China by E. H. WILBUR

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 18, 1909

China

By E. H. WILBUR

E. H. WILBUR

OUR Bible institute in Canton, December 3-10, was the largest gathering of young men and men in middle life that we have ever had. The average daily attendance was about forty or fifty. Brother N. P. Keh, from Amoy, and Brother Hung, of Chin Chou, near Swatow, were present, and each occupied a day in Bible instruction. Brother Keh also preached at two other times. He now speaks the Cantonese language quite readily. At our meeting last spring he had to interpret for Brother Hung; but at this meeting Brother Hung could speak sufficient Cantonese to make himself understood. The presence and loyal support of these brethren was a great help to the meeting. Our young Chinese brethren took the 7 A. M. service, having previously been assigned a subject. One had “Daniel,” another “Nehemiah,” and two others “Jeremiah” and “Elijah.” Mrs. Wilbur had “Joseph” for her subject. The first day of the institute I took up the question of the sanctuary, investigative judgment, and twenty-three hundred days. Dr. Law Keem presented that of the everlasting gospel, including the three messages. Brother J. P. Anderson conducted two meetings. Elder J. N. Anderson presented instruction to the “messengers,” also a thorough study of the law of God. On two evenings we had the question box, which provoked considerable discussion.

Altogether, this was the best Bible institute we have ever had. Such gatherings are very necessary here, where so many false doctrines are taught.

Our landlord from Ngoi Hoi, and an old teacher from Kongmoon, went up with us, and enjoyed the meetings very much. The former had a great many questions asked him on his way to the meeting, and now he uses his new Bible more, and takes notes when I preach—a hopeful sign. The old teacher from Kongmoon has studied with me only about two months. I do not think he ever saw a Bible until two months ago. Now he has read all the New Testament and one half of the Old, and has learned to pray and testify in meeting.

I must tell you about our serving-woman. She is past forty years of age; has reared a large family, and has been accustomed to a life of toil in the rice-fields. She never saw a foreigner until

she came to work for us early in 1907. She was very ignorant, and slow to learn, but was a faithful and willing worker. For the last year and a half she has attended our morning worship in Chinese. Although she could not read, she has joined us in committing texts of Scripture to memory, and gradually the truth has entered her heart. Recently some one asked what was necessary to unite with our church. She said her answer would be that a man could have only one wife, must give up tobacco, tea, and wine, must not eat pork, must keep the ten commandments, and must have a good character. We thought it would be a good thing if some others considered more intelligent had as clear a view of the Christian life. I will tell you how she learned to pray: About a month ago she went with us to Ngoi Hoi. One day I called on my old teacher, who is a great stammerer, to lead in prayer. He stammered dreadfully, and his voice was so low and mumbling that only now and then the word “Tin fu” (Heavenly Father) could be distinctly heard. This gave our servant (Ah Ye, we call her) courage. Upon her return home she was ready to take part in prayer; she thought she could do as well as the teacher did. She can pray very well, and she seems really conscientious. She always gives thanks before eating. She has a son seventeen years of age, whom we are now supporting in our Canton boys’ school.

The sisters of our landlord at Ngoi Hoi heard me sing “Jesus Loves Me,” in meeting. They thought I was the one whom Jesus loved, so sang “Ja-so oi na”—“Jesus Loves You.” Ah Ye explained to them that Jesus loves whoever sings the song; if all the world would sing it, it would be true to every one.

Kongmoon.