Methodist Episcopal Church. As Dr. Dawber said in his inaugural address: the stupendous task before the Christian Church "The great job (of Home Missions) remains in America – to combat indifference, secularism, for the most part to be done. . . . The vast army of the poor and needy, the influence of the liquor communism, crime, intemperance, vice and other traffic, .the new social security measures, the decrease m incomes due to the 'depression,' the prob- evils by presenting Christ and His full Gospel, lems of church comity, the unemployed ministry and the changing status in foreign language with all of its implications. groups-all these and other conditions influence the Home Mission task today. . . . To date the The Council of Women for Home Missions have work of promoting comity and cooperation has been for the most part in the realm of the town been doing a remarkable work, not only by bringand country field. The next step is to see how far we can apply the principles of interdenomina- ing women's boards and societies into closer cotional cooperative service in the large cities." . "The City" is the topic for Home Mission study operation, but in promoting Christian activity in cIrcles for the year 1938-39 and will be dealt with in the June number of THE REVIEW. It was espe- behalf of American Indians and neglected Migrant cially noteworthy that the Mayor of New York Mr. F. H. LaGuardia (a member of the Protestant Groups. The Executive Secretary, Miss Edith E. Episcopal Church and a former interpreter at Ellis Island), addressed the conference on "Some Lowry, and the various committees gave encour- Social and Moral Problems of our City and How We Are Seeking to Solve Them." This was a clear aging reports on many phases of the work carried on independently and in cooperation with the Home Missions Council. The President of the Council of Women for Home Missions, Mrs. Au- gustus Trowbridge of the Protestant Episcopal Church, succeeds Mrs. Millard L. Robinson of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Home Mission task of the churches in America is far from completed and will not be finished until every man, woman and child in this great continent has the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ, and has available the facilities for Christian training; and until it is far more difficult than it is at present to exploit youth, the laboring classes and the underprivileged, and until true Americans are solidly united in combatting the evils of intemperance, injustice, vice and crime and warm.enhm.ognemstleyn devoted to the worship of Ggeond-' are to Christ, and Christians erally are enlisted in His service.
If thou wouldst walk with me, Take up thy cross: I carried mine-is thine, then, heavier?
Step for step, I walk with thee: Lay thy tired hand in Mine. Love bore for this alone The prints that press thy palm That I and thou together mighest walk.
-The Calvary.
Confucius to
-<II 1 By ANDREW GIH, B,the! M]"ion, Shangh.i, Chin. 11)10– I N A LARGE room full of Chinese boys and vidually. One by one the pupils stood before the girls a little lad of six was kneeling on a hard teacher with their backs to him and recited their bench. He was obliged to kneel there until he old lessons; then the teacher would read the new could recite from memory the daily portion of sev- portion to be learned, and they would return to eral pages from the Confucian ~lassics. He their seats. The confusion of so many voices was shouted the lines rhythmically at the top of his at first very distracting, but I soon became used voice, though the words conveyed no meaning to to it. A bright student could recite his lesson by him. noon, then in the afternoon he could receive a new assignment and thus make rapid progress. It was a bright, wintry February day when I started to school. In honor of the great occasion We went home for luncheon but hurried back my mother bought me a new wadded coat and as quickly as possible for our writing lesson. jacket. She combed my hair and tied a red string First we had to make our own ink by vigorously on my little queue. In my father's absence my rubbing a solid stick of ink around in an inkuncle took me to the school, carrying a red blanket, stand containing a little water until the liquid candles and incense. On entering the school build- was of proper consistency. We had no pens but ing I found a big room with 80 or 90 boys and brushes made of sheep hair. At first we merely girls, all reading aloud. The teacher, a man of painted in characters that had been outlined for about 50, with a ferocious-looking mustache, was us. In the second stage we traced the characters told by my uncle to enroll me as one of his pupils. on thin paper over the models written by the The red blanket was spread before the teacher, teacher. In the next stage we copied them freeand on it I knelt and kowtowed until he raised hand; finally we learned to imitate different me up. Then the candles were lighted and the famous styles of writing. incense burned before the tablet of Confucious, as I again kowtowed. After the writing period we shouted our lessons again until it was too dark to see. Then the The other children stopped their reading to teacher dismissed us one by one in order to keep watch me. Then suddenly, in the silence, I was us from fighting on the street. With no exercise terrified by the teacher striking the table a re- and no recess all day long of course the boys besounding blow with a heavy wooden ferule. In- came very restless and would pester the teacher stantly all the pupils began shouting out their with excuses to leave the room for a few minutes. lessons again. I was assigned to a table at which there were six students, four of them, unfortu- This Confucian school was not really conducted nately, my cousins! We soon formed a clique and according to Confucius' method. He had six subwere tormenting one of the other pupils. The jects in his curriculum-poetry, literature, cereteacher discovered our mischief and made us monies, music, horsemanship, archery. This was choose between being struck with the teacher's a well-rounded training, not just dull memory heavy ferule or kneeling on our benches until our work from the classics. With the pass-age of time lessons were learned. I chose to kneel, but soon the curriculum was divided into two branches, regretted it. The harder I tried to learn, the more wen and WU, the literary and the military. Those nervous I grew, the longer it took to memorize preparing for official tIOsition took the literary and the sorer my knees became!. course while those interested in national defense took courses that developed physical prowess. From early morning until late afternoon we did only two things-read aloud and learn to write. In the literary course the student spent years The children came to school as early as possible, memorizing the classics before he understood anysome were there at day-break. The teacher was thing of their meaning. If he was bright, in three early too and was pleased to see the first arrivals, or four years he could memorize several books and so eager for an education. While waiting for the be able to recognize more than 5,000 separate new lesson to be assigned the pupils would recite characters. Only then would the teacher begin past memory work-one or two whole books from to explain the meaning. This is still done in some cover to cover. The new lessons were taught indi- Confucian schools. The student listens carefully to the explanation and then studies the passage [71 ]
for himself; returning to the teacher he turns his is sin; and to call your brother man a "fool" is back and recites what he has learned. sin.
I spent five years in this school and, though fre- I found that if we measure our lives by the quently ill, I managed to memorize several books. Sermon on the Mount even the most moral Con- Then my father opened a school. I supposed that fucianist comes short of that high standard. Conthere I could come and go as I pleased. How I fucius teaches that we should return good for rejoiced, for I thought the day of my freedom had good, but Christ says, "Love your enemies, pray come. To relieve the monotony of school hours I for those who persecute you." Confucius warns bought a little bird but my father took it away us to do no wrong but he says nothing about how from me. I expected him to set it free, and had to treat those who wrong us. Christ points the trained it to come back to me! But my father way out when he says that love covers all. anticipated that and dashed the bird to the ground and killed it. I went on a "sit-down When someone asked Confucius about death, he strike" and mother had to come in as peace-maker. replied: "I can't understand life; how then can I found that my father was no longer my father I understand death?" There is nothing for the but my teacher! I had to go back to the same man's soul in Confucianism. We read in the old life! Bible: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after that the judgment." For truth, Confucius What Confucius Teaches uses a word which may be translated "Word" or "Way." He says: "The Word cannot be parted Confucius teaches .us to be good citizens and with; if it can be parted with it is not the Word." good rulers. His teaching is very practical and The Apostle John declares: "In the beginning materialistic and it is difficult to convert a true was the Word, and the Word was with God and disciple of Confucius to any religion. The great the Word was God; the Word was made flesh and scholars attack all religion as heresy and super- dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory – the stition. Confucianism divides society into four glory as of the only begotten of the Father full classes: scholars, farmers, laborers, merchants. of truth and grace." The one defines a principle; Since Buddhist monks belong to none of these the other introduces us to a divine Person, who classes, they contribute nothing to the nation but will give us the experience we seek. are parasites. Hence they are despised. Four occupations are open to the Confucian student: Confucius said, "If this is the Way, enter in; fishing, wood-gathering, farming, study. These if it is not, turn away." His followers have a all aim at material benefits. As the monks do mind for spiritual things but they seek without none of these, they are considered useless non- finding. Jesus Christ says: "I am the Way," and producers. The Confucianist worships Heaven, in Him we find the Way to life and God and our but it is only a formal ceremony. Confucianism problems are solved. ignores the soul or spiritual life of man. Many uninformed Westerners say, "Confucian- Later I discovered, as I learned more, that the ism is good enough for the Chinese; why teach teachings of Confucius are good for this life only. them Christianity?" I will tell you why I forsook I found that Christ promises both "a hundredfold Confucianism to become a Christian. I found that now in this present time – and in the world to Confucianism is only a human philosophy. In come eternal life." Confucianism is negative, Christ I found that which entirely satisfies not Christian teaching is positive. Confucius says, only my spiritual life but also my mind. Con- "Do not to others what you would not have them fucius says, "If it is not right do not look at it, do to you." Christ gives .the command positively. do not listen to it, do not speak of it, do not do it." That sounds very good, but Confucius imparts no As a Confucian scholar I had no use for reli- power to put that teaching into practice. My gion. Then·1 entered the high school of Bethel guilty soul cries out: "Yes, my Teacher, you are Mission in order to learn.English. Since the Bible right; you want me to see no evil, hear no evil, was taught in English I enrolled in that course speak no evil, do no evil. But I have done them and was greatly impressed with the Sermon on all. I have sinned already. I find guilt on my the Mount. Confucius says: "If you want to rule soul. Is there any way out?" His teaching only the nation you must settle your own house; to adds to my despair, for he says: "If one has rule your own house you must set an example in sinned against Heaven no prayer will accomplish your own life; to set a good example you must its end." In the Bible I find great comfort in the keep your heart right." He failed to realize that promise: "If we confess our sins He (God) is the heart of man is deceitful above all things and faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to desperately wicked. The Confucianist is a moral- cleanse us from all unrighteousness!" ist but he never condemns sin in the heart. On the other hand, Christ says that lust in the heart Confucius gives us his conception of God or the spiritual world in these words: "Respect the
FROM CONFUCIUS TO CHRIST
spiritual beings or gods, but keep yourself aloof Yes, Confucius died and his tomb is in Shan- from them; this is wisdom." He knew no for- tung. Costly buildings have been erected on the giveness for sin or no way to draw near to God; site where sacrifices are offered to the great Sage.
Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, revealed Visitors throng the place. His bones lie there, but God as our heavenly Father. Confucius warns us that fact spells doom. He is dead. Can a dead to keep away from God; Jesus Christ tells us to man save a living sinner? Jesus Christ gave His draw near to Him and we may come to know His life on the Cross, a sacrifice for the sin of others.
tender, loving heart. He was buried, but the grave failed to hold Him.
When, as a Confucianist, I started studying the He who raised Lazarus, the widow's son, and Bible, I knew that I came short of obeying the J airus' daughter, Himself rose from the dead on teachings of Christ. Under the teaching of Miss the third day. He who created life, and was not C. F. Tippet, I was convicted that I was a sinner worthy of death, could not be held by death. He needing salvation. I was told that Christ had "brought light and immortality to light through died on the Cross for sinners and that He is the the Gospel."
Lamb of God that "taketh away the sin of the Christ a Living Saviour world." I saw the Saviour on the Cross with out- Jesus Christ rose from the grave over 1,900 stretched hands and His compassionate voice call- years ago. God Himself gave witness to this ing, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are fact; the disciples left reliable testimony; the heavy laden and I will give you rest." whole course of history has been changed by this fact; we can accept the record. Christ was not Confucius did not die as a saviour and substi- merely a historical character like Confucius; He tute for sinners, but I learned that "while we were lives today. I have talked to Him and have re- yet sinners Christ died for us." Then my proud ceived answers from Him. I have fellowship with Confucian heart was softened and I was won to Him and experience His love. He is living today! . God through the wonderful love of Christ. I bowed my knees and for the first time prayed to A Chinese proverb 8ays, "The world can be God who so loved me that He gave His only be- changed but human nature can never be changed." gotten Son and had mercy on me, a sinner. The This is a hopeless philosophy. Confucius could loving Saviour answered my prayer and I was reform, educate, give knowledge, but he despaired received with assuring words: "My son, thy sins of human nature ever being changed. I know that are forgiven thee; go in peace." My burden Christ has changed my heart and has completely rolled away and assurance, peace, the joy of sal- transformed my life. "If any man be in Christ vation, was given me. he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This, as I Confucius says nothing of making lost sinners can testify, is a blessed reality. righteous, but God says that by Christ "all that believe are justified from all things, from which Forty days after His resurrection Jesus Christ ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." In ascended into Heaven, while his disciples stood the court of Confucianism I would be a condemned gazing upward: There is nothing like this in the sinner forever; there was no way out. But when classics of Confucius. We have fairy stories in I came to the bar of God, in the name of Christ, Chinese; but this record is actually true. We I found the Way of pardon. His law demanded, know that it is a fact, because when Christ went "The soul that sinneth it shall die" ;-"the wages into Heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to carryon of sin is death." But in love His own Son took His work. Pentecost stands as a witness to the my punishment on the Cross. I entered the court of God a trembling, convicted sinner; I walked ascension of Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witout a free man, justified, righteous, through faith ness with my spirit that my Saviour is glorified.
in the Lord Jesus Christ. And the righteous Before Jesus went to the Cross, He gathered Judge on the bench had become my loving Father. His loved ones about Him and tenderly told them I was no more treated as a condemned sinner, no that He was "going to prepare a place" for them more a foreigner, but was received as a son into and would come again and receive them unto Him- the household of God. I was born again into self, saying, "that where I am, there ye may be God's family. Oh what joy and satisfaction I also." The return of Jesus Christ is the blessed found in the salvation provided by the Lord Jesus hope. When the dead in Christ rise the living Christ! No wonder the Psalmist cried, "0 taste .will be transformed. In the twinkling of an eye and see that the Lord is good." I would urge we shall be in the presence of the Lord Jesus everyone to come and taste the joy of salvation Christ.
offered through Christ. There is nothing of this sort in Confucianism; The practical-minded Confucianist asks: "Is no glorious future, no coming Kingdom. If Chris- Jesus Christ a real Saviour? If we are saved by tian faith misses these great truths it misses the His death, did not Confucius also die?" glorious promise of eternal life. Without these
fundamental truths, Christianity is not much bet- Our Lord's command, "Go ye into all the world ter than a pagan philosophy. and preach the gospel," is still a challenge to Christians, while one-tenth of the world's popula- Christianity has taken deep root in Chinese soil. tion is still unevangelized in China. The Chinese The Gospel seed faithfully sown by ambassadors may not be head-hunters and cannibals, but they of Christ is springing up and bearing fruit. Many need Christ. There is a great field waiting, white Chinese no longer look upon Christianity as a to the harvest, calling young men and women to foreign religion. Christianity is making progress come with the Gospel of Jesus Christ which they among a people with thousands of years of the themselves have found is the power of God unto practical, materialistic teaching of Confucius, be- salvation to everyone who believeth. Will you be cause Christ offers not a new set of rules, anew obedient to the command of our Lord Jesus philosophy, new ethics, a new religion, but Christ Christ: "Go ye into all the world and preach the offers Himself as a Person, a Saviour. Chris- Gospel to every creature"? tianity is Christ. We have religions enough. We have philosophies enough. But we are sinners and Confucius is a human teacher, not a prophet of we need a Saviour. There are, roughly speaking, God. two hundred million Chinese who have never yet heard the Gospel. Oh, give us a gospel; introduce Confucianism is a system of ethics, not a reus to a Saviour who is mighty to deliver and who ligion. saves to the uttermost! Confucianism is a materialistic philosophy, not Many problems are confronting China; we need a spiritual revelation. much help. But Christ is the solution to all these problems. Is it worth while to send missionaries Confucianism offers reformation, not regenerato China? Christ said, "What shall it profit a man tion. if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" If you should think Christianity a failure in China Confucianism recommends a philosophy of livlook at the thousands of young Chinese Christians ing, not the Way to Life. who are going into the streets and into the villages, preaching the Gospel to their own people. Confucianism deals with man's relation to man, That should put a ringing "Hallelujah" inte the not with man's true relation with God. hearts of every Christian. Confucianism is a recipe for the present, not a new life for all time.
What Confucius and his philosophy lacks, Christ and His Way of Life supplies.
INDIAN TRIBUTES TO A CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY The late Dr. William I. Chamberlain made an abiding impression during his service in South India. A memorial service was held in Vellore on October thirty-first and a public meeting of the Indian citizens was held on November fourth under the chairmanship of the Hindu Mayor of VeIlore. The well-deserved tribute was paid, not only to a great Christian missionary, but to the man who during. his residence in VeIlore rendered distinguished public service as Chairman of the Municipal Council, their term for Mayor. The Vellore citizens not only passed appropriate resolutions but they have launched the project to erect a library by public subscription as a tangible memorial to. one whom they highly honored.
The Madras Mail, principal paper of South India, paid eloquent tribute to Dr. Chamber- lain as the "Maker of Modern VeIlore." The paper printed letters from two distinguished Indian citizens – Sir Mahomed HabibuIlah, a Mohammedan high in government serVice, and Sir S. Radhakrishnan, a Hindu, one of the world's most well-known philosophers, now Pro- fessor of Logic at Oxford University. Sir Mahomed Habibullah wrote: "Dr. Chamberlain was almost my first and best friend in Vellore. There was no public movement in the District of North Arcot in general and in VeIlore in particular which he did not either initiate or sponsor. It was my'pdvilege to be associated with him in all his activi- ties, whether social, educational, humanitarian or political. I.t may fitly be said that he was practically the maker of modern Vellore.
"To a magnetic personality he added the charm of winning manners and suavity of temper. His devotion to duty, and the high conception of the conscientious discharge of the responsi- bilitiesappertaining to it, had become an object lesson to those who wished to succeed or had aspirations in life. H:;:vlng bEen his colleague on the Municipal Council (in Vellore) in differ- ent capacities, I can bear personal testimony to the contribution which he made to the civic life of Vellore.
"It was universally felt, when he finally left Vellore, that his departure would create a void which it would be hard to fill; experience proved that this fear was well-founded."
Missionary Appeals
By the REV. CLELAND B. McAFEE, D.D.
Secretary Emeritus of the Board of Foreign Missions, fi.- Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
T wo definite lines of appeal are always needed errand. Then his own part begins. His master at the home end of the missionary enterprise: leaves it to him to rise early or late, take long or for the dedication of life and for the dedica- short cuts in the road, and many other details. tion of resources; both appeals imply an earlier But when he arrives he must give account of his dedication of spiritual force. Experience shows faithfulness. that the money comes harder than the lives. Young people at this present hour seem to see in Just so Christian missionary work a larger opportunity I have God's bidding to perform; but mind than their elders count it to be. And body, all of me, though made and meant For that sole service, must consult, concert But what are the terms of appeal for either or With my own self and nobody beside, both the youth and their elders? What can make How to effect the same: God helps not else. the enterprise look so great and alluring to Christians that both life and money will be forth- It is not strange that from tiIn.e to time we must coming? stop and ask what are the best ways of doing what remains always as our task.
In the recent past the appeal was predominantly After all, missions continue to be a Christian double-the command of Christ and the need of movement and not merely a general humane enmankind throughout the world. Has anything deavor. It is, to be sure, the most humane enhappened to change the force of that double ap- deavor that humanity is now making, but it has peal? Have new elements emerged which weaken its roots in something deeper than kindly impulses the old appeal or that can make a stronger call toward other people. There is no effective plea than these? Can both appeals be reworded so that for missions which can be addressed to those who they may fit better into present-day moods? do not intend to be accounted Christians. If one really does not care greatly for Christ, he will not Certainly nothing has altered the essential pur- greatly care for Christ's call to service. One must pose of the missionary movement. There was no "come" before one will "go." There is not enough date nor any particular description of world con- ditions when the command of Christ was given, "drive" in a mere humanitarian movement to nor when at various periods the work was under- carry one overseas on a mission for Christ, nor taken afresh. Neither the command nor history to keep one there after the first shock of repulse permits evasion nor compromise. by those whom one means to benefit. Nor is there sufficient force in the social impulse to persuade The methods of work must be suited to the con- men in general to maintain persistent and sacriditions under which it is to be done. The New ficial giving. The motives for such a work must Testament gives no details as to what methods be powerful and continuous, not intermittent and should be followed. It brings us merely the clear- impulsive. The appeal has to be made to Chriscut word of our Master in six verbs: Go, preach tians, not to grown-up Boy Scouts who are exthe Gospel, make disciples, teach, baptize into the pected to do "a good deed every day," beautiful as triune Name, bear witness to Christ. To make that purpose is and fine as the habit is. this kind of work effective the continued presence of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit are The question keeps recurring whether we ought promised. How it is to be done, and what is to be still to continue to emphasize the dire need of the the general outcome, we are not told. Our part is world and of each individual for Christ and the to do the work, with the promise of God's presence life He can bring – spiritual, moral, social, ecoand power. nomic – or to stress instead the reconstructive programs of international peace, interracial un- Recall the illustration of Robert Browning in derstanding and the social justice. Are we his Prince Hohenstiehl Schwangau. The courier seeking only to bring individuals to Christ for is sent by his master on an errand and is given personal redemption or are we trying also to readequate equipment. He is told to go a thousand miles to a certain destination and to do a definite construct the social order under which so many [75 ]
wrongs are done and so much evil exists? Is it world. In some factors those lands merely share eternal life and Heaven we are offering, or are we in these needs with the rest of the world; in some seeking to establish the rule of God on earth? matters, non-Christian lands hold a tragic pre- eminence-in ignorance, in poverty, in social in- It would be a narrowing of our conception of difference, in callous neglect, in attitude toward the Gospel of Christ if we did not answer the women, in superstition, in unworthy and degradquestion with "both-and" rather than "either-or." ing human practices. In such particulars the The Gospel is adequate both for the individual "sending countries" are far beyond the "receiving and for all the world and is needed for both. Yet lands." If need is to be measured in quantity, in it is clear that miSSIonary concern continues to be lives affected, in weakness of corrective measures, primarily with the earlier half of the question. then ,the "receiving lands" must be counted far So many agencies are now at work on general in- more needy than the "sending lands." If it is international and interracial programs that they are sisted that dire needs still exist in all lands, the not in danger of serious neglect by good people, reply is a sad and unqualified admission of the much as they still need to be pressed. Enough fact, along with an earnest reminder that in some ought certainly to be included in the missionary lands many great agencies are at work for the appeal to make it very clear that the temporal correction or alleviation of these evils and that in earthly needs of men are of deep missionary con- other lands such agencies are lacking or feeble. cern. But the basic necessity for a new spirit in individual men and women is not emphasized as Certainly we cannot expect any permanent conmuch as is needed, nor is the need of the indi- cern for Christian missions if we do not look upon vidual considered today so much as it should be. them as a means of supplying some real need. This is a distinctive missionary task. It is sheer intrusion if those to whom we go do not need what we bring. We do not take gif.ts of Missionary advocates must make room in pro- medicine to a family in full health nor offer food gram and appeal for those who are called to carry and clothing to a family fully supplied against forward one phase of Christ's work for men, even the winter. If the religions of other lands are adethough they may feel that the part to which they quate, we need not present Christ to them. The are called is so important as to cover the whole appeal based on need is not invalidated, but it program. They may not welcome the more dis- must be used in humility and love and never in tinctly personal element we would emphasize, but arrogance or contempt. The facts assembled by we may welcome their part because it is truly part Dr. Stephen J. Corey in his "Beyond Statistics," of the whole. One group feels that nothing is are too abundant to leave any serious question of really of permanent value but individual sur- the service of missions to meet existing need, need render to Christ and personal redemption; an- much too real to be dismissed by occasional or other group feels that social reconstruction is frequent instances of culture and advantage found most important and alone can justify the pro- among the people by these other lands. gram. We can welcome both objectives for we can be sure that only spiritually reconstructed in- Today we recognize the newly arisen need in dividuals can properly reconstruct society, and the world for a unifying and mollifying spirit. that when an individual is really reconstructed When nations and races were safely distant from he will be ready to take his place as a rebuilder each other, their underlying defects made little or of the social order. Our Lord once warned His no difference. Today, when nations and races disciples against too narrow views of fellow- are in unavoidable contact, there must be either workers (Mark 9: 38f) , though He recognized conflict or understanding. Some form of world also that there is always danger of affiliations brotherhood mus·t develop, something that will which really vitiate His program (2 Cor. 6: 17, make men everywhere try to understand each 18). The issue is really not between the different other and to work in fellowship. If it is asked parts of the program but as to their order-which whether there can be a world brotherhood, the is primary and which is logical outcome. Too reply is that there is one now – the Christian many social developments and reformations have brotherhood. This is weak and ineffective in resulted from "preaching the simple Gospel" to many places, betrayed over and over again by allow us to count such work unimportant in the those who should be its staunchest supporters, but Christian movement. We must not reverse cause it is always present, checking its own violations, and effect; we must not try to produce the fruits challenging its membership to fuller sympathy, of the Christian life while we neglect its roots. shaming them for their failures. It is no weak The missionary movement is concerned centrally plea for missions that it is the largest single wi~h rootage, with cause, but collaterally it is also agency in forming this world brotherhood, and deeply concerned with fruits and with effect. that every man truly won to Christ automatically becomes a member of it. There is no short cut Much may be said about the downright and to its realization and it cannot be framed by legis- tragic needs which still mark the "non-Christian"
EFFECTIVE MISSIONARY APPEALS TODAY
lation nor by treaties or leagues. It must be the but a messenger of One who claims all men for outcome of the service of those who now follow Christ in seeking men everywhere to join the Himself. ranks of His followers. The process will be just 4. Noblesse oblige-making some decent effort as slow or as rapid as we make it, and its speed is measured by our faithfulness to this principal to share with those who lack them the undeserved method of service. favors of life which we possess. Christ is the great gift of God to us; who are we to let the Here is also the true basis for the much used gift stop with us? idea of "sharing"-the feeling that we go to other lands to "share" our best with them. Of course 5. The present wide ruin of life can be prewe should learn what they can teach us; every vented· by the new and renewing Spirit which missionary learns a vast deal from the land to Christ gives. If anyone doubts the ruin of life, which he goes. But on hiS" main errand for Christ let him look around; if it is ruined here it is he does not go as an inquirer, wondering if per- ruined yonder, equally or more, and ruin hurts haps he may learn something in the other land and brings death wherever it occurs. Certainly which will replace that to which he has given his the ruin is as dire there as here and there are life and for which he has gone out as a messenger few to bring the remedy there. of Good Tidings. If the people to whom he goes know something which he may well learn, much 6. The call to lay our Christian faith down more does he know something which they may alongside of world religions, in assurance that it well learn and that is his principal errand – to will carry its own argument and its conviction of give the knowledge of Christ and to start the truth. The missionary movement does not seek vital influences which flow out from Him. We to attack, as it does not adopt, these religions. have no successful appeal to young people who are The message and power of Christ merely gives not committed to Christ as their Lord and Sav- men of this day what many of their fathers once iour, first and foremost. Their knowledge of Him had-some knowledge of God and of another and and His truth will grow with the years, but its better Way of Life which they may accept if they roots must lie snugly in the life of the missionary will. Vital religions always have traveled, and before he s,tarts on his errand. races of men have accepted and followed new reli- gions many times in history. It is no impertinence The Appeal That Inspires Volunteers to present the Christian faith; if men of today find this faith better than the religion they have Let the effort, then, be made to phrase the ap- had, it is no more than their fathers did in acceptpeal of today in explicit terms. What have we to ing the faith they now have. After hearing an urge that will inspire the unreserved gift of lives address in which the Christian faith was preand possessions? sented, a young Hindu said: "The speaker did not mention our faith, but if what he says about the 1. The call to layout life where many others Christian faith is true, our faith is not true." cannot or do not go to help men. There is need One religion does not reform another; it replaces at home-yes, and thousands of people are here it. concerned for its supply; there is need abroadyes, and only tens of people, or none at all, are 7. The call to advance the whole program of concerned. Where shall the one life be laid out, human unity. The human race needs to have all if one is free to choose? its parts brought into right relationships around the best which any part of the race knows. This 2. The desire of earnest people in "mission lays the chief burden of world unity on the races lands" for help in removing hindrances in the way that know Christ and His vitalizing and unifying of their own people. The first missionaries went power. to foreign lands without being asked, simply because they were needed. Noone now needs to go 8. The call to bring relief to real need in many without being asked to meet needs, for these are lines-spiritual primarily, but intellectual, physikeenly felt in all lands. The "man of Macedonia" cal and social as well. The first relief is generally has come out of the vision and will meet the right brought to individuals, but it often leads to changworkers at the shore, sometimes alone and with- ing a whole social practice and to relieving need out a crowd of supporters, but ready to welcome in a wide circle. It would not be impertinent to men who will "help" him in making Christ known. seek to relieve real need in the next street; why should it be impertinent to relieve the need in an- 3. The opportunity in the name of Christ to other land? assert the value of personality against the contempt or low regard of masses of men and even of All this runs back to the fundamental assurance many rulers. The Christian missionary is the of Christ's desire as expressed in His commission prime believer in the value of men to whom he to His disciples, and to the promise of His abidgoes; he is no superior person going to inferiors, ing presence. There is no successful appeal for life or money for this enterprise to people who do not know Him.
Dynamic of Philippine
I I -~ By the REV. ENRIQUE C. SOBREPENA, D.D., Manila tg.··- FOR four decades the people of the United vide us more adequately with material benefits. States, through their government, have coop- As a result, there is now increased activity in the erated with the Filipinos in building a new cultivation of hitherto .untouched lands and the Filipino nation. The best things of America have development of our great mineral resources. With contributed to this development. The form of increased wealth for the people, there should come government of the Philippines has gradually been better living conditions for all.
builded in the form of that of the United States. During these last forty years sanitation, hy- With it there has come into our life knowledge giene, and medical science have greatly advanced and practice of those her e. Consequently, great principles of de- the Filipinos today are mocracy w h i c h have The Rev. Enrique C. Sobrepena, D.O., is the mod- generally healthier and helped the American sturdier than were those people to grow strong. erator of the United Evangelical Church of the Phil- of a generation ago. ippine Islands. He came to America to represent the Diseases which used to We Filipinos are now new church of his native land at the Centennial cele- send thousands of peoguaranteed in our own pIe to untimely graves Constitution the same bration of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. have now been brought rights of free speech, Dr. Sobrepena has been reelected bie.nnially moderator under control. The epifree press, free assem- of the United Church for five successive terms. He demics of cholera, diphbly, and free worship was also a member of the Constitutional Convention theria, typhoid fever, which we first enjoyed and smallpox-the ravunder the Constitution and he assisted in the drafting of the plan of govern- ages of which were well of the United States. known to the older gen- ment for the Philippine Commonwealth. eration _ are no longer To the United States Born in Caba, La Union, he was baptized and feared as formerly. Acwe owe also our system cording to a report reof popular education. joined the Evangelical Church while still attending centIy made by thePhl'l- In 1901 the American ippines Health Service, grade school. Upon completion of high school and t ran s p 0 r t steamer Thomas brought to the trade school courses, he served as a surveyor under the government. In 1920 he came to the United States and entered Macalester College. For two years he studied at Princeton Theological Seminary and took graduate courses in the University. He was graduated from Drew Theological Seminary in 1926. During his student dayS in Princeton and Drew he served as pastor of the Filipino Church in Brooklyn and was one of the founders and first president of the Filipino Students' Christian Moveme.nt, organized in 1923 dur- ing the Student Volunteer Movement convention in Philippines a thousand Indianapolis. smallpox – which used teacherR recruited from After returing to the Philippine Islands in 1926, to take toll of so many American colleges and Mr. Sobrepena became pastor of the United Church lives, to say nothing of schools 0 f education. in Manila and t<llught in the Union Theological S·em- marring the features of To them and to their inary. When the Union College of Manila was or- large numbers of people successors we owe the ganized, Dr. Sobrepena was called as president. -claimed not one viclarge decrease of illiter- tim last year. As a reacy _ an illiteracy due Dr. Sobrepena is a member of the board of trustees suIt of this scientific to the fact that previ- of Silliman University and the' Union Theological knowledge and other Seminary, has served as executive secretary of the Philippines Council of Religious Education and is editor of the local official organ of the United Evan- gelical Church, The Advance.
ously schools had been factors for the strength- intended almost entirely ening of physical life, for the children of those in power. As education the Filipino is much better prepared to take his and understanding have spread, so we have ad- part as a citizen.
vanced commercially, socially, and religiously. But the most significant contribution to our peo- Upon our educated citizens rests the success, and pIe has been made not by the government or by even the existence of our republican form of gov- commerce or by medicine, but by the evangelical ernment. churches of the United States. We Filipinos, as Our acquaintance with the Americans, who a people, had not been without some knowledge of have husbanded their national resources to afford the Christian religion. Spain, as a colonizing comfortable living conditions, has also inspired us power, brought to her subject peoples the institu- to develop our rich natural resources so as to pro- tions and doctrines of Christianity as she believed [78 ] EVANGELICAL STUDENTS, AS VOLUNTEER TEACHERS, CONDlTCTING A CHRISTIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL IN A VILLAGE' IN THE PHILIPPINES them. But religion, as we knew it before the churches has succeeded in drawing together Filicoming of the American missionaries, did not play pino men and women who believe in the teachings an important part in the transformation of the and the power of Jesus Christ. They are thus individual lives and in the vitalizution of social brought into a virile fellowship fired by a common progress. The presentation of Jesus Christ by purpose – that of making individual and social the messengers of the Gospel as an actual, pur- life thoroughly Christian. poseful reality for the release of men from the bondage of sin and selfishness-preparing them With the continued help of the older and for the life that is to make them veritable assets stronger churches of America, we believe that the in their communities – has made the life and Evangelical Church of the Philippines will grow in teachings of Christ truly vital factors in our na- strength and usefulness, accepting Jesus Christ tional progress. The evangelical missionary work as the dynamic force for the saving of individual carried on by the representatives of the American lives, for sanctifying social institutions, and en- riching all human relationships.
"During my ministry for nearly half a century I have tried to keep abreast of modern developments, and to keep in touch with modern knowledge, but through all the years I have carried on what people call an "evangelical" ministry. I do not see that historical criticism or scientific discovery or the new psychology invalidates in the slightest degree the central and essential Gospel that God was in Christ reconciling the world .to Himself."
J. D. JONES, Bournemouth, England.
a Missionary
By GEOFFREY W. ROYALL, Tientsin, Shantung Missionary of the Church of the Nazarene "KNoWLEDGE, like religion, must be 'ex- in the home lands, the responsibility to ageing perienced' in order to be known," Whipple parents on the 'white side of the world – these reminds us. There are many things that things are, forever greedily sapping the vital only editors know-and they won't tell! Likewise energy of the missionary, generally unconsciously, there are some things known only to' doctors, to for his mind and time are too taken up with his pastors and to mothers. I would tell the saga of immediate tasks to stop and think about them!
things that "only a missionary knows." This Did you ever bury a son or daughter in the knowledge comes from personal experience and jungle of a pagan land? No? Missionaries have.
not from books. Have you ever fought wicked spirits and matched The young missionary knows what it means to your wits with Satan's minions? Missionaries literally bid farewell to father, mother, brothers, have! Did you ever walk into villages where a sisters, and to an ever-increasing host- of friends white man has never stepped and where the name and set his face toward an alien heathen land to of Jesus has never been uttered? No? Well miswhich he has not even been invited. The pros- sionaries have-and are still doing so.
pects of furthering his education, the thoughts of The missionary knows what it means to say becoming successful in business, the possibilities goodbye to his children, to leave them at home for of building towers of friendships (the foundations education while father and mother return to of which have already been laid in youth), the heathen lands to help civilize, help educate and idea of fitting naturally into his place in a modern help save someone's else children! Drop into alcivilization-for all these things to be suddenly most any college and you will find splendid young wiped off the blackboard of life is no easy thing. men and women whose parents are a thousand A missionary knows the sudden jarring impact leagues away on mission fields. Neither parent of a heathen land. No one invited him to come! nor child considers his an unnecessary or unwill- He has been thinking white ever since he first ing sacrifice. This they do for Christ's sake.
looked into the mirror. Now his thinking must be These are among the things known to missionaries in terms of black, yellow or brown, depending -and their children.
upon the land in which he labors. His mother In the business world the basis upon which a tongue must now be painfully switched over to man is paid a salary depends, generally speaking, the staccato of the Kingdom of Kimonos, the sing- upon his ability. The better his education, the song of the Dragon Kingdom, the gutteral lan- more skilled his hand and the richer his experience guage of the pigmies or the mellifiuent rhythm of will mean that he can demand a larger remunerathe Spanish-speaking lands. He must master this tion for his services. The clergy, generally speaknew language, not that his pockets may be soon ing, receive their emolument according to their lined with silver, but that the King's crown may qualifications and experience. An older pastor be provided with adequate gems! will generally command a larger church and in- come than his inexperienced contemporary. On The abrupt change in climate and its inevitable the other hand a gifted young minister may be reaction upon the body, the natural mental strain that comes in the transition from the customs of placed in a better parish than an older man. The one nation to another, the resultant embarrass- remuneration of the missionary does not increase ment that follows his first efforts to speak an with his efficiency and experience and does not de- exotic language-all these are among the less sig- pend on the size of. his parish. The missionary nificant potpourri of expeI1iences that make up who is appointed to the superintendency of a mis- the background of the young missionary's novi- sion field receives larger responsibilities, more tiate. criticism, more sleepless nights and a greater de- mand upon his pocket-but nothing extra in it! Home-sickness is a common ailment among new Yes, the missionary is reimbursed in spiritual missionaries! To be surrounded year after year rewards-not in dollars! by superstition and darkness, the lack of Chris- tian fellowship that you take so much for granted The missionary knows what it means to have [80 ] to combat the unwholesome influence of fellow What should be the attitude of an evangelical countrymen on the mission field. For instance, a missionary in Spain or China today! He knows well-known tobacco company has as its slogan far better than any war correspondent just who here in the Orient: "A cigarette in the mouth of is in the right and who in the wrong. How often every Chinese within three years!" While two, does his righteous indignation clamor for expres- thousand coffins are piled within the vicinity of sion, only for discretion to step in and become the the Temple of Heaven (the execution ground) inevitable better part of valor, lest his tongue be- outside Peking, waiting to house the bodies of un- tray his legitimate disapproval of the powers that fortunate opium addicts and pedlars who may be illegitimately be! How often does the missionary executed this year, our so-called Christian nations sit upon a hypothetical fence and keep his mouth (one of which was originally partly responsible shut, for his garments must never smell of poli- for the introduction of opium into China) thrust tics. His ministry relates to the soul rather than out their minions with a milder form of poison to to the rice bowl. To express himself in favor of take its place! Big self-seeking oil companies either party would be to place himself between force up the price of gasolene and its by-products the Scylla of offending the people that he has come and gain a monopoly over a trade that could other- to help civilize, educate and save and the Charyb- wise sell its goods at thirty per cent below the dis of provoking the powers that be.
present figure and still make a profit. The inroad Disappointments and Ecstasy of unwholesome twentieth century films with the resultant lowering of social and moral standards, A missionary knows the keen disappointment is also among the galaxy of evils which make up of passing through sometimes a whole year withthe missionary's environment. out receiving a letter from those whom he counts Remember, a missionary has to keep the Stars among his dearest friends. "Of course we'll be and Stripes or the Union Jack from being dragged writing to you every month," was their glib promin the dust of international misunderstandings, as well as his primary task of keeping the banner of ise in farewell. They have not forgotten you (oh the Cross flying high and unsoiled. He is, as a no!) but they just don't think to sit down and rule, the first pioneer and the first ambassador to write you a real newsy letter. They prefer to give the pagan lands. Trade, commerce and interna- their nickle to Wriggley Junior inst€ad of to the tional relationships follow, rather than precede, Post Office! To one far from home there is no the footsteps of the missionary. emptiness like that of an empty mail-box. Read that again. How far can the Christian apostle to the heathen lower his standards without compromising? How What are the emotions and impressions of the can he keep a clear conscience and yet permit herald of the Gospel on his return to the Occident? certain heathen customs to continue even after a Only the missionary knows. Perhaps his mother family has embraced Christianity? A new con- or father died while he was on the mission field vert's plurality of wives for instance. These in- and will not be there to greet him. He has been tricate problems and perplexing questions and a royal ambassador of good will (without port- their answers are known only to the missionary. folio!) to the courts of the heathen as well as an Often a missionary knows what it means to evangelical envoy with insignia from his church. Only those vitally interested in his going will be dwell continually in the midst of a bandit-ridden, . on hand to greet him on his return. war-torn, famine-stricken land, where the toil, tears and triumphs of years may be apparently The advance of modern civilization since the swept away in a day. (The writer has just re- World War has been so pronounced and rapid, turned to Tientsin from an enforced 2,OOO-mile that the missionary of today, who returns to the trip to the interior. He went against the wishes homelands after an absence of only five years, will of his Consul and in a period of forty-five days discover more changes than his fellow minister of bumped directly and indirectly into war, floods, twenty years ago who returned after an absence earthquake and plague! The last seventeen days of ten years! Time marches on-the modern miswere spent in quarantine on a British ship off the sionary must keep pace as best he can.
coast of China under the surveillance of the al- For the first few weeks at home he will feel lost.
mond eye of Nippon. Cholera had menaced the His clothes may be out of date. His English vo- ship on its way from Shanghai and it broke out cabulary will in all probability need definite atten- before the boat reached Tientsin. Three passen- tio,n. The threads of civilization must be taken up gers died of the disease.) There are few, if any, where they were dropped. Calloused society is missionaries who have not at some time or other suspicious of him. His body will be weary and been pilloried as "foreign devils" or whose own his mind tired yet, following a few months of re- every-day customs have been mistaken by the na- laxation, it will be his privilege to spend the re- tives as barbarian gaucheries. mainder of his furlough in deputation work.
Then, rested, more or less, he will return to the tide that ebbs and flows or as the moon that regland of his ambassadorship. ularly loses its face once a month!
There is one more thing that is known only to Let a legion of missionaries (modern but not the missionary. It is the unspeakable ecstasy that modernistic) scattered along a score of far-flung fills his heart on seeing the Light of the Gospel battle fronts, and upon whom the sun never sets, break in upon men who were born and who have challenge you to barter your "interest" for a real lived their lives in darkness. To see heathendom genuine "burden." Interest is extrinsic, a genuine light its spiritual candle at his lamp without de- burden is always intrinsic. priving him of any flame-yes, this is the time when dollars are cheapest and spiritual diamonds These, then, are some of the things that "a misare the rarest! sionary knows." Think well upon them, add to them the call and claim of the Christless multi- If you, reader, are one of those who have only tudes and the dynamic commands of our Lordan effervescent, spasmodic interest in Foreign and then be lethargic if you dare! Missions-and they are a plethoric tribe-then go back and look for your cross! Your prayers and Today-send us more "oil for the lamps of your gifts are like your interest-sporadic, incon- China," more spiritual nurture for young Mother sistent and therefore not to be depended upon. India, more doctors and nurses for the "Black Alas, mere interest is like the proverbial railroad Ward in the World's Hospital," and more light time-table, a woman's mind, the weather-subject for the Kingdom of Kimonos. to change without notice! General interest may speak all languages and act all parts but it carries Tomorrow-we will share with you these "diano load. Mere interest has the security though monds in the rough"; polished by the power of not the virtue of principle. It is too much like the the Spirit, with your own hand you may set them into the crown of the King of kings.
Missionary Pioneering Today By KENNETH G. GRUBB, London, England Survey Department, World Dominion Press W HAT is a pioneer? This question, like world has no frontiers except those which he seeks most which raise a problem in definitions, to abolish. He admits no defeats and is satisfied is not easy to answer. There are pioneers with no victories-except the last. The pioneer of trade, as well as pioneers of ideas, of explora- spirit shows a genius for breaking bounds. tion, and of evangelization. When a soul detaches itself from the complex activities of its time, when The missionary pioneer has led the advance of amid the maze of committees, institutions, pre- Christianity into the non-Christian world. This occupations and criticisms of the day, a soul as- has been such a distinctive service that many asserts its freedom and plunges far away from its sociate the word "pioneer" almost exclusively own environment, then the pioneer spirit is born. with the attempt to reach unevangelized fields When that soul has realized the sum of its attain- with the Gospel of Christ. Some missions have ments, when it sinks back into that background been founded almost wholly on a pioneer policy: from which it arose, when the fruit of its initia- they have not wished to undertake the upbuilding tive has been gathered by the institution out of of the Church. It is obvious that, unless the which it was born, a pioneer achievement ends, pioneer has himself failed, his scope is limited. and the second stage begins-that of development Today, there are not many well populated regions where the Gospel has never been preached. The and consolidation. whole world has, in the main, been covered by a Some such conception would probably cover the network of missions, Roman Catholic and Prot- estant, which have created churches and congrevarious uses of the word pioneer. The missionary gations in many thousands of places. Such occuis concerned with evangelization, a living vibrat- pation is gravely inadequate, but the remaining ing process, which is ever claiming new leader- task can hardly be called a pioneer one. ship, new methods, and which ever leads onwards to new horizons. The pioneer is always breaking It is necessary to distinguish between "closed new ground and is working for the future. His lands" and the real pioneer task. If the Gospel has not been carried into certain areas like Af- cases, the best pioneer evangelists come from the ghanistan or Tibet, it is not because the Church Church itself, which, by its intimate ties with the has not borne these lands on its heart, but because life of the land, is better equipped to undertake there are artificial obstacles to evangelization. In the occupation of new areas. The place of the such cases the challenge wears the air of a pioneer missionary will then be behind the front line, task, but is actually of a different order. It is counselling and aiding, giving his time, perhaps, generally useless for a small mission to send out to the training of evangelists, and to that unob- one or two inexperienced men to sit down indefi- served but constant service of love which is the nitely on the borders of these lands; indiscreet essence of fellowship.
action puts the real advance even farther off. In This means that there will not be the same de- these cases there is no open door, but there is a mand in the future for the special type of pioneer call to prayer, which may be as effective in Amer- missionary who has been so useful in the past.
ica as in northwest India. This problem, in any It is notorious that pioneers are often difficult to case, is not one for inexperienced men. It seems live with; they are angular people; they are ac- absurd to put the more poorly equipped men to customed to facing critical situations entirely work on the most difficult task, if we are not to alone and to finding unusual solutions for totally expect failure. The highest wisdom, experience novel problems, and that on the spur of the mo- and devotion are needed when the obstacles are ment. These defects are those of their qualities.
greatest. The present-day situations do not demand less The pioneer task, in the old meaning of the initiative, and do not offer any the less scope for words, is limited. The writer can remember, personality. But they generally call for wisdom, hardly a decade ago, making a journey of nearly for the cooperative spirit, lor patience, sympathy six months without passing through one mission and understanding in an unusual degree. They station, but such areas were very sparsely popu- often suggest a reversal of our sense of what is lated. Does this mean that the greater part of important and unimportant; if rigid organiza- the population of the world is really evangelized? tion, efficiency, and the like represent the ideal of Unfortunately, No; this is far from being the good missionary work, then the sooner the ideal case. The christianization of the world is like an is abandoned the better.
incomplete mosaic. All over the map there are It may be doubted whether a consciousness of scores of small pieces of varying denominational the changed situation has fully penetrated the out- colors; between and among them there are very look of those training institutions which have many gaps where other pieces are needed to com- mainly prepared missionaries of the pioneer, plete the pattern. These gaps cannot be filled up evangelistic type. At the same time it is difficult by a piece of any color, by some new mission to agree with the implication of "Rethinking Mis- planting itself anywhere in cheerful faith. For sions" that only men of exceptional intellectual effective results it is essential that the denom- ability should be sent to the mission field. Such inational pattern, when complete, should at least men, in any vocation or profession, are rare, and present some degree of harmony. It is, therefore, in any event are by no means always the best rep- necessary that the completion of the task should resentatives of a cause which calls for devotion of be carefully considered in its relation to the exist- the heart as much as skill of the mind. The de- ing and adjacent churches. The zeal of those who mand of the present hour is not so much for men diligently pore over the map to see where a new of this type, as for men of simplicity and strength mission can by any means be dropped down may of character who have the courage to refuse popu- be admired but not commended. larity, abjure the temptations which accompany This does not mean that the day of the mission- influence. They will decline to spend time on any ary is over. A great need of recruits is felt by activities except the simplest, which are nearly almost every mission. In such a country as China always the most difficult, being for this reason the hundreds of new missionaries are required. But most neglected. Sympathy, humility, sacrificial the place of the missionary will, in the future, be living and unswerving loyalty are indispensable modified. There is some difference of opinion here, to the modern missionary. Unless he is loyal, how which arises from the different conditions in vari- can he expect to be of any service to a Church ous lands. In many cases the missionary can still which, as in the Far East today, is faced by grave do work, if not of a pioneer nature, then approxi- tests of faith, wisdom and courage?
mating to that. He can take the lead in opening Far from admitting any spiritual laxity, the up new districts, in establishing new congrega- present situation demands an immense increase tions, always in cooperation with the local church of spiritual power. The lonely pioneer is of neces- and in such a way that when the pioneer stages sity cast upon God; he has no other resource, and have been traversed the new congregation can no other hiding-place. The artificial conditions of find fellowship among the existing ones. In other civilization, along with accessibility of friends and
numerous available channels of help and support ground, environment and support through which bring a greater temptation to look elsewhere than alone the pioneer's initiative can be fruitful, and to God alone for inner strength and power of en- without which it will be both as spectacular and durance. It is strange to meet missionaries who as useless as a meteor in the night. To the Church, are unhappy if the wireless is not functioning as such, the majority of the great reforms, the maclearly. The old pioneer conditions did at least jority of the great missionary advances have apthrow a man back upon God; the writer has peared unrealizable. It has required the pioneer found few things so spiritually beneficial as being to break down the barriers, to destroy the vicious lost. The starving find God in a way in which He circles, and "to build above the deep intent the is rarely known by those who have never known deed." want. This sense of the utter indispensability of God, of the impossibility of any real help except The elements of solitude and uniqueness belong from Him, needs to be restored to the whole mis- to all pioneer acts. This solitude is not always sionary enterprise. external, it may be a loneliness of the heart. Alone, the Saviour moved to his appointed doom; Furthermore, every age is constantly offering alone St. Paul heard the Macedonian call; alone its pioneer problems. Every age brings the Luther stood before the Emperor at Worms. Church grave challenges, in the face of which the attitude of the majority is either silent acquies- I hear a voice you cannot hear cence or the voting of resolutions. But a resur- Which says I must not stay; gence of iniquity, under polite modern forms, is not to be met by resolutions but by resolution ex- I see a hand you cannot see, pressing itself in action. Someone must detach Which beckons me away. himself from the main drift of popular opinion, stand out, be made a fool and called a fanatic: he The pioneer's act is also unique: it can never be is a pioneer. In every age some grain of wheat repeated. Some things can only be done once: must fall into the ground and die; someone must Columbus discovered America and no one else can be crucified in order that by death life may ac- do it; Edison invented the phonograph and no quire meaning, and words be convicted of their one else can invent it. It is the privilege of the futility in the face of the deed. pioneer to do the unique act, which cannot be done a second time. In order to relate the work of the pioneer to the progress of the Church we must consider his func- It must be our prayer that the indigenous tions more closely. The pioneer is, in a sense, a churches of Africa and the East will also have solitary representative of an order that is to be. their own pioneers of thought. They must face He enters a new province with the Gospel exem- their own spiritual and intellectual problems, and their own pioneers must emerge in order to solve plifying in his own person the new life that is to them. Oliver Wendell Holmes divides thinkers into three classes: there are the original thinkers; come. In his own life and message he clears away there are the retailers of these men's thoughts, a mass of corruption that has come to be called a who are generally equipped with profound specusocial habit. He therefore stands for a new order lative powers; and there are the re-retailers who at present composed of one individual. He can popularize and illustrate. The first class are the do this because he is constantly compelled by an true pioneers of thought, and we must pray that internal necessity which is nothing less than an the Churches of our day may possess them. identity of life and action. He has to make a movement out of something which, either by ac- It must further be our prayer that the "younger quiescence or definition, has become a halt. He Churches" may have spiritual pioneers, men puts the whole essence of his faith and life into whose very presence in the congregation reveals action in his own field. the restlessness of a spiritual Alexander, ever sighing for new worlds to conquer. They must be But his field is also the field of the Church itself men who can call the fainting back to God, who -the world. The Church, although a divine so- can inspire the Church, and declare the whole purciety, is in its human aspect the medium of pose of God in and through His people, who can intercommunication through which individual freely face and accept responsibility in a constant Christian souls interact with one another. It is assurance of the love of God. Without such con- Christian individuals that make Church history. secrated spiritual pioneers, we may well despair It is the duty of the Church to provide the back- of the outcome of our missionary work.
Foreign Missionary of
By REV. J. LOVELL MURRAY, D.D.
Director of the Canadian School of Missions, Toronto, Canada "MISSIONARIES should be weighed, not the development of their churches rests largely on counted," said Dr. Gustav Warneck over their own nationals. The other is the percolating thirty years ago. That wise and learned into those churches of the intense spirit of na- tionalism which is abroad in their countries and missionary scholar was speaking in a time when which resents the leadership of foreigners. These the Christian missionary force throughout the factors, which have brought some perplexities as world was being widely discussed in terms of its well as much rejoicing to the missionaries on the numerical proportions. The quality of the work- field, have been having their effect too in the ers was not stressed as it is today. The Laymen's "sending countries." One of the reasons for the Missionary Movement was then presenting its sag in the missionary interest and response of challenge for the complete occupation of unevan- church members is undoubtedly the attitude which gelized lands on the basi,s of one missionary to says, "Why continue to harp on the question of every 25,000 of the population. The needs of each missions? The Churches over there are now in a field were presented largely by calculating the position to deal with the situation. And besides number of persons that made up the average they don't welcome our missionaries as once they "parish" of the missionaries working there. A did." similar emphasi,s had already characterized the recruiting appeal of the Student Volunteer Move- Are our missionaries still needed and wanted? ment. This was true especially of the first few When the then Educational Secretary of the Stuyears of its work, when the effort seemed to be dent Volunteers, Dr. Milton T. Stauffer, went to mainly one of mass production. the Jerusalem Meeting of the International Mis- sionary Council in 1928, this question was ringing The last quarter of a century has seen a de- in his ears. He had been hearing it in the colleges cided shift of attention from the quantitative to on all sides. He got what light he could at Jeruthe qualitative element in missionary personnel. salem and on his return wrote to prominent rep- The World Missionary Conference at Edinburgh resentatives of the younger churches, many of in 1910 chose the Preparation of Missionaries as whom had been present at Jerusalem, asking for one of its eight major themes. In line with its their frank opinion on the matter. A summary recommendations the Board of Missionary Prep- of their responses as published in a small volume, aration was established in North America and the "A Call for Colleagues," records all but unani- Board of Missionary Studies in Great Britain; mouslyan affirmative answer, although with qualand the questions of the selection and training of ifications as to the kind of missionaries wanted. missionaries have ever since received a generous The opinions of these eminent churchmen of the amount of attention in these and other "home Orient and Africa not only had weight in thembase" countries. At present, in anticipation of selves, but they also qualified as a cross-section of the Madras meeting, a committee is working the sentiment of their fellow-Christians. under the chairmanship of Professor D. J. Fleming on "The Future Task and Preparation of Has that sentiment changed in the interval? Is Missionaries." A particular evidence of this it generally true that our missionaries are still growing interest is found in the facilities that desired by the younger Churches, and if so, are have multiplied for the specialized training of they wanted in decreasing or increasing numbers? candidates and of missionaries on furlough. This question gives rise to two others. For what tasks are they now needed? And what attitude~ In recent years the questions of quantity and and equipment should they bring to the tasks? quality have both been brought into the front of These questions are obviously of basic importance missionary thinking by reason chiefly of two fac- in our missionary plans for the future and in our tors in the "receiving countries." One is the in- current missionary apologetic and appeal. creased competency and ,self-reliance of the Churches in those lands. They are recognizing in Like others actively engaged in missionary work an impressive and practical way that the responsi- at the home base we have been trying in our bility for the evangelizing of their countrymen and school to gauge the sentiment of the Churches in [85 ]
the field on all of these questions. We have made ness has yet been given, or where there are use of correspondence files, of books and periodi- certain. classes of the population unreached by cals, of field reports, of National Christian Coun- Christian effort, the combined resources of the cil documents, and particularly of the judgments older and younger Churches must be enlisted; and brought by several scores of missionaries each therefore that the missionary force should not year from many parts of the mission world. The only be made up to its pre-depression strength concensus of opinion gathered from these sources but be increased still further-and that without has been abundantly confirmed by three bishops, delay. all of them Orientals, whom we have interrogated within the past fortnight. They were Bishop P. S. Why Are They Needed? Sasaki, of the mid-Japan diocese, Bishop P. Lindel Tsen, of the Honan diocese in China, and Bishop Our second question was: For what special tasks V. S. Azariah, of the diocese of Dornakal, Chair- will missionaries be needed in the years before us? man of the National Christian Council of India. All three are trusted and experienced leaders of This is a subject 0 which much careful thought the indigenous Church, with their fingers on the pulse of Christian sentiment in their respective has been given recently and on which much light countries. may be expected from the Madras meeting. The tasks will of course vary in different fields. How Many Are Needed? Readers of THE REVIEW are familiar with a number of special demands which in general seem Our first question was: In what numbers, if at to be made by the changing conditions in which all, are our missionaries still desired? "Desired? missionary work is done – demands for literary Why by all means," they replied at once, appar- workers, religious education experts, specialists ently surprised by the question. They had no in industrial problems, in social service, in rural yearning for an avalanche of poorly furnished and betterment, in youth movements, in women's ill-adapted workers; but they felt strongly that work, etc. the numbers of suitable missionaries should be increased largely and promptly. Bishop Azariah The bishops quite agreed with these calls for pointed to the mass movements in India and to specialized attention. Doubtless, although the the bewilderment of the Church there as it faces subject was not discussed, they would appreciate the problem of shepherding and instructing the the values to be derived from a limited number of tens of thousands who are coming into its mem- short-term workers and also from brief visits by bership yearly. And back of these, are rank upon outstanding specialists, such as the visit which rank of these same depressed classes moving out Professor Luther A. Weigle recently paid to China of Hinduism, they know not whither. Islam is in the interests of religious education. But they ready to absorb them. Sikhism is ready. But the touched only lightly the matter of "specialists" Christian Church is handicapped because its ca- and talked rather of certain branches of Christian pable personnel already is enlisted almost to the effort to which some concentrated attention should limit. More missionaries are urgently needed to be given in the future. Bishop Sasaki emphasized develop teachers of Christian truth. rural evangelism. Necessary as it is to adjust our programs of education, medicine and literature to Bishop Sasaki said that missionary work hither- the actual life of the country people, he regards to had been mainly for middle-class people in evangelism as needing foremost attention. So also Japan, and he pleaded for a large corps of workers in social welfare work. Japan is giving a large from the West to give special attention to the attention to this problem. The missionary who upper classes and to the rural population. Bishop comes as a specialist may easily be just one more Tsen stated that the Chinese Church "would like social worker. His contribution should be disto have as many new missionaries as the Western tinctive by being thoroughly Christian, a phase of countries will allow." Only rabid nationalists evangelism, and should be in close connection with would discourage their coming. Bishop Azariah the Church. The Bishop pointed out that Japan spoke similarly for his cQuntry. "The Indian is also well equipped with state schools and col- Church has a real knowledge of ~ re(J,l need and leges. The justification for the Christian institusees greater opportunities in the future than it tion hereafter will be its effectiveness in building has ever faced and therefore desires a continuous Christian character and this must be its deterflow of missionaries." All three agreed that the mined effort. The result can be best attained if missionary's effort must always be to make him- a boy or a girl can pass through the whole educaself dispensable in his district by his training of tional process-primary school, middle school, colnationals. But they also agreed that so long as lege–under such an influence. there are unoccupied areas, or so-called occupied areas where in large districts no Christian wit- The Chinese situation, in Bishop Tsen's view, calls for a uniform adaptation in medical, educa- tional, and evangelistic work to the changing times. He mentioned religious education and rural work as calling for missionary specialists, giving instruction in Christian doctrine and in but added that looking ahead he saw in all the regard to the Christian Church. He must be preregular lines of service large opportunities for pared to give his life to the Indian Church. "He any missionary workers who would be sent out by should say a thousand times before coming to the older Churches. India, 'The Church must increase; I must de- -crease.''' And if he is to be the teacher of teach- Bishop Azariah felt that in India all mission- ers in the young Church he must be well prepared. aries should consider that for the immediate fu- Bishop Sasaki, in referring to the same thing, ture their primary task is to strengthen the Indian used the expression "the pastor of pastors." The Church. Nothing will invite their energies more same bishop said that most missionaries of the futhan the training of pastors and lay workers to ture, so far as Japan was concerned, should be care for the great ingatherings of today and to- specially qualified to work either among the upper morrow. He stressed the need for lay workers. classes or among the country people. In his own diocese there are no longer any paid evangelists. Church members are told that if It was Bishop Tsen who had most to say on they are Christians they will be evangelists. But this third question. He mentioned three importhey need training; and here the missionary can tant qualifications: (1) The missionary must be and must help. He referred to the new movement prepared to identify himself with the national inof caste people towards Christianity and pointed terests of the people, insofar as these are not conout that caste women will not learn from men. trary to Christian principles. He must regard Women missionaries are urgently needed to wit- himself not as a foreigner but as a member of the ness to them and to train women to do evangelistic community, and with sympathetic understanding work among them. Be had just appealed to the and naturalness must become one with the people. C. M. S. for more women to meet this need. And (2) He must come wide awake and scientifically he added with emphasis that all the Indian lay minded, as ready to learn as to teach. Instead of workers, and the pastors and teachers also, "are bringing along preconceived notions of Chinese needing the inspiration which the Western culture he must patiently seek to ascertain its Churches can contribute out of their centuries true character. He must be slow to condemn cusof Christian experience." This statement sug- toms, such as ancestor worship. Conversely he gests that the missionary should help the young must beware of representing all things Western Church, while achieving indigeneity, to appreciate as being Christian, for to the Chinese some of and to retain its connection with historical and them may seem to be quite otherwise. (3) He ecumenical Christianity. And again he spoke of must consider himself as a member of the local "the pioneer work to be done in unevangelized church. He must not think that he is there to areas and in the yet untouched communities in superintend, to lead, to "run" something, but evangelized districts"-a work in which the mis- must identify himself fully with the group. "I sionary has a large part to play. notice," said the bishop, "that in their thinking many missionaries put themselves apart from the What Kind Are Needed? indigenous churches. They say, 'You wanted to direct the church's affairs. Go and do it. We The third question was: What manner of men won't be in your way.' This is not healthy. There and women must they be who can effectively dis- is just one inclusive 'we.' We teach each other, charge these various tasks in the near future? we learn from each other.. We share the sorrows The bishops were of one mind in regard to certain and failures and also the joys and achievements basic qualifications. First among the categories of our common Church. We go along and we grow of fitness they placed a deep personal experience along together. The missionary may be short in of Christ that impels to witness, and with that a other points, but this attitude is too vitally imsubstantial knowledge of the Christian Scriptures. They felt that denominational views of doctrine portant to be neglected." and church organization were of quite minor importance as compared with "an unshakable faith This symposium of opinion is far from a comin Jesus Christ." They realized too that mental plete survey of the issues which this article was strength and alertness and adequate preparation were never so greatly needed as now. And each meant to embrace. But it was contributed by of them naturally included among necessary quali- "three wise men from the East" who are wielding fications an equipment for the special tasks of large influence in their respective countries and which he had previously been speaking. For example, Bishop Azariah was insistent that the mis- whose elevation as nationals to the episcopate is sionary of the future should be qualified not only a sign of the changing missionary times. It may for personal and public evangelism but also for therefore be taken as a fair synopsis of present thinking among the younger Churches which our missionaries have the privilege of serving. A NEWSPAPER MAN'S TESTIMONY TO MISSIONARIES IN CHINA The most significant job done by Americans in China is neither the buying nor the selling of goods. It is so great a work that it is altogether misunderstood by small minds and even smaller hearts. That is the tremendously important and valuable services of the American missionary.
. These men and women have gone to town and village, bringing with them not only the many varieties of Christianity, but a new cultural pattern; in my opinion, a nobler cultural pattern than the Chinese retained amid the disintegration of China's indigenous social and intellectual establishments during the last century.
Take, as an example, St. John's University in Shanghai, or the Shanghai College (which used to be the Shanghai Baptist College) or Lingnan University (which used to be called the Canton Christian College), or Yenching in Peking or Soochow University, or Yale-in-China- these and many more have kept the light of modern learning aflame in China during the dark days of civil war and revolution and change of government.
* '. * * These missionaries brought medicine and hospital and nursing and child welfare to China. They brought a new conception of social relationships-not man-for-his-family, but man-for- society – a broadening of viewpoint.
They planted the seeds of a social revolution, which, if it did not quickly make China strong, at any rate produced in China a forward-looking, progressive, non-opium smoking monogamous leadership.
Chiang Kai-shek and the Soongs are Christians. In fact, the Soong family is particularly notable for its Christian affiliations, for on the mother's side they trace themselves back to a famous figure at the end of the Ming dynasty who came under the influence of Ricci and whose daughter, Candida, was the first nun in China, while Charles Soong, the father, actually came to China from the United States to teach English and the Bible.
The present Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Dr. C. T. Wang, was .the first Chinese secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in China, while Dr. H. H. Iung, who was in this country recently and is now Premier of whatever remains of government in China, was secretary of the Chinese Y. M. C. A. in Japan at one time.
*** It is impossible to overemphasize the great value to China of the American missionary, of the American school and hospital situated in that country. And it is something to note in these days of collectivist materialism that there has been no return to the United States for this service. It has cost us more, over a century, than we ever earned out of our trade with China. It was the contribution of a well-off people to those who needed our help and assistance.
And it is to be noted here that, in a measure, we did as well by Japan. It is true that the Japanese, sooner than the Chinese, were ready to take over many schools and hospitals which American good will had established in their country. But for years our missionaries labored there, as in China-not forcing anything down unwilling throats, but offering help and service to those who were willing and eager to receive.
I have known the American missionary in China well. He has been my friend. I have lived at his house. He has dined at my table. I know of no human beings who are more self- sacrificing, more loyal to the people among whom they live, more generous and less materially rewarded for an arduous life than most American missionaries. No matter what happens to China, most of them will remain at their posts valiantly laboring for the simple people who love them.-George E. Sokolsky, in "The New York Herald-Tribune."
INTERRACIAL. INTERDENOMINATIONAL MISSIONARY HOSPITAL AT TRUJILLO CITY, SANTO
Christian Unity in Practice By BARNEY N. MORGAN Superintendent, Board for Christian Work in Santo Domingo ONE notable tendency in the Protestant been encouraging signs of Christian unity in the Church for which the last two decades are merging of different evangelical church groups to be remembered is the growing spirit of and the formation of one body out of diverse deunity, whether this has been expressed in actual nominational elements. It is encouraging to note union or is still in the realm of hope. In no place the similar moves toward unity which have taken has the need for true unity been felt more keenly place on fields where different denominations had than on the mission fields where a vision has been already established work in separate camps. the heritage of Protestantism. There was a day when Christians thought they had fundamental In the island of Santo Domingo a dream has bereasons for dividing into separate camps, each of come real and a new philosophy of missions is at which bore a different name. As one moves fur- work. Seventeen years ago when three major ther out from the center of controversy he often denominations of the United States faced realities moves closer to others in an effort to stand vic- there was born the Board for Christian Work in toriously in the face of common foes. The move Santo Domingo. The result has been a movement from a doctrine-centered, to a life-centered ap- which today is an example of Christian unity in proach to religious reality has brought to great action. It was conceived from the beginning as a groups of Christians a growing sense of oneness program of Christian service to a whole country. which demands definite, practical, outward ex- Four departments of activity were organized-the pression. evangelistic finding its center in the church, the medical, the educational and the social. These In many communities in America there have have operated under the direction of the field [89 ]
<, •
90 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD [February superintendent and while each department has its statement, although the church definitely feels own leadership there has been a very decided itself to be heir to the best in the Christian tradiunity both in spirit and action. tion. The ministers have been drawn largely from the constituent denominations having work in The Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., the Meth- Puerto Rico, without regard to balance in numodist Episcopal Church, and the United Brethren ber, but there is being formed a national ministry, in Christ, have from the first acted as a unit in members of which are being ordained by the Genthe promotion of the work; since 1930 the Wes- eral Assembly of the churches. All work, with the leyan Methodist Church of England has also co- exception of that in the Puerto Plata – Samana operated but in 1834 they began to minister to districts-is in Spanish. the English-speaking colored people who a few years before had come to the northern part of the With such an origin the Church has never beisland from the United States and the neighboring come denominationally conscious. In fact even islands. An immigration of Negroes from Penn- the names of different groups have little or no connotation for the Dominican evangelical. This A PATIO SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS IN LA ROMANA has made possible the releasing of spiritual energy for real tasks and not in the building of straw men sylvania, New Jersey and the Carolinas brought to be defended. With a vision of Christian servthe demand for evangelical work. Shortly after ice, whether it be through the channels of the their arrival in 1824 they petitioned their former church proper or through the hospital or schools, churches in the United States for a minister but the evangelical movement has won the respect of no response came to their appeal. In 1832 a group all classes of Dominican society and counts as of twenty-four men signed a petition which was friends many outstanding intellectuals who are sent to the Missionary Society of the Wesleyan helping to shape the future of the Republic. The Methodist Church and in response there was sent relation to the established church – the Roman to Puerto Plata from Turk's Island the Rev. Wm. Catholic – has been one of friendship and the Tindall who established a church there in 1834 critical spirit of former days in many nominally and another in Samana in 1837. The work has Roman Catholic countries has been absent. The been hi-lingual (English-Spanish) with growing superintendent of the Evangelical work and the emphasis on the latter. Now old age and youth, present archbishop, ,an Italian born, naturalized fast growing into manhood, have joined hands American citizen, talk frequently over the common and are marching together down the highway of religious problems which both churches face. Christian unity, for the churches of these districts with a membership of over five hundred have be- Two factors which have aided greatly in the come an integral part of La Iglesia Evangelica approach to the people have been the annual In- Dominicana (The Do min i can Evangelical stitute of Religious Education, an intensive train- Church). The question of vested interests, bar- ing school for workers and young people throughrier to many mergers, scarcely entered into the out the island, and the weekly radio broadcast plan of union. All properties formerly owned by from Ciudad Trujillo. ThQ former has helped in the Wesleyan Methodist Church are being trans- the training of leaders in La Iglesia Evangelica ferred without monetary consideration to the Dominicana and the Free Methodist Church hav": Union Board. La Iglesia Evangelica Dominicana ing work in a separate district in the north of the is a national church and has no ecclesiastical af- island (established before the formation of the filition with any of the constituent denominations Union Board) and also in the preparation of of the Board. It is working out its own form of teachers for the public schools. Several successful government and statement of faith. Up to the teachers received all of their technical training in present no urgent need has been felt for the latter teaching methods in the institutes.
The weekly radio broadcast-a regular feature since August, 1935-has created a wide interest in and understanding of the evangelical program. The weekly program, with music by a trained choir of young people and a short address has given rise to favorable comment by many who are not evangelicals. Reports from all parts of the island and from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Columbia, Costa Rica and the United States bear testimony to the high type of program which is being broadcast.
Hospital Internacional- a part of the union program-is one of the outstanding medical insti- tutions of the country and is serving all classes of
CHRISTIAN UNITY IN PRACTICE
people. For the last eleven years it has been the THE EVANGELICAL UNION CHURCH IN TRUJILLO only source of supply for graduate nurses for the Republic and still maintains the only standard training school for nurses in the country. Less than two years ago the Dominican Red Cross established a school for nurses and the onry graduate nurse on the faculty is from Hospital Internacional which has an all-Dominican medical and nursing staff, with the exception of the superintendent of nurses. Unity with the other departments of the program is secured through the administration of the hospital under the direction of the general superintendent.
Three schools, functioning under the direction of an educational committee named by the General Assembly of the churches, are making a definite contribution in the education of Dominican youth for practical citizenship. All schools are inspected by the government and their standing is first class.
The Social department has made a recognized contribution to youth through the promotion of a Boy Scout and athletic program.
This union project is beyond the purely experimental stage and has developed a stability which augurs well for its future. New trails have been blazed and a highway is open toward Christian unity in this land which Columbus loved. The Republic is enj oying an era of peace and order and religious liberty is guaranteed. One hopes that the influence of this practical demonstration of Christian unity in action may spread to other lands so that oneness in Christ, who knows no dividing line of race, color, nationality, or denomination, may become reality.
CHRISTIANITY DOMINANT IN INDIA In his last public address before returning to India by way of England, Bishop Azariah, of Dornakal, said in New York: There are great opportunities for missionary work in India. One-half the people on the globe are trained in religions which were born in India. There is a peculiar sensitiveness to God in the Indian mind. India is permeated with religious feeling. . . .
It was less than 100 years ago that Christian missions were seriously begun in India. Today a great part of the people are stirred and the Christian religion is dominant in India. Many Indians believe that through Christianity India will become what she ought to be. . . . It was 75 years ago that the first outcaste came to learn and to be baptized. Now, there are in India 1,000,000 Christians, the greater part of them out-castes, but not all: in 1936 we baptized 11,428. They represent all castes. At first, the high-caste Indians came to discuss social questions. This is not so today; they come to be baptized.
Christianity grows quickly in India. This is because the Gospel is first preached to the poor. When Christianity is given first to the poor, it rises and permeates the rich. When Christianity is preached first to the rich and powerful, the reverse is true. . . .
All the people who have come within reach of the Christian message are studying Christianity. The hio,-h-castes and the out-castes are baptized together. This is because the Christian religion has transformed all castes.
-The Living Church. Christian Literature for China By FRANK R. MILLICAN, Shanghai Secretary of the Christian Literature Society for China THE missionary enterprise has mainly been of the literature agencies in China. I would not carried forward along evangelistic, educa- belittle the importance of educational work-I am tional and medical lives. When one reads not discussing that problem now. I would only reports of the millions of dollars annually given point out by way of contrast the tremendous sums and used for these three aspects of work, he can- spent for educational institutions and the meagre not fail to be impressed and filled with gratitude provisions made for anyone of our literature to God. But as we examine more carefully these agencies. Our policy has been millions for edumethods of establishing the Kingdom or rule of cation and thousands for supplying the educated God in mission lands one question arises: Have public with wholesome Christian literature. we fallen too easily into the assumption that these types of work are the only strategic ones? Have Educated people will read. For what purpose we overlooked other means which might be used then are we educating all these masses? Are we equally effectively? I have the deep conviction that educating them to be able to read the volumes of we have sadly neglected one of the most fruitful unwholesome, licentuous and atheistic literature methods of missionary promotion and Christian that is flooding the nation? Have we done our expression. Having lived for nearly thirty years duty when we put into their hands this new in China, where the scholar has been honored and weapon for either good or evil? Or are we where literature or the written page has been held morally obligated not only to create the ability to in sacred awe, we are all the more impressed with read but also to supply the type of literature that this omission in our missionary enterprise. will turn this new skill to constructive and en- nobling ends? Ag.ain I say the public in China While there has been a real failure to appreciate will read, and whether it be in the cities, on the the possibilities of literature as a means of evan- trains or in the country, they find literature of gelism, something along this line has been done. some sort at hand for their consumption. Are we There have been prophetic individuals who have content to let them feed their minds and souls on seen the vision and who have found or made ways whatever they can pick up-largely commercialof using Christian literature in evangelism. Some- ized trash or even worse-or do we feel the oblione may reply that literature naturally falls within gation to flood the reading public with constructhe general field of evangelism. This reply would tive and redemptive literature? be quite valid if literature had been given an adequate place under that heading. I would not Now to "sow China down with good Christian quarrel over the question of classification; that literature"-and that should be our motto-is no is, whether literature should have been a distinct small or unworthy task. It requires determined and conscious division in missionary strategy on and sustained effort. It demands a conscious and a par with education, medicine and evangelism or carefully planned program of cultivation, of pro- duction and of distribution. Our imaginations whether it has more properly been included under need a tremendous stretch to visualize properly the general heading of evangelism. What I do the task in the proportions i.t should be carried wish to emphasize in this article is the fact that forward. There are signs that the leaders in the the strategic importance of Christian literature in forward programs of the church are beginning to the missionary program has been very little ap- awaken a little to this obligation and opportunity. preciated in the conscious formulation of our pro- In more recent conferences and missionary programs and budgets. motion groups in the West we find references to this neglected aspect of our work. In China, too, Take for comparison the emphasis placed on this work is being considered more seriously than education in the past of missionary work. Take in the past. The Church of Christ in China, comthe astounding amount of funds expended for prising one-third of the Christians of China, has plant and staff and current budget in anyone of put literature into its program on a larger scale our larger educational institutions, and compare than formerly. A committee has been set up to this with the petty sums appropriated for anyone [92 ] make a study of the problem and to formulate a ment in Western and Christian thought. This has program of proceedure. This program as pre- done much to break down prejudice and open the sented to the recent General Assembly provided way for the acceptance of the Gospel message. At for the agencies to cultivate this new interest as the same time the C. L. S. always has published well as suggestiDns as to methods of cooperating distinctively Christian literature for this wider with the various literature societies now providing group of readers. Now that secular presses are literature for the church. This is a very hopeful adequately supplying the needs for general and sign. Other Chinese church groups are develop- secular literature the C. L. S. is concentrating ing the same interest. This raises the question more especially on books to supply the needs of what literature societies are working in China and the church. This includes both books for Chriswhat they are doing to meet this grDwing need. tians themselves and books for the reading public. Its catalog reveals a wide variety of subjects. Besides several smaller literature agencies in Starting with Bible Dictionaries and general China we have at least five larger agencies offer- wDrks it goes on to the Life and Teachings of Christ, Apologetics, Religious Education, Coming their services tD the churches. * The Religious parative Religion, Devotional Literature, Biog- raphy, and special works fDr women and children. Tract Society and the Christian Literature So- It aims to supply as far as possible all the literaciety are the two major literature agencies offer- ture needs of the Christian movement in China in ing their facilities to the Christian constituency at all aspects of its work, so far as these are not suplarge. All .of the above akencies have made splen- plied by other societies.. did contributions but all, too, have been greatly handicapped in their work by the lack of adequate The C. L. S. offers facilities f.or the publication funds. The cramping effect of limiting budgets of a wide range of literature frDm the best writers and the efforts to do wDrthy pieces of work an- in the Church in China as well as literature pronually withDut going into the red verge on the vided by special groups. Among the special tragic. What would happen in anyone of these groups working with the C. L. S. in this cooperainstitutions if they could have funds and plant tive task may be mentioned the S. P. C. K. (inand staff comparable to anyone of our larger edu- cluding the wDrk of the Literature Committee .of cational institutions? And just as it takes a large the Sheng Kung Huei (Anglican», Cheeloo number of educatiDnal institutions to meet the School of Theology, Nanking Seminary, the Navarious needs of China so it will probably require tional Christian C.ouncil and the NatiDnal C.omseveral strong literature agencies to meet the mittee for Christian Religi.ous Education in China growing and diverse needs .of the Christian move- (N. C. C. R. E.). There is also a cooperative ment in a country the size of China. We desire as working agreement with the Canadian Mission much cooperation and even organic union in our Press of West China. societies as we can bring about but we ought not to allow the difficulties in this line to hDld us back All the literature agencies in China have had in the great task before us. and still have their special friends and supporters in the West. The C. L. S. has had special enc.our- The Religious Tract Society celebrated its Dia- agement from groups in England and America mond Jubilee in 1936 and the Christian Literature recently in the form .of special provision for the Society is now celebrating its Golden Jubilee. support of Chinese members of the Executive and This represents sixty and fifty years of fruitful Administrative side of its w.ork. This is a step service by these well-known societies, respectively. forward from the loyal support to the general With a worthy history behind them they face the budget in the past. But this brings with it the future in this new day of increased .opportunities increased opportunities which can only be met by in the confidence that the Christian Church both decidedly increased amounts to the general budget in the West and in China will make it possible for to make possible the extensive work that the new them to increase their contributions manyfold. situation requires. It is because of this new op- The R. T. S. has always specialized on tracts for portunity and the demands of the Christian movewide distribution. At the same time it has pub- ments in China for a general forward advance in lished many larger "tracts" in the form of bODks its literature program that prompts this appeal to or booklets. Recently it is tending to put greater mission Boards and all other interested agencies emphasis on these more substantial works. The for adequate financial support. Let us prayerfully C. L. S. in the earlier years emphasized literature consider this great need and opportunity and in for the literati and works of general enlighten- loyal .obedience to Christ's command give our- selves more fully to the task of literature evan- • These are the China Baptist Publication Society In Shanghai, gelism in China. the Lutheran Book Concern in Hankow, the Association Press in Shanghai, the Religious Tract Society in Hankow, and the Christian Literature SOCiety in Shanghai. The Luthern and Baptist societies naturally specialize on literature for their own constituencies primarily. The Association Press issues books and booklets for special classes.
Story of Malam
By DR. A. P. STIRRETT, Nigeria, West Africa Missionary of the Sudan Interior Mission W HAT Moslems need is not argumentative gregation, in trembling voice he confessed himself literature in favor of Christianity, but a penitent sinner desiring to follow the Lord Jesus rather the "living and powerful" Word of Christ, and asking for the prayers of God's people. God, and that not in a foreign language but in The Judge attended the Baptismal Class for their mother tongue. some time. On the day Ibrahim was baptized his Some years ago a man named Ibrahim arrived wife ran away, and next day there came a letter in Jos, Nigeria, from one of the districts to the from her father saying that she would not return east where he had spent his childhood. He had until Ibrahim renounced Christ. Ibrahim wrote: been taught in all the traditions and customs of "I shall never renounce Him who loved me and Islam and, being an apt pupil at the Moslem died for me J"
school, he was taken into a Government school As a Christian he found that he was not wanted and taught the Roman alphabet. Until then he as Judge of the town of Jos. They wanted a Mos- had known only Arabic, which is always used in lem. The Government wished to rule according Moslem schools. His qualifications made him use- to ,the wishes of the people and asked Ibrahim ful to the Government, and after he had finished either to renounce his judgeship or to give up school they soon promoted him to the office of ChrrsCo He chose Christ and thus became a poor, Judge of the town of Jos-quite a lucrative posi- lone, wifeless man. ljOC only so, but he had the tion. care of his three children-one an infant in arms.
The Sudan Interior Missicn had opened the Jos Through all this Ibrahim came in triumph. One Bishara Church, and Ibrahim frequently came evening at Bishara Church he sang us a solo, in over from his office and house and would slip in the chorus of which are the following words: during the evening service. He sat in one of the Yesu, mai-kamnata. Ban yarda, Dan yarda. A raba back sea~s, no doubt to escape observation. The ni da Kai. (Jesus, my Beloved, I will not agree, I will preacher spoke of the superiority of Christ and not agree to be separated from Thee.) the Christian religion to every other prophet and Formerly when Judge Ibrahim walked the religion, but Ibrahim went away unsatisfied and streets of Jos, people would bow down to him.
unsaved. His faith in the Koran had been waver- Now he was called on to suffer many indignities.
ing, and he was not satisfied with Islam. He was despised and even cursed.
One day a man called on Judge Ibrahim, and After a time the tables were turned for Ibra- upon his departure handed him a copy of the him. The Government recognized that he was a Hausa New Testament. The mother tongue of good public servant and soon he was offered the Ibrahim is Hausa and, having been taught in the position of Treasurer of the Town of J os, an Government school the use of the Roman alpha- office he holds today. He often preaches in the bet, he was able to read this book. Here he had Bishara Church, and it is a real treat to hear him found what his soul needed! He read and re-read expound the Scriptures. He has married a Chris- the book, pondering and studying it, until he be- tian girl. His influence has been widely felt in came convinced ,that there was something wrong the community. Not long after his conversion he in his life. Promptly and honorably he sent away was used to lead to Christ another Moslem his two superfluous wives, retaining the one whom (Malam Mama, who was formerly the leader of he had first married. He hoped that in a short the Moslem worship in a small town near Jos).
time she too would become a Christian. Later he had the joy of seeing his own younger Then he realized that there was something more brother come out boldly for Jesus Christ. to be done. He must confess Christ. He began Surely it is the business of missionaries to teach to attend the morning Sunday services in the Bi- young men to read the Word of God. The whole shara (Gospel) Church, pow sitting well up to Bible has now been translated into the Hausa Ian- the front and there he heard the sweet Gospel guage, a tongue which reaches over 20,000,000 message. One Sunday morning, after a young people-Moslems and pagans. Let me ask God's man had arisen and expressed his desire to repent people to remember in prayer this great Hausa- and follow the Lord Jesus, Judge Ibrahim arose speaking multitude, praying that God will cause and came forward. Standing in front of the con- His word to run and be glorified among them.
[94 ] Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home I EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO '~I==-==============================~==========~I~~ More Nationality Nights REVIEW OF THE WORLD, June, dolls sent Japanese children by 1936; words and music, 15 America as the first project of An "Evening in Beautiful J a- cents, Marks Music Co., 225 the Committee on World Friend- West 46th St., New York City; ship among Children. All sang pan" culminated a term's study the Presbyterian Boa r d has words and music on a single Mexican, Italian and other folk of that land. Beside brief talks songs, to keep the foreign dolls sheet, free). One young woman in countenance; and finally we on different phases of Japanese read the words, the pianist sang all the dolls to sleep with played the stirring music and all an Italian lullaby. A girl of life, the girls gave an effective then joined in singing it, rising Italian descent, holding a doll with the Negro guests. During from Rome, gave one verse in tea ceremony, "The Froth of the the social hour, there was oppor- tunity for our congregation, and Italian. Gingerbread dolls and Liquid Jade," in cos tum e s program "scouts" from other tiny chocolate dolls were sold. rented from our Board. Films churches, to meet the visitors. Aside from money profits were a from the same source showed our friendly drawing together of difwork in Japan, and there were Our International Doll Show ferent nationals in the commuthree fine reels, free, from the featured not one but many lands. nity, and a widening of our Japanese Tourist Bureau, 551 Abbut three hundred dolls were thought to include all peoples. Fifth Avenue, N. Y. The exhibit present, and just about as many included "friendship to ken s" men, women and children. Dolls At our Scandinavian Day, demade for us by the girls of were borrowed from the Foreign Sturges Seminary, and hand-col- and Domestic Mission Boards, scribed in a previous issue, we ored woodcuts loaned, free, by from the National Board, Y. W. Shima Art Company, 16 West C. A., three collectors, and count- were asked "What next?" We 57th St., N. Y. As we have no less individuals inside and out- Japanese nationals locally, we side the church. The Swiss peo- hope to "go Armenian," knowing supplemented by visiting the ple knew who had a doll from Saturday Church School of the what canton, and the Scotch lo- a rug-maker who will help and Japanese Christian Institute and cated plaids. The display of attending the notable Christmas dolls from all over the world an Armenian friend who will be program there. made a real League of Nations. There was a Laplander on skis, resource person for costumes, The program for our Negro a South American fruit vendor, Night, culminating the season's Vatican guard, Korean couple; folk songs and native sweetstudy of the Negro, was fur- no color line, and no caste. We nished for us, in the interests of learned incidentally not only of meats. For another program, interracial understanding, by the costumes, sports, occupafriends from the H 0 use of tions, etc., of the various parts we count on the German Club in Friendliness, Negro Y. W. C. A., Jersey City, whose summer day- of the world, but also their ways the High School, which sings camp we had visited. The direc- of thinking. Most doll families tor gave readings from Negro ran to parents, boy and girl, but folk songs in Bavarian costumes, prose and poetry (many are in and a large German population. "Singers in the Dawn," 10 the Chinese gave prominence to We hope an Italian Lutheran cents, Commission on Interracial grandparents. B I u e ribbons Church will help us unlock Cooperation, 703 S tan dar d were formally given to the larg- Italy's rich store of music and Building, Atlanta, Georgia) ; an- est doll, smallest, oldest (150 art, and we have designs also on other told the origin of the spir- years) , best collection, most a Spanish Club in the high ituals, several of which they beautiful, most unusual, and to school, now that the current sang, and one played piano selec- the one from farthest away project of the Committee on tions by Negro composers, Sam- (India) . World Friendship among Chiluel Coleridge-Taylor and Nathan- dren is with Spanish children. ael Dett. They then distributed One girl told of the Japanese You will note that our general copies of the beautiful Negro na- doll festival, and of the 13,000 principle is to use volunteer local tional anthem (words by James aid wherever possible, drawing Weldon Johnson, MISSIONARY [95 ] on other denominations as well as our own, and interesting the general public. We aim to make the base of participation, and therefore interest, as wide as possible. – Florence G 0 r don, Weehawken, N. J.
Field Notes on Rural America has been carried on in villages come in the morning, with rep- and country with great succesrs." resentatives from all the denom- Wishing to find just how sev- Mrs. Belle Tracy Grimes and inations giving live talks and eral average rural communities Miss Merl Davis-both of whom exchanging helpful ideas, in the were endeavoring to improve the have taught extensively in coun- afternoon. religious and educational condi- try schools – write at consider- Both the contributors mention tions of their folk and especially able length of actual experiments that each church has its separate in Lucas County, Iowa. Few if missionary meetings-and that, to gear them for teamwork, the any country churches of their in this day of United Study denomination (Baptist) are sup- courses that are proving so val- Department Editor recently sent porting full-time ministers, two uable in affording cooperative of which they write being only opportunities and a world-wide questionnaires to country or vil- three miles apart, each accepting outlook! It would seem that half-time service, .the evening •mid-month meetings might be lage women of her acquaintance. congregations being practically held separately – or one every the same regardless of which three months – to consider de- Briefs of their replies may be church was taking its turn. nominational plans and specifics Each church has its own Sunday -leaving the regular monthly suggestive, not only to other school in the morning, with gatherings of a union nature. rural residents but to city dwell- good attendance. Both churches One of the villages – with two ers as well, since the latter's are trying to develop their young s t rug g lin g denominational knowledge of rural conditions people, in one case giving over churches only poorly supported and needs is becoming an ideal. to them the devotional services and attended-has a union meet- of the Sunday school. Miss Elizabeth B r y ant – a ing of the ladies' aid societies, country minister's daughter- The teamwork among the de- the services including benevolent writes that from her own ob- nominations in one village cited work, a luncheon, and an inservation and experience, not is excellent. The King's Her- structive missionary or enteronly the radio and the telephone alds, in the Methodist church, is taining program in the afterbut especially the college exten- attended by children from vari- noon. This is popular and very sion clubs have greatly dimin- ous other denominations, its per- well attended. One federated ished the loneliness of the farm- sonnel including members rang- church in the county is proving er's wife and children. The ing from the little folks up to a marked success. bringing of the college to the high-school age. A cap a b 1e farm has resulted in marked im- leader and teachers are chosen In 1914, a Lyceum Association was provement in men and methods. formed under a Presbyterian minis- County agents and other paid and meetings held on Sunday ter's leadership. This prospered for specialists have brought enlight- several years. But due to the fact enment and rendered the farm afternoons once a month. Chilsufficiently attractive to youth to dren take turns in leading the that the men sponsoring it were left induce attendance at agricul- to foot annual deficits caused by their tural colleges and subsequently devotional services. Each spring effort to bring high-grade entertainto attach these young folks to a special program is given at the ment to j;he rural community, a subagricultural life. College extension clubs, 4-H clubs, etc., are church and an offering taken stitute for the plan was sought. An educational in their purpose and which, added to the 25-cent Agricultural Short Course was dealso afford fine social centers for membership fee, goes to the sup- cided upon. Farmers were urged to the life of the entire family. The bring their best stock and products to spreading of knowledge of ar- port of a child on the foreign be exhibited and evaluated, the judges tistic crafts has developed latent and unsuspected possibilities, field. Parents pack the house being sent from the Iowa State Agriopening larger fields of endeavor on this occasion. A picnic later cultural College. The cooperating for young people searching for a affords a fine social opportunity churches furnished a 25-cent dinner worth-while life investment. In at noon and an entertainment for the fact, country life is made so at- and closes the year's work. evening. This prospered and grew tractive in some localities that people not making a success of Vacation Bible school is held into an agricultural fair covering four their work in cities have been led in another of these churches dur- counties. Good buildings have been ing the summer, with teachers erected for all exhibits, which include to do so on farms. The writer displays from schools, 4-H clubs, sewstresses the desirability of de- for the various grades selected ing and canning clubs, assortments of veloping leadership so far as fancy work, quilts and culinary prodpossible from the rural folk from the cooperating denomina- ucts. In a good dining hall, four aid themselves rather than import- tions. A public program and a societies serve meals all through the ing any but the original trainers, display of the handwork rounds term of four days, each society taking because the former have a grasp of the problems and a sympathet- out what has proved a popular one day. Most of the food being doic attitude of mind which no nated. the venture proves profitable outsider can have. "Spiritual in- endeavor. in dollars and cents. The young peofluences have not kept pace with Every summer a Sun day educational facilities,. but union ple patronize this fair eagerly, even mission study of a graded nature school convention draws together the small boys and girls displaying their pets, from ponies to puppies. the entire community, three Bap- Prizes are awarded. tist churches, a Methodist and a Presbyterian participating. The In response to the question as churches take turns in enter- to the means now used to relieve taining the convention. A Sun- the social isolation of country day school session and a sermon life, Mrs. Grimes says: "I don't
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
see how many more devices could a fellowship committed to the doing with a broom, as royalty passed, a be used. With school and college of God's will and to the extension of Finnish nobleman, a Swedish gentleparties, choruses, band practice, God's Kingdom in the home, in the man, an Italian ambassador and his club dances, movies and radio, community, in Canada and through- wife, the Polish president and his wife, most of the young people don't out the world. and others. The costumes were beauget enough sleep or time to tiful and extremely original, as not read." Good old Iowa is a long- Its study theme for the current year one was prepared beforehand. How settled state. Undoubtedly those is, "A New Church Faces a New wonderful such a project as this would things could not be said of nu- World." One of its avowed methods be in the United States, in order to merous communities far ,t her is the use of lantern slides, lectures get acquainted with the elements in west. And in all rural regions and lecturettes, one of the leading our "melting pot," and to put them on there is much room for improve- sets of pictures being "Touring With friendly terms with each other! ment in the selection and grade the United Church." of the activities. Remember the A Reading Course Planned which religious activities and facilities ANew Adventure Program is pro- has unique features is offered by one lag behind the social and educa- vided for the girls in conformity with of the auxiliaries in Alberta. The tional. the general study topic-"The United entire membership was divided into Church around the World." The girls' equal groups, each responsible for and Methods from Our Magazine special book, "Landing Fields," carries preparing one or more monthly pro- the student on imaginative visits to grams, part of the prescribed study Rack rather inaccessible places on Canadian book to be given. These monthly frontier and prairie, in Japanese city, groups were combined into three The "Ways of Working" of a larger groups meeting bi-weekly, for universal character which ap- in Indian and African villages and bookshelf reading, and the major part pear in the columns of the vari- many other places. By stories and of all three groups, with a membership ous denominational missionary letters, by poetry and word picture, ranging from 10 to 15, did their readmagazines sent in to this Depart- we are given sketches of people en- ing aloud at these meetings. A few ment monthly are so many and gaged in truly great adventures. A members chose to read at home; but so excellent that we only regret project leaflet gives two projects in the chief aim was to promote reading our space limitations make it im- outline and each has notes suggesting generally; to create a more lively inpossible to give more than an how it may be adapted for a depart- terest in missions, and strengthen' occasional sample, especially as mental project. A play is entitled, bonds of friendship in this field of enso many are accompanied by "Beyond the Skyline." This play deavor. As a fitting close of the practical demonstrations in the shows how Chinese young people are year's work, the three groups met toway of projects. A selection of gether in a social evening and each outstanding plans will, however, seeking to find what is the most val- woman contributed orally an outstandbe presented for some time to uable pursuit in life. A heart-warm- ing incident from the book read. come, in the conviction that ing project is "A Week at the Church These short talks were an inspiration, neighborly borrowings enrich all at All Nations Camp." In this moth- and aoll participating were most enthe participants. ers and children, together with mis- thusiastic for more reading the fol- sionary workers, comprise the party, lowing year. The United Church of Canada a large number of the mothers and furnishes so noble an endeavor half the children being from the A Dinner Basket towa r d interdenominational Church of All Nations, Toronto. The unity that we are particularly children were divided into groups by A popular means of suppleinterested in all its projects. ages and cared for during the morn- menting the treasury of the The Missionary Monthly, the of- ing by trained leaders. After cabin Queen Esther Standard Bearers ficial organ of its' Woman's So- inspection there was a worship and has been used by the girls' orciety, furnishes the following study period with the mothers, when ganization of the First M. E. items: interesting discussions took place. church, Hutchinson, Kansas. A After a rest period, swimming and basket is passed among the girls Its avowed aim is inspiring, cover- meeting in planned groups occupied and sometimes to auxiliary meming the union of all the women of the bers, friends or relatives outside church for the World Mission of the afternoon and it was not till the the organization. In the basket Christianity; the provision of mis- evening, when the children were in is something the girls have made sionary education for children, teen- bed, that the fun began with the -jelly, preserves, cake, cookies, age girls and young women; encour- mothers. A carefully planned pro- candy, salad, or other good agement of study, prayer and giving gram was given in the playhouse. A things. The one receiving it on behalf of Christian missions at group of the foreign-born mothers en- takes out something she would home and abroad; sharing in sending tertained the guests one evening. An- enjoy, and puts into a container the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every other night they taught some'of their -which is also included in the Canadian and to peoples of other games. Dances, fortune-telling and basket-the amount of money lands; aiding in the development of choral work were most enjoyed by the she thinks represents the worth the Christian Church in Canada and English-speaking group. A fashion of the article. Within three days of the world-wide Church of Jesus show took place. One lady made a she adds something of her own Christ; creating bonds of Christian dress out of six and a half sheets of making and sends the dinner friendship between its members and newspaper, five pins and fifteen tooth- basket on its way to the next peoples of other races and other lands; picks; another wore it, and the judg- person. This plan has unobjeclisting the whole membership in ing began. Two Ukrainian women tionable features not always in united effort for temperance, social took first and second prizes. The high- evidence a m 0 n g commercial welfare and world peace; building up light of the camp was a coronation ball, international in flavor, as the methods for raising money for king was a Yugoslavian young man who was assisting at the camp. church enterprises. – Adapted Thrones were built up on benches and from Woman's H.ome Missions. kindergarten chairs. The royal family preceded the king and queen, who entered dressed in curtains, with rugs for trains. Among those who were presented were an Ukrainian prince and princess, with crowns made of cheese, tinfoil and real wild flowers; a Macedonian peasant, a Bulgarian street cleaner who presented arms The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
OUR CHRISTIAN ERA A religious painting by F. Luis Mora, recently on display at the Grand Central Art Galleries. The work dramatizes the constant failure of Christians throughout the centuries to really put into practice the fundamentals of their reli- gion and challenges the Christianity of so-called Christian nations. In the background of the painting is shown the compassionate Christ still asking. "Forgive them, for they kno'w not what they do," and the entire foreground is filled with generations of armored men and youth amid the banners of many nations, throughout many centuries, all crowding toward war.
[98 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
. They rebelled against the organized a cooperative for irri- Religion became the dynamic words of God, and condemned the gation, another for marketing. in that community; all week counsel of the most High. . . . It introduced the raising of cit- long the church is the center of rus fruit, brought in an im- a life that is vitally related at "Fools because of their transgres- proved variety of hand loom, en- every point to its people. The sion, and because of their iniquities, couraged people to weave their Christian enterprise is busy, are afflicted. . . . Then they cry unto own cloth. As a result of these building such complete and well the Lord in their trouble, and he efforts, the school expanded its rounded communities all over saveth them out of their distresses. function to include adult educa- the world now. I.t is impossible tion, lending its facilities when to overemphasize their impor- "He sent his word, and healed them the church brought in a teacher tance.-World Peace and Chrisand delivered them from their destruc- who held classes for adults, send- tian Missions, by HAROLD E. tions. … ing out its own teacher to visit other communities and introduc- FEY. "Oh that men would praise the Lord ing a library. for his goodness, and for his wonder- Order from your denominational headquarful works to the children of men, and When the school taught the ters, Or from the Council of Women for sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, need for a better diet to over- Home Missions. 35 cents a copy. and declare h7:s work with rejoicing." come beri-'beri, the church or- ganized a campaign to get veg- Hymn PSALM 107. etable gardens planted and their products eaten when raised. The (Tune, SHACKELFORD) "But the fruit of the spirit is love, leading elder of the church soon joy, peace." "He that abideth in me had nine varieties of vegetables Hymns for Creative Living, No. 182. . . . the same bringeth forth much in his fields. Posters on prevafruit." lent diseases appeared on the All beau,tiful the 'l'lWrch of days, walls of both the church and the As seasons come and go; Love that is higher than the love of school. Classes in infant care men, were conducted by the church The hand that shaped the rose hath while the school inculcated high- wrought Reaching above all self, all others, er health standards among the even, children. Regular visits of a doc- The crystal of the snow. tor were arranged. Hath senf the hoary frost of heaven, Lifted upon one impulse that is pure: To glorify the God who is in heaven. An enterprising business man The flowing water sealed, in the neighborhood had secured And laid a silent loveliness Joy thnt is deeper than mere mortals some athletic equipment and was know, renting this out, charging a fee, On hill and wood and field. and collecting a percentage on A joy that flowers in a field of the bets which he encouraged on O'er white expanses sparkling pure sorrow, all contests. The officers of the The radiant morns unfold; church remonstrated with him That sees beyond man's cloud of pres- for fostering gambling, and The solemn splendors of the night ent pain when he refused to change his Burn brighter through the cold; methods, offered to buy his The blessed sunlight of God's bright equipment. When he declined to Life mounts in ev'ry thro,bbing vein, tomorrow. sen his profitable enterprise, Love deepens round the hea,rth, they bought some equipment of Peace that the world can neither give their own and soon, in spite of And clearer sounds the angel hymn, nor take, his angry demands tbat the "Good will to men on earth." church should s tic k to the A peace that passeth all our under- preaching of the Gospel, suc- o Thou, from whose unfathomed law standing. ceeded in putting him out of business by offering the use of The year in beauty flows, Tranquility that finds in every storm their own equipment free to Thyself the vision passing by That quiet born alone of God's com- teams which played without manding. gambling: Although they in- In crystal and in rose, curred his enmity, they put a Day unto day doth utter speech, Beloved, if your lives would bear such stop to the demoralization of fruit, their youth. They continued to And night to night proclaim, maintain socialized recreation In ever-changing words of light, Abide, Ye are the branches; Christ, facilities and gave their youth the root. training not only in athletic The wonder of Thy name. skills but in taking responsibil- HELEN FRAZEE-BoWER. ity for their own community FRANCES W. WILE. recreational life. Digging the Channels of "Cultivators of Earth Make Understanding the Best Citizens"
A description of one commu- The rebuilding of rural Amernity in the Philippines will show ica is of prime spiritual signifiwhat a basically important con- cance, not alone to rural life but tribution the missionary is mak- to the cities and the nation. ing to a world society in minia- Nearly three-quarters of all the ture. At the heart of a valley, churches in the United States a mile from the sea, is the vil- are rural in character. More lage. It contains the three es- church members are engaged in sential institutions of human agriculture than in any other insociety, hom e s, a school, a dustry. church. Surrounding the village are fields. Running through it There is a vital and universal is a stream. bond between the processes of agriculture and religious experi- The church is at the center of ence which we may well note. the life of this community. The Christian religion had its When a blight attacked the rice, beginnings among agricultural the economic welfare committee and pastoral people accustomed of the church brought an expert to grain fields, flocks of sheep, from the agricultural college herds of cattle, vineyards and three hundred miles away. It
sycamore trees. It seems to be mination which entered into the equilibrium of economic, social easier for man to see God in the fields, in the singing of a bird, in very fibre of American life. and religious forces must not be the setting of the sun or the rising of the moon, in the flowers The spread of settlements at the mercy of unruly profitand trees and in wild animal life, from the Atlantic to the Pacific serving forces whose pressure than in the complicated social is the story of the frontiersman's disturbs its balance. The Church and economic mechanism of a religion and Church, the valor of must help to resist these disturbgreat city. Throughout history the devoted men who, as preach- ing forces and their fickle, unfarmers have had their religions, ers of the Gospel, found their reasonable demands. For the their religious practices and way to the remotest hamlets or normal farmer, his home and his the irreligious organizations. actually led the way, as in the place of business are one, and, And if these today are imperiled case of Jason Lee, Marcus Whit- in spite of complaining, he will in America by disintegrating man and others. Nowhere else not desert the farm for the city forces, it is the business of .the has such an amazing spread of unless he is driven away by rural Church to adjust itself to, population carried with it Chris-> forces over which he and the and interpret, the best of the tian concepts, Christian institu- state and government have no new conditions. To those who tions, and Christian interpreta- control. Intimately involved in know the heart of rural America this problem is the rural Church i,t is clear that, even when hidden tions of life. by uncouth exteriors, the coun- But as life became more set- which ministers to his peculiar try people have expressed a gen- tled and society better organized, needs. uine faith in religious realities. so that one part of the country The picture of rural life of No people could have braved the could, in time of crop failure, yesterday, is a thing of "neighdangers and difficulties of the feed another, the sense of divine borships" – a fellow fee lin g American wilderness and con- providence in crop production growing out of common experiverted so much of it into a rich tended to lessen. Methods of ences and common responsibiligarden without feeling that a di- production changed; the farmer ties. How shall these neighborvine being was shaping their gradually lost his intimate con- ships that cluster about and destiny on a great new continent tact with ~he soil, until today support the rural Church, surthat would become the home of many agricultural enterprises vive? The leaders in nearly a virile Christian nation. are conducted like factories. every realm of interest sprang Automatic machinery has re- from the rural social order of Fortunately for those of us duced the number of hours on pioneer agriculture, and the na- the land, and that sense of a tion cannot do without this who believe ,that Jesus is the out- spiritual inship, of mystic precious reservoir of strength. unity, wit the land and the Isolation had its influence, also standing personality of all times, forces of n ture which man has its obstacles and difficulties, but cherished f r ages, has been di- it produced qualities of mind the greatest teacher of religious rectly affec ed. It is hardly to that have played a significant be believed hat the farmer who part in coloring our entire social truth, the revealer of the heart spends his orking hours at the structure. Nature provides an controls Of~'a tractor feels the atmosphere and opportunity in of God himself, and the Saviour same intim cy with the soil as which intellectual speculation from sin and death, America was did the far er who dug his soil and contemplative habits are debuilt by folk who called them- and plant d his crops with veloped. The rural mind is selves Christian. The early set- simple instruments in his own capable of logical reasoning, tlers brought with them the hands. Today the Church must deep thinking and high ideals. Christian Bible. They believed revive that kinship and link it to The rural Church is the focal in the God whom Jesus came to spiritual in1erpretations of rural point of these qualities and charreveal. They respected and ad- problems if religion expects to acteristics. It has made them mired Christian standards of have a place in the new economy. tangible to the farmer, given life, even when they failed to at- them expression and direction. tain them. It is easy to laugh in these days at the rigidity of Farming as a Way of Life It is the role of the rural Church Puritan ecclesiasticism, but it to keep alive in the hearts and contributed something to Amer- Is farming to follow a com- minds of people this sense of the ica which possibly never before mercial standard and be carried place of agriculture in the life of was used as a foundation for on primarily for financial profit, the nation. Above all should the building a new civilization. It or can it be made a wlty of life Church enable farm people to was a Christian way of living satisfying to the souls of a rural see in the daily rounds and comand working. We may change people and yielding to them mon tasks of agriculture a road greatly in the future, but it is to enough of the bounties of nature that may lead them daily nearer be doubted whether we can sever and factory products to make to God. MARK A. DAWBER.t the influences of those early living rich and joyful? If the t "Rebuilding Rural America" may be ordays. Because of the Christian soil must be enriched, so must dered from the Council of Women for Home ethic there was an appreciation the life of the farmer. The farm Missions. Paper, 60 cents; cloth, $1. is not primarily a place to make Prepared by Edna M. Springhorn, Chairof right and wrong, a sense of man of Committee on Conferences and duty and responsibility, a will- money but a place to live. Its Schools of Missions of the Council of Women ingness to endure and a deter- for !Jome Missipns,
World~wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO CHINA AND TIBET presence of these men in the gov- to come. . . . The firm resolution of ernment today that has helped to the missionaries to fulfil the demands A Ch:ristian Ambassador strengthen the moral fiber of the of the Christian movement in China nation. It is not inaccurate to has already won the admiration of the C. T. Wang, Chinese ambas- say that the Church of Christ to- Chinese of all classes, irrespective of sador to the U. S., said in an in- day is touching men and women their personal beliefs. The challenge terview: in all strata of society, from the to Christian loyalty has before never man in the street to the highest been more severe, and happily it is I am trying to be a Christian who authority in the land. being met in a true Christian spiritworks at it. I hgve a pew in my a spirit of which all followers of church at home, and I sit in it reg- Prayers for Japanese Christ may well be proud. ularly. I take time to talk over my political moves and statecraft with Picture, if you can, a clergy- Where Students Go to Church Jesus Christ. I think that needs to be man in any of the Allied coundone in China and in Americf', and in tries during 1914-1918 saying: Hangchow has a church atdiplomatic circles around the world. "Today we will pray especially tendance -problem that differs We all need to listen for the Voice. I for the German soldiers." Yet from that of most places. The have been playing the royal game of prayers for the Japanese soldiers principal of the Baptist Waystatecraft now for a good many years were said at the Cathedral of the land Academy writes: "One of as foreign minister, prime minister, Holy Saviour, Anking, China, the most difficult problems used and minister of this 01' thnt, not one led by the Rev. Robin Chen. to be how to get our students to of which is as important as being a go to church. Now the problem good minister of Jesus Christ. -The Living Church. is how to keep them away. Church members are so crowded I am proud of the fact that Christ Christian Loyalty Recognized out and so overwhelmed by the is gaining the heart and sympathy of increasing student attendance China. Believe me, that is happening. Here are extracts from an edi- that we have had to give formal His footsteps become clear and clearer torial written by a Chinese in permission to students to go to in the good earth of China with every the China Press of Shanghai. church." passing hour. Christian missionaries in China Student attendance figures Once we looked at the handful of have ignored their government's ad- bear out this remarkable state- Christians on the one hand and the vice to seek personal safety. They ment. There has been an avermnssed millions of China on the other have been urged to leave their posts age of 80 at the church midand said, "You better go home and and concentrate in sectors from which week prayer meeting, 200 in the forget it." But the handful stayed. evacuation under the protection of Academy chapel service (now The story of their staying is an epic their national forces may be compara- voluntary), 350 in church Sunwhich makes the defense of modern tively easy; and they have preferred day mornings, 400 in Sunday Madrid a sham battle. to remain in this war-torn country school and 150 in special extra- with their Chinese fellow-Christians, curriculum Bible classes. Today the handful is winning. unafraid and undaunted. The action of the missionaries has doubtless been Help for Sufferers -The Christian Herald. prompted by a sense of duty toward their evangelical cause and toward Chinese in America are mak- Trend Toward Christianity their fellowmen. To God they have ing great sacrifices for relief of pledged to march onward as true suffering. At first, efforts were Rev. Paul H. Bartel, Kwei- soldiers of the Cross, and to their fel- made to raise war funds but, as chow-Szechwan Mission, writes lowmen they have professed to bring the story of what is probably the in the Alliance Weekly that a a divine message of goodwill and spir- greatest suffering in the history definite trend toward Christian- itual comfort. of the world began to reach the ity has become very pronounced. United States, war chests were The encouraging fact is that the Admittedly, the Sino-Japanese war largely forgotten and all efforts Chinese Church itself is being must come to an end sooner or later. put on war relief. Considering vitalized and energized as never While the missionaries must look after the resources of the average Chibefore, with the result that great the present, they cannot ignore the nese in America, gifts are almost numbers are being added to its future. By deserting at the, first sign beyond belief. Reports from membership. Many men of of danger, they might betray the con- some communjties say they aYefpower and influence in the gov- fidence reposed in them by the Chinese ernment have come to know converts; by remaining together with Christ personally, and these men the converts, they would surely earn are filling their positions in the undying goodwill as well as .aifection, Spirit of Christ. Their testi- and lay the foundation for a greater mony and conduct are making a claim to Chinese support in the years tremendous impression u p 0 n Chinese officialdom. It is the [ 101 J
age $200 a person, and $500 a and father, his sister and mem- pastor, spent the last half of Sepfamily. bers of the Martchester C. 1. M. tember in North China as mes- Committee. Mr. Bosshardt held sengers from the Christians of There are 252 Protestant mis- his great audience for fifty min- Japan in carrying out the plan sion hospitals in China. Some utes, while unfolding v e r y as outlined. have been bombed, some have simply his wonderful story of been obliged to move for safety. God's sustaining power. He told Now that the situation is so Most of them are seriously af- modestly, and occasionally with much worse, the Council has exfected by lack of funds, for there humor, a remarkable story of pressed its desire to take part in are practically no pay patients hardship, suffering and endur- a national spiritual mobilization these days and there has been a ance. Mrs. Bosshardt also gave in the spirit of prayer for the tremendous increase in free her side of the story. establishment of good will. work. Literally thousands of sick and wounded are dependent -China's Millions.• -National Christian Counon these American mission hos- cil Bulletin. pitals. In Nanking and Wuhu, JAPAN-CHOSEN according to cabled reports, only Kagawa Suffers the mission hospitals are open. Christian Council Takes Stand Word comes that the great Student Relief The Japanese Government, at apostle of brotherhood and love, the outbreak of the present Kagawa, is bowed down with re- The International Stu den t crisis, sent a statement to all re- morse because of the Japanese Service, with the backing of the ligious groups outlining its atti- aggression in China, yet he con- World Student Christian Fed- tude and urging cooperation. tinues to preach the message of eration and three other large The National Christian Council the Prince of Peace. It is reinternational bodies, is endeav- of Japan sent the following ported that recently at one of his oring to raise sufficient funds to reply: meetings he stood silent for a care for Chinese destitute stu- long time with bowed head and dents. The first money will be Regarding the present incident we when he spoke he said, "This is used to evacuate them from the pledge ourselves to comply with the not Kagawa standing here. It is war area, but the larger portion purport of the Government's state- but his shadow. The real Kaof the funds will be used to ment and to render faithful services gawa is over there in China with undertake a three-point pro- to the state. the suffering mothers and chilgram: (1) to establish four dren mutilated and made hometemporary district universities In this emergency: 1. We recognize less by the war." outside the war zone; (2) to set our great responsibility as Christians up student hostels which will act for bringing about a spiritual awaken- Furthermore, his income is as dormitories; and (3) to cre- ing in our nation and we will redouble practically eliminated because ate a scholarship fund for the our efforts to this end. 2. In order to the war mania has stopped the neediest and worthiest Chinese express our appreciation of the toil of sale of his books, yet he is strugstudents. our Imperial troops we will undertake gling to carryon his far-reach- projects to comfort them. 3. We ear- ing service of evangelism and The reason for this appeal is nestly desire that this difficult crisis regeneration. A group of his the fact that 30,000 Chinese stu- may be solved as speedily as possible friends in America made up a dents are today unable to con- and with a minimum of sacrifice. "Kagawa Christmas Fund" to tinue their studies because of 4. It is our hope that this incident help him carryon. what passes for war in China. may result in the establishment of re- Five large universities have lations of good will definitely and for The shabby six foot square been totally destroyed and ten all time. To this end we ask our fel- shed in which Kagawa lived and others partially ruined. These low Christians throughout the Empire worked for fourteen years in the students want to continue their to pray most earnestly. slums of Kobe was about to be studies, but can only do so if swept away in a program of muaided. -Christian Century. Voted: 1. That the National Chris- nicipal reconstruction, when it tian Council establish a department to was rescued by a group of his The Bosshardts Tell cooperate with all Christian organiza- friends and is now given a per- Their Story tions and institutions in carrying out manent place in the garden of projects for comforting the Imperial the Good Neighbor Kindergarten Fully 2,500 people crowded troops and open a central office for in Kobe, as a memorial to his Albert Hall, Manchester, Eng- this purpose. 2. To send messengers dauntless spirit in "crossing the land, November 6, to hear Mr. and comfort bags. 3. To raise for this deathline." and Mrs. R. A. Bosshardt tell purpose a fund of Y10,000 as an the thrilling story of their cap- initial am:ount. 4. To set up a Com- -Living Church; Christian tivity by Communists. The ad- mission of Thirty to carry out these Century. dress was relayed to 500 more projects; the members of this commiRin the lower Hall, while 800 were sion to be chosen from the different Theory Needs Revision turned away. On the platform communions and Christian organizawere Mr. Bosshardt's mother tions. Kohachiro M i y a z a k i has founded a Christian society The Committee of Thirty was based on the idea that Japan is promptly named, with Dr. Wil- the Kingdom of God. He be- liam Axling a member. Comfort bags were made and distributed, but no religious literature was allowed to be put in. Secretary Akira Ebisawa and the Rev. Y. Manabe, a prominent Methodist
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
lieves that Amenominaka-nushi- wanted to work. Dr. Martin loves the three other workers, are now .on up-kami and the Christian God poor and needy and does not seek to a world tour expected to last six are identical, and that if Jesus gain friends that will do for him. months. After a series of brief had lived in Japan He would campaigns in the U. S., they exhave made annual pilgrimages to Please send our friend back to us pect to sail for Australia early the temple of Ise. He criticizes as soon as he is rested. God does not in February. The work there Christian missionaries and Ka- give us a friend like Dr. Martin but will be under the auspices of the gawa for not basing their mes- once in a lifetime. Please tell him "Campaigners for Christ," ,an sages on the national history and that my people are thinking and pray- Australian movement which is nationalist culture of Japan. ing for ·his return to us. making considerable headway. The United Presbyterian ob- The Team, however, expects to serves that had they done so, Sincerely, cooperate with ministers' counthey would experience difficulties cils and all other Christian orin writing their sermons at -Korean Echoes. ganizations which welcome their present. ministry. They hope to devote Women's Work in Korea some time to all the capital cities Salvation Army Oommended -Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, The Women's Missionary So- Hobart, Canberra, Sydney and Mr. S. Tokutomi, noted his- ciety usually holds its annual Brisbane. -The Christian. torian, journalist and leader of meeting just preceding the Genpublic opinion, recently wrote eral Assembly. Each of the Guns for Books an article in the Tokyo daily presbyterial societies in Chosen Nichi Nichi, in which he said: is entitled to send a delegate. It took 30 years for govern- All of the officers of the general ment and- missions to arouse in If anything is lacking today in society are Korean women, but the Filipino the desire for an Japan, I should say it is religious at- missionaries sometimes serve on mosphere. The Salvation Army has committees. The Korean women education. N ow, on the thresthe religion we need today. It appeals show much ability in carrying hold of the greatest educational to the common people. It teaches the on their work. opportunity that the Philippines duty of mutual love, mutual respect ever had, a policy has been and mutual help, on the basis of uni- At the last meeting delegates adopted that may prove one of versal brotherhood in the love of God. gave reports from the twenty- the greatest blows that civiliza- The Salvation Army, therefore, helps three presbyterial soc i e tie s, tion has suffered in the Islands. the nation. . . . which include a total of 1,023 A military program requires societies. that every school boy of 10 years Another article in the same or over must take military traindaily is by a distinguished states- On the wall in front of the ing. Every young man of 20 man and former Minister of J us- audience was the motto for the years must enter one of the nutice, Viscount Watanabe, who year, "Be thou faithful unto merous camps to take training. says: death." There were also maps Every school, private and public, of the world showing the great elementary, secondary, high or Political force is not almighty. proportion of the population of university, must teach military What politics can achieve is very lim- the world who are not yet Chris- training to its students, at great ited, and what politics fail to achieve tian. One of the officers of the expense to the government whose is limitless. It is religion that can do Society prepared a map of Korea financial resources are limited. limitless work in this limitless field on which was a red cross and a The system has so dug into the … and the Salvation Army, by its grapevine twined arourid it, with finances of the educational dereligion, is rendering limitless service branches and bunches of grapes partment that every school exin this limitless field. reaching to different parts of cept one in the Bontoc district Korea up into Manchuria, across has either been closed or reduced Do Medical Missions Pay? the Yellow Sea to Shantung to the first four grades. The Province in China and across to one that has remained open could A grateful Korean, able to ex- Japan. Each province of Korea not accommodate one-tenth of press himself in English, has was pictured and in each prov- the pupils from these barrios, written a mission secretary re- ince the presbyterial society even if it were possible for them garding the return of an Amer- named. The number of church to find a place to live. ican doctor: societies in each presbyterial was shown in figures. The result is that mission DEAR SIR: schools are pra.ctically swamped. -Women and Missions. The problem is one of taking Are you in peace? I hope you will care of the thousands who have excuse me, but my heart is so full of ISLANDS OF THE PAOIFIO been converted, and of trying in thanksgiving to God for what he has some way to help the thousands done for me through your servant in Around the World Revival who are eager for an education, Christ, Dr. Martin, who saved my life and a knowledge of the Kingdom and soul, I wanted to know if it were In none of the countries visited of God. -The Living Church. possible for my people to have him by evangelist J. Edwin Orr was back now. He cures our bodies and he more cordially received than loves us so much we find Jesus through in Australia; so marked was the Him. He is so gentle with the Ko- interest shown that he promised reans. I think his voice must be like to return at his earliest opporthat of Jesus. He befriended the tunity. Mr. and Mrs. Orr, with homeless, fed the hungry, cured the sick, found a job for those that
Airplane a Mission Adjunct are a Good Samaritan. You are be impressed anew with the im- a Good Samaritan." At last the portance of preserving these Aviation is proving a definite taxi-driver said: "That's twice rights for themselves." auxiliary of mission activities. you have called me a Good Sa- Not only is it used in locating maritan. What do you mean by Prison Reading tribes hitherto virtually un- that?" The Indian Christian known, but it enables mission- was astounded. "Have you never The American Library Assoaries to bring the Gospel to them heard the story of the Good Sa- ciation would take the affirmaquickly. FUrthermore, the use maritan," he asked the taxi- tive side in the much debated of planes makes such an impres- driver? "No, tell me about it." question: Reformation vs. Punsion on native tribes that they So the Christian gentleman from ishment as a prison objective. are more susceptible to the teach- India told an American taxi- At least, they know that good ings of Christianity. driver the story of the Good books have helped many an Samaritan, and left in his keep-' outlaw to drop his role of "pub- Dr. W. G. Turner, missionary ing a copy of the New Testament lic enemy." of the Seventh Day Adventists that he might learn more of the in the South Seas, has been using teachings of Jesus. Perhaps we Most of the 200,000 inmates a plane in the interior of New are not as Christian as we think of American prisons, according Guinea. The existence of the we are. to prison librarians, are eager to people with whom he has been follow reading courses, and their working, and who number sev- "Let Freedom Ring" unguided tastes are much the eral million, was unknown be- same as those of the average frefore 1931. They were discovered New York World's Fair vis- quenter of a public library. The by white miners in search of itors in 1939 will have their at- difficulty, as might be imagined, gold. The distance from sea- tention called to the importance is the lack of the kind of books ports is so great, the jungles are of liberty in worship by a statue they should have. The Federal so impenetrable and the lack of dedicated to "Freedom of Reli- Government, a few states, and a trails so complete, that aviation gion." This statute, with three city or two have sizeable librais virtually the only means of others symbolizing freedom of ries in their penal institutions, keeping in touch with them. press, freedom of assembly and but these are the exception With their planes, Dr. Turner freedom of speech, will be placed rather than the rule. Many, and his associates have been able in a prominent position. The many books are needed, and lito establish 40 schools among the group will be known as the brarians to offer guidance among natives and have made great "Four Freedoms." the shelves. progress in reducing the language to a written basis. Ap- Freedom of Religion will be -Christian Advocate. parently they have no religion portrayed by a young, modestly of their own. attired girl with her face raised "United Thank Offering" reverently toward the skies and These people are not canni- holding a prayer-book in her "Many a little makes a bals, but tribal warfare is their hands. On the base of the mickle," a Scotch proverb which principal pastime. They do not statue, which will be .thirty feet Episcopal women of the United use poisoned arrows, but the tall, a number of houses of wor- States put into practice, but with shafts are cruelly barbed and ship will be outlined to indicate larger results. The procedure of capable of inflicting death at 200 that freedom of worship in the the "United Thank Offering" is yards. Their. only civilized at- nation is not confined to anyone that whenever any woman of the tribute is that they are fine gar- sect or creed. church feels that she has some deners, and layout large areas special reason to be thankful, planted with sweet potatoes and The idea originated with Ar- she puts money in a box, and other native vegetables. thur H. Sulzberger, president every three months turns it over and publisher of the New York to a local treasurer. Here are NORTH AMERICA Times. The thought behind the some of the occasions for thank- idea, Mr. Sulzberger says, is that fulness: a woman who had lost Is America Christian? "freedom is something that must a pet dog dropped a dollar in the be won by each succeeding gen- box when the dog was returned. A cultured Christian gentle- eration. This has been clearly Another time her husband was man from India was stranded in proved since the war by the rise so late in coming home that she one of our eastern cities. Unable of dictatorships throughout the was seriously alarmed; when he to secure lodgings at any of the world. I feel that the New York showed up, the grateful woman hotels in town because of his World's Fair could do a genu- dropped a dime in the box! dark complexion, he was finally inely patriotic service if statues, befriended by a taxi-driver who symbolizing the four freedoms At the recent Episcopal Contook him to his humble lodgings guaranteed by the first amend- vention in Cincinnati, report and gave him his bed for the ment to the Constitution were was made Of total women's thank night. Several times during placed where the millions of offerings since 1 9 3 4. The their conversation the Indian visitors to the Fair could not fail amount was $861,030.52, $70,000 gentleman, expressing his grati- to see them, and could not fail to more than the total of 1934. All tude, happened to remark: "You of it will be devoted to those
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
mission services at home and noticed that fact." "There you in Mexico to open some Roman abroad conducted by women see it," declared the Eskimo, Catholic church for worship.
alone. "that is a work of the devil. It Sometimes these efforts succeed -The Churchman; Cincin- is he who is setting a snare for and sometimes they fail. In no nati Times-Star. us in order to get us to desecrate case is the whole country stirred the Holy Day. But you may rest by them. President Cardenas is Both Theory and Practice assured he will have no such reported as favoring the reopen- luck." ing of churches. He is compelled Sheldon Jackson School, Sitka, to move slowly because of the Alaska, knows the educational Before the summer ended violent anti-clericalism of some value of a boat, and a Tsimshian these sincere Christians had a of his supporters, and also be- Indian, who came to Sitka with rich, weekday harvest of seals. cause each State has its own Sheldon Jackson in 1888, has, regulations concerning religion. with the help of boys in the LATIN AMERICA Noone expects any modification School, recently built one. They of the religious laws. They will cut the timbers for the keel, keel- A Colporteur's Experiences remain on the statute books to son, deck beams and other parts be invoked against the Roman of the boat frame. They logged Colporteur Ceja of Puebla, Church, whenever the occasion yellow cedar trees and cut the Mexico, receives many insulting may arise. It seems obvious that ribs for the boat from them. letters, some threatening his life, as the Roman Church relaxes its Machin~-shop boys constructed all of them unsigned. As part opposition to the government's the 600-gallon Diesel tanks and of an organized campaign to run program of socialization, there built a sturdy rudder from an him and other workers out of will come a relaxation in the enold safe door, all under the direc- the place, the priest has taught forcement of these laws. tion of the machine-shop in- the children to sing a song which structor. This boat is used not says: President Cardenas has shown only for spreading the Gospel, his concern for the masses In his but for transporting students, Get out! Get out! Protestants, organization of cooperative sovisiting villages, hunting, fish- Get out of our nation. cieties, and by promoting legising, logging, Diesel demonstra- We wish to worship lation to safeguard the rights of tion c I ass e s and navigation The divine heart. labor. In education, special classes. -Monday Morning. stress has been placed upon rural Even in their salutations in schools, w h i c h increased to Eskimos Keep the Sabbath their patios or on the streets, the 10,000 in 1935 and to 11,000 in priests are teaching them to 1936. The present year will One sees what kind of Chris- change the usual Spanish greet- show an increase of approxitians the Eskimos have become ing : "To serve God and thee" mately 1,600. This is a striking when it is observed how they to Ave Maria purissima-"long record when one remembers that keep the Lord's Day. Their food live Christ, my life I am willing 20 years ago Mexico had no consists largely of seal meat, and to give for thee." One hears this rural schools. seals are abundant in Labrador. expression on all sides, spoken A Moravian missionary relates so rapidly the words cannot be Methodist Jubilee, Puerto Rico how, on four Sundays in succes- understood. sion, great schools of seals came This year marks the 2:5th aninto the harbor and played in In another town, Colporteur niversary of the founding of the the water in front of the mis- Ceja's knowledge of gasoline Puerto Rico Methodist Mission sion station; but on the follow- engines and simple mill ma- Conference. It was 37 years ago ing weekdays not a seal was to chinery gave him an entrance. that Charles W. Drees, who came be seen. He installed a mill for grinding there from Argentina, conducted corn, and Mrs. Ceja stayed sev- the first Methodist service on the When the fourth Sun day eral days to help the owners of Island. By the end of the first came, bringing an immense pack the new machine understand its year there were 835 members of seals, the missionary saw sev- manipulation. Now Ceja is help- and probationers, seven Sunday eral Eskimo men sitting on a ing the mayor of the town to schools, five preaching places, large rock on the beach. He build a reservoir and lay a pipe two congregations, $139 collected wondered how long it would be to bring water to the village. for benevolences, and $41 for before the men would leap into Thus serving the people, the ministerial support. In 1913, their kayaks and pounce upon priest has not been able to stir Puerto Rican Methodism was or- up hatred toward him.
-F. L. Meadows.
these seals; so he asked them Religion in Mexico ganized in a Conference. From why they did not go hunting. the original nucleus of thirty Then one E ski m 0 replied: According to Mission,s, the re- persons with which the first "Haven't you noticed that these ligious aspect of the Mexican service was started, a church has seals come in such great schools Revolution is slowly fading into arisen with twenty-four pastoral only on Sundays, and not one the background. The daily press charges with ninety-four con- appears on a weekday?" "Yes," from time to time reports move- gregations, comprising 3,778 replied the missionary, "I have ments in widely separated places m e m b e r san d probationers.
There are eighty-nine Sunday sage was a comparison of his The number of patients coming schools, with 6,343 pupils. own life with that of the same to the Presbyterian Hospital in Although Puerto Rico is a mis- experience through which the Rio Verde is small as yet, but sion field, it has both home and Apostle Paul passed. He realizes each returns home with a new foreign missionary work. The his need of being grounded in the idea of hospitals. This hospital, church has sent missionaries to Protestant faith, and is studying a rented private house, has four the Dominican Republic. day after day in the home of capable girls in training as -Christian Advocate. Don Arturo. When he had fin- nurses. With a population of ished his message, a hymn was 2,000, Rio Verde is the largest sung and an invitation extended town in the state of Goyaz. Education in Cuba -Monday Morning. to others to accept C h r i s t. After being closed almost con- Twenty-five responded, among EUROPE tinuously for six years for politi- them several students. cal reasons, the University of Church and State Havana and the original six pro- Missionary Forces Grow vincial institutes or high schools in Colombia The summer of 1937 will be have not only continued to func- remembered for the interna- tion normally since reopening During the past seven years, tional religious conferences in last January, but 14 new insti- the number of foreign mission- Europe. One of the main themes tutes have opened. Two of these aries in Colombia has increased at Oxford was the relation of are in Sancti Spiritus and from 59 to 160. This is due to church and state; and the series Guines, and one is near Caiba- several causes. 1. The return to of regional Baptist conferences rien. power of the Liberal party has came to grips with this question Cuba as a whole is slowly created great opportunities for in a practical way. Separation awakening to the need of a more preaching the Gospel to receptive of church and state was treated practical education for her peo- audiences. 2. Since the publica- in some form or another at each ple in place of the formal aca- tion of the survey of the North- one of these conferences-somedemic type which has always ern Republics of South America times in the presence of hostile prevailed. The Department of there has been a far better officials. Agriculture is taking the lead by knowledge of actual conditions France is the only country of sending out teams to sponsor existing in Colombia, and many Europe which has no problem tree-planting, agriculture, care missions and individuals have as to church and state relations, of cattle, homemaking classes, given attention to the vast op- while in Germany it is, of course, etc. Four of the Presbyterian portunities that the co u n try a burning question; and it is not Board's schools (at Sancti Spir- presents for the Gospel. 3. Bet- likely that there will ultimately itus, Cabaiguan, Cardenas and ter means of transport for open be any place for a free church Placetas) have used the services parts of the country which were in any totalitarian state. Deleof these teams. In Cardenas and hardly accessible some years ago. gates to these conferences in Sancti Spiritus, for example, 4. Many of the organizations eight countries were convinced boys' clubs for the planting of which have commenced work in it will be a long time before we vegetables have been organized Colombia are Faith Missions, see anything like a "U nit e d and a number of classes in do- which during recent years have States of Europe." mestic science and child care been able to increase their ac- -Missions. tivities considerably. The prohave been given.
-Monday Morning. portion of national workers to Christianity's Last Reserve foreign missionaries is now very Converted in Nicaragua low, and the question of the A Leipzig newspaper recently training of a national ministry, had an article about the Starzi, Jose M. Ruiz, a priest of the both lay and ordained, is one of a people who can be ,traced back Catholic Church for 18 years, considerable importance. to the Bogomilians of the early has been converted in Managua, Russian Middle Age, Evan- Nicaragua. He gave his first -World Dominion Press. gelicals who came up from By- public testimony in a Baptist No Doctors Wanted zantium. (Bogomilian means Church, October 31. The occa- "loved of God.") Their protest, sion is described in the Watch- In some mission areas medical which they felt was God-given, man-Examiner: work is the most successful way was against the secularization of "The school assembly hall was of introducing the Gospel. In the Church, and they often came crowded to overflowing and hun- the interior of Brazil, where liv- into conflict with the clerical ele- dreds were standing. He spoke ing conditions in general are ment. They were at times per- about thirty minutes and al- primitive and unhealthful, how- secuted, and in their testimony though we feared disorder, we ever, one finds a different situa- was often a strong admixture of had the best of attention during tion – people eager to hear the fanaticism.
his message. He gave a message Gospel but live in terror of doc- The Starzi were usually of the with a positive ring, sincere and tors and hospitals. They would lower class, but occasionally men forceful. The basis of his mes- rather die than go to a physician. from the aristocracy j 0 i ned
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
them; their testimony has never of Christian ideas. "We must two observations are pertinent. died out. Again and again one avoid rituals reminiscent of church ceremonies. These cere- (1) Even the best friends of hears of them, now in European monies are dead. Our National Russia, now in the forests of Si- Socialist ideology is not a sub- Russia, and those in sympathy beria. They are considered stitute but a new c rea t ion. saints by the common people but Christmas festivals in Protestant with some of her social objechandled rather gingerly by the parish houses are as divorced clergy. But the interesting thing from our ideology as the singing tives, must question whether of Christmas hymns. A solstice is that today there has been a ceremony must be substituted in communism can succeed if its revival of Starzentum in Soviet such form as to force out the for- Russia. Their purpose is to re- eign spirit through the strength progress depends on t h rea t, store the' Christian faith. They of our own faith." force and wholesale executions. travel on foot in simple peasant Bibles in Yugoslavia dress, staff in hand, with the (2) The relentless c r usa d e Gospel and crucifix in a bag on The National Bible Society of the back, seeking to bring ,back Scotland reports this incident against religion seems to have the Russian people to the naIve from Yugoslavia, told by a col- porteur. resulted in a shortage of spirsimplicity of Russian orthodox belief. They are loved by the Traveling by train, I showed some itual power to motivate the vast people, hated and persecuted by Bibles and Testaments to my fellowthe Soviet authorities. passengers. Sitting next to me was a social program. While commu- man who began to speak very lightly -So S. Times. of the Word of God, frankly confess- nism itself has created an emo- ing that he was an atheist. Wanting to show off, he bought five Testaments, tional energy comparable to that opened the window and threw them out one after another, to show his dis- in religion, it is apparent that respect for the Book. I felt deeply grieved, and wished to return him his the Russian program cannot per- money, but he gave no heed to my words. Some days later, on my way manently succeed until the reli- home, I passed again through this dis- trict, and seeing a gang of trainmen gious impulse in the soul of the standing, I approached them: with a people is again given freedom to friendly greeting. After a few words about the weather, I asked if any of express itself, and to furnish the them possessed a Bible, and if they read it, and took two copies out of my guiding principle of the nation's pocket. Instantly one of the men Needs of French Children shouted, "These look just like the life. -Missions. Books some of our men found on the State education in France line." It was true: the Testaments AFRICA leaves God out entirely, and thrown out by the atheist had been while a small percentage of rescued before rainy weather set in. ltaly in Ethiopia and the trainmen told me of the great French children have some sort joy they had in reading them. It was While the eyes of the world are of religious training at home, the in an exclusively Roman Catholic ter- turned upon the Far East, Musmajority grow up as virtual ritory that the Books were thrown solini is busy Italianizing Ethio- out, where perhaps no one would have pia, and a part of this program, pagans. In many cases adefi- bought the Word of God. as all the world knows, is maknite anti-God influence is seen ing Catholics of the natives. The Twenty Years of Communism Associated Press reports that in the schools. Says one educa- Mussolini's engineers have built, tor: "Leaving God out and It may be that Japan's aggres- or are completing eight Roman funding our moral code on a sion in China is partly due to Catholic churches with dozens purely human basis, we under- signs that all is not well in com.:. of auxiliary schools, dispensaries munist Russia-that she is in no and clinics in Ethiopia. The idea take to produce intelligent and condition to thwart Japanese of Catholic education is being brotherly citizens." Another plans. American tourists return pushed, and it is estimated that says, "We are not called upon to from Russia and report an at- 800 priests and 1,200 nuns will mosphere of tense uncertainty be needed. The Salesian Brothattack or deny the existence of there. erhood-famous for its work in God, but to give an education South Africa-has been authorwhich makes faith in God impos- Nevertheless, celebration of ized to lead in this program. sible." the communist revolution's 20th anniversary was carried out as Coptic churches and Moham- In the McAll Mission settle- in other years. With all due medan mosques are being reno- recognition of Russia's achieve- vated in line with Mussolini's ments in Paris and other towns ments during these 20 years, friendly gestures to Islam. It is not Ethiopian souls, but loyalty of France, Gospel truths are be- to his Roman Empire project that concerns him. ing taught to both children and adults. -The Christian.
No Christmas in Germany In aNew Field Christmas came again, but not As already noted, the expulin Germany so far as the Storm sion of missionaries from Abys- Troopers were concerned. The sinia led to the determination to chief of staff of this Nazi Guard open up fresh territory in the issued "Instructions for Cultural adjacent Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. Exercises of Storm Troops." It This project has received unexis of the utmost importance, says pected gifts toward the extra Herr Lutze, to eliminate the financial responsibility entailed. "foreign ideology" of Christianity from the exercises of the Storm Troops, and create new forms and ceremonies which will have not even the faintest flavor 108 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD [February Extension in another direction always finds lodgings. He helps Director of the German Baptist is marked by the commencement Missionary Society. of work among the lepers of the in the day's work, and bears Moslem provinces of the north. New Life in Angola Five doctors were needed if the witness for the Lord as opportufacilities provided by the British Methodist missionary E. E. Government were to be fully nity offers. Edling believes that Angola is grasped. Three of these are now seeing the harvest of all the seed at work, another is on his way In his travels he visits places sown there during the past 52 and the fifth is taking a course years. He writes: .of study of tropical diseases. where no missionary has ever "Our native evangelists are On a recent Sunday morning, been, away from all Christian constantly on the road" and still Dr. R. V. Bingham, general di- cannot keep up with the calls for rector of this work, led a service fellowship. He keeps in touch special meetings in outlying stain an area where seven years ago tions. They go to hold the meetthe natives were cannibals. Mo- with Tunis by letters posted ings, and people come pouring toring to another center he in from miles around. The work preached to a congregation of whenever he comes to a post has gone beyond us. 600, and in the evening he conducted a service at which 800- office, and these tell of a coura- "Meetings were being held in 900 people were present, and the a village that seemed to have missionary in charge apologized geous witness in face of many grown cold and indifferent, and for the smallness of ,the gather- too full of family quarrels to ing! The morning congregation difficulties. Many Moslems coh- make any progress. But more usually numbers 1,500, but in than 30 people gave their hearts the afternoon and evening many firm the truth of these accounts. to the Lord for the first time, go out to preach to their unevan- not to mention the old members gelized neighbors in surrounding In one village he was received who had been stirred to new life towns and villages. and warmth. One of the helpers very kindly by a sick old man, in these meetings was needed in A, native chief, who had rev- another place, but begged for one elled in tribal warfare and head who wept when he heard of the more day to help new converts. hunting, heard the Gospel from The trip was delayed for one a member of his own tribe. crucifixion of Christ; and when day, when it was seen that this Gathering that it demanded the was only the beginning. For renunciation of polygamy, lying, a few days later he lay on his four more days the meetings stealing and a variety of other went on, new people coming in sins, he declared that he had no death-bed, he refused to witness each day from all that region, use for it. Later he came into many of them heads of villages contact with the missionary, who to Mohammed, but assented who had stoutly resisted the ,startled him by saying, "Come Gospel for many years. Saturto Christ just as you are." when Medani spoke of Jesus as day night when the services finally came to a close with a Imagining that Christianity the Saviour. After the burial he great testimony meeting, 96 new had capitulated, he decided to at- names had been added to the tend mission services. Sunday was accused of converting the list. after Sunday found him in his place, and eventually the light old man to heresy. The men "This is typical of what has broke upon his heart. Now, he gone in since November. To finds that he no longer takes planned to kill him, but a wom- date the list of new converts pleasure in evil doing. since that time in all the villages an, grateful for healing, helped visited totals just about 1,000. -Life of Faith. A new spirit is abroad in the Medani to escape, supplying him whole field." Witnessing to Moslems with food and money. He had Raising Spiritual Standards A ministry of unmeasured value, involving hardship and to remain hidden for some days, The Lovedale Bible School, often peril, is that of Medani, a South Africa, was founded five converted Mohammedan of Te- and in his letter he asked for years ago to assist in deepening bessa, on the Algerian frontier. spiritual life. Its leaders recog- After helping in the mission for prayer that whether in life or in nize the danger of the growth of some years, he now journeys an African Church which is with caravans of Arabs. The death he might glorify God's satisfied with a low standard of average Tunisian countryman is faith and morals. There has hospitable, and as Medani car- name. -Life of Faith. been in some districts a recruries a stock of simple medicines descence of heathenism, because ,and sweets for the children, he German Mission in Cameroon As most of us know, the Brit- ish Government several years ago permitted the resumption of mission work by Germans in the section of the Cameroons which it holds under mandate. German Baptists, however, encountered serious obstacles in maintaining their work. Rigid regulations regarding the export of currency were among the chief of these, and for a time the continuance of German foreign mission work -not only by Baptists, but equally by members of other churches – d e pen d e d upon friendly assistance from Chris- tians of other lands; and British Baptists raised and sent several hundred pounds. The gravest crisis has passed, and it has re- cently become possible to rein- force the mission staff. Peculiar interest attaches to the departure for Africa of Helmut Simoleit, son of Dr. F. W. Simoleit, the well-known Vice-President of the Baptist World Alliance and converts have remained ignorant glory of Christ. Deeply im- doctors were men – had more of the elements of the faith they pressed, the Moslem said, "These women patients than men. This professed. are good words; I will hear you past year saw 455 babies born in The five-months courses of the again." six mission hospitals, Kerman- school have put nearly 50 evan- This, and other such incidents shah reporting one week with a gelists into the field. Entering convinced the British Syria Mis- baby every day-and triplets to the school with vague ideas sion that the training of native top it off with! An increasing about God, sin and salvation, evangelists must somehow be as- number of nurses are being they have had their whole atti- sured. Accordingly, plans are trained. In 1936, the Governtude transformed. A four-page under way for establishing a ment decided to inaugurate monthly, "Preachers' Help," is Bible School for Syria. The nurses' training as a branch of issued in Xhosa and Suto, and the educational program rapidly has 1,100 subscribers. It finds Mission Secretary has completed expanding under the direction of its way into every Province of its able Minister of Education, the Union, and into Southwest a world tour, chiefly to make this a graduate of Alborz College. project known. Rev. Evan R. Africa and Rhodesia. The Love- Harries is to be the first Prin- The educational impetus is dale Press also publishes a cipal, and Zaki Effendi of Port placing girls in positions as "Guide for Preachers and Bible ,typists, clerks and teachers. A Students" to meet their needs Said has accepted the post of knowledge of Eng 1ish and both in private study and as a tutor. The school will be opened French is considered essenUal textbook for training classes. in the Mission building at to secure the best of such em- Shimlan. -The Christian.
-So S. Times. Turkey's Development p19yment. -Women and Missions. Turkey is now chiefly intent WESTERN ASIA u p 0 n internal developments.
Cyprus Has a Sunday School The State controls the chief in- INDIA-BURMA-CEYLON Last year, an Armenian Sun- dustries, private enterprise ben- The Basis of Evangelization day school worker, with head- efiting by State initiative and quarters in Beirut, Syria, visited financial guarantees. The re- Indian missions need "re- Cyprus and organized the first cently signed Asiatic Pact be- thinking." Evangelical Chris- Sunday schools within the Ar- tween Turkey, Iran, Iraq and tians number at least 4,000,000, menian Church in Cyprus. He Afghanistan is designed to as- and to these approximately 250,- was received with enthusiasm, sure their internal development 000 are being added yearly. and reports that a Council of Re- equally with their territorial in- These believers, have been gathligious Education has been tegrity. Pan-islamism has re- ered chiefly through the witness formed for the Island, Sunday ceived a setback; an influential of changed lives and spontaneous school work in Larnaca has been intelligentsia in these countries testimony of Indian Christians; firmly established, and a series is pressing for religious reform. therefore the completion of the of lectures have been given to The missionary outlook is dis- unfinished task of India's evanteachers and prospective leaders tinctly promising, provided that gelization lies in making the on methods of teaching, and Christianity is presented not witness of her Church more principles of Christian educa- only as a Gospel of personal sal- effective. tion. The Armenian population vation, but of national regeneraon the island is about 4,000; tion and progress. The organization, training there were about 850 children enrolled in the Sunday schools. -World Dominion Press. and equipment, as well as the spiritual and material encour- Bible School for Syria New Day for Iranian Women agement of selected Indian work- ers is the pressing duty of mis- Evangelistic work has felt the sions. Nor is this enough. Vital collaboration between mission- Yusef, a young carpenter of effect of women's emancipation aries and Indian leaders on a Tyre, was converted from the in Iran. Galls may be made in basis of Christian fellowship and Moslem faith. Accompanying a Moslem homes, with less embar- perfect equality, will alone bring missionary on an itinerary to rassment to the hostess. A spirit into play the special contribution villages which it is possible for of open-minded inquiry is en- of each, which together, may the missionary to visit only once gendered with the passing of achieve a success denied to uniin two or three years, he sur- long established usage. lateral mission activity. One ef- prised himself in the discovery Again, medical work reflects fective point of contact is found of a gift for evangelism. One the new feeling. For years in the Ashram Movement. These Moslem asked Yusef why he had Iranian women have been in- brotherhood fellowships can left the fold of Islam. With creasingly willing to consult a serve to bring foreign missionsuperb Christian diplomacy, say- man physician, but never was aries and Indian colleagues into ing nothing derogatory to the there such willingness as today. this helpful relationship and prophet, he read passages from Year before last, two of our hos- generous cooperation.
his Bible which set forth the pitals-and their only American -World Dominion Press.
Madras Meeting of I. M. C. study, action and consultation. Their first move was to select The Hangchow Meeting of the The Meeting of the Council fur- four murderers as household International Missionary Coun- nishes the opportunity for this servants. The rest were set to cil is now to be known as the consultation among the repre- work building three villages. So Madras Meeting of the Interna- sentatives of national groups in ignorant were they of work that tional Missionary Council. On account of the disturbed condi- international conference. This each had to be taught how to use tions in the Far East the Council has decided to accept the invita- program, launched a year ago, a spade. Schools, offices and a will continue as planned. It has medical dispensary were built. tion of the National Christian Council of India and hold its emerged out of the life experi- A hand-weaving industry was meeting at Tambaram, on the campus of the Madras Christian ence of these national groups started, and these ex-criminals College. Tambaram is a suburb of Madras, in the semi-tropical and continues as a guiding in- have made clothes for themsoutheastern section of India. It is near the heart of the Mass fluence for thought, action and selves and for sale to all the Movement area where a strong Christian community is growing prayer around the world. Andaman Penal Settlements. In rapidly, and where visitors from other lands may observe much Student Evangelism in Ceylon' five year,:; the gangsters paid that will be instructive and en- back every penny loaned to them couraging. While the Indian For the past t'Yo year~ !he by the government to start in- Christians eagerly welcome the Jaffna In~er-Colleglate ChrIstIan dustries. They have built a dam coming of the Conference to Fel}o'Yshlp has held. an Evan- and reservoir, planted fruit Tambaram, Bishop A z aria h gehsh~ Week. Meetmg ~enters trees, built a hall for their Gosspoke on their behalf in hoping h~ve mcreased from nme to pel meetings. Men who were that the Conference would be nmeteen, a~d the work. was ex- hardened criminals can now be indeed an ecumenical conference tended to m~lude Jum?t: Sec- seen on Sundays teaching the bringing Christians from all ondary E!1ghsh .a!1d Bllmg~al Bible to the children of the colparts of the world to India. Al- Schools, m addlt.lOn· to HI?,h ony. Boys are now preparing though conditions are uncertain Schools. ¥eth~s mcluded "Wlt- for mission service. in the Far East, it is hoped that ~es.s me~~mgs, and to. keep th.e These two workers recently there will be a strong delegation WItness fr?m becom~ng a ~l- visited England, and said that in both from China and from J apan, as well as from other parts ography, WIthout pomt, Wlt- twenty-five years spent among of Asia, Africa, Latin America nesses we!e aske,~ to speak on criminals they had not lost the and the West. The condiitions such questIo~s a~ What C!0d has smallest of their .possessions.
which the Christians of these meant to me m bmes of dIfficulty However within an hour after two countries of Asia face are of major concern to Christians of ?r doubt, s?r!ow, defeat or joy; arriving' in civilized England, all lands, and make the strength- l~ ha!mO~IZI~~ pe:r:sona.l rela- Mrs. Sheard's umbrella was ening of Christian ties more tIOnshlps, m.glvmg dIrectIOn and stolen. -So S. Times. important than ever. The Chris- purpose to hfe"; and to address tian Church, the Church Univer- meetings, with topics such as Missionaries Help Ex-Patriots sal, must stand in united witness "God in Christ," "Forgiveness to its faith today. This· will not Through C h r i s t," "Me for The secretary of the "Servants be a conference only on prob- Christ." of India" Society made an extenlems in the Far East. It is the sive tour of three years in the regularly called decennial meet- The method usually adopted ,to Far East, America and in Ausing of the International Mission- register decisions is to take the tralia; and wherever Indians ary Council, coming together to senior students out for a quiet were living in these countries he consider fundamental problems retreat, or gather them together made it his business to visit of the Christian mission. It will for a quiet meeting, a week or them, and stay with them some ten days after the evangelistic time. As a result, he gives three be concerned with the world- week, with its emotional stress, general impressions with referwide witness of the universal is over. Students cannot be ence to the condition of Indians Church. The Faith by Which baptized without permission of overseas. First, "If generalizathe Church Lives, the Witness of parents or guardian. tions are permissible at all, it the Church to Its Faith, the may be said that in Trinidad, Inner Life of the Church, the -National Christian Coun- British Guiana and Fiji, where Church and Its Environment, cil Review. Indians were originally introand Closer Cooperation among duced under the indentured sys- Christians; these were the five Among Criminal Tribes tem, they are commendably topics named for world-wide better off than similar classes in Major Sheard and his wife of India." Second, "It is remark- the Salvation Army, after work- able that by their own self-help ing twenty-five years among the and against tremendous odds criminal tribes of India, were these Indians overseas have sent by the government four and made great progress." Third, a half years ago to the Andaman "We cannot be too grateful to the Islands in the Bay of Bengal, Christian missionaries who alone where 600 convicted murderers took interest in the uplift of the and robbers had been segre- Indians." -Dnyanodaya. gated. One hundred and twenty were chained as violent crim- inals. Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information Apostle of China. Life of Samuel of God. No man contributed to thrilling facts. To illustrate: Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky. By James Arthur Muller. 275 pp. more than he to making the Often poverty in the mountains $2.50. Morehouse Pub. Co. New York and Milwaukee. 1937. Bible available to the Chinese is associated with high intelli- people. The foundations which gence and profound wisdom; This is a long overdue biog- he laid will endure forever. often Christian p e 0 pie have Professor Muller has done an raphy of one of the most re- shamed the state to action; good amazing piece of work in assem- roads and good schools and the markable missionaries of the bling the adequate material of Wider Parish, the Boy Scouts Nineteenth Century, Sam u e I this biography, when at first it Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky of seemed that all the material had and the 4-H Clubs are helping China. Schereschewsky was a been lost, and he has put it to- Russian Jew born in Lithuania, gether in the most simple and to reveal, and to make usable, May 6, 1831. He became a satisfactory way. The account "the precious things of the Christian through studying the of his researches should lead every missionary board to re- mountains." Mr. White has New Testament in Germany and solve to perfect its archives and given us a book, small in comassociation with Jewish Chris- preserve its irreplaceable treastian friends in America where ures of correspondence. pass, readable, sane, encour- aging. Perhaps we shall rememhe came in 1854. After two R. E. SPEER. ber best his quotation from a years in the Western Theological mountain man, who says: "We Seminary of the Presbyterian had so many churches we couldn't have a church."
Church in Allegheny, Pa., he Highland Heritage. By Edwin E. WM. J. HUTCHINS, transferred to the Protestant White. Friendship Press. Cloth, President, Berea College.
Episcopal Church and was sent $1.00; paper, 60 cents. New York. "It Is Hard to Be a Christian." By as a missionary to China in 1937. Samuel M. Zwemer. 159 pp. 3s. 6d.
1859. There his great work was Mr. White reveals his wide Marshall, Morgan & Scott. London. the founding of St. John's Uni- reading and his deep experience. 1931. versity in Shanghai and Bible He does not live in the realm of This is the full outpouring of .translation, though as bishop he romance inhabited by many a rich and noble experience. It had administrative charge of the writers. His spirit is that of is not testimony which cost nothwork of his mission from 1876 comradeship, rather than of con- ing. It bears "traces of having until his breakdown and paraly- descension. He emphasizes the bled." "Scars" and "loneliness" sis from sunstroke in 1881. For fact, often ignored, that the peo- and "the Cross" are not mere four years he sought to repair ple of the mountains were for a words lightly spoken. They show his health in Europe and then long time "in the thick of the na- forth realities through rents in for nine years, with a shattered tion's life. They played a large the veil. The book is not an body but an indomitable will, he part in the formation of new apologetic for unbelievers or a worked in America on his Bible states" and have always re- piece of impersonal doctrinal translation and revision of trans- sponded when the nation needed statement. It is a soul in Christ, lation, though he could write heroes to fight her battles. The speaking out of the glory and only by punching a typewriter mountains have suffered from tragedy of Christian life to other with a single finger. wanton exploitation; through souls in Christ, drinking of the In 1895 he returned to China ignorance or greed, the resources cup of which Christ drank and for two years and then from of forest, and soil, and minerals, being baptized with the baptism 1897 until his death in 1906 he all have been plundered. The with which He was baptized lived in Tokyo, tirelessly busy in author does not allow us to draw withal. Each chapter begins his colossal books. He was one down the curtains of our minds with an apt quotation from "Pilof the greatest linguists and as we pass abandoned mining grim's Progress" and the true most learned men of his time, a towns, rural slums, schools, the spirit of that Pilgrim breathes man of original and forceful playthings of some rural Tam- from every page. The book is character and a true and devoted many. full of fresh illustrative mate- Christian who rose above pov- As he compels us to face real- rial, and apt and unhackneyed erty and suffering by the grace ity, Mr. White calls our attention words of poetry, and its mes- Any of the books noted in these COllmns will be sent by the REvmw publishers on receipt of price.
[ 111 ] sage is spoken in short, truth- Stand Up and Preach. By Ambrose because the 'war-makers' did not telling sen ten c e s with the Moody Bailey, D.D. Round Table want these supplies damaged or warmth and glory of a true love Press, N. Y. 141 pp. $1.50. destroyed." For children today, of Christ. It deals with Chris- between the ages of 9 and 12 tian discipleship as the New This volume by a pastor of years, footnotes are often sup- Testament deals with it and with wide experience is announced as plied to give sources of inforlife in its tragedy as illumined "a formula for better preach- mation. Such documentation is by the Cross of Christ and com- ing." That an adequate formula valuable to carry conviction. forted with the love and joy of of this nature would be a power- Our boys and girls are far more God and finding its full mean- ful aid in this day of changing alert and mature than in preing beyond the things of time pulpit standards, none will dis- vious generations. and sense. It begins with a pute. The chapters deal with motif from Browning's "Easter such practical questions as the JAMES F. RlOOS. Day" : minister's calling, ideals, mes- sage, intellectual habits, sermon Along an Indian Road. A play by How very h'ard it is to be technique, etc. There is a wealth Mrs. Martin de Wolfe. 5 cents a A Christian! Hard for you and me. of counsel and illustration; in copy. Woman's Board of Foreign fact the book is largely a record Missions, Reformed Church, New And its lesson might be summed of personal experience. There York, or Hilda L. Olson, Marion up in Browning's closing words: are also lists of striking sermon Way, Rockport, Mass. topics which the author has used And so I live you see, with apparent success. The tone "Along an Indian Road," pic- Go through the world, try, prove, re- of the book is evangelical and tures Dr. Ida Scudder's work in while it contains much which is which the author (Ruth Scud- ject, suggestive and valuable, the dis- der) herself formerly had a Prefer, still struggling to effect criminating reader will sense a share. It sets before us the My warfare; happy that I can degree of inadequacy and incom- gathering of the Indian suffer- Be crossed and thwarted as a man, pleteness. There is, for example, ers, some of them lepers, with Not left in God's contempt apart, an inadequate recognition of the their groanings and grumblings With ghastly smooth life, dead at importance of doctrine; there is and jealousies; and then the ar- commendation of certain books rival of Dr. Ida who ministers heart. of questionable value, and some to them so patiently and kindly Tame in earth's paddock as her quotations are either carelessly that they say to one another, made or unfortunate. The book "The name of her God is Love." prize … does not live up to the promise Thank God, no paradise stands barred of its title and purpose. The play was recently given To entry, and I find it hard for the first time before the Fed- To be a Christian, as I said. HUGH R. MONRO. eration of Women's Missionary Societies in Poughkeepsie. Dr. Hard and glorious and alone "Broken Guns." By Eleanor Holston Wm. Bancroft Hill, who has worth while! ROBERT E. SPEER. Brainard. 120 pp. $1.00. Friend- watched Dr. Ida by the roadside, ship Press, New York. 1937. reports, "It is full of the Indian The Romantic Isles – A Sketch of atmosphere, very life-like with the Church in the West Indies. By The author of this wholesome mingled humor and pathos; and John Levo. 88 pp. S. P. G. and junior book knows how to pic- it held the large audience from S. P. C. K. London. ture the peace and war issue start to finish. It can easily be vividly for children and to give presented by a small society as This is more than a sketch of them a good background for well as by a large one; and it missionary work in the West their thinking. makes a very effective mission- ary appeal." Indies. As a handbook for the The story begins with the outstudy of the West Indies it has break of the World War and Accidents Will Happen. By Winifred portrays briefly the experiences M. Pearce. 126 pp. Is. 3d. Pickmuch to commend it. From of soldiers who fought. We see ering and Inglis, London. 1937. Columbus on down through the the part greed plays in the makages explorers, pirates, traders ing of war; what propaganda is A very readable story of the and English settlers are shown and does; who are the true pa- son of an English archreologist triots; finally, how the author who accompanies his father to in a clear-cut background for believes that peace can become Iraq, meets with rather queer the picture. That picture is the a fact, and what boys and girls accidents, learns something of can do to make this possible. the country and more than a West Indian folk of today-their little about things that are worth physical, moral, educational and There are no footnotes or ref- while in life. Several illustra- erences. They are needed to tions add to its value for a boy economical status, as these fac- in his early "teens." There is tors have in many ways deter- substantiate such statements as: plenty of adventure and an added mined their religious develop- "The German and French air- spice of mystery. ment. men did not bomb enemy mu- nition plants by agreement, JAMES CANTINE. The motive of the writer is to show the part in this develop- ment played by English philan- thropy and missionary effort; and what still remains to be done. For the casual visitor to the Islands as well as for the student this little book has a de- cided value. JAMES CANTINE.
to Remember FOR SALE Obituary
February 9-Annual Meeting, Mis- 48 new black poplin pleated choir Bishop Isaac Lane, oldest Bishop sionary Review Publishing Co., New gowns, academic style, $3.76 each. of world Methodism, died December 5 York. All or part. Write at once. in Jackson, Tenn., at the age of 103. Bishop Lane was born in slavery, and March 4-World Day of Prayer. LOUIS J. LINDNER was 29 years old when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. He March 23-24-United Stewardship 426-MRW Seventh Avenue helped to found the Colored Methodist Council, Columbus, Ohio New York City Church, and later established Lane College for Negroes. The Isaac Lane April 28~General Conference, Meth- Dr. H. H. Kung, the prominent Memorial Hospital was organized in odist Episcopal Church, South, Christian Chinese statesman, brother- 1934 by citizens of Jackson to per- Birmingham, Ala. in-law of Madame Chiang Kai-shek, petuate his name and work. has been made the Premier of China. May 12-16-Southern Baptist Conven- Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek has *** tion, Richmond, Va. given up this position in order that he may devote all his time to the defence Dr. Leopold Cohn, founder and May 19-General Assembly, Presby- of his country against the Japanese. former president of the American terian Church in U. S., Meridian, Board of Missions to the Jews, Inc., of Miss. *** Brooklyn, died recently. He was 75 years of age. Af':;er studying in the May 2S-General Assembly, United Miss Huang An-Ii, graduate of Yeshivas of Central Europe, Dr. Cohn Presbyterian Church of Nor t h Yenching University, is the first came to America and shortly after his America, Cleveland, Ohio. woman ever to be appointed by the arrival became a Christian. He went Chinese Government to fill a position to Edinburgh where he studied at the May 26-General Assembly, Presby- in its diplomatic service. She has Free Church College and on his return terian Church in U. S. A., Philadel- been appointed third secretary to the became a Christian missionary to the phia, Pa. Chinese Embassy in London. Jews of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. June 2-General Synod, Reformed *** Church in America, Asbury Park, *** N. J. Rev. Robert F. Chisholm has been appointed General Secretary of the Rev. David Wendel Carter, for- June lS-22-General Council of Con- National Bible Society of Scotland. merly a missionary of the Methodist gregational and Christian Churches, In his student days, he was an as- Episcopal Church South, died in Texas Beloit, Wisconsin. sistant in the Glasgow Mission to on September 3, 1937. He welit to .Jews, and was the first Scottish mis- Mexico as a missionary in 1882 and June 28-July 3-;-Twentiet):1 .Interna- sionary to the Jews in Transylvania. since his retirement has worked among tional ConventIOn on ChrIstian Edu- He will also assume the editorship of the Mexicans in Texas. He was a cation, Columbus, Ohio. the Quarterly Record. cultured and effective missionary who knew how to deal with all classes of Personal Items *** people.
Prof. Roy Smith, missionary pro- Rev. G. W. Ridout is making his The Presbyterian fessor in Kobe University of Com- third missionary evangelistic trip to merce, has been decorated by the Sout:l America. He will preach and A weekly religious newspaper in Emperor with the Fifth Order of the hold evangelistic meetings in Panama, its lo6th year of continuous pub- Sacred Treasure in recognition of his Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Mon- lication under the same name. meritorious service as an educator. tevideo and Brazil. Dr. Ridout will Professor Smith has been in Japan work mostly with the Methodist It is conservative and evangelsince 1903, and continuously in edu- churches and schools, but will also be cational work as an instructor in associated with missions of the Pres- ical, gets its news by telegraph English. byterians, Baptists, Friends, :til ,zarene and keeps abreast of the times. and Christian Alliance. *** It goes into every state of the PARENTS •.• Rev. Norman J. Smith, of Yonkers, Union, the District of Columbia, N. Y., has been called to be General In the Foreign Mission Field and U. S. possessions. Secretary of the American-European Fellowship 156 Fifth Avenue, New Endorse Calvert: School It goes to Asia and Africa, South York City. This society supports Home St:udy Courses Christian missionaries in Europe. America, Canada and New Zealand Mr. Smith will also be managing for Children and into twelve countries of Eueditor of The EurQ'J)ea.n Har'Vest Field. He will continue to act as Calvert School, through its Home Instruc- rope. General Secretary of the All-Russian tion Department, will give your child a Evangelical Christian Union and edi- superior elementary education ••• by mail, Subscription Price, • • – $2.50 tor of The Gospel in Russia (formerly regardless of where you may live. Mod- Ministerial Rate, • • – $2.00 edited by the late Rev. I. S. Prok- ern, approved courses from this famous hanoff). Previously, Mr. Smith was school are being used by parents allover .50c. ext,a—Canadian postage with the Russia Bible and Evangeliza- the world with outstanding success. $1.00 extra—foreign postage tion Society and formerly he was a district secretary of tl.e American Give your children the advantages of these THE PRESBYTERIAN Sunday School Union, at Richmond, interesting lessons, carefully chosen books, Va. and attractive materials. Instruction is 1217 Market Str••t, Philad.lphia, Pa. under the personal guidance of teachers in *** Calvert's prominent and successful private day school in Baltimore. Rev. and Mrs. Alva Harsh and Miss Mineva Neher, missionaries of the Write today for booklet of complete in- Church of the Brethren, mysteriously formation. Costs are low. disappeared from their station at Show Yang, Shansi, China, on December 2. These three missionaries disappeared on their way home from visiting a French family but up to date no definite information has been received about them.
Resurrection of the Human o.In Unusual 'W,.ew qJoolt on the A History of the Modern and Con-
Body. By Norman H. Camp. 12mo. temporary Far East. P. H. Clyde. 127 pp. Bible Institute Colportage D;st;ncti"e Truth ofChristianity ! 858 pp. $6. Prentice-Hall, New Assn. Chicago. 1937. York. The Resurrect:ion of There is much confusion in The Invasion of China by the Westthe minds of Christians as to the the Human Body ern World. E. R. Hughes. 324 pp. time, form and nature of the 15s. A. & C. Black. London. resurrection. Even Evangelical by Bible students differ in their in- NORMAN H. CAMP Crisis in China: The Story of the terpretation of Bible passages. Author of Thinking With God, etc. Sian Mutiny. J. M. Bertram. Illus. Mr. Camp is an evangelistic 318 pp. lOs. 6d. Macmillan. Bible teacher, sponsored by the I s CHRIST now living in a human London. Moody Bible Institute. He is a body of flesh and bones? Where? clear thinker and firmly believes Will the bodies of all dead men be China at Work. Rudolf P. Hommel. that the only definite information raised from the grave? When? Can 366 pp. $5. John Day. New York. on the resurrectiQn Is found in Christians distinguish between truth the Christian Scriptures. He and error? How? These and other China Through a College Window. here presents clearly the case for vital questions considered in this timely William Sewell. 183 pp. 28. 6d. the physical resurrection of book on the outstanding message of London. Edinburgh House Press. Jesus Christ and of all believers the early Church. in Christ. His argument is based China Faces the Storm. Ronald on both Old and New Testaments Bound in blue cloth, stamped in gold; Rees. 158 pp. 28. Edinburgh bu.t he also appeals to the testi- 127 pages; attractive two-color jacket; House Press. London. monies of godly men and to the 75 cents. Order Your Copy Now! reasonableness of the belief Stone-Gateway and the Flowery found from the study of the The Bible Institute Colportage Association Miao. W. H. Hudspeth. Illus. analogies of nature, the desires 848 North Wells Street, Chicago 87 pp. ls. C&rgate Press. London. of the human heart and the justice of God. Christians will find For the Mountains – An Autobiog- On the Bombay Coast and Deccan: this study rewarding. raphy. William Goodell Frost. 352 The Origin and History of the pp. $3. Revell. New York. Bombay Diocese; W. Ashley-Brown. Medical Missions at Work. H. P. Illus. 280 pp. 8s. 6d. S. P. C. K. Thomson. 82 pp. 18. S. P. G., The Growing Menace of the "Social London. London. 1937. Gospel." J. E. Conant. 72 pp B. I. C. A. Chicago. A Tribe in Transition. D. N. Ma- A compact little book giving jumdar. Illus. 216 pp. lOs. 6d. vivid glimpses of the wide range The House on the Island. Grace Longmans. London. of medical missionary work Pettman. 182 pp. lB. 6el. Pickerfrom African huts to well devel- ing & Inglis. London. History of the Arabs. Philip K. oped medical schools in China. Hitti. Illus. 767 pp. $10.50. Mac- Pioneering, hospital work, nurse Happy Though Poor. Donald Grey millan. London and New York. training, public health and re- Barnhouse. 95 pp. ls. Pickering search all come in for attention. & Inglis. Londc;m. Iraq: A Study in Political Develop- It is primarily a book of descrip- ment. P. W. Ireland. Illus. 509 tions and narratives, us i n g Along an Indian Road. A Play. pp. 15s. Cape. London. plenty of first-hand "Close-ups," Mrs. Martin de Wolfe. 5 cents. rather than a discussion of prob- Woman's Board of Foreign Mis- African Genesis. Leo Frobenius and lem and policies, or of the phi- sions, Reformed Church in America, D. C. Foz. 236 pp. $3.75. Stacklosophy of medical missions. New York; and Hilda L. Olson, pole Sons. New York. However, the last chapter on Rockport, Mass. "The Meaning and the Motive" Black Hamlet: The Mind of an Afbrings out the Christ-like basis Poems of Faith. Edith E. McGee. rican Negro revealed by Psychoand demonstration of medical 39 pp. $1.00. Stratford Press. analysis. Wulf Sachs. 280 pp. missions with special focus. It Boston. lOs. 6d. Bles. London. is a very readable book with many usable stories. The Resurrection of the Human The Republics of South America: Body. Norman H. Camp. 127 pp. A Political, Economic and Cultural E. M. DODD. 75 cents. B. I. C. A. Chicago. Survey. 374 pp. 21s. Oxford Uni- versity Press. London. New Books Twelve Brave Boys Who Became Famous Men. Esther E. Enoch. Religion and Social Organization in Christian Faith and the Science of 95 pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. Central Polynesia. R. W. William- Today. J. H. Morrison. 228 pp. London. son. Edited by Ralph Piddington. $2.00. Cokesbury Press. Nashville. 372 pp. 258. Cambridge University Why Do I Believe the Bible Is God's Press. London. A Christian Layman's Handbook. Word? William Dallmann. 75 Robert M. Kurtz. 72 pp. 50 cents. cents. 138 pp. Concordia Pub. Co., 1938. Course in Bible Prophecy American Tract Society. New York. St. Louis. God's Program for the Future Windows of the World. Life of A Scriptural Study Each Week—52 Lesson,. Alfred H. Burton. F. W. Pitt. What Prophecy Is, How It Can Be Inlerpretf'd, Its 28. 6d. 162 pp. Pickering & Inglis. Belationahip to the Jew, the Gentile, and. the Church. London. Send 15c in stamps for current issue_ A Year of Children's Sermons. Jos- eph A. Schofield, Jr. $1.50. 192 pp. HRISTIAN PUBLICATlON5.IN<: Cokesbury Press. Nashville. 1502 II. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Sidney James Wells Clark: A Vision of Foreign Missions. Roland Allen. 170 pp. 28. 6d. World Dominion Press. New York and London.
Henry T. Hodgkin: A Memoir. H. G. Wood. Illus. 281 pp. 58. Student Christian Movement Press. London.
~(J.NoiMi44 THE MOSLEM
PUBLISHED BY THE HARTFORD SEMINARY FOUNDATION Editors, SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, EDWIN E. CALVERLEY SOME ARTICLES IN THE JANUARY NUMBER Editorial••-Vita Nuova Duncan B. Macdonald Vivat, Crescat, Floreat Julius Richter Islam: An Interpretation Edwin E. Calverley The Problem of Central Asia (plate) Ernest E. Grimwood The Conciliatory Tone of Ibn 'Arabi Edward J. Jurji The Story of the Ka'ba Grant Alexander A New Day in Northern Nigeria A. H. Locke Verses Missing from the Qur'an Arthur Jeffery Mullah Sa'eed of Sena Frederick G. Coan Moslems in London. • • • • J. E. Buglry Book Reviews••• Current Topics Survey of Periodicals Sue Molleson Foster ••-.~ SUBSCRIBE NOW ~o(-_.
50 Cents a Copy. $2.00 a Year (postpaid) In combination with THE MOSLEM WORLD THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD 1% Fifth Avenue, New York City $3.50 a Year. (Foreign Postage, 50 Cents.) British Agents: MARSHALL, MORGAN & SCOTT, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. Price in Great Britain, Eight Shillings a Year, net THE LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN, OF INDIA By ROBERT E. SPEER This is the biography of a very remarkable Christian missionary to India and for twenty years the inBuential and able editor of the Bombay Guardian. Dr. J. Sumner Stone called him, "The White Yogi."
When George Bowen died in 1888 there was call for a worthy biography but its preparation was delayed. Later all the biographical material-including his diaries, letters, reminiscences, and the books and pamphlets of which he was author-was turned over to Dr. Speer. This material has now been put into shape for publication and the result is a frank and stimulating picture of the man,-his experiences, unique character; forceful views and methods of work. Here is a life story that is of absorbing interest and will richly reward the thoughtful reader. The book will be ready early in February.
CONTENTS I. Family of George Bowen. XI. A Decisive Year, 1849. II. Boyhood and Youth. XII. From 1850 to 1855. III. Three Years Abroad. XIII. Ten Years of Independent Work. IV. Life in New York, 1840-1844. XIV. The Bombay Guardian. V. Illumination of a Hopeless Love. XV. Relations with the American Board. VI. Conversion to Christianity. XVI. Association with the Methodist Church. VII. At Union Theological Seminary. XVII. Bowen as a Writer. XVIII. Correspondence with Henry W. Rankin. VIII. His Missionary Appointment. XIX. Closing Testimony. IX. The Voyage to IndIa, 1847. X. Beginning Missionary Work.
This latest work by Dr. Speer may be ordered at $2.50 per copy from THE MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY 186 Fifth Avenue. New York
The Missionary Review of the World — January 1938
1938
Influence of Christ in History Kenneth Scott Latourette From Mine-Boy to Moderator Life and Character of John McDowell Modern Dem~nds for Foreign Missions Charles E. Maddrj The Missionary Message for Today – Julius Richter Medical Work in Arabia w. Harold Stonn The Bible and Koran Contrasted E. w. G. Hudgell Christian Morale in War-Tom ,China Frank W. Price 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember wealth, religion
January 2-9-Universal Week of All Missionaries Try to and other topics. Some of these Prayer. Follow the Nevius Methods ideals which made him success- January 4-6 – Foreign Missions Con- But many miss the dynamic of them ful are: ference, Toronto, Can. an. which is I have always indulged the hope January 9-12 – Annual Meeting of BIBLE EMPHASIS that I should be able to establish effi- the Home Missions Council and t~e The Korean Presbyterian Church has ciency in giving, so that wealth may be of greater use to the present and 'i Council of Women for Home MIS- gained 180,640 new believers net in futu-re generations. sions Marble Collegiate Church, 9 years. This is the equivalent of New'York City. 70 new parishes of 300 believers ••• every year. Last year it had: January 11-I4-General Missionary One of the most important. of the Council Methodist E pis cop a I 2,844 Week-Long Bible Classe•• elements which go to make up ~ivilh:a Church, South, Savannah, Ga. (178,315 attending.) tion is the progress of moralIty and January 12-lnter-seminary Confer- 10,000 in Bible Correlpondence. the Christian religion. ence on Human Relations, ChicH¥o 844,268 in Sunday Schools. But I am never a pessimist–I never Round Table of Jews and Chris- 55,075 iu Bible D. V. B. S. despair. I believe in man and the tians, Chicago. brotherhood of man and am confident 4,509 in tHO Week Bible Institutes. that in the end everything will come. January 19-An~ual ~eetin~, Anier-. Read ti.e Story in the New Boo" out for the good of all. iean Waidensian AId SocIety, St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, New "THE NEVIUS PLAN FOR MISSION Do all the good you can. WORK IN KOREA" (370 pages). Be earnest. . York City. . Do not be afraid to work. By CHA.RLES A.LLEN CLARK, Ph.D•• D.D. January 19-Feb~uary 18-FI<?ri~a (35y….. inKorea) Persevere. If you make a mistake, Chain of MissIonary Assemblies In remember that it is human to err. 15 centers, beginning at Deland and CHRISTIAN LITERATURE SOCIETY. Try again and try harder. ending in Tallahassee. Seoul, Korea. postpaid, • – – – ·Y5.00 Sons of wealthy parents have not January 31-February 6 – Founder's E. C. HEINZ, the ghost of a chance compared with Week Conference, Moody Bible In- 3624 5th Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., boys who came from the country with stitute, Chicago. postpaid, – – • – • – – – – – $2.00 the determination to do something in February 9-: Annual. M.eeting, Mis- 1927, she taught at Huping Agricul- this world. sionary ReVIew PublIshmg Co., New tural Normal School. . Live within your means. One of York. the swiftest toboggans I know of is •*• for a youn,' man just starting in life March 4 – World Day of Prayer. to get into debt. Rev. Yaroo M. Neesan. in charge of the Assyrian Episcopal Church in A clear conscience is worth more Flint, Mich., died in November at the and is a greater comfort than is a age of 84. He was born in Iran, at- great fortune. Obituary Notes tended a Presbyterian School at Mar- There is nothing in the world that gawar and at 21 was selected by the can compare with Christian fellow- Mr. Marshall Broomhall, who had America)l Bible Society to sell Bibles ship; nothing that can satisfy but been connected with the China I~la~d in Assyrian, Arabic, Hebrew, Persian Christ. Mission for nearly fifty years, died In and Turkish-all tongues which he England on' October 24th, in his 72d spoke fluently. He was a man of keen If you use year. He was a nephew of th~ la~e intellect, rich background of experi- Hudson Taylor and went to China In ence and unusual Christian character. PRINTING 1890. In 1900 he was appointed Edi- torial Secretary of the Missi~n, which ••• YOU Will profit from an ac- position he filled with effiCIency for quaintanceship with us. We twenty-seven years, until his health Dr. Chas. W. Gordon, better known do the Job complete in our own compelled him to re~ire. La~r" he r~ as Ralph ConnQr, died at his home in plant, whether it be large or sumed the editorshIp of Ch'tna 8 Md- Winnipeg, on October 31st at the age smalL lions and wrote a lar~E! n~mber. of of 77. Dr. Gordon won fame as the valuable books on missIOns In Chma. author of "The Sky Pilot" and other While our specialty is Boob, popular stories of missionary work MagatiftU and Pamphletl, yet ••• and life in the Canadian Northwest. we have a variety of modern He was the son of the late Daniel and equipment to meet all the ~ Dr. R. A. Hutchison, for thirty Mary Robertson Gordon. He was born quireanentl of your particular years General Secretary of ,the Board in Indian lands, Glen County, On- job. You will find our eervice of American Missions, United Pres- tario, September 13, 1860. His father prompt, careful and courteous. byterian Church, died in Pittsburgh, was the missionary of the Free Pennsylvania, on December 11th, of a Church of Scotland and after the son Will you allow UI to estimate heart attack. Dr. Hutchison was was graduated from Knox College, on your neztprintingl We be- born seventy-five years ago and after Toronto, he became a missionary to lieve you will be delighted with being graduated from Monmouth Col- the lumber, railroad and mining camps our product, price and service. lege and Xenia Theological Seminary, at Banff. In 1894 he became pastor Ohio, became pastor of the First Unit- of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church The EVANGELICAL PRESS ed Presbyterian Church at Altoona, in Winnipeg and in 1921 was moder- Pa. He was moderator of the Gen- ator of the Canadian Presbyterian Print",. of eral Assembly of his church in 1926. General Assembly. T.M Mulionary Revie", of the W Ot'ld ••* John D. Rockefeller's Philosophy PLANT AND MAIN OrneE . Mrs. Mary B. Hoy, a missionar~ in ThIrd ad Reily SIr…. Hao.." " , .. Japan and China for the Evangelical The late John D. Rockefeller,. and Reformed Church for more than Baptist layman and founder of a half century, died at Hankow, the Standard Oil Co.,. at various China, Nov. 5, in her seventy-fifth times made known his views of year. She help~d to found the girls' school now known as Miyagi College. .In 1900, Mrs. Hoy established the girls' school at Yochow, China, and later devoted herself to women's work at Huping. After Dr. Hoy's death in
MISSIONARY the condition of war in China making PARENTS
REVIEW OF THE WORLD it unwise to plan for it in Hangchow. In the Foreign Mission Field DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor The special Home Mission Study Number (June) will deal with Christ Endorse Calvert School VOL. LXI JAN., 1938 No.1 and American Cities; the Foreign Home Study Courses Mission Study Number (October) Publication and Business Otll.ce– will deal with the important topic: For Children Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. The Christian Cwmpaign in India. Calvert School, through its Home Instruc- Editorial and Executive Otll.ce– In the other months THE REVIEW tion Department, will give your child a 156 B'ltth Avenue, New York City. covers the world, home and foreign, superior elementary education … by mail, Entered as second-class matter at and keeps our readers in touch with regardless of where you may live. Mod- the main current events and mission- ern, approved courses from this famous Post 01flce, Harrisburg, Pa., under ary problems, great personalities, the school are being used by parents all .over Act of March 3, 1!l79. progress of mission work, the unoccu- the world with outstanding success. pied or neglected field, the best meth- 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. ods for promoting interest and the Give your children the advantages of these Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. current missionary literature. interesting lessons, carefully chosen books, Publisbed monthly, except August. and attractive materials. Instruction is All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. *** under the personal guidance of teachers in B"ltlsh agents – Marsball, Morgan Calvert's prominent and successful private and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, One reader writes: "There is no day school in Baltimore. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, piece of literature that I get that has 10 shillings a year. great value as a source of illustra- Write today for booklet of complete in- tions of what the Gospel is doing right formation. Costs are low. MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- now in our world than that section of LISHING CO., INC. THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE CALVERT SCHOOL , WORLD called 'Our World-Wide Out- BOARD OF DIREC'l'ORS look.' "-W. E. Forsythe, Caledonia, IBOW. Tuscany Road Mo. ROBERT E. SPEER, PreSident Baltimore '<- Maryland A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vice-President Personal Items ican Board of Commissioners for For- VALTER MCDoUGALL, ~,J.1rea8urer Dr. Conrad Hoffmann began his eign Missions in West Africa for duties with the Board of National nearly 20 years has become director DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary Missions of the Presbyterian Church, of Lincoln Academy, Kings Mountain, U. S. A., in charge of Jewish Evan- N. C., a work conducted under the PAUL J. BRAISTED gelization, on SeptemJer 1. Dr. Hoff- auspices of the American Missionary SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT mann will give nine months to this Association. Kings Mountain is called work, and by a special arrangement "The Negro Northfield" and is a D. J. FANT the remaining three months will be boarding school for Negro boys and MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD spent in Europe on behalf of the work girls. In the summer the campus is of the International Committee on the used for conferences. WM. B. LIPPHARD Christian Approach to the Jews. ERIC M. NORTH *** SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Dr. and Mrs.* Fr*ed *MacCallum are Dr. William E. Doughty, formerly Editorial Chat retiring after 40 years' work under one of the secretaries of the Laymen's the American Board in Turkey. They Missionary Movement and later of The New Year dawns with many plan to spend their remainin'" years the Near East Relief, has been made clouds overhead and on the horizon, in the Levant. One son is a mission- Grand Commander of the Greek Order but the sun still shines-the Sun of ary in Constantinople; a daughter is of the Phoenix in recognition of his Righteousness-on the world of time college librarian in Smyrna. twenty years of service to the people and nature that God made, and on the of Greece and the Near East refugees. world of men whom Christ came to *** The decoration was conferred by the save. The Editor and the Board of Greek Minister to the United States. Directors extend their very hearty Dr. and Mrs. John E. Merrill, Christian greetings to all the readers American Board missionaries at AKEEN That priceless of THE REVIEW and to the mission- Aleppo, Syria, have retired from ac- possession is aries and Christians in every nation, tive service. Through four decades race and tongue. There is evidently they have interpreted the Christian within YOUT more need than ever to spread the missionary spirit among churches of Good News of the love of God and the Cilicia and Syria. MEMORY reach! Follow salvation offered through Christ. This the simple, sen~ is the work for which THE REVIEW *** sible rules in was established sixty years ago and for which it is conducted today. We Dr. D. C. Henry is one of the mis- "HOW TO MEMORIZE" work and pray together for this end. sionaries of the United Presbyterian By Dr. William Evans Church still able to live and work in *** Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mrs. Henry The Possibilities of the Memory, and her children have received per- Principles of Memory Training, and A new Director has been elected to mission to return. step by step instruction on the fun~ THE REVIEW Board to take the place damentals of application. of our beloved friend and fellow work- *** er of many years, the late Dr. Wil- Many gladly paid $5.00 for this liam I. Chamberlain. The new Direc- The Rev. Mark A. Dawber, D.D., material in a correspondence coUrse. tor is the Rev. Paul J. Braisted, Ph.D., Superintendent of Town and Country Now compiled in a single volume the recently appointed Secretary of Work of the Methodist Episcopal bound in handsome cloth covers, the Student Volunteer Movement. It Board of Home Missions, has been gilt stamping, 95 pages, complete is especially fitting that Dr. Braisted elected Executive Secretary of the for 75c. and 6c. postage. should serve the missionary cause. Home Missions Council to succeed the through THE REVIEW since his wife, Rev. William R. King, D.D., who is BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE ASS'N Ruth Wilder Braisted, is the grand- resigning because of serious illness. daughter of Royal G. Wilder who Dr. King has been the efficient and 848 N. Wells St. Chicago, Illinois founded THE REVIEW and owned and loving Executive Secretary of the edited it for ten years. Dr. Braisted Council for the past ten years. is a graduate of Brown University and served as a Baptist missionary in *** India and Burma for about ten years. Dr. Henry McDowell, a colored *** missionary working under the Amer- Our year's program includes a num- [ 1] ber of articles preparatory to the next International Missionary Conference to be held in Madras next December,
by kind permission of the London Missionary Society
AN AFRICAN'S AWAKENING INTEREST IN THE HOPE OF THE WORLD REVIE ORLD VOLUME LXI AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 1 JANUARY, 1938 Tapies of the Times CLOSED AND OPEN DOORS labor warfare and anti-religious activity in some Looking back over the past year we see many circles. Mexico is still holding doors closed against missionary activity from outside countragedies, disappointments, lost opportunities and tries but is easing up on regulations against the doors closed or closing to the messengers of Christ right of religious assembly. Other Latin Amerand to true religious liberty. There is Korea and ican countries still seethe with unrest but open the Japanese effort to force Christians to take part in obeisance at Shinto shrines; there is conflicts are prevented by strong men in power. China, with the Japanese invasion, bombing of All over the world the greatest obstacle to the hospitals, schools and villages, the diversion of progress of Christian life and activity is in the lifeless or lukewarm churches, that have "a name money and life from a constructive program and to live but are dead," and in the divided, lifeless the efforts to destroy a truly efficient Chinese government; there is Japan with its strong mili- and stony-hearted Christians who are so only in name. The scandals on Christendom are always taristic party in control and their determined the greatest obstacles to Christian progress. effort to stifle freedom of thought and expression on the part of the people. There is Iran where But on the other hand, all is not dark and lifethe shah, Riza Pahlavi, has made himself dictator less as we look back nor as we look forward to the and is clamping down on religious freedom and New Year. What gloriously bright gleams there on all effort to oppose his selfish and narrow- have been in the faithful Christian life and testiminded program. There is Palestine, with the mony in every land – in Japan and Chosen in bitter conflict between Arabs and Jews and the spite of government regulations; in China in the still unwelcome British proposal to make separate midst of invasion, bombings and death; in India Moslem and Jewish states. There is Turkey, with where political strife has brought unrest and "units more enlightened dictator but prohibiting the touchables" are seeking social and religious freeteaching of religion to all youth under eighteen, dom; in Iran, Arabia, and Mesopotamia where thus handicapping the home and the school, the Christians are constantly being born in the midst mosque and even the Church. There is Russia, of fanaticism and in spite of bitter opposition; with its increasingly materialistic program, its in many parts of Africa where the Christian atheistic rules and its anti-Christian propaganda Church is growing through the work of African and its "purging" of the country by the death of Christians; in Germany where Evangelical pasleaders suspected of being antagonistic to the tors and people are ready to suffer imprisonment Stalin government. There is Germany and the for conscience sake; in Great Britain and Europe Nazi government seeking to control the Church, where Christians from all the world and all Protintroduce pagan traditions and worship and to estant and Eastern churches united in brotherly stifle faith in the historic Church and obedience to conference to bring better understanding and Almighty God. There is Spain with its homicidal closer fellowship in faith, life and work. In North strife, the interruption of Christian life and work, America the results of the Preaching Mission and the closing of some partly opened doors by com- Christian Youth Movements are still felt and are munistic, Roman Catholic and military activity, building for the future. In Mexico the evangelical and the impoverishment of the country. In North work goes forward, carried on by Mexican Chris- America there are tragedies in economic life, with tians among the youth and even among the 801- [3]
diers. In Central and South America the Gospel It will continue to prove true in Spain, in Russia, light also shines brightly in many obscure corners. Chile reports effective evangelism among soldiers in Ethiopia and in China. The only way to end and sailors and Indians; Brazil has Evangelical war by murderous warfare is to exterminate all self-supporting churches with over a thousand opponents; even then new antagonists will arise members each. After all, the most effective work and attempt to put down the victor who depends of Christ is carried on not in dramatic ways in on physical force to maintain his supremacy. great assemblies, but through the power of the Spirit of God shining out of individual lives in the A "war to end war" is rightly ridiculed today. homes, the churches and the communities in each It is as futile as is Japan's campaign to cure country. Chinese unfriendliness by a murderous invasion of Chinese territory. You cannot cure hatred by But what of the doors of service for Christ that hatred, or overcome evil with evil. It is nineopen out into the new year? Was there ever teen years since "peace" was declared in Europe; greater opportunity to show what Christ can and the Treaty of Versailles was signed by conflicting will do to set right this disordered world, if only nations; the World War was supposedly brought His followers are ready to leave all and follow to an end; the victors thought that they had been Him? What might not this new year – with able to make it unprofitable, if not impossible, for Christ – show in the establishment of peace in Germany, Austria and Turkey ever again to con- China and Spain; of religious freedom in Japan, sider renewing the conflict. They were believed Chosen, Iran, Arabia, Turkey, Russia, Mexico and to be too weak to take revenge. Germany; in producing the fruits of education, brotherhood and justice in Egypt, Ethiopia and Jesus Christ came with a message of peace to other parts of Africa; in promoting political the world and showed the way to establish and peace in Latin America, and economic peace and maintain goodwill among men. He gave His spiritual revival in North America? life to make peace between men and God and to establish the rule of love, and yet how little we This coming year offers new and rich opportu- have shown our desire for peace and goodwill. nities in the World Missionary Conference at There are still conflicts not only between men of Madras next December; in the coming student different nations, but also between those of differrevival meetings in American colleges; in the ent races, social and economic strata and ideas! revitalizing of churches, Christian organizations and institutions all over the world, but most of all We hate war and yet there are things worse in the opportunity to open individual hearts and than war-even worse than armed conflict and lives to the power and control of the indwelling death. Dishonor, disobedience to the laws of Christ. "Behold I have set before thee an open God, and cruel disregard of human rights are door and no man can shut it. . . . If any man worse than war. A truly righteous and strong hear my voice and open the door, I will come in government must endeavor to put down lawlessto him." ness, even by the use of force. "The powers that be are ordained of God." As long as thugs and "THE WAR TO END WAR" thieves ply their trades, armed police are neces- sary-locally, nationally or internationally. Such There probably never was a period in the his- a condition is not ideal ana does not make for tory of mankind when so much thought and lasting peace, but lawlessness should be made unmoney was being spent on warfare, past, present profitable. and future, as there is today – nineteen hundred years after the coming of the Prince of Peace. There is only one way to end war and that is Instead of peace and goodwill among men, there to establish the rule of love, to disarm the mind are murderous conflicts going on in Spain and and heart by taking away men's desire to fight China and more are threatened in Europe, Asia, one another. There is only one way truly to Africa and in the Americas. There were many conquer an enemy and that is to make him a who believed that the great World War was such friend. We are "more than conquerors" when a deadly and decisive conflict that "civilized" we overcome evil with good. This can be brought nations in future would be persuaded to settle to pass when men give their full allegiance to their disputes without arms. But a "war to end Him who loved us. war" is an idle dream. It is no homeopathic remedy; no inoculation that prevents taking the We hate war and yet there is war in which we disease in worse form. Warfare unleashes human believe. It is a warfare that is in full harmony passions; it stimulates greed, hatred and a desire with the Spirit of Christ and with the Will of for revenge. This has been proved by the course God. It is the Christian war against all evil- .of events in Germany, Turkey and Latin America. the war against selfishness and greed; against hatred and cruelty; against crime and lawless- ness; against intemperance and lust; against sickness and ignorance and degrading poverty.; against godlessness and all forms of evil
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
Men are belligerent by nature. Little children, churches in which they are reported as members.
as soon as they want something they do not His statements as to the decline of Protestantism possess, or find that someone else stands in the in America may not be wholly correct but it is way, fight their battles with a cry, with words, clear to anyone who investigates the facts that or a blow. But children and adults can be taught church and Sunday school attendance and vital a better way than to overcome by physical war- interest in Christian life and service have not pro- fare. There is a conquest by love, by truth and gressed but have declined,-especially in the by surrender. To "fight the good fight of faith," larger ecclesiastical bodies.
we need only courage and the whole armor of Some of the reasons for this d~cline may be God. The moral equivalent of war is the fight briefly stated: against evil, within and without. It is the fight for truth and for righteousness; the battle to 1. Decline of religious interest and responsibility carry out the loving Will of God. This is the in the homes. "war that will end war." When love takes the place of hate, and good takes the place of evil, 2. Increase of rationalism and materialism in the Kingdom of God will be manifest on earth. schools and colleges.
3. Increase of worldliness and self-indulgence in social life, with evidences of insincerity or IS RELIGION DECLINING IN AMERICA? hypocrisy in many professing Christians. 4. Indifference ·to spiritual things on the part of It is difficult to compare one generation with many in the church and out. This is fos- another. Statistics do not tell the whole story- tered by unwholesome fiction, theatricals and as to crime, customs, religious faith or Christian motion pictures.
progress. Each man's vision and information is 5. Increasing ignorance of God and lack of vital limited, especially in spiritual matters. Only God faith among young and old. The Bible is can know man's heart and only He can judge sadly neglected and misunderstood. rightly. Nevertheless air currents, weather vanes, barometers, social investigations, vital statistics 6. Absence of vital spiritual preaching of the and church attendance reveal some conditions and Word of God and lack of effective Christian tendencies. They are worth considering carefully. service in many churches.
There are some conditions in America that are 7. Lack of unity among Christians and failure to show true brotherly love among those of encouraging and there are also tendencies that are disturbing-politically, economically, socially and different classes, denominations and races. religiously. These tendencies downward should be studied carefully and corrected wherever pos- Christian leaders need to recognize these spirsible. Among the disturbing factors are those itual ailments and we should all earnestly and that indicate dependence on physical force rather prayerfully seek the remedy. Christianity, as pro- fessed today, has too often become formal and than on righteousness to settle economic and in- dead. So-called Christian nations have ignored ternational disputes. There is an increase of Christ's teachings as to righteousness and peace. divorce and a lowering of moral ideals; the Larger church attendance, better preaching, even growth of the gambling spirit, the development of Bible teaching and social service, do not in themlawlessness and the spread of intemperance are selves provide the remedy. We are coming to disturbing. The progress of atheism and material- recognize more and more that the first need is ism are evident, especially in some colleges and personal spiritual revival, with surrender to God among those with radical ideas. There is a de- and a vital relation to Christ; second, there is crease in Sunday school and church attendance need for new, more earnest and intelligent study among all classes. In general the growth of ex- of the Bible as the Word of God; third, we need travagance and self-indulgence is coupled with true prayer and obedience to the revealed will indifference to the revealed will of God as the of God. Finally, Christians must unite more standard for faith and life. At a recent National whole-heartedly in loving fellowship, in witness- Laymen's Conference it was pointed out that ing to Christ and in devoted service to mankind.
Christian church membership has declined in pro- There is power in Christ and His Gospel to portion to the growth in population. Mr. Roger transform the world. There is evidence of spir- W. Babson, former moderator of the Congrega- itual vitality in the Church and in multitudes of tional Council, has said that Protestant church Christians. They are still the "salt of the earth"
membership is declining to an alarming degree. but too much of the salt has lost its savour or is Others believe that he has based his statements confined in salt-cellars, not scattered to counter- on incorrect or insufficient data, but Mr. Babson act corruption. Christians are still the "light of states that official church figures include millions the world," when Christ loves and shines through who have now no vital connection with the them, but too many are hiding their light or it
burns dimly, in a small circle, with a poor dying Roman Catholic Church, with special privileges flame that cannot lighten even their own homes, as the National Church, then, in addiltion, the much less the dark corners of the earth. Waldensian Church, the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist Churches, the Friends, the Seventh Day An observer at the recent conference on Evan- Adventists, Plymouth Brethren, the Salvation gelism, held at Northfield, Massachusetts, reached Army and the Spezia mission. No other denomthe following conclusions: (1) We must recog- inations are allowed in the country. nize that the desperate situation in the world today cannot be remedied by reformation but only It is common rumor in Italy that the Vatican by redemption and regeneration. (2) Definite helped to finance the Abyssinian war. In return, decision must be made to accept redemption in it seems to have demanded that the civil authori- Christ producing a new character and not merely ties should restrain all Protestant denominations. improvement along the old ways of life. (3) To The first result was the disappearance of many accept Christ means to adopt His teachings as the independent missions and churches, which were practical plan of life in social, industrial, and in- merely extinguished in conformity with the law. ternational relationships, as well as in personal Particular attention has recently been paid to one conduct. (4) A definite Biblical foundation is independent work estimated to number some needed in thought and preaching. (5) Evan- 50,000 adherents but one that has been a pargelism must be carried to the people wherever ticularly aggressive and successful evangelistic they are and applied to their needs. This involves movement, and was spreading rapidly. A short street preaching, personal interviews, pastoral time ago no less than 1,000 of these people were contacts, clinics for personal problems, etc. placed under "house arrest," not allowed to leave (6) This is the work of the laity as well as the their village or town, and being obliged to report ministry. (7) Evangelism must be world-wide, themselves daily to the police. Nevertheless they not merely local. manage to hold meetings in caves and other secret places. EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS IN ITALY Attention was next given to those denomina- The British Weekly says that "so far as liberty tions recognized by the State, whose status is nomof worship is concerned matters are worse for inally guaranteed. The country is governed ac- Evangelicals in Italy than in Germany." Under cording to the exigencies of the moment. The a law promulgated in 1929, the following religious Vatican seems just now to be directing its activity organizations were recognized by the State and chiefly against three organizations-the Waldenallowed to conduct worship in their own way: the sian Church and its missions, the British and For- eign Bible Society and the Salvation Army.
RUSSIA'S NEW DRIVE AGAINST RELIGION Press reports from Moscow state that a new drive against religion took place in the Soviet Union to prevent the December influence of the Church or the clergy on the more susceptible voters in the elections. The first elections under the so-called Stalin constitution, now a year old, were held December 12. The clergy were accused of conducting an insidious propaganda campaign for the revival of the sorely oppressed Church. It was charged that their aim was the election of friendly deputies in the local Soviets and in the chambers of the new Supreme Soviet.
Trade unions, in particular, were urged to revive the fight against religion. Their news- paper, Trud, re-emphasized its purpose "to expose the counter-revolutionary machinations of the clergy and believers." The clergy of Russia, whether they are Evangelical pastors, Ortho- dox or Catholic priests, Jewish rabbis, or Mohammedan mullahs, are openly called parasites by the official organs of the Soviet Government and the Communist party and are designated as actual and potential enemies of the regime. Though the trade unions were enlisted in this new campaign against the churchmen, the drive aimed most particularly against the Church's in- fluence among the peasants since the Government seems to have had more difficulty suppressing religious expression among the peasants in the rural areas than in the cities.
Recent indications point to a determined revival of religious interest in Russia in spite of the most persistent efforts on the part of the Government. An indication of this trend is the fact that four years ago the Militant Godless League numbered 5,000,000 members. At pres- ent there are only 2,000,000 enrolled. Dispatches also note that in Russia today there are more than 30,000 religious organizations of various faiths.-Lutheran News Bureau.
Influence of Christ in
By PROF. KENNETH SCOTT LATOURETTE D. Willis James Professor of Missions and Oriental History in Yale University, Author of "The First Five Centuries of Christianity"
W HAT has been the influence of Jesus upon generation and even more than two or three cen- the human race? Is it waxing or waning? turies to determine trends. These are crucial questions. Upon the an- In general, the history of Christianity falls into swers which we give to them depends in part- three main epochs. First are the initial five cen- although by no means entirely-our attitude to- turies, in which the faith had its inception and in wards Jesus. Out of the~, too, arises to a large which it won the population of the Roman Empire.
degree our attitude towards Christianity and to- Then, second, approximately a thousand years in wards the outlook for civilization. If Christian- which geographically about as much territory was ity is losing in vitality, if it is a declining factor lost as was won but in which Christianity had a in human history, then the prospect for the future large share in shaping some new cultures. Third of the faith is dark, and if the human race goes and last, a period which began about the year 1500 on, its civilization will depart farther and farther and which is still with us (although some suspect from ideals which we think of as Christian. If, that it is now coming to a close), in which Chris- on the other hand, Christianity shows more vigor tianity experienced fresh internal life and ex- as the centuries pass and leaves a broadening and panded geographically beyond all previous limits. a deepening impress on mankind, then we can The first period is often regarded as the great- have more confidence as we face the future, both est in Christian history. The achievements were for Christianity and for civilization.· indisputably remarkable. In it the Church came Any full answer to these queries would require into existence, became second in strength only to a much larger space than the editor could permit. the state, and proved so vigorous that it survived Even a full summary of an answer would demand the state. In it the New Testament was put into a volume. However, it is possible to sketch in writing, and Christianity, beginning apparently brief compass the broad outline of a summary. as an obscure sect of Judaism, spread until it be- In general the answers can be stated as follows: came the religion of the vast majority of the Ro- (1) (This may seem so obvious as to be a banal- man Empire. The effect upon thj:! culture of the i.ty.) Through the centuries the influence of Jesus Roman world was profound. The ancient cults has been potent and beneficent. (2) (This also of the gods, to which the state had given its is a commonplace.) Never in any age or in any powerful support, were erased. The deities of large group of humanity has that influence been pagan antiquity remained merely as memories dominant. It has been one among many. Always and the ancient mythologies survived only in the it has met opposition. Always it has had to con- literature of the pagan ages and as literary allu- front elements in human nature and in society sions and devices. Laws were modified to take which are in complete opposition to it. Indeed, account of Christian principles, although not as the influence of Jesus has grown, the antago- greatly until after the end of the period. A new nism has become more pronounced. (3) In each literature was created, that of Christian devotion, of its major periods Christianity has successively apology, and theology, and new philosophies – if had a more profound effect upon the societies in one may so designate Christian theology – came which Christians have been numerous. (4) Never into existence. A new art and a new architecture, has Christianity been quite so vigorous and never although often incorporating pre-Christian forms, has the influence of Jesus been more widespread were created: Christianity aided in the processes and more effective than in the past century and which brought about the disappearance of certain a quarter. amusements, notably the combats of the arena.
The substantiation of these answers, as we have As its most outstanding contribution, the Chris- suggested, would require a volume. Here we can tian faith gave rise to transformed lives. A Paul give it only in the broadest outline. We must and an Augustine of Hippo are only the more disproceed chronologically. What is re$luired is his- tinguished examples of those who through a cata- torical perspective. We need to see more than a clysmic experience passed from moral and spir- [ 7]
itual defeat and impotence to triumphant living. out Roman rule and with it much of civilization. An Origen of Alexandria and an Ambrose of From the Southeast came the Arabs, carrying a Milan are, in turn, better known instances of those new, vigorous faith, Islam, and occupied Syria, in whom the change, while real, was wrought in Palestine, Mesopotamia, Persia, all the northern less spectacular fashion-in an Origen by Chris- shore of Africa, and practically all of the Iberian tian nurture. Peninsula. In the lands conquered by the Mos- lems the churches shrank in membership and in Great though the changes were, most of the some places disappeared. main outlines of Grreco-Roman culture were but little altered by Christianity. The vast majority Yet, in spite of this threat, Christianity not of Christians entertained no thought of destroying only survived in many of the areas which it had the existing order or even of withdrawing from formerly occupied, but, winning the pagan barit or of thoroughly reforming it. Many of the barians who threatened to overwhelm it, it also early Christians partly separated themselves from spread into Northern Europe far beyond the forthe world. Some sects, such as the Marcionites, mer borders of the Roman Empire into vast rewere pronouncedly ascetic in matters of sex. Dur- gions which before the year 500 had never heard ing its earlier centuries the Church tended to be the name of Christ. made up of communities apart-of the world but not fully in it. Before the first five centuries were New cultures arose in Northern Europe. They done an appreciable minority had entered the mo- grew up partly under 111e regis and inspiration of nastic movement, thus, in theory and to a large the Church and in them Christianity was more extent in practice, renouncing secular society and potent than ever it had been in the Roman Emembarking upon what appeared to them to be a pire. The Church became the vehicle by which purely Christian life. Moreover, in the first five much of the culture of the Grreco-Roman world centuries after Christ the structure of Grreco-Ro- was transmitted to the peoples of Northern Euman society and of the Roman state underwent rope. It was the nourisher of arts and letters. extensive modifications. However, in the main, Under it the universities of Northern Europe most of these modifications were not due to Chris- arose. Princes called themselves Christians and tianity. The vast majority of Christians more took oaths at their coronation which obligated nearly conformed to the world about them than them to rule as such. The Christian conscience they or that world were transformed by their did not fully accept war, as it had in the fourth faith. After Constantine the state controlled the and fifth centuries, but through the Truce of God Church much more than the Church controlled the and the Peace of God strove to regulate it 'and state. After originally holding themselves aloof reduce it. In chivalry a combination of Christian from the army, Christians reversed their attitude ideals wi,th the warrior's profession was made in and saw no inconsistency between their profession the attempt, probably seldom consciously exand service in the legions. Nor did they make pressed, to Christianize the 1<atter. The family any great effort to mitigate the horrors of war. came more fully under the control of the Church Slavery largely disappeared, but chiefly from than it had under the Roman Empire. The relief other reasons than repugnance to the institution of the poor, the sick, and travellers, and the proon Christian grounds. Some of the traditional tection of widows were largely through the Church amusements, such as the theatre, while still un- and were almost entirely the outgrowth of the purged of many features contradictory to Chris- Christian conscience. As in the Roman Empire, tianity, were as popular with the nominally Chris- so in Northern Europe, the pagan cults disaptian populace of the fourth and fifth centuries as peared. As in the Roman Empire, moreover, they had been with pagans of earlier days. Even popular religious movements broke forth from in the realm of religious practices and beliefs time to time, evidence that the impulse which many attitudes and some customs carried over came from Jesus was still fresh, and noble spirits from pre-Christian days. arose who bore unmistakably the peculiar impress of Christ. Threatened Collapse of Society Even in lands under the control of Moslems, In the next period, that from A. IT. 500 to A. D. Christianity was not without its effect. To be 1500, the story is somewhat different. From the sure, where Moslem law against apostasy was ensixth through the ninth century the very existence forced, as it was in regions in which the state was of Christianity was threatened by the collapse of Moslem, any extensive leakage from Islam to the society with which the faith had come to be Christianity was impossible. In such lands, moreclosely associated. The Roman Empire dwindled over, the Christian churches, on the defensive, to the Byzantine Empire. In Western Europe in- slowly lost ground. However, wherever Christian vasion after invasion of pagan barbarians wiped rulers permanently regained possession from Moslems, Islam disappeared more completely than
THE INFLUENCE OF CHRIST IN HISTORY
did Christianity in many a region permanently had the Christianity of Western Europe been so under the control of Moslems, Then, too, in Mos- vigorous or so far advanced towards the New Teslem lands Christians often had a profound influ- tament standard. ence. Moslem mysticism, or Sufism, came into existence and was molded in contact with Chris- In Europe the influence of Christianity became tian monks and hermits. Christians in Mesopo- probably greater than in the Middle Ages-"probtamia translated into Arabic the works of the ably," because precise measurements as the necesgreat Greek philosophers, so that Aristotle, who sary basis for exact comparisons are impossible. reached Western Europe in part through the Mos- The numbers who entered deeply into a Christian lems, had first come to the Moslems from Chris- experience appear to have been much greater. In tians. It was from Christian physicians tha,t society as a whole Christianity became the chief Moslem Arab physicians first learned much of the impulse back of the formation of international law lore which made them famous. What is called -an effort to put on a basis of peace and justice Arabic art appears largely to have been at the the relations between the rising nation-states. It outset the creation of Christian artisans in Egypt. also gave birth to fresh works of charity. It was the inspiration of the first pure democracies which At the close of the fifteenth century Christian- the world had seen. It entered as a major factor ity again appeared to face a dark future. From into the formation of the national traits of such the outside it was menaced by Moslem Turks. The peoples as the Scotch, the Dutch, and the Scandi- Turk, indeed, took that ancient bulwark of Chris- navians. It was potent in the genesis and fortianity against the Moslems, Constantinople, and mulation of the ideals of some of the most highin time overran Southeastern Europe. In Western minded leaders of the early stages of the French Europe, where Christianity retained its greatest Revolution. stronghold, the faith seemed threatened by internal decay. Medieval culture, largely the prod- Outside of Europe, Christianity spread more uct of Christianity, was disappearing. With the widely than had ever any religion or, indeed, than had any set of ideas, religious or secular. It was Renaissance came humanism, much of it pagan one of the causes of the discovery and exploration and hostile or indifferent to Christianity. A large of America, of the discovery of the sea route to part of the clergy were morally corrupt and a hiss- India and the Far East, and of the trans-Atlantic ing and a byword to all honest folk. For a time settlements of European folk. Christian missionthe Roman Catholic Church was divided through aries penetrated to the farthest confines of the an unseemly schism over rival claimants of the Americas, to the great nations of Asia, and to papal chair. In land after land the Church was various places in Africa. In all of these regions placed under the control of the secular authori- converts were made. ties-a process which continued in the sixteenth century with the further growth of monarchical Achievements of Christianity states. At the close of the fifteenth and in the Moreover, Christianity served to ameliorate the early decades of the sixteenth century the Throne impact of European upon non-European peoples. of Peter was occupied by a succession of thor- Much of the exploration and conquest was accomoughly worldly men. The sad state to which the panied by unspeakable cruelties of nominally leadership of the Church had fallen was drama- Christian Europeans on non-European peoples. tized by the martyrdom of Savonarola, with his Again and again missionaries protested against passion for spiritual and moral reform, through these iniquities. They appealed to the Christian the opposition of the Borgia Pope, Alexander VI, conscience of Europe and in consequence in edict the most infamous of the pontiffs of that low after edict the Popes came out against enslaving moral ebb of the papacy. the Indians and for generous treatment of the aborigines, and the Spanish monarchs enacted- Yet Christianity came back, and with unprece- but did not always enforce-the remarkably hudented power. In the succeeding centuries it mane Laws of the Indies. Missionaries, too, colexercised an influence on mankind far more wide- lected the Christian natives into settlements spread and profound than ever before. A series where they attempted to give protection against of revivals unequalled in the past purged organ- the rapacity of their exploiting fellow-countryized Western Christianity of many of its abuses men. and lifted it to a new level of moral and spiritual earnestness. Some of these revivals contributed In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries Christo what we know as the Protestant Reformation. tianity became especially vigorous. The eight- Others led in the old church to what Protestants eenth century witnessed the dying down of the usually call the Counter-Reformation but to what fires of religious enthusiasm in Europe. At the is more accurately known as the Catholic Refor- end of that century the French Revolution and mation. In spite of palpable weaknesses, never the wars of Napoleon threw all Western Europe
into turmoil and in places dealt serious blows to education in Africa, in much of A,sia, and in many the Church. Yet, even in the eighteenth century of the islands of the sea. In China under Chrisrevivals were in progress in the Pietist and Wes- tian auspices a new medical profession came into leyan movements and in the Great Awakening in being. In their day of transition huge civilized the Thirteen Colonies. In the nineteenth century nations, notably the Indians and Chinese, had they became more numerous and more wide- their ideals profoundly modified by Christianity. spread. Always in Protestantism deeply reli- In the Occident, Christianity, far from losing its gious strains had existed. However, political mo- power to mold collectively the life of man, gave tives had been almost as potent as religious in the birth to movements for the abolition of the Negro formation of Protestantism, and the various state slave trade and of Negro slavery. The Red Cross churches in which until the nineteenth century by its very name and symbol bears witness to the most Protestants were found, suffered in their Christian origin of this most noteworthy of atspiritual life from the control exercised by their tempts to heal the wounds of war and of natural respective governments. Now, in the nineteenth disasters. In the OcCident both the menace of century, the Christian motive became more nearly war and the efforts to prevent war assumed undominant in Protestantism and the Christian ex- precedented proportions. Most of the latter had perience more widespread. New denominations Christian roots. The list might be greatly lengthcame into being to express this experience. Great ened to include prison reform, efforts to better movements and organizations-among others the the lot of the blind, the deaf, and the insane, and Sunday schools, the Young Men's and Young the founding of scores of colleges and universities Women's Christian Associations, the young peo- and of hundreds of hospitals. ple's soCieties, and the student Christian movements-arose to meet particular needs. Within As we have suggested, never in any age or peo- Roman Catholicism a new burst of life gave birth ple has Christianity been the only influence at to more new orders than that ancient Church had work molding the life of man. Chronically it has known in all its preceding history. Both the Prot- been vigorously opposed by tendenCies and tradiestant and the Roman Catholic foreign missionary tions which spiritually and morally are its exact movements expanded to unprecedented propor- oppoSites. Always a tension has existed. Always tions. In the new nations formed by peoples of where the light has shone there has been darkness European stock in the United States, Canada, -but the light has continued to shine and the Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, Chris- darkness has not overcome it. If in our present tianity not only held the settlers, but, at least in age the forces of darkness seem to' be espeCially the largest of these nations, the United States, the aggressive, powerful, and perilous to the highest proportion of the population who were members interests of man, we need to remember that never of churches actually increased. has the light shone farther or more brilliantly than in the past century and a half. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the influence of Christianity became more widespread What the future has in store no one of us ought and more potent than ever. Millions from scores confidently to predict. History does not necesof different races and peoples entered to a greater sarily repeat itself. If, however, past experience or less degree into the Christian experience. warrants any prophecy, it is that the light will Scores of tribes in Africa and the islands of the continue to shine, beneficently and more strongly. Pacific reconstructed their entire corporate life So far as we can see, for an indefinitely long peand their customs under Christian auspices. riod to come the darkness will also be there. How- Through Christian missionaries more languages ever, the light is there and we can be confident were reduced to writing than by all other agencies that the darkness will not extinguish it. Always, in all the preceding history of mankind. Chris- as in the vision of Bunyan, the oil of grace contians pioneered in introducing new systems of tinues to be poured and all the efforts of the enemy do not put out the flame.
THE APPEAL OF CHRIST TO MEN The more pagan people are the more Christ's message appeals to them as Good News. But go to people who term themselves Christians, who believe themselves within Christ's fold, and yet are really pagan in life and character, and you run your head into a stone wall.-Prof. Gonzalo Baez Camargo of Mexico.
*** Christianity is a life-a life of fellowship with God in Christ Jesus. All else that is Christian flows from that experience. Doctrines define and formulate that experience in in- tellectual terms.-Thomas Reeve of England.
Mine–Boy to
The Remarkable Achievement of John McDowell, Late Associate Director of the Department of So- cial Education and Action, Board of Christian Education, Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
-"I By DELAVAN L. PIERSON I!B- __ J~==============~ ~==========~ TODAY most American parents seem to think not an easy job for a lad of eleven and he still had . that they must supply their children with all to rise early and work hard all day. Again he the education, the comforts, the amusements was faithful in that which was least, and he was and other advantages that their money can buy; cheerful and uncomplaining. Two years later the even then they tremble lest their boys and girls boy was promoted to be a "mule-boy" down in the may go astray and fail to make good in character damp, dark mines. His job was to hitch the mule or achievements. to the coal cars a·nd drive the animal to the shaft What chance of success has a lad of fourte~n, where the coal was hoisted to the surface. Here with only one arm, his remaining hand injured, was more responsibility and more risk to life and a broken leg and a wounded knee; moreover, a limb from accident, cave-in or explosions, but not lad who had received only a meagre primary much money and not very elevating or amusing school education, living in a miner's cabin sur- to a boy of thirteen! But again Jack was faith- rounded with many evidences of extreme poverty? ful, cheery and undefeated. He made friends with Such a number of handicaps would seem almost his mule and with the miners among whom were insurmountable. Not so were they accepted by strong, God-fearing men.
little Jack McDowell. The boy was made of What could John look forward to in life? Must sterner stuff, and did not know what it meant to he always be a poor miner, even if he survived the accept defeat because of adverse circumstances dangers which made the average age of miners and so-called handicaps. at death only about thirty-two? John's father John McDowell was born in DaIry, Scotland, wished better things for his son and, since times on September 24, 1870, and was brought to Amer- were a little easier, asked the lad if he would like ica by his parents when he was two years old. to go to school. It was an opportunity and the The father secured work as a miner in the an- boy had some ambition. In Miner McDowell's thracite coal mines near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsyl- home the daily fare included oatmeal, and the vania, but the money he could earn was very in- Shorter Catechism. The children were taught to adequate for the needs of a growing family. believe in and practice hard, honest work, self- Every cent was needed that could honestly be respect, honesty, reverence for God and human gained and at eight years of age little Jack went sympathy. But the opportunities for financial or to work as a "breaker-boy" at the mines. He had intellectual advancement were very limited. John to get up before daylight-not in a steam-heated told his father that he wanted to enter an engiroom-eat a hurried breakfast of oatmeal, and be neering school and become an engineer. It seemed at the mines at seven o'clock. There he sat all like a high ambition. Could he achieve it? Then day, in the heat of summer and the cold of winter came the catastrophy!
with coal dust filling eyes and lungs, picking out One day, down in the mine, on his last trip, the pieces of slate from the coal as it came down the coal car started on the down grade, caught Jack chute from the crusher. Not much freedom, fun in the machinery, dragged him along, tore his left and opportunity there for a growing boy's mind arm almost off, broke his leg, put a spike through and body. But he was faithful, and uncomplain- his knee and endangered his life. The boy had ing. His help was needed to meet the household presence of mind to put his foot with its heavy expenses. boot in front of the wheel and stopped the car.
Three years later, Jack was promoted to be The mule went on alone and miners came to see door-boy in the mines. His daily routine was to what was the trouble. They found the bruised open the doors at the foot of the shaft to let the and bleeding lad and took him home, where he mules and coal cars pass through, and then to shut hovered between life and death. His ambition them again to keep out the draft from the mines to be an engineer was spiked; but John was un- deep down in the bowels of the earth. This was daunted. When the doctor said: "Well, my boy, [11 ]
you won't have much more than your brain left In Mount Hermon, John came to know and love to work with," Jack decided that he wanted an D. L. Moody and was known and loved by the education. But how was that to be obtained? great evangelist and his family. He heard some When he had recovered sufficiently, he started to of the world's great Bible teachers and preachers attend the public school, and he soon showed signs at the summer conferences and was moved by ap- of a clear, undamaged brain and a determined peals to make full surrender to Christ and to give spirit. his life to Christian service. At Northfield, too, About that time the great evangelist, D. L. he met a girl student-refined, attractive, sweet Moody, came to Wilkes-Barre. He told of his in disposition and strong in Christian character. school, recently founded at Mount Hermon, Mas- Minnie Fowler saw in the Mount Hermon youth sachusetts, where boys with little cash but much the signs of true nobility and promise. Those who earnestness might work to pay part of their way knew these two students then, and have followed and obtain an education. That was the place for them ever since, know what a perfect comrade- Jack. A friend who recognized the boy's worth ship has marked their life together-each conoffered to pay $100 toward the first year's ex- tributing rich stores of understanding love and penses if he could earn the remainder. The next talents to make their lives a united success.
September he went to Mount Hermon-a frail slip From Mount Hermon, John McDowell went to of a lad of fifteen, apparently with serious handi- Princeton University where he was graduated in caps-but again he was faithful, intelligent, dead 1894. He earned his way through and at the in earnest, cheerful and uncomplaining. He same time helped a younger brother to obtain an gladly began to work at his books and at the education. After leaving Princeton he spent a daily tasks assigned to help pay his way. But summer in mission work in New York's East Side, what could he do? Not drive a plow, work on the largely among foreigners. He showed himself a road, or even wash dishes; but he could work in friend to the poor and to handicapped workers the school office and in the summer time he could and gained a keener sense of the prime impor- sell newspapers at the Northfield Conferences tance of winning men to God as He has revealed -and he did. Himself and the Way .Of Life through Jesus But there was another and even greater handi- Christ. As a result John decided to enter Prince- cap from which he suffered. He studied hard but ton Seminary to prepare for the ministry-again though he answered the questions in his written paying his own way through, and using all the examinations, his marks were too low to pass. time he could spare for evangelistic work. He What was the trouble? The teacher told him was called to be pastor .Of a church at Steelton, that he could not receive better marks because he Pennsylvania, in a region not far from his old had failed in recitation. But did not the teacher home. There he came to know the miners and know the reason? Jack stuttered s.o that he could their problems still more intimately as their not recite-especially in translating Latin and in friend and spiritual adviser. But the field was too pronouncing unfamiliar names in history? The limited for his talents and he was soon called to teacher was sorry but firm-boys were required be pastor of Park Church, Newark. There, with to recite. "All right," the boy said, "I will recite his faithful and devoted wife at his side, he made next time." And he did, although he took the full his mark, not only on his congregation but in the lesson period to get out the words. At first the city, serving on juries and on commissions, set- class laughed and the teacher told him he could tling labor disputes, working for social justice sit down. But Jack set his jaw firmly and con- and seeking to exalt Christ and to show the impli- tinued the battle royal. Then his classmates were cations and application of His message for this silent and moved to tears-but tears of sympathy world and for the world to come.
and admiration. Finally they applauded. Jack After ten years in Newark, there followed other sat down a victor. He never stammered again. important pastorates in Detr.Oit and Baltimore, The lad discovered that he need never accept where he ministered to both rich and poor, win- defeat and he acquired a taste for overcoming. ning friends among all classes, in all denomina- He wanted to enter into athletics, but how could tions, in all political parties and among represen- he? Football and baseball seemed out of the ques- tatives of both capital and labor. But he never tion, so he took up tennis; he kept persistently at was willing to compromise or to win friends at it until he became a champion player. It was a the expense of truth or of his fidelity to Christ, great sight to see him toss a tennis ball in the air his Master. During the World War he rendered for a serve, with racquet held in his one hand, and noteworthy service as Y. M. C. A. Director of Re- then give it a smashing drive. He played with his ligious Work among industrial workers in the head and won many matches by out-maneuvering Eastern district. From this he was called to be his opponents. Secretary of the Board of Home Missions .Of the
FROM MINE-BOY TO MODERATOR
Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. (now the Board of standing, John McDowell never knew defeat. He National Missions), later serving as associate di- was never embittered in spirit and never lost his rector of the Committee on Social and Industrial courage, his optimism or his love for his fellow- Relations under the Board of Christian Education. men. He never sought to make capital of what He became president of the Home Missions Coun- others might look upon as his "handicap"; he cil, uniting all the evangelical churches, prepared ignored it and used his one hand more efficiently the annual Labor Day messages which were scat- than many men could use two. So normal and tered all over the land, working to settle labor complete was he in spirit and body that friends disputes and to establish principles of brother- even forgot he had only one arm. hood, justice and Christian love in the economic realm as well as in the Church. He was an able Almost the last public service that Dr. Mcand popular speaker at Northfield and other con- Dowell rendered was in organizing and directing ferences, and rendered important service at the the D. L. Moody Centennary meetings at the Charlottesville Institute of Public Affairs. He Northfield General Conference in August, 1937. was the author of several valuable and influential The general theme of the addresses, "Christ and books which set forth clearly the Christian faith the Bible," was chosen by him as these were the and the principles of social justice-"Dwight L. two main themes and sources of power on which Moody, the Discoverer of Men and the Maker of the great evangelist had built up his educational Movements," "Christian Essentials," and "Fellow- and evangelistic program. The meetings, preship of Toil." He sometimes said that while the sided over by Dr. McDowell, were a fitting trib- "Church has use for a one-armed preacher, it has ute to the man to whom he was so deeply atno use for a one-armed Gospel." tached and to whom he owed so much.
Many true and striking statements were made It would be difficult to point out all the factors in his addresses, books and published articles. that accounted for his success as a man, a life- These always breathed a Christian spirit of fair- partner, a friend, a servant of mankind and as a ness and wisdom, such as are evidenced in the follower of Jesus Christ. His courage, his faith following: in God and in man, his sacrificial spirit, his un- tiring industry, his intelligence and astounding "What industry needs is not better methods but memory, his fairness, sense of justice, good cheer better motives; not more perfect machinery but and keen sense of humor-all helped to make the more perfect mankind; not more laws but more man and servant of God. He owed much to his life, that 'abundant life' that Christ offers and Scotch inheritance; he owed more to his father's that Christ alone can give." faith in God and to his religious training in his home; he owed something to the fact that he knew "Labor belittles no man; wealth-owning be- the discipline of poverty and hard work; he owed littles no man. 'A man's a man for a' that.' much to his experience and to his ability to make There should be no classes-no laboring class, no friends; he owed more to his contact with D. L. capitalistic class. Laboring men? Yes, they are Moody and to his training at Mount Hermon, and the world's enterprise builders. But the laboring Princeton; he owed much to his faithful wife, man and the capital-owning man is each a man." but he owed most of all to the new life he received through Christ, to his daily study of the Word of "From the Christian point of view the primary God and to his fellowship with the Son of God. question in industry today is-shall the symbol of our industrial life be the dollar mark or the Cross? One of the finest tributes ever paid him was by Shall our ambition be self-seeking or sacrificial Dr. Robert Freeman of the First Presbyterian service?" Church of Pasadena, California, when presenting Dr. McDowell to the president of Occidental Col- The height of Dr. McDowell's career in the lege, Los Angeles, California, for the degree of Christian Church was reached when, in 1933, he LL.D. in 1932. Dr. Freeman spoke of him as one was elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Gen- "who for fifteen years has been the spokesman of eral Assembly. This is the highest honor in the our denomination wherever social adjustment was gift of the Church of two million members. He lacking or industrial justice imperilled; who in filled the position with great effectiveness, travel- the day of honor and influence has not forgotten ing from coast to coast and from Canada to the the boys who have succeeded him in the choking Gulf, the former breaker-boy speaking sometimes dust of the coal breakers and along the slimy corthree or four times a day to churches, preachers, ridors of the mines, or the multitudes who have students, college professors, men's clubs, confer- trusted him to champion the fair claims of the ences, business executives, labor unions and other class from which he sprang; nor even feared to industrial workers. While at times physical weak- demand justice from them as he claimed justice ness and weariness overtook him and he suffered for them; one who blends evangelical fervor with from more than one accident; and while he often encountered criticism, opposition and misunder-
social passion; who treasures the heritage of the when he was a boy of fourteen but his soul lived old land and the old order and the old faith while on. Later he accepted the gift of Eternal life catching and pursuing the vision of the new through Jesus Christ and he lives today in the heaven and the new earth: John McDowell, presence of the Master whom he served so faithwhose name is a test of romance, a symbol of fully, and in whose promises he believed with all consecration, and an epitome of service." his heart. His memory will be honored by men and women of all creeds and classes; his influence Like the Apostle Paul, John McDowell fought will continue to bear fruit. His labor was not in a good fight, he has finished his course, he has vain for it was "in the Lord." John McDowell kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for him expressed his confidence in the Life Eternal when a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the he wrote of Jesus' attitude toward death. He righteous judge, will give to him and not to him said: only but to all those that love His appearing. He fell asleep in Christ on November 13th after a Christ never spoke of His death apart from His resurmajor operation which he faced with courage, rection. He never thought of His death as the end of His knowing its possible unfavorable outcome. But career; it was only an episode, and an episode opening up he is not dead. A part of his body was discarded the way for the larger part He was to playas the spir- itual leader of men in the Kingdom of God.
A Faithful Friend and True Christian From an Address by Dr. Robert E. Speer, Given at the Funeral Service, November 16, 1937, in Park Church, Newark, where Dr. McDowell was Pastor for Ten Years JOHN McDOWELL was one of the dearest business of the Church, and about God's relation friends, one of the best men, and one of the to man and man's relation to God, and man's rela- noblest Christians we have ever known or ever tion to his fellow men. Just as he sought to know can know. His character and his career is occa- the truth so he sought to speak it. No one ever sion for deep thanksgiving to God for the man found him equivocating or accommodating or that He made. His life is a fountain of ins·pira- using words with reservations. It was in love tion and a call to boundless hope for ourselves and and good will that he spoke and what he spoke for other men. His career reveals to us the un- was the truth. And he thought and spoke truth limited opportunities in our American life for because he was true and genuine. He sought such a boy as this Scotch miner lad; his life ex- wholly to follow Him who said, "I am the Way of emplifies the duty and privilege of ever-expand- Truth and the Life" and to be faithful to God, in ing thought and influence, and the full meaning whom "is· no darkness at all." of the Christian Gospel. No man can be faithful to truth as John Mc- But we are thinking here not so much of John Dowell was and not be a brave and courageous McDowell's career but of his character, and of man, either fearless or victorious over fear. that which was basic in him as it is basic in all John's career was a brave and courageous career. life and character, truth. God, who desires truth He never surrendered to his handicaps. He turned in the inward parts, we may reverently say, found them into resources. He could do with one arm and its maimed hand more than some men can do His desire largely fulfilled in John. He used to with two sound arms. He was an excellent tennis like to quote Mr. Moody's familiar aphorism, player, holding the ball on his racket and tossing "Character is what a man is in the dark." In the it into the air. He astounded a small boy in a dark or in the light, by night and day, John Mc- home where he was staying by speed of unlacing Dowell was unqualifiedly and uncompromisingly and relacing his shoes. He never asked for sym- and steadfastly true. pathy or allowance. He carried his full load. And in all his work he carried truth into action – in His thoughts were true. Paul's admonition was speaking and doing always what he believed to be . not second nature, but first nature with him. right. We have seen him tested in the matter of fidelity to what he believed to be true and right in "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things the midst of difficulties. As Chairman of the are honorable, whatsoever things are just, what- Graduate Advisory Committee of the Philadelphia soever things are pure, whatsoever things are Society of Princeton University, when there were lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if some hard problems in the religious life of the there be any virtue and if there be any praise"- University, and conflicting opinions, he never John McDowell thought on these things. He sought to find the truth of the Gospel, and the truth about his duty and about the nature and
flinched. He and Bishop McConnell bore the and self-control. I never knew him to be fretful brunt of the attack on the report of the Inter- or impatient or irritable, to bear a grudge, to re- Church World Movement Committee, of which sent anything personal, to be anything but steadthey were members, in the matter of the steel fast and straightforward. strike. John has now gone on beyond all the earthly confusions to the pure peace and effortless Professor Royce has made both a philosophy joy of a richer service. I do not think he will be and a religion out of loyalty, and all that there is reproached there, as he was reproached here, nor in loyalty for philosophy and religion John knew. will he need in that happy fellowship the grit and His loyalty to Mount Hermon and to Dwight L. tenacity with which he met his reproach here. In Moody was one of the brightest and most blessed recent years, in the difficult problems which had things in his bright and blessed spirit. As chairto be met in connection with the Seminary, how man last summer of the National Committee on clear were his convictions and how fairly but un- the Centennial of Mr. Moody's birth, he did a yieldingly he maintained them. And to cite but one more instance of his brave and courageous JOHN McDOWELL AS MODERATOR mind and spirit, we will all recall his true prophet's mission in the matter of human relations in noble piece of work. Noone has written articles the field of industry and the fearlessness with or made addresses on Mr. Moody more full of inwhich he spoke his mind, with no partial interest, sight, of true estimate and appreciation, of deeper truckling to no one class or group., but asking only love and loyalty than those that came from John what was right, and in consequence, commanding McDowell. One likes to imagine the meeting of the respect and confidence of all honest men. We the two in the Land Beyond. Mr. Moody, with thank God today for this memory of a good, brave the well-remembered twinkle in his eye, might man. reproach John for his over-praise and John might answer· him without a syllable of retraction. And it rests us to recall his quality of justice, Happy, happy must be their meeting in the Imof sound-mindedness, of fair and kind and reason- mortal Love and the Celestial Light of Paradise. able judgment. There was never any harsh or The loyalty of that friendship was the loyalty of intemperate speech. No one was left in doubt as all John McDowell's many friendships. I speak to his mind. His words were unmistakably clear out of the understanding of a great love. John and pungent but we never knew him to be illtempered or uncharitable. He kept his balance in a world of excesses and partisanships. He knew how to combine and proportion the personal and the collective aspects of Christianity and life. He saw the right place and relations of persuasion and authority, of private action and of legislative enactment. He was a good guide and counsellor in his just discernment of the true functions of the Church in its spiritual mission to human hellrts and wills, and its ministry as an agency of the Kingdom of God.
The rule and joy of John McDowell's life, its formulating principle, was unselfish service. He was the disciple of One who came "not to be ministered unto but to minister." He had no pride which could (be offended and no vanity to wound. He never sought anything for himself. While he was honestly and justly pleased at his election as Moderator and fulfilled the duties of his offioe to the delight of the Church, he did it without any ostentation or parade. Whatever he could do to help people he did with a happy, genial heart. He went in and out among us as one who served.
And it is a joy to recall his good temper, his humor. Again and again he would relieve the tension with some apt anecdote or illustration. Grave situations were lightened by his evenmindedness, his quiet voice, his fullness of poise
was a friend. It is not necessary to say "a true rity." "Uprightness, virtue, honesty, soundness"- friend." There is no other kind of friend. One these are the synonyms. "He that overcometh I knew that it was possible to put full trust on him will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and be safe. and he shall go out thence no more, and I will write upon him the name of my God." That was Supremely John McDowell was loyal to our John McDowell- a pillar, clean, upright, unde- Christian faith as passed down to us from the faced; he was white and true. He is described New Testament and from our fathers of the Re- for us in Mrs. Kingsley's exquisite dedication of formed tradition. He knew the words and he held the life of her husband: fast to the great formularies of our Church as they are, without glosses and unauthorized addi- TO THE BELOVED MEMORY OF tions or subtractions; but he knew the love and A RIGHTEOUS MANthe life of which the words are only the symbols. He remembered his Master's words, "Not every- Who loved God. and truth above all things; one that saith unto me, Lord! Lord!" He joy- A man of untarnished honorfully said, "Lord! Lord! My Lord and my God." Loyal and chivalrous-gentle and strong- But he said the words with his life and .he vali- Modest and humble-tender and truedated them by love and truth and life. Loyalty Pitiful to the weak-yearning after the erringwith him meant not only assent to sound opinion Stern to all forms of wrong and oppression, but also the glory of an obedient will, a gentle Yet most stern towards himselfspirit, the love of the brotherhood, and the com- Who being angry yet sinned not. munion of the saints. Whose highest virtues were known only To his wife, his children, his Sl!rvants and the poor. But our words multiply beyond the need. It is Who lived in the presence of God here enough to sum all up in one word alone, "integ- And passing through the grave and the gate of death, Now liveth unto God forevermore.
AMERICAN YOUTH SEEKING The Lutheran News Bureau says, as the result of a recent comprehensive survey under- I taken by the National Lutheran Council in an effort to refute claims of waning interest: :. "Young men and women in American Churches today are demonstrating a broadening and deepening interest in religion. Distinct evidence is the fact that they are turning in ever-increas- ing numbers to the Church, swelling the membership rolls of the various youth organizations in a most remarkable fashion. National leaders of a few of the Church youth organizations report that membership and interest has fallen off to an alarming degree during the past few years, and attribute that decline to an over-strong emphasis on the social aspect of their groups.
Already, however, they announce plans to effect a complete reorganization with a renewed emphasis on the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the essential element of all Christian activity. They express confidence that this return to the fundamental purpose of the religious youth movement will create a thorough revitalization. Various youth groups have sought constantly to give primary emphasis to Christ and His Gospel. One organization reports a membership increase of more than 300 % during the past twenty years, and a youth leader of another Church states that 'during the year 1936-1937 we have grown faster than during any year since 1922. This is exceedingly encouraging since we have a very definite program built on spiritual values.'
"Stress the fundamentals of Christian faith; teach the regenerating Gospel of Christ; emphasize the challenge to decide on a life for Christ; instruct young people regarding the work of the Church and the extension of Christ's Kingdom; encourage Bible study; these ele- ments are basic in the programs of the successful; vital youth organizations and are offered as the only rules for success in appealing to the profounqest interest of young men and women.
"Evidence of the growing appeal of religion to American youth is the fact that attend- ance at their conventions-district, state, and national-is increasing rapidly. Bible camps, too, are gaining attention, and reports of activities during the past two summers indicate that it was impossible to accommodate the thousands eager to attend. Pocket Testament movements, Bible study groups, and various young peoples' service organizations have also developed and increased in significance during the past few years. Countless indications point to a renewed interest in the fundamental Christianity taught by Jesus Christ. There is a more vital interest in religion and the Church than we have had for some time."
Demands and Foreign
By the REV. CHARLES E. MADDRY, D.D., Richmond, Virginia ExecutitJe Secretary, Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention A FTER months of careful study and extensive and a host of pioneer missionaries have sowed the .l'" survey of mission work in thirteen coun- Gospel seed beside all waters. tries in which Southern Baptists have Then came the second stage of cooperation in work, we are more firmly convinced than ever before that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the growth and development of foreign work, the one and only hope of mankind. The funda- when the native Christian constituency and the mental missionary motives are eternal and un- growing churches worked with the missionary, changing. As long as the curse of sin and death under his direction and supervision. The sup- porting boards in the homeland still supply most holds the race in bondage, just so long will the of the funds for the growing work. During this good news of salvation be imperatively necessary period the missionary was the official pastor, di- for the redemption and restoration of the fallen recting head and teacher in schools, colleges and race. Man's need for a Saviour from sin has not seminaries. The work on the newer fields is still changed; God's love of the sinner has not changed; in this stage of development. and Christ's power and will to save has not changed. Everywhere in foreign lands, we have Now comes the third and most critical stage of the indigenous church in the development of the seen at close range the Gospel of the first century older mission fields. It is the stage when the miscoming to grips with the degrading heathenism sionary must step aside and work under a native and unspeakable sin and moral leprosy of the leadership. We have reached this period of de- twentieth century and everywhere we have seen velopment in South and Central China; in Japan; the Gospel gloriously triumphant. in Brazil; and in Argentina. The spiritual chil- The motive and the imperative of the Christian dren have grown up and we can no longer keep missionary enterprise are eternal and unchang- them in leading strings even if we wanted to do so. ing. But methods of doing missionary work in all lands, and especially in the older mission fields, Transition to Native Autonomy are changing rapidly. Weare now passing through a very trying and critical transition pe- This transition began in the older mission fields riod in mission work abroad; if we successfully of China twenty-five years ago, but only within pass this crisis, it is going to call for the most recent years has the tendency toward self-support, patient and sympathetic understanding and the self-guidance and equality become a blessed realmost Christlike compassion on the part of our peo- ity. Our Foreign Mission Board is ninety-one ple in the homeland and especially of our mis- years old and this has been the goal of all our ensionaries on the foreign fields. deavors. The business of a foreign missionary is to work himself out of a job, to turn over the Three Stages of Development established and expanding work to growing churches and responsible leaders, and then to There have been three stages in the growth and move on into new and unevangelized regions.
development of foreign mission work. There has been a mistaken tendency on the part First, there was the pioneer stage, when the of most mission boards and missionaries to linger missionary did everything and the supporting too long in the port cities and the older mission boards in the homeland paid all of the expenses. fields. It is always hard for fond and indulgent This period covered the work of Carey and J ud- parents to realize that children grow up and son in India, and of the hosts of other men and should be set free to work out their own destiny.
women, heralds and martyrs in all lands who That same attitude has sometimes been mani- wrought gloriously and triumphantly in this in- fested in the older fields. We are prone to linger itial and pioneer stage of foreign mission work. too long, like the early church, in the hallowed and They laid a good foundation and others have built blessed environment of Jerusalem, and we fail to nobly on this foundation. "The field is the world" realize the call of Antioch for a more aggressive [17 ]
and wider ministry of pioneer evangelism. We capacity and ability with any similar group in welcome with joy and deep satisfaction the fact America. that in many of the older mission fields we have now come to the third stage in our missionary pro- What part does the missionary play in all this? gram of development-the period when the work Well, it began with the Shucks and Roberts, and must be turned over to the native churches and it was brought to fruition by Graves, Simmons, the native leadership that we have won and and Greens, and in more recent years it has been trained for this very purpose. nourished and fostered by a host of younger mis- sionaries, men and women, too numerous to men- Some older missionaries are finding it difficult tion here. to readjust themselves to the new day and to accommodate themselves to the changed attitude of The same process has taken place in Shanghai the new and untried native leaders. The mission- and Central China and the same blessed process aries fear that the new leaders will make mis- is going on in North and Interior China, in Japan, takes, so that the work for which they have given in South America, and on our mission fields in the best years of their lives will be retarded. Of Europe. course, these younger and less experienced Christians will make mistakes and they will not always We are now in the critical transition stage in do things as we think they should. Yes, they will the development of our mission work in Brazil, make mistakes-many mistakes, almost as many Argentina, and Chile. On our recent visit, new as we have made. But they will never learn to agreements and new bases of cooperation were do, except by doing; however painful the ordeal, entered into between the representatives of the we must believe in them and trust them. We al- Mission Board and the National conventions. ready have some glorious examples of what our For the first time, nationals have been placed at young and ardent brethren and sisters in these the head of several of our colleges. There have mission fields can do, when they come to respon- been readjustments and reorganizations and new sible maturity and when we trust them and co- responsibility and support, much of which has operate with them. been assumed by the new and growing churches. The most heartening thing we found in South Native Leadership in Mission Lands America was the fact that many of our churches have come to full financial support and are now We have been at work in South China for a self-directing, self-supporting, and self-propahundred years and God has poured out his bless- gating. ing upon that work in a marvelous way. To those who have not seen it with their own eyes, it is The Missionary's Part almost impossible to convey any adequate conception of what God has wrought in these one hun- What of the future? Is there still a place and dred years. Twenty-five years ago the Leung- need for the foreign missionary in this time of Kwong Baptist Convention was organized. It has transition and readjustment. been strictly Chinese from the beginning and the missionaries had the grace and wisdom to adopt One thing has impressed us, as we have seen the policy and ideal of cooperating with and work- this trend. These younger Christians and growing under the native leadership. What has been ing churches greatly need the sympathetic underthe outcome? standing and loving counsel of the missionary. More than ever before, the missionary is needed Under Chinese leadership, and made possible for guidance and help in organizing the churches, by Chinese financial support, there is today a won- in matters of self-government, of discipline and derful organization and system of boards, com- doctrine. If the missionary, like John the Bapmittees, agencies and institutions equal to those tist, is willing to "decrease" that the native found in any land. There is a marvelous system churches and leaders may "increase," there is a of Christian schools, beginning with the kinder- greater need for his services than ever before. garten and running through the primary, middle school, college, theological seminary, and woman's Also in the matter of training a native ministry training school. There is a separate school for and leadership, there is a greater need than ever. blind girls, an orphanage, and a home for old peo- We can never send enough missionaries to evanple. There is a five-story hospital, owned, oper- gelize all the nations. Our supreme task in the ated, and staffed by Chinese. In the very center new epoch of missionary endeavor is to develop a of all this intense activity is the Tung Shan Bap- native ministry that will evangelize its own land tist Church with three pastors and twenty-five far better than we can. Therefore we are still hundred members. The leaders and directing going to need missionaries-many of them, to heads of all these institutions and agencies are teach in schools, colleges, and seminaries; we will humble and devoted Chinese Christians, equal in need missionary doctors and nurses; and men and women with gifts for writing, translating and creating worthy Christian literature.
But most of all, there is need for God-called
MODERN DEMANDS AND FOREIGN MISSIONS
and Christ-filled men and women who are willing The missionary of the future must be sound in to press out from the port cities and away from body. One who is not physically fit should not go. the beaten track; who are willing to break new We have recently set up a rigid and exacting ground and to do pioneer work in giving the Gos- standard to which every one must measure up, pel to the millions who have never had a chance undergoing physical, mental and nervous tests. to receive salvation offered by Jesus Christ. The missionary of the future must be thor- There are still millions of people and vast areas oughly prepared for service. He must have a that are as yet untouched by the Gospel message. good mind, adequately trained. It is sinful waste Whole provinces in China are almost without the of money to send out a missionary who is unable Gospel. Millions in Japan have never heard of or too intellectually lazy to master a native tongue. the God of love. Great tribes in Nigeria have been begging for missionaries for a decade, and we Most important of all, the new missionaries have been unable to answer the call. Seven great must be spiritually endowed. They must have the states in Brazil are still without any evangelical attitude of Jesus toward the lost and erring. If missionary. Only a beginning has been made in one has never been used to win souls to Christ in giving the Gospel to "all the world." the homeland, a mere change of residence to for- eign land will not make them soul winners. One Missionaries in the days ahead must press out who goes as a missionary to a foreign land, should into fields that are still unevangelized. The port be able to say with Paul: "For I could wish that cities are overcrowded with missionary personnel I myself were accursed for Christ for my brethwhile vast areas are untouched with the Gospel. ren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh." We need today missionary candidates with the The missionary must be one in spirit and purpose sacrificial spirit and holy devotion of the early with Jesus in his statement, "For whosoever pioneers. The call of the lost in the great un- would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever occupied places of earth have entered deeply into shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's our hearts and we are seeking for young men shall save it." and young women willing to go into these needy places and bury themselves for Christ's sake. Today, we must adopt new methods in mission- ary endeavors, but the missionary motives and The Missionary of the Future imperatives are unchanging for Jesus, the author and finisher of missions, is "the same yesterday, What type of missionary should be sent in this today and forever." day of changing methods in mif;sionary work?
ONE OF ISAIAH'S MISSIONARY MESSAGES The Book of the Prophet Isaiah is full of missionary messages, which fire zeal, faith and courage.
Isaiah 49 starts with "Listen 0 Isles!" and "Hearken ye people from afar!" It is His voice sending forth the news of the Gospel to all the nations, to the uttermost parts of the earth. Read the promise to the servant of the Lord. «I will also give Thee for a light to the gentiles, that Thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." After enumerating many blessings of the Gospel, the prophet predicts that people from all parts of the earth, from all points of the compass, will come to Him-"Behold, these shall come from far: and 10, these from the north and from the west and these from the land of Sinim" (an ancient name for China).
This great and wonderful work of salvation which is going on before our eyes in the uttermost parts of the world, brings forth from the heavens and the earth, and the very mountains, a loud song of praise. It is all the result of the great love of Him whose love is beyond that of a mother's love for her babe. To assure us that He will not forget or forsake us, He says, "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." The word "graven" indicates the use of a sharp instrument, which carves deeply and permanently our names in His very flesh, as the sharp, Roman nails pierced the palms of our Lord's hands on the Cross. How can He forget or forsake us? The sacred work of engraving is done by God himself: "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." The death of the Cross was entirely voluntary. Can we wonder that such a message attracts the millions of the ends of the earth, even to the jungle people, who sometimes do not seem to have the intelligence of human beings? Many fall down, love and trust, and worship Him. Those from the interior of the remotest isles and from the land of Sinim are "coming, coming, from afar!"
-The Pioneer (Celebes Islands). The Missionary Message for Today By PROF. JULIUS RICHTER, Berlin, Germany Editor of Neue Allegemeine Missions Zeitschri/tj Author of "Missions in India," Etc., Etc.
D URING the last twenty-five years there has uniqueness has been restricted so as to fit into the been a good deal of discussion as to the line prescribed by this or that philosophy of reli- essential content of the missionary message gion. Of course Christian messengers have al- and the methods of its application. The content ways to be on their guard against such shortcuts.
of the Gospel message was set forth in the great Battles have never been won by continuous com- declarations of the Lausanne and the Jerusalem promise or repeated retreats.
Conferences. Some will wish to add particular At other times the greater danger has been to doctrines of their Church, yet all will agree that emphasize particular points of the Message so the main lines are drawn distinctly. The central onesidedly that they were out of all proportion to content of the Gospel message may be expressed its body. Sects generally have the tendency to in two statements: stress their particular doctrines to such an extent First, that in the fullness of time God sent His and in such wise that the message unavoidably only begotten Son that, through His death on the becomes distorted and disfigured. The history of cros!s and by His resurrection, the new era of the the Christian Church and of the missionary move- world was inaugurated in which everyone of us ment is full of examples, such as Christian Sci- is offered justification by faith in Christ and re- ence, Mormonism, chiliasms of different kinds, ceives sonship in God's household. The whole uni- Pentecostal movements, or even disNnct doctrines verse looks forward to the consummation of the of the Church, the Apostolic succession, the sacra- Kingdom of God in glory. ments, or the legitimate offices of the Church.
The other statement is that all New Testament On the other hand the doctrine as an all round writings harmonize in their teaching of the new system of theology, with all its definitions and conception of God as our Father through Jesus scholastic determinations, is pushed into the fore- Christ. There is reinterpretation of the Old Tes- ground so that wholesale acceptance of a partament in the light of the Christian conception. ticular creed has seemed to be all that was asked Jesus the Christ is the Messiah of the prophets for and needed, obliterating the maj or issues of and His sacrifice on the Cross was for the consum- regeneration and of a full-orbed Christian life.
mation of His Kingdom. At the same time He By manifold exchanges and reapproachments lives in His believers and the Holy Spirit is the of the churches at home and abroad, by interde- pledge and guarantee of the divine life. The nominaNonal missionary conferences, by the ecu- Church is the spiritual body of Christ. The two menical movements, by a widespread missionary sacraments are baptism and the Lord's Supper. literature and by maturing missionary experience, We have remission of sins through the Cross of common convictions are growing and, as a re- Christ, and look forward to the resurrection of suIt, we hope that the dangers of adulterating the the body in spiritual form. However we formulate message in one or another direction will diminish. this belief we are able to reach an almost general A danger of a different kind which is becoming agreement. more and more apparent-it has always been There has always been a subtle danger either of present yet we have not always recognized it-is shortening the Gospel by pushing into the back- the radically different character of the Asiatic ground some beliefs which seemed to be at vari- culture religions which renders very difficult a ance with generally agreed upon convictions. The satisfactory approach and a full understanding miracle in any and every form has been an offence by those to whom the appeal is made. Let us to those who regard the law of cause and effect as choose those main religions to make our point the incontrovertible foundation of science. Any- clear. thing supernatural, or anti-rational was relegated Hinduism is a variegated group of religions; to a time when rational minds ruled supreme. yet in almost all of them the pantheism of the Comparative religion has seemed to prove that Brahman conception, the disvaluation of existence Christianity is only one of many religions, though by maya, and the robbing of life of any meaning of course the best and the most perfect. Its by the doctrine of endless transmigrations are [20 ]
THE MISSIONARY MESSAGE FOR TODAY
lurking in the background. Redemption appar- Deep thinking is necessary to understand the ently is the common aim of Christianity and of points of view of those other religions, to value Hinduism, but its meaning is radically different aright the enormous amount of pious meditation in the two religions. In Hinduism it means ceas- that underlies them; to estimate the gulf seping to e}Qist, in Christianity it means consumma- arating them from the fundamental facts and contion of existence. The situation becomes more victions of Christianity; to build a solid bridge difficult and complicated as, in the numberless of clear thought and sound religious experience sects and currents of Hinduism; the variations of across that gulf and to lead the followers of these the foreground and of the background of life are religions carefully and lovingly across. so illusive that one never knows exactly where one stands. The spiritual history of converts of But the question raised was quite different. It first-rate, like Nehemiah Goreh, would be tragic is this: Should the simple Gospel of salvation under this point of view but it is instructive and through Christ be the main content of the misshould be carefully studied by Indian mission- sionary message or should additional teaching be included along more complex theological lines, aries. church polity, social service and other Christian The situation is slightly different with regard obligations? To this question we give fourfold answer: to Buddhism though it participates in all the fundamental errors of Hinduism, pushing the doc- 1. Doubtless the Gospel message must be intetrine of transmigration a disastrous step farther grated in the life of the messenger and in that of by denying any continuity of the soul or any real- the Christian congregation has accepted Christ's ity of self. Splitting into many branches in Hina- message and is sending the messages. The old yana, and even more in Mahayana, Buddhism has Latin proverb is quite right: Vita clerici evanbuilt up a religious structure which enables its gelium popali – the life of the clergyman is the devotees to live on two different levels-there is Gospel read and understood by the people. That the radical nihilism of the sunyata doctrine of the is even more true in pagan countries where the absolute emptiness of the universe and the won- missionaries' homes have glass walls, open doors derfully pictorial imagery of the western para- and windows and are scrutinized carefully, or dise; there is the radical atheism of original Bud- even suspiciously, from morning to night. How dhism and the temples of the ten thousand idols; often one false move of a young missionary has there is the almost superhuman concentration of spoiled his work. It is the same with the Chrismeditation observed by hermits immured in lonely tian congregation growing up under the message. caves in the wilderness, and the blatant sacramen- They must "show forth the praises of Him who talism and sacerdotalism of endless religious serv- has called them out of darkness into his marvelices, prayer wheels, and readings of canonical lous light" (1 Peter 2: 9). They must shine as books by the weeks and months. It is as if a pil- lights against their dark environment. grim were walking through a wonderful paradise, yet a dismal abyss were lurking below engulfing 2. It is unavoidable that the missionary movehim at every step. How extremely difficult it is ment in all times has had its concomitants in faeven to stir up a feeling of that realism with re- vorable or unfavorable contemporaneous currents. gard to religion which is characteristic of Chris- In the three first centuries the six or seven orientianity. tal "mystery movements" were competing with the young Christian religion, all of them equally Or lOOK at Confucianism. Since the brilliant profiting by the decomposition of the traditional expositions of Professor de Groot in his famous religions of the nations within the Roman empire, book, "Universismus," we have become fully con- and by the awakened hunger after the living God. scious of the scope of law and harmony in the On a different plane in the Middle Ages, and again world, the same laws pervading nature and men, in the nineteenth century, Christian missions individuals and society; every trespass troubling were regarded as the outstanding exponents of the harmony having its punishment; sacrifices the highest civilization within reach of their misnecessary for the restoration of the cosmic order. sionary constituency. Such situations are rapidly On this basis, of course, the Christian conception changing; for older Christians it is astounding of the fall, of sin, particularly original sin, of re- how the background has shifted from the general demption by the cross of Christ, of a radical re- admiration for the "Christian civilization" of the casting of a lost universe in the consummation of "Christian nations" to the anti-white and antithe Kingdom of God – all these are considered christian currents of the present time. Christian utter nonsense. Yet how can we convince a well- missionaries need wisdom to keep in view the trained Chinese, immersed from early boyhood in fundamental difference and the dividing line bethe teachings of his classics, that his optimistic tween their Message and their contemporaneous world view is wrong and that the Christian con- concomitants; they dare not confound the ideal ception fully agrees with the real facts of life? of democracy with the Gospel of Christ. If they battle with a united front, they must always march Fourthly, the missionaries are conscious that separately, or the opposite. they are nothing more or less than the channels through which the Spirit of Christ is working in Thirdly, there are situations and conditions of our generation. Their deepest desire is to open misery and degradation against which Christian these channels by keeping their own lives pure, philanthropy cannot remain callous and never has to make them an effective testimonial for this been. If thousands of "untouchables" are losing Spirit. To remove all obstacles which block the their meagre means of existence by conversion channels and hinder the flow of the Spirit is the and baptism, the missionaries would be hard- main content of their missionary meditations and hearted if they were not on the lookout for means planning. of improving their disastrous plight. If the present Bolshevistic communism is offering the hope- In a ruined castle in South Germany I read an lessly impoverished masses of the East a worldly almost vanished inscription: Hic transitat Cmsar: Gospel of a happy classless state, with complete "Here the emperor entered." I was awe-struck, equality of social standard, Christian missions remembering the glorious time of the emperors would be on a lost track if they did not add to and what they meant to my fatherland. I felt their preaching of the Kingdom of righteousness, near to their ancient glories. The invisible insome broad-minded and forward-looking schemes scription over the door of all foreign missions of social help that visibly interpret their Gospel. reads: Hic transit Christ: "Here our Lord Jesus Missionaries cannot remain stolid in view of the Christ invisibly passes through the lands." Only sea of sickness and suffering, particularly if they in so far as all missions follow in His footsteps; remember that European vagrants, colonial in- only so far as missionaries, "with open face befluences, and world commerce have transplanted holding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are new terrible scourges and plagues, and that the changed into the same image from glory to glory, natives rightly would curse the Christian civiliza- even as by the Spirit of the Lord" is their work tion and its exponents, if the missionaries piti- owned by the Lord and produces eternal value. lessly look at their doom. He is the living, life-giving message for all time.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF MODERN CHRISTIAN MISSIONS 1. Modern missions have a more extensive geographic spread than missions in previous cen- turies, as well as contact with a much wider range of cultures and religion.
2. The number of kinds of Christianity propagated is very large in the modern era, because so many different communions are participating in spreading the faith.
3. In spite of the divisions of Protestantism there is very extensive cooperation between Prot- estant missionary forces.
4. Missions are almost completely divorced from the political policy of the lands from which they have come, in marked contrast to what was the common practice in previous cen- turies.
5. Missionaries are protesting as never before against the exploitation by their fellow coun- trymen of the people among whom the missionaries live. This is not to forget the work done long ago by Las Casas in trying to check the Spanish conquistadores. .
6. Missions have a much broader base of financial support, being participated in by a very large number of persons, as contrasted with missions in earlier times when they were mainly supported by the state, or by political or ecclesiastical magnates.
7. The large part played by women is one of the most distinctive features of Protestant mis- sions, women outnumbering men on the field, while at home women carry a large part of the burden of supporting missions.
8. The great number of social and humanitarian activities attached to modern missions is another very distinctive characteristic. Schools, hospitals, famine relief, agricultural improvement and cooperative societies are very common features.
9. The standard for admission to baptism is generally very high. Consequently there have been much fewer mass conversions than in previous centuries. Protestant missions have preferred to have fewer converts than to admit people who were not prepared for mem- bership.
10. Though there have not been many mass conversions there has been a great deal of "mass modification" of the customs and ethical standards of the countries where missions operate, much of such modification being due directly or indirectly to missions.-Prof.
Latourette of Yale University; International Review of Missions.
CROSSI:'-iG A PART OF THE, GREAT ARABIA:-I DESERT IN
Medical Work I• n Arabia W. H. STORM, M.D., F.R.G.S., Bahrain, Persian Gulf.
Missionary of the Reformed Church in America p MO,N,'G m,issionary statesmen, metho,ds of P,ro- In the following words the late Sir William claiming the Gospel are often indicated as Osler has well depicted the unique qualifications of direct and indirect. The direct method' a doctor: means the direct preaching of the Gospel alonl:i,) By his commission the physician is sent to the sick.
while the indirect method aims at reaching the and knowing in his calling neither Jew nor Gentile, bond people through education, healing, and various or free, perhaps he alone rises superior to those differ- ences which separate and make us dwell apart, too often philanthropic works, such as social uplift,,~ll oblivious to the common hopes and frailities which should bind us together as a race. In his professional relations, with varying degrees of preaching and personal though divided by national lines, there remains the feel- work interspersed. ' ','
Missionaries among Moslems are working witli ing that he belongs to a guild which owes no local al- legiance, which has neither king nor country, but whose the greatest social and religious system that has work is in the world. The Aesculapian temple has given evolved ,in the world since Christ. It is the place to the hospital, and the priestly character of the strongest opponent, today, of Christianity. Year physician has vanished with the age; still, there is with after year missionaries plod along using both us a strong feeling of brotherhood, a sense of unity, methods, of missionary endeavor with but little which the limitations of language, race and country have tangible results. The rock of Islam seems impreg- not been able to efface.
nable a.nd' the Christian Church remains asleep When to these qualifications strong missionary to its challenge. Everywhere among Moslems the zeal is added, the doctor then becomes peculiarly mi~sionary doctor has proved himself to be' a fitted for work among the Moslems.
most vaJifable asset in winning friendships and When we analyze our work as medical mis- thus making contacts for otJ:l.er workers ;,~()f br.eak~ sionaries, we ask ourselves the question; Is our ing down prejudice, opposition, fear, anQ super- task, i.e., the task of the medical people, dif- stition; of softening the fanaticism of heart and ferent from that of other missionaries? I think mind; and of opening up closed fields. it is the duty of everyone of us to first lay aside [ 23 ]
the mantle of his profession, and face the task It is too €asy for us medical people to say that in the light of all being first and foremost am- the evangelistic end of the hospital work is the bassadors of Christ. Our work is then what?' pastor's job. There ought to be the highest type In the words of the Master we read the Great of cooperation between the evangelistic worker Commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all and the doctor, and, if in the hospital wards and the hospital clinics, and on tours, the evangelistic worker sees an opportunity to further his con- tacts and deliver the message of Christ, he should be encouraged. But in no sense does this l€ssen the responsibilities and duties of the doctor.
Let us look at our hospitals as a unit. What do they stand for in the community? Are they places where· medicine is given fr€e, and the doctor is some sort of Santa Claus doling out pills and salts free of char.,ge? Is it a competing insti- tution with other irtstitutions nearby? If so, I am afraid we have little excuse for existing. On the other hand, does it stand out clear-cut as a PASSING SOME OF THE BLACK TENTS OF ARABIA definite witness for Christ both in its ministry of nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, healing and its proclamation of His message? and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." If we cannot see in our hospitals this definite mis- sionary program, then in the name of all that is Our training has been entirely different, i.e., just, have we any right to POs€ as Christian misthe training of the teacher and the evangelist sionary doctors and nurses in a Moslem land? has been quite different from that of the medical person. The doctor can remove an appendix,. or Because of the extr€me isolation of mission stasew up a wound, while the preacher would find it tions in a field like Arabia, it is often necessary to extremely difficult; and vice versa, the duties develop one's own hospital staff. Native boys who. of the preacher and the teacher would be equally show an adaptibility to hospital work are trained.
hard for the doctor. Our applications must of necessity then be different, but is it not entirely true that we are aiming at the same goal and the same ends? What is this goal, and what are th€se ends? Are they not, in simple language, the giving of Christ as Saviour to the people among whom we work?
In the medical field, unquestionably, lies the op- portunity to show our training and our knowledge along medical lines. It is our job to teach, where- ever we can, the principles of hygiene. and sani- tation, and to do all in our power to lessen the spread of dis€ase and to relieve suffering; to put it into one sentence, to uplift the physical and social, and thereby the economical scale of the people among whom we work. Can we stop there and say that we have set a Christian exampl€ and thus take satisfaction in a job well done? In the name of social service, Yes; but in the name of Christian missions, No. Can we stop with the satisfaction gained by having done all we can to relieve human suffering among those with whom we have come in contact? We will have done a Christ-like service and given a picture of Christ in one of his most wonderful aspects. That is most worth while, but surely we cannot stop there.
We must link that s€rvice up with the real mes- sage and our real purpose so that the service and the one who serves will not overshadow the Christ whose ambassadors we are. DESERT URCHINS OF ARABIA
MEDICAL WORK IN ARABIA
Photo by W. Harold Storm A CLINIC HELD BY DR. STORM FOR ARABS OF THE DESERT By daily example of real Christ-like living among the medical and evangelistic points of view. Even those on whom he must depend for his assistants, when these women are interested in a Christ who the doctor has his greatest responsibility. If he would bring hope into their lives, they are forsets the proper example they will follow; if he bidden to attend church where they might hear fails they are in a worse state, for an ideal has more of Him, or if the evangelist is too zealous vanished. A daily prayer meeting to begin the she may find it difficult to gain access to the day's work, attended by all the staff from the women. And here is where the doctor is of utsweeper to the doctor where God's blessing on the most importance. She is too necessary to be forday's work is asked, and where everyone senses bidden to the houses, and so the way remains open the real purpose of the mission hospital, starts the for her to bring Christ into the harems. Even the day in the proper spirit and does much to win the most fanatical Moslem cannot remain too severely Moslem helper. The importance of a continuous antagonistic to the Christian through whom the Christian atmosphere among the hospital boys is life of a favorite wife or child is preserved. evident when' one realizes that they have even closer contacts with the patients than the doctor. In Moslem lands medical tours playa very large Inasmuch as they are natives they can enter into part in our work. The history of the Arabian an inner circle of thought that is well nigh im- Mission is indeed a history of medical tours. At possible for a foreigner to penetrate. A hospital first, tours were made along the coast, then inhelper in Bahrain who was an earnest inquirer land. In 1917, Dr. Harrison was called to Riadh and undergoing severe persecution, was on the and made the first inland tour to the heart of verge of throwing all aside. Because of the per- Arabia. Others followed reaching Taif near the sonal nature of these problems there was little Red Sea and Hail in the extreme north. Then, in that we could do for him except to show love and 1935, I was able to make a tour of 5,000 miles sympathy. One day he said to the doctor, "It is across the peninsula and around the coasts from love that has conquered me." Yenbo to Bahrain visiting all provinces. Thus medical tours have touched many parts of the Perhaps the most useful and necessary medical Arabian Peninsula. work in Arabia and among Moslems everywhere, is that done by the woman doctor. There are From a purely medical point of view and the scarcely any people more in dire medical need frequent discomforts it often causes the doctor, than Arab women and children, and there is also touring is far from satisfactory. But evangelistino work more difficult and discouraging both from cally, the opportunities are unlimited, and for making acquaintances among Arabs their worth
is invaluable. For example, we went to Jahara, taining the doctor and his friend? And so we all a village near Kuwait, unannounced, and in just gather around the coffee cups. a few minutes, despite the fact that we were at first told to go home, there had gathered sixty to I refuse to do more treatment and try to rele- gate myself as much as possible into the back- ground – a difficult and most essential part of every medical missionary's task. The evening clinic then belongs to my colleague. Conversation follows in a free and natural way. Invariably it takes a religious turn, for no one is more religious than our Moslem brother. In his mind several obvious comparisons are at work. He often asks questions. Why did the doctor come today? Why does he treat these people with love and kindness? Why do we not do the same?
He has seen the practical demonstration of the Christian message, and now it is our opportunity to proclaifu£the Good News to an interested audi- ence. Often we show them a beautiful picture such as the Good Shepherd, and follow that by reading to. them the Shepherd's story from the tenth chapter of John. Their Hfe is so wrapped up in their· desert and their sheep that this story registers with real meaning. They love to look and look at the picture. On into the evening we discuss together Christ as the Good Shepherd.
The mejilis breaks up and we retire to our rest under the bright stars of an Arab night. Our PUSHING OUR AUTO OUT OF TROUBLE ON ARABIAN TOUR seventy men. Some we treated with the few med- THE FAMOUS MINARET IN TARIM, HADRAMAUT icines we had brought along. Then they listened to the story of the prodigal son. We left; the casual hearts are thankful that God has given us this observer might say, what is the use of all that opportunity, and our prayers are, that His Spirit trouble? But in two or three days, four or five may speak and work in the hearts and minds of people came into the hospital as in-patients. One our Arab friends. man nearly dead from scurvy and malnutrition was brought in on a donkey the whole twenty miles and we were able to save his life. While he was an in-patient he saw for the first time in his life Christ's love in action.
The method which I have found most satisfactory in presenting the Gospel story to my Arab friends is itinerary village work.
There are many ways in which to carry out village tours, but this way is most effective. The evangelistic worker and I go to a village together. We start out in the late afternoon after the heat of the day has subsided. Immediately upon arriving a crowd gathers upon the shady side of one of their date stick huts, and I hold a clinic. We then eat dinner with one of the villagers. Following the meal, as is customary among the Arabs, they all gather together for coffee and to exchange the day's news. Our host's mejilis (meeting-place) is most popular. Is he not enter-
Bible and the Koran
By the REV. E. W. G. HUDGELL, M.A., Port Said Egypt Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society I T WAS a hot afternoon in Cairo. A young mis- him. This "having the mind darkened" is a fair sionary was wrestling with the grammatical reflection of the spiritual state of such men. As perplexities of the Arabic language. His for a copy of the Koran finding its way into the teacher, an Egyptian with a Western education, hands of an unbeliever (i. e., a non-Moslem), that, was patient and sympathetic. too, is generally looked upon with disfavor.
"English is a better language," he remarked. Reverence for Scripture "Why do you say that?" asked the astonished student. There is found in Moslem lands a reverence for "Because," was the reply, "with English you what may be termed "Holy Scripture," i. e. an read in order to know; but with Arabic you know authoritative book, divine in origin and an infalin order to read!" lible guide. This reverence may be regarded as Here is a fundamental difference of concept in exaggerated; but it exists. Not only do Moslems regard to the function of language. An equally display such reverence towards. the Koran, but deep cleavage of opinion exists between the Chris- many of them also include the Holy Bible. tian view of the function of the Bible and the Here is one case out of numb~rs that are re- Moslem view of the function of the Koran. The ported from time to time. "While 1 was waiting Christian will approve when he hears it said, "A for a train at the station, a Moslem approached Gospel is the best tract." For a tract is meant to and in a low voice asked for a Bible. 1 at once be read in order that a man may come to know- opened my bag and handed him one. He took it, may come to know his own sinfulness, his power- looked up towards the sky and said, 'Thanks be to lessness to help himself and "the loving-kindness Thee, 0 Lord, for sending me this Bible.' Then of God our Saviour" who provides a way of sal- he kissed ~t, enquired the price and paid it saying, vation from sin and furnishes men with the power 'I have lived all my life in sin, and have been a to live according to His will. great man only in doing evil. But a year ago a It is this view of the Bible-the view that it has man like you gave me a Gospel according to St. a divine message of its own apart from human John. 1 laughed at him for giving me such a expounding-that a man by reading it may come book, told myself that it would do me no good, and to know the message as .one for his own soul- put it in my pocket. One day while 1 was sitting which led Charles Spurgeon to ask the indignant alone, 1 took it out and began to read it from the question, "Defend the Bible? 1 would as soon beginning. 1 found it very interesting and went think of defending a lion! Let it out! It can take on reading until 1 finished it. Then 1 read it again care of itself!" and again. 1 asked Christians about the things 1 did not understand, gave up the bad things 1 It is this profound faith in the efficacy of the used to do, and became a new man. 1 believe in Holy Scriptures that is the motive that leads the Bible Societies to promote the widest possible dis- Christ that He is my Saviour, because He loved tribution in all languages, in all lands, in all sinners; and 1 always speak with my Moslem hands. brethren about Christ, so that they call me, in our Not so, however, is it with the Moslem and the village, the preacher of Christ.' " Koran. He believes that Arabic is "the language This respect for the Bible on the part of Mosof the angels" and regards it as blasphemous to lems is due in part to a passage in the Koran which translate the Koran out of its original Arabic into says, "We also caused Jesus the son of Mary to any other language. It has been done in some follow the footsteps of the prophets, confirming cases even by Moslems themselves; but only into the law which was sent down before him; and we five or six languages in all; and the .attempt is gave him the Gospel, containing direction and not generally regarded with favor. Such conser- light; confirming also the law which was given vatism towards the language of the Koran leads before it, and a direction and admonition unto to the unedifying spectacle of a Bengali, for ex- those who fear God; that they who have received ample, struggling to memorize it and to repeat, the Gospel might judge according to what God parrot-fashion, words which have no meaning for hath revealed therein." (Sale, "The Koran," p. 79.) [27]
This seemingly favorable passage is somewhat The literary Arabic is much the same in all nullified by one immediately following it: "We countries where Arabic is read, but the colloquial have also sent down unto thee the book of the differs widely from country to country. In Egypt, Koran with truth, confirming that Scripture for example, a request for "leben" brings milk aR which was revealed before it; and preserving the it is commonly understood; in Palestine, the same same safe from corruption." request would bring loppered milk. So great is the disparity between the colloquials of Egypt and PILGRIMS BOUND FOR MECCA Palestine that a scornful maidservant in Jeru- salem once remarked of the writer, "He can't This superiority ascribed to the Koran over the speak Arabic; he can only talk Egyptian!" Law and the Gospel is interpreted to mean that it has superseded them. What little favorable testi- The Bible Societies strive to make use of the mony the Koran does give to the Bible is appealed atmosphere of reverence for Scripture found in to and used, with mutual respect, when the Bible Moslem lands. "They find, on the other hand, obis offered to Moslems and is made a reason for jections to the Bible and seek for the right antelling them that they ought to read it. Often the swers. They also endeavor to surmount the reply comes: "The Bible is for Christians and barriers of colloquial speech by publishing Bible the Koran for Moslems." portions in different varieties of it. The Arabic Bible in literary style, that enduring monument The answer to this objection is, '''The Bible is to the careful and scholarly labors of two great the Word of God; and God means His Word to American missionaries, Dr. Eli Smith and Dr. C. be for all men whether they be Christians or Mos- Van Dyck, is firmly fixed in estimation of edulems or Jews." cated people, and circulates throughout the lands -South America, North Africa, Western Asia, Two Kinds of Arabic Arabia and the East Indies – where Arabic is It ought to be made clear that there are two read. Its potential outreach to people is greater, kinds of Arabic, literary and colloquial. The two perhaps, than that of. the Bible in any language are so diverse as to be almost different languages. save English. The importance of this can hardly A confident graduate of a Western university, be overestimated. But to those of little learning who had studied literary Arabic during his col- it is laboriously difficult to read and often uninlege career, arrived in Cairo and set out at once telligible. For such, therefore, there is a growing alone to buy a few necessities at native shops. His volume of pUblication in the language of everypolished periods, however, produced only uncom- day life, natural and easy, flexible and unstilted. prehending dismay in the faces of the shopkeepers. None of the necessities were produced The chief usefulness of these colloquial texts at until he was rescued by a passing friend who present is for reading aloud to small gatherings could chatter away in "the vulgar tongue." of the illiterate, especially the women and girls whose education is considered of little or no im- portance ! They also find some acceptance among Jews – of whom there are thousands in North Africa and Egypt, to say nothing of Palestine- who, although they may have some knowledge of Hebrew, yet do their trading in Arabic. A col- porteur reported recently, "I entered a Jewish shop where there were three men and began to read aloud to them from the Psalms in Egyptian colloquial Arabic. I noticed signs of delight on the faces of all three. Each of them bought a copy, and one of them added, 'If the Bible Society had not taken the trouble to publish this transla- tion, the Bible would have become to us but a venerable antiquity.' "
Problems of Distribution The great problem confronting the Bible So- cieties in Moslem lands is that of distribution. How can we get the books into the hands of those who can read, and especially those who are not Christians. There are some favorable factors in the situation but the unfavorable ones and the
THE BIBLE AND THE KORAN CONTRASTED
prejudices against the Bible are stronger far than Indeed, he does; and indeed God can through those for it. Illiteracy is general. It is useless to the Word! Several colporteurs are themselves dump books on people who will not and cannot converts from Islam.
read them. Under such circumstances the only For Ohristian Minorities hope of success is to pick men carefully for the personal work, train them in their task, and su- Christians are a minority in all the Moslem pervise them constantly in such a way as to allow lands except in the Republic of the Lebanon, of them freedom of spirit, while maintaining the which Beirut is the capital. It is necessary to level of their spiritual life and business efficiency. Such a ministry by a Bible Society agent forms a have lived with a Christian minority to appreciate very real "cure of souls." That it is done, is not known, as a rule, outside Bible Society circles- "the reproach of Christ" and what a shame (soand not always even within them! But it is done, and it produces results. It gives the colporteur cially) it can be to be a Christian. There is, morean honorable vocation. He is no longer despised over, an impalpable and silent but yet very real as one who has become a colporteur because he is fit for nothing else! "Ambition should be made pressure exerted on the soul by the presence of of sterner stuff." When once the colporteur real- Islam in the mass, and by the spiritual deadness izes that he holds an honorable place among the workers for the Kingdom of God, he gets the right and dryness induced thereby. If this is felt by ambition-the most unselfish and uplifting ambition in the world-to be boundlessly ambitious for missionaries from the West, with all their spir- God. As a Syrian colporteur observed, "I am itual advantages, how much more will it affect the happier at selling a man a Bible than at anything scattered native Christians! There will often be else I know." That same man spent his holiday but one or two Christian families in the whole of last Christmas Day in selling Bibles because, as a big Moslem village. Their lot is hard; for nothhe said, it was a good day on which to offer men ing is quite so cruel and inhuman as "religion" the story of the birth of Jesus. They are drawn without the boundless love and compassion of from many walks of life-weavers, tailors, boot- Christ. A visit from an itinerant Bible seller is makers, carpenters, farm-hands. Many of those often a God-send to people in such a case. Three in Egypt owe their education to the American cases have come to light in recent months where Presbyterian Mission-the largest in the country. such visits, accompanied by the reading of the Bible aloud, have slerved to keep back lonely Chris- What do these men accomplish in Egypt during tian men from apostatizing and denying their an average year? The American and British So- faith. One was in Trans-Jordan, another in a country village of the Nile Delta, and the third in Alexandria.
No less than 80 % of the population of Egypt is afflicted with eye-trouble in one form or an- cieties, both of which are at work in the country, other. It is imperative, therefore, that the Scripemploy about 32 men. The population of the tures should be constantly available in large, bold country is a little less than 16,000,000, of whom type. For those who have quite lost their sight about 1,000,000 are Christians. The total circula- and have to read with their fingers, the complete tion of the two Societies combined, in the year Arabic Bible is published in Braille type and fills 1935 in Egypt, was just under 152,000 books. 32 volumes. Each volume costs an average of In Syria during the same year the total circula- $1.25 to produce, but is sold at a flat rate of the tion of the two Societies amounted to nearly equivalent of 371;2 cents. Where poverty is too 34,000 of which the.colporteurs were responsible deep to raise even that much, a gift is made upon for the sale of 24,000. In Iraq the colporteurs the fulfilment of certain reasonable conditions.
sold nearly 12,000 books out of a total circulation "Drops of water hollow out rocks," albeit they of 15,600. It is not too much to say that the col- take a long time over doing it. Drops of the Water porteur is the backbone of Bible-work in Moslem of Life are being poured onto stony hearts. It lands. They themselves recognize the importance takes a long time to produce appreciable results.
and significance of their work, as is shown by the Who, in view of the method and the problem, following incident. would expect anything else? But there is an ex- A colporteur offered a Bible to some Moslems hilaration, an inspiration, sometimes even an ex- who were sitting in a shop. citement about keeping the drip constant-week "Are you a preacher?" one of them asked. after week, month after month, year after year.
"No," was the reply, "I am a colporteur." Here and there, in individual lives, there shows "Beware!" said another man. "This man is sufficient success to encourage-to counteract the worse than a preacher who speaks and goes away. gloomy entry, "Sold, and no result." Who knows?
This man leaves a book that is able to convert the Keep the drip constant; the results are in God's Moslems !" keeping. Christian Morale in War–Torn China By REV. FRANK W. PRICE, Shanghai Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. S.
TETTERS from all parts of war-torn China re- from a well-known Christian educator and church- L veal a marvelous spirit of faith and courage. man in Nanking. He was still carrying on his The Chinese nation and people believe that work and his wife and children were still in the they are fighting a "war of independence" against city, in spite of 65 air raids between August 15 military aggression and oppression. Although and October 20.
weaker in material equipment and arms, China is "The growing interest and sympathy in Amer- strong in purpose and the people are ready for ica at present is in large measure the direct result every necessary sacrifice to win the ultimate vic- of efforts put forth by many friends China has tory for freedom. Missionaries in China are al- among your people. The American sense of jus- most unanimously in sympathy with China's cause tice and humanity is a rich source from which and believe that one of their great contributions will come a strong moral support that will nerve at the present time is to help maintain the morale China in her struggle and hence will bind the two of the people. Chinese Christian leaders are ris- peoples in closer and more solid friendship so as to ing to the emergency and are doing their part protect effectively the peace of the world. . . .
heroically by carrying on their regular work or "China has finally been compelled to defend her- special work in the face of great dangers and by self. She is now staking her all on the tremen- a devoted ministry of relief to the wounded and .dous task of breaking the yoke of oppression, and homeless. This work is winning praise on all of securing the right for independent existence.
sides. These are most terrible days that China has to go Four representative statements, out of a large through but she is quite prepared for the sacrifice.
number received within the past month, show how In no struggle has there ever been a more perfect missionaries and Chinese Christians are bearing example bf spiritual forces against the material.
their witness in this greatest crisis of China's China is opposing an enemy many times better history. armed than herself. It is a wonder that the Chi- lo Christian educational institutions. The fol- nese army has been able to meet the onslaughts lowing statement issued on September 24 by the and hinder the enemy's progress. We cannot forefaculty of Cheeloo· University, situated at Tsinan, cast the duration of this life-and-death struggle, in Shantung Province, is typical of what the but we are convinced of the determination of the Christian schools in China are saying and doing Government and people not to stop short of the in the war situation: achievement of an entire and independent national "The faculty realizes that the time may come existence. The present warfare has done away when heavy bombardment or the approach of the with the distinction of front and rear, of military invading army will make it seem wise for the re- and civilian, of combatant' and non-combatant.
maining faculty and students to scatter. It is The whole nation is bleeding; those who are not important for everyone to understand that such bleeding in flesh are bleeding in heart. The air- a contingency, or even possible destruction of raids make us feel glad in a way that we are shar- some of the buildings, and loss of equipment, will ing in the sacrifice of the nation."
not destroy Cheeloo. This institution consists not 3. Missionaries. Rev. Ronald Rees, secretary so much in land and bricks and tile, as in tradi- of the National Christian Council in China, writes tions, in its records of work, in loyalty of staff and of the changed situations and new opportunities students and alumni, in reputation and support facing the missionary. Speaking of the great mi- in many countries. These things are not easily gration from the coastal provinces to the interior, destroyed, and, from them, if necessary, Cheeloo he says: can rise again, whatever may be in store for her "Northerners have gone on to Sian, Hankow, buildings in the immediate future." Changsha, and many of them on farther. Gov- 2. Chinese Christiq,n leaders. The following ernment and educational organizations are estab-, paragraphs are taken from a letter just received lished now in Hankow, Changsha, Chungking. I [30 ]
CHRISTIAN M'ORALE IN WAR-TORN CHINA '31
think we may expect to see the tide rolling on to that would be heard above the din of battle strife Szechwan, Kweichow, Kwangsi and Yunnan. and reach every member of our home church.
"What effect will these movements have on the "Weare witnesses of the heroic sacrifices and people of China and their future? In the first sufferings of the people to whom we have been place ordinary men and women (not only stu- sent, in their determined oneness of purpose to dents and intellectuals) are conscious as never preserve at all costs their national existence and before of a national emergency and its cause. freedom against a powerful and inhuman military Secondly, national unity is being extended and machine. The bravery of the Chinese soldiers deepened by the common bond of suffering. In commands our admiration, and the patient en- the third place, the intellectual leaders of China durance of the ordinary people stirs our sympathy had been chiefly in the coastal provinces. Many and desire to help. But more than this, we are are now going far inland, perhaps for an extended touched by the turning of the people to us for period. The modernizing and westernizing proc- comfort and encouragement in this darkest hour ess is bound to be hastened in central and west- of their national history.
ern China. "Our Chinese friends in all walks of life were "The people staying in the coastal provinces are bewildered by the very suggestion that all mis- going to need the most tender and faithful sup- sionaries might be withdrawn from China. They port. So, also, those in the northern provinces could not see that it was necessary, and to them torn away from the main body and under foreign it looked like a flight. We have lived and worked (and probably ruthless) domination, if the experi- with them through peace and famine and pesti- ence of Korea and Manchuria means anything. lence and civil wars, and now at the moment of But the center and west of China are going to be their extreme national peril they still look to their open in new ways, for there the heart and mind Christian friends to stay by them and meet what- of China may be centered." ever may come. Their Christian leaders have said The following messages are taken from groups this openly, and innumerable individuals have of Southern Presbyterian missionaries whose said so privately to their missionary acquaintwork in Chekiang and Kiangsu has been acutely ances, and the faces of multitudes express their affected, to their home church. From a group at satisfaction at seeing their foreign friends carry- ing on as usual. Tsingtao: "Our work is slowed down, not stopped. Prac- "When we see these things we are profoundly impressed with the potentialities of these troutically all our churches and institutions are carry- blous times. We are now faced with the greatest ing on in one way or another through the faithful crisis that has ever confronted the Church of cooperation of our Chinese fellow-workers. The Christ in this land. The Chinese word for crisis outlook for Christian work in China at the out- is made up of two words, "danger" and "opportubreak of hostilities was unprecedented. The peo- nity." We are not blind to the dangers, but we are ple were more friendly and open-minded than at thrilled at the thought of the opportunities before any previous time. There was a steady stream of accessions to the company of believers and the us. We appeal to you for your loyal and faithful churches had made marked advance in church support as we face these dangers and opporconsciousness and self-support. They, too, were tunities. getting a fresh and inspiring vision of our obli- "This is not a time to quit, but supremely a time gation and opportunity. . . . At a time like this to stand by. On all sides we see stores with the the influence and opportunity of the missionary fronts boarded up as a protection against bombs who shares the sorrows of the people and com- and bullets, but with the sign on the door, "Busiforts and counsels is greatly enhanced as com- . ness as usual." As Christians in the business of the Kingdom, this should also be our motto. God's pared with ordinary times." work must not and cannot stop."
A group of twenty-three missionaries in Shang- These letters reveal the intrepid missionary hai, many of whom were going back and forth to spirit in China now. their stations in or near the fighting area, wrote as follows: 4. Chinese appreciation of Christian sympathy "With the resounding explosions of bombs and and support. In many ways government leaders shells, the hum of airplanes, and the rat~tat-tat of and the non-Christian public have expressed their machine guns in our ears, constantly reminding appreciation of the stand taken by missionaries us of the struggle to the death in which this be- and Chinese Christians. On September 27, the loved country of our adoption is engaged, we a China Press, a Chinese-owned daily newspaper in company of twenty-three of your missionaries the English language, published the following edi- temporarily in Shanghai, amid all the confusion torial under the title "Christian Loyalty": and misery around us, would fain send a message "Christian missionaries in China have ignored
their government's advice to seek personal safety. being confronted with danger. It might be easy They have been urged to leave their posts and for them to ask their governments to extend a concentrate in sectors from which evacuation paternal hand and deliver them from destructive under the protection of their national forces may forces, and yet to do so would be unchristian and be comparatively easy; and they have preferred unworthy of their Lord.
to remain in this war-torn country with their "Admittedly, the Sino-Japanese war must come Chinese fellow-Christians, unafraid and un- to an end sooner or later. While the missionaries daunted. must look after the present, they cannot ignore the future; By deserting at the first sign of dan- "The action of the missionaries has doubtless ger, they might betray the confidence reposed in been prompted by a sense of duty toward their them by the Chinese converts; by remaining toevangelical cause and toward their fellow men. gether with the converts, they would surely earn To God they have pledged to march onward as undying goodwill as well as affection and lay the true soldiers of the Cross, and to their fellow men foundation for a greater claim to Chinese support they have professed to bring a divine message of in the years to come. goodwill and spiritual comfort. At no other time is the spirit of the true soldier more manifestly "Devotion to a cause, be it Christian or otherbeing placed on trial, and at no other time does a wise, presupposes the willingness to sacrifice. war-torn race stand in more need of the benefits Unless the missionaries were, as they are, preof Christian goodwill and comfort. pared for sacrifices at any cost, it would be hypocritical to talk about devotion, and to claim "It would be highly disloyal to God and to man devotion from others. if the missionaries were to pursue the line of least resistance and withdraw from the field in which they and their predecessors have labored "The firm resolution of the missionaries to ful- so arduously to espouse the cause of the Gospel. fill the demands of the Christian movement in "As the Son of God, Jesus could have asked for China has already won the admiration of the God's hand to stay the Crucifixion, but Jesus the Chinese of all classes, irrespective of their per- Christ remained, to the end of His mundane exist- sonal beliefs. The challenge of Christian loyalty ence, the Saviour of men by giving His life and has never before been more severe, and happily shedding His divine blood for the redemption of it is being met in a true Christian spirit-a spirit man's sins. of which all followers of Christ may well be "The missionaries in China today are, no doubt, proud."
A PEACE HYMN FROM JAPAN Out of Japan came a peace hymn twenty years ago, written by William Merrell Vories, of Omi Hachiman. It is now in the Hymnal of the Presbyterian Church in Japan.
Let there be light, Lo.rd Go.d o.f Ho.sts, Give us the peace o.f visio.n clear Let there be wisdo.m o.n the earth! To. see o.ur' bro.thers' go.o.d o.ur o.wn, Let bro.ad humanity have birth! To. jo.y and suffer no.t alo.ne; Let there be deeds, instead o.f boasts! The Io.ve that casteth o.ut all fear!
Within o.ur passio.ned hearts instill Let wo.e and waste o.f warfare cease, The calm that endeth strain and strife; That useful labo.r yet may build Make us thy ministers of life; Its homes with Io.ve and laughter filled!
Purge us fro.m lusts that curse and kill! Go.d, give thy wayward children peace!
The author founded the Japanese "Omi Brotherhaad," described as "an experiment in establishing the Kingdom of God in the province of Omi, Japan." It has come to be one of the most significant demonstrations in Japan of the Kingdom of God, a combination of business and missionary activity. The architectural department supervises and builds more than fifty structures a year. A publicity department prints books and periodicals. Two factories are operated. They are agents for Mentholatum and other products. The church is composed of four nationalities from nine different denominations. It has overcome the difficulty of getting Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, and Americans to work together harmoniously. Effective educational and medical work are also carried on and. good moving pictures offset the influence of vicious films.
A Miracle-Happy Lepers in
_.~I By R. M. WILSON, M.D.* I Missionary of the (Southern) Presbyterian Church 1 __ __ ~~=-~-===~~==~==== ~~~-J FOR over thirty-five hundred years leprosy has case of erysipelas. After two or three weeks this been considered the most hopeless of all dis- subsides, the fever drops, and then the patient eases, incurable, a curse; yet within the past begins to improve. twenty-five years it has become amenable to treat- In treatment an important thing is to clear the ment, and there is hope for lepers. We may call patient of intestinal parasites, malaria, syphilis, it a miracle, for so it is. or any other complication. Food is an important The Korean has no such view of it. He calls it part of the treatment, as well as exercise and Poong or the "Great Wind." He believes it is a keeping busy so as to occupy the mind. Sand curse from heaven. In desperation some Korean baths in the hot sun, as well as swimming, are lepers even eat human flesh, which they have been parts of the treatment; the daily hot, soapy bath told is a cure. Lepers in Korea taste of the bitter is important.
dregs of life. They are driven here and there, Our colony is as busy as a beehive, for all who sleep in culverts and caves, and often fall down can stir about must do their part towards caring before us saying, "Save a dead dog." So, coming for their gardens and raising pigs, rabbits, or into our beautiful Leper Home they soon find the some other form of the extra food needed in their great Christian hope and abide in its joy. treatment. Blind Pak passes his days by making Our leper colony is a little world in itself. The straw rope, and he can earn three cents a day, lepers have their own mayor and town govern- about our usual wage in the colony. Mr. F. E. C.
ment, and manage most of their own affairs, Williams of Kwangju has been a great help to us meeting annually for the election of the councils in training the lepers to a more scientific farming.
and officers. We have trained thirty who do most He comes every fall with a Korean teacher, and of the medical work and in the future this train- their classes, held for one week, mean a great ing will be an even more important part of our deal. An annual fair is held in the fall when task. Formerly we gave such men a general med- their crops, pigs, rabbits, and produce of other ical course, but now we confine a student to one kinds are displayed and prizes given. line of work; otherwise, some will run away and One of the worst wind and rain storms in years practice medicine! A man named Insune is the struck our colony last year and did much damage, head of the group of thirty. He makes rounds mostly to the roofs. The American Mission to and writes prescriptions; yet he was once one of Lepers sent an emergency fund of one thousand the most advanced cases we had. Another lad dollars at once, which about covered the losses. does most of the simple surgery-amputations of One of the queerest observations I ever made feet and hands. Two boys' time is fully occupied among lepers was when I came upon a man with filling prescriptions. One gives all his time to the sole of his foot in his lap. With a large npedle intravenous injections of glucose, calcium, sal- and thread he was sewing up a great crack in his varsan, and the like. Last year 6,206 of these foot. He had to do this about once a month, he were given, and 65,000 injections of chaulmoogra said, for sand and dirt would crowd in and in- crease the size of the wound. It was about like oil.
Very fortunately the chaulmoogra oil is not sewing up a baseball! very expensive. A pound costs about thirty-five A recent study of our seven hundred lepers cents and will treat a case about thirty weeks. For those who take it by mouth the cost is more showed some curious facts which will give an idea because the dose is larger and taken daily. The of their suffering. In answer to the question, oil apparently has a direct effect upon the bacilli. "What relative of yours was a leper?" sixty- Quite often when a case starts the treatment, one replied, brother; forty-five, father; thirtythere is a severe reaction, as though it were a bad eight, mother. Two hundred and twenty said they had lived with lepers; ten, that they thought they had gotten the disease from a leper's house; two • Superintendent of the Soonchun (Korea) Leper Colony aided hundred and twenty-nine said that lepers lived by the American Mission to Lepers, Inc., 156 Fifth AVe'. , New York, N. Y. in their village as neighbors.
[33 ]
"
As to the first sign of the disease, three hundred feet; two, arms; twenty, legs. In three hundred and fifty-nine saw it in their lower extremities, and sixty-one cases the vision was good, and in and two hundred and twenty-seven, in their arms three hundred and forty-one it was impaired.
and hands. Their chief suffering is from neuritis, Thirty-four had lost both eyes, and twenty-six, and four hundred and thirty (more than half the one eye.
colony) had it at the time of our study. Two The fact that four hundred and three are bap- hundred and eighty had ulcers, mostly on the feet; tized Christians and one hundred and fourteen in one hundred and forty-one were unable to do any the catechumen class shows that Christ is strong kind of work. As to recovery, two hundred and among them. Many of the others are new Chris- fifteen had slightly improved, two hundred and tians, but it takes about two years of study and sixty-six had greatly improved, and twenty-three testing before they are fully admitted to the had grown worse. One hundred and seventy- church.
three stated that the dead spots in the skin had It is a joy to see these wretched, sick, hopeless improved. Two hundred and forty had lost creatures recover and become happy, healthy fingers; two hundred and fifty-nine, toes; eight, Christian citizens of the land.
When Korean Preachers Illustrate* -<Ef I By th, 10" F. S. MILLER of Cho,," I!J;.- T HE illustrations Korean preachers and teach- not come and have lunch with us?' The yangban ers use let in the light not only on their sub- felt insulted by being asked to sit by the roadside jects but also on the inner workings of their and eat with coolies, and gave them a gruff reply. minds and hearts. "Several years afterwards, when the reformed Pastor Yune, speaking of mutual helpfulness: government had come in and the yang bans were "Two beggars came through our village, one was deprived of their especial privileges of living by a deaf and dumb woman and she was leading a oppression of the common people and by extorblind man. Both had happy, contented faces, tion, this yangban, like many of his fellows, was and seemed to get along together well enough. on the verge of starvation. One day he passed the same farmer and his hands, eating by the "Now, if the man had kept abusing the woman roadside. How good that white rice looked; those because she did not tell him .what she saw and she pickles made his mouth water. He hoped they had abused him for not telling her what he heard would ask him again to sit down and eat with they might have lived very unhappily together them but, remembering his former rebuff, they and have sought a divorce. As I observed them I ate in silence, not even saluting him. Going a thought, 'That is the way forbearance with each little further on, he felt so weak from hunger and other's weaknesses makes a couple happy.' the grinding of his stomach that he had to stop and sit on the bank of the stream. How he re- "In the leper asylum you will see those who pented of his former pride and oppressions!" have hands helping those who have none and those who have feet using them for those who are foot- *** less. Each of us has his peculiar gifts, let us use them for those who lack. Let us not despise the Deacon Pak, speaking of God's love for us sinhelpfulness of the weak; the bread and the fish ners, said: "One of the Christians in Seoul had did not belong to a full-grown man." five daughters and one son. One afternoon the youngest daughter wandered off. At two o'clock *** the mother discovered that she was missing and started out to hunt for her. Long after dark she Elder Song, pointing out the danger of pride, found her outside the East Gate. used this, "There was a proud yangban, gentleman, in a village who passed a group of farm- "When the father was returning at sunset, tired hands eating their lunch by the roadside. The and hungry, some neighbors told him of his loss. farm women had brought out a large gourd full So he turned back up the street and searched for of boiled rice, bowls of pickled cabbage and a her till eleven o'clock. When he returned home bottle of soy sauce. and found her safely restored, he wept for joy with his cheek against hers, saying, 'If we had "The coolies asked, out of politeness, 'Will you • From The Korean Mission Field.
WHEN KOREAN PREACHERS ILLUSTRATE
not found you we could not have slept tonight. from her parents-in-law and for the present of bread for her parents she thought she would take Thanks be to God.' . three pecks of rice. As she sat down in the sedan chair she thought, 'This rice, in addition to my "If a working man with five daughters and a own weight, will be heavy for the chair-coolies.' So she placed the rice on her head and carried it son to support by his labor could so rejoice over there all the way, instead of laying it at her feet. We are just as foolish when We carry our worries the return of his smallest daughter how easy it is instead of placing them in God's keeping."
to conceive of God's joy over one sinner who *** repents." When speaking of the way Christians lose their consciousness of the presence of the Holy Spirit *** in our hearts, Pastor An said, "An old man and his son were going to Seoul and lost their ticket Speaking of thankfulness, Leader Yi told of a on the train. The conductor said he would come through again and told them to keep up their pastor in Fusan who was returning from making search. They hunted through their clothing and baggage and scolded each other. Finally the son calls and heard the sound of suffering coming opened up his underclothing and there in a secret pocket, wrapped up in paper, he found the ticket. from under a bridge. He listened and heard a When you feel you have lost God, do not search the heavens above or the earth beneath, just look voice asking that God would send a Christian to in your own heart."
help the sufferer. Looking down, he saw a leper *** with one foot almost gone. When he spoke kindly Helper Kim told how he had been asked to hold revival services in a church. He started to do so to the leper the diseased one asked, "Are you a and they fed him the poorest variety of rice and lent him no covering for the night, so he could Christian ?" "Yes." On hearing this the leper neither eat nor sleep and spent the night in prayer for the church. The next day, praying for began praying the more earnestly as he thought strength, he went on with his instruction and ex- hortation and, though they did not improve the his prayer was answered. rice, they gave him a thin and unclean comforter. Again he was too cold to sleep but went on with The pastor hastened home and told the Chris- his revival services, with the result that the peo- ple relented and fed him on good rice and supplied tians to collect and send food and warm clothing him with plenty of bedding. As usual, it was not that they did not have the goods, but that they to the leper as he was on the point of departure lacked the grace.
for North Korea to lead some revival meetings in He went on to say that it is not always the Pyengyang. During the meetings he told the story of the leper praying under the bridge.
Someone in the congregation, without giving his or her name, placed forty yen in the collection plate marked, "For the leper." Others, hearing of the gift, contributed more till they had enough to send him to the asylum.
When the pastor visited the asylum after that, the joy, peace and thankfulness of this leper touched his heart. Leader Yi went on to say: "Thankfulness is not in the place and circum- stances of the person. Jesus was thankful under the reign of a Herod or when lying in the stern of a little boat in the midst of a storm."
*** Lay pastor An, telling how useless it is to worry, said: "A young woman in our village was preparing to pay her first visit to her own home LIFTING UP JESUS CHRIST There is a theory, held by some, that Jesus of Nazareth was only an extraordinary man, a Palestinian Socrates, a Galilean Francis of Assisi, a first century ethical teacher, a Jewish prophet, a lofty spiritual genius, the founder of a new religion to be ranked among the other religions of the world.
In reality Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life. He is the door. He is the bread of life, and the water of life. He is the vine. He is the morning star. He is the light of the world. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the resurrection. He is the eternal Word. He is the only Saviour from sin. He is God manifest in the flesh. He is the image of the invisible God, the effulgence of God's glory, and the very image of His substance. He is the foundation of the Church, and the head of it.
If any pastor, who feels that his ministry is futile and that his church is losing ground, will exalt the living Christ in his life and his preaching, he will be a winner of souls.-The Christian Observer.
worker who brings revival to the church; some- because it is the beginning of a new cycle. The times it is the church that revives the worker. eldest son usually provides a feast for the parent. There was a woman in a church who had lost her zeal and activity. Her son had gone to Japan to The church people, seeing how sad and lonely find work and when her sixtieth birthday came she was, gave her a better feast than her son could there was no one to provide a feast for her. The have done and she received such a revival from sixtieth birthday is the greatest one in a lifetime this kindness that she became an active worker in the church and well repaid them for their love.
Distributing Bibles to Russians By REV. 1. V. NEPRASH Executive Secretary of the Russian Bible Fund T HE Soviet Government gave permission ten from the police, that meant suffering and financial years ago for the printing of 50,000 Bibles losses to' the Believers, the work of distribution and 50,000 New Testaments under the aus- was organized and 19,966 New Testaments and pices of the Russian Bible Fund. The writer was 2,300 Bibles were distributed to those who wished asked to secure the necessary money and a con- them. Five courses for workers were conducted siderable amount was subscribed in America. daily for about 300 pastors and evangelists. Six Part of the program was carried out when, with- hours were given to instruction in the study of out warning, the Soviet Government cancelled the the Bible, how to organize a church, how to bring permission, and the remaining funds were kept in men to Christ and on the spiritual life of workers. America until there should be opportunity to use Every night large evangelistic services were held. them for the purpose for which they were given. With the help of the pastors, the program of dis- tribution was worked out in detail and it was de- Since Russia is still closed to any Bible distri- cided to give the Scriptures to unbelievers only, bution, the Committee in charge of the fund de- to those who are unable to pay and only to those cided to use the money to make the Scriptures interested enough to read the Book. available to Russians scattered in many places throughout the world. Many were stranded in The distribution was made through Believers foreign lands after the War and when the Com- who, with every copy, gave a testimony concernmunists started a drive for the extermination of ing the Book and the Saviour. the educated Russians, hundreds of thousands fled for life and are now scattered in various parts of One month was spent in Poland, where there the world. are several million Russians and Ukrainians. Services and conferences, with courses for work- Some Evangelical Christians organized the dis- ers were conducted. About 15,000 copies of the tribution in China, Manchukuo and Japan and the Bible are being distributed through the Believers. writer took up the work in parts of Europe where there are large settlements of Russians. Six Danzig proudly calls itself the "Free City." months were spent in Czechoslovakia, Roumania, About 2,000 Russians are in the city and its prov- Poland, Lithuania, Germany and France. The ince. Practically all belong to the former intelresults of this evangelistic work are far beyond ligentsia and many are unemployed, leading a expectation because of the spiritual hunger of the miserable existence. Their hearts are over-burmasses of exiles. dened with the situation. Much sympathy is ex- pressed for Jews who leave Germany and have Eastern Czechoslovakia is populated by over nowhere to go, but there is no mention of almost half a million of Carpathian Russians. Having 2,000,000 Russians who, persecuted by Commurecently traveled in seventeen countries in various nists, had to flee their homeland and have lost parts of the world, I have found nowhere such everything after seeing their relatives massacred poverty as among these people. The Scriptures for no other crime than that they were educated. were received most eagerly. Why is sympathy so one-sided? It seems that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only remedy to heal The eastern province is called Bessarabia, and the wounds. A Russian priest in Danzig was is a Russian province under the Roumanian flag. grateful for the Scriptures offered his poor pa- Three months were spent there with most gratify- rishioners. ing results. In spite of continuous interference
DISTRIBUTING BIBLES TO RUSSIANS
Lithuania is a comparatively small country with crossed himself to express his gratitude to God over 75,000 Russians scarcely touched by the Gos- and almost embraced the writer. pel. Two thousand copies of the Testament are being distributed as a start. When a bishop who has 185,000 in his care was offered the Scriptures, he asked suspiciously: In Germany we found complete freedom for preaching the Gospel and the spreading of the "Why do you do it?" Christian Scriptures. The writer answered that he had been an atheist and was converted through the study of In France there are between 300,000 and 400,- astronomy but had found this a wrong way to go. 000 Russians and about 80,000 are in Paris. Serv- He now knew that the shortest way is through the ices were conducted there every day, two on Sun- Scriptures and so devotes his life to their disday, in the opera house Pleyel, in the center of tribution. the city; they were well attended and the pres- "Through astronomy, you said? Please tell me ence of God was evident. Former colonels, gen- how it happened," begged the bishop with insist- TRAINING RUSSIANS TO BE EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN WORKERS One of Seven "Courses for Workers" conducted recently in different countries of Europe.
erals, doctors, professors, singers, leaders in the ence. When the story was told all suspicion disfinancial world, ladies of society, brought low by appeared and kindness, almost reverence, took its circumstances, listened intently. place, together with gratitude for the books.
The Russian missionary work in France and When a book is given by us to a Russian, it is Belgium (with her 3,000 Russians) is well organ- taken with the suspicion that it may be a sectarian ized. A Gospel periodical is published and 15,000 book, but when the copy comes from a bishop it copies every month go to Russians in all parts of is received as a holy book, is read with confidence the world. A campaign for the distribution of and believed. New Testaments has been begun and from 5,000 to 10,000 copies will be distributed, for the most Pray for the many thousands of New Testapart through individual Believers. In some cases ments and Bibles being distributed throughout the the clergy of the Russian Church are also ap- world, that they may bring a hundred-fold harvest proached. When a priest in Czechoslovakia was for the glory of God. Without God's blessing, the offered copies of the Scriptures for his parish- books may remain only printed matter, or be deioners he gratefully but hesitatingly asked for 100 stroyed; but through the influence of the Holy New Testaments and 50 Bibles. He did not know Spirit they may become a Living Word in the where to obtain the books. When he was asked hearts of the readers and lead them to Christif he would be willing to distribute copies among the Giver of a new Life of which these Russians non-members of his congregation, he gladly are so greatly in need because of their experiences agreed. When 250 Testaments were offered he of the past and hardships of the present, with no hope for a better future.
Youth Looks at
By CHARLES D. HURREY, New York Secretary of the Committee on Friendly Relations with Foreign Students .r-. AMERICA is in the spotlight. World youth is American the Chinese are laundrymen and con- watching us. They are visiting us, criti- sumers of chop suey and chow mein. We have cising us,and praising us. maligned the Japanese as sly and deceitful. For "You Americans are making us go faster," said most of us, the Filipino is still a tree-dwelling a Syrian young man, "but are you making us grow savage. When young Americans are asked t.o de- better? You can .organize gigantic industrial cor- scribe India, they give inordinate emphasis to porations, build skyscrapers and subways, but you caste, famine, and tigers. Our fear of entangling cannot write anything comparable to the 23rd alliances with Europe perpetuates the popular im- Psalm or the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians." pression of the French as gay and irresponsible, "You Yankee Americans built the Panama the British as lordly and "high hat," the Germans Canal, but how did y.oU acquire the Canal Zone?" as warlike, the Italians as "dagoes" and the Rus- was the disturbing questi.on put to me by a bril- sians as bewhiskered and red.
Iiant Latin American student. "You imperialistic To offset these weird and unfair judgments we people of North America think of us Spanish need to discover an that is best and beautiful in Americans as a backward people to be exploited others, and to reveal our best to visitors from for gain; you are not willing to meet us as com- overseas. If I could have my way, the schools of rades on a cultural plane." America would be visited frequently by cultured In far-off Australia some are saying: "You are spokesmen from the Orient, Europe, and Latin rapidly becoming a nation of law-breakers; you America. Our youth should be thrilled by the art condemn banditry in China but daylight holdups and musk and literature of other lands. More- menace your metropolitan areas." over we should receive in our homes, clubs, and The youth of Asia attack our color prejudice churches, these guests of culture and refinement.
and racial discriminati.on. They say: "You Fortunately, our college communities are fa- preach brotherhood but you practice injustice; vored with the presence of over 8,000 students you frown upon the caste system of India but you from all parts of the world; sons and daughters lynch the American Negro. Champions of liberty of high officials and business men abroad are now and freedom, you grant n.o Asiatic the rights of mingling with our youth on the American campus.
American citizenship." With alert and open mind they are studying our European 'youth likewise looks us over. "Why civilization at close range. don't you let us run our own affairs?" says a German youth. "Why do you think you are called On the brighter side, here is how they size us upon to be the moral leaders of the world?" up: British youth declare that we grant degrees to "You are a generous people; vast millions are generous donors to our colleges, who have achieved no academic standing. given annually to education, charity, and religion, not only at home but notably abroad. Your cham- "It is not the business of a student to be work- pionship of public health has overcome contagious ing in factory or harvest field," observes an Ox- disease and has enriched life for all. Under your ford student. "It is the business of a student to leadership warfare is waged against poverty, disbe a thinker and to think things through. You ease, ignorance, and crime in the Orient and Latin have achieved only mediocrity in music, art, and America, as well as within your own borders.
literature because in your devotion to popular edu- "Your technique intrigues us; how you do cation you fail to recognize superior talent and things fascinates us. We are here to discover the ability." secret of your gigantic achievements. After all, If these judgments seem harsh and unfair, let this is a land of opportunity, democracy still pre- us remember that we have brought them upon vails, and the people are free to say and write ourselves by maintaining an attitude of aloofness what they think. Here the humblest can rise to and superiority. Have we not thought of Mexi- the highest position in the land, through sheer cans as bandits and bull fighters? To the average merit and hard work.
[38 ] "Darkness is dispelled throughout the world AWAKE, YE CHRISTIAN MEN and mighty forces are placed at man's disposal Words copyrighted by George A. Brown, Elyria, Ohio. Tune-St. Thomas. S. M. by Aaron Williams. because of the inventions of Edison and other Awake, ye Christian men, Americans. We see you victorious in your strug- Behold the world today; gle to master the machine rather than be mastered Great multitudes, like scattered sheep, From God still go astray. by it. Through labor saving devices you are on Come, with a spirit stirred, the way to release men and women from drudgery Obey your Lord's command; and to set free their spirits for contemplating Pray Him to send forth laborers To ev'ry waiting land. eternal values." . Present your gifts to Him, Youthful eyes from every land are upon Amer- Your ·silver and .your gold, ica. What shall they see? Without our effort But,first of all, yourself He asks, That He your life may mold. they may not discover our best, but may drift Go forth, .ye Christian men, into our worst. The preservation of the noblest Proclaim His name abroad, ideals of American youth depends upon the con- That sinners, far and near, may come. To know the Son of God. servation of our Christian character and at the He gave His life for you, same time we must preserve the heritage of beauty His precious blood He shed; and truth possessed by our youthful guests from Serve Him who saves you by His gracet The Church's living Head. afar.
From the standpoint of the development of the Christian world community, no body of young people offer such opportunities as do the foreigtl students in America. If tactfully approached and enlisted in the work of the Christian churches throughout the United States, these young people will become the equivalent of as many foreign missionaries upon returning to their native lands.
TWELVE BASIC FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL AS A BEVERAGE Whereas the income of people in the United come alcohol addicts; that is, they can dis- continue the practice only at the expense of States has increased 51 % in the past five years, grave discomfort and disturbance. 8. Of those who do not become addicts, the mathe gifts to benevolences have decreased 30% and jority suffer degenerative changes in the the amount spent on alcoholic drink has increased organs and in the vascular and nervous sys- tems. over 300 %. Is it not time we considered the in- 9. The traffic in alcohol is productive of waste, crime, and social deficiency. The social fluence of intoxicants on health and character? burden is comparable only to that of war The following facts are given by investigators: and disease. 10. The alcohol custom and traffic are rooted 1. Alcohol is an irritant, depressant, narcotic deeply in physiological, psychological,ec~ drug. nomic,social, and political motives. .The problem is allied to nearly every other prob- 2. It deprives the tissues of oxygen, hinders the lem, being at once cause and effect. ! functioning of every organ and endangers health by decreasing the efficiency of the 11. The social good can be served only by policies body's defense mechanism. which look toward a diminishing cortsump- tion of alcoholic liquors. Any policy with 3. Alcohol suppresses the higher controls which this purpose and result is acceptable; any are the products of moral and social teach- other ·policy is morally wrong and socially ings, thus causing. disharmony with the disasterous. modern environment. 12. Prohibition of the liquor traffic, by aligning 4. By its effect upon the central nervous system, all of the powers of government against the alcohol slows the reaction time, causing the habit and the traffic, has served the social deaths of thousands of men, women, and good better than any other policy so far children on our highways. tried. There may be better ways of dealing with the liquor traffic and the drinking cus- 5. It decreases physical effidency, impairs the torn; they have not yet been demonstrated. value of mental effort, and disturbs the psychology of the individual.
6. Alcohol is a habit-forming drug. A constantly increased quantity is required to produce a given effect. 7. Because of this habit-forming characteristic, three persons of every ten who drink be-
NEW GUINEA NATIVES HAVING A DANCE FESTIVAL ON A COCOANUT PLANTATION NEW GUINEA PAPUANS AT HOME-PREPARING FOOD
A PEACEFUL SCEKE IN A PAPUAN VILLAGE IN NEW GUINEA, MANDATED
New Guinea Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow -..a{ I By R. R. HANSELMANN I ~- ~==============================~ SLOWLY the wild and unknown spaces of the after the bitter experiences of the pioneers, the world are disappearing. Soon it will no present ten thousand white men are reasonably longer be possible to find a land that mission- safe and comfortable. The one quarter million aries, trade and international politics have not natives of this area have not accepted Christianity penetrated. Outside the polar regions there are as a mere veneer, but have experienced a rebirth but few unexplored areas, and the largest of these of varying degree. The native is pathetically is the vast tropical interior of New Guinea, an anxious to live like a white man, and to imitate island continent much of which is still shrouded both the good and the bad, so that one cannot pre- in mystery, dict the future of the race.
Throughout pioneer days patriots and empire In speaking of the native of yesterday, we mean builders, energetic fortune seekers and zealous the primitive man as he still is in his undisturbed missionaries, were called upon to display a hero- savage life. Possibly a million would be a eon- ism and self-sacrifice perhaps unparalleled in the servative estimate of the population. These naannals of history; and many brave and worthy tives are partly Caucasian, partly Mongolian, lives were as seed planted in the ground, after- with a little Ethiopian blood. Their features are wards to bear the fruits of civilization and right- not as outstanding as the Negro's; their skin is eousness. On a sixty- to eighty-mile border around in various shades of chocolate brown. The men New Guinea, the Christian religion and civiliza- are tall and sturdy, even the pygmies being husky, tion have established themselves securely, for but the women are very small. Men wear tapa [41 ]
cloths and the women grass skirts. Having an promise assistance or protection. When making aversion to water, the primitive man wallows in a new garden, sorcerers are called to drive infilth; fights to protect his clan; cultivates the land sects away. Certain shrubs are planted to attract for food (sweet potatoes, taros, yams, greens and rain and warmth from the sun. Daggers or arrow points are suspended from tree limbs to ward off evil influences. For fighting, hunting, fishing, courting, indeed for every step of life, some sor- cerer plays a role, and each one demands re- muneration. Especially in sickness and death, fear of unseen realities bring terror to the primi- tive man. Gruesome methods are used to scare the captive spirit from a limb or body, and when death comes the whole village laments. In their wailing, they extol the deceased, and try to justify all their past unkindnesses toward him. The widow covers her body with clay to protect her- self from her husband's soul which seeks to snatch her soul away. Suicide is committed, not out of despair or despondency, but out of revenge, for the belief in the power of the departed soul to do evil is real to the man of yesterday.
On the other hand, life in reality is a life of lust. There is nothing to curb desires. The only CANNIBAL PAPUANS CHRISTIAN PAPUANS TODAY (Church Erected by American Lutheran Mission.) bananas); raises pigs, dogs and chickens; and manufactures his own implements and clothing.
Each tribe speaks its own language. The theory is that private contentions caused many separations, and as each ostracized group survived and developed, their language underwent many changes. Unwritten languages are not static. Some tribes suffix their verbs, others prefix them. The irregular verbs in the Amele language number over six hundred. The rules of syntax are almost the opposite of ours. Interpreters that can speak two or three languages are very rare. Their strange melodies reveal an odd rhythm. War and love songs, dance music and mothers' chants are melancholy, like funeral dirges. Fear and superstition leave their indelible traces on the soul, as the weird music bears witness.
Fear of the life hereafter, superstition, and faith in sorcerers make the native of yesterday the most miserable creature on God's earth. A spirit of love and goodness is unknown. By sacrifices or efforts to delude the spirits the natives seek their safety. certain spirits are believed to have their habitation in caves and mountain peaks. There is no trespassing of these premises, and if accidentally or unknowingly entered, fear, or auto-suggestion, would soon claim its victim. The belief that a spirit or enemy may assume another body or form, such as a crocodile or shark, is common.
As animists they seek refuge in sorcerers who
NEW GUINEA YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
check is the sense of the welfare of the clan, and discover the reality of our God." After years of that is frequently at the expense of the individual. swaying forward and backward, suddenly it is Whatever the majority of the clan decides, the seen that the Holy Spirit has created a new heart, individual accepts. Gluttonous feasting and im~ new desires and lives are changed. After a thormoral dancing carry in their wake physical ough Bible course of two years' instruction, large wrecks. As no primitive tribe has been found that classes are baptized, and out of the night of darkunderstood the physiological phenomena of life, ness and the struggle with the unearthly powers our natives have their erroneous ideas. The girl of evil, children of light and of God arise. to be married is supposed to be a virgin; so rightly we speak of the morals of a primitive people as So it comes about that in the native of today one high, but we must add only in certain respects and sees brighter countenances; cleanliness in private that is due to ignorance and superstition. On the and public life; a lighter rhythm is felt in newly other hand the primitive man is found to reach composed music. Every event and problem of life the very lowest depths. is discussed in the light of God's Word. Public censuring of sin and congregational discipline are We see in the native of yesterday a truly ra~ realities. Church services are crowded, and daily tional human being, imbibed with a spirit created devotions bear witness that religion has com- SOME NATIVE :lEW GUI:lEA GIRLS IX THEIR M'ODERl': DRESS by God, living in constant danger of war, ensnared pletely gripped the masses. A different spirit is in a fearful superstition, given to live a life of astir. There is now no fear of evil spirits; the lust, covered with dirt and groping for a miser- blessings of civilization are self~evident realities. able existence, with the definite doom of falling Baptism becomes a custom. into Satan's hands. But there are influences that pull the other way. But we are thankful to say that many have been The indentured labor system takes the young men saved by the power of the Gospel. This has meant into different surroundings for three years. Over many years of careful, tactful, prayerful work and 33,000 young men are employed by white men, a fierce struggle between God and Satan. The absorbing the virtues and the vices of the white stationing of young Christian native men in bar- man. The native has had no time to adjust- himbaric areas, where in the beginning they are not self to the new mode of life. But always a nucleus called upon to teach and preach, but to live a in the church prays and works to overcome the Christian life, is an effective method, and calls evil influences. for the choicest vessels of God. The devil knows what influence these Christian riatives will exer~ Looking into the future, one sees either a promcise, and he tempts them to the utmost. Every ising nation, or the remnants of a dying race. Bible story is told with this appeal: "Tryout and Clouds are now threatening on the horizon. The Oriental world is making gigantic strides, and
whether New Guinea will remain in the white morrow can be helped to adjust himself to changed man's control is an open question. Japan has re- conditions, a new nation may develop, but if he ceived a lease for an immense area in Dutch New cannot acquire the proper psychological equilib- Guinea. Sea shell poaching between nations is rium, he will succumb. In any case, mission work waged like a little war. White population is in- in New Guinea has a glorious future. The Gospel creasing rapidly. Land is acquired, commercial must, and will be brought to this uttermost part enterprises enlarged, and there is an ever-grow- of the earth, and if the Lord's Word and prophecy ing demand for native laborers. Civilization, find fulfilment with this task, then may the end with its blessings and evils, comes into closer and come. Let us be found doing His will and workeasier reach of the natives. If the native of to- ing while it is day.
A Revival in East"Africa By LUCILDA A. NEWTON, Mabuki, East Africa Missionary of the Africa Inland Mission T HE long prayed for revival seems to be unheard of in this territory. But at our station, breaking upon Tanganyika in such power Nera, the powers of Satan seems to be stronger that it is completely changing the lives of than ever. Perhaps it is because here are gath- ered all the future leaders of the work in the Bible both black and white people. It began in our school and pastors' institute. But the Lord can conquer Nera. Already we have felt the Spirit's Africa Inland Mission teachers' institute in July. power in the giving of His Word such as I have never known before. What years of wasted ef- The native leaders received a real filling of the forts we put forth without His power. In these days, since we have really come to know Him as Holy Spirit, and this spread from them back to the never before, He is bringing us to see the power of His resurrection life. There is a stand of faith white missionaries until half of the Tanganyika where that resurrection power can be continu- ously at work against the enemy. force are so changed that their lives are hardly We feel that this reviving is a preparation for recognized by those who knew them two months something ahead. There is a fellowship of His sufferings that is awaiting us, but we do not know before. The Lord did not pass me by but has the details. With the ,Lord doing such a definite work in our midst, how we need grace, how we wrought such a new work in me that I can truly need humility and continued yieldedness. We feel the Lord has done all of the blessed work of resay that "henceforth I live, yet not I, Christ liveth viving and we cannot take ourselves out of His hand-but we can grieve His Spirit by pride and in me." He has so completely revolutionized my self-sufficiency.
home life that we now have complete unity in the things of the Spirit, whereas for a year we had only misunderstanding. This is happening in the lives of many. We have faith to believe that the work will not cease until every worker has been brought into this relationship with God, through the Spirit. '
We hear from a number of stations that rou- tine work has been put aside and daily souls are coming for prayer and to seek the Lord. It is ANCIENT KINGDOMS IN AFRICA Few people know of the existence of two native kingdoms in the heart of Africa, Ruanda and Urundi, which for centuries had each a line of hereditary rulers. Musinga, now de- throned, was the last of the great heathen monarchs of Central Africa, and in his day had exercised the power of life and death over all his subjects. This power was taken from him in 1916. The two kingdoms are now governed by Belgium under mandatory powers.
The Ruanda General and Medical Mission was founded by the Church Missionary Society. For its work it must depend entirely upon voluntary support, whereas Roman Catholic schools are in receipt of large State subsidies. The Mission has seven stations and nearly fifty mis- sionaries. Each station has its ordained English missionary and its doctor. The native evan- gelists and teachers number about 800; adherents are probably about 30,000 to 40,000. Photo by Mr. and Mrs,. Martin Johnson 'OLD SCH'O'OL AFRICAN WARRIORS-WITH THEIR WARDRUMS NEW SCIJ'O'OL AFRICAN WARRIOR-C'OLP'ORTEUR AT BIBLE DEPOT. KHART'OUM '~ Effective Ways·· of Working r 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO SUGGESTIONS FOR THAT No.4; "There.'s too much ml;t- New Philadelphia, Ohio, writes "NEW LEAF" chinery! There's too much ma- this Department as follows: chinery!" Do not be content with the Beside our Missionary Society proprogram of activities or the at- No.5; "Women are not inter- grams, and those of the Guilds, we tainments of 1937. Every liv- ested in missions anymore! intend having a School of Broadening ing thing must grow; even a Women are not interested in Horizons – for the children's groups change to a fresh plan in order missions anymore!" during the church worship hour; and to whet the appetites of the for the young people's and adult membership is well worth while. No.6; "No one reads mission- groups during the B. Y. P. U. hour. The material this month is of- ary lIterature anymore! Noone We expect to have one missionary fered to furnish enlargement reads missionary literature any- prayer meeting a month for eight patterns for pastors, Sunday more !" months. Four will be on the Moslem School workers and leaders of World and four on the Rural theme. both adult and junior missionary No.7; "Women are seeking It is surprising how much there is groups. As a keynote, read this honor only for themselves! available for interesting programs digest of a clever skit given at a Women ate seeking· honQr only when one begins to cast around. For meeting of the Methodist women for themselves!" the rural programs I expect to have of the Cincinnati district, at three progressive rural pastors, all Lakeside, Ohio, last summer: Indignantly the leader says: graduates of college and seminary, "They can;t do this to our new alive to present-day problems, come A Study in Ghosts program! Can't somebody quiet in and speak on such subjects as Co- them ?" operatives, Problems of the Rural The leader of a meeting, out- Church, and the Rural Home of Tolining the new plans for the At this seven women from the day. A stereopticon lecture on Colcoming year, was disturbed by audience rush up and reply for- portage Work will complete the Rural confused talking and groaning cibly, in turn. Each objecting programs. I find that within a radius behind the curtain to her rear. ghost repeats her phrase upon of thirty miles are living several mis- She said: being asked what is the matter sionaries on furlough. One is from with her, and is answered in in- Cairo, one from northern India "Somebody seems to be mak- dignant terms: (where the Moslems are strongest), ing a fuss back there. Will one and one from Nigeria. I am asking of you please go back and see "Others are doing this. . . . them to speak especially on their conwhat it's about?" There must always be a first tacts with the Moslems in these widely time for everything," etc. separated fields. I hope to have a According to prearrangement, moving picture on the Mohammedan a member of the audience looked As each ghost is told, in her topic complete this series. behind the curtain and said, turn, to "begone!" she slinks off, looking furtively behind, and the Your suggestions in the M,ISSIONARY "There's a whole group of the sixth speaker says: REVIEW OF THE WORLD are invaluable, queerest looking people back and I am looking forward eagerly to there. I think you'd better see "You're nothing new-you're forthcoming issues. them." all ghosts of creatures dead long ago." These kindly words of appre- The curtains are opened re- ciation are passed along to the vealing seven ghostly figures As the last ghost repeats her constituency, whose materials, in (sheeted and with faces cray- cry that women seek honor only the main, are used in our departoned) , writhing, t w i s tin g, for themselves, the leader looks ment. wringing their han d s, and up and says: groaning thus: Christian Youth in Missionary "Dear Christ, can it be pos- Action No.1; "It can't be done! It sible that this is true of many of can't be done!" us ?" She closes with a prayer Under this challenging title, of repentance and consecration, S. Franklin Mack, authorized by No.2; "We never did it be- while groans continue behind the International Committee of fore! We never did it before!" the scenes. Religious Education and in co- operation with the Missionary No.3; "It costs too much. It This scene is very forcible. Education Movement, has writcosts too much!" Try it. ten a pamphlet for the series is- sued for young people using the A Pastor Includes the Men United Christian Youth Move- ment literature. Rev. Rodney C. Gould, pastor of the First Baptist Church at [46 ]
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
The pamphlet in question out- duce, we have usually come to use for Rally Day. Another was lines "what individual young a home mission play, 'The Mispeople and young people's socie- the end of the course rather sionary Barrel,' found in a colties can do for missions." It exhausted and wondering how lection of mission plays pubgives a brief survey of the voca- much we had accomplished. . . . lished by MacMillan; and tional aspect of missions, with a another was a foreign mission summary of the qualifications With all of our efforts, most of play called 'The Dawning of the required of the missionary of our churches are giving mission Morning,' published by the Abthe future. If your young peo- ingdon Press. ple are not already enlisted, by study to the very people who all means arrange a rally at the "Besides this program in the call of the pastor, Sunday school need least to be worked with, Sunday school we gave three superintendent or the Woman's while few of the great majority Wednesday evening services and society and present the cause in of people whose outlook is cold two Sunday morning church the most forceful way possible. or indifferent to the mission services to various phases of It is suggested that Mr. Mack's causes can ever be dragged to mission interest. leaflet be reviewed as an intro- the classes. ductory feature, and that talks "We found that the people follow on the sub j e c t s of "Last fall we decided to put manifested a spontaneous inter- "Friendship Frontiers – What mission study into the Sunday est in this mission program. We Are They?" "How Does One school. We carried on the reg- used no urgent methods to get Stake a Claim?" "Presbyterian people to come. Yet every de- Leagues That Work," "Maga- ular work of the school, every partment in the school began to zines and Program Booklets," class studying the Bible lessons_ have increased attendance. . . . and the "Youth Budget." Al- More men were reached with ready it is reported from a va- but we also found considerable mission study than ever before riety of sources that missionary time available for mISSIOns. by our church. giving has increased noticeably Class periods were lengthened since the adoption of the plans ten minutes, with the under- "By conducting our mission outlined in the pamphlet. standing that each teacher would course as we did, we accom- spend the extra time in giving plished s eve r a I worth-while For this material and other information missionary information. All achievements. One was the natwrite The Missionary Education Movement, uralness of approach to the mat- 150 Fifth Ave., New York. teachers were supplied with lit- ter and the effectiveness of the erature, properly graded accord- education given on behalf of the For Pastors and Sunday ing to departments. mission causes. Another was School Superintendents the discovery that mission edu- "We also arranged special cation provides a remarkably Rev. William Crowe, Jr., pas- missionary programs for united elastic technique. We believe tor of the First Presbyterian that we have only begun to Church of Bluefield, W. Va., assembly periods that lasted discover the possibilities for wrote recently in The Presby- from thirty to forty minutes delightful entertainment and terum Survey regarding his pas- each. These programs were de- attractive study offered by this torate of a similar church in signed to make as popular an method. Still another accom- Talladega, Ala. His article plishment was the unexpected (adapted) is as follows: appeal as possible. The united effect the program had on our assembly included ages from Sunday school attendance and "We believe that our experi- interest." ence offers at least one ap- junior to adult. The special misproach to the mission-study sion study period began with Sequence in Program Building problem that is elastic and Rally Day and went through adaptable and popular. seven Sundays to November It is scarcely necessary to 15th. stress the value of a dominating "For eight or ten years we topic as a picturesque feature in have devoted one or more peri- "For our assembly periods we a series of programs. It seems ods each year to mission study. used a variety of programs. to be one of those devices that Some years our method has have a universal appeal. This been to have classes for men, There was one address entitled, year the figure of "Windows" is for women, and for young peo- 'Under Seven Flags,' in which played upon in one or another ple. Other years we have had department of nearly all packets completely organized schools of there was given a brief summary of literature sent for inspection. missions with classes for every of our home and, foreign mission age-group. . . . We believe we Following this fig u r e, as have given this plan as com- responsibilities. The other pro- adopted by the Baptist women, plete and sincere a trial as grams were designed primarily for their national theme, the could be given. After inject- to give instruction and inspira- Woman's Society of the First ing into our plans all the inge- Church of Santa Ana, Calinuity and energy we could pro- tion through entertainment. fornia, has incorporated in its beautiful thirty-eight page year "We made arrangements in New York for a series of two- reel motion pictures presenting information or plots relating to the mission movement.
"Some of the most effective work done in the missionary education course was through the medium of mission plays. One was a home mission pag- eant, 'The Living Cross,' se- cured from the Northern Meth- odist Church and adapted to our
book a series of "vistas" as their STAGE SETTING FOR A SEPTE,MBER PROGRAM monthly program topics, with the undergirding idea of opening windows of opportunity for service, as well as placing them where none exists-as in Indian hogans and Moslem purdahs- to let God's love shine in.
Their theme song is, "Let the Blessed Sunshine in," and the devotional hymn, "Open My Eyes That I May See." The membership list is "Viewers at Our Window." A "Memorial Window" records the name of those who have died during the year. The devotional series in- cludes: "Outlook-Skyward" (Psa. 19: 1-3). After this program on "Open- August porch party to which "Outlook – into the Valley" (Psa. ing Our Window," there came: contributions for Christmas 34: 19.22). boxes were made and impersona- "Outlook-at the Fountain" (Deut. "Windows of Opportunity." tions given of missionaries- 8: 21; John 4: 14). "Dingy Windows" (rural work). home and foreign – telling of "Outlook-toward the Hills" (Psa. "Shining Windows" (union evening Christmas on their fields. 121) . meeting with the youthful mission- "Outlook-in the Garden" (Isa. 58: ary groups). "Tower Windows" – a pro- 11). "Desert Panorama." gram on student work at home "Outlook- at the Harvest" (Luke "Rose Window" (stewardship). and in union Christian colleges 10: 1-2). "College Windows" (Christian edu- abroad (Baptist Board of Edu- "Outlook – Looking at the Sun" cation) . cation, 152 Madison Ave., N. Y., (Mal. 4: 2). "Sunlit Windows" (White Cross and The Cheer Leader, Sept., work for missionary hospitals). 1936, put out by the Foreign "Outlook-toward the Cross" (Luke "Walls without Windows" (Moslem Mission Conference of North 9: 23). purdahs). America, 156 Fifth Ave., N. Y.). "Paper Windows" (Chinese work "Outlook-into the Pasture Land" for women). "Cottage Win dow s" – on (Psa. 104: 14). "Closing our Window" (annual Rural Work in America (MIS- meeting in June). "Outlook-at the Shadow" (Psa. The August space was labeled: SIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, 91: 1; 63: 7). "Our Windows Closed, Blinds Drawn." June, 1937; 25 cents). All the monthly programs are Due to many requests In the past for "God's Windows" – women's samples of these lovely annuals, it is stated called "Vistas" and are intended that a limited number of copies are left and prayer meeting for missions may be obtained for 25 cents each. There with special effort to have older to open windows, as stated pre- is evidently no profit for' the compilers. women attend and take part, a Thanksgiving dramatization beviously. The September pro- More Windows ing given (Woman's Missionary Association of United Brethren gram – built around a beauti- The standard Baptist program in Christ, 1412 U. B. Building, built around .this theme includes: Dayton, Ohio). fully decorated stage-furnished "Memorial Win dow s" – a "Shop Windows" – a window a preview of the year's work. study on missionaries who have box opening and program on op- gone out from the participants' portunities for service. The stage was arranged as a own state. "Latticed Windows"-sketches garden and showed a sash win- "Cabin Windows" – migrant of Christian Nationals who are work-with a luncheon of foods witnessing for Christ ("The dow looking eastward. This picked by migrants and imper- Way of the Witnesses"). sonations on "Around the Campwindow, when opened by the fire." "Sunlit Windows" – imper- sonations of missionary doctors president, made way for nine "Stained Glass Windows"- and nurses at home and abroad. an evening meeting on Peace short episodes illustrating the (men of the church invited) at "Barred or Open Windows"- which a pageant, "The Triumph devotional me e tin g inviting phases of work to be emphasized of Goodwill," was given (Coun- women from other churches and cil of Women for Home Mis- presenting a good speaker on in the monthly programs. These sions, 105 E. 22nd St., New "Are Your Windows Open or York; 35 cents plus royalty of Barred ?" Opening of window episodes consisted of mono- $5.00 for each presentation). boxes follows. logues, pantomimes, dialogues, a "Casement Win dow s," an song, skits, and other features.
Through the year the window box will bear its blooms as the gift boxes are opened. At the left of the stage was a cathedral window, the framework of which stood five feet high and was made so that the designs could be filled in with various colors as the money was received. It was very lovely even before the colors were added. . The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 297 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y.
~'I~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE PRICE OF SUGAR the greater part of the army of deeper; 1931-lost everything; migrant laborers of the United 1932 – hit the road; 1935- A summer under open skies, serving the farmers of Cali- A child-a thousand children, States. They had come to these fornia as a 'fruit tramp.' " A burning sun, cold rains shores to better themselves. To- -And sugar beets. day the grandchildren of these Where Do They Live? A summer working sugar beets, early immigrants are harvesting And youth – youth pulled and the crops. But even a greater Migrants have to live in all kinds of places, a shack provided topped number of the 2,000,000 and by the employer, a tent on the And plowed beneath the soil more migrant workers today are banks of an irrigation ditch, or -As fertilizer. Anglo-American, forced into mi- just under the trees. In one Youth pulled and topped, and grancy by misfortune. In 1937 camp where shacks were pro- vided by the employer, one fairly granulated, in a camp in Delaware, an ap- large room housed from one to And weighed – weighed out in palling number were people who three families-as many as eight had lost their homes because of people in a single room. In an- bags Florida floods, typhoons and other camp in the East there For us to buy, and please storms. Many had once been ac- were two water faucets for 420 Our tooth for sweets. tive in communities, taking part people. Because of the crowded A summer under open skies, in church work, lodges, and other condition in some of the shan- A child-a future forming; civic organizations. In this ties, straw was strewn over the No schooling to distract group were a trained nurse, an floor with no pretense of mak- From sugar beets. ing a bunk. experienced mechanic, a railroad FRANCES B. WILLIAMS. engineer, a fireman, a plumber. Squatters' Camps-a new de- velopment in the far west, are Father of all mankind, we They felt that all hope of ever even worse. Dr. Taylor tells of pause in the haste of our daily being anything but migrants a tour of these camps. "We lives to come with quietness into found filth, squalor, an entire ab- T'hy presence. May thy strength had fled. sence of sanitation, and a crowdand thy spirit fill us and may the In the West, and Southwest, ing of human beings into totally love which thou hast for all man- inadequate tents or crude struckind flood our hearts. We would refugees from the Dust Bowl tures built of boards, weeds and at this time bring before thee form the greatest part of the anything that was found at hand those men and women and young migrant labor group. "These to give a pitiful semblance of a people who earn their meager home at its worst. In this enliving. by gathering from the people," Paul S. Taylor writes. vironment there is bred a social fields the food that shall feed us; "are victims of dust storms, of sullenness. It is horrible that who bear the heat of the noon- drought which preceded the children are reared in such an day sun, the long hours of labor, environment." and the rush of the cannery serv- dust, of protracted depression ice while we benefit from their which preceded the drought. 'It What Do They Earn? toil. Weare conscious, 0 Fa- seems like God has forsaken us ther, of their longing for per- back there in Arkansas,' said' a "Employment is intermittent, manent homes, of their unful- jobs are often precarious, and .filled hopes for their children. former farm-owner at a San annual income is low. A study Make us eaually conscious of our Luis Obispo pea-pickers' camp. of 165 migrant families showed responsibilities as Christian citi- that 30.9 % received less than zens to mitigate so far as we can 'The cotton burned up' is the $300 annually and 13.3 % less the hardships of their toil. common story. They are largely than $200 per family."
M. KATHARINE BENNETT. farmers who have been carrying Who Wants Them? on agriculture on the family pat- WHO ARE THE MIGRANTS tern which has been so long re- "Only the employer and he TODAY? garded as the great source of wants them only until his crop stability in our nation. One of Twenty years ago immigrants them, recently picking fruit with from poorer countries made up his family in the Sacramento Valley, told succinctly this story of his decline from farmer to farm laborer: 1927 – mad e $7,000 as a cotton farmer in Texas; 1928-broke even; 1929 -went in the hole; 1930- [49 ] is harvested. "The develop- Council of Women for Home the way they used to. But they can't understand why Jesus didn't hate the ment of normal relationships be- Missions tell a story of the 'mean bad men' who killed him. I tween citizens and community, achievement of this Christian told the children that those who and between employer and em- service. wanted Jesus crucified thought they ployee, is not favored by con- In Tomatoes were doing right. This led to a dis- cussion. Charles said, 'If I had been stant movement. 'My father "I don't know if you'll recognize our there, I would have told them a thing was a track foreman at $1.25 a nursery, for now instead of rugs for or two.' Edna said to him, 'Jesus day, but we lived in a house and the toddlers to sleep on we have cribs. would have wanted you to love them.' " everybody knew us,' said a fruit A bureau which I painted cream to tramp. 'This rancher has us for match our green and cream linoleum, In Onions two or three weeks, and then holds the diapers, sheets, etc., on top "At lunch time long tables were athe's thru wjth me. He knows me tractively set by some of the children till he's through with me.' 'Resi- of which is a scale on which the babies and flowers picked for the center denters' look askance at the pieces. A wholesome well-balanced nomads, and treat them as 'out- are weighed regularly every two lunch was served and simple table landers.' Children are stigma- manners taught. When Mary was tized at school as 'pea pickers.' " weeks. Why, Annamae has already seated on a chair made from an orange crate, at the clean simple table, she What the Church Is Doing gained a pound." . . . ' beamed and said, 'My, just like Sun- day!' The hardships of migratory "And our Young People's Club, for life are only hinted at in the "After lunch each child took his above excerpts. Eighteen years youth of 14-20 has been a howling suc- new toothbrush from his own nail on ago the churches began to know about the migrants and their cess. Its purpose is to provide some- the wall, and enthusiastically went needs. It was then that the first through a peppy toothbrush drill. thing worth while for the young peo- After that they all lay down on the thinly covered floor for afternoon ple who are working. A program of naps. Some of the older children were so tired from caring for younger Negro History, Handcraft, and Rec- brothers and sisters, that they thank- reation has been planned. We meet two nights a week.
"A social hygiene forum meets each Monday afternoon and was composed of young men. The average attend- ance was a~out thirty. Some of the subjects discussed were Love, Venereal Diseases, and Marriage."
effort was made to help them. It In Tobacco fully fell asleep on the hard floor. was a unified effort of seven My how good just a small pillow women's denominational home "About twenty came to the recrea- would have felt." mission boards through the tion hall this evening. The group Council of Women for Home "Because many of the children Missions. They sought to im- planned a swim for Monday night. understood very little English, I tried prove these conditions through various ways to help them underthe enactment of protective leg- The group is starting to look on the stand the story. The most successful islation. At the same time they was to make paper figures of people felt responsible for meeting the schedule posted on the porch. Cipus and place them on the table as I went girls brought some Polish records. So along. Afterward they could make their own figures and re-tell the story far the young neople's group has in their own words. When one 10- immediate physical and spir- played darts, bean bag, toss golf, ping- year-old boy was re-telling the story itual needs of the migrants pong and quiet games. Last year of 'Let the little children come unto through public health nurses, me,' with the use of paper people, he recreational directors, visiting about all they wanted to do was said, 'The men wanted to keep the teachers and religious education children away, but Jesus said'-and he leaders in agricultural and can- dance." stumbled over the long verse he had nery areas. Through the years just learned, but finally said, usine: "Alvin came again today. The words of his own vocabulary: 'Jesus the Christian Service in Migrant little fellow asked if he could do the said, "Let 'em come."'" Camps has spread to over fifty dishes and clean the room. I have never seen a child who enjoyed clean- MY CREED ing up a room as much as he does. I wish he could do something in his own home." …
"While I made a game, Selma, who is about ten, read 'Songs from the Slums' by Kagawa. She enjoyed areas in thirteen states. Eight- them very much and from her com- ments I feel that she really under- "The food that I share with een denominations now cooper- stood them. She asked me questions ate. Employers are helping; lo- about him. Later in the afternoon others Is the food that nourishes me. cal communities are accepting a she said that when she read poems The strength that I spend for share in the work as a part of like those and about people who were others their home mission program. so kind she felt sorry for .all the lies Is the strength that I retain. On the World Day of Prayer The freedom I seek for others thousands of groups throughout she told." the country are remembering "As I work I enjoy noticing the Make's me forever free.
growing community spirit among the workers. Almost no profanity. Do a lot of talking about wearing ap- The pain that I ease in others the migrant families in their Shall take away my pain. prayers and in their gifts. The~ parel, menus, clothes, weddings. We The load that I lift from others had craft work. The boys made some Makes my l.Dad disappear. gifts have opened more Chris- checkers. One made a bouquet of flowers out of a tin can and some The good that I see in others tian Centers and sent more Comes back my life to cheer. paper." Christian nurses into migrant The path that I walk with camps. Work is under way in "It has always been considered adthirteen s tat e s, thirty-three mirable here to hit back, and to make others the person cry who is tormenting you. Is the path God walks with more states have migrants but The children favor the idea of loving me."
no work. the one who is mean to you, so he GRACE HILL FREEMAN. The following excerpts from won't want to be mean anymore. I notice them through the day trying it reports of the workers under the out. They don't seem'to admire fights
'~I Our World–wide
i A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events A EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO ~'I================================ MISCELLANEOUS cupied with the war. The hosts nearly fifty officer-instructors, of refugees are spreading infec- specialists in their various de- The Church's Challenge tion and a major epidemic may partments, assist the principal. accompany the turn of the year. United foreign mission boards Typhus, smallpox and meningitis -The Life of Faith. of North America and the Fed- are among the possible dangers. eral Council of the Churches of The Value of Christian Christ in America have formu- This is only an illustration of Colleges lated proposals regarding what how the whole world is influthe Christian Church can do in enced for good or for evil by It is interesting to know that the present world crisis. what takes place in one country. eight of our chief justices were Plague, cholera, influenza, war, college graduates, while seven of 1. Align itself with the condemna- crime, vice will spread if they the eight were from Christian tion of the practices of war as de- are not counteracted by health, schools. Eighteen of our nation's scribed in the words of the World peaceful pursuits, friendliness, presidents have been. college Conference in Oxford. education, morality, and the graduates, while .sixteen of the spirit of Christ. eighteen were from Christian 2. Declare its horror that in these schools. Eighteen of the twentydays any government should resort to Training for Salvation Army five masters of American letters war, "declared" or "undeclared," as a Workers were college men, while sevenmeans of obtaining political or eco- teen of the eighteen were from nomic advantage, or as a punitive The training of Salvation Christian colleges. Of the memmeasure. Army officers is a highly special- bers of our national congress, ized process: it has as much to whose efforts or prominence 3. Lead in arousing public opinion do with personality as with pro- have secured for them a place in to support the government in trans- gram. It is directed to fitness "Who's Who," two-thirds of forming a policy of irresponsible iso- for a keen-edged evangelism. them were graduates of Chrislationism into one of active participa- The original training period was tian schools. tion in the organizing of the political six months, but in 1904 it was and economic forces of tb.e world for extended to nine months. -George W. Truett. the purpose of establishing justice and goodwill. In urging such a proposal, London, England, has a train- NORTH AMERICA we repudiate the thought that it in- ing school which accommodates volves reliance upon military or naval 450 cadets, mostly from Great Paganism in U. S. force, or such measures as are apt to Britain, but there are also at lead to war. present representatives of South The Ministerial Association of Africa, Finland, the West Indies, Los Angeles, California, after 4. RecfJgnize the difficult position Holland and Java. In addition, nine months of investigation, rein which Christians in Japan and three junior officers from Swe- ported 120 pagan societies hold- China find themselves today. den and two native officers from ing regular meetings in and East Africa are taking the about the city. They teach and 5. Understand more clearly the im- course. All walks of life are rep- practice various non-Christian portance of its missionary enterprise resented – professional, skilled faiths, hybrid religions or phiand provide more adequately for its and clerical labor, and almost losophies, largely based upon support. The failure of Christians to every branch of industrial ac- Hinduism. Also it was found witness effectively throughout the tivity. The course include.s that Rosacrucianism has a larger world to the realities of their faith is Bible study, public speaking and nl'mber of followers than any one of the causes of our present dis- preparing addresses, principles evangelical church in the city. tress. and methods of social welfare work, first aid, home nursing -Alliance Weekly. 6. Translate its testimony into deeds and simple medical lectures; of mercy. also practice in house-to-house Religion Through Films visitation. Careful record is 7. Testify to its faith in the reality made of each student's progress, During the recent General of the Kingdom of God. which is tested both as to study Convention of the Episcopal and outdoor activity. A staff of Church held in Cincinnati, dem- -American Board News. onstration was given of a re- [51 ] cently launched plan for "visual A Warning to the World The League of Nations sends a warning that the whole world needs to be on its guard against an epidemic of disease originating in China. The cholera plague is rapidly spreading now in China, owing to the disturbed condition of affairs, the attention of the Government being oc-
religion." A fifteen- or twenty- she will provide an hour of care- Practical Cooperation minute film, to take the place of the sermon at the evening serv- fully planned religlOus nurture The Presbyterian Board of ice, relates to three or four sub- for from 600 to 1,uOO American National Missions has been cojects selected from newsreels youth, one half of whom have no operating with the Board of Forwhich present some phase of eco- vital connection with any exist- eign Missions in providing short nomic or social problems. While ing church or Sunday school." periods of training in National the film is being shown the Missions hospitals for new leader asks questions designed Here we see a new method in to stimulate the thinking of the the field of church work. A nurses under appointment to the congregation. After the pictures number of states provide for at foreign field. This arrangement have been shown, the leader, least an hour of Christian trainpreferably the pastor, would ing each week under the direc- gives the Foreign Board an optake a few minutes in which to tion of the church. In other portunity to tryout new worksummarize the Christian atti- states there is no prohibition .of ers, and gives the nurses experitude toward the problems seen such a plan. ence in extension or field nursing on the screen. The plan has been tried out in Spokane, One such teacher in New Jer- programs which both Boards are Washington, and leaders declare sey spends four days each week carrying on. It also renders the it met with a good response. National Board relief at two in four consolidated r u r a I points where, because of the in- The "Christian Cinema Coun- schools, passing from grade to creasing demand for medical cil" in England is considering a grade each period of the day. – care and the recent difficulty in plan to make religious films of This work is made possible by filling vacancies due to the Govthree types: (1) Films with a the cooperation of the Board of ernment's enlarged activities in moral or reI i g i 0 u s object; National Missions of the Pres- health, the nursing load has been (2) films illustrating the work byterian Church, the Board of too heavy for the staffs to carry. of the Church at home and Home Missions and Church Exabroad; and (3) films for direct -Monday Morning. -evangelism. tension of the Methodist Epis- Gideon Bibles in the Schools copal Church, and the public Stewardship Conference school authorities. A prelim- The "Gideons" of Canada have inary survey showed that many Church leaders representing been at work placing Bibles in of the children enrolled were 23 churches and other religious the Dominion's public schools. otherwise unreached by the bodies in the United States and The Gideon ministry of the U. S. church. Canada, with a communicant has now added this feature to membership of at least 23,000,- their work. Here is a quotation This plan is past the experi- 000, met in Philadelphia in Nofrom an article that recently ap- ment stage. For the millions of vember to search for a realistic peared in The Gideon: boys and girls unreached by a~y and scientific Christian attitude church it offers the only defimte toward money-making, money- The burglary insurance rate is religious training that they are spending and the use of life. $12.00 per thousand in Bos~on; ~22.00 ever likely to receive. The conference the m e was in New York; and $27.50 In ChIcago. "Stewardship as an Approach to Is there any connection between these -Christian Advocate. figures and the fact that the Bible has been read daily in the public Methodist Union Plan Experience and Problem!'." The schools of Boston for sixty-five years, discussions centered upon the for twenty-two years in New York, and excluded for thirty years from Unification of three Methodist principles of the Bible, interthe schools in Chicago? denominations, having approxi- preted in modern economic and Girl + Auto = Christian mately 8,000,000 members in all spiritual terms, the practical ex- parts of the world, lacks only the periences of every day, and Education final approval of the Methodist upon a number of definite rules "A college-trained girl with an Episcopal Church, South. O~ of daily conduct applicable to additional year of special train- cials announce that the ArmIS- every normal relationship of ing in religious education can tice Day voting increased to every human being. teach a junior department of thirty pupils in a Sunday school. nearly 90 per cent the majority Religious Work at Government Seven days later she can bring in favor of the merger. They the impact of her training and Projects personality back to the same said 30 of the 42 conferences task. Give this same welltrained young lady an auto- reported a favorable majority, "United Youth" is the name mobile, set her on the trail of and that approval was practi- of a society of young people in public school groups and, from cally assured. The general ses- the interdenominational work Monday morning to Friday night, conducted by the Home Missions sion of that denomination will be held in Birmingham next Council at Grand Coulee Dam, Washington. About 6,000 men May.
The new unified church, to be are employed by the federal gov- known as the Methodist Church, ernment at Grand Coulee, and will have five geographical juris- the community numbers at least dictions. A sixth jurisdiction 20,000. Three groups of moth- will include Negro churches and ers are organized as a federated conferences. club, and a young mother's club
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
has been organized. About 60 sink and running water, with to all the patients. Tracts and persons attend the morning tow rugs on the floor and cur- Gospels have been given to the church service, and 80 attend tains at the windows. The gar- prisoners in two penitentiaries dens have added all sorts of in near-by cities." Bible school. Similar projects are at Boul- flowers and many kinds of fruits der City, Nevada, where about and vegetables. Helpful as this is, the spiritual improvement Tension Eases in Mexico 180 attend Sunday school; at that has come is far more im- Bonneville Dam, Oregon, where portant.-Christian Advocate. With the exception of the 250 families live in this seven- states of Tabasco and Chiapas, mile-long par ish, and Boy LATIN AMERICA which contain less than five per S co u t s, Christian Endeavor, cent of the population of Mex- Sunday school and church serv- Gospels for Mexico's Soldiers ico, church services are being ice are conducted; and at Ten- conducted normally all over the nessee Valley, particularly Cum- Rev. N. W. Taylor writes that country, and the former tension berland Homesteads, where the the need for buying a new car is eased. Many Mexican priests pastor conducts the equivalent providentially led to a new de- have settled in the United States of an· institutional church pro- velopment in work among sol- near the border, where they are gram, features of which are diers in Mexico. He says: serving parishes of their own interdenominational Sun day nationals. school, worship service and "While breaking in the new young people's organizations. car I could not take it up into Although there seems to be no the mountains and so decided to law on the subject, theological Over the Tea Cups drive down the valley to a city seminaries have not been per- 75 miles away. There had been mitted to function in a conspic- The second annual Christian a few army outposts on this uous way during the past three Friendliness Tea in Seattle was highway and I planned to visit years. The Presbyterian Semattended by seventy-five people, them. The miles sped by with- inary in Coyoacan, a suburb of with G re e k, Spanish-Jewish, out finding any soldiers and we Mexico City, has been closed by Danish, Bulgarian, Italian, Al- began to feel that no work could the government, and it is feared banian, Japanese and Chinese be done. At last we reached an that the Union Seminary in the nationalities represented. The airport on the outskirts of the capital city may suffer likewise. guest violinist was Kosiko Ta- city, where we saw an outpost jitsu, a fourteen-year-old Jap- with a large number of soldiers. -Christian Century. anese girl, who two years ago Approaching the officer I found toured Japan as the soloist of that the adjutant of the battalion Building for Peace in Chile the Tokio Symphony Orchestra. was in ,the camp at that very Her talented thirteen-year-old moment. When he learned what Boys and girls in Valparaiso:s sister played the difficult accom- I wanted to do, he not only gave schools have addressed a peace paniments with skill. The girls me permission to distribute lit- message to all American school are members of the Japanese erature to the men in the outpost children. Congregational Church. The but insisted that I come into Japanese Consul's wife and the town to the barracks. There we Children of America – Again we wife of the Chinese Vice~Consul arranged with the Colonel to re- raise our voices over the mountains were guests of honor. turn on a certain day to give and across the rivers and plains to Gospels and tracts to all the men. bring you our message of peace-:-that -Watchman-Examiner. On that occasion we met the peace which we so much desire and to which the Christ of the Andes, with open arms outstretched over the eter- nal snows, seems symbolically to call us.
Self-Help for Negroes Colonel of another unit, and Children of America! Let us unite when he saw us giving litera- in an affectionate embrace and forget Mary Lee Jones, A.B., Rust ture to all the troops he invited the rivalries which have separated us College, home demonstrator in for so many years. us to visit his battalion. At the Listen – An anxious call comes to the Mississippi Delta:has proved same time an introduction was us from over the sea. It is the call of given to still another battalion our brothers and sisters in Spain. It that one can teach an old dog in a town about twenty miles is the anguished cry of the orphans, new tricks. She finds Negro innocent victims of that fratricidal women forty years old are eager away. struggle.
to learn and are adopting new "Since the first of 1937, twelve In these days of suffering, only our and better ways. Under Miss new regiments or battalions continent, America, conserves its land without war. A great love and a fra- J ones' guidance, eight school have received Gospel portions ternal hope should unite its inhabigrounds and four cemeteries and tracts when in formation on tants. Let us then take care, brothers have been improved; one com- their own parade grounds. In and sisters of America, that this fire munity has bought and installed the offices of three general burns and maintains itself, so that fu- ture generations may enjoy the fruits an eighteen-quart pre s sur e headquarters, New Testaments of eternal peace, which reflects the cooker and six other clubs have have been given to all the staff realization of the sublime desire of the half the money raised for such officers, including the General. Master when he said: "Peace on an installation. Eighty-two cab- Three military hospitals have earth, good will to men." -The Churchman. ins have been improved with a been visited and literature given 54 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD [January Mennonites as Evangelists sum mer vacation in trekking neva Bible School. By the middle of October, about 3,000 copies in A group of more than 2,000 through the towns and villages fifty-one languages had been sold Russian Mennonites who left in three months. home penniless have lived for of the British Isles, in an effort some years in a colony in the Those in charge of the Kiosk Chaco, Paraguay. These years to reach the unsaved. Their tes- have had many opportunities for have been full of difficulty, partly personal witness and interviews. owing to the difference in climate timony is t hat unscheduled With every Bible sold, one or from that to which they were ac- two leaflets are given as a guide customed, and from the effects events and the consequent alter- to reading, and to the knowledge of the Paraguayan – Bolivian of personal salvation. war. The privileges of religious ation of plans invariably refreedom guaranteed by the Gov- -The Christian. ernment have been faithfully vealed divine overruling. On observed, and the church life of Outlook in Spain this colony is healthy. They are one occasion, finding that they interesting themselves in the Mr. W. C. Edwards, who has spiritual welfare of their Indian had a day to spare, the trekkers spent some time in Spain, says neighbors, and though their op- that the future for Gospel teachportunities of actual witness are pressed on to a town in York- ing in that unhappy land seems limited they have a deep concern very dark; and utterly imposfor their evangelization. The shire they had not intended to sible at present. The Catholic inclusion of an immigrant group Church, wherever it is under of evangelicals in the life of a visit. Holding an open-air meet.. Franco's rule, is all powerful, country has not always had as and every day it is applying the much effect upon the life of the ing there in the evening, they spirit and law of the Inquisition nation as might have been upon the poor terror-stricken hoped, and it is, therefore, an found the people hungry for the people. C r 0 sse s have been encouraging sign that this Men- erected in some central squares, nonite colony is concerned to Gospel, and six decided for and an altar, with policemen witness to the people of their always on the watch, and woe benew home country. Christ. tide the person who passes with- out bowing to it and giving the -World Dominion Press. Another benefit was the prac- Fascist salute. He is arrested at once. -The Christian. • Oonversions in Peru tical experience gained on the As a Militarist Sees Religion Rev. A. C. Snead, of the Chris- trek. Students learned how to tian Alliance, visiting Quechua While Hitler and Mussolini Indians, writes in .the Alliance concentrate in preparation of have fundamentally the same ob- Weekly: jective, the latter is pursuing a addresses when distances re- sounder plan to attain it in at- God is at work here in Peru, espe- tacking one obstacle at a time, cially in faraway mountain and nuired much time on the road. and has not as yet molested the jungle sections. In Tayabamba, Church or ,the Jews; while Hitwhere the first convert was won only Also, they learned how to adapt ler is attacking Jews, Catholics a little more than two years ago, and and Protestants at one and the where six months ago there were only their talks to varying types of same time. A great German twenty professed iJelievers, there are general recently condemned this today more than one hundred and people. -Life of Faith. as short-sighted folly, "because," twenty who show signs of definite con- said this general, "no army that version. Fourteen men walked eleven Missionary-Minded Youth goes into battle without hope of days over the steepest mountain trails, in France a life hereafter will fight sucpart of the way in altitudes where no cessfully." villages or houses could be seen, to The ninth annual conference attend the services at Pachas. of the Congres Missionaire de The Ohurch and Hitler J eunf!!sse in France last Septem- It was wonderful to be at Pachas, ber represented a missionary After failure to achieve Protwith 220 Quechua Indians from eight- movement among French youth. estant church unity by stamping een pueblos on mountain and in The students' Federation and all out opposition, Herr Hitler has jungle, who gathered to sing the youth movements in France sent declared himself tired of the praises of God, and to learn of Christ. delegates to the number of more whole church business. One of In the evening services the attendance than eighty. The vast territories the inexplicable myths which has of others from Pachas (a fanatical of the French colonial empire crept out of Germany has been Catholic center) brought the number will furnish a sphere for this that Hitler wishes to see the in the congregation to about 300. missionary interest. churches in Germany free to do just as they choose, that every EUROPE There is now a unified evan- gelical church in France com- Students' "Summer Trek" prising the Reformed Church, the Ref 0 r m e d Evangelical Students of Highfield Mission- Church, the Free Church and the ary Training Colony spent their Methodist Church of France. Commissions are studying a method of redistributing the congregations in regional dis- tricts in 1938. The evangeliza- tion of the suburbs of Paris constantly preoccupies the lead- ers. An effort is being made to create one new church yearly for ten years.
-World Dominion Press.
Bible Kiosk at Paris People of all classes and na- tions are being reached through the Bible Kiosk at the Paris Ex- position, maintained by the Geman should be allowed to wor- July, the Central Council of God- Most fanatical of the three reliship as he thinks fit. Hitler does less Institutions in Moscow plans gions is that of the false not understand the "church to hold an International Godless prophet. question." To him there is no Congress in London in April, intrinsic difference between a 1938, and has voted 150,000 Still another classification is: church and a skittle association. rubles towards the expenses. first, small groups of believers Hence, he does not understand The Oxford Conference must bearing witness to Christ; secwhy these oppositional pastors have convinced Soviet leaders ond, those who give evidence of should behave as they do. that the Church is a force to be conviction, but are still holding reckoned with, and that an anti- aloof; third, those who have Pastor Niemoeller, in a letter religious drive is called for. heard the Word, and evince a dewritten from prison to a friend, sire to know more. The great says he is not only unbroken, but The plans made to carry out mass of the people, however, are full of joy and gratitude for this propaganda include, among still ignorant and fanatical and God's gracious guidance. "I am other things, a new radio station there are only about twenty now resting in peace," he says, to be completed next year, from workers among 2,000,000 Mo- "after the abundant turmoil of which godless talks are to be hammedans. -The Christian. the last few years and await pa- delivered daily in European lantiently and with full confidence, guages, including English. An- .Capturing Souls should the Lord again need me ticipating that Great Britain for service outside these walls. may ban the holding of a God- African evangelists, elders, When and how? It is not for less Conference in London, the missionaries in Cameroon, West me to concern myself about that. Soviet Council voted that, in Africa, set as their centennial I know that I and many others this eve n t, the Conference goal the winning of 15,000 new whom God has committed to soli- would be held in Belgium or converts: they have won almost tary places are carried by many Holland. -The Christian. 18,00b, and the Good News is prayers." still spreading. But conversion AFRICA was not enough. Each new Baptists in Roumania Christian is being trained, that Waldensians in Abyssinia he may know what his new de- The Baptist World Alliance cision means and learn to live a reports that the Roumanian Gov- The Italian Government has Christian life. ernment seems determined to asked the Waldensian Church of enforce its decree that some non- Italy to send a second chaplain As their African forefathers orthodox groups are illegal. At to help Captain Bertinatti in went out to capture men and present the 70,000 Baptists in missionary work at Add i s women for slaves and wives, and Roumania are not directly de- Ababa, Ethiopia. Sig. Edoardo returned singing from a successclared illegal, but they are re- Micol, a young minister of 29, ful "raid," so these modern capquired to conform to conditions at present in Sicily, (Pachino) tors returned each day to hold which are to them intolerable in has been sent. It means a great a prayer service for those who principle and impossible in prac- sacrifice, from every point of have refused, and those who tice. Unless they conform, they view, for the Waldensians to have received their message. become illegal. This decree is in send more men to Ethiopia, but violation of the principle of reli- it seems a duty to meet the re- -Monday Morning. gious freedom to which Rou- quest to carryon the missionary mania has subscribed as a mem- work in the Italian colonies. Congo Women Send Greetings ber of the League of Nations. There are thousands of Evan- The Roumanian State Constitu- gelical Abyssinian Christians Ma Ngunga, chairwoman of tion also pays homage to reli- who are now like sheep without the Native Council's women's gious liberty. The Orthodox a shepherd. sessions, Belgian Congo, was Church of Roumania was repre- asked by a missionary what messented at the Oxford Conference -Prof. Ernest Comba sage she should send from them in July, and participated in the of Rome. to Northern Baptist women in unanimous decision to abjure America. She quickly replied: connivance with the repression Land of Three M's by the State of religious minori- "Tell the women of your counties. Yet the present crisis has The effective witness of na- try that we thank them heartily undoubtedly been brought about tive converts is one evidence of for sending us women missionby the influence of the Orthodox a new era in North Africa. In aries. At first even when we Church on the Roumanian Gov- Tunis, though political loyalty is became Christians, we were very ernment. divided between Fascism and much afraid to testify or to try communism, fellowship in the to do any work in the church. -Watchman-Examiner. Gospel has enabled many of both But we saw our white mothers groups to lay aside their differ- go about their work just the Moscow vs. Oxford ences. Mrs. E. E. Short, British same as the men. From them missionary who has been in we began to receive courage. Obviously to stage an answer Tunis forty years, says North Now we are no longer afraid; to the Oxford Conference of last Africa is a land of three M's- We still do not feel very strong; Moses, Mary and Mohammed. but we do want to take our share in the school work, in the med- 56 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD ical work, and especially in the James B. Barton Memorial toward organic unity, but all work of drawing other women work together with one purpose to Jesus Christ. Greet the wom- The Prudential Committee of -Latins, Greeks, Armenians, en of your country for us all." the American Board has hear.tily Anglicans and Protestants. In endorsed the thought of a Me- Christian schools, all the varied – Watchman-Examiner. morial to Dr. James L. Barton classes meet together, and slowly in Istanbul, Turkey, the city that are getting a common educa- Bantus: "Let It Go" spans the closest approach of tional and cultural background. Europe and Asia; the land of The watchword of Bantu Con- his first foreign service. The -The Living Church. gregational Churches is Mali- memorial is to be in connection hambe. What does it mean? with the American Hospital and Pray for Tender Hearts Literally, "Let it go"; that is, School of Nursing of Istanbul. let the evangel go – not let it The Jessie Taylor Kinderalone, not forget it, but release Modern nursing began in Is.!: garten was in the center of the it for its redemptive work. It is tanbul, when Florence Nightin- anti-Christian riots that took the equivalent of Christ's last gale entered the pestilential place in Beirut, Syria, early last command: "Go ye into all the Crimean War hospitals on the year, and the night school is still world." Bosphorus. With the restric- suffering from that antagonism. tions of the veil now removed in But as soon as the day school Malihambe has captuted the Turkey, over 100 young women could reopen, the chi I d r e n imagination, the enthusiasm and nurses have graduated from this trooped gayly back, and the the purse of Bantu Congrega- school since the Great War. school now proudly boasts a tional churches. waiting list. Mrs. J. H. Nicol -Missionary Herald. writes: "The day when the riots -Missionary Herald. seemed most threatening we The Child on the Street closed the school and escorted WESTERN ASIA the children safely home. Be- Turkey's Educational Admin- fore we left one small Moslem Religion in Turkey istration has noted the fact that boy said, 'Won't you please pray children of working families are before we go?' So, of course, I Turkey dealt a body blow to wandering in the streets after would. I asked him, 'What do Islam some years ago, but is still school hours, and it has been you want me to pray for?' He considered a M 0 s I e m land. seeking means to prevent this said, 'Ask God to make people's Among other amendments to the situation, harmful to the chil- hearts tender to each other so constitution last year, the State dren. For this purpose "child- that they will not hurt each is declared to be "laic"; that is, sheltering" rooms will be opened other.' So there were small the Government does not recog- in different parts of the city. heads reverently bowed while we nize an official religion, nor does asked the Father to give us lovit stand to support any par- The Administration has also ing hearts and minds to underticular religion. No one may decided to take strict measures stand each other." interefere with another's reli- to make school attendance more gion; in religion, as in intel- regular. Accordingly, when a Unhappy Assyrians lectual and political matters, pupil does not go to school for fanaticism has given place to one day, notice will be sent to The Assyrians seem to be the mutual tolerance. the child's parent or guardian. forgotten people number one. If a pupi1 is sick, an official doc- There are some 30,000 of them Lest this appear to be more of tor will be sent to his home. in Mesopotamia, the racial reman advance than it actually is, Also, in order to prevent a stu- nant, perhaps, of the great emdeputy Bey Ali warns the Turk- dent from going to the cinema pire of antiquity, and the reliish people that liberty of con- or cafes during the school hours, gious remnant of the greatest science is not a limitless free- such places will be very closely missionary force in the middle dom. The State may interfere controlled. ages, the Nestorian Church. Like in certain situations. For in- so much "Christianity" in the stance, he says, children under -Turkish Translation Near East, the religion has dried eighteen may be subjected to a Service. into ritual, leaving the people alkind of spiritual compUlsion in most totally ignorant of the gosreligion in foreign schools; this Unity Out of Palestine? pel, and many of their priests are already has happened, and will little better. They are a quarrelnot be tolerated. However, after Christian unity coming out of some lot, both among themselves passing the age of eighteen every Palestine is seen as a future pos- and the people among whom they individual is free to choose his sibility by Canon Bridgeman, live. They were staunch and own religion, "provided this does Episcopal missionary in J eru- valuable allies of the British durnot disturb the social order." salem. As the basis for this pre- ing the war; and the British He adds: "Youth must not be diction, Canon Bridgeman cites officially assumed "moral respondragged into Catholicism, and the cordial relationships which sibility" for them as a people thereby a culture foreign to our exist between the representatives when proposing the independthought and feeling be permitted of virtually all communions to spring up in the midst of the working in the Holy Land. Turkish people." There is no specific movement -Alliance Weekly. ence of Iraq to the League of say, "Well, anyhow now I know, ing, and nine the examination in Nations. But here they remain, and shall not spend any more weaving, held by the Committee after a number of unsuccessful time and money looking for a of Direction for Technical Eduattempts to arrange their emi- cure, for if you cannot cure me, cation. The scout organization gration. Six evangelists are at no one can, and I know you are has proved to be of inestimable work among them, patiently folk who do not flatter or tell value in training character and showing by word and deed the lies, but you tell the truth." encouraging the young people to way of the Gospel. be truthful, honest and active. INDIA-SIAM -Presbyterian Board News. -Dnyanodaya. World Conference at Madras Mothercraft in Iran A Requirement for Converts On account of war conditions, Mrs. J. D. Payne of Teheran, the great world conference of the Such a deep impression has Iran, teaches a course in "moth- International Missionary Coun- the Christian religion made upon ercraft" in connection with the cil, scheduled to be held at Hang- converts in India that there is a Woman's Club, which has a de- chow, China, in the fall of 1938, constant demand for teachers in partment of adult education for has been obliged to change its new villages. Before a teacher women. There are about 45 in place of meeting to India, and is sent to a community, at least each of three classes. No text- will convene at Madras Chris- 50 natives must attend daily books can be used; lectures and tian College in Madras, Decem- worship for a specified length of pictures must serve, since the ber 10th to 30th. time. Then the bishop is petiwomen are about in the first- tioned for a teacher. It costs reader stage. Some show inter- Value in Persecution $75 a year for such instructors. est, some indifference, while Instruction for a period of a others are openly opposed to Let no one think the day of year precedes baptism and antaking time to listen to a for- religious persecution has passed other year before confirmation. eigner talk about something of in India. On the contrary, re- Witness is the primary requirelittle value. God gave them ports show an intensified indi- ment of the Christian, and contheir babies, Kismet (fate) left vidual persecution in recent verts are frequently asked as them, or caused them to die, so years. This may even affect they come to church whether or why all this bother? They be- whole communities where new not they have brought others to lieved the world was supported work is being established. It is Christ. -The Living Church. on the horns of a bull; that the still possible to see the crops of sun was a man and the moon a a village being brought in with Christian Character Counts woman; that the foreigner was rejoicing, and those of a recent only to be pitied for her igno- Christian going up in flames. Some villagers in Assam were rance. But most of them ab- compelled by crop failure to try sorbed some of the principles But such persecution has a to get money by arranging with taught. Mrs. Payne writes: value in clarifying individual a timber merchant for a con- "One of the older pupils told me conviction, and the courage and tract. When they approached one day that she wanted another faith of the Christians continues him and asked for an advance baby. She had had nine chil- to make a deep impression in the of several hundred rupees so dren and they all died. I stared community. The revolution they could fulfil their contract, in amazement. 'Why do you created in family life, in cleanli- he was hesitant about giving want another, then?' I asked. ness of person and habits, of them the money. Just then a 'Before I came to your class I growing strength of character, non-Christian forest ranger apdid not want any more, but now are singularly manifest against peared, and after hearing of the I have learned so much from you a background of their previous difficulty said, "These men are I think that I could raise one if life. None can deny that things Christians and they always do I had it. You see, I made mis- have fundamentally changed in their work faithfully. They are takes.' " what, to them, is a miraculous industrious, and once they be- manner. gin to work they will stick to it. "Christians Do Not Lie" lt will be good business for you -World D.ominion Press. to give them the contract and Sufferers sometimes come 300 advance the necessary money." miles or more to the American Uplift for Criminal Tribes This assurance won the day. Christian Hospital in Meshed, Iran; some even come from An important nation-building Gandhi and Prohibition Afghanistan, in spite of the ex- process is going on by means of pense and difficulty of crossing the Criminal Tribes Settlement The prohibition policy of the the national frontier into a for- Work at Sholapur and other new Ministry of Madras Presieign land. Unfortunately, they centers. Eighty-three lads have dency is not mere talk. Gandhi, cannot all be cured, but such is been apprenticed to various in his Rarijan, expresses the the hospital's reputation that trades. There are 302 children hope of "bringing about total when told there is no cure for in the manual training classes in prohibition not later than three t.heir malady, they will sigh and settlement schools. During the years from July 14, 1937, the year, 18 boys passed the exam- ination in carpentry and draw-
date of taking office by the first For Pure Milk for India the interest your people have shown Congress Ministry." He de- in our work, and the concrete part clares fearlessly: They water the milk in India you have played in that work in the too, but Allahabad Agricultural years that are past. I sincerely hope I count the loss of this revenue Institute has found a way to that this cross which you are install- (from the liqu9r traffic) as of no ac- check on village dairymen by es- ing may be the means of linking us count whatever. Prohibition will re- tablishing milk stations, where more vitally, not only in our common main a far cry if Congress is to count the cows are milked before an interest, but also in our common worthe cost in a matter of first class na- inspector, who checks the sani- ship. It gives us much pleasure to tional importance. Let it be remem- tary condition of the animals, realize that Siamese workmanship is bered that this drink and drugs rev- workmen and utensils, weighs to assist the members of your church enue is an extremely degrading form the milk, and delivers it to the in making our common Christ more of revenue. The loss of revenue is Institute dairy. Where cleanli- real. only apparent. The removal of this ness, honesty, and the keeping of degrading tax enables the drinker- records were unknown before, -Monday Morning. the taxpayer – to earn and spend cooperative dairymen's societies better. are being formed. The Institute French Indo-China hopes to build up a system such Then, by way of a Hindu re~ as exists in some parts of the About a year ago a young Anbuke to Christian America, United States, where the cattle Gandhi says: "The American belong to individuals, but the namese evangelist began work example is a hindrance rather milking and marketing are than a help to us. In America, handled by a responsible central among a race of mountaineers, drinking carries no shame with organization. it. It is the fashion there to the Thais, who live in the hills drink." He graciously adds: -Monday Morning. "I do not despair of America north of Laos Province. Alonce more returning, with still Buddhist Worship in Tibet greater fervor and better experi- though these people are highly ence in dealing with it." Theos Bernard, 28-year-old American explorer, is the first intelligent, they are quite unciv- India has made progress when white man to witness, photoshe thus encourages us to try graph and par,ticipate in the re- ilized and untouched by the Gosagain in a moral crusade. ligious rites of the lamaseries and monasteries of Tibet. He pel. In Laos itself there are -Dnyanodaya. took motion pictures of cere- monies which even Tibetans had 60,000 Laotians and tribespeople Practice Training Experiment never seen. who are still in absolute dark- Church workers in Santa} In addition to his phototried an experiment which seems graphs, Mr. Bernard, who has ness, living in constant fear of to promise far-reaching results. recently returned to the U. S., After repe~ted visits were paid brought back a collection of rare evil spirits. Except for the Swiss to definitely Christian villages, a books and manuscripts, includcircular was sent out to clergy ing complete copies of the Kan- missionaries in southern Laos and catechists in charge of con- Gyur, the Buddhist scriptures, gregations, asking for the names and Ten Gyur, or commentaries, there have been no witnesses in of any villagers who would like and other works including 333 instruction in ways of present- volumes printed from engraved that vast, semi-explored district; ing the Gospel to non-Christian wood blocks. These were carried neighbors. Though illness kept in yak-skin bags for hundreds but recently the Christian and away many who sent their of miles by a pack caravan of names, twenty-eight men and mules and yaks over 18,000-foot Missionary Alliance has apeighteen women came. Bible mountain passes and streams. readings and talks on personal pointed a couple for service contacts, how to tell Bib 1e Siamese Present Cross stories, how to speak at a lan- there. tern service, how to teach in A teakwood cross, carved by Sunday school, wi.th practice in a young Siamese Christian, has There is also great need in doing such things, filled the pro- been presented to the United gram. During the last week Church of Hyde Park, Chicago. eastern Siam, with its fourteen end the people themselves sug- Rev. Pluang Sudhikam, of Banggested the following lines of fol- kok, wrote the officers of the provinces and a population of low-up acti,on: Prayer, both church: private and in weekly prayer 4,000,000; only three provinces meetings; Sun day schools; May I as Moderator of the Church preaching bands; personal work; of Christ in Siam take the liberty of are occupied by missionaries. teaching iIliterates to read and expressing the great pleasure and write. -C. M. S. Outlook. gratitude of our Christian people for Two new workers have been ap- pointed for this field, and six young men from the Siam Bible School have gone out on active service. -Life of Faith.
CHINA Who Says Evacuate?
A missionary of the American Board in North China writes the Church in the U. S.: Of one thing we are sure: there can be no abandonment of our work in North China. We have-you have -too large a stake here to think of running off and leaving it. The stake consists of far more than property and institutions. It is a spiritual stake and belongs to a Kingdom of God that still takes precedence over the Im- perial Japanese Government. Barely two years ago, in a personal conver- sation, the American Ambassador told me that he believed emphatically that in the new regime, which he then felt sure was coming, our contribution as Christian missionaries would be needed
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
even rrW're than in the 75 years of our order to win the game, but she among the Wa tribe near the mission's history which had just closed. is getting her pocket drained border of Burma. The Chinese While so many things are crashing every day she lingers in China. soldiers seem intent on destroyabout us, there are other things that She is killing us day by day but ing every vestige of Christianity dJ and must remain. The friendship this act of killing takes much in that tribe. Representations of Christians of the West for the money. Finally she will go through the American Consul stricken Church of Christ in this land bankrupt. We must pray for have proved worse than fruitwill be of enormous value. peace. I do not think all Jap- less. This is not, however, anese people are as inhuman as typical of the attitude of the The courage and good spirit in these war soldiers." Chinese Government, either civil which our Chinese leaders with whom or military, towards mission we are in daily contact are carrying War Impetus to Education work in Yunnan, for in almost on is in itself an appeal for all that every place there is toleration we can do to hold up their hands. Hin Wong, contributor to the and even friendliness. Many of China Weekly Review, says that the officials are either Christians Chinese Appeal to Christians the war now in progress, while themselves, or friendly to Chris- distressing in many ways, is tian propaganda. An open letter to the Chris- beneficial to the Chinese morally, tians of the world, signed by 20 especially to the women folk, in- Although definite statistics prominent Chinese Christians, cluding those in Szechuen, who are not available, it is highly both men and women, declares: now realize their short-comings probable that there are more "The present Sino – Japanese and are not slow to apply a rem- aboriginal Christians in Yunnan crisis may prove a test of the edy. Certain middle schools for than in all the other provinces moral strength of the Christian girls in and outside Chungking of China put together. Amer- Church throughout the world. have decided to use the off-hours ican Baptist workers have bap- Our earnest hope is that the of their students to organize tized over 28,000 aborigines. Sino-Japanese conflict may not mass education for adult women be viewed as a local and remote in order to interest the illiterate JAPAN-CHOSEN quar.rel. . . . We appeal to in reading, and thus in national Christian people all over the affairs. The women's division Shrine Problem Again world, including those in Japan, of the present National Defense, to share with us the sense of re- or anti-enemy, League in Chung- In carrying out the instrucsponsibility in this perilous king, has found itself inefficient tions of the educational departhour, and to adopt whatever and unable to meet the task as- ment of the government that all measures are within their power signed it, simply because of lack common schools in Japan adopt to set in motion the corporate of leadership among the women some sort of spiritual drill, many conscience of the Christian themselves; and all this may be principals take the pupils to a Church." traced to lack of education on near-by shrine once a month and the part of the masses. make them bow before it. The The "Truly True Church" National Sunday School Associa- Revival in Hong Kong tion is seeking to counteract this China is not without sec- influence in the lives of Christarianism. Independent groups Dr. H. Lechmere Clift, of tian pupils, and is endeavoring are springing up in the Chinese Emanuel Medical Mission, Hong- to make special plans to come in Church, and some try to draw kong, writes in The Life of touch with these pupils in some members away from others. Faith: active way. Reports indicate These groups have such names that the Sunday school enrolas the Glory Church, the Inde- The unJelievable has happened. Re- ment is steadily decreasing, due pendent C h u r c h, the Little vival has begun in Hongkong – al- largely to the rising tide of mili- Flock, the True Jesus Church, most the hardest place in the world tarism. Every effort is being and the Truly True Jesus to rouse saint or sinner. Suddenly, made to awaken church mem- Church. Obviously, the Truly with no herald announcing his ap- bers to a realization of their True have left the True. proach, a tall young American ap- duties in connection with this peared at our Mission. He was Mr. important aspect of their work. -So S. Times. Clifford Lewis on his way to Burma, India, Palestine and Britain. How- -World's Sunday School Extracts from Chinese ever, in answer to prayer, the Lord Association. Woman's Letter detained him, and he had more than a fortnight's meetings. Many souls Kagawa's Views Unchanged "Weare unable to send any have been saved and believers brought war news to anyone as mails are into fuller light and into more conse- Asked to comment upon the being censored. . . . China is crated surrender. rumors that Dr. Toyohiko Kagfighting a defensive war. Japan awa had modified his Christian is fighting a war of aggression. Persecution in Yunnan pacifist attitude because of Ja- China will resist to the end. pan's present action in China, China may die in the end but World Dominion Press reports his secretary and fellow worker, Japan will die with us also. that frightful persecution is go- Miss Helen Topping, declared Japan is acting like a gambler ing on against the American that letters she had received playing a poker game. She is Baptist Mis s ion Christians bidding the highest stakes in
from Japan quite recently were Educating Koran Girls from India, Tonga, Samoa, the eloquent witness to Kagawa's Ellice Islands and New Zealand. distress and concern at the pres- Great changes have taken It has been an official leper setent actions of his country. place in all the mission schools tlement since 1911. Since that of Korea. Twenty-five years ago year there have been more than -The Living Church. the average girl was sixteen to 900 admissions to Makogai, of twenty years old when she en- which about 580 remain today. Japanese Speaks Out tered. There were even a few The island is barely two and a married women. Educational half miles long and a mile wide. At a mass meeting in Madison standards were negligible. Most Square Garden, New York City, of the students were from Chris- Lepers able to care for themlast October, Mr. S. Okemoto, a tian homes and had for years selves are housed in one of five Japanese, said: been attending Sunday school, villages, according to their race. as well as Bible classes with Each village is ruled by a head- Enough has been said about the older women. man, responsible to the adminisreal aim of this undeclared war upon tration for its cleanliness and China by the Japanese military Fas- While the objectives have not the observance of health rules. cists who dominate their government. changed, they now enter at All lepers are expected to work, I shall speak about whether the peo- eleven or twelve years of age, if able. Most of them are farmple of Japan want war, whether the and a larger proportion come ers, raising bananas, sweet potapeople of my country wish to murder from non – Christian hom e s. toes, tapioca and kawais. Any helpless women and children. They There is sufficient evidence to surplus crops are bought by the do not want war.. they do not want prove that these modern stu- government and used for feedto murder the peace-loving people of dents when once they have ing the inmates at the hospital. China; nor do they wish to destroy yielded their hearts to God have the old civilization of China. I give the same burning enthusiasm for European nurses devote their facts to prove it. Christian service as have their lives to these sufferers. They older sisters, with even greater perform the minor dressings for First, the working masses of Japan poise and efficiency. the patients and aside from their have to work long hours for miserably aid in medical and surgical treatlow wages. What will they gain by AUSTRALIA AND THE ment .they spend their time engoing into China to shoot the Chinese ISLANDS couraging the lepers in work and or to be shot themselves? Is it in de- play. Besides the inevitable fense of their country? That cannot Sunday School by Mail movies, the inmates have fishing, be, for we all know that no country model boat sailing, cricket and on earth is threatening Japan. The Postal Sunday School native games for amusement. Movement, wit h headquarters Secondly, who is hearing the burden in Sydney, Australia, was started Surprisingly, the visitor finds of the tremendous expense of this four years ago to meet the spir- the whole atmosphere one of warfare? It is the working masses itual needs of young people in cheerfulness. This is due to the of Japan, where the prices of bare lonely homesteads and scattered fact that modern medicine has necessities, food and clothing- have al- settlements. More than 8,000 shown leprosy to be curable. ready risen 80 per cent. The people boys and girls are members, of of Japan cannot afford to pay for war whom 2,718 enrolled during the Women in the Philippines when they earn hardly enough to pay past year. Thousands of isolated for a bowl of rice! It is the military boys and girls still remain to be The U nit e d Evangelical clique, together with a handful of big linked up with the movement. Church of the Philippines' has financial and industrial interests, that just taken a forward step; it is started war, not the Japanese people. Joy Bells, a monthly periodi- the formation of a Woman's cal, is sent to everyone of them Association. Two years ago the – Watchman-Examiner. free, and contains Bible lessons Dorcas Societies of Mindanao requiring study and answers sent a resolution to the General How Churches Start which are sent to headquarters Assembly asking for more par- for examination and correction. ticipation. As a result, women The founding of a Christian Interesting articles in it foster delegates were invited to the church in a heathen village is al- an interest in the Bible among General Assembly last year for ways a miracle. Here is one these children of some 3,900 the first time. These women which had its beginning in the homes in every state of the Com- then got together to consider hear.t of a humble man from the monwealth, New Zealand, Fiji, how Church women could render mountains. He had heard the New Guinea, Nauru and the more effective service. After Gospel for the first time while Solomon Islands. their deliberations, and with the bringing lumber down for the encouragement of Dr. E. C. Sob- Chusil church, and a workman -World Dominion Press. repena, Moderator of the Gentaught him to believe in Jesus. eral Assembly of the United He went home, and succeeded in Leper Island in Fiji Evangelical Church, the Womconvincing four of his six broth- an's Union was organized, with ers of the truth of the Gospel. Makogai is a dreaded spot in Mrs. Julia Yapsutco as first Although he could neither read the Pacific Ocean. It is the president. nor write he bought several island of Fiji to which go lepers Bibles and hymn books to distribute among his brothers and neighbors who could read. He himself is now learning to read. There are about 400 homes in his village; about 45 attend worship services.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Mrs. Yapsutco has been a dy- growing interest in Bible study. Chautauqua World Missions Innamic leader in the churches of All this has challenged workers stitute: "A Moslem world dis- Mindanao, stimulating the de- to broaden their program, and turbed by the forces of nationalvelopment of a number of con- these are the goals they have set ism, social change, and science gregations and becoming pastor for the next two years: and education, was portrayed by of some of them. She is a wom- The Gospel shall be preached for Dr. Young, speaking on 'The an of deep spiritual life, and will not less than one week in every mu- Awakening of the M 0 s Ie m nicipality of the Bicol Region. World.' Approximately 250 milgive this association leadership In every town where there is an or- lion people are of Moslem faith of a high order. today, considerably in excess of ganized church, every precinct shall all the Protestant Christians in -Missionary Herald. hear the Gospel. the world. Dr. Young stated that the Moslem world is seeth- Every member shall strive to win ing with unrest today and turn- ing away from the orthodox Mo- Something New Under at least one soul to Christ. hammedan conceptions. In just Moro Sun what direction it is turning is Every family in the church shall not now evident. It may pos- possess a Bible and every member at sibly turn to a revised Moslem faith, adapted to modern condi- Under the inspiration and di- least a New Testament. tions; or it may turn largely to rection of Dr. Frank C. Lau- A definite work among the Negritos Christianity. bach, a group of young Filipinos (small aborigines) shall be estab- "Dr. Young pointed out that have launched a m 0 vern e n t lished through local contributions the thinking Moslem people can- alone. not reconcile the ideals of Chris- tianity with the practices of supbased upon seven tests of char- Family worshio shall be established posedly Christian nations and acter: (1) Abandonment of evil . in every evangelical home. people, particularly as to the Christian use of force, and alhabits of thought and action. MISCELLANEOUS coholism. The Moslems look to (2) Absolute honesty. (3) Ab- the United States as the most nearly Christian nation in the solute purity. (4) Absolute Missions and Peace world, thus placing upon us a tremendous responsibility in pounselfishness. (5) To be abso- The Federal C 0 u n c i I of lutely loving. (6) Seek and ob- tential power for good. This Churches and the Committee on serve the Will of God in every International Relations of the power can only be exercised if detail of life. (7) Help their fellow men find the "Good Life.'.' Foreign Missions Conference our practices are made to con- Every young Moro who wishes have agreed upon a plan of coto join must pledge himself to operation to relate the mission- form to our ideals." these principles. Over 43 to ary program of the Church more date have done so. Here is a real challenge to the closely to the cause of peace and better international understand- Christian churches of America Goals for the Future ing. It is widely recognized that and to the home missions forces. foreign missions have a part to The non-Catholic population play in the maintenance of world in the Philippines is increasing peace.
rapidly, while the Roman Cath- From a .Summer Oonference olic population is becoming more Notebook broad-minded and, in many cases is asking for Protestant training Dr. Herrick B. Young, Board for their children. .There is a of Foreign Missions of the Pres- deepened spirituality and a byterian Church of U. S. A., PERSECUTION THAT MISSED ITS POINT Christians have always been persecuted more or less in the Bhil country, Western India, but last year concerted effort was made to destroy Christianity in the village of Ubri. So far as can be ascertained, the reason was fear that the Christian community might become dominant. Whereupon the converts were beaten and constantly threatened, and finally given five days' notice to quit the village. Successful appeal was made to the local magistrate who ruled that Christians were not to be turned out of the village.
This organized persecution was not without encouraging results. The persecutors in Ubri were anxious for the persecution to spread into other villages. So they sent word to the head men of villages near by that unless they made it hot for the Christians in their villages, no brides would be forthcoming from Ubri for their young men. The head men responded by summoning the Christians in the various villages to a meeting. Nearly every Christian household was represented. Then such questions were asked as: "Why did you become Christians?" and "In what way is Christianity better than Hinduism?" and so a splendid opportunity for evangelism was given. The meeting broke up in quite a friendly atmosphere, and the attempt to spread organized persecution fizzled out. Not only that, but Christians were bound together as never before.-C. M. S. Outlook.
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I Our Missionary Bookshelf I Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information 1_ ~,~=====-=o…oo=~=======-==,~ The Solitary Throne. By Samuel M. glibly pray the prayer that we The Process of Change in the Otto- Zwemer. 111 pp. ish. Pickering may be filled with the Holy man Empire. By Dr. Wilbur W. & Inglis. London. 1937. Spirit. I shall never forget the White. Map. 314 pp. $3.50. Uni- professor under whom I .was versity of Chicago Press. 1937. The author was formerly a taught theology telling a man to missionary to Arabia, and re- stop as he prayed that prayer" Ranke, a century ago, unravelcently Professor of Christian and the man stopped in the ing the tangled history of Eur- Missions and the History of Re- middle of his petition. 'John,' ope and the Popes, wrote "No ligion at Princeton Theological he said, 'do you know what it history can be written but uni- Seminary; for twenty-six years might mean to your father and versal history." Dr. White, Ashe has been Editor of The Mos- sistant Professor of Political lem World. He has given us mother, to your home-ties, and Science at Western Reserve Unifive addresses delivered at the to your whole life, if you were versity, has well proven the Keswick Convention in England really baptized with the Holy truth of this quotation. In this last summer. The title is taken Spirit?' When we pray that Doctor's dissertation, he shows from a s tat e m e nt by Mr. prayer, it means combustion- hoW the drama of the Ottoman Gandhi: "I am unable to place sacrifice, 'my heart an altar and Empire, though enacted on the Jesus Christ on a solitary Thy love the flame.' " Near Eastern stage, was plotted throne." These addresses on backstage in Russia, Austria, The Solitary Throne, His Minis- The chapter on "The Glory of Great Britain and later Italy and ters a Flame, Photophobia, The the Impossible" is a summons Germany. The book is a mod- Glory of the Impossible, and The more imperative than any Muez- ern tragedy, with its theme the Hinterland of the Soul empha- zin's can to prayer; it is a sum- struggle of a single old Moslem size the finality of Christ, His Empire against new and vigposition on the Throne of God, mons to the exercise of Christian orous empires. His worthiness to open the seals faith, courage and determination of the Book of History, His abil- in carrying the Gospel to the Here is a condensed history of ity to make His ministers a flame Moslem world, where the author Turkey – the first chapter reof fire, and His glory in bringing spent many years of his life and viewing the rise of a military the Light of Life to men. which he knows so thoroughly. Moslem Empire during the Thir- "It is daybreak, not sunset in teenth Century, penetrating all Dr. Zwemer's style is not like the Moslem world" is his in- contiguous territories till in a smoothly running brook, but formed and eager cry. 1774, having attained its zenith, like a stream which is full of the process of disintegration berapids and cataracts. Like The closing chapter on "The came evident. The following Carlyle he is staccato, pungent, Hinterland of the Soul" is the chapters trace the methods used piercing, although the original call of a real leader and a true by European imperialism to and forceful address on "Photo- prophet to all Christians to rouse weaken and encroach on the dephobia" is an exception to this. from lethargy and to take pos- caying Ottoman Empire. There He is nothing if not original, di- session of the things which have is a trenchant criticism of the rect, interesting and often dis- been promised by the Lord. vision of political leaders during turbing. His whole soul is de- the nineteenth century in not voted to the Lord Jesus. First Dr. Zwemer's quotations and understanding the dynamic nahe gives the particulars which illustrations, with which the ture of change. Each step was show the supremacy, uniqueness book abounds, reveal a very considered as final-and no proand finality of Christ and Chris- wide reading, an excellent mem- vision allowed for later modifitianity; second he communicates ory, and a great gift of painting cation of circumstances. Yet to the reader something of the "apples of gold in pictures of Divine fire which has consumed each treaty was but a comprohim in Arabia and at Princeton. silver." Any man or woman who mise and soon after signing of Let the reader think of the pas- reads this book will have his or sage on page 50: "May we never her heart warmed and stirred such treaties, conditions had and inspired and called to deeper love for Christ and to greater changed, making the conditions courage in His service. unbearable to one of the many ROCKWELL S. BRANK.
Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the REVIEW publishers on receipt of price.
[62 ]
OUR MISSIONARY BOOKSHELF
parties concerned. Any effort to Browbeaten by war and illegalities guide-book in the unspeakably from 1774 to 1920, Turkey rested its important work of winning peoaccomplIsh modIfications, trod last stand for national existence on ple to Christ and definite salva- military force-and won. With inde- tion. Packed with Bible referon the privileges of some other power. 'l'hus the only possibility pendence guaranteed by its own abil- of affecting change was by de- ity to protect itself by force, it has ences, discussion of casest and nuncIatIOn of a past agreement helpful directions in this work, and military accion. The history accepted existing peaceful instrumen- it is not dry rea din g, but breathes the holy passion of the of the Ottoman Empire is thus talities for the settlement of sub- sidiary questions. . . . It is interest- ing' that Turkey has been one of the one of continuous "illegality" leaders in accepting the instrumentali- Lord Himself, and communi- ties (of the League) and of the spirit and war. The main method used of that part of Article 19 of the Cov- cates the passion to readers who to break up the Ottoman Em- enant regarding the reconsideration already have a clear faith, and pire, was to fan the flames of a willing heart. Its chapters of treaties, the extension of which is national aspirations in the mi- prerequisite to the avoidance of war tell of "A Concern for Souls," and the development of pe,aceful innority races, encouraging revolt, ternational change. "The Fitness of the Worker," assisting by loaning arms or "The Place of Prayer," "Oppor- forces and making timely in- This book, though brief, omits tunity and Approach," and how vasions from outside, application no important material. It is to deal with various classes. The of diplomatic pressure to assure very skimpy on economic factors author's aim is to give in small recognition of new independent producing change; but is a compass the best instruction groups-till portion by portion political study, well documented, possible out of his own experi- the periphery of Empire (Egypt interesti.ngly written, and adds ence and that of other soul-win- in 1806; Greece by 1829-30; a valuable contributinn to the ners the world over. We agree Roumania in 1856; Cypres and literature seeking ways of peace- with the Foreword, by William Tunisia in 1877, etc.) had been ful change – the author's selec- P. Nicholson, that there never broken off, so that by 1914 only tion of the Ottoman Empire is was a time when such a book central A nat 0 I i a, Iraq and excellent and his treatment is was more needed than today, Arabia remained to the parent careful, just and timely. It is a because many believers have State. These were generously sad "case record" of nineteenth never won anyone to Christ, and disposed of in war promises. century imperialism, with hope are missing the heavenly joy of The Arabs were encouraged to for a better way, in which Tur- it and the reward. It would be revolt, and while France and key leads. EDWIN M. WRIGHT. well for the churches if thou- Great Britain retained important The New Walk. By Captain Reginald sands would read a book like Wallis. 78 pp. 40 cents. Amerportions for themselves, the re- ican Bible Conference Assn. Phil- this and have their heart enmainder was promised to Greece adelphia, Pa. 1937. flamed with a new desire and and Italy as the price of entry purpose really to do the will of on the Allied side. There was Like its predecessors – The Jesus Christ. FRANK LUKENS. but one miscalculation-that the New Boy, The New Girl, The "sick man" might revive and New Life, and other small vol- Notes on a Drum. Travel Sketches spoil the sale. This miracle took umes in the helpful series of in Guatemala. By Joseph H. Jackplace and under Kemal Ataturk, books by the well-known British son. Illus. 8vo. 276 pp. $3.00. the corpse jumped off the oper- evangelist-this is characterized The Macmillan Co. New York. ating table and drove out the dis- by clarity of presentation and 1937. secting doctors. an abundant use of Scripture texts. It is more than just a As the subtitle informs us, Nationalism, the disease which treatise, sprinkled with Bible these notes are not "from a references. There are helpful drum" but travel sketches writhad caused the amputation of illustrations, which add to the ten largely on a Guatemala Turkey's provinces, became the usable quality of the book. It drumhead used for a table. Mr. elixir which revivified her body should do much to clarify the re- Edwards is the author of "The in 1919 and produced her regen- sponsibility and privileges of Mexican Interlude" and is cheereration. The rebirth was more effective testimony for recent ful, chatty and an observing than political or military. It converts, as well as for more traveler. was social as well, reaching into mature believers who have not the religion, economy and life of fully realized the practical im- Guatemala is an interesting every Turk. There is a fine con- plications of the Christian faith. country, the most important of clusion: (page 260) the five Central American re- F. E. G. publics. The people and govern- Within fifteen years, it (Turkey) ment show all the characteristics has cut itself off from its past in al- The Divine Art of Soul-Winning. of Latin Americans; mixed with most every conceivable manner. . . . By J. O. Sanders. 96 pp. Is. Indians, temperamental, excit- Interestingly enough, he seems to have Pickering and Inglis, Glasgow. able, ambitious for independundergone a spiritual revivication 1937. ence and right to rule, but lackwhich is responsible for his physical ing in many elements that make recuperation. This new combination The author is superintendent for stable and wise government. of a vital spirit in a smaller, it is true, but much more homogeneous and ro- bust body has been able to throw off of the New Zealand Bible Train- Mr. and Mrs. Jackson went as the restraints of centuries and for- tourists to see the country and mally enabled Turkey to enter as an ing Institute and editor of The the people, apparently without equal into the family of nations…. Reaper. This is an inspiring
any prejudices and with only a his tragic death for its publica- befallen any other of the group purpose to tell what they saw. tion. Intimate personal ac- on the University campus, but The author tells of the climate, there can be no doubt that C. T. the picturesque scenery, the life quaintance with "Jack" Williams Wang was right in his letters of the people – high and low, gave Mr. Wheeler both a sympa- and his inscribed memorial, in rich and poor, Spanish, ladino declaring that "it was the demise and Indians, urban and rural. thetic understanding of his per- of the beloved vice-president The reports of life in Guatemala sonality and devotion and also which shocked the Chinese au- City, Chichicastenango, Quezal- access to correspondence which thorities into purging the coun- tenango and other cities and vividly reveals the man, his try of the Red Terror and effect- towns give a few graphic ing the union of the distracted glimpses but are very incom- times, his labors and his impress provinces of China." His death plete. There are notes on his- upon the new generation in "revealed the guilt of sin and the tory and architecture, markets beauty of love," and this biog- and slums, parks and flowers, China. raphy should bring to all readers volcanoes and lakes, politics and both these lessons and also the officials, hotels and tourists, Ro- John E. Williams, of sturdy infinite value, for time and eter- man Cat hoI i c priests and Welsh parentage, was born at nity, of every strong life devoted churches, festivals, customs and Coshocton, Ohio, June 11, 18'H. to making Christ known to a costumes, Indian idols and Cath- great race like the Chinese. olic images, superstition and Six years' labor with his father tradition; but there is nothing in the coal mines delayed his C. H. FENN. about the important evangelical schooling, but he took the course Christian work with its schools, at Marietta College and was The Man Who Moved Multitudes. churches and hospitals – all of By R. D. Johnston. 12mo. 138 pp. which are worth noting. The graduated from Auburn Theo- Ish. Pickering & Inglis. Glasgow. only references to Protestant logical Seminary in 1899. With 1937. work are unfavorable gossip. With all it is a readable, though his bride he landed in China on This brief biography of the very scrappy, travel book. the eve of "Boxer Year," and late D. L. Moody is scarcely more was assigned to Nanking. He than a sketch, with tributes to Miracles in a Doctor's Life. By the man from some prominent Walter Lewis Wilson. 121 pp. acquired much of his fluency in people. It is very sympathetic Paper, 20 cents. Bible Institute Chinese by constant mingling with the evangelist's spirit and Colportage Assn. Chicago. 1935. with the people. Charge of a purpose and is interesting to those who are not already fa- Here is a spiritual tonic for small boys' school impressed him miliar with the facts. On ac- any Christian doctor. Many count of its brevity there is work conscientiously and effec- with the call for union of such practically nothing in this rec- tively but they view their work schools, and from this grew the ord except about Mr. Moody''! as though the body were of chief evangelistic work. There is importance and as if man were Union University, of which he practically nothing about his only a higher order of animal. was for twenty years the strenu- home and family, the schools he Dr. Wilson looks upon man as ously promoting vice-president. founded, his work in the army an immortal soul with a body- In 1906-07, eight months were and Y. M. C. A. or the great both of which need to be kept Northfield Conferences. There strong and healthy, but the spir- spent with the many Chinese is no literary merit to the story ituallife being of supreme value. students in Tokyo, and there be- and it is exceedingly "spotty." He tells many soul-stirring ex- gan a strong friendship with One mistake is in saying that periences in dealing with souls Mr. Moody married the "daugh- and bodies and shows the joy C. T. Wang, a leader in the Rev- ter" of Fleming H. Revell. She and gratitude that follows when olution of 1911-12. Half of his was his sister. There are also a patient finds new life in Christ, remaining years, to his death in one or two mistakes in the spell- even if the body must return to 1927, were spent in securing ing of proper names. Neverthe- the earth from which it came. less, young people will find it Read the book and send it to your personal interest and financial easy and stimulating reading. doctor friends. support in America for the Uni- versity. N~w Books John E. Williams of Nanking. By W. Reginald Wheeler. Fleming H. From the beginning he was Accidents Will Happen. W. M. Revell Co. 222 pp. $2.00. 1937. Pearce. Is. 3d. Pickering & Inglis. an ardent advocate of an in- Glasgow. Though "better late than creasing measure of Chinese re- never," it is a pity that this me- sponsibility and authority in the The Approaching Advent of Christ. morial of a strong and success- University. His relations with Alexander Reese. 328 pp. $2.40. ful China missionary had to Marshall, M'organ & Scott. London. . await the tenth anniversary of Chinese teachers and students showed no sense of racial or cul- Congo-Past and Present. Alfred R. tural superiority, but always the Stonelake. 202 pp. 3s. 6d. World heartiest cooperative fellowship. He accepted China's problems as his own and declared his convic- tion that Christianity may yet "find a fuller and better expres- sion in the Chinese Church than it has found in any other land." The Anti-Christian Movement of 1922-25 and the anti-foreign agi- tation of 1924-27 did not shake his optimism. His death at the hands of an ignorant Red soldier, on March 24, 1927, might have
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LIFE OF GEORGE BOWEN, OF
By ROBERT E. SPEER This is the biography of a very remarkable Christian missionary to India and for twenty years the influential and able editor of the Bombay Guardian. Dr. J. Sumner Stone called him, "The Wh'ite Yogi."
When George Bowen died in 1888 there was call for a worthy biography but its preparation was delayed. Later all the biographical material-including his diaries, letters, reminiscences, and the books and pamphlets of which he was author-was turned over to Dr. Speer. This material has now been put into shape for publication and the result is a frank and stimulating picture of the man,-his experiences, unique character, forceful views and methods of work. Here is a life story that is of absorbing interest and . will richly reward the thoughtful reader. The book will be ready early in February.
CONTENTS I. Family of George Bowen. XI. A Decisive Year, 1849. II. Boyhood and Youth. From 18;0 to 1855. III. Three Years Abroad. xu. Ten Years of Independent Work. IV. Life in New York, 1840-1844. The Bombay Guardian. V. Illumination of a Hopeless Love. XIII. Relations with the American Board. VI. Conversion to Christianity. XIV. Association with the Methodist Church. VII. At Union Theological Seminary. Bowen as a Writer. VIII. His Missionary Appointment. XV. Correspondence with Henry W. Rankin. IX. The Voyage to India, 1847. XVI. Closing Testimony. X. Beginning Missionary Work. XVII. XVIII. XIX.
This latest work by Dr. Speer may be ordered at $2.50 per copy from THE MISSIONARY REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY 186 Fifth Avenue, New York 11f1! MISSIONARY ~RID This illustrated evangelical missionary monthly will keep readers in touch with the need of men for Christ and His Gospel and relates graphically the story of the progress of missionary work in all lands.
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The Missionary Review of the World — 1937 Index
INDEX-1937 VOLUME
THE MISSIONARY EVlEW'
Founded in 1878 DELAVAN L. PIERSON Editor 1888 to 1911 By ROYAL G. WILDER Editor ARTHUR T. PIERSON Editorial A.ssociates MRS. ESTELLA. S. AITCHISON, "Effective Ways of Working" MISS EDITH E. LOWRY, "Home Mission Bulletin"
MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, "Our World-Wide Outlook" MISS MADELINE M. BECKMANN, Editorial Secretary REV. ENOCH F. BELL, D.D. Editorial Council REV. A. C. SNEAD REV. ARTHUR J. BROWN, D.D. REV. JAY S. STOWELL FRANKLIN D. COGSWELL REV. S. G. INMAN, D.D. REV. MILLS J. TAYLOR, D.D. REV. PAUL DE SCHWEINITZ, D.D. REV. WILLIAM R. KING, D.D. MISS FLORENCE G. TYLER REV. JOHN McDOWELL, D.D.* REV. WILLIAM P. SCHELL, D.D. MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD REV. CHARLES H. SEARS, D.D. WM. B. LIPPHARI> ERIC M. NORTH ROBERT E. SPEER, President Board of Directors SAMUEL M. ZWEMER A. L. W ARNSHUIS, Vice-President WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary WM. I. CHAMBERLAIN* DAVID J. FANT * 'Deceased Copyrighted, 1937 Published by the Missionary Review Publishing Co., Inc.
EDITORIAL OFFICE, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City PUBLICATION AND BUSINESS OFFICE, Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa.
D. J. FANT, Advertising and Circulation Manager [ 621 J Page Index to Authors Page Abel, Russell W…………… 416 Page Price, Frank W. ………….. 563 Rea, Julian S…………….. 524 Anderson, J. Lowrie ………. 489 Hayne, Coe ……………. 308,592 Rich, Mark ………………. 302 Anderson, W. B. ………….. 140 Hewitt, Nina B. ………….. 300 Richardson, R. C. …………. 33 Axling, William …………… 139 Ives, Hilda L……………… 297 Richter, Julius ……………. 423 Azariah, V. S…………….. 131 Jones, E. Stanley …………. 237 Ridley, H. French …………. 145 Jordan, S. M. …………….. 523 Riggs, James F …………… 587 Bellingham, W. …………… 372 Keller, Adolf …………….. 579 Brown, Arthur J. . ………. 26, 179 Killian, John C……………. 312 Ritzman, M. E. …………… 594 Browning, Webster E ………. 341 King, Wm. R……………… 285 Rizzo, Jr., M'iguel …………. 576 Brumbaugh, T. T………….. 582 Koobyar, Stephen O. ………. 597 Rogers, William L…………. 251 Kurdistani, Sa'eed …………. 571 Rohrbaugh, James ………… 41 Burnett, J. S…………….. 345 Lambie, Tom …………….. 422 Royall, Geoffrey …………… 363 Burton, Marjorie A………… 193 Laubach, Fr,ank C. ………… 485 Salsbury, C. G. …………… 75 Butzin, Arthur F. …………. 149 Leynse, James P. . ……. 88, 191,409 Scofield, C. I. …………….. 65 Calverley, Eleanor T……….. 492 Lieshing, M. C. …………… 206 Cantine, James …………… 427 Lindquist, G. E. K ………… 533 Scotford, John R. …………. 45 MacKinnon, Murdoch ………. 378 Scott, William ……………. 187 Case, Brayton C. ………….. 245 MacMillan, J. A. ………….. 90 Shepherd, George W……….. 204 Cash, W. Wilson ………….. 467 Magary, Alvin E ………….. 343 Smith, Ellsworth M. ……….. 305 Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo. 357 Magee, John G……………. 207 Smith, Gertrude J …………. 377 Chiang Kai-shek, Madame … 361,540 McClenahan, W. L. ………… 69 McConkey, James H. ………. 35 Snead, Alfred C. . ………. 199,351 Cuthbertson, James ……….. 234 McConnell, Charles M. ……… 287 Somerndike, John M……….. 315 Davies, Howell D. …………. 202 McDonald, George …………. 92 Speer, Robert E. ……. . …. 7,119 Dawber, Mark A. …………. 279 McLaughlin, Henry W……… 294 Storm, W. Harold. . . . . . . .. . … 21 Dodd, Edward M. …………. 459 Mitchell, Ann …………….. 282 Donaldson, Dwight M. ……… 455 Moody, Thomas …………… 379 Taylor, H. Kerr …………… 253 Moore, Jr., L. Paul ………… 30 Tema, S. S. ………………. 195 Eastman, Elaine Goodale …… 128 Morrison, John …………… 197 Thomas, Winburn T….. 36, 231, 584 Edwards, J. F …………….. 183 Mull, Ruth C. ;……………. 318 Thompson, W. H………….. 347 Ekvall, Robert B. …………. 411 Orts-Gonzalez, Juan ……….. 86 Upson, A. T………………. 599 Erdman, Mabel H. ………… 482 Peabody, Lucy W………….. 144 Peet, H. W……………….. 153 Vance, Joseph A…………… 142 Fenn, Courtenay H. . …….. 95, 116 Pell, J. U………………… 236 Van Ess, John ……………. 476 Finney, Davida M…………. 461 Perpetuo, Antonio H. ………. 81 Warnshuis, A. L. …………. 67 Gaebelein, Frank E. ……….. 115 Pierson, Arthur T…………. 430 Gih, Andrew ……………… 190 Pierson, Delavan L., (Topics of Watts, J. R. ……………… 365 Wilson, J. Christy ………. 133,567 Goodale, Dora Read ……….. 578 the Times) Winn, Mrs. George H. ……… 527 Gould, Orpha B. ………….. 542 Platt, Charles A. ………….. 201 Wright, R. R., Jr…………. 589 Greenslade, W. G. …………. 252 Poling, Daniel A. . ………… 151 Wyker, Mrs. James D……… 425 Griffeth. Ross J …………… 290 Porteous, R. W ……………. 412 Young, Charlotte E ………… 519 Grubb, Kenneth G. ………… 529 Young, Herrick Black ……… 241 Haldane, James …………… 471 Zahir, Alfred …………….. 38 Hamner, Edward D………… 309 Harnish, Louis C. …………. 368 Zwemer, Samuel M. . … 181,464,573 Harrison, Paul ……………. 479 Page Contributed Articles Page Afghan Christian Martyr, An, Page China, Christians and the New Alfred Zahir ………… 38 Life Movement, Madame Arabia, Doctor's Tour in Neglect- Chiang Kai-shek ……… 540 Africa, African Bishop in, R. R. ed, W. Harold Storm….. 21 Wright, Jr…………… 589 Combating Communism with Australian Bush, Caravan in, Christian Service in Kiang- Daniel, Tshisunga – Congo Marjorie A. Burton …… 193 si, George W. Shepherd … 204 Apostle, John Morrison … 197 Bailey, Wellesley C.-Friend of Fruit from Seed-Sowing, Or- Christian Villages in Mozam- Lepers, ……………… 239 pha B. Gould ………… 542 bique, Julian S. Rea …..• 524 Board of Foreign Missions, Why Hope for the Renaissance of. African Evangelists in Training, I Like to Work for the. . .. 538 E. Stanley Jones ……… 71 L. Paul Moore, Jr. ……. 30 Brahman Christian – Nehemiah Hospital on the Yangtza. – Missions, New Moving Pic- Goreh ………………. 381 Opening a New, J. W. Pell 236 tures of, William L. Rogers 257 Brazil, Evangelical Work in, Mi- Pioneering for ChI' i s t in – View of Africa's Need, An, guel Rizzo, Jr. ………. 576 Kwangsi, Alfred C. Snead. 351 S. S. Tema ………….. 195 BulletIn of the Council of Women And the New Life Movement 356 Alaskan Eskimos-Old and New, for Home Missions, Edited Arthur F. Butzin …….. 149 by Edith E. Lowry … .Monthly Prison Shaken in, A, Andrew Gih ………………… 190 American Indian and His Reli- Burma, How Christ Changes Life g-ion, The, Elaine Goodale in, Brayton C. Case …… 245 Chinese Communist Finds Christ, Eastman ……………. 128 John G. Magee ………. 207 Carey's Covenant, William ….. 135 – Indians, Early Work Among, Chi'mg Kai-shek, Faith of ….. , 274 Concubine Tells Her Story. G. E. E. Lindquist ……. 533 – Moral Law. Gp'lprali'lsimo .. 278 James P. Leynse ……… l!Jl Children Love to Give, James F. Arab Consults a Missionary Doc- Gospel Posters, Use of, R. W. tor, James Cantine …. ,.. 427 Riggs ………………. 587 Porteous ……………. 412 China, Beaten but Unconquered in, James Leynse …….. 409 r 6221 Page Page Page Chinese Spend Sunday in Pei- Islam, Effect on Childhood, Char- New Life Movement, The, Gen- lotte E. Young ………. 519 el'allSSlmo ChIang Kai-shek 357 ping, How, James P. Leynse 88 ,- Turkestan, Through Unevan- – Facts Auout …………… 470 Nicholson, Sir Frederick, in Civil – Statistical Survey of ……. 458 Service, Lucy W. Peabody. 144 geliz~, H. French Ridley.. 145 – Testimonies of Converts from, Chosen (Korea), When a Magis- Papua, Away with Sorcery and Stephen O. Koobyar …… 597 Murder in …………… 349 trate Went to Church, Wil- Japan, ]<'acts About ~vangelism liam Scott …………… 187 Papuan Bush, Experiences in, Christ for the World We Sing, in, James Cuthbertson …. 234 Russell W. Abel ………. 416 Joseph A. Vance ……… 142 '- Faith Working by Love in, – The Church and Modern Persia (Iran), Growing Interest Youth, Daniel A. Poling .. 151 Winburn T. Thomas ….. 584 in, S. M. Jordan ……… 523 Christian and Missionary Alli- – Visit to the Ainu of North, Poem-Deaf Lady's Appeal to the ance, Golden Anniversary, Winburn T. 'l'homas …… 231 A. C. Snead …………. 199 Goddess of Mercy, Robert Christian and Moslem Homes, Japanese Buddhists Pray, When, B. Ekvall ……………. 411 Ponca Breaks Paths for Choctaw, Eleanor T. Calverley ….. 492 Winburn T. Thomas …… 36 Coe Hayne ………….. 592 Christians Unite, Why ahd How Christian Leader, Nagao, Wil- Power of the Printed Page, Ma- Should, E. Stanley Jones.. 237 liam Axling …………. 139 bel H. Erdman ……….. 482 Church in the Heart, The, Ruth Christians, Dilemma of, T. T. Presbyterian Foreign Missions, C. Mull …………….. 318 Brumbaugh ………….. 582 Centennial of, Herrick Black – of the Countryside, Coe Hayne 308 Keeping the Fountains Clean, Young ……………… 241 Congo BeIge, Sixty Years in the, – Highlights in a Century of, Henry W. McLaughlin …. 294 Arthur J. Brown ……… 26 Thomas Moody ……….. 379 Korean Millsionary Gives Thanks, Rural America – Case Workers Conquering Power of Christ, The, in Rural Areas, Hilda L. Mrs. George H. Winn …. 527 Ives ………………… 297 Julius Richter ………… 423 Kurdish ChristIan Prophet, J. Country Pastor's Job, A, Mark Neglected Fields in, Wm. Christy Wilson ………. 567 R. King ………….. 285 Rich ……………….. 302 Larger Parish, The, Ellsworth M. Doctor's Night at Fatehpur, – – Twenty-five Years Ago and Smith ………………. 305 (Poem), Gertrude J. Smith 377 Lull, Passion of Raymond, Ken- Today, Ross J. Griffeth. 290 Effective Ways 'Of Working, Ed- Church in Canada, Problems neth G. Grubb ……….. 529 ited by Estella S. Aitchi- Missionaries Through Colored 'Of, J. R. Watts ………. 365 son ……………… Monthly Churches Are Doing, What Egede, Han s, Missionary to Glasses, H. Kerr Taylor .. 253 Missionary Appraisal as of J anu- Some, W. H. Thompson … 347 Greenland …………… 375 – – Volunteer Service in, Louis Egypt, Pioneering in a Cairo ary 1, 1937, Robert E. Speer 7 Call, Unchanging, Arthur T. C. Harnish ……….. 368 Slum, M. C. Lieshing ….. 206 – Colporteur, Ministry of the, Erromanga, Martyrs of, Murdoch Pierson ……………… 430 For Today, The Ideal, D. S. John C. Killian ………. 312 MacKinnon ………….. 378 – Community, The Challenge 'Of Ethiopia and the Sudan, Work Hibbard ……….•…… 186 – Motives, Modern, W. B. An- the, Mark A. Dawber ….. 279 in, Tom Lambie ………. 422 – – Cooperation in, Edward D. Ethiopian Missions Under Italian derson ………………. 140 Obligation, my, M. E. Ritz- Hamner ………….. 309 Rule, James Rohrbaugh… 41 – – Saving a Whole ……… 370 European Revolution, In the Midst man ……………….. 594 Spain, Conflicting Issues in, Juan Stopped at the Ranch, When of. Adolf Keller ………. 579 Orts-Gonzalez ………… 86 Farm Tenants and Share-Crop- a, Antonio H. Perpetuo… 81 Statistics-Religious Bodies and Missions and the Critics, Howell pers, Charles M. McConnell 287 Groups in the United States 408 Farmer's Wife Sees It, As a, D. Davies ……………. 202 Students and Missions, British – Tomorrow, The Outlook for, Nina B. Hewitt ……… 300 Christian, H. W. Peet …. 153 First Five Centuries of Chris- Review by Courtenay H. Sunday Schools, Importance of Fenn ……………….. 95 tianity, Samuel M. Zwemer 573 Moslem Lands, New and Old in, Pioneer, John M. Sonwrn- Foreign Missions, Changing and A. T. Upson …………. 599 dike ………………… 315 Reactions to the Gospel, James Syria, Future of Antioch in, W. Unchanging Things in, Rob- Haldane ……………. 471 G. Greenslade ………… 252 ert E. Speer …………. 119 Sermon uy a Converted, Sa'- Thinking Yellow VB. Acting Yel- Forgotten Man of the Back Road, eed Kurdistani ……….. 571 lpw, Geoffrey W. Royall .. 363 Ann Mitchell ………… 282 Superstitions, Davida M. Fin- Gift Reveals the Giver-A Medi- United States, Forty Miles from ney ………………… 461 "a Hospital in the, Dora tation ………………. 380 – Views of "Those Nazarenes," Giving, Points to Remember in Read Goodale ………… 578 J. Lowrie Anderson …… 489 – South as a Mission Field, TM, Christian, The Late C. I. – World, Some Trends in the, Scofield ……………… 65 John R. Scotford ……… 45 Goforth of China, Jonathan, J. Edward M. Dodd …….. 459 Vail, Charles E., The Beloved – – Today, Dwight M. Donald- A. MacMillan ………… 93 Physician, R. C. Richardson 33 Hickey, Mike, An Ex-Convict son ……………… 455 Moslems, Christian Approach to, Waiting for You? Is God, James Who MlJde G"(ln .' ……. ' 44 H. McCnnkev ………… 35 India Advances in Politics and W. Wilson Cash ………. 467 – – Doctor Among, Paul Har- What Christ Said (Poem), George Religion, J. F. Edwards .. 183 McDonald …………… 92 Thou~hts. on Recent Evan- risQn …………….. 479 Educating for Christ, John Women's Work in a Country gelIsm III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Church, Mrs. James D. Wy- Untouchables, What Christ Van Ess …………….. 476 ker ………………… 425 Experience with. Frank C. Has Done for, V. S. Azar- Woods, the Outlaw, Jake, J. S. iah …………………. 131 Laubach …………….. 485 Burnett …………….. 345 Iran, Firebrand for Christ in, Why Preach Christ to, Sam- J. Christy Wilson …….. 133 Youth. Objectives and Principles Iraq, Medical Work Among Arabs uel M. Zwemer ……,…. 464 Murdoch Trail in Kentucky, The, for ……… Third Cover. July in, W. Bellingham ……. 372 Great American Mission Field, Is God Waiting For You?, James Alvin E. Magary …….. 343 Navajo, Christ Comes to the, C. Frank E. Gaebelein …… 115 H. McCQnkey ………… 35 On the Christian Frontier, G. Salsbury ………… " 75 New Life Movement, Madame Charles A. Platt ……… 201 Chiang Kai-shek ……… 361 Page Index to Authors Page Abel, Russell W. ………….. 416 Page Price, Frank W…………… 563 Rea, Julian S…………….. 524 Anderson, J. Lowrie ………. 489 Hayn~" Coe ……………. 308, 592 Rich, Mark ………………. 302 Anderson, W. B. : …………. 140 Hewitt, Nina B,. …. . . . . . . . . .. 300 Richardson, R. C………….. 33 Axling, William …………… 139 Ivesr'}iilda L. :,……………. 297 Richter, Julius ……………. 423 Azariah, V. S. ……………. 131 Jones, E. Stanley …………. 237 Ridley, H. French …………. 145 Jordan, S. M……………… 523 Riggs, James F …………… 587 Bellingham, W……………. 372 Keller, Adolf …………….. 579 Ritzman, M. E. …………… 594 Brown, Arthur J ………… 26,179 Killian, John C……………. 312 Rizzo, Jr., M'iguel …………. 576 Browning, Webster E ………. 341 King, Wm. R……………… 285 Brumbaugh, T. T………….. 582 Koobyar, Stephen O. ………. 597 Rogers, William L. ………… 251 Kurdistani, Sa'eed …………. 571 Rohrbaugh, James ………… 41 Burnett,J. S…………….. 345 Lambie, Tom …………….. 422 Burton, M.arjorie A. ……….. 193 Laubach, Frank C. ………… 485 Royall, Geoffrey …………… 363 Butzin, Arthur F ………….. 149 Leynse, James P……… 88,191,409 Salsbury, C. G… ,………… 75 Calverley, Eleanor T……….. 492 Lieshing, M. C……………. 206 Cantine, James …………… 427 Lindquist, G. E. E. ………… 533 Scofield, C. I. …………….. 65 Case, Brayton C. ………….. 245 MacKinnon, Murdoch ………. 378 Scotford, John R. …………. 45 MacMillan, J. A. ………….. 90 Scott, William ……………. 187 Cash, W. Wilson ………….. 467 Magary, Alvin E………….. 343 Shepherd, George W. ………. 204 Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo. 357 Magee, John G……………. 207 Chiang Kai-shek, Madame … 361,540 McClenahan, W. L. ………… 69 Smith, Ellsworth M. ……….. 305 Cuthbertson, James ……….. 234 McConkey, James H. ………. 35 Smith, Gertrude J. ………… 377 Davies, Howell D. …………. 202 McConnell, Charles M. ……… 287 Snead, Alfred C. . ………. 199,351 McDonald, George …………. 92 Somerndike, John M……….. 315 Dawber, Mark A………….. 279 McLaughlin, Henry W ……… 294 Speer, Robert E. ……. . …. 7,119 Dodd, Edward M. …………. 459 Mitchell, Ann …………….. 282 Storm, W. Harold… … . …… 21 Donalds'On, Dwight. M. ……… 455 Moody, Thomas …………… 379 Eastman, Elaine Goodale …… 128 Moore, Jr., L. Paul ………… 30 Taylor, H. Kerr '" . . . . . . . . . . .. 253 Edwards, J. F …………….. 183 Morrison, John …………… 197 Tema, S. S. ………………. 195 Ekvall, Robert B. …………. 411 Mull, Ruth C………….. ~ .. , 318 Thomas, Winburn T. . … 36,231,584 Orts-G<>nzalez, Juan ……….. 86 Thompson, W. H. . ………… 347 Erdman, Mabel H…………. 482 Pea·body, Lucy W………….. 144 Fenn, Courtenay H. . …….. 95, 116 Peet, H. W. ………………. 153 Upson, A. T………………. 599 Finney, Davida M…………. 461 Pell, J. U………………… 236 Vance, Joseph A…………… 142 Gaebelein, Frank E. ……….. 115 Perpetuo, Antonio H. ………. 81 Van Ess, John ……………. 476 Pierson, Arthur T. ………… 430 Warnshuis, A. L. …………. 67 Gih, Andrew ……………… 190 Pierson, Delavan L., (Topics of Watts, J. R………………. 365 Goodale, Dora Read ……….. 578 Gould, Orpha B. ………….. 542 the Times) Wilson, J. Christy ………. 133,567 Greenslade, W. G………….. 252 Platt, Charles A. ………….. 201 Winn, Mrs. George H. ……… 527 Poling, Daniel A. …………. 151 Wright, R. R., Jr. ………… 589 Griffeth. Ross J. . …………. 290 Porteous, R. W ……………. 412 Wyker, Mrs. James D. . ……. 425 Grubb, Kenneth G. ………… 529 Young, Charlotte E ………… 519 Haldane, James …………… 471 Young, Herrick Black ……… 241 Hamner, Edward D………… 309 Harnish, Louis C. …………. 368 Zahir, Alfred …………….. 38 Harrison, Paul ……………. 479 Zwemer, Samuel M. .., .181,464,573 Contributed Articles Page Page Page Afghan Christian Martyr, An, Arabia, Doctor's Tour in Neglect- China, Christians and the New Life Movement, Madame Alfred Zahir ………… 38 ed, W. Harold Storm ….. 21 Chiang Kai-shek ……… 540 Africa, African Bishop in, R. R. Australian Bush, Caravan in, – Combating Communism with Christian Service in Kiang- Wright, Jr…………… 589 Marjorie A. Burton …… 193 si, George W. Shepherd … 204 .__ Daniel, Tshisunga – Congo Bailey, Wellesley C.-Friend of – Fruit from Seed-Sowing, Or- pha B. Gould ………… 542 Apostle, John Morrison .. , 197 Lepers, ……………… 239 – Hope for the Renaissance of. _ Christian Villages in Mozam- Board of F'Oreign Missions, Why E. Stanley Jones ……… 71 bique, Julian S. Rea …… 524 I Like to Work for the …. 538 – Hospital on the Yangtze>. Opening a New, J. W. Pell 236 1;rican Evangelists in Training, Brahman Christian – Nehemiah – Pioneering for C h r i s t in L. Paul Moore, Jr. ……. 30 Goreh ………………. 381 Kwangsi, Alfred C. Snead. 351 Missions, New Moving Pic- Brazil, Evangelical Work in, Mi- • – And the New Life Movement 356 t ures 0f, W I'lll'am L . Rogers 257 guel Rizzo, Jr. . ……… 576 – Prison Shaken in, A, Andrew Bulletin of the Council of Women Gih ………………… 190 View of Africa's Need, An, for Home Missions, Edited Chinese Communist Finds Christ, S. S. sTk I·emm ao s.-.O.l.d. .a.n.d. .N. .e.w., 195 BurmbaY, HEodwI'thChEri.stLCowharyng. e. s..LMifoenth"' y Al a sk a n E John G. Mag-ee ………. 207 – Concubine Tells Her Story, Arthur F. Butzin …….. 149 in, Brayton C. Case …… 245 American Indian and His Reli-, ,"Q!L~Y~'s Coyenant, ~illiam ….. 135 James P. Leynse ……… 19] gion, The, Elaine G<>odale tlhang Kal-shek, FaIth of .. , … 274 Gospel Posters, Use of, R. W. Eastman ……………. 128 "_ Moral Law. Generalissimo .. ~78 Porteous ……………. 412 – Indians, Early Work Among, :.,. Children Love to Give, James F.
G. E. E. Lindquist ……. 533 Riggs ………………. 587 Arab Consults a Missionary Doc- China. Beaten but Unconquered tor, .Tames Cantine ……. 427' in. James Leynse …….. 409 r622 1 Page Page Page Chinese Spend Sunday in Pei- Islam, Effect on Childhood, Char- New Life Movement, The, Gen- ping, How, James P. Leynse 88 lotte E. Young ………. 519 eraUSSlmo L:hlang Kai-shek 357 – Turkestan, Through Unevan- – Facts Auout …….. " ….. 470 Nicholson, Sir Frederick, in Civil gelized, H. French Ridley.. 145 – Statistical i::iurvey of …. ;.. 458 Service, Lucy W. Peabody. 144 – Testimonies of Converts from, Chosen (Korea), When a Magis- Papua, Away with Sorcery and Stephen O. Koobyar …… 597 trate Went to Church, Wil- Japan, i"acts about ~vangelism Murder in …………… 349 liam Scott …………… 187 Papuan Bush, Experiences ~, Christ for the World We Sing, in, James Cuthbertson …. 234 Joseph A. Vance ……… 142 Faith working by Love in, Russell W. Abel …… " .. 416 Persia (Iran), Growing Interest – The Church and Modern Winburn T. Thomas ….. 584 Youth, Daniel A. Poling .. 151 Visit to the Ainu of North, in, S. M. Jordan ……… 523 Poem-Deaf Lady's Appeal to the Christian and Missionary Alli- Winburn T. 'J.nomas …… 231 ance, Golden Anniversary, Japanese Buddhists .Pray, When, Goddess of Mercy, Robert B. Ekvall ……………. 411 A. C. Snead …………. 199 Winburn T. 'J.homas …… 36 Ponca Breaks Paths for Choctaw, Christian and Moslem Homes, Christian Leader, Nagao, Wil- Coe Hayne ………….. 592 Power of the Printed Page, Ma- Eleanor T. Calverley ….. 492 liam Axling ………….. 139 bel H. Erdman ………. 482 Christians Unite, Why and How Christians, DIlemma of;. .T. T. Presbyterian Foreign Missions, Centennial of, Herrick Black Should, E. Stanley Jones .. 237 Brumbaugh ………• ; … 582 Young ……………… 241 Church in the Heart, The, Ruth Keeping the Fountains Clean, – Highlights in a Century of, Arthur J.Brown ……… 26 C. Mull …………….. 318 Henry W. McLaughlin …. 294 – of the Countryside, Coe Hayne 308 Korean Missionary Gives Thanks, Rural America – Case Workers Congo BeIge, Sixty Years in the, in Rural Areas, Hilda L. Mrs. George Ii. Winn …. 527 Ives ………………… 297 Thomas Moody ……….. 379 Kurdish CnrilSLian Propnet, J. Conquering Power of Christ, The, Neglected Fields in, Wm. Christy IV ilson ………. 567 R. King ………….. 285 Julius Richter ………… 423 Larger Parish, The, Ellsworth M. Country Pastor's Job, A, Mark – – Twenty-five Years Ago and Smith ………………. 305 Rich ………………… 302 Lull, Passion of Raymond, Ken- Today, Ross J. Griffeth. 290 Doctor's Night at Fatehpur, Church in Canada, Problems neth G. Grubb ……….. 529 (Poem), Gertrude J. Smith 377 Missiomiries Through Colored of, J. R. Watts ………. 365 Effective Ways of Working, Ed- Churches Are Doing, What Glasses, H. Kerr Taylor .. 253 ited by Estella S. Aitchi- Missionary Appraisal as of Janu- Some, W. H. Thompson… 347 – – Volunteer Service in, Louis son …………….. .Monthly ary 1, 1937, Robert E. Speer 7 Egede, Han s, Missionary to – Call, Unchanging, Arthur T. C. Harnish ……….. 368 – Colporteur, Ministry of the, Greenland …………… 375 Pierson ……………… 430 Egypt, Pioneering in a Cairo – For Today, The Ideal, D. S. John C. Killian ………. 312 – Community, The Challenge of Slum, M. C. Lieshing ….. 206 Hibbard …………….. 186 Erromanga, Martyrs of, Murdoch – Motives, Modern, W. B. An- the, Mark A. Dawber ….. 279 – – Cooperation in, Edward D. MacKinnon ………….. 378 derson ………………. 140 Ethiopia and the Sudan, Work – Obligation, my, M. E. Ritz- Hamner ………….. 309 – – Saving a Whole ……… 370 in, Tom Lambie ………. 422 man ……………….. 594 Spain, Conflicting Issues in, Juan Ethiopian Missions Under Italian – Stopped it the Ranch, When Orts-Gonzalez ………… 86 Rule, James Rohrbaugh. .. 41 a, Antonio H. Perpetuo… 81 Statistics-Religious Bodies and European Revolution, In the Midst Missions and the Critics, Howell Groups in the United States 408 of. Adolf Keller ………. 579 D. Davies ………… . . .. 202 Students and Missions, British Farm Tenants and Share-Crop- – Tomorrow, The Outlook for, Christian, H. W. Peet …. 153 pers, Charles M. McConnell 287 Review by Courtenay H. Sunday Schools, Importance of Farmer's Wife Sees It, As a, Fenn ………………. : 95 Moslem Lands, New and Old in, Pioneer, John M. Somern- Nina B. Hewitt ……… 300 A. T. Upson …………. 599 dike ………………… 315 First Five Centuries of Chris- – Reactions to the Gospel, James Syria, Future of Antioch in, W. G. Greenslade ………… 252 tianity, Samuel M. Zwemer 573 Haldane ……………. 471 Thinking Yellow vs. Acting Yel-; Foreign Missions, Changing' and Sermon oy a Converted, Sa'- low, Geoffrey W. Royall :" "363 Unchanging Things in, Rob- eed Kurdistani ……….. 571 United States, Forty Miles from Superstitions, Davida M. Fin- ert E. Speer …………. 119 a Hospital in the, Dora Forgotten Man of the Back Road, ney ………………… 461 Read Goodale ………… 578 – Views of "Those Nazarenes," – South as a Mission Field, The, Ann Mitchell ………… 282 John R. Scotford ……… 45 Gift Reveals the Giver-A Medi- J. Lowrie Anderson …… 489 Vail, Charles E., The Beloved – World, Some Trends in the, Physician, R. C. Richardson 33 tation ………………. 380 Waiting for You? Is God, James Giving, Points to Remember in Edward M. Dodd …….. 459 H. McConkey ………… 35 – – Today, Dwight M. Donald- What Christ Said (Poem), George Christian, The Late C. I. McDonald …………… 92 Scofield ……………… 65 son …………….. . 455 Women's Work in a Country Goforth of China, Jonathan, J. Moslems, Christian Approach to, Church, Mrs. James D. Wy- A. MacMillan ………… 93 ker ………………… 425 Hickey, Mike, An Ex-Convict W. Wilson Cash ……… . 467 – – Doctor Among, Paul Har- W'oods, the Outlaw, Jake, J. S. Who Made G'1od …….. .. 44 Burnett …………….. 345 India Advances in Politics and rison ……………. . 479 – Educating for Christ, John Youth, Objectives and Principles Religion, J. F. Edwards " 183 for ……… Third Cover, July Thou~hts. on Recent Evan- Van Ess ……………. . 476 Experience with, Frank C. – Great American Mission Field, gelIsm In ……………. 29 Frank E. Gaebelein …… 115 Untouchables, What Christ Laubach ……………. . 485 Why Preach Christ to, Sam- – On the Christian Frontier, ~as Done for, V. ~.Azar- Charles A. Platt ……… 201 lah …………………. 131 uel M:Zwemer ……… . 464 Iran, Firebrand for Christ in, Murdoch TraiJ in Kentucky, The, J. Christy Wilson …….. 133 Iraq, Medical Work Among Arabs Alvin E. Magary ……. . 343 in, W. Bellingham ……. 372 Navajo,Christ Comes to the, C. Is God Waiting For You?, James H.M!cConkey ………… 35 G. Salsbury …………. . 75 New Life Movement, Madame Chiang Kai-shek …….. . 361 90499 Page Editorial Topics of the Times Page Burma, New …………….. 278 Page Neutral, Can Christians Be, Ar- Challenges, Some Present-Day.. 454 thur J. Brown ……….. 179 Chamberlain, William I. ……. 517 Federal Council Biennial ……. 5 Chiang and China, Courtenay H. "First There Is God," A. L. Oxford Conference, Ecumenical Christianity at ………. 405 F~nn ……………….. 116 Warnshuis …………… 67 China, Hope of … . . . . . . . . . . . .. 277 Godless Propaganda, Militant .. 227 Palestine, Partition of ……… 404 – Japan Conflict, The …….. 406 "In Everything Give Thanks"… 515 – Religious Conflict in, W. L. – Tragedy in ……………. 452 India, Modern Challenge of …. 340 – War and Missions in, Frank Japanese Shrines and Emperor McClenahan …………. 69 Pierson Centenary, Arthur T… 230 W. Price ……………. 563 Worship ……………. 136 Rural America for Christ ….. 275 Chosen, Church Growth in ….. 118 Korea, Mission Schools Close in. 228 Russia Marching On-Whither? 68 Christian Internationale, Need Laymen Are on Fire, When … 67 Leaders or Followers ………. 403 Student Volunteers, Reviving the 516 for a, Samuel M. Zwemer.. 181 Mexico, Changing Situation in, Students, Evangelizing College.. 566 Egypt, New Independence for .. 6 Trail Blazing for 1937 …….. 3 Ethiopia, Closing Doors in ….. 276 Webster E. Browning …. 341 Unity, Basis for Christian ….. 453 Evangelism, What Next in Na- Missions, Coming Generation and 407 World Y. M. C. A. Conference in Moslems, Why this Interest in? 451 tional ………………. 5 National Preaching Mission, Suc- India ………………. 180 Youth-Whither? …………. 339 cess of ……………… 3 Page Book Reviews Page Advancing Church in L a tin Page Negro Year Book, 1937-8, Monroe America, An, Kenneth G. N. Work ……………. 618 Grubb ………………. 172 Handbook of the Christian Move- ment in China ……….. 224 New Day in Kenya (Africa), Africa and Christianity, Died- rich Westermann ……… 511 High Lights in the Near East, Horace R. Philp ……… 63 • Arthur T. Upson ……. . New Testament Principles and Alaskan Adventures, Loyal L. Wirt ……………….. 335 .- ………… 3rd Cover, March Modern Missions ……… 61 "None Other Gods," W. A. Vis- Ali Lives in Iran, Caroline Singer Hindu-Jajimani System, The, and Cyrus LeRoy Baldridge 619 Wm. H. Wiser .. 3rd Cover, May ser't Hooft ………….. 560 Oil Lamps Lifted (China), Pearl Apostle to the Chinese Commu- History of Jewish Christianity, nists, The, Daniel Nelson.. 62 Dorr Longley ………… 63 Hugh T. Schonfield …… 269 One Hundred Years of Presby- Bi0le Believing Church, A, Charles In the Jungles of New Guinea, Allen Clark …………. 616 terian Missions, Arthur H. R. Hanselmann ………. 399 Brotherhood Economics, Toyohiko India and the Christian Move- Brown ……………… 111 Kagawa …………….. 224 Pioneering in Kwangsi, W. H. ment, V. Z. Azariah ….. 61 Bush Aglow (D. L. Moody), Rich- Indians of Today, Edited By Oldfield …………….. 400 Pools on the Glowing Sand (Dr. ard E. Day ………….. 269 Marion E. Gridley ……. 270 But, Until Seventy Times Seven Japan in American Public Opin- Karl Kumm) , Irene V. Cleverdon …………… 272 (City Missions) , S. M.ay ion, Eleanor Tupper and Portuguese East Africa, Ed- George E. McReynolas …. 616 Wyburn …………….. 399 Japan Today, Edited by T. T. wardo Moreira ……….. 61 By Love Compelled (Volunteers), Brumbaugh ………….. 560 Rats, Plague and Religion (In- Marshall Broomhall …… 175 Jungle Friends, Bishop of Ran- dia), John Spencer Carman 268 Changing Russia, F. J. Miles .. 335 . goon ……………….. 336 Religion in the Republic of Children of Sunny Italy, Myrta Kolerat Pitsiulret,…………. 272 Spain, C. A. Garcia and H. Dodds……………. 64 Latin America, Samuel Guy In- Kenneth G. Grubb ……. 63 China Calling, Frank Houghton. 272 Religion on the American Fron- China Year Book-1936, H. G. W. man ………………… 560 tier, William Warren Sweet 512 Living Religions and Modern Restraining Hand (China), R. A. Woodhead …………… 112 Bosshardt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 270 Christ and the World Today, Thought, Alban G. Widgery 173 Stocking Tales, J. T. Stocking .. 511 C. T. Studd, Athlete and Pioneer, Wm. E. Doughty …….. 398 Mann of the Border, D. Emmett Norman P. Grubb …….. 560 Christendom and Islam, W. Wil- Alter ……………….. 618 Taylor of China, J. Hudson, J. J. Ellis …………….. 448 son Cash ……………. 559 Master of Money (A. A. Hyde), Then and Now in Kenya Colony, George Irving ………. . Willis R. Hotchkiss ……. 617 Christian Faith and the Science ………. 3rd Cover, February Theology for Christian Missions, Today, J. H. Morrison …. 617 A, Hugh Vernon White … 446 Meaning of Christ to Me, Robert Twice Born-And Then? An- Christian Faith in the Modern E. Speer ……………. 223 drew Gih …… 3rd Cover, May World, The, J. Graham Twelve Clever Girls Who Became Machen …………….. 62 Mecca and Beyond, Edward M. Famous Women, H. A. W. and Rose Wilson Dodd … 398 Hamilton ……………. 620 Christianity and the Malays, Two Missionary Voyages, Thomas Lawrence E. Browne ….. . Medieval Missionary,The, James Thompson …………… 446 ……….. 3rd Cover, January Thayer Addison ……… 112 Untouchable's Que s t (India), Godfrey Phillips ……… ~68 Christianity in Eastern Conflicts, Men of the Outposts, Herbert Way of the Witnesses, Edward William Paton ……….. 397 Welch ………………. 617 Shillito ……………… 223 Christmas in Other Lands, Doro- Mexico Today, Irving Speed Wal- What Is the Moslem World?, thy M. Horne ………… 64 lace ………………… 175 Charles R. Watson …… 398 Church and the Churches, The, Missionary Illustrations, Alva C. Why South America?, A. Stuart Karl Barth ………….. 174 Bowers ……………… 447 McNairn ……………. 172 Church Unity, F. H. Knubel … 447 Missionary Plays and Pageants, Young Moslem Looks at Life, East and West, Edited by Basil Fannie Smith Gray …… 271 The, Murray T. Titus …. 398 Mathews ……………. 112 Missionary Romance in Morocco, Evangelical Handbook of Latin J ames Haldane ………. 269 America …………….. 399 M'issionary Stories to Tell ….. 268 God in the Every Day, Hugh Red- Morocco in Mufti, James Haldane 336 Moslem Women Enter a New wood ……………….. 272 Gordon, General Charles, E. J. World, Ruth Frances W ood- small ………………. 173 Richter …………….. 176 My Beloved Armenia, Marie S. Banker ……………… 335
The Missionary Review of the World — September 1937
1937
Beaten But Unconquered……in China James P. Leynse The Use of Chinese Gospel Posters R. w. Porteous Experiences in the Papuan Bush Russell W. Abel Work in Ethiopia and the Sudan Tom Lambie The Conquering Power of Christ Julius Richter Women's Work in the Country Church Mrs. James D. Wyker An Arab Consults a Missionary Doctor A Monologue by James Cantine 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember Reda;m;ng an abandoned church in cenlralIllinois
September 13-1S-C 0 n fer en c e on Those Abandoned Churches • • • Presbyterian Church and the Jew. Princeton Theological Seminary. that dot the hillsides and valleys of rural YOU ARE PRIVILEGED America to-day-more than ten thousand of to sponsor this marvellous October 2-6 – Triennial Convention. them-are a challenge to Christian people of work "With Christ along Women's Missionary Society of the the Old Back Road." United Lutheran Church in Amer- all Evangelical denominations. Some are only evi- $12.50 annually maintains ica. Buffalo. dences of changed conditions. Many others mark the the work of one Sunday retreat of Christian forces. School Class. SUMMER CONFERENCES AND $25.00 annually maintains SCHOOLS OF MISSIONS The vast majority of Christian people living in cities the work of a Sunday School. and towns do not understand the serious rural need $50.00 annually maintains September 20-24-Southern California of the hour. Neither do they realize that in countless the work of an unreached (Los Angeles). Mrs. H. M. Horn, instances the A.S.S.U. has met and is meeting that community. 1955 Carmen Ave., Los Angeles, need. Old church bells are pealing again, calling $100.00 annually maintains Calif. young and old to thousands of Union Sunday Schools. the work in any given county. September 20-24 – Minnesota (Min- In a fine old brick church in a prosperous farming $1,200.00 annually fully neapolis-St. Paul). President, Mrs. section of east central Illinois, an A.S.S.U. Mission- supports a consecrated and Charles L. Grant, 610 Aurora Ave., ary recently organized a Sunday School. Thirty-six aggressive A. S. S. U. Mis- St. Paul, Minn. attended the first meeting. Three weeks later the sionary. attendance reached sixty. Now the people have pur- Will your Prayers and yout September 7 – October 1 – D a 11 a s, chased an electric lighting plant, and evening serv- support go with us to this Texas. Pres., Mrs. E. R. Alderson, ices are being conducted by a regular minister. In needy field? 561 Goodwin St., Dallas, Texas. scores of other instances, work reclaimed by our ministry has been turned back to the proper September 27 – October 1 – Houston, denomination. Texas. Dean, Mrs. A. B. Haynes, 618 Highland Ave., Houston, Texas. Evangelical in purpose, non-sectarian in method. and true to the Word of God, theA.S.S.U. is actively September 28-30-A n n u a 1 Interde- engaged in this national ministry of restoring wor- nominational Missionary Institute, ship to rural churches in forty States. Will YOU help? Woman's Interdenominational Union of Philadelphia and Vicinity. First Baptist Church, Philadelphia.
October 5-6-Warren, Ohio. Mrs. George Konold, 314 Scott St., N. E., Warren, Ohio.
October 21- Baltimore, Md. Mrs. David D. Baker, 410 N. Calhoun St., Baltimore, Md.
!In the £un~ ot gonuh un~ His qou'£~ Home Letters of AMERICAN DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS, R8l7 MARGARET DEAN McDOWELL 1816 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sunday I wish to sponsor the work of the A. S. S. U. with the , She left a Chicago schoolroom to or- unreached millions of Rural America. ganize a cooperative laundry for refu- School Enclosed find $ ___ to be used for________ _ gees in Mesopotamia—and made it pay. Union ) Send your Quarterly Field Magazine – "The Sun- , She made friends with the sheikh of day School Missionary" a tribe of "devil-worshipers" who have an ancestral taboo against education- ( ) Mail your Booklet on Annuities. and he sent his children to her school. ( ) Send Sample Sunday School Literature. Name _____________ – – __ – ____ – , She met great ones of the earth-and in treeless Mosul spent hours creating Address _________ – _ – – – – – – – _ – – – a Christmas "tree" so that the children City ______________ State ______ _ should not be disappointed. 4 CHRIST ALONG THE OLD BACK ROAD , She began modern Christian educa- ESTABLISHED 1817 PIONEER SUNDAY SCHOOL ORGANIZATION OF THE USA tion for girls in Mosul-and many rise up and call her blessed. Personal Items one-half years of service as he says that he is "no longer able to recom- , Particularly valuable in connection The Rev. A. C. Snead, Foreign Sec- mend the Board as a Presbyterian with the coming year's study of Mos- retary of the Christian and Mission- missionary agency." Mr. Woodbridge lem lands. ary Alliance, sailed for a tour of was formerly a missionary in West South American mission fields on July Africa, representing the Presbyterian Price: cloth, $I .00; paper, 60 cents 27. He expects to visit Jamaica, Co- Church in the United States of Amer- lombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, The ica, from which he resigned in 1Q33. Order from Argentine and Puerto Rico, returning home on December 7. Mr. Snead ••• THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF earnestly requests the prayers of THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. U. S. A. Christian people for God's blessing on Dr. Ralph E. Diffendorfer, corre- his mission to these important fields sponding secretary of the Methodist 156 Fifth Avenue New York, N. Y. where the Christian and Missionary Episcopal Board of Foreign Missions, Alliance carries on work. sailed on Saturday, June 12, for Italy FOR SALE-28 new black poplin and Central Europe, where there are pleated choir gowns; academic style, • • • . Rev. Charles J. Woodbridge, Gen- pressing problems. Dr. Diffendorfer $3.75 each; Iblack mortarboard caps, $1.50 has announced an anonymous gift of each. M. R. W. LINDNER, 425 Seventh eral Secretary of the Independent 100,000 Reichmarks-approximately Ave., New York. Board for Presbyterian Foreign Mis- $25,000-for the work in Germany. It sions, has resigned after three and will be used chiefly for improvements (Concluded on page 448.)
MISSIONARY and value. It is devoted to the mis-
REVIEW OF THE WORLD sion study topic of the coming year- The Moslem World and the progress DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor of Christianity among Moslems. These articles are by missionaries who have VOL. LX SEPT., 1937 No.9 devoted their lives to the work and who know the conditions from expe- Publication and Business Olllce– rience. Some of the articles are by Third and Reily 8ts., Harrisburg, Pa. those who have come out of Islam and have confessed their faith in Christ Editorial and Executive Olllce– as their Lord and Master. The work 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. in Moslem lands is one of the most Entered as second-class matter at difficult in any field since the Moham- medans are militant in their propa- Post Omce, Harrisburg, Pa., under ganda and as a rule are very bitter Act of March 3, 1879. antagonists against those who pro- claim Christ as the Son of God and 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. only Saviour through His death on Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. the cross. A list of the articles pre- Published monthly, except August. pared for our special number will be All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1937. found on the fourth cover of this is- British agents – Marshall, Morgan sue. It is advisable to order copies of and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, the October REVIEW immediately. London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, 10 shillings a year. PARENTS ••• When the good work MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- In the Foreign Mission Field calls you East … saH LISHING CO., INC. Endorse Calvert School p&O BOARD OF DIRECTORS Home Study Courses ROBERT E. SPEER, President This year marks a full century of P & 0 A. L. WARNSHUIS, Vice-President for Children service to the lands beyond Suez! WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer Whenever you are called to the other DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary Calvert School, through its Home Iustruc- side of the world, choose this tradi- tion Department, will give your child a tional route. Cross to England by SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT superior elementary education … by mail, Cunard White Star •.• and there embark in a great liner of the P & 0 WILLIAM 1. CH..umEBL£IN regardless of where you may live. Mod- and British India fleets, led by the D. J. FANT ern, approved courses from this famous new 22,5oo-ton Strathnaver, Strath- school are being used by parents all over aird and Strathmore. Regular service MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD to Egypt, Sudan, Persian Gulf, India, WM. B. LIPPHARD the world with outstanding success. Burma, Ceylon, Straits Settlements, ERIC M. NORTH China, Japan, Australia" East and SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Give your children the advantages of these South Africa, Mauritius. Low rates.
Editorial Chat interesting lessons, carefully chosen books, Convenient through bookings can be arranged and attractive materials. Instruction is by your local travel agent or any office of The unusual situation in China is a under the personal guidance of teachers in very disturbing factor to missionaries, Calvert's prominent and successful private CUNARD WHITE STAR LINE the Chinese Christians and to all interested in the development of that day school in Baltimore. GENERAL AGENTS great land and people. What Christians can do most effectively is to t Write today for booklet of complete in- '25 Broadwayand638 Fifth Ave., New York pray for the afflicted people that all may witness a good confession, and formation. Costs are low. stand true to the highest Christian principles. The editorial "Topic of CALVERT SCHOOL the Times" and the articles in this 180 E. Tusc:any Road number by Mr. James P. Leynse, of Peiping, and Mr. Porteous will be Baltimore -0- Maryland read with deep interest.
*** The October number of THE RE- VIEW will be one of unusual interest The Minister's Social Primer Basic, Factual Articles Which Deal With New World Economics By WILLIAM L. LUDLOW Professor of Political Science and Sociology, Muskingum College SUBJECTS 1. Marxian Communism 4. German National Socialism 2. Soviet Russia 5. Democracy 3. Fascism 6. Trade Unionism in America 7. Labor Legislation.
The first chapter will appear in the October issue of CHURCH MANAGEMENT, to be published September 17th. Others will follow in order.
Send $1.50 for special seven-months' subscription to secure this social primer so necessary to men in public life. Single copy, 25c.
CHURCH MANAGEMENT Auditorium Building Cleveland, Ohio [401 ]
NATIVES IN THE ANGLO-EGYPTIAN
(See article on page 422.) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER, 1937 Topics of the Times LEADERS OR FOLLOWERS? educated for better leadership; they are learning how to keep the mass of the people from drifting There is a loud call today for leadership–for or floundering.
wise leaders, honest leaders, unselfish leaders, It was said of a certain politician: "He would courageous leaders, experienced leaders.. They make a great leader, if only he could persuade are needed in world affairs, in politics and indus- anyone to follow him." There are two requisites: try, in business and philanthropy, in education a wise, strong leader and people intelligent and and religion. How many nations of the world are unselfish enough to follow good leadership. How in a turmoil for lack of proper leadership! In much both are needed today! The Apostle James Cuba, Mexico and many parts of Latin America says: "Be not many teachers-:-or leaders-know- there is almost continual civil war because one ing that we shall receive heavier judgment."
man after another seeks to lead the nation's des- (James 3: 1 R. V.). In many lands, and in many tiny. Europe offers many examples of strong and spheres of life, confusion and conflict arise beweak political leaders. Spain is torn with fratri- cause too many seek to be leaders rather than cidal strife and is drenched with blood because of show a willingness to be followers. We are in- the conflict between rivals who would be leaders clined to forget that "one who would command and rulers. In Germany, Italy and Russia we must first learn to obey."
have examples of headstrong rulers who are in When the late Sadhu Sundar Singh, that re- the saddle and are leading their nations-but markable Christian ascetic of India, was in whither? America, he was asked by one who heard him In Asia the struggle for leadership continues. speak: "Have you any followers in India-any Gandhi and others are striving by different meth- who follow your ideals of life and methods of ods to determine India's destiny. China is bene- service?"
fited by the influence of a strong and intelligent The Sadhu thought a moment and then replied: leader, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, but Japan, "No, I have no followers. I, myself, am a fol- under the control of the military party, is leading lower." In that answer lies the secret of leader- the country to a war that threatens all Asia and ship to meet the needs of the hour.
may involve the world. Jesus Christ did not call men to be leaders; He Similar struggles exist in America. The ques- called them to be followers. He called them to be tion of the type of leadership determines the po- "fishers of men," rather than rulers of men. He litical program in nation and city, spells failure or called them to serve men rather than to exercise success in the conflict between labor and capital, lordship over men. They were called first to be and will bring failure or success in the Christian disciples (learners), then apostles (missionaries).
Church. Who are the leaders? Why do they seek Is not this the great need in the world and in control and whither are they leading? the Church today? What might we expect if, in- Much emphasis is placed today on the training stead of setting up many "leadership conferences,"
of leaders in all departments of life. Leadership we promoted training classes to teach men, wom- training conferences are being held for political, en and children to be good followers? There is one educational and religious workers-and in many safe and sane leader, the Lord Jesus Christ. If of these conferences, men and women are being men and women would sit at His feet to learn of [403 ]
Him; if we would know how to appreciate His has resulted. The Arabs, who are traders and love and His sacrifice; if we could understand cattle-raising nomads rather than agriculturalists His wisdom and accept His standards-then the or industrial workers, have seen their prestige wrongs in our own personal lives, the mistakes in and control threatened. Their racial pride has the family, in the Church, in the State and the been hurt. They have been warlike since the days world might be set right. As we learn of Him of Esau, while Jews are non-militant. Riots and and are ready to follow Him, He has promised to bloodshed have resulted and all Great Britain's give us power to do His work as He gave power diplomacy and military strength "have been reto the early Disciples when the Holy Spirit came quired to maintain some semblance of peace. upon them. Finally a British Royal Commission was ap- The great need today is not more classes to pointed last year to visit Palestine and report on train leaders but more classes and conferences to the most feasible plan for developing the country. teach us to be true followers of Jesus Christ-as Their report shows careful study and a desire to humble Christians, as parents, as business men and solve the difficult problem-but it satisfies neither women, as workers in Church and State, as mis- Jews nor Arabs. The proposal is for a "major sionaries and as executives. In proportion as we operation," to divide the land into three sectionssucceed in learning in this school of Christ, we giving to the Jews about one-third-including the can say with the Apostle Paul to less privileged western border on the Mediterranean, from about disciples: "Be ye followers (imitators) of me twenty miles north of Gaza to Syria and the Lebaeven as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11: 1). non Mountains; giving to the Arabs two-thirds- including the land south of Bethlehem, east of THE PARTITION OF PALESTINE the plains of Judea and across the Jordan River. The British are to retain a small "corridor" from Although almost insignificant in size – only Jerusalem to the sea at Jaffa, and a small circle about the size of New England- Palestine around Nazareth, and with a naval base at Haifa. has the most strategic position of any country in This would mean that the Jews will have the the world. It lies at the crossroads of Asia, Africa Shephelah and the lowlands of the Mediterranean and Europe. The natural wealth of the country, seacoast, where Tel-Aviv and other modern Jewas well as its command of the trade routes be- ish settlements are located; also Mt. Carmel and tween East and West, have made the land a de- practically all of Galilee. The Arabs will have sirable prize. It was this land, enlarged to reach Shechem (Nablus) and Samaria, the country "from the Euphrates to the River of Egypt," that around Hebron, J.ericho, and Beersheba and the God promised to Abraham and his descendants. lands of their ancestors-the Moabites, Ammon- It was many years before the Hebrews gained ites and Edomites. The British retain control of possession and then because of their disobedience, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the railroad they were conquered and lost control of the coun- to the seaport of Jaffa (ancient Joppa). The try many times. From the earliest days of history Jews and Arabs are both offered independent this little country has been a battleground between states, with representatives in the League of Na- Philistines, Canaanites and Hittites; between tions. Syrians and Egyptians; between Assyrians, Babylonians, and Israelites; between Romans, The Arabs object to this division on three Greeks and Arabians; between Crusaders and grounds: (1) They say that they have possessed "Infidels" ; between the Allied armies in the the land by right of conquest and occupation for World War and the Turks. hundreds of years; (2) they are in a majority and now own most of the land so that it would be Today Palestine is again a scene of strife and a necessary to evacuate 225,000 Arabs from Jewish bone of contention between Arabs and Jews, be- territory; (3) the plan gives the Jews the most tween Christians, Hebrews and Moslems. As a fertile and desirable portions and most of the result of the World War, England was given a seacoast, while the Arabs are assigned to the mandate over Palestine and the Balfour Declara- more arid sections of the mountains and the semition promised the Jews an opportunity to develop wilderness beyond the Jordan. their ancient heritage and to make it a "National Home." The persecuted and ostracized Jews of The Jews find the plan inacceptable: (1) be- Europe have taken the opportunity to return in cause the whole land is theirs by right of divine large numbers. They have built cities, developed promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, by ancient farms, made good roads, established schools and inheritance and occupation, and by the Balfour universities, and have taken other steps to im- Declaration; (2) because, being driven out of prove the country and to increase prosperity. But Europe, they need Palestine as a National Home after seventeen years, and in spite of British ef- and they have shown the will and ability to develforts to maintain order, strife rather than peace op the country, which the Arabs have not; (3) because the Arabs are assigned the Jordan Valley
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
I .q z MPDI TER RA NeA N .:.' S£A 4 MEO/TERRA NEA"' .:,'.,'· o .seA " ,,~,_ -0— ,, ," . ,,,/ "oH.ebron ,t EGYPT -, ;<rBeerSheM r—–~~——–~ a ! Ie J' l ' I KEY ~EERSHE8A SU8- DISTRICT t EXTENDING roGUU' 01' AQABA _ Proposed boundaries ", Present boundari es CULTIVATION UNSURVEYEO /JO MIlFI _ Rai /ways —- Roads Courtesy ot "The New York Times"
with all the light and power plants, the Dead Sea material resources used to increase the prosperity and the mountains which are richest in chemicals, of the country. Both Jews and Arabs are so unminerals' and other natural resources. Both par- friendly to the British that they may yet unite ties want Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and oth- against them, as the Pharisees and Herodians er sacred sites. It is as impossible to give both united against Christ. Jews and Arabs all they wish as it is to satisfy both labor and capital, or both communists and God's plan is not yet made clear for His "peim perialists. culiar people" and His chosen land. Any arrange- ment, such as is proposed by the Royal Commis- The plan offered is objected to by many British "sion, can at best be only temporary. God's promise and by people of other lands who take up cudgels to Abraham was: "I will give unto thee, and to for one side or the other. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, thy s~ed after thee, the land wherein thou art a President of the Zionist Movement, finds the pro- stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting posed partition unsatisfactory but thinks that it possession, and I will be their God" (Genesis offers the best solution of any plan suggested up 17: 8). to the present. Dr. Stephen Wise, President of the American Zionists, is utterly opposed to any ECUMENICAL CHRISTIANITY AT OXFORD such surrender of what he terms "Jewish rights." The World Conference on "Life and Work" that Christians as a whole have not entered into the met for two weeks in July at Oxford, England, to controversy, but many Syrian Christians in Pal- consider "The Church, State and Community," estine would prefer to see the Arabs in control brought together some eight hundred delegates because they find it more difficult to get along and associates from many different nations, Ori. with Jewish neighbors. Neither Jews nor Mos- ental churches and Protestant communi:bns. These lems are friendly to Christian mission work; included 100 young men and women from thirty neither one favors Christian or British control; countries, who constituted a special "Youth Secbut both are willing to see Christian ability and
tion" of the Conference; there were also many ments that threaten the efficiency, if not the very delegates from the younger churches of mission life, of the Church. la.nds. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang, was president, and Dr. John R. 2. That the Church consider how to meet and Mott, well known American Methodist layman, overcome the evident purpose in many lands to was Chairman of the Business Committee. The elevate the State to a divine status, thus seeking Conference was much more widely representative to give human rulers more authority than that than that which met at Stockholm in 1925; but accorded Almighty God; also how to correct the there were no German delegates at Oxford, pass- tendency to racial discrimination, social injustice ports having been refused by the Nazi Govern- and the increase of immortality in personal and ment to members of the Confessional Synod. community life.
Many important topics were discussed by the 3. That greater emphasis be placed on the facts Conference in various sections, papers having been that God is the only supreme and ultimate auprepared in advance and "Findings" being pre- thority; that religious liberty is essential to husented for discussion at the general meetings be- man liberty, and that Christians are called of God fore approval. to use their resources to help raise the status of the underprivileged, the oppressed and unlight- Among the disturbing trends in the life of to- ened brothers and sisters of the human race. day were noted: the claim of the State-as in Germany, Italy, Russia and Turkey-to dominate The Conference closed with a united communion and control religion; the growth of secularism in service presided over by the Archbishop of Canall lands at the expense of religion, and the signs terbury, assisted by the Episcopal Bishop of Dorof moral anarchy which threatens the sanctity of nakaI, India. marriage and the home. THE CHINA-JAPAN CONFLICT The members of the Conference applauded those who advocated unity among Christians of all na- Since July 7, the world has been increasingly tions, races and sects; there was emphasized the concerned by another demonstration of the deneed for greater dependence on the guidance and termined military encroachment of one nation of power of God for the solution of all problems. the Far East upon the territory and the sover- Real progress was noted in the growth of friendly eignty of another at a time when other nations understanding between Eastern and Western are too busily occupied to intervene. So much is Churches and between members of French and clear to all the world, to which all further judg- German nationals. There was a call for a united ments may safely be left. And few will condemn Christian front to combat and overcome the in- the militarily weaker nation for deciding that pacrease of militant atheism and of pagan material- tient submission had ceased to be a virtue and for ism in all lands. risking all in self-defense. The infinite pity of the situation is that the blow should fall upon Perhaps the most striking proposal was for the China just at the time when her provinces and formation of a "World Council of Churches" to parties and leaders were heartily uniting in the include all non-Roman Christian churches that work of material and moral reconstruction which wish to join. This will be a world-wide organiza- had been so frequently interrupted during the tion planned and operated on lines similar to the quarter century of the republic. Inspired by the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America. courage, wisdom and unselfish patriotism of Gen- It is suggested that it function through an As- eralissimo and Madame Chiang and several likesembly of some two hundred members; its pur- minded associates and by the marvelous deliverpose will be to increase. the ecumenical conscious- ance of their leader from deadly peril in captivity, ness among all Evangelical Christians, and to confident hope of a great future for China had promote cooperation among churches of all na- been rekindled. The appointment of Dr. C. T. tions, races and denominations. This Assembly Wang as Ambassador to the United States and the would meet every year and might give informa- visit of the Minister of Finance, Dr. H. H. Kung, tion service through a World Council Journal; to America and many European countries, have it might also promote world-wide conferences, contributed to a mutually helpful international such as those held this summer at Oxford and friendship, but nothing has prevented the out- Edinburgh. It is hoped that this Council would break of a murderous "undeclared war." represent the "voice of united Christendom"- outside the Roman Catholic Church. The first stages of that war in the driving of provincial forces from the neighborhood of Tient- Among the Findings submitted and approved sin and Peiping, though it involved much slaughby the Conference were the following: ter J)f soldiers and civilians and destruction of valuable property such as the progressive Nankai 1. That the Christian Church meet the present University ~t Ti~Iltsin~ have been trifles as comchallenge of the serious economic situation in all Jands and the anti-religious and secularizing movepared with the terrific conflict which broke out on ning to open as usual. The same is presumably August 14 between rapidly gathering Chinese air true of the College of Chinese Studies (Language and military forces and the Japanese warships School) though the number of new missionaries lying at the Hongkew bund portion of Shanghai venturing into North China this autumn may not International Settlement, where they had no right be large. to be. Their position rendered accidents inevitable, and bombs intended for the warships It was intended to list here the missions at work dropped in the settlement, killing hundreds of in the war zone, but since the scope of the war civilian Chinese and several foreigners including increases daily that would be a hopeless and use- Dr. Frank J. Rawlinson, Editor of the Chinese less task. Recorder, and Dr. Robert Karl Reischauer of Princeton, son of the well-known missionary in In sharp contrast with this dismal picture of Tokyo. Since then by air and land and water, strife and hatred stand out the recent picture of Chinese and Japanese have hurled death and de- Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa of Japan, and Dr. C. Y. struction at each other, and attempts have been Cheng of China, smiling radiantly, with arms made and resisted to carry the war to the national about each other's necks. A later photograph capital, Nanking, and other centers of military shows two girl scout leaders-Chinese and Japaconcentration. nese-in a similar attitude. Let us hold fast to our hope that some day the love of Christ will Many are the predictions as to the outcome, constrain these two peoples, so nearly related, to but such prognostication is futile. If "God is al- love one another and engage heartily in mutual ways on the side of the strongest battalions," upbuilding for the service of the world. China will be once more humbled and crippled. There seems to be little or no prospect of a saving THE COMING GENERATION AND intervention by any or all of the other nations; MISSIONS but the new national spirit of the Chinese people, added to their traditional ability to "conquer by The youth of today sometimes criticize the misabsorption," may bring them safely through this sion boards on the ground that youth is ignored in most fiery trial of their recent history. the planning and direction of the work. They claim that the viewpoint of the younger generation is The outbreak having come in midsummer, ignored in religion, while it is sought in business, when many missionaries were absent on vacation, in politics and in social movements. when many had left on furlough and new missionaries had not arrived, the problem of protection All acknowledge that the future of mission work and evacuation has been comparatively small. is vitally linked with the rising generations. It Only a few who occupy key positions on the field is dependent on new life being constantly supare now being returned to China, though some plied, infinitely more than it is dependent on new who had sailed before the crisis became acute will money. probably be diverted to other opportunities for service until the way is open to the old field. The But are the young men and women of this commissions in the Philippines will gladly absorb a ing generation taking an interest in vital Christia'1 large number. At this writing evacuations of work as they are in politics, sport, economics and missionaries have been very few, but the Boards social reform? In how many churches are the and the field agencies are on the alert and pro- youth a strong factor? How much are young peovided with authority and funds to meet all needs. ple as a class willing to sacrifice for the Cause of Except as mentioned above, no missionary lives Christ? How many are ready to do personal work have been lost, or property seriously damaged. on spiritual lines? Are they trained to accept and practice fundamental Christian ideas and stand- It is well to remind ourselves that the situation ards? How many of the present generation of differs widely from that of the Boxer Outbreak students would sacrifice ambition and prospects in 1900. Then, all foreigners were the object of of business advancement to start and carry forannihilative attack by the "Boxers" and the Chi- ward a Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign nese imperial troops; now neither combatant will Missions or a Young People's Missionary Moveintentionally injure the citizens of any neutral ment? Have they the idealism, the courage, the nation. Apart, therefore, from the "accidents of ability, the faith to undertake such work, in face of discouragement and opposition? warfare," the ambassadors of Christ are not considered to be in serious peril. We believe that multitudes of the youth of to- day will respond to this challenge if it is rightly Latest reports from North China state that all presented. They must first be conscious of their is quiet in and near Peiping and that Yenching own debt to Christ and acknowledge His suprem- University northwest of the city and the North acy over their lives. They must realize the need China American School at Tungchow are plan- of the world and the ability of Christ to supply that need. When they see this as clearly as they of Nations. This is the missionary enterprise of the future. see the need for world peace, for social justice, One contributor takes exception to this view, for economic improvement and for better race re- and rightly if we are to be guided by Christ's ideals and objectives as they are presented in the lations, then they will respond as enthusiastically New Testament. This contributor says: and sacrificially to the call of Christ and man's In the early days of the Church there was no social justice. Palestine was seething with social injustice, naspiritual needs as they now do to the call of Marx tionalism, imperialism, absentee-landlordism, cruel taxa- tion, frequent rebellion-but was there not a spiritual life or Hitler or Mussolini for temporal and national in the midst of it? In my experience those who have been the greatest saints have often been those who suffered advancement. There is great encouragement to- most from social injustice. I do not think that the world as we know it will ever be rid of sin, and so I cannot see day in the spirit shown by Christian youth in a hope of our being rid of social injustice. I have not much hope of the coming of a cooperative Commonwealth many colleges and in summer conferences, in so- of Nations in the terms in which we see it today. We are in a time of tremendous chaos in which we cannot yet see cieties and in churches where they find true virile clearly the direction or tell the nature of the new order which will be born, though my own hopes lie in the d:recand spiritual leadership. tion indicated here. I do not, however, regard this as the "missionary enterprise of the future." Missions are con- The missionary cause must be presented wisely cerned primarily with the religious, not with the economic.
to appeal to the youth of today. What kind of a Let the coming generation be stirred to fight courageously against the present-day crime, inmissionary enterprise will students support? is justice, cruelty and selfishness, but the hope for a new and more fruitful day in Christian advance a question recently sent out to colleges by the Stu- is in a youth movement wholly loyal to Christ and led by the Spirit of God. f1ent Volunteer Movement. The Intercollegian and Far Horizons publishes the following answer which was among those received: .
Everywhere and for the most part increasingly, capitalism, communism, fascism and nationalism threaten the welfare of mankind. Nervous breakdowns, depressions, wars-these are all symptoms of a basic economic and moral sickness. Until social justice can be established, spiritual life is impossible. The great hope of the future lies in the development on a world scale of cooperatives and an increasing socializing of the means of production, pointing Ultimately toward a Cooperative Commonwealth RELIGIOUS BODIES AND GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES IN A OOMPARISON OF THOSE REPORTING OVER 50,000 MEMBERS, 1935 AND 1936 Membership 1 Yr. Gain 10 Yr, Gain Membership 1 Yr. Gain 10 Yr, Gain 1936 1936·1935 1936-1926 1936 1936-1935 1936-1926 Baptists (19 Bodies) ….. 10,332,005 140,308 1,890,939 Polish Catholic Church … 186,000 36,000 124,426 Methodist (19 Bodies) .. , 9,109,359 41,798 1,038,740 Church of the Nazarene .. 133,516 5,867 69,958 Lutherans (17 Bodies) … 4,589,660 43,905 646,202 Mennonites (17 Bodies) .. 116,665 4,101 29,491 Jewish (Heads of Families) 4,081,242 Eastern Separate (2 Bodies) 107,675 78,087 Friends (4 Bodies) ….. . 105,917 dl,527 d4,505 Presbyterians (10 Bodies) 2,687,772 6,507 62,488 Protestant Episcopal …. . 1,918,329 21,193 52,243 Church of God (Indiana) . 82,893 364 44,644 Disciples of Christ ….. . 1,602,052 d6,700 224,457 Unitarians …………. . 98,600 38,026 38,448 East. Orthodox (9 Bodies) 1,092,349 94,262 832,955 Federated Churches ….. . 59,977 Congregational & Christian 1,010,776 d2,177 16,285 Scandinavian Ev. (3 Bodies) 55,237 385 6,452 Evangelical and Reformed 849,205 d71,384 173,401 Universalists ……….. . 51,159 68 d3,798 Roman Catholics (whole Lat.-Day Saints (2 Bodies) 777,695 12,981 171,134 Churches of Christ …… . 433,714 family) …………… 20,831,139 221,837 2,226,136 United Brethren (3 Bodies) 428,838 1,073 32,953 Total, Over 50,000 ….. 62,844,012 689,572 8,718,230 Reformed (3 Bodies) … . 366,583 81,958 110,318 Salvation Army …….. . 255,765 d3,336 180,997 Total, Under 50,000 649,024 147,832 271,636 Ch. of Four-Sq. Gospel .. . 257,635 5,255 257,635 Evangelical (2 Bodies) .. . 258,207 9,390 31,678 Church of Christ, Scientist 202,098 Grand Total ……….. 63,493,036 837,404 8,989,866 Population (July, 1936) .. 128,429,000 908,000 11,429,000 Church of God in Christ .. 200,470 170,207 -From The Christian Hemld. Breth. (Dunkers) (4 Bodies) 192,588 1,047 34,484 d Decrease. Adventists (5 Bodies) … . 195,553 5,435 49,376 Assemblies of God …… . 173,349 2,936 125,399
But Unconquered – in
By the REV. JAMES P. LEYNSE, Peiping, China Missionary of the Presbyterian Church, U. s. A.
W ITHOUT even so much as a knock at the "One day in the fall when the 'harvest of the door Mrs. Single Flower Liu, in a sky-blue five grains' was plentiful and people went merrily cotton garment, entered my study and told to their work, a student of the Truth Hall Mission me this story: School of Peiping came to our village elders. His words of new and strange things came freely out "Allow me to use some of your time, Shepherd- of his mouth. At the first watch of the night, teacher. Today, with the wind making many. a when all the people had supped, that young man whirling cloud of dust, there will be a few people would stand preaching in front of the village inn, gathering at the Hall of Glad Tidings. The saying that there is only one God of heaven and' heavens have turned yellow; the earth is almost earth; that the sun and moon belong to all the dark and the sun has only a dim light. Ai, this world; and that all men around the four seas are is truly a good room to come to on such a day; all brethren. It was truly a strange doctrine, but these books of foreign learning are a pleasure to that young man had his stomach full of good behold. I have come to you to speak about the learning and his heart was warm with sympathy. things of my heart. He knew how to speak words acceptably.
"Years ag<J, when through the goodness· of your "One evening when the moonlight was dim, I friends across the foreign sea, you invited me to went stealthily out of the family house and stood become a Christian evangelist, my joy rose to among:st the crowd like a man, so as to hear the Heaven and I determined that some day I should tell you the story of my conversion. Pray, do not student-preacher read ,from his Heavenly Book. weary of my account and do not regard it a hard- His preaching filled my heart with a peace unship to use your pen to write it down. I am but a speakable and I, humble young sister, cried out to humble woman of scanty learning and know how the Living God for help and guidance. In the to write only a few hundred characters of our lan- middle of the night my heart became so heavy guage; I am but nothing to compare with such an within me that I got up from the brick family bed one as you. and bowed myself to the ground before the great God and Creator for the first time in my life. "I was born in the village of the Deep Hill Waters. My ancestral home was favored by the "The next day when the sun had set and the gods with plenty of millet, rice, oil and salt. moon arose I went again to hear about the Way of Though the house was large I had but eight feet Life and to seek salvation. I was like one who of the family brick bed on which to sleep, just as had made her bow in the dark. While listening, everybody else. My highly esteemed grandfather my heart was mirrored before God, and I saw the was a chief priest of the Lotus Goddess and my blackness of my sin. I believed what the preacher uncles were leaders of Buddhist pilgrimages. Yea, said and knew that I was cleansed from my inthey even were active fighters in the great anti- iquity. At that time I was born again, a new Chdstian movement of 1900 when all over the woman, and my heart became settled in quietness land many missionaries and thousands of Chris- and peace. tians were killed. My honorable father was also an ardent Buddhist, who cared for the gods and "Afterwards that young man taught me to pray spent many pieces of good silver to help rebuild and to read the new…style writing. He put the our village temple. And my mother, though only Word of God into my hands and my faith grew a country woman of simple mind, knew all about until it became the most precious thing on the the gods and was a vegetarian for many years to earth to me. I witnessed to my relatives about it please Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Happiness. I but their temper rose hotly within them against myself desired from childhood on to serve the gods this new and strange doctrine. In their hardness of heaven, and with my very flesh and bones I of heart they vowed never to throw a single idol loved to do all that is good. Therefore I was set away nor to forsake the temple. aside to become a 'witch woman' of the group of the Lotus Spirit. "Years went by and my grandparents and par- ents all died, leaving me without proper care and protection. My uncles therefore took me in and [409 ]
filled my ears with many good promises if I only fore I could wean them. For this I bore a thouwould renew my faith in the old temple idols. sand bitternesses-but no more need to be said of They would have adopted me as their own daugh- such things. ter if I had but burned a little incense before the household idols; but I could not do such a thing "One morning, when the spring was young and and displease my Saviour. I was doing the housework, I sang a chorus 'Heaven is my Home.' My sister-in-law hearing "Then my relatives married me into the house- this cried out in great wrath: 'I surely will help hold of Hsu of the Village of the Seven Precious you to ascend to your Heaven.' I was ignorant Things, to a young man I had never seen before, of her intentions and did not in the least suspect nor even heard of. This is the custom of our coun- that she had put poison in the few mouthfuls of try of Central Glory. I was already twenty-two spinach I had with my millet. That night my years of age, and upon my arrival in my new body grew hot with fever and in the morning I home, I learned that my lord and master was but was stiff with cold. I could not utter any speech, a boy of fourteen years. From the first I saw that neither did my eyes see any light, and everybody the look on his face was sullen, yea, even when I said, 'She soon will die.' Hastily they bargained bowed myself three times before him, I knew that for a fiat cart drawn by mules to pull me to the he was a rude thing who did not know a whit of home of my uncles that I might die there. manners. And his relatives acted like him. I had brought with me a bride's box of sheepskin painted "At midday, when the sun was high in the skies red with beautiful trailing clouds. In it I had put and I was lying in the cart rolling hither and my garments of red and blue as a bride always thither on account of the many ruts in the road, has, but also my Bible and hymn book. I had I awoke a little and dreamed a beautiful dream. scarcely been in the house a few hours when the I thought I saw a big ladder reaching from heaven mother of my lord snatched the key out of my to earth and on it an angel came down carrying hand and looked hastily through the box. When medicine and food for my body. When the angel she found my Bible and hymn book, her heart be- was about to touch my heart and heal my body, I came course with anger. She cursed me fiercely cried out, 'Oh, most Gracious One, let there be a and, just as when a dog barks at something a hun- limit to my suffering and let me die in peace.' dred dogs start barking in chorus, all my relatives- Then that one answered saying, 'Not so; it is in-law joined her in reviling me. God's will that you shall live ; be of good courage.' I answered, 'If this truly must be so, grant me "Afterwards I learned that my uncles had sent three requests.' Then that one said, 'Is there anywords of warning about my Christian faith, say- thing too hard for the Lord to do?' I replied, 'See ing that by all means they should drive the evil to it that those to whom I belong allow me to folspirit out of my vitals. They stated that in doing low Christ. Arrange for me that I may study the so it would be considered only a small matter with Bible, and let those who are in authority over me them if they beat me to death. This was the rea- give me freedom to unbind my feet.' Touching my son that, though I was before my young husband forehead the angel replied saying, 'Your requests like a sampan that waits on a steamer, I did not are granted and so shall the Lord do to you.' find favor in his eyes, neither received any kind Straightway my stomach was cured of illness and words from his parents. It was my lord's busi- great peace was within my heart. ness to braid mats and to sell straw shoes but most of the time he was weary from idleness, and "When my uncles saw me entering their home, had much leisure in which to find fault with me. they said, 'How is this strange thing? This sick- ness is not unto death and how is it that her par- The affairs of that home were like the hills, with ents-in-Iaw give themselves the weariness of sendthe even places few and far between. On the day ing her here?' And all the neighbors looking at of my arrival they burned my Bible, hymn book, me said, 'Surely, she will not die and the wages of and tracts in the courtyard before a picture of the the cartman are but wasted.' Then I testified with gods of heaven and earth. But no shouting nor a power which was not my own but of the Holy beating with sticks could induce me to rise from Spirit and there was no one that dared to raise my knees when in the morning and evening I his voice against me because the Lord was at my knelt in prayer to my Saviour. side. In all the months I stayed in my uncle's house my life was as a road of heavenly peace. "Some years passed and to all of the people in The women and children gathered daily in my' the home of my parents-in-law I was like a mirror room to study the Word of God and many a man hung with the glass to the wall. I bore my master stood behind the street door curtain to listen. two children but the words he ever spoke to me were seldom heard. I was beaten so often that "Then one day, when the winds of autumn bemy bruises never disappeared. The measure of gan to blow, my husband stood at the gate and millet, left for me in the cauldron, was so small commanded me to follow him. As there was that my children were weak at birth and died be- nought to do but to walk behind him, I said fare-
BEATEN BUT UNCONQUERED IN CHINA
well to my relatives. All the weary way back to follow him any longer. Finally my relatives sucmy husband's home the tears blinded my eyes and ceeded in satisfying him. The law of our land one by one they dropped on the Bible I carried set me free and even gave me my son to rear, wrapped in my handkerchief. When I arrived though he was the only grandson of the family. within the enclosure of his home my husband Soon afterwards came the complete answer to my grabbed me, bound me with ropes and hung my prayer and I was permitted to study the things body from a beam in the house. Then he and his concerning the Bible in a special school for that mother used sticks and a big whip upon me in a purpose. Now, out of the goodness of your heart, long and fearful way. But I never as much as you have allowed me to be an evangelist to go cried out for mercy. I prayed to my Father in among my own Chinese people with the Gospel of heaven and did count the pain but joy. For many Salvation. Here I am, a lowly servant of Christ months that followed my husband and his brothers Jesus, taking my place in the fields of the harvest and their mother often used big sticks upon me, in this great country." but I always prayed as before and quietly praised my God in whispered songs. A DEAF LADY'S APPEAL TO THE GODDESS OF MERCY "One day they locked the gate of the house and again bound my body by a rope to a beam and By ROBERT B. EKVALL, B.A., F.R.G.S.* beat me until my breath came in gasps. Then my Christian and Missionary Alliance, Kansu mother-in-law urged her son to use a knife on me good and deep so as to cut the evil spirit out of Goddess of Mercy, the incense burns with framy body. In great confused hurry he hunted all grance sweet, over the house for the big kitchen knife, but the God of Heaven blinded his eyes so that he could But sweeter yet if I were not so poor; not find it. Then they all shouted and together The best that I could buy for I am poor. they beat my body with sticks. The pain became Ah, Goddess, hear my prayer. so fierce that I let my voice go out in loud screams. For you can hear. The neighbors heard it and one man climbed over Your ears are not dead stones that numb your head the roof into the courtyard and protested against As mine have been these past five years. their beating me to death. He bowed himself to Ah, Goddess, hear. the ground before my husband and my fatherin-law saying, 'If she has caused you loss of face But maybe now my tongue has lied on account of her disobedience I will repay for her And makes no sound. I wish I knew. sin with this bow. But let there be an end to this Perhaps my voice is dead-and after? thing. We, your neighbors, do not want our street The world is but a picture now; and if to be talked about and we most surely do not want Death dropped the veil, among the spirits the police to inquire about our affairs.' Then they Could a deaf old woman find the way? unbound me and locked me in a small room where No hope beyond, and half lost, stumbling now. frequently someone came in to beat me with a stick. But Christ Jesus strengthened me and was Goddess of Mercy, just one day that I with me in that little room so that I did not starve Might hear. For in the house across the street with the scanty food which was left for me. The foreign lady tells strange things. I know That they are strange, for Mei Nai Nai, "Some time later, on a night when the moon Who has not smiled for twenty years was misty and the clouds were heavy with rain, Till yesterday, cried, and then through tears a kind niece came into the house saying, 'Set forth She smiled, like summer's sun through falling rain. quickly, I have unfastened the gate, the road is Their lips are twisted by strange words; my eyes before you. Why tarry here any longer?' Pray- Are old! I cannot see. And even when ing to the Lord to protect me I ran as long as My son has mouthed the words he finds within the dim moonlight lasted. When the sun arose Their books, they seem so strange. I slept hidden in the fields with my Bible for a A story? But what story makes old hearts young? pillow. After suffering much from hunger and I watch his lips until he points above and says one weariness I safely reached the mission and friendly hands led me to the Industrial School for word. Women. A month later my son was born. As a Goddess of Mercy, let me hear but once that word means to earn something for food and clothing I That I may laugh through tears and feel at peace. gratefully took up making with my hands the colorful things which ladies in foreign lands like My incense ash has dusted all the floor; to put into their homes. The Goddess has not heard. The word-the word- "Boldly my husband came to claim me, threat- Five years too late. I cannot hear. ening to go to court about it when I refused to * Copyright From The Alliance WeeklY.
of Sin Bondage of Sin Allurement of
COLORED POSTIDR NUMBER 7- THE SIN PICTURES The Use of Chinese Gospel Posters I I~- Prepared by R. W. PORTEOUS, Nanchang, Kiangsi China Inland Mission Bible Training Institute SOME four or five years ago at a monthly mis- similar work might be done in all the military hos- sionary meeting, the writer happened to be pitals throughout the country. Instructions were sitting opposite Madame Chiang Kai-shek. immediately issued to all the military authorities She beckoned me to come over and asked if it to welcome Gospel workers in all such hospitals.
would be possible to get the various missionaries Weekly visits have been maintained in all kinds working in the city to unite in an effort to bring of weather and thousands of suffering men have the comfort of Christ's salvation to the wounded thus heard of Him who suffered, the just and the soldiers in the four large military hospitals in unjust, to bring them to God. As Madame Chiang N anchang. so aptly put it, "Be sure and tell them of the One Thus the work which, during the intervening who suffered more than they ever did!" Hundreds years, has been successfully carried on with the of these men have been brought to a definite ac- blessing of God, began with weekly visits to each ceptance of the message of life in Christ. Not a hospital. On receiving the fi~st annual report, few have died rejoicing in their new-found Sav- Madame Chiang wrote expressing the desire that iour. One or two hundred more have openly con- [412 ]
THE USE OF CHINESE GOSPEL POSTERS
fessed Christ as their Saviour before their offi- one, whose face beamed with happiness, said, "I cers, and several have taken a definite public stand am praying to God three times every day, in the for Him. Now the military prison is being visited morning, and at midday, and in the evening."
weekly by three groups of missionaries; through Here is another incident. On entering a small the generosity of the Bible Societies each of the ward, we found a very sick man, an officer, to' 600 to 700 prisoners have received cloth-bound whom we spoke a few words of co:r:nfort and help. pocket Testaments. Scores of these men are be- The following week we called in to see him again, ing brought to definite decision at the weekly Gos- and found his wife, who was a Christian, at his pel meetings held in the prison. bedside. The patient being slightly better, we Gospel and Wounded Soldiers* were able to have a longer conversation with him and, before we left, he said, "I will believe. Pray In addition to the United Gospel Service held weekly, which all attended who were able to be about, we also had the privilege of visiting the more serious cases in the wards. As we went our round amongst these poor sufferers, many showed great interest in the Gospel and, at times, as we bent over some sufferer, we would hear him say, "Yes, I am praying to Jesus." There were a num- ber of exceptionally bright cases of conversion and several died confessing Christ as their Sav- iour. One young man looked up into the face of the worker who enquired how he was, and said, "No, I do not want food. All I want is Jesus."
One poor fellow, lying on his bed in a state of extreme exhaustion was too far gone to speak, we were told. After several of the other sick ones in that ward had been spoken to, we sang a hymn, followed by a few words of explanation. Suddenly from one of the beds a man called out in quite a loud voice, "I believe on the Lord Jesus." Look- ing round, we found to our amazement that the words came from the lips of this dying man, whom we had been told was too ill to speak. Later on we had a conversation with him, and felt assured il~~.1that his faith was real.
Another case was that of a man who heard the Gospel before he had joined the army, but it was ~J.~J.' only during his stay in the hospital that he de- cided for Christ. As we were bending over a bed ………-., ~f&~~A·-t to speak to a sick man, a voice behind us said, "I …………. believe." Turning around, we found this man who was looking exceedingly weak and ill. He POSTER NO. I-THE DOUBLE FACE smiled and said, "I have read the books you gave me, and now I am trusting the Lord Jesus for salvation. I know He died on the Cross for my for me, and pray with me." On our next weekly sins." He went on to tell us much more, and we visit, as we entered the ward, the dear man's face were amazed at the understanding of the truth he beamed with joy as he said, "I do believe. I am had acquired in so short a time. trusting the Lord for salvation." After we had prayer with him, he himself prayed and gave We were standing in the ward when we saw a thanksgiving to God for all His mercy in saving man beckoning to us. He was very sick with his soul, and granting him remission of sins. His fever, and unable to speak coherently but after a words came feebly, for he was still suffering time we understood that he had attended one of greatly, but we know how well-pleasing to the our Gospel meetings, and now asked if we would Lord such a prayer must have been. A few days pray with him. A patient in the next bed re- later, as we paid our usual visit to the same hosmarked, "He knows how to pray himself. He has pital, we hurried in to see this friend, but instead always prayed before having his food I" Another • From The Chinese Recorder. of being met with his welcoming smile we saw
•..l -«- -itt A ~ ffJ h…, . ,f~ :~ 1 rt ~ 1 NUMBER 2-THE GRACE POSTE'R NUMBER 9-THE TRAIN POSTE'R that his bed was empty; and bedding and every- an excellent method of presenting the Gospel mes- thing else had been removed from it. On enquir- sage to old and young, especially to the illiterate ing from one of the patients near by, we heard in the unreached country districts. The Evan- that he had passed away two days previously. gelistic Bands, mostly supported by local Kiangsi churches, have found them just the thing they One of our workers who was looking around need to grip and hold the attention of those whom the ward, trying to find one of the patients he had they are seeking to interest in the Gospel message. spoken to previously, who had confessed to hav- ing received salvation, was addressed by one of The following is a description of posters pub- the soldiers who said to him, "You are looking for lished during the past six months: So-and-so, but he has gone. As he was dying, he knelt on his bed in prayer before us all." No. 1. The Smiling or Double Face. Showing the blessedness of the man whose sin is forgiven, A great help in this effective and intensive whose iniquity is covered. The face turned round evangelism has been the visualizing of the truths shows sadness. There is "no peace" to the wicked. of the Gospel by means of large, specially pre- pared, illustrated Gospel posters in various colors. No.2. The "Grace" Character. Showing the Christian workers elsewhere have expressed a de- word for "Grace," on the cross which stands at the sire to have these posters published, and over fork roads of life and death. The poster bears twenty have been put through the press; thou- the text: "We have all sinned and come short of sands of these are now in circulation throughout the glory of God." The question is asked, "Friend, China and most encouraging reports are reaching which road are you traveling." us from field workers of our own and other mis- sions. They tell of their usefulness in attracting No.3. The Joy Spring Poster. Showing a the crowds in the marketplaces and country vil- mountain scene with bamboo trees, some of which , lages, also in the city churches, Gospel halls and are cut down and used as water pipes to bring thE: streets. The revival poster was used to stir up fresh mountain spring water down to supply the the Christians in one district to pray for revival needs of the family. The text is: "Now may the and led to a time of real blessing. God of peace fill you with all joy and peace in be- lieving (the water pipe which keeps the Chris- Our student Preaching Bands, sent out from tian filled) that ye may abound in hope through Bible Training Institute in twenty to thirty groups the power of the Holy Ghost." during the past five years have found these posters
Foward Evangelism Posterst NUMBER 8-INVITATION: "COME"
No.4. Large Clock Poster. A clock hung on a large and will look up." Then the prayer in large characters, red cross with the hands pointing to God's hour; "Now "0 Lord revive Thy work and begin in me." is the accepted time." No. 12. True Happiness Poster. This poster is specially No.5. Tke Christian's Two Wings. A mountain scene, designed to take the place of the empty characters diswith one eagle flying, wings outspread, on which is shown played in the homes of the people at the New Year time. the Chinese characters for prayer and Bible study. The The large character which hangs on the Cross, bears the other eagle, perched on the ground trying to fly with only Gospel message in a nutshell. (John 3: 16.) At each one wing, on which is written "Prayer" in Chinese, show- corner there are in four characters, "He that believeth ing how both wings are necessary to become a (soaring) shall be saved." spiritual Christian. Special Offer. A sample copy of each of our local posters, 12 in No.6. The Fundamental Truths of the Gospel. Show- all, will be sent' post free in China only to any address on receipt ing a large "Fuh" (Happiness) character in front of the of $1.0(} either in stamps or C. 1. M. Note. cross, with descriptive sentences of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension.
No.7. The Sin Pictures. Three pictures on one poster: The deceitfulness of sin-a spider's web with insects caught in it.
A prisoner behind the bar, showing the bondage of sin. A black horse galloping towards a precipice-the dan- ger of sin.
No.8. Large character posters (size, 30×22 inches). Price, 5 cents each.
The character for "Come," printed in three different colors, with suitable texts, "Come unto Me," etc.
The character for "Righteousness" in three different colors, with appropriate explanations.
Orders may be sent with stamps or cheque to the Secretary, Bible Training Institute, C. 1. M., Nauchang, Ki.
Sets of Children's Posters, prepared by Miss Florence Luton, size 30×22 inches. Price, 10 cents each; or $1.00 per set of 10 in four colors.
No.9. The Train PostM', showing a man bound to railway track-descriptive of the danger and binding power of sin. The train judgment is seen approaching.
No. 10. Tke Boiling Kettle Poster. Showing a steaming hot kettle with a glowing fire underneath. The locomotive originally came out of the kettle, but as in every country, so in every church, locomotives-outstanding preachersare none too numerous. There is need, however, for a boiling kettle-a red hot witness for Christ-in every home.
No. 11. A Revival Prwyer Poster. Showing a Christian at prayer with his open Bible before him; the clock above him is pointing to 5 a. m. A scroll by the clock bears the verse, "In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee t Just published. New Gospel posters prepared by the Nanchang Bible Institute. C. 1. M.• Nanchang, Kiangsi; 42×30 inches; printed in three to four colors; ten cents each.
THE COLPORTEUR TO THE RESCUE Colporteur Lee Hiap Loong in Malaya reports that one day he met an old Hakka lady. He asked her to buy the Scriptures, but she gave no answer, scolding him instead, so he turned away. About a month later he visited the same place, and seeing four young chicks had fallen into the drain, he picked them out. They happened to belong to the old lady, who came out just at that moment and thanked him. She asked if he was still selling the Scriptures, and bought a Mandarin New Testament. Later she went to his house for interviews, and afterwards joined the Church, throwing her idols into the sea.-Fr01n the British and Foreign Bible Society Report.
in the Papuan
The Report of a Recent Trip Among Raw Heathen in the Abau District By RUSSELL W. ABEL, Kwato, Papua * Missionary of the Kwato Mission of Papua LTESS than two years ago (in November, 1935) ney from here on the way to Abau which we at Mr. Cecil Abel of the Kwato Mission, with a length reached on the third day. team of Papuan Christian evangelists visited After which a two and a half hours' journey the unevangelized villages of the Abau or Dore- round the beacons brought us finally to the man- vaidi district of Southeastern Papua. They found grove belt, in a clearing of which is tucked the the people steeped in murder, sorcery, warfare, little station Duram. Here the advance team that filth and many forms of sin. The response of .left Kwato ten days earlier and including Davida, some to the Gospel message was remarkable, espe- Merari, Alice and others, were awaiting us. They cially as these ignorant and degraded primitive had held camps at Segini-a group of villages of people saw and heard what Christ had done for "bush" people, about 700 in all, living up the Rob- their fellow Papuan members of the Christian inson River-and Ganai, a salt-water village of team. Five chiefs asked to return to Kwato with coastal Mailu-speakers. They had had a hard time Mr. Abel in order that they might see for them- at both places. At Segini the people simply took selves the results of the Gospel in the villages to to their heels at the approach of the campers.
the east. They came, they saw and were con- They camped away in their gardens and sent mes- quered by the evidences of the love and power of sages to say: Christ. (See September, 1936, REVIEW.) Then "We don't want missionaries. Weare ignorant they returned to their own villages to tell what Kunikas (bushmen). If you come you will doubt- they had seen and to try to win their people to the less make us wise. What then? Then the Gov- new Way of Life. ernment will say, 'These are not ignorant bush Here is the report of a subsequent trip made by people, they are mission people.' Then we shall Mr. Russell Abel and a Papuan team last May be made to pay taxes like the salt-water people."
when they visited the new district of Keveri and They had thought it all out. They reckoned it revisited the Dorevaidi villages. It is a story of was just a ruse, and they weren't having any!
modern wonders of the power of God to awaken (It should be explained that bush pepole, not hav- and transform ignorant savages through the work ing any means of making money, are exempt from of the Holy Spirit and the simple testimony of taxes.) Christian believers. What would be the results At Ganai it was the same. In the middle of the if such signs were always following those who be- village stands the dubu (temple) with its deeply lieve and follow Christ in America and other parts concave roof and almost vertically pointing gables.
of this disturbed and sin-stricken world! Mr. Within its dark recesses were incarcerated three Russell Abel reports: youths, initiates undergoing their period of seclu- Our team was a motley one, including Frank sion. These ceremonies are accompanied by Briggs (.a white visitor), Tiraka and a number feasts. It may be that the arrival of a team at of Kwato boys, village folk from different parts such an inopportune moment Was a cause of em- of Milne Bay and eleven young fellows from Bu- barrassment. However, the result was the same.
hutu Valley. Splendid workers the latter proved "We don't want you here," they said. "What to be-alert, disciplined, and experienced in per- good are you? Do you offer to pay our taxes for sonal work. Strangely enough a number of them us? No. Do you make our gardens grow any had never even been to Kwato, though they had better? No."- thoroughly assimilated all that Kwato stands for Nevertheless the guidance was for a week-end in the Christian life and testimony. We picked camp back at Ganai, which was held with very up the Buhutu contingent at Konemaiawa, the different results as will be seen.
nearest port of call for Buhutu, and a day's jour- We spent a day of preparation in Duram, dur- ing which the plan became clear to us-our vari- Ne•wThYeoArkm; erW icaanlteHreaMdqcuDaorutgerasll,ofTtrheiassumriesrs.ion is 156 Fifth Avenue, ous responsibilities allocated, and our swags and [416 ] provisions apportioned and packed in readiness. summit of a round-topped hill. A river bordered- One team was to make for Dorevaidi, and one for by trees wound in and out between the hills and Keveri. A third team, including the girls, was across the valley. From our height our boys to spend the week-end at Ganai, and then await eagerly speculated on suitable sites for football word from us before proceeding inland. We were grounds,! Some, really too modern for words, uncertain about what accommodation there would tried to decide upon the best place for a landing be. In fact we were entirely uncertain as to what ground for future aeroplanes! Papua, 1937. lay ahead, except that there was great opposition We returned~all tiredness gone, it is true-to to the Mission in Keveri, ;:tnd that heathen feasts the preparation of our evening meal. and dances (fertility rites) were in full swing in the district, which we learned at Abau, and which Some of the boys wandered up another track, made it still more unpropitious a time to be going which led to a tiny bush village. There were inland. A MUD BESMEARED WIDOW OF THE So we went! KEVERI DISTRICT Sunrise next morning found us aboard the K wato, rounding the beacons on the way to Abau, only two women at home, the rest of the inhabiand threading up the Babaguina River. We had tants having gone to a dance some distance away. morning tea on board, put the Ganai team ashore They told the women we were missionaries. at Ganai, half way up the river, and ourselves further up where the Keveri trail begins. By "Any white men with you?" 10 a. m. we were strung out in a long line, through "Yes." the Babaguina Plantation, and into the forest. "Who? Cecelo or Raso?" (Cecil and Russell We crossed a range of hills. Frank shot a young Abel.) wild boar, and at length we landed on a wide I was thrilled when I heard this, and from river bed (the Godoquina) on the other side of that moment felt no longer a stranger in a the range, at sundown, glad by then to call it a strange land. It was lovely to be known by day. We bathed in the icy, swift-flowing river, name, and in such unfamiliar surroundings. As cooked and demolished the pig, and parked our- we sat down to our meal we kept hearing furtive selvesl under the stars for the night. The next noises in the bush, a twig cracking, a faint rustle. morning, after a very helpful meeting together, We started calling, "Who is there? Is it a perwe set off again, and walked all day. son? Don't be afraid. We are Kwato mission- Two days tramp, boring further and further aries. If it is a person come out and see us." inland, up the stony bed of a rushing torrent, Presently a man cautiously emerged from the over another steep range (3,000 feet), and not a darkness into the light of our hurricane lantern. trace of humanity did we see. Just empty bush He was followed by two women, wrapped in country-miles of it. At sundown we called a bark-cloth blankets, peering over his shoulders. halt at a little clearing in the forest where a rough "barracks" had been erected. We threw ourselves upon the ground. Some started to light a fire and cook our rice. Two or three boys strolled off into the bush. In two minutes they were back, wild with excitement, and shouting, "Weare there! The open Keveri country is close to hand, miles of bare country." They begged us to come and see. "Oh, we are too tired," some of us said.
"Your tirednes,s will disappear when you see this wonderful sight. Ours did!"
We were carried away by their enthusiasm, and all jumped up and followed them up the hill. Suddenly the forest ended and miles of rolling, grassy country opened up to view. It was an exhilarating sight,and utterly unlike Papua. Our lads, never having seen anything but land heavily clothed in deep forest, found it breathtaking. The sun had set and delicious cool breezes swept up the hillsides, rippling the grass. In the distance was a little village perched on the
.One had an infant hoisted on her head. We Bolubaba. He is having a hard time. The peomade great friends with them, and eventually ple of his village have threatend his life and told pursuaded them to share our meal, which they him that if I, or Cecil, or anyone from Kwato appreciated. A shower ended our chat over a visits their village they will kill us. broad leaf piled with rice, and we scrambled into the rickety barracks, where we sang choruses We mounted a steep hill, on a shoulder of which and ended the day with a time of prayer and was perched the fenced village of Bolubaba. praise. There was Elebe, smiling welcome, and thrilled to recognize the members of the team he had met Early next morning we were strung out once at Kwato. Elebe had been led to believe that we more in a long line, crossing the grassy un- were coming and that he was to build a house in dulating Keveri plain. The road wound between readiness. Fortunately Elebe had acted on this conical hills. What villages we saw were perched guidance with the result that in the circle of dirty, on the summits of these hills. Our dinner guest crowded houses was wedged a nice, brand-new of the previous evening joined us as guide, and one, on high stilts, with a little balcony in frontmade himself quite one of the party (a -couple all ready for our occupation. The people were of days, later he was already embarked on the very friendly, and brought stacks of sugar cane Christian life). Women seeing us coming miles of the sweetest, juiciest variety. away, ran up the hills nearest the road, and called down to us as we passed: For the next three days we lived in this heathen village. The inhabitants, are continually sucking "Who are you? Where are you going? Who sugar cane, and throw the chewed refuse over the are the white men?" fence. This bred flies in millions and we could hear a constant hum in the background, like a dis- To this our guide responded: "Missionaries. tant organ. Everything in our little hut was Bolubaba. Raso and his friend. They say, 'Come crawling with flies. and see us at Bolubaba!' " The most curious feature of Keveri men is the On hearing we were missionaries they shouted, custom of wearing seven or eight smooth, horny "Agutoi!" (greetings) the Suau word which they tails from the backs of their heads. These are learned when Cecil and the first team came in- fixed on to the actual hair, permanently, and bound land and visited them eighteen months ago. Fur- tightly in leaf. The whole bunch of tails is then ther along two tall, well-built men, clad in the kept carefully covered with a wrapper that pulls scantiest scraps of bark-cloth, waylaid us and on backwards over the head. A little rattan halo seemed really glad to see us. One, an influential crowns the headdress, with tufts or sprays of casman and the heir of a village chief, said: sowary feathers· at the sides, and a fringe of stiff fibres frames the forehead. Over the fringe is "Cecil talked with me when he was here. He worn the shell homicidal ornament, which begins taught me how to pray to God and I have prayed at the right temple, crosses over the forehead like ever since." a bandeau, and hangs swinging down the left side to the knee. The cap or tail covering is tarred a (This, man is now converted and is coming to shiny black with a filthy mixture of wild syrupy Kwato for training.) honey and soot. And bodies are also shined up with a lacquering of sticky honey! This is in lieu This seems to have been a tactic of Cecil's, as of oil which, like salt, is a commodity entirely lackwe met several who told us this. Groping up- ing inland. The men are murderers. We looked wards toward God, through their ignorant into faces that appeared to be utterly bad. It prayers, had given the Holy Spirit His chance to would be hard to imagine a worse set of ruffians get into their hearts, and we found these marvel- than the male population of Balubaba, taken at lously ready. To others our words were unin- its face value. telligible, but in those, however heathen, who had prayed, there was a responsive chord. In Women seemed to be outnumbered by men, and some way prayer had meant something to them, we were pained to learn that tiny girls were alas they tried to tell us in limited, pidgin Motu, ready wives, and sadly enough wives of grisly old it had made them "feel sweet inside." They men; poor little drudges, cheated of childhood, wanted to know more. One man told me with and working like miniature old women at garden~ bated breath that he knew a little about God; he ing, carrying firewood, peeling and cooking. had been praying secretly, and it had made him strong. Now he is praying openly. Heathen though life in this village appeared, there was at the same time a bright and constant We were making for Bolubaba, Elebe's village. witness by Elebe and two men whom he has won. This man and a friend from further inland, spent These three let what light they had shine out. three months at Kwato, about six months ago, Every time strangers arrived they talked to or and returned, having been converted. Then silence engulfed them. The friend is entirely alone at a village about three days' walk from
EXPERIENCES IN THE PAPUAN BUSH
prayed with them. Often you would hear the "Why had we come?" murmur of prayer in some part of the village. Most important to all of them was the ques- Someone was being taught to look up. Women, tion, "Did we put a travatu–ban or taboo-on starting off for their gardens in the morning, their ceremonies, dances, headdress? If not, would first find one of these men and ask him to should they continue with the festivities that pray with them before they left. The women night? Would it be safe for them to do so?" seemed singularly ripe soil, poor souls. Chris- "Safe?" I queried, "What do you mean by tianity will be all gain to them. Morning and eve- that?" ning prayers were quite an institution in the vil- Well, they explained, if they went, in the face lage, although the antagonism of Mura, the chief, of our disapproval, would we make a prayer to made this difficult. Apart from the above three in- God and bring down His wrath upon them? quirers, there were a few people secretly intrigued There was great fear of this, and it was on this by the "New Way," but afraid of the others. that they really wanted our opinion. There seemed to be open disgust and impatience with the little handful of pioneers. Elebe is quite A KWATO TEAM WORKER AND A NEW CONused to unpopularity now. This was the situation VElRT FROM THE I NTERIOR OF PAPUA we seemed to find everywhere in Keveri. I replied that we had not come to make a lot of When Cecil Abel made his first brief tour of the taboos, or interfere with their affairs. We had district eighteen months ago the people had lis- brought a new kind of life altogether in which God tened attentively to all that the team had had to is our Master and we obeyed Him. They had not say. Many felt glad at the thought of an end of taken that step yet, and so were free to follow the old ways, and hoped the Mission would tame their own wishes. We said that God wanted them them and that killing would stop. But this respon- to turn to Him, not ignore Him. Probably when siveness was soon dispelled by wild reports cir- they changed they would not want many old cusculated as to the awful things it was alleged would toms any more, but in any case there was no happen if people started following the "New Way." "ban." These yarns eventually reached the Government ears and were attributed to distortions on the part This was the answer we felt led to give them, of converts from Dorevaidi (the adjacent inland but they were not quite satisfied. There were at district), misrepresenting what they had learned. least six men, three in Bolubaba, and three from I found no mystery whatever about the origin of other villages with whom some of the team had these stories, and traced them largely to three already had talks, and who were known by all to men, die-hards of the old Papua. They were all be openly "seekers." prominent in the feast and fertility rites that were taking place. Pr6bably the fear that the new "What about them?" the people asked. "Were ideas would upset the ancient traditions and cus- they coming to the feast?" "Well," I said, "I'm toms in which they were important personages, not stopping them. Ask them." made them kick all the more. Anyone, they said, who joined the "New Way" would die. Their gardens would not bear. If they decorated themselves, God would be angry and make the sun wax hot and scorch them to death. There were many other predictions, quite unrepeatable and descending to the ludicrous and the obscene. These primitive, superstitious people with their continual "touch wood" outlook on life, were frightened, and felt it safer to have nothing to do with the new missionary "medicine."
Many of them had very foggy ideas as to what we were. They seemed to regard the Mission as a kind of "government," unarmed, but in league with the unseen, which is far more terrifying to primitives than police, or a term in gaol. Without experiencing this, no one quite feels himself a complete man.
The first afteroon they all crowded round with straightforward questions, which I thought was a sign of intelligence.
One and all refused to go or let their wives go. wouldn't take all this trouble. And we are all too With regard to the latter there was no uncertainty occupied with our old customs even to come and whatever. Why? They said: listen to what you want to bring us."
"All that is darkness. We want you to show us I was quite taken back. The man's conscience light." was pricking; the Holy Spirit was working.
Elebe had thrown away all his sorcery para- The next morning nothing would induce him to phernalia. Some wanted to do likewise. The cere- go back to the long drawn-out festivities. The mony was full of sorcery, and other things for next evening he had given himself to Christ and which all the new converts lost their taste. was drinking in eagerly all we could teach him of the "New Way," and was himself taking part in .a By now the village was ,crowded and the din meeting. If you could have seen the contrast, the was great. There were children everywhere, and unlikelihood, humanly speaking, of such a thing women busy with cooking the evening meal in happening, you would be able to marvel, as we ingenious ovens of hot stones. Out came drums marveled, at the mighty power of God, who hears and headdresses, and conceited youths, eaten up and answers prayer. with pride in themselves, swanked about in their glory, danced, flaunted their feathers, and dis- The next day was the extra day we were led to charged their surplus energy on their drums. spend at Bolubaba. It coincided with the monthly Day of Prayer at Kwato. Many all over the world I asked a small boy, with a daub of red paint on were praying with us specially on that day. It his nose, whether he would like to come to Duram was a glorious day of witness and God gave us for a while and go to school. He swaggered up many opportunities on every hand to talk to peoand down among the crowd, looking comical with ple individually of Him and His way of life for bright red nose, shouting, "I'm going to Duram! them. We entered the people's houses freely, and I'm going to be a missionary!" although a few seemed impatient, most welcomed us and gave us the feeling that a great harvest Suddenly all decided it was time to clear off to was about to be reaped. That afternoon I was the scene of the night's revels, a little village privileged to be present at a little meeting of higher up the hill where food was displayed from Keveri converts – some could only just be called stands and trees, like a harvest thanksgiving. The that-and it was a joy to hear them sharing for drums accompanied a complete abandon to animal the first time their new experiences, and the thrillspirits all through the night. ing first steps that they were being guided to take.
The following day we spent in an empty village We had some good public meetings, in which I -that is to say empty except for the little handful refuted, or tried to, the wild rumors that had been who were occupied with higher things than the connected with our aims in coming among them. parade of world, flesh and devil that was going on The testimony of the Buhutu members of our team elsewhere. We had good talks with these few, but was a great help. They were able to tell a woncould not help feeling we had cornea long way to derful story of what had happened in their own visit a ring of empty houses. "bush" district, of communal life collapsing through fear of sorcery; of villages scattered We were convinced that we were to fight this through internal hatreds, and of the big change situation with prayer, and not accept defeat. We when individuals began letting God into their prayed for those dancers, asking God to bring hearts and lives; of the new, reconstructed life of them to an end of themselves, to satiation and to Buhutu with its flourishing, progressive villages stir them to some vision of the futility of the old controlled by God. They told the story well and degrading life. We prayed until we felt sure of made it personal as they told of their own inditwo things: first that we, that is the few of us vidual part in an this, their own surrender to who were passing through, should remain at Bolu- Christ. These converted "bush" lads were keen baba another day, and second, that all defeatism to do their part in the camp, and an important and any barriers in us had been surrendered and part it was. God's peace filled us instead. The end of this story has still to be told, as I The day wore on with its deserted, "Sunday-in- was only a member of a sort of "flying squad," Scotland" air, but that evening things began to making a hurried round. We set off from there, happen. We were settling down to our evening leaving the main team to carryon, to be reinmeal when a man returned from the feast caned forced later by Davida's team who were working me out. He wanted to apologize for his behavior, up towards Keveri from the Dorevaidi direction. and seemed most upset. We set our faces towards Dorevaidi, passing a filthy, dirt-strewn village where a feast had been "Why, what have you done?" I questioned. held, and later another village, Mukawala, where "Oh," he said, "this is the first time you have ever been to Keveri, and we all cleared out and left you. You have come all this way to teach us something. It must be something great, or you
festivities were in full swing. (They celebrated in The village and its inhabitants are clean; flower a different village each night.) This village too gardens are in front of the houses and a cleanwas in a filthy state, and the jaded crowd gath- swept air made us want to rub our eyes and make ered there looked worn out. They had been at it sure we were seeing straight. all night and looked fed up. Food lay about everywhere, and on a tall tripod where it had been dis- We were given a warm-hearted welcome. At played were still hanging gruesome-looking black- Keveri we had bought all our food from the nasmoked kangaroo-shrivelled and contorted, and tives, rather than have to carry supplies all the coils of smoked python. There were a lot of young way. At Bolubaba we had had a daily hoi-hoi fellows there, poor lads with evil faces, destined (market) when they had brought taitu (food) to for something far better. I compared them with be exchanged for salt. The food was poor, the some of the youth at Kwato, Sariba, Milne Bay good stuff having been devoted to feasting. Now and Bohutu. They were very cordial. We greeted at Ukoudi when women rolled up with net bags them all and hurried on our way as we had a long full of very excellent sweet potato and taro, as a march ahead. I prayed as I walked that God matter of course I opened the swag, and delved would capture the youth of Keveri, and show us for salt to pay them. how to train our own youth into an army of evangelists for the inland frontier. In response to my "Oh," they said reproachfully, "this isn't hoiprayer God gave me a distinct vision about this. hoi. This is our gift. We want you to feel that Three youths running after us asked me about this is your village too. All our food is yours." their dancing. From then onwards-and we stopped at Dore- "Why," they asked, "don't the 'changed ones' vaidi, Nebulu, Makaca and Kurondi and Domara join us?" -not once did we have to buy food. It was heaped upon us at each place and we did not know Elebe was with us so I asked him, "When you how to get through it. were at Kwato did anyone tell you not to dance?" I cannot describe the change, the difference, in "No," he replied. these villages. Dorevaidi is now like a well-run "Then why didn't you join last night? These mission station. The things one noticed first were boys want to know." cleanliness and discipline, and children playing- Elebe thought for a while, then smiled and a lovely sight that made one feel the Lover of chilpointed upwards. He added, "I have no wish to dren was there. We spent two nights at Dorego back to an that." (He would not leave his wife vaidi in a beautiful big house especially built for in that village for a moment-even in the day- the Mission, and had some great times with the time.) people. The reason why things are going ahead there is that the Christians are constantly on the I told them that God had a far better life for job, linking up with other villages further on. them and they were the ones to lead Keveri out of the old ruts and to take the "New Life" to new The farthest outpost is now Orodei, two days' districts. I said we didn't ban those things. journey beyond Dorevaidi, and we are expecting There was no need to. the first converts from Orodei to arrive at Kwato for training. "Wait till you are changed," I said, "you will have not time for such things then. Your lives Two men from Keveri came straight down to will be too full of real things. Like Elebe you the coast, to return to Kwato with us. One was will find, when you give yourselves to God, that the chief of Bolubaba, Mura, who has been a hot you won't care about an that. There is no ban opponent, and whom I was led to invite. To the for you. The only law we have who follow the amazement of all he consented to come. The 'New Way' is to obey God. That does not apply other man was a complete surprise, and the sequel to you yet." to our prayers for Mukawala. Apparently imme- diately after we had left that village the chief I reminded them that whether their tribes pro- leader of ceremonies also left. He announced that gressed, or remained chained to old things, de- he was sick of the whole business and was going pended on them, and prophesied that one day to Bolubaba to find something better. His friends they would open the way for God over those hills quarreled violently about this, but he said, inland. They looked wistful. "Why is it that people have come from every vil- Please pray that prophecy to its fulfilment. lage on the Keveri side for this feast and none We marched through the forest for two hours from Dorevaidi side? Because they are too busy and we emerged upon the village of Ukoudi. Here with new things while we are wasting our time a surprise awaited us. This is a new Christian with old rubbish." village that has recently been entirely rebuilt. The contrast with Mukawala we found a bit sudden! So he walked out on his own party and is now There are fine big houses, facing a lovely river. learning God's will for Mukawala at Kwato.
TO NEW FIELDS IN THE ANGLO-EGYPTIAN
Work in Ethiopia and the Sudan By TOM LAMBIE, M.D., Sc.D., F.R.G.S.
Missionary of the Sudan Interior Mission DECENT events in Ethiopia have emphasized A few months ago things in Ethiopia looked dis- ~ anew the unwillingness of the Roman Cath- couraging while recent reports are more prom- olic Church to countenance the presence of ising. We must be patient and see. In the mean- Protestant mISSIOnaries in countries dominated time there has been much disruption in Protestant by their influence. We can understand this feel- mission work. According to our latest reports ing although we do not sympathize with it. thirty-five of Sudan Interior missionaries are to be permitted to stay but these are less than half There seems to be some agreement between the Papal hierarchy and Fascist Rome; but there are of the force two years ago. This Mission, which also points of disagreement between them. The has united with the Abyssinian Frontiers Mission, desire to expel Protestant missionaries from cen- has decided to open a new work on the Anglo- tral Ethiopia may be inspired from the Vatican Egyptian Sudan side of the Abyssinian border in but Fascist Italy may also desire to have none but fulfilment of a former expectation. Italian subjects in Ethiopia, because they might interfere with a strict dictatorship. Mus'solini When Dr. Roland V. Bingham and the writer visited the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan last March the· would like to have things his own way without any Governor-General, Sir Steward Symes, in his first adverse comments from non-Italians. While such sentence remarked: "You do not need to convince an exclusive policy remains in force it makes me of the benefits of Christian missions. I have Protestant missionary work difficult if not impos- seen them at work and am convinced of their sible; even French and other non-Italian Catholic value."
missionaries have been expelled. Two weeks in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was [422 ]
THE CONQUERING POWER OF CHRIST
much too brief a time for a real survey, but we the missionaries who are rendered homeless by were able to make a trip to the Blue Nile and the Italian occupation of Abyssinia. We hope to southern Fung area in a Ford V-8. South of open stations at once at Wisko and Kurmuk. The Khartoum we saw the Gezira irrigated area where latter town is on the Abyssinian border. Gedaref, thousands of acres are being cultivated to grow Kassala, Gallabat and other populous areas are some of the finest cotton in the world. This area on the Sudan Abyssinian border and are accessible was desert a few years ago. by train and motor car.
Wad Medami is a thriving city; farther south The whole area, from the Red Sea westward to are Singa and Sennaar; large villages, practi- Nigeria, is practically without Christian witness. cally all Mohammedan, dot the landscape. Still The United Presbyterians have missions at Kharfarther south, we traveled into the tropical forest toum and on the Sobat River; the Church Miswhere thorny trees are interspersed with enor- sionary Society workers are at Omdurman and in mous baobab trees, fantasic leafless giants which the far south; the Sudan United Mission workers are among the most curious trees in the world. are at Melut and .the Nuba Mountains. These are Still farther south, about seventy miles from only bright spots on an immense expanse of un- Roseires and only thirty or forty miles from Abys- evangelized territory. sinian border, are the Inghesana hills with curious rock formations like dolmans; here a range We flew from Khartoum to Kano, from the Nile of hills rises to a heighth of two thousand feet to the Niger, and until almost at the end of the above the flat Sudanese plain. journey, Maidukuri in Nigeria, a distance of nearly two thousand miles, we did not pass over On the sides of these hills and in the valley live any mission station. From Khartoum to Red Sea the Inghesana people from whom the hills take we would not have passed over any, excepting at their names. They are simple farm people who Khartoum itself. grow Kaffir corn in large quantities and have fine cattle. From the dom palm trees they gather What a privilege to have fellowship with our enormous quantities of dom nuts, the kernels of Lord in sacrificial service. This is not an easy which are intensely hard vegetable ivory. field, and we would urge no one to offer them- selves for service here unless they are prepared to These people are without any knowledge of sacrifice and endure hardships. Christ or in the ways of European civilization. If let alone they will soon become Islamized. To We covet your prayers and fellowship as we these people we are planning to go, with some of once more go forward in His Name.
The Conquering Power of Christ L _.o~ By PROFESSOR JULIUS RICHTER, Berlin, GermanYII~o,- O NCE more in our times there is an all-world in a few years or decades. They forget that none discussion of the greatest powers at dis- of these past empires have outlasted even a single posal of the human race. There are four generation; they were similar to Daniel's great different views. image, of imposing brightness yet with clay feet, and a single great stone cut out without hands, One group regards military armaments for smote the image upon his feet' of iron and clay land, sea and air as the greatest force; they lose and broke them to pieces. The iron, the clay, the sight of what has been so irrefutably proved by brass, the silver and the gold were broken to the Great War: that a sudden change of com- pieces and became like the chaff of the summer binations can cause such a transformation of the threshing floors! opposing fronts to emerge that all former calculations are void and futile. Others again think of money as the greatest power. Yet no country was ever able to amass Others think that if some great military genius, such riches of gold and silver and diamonds as like Alexander the Great or Julius Cresar or Na- Spain gathered to itself in the sixteenth century, poleon or Girgis Khan, emerges he will simply or the Inca Kingdom in Peru in the preceding sweep the globe and build up a world empire with-
century. Both of these countries were completely those curious mystery religions invading the Ro- impoverished within one short century and there man Empire from the East and for some centuries has been no recovery even after four or five cen- competing with each other, the balance for a cen- turies. Nothing is more perishable than material tury and a half being doubtful if Mithraism or wealth. Christianity at the very end would get the upper At present there appears to be a general over- hand. Christianity, to general surprise, turned valuation of the power of nationalism; it inspires out victorious, though an all-powerful army was people with a new vigor comparable to a mighty on the side of Mithraism. Yet that Mithraism was stimulant, with a gigantic explosive power, such a spent force to such extent that only the most as we see in Japan, for example. Yet in the his- modern research after fifteen hundred years has tory of the human race, which we know through rediscovered that a long long time ago it was conthe last six or seven thousand years, such national sidered a dangerous rival to Christianity. explosions are almost like the passing bubbles in Why has not Christ been forgotten? Why has a rushing stream; they change color or direction Christianity gone on victoriously? The next seven with the current for a short time, and then the or eight hundred years after Constantine were a wonderful age when all Keltic, Teutonic, Nordic, force is spent. and Slavic tribes exchanged their outworn tribal There is only one Power which through two religions for Christianity. Most of them, of their thousand years has never relaxed and which even own free will, preferred the new Christian relinow is showing no sign of evanescence, that is the gion and considered it the earnest of a new era in Spirit and power of Jesus Christ. Imagine that their national ascendency. you stood under the cross of Jesus in the time of Pontius Pilate and of Caiaphas, the High Priest. So it has gone on through the centuries; and it What would they have said? They would have is a fascinating history to follow, tracing the adpointed in scorn at the young man on the gibbet; vancing Christian faith across land and sea, from a poor artisan from an obscure corner of Galilee, continent to continent. The world missionary at the frontier of heathendom. They would have movement is the vanguard of the advancing power said that He had been parading for two years, like of the Spirit of Christ. some scores of other upstarts, as the promised Messiah, and that the faithful nation of Jews had Here is one point of orientation in our modern discarded him; the political power of Rome had world-wide campaign. We look back on two thoualso justly put him away as a rebel; the highest sand years of victorious advance, no world power ecclesiastical authority had also condemned him we know of has in any respect a comparable as a blasphemer. Of course they would have said record. We study the particular energies which that this Jesus was discredited and destroyed even Christianity has supplied at different times and more than any other previous upstart messiah. among different nations. We ,admire that won- Even the small group of his adherents had de- derful adaptability which could fit into the speserted him. He was ending in shame and despair, cial environment it was facing in different counfor they had heard his last words: "My God, why tries and races; we wonder how it could integrate hast thou forsaken me?" and develop to a higher perfection all spiritual and rational equipments; how it could become in- What would Pontius Pilate have said if you had digenous to such an extent that St. Mary is looked hinted to him that within three of four centuries upon as Polish in Poland and the Sainted Virgin the emperor of the Roman empire would bow his of Guadeloupe has become Aztec in Mexico. With knees before the name of this Jesus and, with the Greeks Christianity developed their philosognashing teeth, would confess: "Thou has con- phy; with the Romans this new faith promoted quered, 0 Galilean!" All types of historians have statecraft; with the Germans "the Holy Roman pondered over the victorious Power which in so Empire became of German nationality" as the short a time was pervading and recasting the earthly incarnation of the Kingdom of God; with mightiest empire the world had yet known. Many the British Christianity inspired their imperial reasons have been advanced but, whatever causes progress with religious responsibility. The relimay have contributed, there can be no doubt that gion of Jesus Christ is still proving its divine the one underlying spiritual Power has been the origin by its wonderful flexibility and power to Christ, himself, the Power of God and the Wis- become all things to all nations, to rejuvenate, dom of God. and purify and enrich all. Missionary-minded' Christians pause for a moment, we look around History did not end at the cross or with the con- and take up our spiritual armor and battle cry quest of the Roman empire. Someone might have anew: In hoc signo vincemus. "Under this ban- imagined that Christianity had been only one of ner we conquer."
Women's Work in a Country
By MRS. JAMES D. WYKER The Federated Church, North Jackson, Ohio "JUST what is woman's work in the country to church rolls and having contests to increase at- church?" I asked a little lady with snow- tendance. He was not a Presbyterian or a Bap- white hair who has been a life-long member tist or a Methodist seeking to sprinkle or immerse, but a Christian out to reveal God, change life and of one. save individuals. He insisted ona decent society "Why paying the preacher and keeping up the in which religious people might be more religious; He desired that the hungry might be fed. He had church building repairs," she answered. Then no fear and did not hesitate to condemn sin whershe hesitated and added, "And, of course, mission- ever he found it, even the corruption of the politiary giving. Women have always done that. Not cal system of his day. People believed Him not many, but a few of us alway.s send in our appor- only because of words He spoke but because they tionment to the Board." saw a radiant personality on fire with a divine message – a man who lived what He preached. "And for what is the missionary money used?" I inquired again. The country church today has the unique oppor- tunity of carrying on this same simple kind of re- "Preaching the Gospel," came back emphatically. "Saving souls."
I went next to an enthusiastic young minister's wife who, with her husband, has dedicated her ligion, unhampered by big church-building debts, life to the work of the rural church. set forms and ceremonies, large maintenance ex- pense. Because of the unique position of the coun- "What is woman's work in the country church?" try church, rural women have unusual oppor- I asked. tunities.
"Helping her church rethink its reason for In the first place, the farm home continues to existing," came the unhesitating reply, "urging it be something of a unit even in a complex, modern to place life ahead of creeds; showing that its world. There are chores to be done and responfield is THE COMMUNITY and that every unreached sibilities that need to be placed on young shoulperson is a responsibility of the church. All of this-with the belief that sharing the message of ders. The family shares many experiences, even Jesus Christ around the world is a task for the its social life, and the minister of the rural church entire church." ministers to the entire family. Woman's work in the country church is first of all to recognize this In her enthusiasm she had generalized, but as and try to preserve family unity, for it is a real I talked with her later I received specific answers in very definite terms. asset to church life.
As I talk with rural church women today, I find The rural woman in many communities today is many eagerly and earnestly agreeing with this faced with the fact that her children attend a fine, young minister's wife. well-equipped Consolidated School during the week The function of the rural church woman has and, on Sunday, must leave their friends and go (if they go) to a small, competitive, denominachanged today because the program of her church tional church. She realizes that though the docis changing. And is it surprising that her church trines of her church are important and she will program is changing to meet new needs? The probably continue to believe them, the emphasis heart of her work continues the same-the shar- of religion today should be, as in the ministry of ing of the teachings and message of a young, rural Jesus, on life. She realizes that if the rural church evangelist, Jesus Christ; but her method of work is to continue its ministry, Christians must learn is changing as she finds the experience of her children to be different from her own a genera- to work together and in cooperation with other tion ago. character building agencies. Small, competitive The religion of Jesus was very simple. Grow- churches, unable to support a resident minister, ing up in a country home, his school the country- will find it difficult to challenge other cooperating side, the beauty of the out-of-doors keeping him groups in the community and to do much about close to the heavenly Father, He grew to under- the large, unreached number of people within its stand and sympathize keenly with people and their boundaries. problems. Religion to Him was not adding names Another responsibility of the c.ountry woman [425 ]
today is to develop an interest in her church for petuation of the Woman's Missionary Society, as wholesome recreation, especially for young peo- such. They do not seem to care that the men are ple. It is unnecessary for rural youth to drive indifferent to the missionary program of the into the city for commercialized "wreck-reaction" church and that the majority of the children and when the country has so much to offer in recrea- young people are unreached. Again it is organ- tion activities. Rural recreational leaders, arti- ization, rather than life. If only our vision could sans in leading folk games and other forms of co- enlarge to see the whole, to know that most men operative play are being developed. Some rural and children and young people are interested once communities have the satisfaction of seeing their they know! Someone has facetiously said that for young pople interested in worthwhile social life, too long in our church work, men have sung: in which the majority participate, while the public Take my wife and let her be dance halls and the beer gardens move out of the Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
community. Most of us who have tried to interest our men "Camps for Mothers" are very valuable in many and boys, with the same fervor and intelligence rural communities. It seems unbelievable, but we have used in the women's missionary work, rural mothers are finding they can lay aside for a have found them responsive and interested. Just few days the responsibilities of home and family as the church should see that the religion of Christ and go off for recreation in the out-of-doors. permeates all groups and agencies in the commu- Many farm women discover unusual beauty at nity, so the Woman's Missionary Society should their very doorsteps. The busy, crowded days at see that the cause of missions is enthusiastically home and the fact that the sunrise, the moon, the trees, the stars "have always been there" has shared with all groups. I know a mother, a memkept many of these women from being conscious ber of a Woman's Missionary Society, who comes of these "aids to worship." home from the missionary meetings and usually says, as she sighs, "Well, that's over for another One rural parish in New York state has built its month" and then wonders why her husband and own cabin in a woods and each year the farm . daughter are not interested in missions! mothers look forward to the cherished days of Jesus had a high regard for womanhood. In rest and relaxation. A rural cooperative church the centuries following his death on the Cross, in Ohio has a camp of its own where each year, woman has achieved more freedom and education. along with other age groups, the rural women live I wonder sometimes, as He watches the Marys and together for a few days. These women look for- Marthas of our rural homes today, if He does not ward to the discussion periods each morning fol- wish we would follow Him more intelligently and lowing the nature hike when they consider such give more time and thought to His work. I wontopics as "Family Worship," "Personal and Home der if He watches eagerly for a Mary Magdalene Relationships," and "The Missionary Task of the as He sees us drag about our church work, giving Church." In the afternoon they read, sleep and only left-over time, attending the Ladies' Aid and rest, following the creative craft period, and then the preaching services because we think we go swimming. After the evening meal, they walk should, and giving to missions only after we have over the ravine and climb up Vesper Hill where, paid for new clothes and other things. away from all worry and burdensome responsi- A story is told of an old colored woman sitting bility, they "draw near to God." on the steps of a church during a Woman's Rights If rural women are to have new visions for meeting in Akron, Ohio, in 1851. She listened to work in the country church today, they must take the fiery speeches by the men for quite awhile, de- time from their labors for rebuilding and rethink- nouncing the idea that women should vote, deny- ing. Out in these well-planned camps (where ing her intelligence, etc. Finally, unable to stand there are no meals to cook and no dishes to wash) it any longer, the old woman walked to the front they find their physical bodies relaxing and rest- of the church, pointed her finger at the men and ing while, at the same time, their spiritual life is said, "If de fust woman God ever made turned quickened. Tired mothers go away more radiant, dis world upside down all by herself, dese women happy Christians. If only rural women would all togedder can set it right side up again and you look about them and discover the material avail- men better let 'em do it."
able for use! If only they would insist on having I pause to wonder what the future of the coun-, a minister trained for his task, knowing and lov- try church might be if rural women "all togedder"
ing rural folk, they would find material and re- would consecrate themselves to the building of sources at hand. . the New Rural Church, where Christians would There are many Woman's Missionary Societies put life ahead of dead dogma and where the coun- (and they are not all in the country) that seem tryside might again hear and share the message to believe that the ultimate goal in life is the per- of the rural teacher, J.esus of Nazareth.
Arab Consults a Missionary Doctor*
A Monolog Purporting to Giv~ the Reaction of an Arab Gentleman of Baghdad to the Christian. Message By the REV. JAMES CANTINE, D.D., Stone Ridge, New York One of the Founders of the Arabian Mission of the Reformed Church in America Persons: pital? Well you can go down and, if you see him, Abd el Kadir, a well-to-do Arab. ask him to come up. . . . Wait! Before you go Zarifa, one of his wives, very ill. open this door by my side and stretch a curtain Amina, his daughter, eight or nine years old, attend- across the doorway. Then tell the servants to bring Zarifa in that room and lay her down by ing mission school. the curtain." Ahmed, his son, fifteen or sixteen, attending Govern- (Servant goes out.) ment School of Engineering. Abdullah, his servant, probably of slave descent. The American missionary doctor.
Place: "I take refuge with God from a house full of women! I hope that doctor will not mind being Abd el Kadir's reception room, long and narrow, with asked to give medicine to a woman." (Turning to chairs and little tables down each side. Doors at curtain.) "Ha, Zarifa, now stop that crying! I each end. Just outside the entrance door Abdul- know it hurts, but it is God's will, is it not? Every- lah is stationed with a charcoal fire for keeping thing that happens is written in His book. Listen, the coffee hot. The door at the head of the room I have sent for the American doctor and, if God where Abd el Kadir is seated opens into another wills, he will give you ·some medicine. Only be room. quiet.
When Abdullah is called he enters and crouches down "Ah, here he comes." (Arises, steps forward before his master. The children kiss the hand of and touches the hand of the doctor.) their father and stand until bidden to be seated. "May God make your morning happy, 0 doc- Abd el Kadir is seated, fingering his beads. He listens, frowns and calbs out, "Abdullah !" tor. In the name of God be seated. If it pleases (The servant enters and Abd el Kadir speaks.) God you are well? Praise be to God I am very "Abdullah, what is this screaming about? well. "You say that Zarifa is very sick! Yes, I know. "Do you drink? smoke? No?" (Calls to Abdul- lah.) That slave woman has been here and has cauter- "Abdullah, coffee! …• ized her, has she not? They are paid according "I have had my servant ask you to come in, 0 to the number of burns they make so I suppose doctor, so that you might, if God wills, give medi- they have done a good job. cine to one of my women. It is scarcely worth "But you say that she gets no better, and that while taking your valuable time, but you were the other women object to her cries and say I passing by and- Yes, that is she whom you hear must do something. God deliver me from such moaning behind the curtain. You can ask her evil! What can I do about it? It is all as God any question you wish. She has been sick severa} wills. I could divorce her. That is easy; just to days and they say she is getting worse.
say three times 'I divorce you' . . . "Oh, no! You cannot see her, but I will let you "Yes, I know, her family is important and I feel her pulse. Zarifa, put your hand under the.
cannot send her away sick as she is. curtain. There doctor!
"What is that you say? . . . Why don't I send "Yes, I expect she is very ill.
for the American doctor? What do you know "You say that if you saw her you might help about him? her? But that is quite impossible. From the time "You hear he is clever and you think he has a I took her no man but myself has seen her face.
kindly face. And he passes by the door every "You say that she may die? That is as God morning about this time on his way to his hos- wills…. You are sorry that there is no woman • Copies of this monologue may be secured from The Woman's doctor here, and you hope that sometime you will Board of Foreign MiSSions, Reformed Church in America, 25 East have a woman doctor to work in your hospital?
22d Street, New York, for ten cents a CODY.
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As God wills! . But you can give her medicine "And how is my little daughter today? Sit to keep her quiet, can you not? I will send my servant to the hospital for it. down here on this cushion by your father's side.
"And your fee, 0 doctor? Your lips are cold, Amina, where have you been? "What, no regular fee? You say that I can give what I wish! Very well, I will send it to the hos- "You are just back from school? Tell me about pital by Abdullah. It will not be a very large fee, but if you get enough of them you will one day that school. It is the American school, is it not? be rich, will you not? "What is this you say? You do not keep these Do you like it? fees for yourself, but use them to buy medicines for the very poor! Ah, that is almsgiving. Alms- "You do! Why? .. You like the school begiving is one of the five pillars of our faith as given to us by our prophet Mohammed, upon cause the teacher is so kind? Is that all? whom be prayers and peace! "Pardon me, 0 doctor, but before you go will "You say that she talks so nice about God! you tell me how you live if you take no fees for yourself? We know your government does not What does she say about God? . . . That He pay you as some governments pay their doctors. "What! You say that the Christian people of loves you and that you must be a good girl and try America send you money enough for your expenses, because their religion tells them to help to please Him. And have you learned about the other people? I am surprised! I did not know the Christian religion was like that. holy prophets, Amina? Which one do you like "Just one more question. Will you tell me why you left America and came here? It seems you best? will not get rich in Baghdad; it is not a very healthy climate for foreigners and you are far "The prophet Jesus! And why do you like the away from your friends. "You say that you have come because you love prophet Jesus best? . . . You say because He the prophet Jesus and want to follow His example. . . . And now you want to ask me a question! took little children in his arms and talked so nicely That is only fair. "Do I know about the prophet Jesus? Oh, yes, to them. But has she not taught you about the the Holy Koran tells us that He was without sin and did many miracles like the other prophets. prophet Mohammed, upon whom be prayers and "Yes, there may be more about Him in your book, but you know that the prophet, Mohammed, peace? upon whom be prayerl and peace, is the seal of all the prophets and that is enough for us. "Nq! Well, Amina, I think it is time for you "You wish I would read more about the prophet Jesus? Well, 0 doctor, some time, if God wills it, to go to another school where you can learn all I will look for a book that tells more about him. "Will you be going now? I am obliged to you. about our holy religion of Islam. Go in the safety of God!" "What! You don't want to go! Now don't cry, (As the doctor goes out, Abd el Kadir continues.) my daughter, don't cry. Perhaps I will leave you "That doctor seems a good man and he does awhile longer in the American School. But tell have a kindly face. Perhaps some time I might be interested in knowing more about the prophet me what else you learn besides reading and Jesus. writing. "Abdullah! Did you take Zarifa to her room and shut the door so that her crying will not "Oh! To sew ? You make dresses for little annoy the other women. Here, take five rupees to the hospital and bring back some medicine for her. girls? But that is foolish; your father can buy Wait! Is Amina about the house? Send her in to me." all the clothes you need.
(Enters Amina and kisses her father's hand.) "You say that they are not for yourself, but for the poor little girls in the school who do not have good dresses! Well! Well! You can go now, 0 my daughter, go and play." (He soliloquizes.) "Now what shall I do? There is nothing to which I can object, but I am afraid of that Chris- tian school. But that reminds me!" (He calls.) "Abdullah! Tell Ahmed that his father wants to see him." (Ahmed enters and stands before his father.) "Ahmed, I am much displeased with you. Some- one saw you going into the house of the American preacher. Is that right? So? Sit down. How did you come to know him?
"He gave a lecture in your school about sanita- tion in America, did he? What does he know about sanitation?
"Oh, he was an engineer before he was a preacher, was he? Well, all that is the business of your principal. But why did you go to his house? _ "You say that he asked the boys to come and'
see some pictures he had brought from America?
Pictures? Why, Ahmed. Now I a.m angry! You know I have forbidden you to go and see those dreadful, disgraceful American pictures!
"But these were not cinema pictures? What then?
AN ARAB CONSULTS A MISSIONARY DOCTOR
"Pictures of bridges and public buildings in that knows me see you buy it. I would be dis- America and England and Russia 1 God curse the graced if it were known that I wanted a Christian Russians, they make it very hard for a good Mos- book. Be careful about that.
lem to live in Russia. But did he say anything "What 1 You have such a book. What does this about religion? . .. He did 1 What? mean? You a MOi>lem and my servant, having "That there is freedom for all religions in such a book 1 How did you get it?
America 1 But, Ahmed, you don't want to know "You say that you were going past a shop and about any other religion than Islam. . . . You you heard someone reading out of a little book do? Why? about the prophet Jesus, and it seemed such good "You will not feel educated -like the boys in words that you bought it.
other countries-unless you know about other re- "You have it here? Give it to me at once so ligions? (Abd el Kadirshakes his head in dis- that I can tear it up." (Abdullah takes a little sent.) And did he say anything about his reli- Gospel from unde~ his garment and gives it to his gion? master.) "So he talked about the prophet Jesus and His "Go away I" (Abdullah leave'S the room.) teaching 1 Well, you have heard enough about "Shall I tear it up? But it may have the name that, ·so do not go again. . . . But you want to of God written in it and I cannot harm that Holy go next Sunday with the other boys? What boys? Name. And this may be the book I wanted to "Well, if the judge and those other men let their buy. . . . I shall just see how it begins. (Turns sons go, I suppose I ought not to object. What is to the beginning-it would be the end of the book he going to talk about? to us-and reads.) 'In the beginning was the "Oh, yes 1 I did see a notice of it in the paper. Word.' The Word? Why that is the name the It says he is giving a series of lectures on the Holy Koran gives to the prophet Jesus. Can there prophet Jesus-His Teaching about Personal Hab- be truth in this book? . . .
its, and Family Life, and Government. Now see "Shall I see what is marked? (Turns pages and here, Ahmed, you go next Sunday and then come reads.) 'I am the way and the truth and the and tell me all about it so that I can correct what life.' The Way? Why we pray five times a day is wrong. . . . That is all, 0 my son I" (Ahmed and ask Allah to 'Lead us in the "right way.'" kisses his father'lS hand and retires, being careful Here is someone who says, 'I am the Way.' Who not to turn his back upon his father.) could say that (reads) 'Jesus Said.' I don't under- "Now, what shall I do about these, my children? stand. He is a holy prophet, but how could he Amina-it would break her heart if now I took say that He is the way to God? . . .
her away from the American School. And then "I will read in just one more place. (Turns I am told that she is a much better girl at home pages and reads.) 'Because I live ye shall live than she used to be-more obedient, kinder and also.' Did Jesus say that? Yes? Strange 1 Of does not use bad words. Shall I send her to an- all the prophets Jesus is the only one our Holy other school and have her become a good Moslem, Koran says did not die, but is now alive in heaven. or shall I let her remain where she is and have Can this be the ground for His saying that those her grow up to be a good woman? who believe in Him shall be with Him in paradise?
"And Ahmed 1 It seems that the young men of "What book is this? Why have I never seen it today want to see all things and decide for them- before? Is this the book I half promised the doc- selves; and they cannot be ruled as I was ruled tor I would read some day? Will it tell me about by my father. It will be better if I try to guide the Jesus that my little daughter loves? Are there Ahmed away from these Christian influences. here the teachings of Jesus that my son wants to Perhaps I ought, myself, to know more about the know about? Shall I, dare I, read it from begin- prophet Jesus. That doctor wants me to know ning to end?
more about His teaching. And I would like to "Surely I am a Moslem. (Recites the creed.) know why my little daughter loves Jesus more 'There is no God but God, and Mohammed is the than she loves Mohammed, upon whom be prayers prophet of God.' But Jesus is our prophet also.
and peace. If I find out the falseness of the teach- Who can forbid me knowing all I can about him?
ing of Jesus then I can correct Ahmed's wrong "If the story of Jesus can make a man like the impressions. doctor come out here just to follow His example; "But where can I get a book about the prophet if this story makes my little daughter love Jesus Jesus? I will ask Abdullah. whom she has never seen; and if it makes my son "Abdullah 1 Abdullah, is there a bookshop in want to know about His teaching, then I ought to the city where they sell books about the prophet read it. (Puts the book reverently on the table.) Jesus? . . . There is 1 Well, I want you to go And if here is the 'straight path' we pray that and buy me such a book. But don't let anyone we may follow, dare I walk therein? God Knows."
Unchanging Missionary
A Challenge and Appeal of Fifty Years Ago* By ARTHUR T. PIERSON Editor-in-Chief of the "Review" for Twenty-three Years. This Year Is the Centenary of His Birth THE argument and the appeal in behalf of These providential signals, and these gracious missions are unsurpassed for variety and signs, being once truly recognized and realized, cogency. . . . The very watchword of the make duty a delight; the work of missions be- Christian life is obedience, and our great Captain comes no longer the cold necessity of obedience, has left us His marching orders: "Go ye into all but the most inspiring, enrapturing privilege.
the world and preach the Gospel to every crea- Only some such exalted conception of this last ture." Such a plain command makes all other commission, and of the supreme blessedness of a motives comparatively unnecessary. . . . Where loving fidelity to our stewardship in the Gospel, there has been given a clear, divine word of au- can lift the Church of God to a higher plane of thority, immediate, implicit submission and com- praying and giving. Better than the conscience pliance will be yielded by every loyal, loving dis- that drives, is the love that draws to the work of ciple. Even to hesitate, for the sake of asking a missions. Once brought to the white-heat of pas- reason, savors of the essence of rebellion. sion for souls, we are henceforth "weary with When our great Commander left us this last forbearing and cannot stay" in apathetic idleness precept, however, He annexed to it a most inspir- and silence; the inward fire must have vent. It ing promise: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto is no longer hard to give, but hard to withhold; the end of the world." That promise has been and, better than the most princely gifts of money, conspicuously and marvellously fulfilled in con- we shall give ourselves "a living sacrifice." . . .
nection with missions; for Christ has been with One startling and comprehensive fact should us, both by His providence and by His grace. The be clearly kept before us-that all the stupendous argument and appeal, found in this providential movements and changes which we have to record, and gracious Presence, have not been properly or refer to, have taken place within less than a considered and appreciated. . . . century! . . . Within the nineteenth century what The providence of God is especially apparent in astounding changes have taken place! That bugle- missions, in the opening of doors, great and effec- call of William Carey has rallied all Christendom.
tual; in the removal or subsidence of barriers; God has opened the two-leaved gates, until the in the preparation of the field and the workmen; last of the hermit nations unbars the doors of ex- in the provision and protection of the la:borers; clusion and seclusion and welcomes to her ports and in the revealing and unfolding to the Church the messenger of Christ. Even the most enthu- of His set times, seasons, and measures for secur- siastic student of missions fails to apprehend and ing new advance and success. Such divine provi- appreciate the grandeur of such colossal move- dence becomes to God's people a glorious and in- ments. Wonderful, indeed, that a hundred open spiring signal both that He is always with them, doors, great and effectual, God should set before and that His pleasure shall prosper in their hands. His Church; but more wonderful the ways in The grace of God appears in missions, espe- which, by keys of His own, He has unlocked the cially in working mighty results and effects, such gates of hermit nations. When, in 1793, William as are plainly attributable only to the Divine Carey, that pious, learned cobbler, went forth as Spirit. These results are wrought not only in in- the first foreign missionary from English shores, dividuals, but sometimes in whole communities; the whole world was comparatively locked against there are some transformations that deserve to missionary enterprise; there was scarce one real be called transfigurations. In the workmen, also, opening into pagan, papal, or Moslem lands to whose consecration to such heroic labors develops preach the Gospel in its purity, or win converts, in them an exalted type of piety, and even in those without molestation and persecution both to the.
who earnestly pray and liberally give for the sup- missionary and the convert. Now the whole aspect port of the work, similar unmistakable fruits of of the world is changed, and there is scarce one this grace appear and abound. . . . closed door, or community where the preacher may not go with the open Bible, or where the convert • From the first chapter of "The Crisis of Missions," published may not, in publicly confessing allegiance to Jesus, In 1886, a great volume that aroused the Church to the claims of Foreign Missions. claim the protection of law.
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I Effective Ways of Working 'Tested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO ~~i==========================~ Shall We Study "The Church ing in towns and villages, un- moving pictures that are so ef- in Rural America"? duly small memberships (aver- fective in the assembly periods age of less than 100, with annual of mission study schools-all of There is a tendency in some per capita expenditure of $13.27 which indicates the trend toward as against $21.50 in cities), in- activating study rather than letquarters to answer in the nega- adequate ministry as to training, ting it pause with "information nonsupport, inability to give full- and inspiration"-which tend to tive in view of the absence of the time service, etc., lack of trained be static. lay leadership, denominational picturesque and dramatic in the competition and overlapping, BAPTIST BOARD OF MISSIONARY EDUtheme, and the apparent diffi- etc. Topping all these is a psy- chological difficulty in getting CATION, 152 MADISON AVE., NEW culty in concreting it sufficiently new standards and a broader outlook, with an unchanged in- YORK: for the younger folk. But no stitution in a changing world. reader of THE REVIEW can fail, Our best endeavors are called for Beginners- in "creating a new moral and after noting the contents of its spiritual top soil for Rural Handwork, visualizations, stories: June issue, to see that nothing America." "The Singing Farmer," 68 cents; of more practical nature or im- "The Friendly Farmers" – projmediate urgency has been offered From r e c e n t' contributions ects and activities included, 50 by the Central Committee for submitted by various denomina- cents; "Farm Life Panel Postour consideration if we are to tional boards of missionary edu- ers" – four brown sepia panels, give the 31,000,000 and more cation, the following materials 12×36 in., with colored cut-outs people (half the entire popula- are cited because they are good to be pasted on, 50 cents. (Order tion) who are tilling God's Gar- in quality and of a sufficiently these from The American Baptist den their opportunity for "the universal character to be used Publication Society, 1701 Chestabundant life." Nor does this with little adaptation by mem- nut St., Philadelphia, Pa.) ; concern dwellers in country and bers of any communion. No one "Farmers in Many Lands"-picsmall towns alone. It is our com- denomination can hope to be ture sheet of 12 pictures, four on mon problem in view of our in- sufficient for even a fraction of American rural life, from which terdependence and the complex the task. And it is only by picture books may be made as situation created by the two mi- friendly borrowings that we can handwork, 25 cents; "Rural Life grations – the exodus of farm- hope to attain all-round effi- Through Teaching Pictures" – 8 bred youths toward the city and ciency. Along with specifically pictures llx15 in., 50 cents. the recent reverse trend caused denominational offerings will be by economic conditions – this found materials from neutral Primarylatter throwing the responsibil- sources, belonging in the units ity for the early training of a merely because they have been Handwork and visualizations the large proportion of our citizen- selected and fitted in by the sev- iJame as for Beginners. Stories: ship upon country homes and eral missionary education boards "The World on a Farm" – illuschurches. The rural world is as best shaping up to their stand- trated narratives, 25 c en t s; confronted by new problems and ards for graded Sunday school aggravated old ones in which we and age-group study. These di- * "Over the Hills and Far Away" all have a common stake. The rect transcripts from the lists economic ones are at the very submitted save space otherwise -series of graded home mission storm center of our national life to be consumed in separate cita- stories, 15 cents. -child labor, the sharecropper tions of publishers, etc. Attensituation, inadequate educational tion is especially directed to the Juniorsfacilities, reforestation and wealth of devices for visualizaplowing of submarginal lands, tions and activations, particu- Handwork, projects and activisoil conservation, collapse of cot- larly to the stereopticon and ties: "Out in the Country," 50 ton tenancy, wage-and-time ad- cents; "Farm Life Panel Postjustments, racial antagonisms [431 ] ers" as listed above; "Picture and a score of others. The reli- Map of the U. S."-art map 30×50 gious ones are even more vexing in. with 18 sketches to be colored and far-reaching – over-church- and pasted on, 50 cents; "Rural Life Teaching Pictures" as pre- viously listed.
Stories: * "Friendship Tales from Far and Near Trails," 15 cents.
Intermediate and Young People- Handwork, etc.: Several of the sets listed above; "Willson's Gummed Paper Letters and Fig- ures"-27 sizes and styles – free from The Tablet and Ticket Co., 115 E. 23d St., N. Y.; "Velox
Transparent Water Color Stamps" and his sharecropper tenant; study abounds in fine story material; the -perforated stamps of 12 colors, of local rural schools; inquiry of four "ranges" rounding up the sub- to be dissolved in water, with librarians as to type of books avail- ject in the closing meeting in a way four brushes and instructions, able and expense thereof; steps to to incite to action. "The Migrant Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, supplement this by making more Map" is another program of a most N. Y., $1.00. Stories: "The Ad- reading matter available; study of practical character, fitting in with ventures of Mr. Friend," 25 cents; cooperative marketing with view to the general home mission theme. its establishment in the community; Outline, 20 cents. * "The Church of the Country- demonstration of social and cultural work in drama, art, music or recrea- The women's group offers as a three side" -10 graded home mission tion and investigation as to facili- months' inset to their booklet on stories, 15 cents. ties for these among your rural citi- "Journeys," a set of outstanding zens; s p e cia 1 investigation of programs on "Journeys Along Rural Visualizations: S t ere 0 p tic 0 n churches in the vicinity as to pas- Roads," in which full directions are slides with coordinated lectures- tors, salaries, equipment, Sunday given for a panel discussion, an "The Little White Church on the schools, type of service most needed; original chart study on "Forward Hill"; "On Lonely Trails with organization of local groups for co- Together for Better Service," and Colporter Missionaries"; "The operation in the Peace Movement. "Journeys Toward the New Day"- Colporter Country," $2.00 each impersonations of the seven groups and carriage both ways. PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF NATIONAL of rural folk listed in the textbook. MISSIONS, CENTRAL DISTRIBUTING While the program booklet inclusive WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE MIS S ION of the foregoing contains much UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH, 723 BOARDS, 156 FIFTH AVE., NEW other cleverly conceived program MUHLENBERG B LD G., PHILADEL- YORK: matter, it is all of such a nature PHIA, PA.: that its form and manner of pres- Adult course on "Rebuilding Rural entation are universal and usable "Teaching Pictures on Rural Life America," 25 cents; study book of by folk of any communion. Price, Around the World" – 8 large pic- that name, 60 cents and $1. 50 cents. tures of country folk of different lands, 50 cents; plays-"The Call Young People's and Senior's unit "Early Missionary Journeys" is a of the Hills," 5 cents; "At Devil's on "Highland Heritage"-breaking separate booklet containing a full Nose" (mountain m iss ion a r y down of isolation in Appalachian year's devotional studies in complete sketch), 15 cents; stories – "Ra- Life, 25 cents; book, 60 cents and outline. Price, 15 cents. channy of the Southern Mountains," $1. "Rosann," "Spunk," "Jest Gals," 2 A number of worthful sugges- cents each or 6 for 5 cents. Intermediate unit by Grace Mc- tions for programs on "Rural Gavran, 35 cents. America"-inclusive of a special THE UNITED CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY article on junior work, by Annye SOCIETY, MISSIONS BLDG., 222 Stereopticon slides and lecture on Allison – as well as excerpts DOWNEY A VE., INDIANAPOLIS, Rural Life – "The Book and the from summer conferences at- IND.: Plough," 30 slides; rentai, $1.00 tended by the Department Edi- plus two-way. postage. tor, have to be held over for lack A very complete study packet of of space and will appear as soon leaflets covering "Dwellers in the Moving pictures (16mm., 2 reels), as possible in a later issue. Ad- Countryside," 50 cents. "Hearthstones and Al tar s" -life ditional methods material suit- story of typical rural family; "Mid able for pastors, men's groups This includes instructions to pro- Purple Mountain Majesties" -fol- and children's organizations is gram committees, a "Calendar of lows a boy from his mountain com- especially solicited. Send direct Service"; "Things We Can Do" at munity. $2.00 per reel and two- to this department instead of the the successive meetings to translate way carriage for each of the fore- Magazine headquarters, to avoid them into life; a large variety of going. delay and extra postage. subject matter for the talks, papers, etc.; good dramatic sketches on Order from Distributing Depart- For older people, this topic "The Farmer's Wife," "Bringing ment in N. Y., or 8 So. Dearborn lends itself wonderfully to panel College to the Farmer," "Weari- St., Chicago, or 234 McAlister St., discussions, round tables or pro- ness," "They Went to Bethlehem"; San Francisco, Calif., according to gram conferences. For instance, a special Christmas program com- your location. make up the entire program ex- plete; a panel discussion for four cept for appropriate music inter- women on "Influences that Make for THE WOMAN'S HOME MISSION SOCIETY spersed, from the June number Peace or War"; a program on OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL of THE REVIEW, the leader im- "Blessed Are the Peacemakers"; CHURCH, 420 PLUM ST., CINCIN- pressing the importance of the and well-constructed studies on NATI, OHIO. LITERATURE DEPART- topic by using points from the these phases of the rural problem: MENT: editorial, "Rural America for Educational- "Sing B e h i n d the Christ," and being promptly sec- Plow"; "Bina Holben-Sharecrop- The Methodist women have clever onded and supported by another per"; "Pietro Lopez – Mexican"; series of programs worked out for participant summarizing "The, "M r s. W a 1ton – Mountaineer"; their girls (Queen Esthers) under Challenge of the Rural Commu- "Max Smith-Miner"; "Sarak Pe- the figure of "Building the Map of nity." On this background let toskey-Migrant"; "Susan Kepple U. S.," and for the women on the successive speakers, by prear- -Farm Woman"; "The Nat ion picturesque theme of "Modern Mis- ranged plan but with appearance Helps the Farmer" – a parable of sionary Journeys," an adequate ap- of spontaneity and in conversa- American rural life in Oklahoma; preciation of which will appear in tional style as if talking among "Social Influences Yesterday and a later issue, as only the rural themselves, give brief talks of Today"-a social science study. theme studies can be noted at this time. Among the workable suggestions listed are: An original study of For three months the girls study child labor statistics and condi- "Highland Heritage," with unique tions; a demonstration of the set- visualizations, a meeting in the form tlement between a plantation owner of the recitation of the geography class, "Head Range" and "Heart • The three sets of graded primary, junior Range" being considered; "Hand and intermediate stories listed above at 15 Range" and "Health Range" being cents each sell collectively at 35 cents. added in the following meeting that
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
not over five minutes each, selec- lines on "Discipleship" being for byterian Board of National Mistions of topics to be made from worship services and the remain- sions, 156 Fifth Ave., New the excellent articles following, ing six for worship and study York. ending with pointed presenta- combined. Their object is "to tion of things the group or their seek to make women conscious "If I Be His Disciple-How church can do. This is very im- of their responsibility as Chris- Shall I Follow Jesus Today" is portant. tian citizens for the solution of the title of a booklet prepared over a year ago by the Spiritual A more dramatic and impres- the social and economic problems Life Committee of the Presbysive program might be arranged of present-day society." terian Mission Boards. It confrom the same number by hav- sists of a ten-cent leader's ing a congress or conference of "In times like these the forces pamphlet and a set of leaflets persons impersonating-with or of religion should be exerting corresponding to the successive without costumes – the r u r a I topics and intended for use in pastor, the farmer's wife, the themselves to create a condition the audience. The subjects are: sharecropper, the case worker, out of which right motives for the colporter, etc. Again, close leadership can be generated. I Will Learn What the Bible Says to with practical planning, and a . . . There is only one motive Me devotional service of consecra- adequate to solve the problems tion to the task. Either one of and heal the ills of our stricken I Will Learn to Meditate these plans will make a most ef- civilization. That motive is the I Will Learn to Pray fective prayer meeting or eve- motive of the good neighbor. It I Will Learn to Serve ning service for the church at is clearly the business of religion I Will Learn to Share large, the meeting eventuating I Will Test My Life by Christ in organized activity. Time the to create mental and moral attiparts or the theme will be tudes to support and sustain and The leaflets sell for ten cents "talked to death." vitalize, as well as to call out per set. that motive. If religion does not Devotional Material call that motive into being, it A companion booklet recently will not come into being." (From issued is called, "If I Be His Dis- "In the beginning God created "Who Is My Neighbor?" by ciple I Will Grow." The topics . . . the earth. . . . And the are: Lord God formed man out of the Walter H. North.) dust of the earth and breathed I Will Grow into His Likeness into his nostrils the breath of The devotional outlines are on I Will Grow in Reflecting His Spirit life; and man became a living "God at Work in His Universe," soul. . . . And the Lord God "Great and Mighty. Things," Every Day planted a garden eastward in I Will Grow in Meeting Life's Crises Eden; and there He put the "Christ's Point of View" and I Will Grow More Sensitive to Human man whom He had formed. And "For Such a Time as This." out of the ground the Lord God The subjects of the programs Need made to grow every tree that is I Will Grow in Using My Life for pleasant to the sight and good for full meetings are: "We Look for food." God created an earth, at the Present Social Order," Him a man and a garden. The earth "The Bible and Social Values," was of basic importance then "The Christian Approach to So- This booklet also costs ten and must ever be. (From leaflet cial Problems," "The Church in cents, and the corresponding of the United Christian Mission- Action in National Missions," leaflets two cents each. These ary Society.) are invaluable helps for devo- "A Christian World Order" and tional leaders, giving Scripture, A service on this keynote may "A Plan for Social Education subject matter, prayers, ques~ well start the study of "Rural and Action in Your Commu- tions for meditation, material America," following later with nity." Only one of these-that for the group's use, hymns, devotionals keyed to Christ's na- poems and prayer suggestions ture parables – "The Sower," on National Missions-has any for the ensuing week. Suitable "The Tares," etc. denominational flair. The others for any young people's or adult will apply equally well among all group, or for prayer meetings. "Worship Services" based on evangelical groups. The Scrip- "Lord, Teach Us to Pray" may A VISTA IN JAPAN be had from the Presbyterians tural foundations are well laid, for five cents each. the citations to live, present-day books are excellent and the Under the title "C h u r c h theme studies worked out in a Women and a Christian World scholarly- though simple-way Community," a series of ten to challenge interest and thought programs has been i.ssued for in any intelligent group. In this use in any organized group of church women, the four first out- year when standard study themes include "The Church in Rural America," "World Peace" and "The Missionary Motive and Imperative," and when panel discussions are in the lead in presenting subject matter, the outlines are most timely. The price is 10 cents, at The Pres- The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK Committee – the Quaker organ- ization which has carried on re- lief and reconstruction work both abroad and at home-dur- ing and following the World War in several European coun- tries and more recently in the coal areas of the United States.
This Committee is again trying to save life while others destroy.
The work for children in Spain is strictly non-partisan and is approved by the Federal Coun- cil of Churches and by the Red Cross.
We quote from the special bul- letin on Spain issued at intervals by the A. F. S. C.
"There may be defeats today – victories tomorrow for the armies. For the hungry people there is little hope that anything can happen to repair their ruined homes or restock their devastated farms." "Out of the confusion and debatable issues of the war, arise certain uncon- trovertible facts. Authorities agree, for instance, that as long aQ"o as last February there were more than a million refugees in Loyalist territory. The Loyalist government then reported that 250,000 children were in refugee colonies. More r e c e n t 1y, a Quaker relief worker in Madrid World Wide Photos, Inc. stated that there were 116,000 Thou Shall Not be Afraid "We have not fully caught the children still in that city under mind of Christ until we realize 14 years of age, badly under- "Thou shall not be afraid for that the Kingdom of God on nourished and unable to be evacthe terror by night, nor for the earth is the cooperative task of uated for lack of places to put arrow that Rieth by day." God and men working together." them. The safer municipalities (Psalm 91: 5.) throughout Loyalist Spain are "Faith is the diametrical op- now so congested with refugees "God hath not given us a spir- posite of fear and the supreme that they are forced to refuse it of fear, but of love, and of cure for fear is faith." additional numbers except when power, and of discipline." (2 the food is guaranteed by out- Timothy 1: 7.) RUFUS JONES.
"Fear is the greatest single Spain Opens Door for Friendly- side agencies." "The A. F. S. C. hindrance to the advance of civ- has become a recognized im-· ilization today." Service partial channel for relief of the "We should leap forward to a new type of civilization and be (An opportunity to show the spirit Spanish people regardless of able to avert world disaster, if men were not chained to a dead of goodwill in a country clouded by where they may be—":"in Loyalist past by their fears." war.) or Nationalist territory." "All Doubtless our readers know shipments of goods or contribu- of the American Friends Service tions of money will be used [434 ]
BULLETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF WOMEN FOR HOME MISSIONS
strictly for the purposes desig- all over Spain and that is simple National Peace Conference Ma- nated by the donors . . . ." playthings for children such as terials "The refugees arrive in such balls and blocks and things that The National Peace Confer- terrible condition that their rags are not easily destroyed." ence publishes, through its Pubhave to be stripped off of them lic Affairs Committee, a series and burned. Children can be The need for playthings will of pamphlets on subjects conmade to smile by a bright col- be at least partly filled when the nected with world problems ored jumper or a pair of shoes." children of America send their which affect international rela- "Next to the full maintenance of suitcases to the refugee children. tions and peace, and which are the colonies, help with the food Detailed information on this of great value to those who wish supply is the most important project may be secured by writ- brief expositions on topics of imthing that can be done for refu- ing to the Committee on World mediate interest. The latest gee children; a problem every Friendship Among Children, 297 pamphlet is entitled "Colonies, day more acute. Shipments for Fourth Avenue, New York City. Trade and Prosperity," and is a this purpose come in duty free." Those who desire to contribute simple and condensed study of "One's first impression of the clothing or cash for food should the economic approach to the refugee situation is of terrible send it to the American Friends peace question. This pamphlet chaos and misery. The first day Service Committee, 20 South is excellent and very readable, in Murcia I went to the Pablo 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. and will be very valuable in con- Inglesias – a huge b u i I din g (In either case kindly mention nection with the campaign on economics and peace which is to where 4,000 are housed. The THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF be launched next fall by the Nabuilding is in reality an unfin- tional Peace Conference, and THE WORLD.) about which you will hear more ished block of flats about nine in detail in the fall. stories high. The floors have Materials on Peace Education not yet been divided into rooms, A packet of helps. for this and form vast corridors, swarm- Marathons pamphlet is being prepared and ing with men, wom(in and chil- will be ready for use in the fall. The subjects for the Marathon These National Peace Conferdren of all ages. There is no Round Tables for 1937-1938 are ence pamphlets sell for 35c each, furniture of any sort – only now at hand. There are two but can be ordered in quantity at Marathons this year-Plan A: a reduced rate. For further instraw mattresses. It must be Preparatory Marathon on the formation write to the National remembered that many of the subject "The U. S. and the Peace Conference, 8 West 40th World"; and Plan B: Advanced St., New York City. refugees have been in this build- Marathon under the title: "Adeing for two months. Nearly all quate National Defense. What World Day of Prayer in come from Malaga, and look is it?" Send to the National indescribably poor, dirty and Committee on the Cause and a Rural Village Cure of War, 1622 Grand Cenwretched. The municipality tral Terminal Building, New One step toward cooperation which complains of being one York, for copies of this folder in the work of the church has million pesetas in debt for its for distribution at fall meetings. come through the World Day of Let us try to have a large num- Prayer. Mrs. – – of – – sent refugees can afford to give only ber of Marathons among wom- in to the Council office $2.92, the one meal a day to this house, en in church groups during the offering from the observance of with the addition of a little milk coming year. to the children in the morning. The noise was terrific, babies New Headline Book crying, boys rushing madly from floor to floor, women shouting to them. A woman came up cry- ing bitterly, saying that she had The new Foreign Policy Asso- the World Day of Prayer. Her lost her two smallest children in ciation Headline Book: "Billions husband is pastor of a small the confusion of the flight and for Defense," is another study rural parish and this year for didn't know whether they were course on national defense. More the first time she inaugurated alive or dead. There is nothing popular in its plan than the ad- the World Day of Prayer in her for the children to do. Many vanced Marathon on the same country community. She said children begged us to take them subject, it is valuable for those the nearest church was 13 miles away to colonies or somewhere who desire an e Ie men tar y away. She contacted 13 differ- " course. It could be followed by ent churches over a wide area, Esther Farquhar, Quaker re- the Advanced Marathon if a they had four denominations lief worker in Spain, reports: group wished to pursue the sub- represented at their service, and "The conditions at Murcia are ject further. The kit of mate- there were 42 women present frightful. The infant mortality rials which is furnished for this which was "an excellent number has been as high as fifty per book is planned for a series of for this community. We found cent." Her work is largely with four meetings. Price of the the service extremely devotional infants. She has established a book: board cover, 35c; paper and I felt the women really clinic which she calls "a Drop cover, 25c. Discussion kit, 15c. prayed. Twenty – five of the of Milk." "There is one thing Foreign Policy Association, 8 group participated actively in that I have noticed the lack of West 40th St., New York City. one way or another."
World~wide
A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO 1.
~===============================~ JAPAN-CHOSEN In the minds of the average Jap- aminations at the John D. Wells anese, Christianity is still as- Christian Accord associated with Western civili- School, Seoul, Chosen. Some zation. Nevertheless, what has failed; some lost out on the The National Christian Coun- been called "disembodied Chris- physical examination; and some cils of Japan and China have re- tianity" (Christian ideals and couldn't stand up under the scrucently taken definite steps in an standards observed by those who tiny of their former school receffort to bring about a closer re- are not actual church members) ords. From 13 different .provlation between the two organiza- is a strong force in Japan. This tions and between the Christians is evidenced by the facts that inces, the successful boys rated of the two nations. Both Coun- courses in Bible and Christian B or above in every subject, had cils are eager for closer rela- history are offered in some non- goo d personal records, and tions in order to understand Christian universities; that the showed much promise. About each other and build a bond of Bible and the Union Christian Christian brotherhood between Hymnal have a wide circulation half came from Christian famthe two peoples. Recent events among non-Christians; and that in North China, however, are social work, formerly a monop- ilies. bringing about further separa- oly of Christians, is now con- A 20th century note is seen in tion, at least in external rela- ducted by many other agencies. tionships. the fact that very few people -Monday Morning. The nation-wide United Evan- looked at the bulletin board in gelistic Movement is quietly go- Memorial to Dr. Uemura front of the school to read the ing forward in Japan. In addi- list of successful applicants, the reason was that almost every one had heard the names over the radio.
-Monday Morning.
tion to a program of evangelism, The Japan Theological Semi- ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC bands of evangelists are being n a r y (Presbyterian-Reformed organized for work among the Church) has recently dedicated Strange Island of New Guinea churches, youth is being trained a new recitation hall in memory for Christ, and lay leadership of Rev. M. Uemura, outstanding Rev. R. R. Hanselmann went and stewardship are advocated. Japanese Christian who died ten to New Guinea in 1926 as a mis- Arrangements have been made years ago. This Seminary is the sionary under the American Luto send out ten evangelistic official school of the Church of theran Church. While at home teams to conduct meetings and Christ in Japan. It was estab- on furlough he has given nearly hold conferences in eight prov- lished in 1930 by a union of the 800 lectures about his experiinces. Other provinces will be theological department of Meiji ences in this island of headworked later. Gakuin and a seminary in Tokyo hunters and tree-dwellers. established by Dr. Uemura. With "Disembodied Christianity" the exception of one small semi- New Guinea is the second nary in Kobe, all theological edu- largest island in the world and According to latest figures, cation of the Church of Christ in is shaped like a monstrous bird. the Church of Christ in Japan is Japan is now out of the hands of If the southeastern point were made up of about 340 churches. the missions, and directly under placed on the tip of the Florida Slightly more than half of these the management of the Japanese peninsula the northwestern point are entirely self-supporting, Church. would reach to Colorado. Vegewhile others receive aid either tation of unsurpassed luxuriance from the mission or from the This Church has been cele- covers nearly the entire island. self-supporting churches. A typ- brating its 50th meeting of Syn- Among the light and dark green ical church is a city organization od with a series of evangelistic foliage are incessant flashes of with a membership of 123, and a meetings. gorgeously colored birds, and Sunday school of 71 with an surpassing all in beauty is the average of five teachers. Up -Presbyterian Banner. Bird of Paradise. A constant until 1930, membership was stream of scientists and museum rapidly increasing, but since Applicants for Wells School collectors arrive in New Guinea then, owing in some degree to in quest of biological s·pecimens. the intensified feeling of nation- There was room for only 106 alism, the rate has slowed down. new boys out of the 844 appli- Lately discovered mineral re- cants who had paid the registra- sources have brought white men tion fee to take the entrance ex- in hordes. Beneficent govern- [436 ] ment penetration and mISSIOn church membership by about cies of the Church, and he used organizations have b r 0 ugh t 4,000, but the results of Chris- his privilege with good sense about prophylactic measures, tian education carried on over a and definite loyalty to Christian making the life of Europeans long period of years can now be teaching. It was voted to make reasonably safe. Six hundred seen in the annual increase in the conference an annual event. plantations are under European the Christian population. control, cultivating cocoanuts, -The Living Church. The British Government consugar~ane,rubber,kapok,coffee tributed over $360,000 toward NORTH AMERICA these mission schools in 1936. Of and cocoa. Gold-mining is one the 18,000 children enrolled in Church Membership Gains of the chief industries. The various types of school, one in aerial transport has developed four is a Christian and of the Religious bodies of the United into the largest freight carrying 6,000 in g ran t-i n-a i d boys' States, as a whole, are growing, air service in the world. schools, one in six is a member according to statistics gathered of the Church. As a result of this by the late Dr. George Linn The natives as a whole are less mission policy, and government Kieffer. ill-natured than popular accounts sympathy and aid, a Church of imply. Their aversion to bath- educated persons is being built In 1936, the total membership ing is one of their most marked in Malaysia. of all religious bodies in the characteristics. To Christianize United States reached 63,493,- such a people usually requires -Christian Century. 036, as compared with 62,655,- from fifteen to eighteen years 632 in the previous year. This from the time contact is estab- Thankful for Leprosy! represents a gain in membership lished with a wild tribe until the for the year of 837,404. tribe is ready for baptism. The Leprosy is the last thing for life of the native Christian mis- which most people would be The Baptists continue to lead sionary, stationed in out-lying thankful, yet at the watch night all other Protestant bodies with districts, is so convincing to the service at Culion Leper Colony a total increase for the year of heathen people that slowly they the following testimony was 140,308. The Reformed Churchlay aside their former mode of given: "I thank God Almighty es, not a large denomination in sinful living. The race has a fu- for having made me a leper be- comparison with the Baptists ture. Various mission agencies cause in this place I have found and Methodists, come second, in New Guinea have a staff total- my Lord and my Redeemer. I with a gain of 81,958. The Luing over 500 white workers. had tried to find joy, peace, and therans, with 43,905, are third, contentment from what the and the Methodists fourth with -The Bond. world had to offer, but all ended a membership gain of 41,798. in bitter disappointment. In Other notable increases were Dyak Christians Jesus I have found my salvation made by the Unitarians, with and real contentment." 38,026; the Protestant Episco- During the past six years, palians, with 21,193; the Evanabout 12,000 Dyaks have been Igorot Young People's gelicals, with 9,390; the Presbybaptized as Christians. Thi~ terians, with 6,507; the Nazarepresents four distinct fields; Conference renes, with 5,867; the Advent- East Bornea, the districts of Ma- ists, with 5,435; the Mennonites, hakam, Boelongan and Sesajap, The first Young People's. Con- with 4,101; the International and West Borneo, the district of ference of the Philippine Epis- Church of the Foursquare Gos- Kapoeas. The Dyaks, though copal Mission went beyond the pel, with 5,225; the Moravians, uncivilized and uneducated, are most optimistic expectations in with 1,624; and the United by no means stupid. They gen- its attendance of 100 young men Brethren, with 1,073. erally learn readily, and have re- and women, most of them Igotentive memories. There is a rots-though delegates included -The Churchman. simplicity of heart which is re- one ex-Moslem girl from Zamsponsive to the Gospel message. boanga. A Bible Crusade About 200 native students are in various stages of preparation for The general topic was Chris- A new movement has been the ministry.-The Pioneer. tian religion in relation to both launched in Chicago called the the old traditional ways of the "Bible Evangelistic Crusade," Methodists in Malaysia mountain province and the sud- which has for its purpose the den incidence of modern prob- evangelization of neg Ie c ted The Methodist Church has lems. To keep the native group towns and villages and country built up a mission in Malaysia from backwardness in express- places in the United States and on an educational foundation. ing views, the foreign attend- Canada. It is reported that Last year nearly 18,000 children ance was restricted to two. there are 10,000 churchless and young people attended their towns in America and 30,000 grade and high schools, where The meetings proved remark- without a resident pastor. There 690 Asiatics and 53 European able for the frankness and inter- are 36,000,000 children and adoand Am e ric a n teachers in- est of the opinions expressed. lescents growing up without any structed them. The number in For the first time the Igorot religious training whatever. these schools exceeds the total Christian was showing himself vocal in helping shape the poli-
Over eighty Bible Institutes amend broadly the state Sunday Our Crime Peril and Christian training schools in the U. S. are turning out law was defeated; in Indiana a Recent reports of the Federal thousands of young people each Bureau of Investigation apparyear equipped for Ch~ist~an bill to open the saloons on Sun- ently confirm our unenviable disservice. This new organIZatIOn tinction of having the worst will assist such workers in being day was killed by a vote of three crime record of any of the sofurnished with trailers, tents called civilized peoples of earth. and other necessary equipment to toesne~'tteamnpdtsinto several other The reports indicate that "a larto reach the more difficult fields. sta bring in com- ceny occurs every 44 seconds in Pastoral workers will be di- the United States, a burglary rected to the most encouraging mercialized sports and amuse- every two minutes, an automoplaces to follow up the work that bile theft every two and one-half has been begun, and will be ments and other business were minutes, a robbery every ten given some assistance in getting minutes, a felonous assault every started. When further support frustrated. One of the greatest twelve minutes, and a criminal is needed by evangelistic groups attack on a woman every 67 and missionary pastors, the or- victories won in law enforce- minutes." ganization will try to interest churches or individuals in fur- ment was the abolition of 17 The Bureau's figures show nishing a regular monthly al- that our national crime bill anlowance. burlesque show theaters in New nually is $15,000,000,000. This is a daily cost of more than $41,- -Evangelical Christian. York City. The Lord's Day Al- 000 000. "Every time the clock tick,s off a second, the count ry's Testaments for Prisoners liance has been driving hard crime bill jumps $475." Most of the crimes are committed by The Pocket Testament League against such performances. persons 22 years of age. How has recently sent 500 Testa- can these figures be reduced to ments for work among the pris- -Monday Morning. the minimum? oners of San Quentin Prison, California. This is the distrib- The Exeter Experiment Goodwill in Tennessee uting center for other state p~ nal institutions-at TehachapI, "Weare trying to bring the The Tennessee Interracial Forsom and one under construc- Commission, organized 19 years tion near Los Angeles. The di- Good News." Thus the religious ago, was first known as the Law rector of religious work at San work director of Mount Holyoke and Order League. Its program Quentin, Alfred C. Schmitt,. in- College epitomizes an experi- was enlarged when its name was terviews all prisoners and gIves ment at Exeter, Maine, forty changed. Under its first name it Testaments to those desiring miles from Bangor. Four years confined itself to crime preventhem. The demand is so great ago this director, Mis~ Kathe- tion and crusaded against mob that the director has called for rine Grammer and MISS Mar- violence. The enlarged program another 500 copies immediately. garet Teague, secretary for ru- includes health, housing, sanita- He writes: "Some of the in- tion education, recreation, travmates become so attached to ral work of the diocese of Maine, eling accommodations on public their Pocket Testaments that asked themselves what could be carriers, child welfare and imthey request the privilege of done to meet the religious needs provement of rural conditions. taking them along with them of a b a c k woo d s generation. Its methods are (1) the promowhen they go out on paroIe." growing up without any real tion of mutual understanding of (Gifts to supply these Testa- viewpoints and needs; and (2) ments may be sent to the Pocket knowledge of Christ and His the cooperation of the two races Testament League, 156 Fifth Church. Instead of merely la- in securing the ends agreed upon Ave., New York.) menting facts, a vacation school in conferences, usually through was planned. For four w~eks the building of favorable public "Remember the Sabbath" eight students and a tramed sentiment. nurse afford the only regular op- All Christian citizens can re- portunity the children and even In the beginning, some of the joice in the increase of interest difficulties were: radical elein preserving the civil institu- the adults of that vicinity have ments in both races; indifference tion of the Sabbath. Of the 43 during the entire year for seri- to constructive efforts for betterstate legislative bodies in sessi?n ment· and a tendency to proin 1937, proposed adverse legIs- ous religious instruction, as well mote 'selfish ends. But in time lation has been defeated more notable results were achieved. than a score of times: In New as forthe teaching of recreational Much has been done in the cor- York State five such bills went rection of interracial injustices down to defeat; in Iowa a bill to values. Approximately 100 chil- and the betterment of conditions affecting Negroes. Oppressive mdarteen~iafrlowmit5h to 21, are the raw which the vacation school works. They are collected in beach wagons or make their own way to the farmhou~e and barn in which the school IS con- d u c ted. Classes, handicraft work and expert recreation make up the program of the morni~g.
A morning, and a sunset serVIce is conducted each day. More than 300 adults attend the Sun- day evening services. – Miss G ram mer and Miss Teague believe that they have at least paved the way toward de- veloping a technique which can be used in other rural areas.
-The Living Church.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
measures have been opposed. tious than a bottle of pills. The the island, but the large number Inconsiderate and brutal officers missionary supplied such relief of letters he receives from peo- have been called to account. Co- as he could to the suffering peo- ple not touched by churches is operation in community enter- ple with a few pills until in 1904 a witness to the value of this prises has been promoted. Ne- when the Presbyterians sent out s e r vic e. The First Baptist gro members have been privi- a medical missionary and built Church of Santiago has been leged to lay bare any inj ustices the first little hospital. helping a Spanish priest who which they feel their race is suf- The work rapidly outgrew its within the last year left the Ro- fering, assured of a courteous first quarters and today there man Catholic Church. For the and friendly hearing. stands a grade "A" hospital with present he is supporting himself Close contacts are maintained 110 beds; a children's ward; by teaching in the day school with church groups. Baptist, nurses' home; a training school of the First Church. The Bap- Methodist and Presbyterian of fifty-five nurses; and a 1936 tist Church in Palma Soriano, a denominations have indorsed the record of more than 32,000 pa- town of 20,000 inhabitants, has Tennessee interracial movement, tients. The hospital was placed outgrown its building which and many have accepted re- on the approved list of hospitals seats only 160. Its average at- sponsibility for leadership. for graduate study in tropical tendance in Sunday school is -Tennessean Magazine. medicine by the Council of Med- 230.
Pima Indian Evangelist ical Education of the American Brazil's Student Problem Medical Association. In the re- When a Pima Indian becomes motest country barrio and in the It has long been realized that crowded city it is known as "EI one of the serious missionary a Christian he is usually filled Presbiteriano." problems of the Latin world is with a desire to win others. Pima the approach to the student -Presbyterian Banner. class. The Student Union for churches regularly send teams Christian Service was organized of lay workers into areas where Religion in the West Indies twelve years ago, and at present there is no church or resident confines its activity to students minister. A group of 16 of these Charles S. Detweiler, Baptist in evangelical schools of higher lay workers recently returned Home Mission Secretary, reports education. With nearly 500 memfrom a 10-day itinerary in dif- observations on a recent trip to bers it already has a considerferent parts of the reservation, the West Indies. able effect upon the lives of its devoting their entire time to members, and the necessity for personal evangelism. In Port – au – Prince, Haiti, personal witness is impressed there are four Pro t est ant upon all who join. A Pima Indian Christian en- churches, the Episcopalian, the tered an exclusive shop in Pasa- Wesleyan, the African Method- -World Dominion Press. dena, California. Conversing ist Episcopal and the Baptist. with the saleslady, he said, "I The largest of these churches suppose you attend church ?" has the poorest building. There Echoes of Martyrdom When she replied that she did is real religious freedom in Haiti. not, he began then and there to In Puerto Rico, Protestant in- From the region along the tell her of the love of God for fluence in public life is growing. Amazon where the Messrs. Rob- His children, and how He sent For some time the head of the erts, Wright and Dawson, known Jesus down to earth to save us- Teachers College and the second as the "three Freds," disappreaching her a short sermon in rank in the University has peared in martyrdom, comes the right in the store, which was been a Puerto Rican Presbyte- report that 1,200 Kayapo Inacross from one of the largest rian, and now the Chancellor of dians had suddenly emerged churches in Pasadena. People the University is another Pres- from their forests and descended came to listen and the Indian byterian. The new Commission- on the little town of Nova carried on, proud that he could er of Education, recently ap- Olinda. Fear at first prevailed tell the story to one who hadn't pointed by President Roosevelt, that they had come to massacre; yet learned to love Him. Before is a Puerto Rican Presbyterian. but a strange thing had ocleaving he exacted a promise, A very outspoken Baptist, prom- curred. Wars in their home diswhich the woman seemed glad to inent in political life, is presi- tricts had driven them forth, and give, that from then on she dent of the Board of Commis- they were seeking safety and would attend church. -Monday Morning. sioners of the City of San Juan, food. The news was received by and also a member of the Public the field workers as an answer LATIN AMERICA Service Commission of the Is- to prayer, and steps were taken land. The pastor of the Second to meet the opportunity. Two Hospital in Puerto Rico Baptist Church of Santiago, missionaries soon were on their Cuba, broadcasts for one hour way up the Xingu, with a ton of The Presbyterian Hospital in his Sunday morning service, and farina.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, repre- every day from seven to seven- Contact with these Kayapos sents the steady growth of an thirty he is on the air with a was established, and to the de- idea projected nearly forty years devotional service. The station light of the missionaries they ago with nothing more preten- reaches only the eastern half of found that God had been prepar-
ing for this meeting for ten years French Protestant Church tants, yet each is profiting by the past, at which time the language struggle of the other. had been reduced to writing. The French Pro t est ant Dr. Charles S. Macfarland, The new settlement has brought Church, though weak numerithe Indians to a place where the cally and financially, is a true secretary emeritus of the Fed- Gospel can be preached to them. missionary Church. The Paris eral Council of Churches, has Already a few have accepted Missionary Society which has issued an open letter to Hitler, in Christ. which he condemns the official been carrying on its work for 113 German attitude toward religion The last letter received from years, is working in eight differ- on four counts: the band of three contained this ent fields, wherein labor 165 misappeal: "Brethren, pray and sionaries. The whole work is (1) Hitler has "seized control over supported by an annual budget the Church, arrested multitudes of its send others to continue what the of five million francs. French pastors, confined many of them, and Lord has begun." missionaries are also working in permitted not a few to be assaulted the Methodist Mission on the without open rebuke of their at- -Alliance Weekly. tackers."
EUROPE Ivory Coast, and the Norwegian (2) Despite his promise to unite Call to be "Up and Doing" Lutheran Mission in Madagas- car. The present membership of the Church he has "divided it between those who comply, those who are neu- tral, and those who courageously op- Church attendance in England the French Churches is about pose [his] domination." 700,000, divided among 1,038 (3) Despite his promise to regard is reported as declining. The the "confession" of the Church as Methodists say that 60,000 few- parishes under the direction of er pupils attend Sunday school; 1,097 pastors. sacred, Hitler has "endeavored to c h u r c h membership has de- crush out its basic doctrine of the -World Dominion Press. Fatherhood of God and the brother- creased by 3,000. The Baptists Religion at the Paris hood of mankind." report a decline of pupils by Exposition nearly 20,000, of church mem- (4) "Instead of doing justice to the bers by nearly 1,500. Causes are Visitors to the Paris exhibi- Jews you have permitted them to be harassed and despoiled, without :he slightest appearance of mercy."
suggested include week-end hab- tion may discover several fea- When Hitler came into power it of hiking; opening of cinemas tures of special interest. A mis- he asked that he be given four on Sunday; Sunday excursions; sion boat of the McAll Mission years before people should judge dropping of family prayers; in- his policy. The four years have fluence of radio sermons. The will be found between the Alma elapsed and the judgment must and Passy bridges. Here, daily be one of condemnation. Scots Church's General Assembly has serious things to report services will be held. On the -The Living Church. gangway of the pont d'Alma, is a about reduced incomes for work bookstall containing Bibles and abroad. The foreign missions religious publications. The Godless Union accounts revealed a deficit of An exhibition of Protestant over $250,000. Sabbath observ- Art is a special feature at the Vigorous efforts to increase ance was lost in the Great War. American Church (63, Quai d'- membership in the Godless Un- -R. BIRCH HOYLE. Orsay) . This will be on view ion are being made by Litvinoff, London's Mosque from June 18, although the Russian Commissioner for For- Church itself is open from the eign Affairs. All applicants for The Nizam of Hyderabad has beginning of the Exposition. A diplomatic posts abroad, likewise provided a s,ite in West Kensing- leaflet in English and French en- all members of the Diplomatic ton, London, for a Mohammedan titled "Souvenirs of French Prot- Service at present employed mosque. The foundation stone estantism," by Pastor Boss, is abroad, must be members of the was laid on 4th June by the being published by the National Godless Union, or face dismissal.
Prince of Berar, the son and Touring Center. A Welcome The decree is also extended to heir of the Nizam, surrounded Center for Women (47, Quai d'- com mer cia I representatives by a distinguished company of Orsay) is open from 9 a. m. until abroad. The Osservatore Ro- Moslem representatives from 9 p. m. -The Christian. mano says that during last year Egypt, Arabia, Turkey, Persia German Churches Firm membership of the Union greatand other countries. Like the ly increased, and its funds im- mosque at Woking, the London The Nazi's are not making proved by the payment by every mosque will be a miniature of much headway a g a ins t the member abroad of a special conthe Taj Mahal and is to be fin- Christian Church. Roman Cath- tribution. The new decree has ished at the end of the year. It olics have no intention of retreat- resulted in 6,700 new adhesions will hold about 1,000 people, ing or compromise; confessional- to the Union. The Komsomol quite large enough to accommo- Protestants have set up a secret has ordered Russian youth to' date the worshippers. The total council, to which pastors pledge imp r 0 v e their antireligious number of Moslems and those obedience, in defiance of the work, and to win between May 2 interested in Islam in the whole Reich. and August 2, 200,000 boys and of Great Britain is estimated at So far as known, there is girls as recruits. 2,000. nothing resembling a u nit e d Antireligious pro p a g and a -World Dominion Press. front of Catholics and Protes- abroad was stimulated by the
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
despatch of appropriate litera- Emirates in the Sudan are open- Britain has not full liberty to ture valued at 1,500,000 rubles, ing for the missionaries of the expel priests of Italian or any chiefly to Switzerland, Holland, Sudan United Mission. Many other nationality. The British France, Spain, England and followers of Islam are awaken- Government is, however, anx- Belgium. Sixty-five thousand ing to the deficiencies of their ious to show church circles that rubles only were received from system. The first conference of it is fighting with all the re- Kabyle converts was held re- sources of diplomacy behind the recipients. -World Dominion Press. cently, and on almost every sta- British missionaries who may be tion there are signs of the work- in trouble. This has been Brit- Protestantism in Austria ing of the Holy Spirit, and that ish policy whenever mission- Since February more than the seed sown through so many aries' lives or teaching activities 15,000 people in Austria have years will soon bear fruit. have been endangered in China entered the Protestant Church. or elsewhere, and the same pol- In Vienna alone about 10,000 -The Christian. icy is being carried out now. have taken this step. A great Moslem Stronghold Crumbling -New York Times.
many of these were formerly There is today throughout Bible Pictures to "Think Roman Catholic, but the major- Africa a mighty movement away Black" ity were without religious de- from Islam and paganism, sinomination. Many of them are multaneous with the movement An attempt to stress the need very poor and out of work, yet away from Hinduism in India. of "thinking black" in any ap- such is their desire for spiritual The Sudan Interior Mission sees proach of the white man to Afriteaching that they visit regular- new opportunities in the open- can children is the plan of the ly divine services and Bible ing up of the Moslem strongholds World's Sunday School Associaclasses which the Protestant of Northern Nigeria to the Gos- tion to present awards to native Church has organized for them. pel. The Nigerian Government African artists who produce il- Protestant churches are filled to is now willing to hand over the lustrations of the parables conoverflowing, and the few pastors leper camps in these provinces veying the fullest meaning to have so much to do that it will to the missionary society. native African children. The be necessary to employ new as- With the acceptance of the story of "the widow's mite" does sistants to impart religious in- challenge, the call has gone forth not make sense to the African. struction. The State authorities for a hundred new missionaries, How can she be the "poor widare very unfriendly towards this including doctors and nurses. ow" with her flowing dress is -Life of Faith. the incredulous reaction of the movement, and put every ob- stacle in the way of preventing Italy's Ethiopian Policy African native. The results of persons from leaving the Roman this venture will be marked by Catholic Church. Italy's action in forbidding an originality which s h 0 u I d From all parts of Austria ur- British, American and French prove refreshing. missionaries to carryon their' gent requests are pouring in for -W. S. S. A.
Bibles and New Testaments. A work in Ethiopia, gives point to Uplift for the Bantus pastor in Syria writes: "I come Foreign Secretary Ant h 0 n y from a little village in which twenty have entered the Prot- Eden's guarded reminder that Missionary work in the Portuestant Church, and they all request me to send them Bibles the British Government "must guese colony of Bantus is chiefly and Catechisms. This was not a political movement, because they reserve the right to consider" among nine recruits of the Transwanted nothing other than God's the expulsion of Italian mission- vaal. There can be no doubt of Word." -Bible Society Record. aries from Malta, Nigeria and the influence of the "East Coast other parts of the British Em- Boys" on the Christian villages pire. The expulsion of British which have grown up in Portu- missionaries has been the sub- guese East Africa. After work- ject of prolonged negotiation ing in the mines of the Trans- AFRICA which have not proven success- vaal, particularly on the Wit- ful. England's threat is not watersrand, they return home Is Islam Tottering? likely to be translated into ac- with ideas about a home which tion, but at least it calls atten- cannot tolerate the old heathen W. Cecil Collinson, Secretary tion to the injustice of Rome's customs, and either these have of the Egypt General Mission, policy. had to go or they have built a observes that large numbers of Italian priests and teachers group of huts in a new spot Moslems are tiring of the for- are to be found chiefly in Malta, away from their pagan relatives.
malities of Islam. Here are some Nigeria and Palestine. In MaTta These structures are finer than facts which go to prove that most of them already have been the pagan huts, influenced by there are signs of a real change replaced by Maltese; in Nigeria, homes they have seen of the in the situation. In every Mos- Italian missionaries are only a white people in the Transvaal.
lem community of over 50,000 handful com par e d with the In the midst of the new huts has inhabitants there is a nucleus of French, while Palestine is a been built the chapel with a bell, witness for Christ. Long-closed mandated territory in which where the leader calls the people
morning and evening to read the tegic importance of this educa- There has been a marked Scriptures, pray and sing hymns learned in the Transvaal. tional program is seen in the deepening of interest in the Gos- The Bantu thinks and works fact that the seven secondary pel m e s sag e among various in circles rather than straight lines. His house is circular, his schools in Palestine educate classes of people. Among the village is circular and his thinking follows a circuitous route. practically one-half the Arabs causes of this should be noted: Christianity widens his mental horizon and helps him to think receiving such training, and a first, a general consciousness and construct in terms of rows of superior huts with fruit and not inconsiderable number of the that we are in a most critical flowering trees between them, which provide ventilation, clean- Jews. period of the world's history; liness and improved sanitation. Many observers say despond- second, the results of seed pre- -World Dominion PreISs. ently that there is no solution of viously sown; and third, the Rhodes-Livingstone Institute the problem of Arab, Jew and prayers of friends. There is The year 1940 will mark not only the jubilee of the founda- Briton; others offer political or greater opportunity for reaching tion of the two Rhodesias in 1890 by Cecil Rhodes, but also diplomatic ways out, but the Moslems as more and more chilthe centenary of the departure for Africa in 1840 of David Liv- only workable plan is to make all dren take advantage of the ingstone. It is proposed that this double anniversary should be three Christian. schools. Approximately 100 boys commemorated in Nor t he r n -Spirit of Missions. and girls attend Sunday school. Rhodesia by the establishment of a Rhodes-Livingstone Insti- News from Syria These are divided into three tute of Central African Studies classes or groups with competent which will serve as a combined The Danish Mission to the teachers, each child being permemorial to these two men. Orient has opened a new Evan- mitted to enter the group of his The proposed institute is in- gelical Church at Hafar, Syria. own language. The pupils in one tended to further scientific study In five boys schools 69 % are class are all Moslem. of the impact of European civili- Moslems and in the girls' schools zation upon native African So- -Near East Christian Council. ciety. It will be located at Liv- 78 %. Students are more seriousingstone, the old capital of minded than those of ten years Northern Rhodesia, seven miles ago, and there has been in- INDIA-SIAM-MALAYIA from Victoria Falls. creased interest in the various Reaching the Multitudes WESTERN ASIA voluntary religious services. Financial difficulties h a v e The Methodist Church in Hy- Christian Schools in Palestine caused the Danish Mission to the derabad is responsible for a Armenians to close their clinic Christian community of 100,000 Christian schools are the only in Beirut, and a reduction of the persons. Those who have been places where Jew and Moslem, numbers in Birds' Nest, Jubeil; reached are eager to learn more, as well as Christians, meet to- but industrial work has sup- and there are some remarkable gether, study together, play on ported many needy women, and testimonies to changed lives and the same terms, and, in the children have been paid for in cleaner homes. Those who for spirit of Christian charity, learn schools. Bible-women are used generations have been in bondthat give and take which are so for evangelistic work in homes age to idol worship and the powimportant. Last year when the and meetings and conferences ers of darkness find it no easier feeling between Jews and Arabs have been held. The Swiss So- to walk in a path of true separarose to boiling point, and all ciety of Ghazir has given help to tion than do the followers of Arab schools, even those under Armenian village colonies by C h r i s t in more enlightened the government, went on strike, placing nurses among them, in lands, where Christianity has Christian schools still went on. addition to their work among been making its influence felt There was difficulty at times in the blind. In spite of the difficult for centuries. To the end that keeping Arab and Jew together, financial situation the Armenian converts may be strengthened, but it was done. Result: the churches have taken increased "refresher courses" are given. schools have been crowded as responsibility for carrying on These are attended by pastors, never before. Jews and Arabs their work, and have even evangelists, village teachers and say what they find there is started new work in three or young men and women from vil- "character training." The stra- lage congregations. On one oc- four centers. -Near East Christian Council. casion several village teachers gathered for a time of prayer In Iraq and meditation in connection "Iraq reports a steadily in- with their work, after which it creasing stream of tourists, and was estimated that in one week the missionaries are glad that 85,000 persons heard the Gospel.
many of them are sufficiently in– Rev. C. W. Posnett is leading· terested in missions to take time this work. Not long ago a vil- to see mission work. The most lage chief, who had continually noteworthy visitation recently persecuted the native Christian was in the form of a conference teacher, went to Mr. Posnett and in Baghdad of five officials of the said: "I used to persecute your British and Foreign, and the teacher; I pulled down the thatch American Bible Societies. from his shed, and tried to drive
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
him out, but I have come to tell five stations (Madras, Conjeev- plexes will be shed when one can you that I want his religion; eram, Chingleput, Arkonam and read his own Bible, subscribe to your teacher has saved and Sriperumbudur) together with his own paper, and form his changed my village, and he is 450 coworkers, eight Indian min- own opinions at first hand. now my friend." isters with 8,000 church mem- bers, give stalwart witness to the -United Church Review. -The Christian. growth and strength of this work. Dr. Laubach's Method "Temple Entry" Proclamation An outstanding feature of Dr. Frank C. Laubach says Caste Hindus in Travancore those early days was the baptism that teaching the people of Inhave issued a proclamation com- of two students, P. Rajahgopal dia to read is like trying to tear pelling the depressed class Chris- and A. Venkataramiah, which down the Himalayas. Only 8 tian converts to go to Hindu caused a furore, reduced the per cent of the 340,000,000 can temples. If they do not forsake school attendance from 400 to 70 read, and only 7 per cent of Christianity, they are not al- overnight, and brought on a those who can read can do it lowed to reap the harvest, and court case, through all of which well enough to understand what some are turned out of their the Christian leaders stood un- they are reading. Dr. Laubach poor dwellings. This restriction compromisingly for their faith, thinks he has the explanation. is being applied to London Mis- resulting in many conversions. There is in India a spoken lansion, Romon Catholic, Salvation guage and a written, in all the Army and Syrian converts in Madras Christian College, an large languages. These go by places like Avaneeswaram and outgrowth of the work of this the same name but have differ- Thalavoor. The matter has at- mission is celebrating the Cen- ent vocabularies. It is as if you tracted the attention of Mr. tenary by transfer to a new lo- were learning Greek, or Hebrew, Gandhi, who has promised to try cation covering 390 a'cres at and had to learn both a new voto better the situation. Tambaram, sixteen miles south cabulary and a new alphabet. -National Missionary Intelli- of Madras. It is worse than that for the il- literate, for he has never learned gencer. -United Church Review. any letters and does not know what to expect. Dr. Laubach is Santal Mission Anniversary Literacy by 1941 advocating that all illiterates be taught in their own dialects, This year marks the seven- The All-India Conference of learning to read in the spoken tieth anniversary of the found- India Christians has issued a language. Thus the other laning of the Santal Mission of challenge: "Every Christian guages will become dead. North India. Of the founders, able to read by 1941." Here are Hans Peter Borresen and Lars some of the reasons for expect- -Missionary Herald. Olsen Skrefsrud, the former was ing a literate Church of Christ a native of Denmark, the latter in India four years hence. First, Gospel Inn at Leh of Norway. The mission is now there are many evidences of a supported by Lutherans in Den- widespread interest in adult lit- The Christian tells us that at mark, Norway and America. eracy. Active committees are Leh, on the border of VVestern There are fifty missionaries in at work in every part of the Tibet where Moravian missionthe field, twenty from Norway, country in the study of the prob- aries have labored for many twenty from Denmark and ten lems involved, in the prepara- years without seeing much fruit, from America, and the field is tion of materials, in the encour- it is now proposed to erect a expanding. Scattered over a agement of voluntary teachers "Gosnel Inn," in an attempt to strip of territory 400 miles lon~ of the illiterate. Preliminary at- obtain closer contact with nilare small Santal churches with tempts have met with distinct grims on their wav to their holy their pastors, evangelists and success. Striking achievements city. This inn will afford shel- Bible women. There are village in other countries spur India to ter and rest for the pilgrims and schools, and, in the large cen- the attainment of literacy. Rus- give opportunity for the missionters, boarding schools both for sia raised her literary from 33 aries to minister to their spiritboys and girls. There are also to 90 per cent between 1921 and ual needs. orphan homes, hospitals, and at 1931. In China, Dr. Y. C. James Saldoha a colony for lepers. Yen, began a mass literacy Christian Villages in Siam movement in 1922 with 1,450 Madras Centenary students; and within seven years One of Siam's largest Chris- he had taught five million to tian groups consists of ten vil- Scottish missionaries in Ma- read and write. lages where work is being cardras and vicinity are rejoicing ried on by Siamese leaders. In in their hundred years of his- Recent research has shown the largest church in this area tory. In February of 1837, John that the adult can learn to read there are several active organ- Anderson, son of a blind farmer some five times as rapidly as a izations-a large primary Sunof southern Scotland, landed in child. Many are influenced in day school, a large day school, Madras and began a school with their interest in literacy by the and a Kings Daughters circle. a definite evangelistic aim. To- political franchise to be gained They have their own evangelists day, thirty-six missionaries in by the literate. Inferiority com- whom they send out to work in
neighboring villages. There is colleges are coming to positio~s reconsecrating themselves to a large group of people studying of influence in the State and III Christ and four applying for now to be received into the all the learned professions. In church membership. c h u r c h as soon as they are the last dozen years the number ready. These church members of enrolled students of the Chris- Rev. C. H. Wong, pastor of tithe, and their gifts are more tian colleges has increased from the East Shanghai B a p ti s t than enough to meet the ex- 2000 to over 7,000. There are Church, asks these questions of penses of the church and sup- 800 graduates going out of these candidates for church memberport their own pastor. They institutions every year to take ship: are now asking for an assistant up their careers of various pastor, since the one cannot do kinds." What does it mean to be a Chrisall the work that might be done. -Missionary Herald (London). tian? Why do you want to become a They are ready to assume the Christian? What is the difference besupport of the extra pastor as Radio Preaching tween a Christian and a non-Chrissoon as he can be obtained. tian? Are the members of you~ fam- One of the most encouraging ily Christian? . Does yo~r .famIly ob- Singapore Churches features of Christian work in ject to your bemg a ChrrstIan? What Shanghai today is the Christian would you do if some one should per- Churches in Singapore differ Broadcasting Station. The un- secute you for being a Christian? Why from those in America in that usual thing about the broadcasts do you wan~ to join the. church? Wh~t they are run by young people, is their popularity, since only is the meamng of oaptIsm, the Lord s for in the ordinary church there one person out of 300 is a Chris- Supper, prayer, etc.? Do you p.r3:Y and are more youths than adults. tian. The station was begun, read your Bible? Are you wIllmg to The explanation for this is found and is still financed by a Chris- help bring others to Christ? in the fact that the church con- tian Chinese business merchant, ducts primary and· secondary who probably gives not less than Sometimes candidates are schools in every section of the nine-tenths of his income to God, asked to wait for further study city. These mission schools meet and part of it meets the heavy of Christianity, or until they the government standards, and expenses connected with this have a deeper experience of teach religion during these form- broadcasting center. W hen Christ before they are presented ative years, so that religious some one suggested that perhaps to the church for membership. education is a part of the whole more money was being spent on process, and not merely a Sun- its maintenance than should be, -Watchman-Examiner. day morning project. he replied that instead of spend- ling less, he felt he ought to Fukien's Experiment Another difference is that the spend more, and would do so. congregations are interracial; Thus he is now proposing that Fukien Christian University, the Sunday school and worship Government stations in other with a dozen villages within an service may be in Chinese from provincial capitals be placed at hour's walk of its campus – a 8: 30 to 10: 30. English may be the service of Christian preach- campus fashioned out of seventy the language for the next two ers. By payment of a fixed sum acres of rice and potato fields, hours and Malay in the after- to the authorities in charge of is not unmindful of its obliganoon. The same minister may those stations, half-an-hour daily tion to solve its share of the Chihave two of these groups and can be allowed for the broad- nese rural problem. The unisometimes the third. Race does casting of the Gospel. This ra- versity believes that the r~con not matter-only language. dio service reaches "the war struction of the rural areas IS an lords and the politicians, the experiment, and therefore an ex- Six out of ten churches in farmers and the factory work- pert's task. Francis Chen, with Singapore are self-supporting. ers, the old and the young, the his Yale Ph.D., in rural econom- Those receiving mission help are pirates and the followers of ics has returned to China as exthe newly organized ones. Some Christ." -China's Millions. pe;imenter. A gift secured by of the Chinese laymen have Rev. E. H. Smith, of the AmerIstarted an anti-opium clinic Evangelism in Shanghai can Board in Ingtai, provides which they are supporting, and funds for a five-year period of reports show over 1,000 patients University experimenting; and the village with 1,400 on the waiting list. of Nieu Tien is the starting It is the custom at the Uni- point. . -RALPH A. FELTON. versity of Shanghai (Baptist), to have four evangelistic meet- Forty year'S of revolution have CHINA ings each year, each called "Re~ made the farmer their victim. ligious Emphasis Week." Per- He is the sufferer from the civil Christian Influence Expanding sonal work is done largely wars, exorbitant taxes, the cor- through fellowship groups. dur- rupt and bewildered gentry, not At a meeting in London of ing the year. The l~st serIes ~f to speak of bandits and commu- British Missionary Societies, meetings resulted III 14 decI- nists. The farmers constitute Rev. C. E. Wilson, Baptist For- sions, twenty-two desiring to four-fifths of the total popula-: eign Secretary, said: enter Bible classes, seventy-four tion. To save the farmer is, therefore, to save the nation. "It is one of the most remarkable features of modern China -Far Horizons. that the graduates of Christian Through Personal Contact Of 28 students and teachers baptized in one station in China
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
during the past year, 17 came ites" has learned a great deal of the Church of Christ in China. from non-Christian schools. A about the Chiang people of the Similar boards are being de- Presbyterian m iss ion a r y in western borderland of China. veloped at Kulangsu and Chuancharge of student work there They live between China proper chow. Outlying hospitals at says that these were not super- and Tibet. They bear such un- Changpu and Siokhe will be opficial or emotional decisions, but mistakable marks of being Is- erated as branches of the Changfollowed many months of care- raelitish that Mr. Torrance chow hospital center, and it is ful training in communicants' says: "Were they clad in foreign proposed that other outlying classes, and much personal dis- dress and set down in London or hospitals shall be designated as cussion with other Christians. New York, they would be taken branches of the Kulangsu and Most of these young people first at once for Jews." Chuanchow centers respectively. became interested in Christianity The description he gives of the Each of the three missions conthrough Christian stu den t s use of an altar in the sacred cerned have given approval to whom they knew. Said this mis- grove, and of the slaying of the the plan. sionary: "It is easier to get stu- sacrificial lamb by an appointed dents into a vital relationship priest, clad in special priestly GENERAL with God in their personal lives garments, is strangely reminis- Religion—'Not Philosophy than to lead them into the cent of the Old Testament sacri- Needed fices, and the likeness is further Church." -Monday Morning. borne out by the ritualistic use President Jam e s Rowland of a priestly rod bearing the im- Angell of Yale University insists age of a serpent, recalling the that religion, rather than phi- Leprosy Conferences ancient Nehustan. The similar- losophy must be relied on to Within a week after the tragic ities between Israelitish and change the human heart and shooting of sixty lepers at Chiang religious practices all solve our many problems. Said Yeungkong, two of the most shed fresh light on many an elu- he at the Bowdoin Institute of noted scientific bodies in China sive Bible allusion. The national Philosophy: were in session-the Chinese story of the Chiang people un- "Anything which gives any Medical Association and the doubtedly holds the answer to promise of restoring some meas- Third National Conference on many hitherto unanswered ques- ure of sobriety of outlook, some Leprosy. The national character tions of religion and history. common convictions a m 0 n g of these two organizations made Mr. Torrance's work of Bible thoughtful and honorable men, them loud-speakers of protest distribution in West China has is deserving of encouragement. against these executions. On the strictly intellectual side, brought many Chiang villages philosophy and science are alone The Me d i c a I Association likely to gain the necessary hearpassed the following resolution, into the Christian fold. ing from our thinking leaders, quickly seconded by the Leprosy -Bible Society Record.
Conference: Three Missions Unite Medical and perhaps by contagion some Work shreds of sanity may spread to That the Chinese Medical Association, in session at the Medical Center, Dr. Edward H. Hume sends common folk who have neither Shanghai, has heard with dismay of the mental power nor the train- the premeditated murder of lepers in an account of the federation of ing to think through basic probthe Yeungkong hospital leper settlement and the subsequent looting of three medical missions in China, lems for themselves. In the the settlement by soldiers; formerly maintained separately larger area of feeling and emo- by three denominations, to com- tion, to which appeal has finally That, apart from the natural ab- bine all medical work in South horrence of such cruelties, this and to be made before any social re- similar acts, in direct contravention Fukien into one unit. Late in sponse of significant magnitude of the orders of the Canton authorities, as expressed in their published 1936, a survey committee was can be hoped for, I think we injunctions strictly forbidding the appointed by the three missions molestation of lepers, do more than must look to essential religion. I involved – American Reformed, personally think that the most anything else to spread the disease by English Presbyterian and Eng- sophisticated can with intellectdriving every leper into hiding; lish Congregational – w h i c h ual assurance turn to the convic- And that immediate steps be taken by the officers of this conference to studied the entire area and tion that spiritual forces are inapproach the proper authorities in reached the conclusion that it digenous to ultimate reality, that they are in part reflected in such Nanking and Canton, urging that would be desirable to commence suitable penalties be imposed on the united activities at one center, conceptions as we have of jusmurderers, that steps be taken to protect the lepers, and especially to pre- while regarding the hospitals of tice and truth and beauty and the vent the molestation of those under- love of our fellow man." He going medical treatment. the entire area as essentially be- added that the task of turnin~ longing to a single plan. The -Without the Camp. Board of Managers of the hos- people as individuals from mal- pital at Changchow (London ice, cruelty, and selfish lust "is a The Chiangs of West China Mission) agreed to go out of ex- task which religion can most istence and a new board was cre- easily perform, and hardly any The author of "China's First ated, three of whose members other agency can make a real be- Missionaries – Ancient Israel- were designated by the Synod ginning."
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Our. Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information A Theology for Christian Missions. pear, as he recognizes! with t~e tain them. Meanwhile it is good By Hugh Vernon White. 220 pp. historic Catholic faIth. HIS Christology does not seem to be to have this thoughtful book $2. Willett, Clark & Co., New York the historic Chris~ology either of which goes so far and sets forth and Chicago. 1937. the Roman Catholic Church or so much truth as to life and of the theology of the Reformed thought and duty that one This book begins with a re- Churches. He reverences Jesus freshing note, at variance with wishes it would go further and the easy unrational and self-con- Christ as the historic revelation recover all of the great evan- of the character of God but says tradictory view of the past gen- little of the Risen Christ as a liv- gelical tradition which is as true eration which eschewed any in- ing supernatural person and today and will be as true tomorterest in the theological basis of foreign missions and advocated now as it ever was.
the adequacy of the ideal and R. E. SPEER. motive of human service. But presence and little of the mysti- cal element .of Christian experi- Two Missionary Voyages. By Thomas why were the ideal and motive ence. He saves a good deal of TPrhoommoptsionng. 8C7hprips.tiaIns. KSnoocwielteydfgoer. of human service adequate? the old but the movement of London. 1937.
Any attempt to answer this q?es- thought preserves the human- This little paper-bound book tion involved the answerer III a istic construction of the past few rescues from obscurity the name theology, a very thin and poor decades instead of entering into of a pioneer missionary who was theology perhaps, but still a the- the new currents which return sent out nearly two hundred ology which sooner or later had to God, rather than man, as the years ago (1745) by the Society to grapple with the meaning of the ideas of God and man and center and the constructive prin- for the Propogation of the Gos- ciple of Christian thought and pel of the Church of E,ngland to society. experience. The emphasis her2 work among the EnglIsh colon- Dr. White sees all this clearly is on man's service of his ists in New Jersey, and who, and states his view with unmis- brother, using the concepts of when his opportunity was closed takable plainness: God and of the teaching and ex- by the Revolution five years It is my strong conviction that the ample of the historic Jesus, later became the first Anglican Christian mission must have an ex- rather than on God in Christ, missionary to West Africa. His plicit theology to sustain it. These the Christ of history, the living interesting account of his adventlheecotuloregsi,cathl epreofionrteo, frevpireewseannt da dthefeinaitte- Christ, at wodrk u1sintg' manf Hfo' r turous voyages and varied extempt to ground evangelical Christian- the service an sa va Ion 0 IS periences were published by the children. The books cited are Society during his lifetime, but itv in beliefs about God, Christ, man .and the nature of the spiritual life, the books of the humanistic had been out of print and lost trend and thehre 'stehems to be for 150 years till a stray cop.y wprheiscehntc-adnaybeChhreilsdtiawnisthancodnwfidheicnhceCb2ny either no touc WI or a con- was found in the Rutger's 11be defended rationally and sustained scious ignoring of the new and brary in New Brunswi<;k. T~e by practical experience. Evangelical tfshaioeintohslo. ghiacIsaflatshfuuapntpdosarumtpeponoftratClhfrsaitla~ltksi,eanCinhmr~tIhss-e- dominant currents which turn Society has now republIshed It, back to the B.iblicaDl coWnche.ptts of wI'th explanatory introductions., tianity ceases to be a "gospel" in the God and ChrIst. r. 1 e ac- in its original form. The EdI- local parish as well as on the mission cepts "the passing of the old ra- torial Secretary rightly says field. tional premises for doctrinal that it will stir the imagination constructidon' wthh ti c hh'Cathfoltihcs of all who care for the records of ingWefohr avtheehamdisesnioonuagrhy swpeocrikal opfletahde- have foun III e eac Illg.O e old days and are ready to honor church. What it needs is not special Church and Protestants III the the memory of a Christian pio- letter of Scripture." Is it not neer and hero. pleading but a clear realization that the world mission finds its oraratiloin~a-l rather t rubaectkhat 0t dtahye sWe I'otlhd prem- _ ARTHUR J. BROWN. justification as well as its m ises are a new perative in the very nature of ChrIstianity. This is what makes so neces- sary today a treatment of missions power? The future will show. The Deeper Life. By Max I. Reich. The future will show also 112 pp. $1.00. Wm. B. Eerdman from the point of view of Christian theology. whether Dr. White's construc- Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich.
When Dr. White states his tion of a theology for Christian Those who share the convictheology, however, variances ap- missions will sustain and main- tion that the present urgent need Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the RllvIIlW publishers on receipt of price.
[446 ]
OUR MISSIONARY
is the deepening of the spiritual by the Apostles, and effective in which characterize his discuslife of the church will prize this a new righteousness from God, sion of the subject, which is volume of studies by a gifted and a new access to God, a new crea- especially timely in this year of able expositqr. Dr.· Reich is a tion by God for those who ac- the Edinburgh World Confermember of the faculty of the cept it. Dr. McNicol does not ence on Faith and Order. Moody Bible Institute and the start with a thesis to which facts book reflects both his deep spir- must be made to conform. His ARTHUR J. BROWN. itual discernment and wide appeal is to what "is written." knowledge of the Scriptures. How completely documented Missionary Illustrations. By Alva His approach is somewhat un- from Scripture his treatment is usual in that there is almost en- may be judged from the 500 ref- C. Bowers. 154 pp. $1.50. Flemtire absence of illustration or erences listed in the Scripture ing H. Revell. New York. appeal to emotion. The aim is Index at the end of the book. rather to bring into view great Yet the text does not seem cum- Here are stories of real exareas of spiritual privilege re- bered by excessive quotation. vealed in the Scriptures, which On the contrary, the argument periences, gathered by the au- Christians so largely neglect. moves steadily forward, without There is the constant holding up waste of words, from position to thor during his twenty-six years of the divine mirror to expose position, as each is established the deformities of the self life, and fortified in turn. Marked in foreign mission service. Pasand warning against formalism, with fine insight and evident ritualism and doctrinalism, as scholarship the book is neverthe- tors, Sunday school teachers and foes to highest spiritual attain- less not academic. It is wholement. The sixteen chapters are somely objective, and yet at the leaders of young people will find rich in sustenance for the inner same time is intense with feellife, especially those on Deeper ing. Obviously the Christian this book a mine of usable inci- Fellowship, Deeper Teaching, evangel has pro v e d in the and Deeper Peace. writer's own case to be "power dents that will increase the unto salvation," and he cherishes If there be any qualification in it with joyous conviction. Any- knowledge of other lands, and one's appreciation of a book of one who wishes to understand such high value and helpfulness, essential Christianity cannot do give point to inspirational this would relate to one or two better than read this book. instances of overstatement. truths. H. H. F. ARTHUR H. GORDON. HUGH R. MONRO. God's Methods for Holy Living. Church Unity. By the Rev. F. H. Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse. 50 The Christian Evangel. By John Me· Knubel, D.D. 86 pp. 75 cents. cents. 93 pp. Revelation. Phila- Nicol, D.D. 12mo. 193 pp. $1.50. Board of Publication of the United delphia. 1937. American Tract Society, New York. Lutheran Church in America. 1937. 1937. This volume of brief addresses This discussion of church It is a good omen that books unity, by the distinguished presi- deals with a theme of which we are appearing, one after another, dent of the United Lutheran which seek to define Christian- Church in America, is in the hear all too little in present-day ity as presented in the New Tes- form of a commentary on the tament. Many have become Epistle to the Ephesians, whose preaching. Holiness has had a weary of the vague religiousness real theme is held to be the unity of much contemporary preach- of the Church, and in which St. prominent place in the great reing, and eagerly desire to know Paul presents the "fundamental what the original Christian mes- facts concerning unity," "Chris- vivals since Wesley's day, but sage really was. They wish to tian responsibility for unity" "distinguish the things that dif- and the proper methods for the because of the teaching of eradier." Dr. Machen's "What Is "promotion of unity by Chris- Faith," and Principal Michlem's tian denominations." cation and other extremes by book with a similar title, are calculated to meet this commend- Leaders who feel that true certain groups, a widespread able desire. The volume by Dr. unity should and will express it- McNicol belongs in the same self in union, that union does prejudice has recently grown up. class and certainly does not suf- not mean a standardized unifer by comparison. It is a clear, formity or a supergovernment, To omit a truth so essential as coherent, cogent setting forth of and that a closer union than now the "Christian Evangel" as fore- exists is long overdue, will prob- this leaves great areas of Scripshadowed in the Old Testament, ably not share Dr. Knubers fear made possible by our Lord, in of "the hurried establishment of ture uncultivated and the sym- His life and death and resurrec- an external union." They will, tion, certified by the gift of the however, respect the ability, sin- metry of Christian doctrine is Spirit at Pentecost, proclaimed cerity and fine Christian spirit sadly marred.
Dr. Barnhouse's approach is well balanced, scriptural, and in the fullest sense practical and helpful. His numerous illustra- tions are highly effective. the language clear and forceful, and there is a sustained interes '; throughout. The reader will lay down this book with a sense of spiritual refreshment and with much new light upon the Word of God. H. R. MONRO.
My Servant Moses. By E. Ray Cam- eron. A.M., Th.M. 12mo. 187 pp. $1.50. Fleming H. Revell Company, N. Y. 1937.
Here is a straightforward chronicle of the life of the great Hebrew lawgiver. It follows closely the Biblical record, util- izing often its very phraseology, and makes no attempt to ap- praise the documents critically, or speculate as to their origin.
Their full reliability is taken for The History of Sin Personal Items granted. The writer presents An illuminating and instruc- (Concluded from 2d cover.) ]doses as the chief instrument tive treatise on the little understood subject of the on church properties, and for a bish- through whom the Providence of origin and development of sin op's residence. God operated for the deliverance in the world. of Israel from Egypt. He traces Rev. F. Wh*itt*ake*r, an English The Marks of Sonship that Providence in detail from Methodist missionary in Hyderabad, the beginning to the end of Tracing in clear language the India, has been appointed mass move- ]doses' life, and seeks to inter- pathway of sonship. An ad- ment secretary of the National Chris- pret ]doses' reactions to it. He mirable treatise dealing with tian Council of India. This post is the very heart of the Gospel. made necessary by the situation fd1- introduces us to ]doses' inward lowing the Ambedkar movement of conflicts and hesitations, his ven- The History of Temptation the Depressed Classes. tures of faith, the motives which Barring what seem to us one *** actuated him, his hopes and or two extremes in statement, . trials and disappointments and this pamphlet throws a flood Rajah B. Manikam, Ph.D., has been of light on a subject concern- elected one of the secretaries of the triumphs. The result is no mere ing which there is far too National Christian Council of India, symbolic figure of the dim past, much superficial thinking. Burma and Ceylon. His time will be devoted to the Central Board of Chris- aloof and severe, but "a real When Winter Comes tian Higher Education and to the warm-blooded human being" of promotion of Christian literature. Dr. like passions with ourselves, and A tribute to those in advanced Manikam has been vice-principal of years by one in the prime of Andhra Christian College, supported "as lovable as any character in by the United Lutheran Church. history." The scattered facts of ]doses life are collected and in- *** Dr. Adolph Keller, director of the Central Bureau of Relief of the Evan- life. Emphasis is placed on gelical Churches of Europe, is coming cluded in the narrative, empha- to the United States this month. He the solid satisfactions of later will participate in the National sizing his versatility, his prodi- years when there are hallowed Preaching Mission and will give lecgious achievements and their abiding value. Now and then memories and a living faith. tures on the recent Oxford Conferthe story is made more vivid by In contrast to the unbelieving, ence. *** imaginative touches, as when such find light at eventide.
]doses and Aaron meet after HUGH R. MONRO. Obituary Notes forty years of separation and James Hudson Taylor of China. By Mrs. Hele,n Pierson Curtis. the J. J. Ellis. 96 pp. 2s. Pickering wife of the Rev. Frederick S. Curtis, talk over old times, or when the who spent forty years of her life with sensational experiences of Israel, and Inglis. London and Edinburgh. her husband as a missionary in Japan during the days immediately and Korea, died in New Haven, Conn., after the escape from Egypt, are Hudson Taylor was 'known as on July 5, 1937. She was born in Binghamton, N. Y., on August 9, relayed in the modern form of "the man who believed God." 1861, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. news flashes. Judicious and per- Arthur T. Pierson. She was educated tinent practical suggestions ap- He believed God without any in Kalamazoo Seminary and after her marriage went to Japan in 1888 pear at intervals, which remind qualifications whatever. The where she did a notable work in teach- ing and evangelism. M'rs. Curtis is one that the book has its roots in awe-inspiring fact of his life survived by her husband and four a series of sermons preached to children. the writer's own congregation. was this simple faith; and the One finishes reading with a sense one great lesson to be drawn from it is the power of such a faith. H. H. F.
of profit from having become Seminary Militant. By Louise Porter Herbert Udn*y *W*eitbrecht Stanbetter acquainted with this most impressive Biblical character, Thomas. 117 pp. $1.00. Dept. of ton, for many years an associate edi- English, Mount Holyoke College. tor of The Moslem World, died on 1937. prior to Christ Himself. May 30 in London, at the age of eigh- One of the centennial publi- ty-six. Dr. Weitbrecht Stanton, schol- ARTHUR H. GORDON. cations of ]dount Holyoke Col- ar and linguist, was a distinguished Series of Six Booklets. 16 pp., with lege, being an account of the missionary of the Church Missionary heavy paper cover. By Donald Grey Society in the Punjab for more than missionary movement at the a generation. His long residence in Barnhouse. 10 cents each. Revela- college, inspired and developed India, and his intimate acquaintance tion, Philadelphia. by its founder, ]dary Lyon. The with Arabic as well as Urdu, specially Happy Though Poor book is interestingly compiled fitted him to write on Moslem prob- lems. An arresting discussion of the from letters, diaries, and note- secret of happiness, replete books of early students and *** with vivid illustration, sound teachers. Along with the strug- reasoning and clear Scripture Mrs. William Clifton Dodd, hon- teaching. orably retired Presbyterian mission- gle to develop higher education . ary to Siam, died at her home in Men Whom God Struck Dead for women was the dauntless re– Johnstown, Pa., July 4, 1937. Isabella Ruth Eakin was born at Solemn lessons drawn from solve to convert the world. The Rose Point, Pa., June 26, 1861, sailed long list of ]dount Holyoke for Siam on October 20, 1887. In 1889 alumnre who have served as mis- she became the wife of Dr. William judgments of Scripture. Each sionaries at home or abroad in- C. Dodd and for nearly 33 years they illustration is given a power- work as pioneers in that remote Laos ful present-day application. cludes the name of Dr. Ida field, hundreds of miles from the Scudder. fringe of civilization. H. H. F.
Book. For OCTOBER
SMTWTFS Africa and Christianity. Diedrich •• •• •• •• •• 1 2 Westermann. $2.25. Oxford Uni- 3 4 5 6 789 versity Press. London and New 10 11 12 13 U 15 16 York. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 26 27 28 29 80 Books for the Traveler or Sojourner 81 •••••••••••• in China. Harriet Hardison Rob- son. 24 pp. 25 cents. American Most Important Months Council, Institute of Pacific Rela- of the New Church Year tions. New York. NOVEMBER Be Sure DECEMBER Christianity and the Eastern Con- to Order IMTWTFS flicts. William Paton. 224 pp. .!..!!.TWTF. •• •••• 1 2 8 of $1.50. Willett Clark & Co: Chi- •• 11846' 6 8 7 8 91011 cago. 12 18 U 16 1617 18 7 8 9 10 1112 18 Christianity and Our World. John U 16 18 17 18 19 20 ………….. 19 20 III 22 28 24 26 C. Bennett. 70 pp. 50 cents. As- sociation Press. New York. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 212228 114 26 118 117 282728298081 •• The Church at the Heart of the 182980 •••••• World Christian Community. Es- ther Boorman Strong. 60 pp. Cbt Upptr Room 1. M. C. New York. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE The Divine Art of Soul Winning. J. O. Sanders. 96 pp. lB. Picker- With summer past and vacations over, it is time to ing & Inglis. London. inaugurate a new Church year and a new program. In many instances a new organization must be set up The Great Commission. W. Wilson or at least replacements made. New Members must Cash. 116 pp. 28. Oliphants be drawn into closer fellowship and the spiritual life London. of the old members must be quickened. For this period of cultivation the daily devotional life of the Dr. Bob Hockman – A Surgeon of individual is most important to the success of the; the Cross. Kathleen Hockman whole program. Friederichsen. 102 pp. 50 cents. Zondervan Pub. House. Grand More Than 15,000 Pastors Have Acclaimed Rapids. THE UPPER ROOM as the Most Effective In the Jungles of New Guinea. R. Daily Devotional Guide Obtainable Hanselmann. Pamphlet. Lutheran Book Concern. Columbus, Ohio. Pastors or group leaders are invited to order a trial supply on our liberal consignment plan. Use the or- Kagawa Comes Home. 25 cents. 66 der form below. pp. Friends of Jesus. Tokyo. CONSIGNMENT ORDER INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION- Morocco in Mufti. James Haldane. THB UPPER ROOM, 231 pp. 68. A. H. Stockwell Ltd. Issue for October, November, December Doctors' Building, London. (For use of Pastor or Group Leader. Nashville, Tenn.
The New Adorning. Reginald Wallis. Order ten or more copies.) Gentlemen: 65 pp. 80 cents. American Bible I am inclosing herewith thirty cents Conference Assn. Philadelphia. THE UPPER ROOM, (foreign, forty cents) for which please Natur Und Gnade in Der Mission- Doctors' Building, send me The Upper Room for one year, arischen Verkundigung. Theodore Devaranne. 28 pp. Ostasien Mis- Nashville, Tenn. postpaid, beginning with _ _ _ __ sion. Berlin, Germany. quarterly issue. Gentlemen: Pioneer Days in Darkest Africa. A. Name G. Ingleby. 176 pp. 28. 6d. Pick- Please send me copies ering & Inglis. London. of The UpPer Room, postpaid. I will Street or Route _ _ _ _ _ __ sell these for five cents per copy and Practical Christian Living. Thoughts pay for same when sold. It is under- Post·office _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ for Daily Meditation. Zelma Argue. 32 pp. 25 cents. Zondervan Pub. stood that I have the privilege of re- *A single copy by mail anywhere 10 Co. Grand Rapids. turning at your expense Bny unsold cents. Redeeming the Time. Report of the China Inland Mission. 82 pp. Lon- copies. don. Name Radiant Youth. Reginald Wallis. Street or Route _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 128 pp. 80 cents. American Bible Conference Assn. Philadelphia. Post·office _ _ _ _ _ State _ __ Seminary Militant. Louise Porter Thomas. 117 pp. $1.00. Mount Holyoke College. Mt. Holyoke, Mass.
Special Libraries D ire c tor y of Greater New York. 90 pp. $2.00. Delphine Humphrey. New York.
C. T. Studd-Athlete and Pioneer. Norman P. Grubb. 266 pp. $1.00. Zondervan Pub. Co. Grand Rapids.
The Thoughtful Minute. J. Y. Simp- son. 64 pp. 6d. Pickering & Inglis. London.
Von Der Religionswissenschaft Zur Mission. Gerbard Rosenkranz. 25 pp. Ostasien Mission. Berlin, Ger- many.
Anti-Christian Anny —
200,000,000 Moslems The strongest united force opposing the claims of Christ and the progress of modern missions is the Moslem population of the world. Although the followers of Mohammed believe that Jesus was a prophet of God and although the Koran gives Him an exalted place, the Mohammedans refuse to accept Him as Son of God and the only Saviour from the penalty and power of sin.
The Moslems are not only extremely fanatical but they are also militant propagandists for their religious faith and practices. The difficulties they put in the way of Christian missionary work are especially felt in countries where Islam is in control or that claim a majority of the population. Such countries are: Egypt, the Sudan, North Africa, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, parts of India, Malaya, China and southeastern Europe.
The October MISSIONARY REVIEW will be devoted to this subject-with articles by mission· aries and converts, maps and illustrations, news and book reviews. Among the articles will be: The Moslem World Today…………………………………… Dwight M. Donaldson Why Take Christ to Moslems …………………………………… Samuel M. Zwemer Some Moslem Superstitions …………………………………………. Davida Finney The Gospel that Wins Moslems …………………………………….. W. Wilson Cash Moslem Reactions to the Gospel …………………………………….. James Haldane My Experience with Moslems ………………………………………. " Frank Laubach Christian vs. Moslem Homes ………………………………… .Mrs. Edwin E. Calverley Medical Missions to Moslems …………………………………… , ….. Paul Harrison Encouragements Among Moslems ………………………………………. George Swan Sermon by a Convert from Islam ………………………… , ………. .Sa'eed Kurdistani What Christ Means to Me …………….. " …………………. .By Converts from Islam Best Books on the Moslem World ……………………………••..• •Samuel M. Zwemer 25 cents a copy –Send Your· Order Now– ~2.s0 a year ~20.00 a hundred Special Pmt! in ~antities if ordered bt!fore Septembt!T 15th THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD THIRD AND REILY STREETS, HARRISBURG, PA.
Robert E. Speer, President Delavan L. Pierson, Editor