Basutoland by H. C. OLMSTEAD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 14, 1909

Basutoland

By H. C. OLMSTEAD

Kolo Mission.—In this native country of South Africa one would scarcely expect to find the enforcement of Sunday rest. Yet a chief who lives only a few rods from this mission, having been converted to the French Protestant faith, requires all his subjects to discontinue their work on Sunday. We are told that if he finds a woman grinding corn on Sunday, he immediately asks why it was not done before. No excuse satisfies, and as they persist, he tells them, “I should think you would be afraid to do such things on Sunday.” It is well that he is only an under chief with few subjects. Where was he taught such principles? The answer is only too evident.

In the States our brethren are obliged to meet the inventions and arguments of the popular churches as they attempt to prove that the Sabbath was changed or done away, and that the first day is now the Christian sabbath. Here the majority of the missionaries seem to think this too difficult a task, and so have taught and are teaching the natives that Monday is the first day of the week. To the Basutos the days of the week are “Monday, Second Day, Third Day, Fourth Day, Fifth Day, Saturday, Sunday.” The three words—Monday, Saturday, Sunday—are grafted without change into their language, while the other days are designated only by the numerals given. This is the teaching in the mission schools, and is almost universally accepted. We can see how firmly it is rooted when all are obliged to designate Friday, “Fifth Day,” because no other name is known for it.

With renewed force this text comes to mind, “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” But we are thankful for a Leader who is more than able to meet all the devices of the enemy. The prospect here for sheaves is bright, in spite of the tares sown in past years. H. C. OLMSTEAD.