p. 18 | China by P. J. LAIRD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jan 2, 1908

China

By P. J. LAIRD

CHANG-SHA.—You may be interested to hear that a new railway survey is now in progress between Wu-chang and Chang-sha. The idea is to begin at each end, and meet at Yo-chau, in the center. A foreigner has come to Chang-sha to operate on the latter section; so we should expect something tangible in the way of results.

October 21 the edict to close all public opium dens was enforced at Chang-sha. This is a plain proof of the power and ability of the Chinese officials to enforce their demands when it suits their convenience. It also reflects credit on the populace; for there must have been at least a certain willingness on their part, or the houses of ill-fame would not have been shut so promptly. If they wish to continue smoking, they must now buy the crude opium, then prepare and smoke it in secret; hence, the larger numbers to be seen going to the shops and buying their own opium. Some less fortunate victims, unable to indulge in their pernicious habit, have committed suicide by hanging at the outer gates of official residences. The numbers may increase, if the regulations are rigidly enforced. The government is assisting a few to break off the habit by the use of nostrums.

A young man of the Methodist Episcopal mission has been most regular in attendance at all Bible classes for nearly three months. He seems to accept present truth as it comes to him. Last week he accepted a call to teach English in a local school, and went on trial. The first day, he states, the students so strongly objected to being taught by a Chinese Christian, that the engagement fell through. After this man has received further instruction in the various points of the message, we trust he will request baptism, and join with us. He has already expressed a desire to sell books; but we prefer to go slowly.

Brother Chang Kangheo returned last Sunday from his trip to Yung-chau. He was absent a month, during which time he experienced much of the blessing of the Lord. Wet weather rather militated against successful sales of books, but he disposed of four hundred tracts. God grant they may bring light and life to some hearts. News of our work had preceded him. At Heng-chau he had an interesting time with an evangelist. This man had an old tract in Chinese, which applied to Sunday many texts on the Sabbath. After a few days of Bible study together, he was convinced that we have the Bible on our side.

At Ki-yang an evangelist and his wife were visited who had called on us when passing through Chang-sha earlier in the year. The lady has attained to the uncommon position of teacher, but did not seem to be affected by the honor. Prayer has been offered that they may be led into the truth and have a desire to assist others to hear it. They had not been long at Ki-yang when our brother arrived, and found them discouraged. By request, he preached at their Sunday service, basing his remarks on Matt. 18: 1-6; 1 Thess. 4: 14-18; John 14: 1-3, which comforted them not a little. Further instruction was given, and tracts left. Returning from Yung-chau, another brief visit was paid, when they were urged to study the Scriptures, and put their trust in our never-failing God and Father. Yesterday a copy of a tract just translated was sent them.

At Yung-chau, Brother Chang met Liu Chengshan, the man who came with a deputation last Christmas, pleading for us to go and open up work at Yung-chau. This man joined my old mission about four years ago, and as far as I know has lived a straight life ever since. He has done his best to foster interest among the little company that attend the services held at his house on the Sabbath and other days. On the whole, the report of this little company is good. They were visited in their homes, and exhorted to stand together and be faithful. Brother Chang held Bible readings with them on the subjects of the resurrection, the nature of man, how to obtain the righteousness of Christ, God's love to man, and the Sabbath. Let us pray that God may open their eyes to behold wondrous things out of his law, and that they may obey in all things. None of the company have, as yet, got so far as to close their shops on the Sabbath.

We rejoice to know that our dear brethren and sisters have so nobly responded to the appeal for the press at Sin-yang. Most of the interest in Hunan has been the result of prayer, and the circulation of but one tract in Chinese, and it is but logical to expect greater blessings when our press is in running order. Prayer is asked that colporteurs may be raised up to push this message in China.

Many are trying to poison the minds of the people against God's message for these last days. But nothing can stay the onward march of the everlasting gospel. O for the power of God to burn up all the dross in our lives and conduct, lest while bringing blessing to others, we ourselves should be castaways!

P. J. LAIRD.