[The following from one of our missionaries is printed in the South China Morning Post of Nov. 1, 1909. It will be of interest to our readers.]
To the Editor of the "Morning Post":
SIR,—In your issue of October 27, I notice an article in which a missionary from Kwangtung Province is quoted as having little faith in Christian missions in China. While I am not acquainted with the missionary referred to, I must say that my brief experience in China (seven years) has given me quite a different view of the situation from that set forth in his interview.
It is true that we are sometimes misunderstood. People who know nothing about our work suppose that we are here under Government employ and for the sake of extending our Government's influence. These persons have never taken the trouble to inquire into the meaning of the Gospel of Christ, and know nothing about the basis of Christian work.
It is not true that students trained in Christian colleges receive no recognition from the Chinese Government. On the contrary, these men are eagerly sought for, and the officials are only too glad to give responsible positions to worthy men, especially to those who are trained abroad.
Missionaries are not in China for the purpose of [[FIGURE]]
transforming the government, or for influencing the people in favor of England, or America, or any other government. We are here to extend the kingdom of God. Mission workers have the same object in view, whether working in China, or Japan, or anywhere. It is to lead men to make their peace with God, to put away their sins, to restore the image of God in the soul. The Gospel "is the power of God unto salvation" to all who will accept it, regardless of race, color, or previous conditions. "In every nation he that feareth Him [God], and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." Acts 10:35. The Chinese are no exception to this rule. There are just as earnest and sincere Christians in China as there are in any country in the world.
It is not true that Christianity is making no progress in China. It is truly wonderful the advance that is being made. The number of real, sincere, earnest inquirers are tenfold more to-day than they were five years ago.
It is true that missionary work in China to-day is still supported largely by the gifts of Christians in other lands. But this condition is rapidly changing. China has great resources; and when we show confidence in our Chinese brethren, they are ready to make any sacrifice for the progress of the Gospel.15As I said before, we are not here to transform the government; but whenever a man or woman becomes a true child of God, it makes him a better citizen, a more loyal subject, of any government in which he may reside. Yours, etc.,
