Untitled article by F. E. Stafford

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 9, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 15.

Chinese making the "respectful" bow to a superior

From China

By F. E. Stafford

[We have taken this from one of the reports given recently by our correspondent concerning the revolution in China, as it is worthy of an article by itself.—EDITOR.]

GOD has said in His Word that "this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations." China is one of the great parts of the world. Surely it means that His Gospel will be preached in China, for His Word stands fast. "Heaven and earth shall pass away," He declares, "but My words shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35.

Taking into account all the work of every missionary in China, there still remain 100,000 natives to one missionary. If it were possible for every one to preach to 1,000 different persons every week, it would take two years to speak to every one just once. Thus it can be seen that the preaching of the Gospel has but barely begun in China, while the special message of Christ's soon coming has reached only a few thousand persons.

There remains to be done a much greater work than has been done; and that this work will be accomplished in this generation, is clearly set forth in God's Word.

Trusting in this Word, we are led to believe that God will overrule in this great movement; that He will say to the powers of darkness, "Hitherto shalt thou go, but no further;" that He will bring order out of this seemingly impenetrable chaos. We believe that out of this turmoil and confusion will arise a new country and a new order of things; that railways, telegraphs, and other modern improvements will be quickly established in this part of the world, so that the messengers of "the Gospel of the kingdom" can go swiftly from place to place, proclaiming to all, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come."

Not alone the eighteen provinces of China, but Manchuria, Mongolia, and the hitherto unentered country of Tibet and the interior of Asia must receive this message.

Our brethren from all points of the field are assembling in counsel here in Shanghai, and we are all praying that God will manifest Himself in a special way among us at this time. We are laying plans broader and wider than ever before for the extension and upbuilding of the work.

Before the echo of the last gun of this terrible revolution dies out, before the smoke clears away or the ashes of the burning cities are cold, we plan that every one of God's faithful messengers will be back at their posts, raising up new churches, better, larger, and with more consecrated, faithful members than ever before.

Where is there a greater work than this? Can any one imagine any grander opportunity on the earth at this time than to have a part in giving God's closing message to the millions of earth who know it not?

Pursuit of riches, honor, or position, and anything this world can offer, sinks to insignificance beside it.

Well has Spurgeon said: "I should not like you, if meant by God to be a great missionary, to die a millionaire. I should not like it, were you fitted to be a missionary, that you should shrivel down into a king."

Who among the readers of these lines will determine in your heart to have a part in this work? Often has the call been presented, "Who is willing to give up all, and go to suffer and die on a foreign shore?" This way of expressing it is not giving all the truth. We propose to reverse this now, and say, Who are willing to stay at home and die, suffering from the vexing cares of this world, when they have a chance to go to the front and engage in the greatest movement in the world at the present time?

Friends in the home land who are pitying the missionaries at this time, save your words. These same missionaries are pitying those in the home land who are so entangled with the affairs of this life that they are prevented from answering God's call to enlist in the "ever victorious army."

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before!

Morrison Hill Road, leading to the Happy Valley recreation grounds and to the cemetery, Hongkong

Christ, our mighty Captain, Leads against the foe; We will never falter Where He bids us go.

At the sign of triumph, Satan's host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory!

Crowns and thrones have perished, Kingdoms ruled and waned; But the church of Jesus Constant has remained.

Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng! Blend with ours your voices, In the triumph song! Glory, praise, and honor, Unto Christ, the King! This, through countless ages, Men and angels sing.

Far o'er yon horizon Rise the city towers Where our God abideth, That fair home of ours. Thither onward! Thither, In the Spirit's might! Upward, ever upward, Till we gain the height!

Unto God the Father Joyful songs we sing. Unto God the Saviour Thankful hearts we bring. Unto God the Spirit Bow we, and adore, On our way rejoicing Now and evermore.

F. E. STAFFORD.