They Stand Under Trial by O. A. Hall

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 9, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 44.

They Stand Under Trial

By O. A. Hall

Coming to Christ from Heathen Darkness—Suffer Persecution Rather than Yield

By O. A. HALL

"A MAN'S foes shall be they of his own household." The truthfulness of this text is demonstrated many times in the experiences of the young people of China. This gospel has set many a youth "at variance against his father." But when the truth takes root in the heart, and the individual knows that God has said, "He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me," he is willing to forsake all in order to become His disciple.

CHOSE CHRIST ABOVE POSITION

Three cases of this kind have just come to our notice. One, a young man nineteen years of age, a few months ago accepted Christ, and began the observance of the Sabbath. This resulted in his separation from the denominational school he was attending. His brothers were connected with government service; and his father, not being a Christian, insisted on his taking up the same work. The son replied that he could not and be a Christian. The firm stand he has taken is worthy of commendation, and will, if maintained, change the entire course of his life.

LEFT HOME RATHER THAN YIELD

The second, a young man twenty-three years of age, has for a number of years been a student in the government schools. About four months ago, he began the study of the Bible truth. His acceptance of the Sabbath demanded his separation from the school, as their sessions were held on the Sabbath, and he could not attend. For three months, he did not inform his parents of his decision. His father holds a responsible position on the Pukow-Tientsin Railway, and three times has urged him to accept a position with good salary, as his younger brother has already done.

A short time ago, he told his father of the decision he had made to observe the Sabbath, and that for this reason he could not accept any position that would interfere with his observance of all the commandments of God.

This immediately set him at variance with his father. Three days were given the young man in which to accept his father's demands or withdraw from his home. His testimony was, "I love my father and mother, but my heavenly Father more," and he consequently has withdrawn from his home for the sake of the gospel.

EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL FOR CHRIST

The third is also a young man, a student in the government school for a number of years, at one of our inland stations. During the New Year's season, while school was not in session, he attended the services at the chapel, accepted Christ, and began the observance of the Sabbath.

When the school again opened, he asked to be excused on the Sabbath to attend the Sabbath services. When the privilege was refused, he told the faculty that he could not continue his regular school work upon the Sabbath. They insisted that he must continue as usual or be expelled from the school, fined fifty dollars, and have his case fully set forth, in Chinese fashion, on a placard posted on the school door.

He decided that whatever the penalty, he could not continue as usual upon the Sabbath. He was advised to have a private interview with a member of the faculty who was acquainted with the message of Christ's coming, and friendly to our people. This he did, and the friend made an appeal for him before the faculty. He was expelled from the school, but no further penalty was inflicted.

Such cases deserve our earnest prayers.