China by LAW KEEM, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1905

China

By LAW KEEM, M. D.

CANTON.—We have been in China now almost two months, having reached Hongkong the twenty-sixth day of July. Our trip was a fairly pleasant one, although we had a cold, dense fog most of the way until we reached the coast of Japan. Mrs. Law was very seasick all the way, but I was sick only once.

We visited the sanitariums at Kobe, the native institution, and the one in charge of Dr. Lockwood, which is for Europeans. We found both institutions doing splendid work.

Sisters Anderson and Thompson met us at Hongkong. We were very glad to see some of our own people after so long a trip, and happy to be at last in China, where there is so much to be done. We remained in Hongkong over three weeks, and then came to Canton, where we see China in its truest light. Brother Wilbur met us here.

I visited my native village, where I found many changes in the people as well as in the village itself. The people had heard that I was soon to visit them, and it did not take long for the word to spread through the village that I had at last arrived. The old friends and relatives came in crowds to see me. All seemed glad that I had returned to China. I took my medicine case with me, and had about sixty patients to see in the few days I remained.

I find quite a change in the sentiments of the people. Several men, some very old, wish to cut off their queues, and would if several in the same village would join them in doing it. They thought it much more sensible and convenient. A few more years will show many great changes in China.

I gave away a number of Chinese tracts to those who showed some interest. Truly the way is open now for

gospel work among these people. We are searching the city to find a suitable house to live in, and start our medical work in a small way. This is a very hard thing to find here. The prospects are good for patients as soon as we can get settled.

Our church-membership is small, but the Lord has promised to meet with a few as well as with many, and we certainly enjoy our little gatherings here. At the chapel we have had as high as one hundred Chinese men, women, and children in attendance.

The girls from Miss Thompson’s school always attend, and their merry voices add a great deal to the singing. Some of them show a deep interest in the gospel. They sit very still all through Sabbath-school and meeting, which lasts, altogether, nearly three hours. I wish our children of America could visit them one Sabbath to see how quiet and orderly they are, and they pay such good attention to whatever is being said. Miss Thompson never has to ask them to be quiet, or to correct them for disturbance. How they do enjoy singing our songs! Surely the Lord has some precious jewels for his kingdom among the girls.

Brother Anderson and Sister Van Scoy have arrived, and our company of workers is increasing slowly but surely. The work is great, but the Lord can do much with little if necessary. We are very thankful to have a part in this work. We ask the people in America to remember us all in their prayers that we may do faithfully the work God gives us here in China.

LAW KEEM, M. D.