The Parables of Jesus Among the Chinese
MANY are familiar with our Anglo-Chinese school in Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. Brother I. C. Colcord, who is principal of this school, has been using the book “Christ’s Object Lessons” as a text-book among his Chinese boys. After studying it for some time, he asked the boys to tell him what they thought of the book. Their beautiful replies stand for far more than a testimony in favor of this wonderful book. They show the power of the Word upon human hearts reared in superstition and idolatry, when brought in touch with its simple truths. One boy wrote: “I can recommend this book as a valuable one, and worthy of reading. I wish that I could understand it all. I realize that it has a great influence over me, and helps me a good deal. I believe it all because it is true. I hope to learn more of it.” Another says: “I appreciate this book very much, because it helps my reading, and teaches me the truth.” Still others write: “I like this book very much, for I get so many good thoughts, and so many good words, out of it.” “This book is a very good book. It contains many parables instructing people to the right principles. Not only this, but it has an influence over those who believe it.” This testimony from one who evidently has learned to love the Author of the parables is most touching: “I enjoy this book very much, as far as I have studied in it. With its gracious words it helps me start to do right living, to live a life in this world to co-operate with Christ, who is struggling in the dark parts of the world to save all men in the kingdom of God, and not to stay in this world with riotous living and pleasure.
“When I contemplate these parables, they strengthen my confidence in God. They teach me to esteem others, and to live for Christ in this world, and to work to save all the penitent ones. ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ tells us that the love of God still yearns over the very sinners of this world. If we do not come to him, in the last judgment who are we going to blame? So I think this book is very good for me, and not only for me, but good for every human being.” If this book can lead these Chinese boys to see Jesus in his love and in his beauty, what may it not do for many about us who do not know him, but whose hearts are hungry for they “know not what”? In the words of the Chinese boy, “This book is . . . good for every human being.” We can not afford to slacken our efforts until many more have had an opportunity through its pages to become personally acquainted with the One who indited the book.