Sumatra by G. A. WANTZLICK

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1908

Sumatra

By G. A. WANTZLICK

PADANG.—Time is passing rapidly, and the work seems to move slowly. We have striven to bring various plans of operation to an issue, yet have apparently failed to meet our expectations. Still our courage and health, which have frequently threatened to give way, have been renewed constantly, and we are thankful for this evidence of the Lord’s merciful hand which has been over us all the way.

While engaged in keeping bright, and letting our own “light shine,” to resist the in-pressing darkness all around us, the veil was lifted a moment this week, enabling us to see the stir created in the enemy’s camp, revealed through a two-column article by the editor of the Sumatra Bode, dealing with the “modernized phase of religion,” which, it says, “is assuming large proportions, and a threatening attitude toward the established standard church [the Roman Catholic] the world over.”

The special point of import to us is the identification of this so-called “modernism” with the free circulation of literature filled with this influence.

The blow thus aimed at the foundation of our work here will be readily seen, since two thirds of the Dutch-Eurasian population are Roman Catholics, and the rest seem to care little one way or the other. Nevertheless we see in it a source of encouragement which fills us with new vigor to continue the work of placing our reading-matter in the hands of the people, who thus far have accepted it readily.

The needful lesson of patience is being taught us in many ways, one of which we experienced when, on the receipt of a cablegram from the union conference authorizing us to secure the present occupied mission site, the agent in charge of the property announced the impossibility of his proceeding with the transaction at present, having recently received word from Europe, where the owners reside, that a court case was pending at home concerning these properties. Thus we are held in further suspense in this matter for another two or three months, but are comforted with the assurance “that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

The Chinese attending our meetings, which we still hold in our house, appear

to be unstable in their interest. They attend awhile regularly, and then stay away as long, after which some return, fresh ones taking the places of others, and so on. They seem unfathomable. Five have been helping us sell the Malay tracts on the “Second Advent,” but have had little success as yet, the Mohammedan spirit manifesting itself through stubborn refusals of accepting them on any condition.

Almost every night white-robed priests head a procession of dancing “god-bearers,” who carry along a glittering tinsel ornamentation through the streets, accompanied by clanging cymbals. The design in this is to keep alive the interest in this mode of worship, and so hold off the influence of any “intruder” on their domain.

Thus we see efforts made in various ways to oppose the advancing light of the third angel’s message. But we are glad to see the circle of our acquaintances constantly widening, and look toward the ultimate fulfilment of the promise of the Lord that our labor shall not be in vain; for his word shall not return unto him void. Upon this is based our confidence and hope, and by his grace we will continue steadfast.

G. A. WANTZLICK.