China by P. J. Laird

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 18, 1907

China

By P. J. Laird

CHANG-SHA.—Yesterday a letter came from Brother Allum, with the good news that one of the Honan doctors is to visit Chang-sha. It will be a treat to meet one of like faith.

The foreign brother who was keeping the Sabbath has gone back, having loved this present world. Yet our prayers ascend that he may hear God calling by the Holy Spirit. It is being evidenced more and more as the end approaches, that our faith can not rest upon feeling, but rather on duty and principle, which run in perfect harmony with God’s Word. In his mercy, God says, “I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Yesterday, when the afternoon classes were over, we went for a walk on the city wall, to enjoy the sunshine. Our attention was called to two sadly interesting scenes. Connected with funeral rites in most lands there is oftentimes a lavish expenditure of money, though many can ill afford this expense. In China there are ceremonies often lasting over a period, the length of which is usually governed by the fees of the priests. One part of these rites is the burning of paper money, clothes, trunks, houses, etc., such being thought necessary for the use of the dead in another state. It was this part of the proceedings that we saw. In one case it was a poor family, in another a wealthy one. A tiny pile sufficed for the former, while the latter had made elaborate preparations. There was a large bamboo and paper house, in sections, the main one higher than a man. Temple, servants, horses, and chairs were arranged in order inside and outside the house. Boxes of clothes and bags of money—all paper—made a huge pile. All was fired, and men ran around the blazing heap, beating gongs.

The same lie that brought sin into this world lies at the bottom of whatever the Chinese really hold as a creed: “Ye shall not surely die.” The Confucianist may be a governor-general, the Buddhist a prominent business man, the Taoist among all ranks; immortality of the soul grips each and all in its vise. How different from the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” What a wonderful privilege to be a “bond-slave of Jesus Christ!” Would to God we lived it more. “The heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.” Eze. 36:23. God knew, when these words were uttered, that very few of China’s millions would read or write. But they have eyes. Especially is this so at Chang-sha. We have been grieved to overhear Chinese Christians talking of this and that foreign worker. Personal experience has proved some statements correct. Hence, preaching is valuable only so far as the messenger is in living and vital communion with God. The value of Paul’s writings lies in the fact that they are largely based upon his personal experience in Christ.

Last week three evangelists visited me to talk on the Sabbath question. With two we had a blessed time opening up the Scriptures. The third came as a result of the report given him by the two, and he took a tract on the Sabbath for another evangelist. With one exception these men are from different places; so the truth will get into the “regions beyond,” in preparation for those who may follow to give further instruction.

It is with deep feelings of thankfulness we can record an increase of confidence in us manifested by the student class. Several of those enrolled at first have left, but we do not know of one who has done so because displeased with us in any way. Their places have been filled, and with even a better class. My wife has seven enrolled for her evening class; these are well advanced. We are working and praying that these may be led into our Bible class, and get a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The prayers of God’s people are greatly needed in this unique effort. It is not what we have been accustomed to do in previous years in China, but it has been thrust upon us by our loving Heavenly Father. In this we have perfect peace. Yet there is a deep longing that other classes also may be reached.

Interviewing the students and the parents or friends who accompany them gives opportunity for testimony. This may lead to public lectures in the future. Those of a more sensible turn of mind are beginning to realize that the schools of Chang-sha will not suffice in the line of morals, and this makes them hesitate about allowing their sons to attend.

P. J. LAIRD.