p. 16 | Canton, China by J. N. ANDERSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 20, 1910

Canton, China

By J. N. ANDERSON

ONE hundred years ago Canton enjoyed the distinction of being the only city in all China open to commercial intercourse with the foreigner. Robert Morrison landed in 1807. It was at Canton, also, by a series of guiding providences, that the advent message made its entrance into China eight years ago this present fall.

Yet Canton is literally full of idols and idol-worshipers, and a casual stroll through the city would lead to the conclusion that the gospel had made no impression there. Such, however, is not the case; for with the many and varied mission interests scattered throughout that great city, a general knowledge of the gospel has without doubt gone to all its masses; and being a commercial and political center for a large section of the southern part of the empire, the gospel light so long set in its midst has radiated to many parts.

When we entered the city, our first concern was to acquire the language, and win souls directly about us. A few have been led into the truth from the city; but the real results, so far as gathering converts is concerned, are to be found in the interests and conversions that have developed in different parts of the country round about. Individuals from various outlying districts have, by casual visits to Canton, come to know of our work, and by this means the truth has found entrance to several places. Canton is, and must continue to be, the head of the work in that part of the field; but our constituency must be in the country about, where the people are much more ready to hear and receive the Word. Thus far, instead of having only one interest in the city of Canton, the truth has gained a foothold in Fat Shan, that great village about ten miles to the west of Canton; while one hundred miles or more to the east, in the Hakka country, we have two gospel candles well lighted, at Wai Chow, and at a smaller place called Pat-vui. Still farther to the east, across the mountains, among the Hoklo people (they speak the language of Swatow, Chao Chow Fu), there is a promising beginning made at a place called Mui Lung. A constantly enlarging work has also been begun among that same people at Chao Chow Fu, still farther to the north, and in adjoining cities and villages, under the leadership of Brother Hung. About seventy-five miles directly south of Canton is another place, a village, Ngoi Hoi, where a lively interest has been awakened. Some converts have been baptized from this place; and the large port of Kong-moon, some miles distant, also has a family of believers. We have recently learned of a man living north of the island of Hong-kong, who of his own accord has taken his stand for the truth, and is now keeping the Sabbath regularly, closing his shop on that day. Above Mui Lung, there is still another man doing the same thing.

Only a short time ago a village between Canton and Fat Shan called for a girls' school. This came about, as is so often the case, through relatives who are already in the truth. This we trust will open the way for regular evangelistic work in that village and in the many surrounding villages in that section. Through the coming of Brother Bach and his wife into the truth, the message has gained another foothold in the very south of this province. From this beginning, too, the truth is radiating. Thus the work is spreading. These are but mere beginnings; but the way the message has gone in this part of the field shows us something of how it will be carried forward.

Thus far all the converts who have been baptized have become members of the Canton church. In the very nature of the case this had to be so; but the time is ripe now for enlargement. It is planned that at least two new churches shall be formed in the fall. These will be at Wai Chow and Fat Shan, and in that way these local interests will be put upon a much better basis. Only a short time ago four men were baptized from Fat Shan, and at our fall meeting in Canton there were some from all these various places to be taken into church fellowship.

Thus is the work extending; and we all take courage, and give ourselves to it with a new consecration. The unfailing promise that His word shall accomplish that whereunto it is sent, is ours in a special sense.

J. N. ANDERSON.