Changes Ten Years Have Wrought by A. C. Selmon

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

Changes Ten Years Have Wrought

By A. C. Selmon

The changes of ten years in China are remarkable. We have seen the country roused from its sleep of ages. As the prophet Joel predicts of the last days, the long-slumbering nations are waking up. “Let the heathen be wakened.” Joel 3: 12.

Ten years ago newspapers, except the Peking Gazette (a paper which contained only the imperial edicts and official appointments), were found in only the large cities along the seacoast. To-day, go where you will, you will see the newsboy with his bundle of papers.

Ten years ago it took great effort to lead the people to see the importance of education for the masses. Now the people are setting themselves earnestly to the task of establishing public schools for the fifty or more millions of Chinese boys and girls.

The difference between eight days’ travel on a wheelbarrow or in a sedan, putting up at the roadside inns for the night, ten years ago, and a few hours in a comfortable railway passenger-coach covering the same ground now, is too great to be appreciated by any except those who have been through the experience.

Ten years ago it would have been considered beyond belief that a city could be found where the people were anxious for the help of a missionary. To-day in more than one locality they are calling for the medical missionary to come and treat their sick.

Surely in these things we cannot fail to see that here in this land is an opportunity that is unique in the history of missions. The way is now fully open quickly to make known the everlasting gospel throughout the length and breadth of China.

A. C. SELMON, M. D.

Shanghai.