Mission Notes

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 28, 1904

ONE of the largest palaces in the world is the “white house” of the king of Siam. The whole royal “plant” is enclosed by a white stone wall, 5,800 feet long. Within this wall are found temples ples, offices, dwellings, stables for the sacred elephants, an arsenal, and a theater, where plays are given alternately in English, German, and French. The whole plant, like the whole city of Bangkok, is lighted with electricity. The king is progressive, but not heavenward.

A MISSIONARY laboring alone in one of China’s large cities sends this message home: “I am burdened with the awful need—hundreds, or even thousands, of inquirers from all the country round. I could open twenty centers to-morrow, if I had the men. Make this known.” Does this appeal mean naught to those who love the Lord’s appearing, and know that it is delayed until these thousands, yea, millions, have learned of him? It should stir to activity, that would cease only when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people had heard the gospel.

WORD has been received announcing the arrival of Sister Evans and Brother Garfield Smalley in Bonacca, November 5. Brother Smalley went to assist Brother Evans in the school. He writes: “It is like entering a new world to come into Bonacca. The location of the school is most desirable. It suggests a spot on the earth made new. The new school building, two stories in height, will be ready for occupancy by the first of January, 1904. There is a spring of living water flowing down in the valley just below the house, affording ample opportunity for drawing many spiritual lessons. All about us nature is revealing to us her Creator. I am indeed glad God has seen fit to lead my steps to this place.”

Two missionaries called one day to visit a sick man who goes by the nickname of “Philippe Come Fogo,” which, being interpreted, is, “Philip eats fire.” Arriving at the house, the brethren found an emaciated man, who appeared to be in a dying condition, stretched out upon the mud floor. It seemed that he had been a demon possession, and had had such intimate relations with fallen spirits that his emaciated condition was one of the consequences. He had no particular sickness, but he had not eaten any food except fruits for over a month. The missionaries talked to him about Christ, but seemed unable to make the slightest impression upon him. Several apparently fruitless and unsatisfactory visits were made, and the man continued in the most intense darkness. They made yet another visit, and began to set forth Christ crucified, not as they thought for the benefit of the sick man, for whom they had lost all hope, but rather for the people gathered about. After they had spoken some time, and during a moment’s silence, all were startled by hearing the sick man exclaim in a weak, but earnest voice: “O, I am a great sinner, and I need this Christ to save me.” That very hour the light began to shine, and soon after the man gave evidence of real conversion. He died later on in the faith, and singing, “Safe in the arms of Jesus.”—Selected.