THE NEW REPUBLIC OF CHINA by Roswell F. Cottrell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 9, 1913

PRINTING-OFFICE AND CHAPEL, SHANGHAI
Headquarters of the Eastern Asiatic Field. — PRINTING-OFFICE AND CHAPEL, SHANGHAI Headquarters of the Eastern Asiatic Field.

REAR VIEW OF SHANGHAI MISSION COMPOUND
Chapel and offices at left, Chinese quarters at right. — REAR VIEW OF SHANGHAI MISSION COMPOUND Chapel and offices at left, Chinese quarters at right.

THE NEW REPUBLIC OF CHINA

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Progressive China's Appeal

While China under the republic is still a land of idolatry and superstition, it is nevertheless true that heathen worship is in many places losing its grasp upon large numbers of the population. A short time ago while itinerating, I had some conversation with an intelligent Chinese man who said to me, “Idolatry is going; the people don’t really believe in it any longer.” In Changsha, many temples are now closed, while others are being used as carpenter shops, rope factories, or for other like purpose. At the present time, temple property may be purchased here more cheaply than any other kind of real estate. Throughout the province there has been considerable agitation on the part of the younger educationalists to transform many of the old temples into government schools; and in some instances this has been carried out.

The meaning of all this is obvious; and unless great efforts are put forth, especially blessed of heaven, China will go over the same road Japan has been traveling,—leave idolatry and reach naught but atheism and infidelity.

Just now we face a day of larger opportunity and greater Christian privilege than there has ever before been presented in China. Never before has Christian literature and Christian teaching been so highly regarded or so eagerly sought.

Within the last month, word has come, or letters have been received by me, from various parts of this province, telling of eight new companies that are studying the Scriptures and laying hold on the message of Christ’s soon return to this earth. We should send help in response, but we lack men and means.

Brethren, sisters, and friends, where can you find a better, surer investment? Now is the time to act. If this call touches your heart, come and share in the labors and victories or if you cannot come yourselves, send that which will provide a substitute worker, and send it now.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Changsha, Hunan.