Korea by Rufus C. Wangerin

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1910

Korea

By Rufus C. Wangerin

It is a glorious thought that the third angel’s message has brought out and consolidated a people in such unity, faith, and doctrine, as this our organization. Thanks and praise alone to him who, in love, mercy, and wisdom, has made us a people. Our interests are one — to see the message go, and the work done, and then our blessed Master come. I love to keep in touch with the brethren, read the reports from along the ranks, hear the glad tidings from the battle-field of life.

Only this afternoon, Brother Harold Oberg and I paid a visit to a missionary operating under another mission board. He became so interested that out of a formal visit grew a whole afternoon’s Biblical discussion. He said, among other things, that he wondered at the oneness of belief and purpose which characterizes our entire denomination. He was telling us how dissension and Higher Criticism are mingling in their ranks, and that it seemed their work does not move. Praise God for the truth of his Word, which always triumphs. Let others deny their calling, let apostasy come, and Satan do all possible to wreck the old ship “Zion.” Our God is at the helm, and she will glide safely through both storm and tempest, to the desired haven of rest.

Our lot, since coming to Korea, has

been the common, every-day experiences, and the study of the language. We have not been out much among the people. It does seem rather peculiar to be doing nothing but study Korean day after day. And it makes me feel somewhat impatient, as I begin to realize the immensity of the work before us — millions in gross, heathen darkness, perishing, without even a chance to hear the old story of a Saviour’s wonderful love and his speedy return; while we few workers are merely undergoing a preparation, helpless, struggling to acquire a difficult speech. But, again, thanks be to God for the assurance that the work is his. And while we, by consecration, have chosen that to be our own, it is nevertheless not to be done in our strength. But the message is onward in Korea, and souls are coming to the light.

We have just closed a month’s workers’ institute for our Korean preachers, here in Seoul. During the forenoons they received instruction, and the afternoons were spent in house-to-house visiting and distribution of handbills announcing the evening services. And at times we surely had a houseful. Twice it was necessary for Elder C. L. Butterfield to purchase additional mats for seating. And as still the people came, the partitions were pushed back, adding an adjoining room for the accommodation of the multitudes. The men come to meeting first, usually one hour early, for song service. They are the churchgoing folk here. They occupy the front seats in one end of the large room. Then the women come, and go to the rear. Koreans all sing — from the depths of their hearts to the tops of their voices. In this it is true they have not much culture, nor have they acquired the science of song; but if you were to see with what earnestness and meaning they sing, I am sure it would seem far sweeter, and be more inspiring, than is singing many times at home, where beautiful strains of harmony come from well-drilled, musical voices, while the heart is often further from the sacred meaning than are these poor natives from blend and tune.

After meeting, bills, or leaflets, on the night’s subject are given to all present. Then there is a rush for the door, and a scramble for sandals and wooden shoes in the hallway, after which, with lighted candle lanterns, they go home, presenting quite a spectacle along the side of the hill.

I am very glad and thankful for the privilege of being in Korea. My wife feels the same way. We hope, after diligent study, soon to be able to do something more than hover over our grammars all day.

Brother and Sister Lee leave San Francisco to-morrow (February 23), so we shall look for them here in about three weeks. We are glad our force of laborers is increasing — but still what are thirteen to from twelve to fifteen millions? RUFUS C. WANGERIN.