WHEN the brethren here read the "Call to Warn the Cities" in America, we were sure that it meant this great city of Shanghai of half a million souls, and we felt convicted that we were not doing as much as could be done. We had been searching for some time for a more suitable location for a street chapel, and the way has been opened for us to secure an excellent location in a thickly populated district, not over half a mile from our mission press, conveniently close to a car line, and yet far enough away to escape the noise. The building itself, being a Chinese shop, was very dirty, and uninviting; but with the aid of carpenters and painters, in a month's time we had it transformed in a way that astonished the near-by neighbors. We removed the entire front of the building, and put in a new glass front with a glass door, so as to make the place as light as possible; and with the inside freshly painted and calcimined, it presented a very inviting appearance.
When all was ready we hung out our great white sign, Foo-iung-dong, which means Gospel Hall.
New Year's Day was the day decided upon for opening, and we printed neat invitations with gold ink on red paper, and circulated all through the district, inviting the people to come to our opening day reception at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Long before the time of opening, the people commenced to gather in the street; and when the door was thrown open, the room was filled to overflowing in a few minutes. The women and children were conducted up-stairs, to the guest room, while the men were received down-stairs. After singing a few hymns we explained to the people the purpose of opening our chapel, and gave each one an invitation to the preaching service in the evening. We also distributed some of our Chinese tracts called "God's Love for Man" and "Know Thy Creator." We then dismissed them, and made room for the people on the street who had not been able to get in. We went through the same program with them, and thus continued to refill the hall until evening.
The opening sermon was preached by Brother Woo, a Chinese teacher of marked ability. He has been studying the truth for over a year, and last September definitely decided to observe the true Sabbath of the Lord, and to give himself wholly to the Lord's work. He is now throwing his energies into our work, and we trust that he will be a great help to us.
Since then we have held public preaching services three nights a week, with afternoon meetings for the women. All these services, as well as our regular Sabbath meetings, have been well attended by an intelligent and inquiring class of people, for which we praise God and take courage.
In fact, the crowds continued to be too large for the hall; so we have opened negotiations to secure the shop next door, and will take out the partition between, and make the room twice the present size.
Woosung Road, a busy street on which our Shanghai chapel is located.
Brother Woo, who preached the opening sermon in our Shanghai chapel, and Clarence Stafford, dressed in Chinese clothes, who helped in the distribution of tracts and invitations.
Interior view of chapel. Back of the pulpit is a scroll of the Ten Commandments in red on a yellow background. The room seats about 75, and is altogether too small. The shop next door will probably be added, and the partition taken out.
In front of our Shanghai chapel. Li Fah Kung, our evangelist, at the door.
Gospel Hall, in Chinese Foo-iung-dong
Opening day of our Chinese chapel. Crowds came like this all the afternoon.
As I am writing these words, a message comes from our evangelist, that two men whom he has been studying with are convinced of the truth for this time, and will observe next Sabbath, the fourth of February, as their first Sabbath. Thus our hearts are cheered as we witness the power of Christ working in our midst to regenerate the hearts of men, freeing them from the bonds of heathen traditions, and delivering them into the glorious light of the truth.
Brother Li Fah Kung, our evangelist in charge of the chapel, has an interesting history. He was invited to attend our meetings in Honan a number of years ago, and came bringing his opium pipe with him, as he was addicted to this terrible habit. As the great truths of the soon coming Saviour were presented, the power of the Holy Spirit manifested itself and convicted him of his sinful condition.
He was converted, and of his own free will went out and cast his opium pipe into the well, and has never tasted any since. After the meetings he walked to his home, a distance of nearly ninety miles, and arrived there in good condition; while before his conversion, if he missed his opium for one day he was sick and unable to work. Thus we see that the power of the Gospel is the same to-day as it was two thousand years ago, when Christ walked upon earth; and it manifests itself in the same way, by working that most marvelous of all miracles, changing the lives of selfish, sinful, sin-cursed men into lives of usefulness and happiness on this earth, with a preparation for eternal happiness in the world to come.
Group of our Chinese evangelists present at our annual meeting just closed in Shanghai. Standing, from the right are Brethren Lee, from Singapore, our Signs translator; Ti, from Honan; Lao, from Wei Chow; Wong, from Canton. Sitting, Brethren Han, from Anhwei; Keh, from Amoy; Hong, from Swatow.
Our Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the China Union Mission Committee has just closed in Shanghai, and we have15all been greatly blessed and strengthened by the encouraging reports that have been brought in from the various parts of the field.
Two of the most encouraging features of the work of the past year are: first, the way in which our native brethren are taking hold of the work, and how the Lord is blessing their efforts in places where we have no foreign workers; and second, the great increase in the sale of our literature, and the many good results that can be traced directly to its influence. As report after report was read telling of little companies scattered here and there through every district who have been brought to a knowledge of the truth and are faithfully keeping the Sabbath, through the efforts of our Chinese brethren or through reading our papers, we were greatly encouraged, but also saddened to think that many little companies have been sending in appeals, saying: "Send us help. The people are ready and eager to hear the truth. Why do you not send us a man to teach us?" At least thirty appeals like this from companies who have never heard a foreigner preach, are to-day unanswered, and will be so until more help comes. Who, on reading these words, will take this appeal to yourselves, and resolve in your heart to answer one of these calls?
The people are waiting for you, with hands and hearts uplifted to God, praying earnestly that help may soon come. You can answer one of these prayers if you will. ONLY COME.
F. E. STAFFORD.
Shanghai, China.
Our Work and Workers
By Editor
SEVEN young persons have been baptized at Douglass, Texas.
FIVE decided for the truth and were baptized at Jacksonville, Iowa.
AT least three at Raton, New Mexico, have expressed their purpose to keep the commandments of God.
A COMPANY of twelve believers has been organized into a church at Colonial Beach, Virginia. Others are hopeful.
MEETINGS held in the vicinity of Hooker and Tyrone, Oklahoma, have resulted in seven accessions to the faith.
A CHURCH of sixteen members was recently organized at St. Elmo, Illinois. Others obeying the truth are expected to unite with them soon.
IN Christchurch, New Zealand, ten more have received baptism, making twenty-five who have been baptized there within a year.
AMID a most beautiful tropical scene at Padang, Sumatra, two souls were buried with their Lord in baptism and rose to newness of life.
LARGELY through reading our literature, two families near Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, seven persons in all, are rejoicing in their new faith, thankful for the light sent them.
THREE have made their decision to obey the truth at Cle Elum, Washington. Others who have been converted expect to identify themselves with us as soon as opportunity offers.
THE Laurel Hygienic Restaurant, 11 W. 18th St., New York, has recently been purchased, and is now under management of Adventists who will give its patrons thoroly hygienic food.
PASTOR J. L. SHAW sends word that a location has been found for a new mission in Western India. Not far from Bombay, where no other missions are operating, two stations have been opened in a valley. Four persons have already united with us in the faith.
AN extract from a letter written by Pastor I. H. Evans of China to his own family, reads: "Truly, if God ever went out before this people, He is going out before us now. We have thirty companies of believers where a foreign worker never spent a week."
BROTHER GEORGE L. STERLING, who has the general supervision of the Cook Islands, South Pacific, relates an amusing incident that occurred in connection with his acceptation of a challenge to debate with a Catholic priest. He speaks in part of it thus: "I learned afterward that the natives anticipated something like a hand-to-hand encounter, as many of their debates are thus settled. The larger part of one hundred and fifty persons, or thereabouts, who had gathered in and around the house, had come to help me should such a thing occur." While the debaters parted with a friendly "hand-shake and a smile," the incident shows where the interest of the natives centered.
Approximate Chronology
"Type and Antitype"—a booklet giving the Scriptural and historical facts, physical and climatic conditions, and astronomical calculations, that enable us to establish in our own modern calendar time the exact date of the Passover, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus. Price 25 cents. Address H. H. Perry, 67 19th St., San Diego, California, or your tract society secretary.
Valley of Eshcol Grapes
VALUABLE information, how, when, where, prices, to get grafted vines of the genuine Valley of Eshcol grapes, the golden amber "Nehelescol" in France. Together with technical description, and special instructions how to grow them successfully at your home. Bunches sometimes one meter long. Cyclopedia of Horticulture, article grapes, says sometimes 20 to 30 pound bunches. Biggest bunches in the world. Splendid tasting. Specially adapted to parts of Texas. Don't delay. Information 50 cents. Henry Lee Owens, Burlington, Iowa.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY
(Entered Sept. 15, 1904, as second-class matter at the Mountain View, Cal., post-office, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879.)
Editor ................................ Milton C. Wilcox
Associate Editor ........................ L. A. Reed
Manuscripts should be addressed to the editor. Address all business and make all money-orders, etc., payable to the Signs of the Times, Mountain View, California.
N. B. We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Three months ........................................ $0.50
Six months ............................................ .90
One year (50 numbers) ............................... 1.75
With "Questions and Answers" ........................ 2.00
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Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $4.00.
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The SIGNS wrapper bears date of last issue due on your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, paper stops with expiration date.
If herewith is an order-blank, you will know you have overlooked sending renewal. You will not wish to miss a single issue. Back numbers often can not be furnished.
C. H. Jones, Circulation Manager.
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Donations for February
INDIA
CHINA
TOKYO
Helen Marsh (per Our Little Friend)
$ 0.25
Mrs. S. E. Walker
.50
Mrs. Warren Travis
1.00
Martha Porter (per Little Friend)
1.00
Julia P. Shattuck
2.50
$2.50
A friend
5.00
Earle Cassentine (per Little Friend)
.90
Wm. Peake
10.00
Mrs. J. R. Jones
.40
D. W. Witter
2.50
A. W. H.
10.00
10.00
Geo. Benner
$ 1.00
3.00
1.00
W. C. Chaplin
20.00
10.00
3.75
A friend
2.00
Previously reported
28.25
163.70
10.50
Totals
$51.25
$210.75
$27.75
Summary
By Editor
For the month of February there have been the following totals:
Korea $11.15
All Korean funds in this issue are through Our Little Friend.
Tokyo Church 17.25
India 23.00
China Press Fund 47.05
Total for month $98.45
We are sure after reading this department this week there will be a much larger response for China. The seed already sown is bearing abundant harvest. We still may have a part in the sowing as well as the reaping in that great needy field.
Down to the Slum
By Editor
We commend to the well-fed, easy-going optimist, the man who believes that everything is going on swimmingly in "this land of peace and plenty," the soul-stirring article in the World's Work for March, entitled "Down to the Slum," in which the story of a family typical of thousands of others is told, the husband and father of which "lost his job." The writer, Henry Oyen, draws a vivid and true picture of these slum plague-spots in our cities, in which "one tenth of our city population" are crowded together. "Breeding like rabbits and dying like rats, they create a miasma that spreads and seeps into most of the corners of city life and leaves its taint and poison." Single rooms in which the sun has not shone for thirty years occupied by five; beds continually occupied with different sets of sleepers night and day; a house of 52 rooms, arranged nominally for 18 families, sometimes having 40 families and over 200 persons! How can men with uncounted millions see such things go on? How can decent municipal governments permit such plague-spots in their midst? Well has God's Word told us that creation is groaning for His home-coming, for the manifestation of that power which will change the old earth, and sweep away all the blights and curses of sin.
Professor Larkin Recovers
By Editor
We noted some time ago the nervous breakdown of Professor Larkin of Mount Lowe Observatory. A later despatch says that he has quite fully recovered, and will resume his position on Mount Lowe.
Appreciated
By Editor
Appreciated.—This is what one subscriber says of this paper: "I received the papers. . . . I would not take $10.00 for them if I could get no more of them. I feel that I can not speak too highly of the TIMES weekly, as my spare moments are spent in gathering the truth therein. I wish to extend a word of thanks and appreciation to all the writers for their thoughts and the inspiration that comes with them through the weekly. May God bless it to our good."
No, Thank You
By Editor
WE received several weeks ago two boxes of nicely made (so we should judge—we are not expert) cork-tipped, duly sealed and dutiably stamped cigarets, with an attractive Oriental brand and picture on each package. They were sent to us at "the great pleasure" of a "corporation" in New York bearing the complex and cabalistic name of S. Anargyros. These cigarets, the letter informs us, have "the approval of the connoisseur," and our "attention," "as a discriminating smoker," is invited to the "rare blend" and "exceptional aroma" possessed by this particular brand.
1. We wonder how it was known that we are a "discriminating smoker." We are if and when we have to be. That is to say, some smoke first-hand, some second-hand; and when we have to smoke we always discriminate in favor of the second-hand smoking—not nearly so satisfying, perhaps, as the first-hand variety, but more than sufficient for us always.
2. We once used to smoke the father of the cigaret, nearly forty years agone, when, as a foolish boy, we thought it "manly" to puff a cigar; but we soon learned better, and never since then has cigar or cigaret, cork-tipped or otherwise, come between our lips. We have known many who were slaves to the little roll, who would be glad to stop, but can not. We sometimes get whiffs from them second-hand, in the breathing of God's adulterated air.
3. We can not commend the little harmless looking roll with its great name, because it is an evil, destructive of bodily vigor, mental clearness, and moral sensibilities. Athletes, business colleges, railway companies, schools, packing-houses, life-insurance companies, the United States army and navy, United States Weather Bureau, etc., etc., etc., condemn its use, because it spoils boys and men, dwarfing intellect, and rendering its victim unreliable and incompetent and, generally, immoral. Of the 1700 boys who have passed into or through Auburn State prison, New York, ninety-five per cent were cigaret fiends. Its "aroma" and narcotizing influence are the baits which are luring millions to death or worse. We could write pages against the little cylindrical demon where we have written words, and then not tell half of its evils. Therefore again we say to this kindly offer, by one who doubtless designs no harm. For personal use, no, thank you; the two boxes will serve as insecticides.
Praise from the Palo Alto Citizen
By Editor
We are grateful for the undeserving compliment that excellent town paper, the Citizen of Palo Alto, pays us in its issue of February 18.
The Los Angeles Times Midwinter Number
By Editor
Do you wish to learn about Southern California?—Then send for a copy of the Los Angeles Times, midwinter number. Its 200 pages are filled to the full, sixty pages of which are illustrations from photographs. The recuperative power of the Times is shown in its being able to issue such a number so soon after its plant was destroyed by dynamite and fire.
The Midway’s Moral Influence
By Editor
One of the features of the great Chicago Exposition was the "Midway," which was a hodge-podge of everything to a limited extent instructive, but morally indifferent and bad, especially suggestively bad and indecent. A similar street or way under a different name has been a prominent feature in every great exposition since, and the San Francisco papers are asking for suggestions for a name. Forty, perhaps, have been presented, some of which are very significant of the character and influence of what such a feature has been in the past, among which we note, the World, the Short Cut, the Slope, the Ruse, the Big Ditch, the Whirlpool, the Sunset Glide, the Market. It will to many be all these in a decided sense. It will be the morals which will go down the slope into whirlpool and ditch. To many it will be a "short cut" to perdition. But the people demand it, and it will doubtless be made more extravagant than ever, whatever the name.
Saracens and Turks Distinguished
By Editor
In our last issue, in the Revelation studies, note 5, the Saracens are mentioned as entering Nicomedia, in 1299. The term "Saracens" was used in a general and loose way for Mohammedans; the soldiers of Othman were generally Turks, but Mohammedans, as were the Saracens. As the first Mohammedans were Saracens, the two terms have in a general way been used interchangeably. But more correctly the Saracens were of Arabic origin, while the Turks are Mongolian.
New Series Announcement
By Editor
Read the announcement of our new series on page 13.
The Temperance Number
By Editor
The Temperance Number of the "Youth's Instructor," of date March 7, 1911, has come to our table. It is an excellent paper. A portrait in colors of the sweet face of a healthy girl embellishes its cover, and the interior is filled with mighty and cogent arguments against alcohol and tobacco, and in favor of clean living. There are sixteen principal articles, and many excellent fillers. It is strikingly, instructively illustrated. It contains thirty-two pages and covers. Its price is ten cents. It offers excellent inducements to boys and girls who will sell it. Address, Youth's Instructor, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.
Protestant Magazine
By Editor
The "Protestant Magazine," published in Washington, D. C., reaches us a little late this quarter, but its contents are up to date. It does not mince matters, yet it has no war with men. It is severe, but kindly. It does not wage political war. Its aim is to protest against all encroachments upon religious liberty, against the principles which are held by the Roman Catholic Church, and which have made that church a persecuting power. In its own words, the work of the magazine is for the purpose of "Advocating Primitive Christianity," and "Protesting against Apostasy." Send for a sample copy.
Using Wealth to Bless Humanity
We flatter ourselves in this day of grace and blessing that we are getting better, yet the hearts of millions are unmoved when other millions are starving. Men professing Christianity with untold millions of wealth look indifferently or not at all upon the suffering, needy, sick, diseased, in our own cities. Why not spend a hundred millions or so upon hygienic houses, simple little cottages, which will let in clean sunlight and pure air, and rent them at a nominal cost, and tear out the wretched disease-breeding, sin-breeding slums? When work is slack, why should not the Government spend a few millions in great continental road-building, paying wages sufficient to enable men to live, but not enough to induce them to be unambitious for other employments? O, there are so many ways in which the millions could be used to bless humanity!
