China by J. N. Anderson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 21, 1905

China

By J. N. Anderson

CANTON AND AMOY.—Since returning to Canton, after an absence of about five months in America, I found this old city much the same as when I went away, and yet it is not the same for several reasons. As this is the home of those Chinese who are in the States, the boycott which has been carried on for several months has stirred this city, and, in fact, nearly the entire province. The influence of the recent war between Japan and Russia has wrought mighty changes in all the leading cities of this empire, and China will never again be what she was even last year. The spirit of reform, of progress, and of independence animates an increasingly large proportion of China’s sons. Reforms are of priceless value, but often they are secured at tremendous price. What China’s full reform will cost beyond the price already paid remains to be seen.

The message is steadily winning its way in this province. Several are keeping the Sabbath, and we are planning to baptize these in connection with our Bible institute to be held the last two weeks in December. In this field we feel that we can not be too careful in the matter of giving our inquirers ample time in which to be carefully taught, and at the same time an extended probation, as it were, to see if they are really in earnest and sincere in their professions. A Bible institute of two weeks will be held in Canton, beginning the fifteenth of December, for the special benefit of our native workers in this and the Fukien province. It will be in the Cantonese language, but as Brother Keh can speak this dialect, it will be possible for the workers of Amoy to take part. We are planning to make this meeting an occasion for the careful study of the truths of the message, and so prepare our native workers to intelligently set forth the truth for this time. A preacher of the Church of England Mission in Hongkong has lately begun the observance of the Sabbath, and he is planning to be with us on this occasion. He will soon connect with our work permanently.

Our school work has suffered somewhat on account of the boycott. But the truth of God outlives all such inventions of puny men, and we have no fears as to the final outcome. The recent massacre of missionaries in the northern part of this province, together with the boycott, is stirring the hearts of both foreigners and Chinese, and no doubt much bitterness has been engendered. But even this God can overrule to his own glory.

Since returning to my field on September 6, I have visited our mission station in the province of Fukien. During my absence in America Brother and Sister W. C. Hankins arrived in Amoy, and it was my privilege to meet them for the first time on this occasion. It was indeed a cause for rejoicing, as we had for a long time looked for help to take up the work in this province.

I found them and the native workers of good courage, and I was especially gratified to see the progress Brother Hankins had made in the language, though he had been in Amoy only a few months. The language of Amoy is, of course, very different from that spoken in Canton, and it is generally conceded that the Amoyese is the easier of the two. It is, however, sufficiently hard, and calls for real determination and close application to acquire it. But there is absolutely no alternative; we are both speechless and useless in China until we learn the language.

The message is onward in that province. Brother Keh is, if possible, more enthusiastic and active in the work. He is coming to enter fully into the spirit and meaning of the message, and this, with his long experience and natural ability, serves to make him an efficient worker. There are now two other native workers employed in that field. The truth of the message is being widely published in all those parts; and while there are but few who have the conscience and the courage to take a decided stand, yet there are some who are coming into the light. Many acknowledge it to be the truth, but old associations hold them in the dark. In addition to the work in Amoy itself, regular systematic efforts are being put forth in two different places in the country. One of these places is called Do Gang, a country marketplace, where twice every month the people of the surrounding villages come to exchange all sorts of commodities. There is a goodly number of inquirers, some of whom will erelong be prepared for baptism and church-membership. Plans are being laid to open a boys’ school at that place the first of the Chinese new year. I confidently expect to be able to report the organization of a church at that village within a short time.

J. N. ANDERSON.