China by W. C. HANKINS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 12, 1905

China

By W. C. HANKINS

KULANGSU.— Our hearts have been stirred as we have read of what God has wrought in the numerous mission fields; and our faith has become stronger in the speedy triumph of his cause in the earth, as we have read of the plans for a more aggressive work. We thank God that he is impressing the hearts of consecrated men and women to give themselves for the work in China.

As much as we would have liked to meet with the General Conference in its recent session, we are very thankful that we came to Amoy instead of waiting. Our arrival was very opportune. Many were beginning to believe that the work here was not going to be given foreign support, and Brother Keh was becoming very anxious for help. Our coming brought joy to his heart, and caused the people here to have more confidence in our work.

As yet we are only able to work among the English-speaking Chinese, but we are progressing with the language, and hope before long to be able to make ourselves understood. Now we are reaching many people through Brother Keh, as we spend every Sunday morning giving him Bible readings, through an interpreter, on the fundamental principles of the message, and as fast as he gets hold of the truth, he passes it on. He is kept quite busy giving the message to those who come to inquire.

Some men of education who hold important positions here believe the Sabbath, and are investigating other points of the truth, but are still in the valley of decision. One very prominent man Brother Keh likens to Nicodemus, because he is inquiring secretly, for fear of what his superiors will say.

Just at present there is great excitement over the way people from this province have been treated by the American authorities at Manila. A paper has been circulated establishing an immense boycott on everything American. They will not buy American goods, travel on American steamers, or work for American firms; and if any one belongs to an American mission or goes to an American school, he is commanded to leave and join some other; and any one working for American firms must leave, or he will be included in the boycott. This huge boycott extends throughout China, I am told. We are waiting to see what the outcome will be. Our teacher tells us that there is not much excitement in Kulangsu, but that it is quite intense in Amoy.

We feel confident of the guiding hand of the Lord being upon all these events, and are not afraid but that it will all work out for the good of his cause. We are thankful to be here in China, and are hoping to see a goodly band of laborers enter this destitute field to make a quick work of giving the message to its four hundred millions. Now is the time for them to come and get a working knowledge of the language; and then, when the providences of God call for a grand forward movement, we shall be ready to respond. The language is not nearly so formidable as we supposed it would be. We hope no one will be held back for fear he can not master it.

We have made only a small beginning in this vast field. Surely it is time that we went to work in earnest to give the third angel's message to China and the other unworked fields of the Orient. May God send forth workers to these needy fields, is our constant prayer.

W. C. HANKINS.