Trip up the Pearl River to Canton by J. E. FULTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 10, 1916

Trip up the Pearl River to Canton

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON

In company with Pastor B. L. Anderson and Brethren A. L. Ham and P. V. Thomas, I left Hongkong by the night steamer “Kwangsai” for Canton. We sailed at 9 P. M., expecting to reach Canton at daylight. Hongkong is built on a hill, and from out the darkness the view of this city, with its thousands of electric lights, is a most beautiful sight. On both sides of the harbor great searchlights were turned on the waters to disclose the movements of every craft. The lights, like great eyes, were cast searchingly upon our steamer as we passed out of Hongkong to enter the Pearl River on our way to Canton.

The night was foggy, and some time after midnight we lost our bearings, and ran aground in a shallow place, without any mishap, however; but we remained aground till daylight, when with help we got afloat again. This gave us opportunity to see the great rice fields, Chinese gardens, and orchards of litchi on the banks of this great river, and also some of the large and small towns and villages and country dwellings of the millions of Chinese.

A Terrible Sight

As I stood on the deck of the steamer, gazing out at the strange craft and the men rushing hither and thither in quest of their daily food, I spied in the water just ahead of our steamer a black object floating. Leaning over the steamer’s rail, I saw it was the body of a man; and as the waves made by our steamer washed over the body, it was caused to move up and down so as to be more plainly visible. I glanced upward to the English captain, but he gave the body hardly a casual glance, and passed on. I then watched the small sampans and other boats which were passing near, but they, too, were busy, and left the body to float on. Nobody seemed to be disturbed by this common sight. Poor fellow! no one to give him even the burial of a criminal. He may have been robbed and drowned; may have fallen overboard; or, in the desperation that hunger brings, may have chosen to end his life. Some mother’s son gone,—but more, one who might have become an adopted son of God had closed his life’s record. This is only a common incident in the history of this people. There is a fearful lack of sympathy. Men and women grow callous.

The world is waiting to be loved. When Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion. Are our hearts thus moved? What a call for missionaries with the spirit of Jesus in their hearts!

Canton

Canton is the largest city of China, and is the largest city of non-Christian people in the world,—two million inhabitants. Canton is a great shipping center. Large ocean-going steamers can run up the river and anchor at the city to load cargoes of silk, tea, and rice. This was the first city of China to open up trade with Europe. Canton is built in a fertile delta country, at a point where several rivers meet, and has an important trade as well with the southern provinces of China.

Many of the English and American missions have headquarters in Canton. It has long been a missionary center. Many years ago Robert Morrison lived and labored here. At that time the prejudices of the Chinese were very strong, and he and other missionaries had great difficulties to encounter.

For a number of years Seventh-day Adventists have been established here, with mission headquarters at Tung-shan, just outside the city, and a boys’ school in the city. Here some fine young men and boys are receiving an education in the message and in those things essential to make them efficient workers. Some are supporting themselves by canvassing in this great city. Great possibilities are before us in the circulation of our literature, and we are glad our young men are receiving a training to engage in this important branch of our work. Not only does it become, as in our enlightened countries, a great missionary enterprise, but also a means of livelihood to those struggling for an education.

Our girls’ school is located in connection with the mission headquarters. The school is greatly crowded, and numbers who could pay their way are being refused entrance. An addition to the present building is urgently needed. The girls look very bright and happy. Some are engaged in lace making, others in weaving cloth. Some very strong cloth of nice patterns is made by our girls.

We were sorry our stay in this most interesting place was cut short by appointments at other places. Canton is an important center, and our work in it is progressing. Great opportunities are opening up before us. Brother Ham is in charge of our work in this place.