The Philippines - in the Country by R. A. Caldwell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 28, 1910

The Philippines — in the Country

By R. A. Caldwell

R. A. CALDWELL

Recently I spent several weeks in the country delivering books. It was a busy time. And it was especially trying, as several towns had no vehicles, and I had to carry my books, or hire a boy to do so. I had many disappointments. And this was no wonder. Severe typhoons had damaged the rice crops, and wrecked thousands of homes, so that money was scarce.

The American bishop was making a tour of the country, and baptized thousands of children at five cents each, some of them possibly not for the first time. The churches generally are in poor repair, and the money is needed.

When making these trips, I have often thought how surprised some of you would be if you could be transported here in an instant. The graceful palm, the quivering bamboo, the beautiful green of the banana, the patches of tobacco plant, would all attract you. The rice harvesting at this season would also be of interest. In some towns I would be the only person to witness your bewilderment.

You would not enjoy it all. The hot weather, the dusty roads, the rough traveling and accommodations would impress you that it is not all romance. Perhaps you would join me in drinking some refreshing cocoanut water from the unripe fruit, and eating the tender, sweet meat.

You would not mind, of course, sleeping on the floor — the rats do not often get hungry, and very seldom do the roaches bite. But if you should sleep in a Filipino home, you would have no bedcovering, as it is unknown to these people. They take no time to disrobe, and make their bed by spreading a family mat on the floor. You would not be attracted by the habits of the ordinary native. There is a term, ‘head-hunting,’ applied to savage hill tribes, but it can be applied in another sense to all, young and old. The old women are fond of chewing the betel-nut, which does not add to their beauty. The children do not feel cold, of course; consequently are often garmentless — and we will only suppose they are clean.

The unattractive homes, and the disorder around and within, are also noticed. The bamboo ladder into their homes is steep, and often without hand-rails.

But the people are interesting, especially to us who possess the message. They have few Bibles, and are ignorant; but they are willing to hear the Word. They are pleasing in many ways, chatty, friendly, and hospitable, so that one is led to the conclusion that here is a field where he will never regret engaging in the Lord’s work in the earth.

Manila.