South China by J. P. Anderson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1909

South China

By J. P. Anderson

OUR literature will have to play an important part in giving the message to China’s millions. Thus far, in August, among the Hakkas alone we have sold 1,016 copies of our Chinese paper, besides, taking two subscriptions. This does my heart good; for these papers are sure to provoke inquiries about the gospel. Thus far—from March 1 to August 26—we have sold 4,304 papers, and taken fifty-six subscriptions. If I could give the canvassers more of my time, I am sure we could dispose of one thousand copies every month. While I was with one of the boys, we were selling papers that had the picture of the young emperor of China on the first page. We were among illiterate peasants. One of them said to an old man that the emperor had hired me to sell this paper among the people. Of course I corrected him, and told him we were not selling it because of the picture, but for the “thau li” (doctrine) it contained. In such ways an opening is made to tell them about the gospel.

One day, after walking about thirty-five miles, we had to put up at a very dirty inn, the only one in the village. In spite of the dirt and filth, the hard Chinese bed-board looked inviting. I proposed to the canvasser that we go to the river for a bath, before retiring. We had not been in the water very long before a man on the opposite shore began to call out to some one. Nobody answering him, I asked him whom he wanted. He said, “Why did you not answer when I called? I saw those white bodies in the water, and was afraid to cross, fearing they might be water devils.” I assured him that it was only a “foreign devil” he saw, and that he might cross in safety.

Next week I am to hold a week’s Bible study with the people at Moi Lung who desire to be baptized. I am sure we shall reap a good harvest from this place. I hope that soon a man will take charge of the Hakklo work, so that I may be released from the care of this place, and devote my whole time to the Hakkas. I am glad help is coming. We shall find plenty to do. The hardest proposition is to find quarters. Mine are hardly fit to live in. The only way to secure anything satisfactory is to buy and build. I think the committee has already taken some action in regard to this.

J. P. ANDERSON.