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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London. L H It Is Hard to- Be a Christian. S. M. Zwemer. $1.40. 158 pp. Zonder- E A van. Grand Rapids, Mich. P The Process of Change in the Otto- U o man Empire. Wilbur W. White. 314 pp. $3.50. University of Chi- p 5 cago Press. Chicago. P E Quiet Hour Series – January, Feb- ruary and March, 1938. 95 pp. 35 E N cents. Zondervan Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. R T The Story of Topsy. Mildred Cable o and Francesca French. $1.50. 212 pp. China Inland Mission, R A' Philadelphia. L o T The Work of the Lord. Walton H. o Greever. $1.25. 142 pp. Revell. New York. M o Windows. Amy Carmichael. Illus. BALA.KHANA 246 pp.S. P. C. K. London. Desiqn~ed as the Daily Devotional Guide for 8,000,000 India Recalled. Cornelia Sorabji. MethodISts During the Aldersgate Commemoration-January 287 pp. 128. 6d. Nisbet, London. 1 to May 24 India Rev e a 1s Herself. Basil Mathews. 192 pp. 58. Oxford Uni- Approved as a Daily Devotional Gllide by the United Church versity Press, London. of Canada Flood-Tide in India. W. J. Noble. Used and A~proved by 20,000 Congregations Among Baptist, 92 pp. 18. Cargate Press, London. Presbytenans, Methodist, Congregationalist, Disciples, Behind the Garden of Allah. Ried F. Lutheran Shields. 196 pp. 75 cents. United Presbyterian Board of Foreign With This Quarter a Spanish Edition, El Aposento Alto, for Missions, Philadelphia, Pa. Spanish-Speaking People in America and Throughout the Across Africa in a Lorry. W. B. Red- World mayne. 128 pp. 38. 6d. Marshall, Morgan & Scott, London. Bala-Khana, our Hindustani Edition, Now Available in India Then and Now in Kenya Colony. One Million Copies of the January, February, March issue available Willis R. Hotchkiss. 160 pp. $1.50. for ~istribution. Pas!ors and .&'roup .leaders may use our liberal Fleming H. Revell, New York. consignment plan. SlDgle copies, 10 cents, postpaid. Individual yearly subscription, 30 cents, postpaid. Use one of the order Zulu Journey. Carel Kirkby. 299 pp. forms below. ,. 128. 6d. Muller, London. ————————- CONSIGNMBNT ORDBR INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION. The Jew in Revolt. William Zuker- man. 255 pp. 68. Seeker & War- Illue for January, February, Merah THB U••BR ROOM. burg, London. (For u.. of Paltor or Group, L."er. Doc,tor.' Bilildin£ N..hvi1lo. TODD. ANew Church Faces aNew Wodd. Order ten or more oople••) Jesse H. Arnup. 259 pp. $1.00. United Church of Canada, Toronto. THB U••BR ROOM, Gendemen: Doctors' Buildinll, I om inolo.iiI, herewith thirty centl (lor- From Buddha to the Christ. Taisei Nashville, Tonn. Michihata. v 239 pp. 38. 6d. Gendemon: .i…. forty oent.) for which pl••e lend me Church Publishing Society, S. P. T,,_ U##M' R••• for on. ,ear, poltpoid, C. K., London. 01 PTlehaeR.UR#e#nedr mReo'o… po.tpaid. I …moo.pe1i.1. be.~…-.-….-….."..:.tUh_I….-_ _–'-_ _ _ __ Church and State in the Modern theRe lor five cent. per oop, and pay for World. Various authors. 231 pp. —'—-:–….;…_ _.qquart…I' illne. $2.00. Harpers, New York. at Rame when 00101. It is understood that I N–.
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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 — 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.
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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.
[427 ]
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.
[430 ]
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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.
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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
The Missionary Review of the World — April 1937
1937
India Advances in Politics and Religion J. R. Edwards When a Korean Magistrate Went to Church William Scott A Chinese Concubine Tells Her Story James P. Leynse A Caravan in the Australian Bush Marjorie A. Burton An African View of Africa's Needs s. s. Tema A Golden Anniversary in Evangelism A. C. Snead Youth and the Christian Frontier Charles A. Platt 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
to Remember THE IDEAL GIFT AT ALL
May ll–General Conference, United Brethren in Christ, Chambersburg, Pa. GOD'S MINUTE ••• May 18-21- National Convention of Here is a marvelous collection of 365 Daily Prayers. A Spiritual the Evangelical Women's Union, each 60 seconds long. written by 365 of the most emi. thoughtfor St. Louis, Mo. nent preachers and laymen in the world. Cloth. 60 every day cents; Limp Leatherette. $1.00; Art Leather. $1.50. May 20-25 – Northern Baptist Con- • vention, Philadelphia, Pa. GOD'S MESSAGE •• A daily May 26 – General Assembly, United 365 prominent clergymen have chosen their favorite Presbyterian Church, Oak Park, Dl. Scripture passage. and, with this as a text. have written reminder of a Message that quickens faith. brings comfort. Cloth. May 27 – General Assembly, Presby- the giver terian Church in U. S. A., Colum- bus, Ohio. 60 cents; Limp Leatherette. $1.00; Art Leather. $1.50.
June 3, 1937-General Synod, Re- Iiii_ _ _ _ _ THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bid"" Phil•• formed Church in America, Asbury Park, N. J. would have retired as secretary for active service in 1982, he had spent rural church work of the Presbyterian his time in translating and editing. . June 3-8, 1937 – World's Woman's Board of National Missions. Dr. Christian Temperance Union, Wash- Warren H. Wilson was born on May A PLEA FOR THE "IMPRAC- ington, D. C. 1, 1867, at Tidioute, Warren County, TICAL" Pa. He received the B.A. degree from June 23-30, 1937 – Alliance of Re- Oberlin in 1890, the B.D. from Union Men said Jesus was "impractical." formed Churches Throughout the Theological Seminary in 1894, and World Holding the Presbyterian was ordained to the Presbyterian min- He preached a Gospel which men System, Montreal, Canada. istry. Dr. Wilson's first charge was Christ's Church at Quaker Hill, N. Y., called too idealistic. July 3-10, 1931- Association of Ex- near Pawling. From there he went ecutive Secretaries of Councils of to the Arlington Avenue Church in He said: "Love your enemies." Churches and Religious Education Brooklyn, and in 1908 took charge of Employed Officers' Association, work in rural fields. He was presi- Practical men have said: "In a Lake Geneva, Wis. dent of the International Association competitive world you must be armed of Agricultural Missions from 1919 to July 7 – August 11- Winona Lake 1929. Dr. Wilson was the author of to fight tour enemies. That is the School of Theology, Winona Lake, several books on country churches and safe way.' Ind. their problems. Surviving are his The World War cost to all partici- July 16-22-World Conference on Life pants $200,000 for every bour since and Work. Oxford, England. Jesus was born. .
August 3-18 – World Conference on widow, Mrs. Pauline Elizabeth Lane The next war will probably wreck Faith and Order. Edinburgh, Wilson, and two sons. civilization. Scotland. *** Practical men have had their way August 11-22-Winona Bible Confer- for many generations. It would be ence, Winona Lake, Ind. Canon P. Stacy Waddy, Secretary worth while to try Christ's way.-The of the Society for the Propagation of Indian Social Reformer.
CONFE'RENCES AND SCHOOLS the Gospel, died in the Hospital for II If you use OF MISSIONS Tropical Diseases, London, on Feb- ruary 8. Not only the Anglican Council of Women for Home Mis- Church, but the whole cause of Chrissions and Affiliated with the tian missions, has lost a notable Committee on Women's Work, worker. Canon Waddy had just re- Foreign Missions Conference turned from a visit to the Gold Coast PRINTING of Africa and had been seriously ill June 26-July 3-Eagles Mere, Pa. with malaria on the return voyage.
July 7-15-Northfield, Mass. He was born at Carcoar, New South YOU will profit from an ac- July 17-24-Mt. Hermon, Calif. Wales, on January 8, 1875, son of quaintanceship with us. We July 19'-23-Bethesda, Ohio. Lieut.-Col. R. A. Waddy. He became do the job complete in our own Canon of St. George's Cathedral, plant. whether it be large or Jerusalem, in 1919, and was Arch- small. deacon of Palestine from 1922 to 1925, when he came to England to be- Obituary Note. come secretary of the S. P. G. While our specialty is Books, Maga.tines and Pamphlets. yet Rev. Dr. Warren Hugh Wilson, for *** we have a variety of modem almost thirty years in charge of rural equipment to meet all the rechurch work in the Presbyterian Dr. Clarence A. Barbour, president quirements of your particular Church and a leader in the efforts to of Brown University since 1929, died job. You will find our service revive rural churches, died March 2, on January 16 at his home in Provi- prompt, careful and courteous. at 69 years of age. For several dence, R. I., at the age of 69. Dr. decades Dr. Wilson had been recog- Barbour had been active for many Will you allow us to estimate nized as an authority on religious and years in educational and religious on your next printing ? We beother problems of rural life. He work. It was under his leadership lieve you will be delighted with helped to develop the "larger parish that Rochester Theological Seminary our product, price and service. system" for combining country par- merged with Colgate to form the presishes. In 1908 he was appointed by ent Colgate-Rochester Divinity School.
President Theodore Roosevelt as a *** The EVANGELICAL PRESS member of the Country Life Commis- Rev. Thomas J. Porter, S.T.D., sion. In 1930 he was sent to India Print…. of for a survey of rural life for the Na- who had served under the Presby- The Missionary Review of the Warld terian Church, U. S. A., since 1884, tional Christian Council of In4ia. In as missionary in both Persia and two months Dr. Wilson would have Brazil, died suddenly in California, PLANT AND MAIN OFFICE Third and Reily Streell reached the 70-year age limit and December 26. Since he retired from
MISSIONARY USED IN OVER ONE MILLION CHRISTIAN
REVIEW OF THE WORLD HURLBUT'S STORY OF THE BIBLE By.JESSE LYMAN HURLBUT. D.O. DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor Recommended by all denominatlonsforitsfreshness and accuracy, for its simplicity of language, for its freedom from doctrinal discussion. VOL. LX APRIL, 1937 No.4 THE BEST GIFT FOR YOUNG AND OLD Publication and Business Office- Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. FOR TEACHERS-STUDENT8–FOR THE HOMEAND SCHOOL Editorial and Executive Office- One hundred and sixtY-<lightstories, each complete in itself, yet form- 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. ing a continuous narrative of the Biblefrom Genesis to Revelation. Entered as second-class matter at Each ofthe world-old stories is told by the noted author in a manner thatia vitally interesting and instructive to young and old alike. Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under Act of March 3, 1879. Biggest _d Best Illustrated Book Ever Sold for the Price 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. Beautifully illustrated with 281 pictures in colors and in black and Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. Published monthly, except August. white; over 100 famous Leinweber paintings. 759 pages. Price ..$2.00 All rights reserved. Gopyrighted 1937. British agents – Marshall, Morgan' At all bookstores or froTn the publishers and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, . .__ THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Winston Bldg., Philadelphia _ __ 10 shillings a year. I would simply have to drop all the Personal Items MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- work I am doing in various groups. LISHING CO., INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Yesterday we finished a course on ROBERT E. SPEER, Pre8ident Africa. I gave everyone 'home work' Dr. George S. McKune, President A. L. WARNSHUlS, Vice-President to do-taken mostly from THE RE- of Union Christian College of Pyeng- WALTER MCDOUGALL, Treasurer DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Secretary VIEW. All went at it with a real zest. yang, Chosen, has been forced by the I've 'talked' about Africa in Methodist Japanese to resign because of his re- SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT and Baptist groups also – in Xenia and neighboring towns and – once fusal to do homage before Shinto WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN more-it has been THE REVIEW that shrines. He regarded the act as one D. J. FANT supplied most of my 'background.' I find the current issues are nearly al- of worship. In a respectful letter to MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD ways out of the library." the Governor-General, he asserted his loyalty to the government, and stated WM. B. LIPPHARD that he taught his students such ERIC M. NORTH MRS. D. WALTER FERGUSON. loyalty, but that as a Christian he SAMUEL M. ZWEMER Xenia, Ohio. could not bow in worship to the dead men whose spirits were supposed to Editorial Chat *** De present in the temple.
THE REVIEW endeavors to be up-to- CORRECT10N *** date in publishing articles on important current events and Christian The caption to the picture on page Dr. Paul deSchweinitz, for many world movements. As a matter of 79 of the February REVIEW, illus- years Treasurer of Missions of the fact, a seeming delay in such com- trating the article "Christ Comes to Moravian Church in America, is rements may, in reality, be due to the the Navajo," should read "Governor tiring from that office on May 1. He fact that we have been ahead of the B. B. Moeur of, Arizona and two was consecrated as a bishop of the other periodicals. For example: the Navajo Nurses, Ganado." Moravian Church at a service in the "New Life Movement in China," spon- Central Church of Bethlehem, Pa., sored by General and Mme. Chiang *. * * Kai-shek, which is just now receiving much pUblicity in America, was fully WANTED: By a correspondent vol- on March 14. All honor to Bishop described in the July, 1934, issue; the umes II to X of THE M[SSIONARY deSchweinitz. "Zoa (Life) Movement" (in the Greek Church) now first noted in the daily REVIEW OF THE WORLD. Can any *** press, was fully.described in THE RE- reader supply them? Please commu- VIEW in August, 1928; the Moody nicate with ·the Editorial Office, 156 Rai Bahadur A. C. Mukerjee is re- Centenary recently widely advertised Fifth A ven~-e, New York. tiring as General Secretary of the and observed was dealt with by Dr. National Missionary Society of India, John McDowell in our May, 1936, *** after a period of marked service to number. Read THE REVIEW to be up~ the Society and to India. He is now to-date on important matters relating Two sub~cribers write: at work up'on a plan for occupying a to the Kingdom of God. field where a mass movement toward "I can't do without your wonderful Christianity is taking place. *** magazine,'and what puzzles me is how any good missionary Christian can." Have you ordered your June (Rural Life) Number of THE REVIEW? Se- • MRS. AGNES HAZARD. *** cure copies for all in your mission Bouliler, Colo. study groups. This will be a great . Archdeacon John Batchelor, vethelp. Note what one enthusiastic .';,.. '" * * eran worker of the C. M. S. among the reader says: Ainu of Northern Japan, was the first "Enclosed $– is to be applied to missionary to take part in a television "The March REWIEW is especially program, Januar:v 20. Dr. Batchelor fine-Dr. Speer's article being 'tops.' my l.!ubscription as long as the money has worked for more than sixty years I am very sure I could not get along among the primitive Ainu of Hokat all without the REVIEW. Without it will last. This will save the work kaido. Although 83 years old, he has connected with the annual renewal, recent:ly returned to Japan to con- tinue his work. and serves as evidence that the RE- VIEW is much appreciated."
N. NIELSEN, PH. C., M.D. Siu-Yen, Manchoukuo.
*** PLAN NOW to Spend Next Summer's Vacation with Amer. Rev. Frank Houghton, editorial sec- ica's Greatest Theological Teachers. retary of the China Inland Mission in Winona Lake School of Theology, Winona Lake, Indiana London, has been made bishop of a new diocese created by the division of For Ministers9 Teachers, Missionaries, Sunday School Workers and Laymen SO the Diocese of Szechuan into the Free eastern and western. The eastern is Courses leading to Regular Theological Degrees, Cost Reasonable staffed by the China Inland Mission, July 7 to August ll···Two Terms 15 Days Each···lnterdenominational Rooms the western diocese by the Church Evangelical Faith and High Scholarship Combined Missionary Society. Dr. W. E. Biederwolf, Director (Ask for free Prosl>ectus) Dr. J. A. Huffman. Dean [ 177]
VILLAGE OF SAMHO, CHOSEN, WHERE "THE MAGISTRATE WENT TO CHURCH"
(See page 187)
NARY
REVIB ORLD VOLUME LX AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL REVIEW OF WORLD-WIDE CHRISTIAN PROGRESS NUMBER 4 APRIL, 1937 Topies of the Times CAN CHRISTIANS BE NEUTRAL nation bind itself ;to do so irresJ)€ctive of the moml issues involved? Neutrality is now a major Subject in press, Con- To the first questiDn, the answer of the best in- gress, peace societies, labor disputes, and in many formed students .of internationa] affairs is negachurch assemblies. Its slogans are popular: tive. They tell us ,that the circumstances that led "Keep us .out of war," "Let us mind .our own busi- us into the World War of 1914-1918 wDuld in- ness," "Other people's quarrels are not .our af- evitably draw us into another general conflict; fairs." While some .of this demand for "hands that international relations are now so interwDven off" is motivated by selfishness, much of it is that a strong nation cannot possibly maintain an prompted by a real desire for harmony. Mission- isolated position; that actual neutrality would ary wDrk, both home and foreign, is involved in mean no freedom .of the seas for American ships, peace promotion, since war demoralizes it, diverts no passports to Americans traveling in war zones attention and cripples its support. Boards and or on ships of a natiDn at war, no loans to belmissionaries and their supporters are theref.ore ligerents, no trade with them in food .or war ma- concerned in the question: When should Chris- terials, or with neutral agencies for reshipment tians be neutral in disputes and conflicts and when to them. This would mean the closing .of many should they take sides in the contrDversies that manufacturing plants and very widespread unare agitating the Church, nation and the world? employment. When the results .of such neutrality Neutrality, is certainly sometimes wise. FDr thus become clear to the American people, the example, most Americans do not strongly take business and labor interests affected would bring sides in the present internecine strife in Spain, such pressure to bear on Congress that politicians realizing that the outcome will probably be either would not dare to resist. Few, if any, students a Fascist government under a military dictator, of the problem believe that America would be or a Soviet government .of a communistic type. willing to pay the price, especially as popular feel- It is significant that Germany and Italy openly ing might be inflamed by the sinking of an Amer- encour.age the "insurgents" and that Russia as ican ship, or the loss of American lives .on a toropenly encourages the "loyalists." But France J)€doed neutral ship.
was not neutral in America's war for independ- The second question cuts deeper. When an ence and Americans were not neutral when Italy atheistic government attempts tD extirpate all re- invaded Ethiopia Dr when Japan bombed and ligion in Russia; when Jews are being inhumanly killed civilians in Shanghai. The fact that the persecuted and Christian churches are being made American Government did not invoke the "sanc- vassals of a totalitarian state as in Germany; tions" in either case does not imply that Amer- when Christian schools are forbidden to teach ican citizens were neutr,al, save in a technical Christian truths, as in China and Mexico; when sense of not taking active sides. palpable injustice is being perpetrated every- The pending issue, in America however, is not where, we believe that Christians should be outone .of popular sympathy but of national policy spoken in protest. Under such circumstances neu- expressed in law. This raises two questions: traIity would be culpable. Few Christians are Could America keep out of another world war if prepared to say that, no matter what wrong may one should develop? Even if it could, should our be inflicted by a strong nation upon a weaker .one, [179 ]
or by a powerful individual on a weaker 'One, he that the conference was entertained by the Ma- will, like the priest and the Levite in 'Our Lord's harajah of Mysore, himself a Hindu, is one indi- parable, "pass by on the other side." It was Cain, cation of the great change that has taken place in the murderer, who said that he was "nQt his the attitude of Hindus toward all that is labeled brother's keeper." Christian. The basis of this new tolerance and Bat taking sides against wrong does not neces- cooperation is seen in the address of the Dewan sarily mean war. The applicati'On of "sancti'Ons" of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, who said: "You are in such circumstances are simply the exercise of deliberately planning an offensive against the the same kind of police power in international af- warring powers of evil, whose threat is now more fairs that every civilized state and cQmmunity deliberate and threatening than ever before. You exercises against lawless evildoers within its own stand for ideals that inspire us also-the freedom borders. Is it not high time that Americans of spirit, and unity and peace. And we are not should stop criticizing the League of NatiQns for merely your hosts; we are with you in this fight."
weakness in dealing with international disputes The delegates came from many nations and for which their own refusal to join is the chief represented different racial, cultural and early re- cause for failure? ligious backgrounds, but there was remarkable In the sphere of morals and religion, there is unity in worship, for all acknowledged allegience certainly nD proper place for neutrality when to Christ and were bent on discovering and doing there is a clear issue between right and wrong. the will of God. The general theme was: "The A man is either moral or immDral. In religion, Youth, the World and the Future."
the supreme Authority for the Christian has very Many grave problems were presented for dis- plainly said: "He that is not for me is against cussion, especially as they relate to young men of me." "Ye cannDt serve God and mammon." Any today. A study of seven main themes had been compromise with· the wDrld is sharply rebuked in made in advance and these were brought up for the. Bible and in the Epistle 'Of James we read: discussion by seven Commissions into which the "Kno'Y ye not that the friendship 'Of the world is delegates were divided. enmi,ty with God ?" In this time of rampant god- First, there is the problem of International Reless pOlitical evils, there is urgent need that the lations. The question was raised as to whether the Y. M. C. A. should take active part in organfollowers of Christ should repudiate all compro- ized movements to prevent war or should be con- tent with promoting the spirit of brotherhood and mises with wrong and should boldly stand for the advocate peaceful settlement of disputes. Should the Association endeavor to stop fighting or right and for right alone. If we cannot win on mainly serve the contending factions and aid the wounded in time of war? Can the Y. M. C. A. this issue, we cannot win at all. God himself will inaugurate and promote economic, social and political reforms that will remove causes of war, not bless such neutrality. "Because thou art or should it confine its endeavors to spiritual work lukewarm," He said to the church at Laodicea, "and neither cold n'Or hot I will spue thee out of my mouth." Christians cannot afford to do other- wise than to stand unequivocally for the right as God has revealed it. ARTHUR J. BROWN.
THE WORLD Y. M. C. A. CONFERENCE with individuals and Christian character build- IN INDIA ing? Some delegates asked for an immediate call for a World Congress to express the mind of the For the first time in the history of the Young M'Ovement 'On international issues and even ad- Men's Christian Association, the scene of the·· vocated a permanent bureau to watch the situaworld conference has been shifted to Asia, and tion.
one-half of the delegates came from Africa and Second: the Race Relations section was pre- the Orient. Here is an indication of the increas- sided over by J. H. Tobias, an American Negro.
ing importance of the youth of Asia in world af- One result was a resolution adopted to the effect fairs. This twenty-first world conference was that no one should be excluded from the Y. M.
held in Mysore, India, from January 5 to 10 and C. A. and its privileges on the ground of race or was attended by 200 selected delegates represent- color.
ing thirty different nations, races and tongues. Third, Difference in Religious Faiths. The Most of the delegates were over fifty years 9f age. Y. M. C. A. was founded by Sir George Williams Dr. John R. Mott, the President of the World's Al- in 1844 for the purpose of promoting the cause of liance, was chairman and was unanimously asked Christ among young men, by prayer, Bible study to continue as president of this youth movement, and personal work. Recently, however, even vot- although he is now over threescore and ten years ing power is not always based on public con- of age. The value of the wisdom and experience fession of faith in Christ. Jews and those of of "Elder Statesmen" is still recognized. The fact other religions are now admitted to active mem-
TOPICS. OF THE TIMES
bership and in many non-Christian lands there man's personal relation to God governs all his has been a strong move against "proselytizing" or standards, is the source of power and determines seeking to persuade men to change their religion. his relationship to others. Christ is the secret of It is not surprising, therefore, that at the Mysore strong, fruitful living and He offers the great Conference many held that a share in the control challenge to Godlike life and service to fellow men. of the Y. M. C. A. should be offered to members who are not Christians. This we believe to be a The Y. M. C. A. was founded to bring young grave mistake, since the movement should be kept men into vital personal relationship to God, definitely. and openly Christian. through Christ. The "Paris Basis" for member- ship is still the same as adopted in 1855. Various Fourth: On National Problems and Responsi- related ideals and activities may rightly be added bilities, the main question is whether situations so long as these do not conflict with or displace arise where a Christian should choose to follow the main purpose; but if Christ is left out of the the revealed will of God even where that is in con- Y. M. C. A. then the institution will be spiritually flict with the requirements of his national govern- dead and forfeits its right to the name Christian. ment. This problem is acute in Russia, in Ger- Other groups are free to found and support a many, in Japan, in Italy and in other lands dom- "Young Men's Religious Association" and to reinated by materialistic, militaristic or non-Chris- ceive members who do not acknowledge allegiance tian rulers. While the Y. M. C. A. should train to Christ, but it is not honest for others to "steal" men to be loyal to their rulers and to serve their the Y. M. C. A. and to attempt to change its charcountry, these duties cannot supplant obedience acter and purpose. to God, as He is revealed in Christ. In his opening address at the Conference, Dr. Fifth: The Need for Building a Better Social John R. Mott sounded a note that may well serve Order is evident. The feeling at Mysore was as the basis for all Y. M. C. A. membership and strong that the Y. M. C. A. should work definitely activity, in every land. He said: for economic betterment and social justice. Demands were formulated for action to "abolish "Our governing objective in the Y. M. C. A. is rights of property divorced from function"; to to make Christ known and trusted and loved and eliminate the "profit motive" from industry and to exemplified (as personal Saviour, Son of God, and adjust the conflicting interests of various classes Lord), not only in the whole individual range of in the economic order. This subject naturally individual life, boy, mind and spirit, but in all our deeply concerns the rising generation and calls for human relationships and with special reference to reforms. It must be kept in mind, however, that youth." new laws alone have not proved effective; there must also be a new, unselfish spirit instilled into Are we honestly seeking to discover and to do individuals to change human nature. This is ac- the will of God? That will mean something revocomplished by a new life motive, with power re- lutionary in every life. Let the Y. M. C. A. conceived through union with Christ. tinue to be positively, intellectually, evangelically and aggressively Christian in all of its ideals and Sixth: The Church and Her World Mission was activities. Then it will continue to live and grow another topic discussed. What is the relationship and be effective in the lives of young men and in of the Y. M. C. A. to the Church? How can they the world. work together effectively in the interest of boys and young men? One whole day was given at the THE NEED FOR A CHRISTIAN Conference to discuss the needs of the boys of the INTERNATIONALE world and youth representing six nationalities spoke on the varied problems but universal needs. More and more we are discovering that the In India the child suddenly becomes a man, while world is not made up of watertight compartments. in England many years are spent in preparing There is a real solidarity of human welfare or the boy for manhood; in the Philippines boys are woe. No man liveth to himself and no nation is ignorant of their own country's history while in independent of its neighbors. We are all of one Germany and Japan they are taught to worship blood and our present economic social and politinational ideals and heroes. Since youth is the cal problems are interlocked. period when the coming generation must be prepared to take their places in the Church, the na- The Communists are working on the principle tion and the world, the Y. M. C. A. should furnish that Communism, to be successful, cannot be contraining for these responsibilities. fined to the U. S. S. R., but must extend its in- fluence and ideals everywhere. This is the motive Seventh: The Challenge of Personal Life is the back of the Third Internationale and the presentroot of all other problems. Without ideal men and day world-wide propaganda from Moscow. Monwomen it is impossible to have an ideal world. A signor M. d'Herbigny, writing in the Revue des Deux Mondes, exposes the program which the
"militant godless" propose to follow in their sec- he noticed that the flag with its sickle and hammer ond five-year period. This plan for the "liquida- was unfurled only on special occasions. He says: tion of religiol}" is carefully studied and con- "When not unfurled it was protected by a canvas stantly brought up to date. There are special case made out of a waterproof oil painting of our seminaries for the training of antireligious Com- Lord's birth which I believe was taken from the munist workers to organize "cells"; they have Gospel Hall at Pensui. On the painting could be also opened museums in which Christianity and seen Bethlehem, the shepherds with their sheep, other faiths are exposed to ridicule. An atheistic and the star." Mr. Bosshardt was led captive bepress and colored posters are everywhere in evi- hind the Red flag, but the flag itself was embraced dence, copied from the Bezbozhniki and Die by the love manifested in Bethlehem. Kampfende Gottlosen. We quote from their manual: The great Slavic race with its religious tradi- tion, its remarkable literary genius, and its ca- A sympathizer with the U. S. S. R. is anyone who, with- pacity for suffering is surely not beyond the love out definite political tendencies, feels by intuition or re- of Christ. What a challenge the Communist flection that something interesting is going on in the Party of the U. S. S. R. offers to the pioneer mis- U. S. S. R., and that it would be a good thing to profit sionary spirit. Who will show them the Star of thereby. Consequently anyone is a sympathizer with the Bethelehm? Who will help organize, by prayer Communist Party who, having sympathy with the work of and a faith that prevails, a Christian Internathe Soviet Union, ;whether he goes or not to meetings of a tionale, a true and universal brotherhood of social party-cell or of a nucleus of sympathizers, readily accepts justice and divine compassion, with Christ as the the revolutionary party-orders and has the intention of center? The tragedy of the present situation is executing them, as far as lies in his power. that these lands where atheistic Communism is centered are not on the program of missionary While Protestant Christendom is planning for advance. To meet such an opportunity there must an Ecumenical understanding and an advance be the united cooperation of all the churches. program at Oxford and Edinburgh this coming Members of the Protestant Church need to recogsummer, the Central Committee of Atheists have nize the fact that, before the Reformation, many held a World Congress at Moscow in February, faithful members of the Oriental and Roman 1937, with the following program: churches that impinge upon this vast area, with- stood the terrific impact of Islam, and born wit- 1. Founding of an office for the antireligious propaganda ness to Christ by martyrdom. Now in many of the world. places members of these same churches are seal- ing their testimony with their own blood in the 2. Founding of an Atheist-Internationale conducted by the struggle against Godless Communism. Soviet Russian Atheist Union. S. M. ZWEMER. 3. Organization of a systematic antireligious propaganda in all countries.
4. International exchange of experiences in the struggle of the atheists.
5. Financial support of the Atheist Organizations.
In preparation for this Congress a powerful radio THE GREAT TEMPLE IN MADURA, IKDIA station was to be erected to be used exclusively for atheistic propaganda. The fool no longer says only in his heart, "There is no God"-he broadcasts his foolish blasphemy. In Madrid, Prague, Mexico, India, Northwest China, and closer home, in the United States, the fight against all religion is carried on with united front.
Shall we as Christians sit still when our brethren in many lands are living and dying as martyrs to God's truth? R. A. Bosshardt, of the China Inland Mission, who was for eighteen long months a captive of the Red Communistic army in western China, relates an incident which is illuminating. Marching in fetters behind the standard bearer,
Advan'ces in Politics and
By the REV. J. F. EDWARDS, Poona, India Recently Editor of Dnyanodaya I N THIS age of dictatorships and antireligious against possible breakdowns, that the most fully movements, India is making solid progress in organized party, the Congress party, talks of re- both politics and religion. Consider the po- jecting it with contumely. This same party, howlitical outlook of this great oriental country. ever, is straining every nerve to capture every possible seat and will take the oath of allegiance, A New Constitution leaving till later the decision whether to accept office. This April India enters upon a new and great chapter in its history by the inauguration of a The framers of the new constitution say that new political constitution which bids fair to make such, "safeguards" are meant only for crises and this land the first democracy in Asia. that they are necessary and indeed inevitable in these days of unstable government the world over. If the latest estimates of China's population be This is especially true as fourteen per cent of the correct (342 millions, including Mongolia and people are being given the right to vote in a land where only eight per cent know how to read and Tibet *) then India's 353 millions t means that write.
this is the largest human family on earth. Thus The autonomy bestowed upon the nine major one person out of every six in the world belongs Provinces into which India is divided, each havto India. ing its own separate government, is so far-reach- ing that one trusted leader, Dr. Natarajan, the William E. Gladstone used to say that "the task veteran editor of the Indian Social Reformer, of statesmanship is to discover where God Al- holds that the authority should have been more mighty is going the next fifty years," If India's centralized to prevent the Provinces becoming so new constitution does all that its framers hope many unrelated units. for, then it will become one of the mightiest powers for good in the Orient. While these two factors of responsibility and autonomy have been steadily developing ever since The democratic provision of the New Consti- the political reforms of 1919, when many imtution, enabling 35 million people to vote, will en- portant departments of Government, such as sure the dethronement of the Brahmin. This fact liquor and education, were transferred to Indian in itself marks a new epoch in India, and some statesmen, the third factor of an all-India federaunprejudiced observers believe this als'o helps to tion is wholly new, having come to birth during explain, in part, the unpopularity of the new con- the Round Table Conferences in London. By this stitution to many of the higher caste people. Some federation, the two great sections, called British of these would say with Goethe, "The century has India and the Indian States, are to be welded into given birth to a great epoch, but the great moment a unity that has never before existed. finds a petty generation." Uniting Two Indias Into One We have been watching the great constitutional argument in India for more than twenty-eight It is often forgotten in America that there are years, twenty of them as a missionary editor for 675 Indian States, comprising some 45 per cent six missions, and believe that both British and of India's area and nearly 25 per cent (over 81 Indian statesmen have been sincerely aiming at millions) of India's population. The rulers of India's welfare. these states may rule as they like, except when cases of grave miscarriage of justice cause the These three words may be said to sum up the British Resident to intervene. If, in the last reaims of India's new political constitution. sort, justice is not assured to the citizens, the Viceroy (representing the King-Emperor's Para- As to the first, the responsibility for governing mount Power) offers the defaulting ruler the the most complex nation in the world, which has alternative of a trial by his own fellow-Princes been placed in the hands of the people's leaders, is surrounded with so many "safeguards" to guard • Professor Wilcox, of Yale, maintained at the Conference on Pacific Relations a few years ago that China's population had always been grossly exaggerated. mirl~~;. 1931 official census, while the present estimate is 370 [ 183 ]
or a voluntary abdication; one of the recent cases constitution. They even hope that at the last in which abdication ensued was that of the Ma- some factor may lead the Princes to withdraw. harajah of Indore, well known by his marriage Our own hope is that, by working in close associato the American citizen Nancy Miller. Many in tion with the democratic councils in India, the India believe that, for the sake of India's people, Indian Princes may be led to liberalize their rule. direct intervention of the Paramount Power How essential such liberalization is for the fushould take place oftener than it does. ture of Indian democracy will be realized when we realize that no amendments to the new con- The new constitution brings under one scheme stitution can be carried out without the unaniof self-government the people all over India, and mous approval of the whole body of Indian rulers. that the new unity of India is officially regarded The only alternative for one who disapproves is as one of the greatest achievements of the new to secede from the Federation. constitution. It must have been some such hope as ours that This much is certain, that to continue much led the editor of the Indian Christian weekly longer the arrangement of two Indias, British Guardian of Madras to say: India ruled by the British, and the Indian States ruled by the Princes, would be to risk a destruc- If a place has to be found for them (the Indian tive civil war. When it is remembered that the States) in a self-governing India, it necessarily implies total population of India is nearly three times that their association would to some extent curtail the that of the United States, though in area it is only freedom of British India at the start. Their medieval about half, it will be realized how great the character, with but a few exceptions, must be recognized; dangers of delay might be. and their paralyzing effect upon British India must be faced and overcome. The sooner the Indian States and The Price of India's Unification the communal groups are brought into the current of na- tional administration, the better hope there is. But the unifying of India in one all-Indian Parliament is to be purchased at a heavy price. Here The Autocracy of India's Princes we begin to understand something of the forces moving behind the clash between the British Gov- The foregoing facts do not set forth the full ernment and those Indian leaders who desire sep- price being paid for the unification of India under arate independence. one supreme Indian Government. These 675 In- dian Princes, who are well organized in an Indian The Indian Princes are probably not only the Princes' Chamber of their own, have put a ban richest but the most reactionary rulers on earth. on India's separate independence by stipulating A few years ago that fearless journal of India's that the basic condition of their joining the allprogressive leaders, The Servant of India, af- India federation is that the connection between firmed that the most advanced Indian States are India and Britain must continue, and that on no below the level of British India, that "everyone account will they sign their new treaties or agreeof the Indian States without exception is miles ments with India's Parliament but only with the behind British India," that "the only two States King-Emperor direct, through his representative which approximate to the British Indian stand- the Vicerby. The reason is that they distrust ard of administration are Mysore and Baroda," their own fellow-countrymen, both Hindus and both of which were "under direct administration Moslems, whose failure to conclude an agreement of British Government for some time in their his- between their two communities regarding the tory," and that "even these lag behind British basis of representation in the councils, does not India in the matter of constitutional develop- encourage the Princes to make any agreement ment." with them on still larger questions.
Indian rulers of course have their own point of These Indian rulers have steadfastly refused to view, but Britain's democrats are deeply troubled allow their own representatives in the all-India in their minds over this aspect of the question, Federal Legislature to be appointed by election, as was shown by the leader of the British Labor thus denying the vote to their citizens. This Party, Major Attlee, in the House of Commons means that the representatives of Indian States when he asked "how long British democrats would in the Parliament will be nominees of the Princes, continue to maintain autocracies without some which means their palace favorites, and that these' better guarantee of what was happening inside will sit side by _side in· the all-India Parliament them." with the representatives from British India who have been elected by the 35 million voters of the Some Indian patriots (how many it is hard to more democratic part of the country. say) go the length of saying they wish the Indian Princes had not suggested this federation for all British Commonwealth of Independent Nations India, because the price India is paying for the cooperation of the Princes is a less democratic In 1931 there was passed by the British Parlia- ment an extremely important measure called the
INDIA ADVANCES IN POLITICS AND RELIGION
"Westminster Statute" which sets forth the far- How nobly India's own sons are fighting against reaching significance of that elastic term "Do- caste-inhumanity is shown by what Gandhi said minion Status." This Act made clear that all the at Faizpur where the Indian Congress was held countries forming the British Commonwealth are in the last week of 1936: "I went to your Local free and independent peoples and are at liberty to Board, well situated just near the Harijan (outleave the Commonwealth any moment they wish. caste) quarters, and I inquired if the Harijans It was not long after the important legislation of were allowed to draw water from that well. I 1931 that the Indian constitutional question as- was told they might not do so, but that they were sumed crucial importance. The Dominion Pre- suffered to take water out of an open trough from miers clearly intimated they were not willing to which cattle also drunk their water. How dare concede to India the "Dominion Status" of full you, who want to win swaraj (autonomy) suffer nationhood represented by full membership in the to keep your own brethren on a level with cattle?" Commonwealth. This has been a great blow to Yet in that same village of Faizpur Rs. 30,000 India's pride. The Right Honorable Srinivasa (over 10,000 dollars) were collected as gate-money Sastri, early in 1935, pleaded that Federation and to attend the Indian Congress that was crying Dominion Status could exist side by side, but that out for independence, and 25,000 people were the free and independent Dominions making up fed daily for a week. the British Commonwealth of Nations were not willing to receive India into the inner family Why then is there such appalling poverty as circle of the Commonwealth until India shows prevails in India? There are two reasons at least: more fitness for self-government. The Indian So- one is India's worship of the cow; for while 64 cial Reformer recalled that in connection with the definitions of Hinduism all differ, yet all include conflict between British and Boer in South Africa, cow-worship as essential. However decrepit or the world-renowned phrase was coined that "good milkless a cow may be, it must never be killed even government is no substitute for self-government." by a merciful anresthetic, but must drag on its weary existence under the hot Indian sun. India's Capacity for Self-Government It is estimated that in British India alone there Opinions greatly differ on the question as to are twenty-four and a half million useless cattle, how far the Dominion Premiers' position is justi- the maintenance of which costs India 176 crores fied by India's fitness, or unfitness, for complete of rupees (or more than 650 million dollars) self-government. There is evidence on both sides. every year. When we pointed this out, Mr. Gandhi replied that India ought to pay something Much has been made of the alleged inefficiency for its religious principles. Whether such prinand alleged nepotism of Indian Ministers in ciples are behind another cause of India's poverty, charge of various departments of government. India's money lenders, we know not, but it is not The reforms of 1919 provided for a large majority uncommon for them to charge 75 to 150 per cent of Indian members in every Council, Provincial or more for their loans. and National, with a large number of nationbuilding departments transferred to Indian con- India's Influence on the West trol. India has a very noble culture distinctively her The most capable judges of the results are the own. The influence of that culture is increasing British members of the Indian Civil Service. One in the West as is indicated by the recent appointof them, Sir John Thompson, says: ment of that renowned Indian scholar, Dr. Sir S. Radhakrishnan, to the newly instituted Spalding It would be unjust and ungenerous, especially in those Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics in of us who once helped to control the departments now the Oxford University. This eloquent scholar transferred to Ministers, not to recognize what they have rightly affirmed in his inaugural address: "Redone and where they have gone beyond what we were aJle ligion has been the master passion of the Indian to effect. Let me mention one or two points. The villager mind." Should Dr. Radhakrishnan repeat in with a sick wife or baby now finds that medical relief has England his well-known defence of idolatry, as been brought nearer to his door. The number of hospitals being an infant state in religion and to be tolhas increased by 35 per cent. The man with children to erated as such, we have no doubt the philosophers educate finds things made easier for him. In ten years of Epgland and Scotland would know how to deal the number of schools went up by 24 per cent, the number with him. of pupils by 50 per cent, and the number of girl pupils by 80 per cent. Even in the last five years the number of Indian Christianity and Indian Nationality girls in the secondary schools has risen by over 100 per cent and the number of girl graduates by nearly 80 per All would-be vindicators of Indian idolatry are cent. answered by Indian citizens themselves, as is Over against this fair picture are such blots as the inhumanity of the Indian caste-system, and the superstitions and evil practices that lie at the root of India's poverty.
shown by the returns of the 1931 official census years (from 6,062 in 1931 to 4,467 in 1935), on which indicated that over a million and a half account of decrease in funds from Western lands, had been added to the Christian Church during has some compensation in the steady growth of the preceding decade. This means an average of voluntary service in many sections of the Indian 12,855 additions to the church every month, and Church. the present (1937) monthly increase is probably at least 15,000. Indian Christians are not overlooking their duty to India's national movements. They are to Nor is this the only index of an advancing In- be found in almost every political party in India. dian Christianity, for thousands of caste-people One of Mr. Gandhi's right-hand men is Mr. J. C. are every year entering the Indian Church and Kumarappa, an Indian Christian, occupying the are giving as their reason that they want the help strategic post of organizing secretary to the Allof the same Lord who is transforming so many India Village Industries Association. Several In- Indian outcastes and is transfiguring their homes dian Christian leaders are candidates for seats in and villages. India's Provincial and all-India Councils in the present general election. The influence of Jesus Christ and His message is also making itself felt upon every public move- Happily the day is past when Indian Christians ment in India. The searchlight of His personality can be left out of India's nation-building organizaand teaching is revealing some of the darker as- tions. One of the best known of India's Christian pects of India's time-worn faiths, so that a silent leaders, Dr. S. K. Datta, President of Forman revolution is being effected in these faiths. More- Christian College, in a notable speech in the Allover, educated Indian Christians say they see clear India Legislative Assembly at Delhi, told the Britsigns of a "mass movement of the Spirit of God ish and Indian statesmen gathered in India's Paramong the educated people of India." These vari- liament, that if they wished to see Indian democous factors are contributing to the building of an racy at its best they should see it at work in the enduring Indian Church. Even the reduction of Indian Churches, which he described as "so many missionaries in India by 1,595 during the past few little Indian republics."
THE IDEAL MISSIONARY FOR TODAY By THE REV. D. S. HIBBARD, D.D., PH.D.
"What kind of a man or woman should be sent out to the younger churches of Christ?" The missionary has the only God-given world message, but he is human. He talks with God, but he must deal with men. It must, therefore, weigh heavily upon anyone who is in any way responsible for choosing a foreign missionary.
David Livingstone was one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all missionaries. _But if he could be brought into the Philippines today with only his former preparation, he would be badly handicapped.
And yet I must frankly come out and state before I retire that the modern missionary in the Islands has to be a bigger and better man than those who came over in the early days, or he is doomed to be a dismal failure.
We had wonderful opportunities and privileges in those early days. The facts of change and of new ideals in the government opened the way for the preaching of the Gospel.
The people listened, and were willing to study the Bible of which they had heard but never seen. The Roman Catholic Church had failed to hold all of its members. Many of them, insurgents at heart, now broke away from that body. It was easy to teach, to preach, and to heal.
Today these conditions are materially changed. Instead of an uneducated younger genera- tion, we find holders of the master's degree, and even some with a doctorate from the best institutions in America, scattered throughout the Islands. And college graduates are every- where. The school system here is the best in the Orient. Printing presses,good and bad, are running full time.
Briefly then sermons, which would have held the attention and won approval of an audi- ence a generation ago, will not be effective today. There must be true vitality, intelligent pres- entation, practical relationship to life, and sacrificial service in the ideal missonary and in his Christian message for present-day needs at home and abroad.
the Magistrate Went to Church*
What Happened to Magistrate Kim Seung Myung in Korea -t€{ I Told by himself and WILLIAM SCOTT I )Be- I~==============================~ I T WAS a hot summer day and I hesitated to go, his conversion. The church was crowded, and for church openings, at the best of times, are among the audience were many of elder Kim's old long and tedious. But Samho, I reckoned, cronies,. still in their pagan unconcern. He ad- would be different. Samho Christians are rugged dressed himself particularly to them.
fisher folk, who pit their strength against the ele- The Story of His Conversion ments and wrest a living from the sea. When pagan, they were gloriously pagan; when they "You all know me for what I was and what I became Christian, life was still an adventure car- am," he began. "Money was no concern to me.
ried through with the old lt came easily; I spent it energy and daring. There freely. My chief concern before one's eyes stood a was the public good. I witness to this fact. They served you long and well as were only a fishing village, village h e a d man and as and only a handful of county magistrate. Yonder Christians, yet they had hill belongs. to the village dared to build the finest because I fought the Gov- church in all our section of ernment for it. I gave the Korea. On this particular public cemetery in which day they had met to dedi- you bury your dead. I built cate their church to God your first school and made and to honor the man whose you send your sons to it. I enthusiasm and generosity fathered a dozen projects had made it possible. for your good, till our vil- Elder Kim lage became the pride of the province. You, in your Elder Kim was the man, turn, were good to me. You and a fitting tribute asso- honored me and trusted ciated his name with the me. You raised a magnifichurch. A tablet graced cent stone to perpetuate my one of the walls, "In honour name.. I sat on the Goverof Elder Kim, a Christian and a Public Benefactor." nor's council. I was chosen His name was on the pro- to visit the palace and to gram to lead in prayer, MAGISTRATg KIM, NOW ELDER KIM receive some silver wine and this is how it ran: CUPSI as a token of respect.
"0 God, I thank thee for taking a man like me "Then came the Christians. You remember -a haughty, brawling, drunken man like me- how I hated them – upstart fellows who babbled for cleaning up my life and making me the man I about God and Christ and thought we were all am. I thank thee for putting it into my head sons of the devil because we drank and smoked to help build this church. May it be used to and enjoyed life. You remember how I set the Thy glory, and to the saving of many more like police on them, dogged their steps wherever they me." went, refus·ed to sell them land for a church, and Having unburdened his heart to his God, he threatened to drive them out of the village. Even wiped his eyes and turned to the congregation: when I went to the city I would walk through "I'd like to say a few things before I sit down," dirty narrow lanes and climb a fence rather than he remarked, and proceeded to tell the story of pass a foreigner's house or a Christian church.
• From Ko.rean Echoes, published by The Korea Mission of the "But they beat me to it in the end. My own United Church of Canada (October, 1936). nephew was converted; one of my own stock [ 187 ]
whose business it is to get things done. They might do. I said we were all proud to have such a bought land for a meeting place~the brow of a building in the village, and ended by wishing them hill that nobody wanted. They built a church and all success. Next I turned to you fellows who had boasted of its size. They put up a bell to ding in brought me to church. I said it was a disgrace to our ears, and finally they sent out invitations to dedicate a building to God with a debt on it, and all and sundry to attend the opening. It was a that it was up to us to do our bit. I promised to give three hundred and fifty yen, if you would pay the rest. It was my turn to chuckle as I made you open your purses and pay heavily for the prank you had played on me that day.
Magistrate Kim Cleans House "By this time I was thoroughly sober and a great decision was forming in my mind. You re- member it wen. I took you all to the wine shop.
'Boys,' I said, 'drink to your heart's content. I pay the bill. But remember: this is the last drink you'll ever get from Magistrate Kim. I'm through with it for ever. No man ever did me a better turn than you did when you filled me with liquor and took me to church. It's not the old Kim that's talking to you now. From today on I travel a dif- ferent road." I left you there befuddled and scep- THE' ORIGINAL CHURCH AT SAMHO, KOREA tical. God forgive me for filling you with drink that day, but you would have got drunk anyway.
great day. The whole town was agog with excite- , You didn't believe me then, and you may not be- ment. Perhaps the feast that was to follow ap- lieve me now, but I want to tell you that from pealed to some of you. As for me, I stormed and that day until this not a drop of liquor has passed fumed and threatened; too proud to acknowledge my lips. The very taste of it went out of my life defeat. Then some of you came to my office and that day and has never returned. And that's dared me to attend the ceremony. It was my eighteen years ago."
duty, you said, as headman and magistrate to do At this point the speaker paused, visibly moved the honors for the community. But I only laughed at the memory of the miracle that had trans- and drank to their confusion. And then you played your trick. You plied me with wine and still more wine until you got me gloriously drunk.
Then you carried me bodily to the church door and chuckled as my own nephew took me in hand, thanked me for coming, and led me staggering to a prominent place.
"Well, thank God for that day. Something so- bered me where I sat. It may have been a sense of shame. It may have been resentment at your handling of me, and a desire to get even. It was likely more than that, for I found myself thinking that these Christians were really men after my own heart. The courage with which they had car- ried on, despite my threats. The way they took our snubbing and persecution. The energy and enthusiasm they put into their church building.
The tremendous earnestness with which they TEE NEW CHURCH AT SAMHO, KOREA faced us with the need of religion. Even to that long, lanky foreign fellow who pleaded for help to formed his life. The day was hot and gave him pay the deht on the church, telling us that he who an excuse to mop his face and incidentally to wipe gave was not losing his money but only putting it away a tear. But he soon forgot himself again in the Bank of Heaven. All that somehow got me. in his tale, the audience following with keen I threw all caution to the winds and stood up to interest.
congratulate the Christians. I extolled the virtue "I don't wonder that you thought me crazy; of religion. I spoke of the good a Christian church the very children used to talk of the queer things
WHEN THE MAGISTRATE WENT TO CHURCH
I did. I called my family and relatives together done magnificently, and raised more than their and told them that I was now a Christian, that share. But a debt still remains, as on that day they were all Christians, and that if anyone long ago. Fourteen hundred yen must be raised wished to disagree he was at liberty to do so, but today. I'll give a thousand if you raise the four that henceforth he would be no connection of hundred here and now. It's a joy to do it. I've mine. I then wrote my eldest boy, at college in done many a good thing for the village, but the Japan. I told him what had happened and added, greatest good that.r have done, and the one which 'Son, you've got to become a Christian or you no brings me greatest satisfaction, is my share in the longer belong to me. I will wait your answer be- building .of this church. They have raised a tablet fore I send your next allowance.' His answer to my honor. My first impulse was to tear it came soon enough and showed that he really was d.own, but I finally consented to its remaining a son of mine. 'Dad,' he wrote, 'I knew how you there that it might be a lasting memorial of what hated the Christians and I kept it a secret from the grace of God did for Magistrate Kim. I only you, but I've been a Christian for over a year. wish that you could share the j.oy that came to me I've been praying daily for you, and I'm more that day you brought me to church against my than glad to hear you've come across.' will."
"I had set my own house in order. Now I Elder Kim sat down amid a round of applause. turned to public affairs. I may have been too He had stood up to pray; he had added a glorious hasty, but this new interest I had found seemed testimony. The church was duly dedicated and to come like a flood, sweeping my past life away the remaining four hundred yen fully subscribed like-a thing of straw. I resigned from the mag- by the congregation-part of it from non-Chrisistracy, and from the governor's council. I paid tian sources. The three hours of ceremony had men to pull down and bury the stone you had no dull moments, and was brought to a close with raised in my honor. I even destroyed my precious a strong appeal for decisi.ons. Elder Kim was silver wine cups. It was my way of breaking with again on his feet-his vigorous personality domthe past. Then I went to the city, no longer afraid inating the proceedings, and his oldtime magisof the missionary. I bought Bibles and hymn terial authority carrying some wavering ones over books for all my family and hired a man to teach the line. us to sing. How the town laughed when they heard of it. But there was laughter in my soul I was glad I went to Samho. The new church too, for a new strange joy possessed me. From is an honor to the Christian cause. Built of red that day until now my supreme aim in life has brick with two graceful towers flanking the enbeen to honor Christ." trance and capped by pointed spires, it stands on Building the New Church an eminence which overlooks the beautiful bay and the village which hugs the shore. It will long "That brings me to this day. There stands the remain a landmark to guide the fishing fleets old church, a silent witness both to my shame and home. It will be a perpetual reminder of God to my glory. I love that old church. But it has who ruleth over all. It is a fitting memorial to grown too small. We must replace it with some- the devoted group of men and women who built thing bigger and better, they said, and I knew it-among whom towers Elder Kim. God bless that my chance had come to do one more good the day that Kim the magistrate was brought to thing for the village. I would bear half the ex- church. His name belongs with those "whose pense, and I put my name down, as you know, for righteous deeds have not been forgotten, whose twenty-five hundred yen. The church people have name liveth to all generations."
MISSIONARIES ARE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST, NOT DIPLOMATS OF THE CHURCH; THEY ARE SENT TO PREACH AND TEACH- Not human experience, but divine redemption Not social reform, but spiritual salvation. through Christ. Not a new organization, but a new creation. Not economic deals, but the Gospel of Christ. Not the benefits of civilization, but the bless- Not human culture, but spiritual conversion. ings of Christ.
Not personal reforms, but liberation from sin. -Adapted from R. P. Richardson, North K iangsu, China. Not laws of earthly progress, but God's for- giveness for sin.
A Prison Shaken in
By REV. ANDREW GIH, Bethel Mission, Shanghai, China I N THE city of Hankow, the so-called "Chicago saved the penitent thief on the cross! They con- of China," the church was packed every night fessed their sins and we taught them to pray so with eager listeners and the Lord worked with that many sad, hopeless sinners and criminals power. Many came with the burdens of sin on were soon rejoicing in the salvation offered by their hearts and went away happy in forgiveness. Him who came "to set the captives free." If we When the HQly Spirit works, people who have had not seen their prison garb we would never done wrong want to make it right. As a result have guessed that they were convicts! About things stolen were returned, old debts were paid, seventy truly accepted the Lord Jesus as their enemies who had not spoken to each other for personal Saviour and their faces shone with light years were reconciled. ' f r o m above.
Earnest-hearted pastors sent messengers to the As we were about to close the meeting one of outlying churches inviting them to send in dele- the officers stepped to the front and, in a choking gates and more than 100. responded so that it re- voice, asked to say a few words. He was trem- quired hundreds of dollars to entertain them for bling and his face was deathly pale, and there two weeks. The pastor and I took the matter to was a strange look in his eyes as he faced that the Lord and the next day a church member said prison audience. Then he said: to the pastor: "I have received a great blessing "God's Spirit is moving me mightily. My heart during these meetings and would like to do some- is pounding. I have no peace. I must confess thing for the Lord in return for what He has done my sins to you men. I have been crooked in my for me. I want to pay whatever you lack for feed- dealings with you. I have extorted bribes from ing these people; but please don't mention my your friends who come to visit you. I have been name to anyone." cruel and overbearing to you."
At the close of the campaign, twenty volunteer It seemed that something within him was driv- preaching bands were organized and at their con- ing him on as he turned from one side to the secration service crowded onto the platform carry- other and cried out in a voice that rang to all parts ing white flags on which were written the motto of the hall: "Will you forgive me? Will you for- of each band. They then went out to preach. give me?" The campaign in the church was over. Then The prisoners listened in astonishment as their something happened more wonderful than our officer confessed his wrongdoing and asked foreyes had ever witnessed. The Christian warden giveness! Such a thing had never before hap- of one of the great city prisons had attended many pened in a prison. Amazement kept them silent of the meetings and received a great blessing. a few seconds and the room was so still that one After that closing service he begged us to preach could almost hear the heart throbs of the agonized to the men in his prison. Speakers had occasion- officer. Then the response broke forth from these ally addressed the men on political subjects but a shackled ones who themselves had been forgiven Gospel service had never been held, as that was and delivered from sin that day. "We forgive not part of a prison program. The warden said: you!" "We forgive you!" came the response over "God has so blessed me in these meetings that I and over from all parts of the room.
dare not deprive the men of the privilege of hear- The officer, apparently unconscious of everyone, ing the same message, though I may risk my posi- fell on his knees before them all, while we knelt tion by inviting you." beside him and prayed. There must have been a So the next morning found us in the prison, with wonderful Hallelujah chorus in Heaven that day, all the men gathered in the hall used for instruc- for we are told there is "great joy in heaven over tion. The warden introduced us by saying: one sinner that repenteth." . "God has sent these men with a wonderful mes- The following afternoon, at the request of the sage. You must listen carefully and I hope you will accept what they preach to you." warden and this converted officer, we outlined a course of Bible study for the prisoners, to be con- We first taught the men a Gospel chorus, "I ducted by earnest pastors of the city. Will you am so glad that Jesus loves me," and in a few min- pray for these Bible classes in the Hankow prison utes practically every man was joining in the sing- and for God's blessing on the work of the Bethel ing. Then, as we gave the Message, we saw many Mission Bands for the evangelization of the of the prisoners in chains turn to the Lord who Chinese?
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A Chinese Concubine Tells Her
-~I I~- By the REV. JAMES P. LEYNSE, Peiping, China i ~==============================~ I T WAS early in the morning when I entered my Opportune Rain, the proprietor. After much talk, study and found young Mrs. Chung already the price was settled and it was arranged that I awaiting me. Demurely she sat in a big chair, go to his home as his concubine number four.
her simple sea-green robe immaculate, her face "My lord proved to be a magistrate. His· pen frowned with care. Listlessly her hand moved a was powerful and he wrote excellently. He under- painted fan forth and back. The sounds of the stood how to stand between court and man, and heavy gong of the famous Lama Temple faintly he was friend to many high and mighty all filled the room. through the land. He did not weary of thinking Politely Mrs. Chung rose and bowed deeply; for of ways to earn much money; yea, did not count as long a time as it takes to walk a mile, she it hardship to tire himself doing so. But his deeds shielded the real object of her visit behind a of mercy were also many and they were talked clatter of polite vocabulary. Her voice rose and about beside river and lake. Many people thought fell in soft cadences over the four tones of the that good luck had come to me; but in the rice I Mandarin language, the Italian of the Orient. ate at his home there were many husks and Without any sign of impatience I waited. Then pebbles.
with a timid smile she began in more serious vein: "None of my master's other wives had a son, "I came on purpose to call upon you, Shepherd and when a year after my arrival, I presented my Teacher, as my heart is heavy with a problem that lord with the first-born one, their jealousy knew eats away my peace. I am ,burdened with a ques- no bounds. I called my precious one by Ii. girl's tion truly too big for me to solve, and I feel like a name, 'Autumn Pattern,' so that the demons in sparrow that has to battle with an eagle. the air would ignore him, thinking him to be a "When I was still a young child my father sold maiden. My little son, the only one in the family, me into the Hall of Lingering Perfume, a house of grew up a priceless possession in the eyes of my wine and pleasure. I had heard the flying gossip lord. But, as for me, I was but a thing who ate of such places but I never imagined the bitterness bitterness from dawn to dusk on account of the I would have to cover up there behind winning darkish ways of the women's quarters. Often I smiles. Everybody called me 'Sweet Water Pond,' poured out my hatred of the other wives before but Lake of Bitterness would have been a more the altar of the King of the Devils in the temple appropriate name for me. Ai ya! that life was hall at the end of our street. I filled the hand of my only means for food and clothing and it the priests with many gifts but they couid not aid brought my father a bag full of good pieces of me against the other women. If I made an error, silver which he used to start a small business that but as small as the half of a grain of rice, my lord filled the family rice bowls. What more need there would be told all about it many times over. By be said about this. Let these things be hidden be- day and by night I ever feared that my lord might hind a jade screen. be displeased and tire of me. I became ill with "One day when I had seen but nineteen New weeping because of my bitter fate, and my cough Year moons and had spent all of six years of serv- would not leave me; through all the hours my ice in that house, I was ordered to attend the man blood ran feverish in my veins. In vain I offered who now is my lord and master. When I first saw much good money and incense to the God of Medi- him, he wore an incense-eolored robe; upon his cine; without result I swallowed the large pills feet were white cloth stockings and silken shoes of herbs and took dried lizards which the nuns and in his hand he carried a painted fan. Straight- advised me.
way I saw that he was a man of good learning and "At the homes and courtyards of other ladies that his silver would roll freely. Many a time he they urged me to go to a Western hospital. I had visited me in the Lute Pavilion and all the maids heard many a good thing about the hospital of the talked about him into my ears until I was fairly Presbyterian Mission here in Peiping. On street made deaf with the clatter. Several months later and road it is told that your doctors are true over a pot of warm wine he talked about me with guardians of life and warmth of heart in stretch- [ 191]
ing forth hands skilful in medicine. Therefore ing and reviling are now heard only from the lips my lord paid out some silver pieces for me and I of the servants. Even that will change if the entered your hospital. There they healed my body ladies of our household truly believe in Christ. and moreover they prayed with me. Step by step they led me to know the only living God and Jesus "But, oh Worthy One, there is a problem daily Christ, my Saviour. Kneeling in prayer, my life before me, and what must I do? The Christian became to me as insignificant as a firefly's light. Way of Life does not allow a man to have several But Jesus regarded me with the forgiving eye of wives; neither should a Christian woman be a God and I learned that He Himself atoned for all concubine, yet here I am, a lowly sinner, concubine my sins and washed me white as snow. I became number four. It frightens me and often in prayer a new being, truly reborn, and I changed my name my heart falls to pieces. This lowly one knorws to Pervading Peace. her fault, but I have gone into a blind alley and do not see a clear way out, neither a path to con- "With a happy heart I returned home, a newly tinue on. I am of one heart with our household made soul, and with a healed body. The first and our master looks upon all of us with favor morning when it was my turn to burn incense be- and kindness. Willingly he uses silver high and fore the household gods I testified of my newly low for me and the others. Every day the maidfound faith in Christ. I refused to bow down any servants enter our women's quarters carrying in longer before idols made by the hands of man. their hands plates of good meat, dishes of fish The ladies of our household, known to be ardent fried with swee-sour sauce, bowls of rice and plat- Buddhists, made a big flutter about it, running ters of warm steamed bread. It is not as if I am back and forth and shouting that they were horri- afraid to eat course food, work hard, and wear a fied and that calamity would come to our house. coat of common cloth, but from childhood I never But I stood where I stood and did not light any was taught to provide for my own living and earn incense. Then the women busied themselves aU pieces of money. the more to give the gods and all the vessels of worship an extra dusting. They put the gong, the "I am but a feeble woman and my learning is bronze incense burner, the pewter candlesticks little. I know only what is connected with the and the paper flowers in especially good order. duties of a wife and mother. Our ways in China For many days they caUed the attention of my are not the bold ways of Western lands where a lord to the fresh peaches of long life which they woman is taught to stand by herself and, yea, even put daily before his favorite idol. compete with a man for a living. If I should leave the lord of our household, another man would put "Then it came about that all those in the wom- forth his hand before the next moon could shine en's court hated me with a strong hatred. They and would place me in his house. Clearly I could dispised my Christian religion, yet faithfully I not stand out against my father and uncles in such read my Bible and prayed for them. Months a thing, and they surely would want to put me passed by and gradually, in answer to my prayers, into another home. the atmosphere around me was changed. No longer did the women scold me when they saw me "You, Shepherd Teacher, are greatly learned reading God's word. The first lady of the house about the way of life, the will of God, and the allowed aJl of us to go once a week outside our teaching of Christ, therefore tell this lowly one gate to visit friends, and that allotted time I used what to do. I will let it be as you decree, and will for attending the church service. then make my bow of farewell and depart. It will be to me as if Heaven sent me the mess.age "When you, Shepherd Teacher, announced that through your lips. Dr. Sun was coming to hold revival meetings I redoubled my prayers, with a strong heart asking A VALID MISSIONARY MOTIVE God that I might be allowed to attend all the meetings. Great was my joy when the first lady spoke Albert Schweitzer, of West Africa, says that to our lord saying that it would be all right with he is there, at least in part, because he must make her if I went every day to the services. Yea, the up to those black people some of the wrong that third wife even went with me each morning and his brother white men have done them. Almost evening. The Living God answered my prayers every contact on the continent of Africa, other and her heart became so moved that now no longer than that of the Christian missionary, has· been does she contribute to the Temple of the Precious for exploitation, or at least for selfish acquisition. Pear. Together we are reading the Bible and to- The missionary more than anyone else stands as gether we pray at dawn and dusk. It seems to me the unselfish friend of the man who is in need. that heaven is going to use us to lead the others This would be a sad world if there should be taken to a belief in the Jesus, the Son of the Living God. out this supremely sacrificial service, but the true Our household is changing already so that scold- motive and power come through Jesus Christ.
A Caravan in the Australian Bush*
~I~=========B=Y=M=A=R=J=O=R=IE==A=.=B=U=R=T=O=N========~I~ "I SHOULD do so much hetter if only there dence, and then proceed to furnish the altar, give were three of me!" expresses what a Bush out books, and greet his congregation as they ar- priest of Western Australia often feels, for rive. Yet often in these Bush services a real he has a parish the size of two English counties. atmosphere of devotion will be found and people That is why we have a mission caravan, for there will drive many miles to get to them: although are twenty-two such parishes in the Bush. The one parishioner did sum up things by saying, "I caravan, staffed by two women workers, visits wish we could get a church of our own here; you any parish at the rector's invitation, so that with can't possibly feel devotional kneeling on a stale an extra vehicle, driver and teacher he is, in some jam tart!"
small measure, enabled to have "three" of him for a few weeks.
The caravan is a house on wheels, complete with two beds, cupboards, table, and locker; all these are fixtures, and every added box or suitcase has to be made a fixture by means of straps and cords before the caravan moves.
The main Bush roads can be pretty good, but they can be very bad. In dry weather the sur- face corrugates, and the van has to slow down to ten miles per hour. While my driver became an expert in dodging corrugations where possible, I became an expert at securing the cupboard with one hand when the fastening shook loose, the while I pushed a suitcase into place with one foot and a bookshelf with the other! In wet weather greasy roads and bogs have to be contended with.
The main roads mostly follow along beside the rather primitive railway lines, crossing them here and there. Along these roads the little townships may be found, ten, twenty, thirty or more miles apart, each with its railway siding. A Bush parish is formed, not of one or two such town- A MISSION CAR IN THE AUSTRALIAN BUSH'
ships, but of six or eight as well as of the other It is to parishes and people such as these that centres, far from any railway, consisting of a the caravan is invited, either for an ordinary school and all the neighboring farms, be they visit, a special visit, or a mission visit. eight or ten miles from it. In the ordinary visit one is simply unofficial The main township of the parish has, besides curate for a few weeks. This usually includes the railway siding, a church, rectory, hospital, day-school teaching, Sunday school teaching, talkdoctor, bank, post office, hotel, roads-board hall, ingat Mothers' Union, guild or other services, school, and from five to fifteen shops. The church sometimes the brief training of future Sunday is frequently the only church in the parish. In the school teachers, and unlimited visiting, a few days other centres services are held in the hall. When being spent in ea'ch district of the parish. the rector arrives on Sunday morning the hall may be open and ready, or he may have to fetch I arrived just before nine one Monday morning the key, arrange the benches, sweep the floor clear at a school which was reassembling after a week's of the remnants of last night's dance, heave table holiday. When I asked the teacher whether I and kerosene boxes into place for altar and cre- might take the children he simply leaped at it. He had ended his week's holiday by traveling all • Condensed from pamphlet published by the S. P. G. "World night, and had arrived back at 5 a. m: He didn't 'Vide Series," London.
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wait to enquire which of the children took reli- schools, visiting, services, etc., the van may be ingious instruction; he went to bed and left me with vited for a special purpose. A rector coming new the whole school! to a parish is often glad of extra help in his early months. In the caravan we undertake anything I have been to a school in a district that bor- that he wants done in the way of blazing the trail ; dered two parishes; it had first belonged to one map out his unknown districts, take greetings to parish and then to another. The parishes, too, his parishioners, assuring them that he will call had changed hands, with the result that this dis- as soon as possible, find out existing Sunday trict had had no service for over a year and one schools and possibilities of starting them where celebration of Holy Communion in the last seven they do not exist. years. Could one expect much of the children in the way of religious instruction in that school? In one very isolated district where there were many would~be candidates I was giving some in- But I have been to schools where the children tensive confirmation instruction in the few days know nothing of the Christian faith, and where I was there; boys and girls at school and after the teacher has said to me, "Before I came here s'chool, adults in the evenings. At their request I there was only one family that knew the Lord's returned on Sunday afternoon to instruct them on Prayer." Holy Communion. As it was the Sunday before Christmas, we started with a Christmas prepara- I have been to a school where, as I was teach- tion service. In a schoolroom that accommodated ing, I realized that the children were hearing for ten children there were now ten children and ten the first time of Calvary and the Resurrection. adults. Most of them had driven three or four These are children of a nominally Christian race, miles on open lorries and the thermometer regiswhite children, English-speaking children of tered 106°! After the preparation service I sug- British descent. But how they listen! Not infre- gested that anyone who wished to go could do so quently the teacher will sit down and listen with before our final instruction. Noone moved; all them. twenty stayed throughout; and we were there an hour and a quarter in all! Visiting in a Bush parish is also very varied. One house may be well and solidly built of sun- Then lastly there is the mission visit. From baked bricks, with a wide verandah all round; the many parishes where one has been for an ordinary next-a mile or so away from its neighbor, if you or special visit, an invitation comes for a return are out of a township-may be of weatherboard visit to conduct a mission. A children's mission or galvanized iron, while others are built of wheat is a joyous affair. The usual procedure is: Prepbags stretched on upright poles. A wall of one aration service the first evening; then, during layer of wheat bags does not offer very sound pro- each day of the mission, prayers at 8: 30 before tection, but inner and outer layers stretched firmly they go to school, fifteen minutes' blackboard inon each side of the poles and whitewashed make struction in church when they come out at 12, and quite a comfortable and attractive house. thirty minutes' mission service after afternoon school. This is sometimes followed immediately, In visiting one finds names of would..be con- or later in the day, by "quiet time," a very infirmation candidates, or of the unbaptized, or of formal time when the children are free to copy those who would like to join the Sunday school by blackboard illustrations, make their self-examina- Post. Usually we are warmly welcomed and of- tion, write intercessions and thanksgivings, or fered tea and cakes. Once I was met outside the come and discuss anything they wish. house by the mother of an unbaptized family, and we held our conversation there, not much assisted I have also taken children's one-day missions by two very butting goats; we finished the discus- behind the caravan at remote Bush schools far sion on baptismal regeneration with the mother from any church, where listeners sit on rugs (not holding the horns of one goat while I held the for damp.,proof but ant-proof purposes), and inhorns of the other! terviews are carried on in the caravan.
At one house the husband welcomed me with, "I'm so thankful," said one mother, "that my "I was glad when I saw it was two ladies coming; Ken has got into touch with the Church; he's been my wife never sees another woman, for our near- a different boy at home." est neighbor is seven miles off and has a little baby and can't get out." "I think," said one mother, Scorching sun and unending wind, hideous galafter we had talked and talked, "that God must vanized iron and revolting flies, but endless sparks have sent you to me; I'd got right down and was of keenness and new life, and the chance to lend needing someone to help me pick up again." This a hand in helping to build up the Church and to was not just a pious utterance; it was the normal see it witnessing in places where it did not; and, expression of what she felt. in spite of innumerable setbacks and disappoint- ments it is tremendously worthwhile. But besides these ordinary caravan visits to a parish, with the daily and weekly round of
African View~of Africa's
By S. S. TEMA -.e( A Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church,. at Present Assisting )at- at the Bantu Men's Social Center in Johannesburg, C. P.
A FRICA has just awakened from a deep sleep. white man's philosophy of life, but that it is Di- vine truth for all the world. The greatest need .i"1 She finds nations, great and small, on the then, is to bring to my people, as clearly as pos- march of civilization. She has now just sible, the truth that Christianity is no white man's joined the march, though well in the rear of the theory of what life should be; but that it is the caravan of civilization. She was called "Dark real, true, pure and best teaching about life, im- Africa," and rightly so. Today she may be called parted by Christ Himself, the Founder, Master "The Awakening Africa." The impact of West- and King. ern civilization is so great that the "real" that is in African life is at present put back, and we are The ground on which Christian principles are really oscillating between Africa and Europe. Our resting in the mind of Africa is rather unstable. greatest battle today is how to adjust ourselves We want something solid and firm, something to this civilization that is deeply influencing Afri- which would keep us going even if all the missioncan culture. We feel we are fast losing our foot· ary activities were to go on holiday for centuries ing. -something which would make the missionary bodies in Africa happy over the good work they We need then those elements and qualities have been doing. The African must learn above which make life worth living-justice, good will all to worship God as an African believer, not as and real happiness. Africa needs to develop spir- itually, intellectually and temporally. She is with- a Christian imitator. We must learn to deal diout doubt poor in mind and spirit. She is a slave rectly with God as a prayer-hearing God, as a God intellectually, and to a far greater extent is spir- of the impossibles and above all as a wonderful itually imprisoned. As a people we need spiritual God Who can guide and protect a nation, but Who stability, spiritual independence, intellectual inde- in turn demands that He shall be given His place pendence, and temporal independence. Do the in its life. Africa needs to be taught that she has present world trends promise Africa these? responsibilities to carry, and her spiritual respon- sibilities are not the least of her duties. Africa First of all is spiritual independence, which means the complete dependence on God and in- must still learn to trust God as her own God, a dependence of man. My people view Christianity God of the very poor, backward, black and needy as the white man's religion. They do not feel it souls in the heart of a dark, hot continent. is their religion. Some go so far as to say Chris- The second great need I have called intellectual tianity is but another way of the white man for independence. To me intellectual independence getting the best of the native. means that my people need to be taught how to When they look at the manner in which the think for themselves. They must learn to do Europeans are dealing with the many problems of things for themselves and by themselves. They life-political, industrial, educational, economic, must be creative, self-reliant, constructive and and even social-and realize that things are not self-supporting. Today we are but little more than what they think they should be, they are skeptical. machines taught certain principles and doctrines, They wonder why it is the Golden Rule is not good and merely doing or saying what we have learned.
enough for the Europeans. They begin to loosen The African needs originality in all the plans of their grip on the reality of Christian standards. his life. He also has to learn the importance of Enthusiasm dies away when they see nothing but cooperation and unity, which are so indispensable. shame. They say like the Israelites, "For it were to the whole system of life. The Africans must better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we learn how to fill in for themselves the gaps in the should die in the wilderness." Africans measure molding of their own destiny. The need is to Christian standards by the failure of Western teach the African to use his own resources. He civilization. Europeans gave us very fine and has mental gifts just as well as any human being. lofty ideals, but why can they not live up to these But he has not known how to use them. Africa ideals? The Bantu do this because they do not needs to be inspired with the truth that as a peorealize the great fact that Christianity is no clever pIe she has great possibilities in both the religious [195 ]
and the intellectual fields. Have we no contribu- to save the situation? Another thing that is dotion to make in science, art, philosophy and in ing my people a certain amount of harm is deother spheres of life? We need to learn how to nominationalism. Our religion was a socio-relihave faith in other peoples, but more how to have gious system, or a relig~()-social system. Today faith in ourselves as a people. Let Africans learn we are broken up into denominations, all working to trust, and to be trusted by other races, then we on different lines and more or less on policies and have Africa developing for the good of humanity. doctrines which are in some cases contradictory. They cause bitterness and schisms in the lives of We cannot depend on the Europeans and re- people who w~re used to the old tribal family sysmain a spoon-fed nation. Africans should be tem. The common spirit of the joint family ties taught how to govern themselves. They must is gradually undermined, and the people are loslearn to direct their own affairs, and to become ing the real spirit of brotherhood and unity. Dethus an asset and not a liability as today. When nominationalism does more than that; it brings shall we grow to maturity? Some say we must in overlapping. The danger in the political world take about two thousand years because the Euro- seems to be a mania for colonial expansion, and I peans took that time. From the European point believe the danger in our religion today is overof view, we are only about two hundred and emphasized denominationalism with its doctrinal eighty-four years old, so that we are surely very differences. These things make an opening for young. Nevertheless, it is time we learned to sects, separatists, Roman Catholicism, and perwalk, and to stand on our own feet in upbuilding haps later even for such dangerous religions as and maintaining ourselves. In a half century or Mohammedanism. Why not give Africa the pure so we will be far from the stage we are in now. Gospel and leave out minor differences? Africa What is being done by those who are the trustees, is crying for the living God. Give Africa Christ the guardians, of Africa to prepare her for ma- and the new life He offers. turity? In Christianizing Africa, let us not forget that Missionary Work Africa has her own peculiar customs, beliefs and traditions and you cannot uproot all of these be- I believe I express the real feelings of Africa, cause they are deeply fixed in the minds of the religious or irreligious, when I say there is no African. Can we not find out by more research better memory in any true African than the those things which were part and parcel of primimemory of missionary work. What could Africa tive African religion and recognize in our work be, or do, if it were not for the work of Christian those sound principles which made our people a missionaries? No history of Africa can be com- people even before the arrival of Western civplete if it does not bring in the missionary as part ilization? and parcel of it. The chief need in making her whatever she should be is to allow missionary in- Africa wants to see Christ in Europe. We do fluence to become more dominant than it is today. not want to hear of wars, crises, economic depres- sions, unemployment, racial greed and pride. We In doing things, God has been using ordinary do not wish to hear of dictators and wild, brutal men, and ordinary men are not angels. They make war. These things make us think that Europe is mistakes, and so it is with the -missionaries. They planning and scheming things without God, or at made mistakes, and are still making some. As a least they do things first and then ask God to result we have had certain problems. These have bless them. We want only the best from Europe, come in the form of Ethiopianism, in the form of and to fuse these with the best that we possess. those undesirable separatist movements which are Africans want to be given a share in the spiritual, today very common in the South here. Many the intellectual and the temporal wealth of humansects are growing like mushrooms. There is also ity. We want a Christianity which will help us the problem of the rising generation of Africans to adjust ourselves to the overpowering prestige who are fast losing confidence in the Church. It of Western civilization. is difficult today to get the more educated youth of Africa to give the Church her rightful place in Missions in Africa can be improved by using their lives. The more they are educated, the more the African himself in Christianizing his own irreligious they seem to become. What are we go- people. Africa has very few leaders of her own ing to do with this growing skepticism in the edu- today. -Many of her present leaders are not the cated youth? best for us, but Africa needs the best. Our cry; then, is for the training of Africans of ability, Western civilization has brought a change in vision, faith and of love to God and Africa. Rethe life of Africa, but this change has done us ligious problems, social problems, and moral probsome harm. We have lost customs, traditions and lems are now so much one and the same that we laws, and even our very moral standards are need in Africa men of a special type to lead us. shaken. Demoralization is resulting in the growing generation. Can the Church not do something
Daniel-A Congo Apostle*
By JOHN MORRISON I }5t-.- American Presbyterian Congo Mission, ~ THE silence of early morning was broken by it all. Soon word came drifting in of a new force the mournful death wail which came from working for Christ in and around Luebo. He be- one of the little mud huts. The natives turned gan to travel farther afield, and on his own initiauneasily on their rough mats and shivered. It tive, many times in hut-to-hut visitation, brought was no uncommon noise, yet one could not still the together little groups for worship, often leaving shiver that crept up one's spine as the wailing them to form the nucleus of a future church.
sound rose in the air. But at intervals, pene- Mweka, a mushroom town on the new railroad, trating even the lamenting voices, a shrill cry be- was drawing away many mission boys in its de- tokened the presence of a little baby in the midst mand for labor. In towns of this kind there is of that awful sound. Such was Tshisunga's en- always great opening for the devil's agents and, trance into the world! The wasted body of his in spite of an evangelist being there, we knew heathen mother lay before him in the hut, sur- rounded by a group of heathen women, one of whom held the baby in her arms, rocking him to the swaying rhythm of her body as she lifted up her voice in valiant effort to drive the spirits from the hut wherein death had laid its hand.
When the hasty funeral was over there still re- mained the problem of the disposal of the child.
Many relatives raised their voices in the death- chant, but these same voices were still when a guardian was solicited for the new-born child.
Tshisunga's chance of learning much more about this world was a slender one until some one hit upon a happy solution. "Don't they care for orphan babies up there at the mission ?" Thus God prepared the way and the tiny babe was carried up the hill to become an inmate of the little home established by Miss Thomas and Miss Fearing.
As time went on Tshisunga became a school- teacher and later he entered our Industrial School, where his natural ability showed itself in his apti- T SHI SUNGA DAN I E L – A CONGO APOSTLE tude for fashioning little ivory curios out of ele- phant tusks and in acquiring a rough knowledge that many of the boys who had been reared on the of mechanics which served him later on. mission station were subject to sore temptation. Then Tshisunga took a hand. He had an old, He grew restless, however, and accepted an broken-down bicycle, which he patched up, and offer to work for a trading company on Lac Leo- one day off he set for Mweka, forty miles away. pold II, a spot several hundred miles from the He spent the week-end trying to enlist services of mission. Here for a considerable time he became some of the old mission boys in forming a Chrisindifferent to the claims of Christ and drifted tian Endeavor and succeeded in interesting about along with no definite aim in life. twenty. He came back to Luebo, but next week- end he returned and spent his time in going from One day at Luebo, however, as Mrs. Motte Mar- house to house until he had over a hundred who tin pled with him to come back to Christ, the promised to come out on Sunday to church. He shackles fell from his soul and he stood forth a kept up his visits there until he had some 200 soldier of the Lord Jesus. It seemed as if he re- going to Christian Endeavor, and when he left, gretted every moment that he had spent away from Christ, and was determined to make up for • Condensed from Congo Missi on News. there was a flourishing meeting run by its own [197 ]
native officers, many of them boys who, had they painful attacks of elephantiasis, when his leg bebeen left to themselves, might have been lost to came so swollen that even while resting he suf- Christ forever. He was so delighted with the suc- fered much, he still persisted in carrying on his cess of this first venture that he repeated his ef- work of soul-winning. I met him one day as he forts in several other places. came hobbling along after having been to see an old heathen woman. Poor old soul, she was cross Tshisunga's custom on Saturdays is to go to the with the world, and who can blame her? She native market, held not far from the mission, and lived in a little tumble-down mud hut, and toiled talk with anyone with whom he can strike up a painfully each day to the forest for firewood and conversation, telling him of Jesus and the way of to the spring for water. Each day meant a labosalvation. As he walked off from the market rious journey down a very steep hill, and a toilplace one day, he noticeq a woman carrying a some climb back with her heavy burden on her number of articles on her head, as is the native head. Uncared for, the only thing left for her was custom. When he broached the subject of Jesus, death, death without hope. It was just after one his Master, she laughed at him. of these expeditions that Tshisunga met her for the first time, and perhaps the time was a little "What do I want with Jesus; He is nothing to inopportune to speak to her at all. One job must me!" always follow another, she probably thought, as she was trying to repair her scanty fence. Tshi- He endeavored to say something more, but she sunga gave her "Good-day," and received a grunt. stepped out and left him. He kept on his way, He asked her if she knew Jesus; she glared at stopping to chat with people now and again, but him, and told him to be off about his business. As his heart was full of the woman who had spurned he didn't move quickly enough, she seized her staff his Master saying, "He is nothing to me!" He and drove him off. But he was undaunted. The prayed within himself, "Oh, God, help her to see old woman resumed her work on the fence, and the light." About two hours afterwards he came Tshisunga moved along to the other end, and to a village six miles farther on, and noticing a without further word started repairing it from group of women seated in the shade of a hut, he that end. She glanced at him from time to time went over to bid them "Good-day." He then no- as much as to say, "What game are you trying to ticed that the woman to whom he had spoken on play with me?" But he never looked her way. At the road was among the group and he spoke with last they met in the middle and the job was done. her again, but she mocked him. He sat there for "Well, that's one job done," said Tshisunga smila while praying silently: "Oh, Lord, do not let ingly, and the old woman smiled in response. this woman leave without accepting the Lord Poor woman, she had little chance to smile in this Jesus," and as he spoke to her, his innermost self life, and the help she received from others was communed with the Holy Spirit, striving to bring very little. They sat down to rest while Tshisunga His aid in helping the woman to see the light. told her of an old, yet new, Friend. Satan was loath to let go, but the faith that can remove mountains was his adversary. The woman Having been a backslider himself, he knows the grew silent, seemed to meditate; and then others wonderful peace and joy that a return to Christ who composed the group broke in. brings. He started a meeting for. those who had fallen by the wayside, and soon it grew so popular "Weare Christians," they said. "Why don't that the open spaces around his house were you accept Jesus?" crowded every Sunday evening with hundreds of people. He made the meeting as attractive as pos- Yet still the woman sat on, and still Tshisunga sible. He has a good ba8's voice and has sufficient prayed within himself, while pleading the Cross. ingenuity to construct a native xylophone. From At last the woman rose and moved off to another time to time he has added fresh attractions. He hut. She stood for a moment irresolute, then taught a number of boys to play simple reed inasked for a drink of water, and as the little group struments made from a native reed, and trained a watched her every movement, they saw her face choir of other boys and girls. He finally found break into a smile and turning, she came towards an old cast-off folding organ, and worked at it them. until he_ could accompany his choir. The main purpose of his meeting was never forgotten, and "Yes," she said, "I want to know Jesus, but how each evening a plea was made for all backsliders can I learn about Him? There is no one near us, to return to the fold. Many of them openly confor I live in a little village twenty miles from fessed their sins, and prayer was always made for here." them, and they were asked to stay behind when Tshisunga talked with them personally. He fol- She sat down again and Tshisunga told her of lowed up his work by going to their huts in the the wonderful love of Jesus, and when she rose to go she said: "I have no one to teach me, yet I will pray every day and God will send me help."
Tshisunga shows infinite patience and is never put out by refusal. He has suffered from very
A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY IN EVANGELISM
village, and many a sinner was brought back to the satisfaction of playing it in the Second Church the fold in this way. The meeting still flourishes at Luebo, and of being choir leader and trainer in and, notwithstanding the fact that it has been go- that church. He has a good working knowledge ing on for some years, is still as popular as ever. of English and French and has not hesJtated to In fact, there are other places within the radius use this talent in the Master's service. In our of our Luebo work that have Sunday evening native service we were surprised to see two Pormeetings which they call "Tshisunga Daniel tuguese traders attend one Sunday morning and meetings." they have since become fairly regular attendants. Tshisunga had spoken to them of Christ. Surely the true value of a man's service will come out in his own household. His wife, Madia, He carries a little notebook and jots down the says, "I was always too timid to speak to others names and villages. of his converts, so that he can about their soul's salvation, but Tshisunga kept remember them in prayer. I asked him if he had urging me and I kept on trying. It was difficult any record of the number who had accepted for a long time, but now it gives. me great joy." Jesus through his ministrations. "Well," he said, Tshisunga conducts women's meetings at which "I can count only this year." That number was he teaches the Christian women how to do per- 2,145, and others had promised to learn. sonal work among other women. Would that we had more Tshisungas, white and He practiced hard at the organ, and now has black!
A Golden Anniversary in Evangelism Fifty Years Work of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Founded by the Late Dr. A. B. Simpson By the REV. A. C. SNEAD, New York Foreign Mission Secretary of the Alliance FIFTY years ago, at Old Orchard, Maine, there ice, giving glory to God. China, the Tibetan was formed "a simple and fraternal union of all who hold in common the fulness of Jesus in border, India, Annam; Africa – Congo, Sudan, His present grace and coming glory." This simple union developed into The Christian and Mission- Timbuctoo; Latin America and the Isles of the ary Alliance, "pledged to take the whole Gospel to the whole world till Jesus comes." The "whole Seas called urgently and with whole-hearted en- Gospel," as presented by Dr. Simpson is a "fourfold Gospel" – including redemption, sanctifica- deavor he responded. The record of occupation tion, divine healing and the Second Coming of Christ. and achievement in Alliance Missions today is a This year the Golden Jubilee anniversary is be- roll call of places and lands over which he yearned ing celebrated in the twenty fields into which the Alliance has gone with the Gospel. As one result and for whose evangelization he prayed. of this work the baptized membership of 44,497 in the foreign fields is now (in 1935) greater than "The Christian and Missionary Alliance is not the total membership of these churches in the United States and Canada. Rev. A. C. Snead says: a missionary movement only, but it is called of "Dr. A. B. Simpson, like Abraham, when he God to declare at home and abroad the message of was 'called, . . . obeyed, . . . went out, . . . sojourned,. . looked,' and God gloriously the fulness of Jesus. We not only have a work to blessed him. And because He blessed him, the movement grew and spread far and wide. Since do but we have a life to live, and only as we truly the Founder died, the work has further increased and the movement goes on in scope and power, the live this life – Christ in you – can we surely do ministry continues in humble dependence upon God, and the message is still Christ Himself. Dr. this work in the regions beyond. By the grace of Simpson lived and wrought by faith that the grace of God might be fully manifested and the God, and through grace in the loyal, loving minglory of God fully revealed. He waxed strong in faith and pressed onward in the world-wide serv- istries of thousands at home and in the foreign fields, the missionary work of the Alliance has grown and borne fruit in goodly measure.
"The following figures show the growth of the work in the last fifteen years: 1920 1935 Number of fields ………………. . 16 20 Number of missionaries …………. . 342 508 Native Workers ……………….. . 715 1,527 Baptisms during year …………… . 1,649 6,187 Inquirers during year …………… . 3,993 21,759 Organized churches …………….. . 130 473 Church Membership …………….. . 11,923 44,497 Sunday Schools ……………….. . 162 935 Sunday Scholars ……………….. . 8,949 37,098 Stations ……………………… . 111 134 Outstations …………………… . 475 1,344 Bible School students …………… . 241 362
"The Christian and Missionary Alliance is now as we increase in the knowledge and fulness of working among ninety-five languages and prin- Christ can we increase in the scope and fruitfulcipal dialects. Twenty-four of these were entered ness of our service for Christ. Surely in this before the end of 1919, the year that Dr. Simpson Jubilee Year God wants us to continue and indied. The other seventy-one have been entered in crease our obedience to Christ's command, 'Go ye.' the years 1920 to 1936, inclusive. In about thirtysix of these languages and dialects The Christian "Let us go forward by preaching and pen, by and Missionary Alliance is the only evangelical prayer and purse. We must send forth the workwitness. The population for which The Alliance men by prayer and purse, that they may make is responsible in its mission fields is 72,643,000. God known to men and bring men to God."
"The Alliance, in its foreign work, ministers We also quote as follows from the Golden Anthe Word of God to men and women among all niversary Booklet: the great racial and religious groups of earth- Indians in South America, Negroes and pagans in "The Golden Anniversary of the Alliance this Africa, the peoples of India, China, Japan and the year will be observed throughout the fellowship Isles of the Sea, among many others. Roman by a renewed emphasis on prayer and evangelism. Catholics, Syrian and Greek church groups; Mos- With God's blessing organized evangelism will be lems, Jews, Tibetans, Confucianists, Taoists, energized by the working of the Holy Spirit and Buddhists, Hindus; Animists and pagans of many the harvest will be of God's own gathering. The kinds are found in our world-wide parish. Missionary Training Institute at Nyack, New York, is a vital link in doing effective missionary "God has set the Alliance in strategic crossways work. Throughout the United States and Canada of the world for work among tribes and peoples the anniversary is being commemorated in a Bible yet unevangelized. In a recent trip in Kwangsi, and Missionary Crusade which will be featured South China, two missionaries, a new recruit and in the Annual Council in New York City in May an older veteran, met people of six different tribes and throughout the summer conventions. Misand had previously visited those of a seventh. sionary conventions will also be held in thirty or The tribes are: Chwang, Timber Yao, Dog Yao, forty principal cities of America and definite ad- Black Miao, White Miao, Tung, and Red Yao. In vance is planned in reaching new objectives and Kweichow-Szechuan are eleven counties with opening pioneer areas to the Gospel. their vast multitudes of Chinese and tribespeople and as yet the Alliance has opened work in only "The intent of Dr. Simpson was not to found a four. French Indo-China presents three great new denomination, but to bring about an Alliance racial groups, totaling more than twenty million of those who would cooperate in taking the fullsouls, and in addition eighty or more tribes and orbed message of the Bible to the unreached peomany dialects. In the Southern Philippines are ples of earth. The General Council of the Somany Moslem and pagan groups and work is being ciety, in 1934, passed a Special Resolution bearing done in seventeen languages and dialects. In the on the broad fraternal relations of the work as Netherlands East Indies, six languages are being follows: regularly used and many others are represented in our Bible School. In French West Africa, Al- "The Society is not merely an organization but a moveliance responsibility is for five million out of the ment, and God is not interested in the preservation and twelve million total and for more than one-third of perpetuation of organizations as such, but in the blessing the 103 tribes. Already the witness is being given of great movements that honor Christ in all His Scripin thirty-one languages or dialects. In the new tural fulness, and are loyal to His calling to world-evanfield of French Gabon, six tribes are represented gelization. . . . The statement of objects in its Constituat the station and other tribes are yet to be tion clearly indicates the fact that the Alliance earnestly brought within the range of the Gospel. The desires the full fellowship and cooperation of Christians three missionary couples are studying respec- everywhere, in the great program of a full Gospel mestively: Massango, Banzebi, and Yipounou. In sage to the world and of prosecuting an intensive mis- Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are other tribes of sionary advance. mountain Indians and denizens of the jungles, while in all of the twenty fields of the Alliance "Areas newly opened by the developments of there are hungry hearts and needy lives to whom world trade, tribal chiefs bewildered by the imwe must minister. pact of civilization; independent kings puzzled by the urgency of world events, exploration of hidden "We have a work to do, a commission to obey, highways in the dark heart of Gontinents, and the a message to proclaim, which can only be accom- roar of aeroplanes that are making the inaccesplished by God Himself working in us and through sible a commonplace of travel, call us anew to an us to will and to do of His good pleasure. Only unfinished task. . . . God grant that the obedience of God's people shall move to bring His blessing down upon a sin-sick, weary world." * • The anniversary objectives include 100.000 prayer partner,. $700.000 for Missionary Evangelism. and 30.000 subscribers to The Alliance Weekly.
on the Christian
I By REV. CHARLES A. PLATT, East Orange, N. J. I~ _…et Assistant Minister of the First Presbyterian Church ~==========================~ I F YOU want to know the power of Christ in produce in the youth of America a missionary zeal this modern world, go out on the frontiers .of that will lead them to accept Christ as their Lord Christian thought and action. Look at our and to spread the vital, dynamic world-brotherreligion as it comes face to face with the majQr hood that He represents. problems which confront human life. How does it measure up in comparison to the other two II world forces, Communism and Facism? What is it doing to promote world peace and good will PrQbably the best method of understanding the among the nations? The best way to answer these power of Christ in the world today is to approach questions is to study the missionary enterprise. our present problems from the frontier angle. What has Christianity tD .offer a mDdern, indus- I trialized, interrelated mass of peoples? Why should we nDt all turn cDmmunist and dedicate . One .of the most erroneous ideas about Chris- our lives to the crushing of all unsympathetic tian work tDday is that missions is an appendage groups and to the glorification of the proletariat? .of the Church. Many are apt to think of religiQn Why should we be concerned with the problems as consisting of theolQgy, educatiQn, social proh- .of the wDrld, why nQt build up a colossal defense lems, and worship activities of the average Amer- in our own nation and then defy the rest .of maniean church, and we think of missionary activity kind? as some additional service-rather magnanimous but unnecessary. To hold such a view is to miss Looking at such questions from the Christian the whole spirit of Christ and (what is just as missionary angle has two distinct values. In the first place, we see Christianity stripped of past serious) to neglect the best available .medium .of momentum, standing on its own twentieth-eentury religious and Christian education. feet. On the frontier .our Christian life must go For fifty-one weeks we have been studying mis- forward to victory or must go down in inglDrious sions, with a group of young men and women in defeat. Secondly, the missionary enterprise is our church. Why? In order that we might under- seen to be an international institution already stand Christianity! We want to see Christianity functioning, and capable of exerting a tremendous on the firing line, not as it exists behind a mass influence in many .of the conflict areas of the .of traditi.ons and well established institutiQns. world. We want t.o know what Christianity has to offer Not long agD an outstanding church leader was when Communism is calling youth to follow a asked: "Can the Church be a force in the estabmaterialistic cause. We want to know Christ's lishment of world peace tDday?" His answer was answer when nationalistic forces, fill youth with an unqualified, "No!" But many thinking young ambitious ideas as to the supremacy of one nation people are thankful that they have a different or one race. idea. They say, "Look at the great number of out- posts of Christianity in countries like Persia and The youth of America seem to be placidly talk- China and Mexico where the influence of Coming about world friendship, while the youth of munism is being felt. Think of the mission staother countries are being filled to the bursting tions in Chosen and Japan and Cuba where napoint with nationalistic propaganda. Will this tionalism is the order of the day. The Church on wave of acute nationalism sweep America into the firing line offers one of the greatest .oPporwhat will be virtually another "holy war," s,imply tunities for fostering the cause of world peace because Christian youth has not caught the ideals that we have." and enthusiasm of Christ? The one world Leader who came to bring peace is receiving less support Youth is learning to expect great things from from the youth .of today than are any of the other the missionary enterprise in the way of influencworld leaders who seem to be hurtling civilization ing the international activities of various countoward another horrible struggle. What can we tries. It is the best program yet devised for the do to change this, condition? The answer is to education of all peoples to a sense of W.orld broth- [201 ]
erhood, and to the Christian (not Western) way will enable the Christian to face the world and its of living. We do not need more peace agencies! problems, and to triumph? To answer this phase We have enough overhead organization! We of Christianity it is again necessary to look have made enough resolutions! What we must do through the eyes of the missionary. What would is to give a more whole-hearted support to those you do if you were a missionary in a land where Christian missionary agencies that are already Christ is almost unknown? What are the qualifiset up, and which can do a most effective piece of cations of the missionary that enable him to prework when backed by the Christians of the world. sent Jesus Christ in a vital, appealing way? And What keeps the missionary going in the face of III incredible odds?
Furthennore, missions is our only hope for These questions bring us face to face with our pl'ogress toward the supremacy of Christ. We own spiritual needs. Viewing the whole matter hear many prophecies these days concerning the of personal religious life from the standpoint of future of the world. Whatever else may be said, "frontier life" enables us to see more clearly that it is certainly obvious that as the years go on the the Christian's devotional life is the power-station Orient will play an ever increasingly important of successful endeavor. Our great task in the part in international affairs. Does not this offer home church is to inspire in our youth that devoto us a great challenge? Some say that the next tion-to -Christ and that missionary zeal which will world empire will be that of the yellow race: transform character. China-Japan. This is only a human prediction. But the fact remains that the future of the world, Christian frontiers present the most vital kind in its uplifting aspects, depends largely upon a of Christian activity for thinking youth today. Christian Orient. How can this be brought about? Out there is no dependence on the momentum of Missions is our best and most practical answer. the past. There, we must do or die. Christ is the only One who is sufficient to meet the needs of the But let us get back to the next immediate step valiant souls on the mission fields. Is He not suffiin Christian progress, What is the Christian dy- cient also to meet the needs of those of us who namic of life? What are the qualifications which remain at home?
Missions and the Critics* By the REV. HOWELL D. DAVIES, Chicago, Illinois Regional Secretary of the Congregational and Christian Churches CRITICISM of missions is nothing new. It is should help themselves; that we shouldn't med- naIve to suppose that all went swimmingly dle and disturb those already contented; that they until the Laymen's Inquiry was launched. don't want us anyway; that missionaries cause The East India Company refused passage to mis- trouble; that they destroy native culture; that sionaries and stigmatized missions as the most they are all agents of American imperialism, etc. fantastic and lunatic idea that ever entered the human mind. Ridicule was common. Classify the Criticisms "Here you propose to export religion, whereas 1. Those hostile to Christianity itself. People there is none to spare at home," said a Massa- who see no value in the Gospel will see no value in chusetts legislator. His attitude was typical. Missions. Such a playas "Rain" and such articles as those in the American Mercury ridiculing mis- A list of objections a century back is identical sions in the South Seas are only caricatures like _ with what is heard today: that we have so many that of Jack London, who pictures a missionary needs at home; that we shouldn't interfere with in a Prince Albert and stove-pipe hat preaching the religions of others; that their own religion is the creation of the world in six literal days, to best suited to them; that missions are pater- near-nudist natives who are skeptical because they nalistic and pauperizing; that foreign peoples could not make even a canoe in less than two weeks. * From The .Missionary He,raId, Boston.
MISSIONS AND THE CRITICS
Over against all such we can put the judgment those wh'O receive it who are most competent to of first..hand, able observers. judge of it. None apparently are dissatisfied with "I suppose," said R. L. Stevenson, "I am in the the article sold them and want to return it.
position of many persons. I had conceived a great Rather they recommend it to their friends as prejudice against missions in the South Seas. I something superior to what they have had before.
had no sooner come there than that prej udice was The Japanese list six points 'Of superiority of reduced, and then at last annihilated." Christianity to Buddhism. God, as personal. God "A man that took one fairly by storm for the seeking men. The sense of personality. Pracmost attractive, brave, and interesting man in the tical, convenient Scriptures. A superlative ethical whole Pacific," he said of James Chalmers of New sense. Social justice and service. Guinea. 4. The criticisms of those who judge everything "I certainly should have predicted," said Darwin by a single unfortunate detail, such as an ignorant after seeing the work among the Indians of Tierra or tactless missionary, an unwise local policy, a del Fuego, "that not all the missionaries in the bungled program, a wasted dollar. Judged by world could have done what has been done." this standard, "Who or what, 0 Lord, anywhere, shall stand?" Ex~President Taft could not praise too highly the missionary work he observed in the Philip- One poor farmer is not sufficient t'O condemn pines when he was governor. agriculture, a poor preacher the ministry, a fake mining scheme the whole mining enterprise, a stu- "I have observed the results of their labors," dent flunk all education, nor a quack doctor the wrote the author and traveler, Alexander Powell, whole medical profession. "in every great field of evangelistic entleavor, and it angers me to hear missionaries and their work 5. The laissez-faire obiections of those who condemned." want things left alone-all forces and factors, to work out themselves. But laissez-faire never built "In my judgment the Christian missions have a school, founded a hospital, or developed a lightdone more lasting good to the people of India than ing plant and water system at a conference camp. all other agencies combined," stated the Governor The consistent laisseZ-faire critic will recognize of Bengal. Christianity as a force with the same rights as any other force. "After thirty thousand miles of travel and something like three hundred interviews," wrote the newspaper correspondent, Charles A. Selden, 6. The cross-fire based on the idea that we have "my prejudices gave way to great respect f'Or the only a social Gospel to offer and that nearly every missionaries and their work." effort is of a political scheming sort, gate~rashing "I believe that every dollar invested in foreign and imperialistic, the work of reactionary, self- missions has produced greater returns than any centered or even villainous denominational dollar invested in any human enterprise," said Boards.
William Boyd, Advertising M.ana,ger, Curtis Pub- The answer is that the motive and movement lishing Company. of missions are love and friendship, however in- 2. Those of ardent nationalists like Gandhi who adequate be the channels through which it flows. object to proselyting. Should courtesy .keep us The earthen vessel is only too apparent but in it is the treasure of divine redemption. from offering the Gospel, therefore, in India?
No, for it can be offered without objectionable 7. The criticisms of uninformed and selfish proselyting. Moreover, the Gospel is n'Ot one cul- church people. Education, persistent and kindly, ture displacing another and it belongs no more to can help the former and more Christian grace the America, England, or France than to India itself. latter. The trouble is to connect information and The Gospel has no less right of way than love with these parties. All that can be said for science, commerce or education. It can only help the Gospel itself can be said for missions, and India's nationalism in the higher sense. It is shall it not be said?
doubtful if many or if any Hindus regard their There is a sufficient answer to every criticism religion as for others. . honestly and sincerely proffered. But better than 3. Those ignorant of the whole idea. All objec- all answering of objections is an infusion of tions based on misconcepti'Ons are invalid. On Christlike love. Our great need is to make more any such theory all life would stop, for there is church members into Christians.
nothing against which objections based on igno- 8. The criticisms of sincere friends of the rance are not directed. B'Oth Democrats and Re- cause. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."
publicans will tell you this. Prejudice being the All constructive criticism can do 'Only good. The thing that begins where your information leaves cause most to be pitied is the one that has lost the off, no enteliprise should halt for just that. capacity to criticize itself.
Presumably it is those who take the Gos,pel and The church of the 16th century was saved by
the self…criticism of Protestantism.· And this goes gation, knowing this means vindication and infor missions too. The verdict was: "The mission terest. Worse than to be criticized is to be must go on and there is enough in its program to ignored, and most of all to be ignored by church bankrupt Christendom if we try to do all that is people. calling to be done." But it may be safely said that missions cannot *** and will not be ignored by those who know the God who is the God of all the earth and not the In brief, most negative criticisms of missions God of a tribe, whether it be a family tribe, a are at bottom rationalizations of prejudice, igno- community tribe or a national tribe. rance and selfishness. Missions welcome investi- Combating Communism With Christian Service in Kiangsi* By GEORGE W. SHEPHERD, Kienning, Fukien Secretary of the North China Christian Rural'Service Union A FEW years ago some missionaries met at training that type of men: the Union High School Kuling to discuss communism. We invited in Foochow." Madame Chiang Kai-shek and asked her what she thought about how to overcome com- The government of Kiangsi expressed itself as munism. "I would like to ask this question," she determined to replace crooked politicians and corsaid; "what are we Christians doing? Do we rupt magistrates with men who have a definite not have some responsibility toward the needs of interest in the welfare of the people. China ?" In addition to supplying the government with "We are not an official body," we replied. men and women of integrity and training, the "Then pass it on to an official body." Church decided that it ought to respond to the The challenge was passed on to the National challenge to help reorganize society in the recov- Christian Council, and this body invited its rural ered communist areas, and to lend a hand in worksecretary, Mr. Chang Fu-liang, and myself, mis- ing out some of the acute economic and social sionary of the American Board, to report to an problems of the toiling masses. enlarged meeting in Nanchang, Kiangsi. A thorough investigation convinced these Chris- The Kiangsi Christian Rural Service Union was tian leaders, that the government had already em- organized and the National Christian Council apbarked upon a program for the improvement of proved the plan agreed upon: the life of the people, and that the invitation extended to the Christian forces was no political That it should be people-centric, rather than move, but was actuated by a sincere desire for the centered in an institution or the government; well-being of the farmers and workers. that it should train local leadership; that it The government leaders argued that the should test and adapt results of successful experi- Church and its institutions had men and women ments already under way in China; that it should of character and training, who ought to be re- work in a limited area; that it should assist local leased for remolding the life of the people in war- leaders in carrying out a program within the ecotorn Kiangsi and adjoining territory. nomic capacity of the people to support; that it "Do you have three hundred young men," asked should give the Christian religion an important the Commissioner of Education, "such as are place in serving the whole man and the whole trained in the Union High School in Foochow? community. Men who could come into the business of rural reconstruction under the government?" The central feature of this proposed project was "No! there is only one school in China that is to be the training of indigenous leadership by a traveling normal school of experts through serv- * From The Missionary Herald. ice-in-training and supervision of work.
The lines of service were intended to include vil- lage organization, agricultural extension, public health, the development of village industries, or-
COMBATING COMMUNISM WITH CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN KIANGSI
ganization of cooperatives, and the teaching of sician, who came highly recommended by her religion. school, went out into the area and began by treat- At the head of the traveling normal school were to be two executive secretaries, a Chinese and a ing disease. One pair of hands could not wait on missionary, to spend most of their time on the all who came to her, so her business was to find field, directing the work of the project. out the things she could teach the farmers to do The area selected for work was Lichuan, a Hsien forty miles from the American Board Mis- for themselves, such as to put drops into their sion at Shaowu. It is impossible to convey to outsiders the depths of human misery which have own children's eyes. . been accepted as the common lot of almost every human being born into Lichuan society. Through "Go into the villages and find out some things corrupt administration, banditry, and Communism the people have been reduced to extreme poverty. they need," we said to the college girls. They dis- It is a good place for the Church to tackle the covered that none of the women could cut out and economic, social, and religious problems of the make their children's clothes and had been empeople, who declare that, given peace and security, they can make a living. ploying traveling tailors. These tailors had been The question arose-how to finance this work a pesky nuisance for a few hundred years. with trained men? Doctors, nurses, agriculturists, specialists in industry, chemistry, and rural The college girls got those farmer women toeducation-college graduates-were needed. gether and cut out women's and children's gar- Christianity has a program for China and workers were invited to volunteer for service, for ments. their expenses. No farmer in that district has tools with which I was asked to come and speak to the boys for to make or mend his own baskets. We called in two hours at the Central Political Training Academy in Nanking, where all the diplomats and key- a man to teach them. men of the Chinese Government are trained. The We felt that we ought to appeal to Chinese President said that he wanted these young men, the future leaders of China, to know what the Christians to support this work and were sur- Church is attempting to do. Only one other foreigner had ever been invited to speak there, prised at the response. Muriel Lester of London. "We will give you half your budget of $100,- We had so many volunteers for service that we 000," said General and Madame Chiang Kai-shek. were perplexed and surprised. The National Mass Education Movement, of which Dr. James Yen is "I will give $5,000," said one man. "If you the director, sent three experts to organize a rural school and direct mass education. Yenching Uni- don't raise your budget come back and I will give versity, through its Department of Political Science, put two men in the village of Lichuan. another $5,000." That five-year work budget of Ginling College put two women graduates on the field and Nanking Theological Seminary sent one $100,000 is now practically assured. of its graduates to take charge of religious education under the direction of Professor Frank The National Economic Council and the Pro- Price. vincial Government are both deeply interested in the work at Lichuan and expect to utilize methods The young volunteers were asked to move out into the villages, live where there were nothing and materials that may be of value to other combut dirt floors, and to sleep on camp cots or pine planks. munities.
"We had no idea that the people of China lived The influence of this experiment upon the naas these people live," they said; "not even ancient Chinese culture is here, to say nothing about mod- tional program has far exceeded its intrinsic ern China." worth. Springing out of this move toward a fuller Some members of the group said: "We don't need $30 (Mex.) a month living expenses; we life for country dwellers is a widespread detercan live on $20." mination to abolish corruption and insist upon a How does the group work? The woman phy- fair deal for toilers. For the first time in the history of modern China the nation has a sufficient number of tech- nically trained men and women to fill important government positions. It is noteworthy how large a proportion of these are graduates of Christian colleges and universities. The people in our group justify our claim that a man who has had Christian experience should have a higher type of character than any other person in the world. Some institutions in China are academically the equals of Christian colleges, but are they producing character? Many in China say that they are not. This first year we will begin to give Christian teaching to the farmers who have been Commu- nists for a long time. Little booklets by Frank Price on the relationship of citizenship and char- acter make a very good approach. Much of the Christian religion is introduced and readers are
invited to come to special classes for the definite struction which will effectively neutralize Comstudy of Christianity. munist influence. An enormous amount of money and energy has been unavoidably devoted to the This project was launched as a venture in former of these which General Chiang and his Christian faith and we are being given an oppor- colleagues would otherwise have expended on the tunity to prove that we are followers of our latter. But with perhaps less of the former men- Lord, who was rich, yet for our sakes became ace hereafter to be feared and a sobering realizapoor, that we through his poverty might be rich. tion of the urgency of agrarian and other eco- nomic improvements, this Government has Dr. Leighton Stuart, President of Yenching achieved so much thus far in the face of stagger- University, Peiping, writes: "No more construc- ing obstacles that I have full confidence in its tive service could be rendered by Chinese intel- ability and intention to undertake the progressive lectuals than in the clarifying of these two issues measures which become more possible with grownow so confused – the protection of territorial ing confidence among its own people and less of administrative integrity from Japanese encroach- foreign interference." ments and an enlightening policy of social recon- Pioneering in a Cairo Slum* ~ ~.. I By MISS M. C. LIESCHING, Cairo i }lJE-•.- ~==========================~I BOULAC is the most thickly populated and the school. In those days every little pupil came with poorest part of Cairo. It is the haunt of a baby brother, or sister, hoisted up astride her vice, fanatically Moslem, and a place where shoulder. These filthy mites, generally full of the unfortunate drug addict abounds. Most fam- sores, and with fly-infested eyes, were the next to ilies live in one room, with no water supply and ·claim our attention. Government baby welfare no sanitation. Water has to be fetched daily from centres were only just being thought of in Egypt public taps, and paid for; so it is not surprising (it was the C. M. S. in Old Cairo that had the that cleanliness is at a discount. Rubbish is either honor of opening the pioneer welfare), and they thrown out into the streets, where it lies all day had not reached Boulac. rotting and collecting masses of flies, or it is left on the roof to dry, to be used later as fuel. So we started a Baby Welfare, with a clinic open twice a week, and systematic visiting in the The Ragged Sunday School homes on four other days. But what a business it was gaining the women's confidence and overcom- We looked from the windows of the C. M. S. ing their suspicion! High School in Boulac into this slum, and thus its existence was forced upon our consciousness and It takes a very long time for a new idea to peneour consciences. We began to fear that we might trate the mind of a Boulac woman, or of any other be allowing our girls, themselves receiving a first- uneducated woman, sufficiently for her to act rate education, to think of Christianity far too upon it. "How much better," we said, "to premuch as something which flowed into one, and not pare the future mothers than to repair those in through one to others. So we took them out, under whom wrong ideas are ingrained." chaperonage, into the almost unpenetrated fastnesses of Boulac to open a Ragged Sunday school The Little Girls' Club for little girls in the most despised section of this despised neighborhood. Two years pre- Thus we were led to the opening in 1~31 of what viously the C. M. S. had opened a boys' club in a is now known as the Little Girls' Club. We have rented coffee house, and it was in the same prem- some fifty children who come daily from 2 to 4 ises that we started the School of Love. "Sunday p. m. to learn reading and writing, hygiene, and school" would convey nothing to the people. the care of the home and baby. Each child is en- gaged at present on making a set of baby clothes, For some years it was more like a zoo than a and six at a time take turns in attending the wel- fare twice a week, to help in the bathing room and • Condensed from Church Missionary Outlook. to watch treatments. Last year we added another
A CHINESE COMMUNIST FINDS CHRIST
educative agency in the form of a children's have some real alleviation to offer that one feels prayer corner, i. e. a place set apart for quiet and is not just charity. with such an arrangement of beauty as to suggest worship and reverence. It is proving a real The Nursery School help to the children's prayer life, and indeed to all .of us. This year we have been able to start among The significant years between two, when the the senior girls who have learnt to read, both baby leaves the welfare, and six, when she can Moslem and Christian, a branch of the Bible Read- enter the club, were, however, not cared for. Last, ing Fellowship, using notes on Course C which we started, two years ago, a nursery class, the have recently been published in Arabic. first of its kind in Egypt. Elder girls from the club find here another practising school, by acting The Embroidery Industry as voluntary helpers with the toddlers, a most val- uable training for future motherhood. The med- We want to help our girls to deal with the two ical inspection that watched over the first two big problems of their life, boredom and poverty. years of the baby's life through the visits of the It was to find a solution to these that Miss Elsie welfare doctor, is now continued through mem- Anna Wood started an embroidery industry, using bership· of the nursery class. The happy home the beautiful eastern designs and coloring. This spirit and individual care that characterize the work is sold; a proportion of the profits goes to Nursery School are due to the personality of its the girls, and the rest helps to make the club self- superintendent, the babies' beloved "Sitt Linda," supporting. A most interesting development has an Egyptian girl, herself a trained welfare been that some of the poorest of the welfare moth- worker, who combines a deep spirituality of char- ers begged to be taught the embroidery'too, and acter with a most practical efficiency of detail. through its means have been able to live through long periods when their husbands have been out Thus we can now through the Baby Welfare, of work. They themselves greatly benefit by the the Nursery School, and the Little Girls' Club mental and social uplift of the work; and what an bring Christian influence to bear on every year immense help it is to us as we go about, meeting of a Boulac girl's life from birth to marriage. We on all sides such hopeless, grinding poverty, to must bring living water to the girls of a Cairo slum, as our Lord long ago offered it to a woman of despised Samaria.
A Chinese. Communist Finds Christ The Story of a Young Chinese Who, in Times Past, Had Participated in Some of the Communist Attacks upon Christian People in Shensi By the REV. JOHN G. MAGEE Church of the Triumphant Way, Hsiakwan, l~anking, China A CHINESE youth who belonged for six years the subject for that day was Jesus as the Saviour. to the "kill-or-be-killed" group of Commu- He was deeply impressed and began to read the nists in Shensi, went last year as a dele- Bible. Later he came to a missionary and said gate to the secret Communist meeting in Peking. that while praying he had seen Christ, who told Upon his return he was arrested by Chinese offi- him that he must fast and pray for a whole week. cers but escaped execution through a confusion of At the end of the week the boy told him that it names. While in prison he began to think seri- had been the greatest experience of his life, ously of the past years and realized that, though that hereafter he belonged to Christ and would his motives were to help China, the whole cam- preach the Gospel. He immediately began to paign had only caused more suffering. In prison preach publicly and to denounce the Communists. he read Karl Marx and Confucius, but received He is now in a Christian university and hopes no help. He was in despair after his release after five years to go back to Shensi to preach the from prison he attended a Bible School where Gospel. Effective Ways of Working 'fested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home I EDITED BY MRS. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO d~,.,=============================================== MISSIONARY PLANS FOR was being used by the woman's Stuart visits us about every two society of the church. Most years. He speaks Sunday mornings ALL CHURCH WORKERS plans and programs featured in and then meets groups, particularly this Department under a wom- in the homes. In this way the foreign Among ihe life renewals of an's signature might be used mission appeal becomes concrete and equally well by "the brethren" personal. This is the best kind of the season is the springtime and vice versa. Pastors take thing we do in our church. notice! forecast of fresh endeavors Lacking a personal represenamong local missionary organ- Undergirding Principles tative on the field, any pastor or other church leader may secure izations whose plans and pro- There should be a united aim, such "living links" from time to gram building must take their all the way from beginners. and time and arrange opportunities primary tots up to pulpit 'en- for contacts with every age keynote from the new mission deavors, namely: So to present group in the church. In the instudy books and their presenta- a missionary theme as to give terim between such visitations, an .appreciative understanding the use of impersonations (costion in regional conferences soon of the people under considera- tumed or otherwise) of workers to be held. If nature is to set the tion, feel our kinship with them living or dead whose biographies pace, a mere duplication of last and realize the opportunity for can be obtained from most de:' sharing with them the task of nominational publication headyear's procedures will be inade- building the Kingdom of Jesus quarters warms up and vitalizes quate; for nature is cumulative Christ on earth. Away with the informational matter. There is in her output, whether it be of idea of racial superiority and the no substitute for life or as near weeds or useful vegetation. In gesture of patronage. Even if an approach to it as possible, in view of the resemblance of ruts it were consistent with the spirit motivating missionary activity. to graves, the Department Edi- and teachings of Christ, it would Plans for visualizing or dramator renews her plea for diversi- have become obsolete in the pres- tizing the new missionary topics fication and the adoption of im- ent state of mind of all "foreign" will be given in succeeding proved "ways of working" each peoples. They are all poten- issues. year. In this and the succeeding tially our equals, and the task of issue timeless principles and actuating that potentiality is It may seem redundant to plans mainly of a universal our privilege and obligation. mention as a second undergirdmould will be considered; and The ways of bringing to pass ing principle the value of swingwhile some suggestions may be that "appreciative understand- ing into line with other evanspecific to definite age interests, ing" form the motivation of all gelical folk by adopting the the majority can be adapted to plans and programs. It is not United Mission Study texts and their purP9ses by pastors, Bible for any of us finally to evaluate helps. But the contents of the school workers and a variety of those ways, but a paramount one Department E d ito r 's correlocal organizations. And by the is that of furnishing opportunity spondence file would surprise way, isn't the label "women's" for personal touch with live mis- you in their revelation of the and "men's" this and that be- sionary workers. number of inquirers who are coming a bit passe? Save for still in the hop-skip-and-a-jump certain adolescent features in Justin Nixon, pastor of the wilderness and have not heard unripe youth, is not teamwork Brick Presbyterian church 9f of any union highw.ay. In addirather than sex segregation our Rochester, N. Y., said in a recent tion to the advantage of finding ideal? Our pace setting young letter to the Editor: available the great volume of people would dub you a "back textbooks, suggestions, programs number" if a sex label were made The appeal of foreign missions to and other helps on the united a discriminatory measure in sub- the 25-45-year-old group is the appeal themes each year, there is the ject matter or methods. An ad- through person~lities. For instance, paramount value of a common vance step was taken by the in our church we support President J. atmosphere, of coordinated ac- Men's Missionary Lea,gue of the Leighton Stuart of Yenching Univer- tion, of good fellowship and United Presbyterian church in sity at Peiping, China. President Elyria, Ohio, when they took for their mission study text the [208 ] book, "Congo Crosses," which
EFFECTIVE WAYS OF WORKING
teamwork throughout Christen- ary organizations in the i r are sent each month, to be kept dom that you can't afford to churches. for 30 days, the postal departmiss. Never before were neigh- ment giving the plan the library borly borrowings of missionary A third undergirder is the privileges of three cents for the plans and programs so free and holding of a definite mission or first pound and one cent for each so helpful. Only those hope- World Friendship school at additional pound. The Convenlessly bogged down in denomina- whatever seems the most propi- tion pays the postage one way tional religiosity can fail to see tious period in the course of the and the church meets the return that we are now meeting new year. It yields returns far postage at the library rate by and emergent world conditions greater than any series of pro- using the enclosed sticker. The for which only a Christ-led, grams, though both have their local Reading Contest Secretary united Christendom can be ade- place. For plans and instruc- attends to the circulation of the quate; and for any denomina- tions, see this Department in volumes and their prompt retion to remain outside of such a THE REVIEW for January 1936 turn, whereupon a fresh supply union of forces is suicidal. and February of the present is sent. The Baptist Missionary year. Reading courses for cred- Reading Contest books serve as The new topic in home mis- its, such as a number of denom- a general guide in the selection sions is "Rural Life," and the inations now maintain, or the of the volumes, although some foreign, "The Moslem World." vigorous promotion of a circu- others are included. It is an il- Textbooks for the various age lating library of selected books, luminating fact that the women groups and coordinated helps are in a Sunday school class, a group of Vermont captured the silver usually ready by June or possibly organization or a department of cup of the New England district earlier. Send for lists of these the Bible school, is a corollary in the reading contest as a reeither to your own denomina- of the annual missionary school. sult, apparently, of the use of tional missionary e d u cat ion this circulating library. headquarters or to the Mission- Missionary Reading As a Promotional Plan On the Master's Waterways ary Education Movement, 150 Church leaders will find that Under this title the Woman's Fifth Ave., New York, and also little permanent interest in mis- Society of the First Baptist sions can be maintained without plan to send one or more repre- the use of reading matter. The church of Santa Ana, California, sentatives to some good summer effect of even a rousing booster have sent out their 1936-37 an- meeting will soon evaporate un- nual outline of activities which conference where the themes are less the new enthusiasm and truly is "a thing of beauty and interest are continuously nour- charm" as expressed in its into be discussed and materials ex- ished. The Baptist State Con- troductory literature, and em- vention in Vermont tried an bodies not so much a program ploited. (See "Dates to Remem- experiment which is yielding in- schedule as a policy and an ideal. creasing dividends in the way of Its theme and make-up are symber" on inside cover page of THE missionary zeal. For some years bolic. On a silver background, back a circulating free library of the cover presents a full-rigged REVIEW for location of many of good missionary books has been ship passing a lighthouse on a maintained. Previous to the de- promontory, and this design is these conferences.) As usual pression the library was financed delicately etched in green on entirely by the Convention, in- every inside page. The delightthe June issue of THE REVIEW cluding two-way postage on the ful surprise in keeping the whole volumes. Necessity altered this thing secret until its release at will feature the home mission plan, both as to purchase of the opening autumn meeting books and their transportation. added to its welcome. Infinite topic and the October the for- Baptist women hit upon the plan labor and pains must have been eign topic, although the home of having a penny collection dur- expended upon the preparation ing the dinner hour at all Asso- of the little 47-page booklet, for mission plans and programs in ciational meetings and urging the keynote, the opening poem, upon the local missionary or- Van Dyke's "0 Maker of the this Department cannot appear ganizations to solicit offerings Mighty Deep," "The Sailor's for new volumes. A sizeable Prayer," "Our Sailing Song," as in any great number until the fund comes in each year from well as all the headings of de- these sources. With annual re- partments and programs form a September number, due to the vision to delete out-of-date vol- fine anthology of prose and umes, a library of many hun- poetry centering upon the sea. fact that program builders never dreds of volumes is in continuous circulation. Each church is Among the policies reprehave their material ready as asked to appoint a reading sec- sented are those of a very broad retary to whom 10 or more books community service; caring for early in the spring as copy must the general social life of the be sent, and the Editor is obliged to wait until she can browse around at summer conferences. If not a subscriber to THE RE- VIEW, be sure to place your order for those two paramount issues early, at 25 cents per copy. It gratified the writer to note among the denominational leaflets and programs sent her last year what a large amount of REVIEW material or references thereto was included. Pastors will find an abundance of the best material in the magazine for their sermons, mid-week services and the various mission-
church (the "all church party" ship Port (Christian friendliness In October a speaker from Los in October being termed "Head- meeting). Angeles presented the issues of the in' for the Big Round-up," for coming election as they affected the purpose of better acquaint- Cotton Blossom Lunch . . . Negro Christian citizens (men at this meetance); coordinating the work Mariners (home mission theme). ing) in a setting representing a ship's and interests with those of "the railing extending across the deck, brethren" in that the men of the Dixie Dinner . . . Up the Bayous steamer chairs, life preservers, etc., in church are made special guests (home mission theme with young evidence. Patriotic decorations and at some of the luncheons and people's organization). flags were everywhere displayed. programs; "Husbands' Day" as Eight Bells-Ship's Rations . . . Hos- For November a Congo River observed at one of the executive pital Ship (White Cross work). jungle scene of tropical plants, a board luncheons; the society canoe, etc. The luncheon tables were sponsoring of some of the eve- Chart and Compass Lunch. . . Chart- decorated with miniature African huts ning church services; loans ing Unknown Seas (foreign mismade to University of Redlands sions-Albert Schweitzer). students, etc. This merging of the interests and endeavors of Lunch in Harbor Cafe . . . Western and figures nestled among bamboos men and women is a hopeful sign Har.Jors (Negro work in S. Cali- and palms. Tropical fruits served. of the day when invidious distinctions are to be wiped out. fornia). Decorated gourds as collection plates.
Apt nomenclature and rhetori- Eight Bells-Captain's pinner . . . The Student Counselor arranged the cal figures are used throughout. Through the Customs (installa- plan for the December meeting, a The official personnel is listed tion of officers). worker among the Negroes who had under "Our Ship's Officers"; the recently visited their southern schools standing committees are "Able Seamen"; the executive board is The devotional topics, taking being the speaker. "The Ship's Crew"; the presi- The Southern California Director dent's opening message, "We the meetings in the same order,' of Christian Friendliness (former Break New Seas Today"; the are: Christian Americanization work) social gatherings are "Pleasure Trips"; the financial plan is the Beacon Light-Clear Vision. Provo spoke in January. synthetic erection of a light- 29: 18; Acts 16: 9. house; the complete membership The setting for February was the I'oster is "The Passenger List"; Tower Light-Breakers Ahead. Isa. deck of a boat sailing on southern the programs are "The Monthly 55: 7; Provo 14: 34. waters. At the luncheon much cotton Sailings," etc. At these latter, was used in the table decorations. all the morning sewing sessions Running Lights – Beware of Sandare designated as "Seamen at bars. Heb. 12: 1, 2; Mat. 26: 41. The meetings in March and April Work," all business sessions as are to be in charge of the World Wide "Sailing Orders," the song serv- Harbor Lights-Quiet Waters. Mark Guild (girls) and the Children's ices as "Waves of Melody" and 4: 34-41; Ps. 107: 29, 30. World Crusade, each navigator being the devotionals as "Guiding advised by a member of the general Lights." Luncheons are coor- Signal Lights-Ship Ahoy! Provo 18: program committee so the session will dinated as far as possible with 24; 1 John 1: 3-7. program themes for the day, and Buoy Lights-Rocks and Shoals. Ps. be fitted into the year's theme. members whose birthdays fall in 19: 9-14; 119: 132-135. In July, the baggage of officers and each successive month sit together at one table with a special Pier Sighted. Acts 21: 1-8. chairmen will be examined carefully birthday cake as an extra. Search Light-Throw Out the Life- 0y the customs officer or baggage line. Ps. 103: 1-4; Rom. 16: 1, 2. master (historian) and the members The correspondence of lunch- will learn from their annual reports Starlight-Steer by the Stars. Dan. eons with topics is as follows, 12: 3; Mat. 2: 1,2. what has been accumulated during the beginning with September and tours on the Master's Waterways. Channel Lights-Deep Water. Provo The president will read her annual extending through July: 18: 4; 1 Cor. 2: 9, 10. report as "The Log of the Ship Serv- Landing Lights-Drop Anchor. Ps. ice," then the good vessel will go into dry dock during August. 91: 1,2; Heb. 6: 19, 20.
An outstanding feature for the year All program leaders are desig- will be the month-by-month building nated as "Navigators," the pro- of the financial "Lighthouse." This gram committee having entire completed will be a cylindrical model charge of the first meeting and standing six feet high, the additions the officers of the last. Special of a door, windows, foundation, lamp, plates, etc., being placed as they are music is on marine themes; and paid for month by month. At the first meeting the lighthouse has a firm as the luncheon tables are being foundation (rocks of papier-mache) cleared away the pianist plays and a lamp which is waiting for the Southern melodies or Negro cap before it can revolve. The mem- songs, Negro singers so far as bers waited with interest the succes- sive additions to the structure as fi- possible being also introduced nancial goals were attained. In addi- into the programs. It i·s mani- festly impossible to give a de- tion to this a Treasure Chest receives the offerings from the special gift tailed outline of all the programs boxes each month. It is always a prominent feature of the decorations. Bon Voyage Luncheon . "All but the following hints may . Our illustrations show- the lighthouse Aboard." prove suggestive to any societies wishing to build outlines sim- at the start of the year, also the set- Eight Bells, Luncheon on the Prom- ting for the September meeting. enade Deck . . . Ship of State (Civics meeting). ilarly: Jungle Lunch . . . Cruising on the The September meeting took the A few extra copies of this out- Congo (foreign mission theme). form of a play entitled "Sail On" and standing year book and the play, Plantation Dinner … Floating Uni- was held in the garden of the presi- "Sail On," are available and may versity (Christian e d u cat ion dent with marine decorations repre- theme). sentative of a deck. The theme was be had for 25 cents by address- most adroitly and helpfully elab- ing Mrs. E. L. Morris, 812 E.
Lunch in the Pavilion . . . Friend- orated. First St., Santa Ana, California. BULLETIN OF The Council of Women for Home Missions EDITH E. LOWRY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK ~'~I~==~~====~~~~=~ FOR ALL MOTHERS of their beloved sons by the est maternal mortality rate of hideous institution of war; all.civilized countries. From slowness of heart to comprehend what is divine in the We beseech Thee to hear us, We think especially of the Indepth and constancy of a Moth- good Lord. dian and Migrant mothers for er's love; whom the Council has an imme- That it may please Thee also, to diate responsibility. Good Lord, deliver us. lay upon our conscience the un- The death notice in the county From the unreality of superficial equal lot of the Mothers of the paper was not more than two sentiment, from commercial ex- poor, the underprivileged and inches in depth but it had neverploitation, and from all lip serv- the unemployed; theless its modest headline: ice to Motherhood while we neglect the weightier matters of We beseech Thee to hear us, PEA-PICKERS' CHILD DIES . , . justice and mercy and love; good Lord. . the shallow headline of Zetilla Good Lord, deliver us. That it may please Thee to kindle Kane, the seventh child and only within us divine discontent with daughter of Joe and Jennie Bell By our remembrance of the any social order which tolerates Kane. Mother of our Lord standing by war or poverty, or any preventthe cross of her well-beloved able suffering among the Moth- "We come from Texas," Joe son: ers of the world; Kane had told the "lady from the ,government." . . . "We been Good Lord, deliver us. We beseech Thee to hear us, back three times in the five years good Lord. we been messin' 'round like this That it may please Thee to open without no home." … our ears that we may hear the That it may please Thee to Saviour's word from the cross, hasten the coming of the divine He glanced around the tent Behold thy Mother; society, when every Mother shall with its three cots for the family be secure, encompassed by lov- of nine – eight now – with its We beseech Thee to hear us, ing provision for all her need; stove that once had been a gaso- good Lord. line container, with its oilcloth- We beseech Thee to hear us, covered table on which was a That it may please Thee to give good Lord. pan of boiled potatoes black with us grace from this hour, with flies. . . . the swift obedience of beloved In the name of the Father, and disciples, to take unto our own of the Son, and of the Holy "Back in 1930 things had got every woman widowed, bereft, so doggone tough we sold off our hard-pressed in life; Spirit. Amen.* furniture and radio and cow and chickens and all and pulled out We beseech Thee to hear us, On May 9, thousands across of Texas for Missouri. . . . good Lord. our country will pause in rev- erence to honor their mothers. "We started on down toworge That it may please Thee to touch How much this Day could mean Texas. We got in a little cotton our hearts that we may behold if these thousands would express our Mother in every woman; in this love in help to the thousands women who toil in the factories of mothers who are physically and on the farms, in office and broken, socially outcast, economshop and home; in women of ically caught and spiritually alien race and foreign clime, in starved. It is reported by the women of every creed and color Maternity Association, New and condition; York City, that 8,000 mothers in the United States die needlessly We beseech Thee to hear us, every year and this is the high- good Lord. * From "Prayers for Self and Society," by That it may please Thee to excite our pity for all Mothers robbed James Myers. Industrial .Secretary, Federal Council of the Churches of Christ In America.
[211 ] pickin' but cotton was sorry and "These hard times sure ain't ment, "Christian Youth Building we seen there wasn't no chance made none of us no younger," a New World" to make a trade for a place to she sometimes said in apology. The United Christian Adult Movement stay another year, and we heard The Protestant Laymen's Commission pickin' was good over in Ari- "The old will be young there on Character Building zona. Well, we went and it forever," they sang. Missionary Conferences wasn't but we got in enough to keep us eatin' off and on, and we A woman had brought a tight The plan will make these sevrun into a fellow that said fruit bunch of wild flowers-lupin and eral field enterprises mutually pickin' was good out here, so we California poppies and baby- supporting and enriching. It come on to California. We been blue-eyes – wrapped in a news- will avoid duplication and the messin' along like that ever paper for Zetilla's grave. Ze- irritation of unrelated promotion since, pickin' hops and cotton tilla's mother stooped when the in the field. It will make possible and oranges and peas, prunin' a song was ended and took four an orderly sequence of field projlittle and spacin' peaches and of the blossoms. She looked at ects and an efficient use of field cuttin' lettuce and workin' at one her husband. Then she put her personnel, better equalizing field crop and another, and then flowers back with the others, on service and providing a more movin' on some more. We the mound of earth beside the balanced field program. might's well be gypsies and be grave. done with it. When Zetilly was The United Christian Advance born we was campin' on a picnic- "I might's well leave 'em," she may ultimately include all the ground up in Washington. We'd said brokenly. "I wouldn't have programs and field enterprises been up to see could we get on a no place to press 'em. Back of the participating national homestead." home we ust to press 'em in the agencies. While its initial ap- Bible." proach in the field is being made His voice shook and, waiting during the ensuing year, it is asto gain control of it, he bent to THE UNITED CHRISTIAN sumed that as many as possible straighten the stove-wood at his ADVANCE of the ongoing enterprises will feet. "Zetilly was born on the be caught up and carried forroad and she died on the road. It is increasingly apparent ward as an integral part of the The undertaker's is the first that the functions of preaching, United Christian A d van c e. house she's ever been in, and pastoral guidance, m iss ion s, Those which cannot be so insome say the County don't aim Christian education, evangelism, tegrated will presumably confor us to be there when she's social service and social action tinue their regular procedure. buried. She sure did hate being are mutually interdependent and left by herself. She was such a therefore inseparable in the The initial approach involves little thing and she wouldn't program of the church. The primarily those cities or areas hardly rest a minute lessen some wholesome trend toward unity in which a Preaching Mission of us had holt of her. Do you and comprehensiveness in the has been held or will be held this reckon it's so that they don't aim church's program should be sup- year. In this initial approach for us to be there?" ported by the unifying of field the United Christian Advance activities and approaches affect- will include three major phases. It wasn't. ing the church and community. While these will be mutually in- terdependent and supporting Joe and Jennie Bell Kane and The United Christian Advance they will ordinarily be planned their six sons went to the brief responds to this need as a plan so as to follow a sequence of emservice at the undertaker's, fol- for unifying into one "grand phases as follows: lowed Zetilla's body to the small strategy" the major field activigrave the County had prepared ties being projected by the fol- The National Preaching Mis s ion for it. Deacon, his wife and five lowing national agencies: (Evangelism) other pea..,pickers went also. Deacon was short and white- The Federal Council of Churches of Schools in Christian Living (Teachhaired and walked with a Christ in America ing) limp.. The International Council of Religious Projects in Building Together the The minister from the local Education Christian Community, Local and church said a prayer and spoke Worldwide (Action) briefly to the little group at the The Home Missions Council undertaker's.. In next month's Bulletin plans The Council of Women for Home Mis- Jennie Bell Kane uncovered sions for the Conference on Life and her face and pushed back a brittle strand of blonde hair that The National Council of Federated Work, Oxford, England, July 12 was streaked with grey. She Church Women was thirty-four. Whenever she ttohe2~6ea1n93t7i,mwe iwllebreecreopmomrteendd. In told her age to the women in the The Missionary Education Moveme:t:lt the camps they shook their heads and made lamenting sounds. The Foreign Missions Conference following study in preparation Among the field movements or for the Conference: "Christ's activities involved are the fol- lowing: Way and the Worl d's -In The National Preaching Mission Church, State, and Society," by The New Home Missions Advance The United Christian Youth Move- Henry Smith Leiper; 144 pages, paper cover 65 cents, cloth 90 cents.
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~ oUfM!:~r~~':!!~:cu5?t~~~~ok J1i EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO l @7' '~l§i INDIA largest gathering of I n d ian to perform the rites, and, even Important New Trends Christian women in the history after remonstrance from others, of the South India Baptist Mis- would not yield. Finally, he One of the most obvious trends in Burma, India, is the absorb. sion took place. Over 500 wom- asked the principal for an intering interest in rural work. Daily papers are full of rural findings, en, representing 80 different vil- . view, and told him that he was rural experiments, rural reports from all parts of the country. lages, met at the 4th Women's no longer satisfied with Hindu- The new viceroy is interested in improving the breed of cattle, Convention on the Madura field. ism. The principal, in a rage, inquires into the condition of the local milk supply, has the mu- These village women, who 20 burned the Bible and the young nicipality give free milk to poor children to see the effect on their years ago were almost wholly, man fled. health and mentality. Rural Uplift committees are organized illiterate, conducted the sessions Here is the sequel: A worker all over the provinces. entirely by themselves and con- in the "Regions Beyond Mission- This logically tends to bring tributed 112 rupees to the work. ary Union" writes, "One Sunabout cooperation bet wee n It should be remembered that day morning, a young man Christian and non-Christian; both are reading the same books, village women seldom have any dressed in the saffron robes of serving on the same committees, attending the same meetings and money. -Missions. the Sadhu came to our service, discussing the same problems. Indian Gospel League and asked for a talk. We sat There is also a tendency to down, and for about two hours voice in open forum' fearless The Indian Gospel League was conversed together. A few days criticism of Hinduism. One founded for the purpose of later, the Sadhu surrendered his might also mention trends along spreading the Gospel of St. John life to Christ"-Life of Faith. the line of temperance work in which the Government gives in everyone of the 300,000 The Most Christian Mission money to work against alcoholic towns of India. Together with Field liquor, which is a Government tracts on the Christian life, "The monopoly; women voting and serving on public committees; Way of Life and the Way of In the Guntur North and intercaste marriages; interre- Death," and "Which Route to South Godavery mission field in ligious marriages; marriages of Madras Presidency, the propor- East and West; researches along Take," a letter of explanation the lines of nutrition; the ad- entreating each recipient to read tion of Christians to the total vances made in the cure and con- the "Gift of the Gospel," the population of the district, won trol of leprosy: and also the con- from heathenism, exceeds the stant raising of standards in books are sent all over the counteaching, in medicine and in try. The Hoskote district, where ratio of Christians to general nursing. 400 villages are waiting to be population in all other parts of evangelized, is engaging the spe- India. According to the 1931 -Woman's Missionary census, one in every nine citi- Friend. cial attention of the League at present. A gospel car is used, zens in the Guntur District was Telugu Women Advance and some of the workers are a Christian. In the entire Ma- equipped with bicycles and dras Presidency, including na- If a group of village women tive states, one citizen in every can develop such initiative as did blankets, in order to reach vilone at Ootcur, South India, there lages off the highway. twenty was a Christian. For is hope for a Christian India. the entire Telugu country the In this village last year the -Life of Faith.
A Hindu Finds Christ census reported one in thirty- The son of a rajah's priest in seven a Christian. In British a .native State some distance India, including the native from Chapra, North India, was states, there is a Christian pop- studying for the Hindu priest- ulation of 5,961,794. These mil- hood. After five years' study he went to the Panjab for examina- lions have been won during the tion, and while there met a mis- past 135 years. sionary from whom he bought a Bible. As he read, doubts re- Another notable feature of the garding Hinduism came into his Gospel's influence within the mind. A climax came when one Guntur-Rajahmundry field is the of his friends died; he refused fact that these converts all be- long to the "Panchamas," sub- stitute term for outcastes. There has also been an advance among [213 ]
the Sudras. Statistics for 1932 World Congress, due in the year which they are supporting. an.d show baptisms in that field 1944. -London Missionary reports show over 1,000 patIents totaled 7,075; the following with 1,400 on the waiting list. three years also brought contin- Herald. -Christian Advocate. uous increase. First Christian Church -Lutheran News. in Sikkim CHINA Trends in Mungeli Sikkim is one of the Hima- Prayer Brings Victory layan states where Christian Chinese officials ordered Lisu At Mungeli the work of the work has had to be carried on Christians to tear down their Disciples Church is largely under severe restrictions. For chapel. After twice rebuilding the last 36 years the small group it, an official demanded, "Whatamong the Satnami Chamars, of Christians who have come ever made you Christians thi'nk one of the most approachable into existence there as the result I gave permission to rebuild the peoples of Central Provinces. chapel? You must tear it down They are Untouchables who of the work of a Scotch Mission at once." When the Christians about 100 years ago broke away has been asking peI:mission of refused to do so, he put two of . the Maharaja to erect a church the leaders in prison. They said, from their ancestral religion, "You may kill us if you like, but trying to find a way up to the in Gangtok, but without avail. you cannot force us to tear down light. But without books or But at last permission was given the chapel again." All joined the missionaries in prayer and teachers, and surrounded by and on October 30 the dedication fasting. Three days passed, but Hinduism they drifted back to of the first Christian church in even the heathen sent food to idolatry. In 1890 Hira Lal, a Sikkim state took place. The these prisoners. When their Satnami boy, was converted and Maharaja not only sanctioned friends came to the bars to comjoined the mission staff at Mun- the erection of the church, but fort them, they would laugh and gave the piece of land upon geli. He won all the members of his immediate family to which it was built. -Christian Century. Christ and has labored inces- santly for the conversion of his Singapore Churches say, "Don't worry about us." caste fellows. His faithfulness, One of them said, "Be sure to integrity and earnest Christian Ralph A. Felton tells some take good care of our missioncharacter won for him added re- ways in which churches in Sing- aries, as we are not home to look sponsibilities in the Mission, and apore differ from those at home. after them." The other said, "I in 1925 he was ordained. By One is that they are run by felt this trouble was coming and 1916 there were 52 villages in young people, for in the ordinary have stored up plenty of food which there lived Christians. In church there are more youths and firewood for my family, so several places large groups had than adults. The explanation I am quite willing to remain here professed the Christian faith. for this is found in the fact that as long as God wishes." Between 1914 and 1924 there the church conducts primary On Monday evening the offiwere 890 baptisms. But there and secondary schools in every cial's heart softened, and he was a downward movement. In- section of the city. These mis- said, "I'll let the prisoners out, terest is again stimulated in sion schools meet the govern- and the Christians need not tear Mungeli, hopes revived. The ment standards, and teach reli- down the chapel. But you must workers believe that there are gion during these formative not call the building a chapel. thousands-one missionary says years so that religious education Call it a dwelling, and have 20,000-Satnamis who in their is a part of the whole process, someone live there." hearts believe that Christianity and not merely a Sunday morn~ Since then a man, claiming he is for them the only way out and ing project. was sent by the official, tried to up, and it seems probable that Another difference is that the tear dow n another chapel. when the first 500 are won other Christians asked the official thousands will hasten to declare congregations are interracial; their faith. -World Call. the Sunday school and worship about it. Instead of defending service may be in Chinese from the man, the official put him in 8: 30 to 10: 30. English may be prison. -China's Millions.
New Baptist Union the language for the next two Chinese Leaders Condemn .War hours and Malay in the after- The recently formed Baptist noon. The same minister may From Chengtu, China, there Union of India, Burma and Cey- have two of these groups and comes a "Statement of Conviclon expects to be fully organized sometimes the third. Race does- tions" signed by fifty-three lead-. and at work some time in April. not matter-only language. ers, Chinese and Westerners, de- The first general gathering is nouncing war as un-Christian planned for 1938, and the hope Six out of ten churches in and unmoral, and calling for is being widely expressed that Singapore are self-supporting. world-wide condemnation of it. the Union may find itself able to Those receiving mission help are The statement originated at a invite the Baptist World Alliance the newly organized ones. Some conference of the Fellowship of of the Chinese laymen have to come to India for the seventh started an anti-opium clinic Reconciliation, and has been is-
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
sued in Chinese and in English. 1932-33 …. 64 328 139 467 Such missionary journeys across 1933-34 …. 96 748 326 1,248 These leaders in China believe 1934-35 …. 119 816 211 1,027 Turkestan and the Gobi Desert "in the moral order of the uni- 1935-36 …. 129 1,652 711 2,363 by cart are now becoming imverse and that man is included possible. Special danger comes in that moral order. We are -Presbyterian Tribune. from bands of wild people who, convinced that war is an offense Act of An Apostle more than ever since the recent to God." revolution, ravage the country- The manifesto concludes that "Can a Chinese business man side raiding caravans for a liv- "warfare, armed or economic, become a Christian?" Rev. An- ing. There is also the danger of as a method of settling interna- drew Thomson, United Church death from thirst, because the tional or national disputes, is in- of Canada missionary at Taokou, water stages are being left to fill compatible with the teaching has an answer. In January he up with sand. The only safe and example of the great moral distributed 500 suits of winter way to cross the Gobi desert in clothing among the flood suffer- future will be by motor truck, leaders of all ages."
-The Churchman. ers of eastern Honan, the gdt of and this is no good to mission- Leper Work a Hankow business firm. These aries because they cannot stop were quite unsolicited, and were off at all the oases and talk to the The China Inland Mission only a fraction of their total do- people and distribute the Scrip- Hospital in Kaolan (formerly nation for this purpose. After tures. called Lanchow), is the only in- the distribution was completed, This was the fifth time the stitution attempting leper work Mr. Thomson received the fol- three women had crossed the in the whole of Northwest lowing letter: Gobi. They found people at the China. They have about eighty DEAR MR. THOMSON: different oases thrilled to see leper patients, more than thirty them again, for when the mis- I am very happy to receive your sionaries last passed through, in of whom are Tibetans. The lett.er of 24th February and hereby the other direction, they were men have been classified into offer my sincere thanks to you, your· running away from the Mohamfive groups – two Chinese, two associates and the Magistrate for the medan General, Ma Chong lng, Tibetan and one Moslem. Two services in the distribution. the Thunderbolt, as he is called. At Tungwang, the City of Sands, services are held each day, one We feel grateful that God minisin the morning attended by all, tered seed to us for sowing and put in our heart to make winter garments for the flood refugees. So we seized the travelers heard rumors of and one at night especially for the opportunity as per Galatians 6: 10 communist activities in Kansu Christians. There are now more and made 4,800 suits (principally for Hupeh districts) entirely financed by and when at last they reached than twenty lepers asking for our firm ,with the twofold object to Suchow, their old C. I. M. stabaptism, and of these the majority are Tibetans. Bible classes cause thanksgiving to God and to . tion in the northwest of that have been arranged for the spe- supply the want of the poor. Now province, the city was under with your cooperation through Mr. cial instruction of those asking Stewart's introduction the work was martial law and they soon refor baptism. completely done. Christian unity is ceived the order to leave. They -Moody Institute Monthly. essential; as there are many mem- thereafter returned to Europe bers to one body, one can not dispense by the Trans-Siberian route. Christian Schools with the other. These her 0 i c missionaries The national secretary of the Again thanking you for your. serv- have, between them, given 108 China Christian Educational As- ice and wishing you abundant blesssociation says that Christian ing from God upon your work and years of service in China. For schools as a whole are making a yours. the last 16 years th~ have had large contribution to China's with them in their adventures a life. They have considerable Yours very truly, little Chinese deaf and dumb prestige, are well managed, and LI JUl. girl, whom they found as a baby, are growing steadily. "In our 13 Christian colleges and univer- -United Church Record. left by its mother on their doorsities, there are 6,700 students; step, and whom they named and in the approximately 250 The Gobi Trio Topsy. She has recently learned high schools about 250,000 stu- to speak a little to the great asdents. The number of primary Miss Mildred Cable, Miss tonishment of the simple people school students is about 125,000. Evangeline and Miss Francesca The stl1dents in colleges and high French, "the Gobi Trio" of the living in the oases of the Gobi. China Inland Mission, have re- "The missionaries' words are turned to England from their true," they said, "their Lord can last adventurous journey to make the dumb to speak." China. In the summer of 1935 schools are nearly 10 per cent they received a permit to cross Chinese Light Shines of the total number in the whole Russia and traveled by the country." Turkish – Siberian Railway, en- The ambition of Mr. Shan, A few years ago it was feared tering Turkestan fro m the Manchurian Christian, is to see that the day of Christian educa- north. From Chuguchak, they a house of worship in his home tion in China was over. But the went to Urumchi where they town before he dies. To this end number of baptisms in Christian found wonderful opportunities, he has contributed liberally.
high schools is as follows: and stayed for some months. Three years ago he made his
first contribution, $100; last mens. Dr. Lewis B. Franklin makes the Japanese feel the year he gave $200 more and re- visited this mission on his recent Church is their own, and not an cently an additional $60. He tour of the field. outside agency.
has frequently been reviled; once he was thrown into prison Tent Mission-Thirty Converts Night Clubs-Korean Style for a month because he had in "One of the most blessed and The original Night Club for his possession a Christian maga- encouraging tent missions we Boys was organized in 1930. Its zine published in China some have ever held," is thus de- success led to the formation of years ago. He was released another group to include gMiorrls~ scribed by Miss M. A. Burnet,' and meeting in day time. when missionaries vouched for of the Central Japan Pioneer his high character. Mission. It was conducted by than 150 boys and girls were two native evangelists in Mita- soon enrolled, and the title was The money he has given dur- gaya, a tiny village. The tent changed to Pioneer Clubs for ing three years is approximately was pitched in rice fields, with Korean children. In the fall two scarcely any houses in sight. Pyengyang churches organized the amount of his whole earnings Prayer preparation had been groups and in the following in one year.
-Evangelical Christian.
JAPAN-CHOSEN made by a Christian doctor born spring others were formed. Politics and Christianity in the village, who gave his testi- The movement was prosper- mony at the first meeting; and ing when a new Director of Edu- cation began to ask questions. Nearly 100 Japanese delegates by a young farmer, who has not "Pioneers" was also the name of attended the 14th annual meet- only prayed but worked. He ing of the National Christian has for several years sold forty a youth movement of commu- Council in Japan just before Gospel papers a month, accom- nistic Russia. What about these Christmas. The outstanding panying the sales with personal Korean "Pioneers"? What was message to the gathering was -talks wherever possible. Night going on? The purely evangelisthat the secret of power in the after night the tent was filled to tic purpose of the work, its world today depends upon per- overflowing with an eager and metho~ of C.hristian training, sonal spirituality. Plans, meth- attentive congregation, number- and Its antI-communistic inods, even duties are secondary ing between 150 and 200. Bi- fluence were explained at length. to the need for the Holy Spirit. cycles were stacked up outside Finally, at the suggestion of the One speaker opened the question the tent. Thirty confessed of peace, a subject which occu- Christ and sixteen have made offidals, the name "Pioneer" was pied the minds of all the dele- themselves responsible for hiring changed to "Bible Clubs." By gates. "The world is armed and an empty house to carryon regarming today as never before," ular meetings. An evangelist is 1935, there were fifteen such he said. "We who believe in the going to Mitagaya each week for groups meeting every day in Prince of Peace, what shall we the present, to shepherd this do? The peace of the world still little flock. -Life of Faith. Pyengyang, with about 1,500 children enrolled. Inspection rests with the churches. Japan's Day occurs every five or six fundamental spirit is peace, Literature of Their Own weeks. Leaders examine the children for their intellectual though Japanese patriotism is The Protestant Episcopal For- and physical improvement, innot yet true patriotism. Only in ward Movement has not only the spirit of Christ's self-sacri- translated the booklet, "The spect hands, faces and necks, and fice is there hope of peace." Coming of the Light," but has conclude with a "consdence in- redrawn the illustrations to con- spection," when the children are -World Dominion Press. told to look into their hearts, and then in prayer confess their evil deeds and thoughts to God and form with Japanese life. More before their playmates. "De- Opportunity in Rural Japan than 40,000 copies were distrib- cision Day" is the grand climax A little Japanese country mis- uted. A Tokyo writer in The at the end of the year. sion of the American Episcopal Living Church says: Church, which began to develop The whole Forward Movement has No Perseverance among the farmers and fisher- proven to be one of the most stim- men at Isoyama after Deaconess ulating, educational and spiritual Pak was a Korean bead Ranson went to live there, illus- forces in the Church. . . . Some of maker, and for 20 years had trates the opportunity now the most cheering letters of apprecia- been .working in the ~ame town, awaiting the Church in rural tion have been received from men and formmg glass into beads with women workers in all parts of the Japan. Thirty miles from any Empire, and in all dioceses a large his little blowpipe and lampresident pastor, a church has number of the parishes, missions and been built and dedicated by the institutions are now buying the book- for American five-and-ten-cent Episcopal Mission. At the dedi- lets for their members' daily use. stores. One day a colporteur called with a set of Gospels.
cation thirteen adults were bap- The fact that this literature is "I can't read those any more," tized and confirmed, six children printed in their own country and Pak said. "I read one of them were baptized, and seven per- presented in their own language once and it made me think too sons were admitted as catechu- wit h Japanese illustrations much of my sins."
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
"But if you keep on reading trips east and west on the coast tionship of this work with govand learn to pray, you will find ernments and disabilities ima way to get rid of your sins." about twenty miles each way, posed upon aborigines.
"That's just the trouble – I and so satisfactory is his over- Under the heading "Pacific," have no perseverance." The col- the Conference will study coopporteur pondered a moment and sight that the government med- eration, the attitude toward nathen said, "But you've been tive customs, and education and working at this same job-how ical patrols do not operate over evangelism. Methods, training long?" of missionaries and .the relative this section, content to leave the emphasis of different phases of "Twenty years." the work will be discussed under "In that case, you have perse- oversight of these villages to the Home Base. verance enough to read the Gospel." him. -The Chronicle. -Australia Missionary Pak is reading. Review. Javanese Christians -Monday Morning. Koreans in Hawaii The mission of the Reformed Korea Needs More Missionaries Church in Middle Java reports Since 1930 a mass meeting of that the number of Javanese Young Koreans of Hawaii, fea- The progress of K 0 rea n Christians increased in 1935 to turing oratorical and song conchurches, great as it is, has not 13,893, a growth of 1,842 in one tests among various church been sufficient as yet to warrant year, or 15 per cent. The Jav- groups, has been held at least the assumption that they can anese Christian sets a high value once a year. The last meeting, carryon successfully without on baptism. At present, there in the Mission Memorial Hall, missionary aid. The Christian are 2,076 people in the course Honolulu, was sponsored by the constituency in Korea is only of instruction for baptism who Korean University Graduates' about 500,000 out of a total pop- in a short time may be baptized. Club with Dr. Y. C. Yang, Presiulation of more than 22,000,000. There is great interest also dent, as the master of cere- The young churches need and among the young people, of monies. More than 500 young desire the continued cooperation whom it appears 5,637 are regis- people with their usual enthuof missionaries in the task of tered as catechumens; this is' siasm assembled to discuss the witnessing to these multitudes upwards of 40 per cent of those question, "Can youth improve concerning Jesus Christ. in the Javan.ese churches. and maintain Korean institu- tions in Hawaii?" – World Outlook.. Medical work is also expand- ing. There are nine hospitals, This hopeful second genera- ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC and the number of patients is tion, though U. S. citizens, re- constantly increasing. main loyal to their ancestral Papuan Medical Service background. Fiji Centenary Church All London Missionary Society Imported Sects in the appointees to Papua receive ele- The Fiji Methodist Church has Philippines mentary medical training at Liv- received the voluntary gift of ingstone College, London, before £1,000 from the Fiji Govern- The number of sects imported going to their field. The last ment for assistance in the build- to the Philippines from the few years have brought marked ing of a new centenary church. United States is becoming a matimprovement i n government The Methodists were the pioneer ter for concern. Filipinos edumedical service in Papua, one missionaries in the Fiji group. cated in America, and missionfeature being trained natives as This Memorial Church will be aries working independently are medical patrols. Cases beyond erected at Suva, capital of Fiji, introducing the Four – Square their power are taken to the to celebrate the centenary of Gospel, the Church of God, the nearest hospital where there is their advent to Fiji, at an esti- Church of the New Jerusalem, a European doctor. mated cost of £5,000. This is a the Pentecostal Church and mark of appreciation for the other similar organizations. In- Lameka, a Papuan lad only a contribution of the Mission to- stead of inquiring about the second generation from canni- ward educational uplift and good most needy parts of the archibalism, showed such aptitude in government. pelago and beginning work in his medical training that the unoccupied fields, they break government authorized the -Australia Missionary into well-established territory building of a small hospital Review. and undertake to set up new conwhere he could exercise the heal- gregations. ing art, the government assum- Australian National Council ing the cost of upkeep. A missionary of "the Four- From April 5-9 the National Square Gospel" who went to For ten years the little hospi- Missionary Council of Australia Laoag last April was asked to tal has been a center of help and will hold a Conference in Sydney confer with representatives of healing. Lameka runs the place, when three general topics will the National Christian Council, assisted by his wife and by a be considered: the Aborigines, younger lad whom he has taught. the Pacific, and the Home Base. Periodically he makes patrol Ques.tions involving the aborig- ines have to do with the half- castes and the ideal policy for Christianizing them; the rela-
who pointed out the great prog- religious groups on the campus. ganized basketball teams, physiress made in the last fifteen Records at the office of the dean cal training, adult education in years toward mutual under- show that of the 2,458 under- citizenship and current social standing, good will and Chris- graduates enrolled, only 147 problems, mothers' club, clinic tian cooperation, and asked in have no definite affiliation with for children, Boy Scouts, Girl the interests of Christian har- a religious denomination. More Scouts, home visitation, commumony, that this missionary with- than 1,000 are members of nity meetings, personal probdraw to territory where no either the Y. M. C. A. or the lems, daily vacation Bible school, other Protestant church is at Y.W.C.A. entertainments, manual trainwork? .Her reply was that her ing, sewing classes, dramatics, superintendent had assigned her – Watchman-Examiner. labor problems, kindergarten, to Ilocos Norte and she must do playground from June to Sephis bidding. The superintendent The Christian Observer tember, recreation for all ages, is a Filipino with a Mexican library for all age groups. wife. The Converse family has con- Through the whole program tinuously owned and edited the runs a golden thread of syste- NORTH AMERICA Christian Observer for one hun- matic Christian instruction. dred and ten years-since Feb- Income and Giving ruary 17, 1827. This Southern The community has responded Presbyterian weekly was found- until an enrolment of 2,300 has Returning prosperity is not ed by Dr. Amasa Converse, who overtaxed the capacity of the reflected in the philanthropies of was editor for 45 years. His building. -C. L. Zorbaugh. United States citizens, according grandson, Harry P. Converse, to Mr. C. V. Vickrey, President has been business manager and Indian Need of Christ of the Golden Rule Foundation. then managing editor since There was more generous giv- 1899. Chief Umpathtuh, last sachem ing in the deepest depression of the Mohicans, a graduate of year, 1932, than in subsequent The Religious Remembrancer Carlisle University and a strong years. In fact, that year marked appeared September 4, 1813 and advocate of Christianity for his the highest percentage of contri- later its name changed to the race, believes that unless there butions to religious., educational, Philadelphia Observer. The n is a change of heart among the scientific and other forms of two papers were merged under Indians through the acceptance service for society. On the the name· Christian Observer, of Jesus Christ as Saviour, the whole, the social services have which through all the years has education given them by the received approximately two per stood squarely for the integrity United States would be wasted. cent for a period of twenty of the Word of God, the deity of He says: "The Government years, which is one-fifth of the Christ, the reality of the atone- means well, but if education of biblical standard of the tithe. ment, and the purity and peace the soul does not go along with Giving is not according to in- of the Church. education of the mind, the recome, for more than one-half of sult for the Indian will be disasthe 1935 contributions declared The City Ohio Forgot trous. An educated Indian is in the income tax reports came liable to be a bad Indian, without from about four million persons Some ten years ago Youngs- religion." He pointed to his own whose net incomes averaged less town, Ohio, shocked the church tribe, now dwindled to a small than $5,000 a year. However, and the nation by a bloody strike number, as 75 per cent Christian forty-one persons who had an and disastrous fire. The Chris- and 100 per cent American. income of more than $1,000,000 tian conscience was aroused. each in 1935 claimed tax exemp- Here was a neglected city of new -United Presbyterian. tion on contributions totaling Americans employed in the steel $4,454,000, or 6.049 per cent of mills for whom the churches had Community Church in Alaska their declared net taxable in- felt little responsibility. As a come. The National Committee result among others, the West- Christmas, 1936, was more for Religion and Welfare Recov- minster Presbyterian church of than Christmas for the settlers ery is carrying on a countrywide Youngstown started a Sunday in Matanuska Valley, Alaska. It educational program to stim- school, putting $50,000 into a was the day of their first service ulate higher standards of philan- lot and a "Neighborhood House." in their new church, built of logs thropy. -Boston Transcript. A young Hungarian Christian, hewn from the "forest primeval" Mr. Zotlan Irshay, was put in by the men of the congregation, Campus Christian Training charge. This section of Young&- taken to the sawmn-l, faced on town, with its 14,650 people, al- two sides, and carried by theITl Twenty-six religious denom- most solidly foreign, is called to the site of the church. inations are represented at Duke Campbell. University, North Carolina, and Evenings aft e r working more than 94 per cent of the stu- The list of last year's activi- hours, the Young People's Sodents are members of some ties at "Campbell Christian ciety cleared the plot, dug the church. There are 15 organized Neighborhood House" give an basement, and hauled gravel for idea of its scope: Sunday school, the cement work. All together religious education classes, or- the congregation worked by shifts during the short days of
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
the fall and early winter. The day on some occasions. Lay tions." Six were "to live a life missionary pastor, Rev. Bert workers and young people's so- of service," "to end class distinc- Bingle, writes: "We look for- cieties were used effectively. tion in Colombia," "to help ward to a great work among' Brief services of ten or fifteen others." Several hoped "to make these unafraid people in the minutes were held in each home, Colombia a Christian nation." tracts distributed, invitations These young people have Northland." given and personal work done. charge of the Sunday night serv- LATIN AMERICA Results were very encouraging. ice once a month in one of the Two young pastors visited suburbs. Bible Distribution in Mexico several untouched places in Jan- -Colombian Clippings.
The house-to-house distribu- uary. Several small preaching Colombia's National Church tion of the Gospel in Mexico has stations were opened. It is met with opposition in some planned to cross the island from A little over ten years ago, places. A. B. De Roos reports: Havana to the south coast, Colombian and American Prot- touching man y communities estant leaders met in Medellin, In the first rural district in which a center of the Roman Church, the distribution was undertaken the where no Christian worker has yet gone. head of the village said, "We will not to exchange ideas regarding the Religion in Brazil Schools organization of the Presbyterian permit such propaganda, for we have The director of public instruc- Church in Colombia. Lack of all sworn not to accept any religion." ordained ministers prevented Only 30 Gospels were distributed there and throughout the district there is great suspicion. In twelve days tion of Rio De Janeiro has issued organization of presbyteries, but instructions to the principals of a rudimentary one took the thirty-four villages and ranchos were name "Council of the Coast." covered, in the midst of difficulties,. government schools to provide a Increasing needs of this group place and time for religious in- Yesterday we visited a number of villages, and going from house to house, a gendarme accosted us, rifle struction, other than Roman led to the organization of the in hand, asking us what we were do- Catholic, wherever the parents Church in Colombia on a real ing. I told him our mission, and he of 20 children desire it. Catholic Presbyterian basis. Last July said we must leave the place at once. religious instruction has been ten ordained ministers, four mis- "No strangers are allowed and no such propaganda is permitted, by requested by 70 per cent of' the sionaries and six Colombians order of the military chief of the district." parents of Catholic children. met again in Medellin and after This instruction is being given careful study decided: In one place we were subjected to a rigorous questioning, and our packs largely by priests. The director were searched for ammunition. When has asked Protestant groups to To adopt the Constitution of the Presthey had finished looking over our suggest the manner in which byterian Church, U. S. A., as the things I asked them to give me their the instruction 'requested by basis of the incipient Church. attention for a moment, and I read them shall be given. them Paul's sermon to the Athenians. To organize three presbyteries cov- I dwelt at length on the God Unknown -United Presbyterian. ering the states in which the but revealed in Jesus Christ through Presbyterian Mission is working. the Word. In conclusion I offered Young People in Bogota them "The Way of Salvation." They These presbyteries would be formed answered, "Yes, we'll take this, but Every Friday evening thirty by ordained ministers, without not the New Testament, as we have to forty young people of Bogota distinction of nationality, and been forbidden to take it." meet for a social and devotional licentiates residing in the respec- evening. Interest and enthu- tive territory, together with one -Scripture Gift Mission. ruling elder from each organized church. siasm have developed this or- ganization into a real force in To invite the Cumberland Presby- the evangelization of Bogota. terian Mission in the south- The Challenge of Cuba The object of this society, western part of Colombia to join this movement. A Mississippi pastor who re- To call a meeting of this same Ascently visited Cuba said the idea sembly to be held in Ibague in July, 1937, to take action toward prevails in his section that Cuba pledged by each person who beis almost a finished missionary comes a member, is (1) to pro- the organization of the "Synod of the Presbyterian Church in task; that great progress had mote all activities that develop Colombia."
been made, and Cuban Chris- a Christian life among its mem- With this Synod, the organiza- bers, by means of Bible study tion of the "Presbyterian Church tians are almost, if not quite, and meditation; (2) to develop in Colombia" will be completed, able to take care of their own Christian friendship and to take evangelization and other reli- part in activities of service. In and she will thus join the ingious work. The visitor was creasing fa mil y of national soon convinced that this is very a recent meeting those present churches that have been organ- were asked to write briefly their ized in Mexico, Guatemala, Brafar from being true. During this year much at- main ideal in life. The result zil, India, Siam, the Philippines, tention has been given to per- was interesting. Seven were China, Chosen and Japan. -Colombian Clippings. sonal house-to-house evangelism. "to get the most out of life," "to Cruces, in Santa Clara province, be intelligent," "to be something For Indians in Chile took the initiative, organizing worthwhile." Five were "to be- the forces of the congregation to come more spiritual," "to know Rev. Charles A. Sadleir many make several hundred visits a peace," "to conquer tempta- years ago founded a mission to
the Araucanian Indians of Chile. seven centers and the execution soil. They are largely literate, His son is continuing the work of others has been reported. but primitive, and enjoy few ma- and writes in the Evangelical Many are imprisoned and other terial comforts. Mr. Rahneff Christian: evangelicals are in hiding. Gen- works exclusively among these eral Franco is said to have stated humble villagers. Within less We now have three men working be- publicly that in the future Spain than a decade he has opened 50 sides myself, including our old helper would be "one nation, united in little churches, which have 5,000 Espinoza, who is in charge of the one faith – that of I sabel la adherents, almost entirely peas- press work. Domingo Carilaf, the Catolica." -Alliance Weekly. ants. This is the largest evan- first of our evangelists, has done and gelical group in Bulgaria. Rah- is doing excellent work in visiting the nlodern nlartyrs neff receives about $50 a month houses of the people in Witramalal, salary. Most of his preachers Chomio and two other reserves east Dr. John S. Bonnell, pastor of nave no regular pay. He seeks of Metrence Station on the railway Fifth A v e n u e Presbyterian little for himself, spends most of line. These reserves had never before Chureh in New York, likens the his time in the field, and works been visited by evangelists, 'and the German Christians of today to indefatigably. When n i g h t Indians there are showing great in- the martyrs of the early church. comes he asks his village hosts, terest, , . . The Capuchin Friars are "It is heartening to know," he who usually sleep on mattresses the bitterest enemies of our work says, "that the German Church on the floor or on a low platform, among the Indians, and will stop at is not a whit nearer surrender to shove over a little so that he nothing to hinder us and prejudice the today than three years ago. The may lie down beside them. Indians against us. Some of the tales German people today, in the they tell people are unbelievably ab- hour of persecution, are show- His services are revival meet- surd, and are only accepted by some ing a true unity and exhibiting ings. He invites his hearers to because of the superstition in which a fortitude and courage similar come forward and begin a new they live. to that which marked the early life. Many do. They become martyrs. Little did we think at "God's children." Hundreds Congregations vary from twenty- the beginning of the twentieth have been transformed. They five to sixty Indians, and while re- century that the relations of are turned into active, ardent, sults are hard to see, there are sev- church and state would become aggressive Christians and tell eral who are very much interested, one of the paramount issues of their good news to others. Vil- . and ask to hear more and more about the century. This question was lages become cleaner, more pros- the way of salvation. settled for Christians 1,900 perous, more orderly. This work years ago, when Jesus said: is .as modern, and as old fash- EUROPE 'Render therefore unto Cresar ioned as St. Paul's. the things that are Cresar's and "Christian Communism" unto God the things that are Pan-Orthodox Congress God's.' These words acknowl- A remarkable new religious edge the fact that the state pos- The first Pan-Orthodox Con- movement in France is called sesses certain rights over its gress of Theology, which was Christian Communism. It is led citizens, but they also make it held in Athens last December, jointly by Catholics and Prot- clear that there are bounds be- dealt with such subjects as the estants; its symbol is the Cross yond which the state must not position of theology and science of Divine Love on which are go in the coercion of Christian in the Church; Biblical criticism placed a sickle and a hammer, conscience. The principle enun- in its relation to revelation and and its quarterly magazine, The ciated by the founder of Chris- to ecclesiastical authority; the New Earth, has a circulation of tianity denies the right of a relation of the Church and so- 15,000 copies. The Christian totalitarian state to render the cial problems; the relation be- Communists are opposed to Christian Church impotent by tween religion and culture, be- the godlessness of Communism. making it merely the mouthpiece tween the Church and State and They derive their principles of dictatorial leaders. That is questions of doctrine. It was from Marxism, but they deny the religious issue which is para- wide, indeed, in its scope. The that this is "anti-God." They mount in Germany today." purpose of this first Congress believe that the moral principles was not, however, to solve these which underlie Christianity are -Presbyterian Banner. problems, or even to discuss compatible with those of Marx- them exhaustively, out to begin ism. They oppose violence, but A Successful nlissionary _ the work of discussing and solv- point out instances where it is ing some of them. Considered in justifiable. They do not wish to A correspondent in the Chris- this light, the Congress had a "reform the church," but rather tian Century tells of a young striking significance in that it to "free it from the capitalist pastor-missionary in Bulgaria, focused the mind of the Church regime." Paul Rahneff. Most of the upon the theological and prac- 6,000,000 Bulgarians are quite tical problems of the day. -Presbyterian Tribune. poor and four-fifths of them live in villages, where they work the -The Living Church. Spanish Evangelicals Suffer There seems a general tend- ency on the part of the insur- gents in Spain to put the Prot- estant element in an impossible position. Eleven evangelical workers have been killed in
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Hardships in Russia listen to their teaching. Guards ham is the general director. British and American repre- Mr. I. V. Neprash, Director of were placed at the end of the sentatives at the capital pro- Russian Missionary Service, street to turn people back, and tested but to no avail. When publishes a bulletin called The men even came into the waiting- asked what was to become of a Link, from which we quote the room and tried to drag the pa- score of missionary workers, following: mostly women, who had been tients out. In spite of all this driven into the capital by war A Russian Christian from New the numbers kept up, and the conditions there was no reply Jersey went to Russia to see his aged women would slip in by side- but a shrug of the shoulders. father. Upon reaching Moscow he "For many weeks," writes a searched for some Gospel service, and streets; although they were missionary, "we have lived with after much hunting discovered that afraid to listen to the Gospel as many as twenty in one native the only place in which the believers message. hut. The mission station at were permitted to worship was the Lambuda has been completely space up under the roof of a Greek Then, gradually, a change destroyed and practically all the Catholic Church. It was a cemetery homes in the Gudella area have church, very inconveniently located, came. One day, in the middle of been burned." with narrow steps on the outside of a message, a woman jumped up the building. About 400 were present. Fighting Yellow Fever The people were constantly afraid and said, "Tell me again the that the beams of the ceiling would name of the One who can save Great Britain has invited Dr. give way and the whole crowd smash me,and keep my heart clean." Victor G. Heiser to make a spein a heap on the cement floor beneath. Turning to the others she said, cial study of the possibilities of "Listen, my sisters, to these controlling malaria and yellow From Moscow this man went to fever in British Africa. Dr. Leningrad and found that the largest wonderful words and take heed Heiser has spent thirty years preaching hall in Russia had been to them, for they are the truth." warring against plagues in all confiscated, and is being used as a parts of the world. He is recogmariner's clUb. He went next to a One by one they are turning nized as outstanding in the field country town where his father lives. to the light. -Life of Faith. of medical engineering. There was a group of believers there, but no services for fear of unbearable World's Youngest Elder The airplane, it appears, has persecutions. The coming of a Chris- become a potential disease cartian brother from the outside world In the Lokoja district of rier. European planes making was too great an occasion, and so they the regular journey to Brazil, finally decided to have a service. Nor,thern Nigeria the major part via the west coast of Africa, They gathered in a private home, have taken with them from Affrom three to five a. m., windows cov- of the Church responsibilities rica a new type of malaria that ered, with just one small oil lamp so is doing much damage in Brazil. that the visitor could read his New and organization falls upon one British health officers are anx- Testament. ious to prevent the spread in lady missionary. There are India from those areas in Africa At five a. m. the meeting dispersed, in which the host mosquitoes and it was well it did, for some spies ninety-two churches and only flourish. -Alliance Weekly. had already discovered them, and about ten minutes after the close of two catechis,ts with the help of Heathen in Union of S. A. the meeting the police were there. The man from New Jersey was then an African clergyman who pays The Union of South Africa has on his way to another town and not an approximate population of even his father knew which way he a visit once a quarter from the 9,479,985 persons, of whom more had gone. than two-thirds are nat i v e s. other side of ,the river. Since There are more than 3,000,000 AFRICA heathen in the Union; more this one missionary cannot visit heathen today than when the Work for Women missionaries began their work all the churches she adopted the over a century ago. One ex- A Girls' School and a Dispen- planation is the lack of a missary are firmly established in plan of caUing together two sionary spirit in the native Abu Hammad, under the control church and. a diminished evanof the Egypt General Mission, elders from each church in gelistic zeal on the part of nain a village of 5,000 Egyptian in- tive pastors. Furthermore there habitants. It was occupied by groups of 40 ata time, and giv- is among Europeans in South missionaries several years ago, Africa a widespread fear of the but opposition was so bitter that ing them a two-day course of competition of the black man, retreat became necessary. In should he be encouraged along 1934, a clinic was opened by mis- instruction. On one of these ocsionaries and soon many women were attending, both Egyptian casions, a boy of eleven apand Bedouin. As the numbers increased, act i v e opposition peared. When asked why he sprang up and spies were sent to the clinics. The work was de- had come he replied that he was nounced in the mosques, and pamphlets were printed and dis- a church elder, and so it proved. tributed, warning the people not to go near the missionaries or He frequently took the morning service,as he could read better than anyone else in the village, and he reminded the missionary that she had given him a New Testament four years previ- ously. -Eastward Ho.
Mission Property in Ethiopia The Sudan Interior Mission issues a report from its Toronto office that Italians in Addis Ababa have demanded all of the buildings, including headquar- ters and the leprosarium owned by the Sudan Interior Mission, of which Rev. Rowland V. Bing-
the path of progress. He is year ended without a single case under the rule of other Euro- more readily exploited when of default, or delayed payment. pean powers. Of the remaining -Christian Advocate. 34-35 million, Dnly those in Turignorant. -Alliance Weekly.
key, Arabia, Afghanistan and What Only Missions CanDo The Good Shepherd in Iran Iran are under Mohammedan rule. They no longer have a Northern Nigeria, equal in Most of the patients in a mis- sionary hospital of Iran are Mo- caliph; in 1924 the Ottoman calsize to the South Central U. S., hammedan. The medical superis Mohammedan and has been iphate was abolished with one entirely closed to missionary intendent asked his nurses to work. Some British leprosy try various schemes Df religious stroke of a pen, and the other teaching, and note the results Dn workers were allowed in govern- their charts just as they would Mohammedan states have never ment leper camps with the distinct understanding that they do nDte a rise in temperature or since been able to agree upon ap- other physical symptoms. The no religious work. pointing another. Then Dr. A. D. Helser, of the most successful was found to be the nurse's repetition of the Par- Moslems are themselves de- American Mission to Lepers, able of the Good Shepherd. The stroying their specifically Ismade a survey of this area. It patients became eager to hear revealed a growing dissatisfac- the great words, and soon lamic intellectual and spiritual tion on the part of the govern- learned them by heart, so that leadership. The great Azhar ment with its own efforts in when the "nurse departed from dealing with leprosy. In Sokoto, the true text, they would correct University, fDunded nearly one her. The explanation? The where the Sultan is the head, the parable supplies what is lacking thousand years ago, has for most government doctor was so dis- in Mohammedanism. Allah is of this time been the center from couraged that the leper camp great and powerful, in the minds which orthodox Islam derived its was closed down entirely. An- of his followers, but never tender other medical officer expressed or sympathetic. dynamic. The Azhar has IDSt himself as believing that "the first 40 per cent of leprosy treat- respect; it is continually mod- ernizing its curriculum. But missionaries dD not rejoice that modernization is takng the place of the old Islam, if it means their falling a prey toO Western ma- terialism. GEORGE SWAN.
ment lies in instilling hope in the -Christian Advocate. Annotated Testaments heart of the leper." The gov- Fernand Faivre, of Huguenot ernment now recognizes that MISCELLANEOUS descent, gave up the prospects missions can do that in a way Haven for Jews of a brilliant business career to that others cannot, and proposes that if missions will put a full- The New York Herald-Trib- devote himself e n t ire I y to time doctor in each camp, they une states that the French Min- preaching the Word. He has will finance him. ister Df Colonies has proposed been engaged for Dver 45 years The Sudan Interior Mission is that some colonies-specifically in evangelistic activity in southespecially eager to take advan- Madagascar, the New Hebrides, west France. tage of this opportunity to open F'rench Guiana, and New Cale- In 1922, he brought out the northern Nigeria to missionary donia-be thrown open to immi- first editiDn of his "Annotated effort for the first time. grants largely made up of Jews. New Testament," designed espe- -Mission to Lepers. This colonization is to be largely cially for evangelistic work. but not exclusively, Jewish; the Since then it has been issued in WESTERN ASIA immigrants must have capital Spanish, Italian, German, Por- and be prepared to work on the tuguese and other languages. Cooperatives in Palestine land or in other productive ac- Hundreds of copies have been The British Government is tivities. The plan is receiving shipped to the Cameroon, West helping to organize credit unions the careful attention of both Africa, where they have been and thrift societies among the Polish and Jewish press. used in the American Presby- Arabs in Palestine. There are It has also been proposed to terian Mission field. They were 74 societies, with 2,422 members settle Jews in the island of Cuba. adopted as textbooks on PrDtand capital of 1,709 Palestinian estant doctrine fDr native evanpounds. Borrowings amounting The plan has been laid before gelists. the President Df Cuba for conto 39,013 Palestinian pounds sideration and has the approval Rev. Andrew Gih, of the were made in one year by Bar- of President Roosevelt. Bethel Mission, S han g h a i, clays Bank at six per cent, and China, has translated the nDtes the societies reloaned to mem- The Moslem World Today – into Chinese (Mandarin). He bers at nine per cent, the cur- contemplates a first edition of rent charge made by the banks Of the approximately 235,- 20,000 copies, but wishes it were to borrowing bodies not Drgan- 000,000 Moslems in the world to- possible to have 150,000,000 ized as cooperative societies. day, 106,000,000 are under copies printed. Pastor Faivre Personal advances for seasonal British rule; 39,000,000 under offers toO pay one-half the cost of periods and medium-term loans Dutch rule; 32,000,000 under printing 100,000 cDpies ($6,250) up to five years are made. The French rule and 23,000,000 if the other half is provided.
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I Our Missionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information ~'i~================'~ The Way of the Witnesses. By Ed- sealed orders." These first wit- from quotations from other ward Shillito. Pages viii, 152. nesses to the crucified and risen writers, with whom of course Cloth, $1.00; paper, 50 cents. Christ began at Jerusalem and Dr. Speer is in agreement. These went as far as Rome. In obey- quotations are of real value and . Friendship Press, New York. 1936. ing the call they came to know more of the "mystery" of the na- show wide and discriminating This "New Testament Study ture and purpose of their Lord. reading, but they are not the in Missionary Motive" is by an They founded churches and fos- author's personal testimony. Oxford graduate who was a min- tered them, by visits and by letister in various parishes in Eng- ters, to meet the inevitable trials The first chapter, dealing with land and for some years Literary and dangers. They made prog- Christ's earthly life and its Superintendent of the London ress through conflict, as did the meaning, gives clearly the evi- Missionary Society before com- churches which they fathered. dences for the deity of Jesus. ing to America as a lecturer in In the Gospel of John, "the Gos- The second chapter, on the our colleges and theological pel of the Holy Spirit," the new "Person of Christ," points out schools. He is the author of generation "found a bridge be- that the whole essence of Chris- "Nationalism-Man's Other Re- tween their own day and that of ligion," and other works. Jesus their Lord." In its name tianity is in this God-man, rather the new society "claimed all the than in any philosophy, social Mr. Shi1lito's brief Introduc- world and all the ages." "The program or human organization. tion sums up the whole book, pattern of the New Testament," We do not agree with Dr. Speer, "The New Testament does not revealing "the love of Christ, un- however, in his view that "when contain a section given up to searchable and passing knowl- Christianity becomes a religion, . missions; it is a missionary edge," without that love "is book. . . . From cover to cover broken into fragments"; but the it ceases to be Christianity." it deals with one new fact – a constraint of that love will make That depends on one's definition power newly revealed and newly every Christian a missionary, a of religion. But the reviewer released in this human scene. A witness to all the world. new age begins. The revolution agrees that Christ is the essence is not of man, though it changes We would like to see this little of Christianity and without Him the life of man, but of God, book read by everyone interested there is no Christian religion. whose glory had been seen in the in missions, then placed in each face of Jesus Christ." But the one's lending library to be The chapter on the "Death of New Testament is not the end of recommended to every Christian it. It "deals with mankind and friend not yet interested. Mis- Christ" is a valuable contribuclaims the world for its scale." sion Study Classes will find it tion to this deeply mysterious The missionary is simply the attractive and inspiring. but most important subject. The servant of a world kingdom who author shows the deadly conflict "believes that a word meant for COURTENAY H. FENN. between two personalities-God all men should be offered to all and Satan – a conflict in which men." The Meaning of Christ to Me. By Satan seemed to be victorious Robert E. Speer. 12mo. 102 pp. but was definitely defeated at It is impossible to set forth in $1.50. Fleming H. Revell Co., New Calvary. Dr. Speer says: "The a brief review a hundredth part York. 1937. death of Christ reveals both the of the arresting thought, the con- limitlessness and the limitedness vincing argument, and the in- Here is a personal testimony of God, and also shows what he spiring challenge which the au- that is characterized by capital has done and will do for us." A thor has compressed into this "H" rather than by a capital railroad brakeman is quoted as small book. He pictures vividly "I"; "He"-Christ-is magni- expressing the truth when he "the first impressions of a pa- fied, not "I," the writer. For the said: "He (Christ) died my gan" on reading the New Testa- most part, the testimony is clear death for me, that I might live ment. Such a man is brought but only indirectly personal. His life for Him." face to face with a historic Jesus Some readers w.m wish that Dr. who committed His message of Speer had made it more direct The chapter on "The Resurthe Kingdom to witnesses whom rather than so largely made up rection of Christ" shows that He sent into all the world "under this is conclusive evidence of Christ's deity, and proof of man's immortality. The resur- rection imparts vitality to the Gospel and to be "risen with Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by the R:o;vntw publishers on receipt of price.
[223 ]
Christ" means eternal life to the cares for the unemployed and capable of taking the conscious- Christian. ness of Christ as taught in the redeems the loss caused by "The Lordship of Christ" oc- panic." If it is true, as Dr. New Testament into their lives." cupies another chapter in which Kagawa repeatedly urges, that With the ultimate objectives the author shows that this means the recognition of Christ as the social reform must be motivated of Kagawa – the uplift of men supreme divine teacher, leader, by the Christian Spirit, then it overseer, owner of all who be- is highly important to know just and the introduction of a better long to Him. He is King of life. social 0 r d e r – there can, of what is the character of this im- course, be no disagreement. His Dr. Speer's most personal tes- pelling motive and how it is retimony is found in his final chap- sincer.ity and tireless energy ter on "The Second Coming." ceived. But here there is much also command admiration. It is This doctrine, belief, hope – is uncertainty as to the author's unfortunate, however, that he proved to be "an integral part of our Christian faith," clearly and position. No light is shed on the does not unite with these qualifrequently taught in the Scrip- problem by this further state- ties a clearer perception of tures, and of infinite importance ment: "If religion concerns itto every Christian. self only with the salvation of in- Christian truth, more of eco- nomic wisdom, and a truer his- Anyone who reads these dividuals and does not permeate torical perspective. studies carefully will find them society, it has but one result, the spiritually stimulating, encour- HUGH R. MONRO. aging, interesting, informing deepening of individuail conand convincing. They will prove sciousness." Or the following: 1936 Handbook of the Christian a blessing, not only to pastors, "The belief that the redemptive Movement in China under Protteachers and missionaries, but to estant Auspices. 8vo. 352 pp. every thoughtful reader who is love of Christ is united with the $3.00. Published for the National ready to accept the testimony of true nature of God gave birth to Christian Council by the Hsueh the Scriptures and of enlight- the doctrine of the divinity of Pub. House, Shanghai, China. 1936. ened Christian experience. Christ." The latest China Mission Brotherhood Economics. By Toyo- There can be no impeachment Yearbook includes information hiko Kagawa. 200 pp. $1.50. on the evangelistic, educational, Harper & Brothers. New York. of Dr. Kagawa's sincerity and, social, literary and medical 1936. in the light of what he has ac- work. Suggestions on "How to complished in dealings with out- use the book" are helpful, as well This volume has two distinct as the brief "HistorJcal Backvalues: first, it assembles a cast men and women in Japan, ground" and the "Interpretalarge amount of interesting in- there must be a certain grasp of tion." Since the first Protestant formation concerning the coop- missionary entered China in erative movement and its expan- the underlying truths of the 1807, the communicants have sion throughout the world; sec- Gospel. Nevertheless, his vo- grown from 100 in 1807 to 600,- ond, it presents the philosophy cabulary seems confusing and 000 in 1936 and the Christian and outlook of this outstanding strange to the intelligent Chris- community of all sects numbers Christian leader and social re- at least 2,000,000 Chinese. The former. Dr. Kagawa writes tian reader and the impression Handbook is mostly made up of with the evident conviction that will increase that this eminent lists of 68 missions with 1,207 the Church is under deep re- resident stations and 5,816 misproach by reason of failure to reformer fans to relate in any sionaries. Information is also translate its message into terms given on literature, cable adof economic life. Here is a adequate way the fruits of social dresses and institutions. It is a typical statement: "I believe efforts to the roots. A coopera- valuable book for reference. that instead of keeping this prin- tive is not necessarily a brotherciple of Cross-embracing love as Southern Baptists in World Service. a theological theory in the pul- hood, in the Christian sense. By E. P. Alldredge. Cloth, 60 cents; pit, we must put it into the When Dr. Kagawa deals with paper, 40 cents. 172 pp. Sunday whole social life of man. Right economic questions there is much here lies the principle which de- that is suggestive, but a some- School Board, Southern Baptist mands that the essence of Chris- Convention. Nashville. 1936. tianity must become the essence what similar lack of coherence. of the economic movement." There is recurrence of well- All phases of the denomina- The ambiguity of this state- known terms, some with a rather tion's enterprises are discussed ment is more or less character- radical connotation, and an adistic of the book. What is Cross- vocacy of theories of finance, in- in detail in eight chapters, in embracing love? In one place it surance, and distribution of is defined as "a great love which this handbook, designed to in- commodities which would hardly commend themselves to a well- struct the young people in informed economist. Dr. Kag- Southern Baptist churches con- awa passes a severe and not too discriminating judgment on the cerning the what, why and how Christian Church in this lan- of Southern Baptist world-serv- guage: "The majority of church ice. The material is well ar- organizations today are depend- ranged; Bible study is encour- ent, unfortunately, on the privi- leged class of profiteering so- aged by frequent references to ciety. When selfish profiteers, Scripture; questions for review who are of the same stock as barbarians, d 0 min ate the and answers are added to each churches, they are rendered in- chapter. B. G. JUDD.
Wonderful Women. By E. conference. "The Religious Na- A N 0 P P 0 R TUN I T Y
H. Farrance. 96 pp. Illus. lB. ture of the Negro," "The Im- Pickering & Inglis. London. 1936. portance of Understanding Na- for Pastors Desiring SONG BOOKS tive Customs," "The Effect of . Brief biographical sketches of twelve women whose lives have Industrialism on the Congo at counted in worthwhile service. Katanga," "The Right Attitude The list includes Harriet Beecher Stowe, Fanny Crosby, Mary toward Native Chiefs," "The A collection of n of the Moody-5IIn"'y Slessor and Ann Judson. The Psychology of Conversion," "The Evangelistic Campaign Song. u…. during material is not new or skilfully Place of Sports and Athletics in the Founder'. Week Conference. presented but the assembling of Missions," and "The Self-Sup- $ 5 0 0 PER HUN D RED these sketches in one volume is port of the Chur~h" – s.uch are ",..".'d. Slightly u••d. 1I0t impressive. some of the subJects dIscussed with considerable wisdom. Con- D. L MOODY CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Sheaves After Harvest. By Dr. An- servative evangelical mission- 163 Instltllte Place drew A. Bonar. 12mo. 126 pp. Chicago, III. lB. Pickering and Inglis. Glas- gow. 1935. aries will find little here to criti- – – – – – – – – – – – cize and much to approve. Dr. Bonar was .a famous City Man. Charles Hatch Sears. Scotch preacher of over a gen- S. M. ZWEMER. 236 pp. $1.50. Harpers~ New eration ago, whose addresses repay reading today. Pentecost, York. Praise, The Second Coming, The Holy Spirit and similar topics New Boole. Frances Ridley Havergal. Esther E. are Scriptural, practical and in- Enoch. 95 pp. lB. Pickering & spiring. Beyond Statistics. The Wider Range Inglis. London. ' of World Missions. Stephen J. Corey. "Are You Awake?" By Florence E. 188 pp. $1.00. Bethany Press. St. A Hundred Years in Fiji. J. W. Marshall. Pamphlet~ 96 pp. 50 Louis, Mo. Burton and Wallace Dean. 144 pp. cents a copy, $30.00 a hundred. 222 3s.6d. W. Main St., Lansing, Michigan. 1936. Samuel Logan Brengle. Portrait of I Live–Yet Not I. George Goodman. a Prophet. Clarence H. Hall. 254 96 pp. lB. Pickering & Inglis. These clever verses set forth pp. Salvation Army, New York. London. the virtues of abstinence from 1933. alcoholic drinks. They are Missionary Stories to Tell. Various catchy and popular and useful Christian High Schools in India. authors. 178 pp. 50 cents, paper; for Sunday schools and other Alice B. Van Doren. 170 pp. Rs. $1.00, cloth. Missionary Education temperance work with boys and 2-12. Y. M. C. A. Publishing House. Movement. New York. girls. Calcutta, India. Master of Money – A. A. Hyde. Exspectatio Gentium. Compte Rendu The Glorious Revival Under King George Irving.' 157 pp. $1.00. de la XIIIe Semaine de Missiologie Hezekiah. Wilbur M. Smith. Pam- Revell. New York. de Louvain. 330 pp. 35 francs. phlet. 54 pp. 35 cents. Zondervan Paris: Desclee de Brouwer & Cie. Publishing House. Grand Rapids, The Meaning of Christ to Me. Rob- 1935. Mich. ert E. Speer. $1.50. Revell. New York. Under this striking title we have the twenty-fourth publica- Dwight L. Moody-;A Mighty Man North Pacific. Edward Weber Allen. tion on Christian missions by of God. A. Chester Mann. Pam- 300 pp. Illus. $2.50. Professional the Museum Lessianum. A few phlet. 27 pp. 20 cents. Zondervan & Technical Press. New York. years ago another volume ap- Publishing House. Grand Rapids, peared entitled La Conversions Mich. One Hundred Years. Arthur Judson which dealt with methods of Brown. 1140 pp. $8.00. Revell. evangelism and the winning of Pools on the Glowing Sand. Story New York. converts in every missionary of Karl Kumm. Irene V. Cleverarea. don.. 194 pp. 58. Specialty Press. John E. Williams of Nanking. W. Melbourne, Australia. Reginald Wheeler. 222 pp. $2.00. The present volume consists Revell. New York. of seventeen papers by Roman 1936 Handbook of the Christian Catholic missionaries read at Movement in China. Charles Lu- Jungle Friends. G. A. West. 63 pp. the missionary conference of ther Boynton and Charles Dozier lB. S. P. G. London. Louvain last year. Ten are in Boynton. 352 pp. $3.00 (Shanghai). French; and seven in Dutch. Kwang Hsueh Pub. Co. Shanghai, Moslem Women Enter a New World. The papers merit perusal and Ruth Woodsmall. 431 pp. $3.00. show how the same missionary China,.. Round Table Press. New York. problems that perplex Protestant missions are faced by the White Missionary Plays and Pageants. Fathers and the Jesuits in Af- Fannie Smith Gray. 277 pp. $2.75. rica. Asia and the island world Western Baptist Pub. Co. Kansas were evidently left out of this City, Mo.
William Quarrier and the Story of the Orphan Homes of Scotland. Alexander Gammie. 196 pp. 2s. 6d. Pickering and Inglis. London.
Awake! An African Calling. 56 pp. Is. Church Missionary Society. London.
1936 STUDIES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE James Hudson Taylor. James J. Ellis. Is. 96 pp. Pickering & Inglis. London.
Four Parts-52 Lessons. Part I, The Bible-The The Blessing of the Tribes. E.
God 01 the Bible. Part II, The Christ 01 the Bible Bendor Samuel. 28. 160 pp. Pick- -The Holy Spirit. Part III, Man-Sin and Redemp- ering & Inglis. London. tion. Part IV, The Church-Future Events. Send 15c in stamps for cunent issue. Full Assurance. H. A. Ironside. 75 cents. 126 pp. B. 1. C. A. Chicago. HRISTIAN PU8L1CATIONS.IN<: Kill or Cure? Muriel Lester. 135 pp. $1.00. Cokesbury Press. Nash- 1502 N. Third St., Hlrrlsburg, PI. ville.
NOT'
THE MOSLEM WORLD SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, Editor Some articles in the April number : THE CROSS AND ISLAM' Edwin E. Calverley A JOURNEY THROUGH NORTHWEST CHINA Claude L. Pickens THE WORSHIP OF ADAM BY ANGELS . Samuel M. Zwemer ILLUMINATION—A SUFI DOCTRINE Edward J. Jurji ALEPPO AS A MOSLEM CENTER Alford Carleton SOME ARAB FOLK-TUNES . W. Idris Jones OLD ISLAM ~ OLD TURKEY . Lootfy Levonian THE FINAL WORD OF THE AHL-I-HAOO Charles R. Pittman ISLAM IN TRANSITION Paul S. McElroy NORTHERN NIGERIA Benjamin J. Marais Book Reviews Current Topics Survey of Periodicals ORDER THE SPECIAL RURAL NUMBER The Missionary Review th~ World The June Number will contain special articles on "CHRIST AND RURAL AMERICA"
Achievements in Rural Churches From a Colporteur's Notebook Challenge of the Rural Community Solving Some Rural Problems Rural Trends in Twenty-five Years The Youth and the Country Parish Cooperation in Rural Parishes A Rural Pastor's Job The Rural Community Church Some Unchurched Rural Districts Evangelizing Rural Foreign Born Responsibility of the City Church The Larger Parish Project Woman's Work in a Country Parish Order These Copies Now for Yourself and for Mission Study Classes 25 cents a copy $20 a hundred $2.50 a year The Missionary Review of the World Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
ROBERT E. SPEER, President DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — November 1926
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Please mention THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF 'l'lIE WORLD in writing to advertisers. THE MISSIONARY Review of the World DELAVAN L. PIERSON. &inor CONTENTS FOR NOVEMBER. 1926 Paqe FRONTISPIEOE … Smm RESTILTS OF EVANGELICAL ~l!SSIONS IN SOTITH A:MERICA EDITORIALS ……………… . 83i A CHRISTIAN VIEW OF DISASTER A 'VORLD STUDENT CONFERENCE AT INOREASING CONFUSION IN CHINA AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PRINOETON THE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY ON AFRIOA COUKCIL PROGRAM DOES .30UTH AMERICA NEED MISSIONARIESl ………. 'THOMAS E. B.RBER S·l!} A study of actua,l eona'itioM in South American co1wtriesu;ith reference to the i "dians and other neglected people, THE WESTERN F.RONT OF WORLD MISSIONS …….. CHARLES fuTCH SEARS 853 A masterly presentation of the need for rnalcing America Christian in orde,' that it may become a better basis for world evangelism.
A NOTABLE CONVERSION FROM ISLAM . . . . . . . . . . A MISSIONARY IN PERSIA 858 The remarlcable story of a desoendant of Mohammed who has confessed C'm~st openly and is endu"ing perseO'l.,tion for the Gospel's salce.
MISSIONARIES CONFER IN PERSIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. N. WYSHAM 86-1 The story of the recent conference of workers among Moslems under the leader· ship of Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer.
A NEW ENTER.PRISE IN MESOPOTAMIA ……………… JAMES CANTlNE 8uG An account of the united mi.~8ionary work in Iraq conducted by the Ameriean Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Church in the United States and the Re· formed Church in AmcriJca.
POR. AFRICA-BERVICE OR SLAVERYf ………. A MISSIONARY IN RHODESIA 87(1 Fitst·hand pictute of the C>"uelties of enforced labO?' in Africa.
A HOUSE BY A WEST AFRICAN ROAlD . . . . . . . . . . . . MRS. WALTER B. WILLEMS Ri1 .A stirring story of service in behalf of black humanity iIn West Africa.
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Robert E. Speer, President Delavan J:… Pierson, Sec:retaq Publication office. 3d " Reily Stl.• Hard.bu••• Pa. 25_ • COpy $2.50 • J"ar Ehtered ao •..,ond·cla•• matter at the POlt Office. Harrisbul'J'. Fa.. under Act of March s••8". PERSONALS Make)burMoneydoDouble ~ to Yourself~ CHARLES K. EDMUNDS, PH.D., president toHumandr~ from 1907 to 1925 of what was then known DURING many years, Bible'1n;ru~BcinCl$> as Canton Christian College, now Lingnan gcv shaatv~esmfafc~tiuonnlinn~ .idn'v;e;s~~hiln~dg10WIc~IndI"~'D~IS.'u4:"r~hUafVe University, has resigned as Provost of Johns Hopkins University, his Alma Mater, to be- theIr money In Bible come American Director of Lingnan Uni- Annuity Bonds-the in- . . versity, which has recently undertaken to come to go to them and their families during their raise a fund of $2",500,000'. lifetime, and the principal to be devoted later to the great uplifting work of the New York Bible Society. REV. JOHN M. MOORE, pastor for the past ten years of the Marcy Ave. Baptist You Can Invest $100 Up Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., has resigned to become one of the general secretaries of the Business men and churches recommend Bible Federal Council of ,churches. He will de- Annuity Bonds as the soundest of investments. vote his time to developing inter-church They never fluctuate. You have no anxiety. May cooperation in local communities and state- ~~d,sd~~~h~~r, t~~c.lives-husband and wife, mother # ~ wide areas. . The New York Bible Society has distributed ,~ JOHN LIVINGSTONE MOTT, son of Dr. and mllhons Qf copIes of the Scriptures free-in , Mrs. John R, Mott, has recently returned to m~ny languages and in raised type for the , India to continue as a social worker of the Y. M. C. A. at Nagpur, Central Provinces. bhnd. They have brought comfort and in.. / NEW He has married Miss Celeste Goddard, of sp~ration to coun.tless immigrants, seamen,., YORE New York City. prisoners, the SIck, the bljnd and aliens. / BIBLE * REV. R. E. DIFFENDORFER, D.D., secretary All sections of the ~ SOCIETY ·ountryJ all races of ~ of the Board of Foreigu Missions of the Dept. 34 Methodist Episcopal Church, accompanied by Mrs. Diffend6rfer, is making an extended humanity. receive;" 5 East 481. Street tour of Europe and the Far East, expecting to return to America next summer. untold benefits. ,-' New York City Mall Coupon / ' Gentlemen: With- tor FREE ~~ out obligation, please P&mphlets send me descriptive NEW YORK BIBLE ' .batn~lets. about your SOCIETY , , B, le nnmty Bonds.
MISS LuCY ,GAR.DNER, secretary of the 5 E.48lhSI.N Y.e. " Name ………………… . English organization known as "Copee," is visiting the United States on a speaking ,'Address …………..••.•••••• tour at the invitation of the World Alliance REFORMED CHURCH CENTENARY for International Friendship through the The one hundredth anniversary of the Churches. Board of Home Missions of the ·Reformed Church in the United States was held in * Philadelphia, on October 15th. The pro· gram included addresses by the members MR. A. W. ARMOUR of New York has • Gf the Board and superintenclents of depart· been elected treasnrer of the Presbyterian ments, greetings from church bodies ana ad- Board of Foreign Missions to succeed Mr. dresses by Mrs. John Ferguson, New York Dwight H. Day. Mr. Armour has been :1"- . . City, president of the ,council of Women fOl· Bistant to Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick a1ld hus Home Missions and 'Dr. John M. Moore, of made special financial studies of the various New York. organizations supported by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. He was born in Montreal, HUNGARY-A CORRECTION Canada, where he was for some years the assistant treasurer of the Dominion Rridge Company.
J. KINGSLEY BIRGE, formerly of the Inter- Rev. J. P. Piroch, of Chicago, calls our national College of Smyrna, Turkey, is now attention to an error in the Angust REVIEW ,candidate Secretary of the American Boar<l (pages 638·639) in the statement quoted of Commissioners for Foreign Missio1ls. from a Free Church of Scotland paper. He says: * "I was in Hungary nearly a year and the OBITUARY situation in Central Europe is well known to me. 'Protestantism in Hungary' should REV. JAMES NICOLL OGILVIE, D.D., presi- read: 'Protestantism in Czechoslovakia.' dent of the World Alliance of Reformed In Hungary there never were any Hussites. Churches Holding the Presbyterian System, Prague, the mother of Czechoslovaks, is in who was at one time a missionary in India, Bohemia, not in Hungary. I have been in died recently in Edinburgh, Scotland. Czechoslovakia during the religious move· ment since the end of the World War. The JOHN H. BRADFORD, since 1916 missionary new religious followers are known in our of the Presbyterian Board in West Africa, country by the name 'Ceskoslovenska and recently manager of the Halsey Memo· Cirkev' (Czechoslovak Church). They hav,) rial Press, at Elat, died early in October. more than one million followers which sep· Mr. Bradford was born in Belleville, K;all· arated from the Roman Catholic. Church, sas and was educated in Monmouth, Illinois after the war, and now are a branch of the and in Chicago. world Protestant Church."
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A GROUP OF GRADUATES OF THE CHARLOTTE KEMPER SEMINARY, LAVRAS, BRAZIL. All but four are members of the E,vangeJical Church.
SOME RESULTS OF EVANGELICAL MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA
NOVEMBER, 1926
XLIX ELEVEN rrHE A CHRISTIAN VIEW OF DISASTER problem of the loss of life among the Jews, caused by the fall of the Tower of Siloam in Bible times, is perennial. When- ever a disaster overtakes a nation, a community or an individual, many are ready to offer explanations, to say just how far God is responsible or what lessons He is seeking to teach erring humanity. '1'he famines in India, the floods in China, earthquakes in Japan, hurricanes in Florida, fires in San Francisco, epidemics in Africa, volcanic eruptions in Europe and other widespread destructive forces due to physical causes present peculiar problems. It is easier to explain the cause and cure of suffering due to wars, massacres, banditry, railway and automobile accidents and other losses where the human equation enters.
In the injury to human life and property, due to seemingly uncontrolled physical forces, many are quick to put the responsibility wholly on God as the controlling Power, asserting that He is visiting erring men and women with punishment for sin. Others hold the view that impersonal forces of nature alone are responsible-that a certain cause produces a certain effect and that God has nothing directly to do with it-except as the Author of natural laws. Many seek to avoid the dilemma by crediting God with responsibility only through His "permission."
Those who charge that these disasters have a punitive purpose face the difficulty of explaining why churches, Christians and little ehildren suffer with those living in open and wilful disobedience to God. On the other hand Christians cannot accept the contention that God is in no way responsible, for we believe in the superintending providence of God as the almighty and all-wise loving Heavenly Father.
Confessedly any attempted explanation involves problems and unsolved riddles which human knowledge and experience are too limited to understand. Ve know that men are sinners and deserve 837
chastisement. We know that the forces of nature are powerful and are governed by the law of cause and effect, but how directly or for what purpose God works through certain natural phenomena, who can say dogmatically?
There are, however, certain great truths that should not be over- looked in these disasters. Everv crisis or calamity is a time of test- ing, such as comes to a steel gi~der when it is subjected to a heavy strain. If there is a bad flaw or weakness, the girder will break. If it is up to specifications, it will stand approved. So these calamities, national and personal, offer an opportunity for a Christian to show strength of character and the power of God in.,.human life.
1. They test and reveal our faith in God, His wisdom and power and love. He is not an unfeeling judge or powerless to control the forces that He has created. Christians believe that God is a loving Father and almighty Ruler who does all things well.
2. They r.eveal our confidence that we are safe in His keeping. Disasters,. however closely they may touch us, are among the "all things" that work together for good to those who love God. While men in rebellion against God may suffer permanent injury, the children of God, who are in His will, cannot really be harmed by injuries to their bodies and property.
3. They reveal and clarify our true estimate of values. Weare apt to lose sight of the fact that temporal things aTe only temporal. "V-hen physical possessions aTe thTeatened, then we Tealize that it is the spiritual things that are eternal and of greatest worth. Even physical life itself is not of greatest importance, else martyrs all were misguided fanatics. The loss of earthly things should help to emphasize faith in immortality.
4. They reveal and develop sympathy and brotherly love. Were there no calamities or sorrows there would be nothing to call fOTth the fineT qualities of human natuTe such as benevolence, compassion and self-sacrifice for the sake of others.
5. They test and reveal the metal of which we aTe made. The greatest humans are not those who have had the most comfortable time in life. In trouble, we seek comfort and help from those who have passed through troubles. It would be a curse if Christians were always immune from suffering and loss, 6. They reveal our aptness as learners in God's School. Every so-called calamity may be a blessed messenger of God, however much disguised. The San Francisco earthquake and fire taught men how to build a better city. Every epidemic, flood or famine sets men to work to discover remedies and preventive measures .and to apply them; railway and motor accidents lead to laws and new safety devices; wars lead.to peace movements and international tribunals for the settlement of disputes.
7. The facing of sudden death and disaster causes men and
1926J EDITORIAL COMMENTS 8';9
women to pause and consider the transitoriness of human life, the wages of sin, and the need to seek first the spiritual and eternal things of God's Kingdom. Such experiences lead us to take account of stock, to examine the road on which we are traveling and the goal toward which we are headed.
It is true that physical disaster and death are nnpleasant to all who have a normal love of life; but in the present order of things decay and death are a blessing, for out of decay comes new life and through death of the old generation a new generation is given larger opportunity. Great benefits have come to God's children and God's work through the physical hardships endured by missionaries in Africa, the sufferings due to the turmoil in China, the persecutions in India, the difficulties caused by financial stress in Europe and through the many other trials to which men are subject. No trial has overtaken us but such as is common to all mankind and with each trial God gives power to overcome and makes a way of escape so that victory and not defeat may be ours.
INCREASING CONFUSION IN CHINA CONDITIONS in China will probably be worse before they are better, although newspaper reports make them seem about as bad as they can be. With no real central government, with the eountry divided under rival loaders, Chang Tso-lin in the north, Sun Chuan-fang in the east, Wu Pei-fu in the west and the Cantonese troops in the south. Bandits roam the country, attacking towns, looting shops, kidnapping missionaries and other foreigners in some instances. It is also reported that extensive Russian bolshevistic propaganda continues through paid agents from Moscow. The Christian general, Marshal Feng Yu-hsiang, having failed to unite China, is reported to be stUdying in Europe or biding his time on the northwest frontier of China.
Without any strong, high-principled, patriotic leader who can bring harmony among the various sections of China, and without any unifying ideal and purpose, the present condition of the country is deplorable in the extreme. Each day brings fresh news of towns looted, battles fought, domestic strife more bitter, and foreign relations more strained. On October 5th, Mr. Thomas F. Millard, Shanghai correspondent of the New Yark Times} cabled as follows: Although reports from many parts of China reveal a somewhat precarious situation for the foreigners, with frequent violence, abductions and damage to property, nevertheless the mission boards at Shanghai are not inclined to be seriously alarmed for the safety of isolated stations. Such incidents, so far reported, are the acts of bandits and not officials or soldiers.
Today a leading missioner said: "The presence of foreign naval forces tends to aggravate instead of pacifying conditions. The gunboats' clashes with the Chinese sometimes imperil the missionaries outside the scope of tht!ir direct operations."
The leading British newspaper in Shanghai urges stronger action in the interest of the Chinese masses, who are said to be suffering much more than the foreigners under the mismle of the militarists. The majority of the missionaries are averse to forcible intervention. They realize, however, that the state of China calls for some action to check the collapse of authority.
Conditions in Peking are getting worse weekly. The straw Cabinet has practically vanished, every member seeking safety either. in the legation quarter or the foreign concession at Tientsin. Peking seems to be lapsing into anarchy. Groups of unruly soldiers are completely out of hand. The Government cannot pay salaries and it is unlikely that any government which the foreign powers can recognize will be formed for years. Most of the foreigners in Peking, who a few months ago rejoiced in the expulsion of the Kuominchun (Marshal Feng's army) would welcome them back now.
Some of the missionaries in outlying districts are suffering and the work is greatly hindered by the military operations, by anti-foreign sentiment and by banditry. In southern Hunan, Cantonese troops have occupied some mission schools and hospitals. In eastern Hunan, the Evangelical Church Mission (Cleveland, Ohio) reports a very s;erious situation. Rev. B. H. Niebel says: About two months ago an army of Chinese Soviets from Canton in the southeastern part of China entered Hunan, taking possession of Chaling, the southeastern station of our Mission, also Yuhsien Hospital, and the Liling Hospital, the Albright High School, a church and other mission properties. The disturbance has been severe and a great trial to our missionaries.
From a letter just received from C. Newton Dubs of the Evang-elical Mission in Hunan (dated August 24), we quote the following: The Cantonese army is pressing northward by the thousands and seemed to come" as grasshoppers for multitude." Many young boys and lithe young men are among the number. The soldiers devoured and preempted everything, like a plague of "grasshoppers."
Our churches all along the way, Chuan Wan, Huangtolin, Hsinshih, and at Yuhsien are of necessity "keeping open house" and serve as lodging places for the Communistic Army. Much damage is done to our property. The pastor in charge of these churches is compelled by the army officers and soldiers to be their menial servant, at their "beck and call" day and night, and the demands are of every possible kind, even to furnishing prostitutes or directing them to them. The lot of the preacher is a hard one, his owIl' household property is used indiscriminately and often ruined. The soldiers never stop to clean up when they leave and are not particular what they take along. In Yuhsien and in Liling, the soldiers vacate the auditorium for Sunday services, standing around in the adjoining rooms on the side, talking in loud voices, etc. They hold on to the buildings for use of passing troops.
Our schools and schoolrooms, and some foreign dwellings, are also occupied, though the commanders say they will vacate when these schools are to be opened for the incoming pupils. The people in general do not come to our hospitals very much now; the people wounded by the soldiers, i. e., Chinese not in the army, come for treatment. In some cases the soldiers pay their bills. Soldiers are a hard class to control and full of insolence in the wards. They refuse to leave (some of them) when cured and do not pay.
Religious work is impossible. The army is composed mostly of unbelievers and infidels, who are not slow to scoff. All services are interrmpted.
1926J EDITORIAL COMMENTS 8'4.1
Many are ready to debate about Christianity, but listen to a sermon, they will not.
There are some Christians in the army, yet the principles of communism are not in harmony with the Spirit of Christ. Work of the Bureau of Agita- tors, whose aim it is to explain and make the doctrines of Communism palpable to all classes, follow closely the methods of work of the missionary. Their street preaching is very effective, their posters as attractive as those of the best kind issued by any organization in China. The venom of these agitators is dangerous. Many of them have been trained in mission schools. Here is a free translation of three placards, one of which I know was put upon the front doors of our Yuhsien church: "Christ's Church and his doet"ine is a poison paralyzing our youth; Christ's CM.trch and doctrine is an agency 1tsUrping our U1If1{/Uage to make us Chinese stupid and foolish; The Church of Christ from England and America are both robbing us of aLL our preci01~.s inherita.n.ce and wealth!'
"Churches and property belong to the Chinese," is a slogan of the whole army, and it finds fertile soil. All the property the army uses is deteriorating. If we repair, the army gets the use of the repairs; if we do not, the deterioration is still worse. Either plan consumes quite a sum. The more buildings we erect the more they will have to use later on. We are in truth the" guests of China," a courteous phrase used hitherto in referring to us missionaries, but we are to be dispossessed in due time.
Pray for missionaries in China. They labor under serious difficulties and are in great danger.
The capture and ill-treatment of missionaries is comparatively rare, but is occasionally reported. On October 3, bandits attacked a large party of missionaries while they were going to Shenchow-fu, Hunan Province, and robbed and carried off three Americans-Miss Minerva S. Weil and Karl H. Beck, of the Reformed Church in U. S. Mission, and Miss Lydia Koebbe of the Evangelical Mission. Seven other missionaries who escaped are now reported safe at Taoyuan Tayo.
Supplementary messages carry an appeal of the Methodist Episcopal Mission in Nanchang for volunteers to assist in caring for the wounded Chinese. The Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church in the United States received a message recently, in which the robbery and capture of some missionaries was announced, but it gave no details. Miss Minerva S. Weil, one of the missionaries carried away, was in charge of the Bible Woman's Training School in Shenchow-fu. The Rev. George E. E'pp, Executive Secretary of the Evangelical Missionary Board of Cleveland, reports that Miss Lydia Koebbe is connected witli the Foreign Mission Department of the Evangelical Church and is in charge of a girl's boarding school at Tung Jen, Province of Kweichow, the next province west of Hunan.
In the recent raid on Ohow-kiakow, an important city in Honan Province, there was great suffering by the Chinese between September 17 and September 23. The only missionaries actually resident upon the mission premises at the time were Mr. Davies and Miss
Poppins, and later Mr. Davies was kidnapped. The correspondent of the North China Daily News says: Bandits cleared the city of women and children and members of the better-class homes. The number they took with them was so great that it was impossible to feed and control them. As a result hundreds dropped by the wayside dead, and the sick are lying in the roads leading to the city.
Mr. Davies was seized by Wang Chien-kuei of the Sixth Brigade. The pastor, who is of the China Inland Mission, was severely handled and tortured with hot irons.
The serious anti-foreign movement is spreading in southern and western China. The exodus of British citizens from Szechuan Province continues and American missions have been warned they had better concentrate at Chungking. One cable states: Five hundred missionaries were reported isolated and unable to escape from Chengtu, in Szechwan Province, according to a Shanghai dispatch to The Daily Express. Chengtu is the headquarters' for numerous American and English missionaries' societies of all denominations. '
Meantime the brigand captors of the English missionary, the Rev. C. Freeman Davies, are moving south, sacking and burning towns as they go. The fate of' three British missionaries at Changte, Ro., one of the looted towns, is not known. Two C. 1. M. women missionaries are reported to have been seized at Yungchang, in Yunnan Province.
Rabid anti-British propaganda continues. A Chinese secret society, says this dispatch, is reported to have placed a price of $50 on every foreigner's head. Natives are demanding confiscation of British property and the expulsion of the British from Szechwan province.
The evacuation of Chungking, Szechwan, by British residents has caused jubiliation among the Chinese, who believe Britain has been beaten. Chinese newspapers are triumphant. They declare, "We could eat the British and swallow their hides whole. "
The political and military situation still is in chaos. The recent replacement of a Wu Pei-fu man in command of Peking by an appointee of Chang Tso-lin indicates that the combine may be dissolved and shows Wu Pei-fu's power is gone. His nominees in the Peking Cabinet on resigning probably will be replaced by Chang Tso-lin's men. Chinese and many foreigners would welcome any change that would be likely to give new direction to China's political evolution.
How any constructive, evangelistic and educational work can be conducted under these disturbed conditions it is difficult to understand, and yet most of the mission schools and colleges are open, hospitals are in operation and the church work is being carried on as usual-except when chapels are occupied by armies. The missionaries are generally recognized as the truly unselfish friends of China. While warring factions are devastating the country and the Chinese are killing each other, these foreigners are patiently carrying on their work for China and are urging their governments to be patient and to take away all causes of friction in international relations. Some of the missionaries are proposing to form a new society to be known as "The Friends of China."
EDITORIAL COMMENTS
AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICA " EVERYWHERE there is a new attitude towards Africa which is turning it from the continent of tragedies to the land of responsibilities and opportunities. On the Government side there are remarkable changes in concepts and policies, chief of which are the Mandate principles and the creation of the Colonial Office Educational Advisory Committee. The commercial element realizes it cannot take everything out and give nothing in return. Missionaries are working with the Africans more and more, while on the African side there is the new race consciousness. The world attitude, too, is changing, and it is the need of the future that all these forces should be welded together. We must drive from our thoughts all concepts of nationality and race and become one for the redemption and full development of Africa."
Thus spoke Dr. Thomas Jesse Jones at the Africa Missionary Conference, held under the auspices of the International Missionary Council, in Le Zoute, Belgium, from September 12th to 20th. The chairman 'was Dr. Donald .E'raser, a Scotch missionary, formerly in Livingstonia. The organizer was Mr. J. H. Oldham of London.
There were present government administrators, like Sir Frederick Lugard, late Governor General of Nigeria; M. Louis' Franck, late Secretary of State for the Colonies for Belgium; General de Meulemeestl;lr, ex-Governor of the Belgian Congo; Sir Edward Garraway, late Resident in Basutoland; the Hon. E. B. Denham, Colonial ~ecretary to Kenya Colony; Major Hanns Vischer, Secretary of the African Educational Committee of the British Colonial Office. They reported that the stage of development is now fully opened and governments see that central to the success of government is the development in health of body, and equipment of mind and in morale of the African himself.
There were also scholars, like Prof. Julius Richter of Berlin; Prof. Westermann, the great philologist of African languages and Director of the new International Institute of African Languages and Tribal Cultures; and the Rev. Edwin W. Smith, whose "Ila-Speaking Peoples of Northern Rhodesia" is already an anthropological classic; and Dr. T. Jesse Jones, famous for his leadership of the Phelps-Stokes Fund Commission of Enquiry on "Education in Africa. "
Negro leaders came from America, as well as Africa, men and women, educators and preachers, whose speeches and personal talks kept the members face to face with living realities. Missionaries and secretaries of Mission Boards came from different areas of Africa, representing numerous communions and many nations.
Specialist workers in the Moslem world included Bishop Gwynne of Egypt and the Sudan; Dr. S. M. Zwemer; and Miss Constance
Padwick, Secretary of the Christian Literature Council for Moslem Lands.
During the conference, with increasing clearness, there came into view the great movements and demands affecting all workers in Africa. All the European powers have discovered that the time has passed away when they need only occupy themselves with securing conditions of peace and order and facilities of transport and some revenue. The human wealth of Africa is seen to be the primary concern of government. As Sir Frederick Lugard putl it, the increasing acceptance of the principle underlying the League of Nations mandate conception will bring as great a change as was the abolition of slavery. One effect of thisjs that everywhere governments are entering the field of education, hitherto the almost exclusive field of missions, which are today responsible for over 90% of the education of Africans. Missions must reshape their policy to meet that new situation. The cooperation of missions with government in this sphere is most clearly exemplified in the formation by the British Colonial Office of its Permanent Advisory Committee on African Education: One of the questions under discussion was: Shall the native be African or belong to Western civilization ~ Shall he take a European Ohristianity or an African 7 The answer given was: Neither and both-he takes the Gospel through Western and through African hands from Christ. As to the races, we stand for differentiation of method and order of life, but identity of ideal and of communion with the Eternal God through Christ.
The resolutions adopted at Le Zoute, arising directly from the discussions in the sectional groups by men and women responsible in the field and in the home boards for putting them in practice, present in outline a coherent, practical policy of action which can in time profoundly influence for good the destinies of that continent and its peoples. These resolutions cover the great areas of influence in the life of the Africa of today and tomorrow-cvangelism, education, health and native welfare, land labor, woman, language and literature."
The resolution on education views native education in Africa as a cooperative undertaking, in which Government, missions, natives and the commercial community are concerned. After defining the sphere of government authority, and recommending a scheme of visiting teachers, and a revenue policy adequate to the elementary education of all native children, it proposes a curriculum related to the total life of the community, with character development based on religion covering all, and especially health, the building of a sound home life, and an informed use of recreation. It concludes with a • The Report of the Conference will be ready in a few weeks and can be obtained! by ordering from the International Missionary Conference, 2, Eaton GlLte, London, S. W. 1 at 3s. 6d.• or trom 25 Madison Avenue, New York, U. S. A.. at $1.
1926J EDITORIAL COMMRNTS
strong plea for a specifically religious education of the highest efficiency, including religious knowledge, its translation into ethical practice, and its relation to worship. In order that all this should be pursued in practice with the maximum speed and efficiency, a commission is proposed to survey the whole field of religious education in Africa.
A special committee, which has been considering the subject of American Negroes and Africa, reported that Negro preachers and teachers who meet the same tests as are applied to other missionaries should be encouraged to engage in missionary work in Africa, but due regard should be paid to the many delicate situations that might he created in certain areas as to their relation to white men and other Negro workers.
The members of the Conference saw clearly that throughout the whole range of the missions and the churches a new drawing upon the adequate power of Almighty God can alone carry through the tasks to which He has called them in Africa.
A WORLD STUDENT CONFERENCE AT PRINCETON T HE recent conference, called "~World Students and the Chris- tian Church,"* was, from several standpoints, of special in- terest to those related to the foreign missionary cause.
It was a student gathering, held under the auspices of the Continuation Committee of the Evanston Interdenominational Student Conference. Mr. Ralph F. Barton, a graduate student of the University of Missouri, the Executive Secretary of this committee, has taken the leadership in the promotion of this and other conferences. The invitations and general arrang.ements were in the hands of Mr. George Paik, a Korean, who is at present a graduate stude~t at Yale.
The attendance was limited to approximately forty 'American students, an equal number of foreign students, and about. twenty representatives of Mission Boards and other organizations of the Church. Representatives of the Boards, of the Y. M. C. A., and the Y. W. C. A., and of the Church addressed the conference, and took part in the discussions, but the actual control of the conference was in the hands of the students.
In a real sense it was a foreign student conference. Thirty-eight foreign students represented China, India, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. The Central Board of the Chinese Student Christian Association and the Executive Board of the Japanese Student Christian Association met immediately after the conference, and almost all of their officers were present during its sessions. One day was given to a discussion of the cultural background of the six national groups represented; another day to a consideration of the • Held at Princeton. New Jersey. September 10-16. 1926.
foreign students in America.t Students from Korea, Ohina and Japan presided at different sessions. At these sessions the vital part which foreign students can take in the work of the Church ill America and in their homelands, and the opportunities of service by American Christians for the nearly ten thousand students in this country were emphasized.
It was also a study conference. Its membership was limited ~o that there might be opportunity for free and full discussion. This is perhaps the first time that foreign and American students have been brought so closely and so informally into touch with the re- sponsible representatives of the work of the Ohurch, both at home and abroad, and have been given opportunity to question these rep- resentatives concerning all phases of the diversified program of the Ohurch. Some interesting opinions were expressed as to the type of missionaries that thould be sent to the homelands of these students and a list of qualifications, made up from the suggestions of the for- eign students included the following: Willingness" to play second fiddle"; teachableness; sympathy with and understanding of national culture and history of foreign countries; fairness in describing conditions abroad; good humor; absence of race prejudice; culture and well-rounded education; willingness to work with rather than for the natives; good health; outstanding character and personality; not narrow denominationalists; an understanding of social, economic and political problems; a possession of true Christian experience, not merely an "efficiency man" j loyalty to Christ and a belief in Him as Saviour.
Mter the foreign students had expressed themselves thus frankly about missionaries, they asked for an equally frank criticism of themselves by the American students and others present. The following points were made: Foreign students should be more true to their own culture; should know the historical and cultural background of their own countries; when they speak they should make clear that they are speaking as individuals and not as authorized spokesmen of their countries; they should try to share with American students their religion and life; they are often too aloof and too proud or too sensitive; Christian foreign students should try to influence other foreign students who are not Ohristians; some of their criticisms of missions and missionaries are not well founded and do harm to the missionary cause; some Ohristian foreign students do not have the courage to bear witness to Christ and to the work of His Church when these are under fire.
The foreign students expressed, by a rising vote, their appreciation of what the missionaries are doing for their countries, and the Mission Board representatives and American students, also, in a rising vote, expressed appreciation and gratitude for all that foreign students had brought to the life of A.merica and of the Church. Some misconceptions were cleared away and the conference was an t The background of information 1m' this discussion was su.pplied by the survey. caned "The Foreign Student in A merica," published last year by a Commission on Survey of Foreign Students, an expansion of the Friendly Relations Committee who have been pioneers in thi.s field.
IIJ26J EDITORIAL COMMENTS
illustration of the reciprocal benefits that come from following the scriptural injunction to "speak the truth in love."
The final impression of the conference was the essential unity among Ohristian students despite an obvious diversity. There was a steadily deepening consciousness of this unity of feeling and conviction in regard to the central truths and values to be found in Ohrist and in the service of humanity in His Name. The evening sessions were devoted to Bible study and to a consideration of some of the central messages of Ohristianity. Part of one evening session was given over to personal statements by individual students of what Ohrist meant to them, and another evening to what message Ohrist had for this generation in the solution of present-day world problems. The conception of the uniqueness and beauty and power of Ohrist to meet every need is always clarified and magnified by such testimony, and especially by the witness of those who have come out of strange and un-Ohristian environments into an appreciation of Christ and His gifts. The last session, when a communion service was held, was an expression of this oneness and fellowship. The six elders who took part in the sacrament were representatives of the six nations having delegates at the conference. In this Occidental setting a new meaning was given to the words of the Sage of the Orient, "All within the four seas are brothers." These words were verified and glorified through the word of another, so distinct during those days at Princeton, "One is your Master even Christ, and all ye are brethren.
W. R. WHEELER.
THE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY COUNCIL PROGRAM T HE meeting of the Committee of the International Missionary Council in Sweden in July had added significance in view of a thorough-going inquiry undertaken by the Committee as to whether there is a real program for the International Missionary Council. Does the Council command the resources, personal and group, that will enable it to maintain a level and a'standard that commend them to respect ~ The Council was the logical and, perhaps, the inevitable successor to the Continuation Committee of the Edinburgh Oonference of 1910. When the Oontinuation Oommittee ceased to function soon after the outbreak of the war, it was so essential that the growing missionary enterprise of the Ohristian churches of Europe and America should have some international coordinating body that, in 1921, the International Missionary Council came into being on a thoroughly representative basis. There have been two meetings of the Oouncil, and three of its Committee.
At the recent meeting of the Oommittee of the Council opportunity was given for a thorough inquiry as to its program. The reports of the executive officers revealed very important contacts
which they were maintaining, of real advantage to the Boards at the home base and to the indigenous Churches growing up in mis- sion fields. Among these contacts was the British Advisory Committee on Education in Africa, which is working in collaboration with important interests in the United States and Belgium.
Another important contact of the Council, through its executive officers, was that formed with the International Institute of African Languages and Cultures, with obvious advantage to missions in placing at their command the most expert counsel in the world, and of large advantage to Africa in mobilizing those who understand it.
Furthermore, the Council, through its officers, is making a study of the organization and administration of union institutions in different countries, with a view to making this information available in a field of very important mission administration in union movements. The place of women in the Church on the mission field, a question which is arousing much interest in Asia, as in America; and also that other question of much importance-student migrations-are receiv- ing careful study on the part of the officers of the Council. Dr. Mott, the chairman of the committee, brought to the gathering the results of a recent journey to mission fields in the Pacific Basin, during which journey he had visited Japan, Korea, China, the Philippines, Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, Australia and New Zealand.
These services which the Council, through its officers, is render- ing to the missionary cause, made it clear that it had a real program.
Among the important elements in that program in the im- mediate future, the Committee emphasized the following: Spiritual Vitality, The Presentation of the Christian Message in Relation to non-Christian Faiths, Enlisting the New Generation, Enlisting the Service of Laymen, Christian Education, Devolution Problems of Indigenous Churches and Christian Literature.
Another important decision was with reference to the next meet- ing of the Council. Because of the growing strength of the churches in ARia and Africa and the nature of the problems to be faced it was felt desirable to meet somewhere in Asia, where representatives of the rising Churches in the Orient and those of the sending Churches in the West might come face to face and take up their common problems. Jerusalem was selected as the logical place, where three con- tinents converge, the common home of all the Christian groups of the world, and on the continent where the problems of the younger Churches are most acute. The membership of this next Council meeting was fixed at not to exceed 200, including the members of the Council, an equal number of representatives from the indigenous· Churches and a limited group of specialists. The main themes of the Council meeting are to be those mentioned above; the time of the meeting is to be the Easter season of 1928. w. I. c.
A GROUP OF COUNTRY PEOPLE; TAKEN NEAR COVENAS. COLOMBlc4
Does South America Need Missionaries?
BY REV. THOMAS E. BARBER, MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA SOME people, not familiar with the facts, tllink of South Amer- ica as already Christian, so that there is little or no need for Evangelical missionary work in these republics. It is very true that not all South Americans are ignorant and pagan. On the contrary many in the beautiful and attractive, modern cities, and in rural regions, are equal in culture, breadth of knowledge, and progressive ideas, to those in similar occupations in any land. They take important part in international counsels and are gaining world recognition as leaders of modern thought and progress. But this is also true of modern India, Japan, China and other countries that are generally recognized as proper mission territory.
Does South America then need missionaries 1 We must remember that most of the great Indian population is still as pagan as when the Spaniards first landed there. They are neglected and ignorant. They need missionaries. They are able to learn and the lives of many are transformed as truly by the Gospel as is the case among other peoples. Parents long to have their children have an opportunity to learn. These poor, unlettered Indians sometimes stand before a missionary with sad faces and show their children, earnestly asking that a teacher be sent to them. During past centuries little has been done either by the Roman Catholic Church 849 2
or the State for them, and nothing adequate is being done for them now.
Many leading citizens of South America who are Roman Catholics, and even priests in good standing in this same church, recognize this need for evangelical missionaries.
One day an ex-president of Colombia said to me: "A great part of our people are only half civilrzed and they are afraid of the Protestants and persecute them because they do not know them and their teachings. They are ignorant and superstitious and know no better. The missionaries need to come more in contact with the people, especially in the smaller towns, and when the people know them and their teachings about Christ and the Bible, then they will lose their fanaticism and respect the Protestants."
A prominent business man made the following statement: " We lleed you Protestants and your work. You teach the Bible and our priests do not. Our priests are so ignorant that they do not know the BibJe."
A prominent lawyer on being approached by the missionary about some business matters said: "I shall gladly render to you any service I can without charge because you missionaries are doing something to help our country. You strive to educate and uplift whereas our priests tyrannize and keep the people in ignorance."
A young Colombian recently graduated from an institution in the United States said: "Mr. Barber, when you tell me of the persecutions you missionaries sufier, and the conditions among these mountains it makes me think of the missionaries I used to hear tell of their work in India and China and the conditions there when I was a student in the United States."
We might add thousands of testimonies of the parents from all walks of life who send their children to Evangelical schools. The poor in the multitude of towns say: "Come to us; send us ministers and teachers to help us."
Such requests are too numerous to be counted, and come to us frequently. Our :first missionaries went to the cities of Bogota and Barranquilla, because of urgent appeals made to the Mission Board by pr:ominent citizens.
The majority of Catholic priests in these South American republics are not only opposed to Protestantism, but they bitterly oppose the open Bible. Every year there are numerous examples of persecutions toward both the nationals and the missionaries. I have been arrested twice this year for selling the Bible, the charge being that the Bible is an immoral book. In one case the mayor of the town refused to take the responsibility to decide against the priest who had brought the charges, and appealed to the governor of the state who at once replled declaring the Bible to be a good book. There was no attempt on the part of officials to inflict punish-
DOES SOU'fU AMERICA NEED MISSIONARIES!
ment in these instances but jails and prisons have often opened their doors to receive Evangelicals whom the priests accused only of selling the sacred Scriptures to the people. Bibles have often been confiscated and burned, even as late as 1925.
One priest, who has been for several years friendly toward me and who is a graduate of the Catholic Seminary of Medellin, perhaps the best in Colombia, told me that they had taught him only a little of their philosophy, a little of their theology, and batred toward all other beliefs. Today they are teaching the same. He said that when he -was graduated he was a poor, innocent young man who knew nothing. He had tried for over forty years to preach the Gospel but during all that time he had never read the Gospel. The first time INDIAN GIRLS AND WOMEN IN CENTRAL AMERICA (GUATEMALA) The shawls and dresses are all of bright colors and the Christian women look happy.
he ever read the Bible was when he purchased a copy from one of our colporteurs. It seemed so good that he purchased four more and gave them to other priests.
An ex-priest, Roldan, left the Roman Catholic Chureh in the year 1922, and united with the E:vangelical Church at Dabeiba in the year 1923. Later he gave up a position with a comfortable income in order to establish a school in a mountain region where there were no means whereby the children might receive an education. Last January the bishop of that diocese sent one of his most prominent priests with a letter signed by the bishop and more than thirty priests beseeching Roldan to return to the "mother church." On arriving at the house the messenger said: "Father Roldan, the bishop has sent me to take you back to the Church."
Roldan replied: "That is impossible, but come in and we will
talk about it. " When the man entered the house Roldan said to him: •'What does the Second Commandment say?" The priest pulled from his pocket a New Testament which he had borrowed in Dabeiba and began turning its leaves. Roldan said: "What are you looking forT" "Looking for the Ten Commandments," was the reply. "Man, " said Roldan, ' ,You are just as ignorant as I was before I 10ft the Church of Rome!" The following day Roldan met two other priests of Dabeiba and all showed the same lack of knowledge.
The spirit of intolerance toward Evangelicals was shown last February when I was visiting a number of preaching places of the Medellin station in company with the national minister of the Medellin church. As we were nearing the town of Segovia and while descending into a narrow valley two men and seven or eight young women of the poorer class began shouting, "Here come the Protestants! The devils are here." At the same moment we noticed a priest coming at full gallop towards us and shouting: "Down with the Protestants! Down with the heretics, .the followers of Luther. Hurrah for'the Pope and the holy Virgin!"
We waited for this priest to arrive and then greeted him cordially, allowing him and his followers to take the lead. On arriving at the town the priest called out to the people on both sides of the street: "Here are the wolves I Look at the wolves! Beware of the wolves I" At the public square he shouted: "May they give you nothing to eat, for yourselves or your horses." The people, already knowing us, became indignant over his behavior, and our meetings were larger than ever. What would have been the result if the town had been fanatical like so many of the townspeople1 Among the more enlightened priests many respect the Evangelicals and are very friendly. Righteous lives and enlightenment are winning the admiration and love of those who were formerly enemies; so that now they are not only friendly, but have become helpers.
Missionaries are urgently needed in South America. We must take into consideration the vast untouched areas, as pagan today as when the first white man set foot on these western continents. There are vast regions over which the Roman Catholic Church has had complete sway for more than four centuries, that today report appalling statistics of illiteracy, illegitimacy and poverty. Ought not Christians in the more fortunate lands count it all joy to have the blessed privilege of lending a helping hand to them and to rise up and take the message of Christ's Truth and Freedom to them?
South America needs Evangelical missionaries, because South America needs to know and to obey the Word of God.
Western Front of World
BY REV. CHARLES HATCH SEARS, D.D., NEW YORK General Seeretary of the New York City Baptist Mission Society " T IFE is a festival only to the wise," says Emerson. "Seen L from the nook and chimneyside of prudence it wears a ragged and dangerous front. Our culture, therefore, must !lot omit the arming of the man. The commonwealth and his own well-being require that he should not go dancing in the weeds of peace. . . . 'l'oward all this external evil the man within the breast ,1 ssumes a warlike attitude."
·World missions today "wears a ragged and dangerous front." '1'0 face it requires what Emerson calls, "a military attitude of the soul" to which he gives the name of heroism.
'Ve do not face closed doors, or armies, or open persecution, save only in a few restricted areas, but we face a new intellectual con-· fiict waged against all religions. We face a cynical disregard of Christianity because it has taken itself so lightly. We face, in the East, the renaissance of old world religions and the denial of the superiority of Christianity.
In Europe, we face a new alliance between a religion of ceremony and sacrament and political expediency and coercion, particularly in Italy.
In the great world-wide, interdenominational missionary conference which was held in ·Washington last January, the minor note, perhaps it might even be called the motif, was an exceedingly serious note-as though the modern foreign mission movement in its first one hundred and ten years had passed through the period of confident youth and had emerged into the disillusionment of age. There was no note of uncertain religious faith; no uncertainty about the Great Commission. It is one of the discoveries of modern missions. There was no doubt of the vindication of the great venture of foreign missions, a vindication in ten thousand thousand lives transformed through the century. In the words of Dr. John B. McLaurin, of India, spoken at this conference: "The transformation of the individual in Jesus Christ is not only the basis, but also is the vindication of all that we are doing tl).rough Him, and that He is doing through us throughout the world today."
Why then this minor strain7 I found the answer in the terrific reaction of the West upon the East during the past ten years. What we are in the West thunders so loud that they cannot hear what our missionaries say.
Listen to the words of Christian leaders of many lands, spoken at Washington. Hear their indictment of the West. "In the old 853
days a heavy curtain hung between the East and the West," said Bishop Brent. "Now times have changed; the veil is torn down. The Orient knows only too well how the people in the churches of the West are living, and how many of them are betraying the Gospel that is being proclaimed to the yellow and brown and black races."
A native Christian leader of India, Professor John Jesudason Cornelius said, "Never has there been a time in human history so critical and so challenging. At no time was western civilization so much discredited in the Orient, as today. The West and the East have become closely intertwined through commercial and territorial expansion. Such expansion has really made the practice of Christ's principles almost impossible. Once the East had great confidence in the West, but, alas! now she is mentally armed against the West."
"The Oriental mind of today," said Dr. Kirk, of Baltimore, after an extended trip in the Orient, "is dominated by a spirit of intense criticism of all things Western."
We see a peculiar expression of this in the reaction of the Chinese ,students. The words of Bishop Herbert Welch, of Tokyo, spoken of course before the recent unfortunate events in China, are significant: "On the other hand one finds in the Far East an opposition to Christianity which, while not altogether new, has some recent and disagreeable developments. Take, for instance, the movement among the Chinese students of higher schools, not merely anti-religious in general but anti-Christian in particular, an opposition belligerent and determined, led by members of the faculties of universities, and based upon the belief that Christianity means militarism and capitalism, which systems they do not desire to have fastened upon their own land."
What they understand by industrialism is revealed by an advertisement which Miss Margaret Burton reported that she had seen in a Chinese newspaper: "The profits of the – – – factory again surpassed $1,000,000. For the past two years it has been running night and day with scarcely any intermission. The number of hands employed is 2,500 and the following is the wage table per day: Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 to 25 cents Women ………………………………. 10 to 15 cents Boys (about 15 years) ………………….. 10 to 15 cents Girls (about '1& years) …………………. 5 to 10 cents Small boys (about 10) …………………. 5 to 10 cents Small girls (about. 10) ……………….. 3% to 5 cents "The working hours are from 5: 30 A. M. to 5: 30 P. M., and from 5: 30 P. M. to 5: 30 A. M. No meals are supplied by the factory." The advertisement continues: "It will be seen that the company is in an exceptionally favorable position, with an abundant and absurdly cheap labor supply to draw on, and no vexatious factory laws to observe."
Can we wonder that India prefers old-time hand work rather than new-time factory production' Here we see the "law of supply
THE WESTERN FRONT OF WORLD MISSIONS
and demand" in vicious operation with human labor dealt with as a commodity.
Dr. Goodsell, of Turkey, after referring to an interesting interview with a high-minded Turkish editor, said: "Turkey looks to America and says: 'Your charity is fine; your passion for freedom is glorious; your strength is unmeasured; but I do not see that religion plays much part in your life. Look at your public scandals; look at the way you treat the negroes; look at your industrial injustices.' " . . . From this and from her own experience, Turkey has drawn the conclusion: "We can expect no help from religion, from any religion, in the rebuilding of our national life."
In speaking of the effect of America's treatment of her internal problems, Bishop Welch, of Tokyo, said, "I am bound to say that this immigration question, touching not simply the admission of aliens but the treatment of aliens after they are admitted, has a very direct connection with the progress of Christianity in the Orient."
Recently I heard Professor Paul Monro, of Teachers College, who has spent much time for several years in Europe and in Asia, say that until a few years ago the East admitted that Christianity had one great superiority over other religions, the position and character of Western women as compared with Eastern women, but Professor Monro said, all this has now changed and the change has been brought about within five or six years by the introduction of American movies in cities and villages throughout the Near East and the East. There is no censorship and the worst type of films from America are used. These films have entirely changed the attitude of the East to Western women. They have lost their respect for American women and Christianity has been robbed of one of its acknowledged points of advantage over Eastern religions.
Now the East is making a fresh attempt to evaluate Christianity as a religion, and to dissociate it from Western civilization. In this lies the hope of Christianity in so far as the East is concerned. Christians of the East are making a determined effort to disentangle Christianity not only from 'Western civilvzation, but from Western theological interpretations, and to establish in their own lands a Christian Church true to their own interpretations, and under their own leadership.
At the Washington Conference reiterated reference was made to the need of planting an indigenous Church in every land. Dr. Tucker, of Tokyo, said, "It must be a church led and maintained by their own people. I do not think that Japan is ever going to be influenced by a Christianity that is under foreign leadership." Chinese Baptists in South China have already taken steps to- establish indigenous Chinese Baptist churches under their own leadership and progressively with their own resources.
What about this attack from the East1 Why this recoil of for-
eign missions ~ Having entered the foreign mission enterprise with high idealism, we are not a little shocked by such a reaction from the East. We must admit the glaring discrepancies between the Gospel which the missionaries preach and the civilization which the Oriental student sees, for example, in New York City. And what a discrepancy there is between this Gospel and the civilization which the moving picture films carry back to the cities and villages. of the East!
These American cities are not altogether American-made; they are not true exponents of American ideals. Our historic policy of an open door to oppressed peoples and our wholesale immigration have helped to create a situation which has had much to do with this indictment of the West by the East. Moreover, there are scores of industries in our cities that are under the almost sole control of individuals or racial groups which in no sense represent American culture and certainly not American Protestant standards.
But in submitting this defense we are compelled to admit that there are large racial groups in America which have not been won to Protestant standards or ideals or even ever seriously approached. This fact alone accounts in part for the terrific impact of the West upon the East and the serious setback to the world cause of Christianity.
Can we defend the Christian Church against the charge of grqss neglect? If it is really true that Christianity has in it the potency of a world religion; a religion that we try to impress upon the Chinese, Indians, and Japanese; has not t4at religion the power to transform individuals and win the assent of large groups of other races here in America, which is regarded as the home of Protestant Chris tiani ty?
"Ve have failed to Christianize, in America, great sections of our population and thereby have failed to preserve our historic Protestant foundations. As a result these New Americans have introduced a new culture and new standards and have succeeded in displacing, at least in considerable areas of the country, older American standards. We are, therefore~ compelled to confess failure at this point.
Can we doubt that had the Protestant churches of America set themselves to the task of winning these foreign groups as they came in successive racial waves during each of the three decades before the World War, that they might have been won? If we had won during the last generation in America, we would not today be facing such a lamentable situation in China, India, and Japan.
We may riot through our missionary societies meet the issue raised in scores of college classrooms, by the attack of college professors and students upon Christianity and the Christian Church. Why may not teachers in high schools and colleges, familiar with the intellectual problems of youth and familiar with educational methods
THE WESTERN FRON'l' 0]<' WORLD MISSIONS
and conclusions, join with Christian ministers in giving a sympathetic interpretation of Christian experience and the power of religion in the lives of men ~ Because unscrupulous Americans have regarded motion pictures as a commercial industry, instead of a tremendously powerful ally of education, the children of the East are being demoralized and Western womanhood is being defamed.
Our losses have also been great in the field of industry and international politics. The Church has no right to mark out the way for industry, but it has a right to say" This way thou shalt not go." "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possesseth, " and again, "Ye are of more value than many sparrows." The little ten-year-old girls working twelve hours a day or night for three and one half cents in China are of more value than dividends.
There are areas of the conflict that are the peculiar field of missionary agencies. Any world conflict must be decided by the character of its forces. There has been disastrous loss of effective Protestant forces through the constant shifting of population in the great cities. Weare losing on this Western Front of the world conflict because of our failure to recruit our forces in the newer resident areas, particularly the suburban areas, and to set for them a specific challenging world missionary task. If we set ourselves seriously, both workers and donors, to recruiting our forces in the suburbs of our greater city, to holding forces already won, we could double our efficiency in ten years, and increase our impact on world missions one hundred per cent.
Again, it is peculiarly a missionary task to establish indig~nous churches in polyglot American communities. Na one can doubt that the Protestant Church might have had great influence upon the Irish immigration of the '70s and '80s when the Irish were New Americans before they had become our natural city rulers. But we lost this battle, in so far as the Protestant Church is concerned, and lost it here on the Western Front.
Christianity lost in Asia Minor, the field of its early victories, and in North Africa, where it raised up such leaders as Augustine. because it was more interested in disputations within the ranks of the Church than in decisive victories outside. While fighting secondary issues they lost the great battle. Shall this be true of Ameri- {'an Christianity1 Can we doubt that decisive issues are being determined here; that America is not a secondary front in this worJ<:l Christian conflict? The ability of Christianity to qualify as a world relig~on is being determined by results here in America. Here, during the first half of the twentieth century, will be found the decisive battleground of our religion. Christianity cannot become a world conqueror until it conquers at home.
A Notable Conversion from
BY A MISSIONARY IN PERSIA CONVERSIONS from Islam deserve special attention. Dr. Zwemer's book, '''l'he Law of Apostasy in Islam," gives a good idea of the conditions facing anyone who dares to deny Islam and profess any other faith. But we have sufficient results to prove the value of Christian propaganda even in Islam. Most of our converts are Nicodemuses and come to see Jesus under cover of dark, for to profess in the light is the equivalent of signing a death warrant for themselves, giving away their property to zealots as well as exposing their family to the possibility of being taken as slaves. These gentle ideas and practices are fully taught and explained in the theological book, "Agied Us Shia," or "Beliefs of the Shia 'so "
Recently we have been greatly cheered by the appearance of a Paul, a man who seems to have been struck with a heavenly vision, to which he is not disobedient. Mir J awad needs some introduction to be properly understood. He is a Sayyid (descendant of the Prophet Mohammed), belonging to one of the best families in Tabriz. He was educated according to the best Moslem traditions so that he has been a Professor in a Moslem School of Theology for several years and has few equals in mastery of Arabic and the Islamic code of Jaws. He is wealthy, owning parts of three villages and having also other sources of income. Knowing these things you can appreciate him better. Last autumn, lie chanced to be passing our church as thl! Sunday service was beginning and came in to hear what it was that the Christians had to talk about. Rabi Stephan, our local evangelist, preached a sermon on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Mir Jawad in his classes had often debated Christianity vs. Islam but had always gotten his material from Islamic quotations and was therefore surprised to hear the type of material used. He came to several other meetings and then asked for private conferences. About a month after our first meeting, he cast a spell over us by getting up in a meeting where several Moslems were present, confessing Jesus Christ as his Saviour and calling upon the other men there to be fair with their consciences and face a decision, join him and consecrate themselves to making Christ known in Islam. He followed this by leading in prayer at our regular prayer meeting service three days later.
Now by Islamic law, under a provision known as "Nani Az Munkir" or "Preventing one denying Islam," it is possible in extreme cases to call a man up before a court and have him take an oath. When news of these two things came to official ears, Mir Jawad was called before the Court of (so-caUed) Justice and ordered 858 to take an oath on the Koran that he was a Moslem. He replied by taking off his Sayyid's hat, producing a copy of the Koran and a book of Moslem ethics and turning them over to the court, as he said, "I no longer wish to be known as a Sayyid or a Moslem for I have become a follower of Jesus Christ." He left the place, bought a new hat and came right to church for it was Sunday morning.
Then things moved fast. Some men came to me advising against having any communication with the man, for they thought a riot was going to follow if the fellow persevered in his madness. The next day Mir Jawad sent for Rabi Stephen and myself and asked for baptism. We replied that we did not have the authority to give him OHRISTIAN COLPORTEUR DISTRIBUTING LITERATURE IN PERSIA the right at once, but he said that it made no difference for true baptism was from within and by the Spirit and that regardless of the external right,he was going to preach Christ as best he could. We warned him of the danger and he replied, "I know Islam and its spirit better than you can ever know it, and I have fully counted the cost. If not today, then tomorrow they will kill me, but I have this request to make of you-that you will find my body and bury it in a Christian cemetery." This he repeated thrice, for there is a tradition to the effect that even a proselyte from Islam may be raised a Moslem in the next life, if he is buried with Moslems in a Moslem cemetery. Mir Jawad wanted in this way to show his absolute severing of all hopes in Islam. After a prayer, he went out.
The next day was the first day of mourning for the death of Fatima, Mohammed's daughter. This mourning lasts three days and consists in huge gangs going through the streets, beating them-
selves with chains, other gangs singing weird tunes and beating their breasts while others go to other excesses of fanaticism. Shortly before noon, a man came in to tell me that he had just been down in the Rasta Bazaar, one of the most crowded places in the city, where all the gangs pass, and he had seen Mir J awad get up before the gangs and call out, "You cannot find salvation this way. Salvation comes only through Jesus Ohrist." Now it behooves me to interpose another item-for Mir Jawad has four mosques in his control and these many years he has incited men to go out ana. mourn just the custom that he now decried. A mob had collected and carried him out of the ba:zaar. Hearing this, Rabi Stephen and I set off to find him. As we got down into the bazaar and met the gangs shouting with hoarse voices and reeking with sweat, raising their arms in unison and then bringing their open palms down with heavy thuds against their bare chests, a mass of ignorant fanatics ruling supreme, I confess that I would have been scared stiff to stand up and witness for Jesus Christ-and I had nothing to lose of either goods or reputation. But this one-month-old Christian with everything 10 lose had a.courage which beggared mine.
We traced him for a way, till we found he had been taken to tho police station. They accused him of fomenting a riot and said: "Everyone says you are insane." His reply was a gem of wit and satire: "It's a strange day when I am called crazy by those who spend three days beating themselves for a woman who died thirteen hundred years ago." He was sent home under guard and confined in his own cellar for two days. Now began his trials at home, for they threatened him by confiscating all his wealth as per the rights of the law of apostasy, They would serve his food separately, washing all the dishes three times so as not to let the contamination spread-in truth it pays to be a blasphemer here for you get your dishes well washed at any rate. But these seemed to be the least 'of his worries and the first time he was free, he came to the church to see us; en route he began to speaking with some men and read them out of the New Testament.
Two police caught him, beat him with their fists-and Meer Javad enjoyed the hospitality of the jail for a day and night.
The man's absolute fearlessness has been astounding and never before in Tabriz has there been such a general surprise. He has not feared to go right up to the highest Mujtaheed or ecclesiastic in Azerbaijan, and by him was invited to sit down and talk. Mir J awad replied: "1 have not come for a social meeting, but to tell you that we Moslem leaders have fooled the people long enough and· it's time that we now teach them the truth about God. You say that you are a Moslem and that there is no higher authority than you in Azerbai-
1926J A NOTABLE CONYERSIOK FROM ISLAM
jan. Then fulfil your duty and teach the people the Koran, for I know that if they are given a chance to know what is in the Koran, they too, like me, will see that it points to Jesus Christ."
Some men in the room began to revile Mir J awad and call him names such as "Blasphemer, Heretic, Liar, etc.," and speaking to them all he said, "Let your consciences judge as to where the truth lies-in Islam with its intolerance and oppression and abundant musings or in such words as 'Blessed is the man who-sitteth not in the seat of the scornful,' and the words of Jesus, '1 say unto you, he that calleth his brother a fool is in danger of hell fire.''' The attendants at the door pushed him out.
I shall not soon forget a phrase he used in a prayer last week: "Thou hast taught us to pray, 'Give us this day our daily bread' and that satisfies us but though Thy Spirit be given us immeasurably we shall still be in need of more."
1 might multiply incidents, for to me they are fascinating. The example of courage, sincerity and consecration has worked a transformation in our feeble faith and it gives a new determination and assurance in our message of Truth. Perhaps to you it sounds like a common occurrence, for in the telling all such things lose interest, but in recording it, I feel as Luke must have felt in writing down the Acts of the Apostles, witnessing the making of the history of the power and wisdom of God.
I write all this because I am asking for your prayers. I am not losing sight of the fact that there is an equally great demand for prayer and work at home. I think the difference between your work and mine may be summed up in this way-that your responsibility is to work among individuals who are trying to destroy a good system while our job is to work to overcome a system which is destroying good people. However unequal may seem the start-one Sayyid and a few missionaries with a small handful of converts, yet never was a struggle staged which had a more certain result. Islam is breaking up. If the small group of Christians will stick sincerely to the armaments mentioned in Ephesians, the sixth chapter, it will not be long before Persia will be confessing Jesus as Lord. Pray earnestly and intelligently-that is why 1 write thus at length.
SUPPLEMENTARY LETTER OF JANUARY 4, 1926 I want you to share in our last meeting of the Week of Prayer in the Tabriz Churc]1. The topic for Saturday night was, "The duty of the Evangelical Church in Tabriz Towards Islam." The meeting was led by three men who two months ago had never made the least profession of anything but Islam. After a hymn and a prayer, I introduced the first speaker, M– M– A–, a student of theology in one of the schools in the city where they create mollahs. I had known the fellow only five days but during the meetings pre-
vious he had twice asked permission to speak, so I gave him liberty without knowing what he was going to say. Had not Mir Jawad, our fiery and untiriug witness to the truth of "life more abundant," invaded the school where this fellow was studying and there preached a sermon, we would never have known this student. But seeing the fearlessness of Mir J awad, he came around the next morning to see us and has been on the bench ever since.
M– M– A–'s talk was exactly to the point. "I haven't come here to look at the walls, or see good carpets or to see people for I can find far more elsewhere. I have come because I am searching for Salvation. If I found it in Islam I would not have needed to come here. Perhaps I shall yet find it in Islam. If so, then I shall expose the emptiness of the claims of Christianity. But if on the other hand, I find that there is proof in the lives of Christians that the teaching of Christ is true and He can vivify a dead soul, then I shall try to find in Him that same power. But it is the duty of this Church to so live that I may find living witness of that truth. For I am not a:lone. There are many who are earnest seekers after God and unless the Christians make their lives tally with their claims in Jesus, many will never take the trouble to give the New Testament a chance. .I cannot believe that God would leave His creation without guidance and power for a pure life. If Islam cannot give that to me, then perhaps Christianity can. But you must prove it before I will be willing to accept your claims."
If one of us missionaries had written his speech for him, we could not have made a more direct appeal.
Next came M- A- K-, a son of a wealthy Guron who is a 111ursheed in the city for his section. This fellow has been clamoring for baptism for a month and it has been all that Rabi Stephan and I can do to hold him back from creating a riot in our meetings by his unequivocal statements concerning the falsity of Islam and the need for Christ. He too is a student of the Sayyid, for though we knew him long before the Sayyid ever came to us, he had never evinced much courage or more than passing interest. Now he is a regular Jeremiah-nowhere near as deep and thoughtful or as dignified as the Sayyid, but nevertheless very sincere and well educated. He spoke on the condition of Christianity at the rise of Islam-its superstitions, its immorality, its ritualism and its departure from almost every essential doctrine. No wonder that Islam had then rejected it. But Islam does witness to some of its truths and by attesting to the name of "Jesus," Islam unwittingly approves of His mission, for though the Moslems do not know it, "Esa" or "Jesus," means "God is our Salvation." Whereas the Koran cbanges the names of Alexander the Great and other characters, it accepts the name "Esa," thereby recording its acceptance of His mission as a Saviour. from God. Wherefore it is high time for Christians to wake
A NOTABLE CONVERSION FROM ISLAM
up, cleanse their practices and beliefs so as to be in accordance with Jesus. When that is done, there are many in Islam who will accept Him. M- A- K- closed with reading Matthew 7, where it says, "And in that day many will say, 'Lord, Lord'-and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you. He that doeth the will of my Father in Heaven-shall enter into the Kingdom."
The third speaker was Mir Jawad. When I mentioned his name and he arose in his place, there was silence such as our church rarely finds. He is tall, thin and about 35 years old, with a very dignified air, but withal he speaks in a very gentle voice and there is no blow or gush about him at all. Rabi Stephan had asked him to speak on "What I have found in Christianity that satisfies me, which was lacking in Islam." He answered, "I am willing to do that but it will only breed hatred. That placard on the wall says God Is Love and if I go about angering people, then I am no child of God."
So. he had free rein to speak as he willed. Though he has only read three. gospels and about four chapters in John (for he reads them very thoroughly and studies them slowly), he quotes very fully and a statement of the verses he employed really outline his talk. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness . . . God is a Spirit and they who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. . . . The Word was God (that is, Jesus Christ) . . . . Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." He closed with a simple statement, "It's my obligation to let people know the truth about the Messiah, as I have witnessed in the bazaars, in my home and in the Hijras of the principal ecclesiastics in Tabriz."
With a prayer the meeting closed. Never has my heart beat so long or so loud at a continual sitting as during the hour and a half that we were there. For three Persians to get up in a Christian church and witness as boldly before an audience of 140 people, many of whom were Moslems, is an unprecedented thing. Weare writing the Twenty-Ninth Chapter of the" Acts of the Apostles."
Just a word or two as to the reactions. Mr. Gifford says that he never had sensed such an impressive witness as the Sayyid gave. Miss Beaber wrote me, "Is it a dream1" and Mrs. Jessup said forcefully: "That man evinces a spirituality and a comprehension of the heart of Christ as very few people in America do-and of which even we missionaries often fall short."
"Ve have had to go into bigger quarters for our Friday meetings.
P. S.-8ince these letters were written, so much excitement has been stirred up in Persia over these conversions from Islam that the Persian Government has made it a matter of protest to the State Department at W·ashington. Mir Jawad has also been spirited away by his family to a village where his preaching soon had the people in commotion. Pray for these Moslems who have seen and have followed the True Light and who are persecuted for righteousness' sake; also for the missionaries in Persia and for the Persian Government and misguided religious Ieaders.-EDITOR.
Confer in
Dr. Samuel M. Zwemer's Visit to the Persian Missions O NE of the notable events in the history of missions in Persia was the All-Persia Inter-Mission Conference, held in Tehe- ran, August 1-8, 1926. From May until August Dr. and Mrs. S. M. Zwemer traveled back and forth across the country, covering more than 4,500 miles by automobile, and holding station conferences at ten centers. The culmination was a conference in Teheran, where nearly llfty British and American missionaries and Christian Persian leaders gathered to sum up the findings of other conferences and to plan for the future.
In the beautiful, newly-finished building of the American Col- Jege at Teheran, the delegates met and enjoyed intimate fellowship with the Bishop of Persia and Persian converts from Islam. British, Americans, Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, and Persians ate and talked and laughed together, in spite of the heat, and there they flccomplished a remarkable amount of work in eight days.
Beginning with an inspiring address by Dr. Zwemer on leadership, a series of papers followed on such subjects as The Occupation of Persia, Cooperation, Christian Literature, Missions and the Persian Government, Islam in Persia Today, the Presentation of the Christian Message to Persian Moslems, and the Training of Missionary and Native 'Workers. Some of the most valuable papers were contributed by Persian Christians. Dr. Sa~ed Khan, a Kurd eonverted many years ago and a prominent physician of Teheran, summed up in two able papers the results of forty years of study of two of the heretical sects of Persian Islam-the Bahais and the Ahl-e Haqq. The last-named sect is so strikingly similar to Christianity in many respects that one wonders whether it was not Christian in origin and later, under the oppressive power of Islam, was forced to hide its light. The sect has perhaps a million adherents who, hitherto practically untouched by Christian missions, offer a special challenge to Christians to give them the full truth.
In considering the occupation of the field, the conference found that there are reasons for rejoicing, but that whole areas are still untouched so far as a continuous proclamation of the Gospel is concerned. The Urumia section, so terribly devastated in the war, is now slowly being rehabilitated, and missions there, once almost entirely confined to Oriental Christians, are now devoted largely to Moslems, both in city and in itineration work. For fifteen years no missionary in Urumia has learned a strictly Christian language. In Dr. Zwemer's public meetings there he spoke to a larger number of Moslems than in any other city. Baffling problems of occupation 864
1l!26 J MISSIONAlUES CONFER IN PERSIA
face the missions in trying to care for more than a thousand miles of the Persian Gulf littoral, which has long been neglected. Among the rapidly increasing population in the oil-fields of southwest Persia, no missionary is now at work. There is also a rich and populous province along the Caspian, to which only an occasional missionary tour has been made. The million or more of nomads present a special problem for settled missionary work. Among them are the Bakhtiaris, recently made famous in America in the motion picture "Grass."
Church of England and American Presbyterian missionaries, :who form the great majority of workers in Persia, stood for cooperat.ion along every line. One of the high points of the conference was a passionate appeal for the unity of the Church of Christ in Persia, THE ALL-PERSIA INTER-MISSION CONFERENCE OF 1926 greatly desired by the Persians. themselves. Upon the missionaries lies the responsibility to do nothing to prevent the consummation of this unity. The conference motto was" All One in Christ Jesus."
The neglect of the missions to provide Christian literature in the vernacular"'has been a serious loss. All the available literature consists of about seventy books and pamphlets, among which there are but three tiny books on moral problems. There is a growing Christian Church in Persia, and yet only three Christian books and four pamphlets on the spiritual life are in existence. An intermission committee is already hard at work to meet this need as fast us manuscripts and money can be provided.
Christian converts from Islam in Persia have as yet no status in Persian law, and when ecclesiastical pressure is exerted, persecution still occurs, but the Persian people are naturally courteous and tolerant, and as a result the Christian Church has made progress 3
hardly to be equalled in any other Moslem land. The conference urged the forward-looking people of Persia to work towards full religious liberty and proper rights for Ohristians.
Bahaism, which has a few converts in America, still has many adherents in Persia, but it is on the wane and no longer appeals so much either to Moslems or to Persian Jews.
Two remarkable papers were read by young Persian Christians on how best to present the Gospel to non-Ohristians. They pointed out clearly the relative places of the missionary and the native worker in this task, showing that the missionary, because of special study, often knows Islam better, but that the native knows the Moslem. They urged missionaries and PersIan Ohristians to go forward together, "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder until the Ohurch of Ohrist stands alone."
The delegates to the conference, and the Missions which they represent, pledged themselves to a program of cooperation and aggressive evangelism so that the conference is certain to mark a new GPoch in' the building up of the Ohristian Ohurch in Persia. If the motto of the conference was Unity, its keynote was Hope, and it was with new hope and enthusiasm that those attending the conference went back to their widely-scattered stations.
W. N. WYSHAM.
ANew Enterprise in Mesopotamia BY REV. JAMES GANTINE, D.D., BAGHDAD, IRAQ .n..ANTIQUITY and Mesopotamia are two words that seem well suited to each other. Nineveh, Babylon, Ur, the Garden of Eden take our thoughts at once to this Land Between the Rivers. Old civilizations, the beginnings of the oldest arts, sciences and religions have their roots in this soil. But newness seems somewhat out of place in this so-called" Oradle of the Human Race. " And yet there are new enterprises here, and among the newest is one in mission policy. The United Mission in Mesopotamia differs, I think, from other missions in that while it is a well-rounded-out body, functioning on the field as do other missions, yet it is composed of workers from different denominations, supported by the separate Boards, and controlled by a committee chosen from the members of cooperating Boards.
Experiments in most enterprises owe their inception to the urge of necessity. It was so in this case. Mesopotamia, with all its Biblical interest, would naturally be in the thoughts of those having at heart the growth of God's Kingdom. The first American to visit this country with the missionary cause in view was the Rev. Horatio Southgate. The narrative of his journey was printed in 1840, and its preface states, "The Mission whose history is detailed in
1926J A NEW ENTERPRISE IN MESOPOTAMIA
the following papers was performed under the direction of the For- eign Committee of the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the U. S. A." This interest apparently lay dormant for nearly a hundred years, for not until within the last year or two has this Board again sent out missionaries to work at Mosul among the Assyrian refugees of the old Nestorian Church. Representatives of the English Brethren came to Mesopotamia before 1850 and la- bored faithfully for some years. Those who follow their teachings are still found among the native Christians. Later, missionaries of the Church of England, following the Shi 'ah pilgrim route from Persia, settled at Baghdad. At …. ';-' ,…… Mosul, mission work was car- ried on for years by the American Board, and again by the Presbyterian Church, U. S.
A. But the field was far re- moved from the main work of these American societies, and finally Upper Mesopotamia was given over to the Church Mis- sionary Society of England.
At the beginning of the late war this society had flourish- ing stations, largely medical, at Baghdad and Mosul.
The results of the war necessitated readjustments in the mission field in various parts of the world. All of Mesopotamia was fiercely fought over by the contending o Turkish and English armies, I and the end of the struggle found the expensive medical equipment lost or destroyed, and most of the missionaries scattered in other Arabic-speaking fields. Under these circumstances, and faced with a shortage of men and money, the British society reluctantly decided upon a complete withdrawal.
This was the condition that appealed so imperatively to those neighboring missionaries who knew the land and its people, the American Presbyterians in Persia and the American Reformed workers in Arabia. It was not new territory that might possibly be left a little longer, but a field that the Christian Church had held for dec- ades. There were small Protestant congregations in the two large cities. Here and there converts from Islam were just beginning to see the outlines of the Saviour Christ, taking form through the mists and haze of their old faith. Could these be deserted 7 Could this
land-the land of Exile, of the promise given to the children of Ishmael, the starting point of that great missionary, Abraham–could Christians see it, just beginning under a new, liberal and ambitious Government to face the future bravely, left discouraged, without an aggressive witness to Christ f "Ve who knew it best heard the words, "Give ye them to eat," and, from Persia on the east and from Arabia on the south, a missionary or two was set apart for this need. After a time the home Boards responded to the invitation to come over and help.
The three Boards now cooperating in Mesopotamia are the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., the Reformed Church in America, and the Reformed Church in the U. S. If the representatives of these three Boards can be welded together on the field into one whole, more can be added. The call of the two hundred thousand people of Baghdad and the two million followers of Islam in Mesopotamia should be heard by others than the dozen workers now there. The experience of the last two or three years has shown that men and women from different denominations can live and work together in Mesopotamia as well as in inland China. But the difference between the China Inland Mission and the United Mission in Mesopotamia may be described as the difference between an undenominational and an interdenominational mission. The latter utilizes members of the Boards of the cooperating churches, respon- Rible to them for the home administration; the funds come from the treasuries of these Boards according to an accepted ratio. This obviates an independent organization at the home base, with its expensive duplication of effort. Moreover, the work in the field is the work of each church, and has all the sanction and appeal that the past history of missions has proved to be so effective.
It is distinctly helpful to Moslem enquirers, who may have heard of, or who stumble at the many divisions in Christendom, to be told that we represent that union of believers in Christ which is the ideal to which we all look forward. It also will be helpful to us, when the happy time comes when we can see the organization of a church of Moslem converts on our field, that we shall feel no urge from home to engraft home experiences and preferences upon the stock of an indigenous church. It may be no small help to the spiritual life of the missionary that he can feel his fellow-workers in faith and prayer at home, those who know about his field, are so many and so widespread, and also that he can claim a part in that heritage of devotion, sacrifice and attainment found in the missionary history ot each of our cooperating churches. Again, we in Mesopotamia feel that we can look at the adjacent missions from which we had our beginning as parent fields, their experience of many decades at our disposal; what advantages they possess as to location and climate cordially thrown open to us for sanataria; and, what has meant so much to us, their working force to be drawn upon in time of need.
A NEW ENTERPRISE IN MESOPO'f'AMIA
This new mission ,vork in Mesopotamia is in line with, and gath- ers strength and opportunity from other new enterprises in this old land. It is in line with the new era of definite work for the Moslem world. While not denying nor neglecting opportunities thrust upon it by proximity to the various Oriental churches, and to the host of needy refugees, the aftermath of the late war, its constitution says, "The primary aim or objective of the United Mission shall be the evang'elization of Mohammedans in the ulloccupied area of Mesopo- tamia officially designated 'Iraq.''' The :[os1e111s of this area will more and more claim the love of our llew recruits, and work with and for them will more and more fill their lives. Its very position will force this to the front. 1'0 the east in Persia, mission work for Moslems is gathering definiteness and momentum. To the west, Syria and Palestine are emphasizing efforts for the non-Christian popUlation. And at the south is the aggressive work of the Arabian Mission. And northward the Republic of Turkey with its new align- ment is offering missionary opportunity only among its Moslem peoples. Mesopotamia is the very center of this wonderful birth of Christian activity, and time will show how it influences, and is influenced by it all.
Again, this new mission is advantaged by being located in the new Kingdom of Iraq, a country with its face resolutely set towards better things-a country that is enjoying a great educational awakening, having the asset of being in its formative years under the tutelage of such an experienced and sympathetic government as Great Britain; with growing commercial opportunities, and a body of young men now being' educated in England and America, who happily may guide its destinieFl into ways of peace and prosperity j and, best of all, and passing strange for a Moslem government, a constitution which guarantees liberty for missioIlRry effort and freedom for all religions. To be part and parcel of this new and wonderful land, so full of hope and promise, far outweighs all the difficulties found in a hostile climate.
But, most important of all changes for the better that the missionary sees in this field is the attitude of the Moslem to the new faith, his new vision of Jesus Christ and His claims. This is new only in the sense that it appeared only recently above the surface j but the living germ, the spreading roots are the result of many decades of faithful labor by those who have gone before. Hundreds in the mission sc11001s have seen the goodness of Ohrist reflected in the life and words of their teachers j thousands in the mission hospitals have been taught that His mercy has inspired the healing touch; countless copies of His message have been sown freely through the length and breadth of the land j the fruits of the Spirit have been seen in so many lives, far transcending anything that Islam can show. All these agencies have brought Christ to the point
where He, being lifted up as never before, is drawing men unto Himself.
A few months ago an old grey-haired Moslem called upon me in Baghdad. He explained that now he could come without fear, whereas some years before he had been imprisoned for a month by the Turks for visiting a missionary. He told me that many men of his acquaintance were looking with new understanding upon their prophet Jesus, and were beginning to compare Jesus with Mohammed. They had to agree, he said, that Mohammed was a man with like passions as themselves, doing as they themselves might have done in his day, killing his enemies and despoiling their property, living a voluptuous life with his various wives. But when it came to the prophet Jesus, they admitted that no mere man could live as He lived, without breath of sin or scandal, loving His enemies, desiring no man's goods, pure in every respect. It must be true, they said, that He was more than man, God must have been in Him as never in any other prophet.
So op all sides there are indications that Islam. unsettled in the present, dissatisfied with the past, is listening to the call of Jesus, "Follow me." To show to these open minds and anxious hearts a picture of Jesus more complete, more satisfying than that given in the Koran, is now the aim of the evangelist.
To the old missionary, this is the newest and best in all his experience-that now he may have his own sphere of effort, not dependent upon other agencies. In the olden days, government prohibition, dense ignorance, unbridled fanaticism, stood as lions in the path of the evangelist, and he was perchance content to work along the lines of least resistance, in the hospitals, the schools, and in the circulation of the Scriptures. Now he is coming into his own, and the name "preacher" is no longer kept in the background. Formerly the missionaries in Baghdad were content on a Sunday, if they could gather a few Christians for service in an inner room in their own dwelling houses. Now we have hired large public buildings and have filled them with orderly listeners to gospel addresses. Our hope is that we shall be successful in gathering twenty thousand dollars with which to erect a church and religious center that, by its very presence, will proclaim that the kingdoms of this world are becoming the kingdoms of our Christ. And so, in this old, old country, and city of the Caliphs, there are faint yet sure foreshadowings of the coming day when He that sitteth upon the throne will make all things new.
Africa-Service or Slavery?*
BY A MISSIONARY IN RHODESIA "ToMORROW I'll work in the garden again. It needs hoe- ing if we are to have any crop this year. My sickness has put us far behind." So said Msindo to his weary wife one midday as they were sitting on a mat with their three small children, eating their breakfast of mealie-meal porridge and herbs.
"Thank God you're well again," exclaimed his wife joyfully. "I thought you were going to leave us."
The barking of the dog announced the arrival of a stranger and put further conversation at an end. He was no other than a police come to call to service all who had not served in the last roll-call.
Six months away from home, leaving wife and children and gardens with little or no prospects of food, and scant payment, except with ki~ks and blows for service rendered, is not a cheerful prospect for any man, black or white.
Msindo had to go in spite of his protest that he was a sick man barely able to walk and that his wife was worn out with waiting on him and the children and hoeing the gardens. This fell on deaf ears.
"Either you or your wife go," was the only response. So Msindo went. Fortunately his strength came back so that he was able to keep up with the rest of the men on the long, hard march to the plantation at S— and in the heavy work of husking and carrying heavy sacks of corn.
Then one evening after the day's work was finished Msindo was sent out on an errand. Coming back along the narrow path in the corn-field he stooped and picked up a broken corn-cob which some picker had dropped. No crime in picking it up and munching the few remaining dry kernels! No such thought ever entered Msindo '8 mind.
" Aha! Been stealing, have you 7 You're the only one here now who has neither welts on back nor swollen ears. I'll go and report you now, " said an overseer, as Msindo entered the compound.
Msindo knew only too well what the morrow had in store for him. So with no other thought than to escape the blood-drawing cuttings of the raw-hide whip he ran away under cover of the dark- 11ess of night. On the way he became ill and some friendly people took care of him for two long and weary months while the fever raged in his worn and weary body.
In the meantime word was sent out immediately to the chief of • In 1924 Professor E. A. ROBS, from the University of Wisconsin, made an extended tour through Eastern countries studying the methods of employing labor. The following narrative fiUs In Bome details necessarily lacking in such an investigat1on. They are facts gleaned from natives who have returned fr()m their terms of service under the compulsory labor Bystem:- THE AUTHOR.
871
the district that Msindo's wife should be caught and sent to finish the term of her husband who had run away.
Hlekwasi offered no resistance for she knew it would be worse than useless. Maibase, their nearest neighbor, had not offered resistance, had told only the plain truth to the chief's son when she said: "My husband is not at home. He has gone out to buy food as our corn-bin is empty."
"You're telling lies," the chief's son replied. "You heard I was coming and you hid your husband. You'll pay for this." With that threat he roughly pushed the suckling twins out of her helpless arms, tied a stiff hide rope around her neck and beat her. Then he ordered her, in spite of the setting sun and the crying children, to accompany him to the chief's kraal, where further sentence would be WOMEN WATER CARRIERS IN RHODESIA meted out to her. She tied one twin to a visitor's back (a young girl of ten or twelve years), and the second, to her own back. .'With a silent prayer to God she led the older child, a girl of five, into the hut, and silently followed her persecutor on the long three and a half hours' march, across a river, up hill and down, through dense forests, ready to drop from exhaustion and fear, with prowling leopards on all sides, carrying the sick child on her back.
The few remaining hours of that never-to-be-forgotten night she spent shut up in a closed hut with several other women and children.
Feverishly she awaited the summons to the chief and when it came she had managed somehow to reach the required distance before dropping to her knees.
She expected to be sent out to do service on the plantations in place of her husband, but something touched the old chief's heart,
1926J FOR AFRICA-SERVICE OR
and he had sent her home with the command that she bring him a fowl as her fine.
All this passed through Hlekwasi's mind as she half-listened to their tale about her husband's crime and flight. Silently she tied their four-montllS' old child in his goat-skin on her back, giving a few incoherent orders to the ten-year-old daughter about the care of the gardens, the home, and the younger child. With a hasty glance at the children, and a silent prayer to the Almighty, she followed the police down the narrow path leading to the Administrator's quarters two days' journey away.
As the sun was setting the first day they neared a hut by the river where they stopped for the night. A 'friendly greeting came to her ears as Watch from her own neighborhood came and spoke to her. Confidently they chatted a while. He crept nearer and nearer, and when he thought all was safe he whispered, "There's a path bere to the left. Take it and follow jt all night. By morning you'll be safe. Go to C – – – and stay there."
"But 'the lions-the leopards," she whispered, trembling at the very thought of them.
"But something worse awaits you on the plantation," continued Vatch, "and six months of it. This is only one night and perhaps you may not encounter any of them."
"But the children are alone at home," she objected, "and I thought that perhaps when I tell the Magistrate he might let me go home to my children."
"Never!" exclaimed her friend. "They have no mercy, no thought for suffering children and mothers. "
Hlekwasi went into the hut provided for her night's lodginghut not to sleep. Listening, she waited for the last chatter of the police. When all seemed safe she picked up the sleeping babe, tied him securely to her back and stealthily crept out of the hut. Slowly she crept along, brushing away from hands and feet dry twigs and leaves lest the snapping and crushing of these might disturb the sleeping police. Under great difficulty she found the narrow, overgrown path and with a great sigh of relief Hlekwasi started out.
Before Watch came out of a heavy slumber the next morning it was noised about that the captive woman had made her escape during the night and that Watch had been her accomplice. Before Watch was fully awake he felt rough hands grabbing him by the arms while a storm of curses crossed the lips of his persecutors. Quick as a flash his arms were tied to a near-by tree, and the blows fell thick and fast. Then he was sent away to serve in the place of the man whose wife he had befriended.
Service or Slavery-Which Is It?
A House by a West African
13Y MRS. WALTER B. WILLIAMS,* NANAH KROO, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA T HE Methodist Episcopal mission at Nanah Kroo, Liberia, is, "A house by the side of the road Where the race of men go by."
The little corrugated iron house stands on the top of a hill, with dense jungle to one side of it and the great Atlantic stretching to the east, south and west, but just at the foot of the knoll runs the road leading from the towns far in the southeast to the many towns in the midst of which we live. It is such a narrow road, a mere footpath of hard trodden earth, running through green cassava farms, through stretches of open country where the brown grass on either side grows higher than a man's head, through swamps, through jungle, until it is lost in the sandy bed of a river; but it is the road, the only road, and over it pass men and women and children in whom the missionary and his wife are intensely interested.
Let me tell you of some who pause to sit awhile in the house by the side of the road and take counsel.
A party of seven men and women and one of the cutest babies you will find anywhere in the world, come up the road, waving their hands and calling "do-wi" (good-morning). Their leader, a quiet, dignified man, tells us that his name is Kabo and that these friends from the town of Ka, bearing a gift of seven fowls, have cOme to bid the white man welcome and to beg him to preach in their town. A native man, passing through, has been teaching them "Godpalaver" but they want to know more, and they beg the missionary to visit them and to give them a preacher. But we have neither a man to send nor money to support one ! We sing and read God's Word and pray with these brothers and sisters who are hungering after righteousness.
Kabo confesses that he has three women and adds that he is willing to give up two of them, retaining the mother of the aforesaid "cutest" baby, if we will advise him the best way to go about it. We counsel him to tell the two women frankly that he is going to follow God and can have only one wife which will be the woman who has borne him a child; but that they can stay in the houses he has built for them and look around until they see a man they would care to have for a husband; and if the liking is mutual, he will let them go. Two weeks later we learn from another traveler on the road that one of Kabo's women has taken another husband and left, and that the .. Rev. Walter B. Wi111ams js superintendent of the Kroo MISSion, Liberia.. Of his work Rev. William F. Oldham, corresponding secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal" Church, writes us: "Mr. WaIter B. Williams who writes you from Nanah Kroo, Liberia. is a stirring and success.. ful preacher of the Gospel, and an ardent friend of the Kroos, to whom he and his wife are giving themselves unst1ntedl,.."
874 second woman is expected to do the same shortly. Kabo has given his whole heart to God; and when this woman-palaver is settled there will be a great day in the church when Kabo, his wife and baby are baptized and received as probationers.
On Christmas Day he plans to give a "big chop" to the king and chiefs of his town and pray them to let him remove his house close to the mission, in a Christian town that is being planned, for no man may leave his town to live in another, still less in a Christian settlement, without his king's consent. It is Kabo's purpose to study at the mission school and fit himself to be a preacher. How much we need men of his type! All men speak well of Kabo. They say he is a man of much physical strength and that he is extremely industrious, an element of the greatest value here, and "his mouth," they add, "never changes." Truthfulness is a kingly virtue anywhere.
Very early in the morning a party of quite another caliber passes along the road, and the missionary hails them with sadness at his heart. An old, old man, treasurer in our native Wissipo church, accompanied by his aged wife, two daughters, and other relatives, is passing into exile. A quiet, inoffensive old man, forced to begin life all over again with nothing on which to begin, no house to cover his head, and no second shirt to his back. The reason ¥ In his town a man has lain ill many weeks, and the devil doctor has charged this old man, and two women, with having "witched" him. Learning that he and two of our church girls had been accused of witchcraft and condemned to drink sasswood by the heathen town people, the missionary had crossed the river the day before to reason with the people and plead for these three lives.
Drinking sasswood is the test all over Mrica to discover witchcraft and thievery. If the victim vomits after drinking the poison, he is declared innocent, but if the poison passes from his body any other way he is judged to be guilty, and if he does not die is driven away into an exile of from seven to twelve years. There is much trickery employed in administering sasswood, and if a death is desired the victim always dies. In the present case the old man's death had been positively determined upon by the town people.
On the ground of their connection with the church, the missionary won his point and spent the thankfullest Thanksgiving Day in his experience, rejoicing over the averted tragedy. But though his life is spared, the old man must leave the town, and so he and his family pass sadly along the road. The missionary goes down to greet them -for the soldiers will not permit them to come up to the housebrings some rice and fish for them to eat along the way, accompanies the party to the seashore, kneels with them in prayer, and rising, bids the old man God-speed. And even as our old church treasurer, ripe for heaven and longing for God to send for him to come home, passes into exile, the sick man in the town behind breathes his last
THE MISSIONARY HI';VIEII' OF THr; WORLD [Noremh('r
and enters upon a stil110nger journey to that undiscovered country, all mystery and darkness to the heathen mind.
Hardly have they passed when youth, strong, vigorous, ambi- tious, presses along the road and up to the mission. Two small boys, dad only in their black skins and a pair of bracelets, present them- selves, and state that they have come to school. Bright little fellows they seem to be. There are no other boys from their town enrolled. Shall they have their chance 7 The missionary has no funds to sup- port them. Already a considerable portion of his own income is being spent in rice and fish to feed half a dozen other small.students, equally ambitious to learn "book-palaver." Memory brings up the picture of some of our neighbors, kings with snow-white hair who have said to us, "0, if we were only young again and could have the chance that our boys have!" Men from neighboring towns plead for the white man to come in and civilize them and teach them God- palaver. Big chiefs shout for joy when a boy is accepted from their town, and say, "Now our town will have a man who can read and write." The missionary turns to the" white mammy" and says, "We will take them and trust for help to be given." "Mammy" slips a shirt over each woony head, and two more boys are added to the mission family.
IJate the same night the frantic barking of the watchdog brings "mammy" to the door to see three strangers standing on the threshold. They have come after the boys who, it develops, have run away. Their heathen people need them to carry water and help fish. That boys should have an education is foolishness to them. That boys have a soul and a life to save does not enter into the question at all. The brightest boy of the two is, moreover, a slave, purchased in Monrovia. Domestic slavery is no uncommon thing in this republic, though it is against the law. The missionary pleads hard for the lads, but without avail. The men seize the boys and begin to beat them, whereupon the missionary interferes and separates them. . . . One of the boys, quick to take in the situation, jumps into the bush and hides. Unable to find him, the party finally retrace their steps along the road, the other boy hanging back with all his might from his angry mother's determined hands. But it is probably only a question of time before we shall have him again. Hunger for book learning is not easily satisfied. Later, the lost boy makes his appearance at the mission once more and is still with us.
A man from Kinicadi, far down the coast, comes next. Three years ago, when the missionary first went into his town to preach, the big men beat the war drum; and three times the white man was besought to depart lest harm should come to him from the aroused people. "No," said the missionary, "I have come to preach, and I am going to preach." So the seed was planted. Three months later the missionary came again. He noticed the women were wear-
192(j] A Hl){TS}J BY A W~~S'I' AJ<'R](,AX ROAD
ing a little more cloth to cover their bodies, and that now they carried small boxes to sit on during service instead of sitting all the dirty ground. Another three months, and he brought a native preacher and built him a house there, a gift from a Minnesota Sunday-school. A Sunday-school of 250 was organized, and the work went on with leaps and bounds. The man from Kinicadi, coming along the road, stopped to tell us that now his town has twenty young men studying at the Seminary at Cape Palmas, a higher institution of learning belonging to our church, and four more at a still higher school, and that four of their women are at school, too. This is the outcome of about $135 given by the First Church of Duluth. This man, Dixon, stayed with us for a season and has now gone home to bring back the girl who is to be his wife, to leave her for "mammy" to teach, while he, too, studies at our mission, preparing to be a preacher.
But oftenest along the road pass the forms of our two assistant preachers, Sanso and Kronyer. /1 Sanso," meaning "glad," aptly describes the man who is always and everywhere bubbling over with "joy in the Lord." He goes to and fro, visiting the people, preaching the Word, watchful over the interests of the mission, loyal to the missionary-a fine type of the kind of pastor our Methodist mission schools turn out. And Kronyer, close on to sixty years of age, without any advantages in his youth, was converted late in HIe, but is faithful to his God through many trials and tests and consumed with the desire to learn to read the Bible. "1 am an old man," he says, "too old to learn to write, but, oh, my heart is hungry to learn to read God's Word. I want to savvy it right so that I shall have some· thing to preach." So almost every day he comes along the road and up to the mission, with Bible and First Reader under his arm. He is making good progress, too.
It is great to be here, with the antidote for Africa's bane, to "Live in a house by the side of the road And be a friend to man"!
PRAYER FOR FREEDO.M FRO:M RACE PREJUDICl<j By MORNAY WILUAMS O GOD, who hast made man in thine own likeness and who dost love all whom thou hast made, suffer us not, because of difference in race, color or condition, to separate ourselves from others and thereby from thee; but teach us the unity of thy family and the universality of thy love. As thy Son, our Saviour, was born of a Hebrew mother and ministered first to his brethren of the House of Israel, but rejoiced in the faith of a Syro-Phoenician woman and of a Roman soldier, and suffered his cross to be carried by a man of Africa; teach us, also, while loving and serving our own, to enter into the communion of the whole human family; and forbid that, from pride of birth and hardness of heart, we should despise any for whom Christ died, or injure any in whom he lives. Amen!
Caste Christians in DornakaI*
"EA.CH village in my pastorate has a Christian congregation with about one hundred Christians. 'fhe Christian houses are quite apart from . . the rich Hin.du ryots, who look on our Christians, employed by these rIch Hmdus, as meUlal servants and outcasts. To touch a Christian is consider~d pollution, and if by chance a Hindu touches a Christian by accident, he will not go home unless he has a bath in a river! Our Christians depend upon these Hindus for their maintenance, doing every kind of work for them except that inside the house, which a Christian is not allowed to enter. Our people are called 'Untouchables.' If a Brahmin, the highest caste among Hindus, happened to be there, the Christian would have to be at a respectable distance, say, eight yards. Among such people, the Gospel was propagated, and it is only these poeple that embraced Christianity. If cattle are dead among the Hindus' houses, it is the business of our people to remove the dead cattle, for which they are paid, The Hindus sometimes beat our people, and even force them to work on Sundays for them. If a Christian refuse to work on Sunday, the Hindu will not employ him on Monday, and hence starvation faces these poor men. Though our people suffer bodily, yet there is a mission agent in ell-ch village to look after them spiritually. There are 1,000 Chris- tians (of whom about 300 are communicants); some of our Christian young men and women are ready for confirmation, and about 300 are catechumens.
Thus the total number of adherents in my pastorate is about 1,300.
"There is a parish council for each village presided over by the mission agent of that village. There are 'elders'-or 'headmen' of the village who help the teacher or mission agent to carry on the mission work in the village.
"I have ten teachers in my pastorate partly supported by the S. P. G.
and partly by the contributions raised by the Christians of the village among whom the teacher works and lives. The teacher of the village, though a lay- man, acts as a pastor, judge and adviser to his congJ"egation. He conducts Matins and Evensong every day in his chapel for the people; as a judge he settles up their quarrels, and punishes the culprits by levying a fine on them; as an adviser he advises the individual members of his congregation, and is responsible for the welfare of his congregation spiritually. He collects the monthly· parish contribution and Sunday offertories, and pays me all the sl1ms he receives from his parish when he comes to me at the end of the month for his monthly salary. Part of these contributions go to pay his fixed salary per month. A teacher generally gets Rs. 10 per month (13s. 4d.) just suf- ficient for his and for his family's (wife and six children) maintenance.
" A teacheJ" is a schoolmaster for the children of his Christian congrega- tion. I have ten village schools, recognized by the Government, in my pas- torate. The Government gives a school grant of Rs. 36 per annum, and more if the Inspector of Schools is satisfied with the work of the teacher. Part of this goes toward the salary of the teacher. I have 172 schoolboys and 53 schoolgirls in all the 10 schools of my pastorate.
" According to the rule of the Bishop, I have to spend forty-five nights in pastoral work per quarter … I go on walking from one village to another, spending one or two nights in every village, when I take their services- Matins and Evensong-and give sermons and exhortations, and thus return home after fifteen or sixteen days. Some Hindus mock us, laugh at us; some hear with earnestness; some persecute us, throwing dust and cow-dung at our faces. but we return home with cheerfulness.
"Please remember us in your prayers," M. D. D.
~m The M….on FieZc!. (SOCiety tor the Propagation or the Gospel.) 878
BY MRS. E. C. CRONK, 721 MUHLENBERG BLDG., PHILADELPHIA
ANIMATING A COMMUNITY NEWS CHARACTERS AN]) COSTUMES STAND NEWSDEALER-a boy or girl, man or woman dressed for business. If all the papers and magazines could speak out for themselves and CuSTOMERr—a boy or girl or man or tell who reads them we would have woman, in street attire. some interesting circulation revelations. Leaders who would like to ASSISTANTS TO NEWSDEALER-ten boys know what periodicals are being read or girls with costumes or hats labeled with in their communities may employ an name of magazines represented. Caps may be made from headings or pages.
SPECIAL REPREsENTATIVE–a boy or girl, man 01' woman, in business dress.
" Animated News Stand" to help Setting them announce a play by that title, weeks in advance of the date on which A news stand effect may be produeed, it is to be presented. with stacks of periodicals as indicated, ar- ranged on a long, narrow table, and with Make a survey of newspapers and sample periodicals hung on a wire by clips. magazines subscribed for in your church, interesting everyone in the Newsdealer stands back of counter inplay to be presented and explaining specting papers. The ten assistants ma~· that it is necessary to know what be seated out of sight on the fioor behind periodicals are in circulation in order their wares and may rise when their magato present the play. zines are mentioned; or they may all ap- pear at the beginning of the play, each standing behind his wares as a customer enters.
Make a complete list of the papers CUSTOMER; You have an unusually and magazines which come to the attractive display of papers here for various families. such a small town. I'm glad to be able to buy from you. (Looks up In a survey of this type Mrs. J. C. and down counter appraising~y.) Lewis found the following periodicals in circulation in a United Presbyte- NEWSDEADER: I'm glad to have you rian congregation in a small town; look over my stock, I'm sure. But there's nothing here I can sell you. 1,716 Daily Newspapers. Everything is reserved for my pri- 120 Weekly Newspapers. vate customers. 144 Farm Periodicals. 62 Women's Magazines. CUSTOMER; None for sale? How 21 Vocational and Miscellaneous Maga- strange l I should think you have zines. more papers here than all of the resi- 100 .Juveniles. dents of your town would purchase 200 Christian Union Heralds and Youth's in many months. Are some of your Evangelist. customers from other towns? 21 Women's Missionary Magazine. 112 The United Presbyterian.
On this factual basis she prepared a NEWSDEALER; My customers are play which presented, in a very strik- only the members of the United Presing way, the reading situation. byterian Church of this town. You With the permission of the author see here their supply of newspapers we have adapted her suggestions. and periodicals for a month. Of They may be further adapted to meet course in addition to the papers and the situation in various cities or com- magazines for which they subscribe munities. regularly they purchase occasionally 879
'rHE MlSStONARY REVIEW OF THE
from other stands and many families CUSTOMER: Indeed, the women of exchange with each other, but you see your church must be well read. What on my stand a month's supply of the have you here? papers and periodicals for which they subscribe in advance. FARM JOURNALS: Farm journals. Nearly all the members of this little CUSTOMER: What stacks of news· church live on farms or were reared papers! on farms. They enjoy farm papers. I have the National Stockman and NEWSBOY: They're mine. See what Parmer, The Farm Joutnal and The stacks of them I deliver every morn- Gottntry Gentleman. My subscriping and evening. I handle six dailies, tions amount to $3.25 a month.
three from Pittsburgh, two from CUSTOMER: I'm very much inter- Washington and one from New York. ested in your news stand. It's most Almost every family in the church unusual. (Looks at stack of misceltakes a daily. Some of them take laneous magazines,) What comes two or three. I deliver the Clayville next? Weekly, too. About half of them take that. I collect $420 a year for news- MISCELLANEOUS MAGAZINES: I'm in papers alone. Right here I have $35 charge of a rather miscellaneous colinvested in one month's supply. lection. There are a few dnplicates here. I carry some vocational maga- CUSTOMER: I never thought before zines, one for a dentist, another for how many daily papers are read in a school teachers. All together not more little town' and how much they cost. than $2.00 a month is spent in my department. They're only two or three cents apiece you know and one never thinks of CUSTOMER: It's most interesting to how fast two and three cents count see the varied assortment you have. up. (Looking at a stack of maga- (Turning to stack of children's Sun· zines). What a stack of magazines day-school papers.) Ah, here is sompyou have here. What are they? thing different. What's this ~ FAMILY MAGAZINES: I'm in charge SUNDAy-SCHOOL PAPER: I repre- of family magazines-the ones the sent the little weekly Sunday-school paper for the children. They get whole family read, you know. I have tbese every Sunday. The children fifteen periodicals here. Different love. them and sometimes the whole families take different magazines but family read them. I find that the Pathfinder and The American are favorites, with the Lit- NEWSDEALER: J:Iy customers pay erary Digest and the Youth's Companion as close seconds. About half less than a dollar a month for juveof my magazines are weeklies and the nile literature in their homes. We rest are monthlies. My month'8 sup- try to do our best by giving each child plies for the people of this church a free copy of Olive Plants every Sun- day_ I wish I could get the parents amount to $15.00. CUSTOMER: You may well take to subscribe for more children's mag- azines. What children read has so pride in your stock. What come,; much to do with making them what next on vour stand f they are and what they are going to NEWSDEALER: I run an animated be. 'I.'here aren't many good maga- zines for children. news stand, you know. My periodicals speak for themselves. Nods to CUSTOMER: Have you seen this VlToman's Magazines. one? (Takes copy of "Everyland" from bag or brief case.) It'8 a sample WOMAN'S MAGAZINES: I come next. copy I picked up at a convention. I'm in charge of all the women '8 mag- It's the best thing I've seen for boys azines. Here's the Ladies' Home and girls. Journal and Good Housekeeping, The Woman's Home Companion, The NEWSDEALER: Let me get that ad· Farmer's Wife and McCall's. Sixty dollars a year are invested in me. dress. I must have that for my news My month's supplies are worth $5.00. stand. I'll get some sample copies
1926j BEST METHODS
and tell the people about it. (Writes It has been renorted as very unique address in notebook.) and complete but I am told it is sadly CUSTOMER: What's the big stack lacking in one particular.
here~ NEWSDEALER: My news stand lack- CHURCH PAPER: I'm the weekly ing! It's the best news stand in the church paper, The United Presbyte- country. In what particular is it 1·ian. The papers in my stack are sec- lacking~ ond to none. I cannot boast, like the SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE: General newsboy, that every family takes a missionary information. (Opens bag COP)', but I can say that nearly half or pa,ckage and takes O?tt copy of of the families in the church sub- " Everyland.") Now here is a maga- scribe now for The United Presby- zine you should arrange to send into terian and read it. That means that every home where there is a boy or a they know what their church is doing girl.
and ought to do. Every week I fur- CUSTOMER: The very magazine I nish good reading for the entire fam- was showing you. (Special represent- ily and bring inspiration as well as ative tUI'ns pages and calls attention information into the homes to which to features.) I'd like to subscribe to I go. Some day perhaps the daily that for my children.
papers will be smaller and less ex- NEWSDEALER: I'll take your order pensive and we can learn to live with- if you want me to. I'm going to add out spending so much money to read that magazine to my stock. Anything of crime and scandal. Then we shall more~ have more time for reading of worth- S P E CI AL REPRESENTATIVE: Yes, while accomplishments. there '8 THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF CUSTOMER: I'm sure your paper THE WORLD. Your news stand can't must be most valuable. I've heard be complete without that. One trouble for a long time your church gives with so many churches is that they more per capita for missions than know only the work of their denomi- any other Protestant church in Amer- nation. (Turns pages .o{ ,REVIEW, ica. I suppose one explanation of ralling attention to different fea- your large gifts is that you are on tures.) the job with a good weekly chnrch NEWSDEALER: Perhaps'l have neg- paper. What's this magazine? lected that side of my customers'
WOMEN'S MISSIONARY lL1GAZINE: reading. I have been supplying them Evidently you're not a United Pres- with what they ask for and they have byterian or you'd recognize me at a been so well satisfied that I didn't glance. I'm the best magazine to be think or going any farther. Now if found for $1.00 a year. There are you can leave with me a few sample sixty families in our church. Twentv- copies of that magazine I'll tell my one of them are my subscribers. . I customers about it when they come to really should go into every family. get their other papers and see "What's home without a mothed" whether they will subscribe.
and "What's a mother without a mis- CUSTOMER: I wish you'd put down sionary magazine ~ " Right beside me my subscription to begin with. is the Junior Missional-y magazine. (Dealer makes note.) Only three families subscribe for it. Isn't it strange how people will feed SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE: I have their children up on candy and all two other magazines I'd like to show you. (Takes out copies of "The Insorts of things and yet will not g-et ternationa,l Review of Missio'ns" and them anything worth while to read ~ "The Moslem World" and displays them, calling attention to special fea- Enter Special Representative who tures. ) You will not likely find many addresses newsdealer.
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mes- people who will subscribe for these but sages of your unusual news stand if you get even one subscriber you have travelled around the country. will be elevating not only your news 4
stand but your community. You have lated in her own mind she discussed them with a number of the leading a very :fine news stand here. members and presented them to the pastor and the official board. Pre- NEWSDEALER: Thank you. Weare vious attempts had been fostered by a small committee. Now if it was to be proud of our news stand. Our people made a church-wide affair it seemed logical that the official board should are not rich. They have very moder- cooperate. This they agreed to do and also to bear any expense incurred ate incomes, but they spend $800 a in advertising. They appointed one of their number to be especially reyear for periodicals or about $75 a sponsible for securing the attendance of the men. That was the next probmonth. Of course only about $85 a lem-how to get the people to come. year of that amount goes for religious While it is not the policv of the church to feed the people to get them periodicals. Now I see that even with to attend services, yet experience had proven that people who work find it that small amount I have sadly neg- a real task to finish their evening meal in time to get to a seven o'clock lected the side of general missionary service-especially those who live at a distance from the church. information. I'll get all my agents It was decided therefore to serve busy and the next time you come this supper. If whole families were to come it was necessary to keep the way you'll see a well-balanced news price down to the minimum. Another stand. Dayton church had been successful with 10c suppers. It was decided we Customer savs good-bye and goes out. would try serving 10c suppers.
Newsdealer cairs his ten assistants and Thirty-six women and girls (six for each evening), agreed to prepare amI sends them out through the audience with serve the supper with a charge of s.,uwbwscorifpttihoen blanks for The Missionary Re- only ten cents for each guest. World and Everyland. He may Six classes were decided unon ; ask for subscriptions to the International Three for adults-Bible, Present-Day Problems and Missions; two for Review and the Moslem morld. young people-Missions and Life Problems j and one for children- As the ten assistants to the newsdealer Missions.
return to their places behind the stand they The Dayton churches are highly favored by being near the denominamay summon several children in costume tional headquarters, so the very best material is available for teachers. of various lands to add to their force to The leaders of groups were all lead- ers in the denomination and the represent Everyland and some one in inter- classes were very successful. It may be said, however, that there are pernational costume for the Missionary Re- sons in every congregation who could lead such classes. Splendid helps are view of the World. Other magazines may available at church headquarters which anyone with average intellibe suggestively costumed. gence can use.
Mrs. Lewis's suggestions may be adapted The next step was advertising. The matter was talked over and anin various ways to present and improve the periodical circulation and reading situation in a church.
CAN IT BE DONE?
REPORTED BY FLORENCE C. CLJPPliNGER This is the question which confronted a few of the "missionary minded" people of Euclid Avenue United Brethren Church in Dayton, Ohio, in the spring of 1926. A church night program had been attempted several times with varying de,.grees of success, but it had never been made a real church-wide affair.
Finally the chairman of the missionary committee in the Sunday school, with a rather scientific turn of mind determined to put the matter to a real test. She wanted to ascertain whether there was any truth in the statement of some people that conditions at Euclid Avenue were altogether different from those at other places where Church Night was very successful.
After certain plans were formu-
BEST METHODS
nounced in the bulletin several weeks Aiftults Average in advance. Large posters were A tteltdaMe made and displayed inside and outside the church. A tentative pro- Bible-' , Ephesians' , 15 Missions-' , Peasant Pioneers" 12 Present-Day Problems-A differ- gram was multigraphed and passed ent speaker each evening includ- out to the congregation with the sug- ing the mayor of the city and gestion that the members check the the postmaster. 55 class they preferred and return the Young People slip so that arrangements could be completed. Later the real program "What Shall I Do With My Life" 13 was printed with a perforated slip at the bottom which was to be checked, , 'Religion and the Girlhood of signed and returned, indicating registration for classes and whether or Other Lands" 19 not the individual would be present Children , 'Trips to E,very Land" 33 7: 45 Devotional Services 99 YES, IT CAN BE DONE!
for supper. Then all was in readi- A HOUSE OF REST ness.
The highest hope of anyone for the "I 'have never had such a restfUl first night was 100 in attendance. time." When the C(JUnt was made it was dis- "The most restful house I have covered that there were 127 present ever known."
and the attendance increased, making "I have had the first restful vacathe average for the six Wednesday tion for years."
nights 147. While this may not "Our family has never been able seem a large number for a congrega- to be together on furlough before." tion of over 1,000 members yet it was -Quotations from missionaries from various so far in advance of anything ever lands. WhO have 11ved in ·'Tbe House of Rest."
accomplished before that the results In the lovely city of Pasadena, Calwere quite gratifying. Words of ifornia, there is a handsome residence, highest praise were heard on all sides centrally located, which has in its concerning the work of the different hallway a bronze tablet telling that classes. Surely some seeds were sown which will result in materially "This House of Rest is erected by extending Christ's Kingdom on earth. David P. Gamble, .Mary H. Gamble for their friends, the missionaries." The ten cent charge for suppers more than paid the expense incurred Every missionary family knows the for the food and they were not light problems of the furlough. A place lunches but real dinners. Many ar- to live during the furlough year is ticles of food were donated and many one of the greatest of them. To find paid more than IDe for their meal so an apartment with a large dining that there was a final balance of. room, bedroom, kitchen, bath and $10.35. This was used to buy small porch, beautifully furnished; to gifts for each of the teachers-all know that there are trunk rooms, busy people who had sacrificed a storeroom! reception room, laundry, great deal of time and effort to do the sewing room, a refrigeration plant for everybody in the house and beauwork. tiful verandahs overlooking a lovely Following is the program and the lawn which evidences skilful land- average attendance: scape gardening; to be assured that CHURCII NIGHT five people can live comfortably in the apartment, that a crib is avail- Euclid Ave. U. B. Church ;0 able and that all the neighbors will February 10th and each Wednesday night for six weeks. be glad to know that you have a baby-this is joy unspeakable for the 6: l5-8upper for all who attend classes, furloughed missionary. Cafeterias lOco and restaurants are near by, if you 7: OO-Discussion Groups.
do not wish to prepare all your own proach are provided into the homes meals. and families of the community. There As you look at the lovely apartments, furnished in such good taste, are 476 families on the visiting list, you may begin to think of the size of your monthly check until you are and in 52 of these families systematic assured. instruction is given from the New "The rent? Oh, the rent is nomi- Testament. nal. A large part of the running expenses are provided by an endow- The director is the tireless center of ment." all the activities. Her enthusiasm "The House of Rest" with its eight apartments has been open now for and cheer and high purpose are innearly three years. It has been a most valuable addition to the best fectious. She believes in the Bible, methods department of the Presby- and at every group meeting a Bible terian Church by bringing cheer and rest to many tired missionaries. All story is told, or other religious inmissionaries on furlough with their families, also Y. W. C. A. and Y. M. struction is given. During the sum- C. A. secretaries are eligible as House of Rest residents. mer 50 children were sent to the In different sections of the country Bethany Metropolitan Camp, and the there are individuals or couples wh'o could establish similar Houses of girls have already formed a Bethany Rest which would prove an investment bearing far richer returns than Club to continue the Christian influrenting agencies can report. ences which they received there. WINNING THE JEWS Nor do these Jewish young folks In the Brownsville section of Brooklyn there is a little corner store think only of themselves. The Sunknown as the East New York NeiQ'h- day school is helping an Indian boy borhood House. There is nothing attractive in its appearance. But about to go to school in the far West and it gathers a wealth of romance. one of the clubs has been making Scattered about are some Polish and Italian families, but the population scrap books for the Indian children is predominantly ,Jewish. of the Tuberculosis Hospital of Tuc- The Neighborhood House has discovered a way to reach into these son, Arizona. homes and to touch these .Tewish To understand the meaning of it lives. There is nothing. spectacular in the method. It is simply the way all you should hear the director tell of love and understanding. The win- of some of her boys and girls who ning factor is consecrated personality. Clubs and classes of various have gone out and taken positions of kinds are the means of contact, love Christian leadership. Let her tell does the rest. you of the members of the "Ala- The Boys and Girls Scout Troops, the Star Club, the Boys' Club and bama" and other gangs, who have other groups afford a way of getting acquainted with scores of young peo- come under the spell of Christ. To ple. Through them channels of ap- go with her into scores of homes would be a revelation of how Christ, through the lives of His' disciples, can win His way into Jewish homes and hearts. J. S. C.
THE HOLIDAY DOLLAR A special gift of at least a dime on each of the great holidays is a plan proposed in rhyme by Miss Olivia Lawrence, of the Woman's Board of the Reformed Church in America- thankofferings on January 1, Febru- ary 12, 'February 22, May 30, July 4, Labor Day, October 12, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, Your own Birthday.
Such an extra holiday dGllar of- fered with praise for the national and personal blessings of those days, and prayer for the nations and peoples of earth would mean a great advance.
Woman's Home Mission
EDITED BY FLORENCE E. QUINLAN, 156 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK DAY OF PRAYER FOR MISSIONS Literature for Women and Children March 4, 1927 in Mission }<'ields and E'arm and Once again the Day of Prayer for Cannery Migrants.
Missions draws near. Every year NEW AMERICANS sees a wider fellowship of believing women drawn into this united prayer From the report of the Committee of the for missions throughout the whole Home Missions Council Q,nd Council of women wide earth. This year for the first for Home Missions, Thomas BurgeBs~ Chairtime it becomes in reality and in name 'lnan. a World Day of Prayer. Missionaries are already planning to celebrate the Significant progress by home misday in every mission land, and women sion boards has been made in enlarged of many nations are being drawn near service to our foreign-born neighbors, to each other as they draw near to the New Americans. Most of the God. boards have departments or special- ists for the promotion of church The Council of Women for Home work among ,immigrants-Christian Missions and the Federation of service and evangelism. Woman's Boards of Foreign Missions have made careful plans for the Collectively, the boards, through day through the work of a joint com- the two Councils, have carried on the mittee. A cycle of prayer has been Bureau of Reference for Migrating prepared to be used during the People: the welcoming of strangersmonths and weeks immediately pre- newly-arrived immigrants-following ceding the Day of Prayer. We shall them to their destination, and putget out of this day not more than we ting them in touch with Christian American friends and churches of their choice.
put into it. If it is prayerfully Bureau of Reference for Migrating planned for by the local groups its People blessings may be carried through the How the Councils Have Made It Poswhole year. It is hoped that the purpose for sible /01' Local Chul'ches to which it has been established may be Welcome Strangers steadily held in mind. It is a Day The growth of the Bureau has been of Prayer for Missions and for mis- extraordinary; during 1925 it in- sionaries throughout the world. No creased over 100%. "Welcoming addresses, or songs or exercises should Strangers," a leaflet recently off the be admitted to the observance that do press, tells the human side of the not contribute directly to its main work. It defines the Bureau as "a purpose. Neither should its scope be chain of contacts which reaches from broadened too much; it is a Day of the smallest church in the old coun- Prayer for home and foreign mis- try across intervening oceans into the sions. new homeland, providing a welcome It has been interesting to note for the newcomer to the church of his choice in the community where he through the years a steady growth in proposes to locate." the size of the offering that is made on that day toward the approved in- The organization of the Bureau is ternational and interdenominational comparatively simple. It involves a projects: Women's Union Christian part-time worker at Ellis Island and Colleges in Foreign Fields, Christian ~ecretaries in the offices in New York.
885
In addition, it involves cooperation Distribution by Religious D'enominatwn of pastors to whom names of Protes- Denominations Served ………….. 12 tant immigrants are sent, as well as Baptist Methodist Congregational Presbyterian church federations and church offi- Disciples Reformed Episcopal Orthodox· Armenian cials in every state in the Union. Evangelical Lutheran Greek Their cooperation is vital, as they are Russian the ones who are informed by mail of the arrival of the "stranger" and asked to serve him by' personal visita- Responsibility of Protestant Churches tion, providing a welcome and a fel- Immigration Year Ending .June 30, 1925 lowship in the local church. From European countries …….. 148,000 From dominant Protestant countries 108,(}OO The number of cooperating chap- From dominant Protestant countries 73% lains and port secretaries of other agencies in Europe has been in- Oanada creased and the bonds of working re- The importance of cooperation with Canadian churches is emphasized by lationships in interchange of names the fact that out of the 294,000 im- migrants who came into the United have been strengthened. One third States during the past :fiscal year, 102,000 came by way of Canada. of the number of names now received The Department of the Stranger of for distribution by the Bureau comes each denomination in Canada has sec- retaries in each local church to whom direct from Europe as advance no- are sent notices of newly-arrived im- migrants, and whose duty it is to see tices of immigration. that these immigrants are met and put in touch with the church and peo- In 1925' there was steady growth, ple of their denomination. This is the same as our system with the immonth by month, in number of cases portant addition that cards and work clear through lay secretaries as well referred by the Bureau. Our respon- as clergy in every place, and that it is working effi!ectively everywhere. sibility as Protestants is great since, All churches in Canada are thor- oughly alive to and enthusiastic over according to government immigration the work of welcoming the stranger.
figures for the current year, 73% of In addition to this the Department of the Stranger, through local secreour present immigration comes from taries and central offices, attends to all removals from one parish to anpredominantly Protestant countries other. These are not immigrants but in Europe. simply church people moving from one place to another within Canada. Growth of Work Thus it is that the tremendous waste caused by moving and not following 1924 19f!!5 Inorease up that is found in the United States, is effectively eliminated througnout Cases :referred to Canada.
churches ……… 5,284 11,098 112,% Elli. Island 1924 19f!!5 The work of our Bureau is closely articulated with welfare work on the .Jauuary ………… ,…… 129 450 Island. A joint meeting of welfare workers at Ellis Island, and officials February .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 719 386 of thirty-three religious and philan.
March ……………….. 524 862 April ………………… 369 1,262 May …………………. 365 975 ,Tune ………………… 331 902 .Tuly …………………. 117 563 August ……………….. 259 707 September ……….. :….. 524 1,040 October ………………. 953 1,206 November …………….. 526 1.420 December ……………. " 468 1,325 5,284 11,098 Cla••"ificatwn by ?'-utwnality Served Nationalities involved …………… 32 Armenian French 'Poiish Austrian German Roumanian Belgian Greek Russian British Isles Hungarian Serbian Croatian .Ta panese Spanish Czech J,ithuanian Swedish Danish Maltese Swiss Dutch Magyar Syrian Esthonian Norwegian Turk Finnish Persian
iO:!6] WOM…N 'S HmIE )lISSION BULLETIN
thropic agencies which they repre- while preaching Chril;ltian brothersented, passed the following: hood we practice it as our Lord did to all men. In churches where this Jiellolveil, That a~ representativ~8 of or- simple fundamental Christian method has been tried, results have been truly ganizations whose mterests and mfluences wonderful.
extend to the limits of Olll' country, and RELIGIOUS BOOKS FOR BLIND wa hihc!ht~dthorofugwhelcthoemewealnfadre workers, extend From the report of the Committee on Re- ministry to the ligious Privileges for the Blind of the Home Missions CouDell and Council of Women for many strangers who come to ~~ke their Home Miissions, Irene Haislip, Chairman.
home with us we express, by I'lsmg vote. The work of this Committee for the past year has been very satisfactory our great appreciation of the splendid and encouraging.
improvements that have thus far been ef- Last June the Chairman was sent fected * * * for the comfort of incoming to the Biennial Convention of the Na- tional Association of Workers for the immigrants. Blind which met at Hudson, Ohio. Much helpful information was gotten tioFnuarlthcehr~ngIets is our conviction that addi- and the report of the work of this urged by the Commissioner Committee was enthusiastically re- ceived. It was the first time in the should be made possible by the Govern- 22 years of its existence that any re- ligious work had been presented to ment at an early date these to include fire- the Association.
proof dock structure, better water supply, We are rejoiced to announce that our Braille book, Dr. George Mathe- Jvainddingextfeonrsiomn~diacnadl especially the plan pro- son's "Day Unto Day," has been examination of immi- published and the hundred copies were placed before they were off the grants at the ports of departure_ press. Many appreciative letters have been received from the blind and Bibliography on Immigration workers among the blind and we are now considering getting out another A brief annotated bibliography on edition. We also hope in the near Immigration and Assimiliation of our future to publish other books. This, Foreign-Born for c.hurch workers and of course, will depend largely upon leaders has been prepared, mimeo- the generosity of individuals and graphed copies of which can be se- Boards interested in this work. cured from the Councils. On Thanksgiving Day, Miss Lydia Attention is also called to the Hayes, the blind member of the Com- "Handbook-Bibliography of Foreign mittee, told of the work we are trying Language Groups in the United States to do at a union meeting of all the and Canada," compiled by Miss AmJ- churches in Nutley, N. J., and later Blanche Greene and published by the Miss Hayes was presented with some- Council of Women for Home :lris- what over $100 for our work. sions and the Missionary Education Movement. This highly commended As has been the case all along, so it and exhaustive book, invaluable for is now. We need funds with which all who come in contact with foreign- to carryon the work. 'Ve commend born, can be ordered fro!J1 the Coun- this work to you and ask that you cil of Women for Home Missions, 156 pray for it and contribute, if pos- Fifth Avenue, New York City, price sible. ,. $1.50, cloth; $1.25, paper. • Contributions may be sent to Counon of Christianizing Our Churches WOIll.8Il for Home Missions, 156 Firth Avenue, New York City. The fundamental which alone can make efl'ective the fulfillment of our duty to New Americans is the practice of Christian fellowship toward the stranger. The great need is to persuade people everywhere to practice Christianity, simply by expressing the spirit of goodwill and neighborliness to strangers about them. We cannot expect New Americans to come to our churcheS, to accept in any way our advances, to have any confidence in our sincerity, unless
Woman's Foreign Mission
EDITED BY ELLA D. MACL.WRIN, 25 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGES FOR and a few fathers were willing to let WOMEN IN ASIA their daughters attend lectures at As in Europe so in the Orient the men's colleges. The academic success term "student" is reserved for those of most of these students began to dis- who are carrying on their education pel the idea that women were as such beyond school age, and who have al- incapable of understanding the higher ready matriculated at some univer- studies and of passing the same ex- sity. It is only in the last twenty aminations as men. We must greatly years that Oriental women have de- honor the achievement of these pioneer served this term, as, in addition to a women who, underwent great exer- widespread disbelief in the capacity tions with few alleviations and en- of women for university studies, so- joyments, and thus paved the way for cial custom iii. the Orient enjoined their younger sisters to move on to marriage at an age too early to allow happier thing-s.
a girl to continue her studies be- In the twentieth century the num- yond her very early years. Even to ber of women students and gradu- educate girls at all seemed to many ates became sufficiently large to cause impossible, to most unnecessary, and serious tllOUght on the part of mis- to some injurious. Occasionally some sionaries. These academic women were learned father might educate a much- of immense importance a}!d influence.
loved daughter, but the acceptance of ]l.10st of them were Christian, and women's education as an ordinary their value in church work and in fact in national life is a l)rocess still mission schooL'i was beginning to be in its initial stages. It had its rise felt. 'l'he idea of women's colleges in the 19th century and is the fruit of sprang up in several places. But the Christian missions. Not only has the expense seemed prohibitive and the Church raised the age of marriage for number of specialist teaehers required Christian girls, thereby gaining for for. the staff seemed unattainable. The them the time and health for higher teachers must all be university honor education, but it has also opened the graduates themselves and no mission gate of learning to them by establish- could devote the few such women jng girls' schools in all its fields of which it possessed to the instruction work. Last year Ceylon celebrated of a handful of matriculated girls.
the centenary of the first girls' school Two or three missions made efforts of in Asia, the Uduvil school in Taffra, this sort and added college classes to which is the work of the American one or two of their chief high schools, Congregational Mission. but in hardly any case could they Women's colleges, however, are the carryon the work beyond the govern- fruit of the present century and, con- ment examination which comes as a sidering all the many obstacles that test at the end of the second year. beset their origin, it is amazing that The complete course of four years even the small group of tbem which which is required of "first-grade col- now exists has come into being at all. leges, " and the absolute separation All the objections raised against the from school which is so necessary for education of women in general were the academic dignity and standing of urged with ten-fold strength against a college seemed impossible.
their university education. But some The remedy was found where the girls strangely desired it, the univer- remedy for many missionary prob- sity authorities were not against it, lems may yet be found-in combina- 888 tion and union. What no one mission varied types of thought and action.
could afford to do, several missions Nothing is so uniting as a common in cooperation might accomplish. task, and in carrying on the work of And so in the last fifteen years Union union colleges we learn to give and Christian Colleges for women have to receive, and to realize how much sprung up in India, China and J a- greater than our differences is our pan, and have attained a success far unity of purpose and our community beyond the expectation of their of resource.
founders. The first response was an Seven of such union colleges have immediate increase in the number of become widely known in America by girls sent to the colleges. Parents means of the magnificent efforts made saw many of their misgivings re- in the years 1920-1923 to collect named when they found that their funds of two million dollars for their daughters would be taught by women aid. The seven are the following: and with women, and would be lodged (1) Woman '8 Christian College, 'I'okyo, in buildings where every care would Japan.
be taken of their health and where (2) Yenching College, Peking, China. their teachers would live with them. (3) Ginling College, Nanking, China. The girls themselves also were eager (4) Women's Medical School, Shantnng in their' desire to go on with their VniversHy, TsinllJl, China. (5) Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, studies in places where they could India. have the peace and safety of the (6) Woman's ,Christian College, Madras, boarding school combined with greater freedom or more manifold ac- India. (7) Women's Medical School, Vellore, In- dia.
tivity. The missions also before long The splendid generosity of those could welcome to the staff of their who contributed to that great enterhigh schools teachers of the same lan- prise has provided the seven colleges guage and race as their pupils, aca- with what was lacking in the way of demically fit for their work and land, building and equipment, though moulded by the valuable training de- all seven are sorely in need of endowrived from life in a residential col- ment in order to use the gifts belege. stowed upon them to the best advan- tage. And there are a few other The advantages of union in such colleges which in 1920 did not come missionary work are many. Not only under the definition of a "Union is the expense which would be too Christian College for Women" but great for one mission lessened by be- ing shared, but it is a positive gain which may justly claim that appellathat different types of Christian tion now, notably the Kinnaird Col- thought and different habits of devo- lege at Lahore and the Ludhiana tion should make their varying con- School of Medicine, which are both in tributions. It is indeed most unde- the Punjab. Nor is it at all doubtful sirable that" our unhappy divisions" that other colleges will very soon be should be perpetuated in the mission needed for the increasing number of field, and yet each sect has arisen applicants. India, for instance, has from a zeal for clearer truth or between three and four hundred mil- greater devotion, and the deep prob- lions of inhabitants, of whom half are lems represented by the seclusions of women, and it is clear that three or the Church of Christ cannot be four colleges will not suffice for them.
lightly dismissed as unimportant. Nor can the needs of Japan be met by The way to union is not negation but one college. The very success of the affirmation, and by wanted recogni- first Oriental colleges ror women in- tion of positive contributions made by sures their multiplication.
those who differ from one anoth!'r. The aim of these colleges is frankly The United Church of Christ will Chdstian. The purpose of each is to tindroom for all. the: richp.essof strengthen both intensively a~dex-
tensively the Church of Christ in the NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE land in which that college is placed, and thus to aid the Church in its EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE great task of bringing that land to the feet of Christ. All other aims It is a great pleasure to present to are secondary to this. A missionary the constituency of the Federation of Woman's Boards of 'Foreign Missions college regards all truth as a revela- our new Associate Member, Dame tion of God and every student as a Rachel Crowdy, Executive Secretary seeker after truth. It believes that of the League of Nations Social Servthe Christian cause has everything to ice Department. Dame Rachel is COIlgain and nothing to lose by the widest sidered one of the ablest and most diffusion of knowledge, that igno- outstanding women of Europe. She rance, prejudice and apathy are its has accomplished a piece of work on great enemies, and that the nation to behalf of women and children un- paralleled in the history of social service. It was a great event when she visited America in June and asked especially to meet the ITission- ary women of North America. Her appeal was so irresistible that we pledged our cooperation and made her an asscciate member of our Ex- ecutive Committee. We hope to have a letter from her for our readers in the near future.
You will be interested in remem- bering this remarkable woman in your daily Quiet Hour. She feels keenly tbat the Christian women of the world are most responsible for the making of a new world in which justice shall prevail.
IMPORTANT CONFERENCE COMING DAME RACHAEL CROWDI The National Student Conference of the Council of Chridian Associa- tions at Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 28, 19,'26 to January 1, 1927 which the college ministers has much Consider the significance of the folto contribute to the world's store of lowing topics for discussion: thought and knowledge and much light to shed on the Divine truth of Theme–" CHRISTIANITY-THE WAY the Gospel. Its work is to remove barriers, to release hidden energies, OUT FOR THE LIFE OF TODAY." to make windows for the light and to draw the attention of the thoughtful 1. How Far Does Contemporary Religion to the claims of Christ" in whom are R<lsemble the Life of Jesus~ hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' , 2. Are We Mechanical Toys or Children of Godf ELEANOR McDOUGALL, President Woman's Christian College, Mad- 3. What Happens to Race Barriers and ras, India,. Economic Imperialism if We Believe That God Is LoveT 4. Qm Human Nature Be Changed' If So, How'
5. On What Terll)s is Life Achievable'
FROM l1IANY
LATIN AMERICA statesmanship. He is destined to be Summer Institute in Cuba in the forefront of leadership in the F OR two weeks in June the Presby- republic. The Indian has stayed close terian and Friends pastors, to the soil and has gathered strength teachers and other church workers from his simple environment for his held their Summer Institute in Car- task. "
denas, Cuba, the center of the Presbyterian educational work. "This Stone-Throwing in Costa Rica S Institute, " says The American HORTLY before his recent death, the late Rev. W. F. Jordan, of Friend, "had an added interest in that the Government is increasing its the American Bible Society, wrote of demands for better-prepared teachers the conversions which had been tak- in all the private schools. Fortunately, ing place in Costa Rica, and con- while motivated to some extent by tinued: "But the enemy has not similar conditions that exist in been idle. 'From publishing insults Mexico, there is no evidence that it in their paper, such as saying, 'The is in any wayan antireligious move- Protestant periodical is very good ment." This year, classes were held paper, good to make fires with,' the by four representatives of the priests have proceeded to advise bodily National University from Havana violence to the students. The out- and the public school system, and an come of this was seen when a band expert normal teacher from Amster- of students were in a near-by town, dam, N. Y. where they had arranged a special service. They were set upon and as· Power of MexicaD Indians saulted by a group of people. Sticks REV. PAUL E. BAKER, chaplain and stones were used. Some women of Fisk University, who has reo standing by urged on the men, one cently visited Mexico, is quoted as of whom struck one of the students follows in The Christian Advocate: repeated blows on the head until the "It i!' significant that the Indian blood flowed. Later a service was people are coming forward in the new held, when some who had thrown stones lisj;ened quietly to the GospeL" regime. The strength of the old em- pire is being revived. Of the thirteen million people in Mexico, three mil- Image Crowned in Costa. Rica lion are Indians. This number, if OVER a century ago the Govern.
given a chance, can make a wonderful ment of Costa Rica installed contribution to the life of the reo "the Virgin de los Angeles," a stone public. The Indian is not of mixed image about five inches high, as the blood. The characteristics of many patron saint of the country. A recent races do not fight within his per· ceremony is described as follows by a sonality. He has poise, spiritual writer in the Latin American Evan- power, artistic strength, character, gelist:" Costa Rica, in a great out- intellectual capacity. When he is burst of loyalty and devotion to the given the advantage of education and Queen of Heaven, has just crowned culture, he will be a great power in her image with a splendor and pomp Mexican life. Those who are bring· not hitherto seen in this land of pov· ing him forward show vision and true erty that walks barefoot. Every 891
queen must have a crown and so they the masses, in a sense of solidarity got her a gold one, encrusted with with the masses, and in a deman~ for precious stones valued at $20,000…. a square deal for all." "With this The occasion was a great one and the new idealism," reports Mr. Ewald, priests professed themselves highly "there is coming an awakening of inpleased with the whole performance. terest in religion. This has not yet They had been feeling somewhat con- affected any considerable number, but cerned about the decadence of their it has already influenced a sufficient religion, for today 'the Protestant number of the leading intellectuals heretics' dare to open their churches, and choicest spirits to warrant the and build their Bible Institutes, and belief that a well-directed effort just apparently, the people are willing." now might turn this tide of idealism Christ-ward.' , Ecuador "Humanly Impregnable" A Brazilian Town Made Over REV. A. C. SNEAD, Foreign Secretary of the Christian and H OW the town of Tatuamunha, in Missionary Alliance, writes of Ecua- eastern Brazil, has been transdor: "I have been in eight South formed is told by Rev. John lfein, a American republics during the last Baptist missionary. He writes; year and can say with a certainty "The church decided to build a place that this is the most difficult field on of worship, and the missionary recthis continent. There is nothing com- ommended a Christian bricklayer parable with the central region of who had been tried out elsewhere. Ecuador in fanaticism, priest-craft ·With his coming a new day dawned and heart-breaking irresponsiveness. for the town. His good work on the ]Ian after man, gifted with hopeful- building attracted many. As a result ness and courage, has collided with property owners became asllamed of this humanly impregnable wall and their dilapidated buildings, and in fallen back broken in spirit and consequence the town is experiencing physical health ….. Among the ques- a material transformation. The bricktions which confront the Mission is layer preached the Gospel by his whether the policy of establishing faithfulness as a skilled workman as stations among the Quichua-speaking well as by word of mouth. He has Indians out in the villages of the since fixed over the houses of several country districts shall be continued who were the worst enemies of the or whether the work can be more ef- Gospel, and others are awaiting the fectively done by concentrating the touch of his hand. This young major effort in reaching them through church, as yet only four years old, stations in the larger cities." alread;y: enjoys the distinction of having four of its sons studying for South America and the Y. M. C. A. the ministry and two of its daughters preparing for Christian service." I T IS the opinion of Charles J. Ewald, after a long period of care- Brazilian Mission to· Portugal ful study on the ground, that South Ameri')a offers to the Y. M. C. A. an T HE little body of faithful Chrisunprecedented opportunity for re- tians who make up St. John's ligious service. There is a remarkable Church in Rio de Janeiro have sent tide of idealistic passion now running Rev. Hyppolito de Campos to spend among the studen~s of the Latin six months in preaching the Gospel American republics. This, he says, in Portugal. He was for twenty-six has brought a" demand for greater years a Roman Catholic priest, and earnestness and reality and an inter- was sent by his bishop to drive the est in great vital issues. It is seen in early missionaries out of the city of the growing interest on the part of the Juiz de Fora and to break up their young!?!.' intell~ctuals in the welfare of work. One result. of his encounter.
1926J NEWS FROM MANY LANDS
with the Protestant missionaries was touches"–electric lights and steam his conversion. Later he began to heat-and explains as follows how it preach and served a number of came to be erected: ' 'The Moslem churc3es. Institute is the child of an alliance of religious tolerance signed in 1767 Five years ago" when nearly between Louis XV, and Sultan Moseventy years of age, he began wider hammed bin Abdullah. In 1895, tl1e evangelistb service- and has had a re- Prench 'Comite de l' Afrique' bemarkable ministry. Various denomi- gan to advocate this treaty to the nations have been making use of him letter. In 1920 the Briand Governin their Churches. He conducted a ment voted to the newly created series of evangelistic services in St. ,Moslem Institute a preliminary credit John's Church, Rio, that attracted many and led souls to Christ. The of 500,000 francs and the city of Paris brethren there conceived the idea of ceded the ground. Morocco followed raising the necessary amount of suit with a subscription of three milmoney to send him on an evangelistic lion francs. Later all of Moslem tour through PortugaL Just beforc Africa and also the French public he embarked a special farewell meet- subscribed and more than enough was ing was held at St. John's. The house obtained to complete the mosque, the was packed; friends of all denomina- minaret, subsidiary buildings and the tions turned out to bid him Godspeed. gardens."
EUROPE German Missionary Societies Livingstone Memorial in Scotland T HE Rhenish Mission reports that between the years 1914 and 1920 THE plan to purchase and make a there was no diminution in the num- national memorial of the house ber of mission stations, nor of the at Blantyre on the Clydc where European workers in the mission David Livingstone was born, which fields and that the number of Chriswas described in the May REVIEW, is tians increased from 231,000 to 308,- evidently making progress, for at- 000. The real difficulties appeared tention is being called to it in from 1920 to 192:'), when the number American newspapers. An editorial of mission stations decreased 'from in the New Y m'k Times on October 1]7 to 74 and the European workers 1st, after paying tribute to the serv- from 224 to 115. Even then the numices rendered by Livingstone to ber of Christians increased from science and geography, as well as to 308,000 to 361,000, or 40 per cent. his devotion to humanity) says: The income from the home con- stituency is only 65 per cent of the Whether the monument at Chitambo, amount received before the War, but where Livingstone died, or the memorial to this speaks well for the zeal of the him iu Westminster Abbey is the more friends of the society in hard times. moving, who shall say' A committee which includes Field Marshal Haig, Ramsay Mac· The Orient Mission of Potsdam, Donald, Sir .T. M. Barrie and .Tohn Buchan whose founder (Dr. Lepsius) died last proposes to acquire the house at Blantyre February, has changed its name to in which Livingstone was born and convert "Dr. Lepsius Deutsche Orient Misit into a museum for personal relics of the sion. " Dr. Bernhard Lepsius, the explorer. The cost will be £12,000. Con· brother of the former president, has tributions from Livingstone's admirers in been elected to this office. The misother countries will be gladly received. sion which is thirty years old, and was destroyed by the War is being rebuilt, Origin of the Paris Mosque first by the care of the orphans and the liberation of Christians who had THE dedication in July of an become prisoners of the Moham- elaborate mosque in Paris was medans during the terrible persecudescribed in the October REVIEW, The Moslem Outlook, published in South Africa, gives a detailed description of the building, including "the modern
tions and banishment, and who there that the consumption of alcohol in became Mohammedan. The society Germany decreased during the war, has already liberated from captivity but since then has leaped to un- two hundred such Christians. precedented heights; the German The German Institute for Medical republic even in its reduced size now Mi.ssions expects to send out eight having a drink bill of three billion medical missionaries during the pres- marks a year, nearly 2,500 marks per ent year, three to East Africa, one family, more than the maximum an- each to As~man, Nubia, Sumatra and nuities stipulated in the Dawes China and one to either Borneo or reparations plan. The Drys in Ger- China. many present the petition on economic as well as moral grounds and have Help tor European Churches aroused tremendous sentiment, many T HE Administrative Committee of members of the Reichstag aiding in the Federal Council of Churches the drive. There are twenty-seven has recommended that Reformation women members of the lower house of Day, October 31st, be widely observed the national legislative body, all this year and that the occasion be Dry. "
used for the purpose of securing financial aid for the relief of the Jews in Eastern Europe A churches in .Europe. Although eco- BOUT half the Jews in the world live in the eastern part of the nomic conditions in Europe generally have considerably improved, there are European continent. Post-war events still many places where the situation have thrust them into an economic is very acute, for instance, the collapse of the franc has brought real dis- and social pass possibly as disastrous tress to the French pastors and other as anything in the entire troubled Christian workers whose salary is ap- history of Jewry. The Russian proximately 6,000 franes a .year, revolution abolished the occupations which with the present rate of ex- which were almost their entire liveli- hood. The present economic "nearchange, amounts to about $160. The collapse" of Poland has fallen with Central Bureau for Relief of the great weight upon the Jews, so that ninety-five per cent or them are Evangelical Churches of Europe, with estimated to be unemployed. Kindred headquarters at Zurich is, however, difficulties have befallen othel' Eastern not confining itself to a relief pro- European Jewish popUlations. The gram. In particular, the Bureau is burden of keeping this vast populacooperating in the matter of develop- tion alive has fallen almost entirely ing a new leadership. Scholarships upon the American Jews. They have are furnished to likely theological contributed about $100,000,000 since the war through organizations, and students to enable them to study probably as -much more through perabroad and funds are now being sonal gifts sent across to friends and sought for a number of fellowships for study in America.
GermalUl A.k tor Local Option relatives. This achievement stands as one of the most remarkable gener- FIFTEEN million Germans have osities on record. The current appeal signed a petition to the Reichstag for $25,000,000 bids fair to be fully praying for local option in their met. The response has been such as country. The Christian Intelli- to move many non-Jews to give.
gencer, which states that this report Striking gifts have been that of $100,- has been received by the American 000 from the Rockefeller Foundation W. C. T. U., continues: "The drive and a subscription from Cardinal for signers to the local option petition Hayes. The money is being used most is the largest ever conducted in efficiently in establishing the Jews in Europe. The petition pointed out agricultural and other new occupa-
NEWS FROM MANy LANDS
tions with very gratifying results.- have already been much used in help- American Friend. ing others."
AFRICA A Congo Leader in Earnest M T The NUe Mission Press HE evangelistic work of the ANY interesting facts are to be Southern Methodist Church at found in the twenty-first annual Minga, in the Belgian Congo, shows report of this institution which has encouraging growth along various rendered such inestimable service in lines. Rev. C. C. Bush writes: "The carrying the Gospel to Moslems. self-management and self-support be- While more of its publications are gun last year have now reached self- used in Egypt than in any other propagation under the leadership of single country, they are to be found the wonderful native preacher and in thirty different lands. The Director executive, Nganjolo. He understand~ of the Press, Arthur T. Upson, says: the people of his own race and tells "A year ago we had 530 separate the chiefs to their faces that they Arabic publications, but now the cannot make him meaningless prom- number is over 570. All of these are ises as they do the white people. If in Arabic, with the exception of a a chief does not provide a parsonage few English translations from the and a church shed, Nganjolo will not Arabic; a:nd all are religious, not allow that village to have a preacher.
merely educational. …… In 1923 we If the people do not attend the ser- circulated 160,000 copies and in 1924 vices and contribute toward the sup- 340,233 whereas in 1925 the number port of the Gospel, he moves the was 357,056, without counting the preacher to a more responsive village.
consignment of portionettes which It does not take long for the preach- had been sent to adjoining countries. ers, the chiefs, and the people to see These figures take no account of the that he is in real earnest about the united colporteurs of the Nile Valley; King's business."
these faithful men sold 33,547 vol- umes as compared with 30,009 the Aniut Summer School year before." T HE United Presbyterian Mission in Egypt conducted a school for Egyptians as EvangeliMts teachers during two weeks in August.
REV. W. fJ. McCLENAHAN, of A. A. Thompson writes: "Taking the the United Presbyterian Church, group of one hundred teachers, it after pointing out some of the diffi- would be difficult to match the culties of missionary work in Egypt, splendid spirit of earnestness, ap- which he says" is growing no easier, " preciation, and good fellowship which continues: "It is a great cause for was manifested throughout. The rejoicing that young men are coming teachers came from a wide area; forward for the evangelization of from Alexandria, Ismailia, on the their Mohammedan countrymen, and north, to Luxor, and even Khartoum, at their own charges. Two of our on the south. There were 50 schools party this year have been Egyptian represented, having a total enrollment young men that have simply poured of over 7,000 pupils. There were 43 out their lives in carrying the gospel women and 60 men teachers enrolled.
to the people. Among others that Last year the total enrollment (our give promise of great service is a cer- first attempt to conduct such a school: tain assistant-stationmaster of the was 45-seven women and 38 men.
state railways in Upper Egypt. He The daily program began with Bible and his wife. were brought to the study, which was followed by the Lord, without any special human in- presentation of school subjects. Each strumentality, and a few years ago, forenoon a period was given for the in a small town in the Delta. They discussion of some school problem.
The evenings were set aside for lec- the same time as the heathen cere- tures of general interest. One night monies were in progress, and the the life of David Livingstone was unique sight of evangelistic meetings presented by means of slides." cheek by jowl with the celebration of ancient heathen rites will long be re- A GUt from a Heathen Headman membered as the outstanding event THE story of a pile of five-franc of the year. The immediate result of bills laid on her table by her house the campaign was an addition of over steward is thus told by Mrs. Gayle C. a hundred converts to the Church, Beanland, of Yaounde, in the Camer- and a tremendous spirit of enthusiasm oon, West Africa: "His brother is among the church members them- selves. Services were held at villages an evangelist in the town of a big where the chief and people' had headman. The latter's mother was a publicly declared that they would not Christian and a member of our }Jave the Gospel preached, and the re- sult is that there is a large open door Church. She died, and when they for the preaemng of the Gospel to went to bury her, according to Bulu people who, though not more than custom, they filled the grave with cloths, headdresses, and other articles fifty miles from Kuruman, have never that the spirit might have use for in the spirit world. The evangelist was heard the good news of salvation bea boy of strong, convictions, evidently, fore. "
for when he saw what they were doing, he went to the headman and told Ivory COlUlt MlUIs Mcvement V him that that was not a custom that ARIOUS references have been made, in the religious press to a Christians should follow, and that if he had gifts to give to the dead, he remarkable mass movement toward should give them in money that could Christianity among the natives of the be used for the carrying on of God'K French Ivory Coast, begun in 1914 work, and not be buried with the by a native of Liberia named Harris.
body. The headman, who is a heathen, He baptized many thousands of so respected his dead mother, as well , people, and when he went away left as the Christian evangelist, that he English Bibll's among them, saying took all the things out of the grave, that missionaries would come later to gave his mother a Christian burial, teach them, In 1924, says Rev, W.
had hymns sung and prayers offered, J. Platt, in The Bible in the World, and theJl gave the evangelist seventy 30,000 people were found, still wait- francs that he might send to the ing. The large unread Bibles had white missionary- to be used in the beeome almost a kind of fetish among carrying on of God's work." them. Four missionaries, three Afri- can ministers, and thirty-five cate- KThe Church Meets Heathenism chists drafted from other French URUMAN, South Africa, has ,Vest African mission fields, are now been a station of the London at work organizing and enlightening Missionary Society since 1818. An the hundred and fifty churches they evangelistic campaign recently un- lead, unlocking the hidden treasure dertaken by the church there is thus which those Bibles contain. One described by A. F. Jennings: "It hundred young men are in training was decided to make a united attack as emergency catechists at Dabou on the heathen centers in the Gamo- Bible School, right in the heart of pedi area, where there had occurred the mass movement area.
a strong outbreak of heatlienism.
The effect of the Church's impact on A Last Letter from Da.n Cra.wford D heathenism was tremendous, and ATED less than a month before the death of this famous misstirred the village people to the very depths. The campaign took place at sionary, a "Bush Telegram," as he
1926l NEWS FROM MANY LANDS
called it, tells of a river trip during who are just as smart as they are, which some Christians, hailed in a dress just as well, and are chosen by passing canoe, brought some greatly their recognized leaders for places of needed food to his party. He said: responsibility such as teachers, then "It was an intense joy and a relief temptation finds its way very strongly to us, not only for the sake of the to the hearts of our boys and they actual help and food but because we think, 'What is the use of all this 'minority' Christians in the canoe had resistance? Let '8 go the easy way.' put such public faith in their word All his life the native has gone the of promise because they were Chris- way of least resistance and nothing tians, while the men with us (not short of real baptism with the Holy Christians) said with a sniff that we Ghost and fire is going to give him might as well push off at daylight and character enough to fight the good get on as far as possible before the fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life heat, as the strangers (the Chris- and be faithful to the end." tians !) no! they were not likely to come to our assistance. Yes, depend An African Church Letter upon it, this example of practical Christianity has made much more E],WRY J. REES, a representative impression on our pagan paddlers in East Africa of the American than all our preaching. In fact, all Friends Board of Foreign Missions, along this river these outsiders saw who is now on furlough, recently rethat we have had love and help only ceived from his field a letter, which, from Christians and but for the as translated, reads: Christians I don't know (I cannot think!) what we would have done. It Sir: Greet for us the Elders of the church has been a most terrible journey." together with all of the church who enabled you (missionaries) to arrive in our country "The Easy Way" for AfricaJls to take away the darkness from our eyes. Tell them we were following the road that MR. AND MRS. CONOVER, of the goes into deep darkness, but now because American Friends' Mission in of your love and your giving we have been Kitosh, Kenya Colony, write as fol- turned back to follow the path that leads to lows of the problems which their life and to God the Almighty One. We native Christians have to face: "They thank you very much. are being confronted daily with the questions of smoking, drinking and Tell them we are still as nursing children, plurality of 'wives. Just over the for we were thinking to have the whole borders from our station there are Book of God, and now we have received only other schools which allow their mem- one part through the work of Bwana ReeB; bership to practice these things and there remains still another part. We are yet remain in good standing in their wondering what we shall do! Yon our community. And not only that, but fathers, please conBider together this word. their people are aggressive in trying to destroy our standard by saying to We of the Maragoli Church, onr people: 'Weare better Christians than you are, for we have been By JOEL! LITU AND JAIllO MWOLE. baptized and you have not. (The Friends of course do not practice THE NEAR EAST baptism) Come on over to us where you can be free.' There is no mistake Hundreds Rescued from Harems about it, the idea of plurality of wives appeals to the native mind, and our MISS K: JEPPE, an English best Christian boys are only a step woman is chief of the commisabove heathenism in many of their sion sent by the League of Nations to practices. When they see other boys Syria to rescue Christian women from Moslem harems. She reports that the 5 rescue work, with headquarters at Aleppo, was begun four years ago and that so far 1,400 young women, chiefly Armenian Christians, have been saved from the harems into which they had been sold when quite young by their captors or had been stolen for domes- tic slaves. Among these girls, 228
found their parents on being liberated here, and inquiry having been made and were welcomed home. Many of into Hashim Bey's antecedents, it was the rescued girls married Armenians found that he was educated at an after obtaining their liberty. The American college in Constantinople, League has provided funds to last but is a Persian and not a Turkish until the end of 1927, and it is hoped subject. Meanwhile the Constan- that by that time the majority, if not tinople Vilayet has decided to hold all, of the harem girls will have been an inquiry into the activities of the freed. Miss J eppe has received every American Young Men's Christian As- assistance from the French author- sociation, which has been established ities, headed by General Weygand. here since the armistice. It is in- sinuated that the Association is con- Palestine under British Rule ducting propaganda with the object PALESTINE today is 'an enormous of inducing the Moslems to change triumph either for Arab docility, their faith, and the authorities state Jewish common ~ sense, or British that if this is moved the Y. 1L C. A. prestige-it is hard to tell which. will be immediately closed."
Perhaps for all three. This is the opinion of the editor of the Presby- Robert College Enrolment R terian Banner, who goes on to say: OBERT College, Constantinople, has an enrolment this year of "The situation in Palestine is just as difficult as the situation in Syria. 690, the largest in its history.
Palestine is a section of the old Ot- Twenty-two nationalities are repre- toman Empire, peopled largely by sented. Nearly half the total are ·Arabs with nationalist aspirations, Turks, and there are large contingents under British mandatory controL It of Armenians, Bulgarians, Greeks, is a hotbed of religious trouble. It Albanians and Russians. One hun- has no defensible natural frontiers. dred students have enrolled in the It has been a traditional seat of war- engineering schooL Thirty are study- fare for generations. And further, ing at the expense of the Turkish intense and bitter antagonism between Government. Among the students are Jew and Arab has naturally resulted Hairi, younger brother of Ismet from the formation in Palestine of Pasha, the son of the Russian Com- the Zionist national home for Jewish mercial Attache and sons of the peoples. Yet, despite a situation of Governor of Constantinople, and other extraordinary complexity, Palestine officials. A report from Constan- is healthy, the people are thriving, tinople College for Women states that and the country is quiet. Palestine is 400 students haye registered there.
ruled by an iron hand, so far as the British are concerned. But the only School Question in Iraq armor of that hand is prestige. " AN ENGLISH prieflt in lrosnl dis- cnsses this subject in Annals, a Turks Question Y. M. C. A. Delegate Romanist paper, and deplores the A SPECIAL cable from Constan- fact that there are no schools of that tinople to the New York Times, faith in Mesopotamia. He says: "To dated September 28th, read as fol- our shame we Catholics have to admit lows: "Hussein Hashim Bey, while that our Nestorian compatriots do not representing Turkey, made a speech send ~ one of their children to the at the recent International Young Moslem schools. Financed by Protes- Men's Christian Association Congress tant alms from England and America, at Helsingfors wherein he admitted they manage their schools themselves, being converted to Christianity, add- and jealously guard their religious ing that all young Turks would liberty. It is only our Catholic chil- shortly declare themselves Christians. dren who are given unreservedly to The speech aroused much emotion the Islamic authorities."
KEWS FROM MANY LANDS
Another aspect of the question, with past the prime of life, who were still which readers of the REVIEW are glad to call themselves Christian more familiar, is to be found in the Endeavorers. The group consisted encouraging reports which come from both of young and old, for here we Baghdad of the schools conducted have never made the distinction. The there for both boys and girls by the fact is that India has no young United lIission of the American people. It has children and married Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. folks, but there are really no young In the boys' school the number of people's societies such as we have in .Jews, Protestants and Mohammedans America. Girls are married in their is approximately equal, and many teens and young men frequently be- haye had to be turned away. come Christian workers at eighteen years of age. One result of this is Stirrings Among Moslem.. that those who have served the mis- BISHOP LINTON of Persia, a C. sion from forty to fifty years are still M. S. Missionary writes in the members of the Christian Endeavor London Diocesan Magazine: "What Society and use it as a means of means the sale of thousands of por- training the children under their tions of scripture in this land 1 Why care."
is it that when I called on a mullah he produced a Bible from under the Y. M. C. A. in Indian Villages cushion on which he was reclining1 D S. HATCH, an American Y. Why does the driver of a post wagon, • 11. C. A. man, reports from when I asked to have prayer every .Martandum, "way down in the south morning before starting, produce of rrravancore, practically at the very from his satchel a portion, of the ~tip end of India," where a rural Scriptures? Why does a sayid come demonstration center is conducted by and confess his faith to me in private two Indian secretaries: "The area and say that it is because he has hun- in which the villages around Mardreds 'of relatiyes among the Ulema tandum are situated," says Mr. that he can not confess it publicly? Hatch, "is one of the poorest in the. Why can we, with hardly any effort, state. The land is hilly, unimproved, get a thousand Moslems to come to generally not very fertile, and not hear the preaching of the Gospel on capable of rich production as are the Cheistmas Day or Good Friday 1 lower wet lands. Tilling the soil and Why do Persian men sit with tears run~ing down their faces as they climbing palmyra trees for juice to make toddy and joggery syrup are hear the story of the Cross 1" In the main occupations. Both these Isfahan, the city where a few years leave the men idle at least four ago no christian was permitted to months of the year. Our secretaries live, the Bishop recently counted 450 have given attention to about twenty men on their side of the. curtain village Y. M. C. A. 's, which have which runs down the middle of the honorary, unpaid workers. They church, and on the women's side the have organized, nurtured, and guided crowd was even greater. An over- thirty cooperative credit societies. flow service held 300 to 400 more and They have demonstrated the keeping the doors had to be closed for lack of pure-bred poultry, methods of of room. gardening, bee-keeping, boys I work INDIA, SIAM AND MALAYSIA and scouting, and the use of the drama No "Young People" in India in education. A weaving school and two night schools, one English and AMISSIONARY in Madura, South one Tamil, are conducted. A library India, in describing a Christian is maintained. Two cooperative bee- Endeavor rally, says: "One interest- keepers' associations have been ing group was composed of men well formed. The various cooperative
societies have settled many disputes sufficient when we came up against by arbitration." human nature that sometimes had no desire to improve and even !,ose up in Wo:men Legislators Proposed opposition. "
I T IS reported that the Bombay and Non-Christian Wo:men Students Madras Legislative Councils will shortly consider and probably accept I SABELLA THOBURN College in resolutions in favor of removing the Lucknow, India, has this year 155 disqualification of women to become students, the largest in its history members of these Councils. Recent since the separation of the college orders of the Government of India from the school at Lal Bagh. One permit the removal of the disqualifica- feature that arrests attention is the tion in any province where the change very rapid growth of the body of is sanctioned by the Legislative Coun- Hindu and Mohammedan students. cils. "India," says The Indian Wit- There are now forty of these nonness, "has already produced a number Christian students, "yet we are not of women members of municipal sure" says The Indian Witness, "that boa]'ds also a few women magistrates 'non-Christian' can fairly be applied and lawyers. There are in the country to all of them for some have been many women who could render dis- mightily influenced by Christ and He tinguished service as legislative coun- has become a very potent factor in cillors. We hope that the voters of their thought and spIritual life. A Madras and Bombay Presidencies few years ago there were only three will soon be given and will quickly or four Hindu and Mohammedan students. The forty of this year afaccept tae opportunity to show the ford evidence of a remarkable change taking place in the attitude of world that Indian women when freed educated members of these communifrom the accursed purdah system are ties toward the rights and privileges as capable of rendering public service of the young women in their homes." in legislative halls as are the women of any other country."
A BrahDlin Teacher's Need Mosle:ms in an Indian Hospital ABRAHMIN graduate recently AT DERA ISMAIL KHAN, in the came to a village in Coimbatore Punjab, India, on the borders of district, South India, as magistrate, ·Waziristan, a mission hospital is to take up the office of his grand- maintained by the Church Missionary father in fulfilment of a vow to dedi- Society, and though the smallest hoscate his life to the uplift of the village pital on the northwest frontier, it exof his ancestors. An English Con- erts an influence over a wide area, gregational missionary says of him: affecting considerably the great closed "Highly educated and a former land of Waziristan. The nurse writes teacher in Dr. Rabindranath Tagore's of a recent incident: "One day an school, an intense admirer of Sadhu Afridi asked me this question: 'Why Sundar Singh, he told me that with does the doctor cure that man's blindthe torch of truth and the power of ness when he knows he is a robberT' education he was going to change the I looked around the ward; in it was whole village. He was earnest in his truly a mixed company. Here a desire and hard-working in his Mahsud (probably a brigand), there English classes, his vernacular lec- a fakir, not far away· a mullah (he tures, and hymn-singing processions had seven disciples with him), besides round the village. He was evidently men of the ordinary peasant class, self-confident, t,oo. I did not want and as my interrogator said, 'all behim to become disappointed too soon, ing treated as one.' It was an opporso reminded him that intellectual tunity quickly grasped to point out truth and education alone were not how our Lord and Master came to save
NEWS FROM MANY LANDS
all. That mullah's son has a school Government encourages liberated in Waziristan, and has taken back slaves to remain in their own districts with him a complete Bible in his own and to undertake service on a basis language. ' , of free contract.
"Sadni-ji" in the Hospital CHINA DR. ELIZABETH G. LEWIS, the A Buddhist Priest's Confession surgeon in charge of the Presby- A LETTER from Rev. Alex. Saunterian Hospital at Ambala, in the Yangdcehros~, C. 1. M. missionary in Punjab, India, gives this vivid picture Kiangsu Province, tells of an Indian evangelist: "A sadni is a woman who gives up all home at- how those present at a certain regular tachments and becomes a wandering religious mendicant. Our Sadni-ji is service for believers" were thrown ina Christian and her face proves it, so to much wonderment when, at the bright and full of smiles. Health too is there and the vigor of a strong time for voluntary prayer, a man clad woman of fifty. In her hand is a kadli whose gay rhythmic jingle ac- in the garb of a Buddhist priest rose, and, from a heart unmistakably sincompanies her singing. She appeared cere, poured forth a prayer such as just as we were about to begin morn-. ing prayers and at once took charge, might have come from the pulpit instanding in the midst of the patients stead of the pew; but the climax was who were seated about her on the floor. '0, my dear sisters,' she said. reached when the evangelist came , Jesus does not want your money or your bangles or your fine saris. He forward and asked me to change the wants your hearts.' …. Later Sadni- closing hymn for one chosen by the ji went from bed to bed, talking and singing as she went." priest as his own public testimony.
The hymn selected was 'Just as I am, without one plea.' He was a priest of no mean ability according to the heathen standard, and had brought to the temple no small gain by acting as a medium, but he had already told the head of the temple of his renuncia- Slavery in Burma Stin tion of every false way and of his intention to abandon priest-life, and T HE press reports, on which was based the announcement in the that day he had decided to take the May REVIEW of the liberation by the great step."
British Government of about 4,000 OpiUDl Survey of China slaves in the Hukawng Valley in T HE International .Anti-Opium As- Burma, gave the impression that sociation has headquarters in slavery had thus been completely Peking, and Dr. W. H. G. .Aspland is eradicated from that portion of the its General Secretary. He has recent- British Empire. The London Chris- ly completed the annual opium surtian now announces a similar expedi- vey of China for the League of tion to the region between two rivers, Nations and the China Year Book. which unite to form the river Ir- Opium is now grown to the neglect of rawaddy.' This territory, though not cereals. The smoking habit is almost so extensive as the Hukawng Valley, as widespread as in 1907. is more densely populated, and the number of slaves to' be liberated will Coeducation in West China be greater. The Triangle (as the area is named locally) has also for many M ISS ALICE B. BRETHORST, a years been the refuge of absconding Methodist missionary, writes of criminals from British territory, and the first girl students in the West the opportunity may be taken to China Union University in Chengtu, bring a number of them to justice for Szechwan Province, a union institu- offences committed in the past. The tion supported by Canadian Method-
ists, Anglieans and Friends from icans. It has two branches operating England, Baptists and Methodists in rented quarters, one of which, it from the United States. She savs: is hoped, will soon have a modern "On September 8, 1924, eight flne home. It owns an athletic field of young women, registered on the same fonr acres at the edge of the city. terms as the men students, became the The attendance at Bible classes first class of women ever to be ad- reached 37,065 for the year. mitted to a school of higher learning in all of West China with its popula- Burning the Kitchen God tion of 75,000,000 people. Custom required that these girls be chaper- MISS Gillard, of Shaoking, Chekioned wherever they went-to their ang Province, tells the followclasses, to the laboratory, to the li- ing story in the Church Missionary brary, when they went for walks or Gleaner: "One woman said that she attended the religious services at the wanted an inquirer's card and she chapel. They are all fine Christian took down her kitchen god, which was girls and though their liberties had to pasted on the brickwork of her stove, be very much restricted they helped as a preliminary. Alas, before the their dean in every way to make the day for receiving the card came, her first year of coeducation a success. husband missed the god and insisted Five of th~m are preparing to be high on its being put back, and she, cowerschool teachers, two hope to go into ing beneath his wrath, ordered her social service work and one is taking little girl to take it from a drawer the pre-medical course." where she had placed it instead of burning it outright, and give it to her Y. M. c. A. Branches in Shanghai .father. The kitchen god went up again, and the inquirer's card was I N ADDITION to the twelve stu- withheld from the woman until this dent Associations in various edu- obstacle could be removed from the cational institutions in the City of home. This was the cause of special Shanghai, the Y. M. C. A. has a Navy prayer being made for that housebranch with a $350,000 building; a hold, prayer which is being answered.. branch for other Americans, British A few Sundays ago the husband, who and Europeans, which now has in forme,rly had been very bigoted, carhand the funds for a building, the ried their one-year-old baby boy to foundations for which are now being church twice for his wife, and himself laid; a Japanese branch with 500 attended the services. The woman members; and a Chinese Association. has again taken down the paper god, The laflt-named has just completed and burned it this time, and says that twenty-six years' service to the young come what may she will never put one men of this community. It has in its up again." central building a membership of 3,000, representing all provinces and Heathen Give to Church all religions, but directed by the 500 who are members of Christian REV. EDWARD H. SMITH, of the churches, operating through a board American Board, writes in the of directors of fifteen Chinese busi- Missionary Hemld of a little Chinese ness men and a large number of com- village which has subscribed $800 for mitte'lmen and other volunteer work- a Christian school and community ers. Its program for the community center in connection with the new centers in a men's and a boys' build- chapel built four years ago, and coning (:entral1y located but not mod- tinues: "Six years ago the Chrisern. It has a budget equal to U. S. tians subscribed liberally and were $80,000 . per year, all secured in able to raise about three hundred dol- Shanghai in fees and contributions. lars for their new chapel. Today the Its secretarial staff now numbers Church has come to a place where it twenty-three Chinese and two Amer- can call on the heathen community
NEWS FROM MANY LANDS
for support and be heard. The faith- tainly was the happiest Sunday we ful upright living of an educated have spent in China. The Lord grant ministry fast coming into leadership that many more like it be reserved in the life of the community; the suf- for the future."
ferings of the people in these years of civil war and the oppression and Sehool Needs in Mukden cruelty practiced even by their own MISSIONARIES in Manchuria, as neighbors and relatives make the in China proper, realize, with Church to stand out as unique, the the development of goverl1ment minister of mercy, compassion, and schools along modern lines, that, if loving service. The leadership of the the Christian Church is to hold her Church in education; the outstand- youth, she must have schools that give ing work of the Christian community an adequate education, and further, in social service and moral reform that a sound Christian education under the leadership of the Y. M. C. scheme will attract the children of A.; these and their surrounding con- non-Christian parents, and thus ditions have given the Church in prove, as in the past, a valuable evan- China today her commanding posi- gelistic instrument. The Mission tion. We who have labored to bring Council and the Chinese Church are some of these things to pass against alive to the situation. A Christian discouraging conditions know how to Education Board has been established rejoice and thank God for them. to care for the Christian educational China has not been altogether won needs of Manchuria. Provision is beyet, but there have been victories ing made for primary imd middle enough to cheer and gladden the most scheols and for college education. hardened pessimist." But in Mukden, the center of the edu- cational work, there is no proper First Converts in One Mission school for boys. At present a school T HE Christian Reformed Church is being carried on in some Chinese sent its first missionaries to China buildings adjoining the Chinese in 1920. Rev. H. A. Dy_kstra wrote church. These are entirely inadeas follows from Jukao last November: quate and, in any case, are needed "The great event of the past two by the church for' its own activities. months has been the baptism of our The lack of an adequate scho'ol is very three first converts. These men had seriously hampering the work of the been receiving instruction for the past missionaries, and impairing their inyear or longer. Most of this instruct- fluence, they feel. The eagerness of ing was done by our Chinese helpers the Chinese for such a building is at the beginning and later by Rev. shown by the fact that they have al- De Korne and myself. A committee ready subscribed nearly $3,000 gold.
of the Mission examined these men and was gratifled with their knowl- Two Aspeets of Islam in China. T edge of God's Word and their confes- HAT the Moslems of China "are sion of faith in Christ as their Sav- participating in the renaissance iour. They were baptized by us on that is taking place in the whole last Sunday morning. How grateful Islamic world" is the opinion of a we are for these firstfruits of the Mohammedan editor in South Africa, mission work of our church in China. who goes on to say: "Quite recently But not only the morning service wa~ two Chinese magazines have been an occasion for joy. ~n the afternoon started, one at Tientsin and the other we gathered together as believers in at Shanghai. The magazine published our Lord about His table. In all at Tientsin is entitled Bright Virtue.
there were about thirty-three com- It is a progressive monthly, and con- municants. Dr. L. S. Huizenga ad- tains articles on different social sub- ministered the sacrament. That cer- jects. The trend of these articles
shows that the periodical stands for a Association of Central Japan, Toraji -correct and liberal interpretation of Makino summarizes some significant the teachings of Islam; and cham- facts about the city of Osaka. He pions the sacred cause of the propaga- says: "The biggest commercial center ti(m of our faith." in Japan, with a population of 2,- Another side of the picture is 100,000, has no university except one presented in reports from the work medical college and a private school.
of the China Inland :Mission in the And yet the city is noted for its first- Moslem province of Kansu, referred class theater, opera and popular arts.
to in the September REVIEW. Rev. F. Many amusement centers and popular D. Learner of Sining writes of the resorts for pleasure seekers abound.
recent death of a saintly Christian, The total number of prostitutes ex:- who was converted from Islam nine ceeds that of the girls in school. The years ago. number of poor ~oung girls who are engaged in this shameful business is JAPAN-KOREA so numerous here that the proportion Japa:a.ese Exclusion a Live Issue of them to the general workingwomen T HE Japanese mission council of is about one to six. With more than the :Methodist Episcopal Church, 500,000 factory employees, two thirds at its annual meeting, held July 30th, passed a significant resolution on the of whom are women, and with nearly immigration question, a portion of 25,000 prostitutes, the citizens of which reads: "Resentment in Japan Osaka are facing the most difficult problem of urban life."
following the enactment of the socalled Japanese clause of the Johnson Buddhist Sunday-Schools immigration act is not diminishing. T HESE schools, which, in their ef- Missionaries in Japan are not agitat- fort to undermine the work of ing to keep alive among the Japanese missionaries, take over many· of their grief and indignation which they have been feeling. On the contrary, methods, have been referred to often because of the Christian missionary's in the Review, though no statistics deep sympathy with the Japanese in have been given to show the extent their offended pride and disillusion- of the movement. A recent survey, ment as to America's sense of inter- quoted in the Record of Christwn national and interracial justice, we Work, shows that the Buddhists have have been able somewhat to assuage 4,175 Sunday-schools, as against 1,891 indignation with the assurance that whatever of unfairness has entered Christian Sunday-schools. The Bud: into American legislation will surely be dhists have 12,754 teachers, and 575,- rectified in time when the situation and the implication of these laws are 691 pupils, while the Christians have more thoroughly understood…… . 7,493 teachers, and only 132,080 Some remedy for this un-American and un-Christian attitude should be Christian pupils. The Buddhist Sunsought. The fundamental reform day-schools have little difficulty in needed is such amendment of our securing the cooperation and symnaturalization law as will open pathyof municipal officers and public American citizenship, under the safe- school teachers. There is an unlimited guard of high qualifications, without supply of priests and day school national or racial discrimination." teachers as candidates for the teach- ing staff. That is not surprising when one realizes that there are as many Buddhist priests in Japan as there are Christian members of all the Prot- Some of Osaka's Problems estant churches added together.
Christian workers in Japan find, how- I N A paper entitled "The Industrial ever, the old uncultured priests can- Workers of Osaka and the Gospel" not teach the keen and alert child of which was read before the Missionary this modern nation.
NKWS FR01f MANY LANDS
Wife of Priest Reads Bible representation elected by Presbytery THE story of how the Bible got and the Mission Council, and have into the home of the chief priest full administrative and financial in Nikko, the famous temple city of powers. Our Council has taken the Japan, is vouched for by the Ameri- step of placing evangelistic funds can Bible Society and quoted in the under the control of Presbytery. "
Japan Evangelist. The wife of the chief priest was sick, and the doctor Earnest Korean Islanders recommended treatment by a certain THE Presbyterian Church of Korea expert masseur. This man, Mr. Ta- conducts an interesting missionary naami, carries Bibles wherever he enterprise on Cheiju, a rock-bound, goes and is known as "the Jesus volcanic island off the southern coast man. " The doctor had told Tanaami of Korea. The people are very prothat he should not tell the woman gressive, and numbers of their young that he was a Christian, but as soon people go to school in Korea and as Tanaami carne into her room he Japan. The commercial activities of told her of his Christian faith and the island are chiefly in the hands of asked her permission to pray to God the women. Mrs. Knox, of the Southbefore giving his treatment. "I al- ern Presbyterian Church, says of ways pray before I undertake any- them: "As a result of the strenuous thing." 'V.hile giving his treatment life which they lead the women have he told her his experience and of developed virile minds. and Amazonian what God said in His Word. This physiques and are peculiarly fitted aroused her interest and she won- for leadership. This they exercise dered how she might obtain the book with excellent results in the churches. he had mentioned. Both this woman They practically finance the work and and her son became ardent lovers of serve as teachers and even church ofthe Bible and although they still do ficers. Home Missions of the Korean not dare to confess that they believe Assembly includes work among the in Christ, owing to the position the Koreans in Peking, Nanking, Shanghead of the family holds in the town, hai, Manchuria, Siberia, Osaka, and they are quietly recommending and '£01l:yo and at a meeting which I atpushing the Bible into the homes of tended the Cheiju women listened the many priests who are connected eagerly to the program which gave with the famous shrines in Nikko. a short sketch of the situation in each Devolution in Korean Missions of these places."
I N AN interesting article in The ISLANDS OF THE SEA Korea. Mission Field S. J. Proctor, of the United Church of Canada, "Flying Doctors" in Australia states that, in the opinion of a majority of the members of that mis- I N AN area covering approximately sion, "the time has come when we 2,000,000 square miles, the Ausshould seriously consider having the tralian Island Mission seeks to care for whole of our mission work, including the spiritual and medical needs of the finances, handled by a joint committee scattered population. The Record of of the Korean Presbyteries and the Christian Work reports that much mission, with equal representation. success has attended its efforts dur- Our men 's evangelistic work has all ing the fourteen years of its existence. but been so handed over; and the Ten nursing homes have been eswomen's work in large part. In tablished, each presided over by two educational matters we are further fully qualified nurses. While these advanced. ~~ll our mission schools women are primarily concerned with are now in-the hands of school boards. the medical care of settlers, who are These boards are composed of equal sometimes 500 miles or more distant from the nearest doctor or other
settlement, they also carryon social population in the Fiji Islands." The and religious work, and give special first coolies from India were brought attention to the spiritual instruction to Fiji in 1879, under a system of of the young people. One of the latest indentured labor which was abolished enterprises of the mission is a "Flying in 1920. They now number about 65,- Doctor" scheme. That means that the 000, and increased fifty pel' cent in aeroplane has been pressed into serv- the last recorded decade. "It will ice, and much more good is now being also require justice," says Mr. Mcaccomplished through the rapidity of Millan, "to safeguard against all transport. Wireless has also been in- foreign exploitation the future of the stalled with the special view of re- 84,000 ease-loving Fijian natives, ligious instruction being given to who are subject to the pressure of a those who are far off from any center. growing Indian community and a rapidly increasing number of Chinese The Gospel for the Tirurai immigrants. The changing situation will also call for adjustments which T HE Tirurai people, numbering will secure for the Indians themselves about 17,000, live on Mindanao a place in the Colony commensurate Island in the Philippines. Although with their importance as indispensurrounded by Moros they are not sable producers, at the same time Mohammedans, but pagans or ani- recognizing their aspirations as pro- gressive, intelligent and loyal memmists, living in fear of the Moros, to bers of a commonwealth… The Indian is normally one of the most religiously whom, before the American occupa- inclined men in the world. The new tion, they were obliged to. pay tribute, generation in Fiji are fast becoming and under whom they lived in about devotees at the shrine of Mammon. the same position as serfs. For the For bim to lose his desire to worship past three years, the rector of Trinity and become a victim of modern Mission in Zamboanga has made materialism will be a great and monthly trips to three of the most inestimable loss." important villages of the Tirurai, giving each place about two hours' NORTH AMERICA instruction weekly in the schools. An account was given in the February Moslems in the United States Review of two Tirurai young women who are now being train('d in Zam- T HE total number of converts from boanga, one as a teacher, and an- Christianity to Islam in the United other as a nurse, for service among States is well over one thousand, actheir own people. The country of the cording to Prof. Maulvi Mohammed Tirurai is situated in the very heart Din, in charge of the mission of the of what is likely to become the best Ahmadiya movement in this country, rubber-producing section of Mind- with headquarters in Chicago. He is anao. It has recently been visited by quoted in The Missio1U1ry Voice as representatives of some of the larg~ follows: "When our prophet, Mirza corporations interested in rubber Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahproducts in the TTnited States. This madiya movement in India during fact gives added importance to the the latter part of the past century missionary work now being carried on. came to this country, he comported himself as the true believer should. Indian Problem in Fiji Detained on his arrival by immigra- tion officials, because, he says, 'I was I N THE opinion of A. W. McMillan, a missionary of the Moslem faith,' he writing in The 8ttldent Wm'Zd, preached quietly and engaged in his "It is doubtful whether there is any personal devotions before others problem of statesmanship in the South whose entrance was also being de- Pacific calling for more expert, tact- bated, until there was a total of nineful and wise treatment than that determining the future of the Indian
NEWS FROM MANY LANDS
teen converts in seven weeks' time." eign missions, the problem of the Investigations by Dr. Zwemer have indigenous church; (5) from home revealed Moslem groups in Mil- missions, the problem of the rural waukee, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleve- church; and (6) from the field of land, Akron, New York City, religious and missionary education, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, the problem of young people in the Worcester, Sioux City,' Fargo, and local church. In preparation for this other smaller towns. convention, study and discussion groups have met for about two months Presbyterian Bodies Confer in twelve colleges and cities. Repre- sentatives of these groups will bring T HE first joint meeting of the com- their findings as a basis for further mittees on closer relations between discussion. the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. (South), and the United Presbyterian American Board Avoids Deficit Church was held, September 15th, in Cincinnati. These committees were RECEIPTS of the American Board appointed by their respective General of Commissioners for Foreign Assemblies last May. Some of the Missions aggregated $2,152,765 durconclusions reached are stated by ing the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, The United Presbyterian to have 1926. Expenditures were $2,152,272. been: "Never before has the relation The report points out that even the between the two churches been more small credit balance was "very gratiripe for negotiations. No doctrinal fying in view of the estimate made at unrest disturbs either communion, the beginning of the year." At that and, so far as our first conference is time it seemed that in order to close concerned, we found no doctrinal dif- the year without a greater deficit it ference that keeps us apart. Some would be necessary for churches and differences exist in machinery and individuals to giye an additional $85,- method; not in fundamentals of ec- 000. Legacies exceeded the yearly clesiastical polity, but in the details average by more than $80,000 and of organization and administration. added gifts prevented a deficit. The Whether the obstacles are insur- Board's debt, which was about $242,- mountable, whether they are sufficient 000 in 1920, now is $213,242. to justify the continued separate existence of the two denominations, Race Relations Study Courses remains to be seen." T HOMAS L. DABNEY, writing in Disciples' Youth Convention The Southern 'Workman, the magazine published by Hampton In- PARALLEl. with the convention of stitute, says: "Twenty years ago no the Disciples of Christ in Mem- one thought that today over twentyphis, Tenn., November 11th to 14th, five Southern white colleges would there is to be held what is called "a have courses in race relations. This youth convention," at which 1,000 is an astonishing achievement when delegates ilre expected to be present. one considers the fact that the South The topics for discussion have lieen has always claimed a sufficient knowlchosen as follows from six fields of edge of the Negro and the race quesactivity: (1) From the field of Chris- tion to preclude the necessity of any tian unity, a discussion of the special study of the problem." The practical basis for Christian union; universities of North Carolina, (2) from that of temperance and Florida and Missouri and Southsocial welfare, the problem of law en- western College in Texas are instituforcement; (3) from that of aca- tions where these courses., promoted demic education, the problem of the by the Commission on Interracial place of the church college in the life Cooperation, have been especially of the denomination; (4) from for- successful. Sixteen weeks is the time
usually devoted to one course. A which operates the station. Two comtest taken by one class included the plete courses, giving certificates of following questions: credit if the final examinations are passed, were begun in September. Do you think lynching is ever justified' Dr. James M. Gray, president of the . Do you favor the Dyer Bill against lynch- Institute, gives a half-hour lecture on lng' the subject "Mountain Peaks of Prophecy, " which is broadcast every If not, what remedy would you propose' Tuesday evening at 8: 30 o'clock. What do you plan to do after leaving The Rev. John C. Page of the Insticollege to promote goodwill and peace be- tute staff is lecturer in a course on tween the raees ~ Bible doctrine broadcast at the same What is your idea of justice for the hour Wednesday evenings. There are Negro' fifteen lessons in each of the two courses announced now, and after TResults of Jeanes Fund Work Jan. 1st courses in other subjects are HE annual meeting of the Jeanes promised. All broadcasting of WMBI industrial supervisors of Virginia is on a wave length of 288.3 meters. was the occasion of the following In announcing the plans for radio comment by the Smtthern Workman instruction, A. F. Gaylord, business on the 300 supervisors maintained by manager of the Institute, said: the Jeanes Fund throughout the southern states: "With rare under- Since 19M, the Institute has conducted standing, patience, _ and devotion a correspondence school in whieh 35,000 these supervisors have done pioneel' students, Hving in all parts of the world, work in improving colored schools. have enrolled. But we helieve the radio By organizing whole communities in- offers still greater opportunity for religious to enthusiastic school-improvement education. leagues, by introducing into the ;:c~ools practical handwork, by length- Chinese Give Infirmary enlllg terms, and by securing better teachers, they revived the interest of CHINESE Americans have raised the colored people in their poorly among themselves $12,000 to build supported, neglected schools and won an infirmary for the Ming Quong for them the attention and increased Presbyterian Home for Chinese girls financial assistance of school officials at Oakland, California. Last year and of local white people. They, when the new Ming Quong Home was more than any others, set going thc built by the Presbyterian Board of movement which has resulted in National Missions, Chinese Christians thousands of new, model school- on the coast in gratitude determined houses for Negro children and all that they would themselves build the the other material progress which now required infirmary. They planned a so signally characterizes public edu- country-wide campaign under the cation for Negroes in the South. And direction of five Chinese counselors having secured the sorely needed (one of whom was Dr. Ng Poon Chew, physical improvements in Negro lecturer and editor of the largest schools in many localities, these re- Chinese daily paper in the United sourceful supervisors, especially in States), and sent out two Chinese North CarolIna and Maryland, are young. women, both daughters of the more and more turning their atten- mission, as money raisers. In every tion to the work of the classrooms." city friends of the Home, husbands- perhaps grateful for what the Chinese Bible Courses "On the Air" mission had done in past years for their wives-former pupils and busi- T HE first regular educational ness men helped, with the campaign. courses of a religious nature con- The president of one tong contributed ducted by radio are being broadcast to the infirmary fund.- W(;'Inen and from the Chicago station WMBI, ac- Missions. cording to an announcement made by officials of the Moody Bible Institute,
NEWS FROM MANY LANDS
GENERAL 169.86. Australia, 41; Hawaiian 61; Ja- pan, abandoned; New Zealand,' 45; Sa- Missions and Governments moan, 44; Tahitian, 11; Tongan, 19_ To- tal in Island Mission, elders 220; members, ASURVE>Y of foreign missions by 26,780; property, $518,S83.S0. Total num- the Bishop of Salisbury, pub- ber of elders in these foreign fields from lished in the London Times has awak- Utah Mormonism. 779; total members, 53,- ened much interest. He calls atten- 051. Add to these the figures of J osephite tion to the quickening of the moral Mormonism. which we do not have accursense of Christendom towards the ately at hand, and the number of elders will backward races. The mandatory probably be considerably over 900 men and clauses of the League of Nations Cov- women working to spread Mormonism in enant are symptoms of this change, foreign lands. which is mainly due to the development of a world situation in which For the Blind of the World the value, indeed, the necessity, of the spiritual forces of life has been T HE Mission to the Blind in thrown into striking and peremptory Heathen and Bible Lands, which relief. The Bishop summarizes the was started in 1918 by one who is astounding advance revealed by the blind, paralyzed and too helpless to numerical statistics of Christian mis- move, now has supporters in all sions. He pays tribute to the very English-speaking countries and an noble contribution made by America, annual income of about $5,500. The by its width of outlook and its strong Mission contributes to the support of financial support, to the spiritual de- both teachers and pupils in schools velopment of the people in British for the blind in many missionnelds, territory. AJso the scope of mission- and also makes possible the work deary work has changed, the missionary scribed as follows: "Portions of now concerning himself with the Scripture are now being transcribed promotion of human well-being in into Braille by hand, by members of every department of life. This has our staff, for the blind in Fiji, Sololed to new and improved relations be- mon Islands and elsewhere. In Egypt tween the missionary and the secular our blind evangelist, who has a small authorities. class of blind boys, employs them to transcribe portions of Scripture into MOrDlonism in Foreign Lands Braille by hand for the use of blind people who are being taught. In MOST people think of Mormonism China a quarterly Braille magazine is as confined to America. But it stereotyped by blind boys in the Pehas now spread into nearly very land king School for the Blind, and circuwhich has the Bible, including Chris- lated free of charge." tian foreign mission fields like the islands of the Pacific, where those who Growth of Christianity by centuries. have been converted from heathenism to Christianity are perverted back Close of first century ……. . 500,000 again to another false system, which Close of second century …. . 2,000,000 is little better than their first. Mor- Close of third century …… . 5,000,000 monism has started two new foreign Close of fourth century …… . 10,000,000 fields during the past year, in France Close of fifth century _…… . 15,000,000 and Argentina, in the latter of which Close of sixth century ….. . 20,000,000 reports of considerable progress are Close of seventh century ….. . 25,000,000 made. Its fields outside of North Close of eighth century ….. . 30,000,000 America are as follows, with the :num- Close of ninth century …… . 40,000,000 ber of elders reported in April, 1925: Close of tenth century ….. . 50,000,000 Close of eleventh century . _.. 70,000,000 Armenian, 2; British, 151; Danish, 25; Close of twelfth century ….. 80,000,000 French, SO; Netherlands, 61; Norwegian, Close of thirteenth century •.. 85,000,000 17 ; S. African, 18; Swiss and German. Close of fourteenth century .. . 90,000,000 226; Swedish, SO); total elders, 559; total Close of fifteenth century … . 100,000,000 members, 26,S71; total property, $368,- Close of sixteenth century .. . 125,00(),000 Close of seventeenth century .. 155,000,000 Close of eighteenth century .. 200,000,000 Close of nineteenth century .. 400,000,000 Close of 1925 ………….. . 500,000,000
books mentioned in these columns will be forwarded by us on receipt of price.-
THE REVIEW.
An Outline History of China, with a Thor- rights in the winter of A. D. ough Acoount of the Republican Era Interpreted in Its Historical Perspective. 1925-26. "
Herbert H. Gowen and Josef Washington This history is also provided with Hall. Map, xxix, 542 pp. $4.00. 1926. many references to enable readers ~o New York. verify statements or to extend theIr Though Professor Gowen, of the reading. The Bibliography is valu- University of Washington, issued a able and reasonably full, while its two-volume "Outline History of brief annotations are usually just and China" in 1913, the present one- always illuminating. In a word,. th~s volume edition, bearing the same title, is the most readable, concrete, JUdIis no mere enlargement of the former cious, comprehensive and up-to-date work. Prof. Gowen has entirely re- history of this great nation known to written his section, bringing down the reviewer. We commend it to the Chinese history to the b~ginning of reading public, as the history of a the Republic. His collaborator, Mr. great nation with an age-long history Hall, who was himself on the ground, and an ancient civil and literary cuI. adds nearly two hundred pages of ture. recent history, that of the Republic since its establishment in 1912. This Dr. Gowen gives the following rea· is a very valuable summary of what is not so satisfactorily done in out- son for reading this history: "Any line by other writers. Chinese schoolboy can tell you some- While the volume does not have behind it the wide reading and scholar- thing of Socrates, Christ, Shake· ship of Professor Latourette's "Development of China," this lack is speare, Luther, the British Empire, compensated for by its concreteness Napoleon, Washington, Lincoln, our and" anecdotal" style, which give it a vividness and interest, looked for Civil War, Ro('sevelt, Wilson. How in vain in the generalizations and emphasis on great trends of the times many of the educated among us can found in other less readable volumes. The authors of this book have measur- tell anything of the 4,OOO-year-old ably succeeded· in doing what they aimed to accomplish: "to write all. Book of History, Confucius, Taoism, interpretive story of the Chinese people based upon both scholarly re- Chin the Empire-Builder, the rise of search and intimate personal toucha popularly told narrative of the 'Im- Korea, the culturization of Japan, Li ,mortal Nation' from the beginnings Po the Divine Poet, Tang the Brilli- ant, the rise and fall of the Mongol Khans who nearly conquered Europe in addithm to Asia, the coming of Russia into Asian affairs, the Manchu Empress Dowager, the Chinese Re- publican Revolution, the student up- rising, Chinese guild organization, the China riots of 1925, or the Chris- tian General1 H. P. B.
of the world's most unique culture in Chinese Culture and Christianity. James the cave villages of the upper Yellow Livingstone Stewart. 316 pages. $2.50. River five thousand years before New York. 1926.
Christ to the assembling of the con- "The Laughing Buddha" is a novel vention to restore China '8 national which incidentally gives some inter- 910
926] THE MISSIONARY LIBRARY
e~ting side-lights on China '8 reli- descriptions; in the Chinese viewglOns. Here the same author treats point of religions as contrasted with more specifically of the underlying a foreigner's view; and in leaving principles, the outward manifesta- the reader with the impression that tions of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Chinese religious culture and even Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese superstitions deserve further Mohammedanism. He describes their study, rather than to be summarily effect on Chinese society and the in- rejected as samples of a degraded fluence of recent culture contacts "heathenism. " upon all Chinese religions. Chinese culture, especially on its religious The concrete descriptions of Chiside, is well set forth; Christianity is nese religious views and practices not at all emphasized, though it is not can be especially commended to firstwholly ignored. As the subtitle indi- year missionaries in China. Yet one cates, it is a review of China '8 religious systems from the Christian would criticize an "old China hand" viewpoint. Had Professor Stewart and a university professor for emcompare(1 Chinese and Christian con- ploying in his Chinese proper names ceptions of culture and religions, his contribution to our comparative a romanization that is confined to a knowledge of these factors would limited section of the Mandarin, with have .been more distinctive, whereas its peculiarities. Why not use some the volume as it now stands does little more than mass and classify the widely known system that would not writings of Da Bose, Soothill and O'Neil, adding some of the less com- be provincial, and so serve a larger monlv known facts of books like Dore~s and the six-volume magnum constituency of young missionaries opus of De Groot. and aid in making still more general The most interesting chapters are perhaps those in which China's prim- a romanization that is used in all the itive psychology, philosophical presuppositions, phy"sics, physiology and best dictionaries and by the best feng-shui are concretely pictured and explained. Ancestor worship would writers {Jn China? H. P. B. be far better known bv Chinese missionaries if they could read chapter Heart of Black Papua. Merlin Moore IV, and those who have not seen Taylor. IIlus. S va. 266 pp. $3.00. New Beal's "Catena of Chinese Bud- York. 1926. dhism" or Du Bose's "Dragon, Image and Demon" will fipd chapter The lure of the jungle! How III a good summary of Chinese con- strong it must be to make white men ceptions of heavens, hells and the trek through it, day after day under hereafter. Taoist deities and demons the suffocating heat, when even the are very inadequately pictured in slightest clothing is a burden; through chapter VIII. The final chapter, the daily torrential showers which "Recent Culture Contacts," might soak to the skin; enduring the cold well be published separately as an nights when neither blankets or camparticle to enable a wide reading pub- fires bring warmth; suffering from lic interested in China's renaissance leeches that get under the thickest -to understand its leading features. foot and suck the traveler's blood; weakened by fevers which come Professor Stewart's differentiation fiercely and suddenly; braving the from other writers of similar volumes greatest danger of all-the native lies in his citation of religious facts who is "hungry for man." less commonly known; in his vivid The author gives a vivid picture of the heart of Papua, by pen and camera, describing the expedition of three white men across the mountain ranges of the interior. They saw the natives in their villages, learned the power of "magic," came to know of the unwritten law of "pay back" by which a man's death by violence must be requited and which causes never.
ending feuds resulting often in the A Year's Program for Young People. wiping out of whole villages. Then Harry Thomas Stock. Pamphlet. 25 there are the strange burial customs, cents. The Pilgrim Press. Boston. 1926. and the wearing of the feather headdress as a sign that a youth has at- Practical plans are here present.ed tained manhood and has killed a man. for activities and projects for young Many times these travelers were people, with suggestions for organizasaved from death by their quickness tion, expression, worship and disof wit and because of the innate fear cussion month by month. The objects the Blacks have for the white man's include church and neighhorhood skin and the white man's gun. work, missions, Christian character and habits, education and leadership. Many adventures are told with dramatic power, including an ex- Education for Peace, a Book of Facts and perience in the cannibals' camp, near- Opinions. Issued by the Committee of ness to death from thirst and escape Reference and Counsel, Foreigu Missions from the enemy by use of the camera- Conference. New York. 1926. man's :flashlight powder. A thread of mystery runs through the narrative Quotations from educators, authors, and gives a suggestion of plot. editors, statesmen, and conferences; statistics on the cost of war and There is interesting information resolutions by various bodies give a concerning the government supervi- wealth of facts and opinions for sion of the natives but no mention is educating the Church, the youth and made of the work of the missionaries the nation in the evils of war, its in Papua. The habits and character- prevention and the promotion of istics of the natives who are under peace. Pastors, teachers and others the sway of fear and superstition, should obtain and digest a copy of thirsty for human blood, "tricky, this pamphlet. clever and resourceful" show clearly their great need for Christ and His The Laymen's Missionary Movement of the Gospel of life, love and release from United States and Canada. A Pamphlet. the powers of darkness. J. H. R. Prepared by Lt. Col. E. W. Halford. PUi)lished by the Executiye Committee. The Quest for God in China. By F. W. G. New York. 1926. O'Neill. 8 va. 272 pp. $2.50. New York. 192.6. This brief history, published twenty years after this remarkable and truly China is to the fore in the public effective movement was founded, is mind. Religion is a great factor in more a characterization and estimate determining China's future. Mr. of achievement than a history, but it gives important facts that should not o 'Neill, an Irish Presbyterian mis- be forgotten. A great body of noble men were associated with it and their sionary who has been in China for prayers and works made it a great nearly thirty years, writes from factor in the advancement of the misknowledge. His presentation is most sionary cause in America. The "Men sane and is made sympathetically, and Religions Movement," "Dewith discernment and constructively. nominational Laymen's Missionary He describes Taoism, Spiritism, Con- Movement" and other activities owe fucianism, Buddhism, Chinese Mo- their impulse to this work. hammedanism, modern r e 11 g i 0 u S movements and Christianity. One Christ Supreme. Arthur H. Carter. 12mo. finds here much new light on the 83 pp. Art stock covers, 30 cen ts; cloth, religions of China and on religion in 75 cents. Chicago. 1926. general. There is no doubt whatever in the author's mind but that, with The author reveals Christ's charall the excellencies of natural and acter and glory in this brief study. ethnic religions, the necessity for ac- He shows very brie:fly one present· cepting and following Christ as day attitude toward Christ and the Saviour and Lord is supreme. • view of him given in the Old and New Testaments.