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A Plea for the Philippines

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

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 11.

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A Plea for the Philippines

By R. A. CALDWELL

R. A. CALDWELL
Through the kind liberality of the General Conference, a good supply of the Signs of the Times has been forwarded to us regularly, for wise distribution. Although we believe that when the literature is accompanied by personal influence, an interest is more often aroused, still, because the field is so extensive, and, because of a lack of workers, many of the islands are inaccessible to us as yet, we have thought it advisable to use the printed page to give a knowledge of present truth, to some extent, to the many teachers in these provinces.
The book work has received some attention, and several hundred copies of "Patriarchs and Prophets," in Spanish, have been disposed of.
But the Spanish readers numbering only about half a million in the Philippines, this reaches comparatively few. By means of our literature, the message may be given to the public with the least expense; still we must spend considerable means to prepare suitable literature that the masses can read. The Tagalog dialect should receive first attention. These people are recognized as leaders in every event of great moment. They number about two million. Then the three million Visayans should be provided for; of course this dialect is divided into several branches. But the most difficult of all will be to begin the work among the other millions, with about twoscore variations in the language; and the isolated condition of many of these tribes presents new difficulties.
Are we following the injunction to "arise, shine"? Where is the evidence in these dark, unentered islands? Friends, let us present to you the glorious opportunity of enabling us to make a small beginning in this respect. To hasten the coming of our great King is our privilege. Means given to help defray the cost of preparing or circulating literature will be wisely expended.
Manila.