p. 17 | China by E. H. Wilbur

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1903

China

By E. H. Wilbur

MACAO.—We watch eagerly for each number of the REVIEW AND HERALD, and read with deep interest of the progress of the message in all lands. Our hearts have been especially touched with the wonderful manner in which the Lord has opened the way for the removal of the headquarters of the conference and publishing work to Washington, D. C. If some of our brethren and sisters in Battle Creek could spend a few hours with us in China, I am sure their hearts would be touched as they came face to face with the vast multitude who are perishing for a knowledge of the truth that these dear brethren and sisters are abundantly able to give.

We are rejoiced to have the Drs. Selmon and Miller and their wives in China. But I must add that, as these workers will be located in Central China, which is one thousand miles by water route from us, they will be about as available to the South China work as a New Orleans physician would be to a resident of Chicago. So we say, If the Lord is impressing other physicians to come to China, there is still room.

Mrs. Wilbur and I stood the heat of the summer very well. But the first week in September it rained continuously, and there was much sickness. I was down with fever one week; but in another week, by the goodness of the Lord, I was again enabled to proceed with my Chinese lessons and canvassing.

The latter part of September Miss Thompson and my wife and I came to Macao for a change of climate and rest. This city is forty-five miles southwest of Hongkong, and so situated that we get the ocean breezes in summer. During the two hottest months this is a resort for missionaries from South China, frequently

from fifty to seventy-five are here at one time. We did not expect to be able to come this year; but a Chinese friend in Hongkong gave us the free use of his large, well-furnished summer home here.

This is a Portuguese colony, and a stronghold of Catholicism. Yesterday three large excursion steamers brought people from Hongkong to witness a church parade. With great pomp the bishop and priests, with many students and a company of armed Portuguese soldiers, passed through the throng of admiring spectators. When the chief bishop passed, every bystander was compelled to remove his hat. Any one refusing to do so was rudely compelled by an armed policeman to show this reverence to the representative of the papacy. As the crowds stood looking with wonder and admiration, the words of Rev. 13:4 came to my mind: “And they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast?” The Roman Catholic Church has a stronghold in China, and often exercises its authority in the courts.

To-night the Chinese are celebrating their moon festival. Every family has its varicolored paper lanterns, made especially for the occasion. Amid burning tapers and rising incense, roast meats are offered to the gods. All members of the family must make obeisance before burning papers, even the little children being taught to do so. Another feature of this feast, as of many other Chinese holidays, is the burning of many fire-crackers.

One day last week, a few doors from us the clanging of bells was kept up all day and night, on account of the death of a member of the family several weeks ago. About two o'clock in the morning, a priest came to the house of another member of that family, who lives across the street from us, and rang a little bell and chanted prayers to Josh for three hours. Often during this time loud wailings were heard from members of the family.

How sad our Heavenly Father must feel as he looks upon all this idolatry, while his own chosen people neglect to carry the warning message. There are souls in China who are hungering for the gospel. When Englishmen have rudely refused religious reading, I have turned to their Chinese helpers, and found them anxious to buy the Chinese New Testament.

Since January 1, I have sold, in all, sixty-six bound books, ninety copies of the New Testament, and four hundred and sixty-eight periodicals, and taken nine yearly subscriptions to the Good Health and one to the Pacific Health Journal. To the Lord be all the praise.

E. H. WILBUR.