China by P. J. Laird

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1908

China

By P. J. Laird

CHANG-SHA.—Brother Lu Chuanleo returned last week, after an itinerary of nearly two months in and around the district of Heng-chow, to the south of us. The district has a very bad name, owing in no small measure to the nearly one hundred so-called “gospel” chapels that have opened in a very short space of time, many after but one visit of a Chinese preacher, subscriptions being raised for the purpose by the heathen. But notwithstanding the obstacles, 3,804 tracts and portions of Scriptures were disposed of, and talks were given by the way. It has been a good experience for this brother.

Brother Chang Kangheo left this morning with two others, taking a load of literature to distribute among the thousands of pilgrims who will be going to Nanyo, a few days south of Chang-sha, this month. Good attendance is the rule at the street chapel meetings in the evening, but our cry to God is for souls who will go on to know him whom to know is life eternal. It is not enough to hear the gospel once or twice. There must be “line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

Dispensary cases have increased to one hundred thirty-seven this month, with two outside calls and three eye-tests. Many of these have been quite serious; but God has wonderfully blessed the simple treatments given. O that we had better quarters and better conveniences for this needy work! Perhaps we are being tested in these matters, to see if faithfulness is ours. P. J. LAIRD.