p. 17 | China by Percival J. Laird

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

China

By Percival J. Laird

SHANGHAI.—When Brother Anderson’s invitation came to us to attend their conference of workers in Shanghai, the water in our river had dropped so low that the large steamers had ceased to ply. But fortunately, when inquiries were made, it was found that a small steam launch was to leave soon. As it might be our last chance, we decided to take it. But the first-class compartment had been booked by the British consul, and the second-class section had been secured by an official. There were two berths available in the third-class. It was a case of take those, or leave on a sailing-vessel, which might be weeks with the strong head wind that was blowing all the way down. We decided to be brave, and travel with the Chinese.

The room was a small one, but contained thirty berths. These were arranged in sets of three, one over the other, ours being on top. There being no room between the rows of bunks for baggage, we had to take up one berth for our lunch baskets and small things. The smoke from the men’s pipes and cigarettes, as well as from the kitchen, just in the rear, made it a trifle uncomfortable. When we were not lying down, we had to stand up straight; for there was no place to sit. However, we survived, and reached Hankow after three nights and days, with no further mishap than running onto a sand-bar, which delayed us about an hour. But we would not care to take a like trip in the hotter weather.

Our quarters in the Japanese steamer from Hankow were very comfortable. We arrived in Shanghai on Sunday, January 12. I do not remember better opportunities for witnessing for Jesus than we had on this steamer. Even the Chinese clerks, etc., came and listened as we talked with one and another. One man appealed to our sympathies—a man of means, but a slave to opium. The doctor said his case was hopeless. Finding he was going to Shanghai to consult a Chinese practitioner of some repute, I showed him his hopelessness in this life, and tried to point him to the Lamb of God.

On seeking out a good, clean Chinese hotel, we were not disappointed. The only things Chinese in our room are those we brought with us from Changsha. None of the brethren have come in as yet, but we expect them every day. We are praying for God’s richest and fullest blessings to attend our gatherings. May he enlarge our capacity to receive of his divine life and power for the stupendous task that lies before us. Praise him, he is able, because he is almighty. Ours is no small privilege to be associated with a Commander who always wins.

We rejoice to relate that the cause of God is onward in Hunan. For obvious reasons, it was thought unwise to wait an indefinite time for the mission press to be working again. Having the tracts already translated, we had them cut from slabs of wood. This at least secures an exact copy of the Chinese handwriting.

Two of the men we have in training study the Bible with me part of the time, and go out canvassing the remainder of the day. The first edition of the tract showing the evil effects of tobacco smoking was soon sold. Then another, on “Signs for Good and Evil,” was published. Later, a third was added—“No One Cares for My Soul.” We began translating “The Nature of Man” just before leaving. Such success attended our prayers and labors, that tracts were being disposed of at the rate of more than one hundred a day. Brother Chang Kangheo said he had never seen such success since he had known the city. Shall we not praise God for his goodness in coming to our assistance at this hour, and encourage ourselves in him?

It was with feelings of reluctance that we left the little flock; yet they all realized the greater issues at stake, when we should assemble to discuss the needs of their countrymen. I wish you could have heard their prayers, as they bore us up before the God of missions. Even our language teacher, seeing my time was fully taken up in getting off the annual report, while my wife was preparing some food for the journey, requested permission to go out and sell tracts. His face glowed with pleasure when, on his return, he told me that he had sold a few tens of cash worth. I think it is of the Lord that our canvassers are not such as one usually meets doing such work.

I am looking forward with much interest to the meetings to be held here.

PERCIVAL J. LAIRD.