p. 12 | CHRISTIANITY'S OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 22, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 12.

CHRISTIANITY'S OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA.

By Message of Student Volunteers in China.

THE missionary work in China affords full scope for every diversity of talent. Educators may contribute to the establishment of a national system of education in a land where scholarship has always been ranked as the highest of human attainments. Those who possess literary ability may gain the attention of multitudes of scholars, as is shown by the fact that the names of some missionaries are known to Chinese students throughout the empire, and that their books are read almost as widely as the Chinese classics themselves. We look, too, for scholars from the West who shall interpret more clearly than has yet been done the true meaning of Chinese literature, philosophy, and history, showing the relation between these and the revelation of God in Christ.

To the Christian physician doors are ever open, and his work, as the expression of Christian love, does much to win the confidence of the people. The training of Chinese medical students, as well as general hospital work, is also urgently needed.

To the educated women of the West, work among the women and girls of China offers a wide field. Chinese women are, to a large extent, untaught and neglected, and thus China is deprived of what should be the most potent factor in her elevation and advancement.

The establishment and development of the Chinese church, which involves the presentation of the Gospel to all classes of minds, the selection, training, and supervision of native workers, the adjustment of church regulations to native customs and beliefs, and the promotion of self-extension, self-government, and self-support, demand wide diversities of thoroughly trained and statesmanlike leadership.

A Chinese Hatter, Plying His Trade in the Street,

We firmly believe that nowhere in the world can a Christian man of sound learning and humble spirit more easily discover his special bent, and, having discovered it, whether as preacher, teacher, or author, physician, administrator, or philanthropist, find more ample scope for his activities than among the missions of the Christian Church in China.

But in whatever direction we look, the problem is primarily a spiritual one. We do not aim to produce mere intellectual adhesion to the truths of Christianity, nor admiration of its moral teaching, for these can not save the race. We seek to lead individuals and communities to such an experience of the power of Christ as shall arouse the heart and conscience, and transform the whole life. In order to accomplish this end the leaders of the church in China should be men of mental culture, but the essential qualification is faith in God.

—Message of Student Volunteers in China.