A MURMUR IN EGYPT by C. M. S.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 19, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 38.

A MURMUR IN EGYPT.

By C. M. S.

WHILE the attention of the world has been largely occupied with events in China for the past few months, Egyptian Moslems have been muttering threats against the missionaries of North Africa. The cause of this discontent and growing hatred is the same as that which has been working in China,—political influence in the interests of religious work.

Much of this irritation has been directly caused by the zealous attempts in certain quarters to “appropriate the British occupation of Egypt and the reconquest of the Soudan as events designed by God to benefit missionary enterprise.” One English bishop asks, “How can we expect God to bless the British arms in any part of the world unless we do that work for which He gives us the victory?” The same bishop declares that God has given Egypt into the hands of England for a higher purpose than building railroads, canals, and telegraph lines, and plainly indicates that that “higher purpose” is the Christianizing of Egypt, and that England must establish bishoprics from Cairo to the cape. The bishop further claims that the army is a great proselytizing instrument. As the Mohammedans knew of these sentiments held by the established church, the last straw seemed to have been added when a tract, inclosed in what seemed to be a government wrapper, and bearing the title “Jesus or Mohammed,” was received by all the rulers of Egyptian provinces, the principal sheiks and omdehs, and the instructors in the Mohammedan university. It seemed to the Mohammedan a direct attack on the religion of Islam by the government of England. The government

hastened to explain; but the Moslem's hatred for the missionary was only increased. Thus are many missionaries closing the doors against themselves by pursuing methods which Christ has never recognized. The true missionary for Christ will look to Christ alone for protection and support. He will not attempt to force any into the fold. He will not use any government influence to induce men to believe. Any other power than the power of Christ is an unmitigated hindrance to the support of Christianity. Paradoxical as it may seem, the government that attempts to support Christianity has joined forces with the enemy. The Christian who flies to an earthly government for help and support has, in that very act, turned his back upon Christ.

The forces of evil are stirring up strife in every quarter of the globe, and every mistake of a Christian is taken advantage of by that power to add to the strife and hatred and unrest in the world. It is the ripening time, and the earth is ripening fast for her terrible harvest. The Christian should study carefully and prayerfully, that his acts may be only such as will gather with Christ. C. M. S.