p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 21. (5/22/1907)

Christian Influences in China.

By J. N. Anderson

Early Christianity.

CHINA'S unyielding exclusiveness and much of her national pride and conceit are of comparatively recent times, being a part of the settled policy of the present dynasty, which is itself foreign to China and the Chinese national spirit and civilization. It is a mistake to think that the Chinese people have had no dealings with the nations of the West, for history gives abundant evidence to show that this race was known to the Jews and the Greeks, and that the Romans and Chinese had commercial relations before the Christian era.

Isaiah's wonderful prophecy of the land of Sinim, centuries before the birth of Christ, and the scattered Jewish colonies in different parts of this empire, lead us to the conviction that China was permitted to enjoy at least some of the blessings of Abraham, even before the coming of Him who "brought life and immortality to light." How much of the light of God's self-revelation was shining on this race during those early ages, it is, of course, quite impossible for us to say, but the very fact that some rays from the one true God fell upon this people is indeed in itself very significant.

The apostolic age was one of unparalleled missionary enthusiasm and activity. The Acts of the Apostles is an inspired record of how the Gospel of the crucified and risen Lord was projected into the very heart of Europe, invading the strongholds of the nations then dominating that continent. The glad message of salvation was for all the nations, and we may well believe that it was carried in all directions, and that, too, by the very men who had seen and handled the Word of Life. Mosheim, the church historian, says, "We may well believe that at an early period the Christian religion extended to the Chinese, Seres, and Tartars. There are various arguments collected by learned men to show that the Christian faith was carried to China, if not by the Apostle Thomas, by the first teachers of Christianity."

It is now known that the apostle Thomas, the doubting one, carried the Gospel to India, and there is a church legend that he penetrated into China, and possibly some day the very earth will give forth evidence corroborative of this.

Little Orphan, an Island in the Yang Tse Kiang, Showing the Monastery of Native Hermits.

In the Early Centuries—the Nestorians.

The next trace of Christian influence in China was exerted by the Nestorians who are said to have been in China as early as A.D. 505. Sing-an-fu, the place of refuge for the empress dowager when she fled from Peking upon the coming of the allied forces in 1900, is also famous in Chinese history as being the center of great missionary activity on the part of the Nestorians. Here in the year 1625 was found a remarkable monument, dating from the year 781, on which was inscribed in Syriac and Chinese an account of the missionary labors and success of these Nestorians, whose "religion spread thruout the empire, favored by the fostering care of the monarch."

Gibbon, speaking of Nestorian Missions to the East, says, "In their progress by sea and land, the Nestorians entered China by the port of Canton and the northern residence of Sigan."

Old Water Clock, Canton, Flow of Water from Bronze Tank to next Is so Regulated that the Rise on the Graduated Rule Indicates Time of Day.

It is doubtful if they ever translated the Bible into Chinese. If they did no trace of it has as yet been found; nor is it probable that it could in those days have been made to act a leading part for the reason that printing had not yet been discovered. This scanty use of the Bible and the perpetual desire to gain the favor of the emperor no doubt account in a large measure for the downfall of Nestorianism in China.

J. N. ANDERSON.

[This interesting article will be concluded next week. What Catholics and Protestants have done will be told.]

Freely Received, Freely Give

FREELY ye have received of Christ; freely give to those for whom Christ died.

Foreign Papers.

By Editor

It will be of interest to our readers, especially those who are conversant with foreign tongues, or have foreign relatives and acquaintances, to know that the same special Gospel series presented in this paper will also be translated and presented in our Swedish paper, Sions Vaktare, and also in the German and Norwegian papers published by the International Publishing Association of College View, Neb. The first issue of the special series in those papers will be dated May 7, and for six months they will continue the same as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Prices on the German paper, 50 cents; Swedish and Norwegian papers, each 65 cents. In connection with this we show the beautiful cover design of the three foreign papers.

Reduced Facsimile New Cover Design OF THE Gospel Series OF OUR Foreign Papers Christlicher Hausfreund German Sions Vaktare Swedish Evangeliets Sendebud Danish-Norwegian International Publ. Ass'n

"HERALDS OF THE MORNING"

The appalling loss of life by murder and suicide, political and social troubles, dissatisfaction between employer and employee, strikes and fires, wars and rumors of wars—all these are of daily occurrence. What do they mean? and is there any significance to these things at this particular time? To the close observer, all these are evidences that there is a nearing social vortex into which all unsettled factions, and the world at large, will be plunged. When and how this will be brought about is revealed in "Heralds of the Morning." By appealing to the "sure word of prophecy," the author clearly shows that these conditions were to exist just before the Lord's return, and points out many other signs that the Scriptures tell us are certain heralds of the glad morning when strife shall cease, and peace and happiness reign forever. That the reader may understand these events, and be prepared for the final outcome, is our reason for calling attention to this valuable work. More than 150 illustrations vividly portray that upon which the subject-matter treats. A live book upon a live subject.

Bound in cloth, with marbled edges, $2.00.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.

Mountain View, Cal.

MOUNT OF BLESSING

By Editor

Bible Text-Book.—By O. A. Johnson. A pocket edition of Bible-readings on 49 subjects, covering in a concise and complete way the prophecies, the Third Angel's Message, Two Covenants, Law of God, Sabbath Question, and many other kindred topics. 208 pages. Cloth, net, $0.30; leather, net, $0.50.

Bible-Nature Studies.—By M. E. Cady. The aim of this volume is to illustrate the fact that the Book of books is the foundation of all true science. From this standpoint the author has carefully prepared two hundred and sixty-seven lessons, and classified them in sixteen leading chapters, as follows:

1. The Earth in the Beginning. 2. Light and Heat. 3. Air and Sound. 4. Water. 5. The Dry Land. 6. Plants. 7. The Sun, Moon, and Stars. 8. The Water Animals. 9. The Air Animals. 10. The Land Animals. 11. Man. 12. The Sabbath. 13. The Fall of Man. 14. The Flood. 15. The Earth's Final Destruction. 16. The New Earth.

In these chapters the learner is taught to behold the Creator in His creation, and to know that the power and life of true education is a "knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He hath sent." It fills a long-felt need as a text-book in our church schools and colleges, and in a beautiful way connects Bible study with that of the sciences. Parents will find its use valuable in the home training of their children. Price, net, $1.00.

Bible Object-Lessons and Songs for Little Ones.—By Lillie E. Affolter and F. E. Belden. This book contains fifty-two illustrated lessons, accompanied by thirty original hymns and songs, and thirty-one large engravings from the famous "Hofmann Series." The steps in the teaching are natural and progressive; the music is good and pleasing, and adapted to little children, and the illustrations are beautiful. Blue cloth, ink titles, white edges, 7½x10 inches, $2.00. Bible kindergarten material (3 boxes) to illustrate lessons, $1.75.

MOUNT OF BLESSING.

We have a limited number of that grand book, "Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing," by Mrs. E. G. White, bound in paper covers, which we can sell at 30 cents net, post-paid.

It is printed on a fine grade of book paper, and nicely illustrated, but the printed sheets were rescued from our fire and were slightly damp and wrinkled. But the print is nice and clear, the books are neat and clean, bound in paper covers, and just splendid for missionary work, to loan to friends and neighbors, or to read and study in your own home.

It is a valuable, beautiful, and instructive present to give to the older children and youth, or to mail to a friend. While they last, we will send them, post-paid, for 30 cents net, or six for $1.50. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. "Do it now."

Our Work and Workers.

By Editor

THERE were six additions to the Kansas City, Mo., church April 21.

AT Rochester, Ind., six were recently added to the church, three on profession of faith.

BROTHER F. M. ROBERTS reports seven additions to the little company at Petersburg, Ind.

A CLASS of nine nurses graduated from the Nebraska Sanitarium, College View, Neb., April 7.

FOUR of Sister Eva A. Jenks' Bible readers in Lockport, N. Y., have taken their stand for the truth thru her labors.

BROTHER A. R. OGDEN reports the baptism of four at Canton, Kan., the fruit of the labors of Brother A. S. Bringle.

THE little company at Flagstaff, Ariz., was augmented by the baptism of three, March 23, by Brother J. Ernest Bond.

BROTHER C. A. WOOD has organized a church of eight members at Pontiac, Ill., six of whom have come into the truth thru recent labors.

THRU combined efforts of Sister Edith Hiatt and Sister Dora Roberts, Bible workers, and Brother F. C. Clark, eleven have united with the company at Kansas City, Kan.

THE general camp-meeting for central and northern California will be held in Merced, May 23 to June 2. Merced is on both the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railways.

A REPORT from Sister Mary A. Millington, Albany, N. Y., in the Indicator says: "We had a precious meeting Sabbath. Four new Sabbath-keepers were present, making seven in all who have embraced the truth."

BROTHER S. G. HAUGHEY reports in the Missionary Worker, from Brigham City, Utah: "We have now baptized twelve in all. Three others are keeping the Sabbath. We have a Sabbath-school of twenty-two members."

A TEN-DAYS' meeting at Indian Harbor, N. S., conducted by Brother Wm. Guthrie and Brother W. H. Thurston, March 7-17, resulted in bringing the truth to two young ladies and renewing the consecration of two other discouraged ones.

THE president of the Utah Conference, S. G. Huntington, reports thru the Pacific Union Recorder that twenty have been baptized since the last camp-meeting season, and that ten or fifteen more are keeping the Sabbath and learning more of present truth in that state.

IN two years the Wyoming Mission Field has been strengthened by ten new churches, making fourteen in all, and about one hundred and fifty new members, making a total of about three hundred, nearly a third of them being recent converts to the truth of the threefold message.

THE Latin Union field has been strengthened during the past year by the edition of a goodly number to its ranks. The Roman-Swiss Conference added forty-eight; France, thirty-eight; Spain, eight; Portugal, nine; French Belgium, three. This is encouraging for so difficult a field, with but few workers.

Two Trees.

By Saint Nicholas

A LITTLE tree, short but self-satisfied, Glanced toward the ground, then tossed its head and cried: "Behold how tall I am! how far the dusty earth!" And boasting thus, it swayed in scornful mirth.

The tallest pine tree in the forest raised Its head toward heaven, and sighed the while it gazed: "Alas, how small I am and the great skies how far! What years of space 'twixt me and yonder star!"

MORAL.

Our height depends on what we measure by: If up from earth, or downward from the sky. —Saint Nicholas.

Waitresses Wanted

Wanted, at once; ten waitresses. Address, Vegetarian Cafe, 214 Union St., Seattle, Wash.

Wanted at Once

By Editor

Wanted at Once.—Twenty-five young ladies, fifteen young men, all consecrated Seventh-day Adventist Christian workers, to make immediate arrangements to enter the Glendale Sanitarium Training-school for Missionary Nurses. Class begins June 1. Exceptional opportunity to secure a practical missionary training that will fit you for any field in the world. Address Dr. Winegar Simpson, Glendale Sanitarium, Glendale, Cal.

Studies in the Christ-Life at Brother Eldred's

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Fourth Evening's Study.—Jesus in the Temple.

"BEFORE going further," said Sister Eldred, "let us listen to the verses Alice has learned thru the week, about the Christ-child in the temple;" and without further ceremony, Alice began:

O'er Judah's plains sweet spring had thrown Her flowery robe of living green, And Nature in her gala robes Was mantled like a fairy queen. The day was balmy, bright, and fair, And flowers blossomed everywhere. High o'er the temple's burnished towers, The sunshine fell like molten gold, And flamed and flashed from glittering spire, From pinnacle and turret old; While thru the city's busy street, Echoed the tread of countless feet. Afar o'er Judah's hills they came, From shepherd lad to stately priest; To ancient Salem's gates they haste, To keep the sacred Paschal Feast. Look, who is He, that youthful Lad, Standing within the temple fair? Why do not Israel's sages know That He—the Paschal Lamb—is there? Strange blindness! that they knew Him not,— Those gray-haired men, those learned seers; Useless the Rabbi's studied lore,— The vain philosophy of years. From out those sacred, youthful lips Flowed wondrous words of heavenly lore,— Such words of purity and grace As man had never heard before. And now, a kind obedient Son, No thought had He of earthly fame, But 'mong the hills of Nazareth A humble carpenter became; He took our fallen nature, He Who made the hosts which roll above, Of Abraham's frail seed partook In Godlike sympathy and love,— O, depth of love beyond degree,— That gave a Christ for you and me!

"That is true, Alice," said her father, "we shall never be able fully to comprehend this great love. Now, Jack," he continued, "will you tell me where Joseph and Mary lived when the Child Jesus was found in the temple, and why they went up to Jerusalem at this time?"

"I think they lived at Nazareth, father, and they went to Jerusalem because they wanted to attend the feast."

"What was the name of this feast, Florence? You may read the forty-first verse of the second chapter of Luke."

" 'Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.' "

"Who can tell me when and where the very first Passover feast was kept, and what is the real meaning of the word Passover?"

"I can tell that, papa," declared little Margaret, raising her chubby hand very high, "Tillie told me all about it. They called it 'Passover' because when the angel saw the blood on the doorposts, he passed over the house and did not slay the oldest child; but I can't tell when it happened, nor where, because that's all Tillie told me."

"You have done very well for a little girl," replied her father, gently laying his hand on the curly head, "one of these days you will be able to read the story yourself, in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of Exodus. But we will ask Jack to give a few more facts about the first Passover."

"I'll do the best I can, father," smiled Jack. "The very first one was held just before the children of Israel all marched out of the land of Egypt to go into the land of Canaan. But I forget the name of the city from which they started,—Tom knows."

"Rameses," prompted Tom.

"Yes; then the first Passover was held at Rameses, Egypt, on the night when the Israelites were led out of bondage."

"Tom, can you tell me why there is no record of the Child Jesus ever attending these yearly feasts at Jerusalem before He was twelve years old?"

"I think it is because this was the first time He ever attended the Passover. Jewish boys were not expected to attend these feasts until they were twelve years old. At this age they received especial instruction in the Jewish law, and in the religion of their fathers."

"But, father," interrupted Alice, "do you not think that Jesus received instruction at any of the schools, before He was twelve years old?"

"He was certainly instructed by His mother, but I think we are plainly given to understand that He received no instruction at the schools of the rabbis. Indeed, upon one occasion they asked, 'How knoweth this Man letters having never learned?' They knew that the wonderful Child had never attended their classes, and so they were puzzled to know how He had gained such a thoro understanding of the sacred Scriptures."

"Do you think our Saviour had brothers and sisters?" asked Alice.

"If you will read Matt. 13:55, 56, your question will be fully answered, my child," replied her mother.

" 'Is not this the carpenter's Son? Is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? and His sisters are they not all with us?' "

"Do you think, Jack, that these brothers believed in Jesus as the Messiah?"

"Really, father, I suppose they must have believed, because, you see, they never saw Him angry, and they never knew Him to do a wrong act. They must have seen that He was not like them."

"Indeed, I am sure they must have acknowledged this," replied Brother Eldred, "but we read that 'neither did His brethren believe in Him.' But even tho their cruel words of unbelief must have pained Him deeply, the divine One never uttered one word of complaint. Do you think, Tillie, that Jesus understood His divine mission at the time of His first visit to Jerusalem to attend the Passover?"

"I think so, father, from the reply which He made to His mother, 'Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?' I think He well realized that His Father's business was something which would make His life-work quite different from that of other people."

"Yes," interrupted Sister Eldred, "we are given to understand that the wonderful mission of the holy Child gradually unfolded to His mind, and that, as He for the first time witnessed the solemn rites of the Passover, the Holy Spirit was leading Him, and He was being taught of God." Brother Eldred continued, "Can you tell me what happened, Florence, when the Passover feast had ended, and Joseph and Mary started on their return to Nazareth?"

"I know," declared Margaret, her dimpled cheeks flushing, "I know, papa; mama read it to me. They got to visiting so fast—I mean Joseph and Mary and the other people who were acquainted—that they traveled all day long before they really missed their Son! I don't believe my mama would ever be so careless as that—you wouldn't lose me and never even look for me all day long, would you, mama? and it's a good deal worse to lose Jesus than it would be to lose me," concluded Margaret sagely, as she slipped down from her chair and crept into her mother's lap.

(To be continued.)

Mother.

By Robert J. Burdette

[Robert J. Burdette, in S. S. Times.]

I HAVE known many women who have brought the picture of the Christ into my thought as I noted their daily work. Smiling over the humblest service. That's mother. Cheerfully doing the things of which the rest of us have said, "You catch me!" That's mother. After the long, long day's work,—five or six to seven hours over union time,—girding herself and kneeling to wash the feet of guests that were unworthy to cross the threshold of her sweet home. That's mother. Sinking into a chair, weary and faint, only to rise from it with the unfailing smile on her dear, tired face, to wait on some man who has worked eight hours that day; or to mend a jacket or catcher's mitt for a boy who has played all day; or to sew on a bit of lace or adjust a ribbon or change something about a gown for a girl who has had such a good time all day that she can't stop, but must go out for a better time in the evening. That's mother. Staying at home that the others may go out and enjoy themselves. That's mother. Sacrificing this hope, that comfort, and that rest, for people who forget to say "thank you." That's mother. Laying off her wraps and staying home from prayer-meeting or church because somebody else danced herself or played himself into a headache. That's mother. Getting accustomed to hear the rest of the family say, as they get ready for the evening's entertainment, "O, no; mother doesn't care to go. Church and prayer-meeting are mother's only dissipations." Well, those are about all some families allow her. They don't cost anything, and the rest of the family don't want to go.

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For Sale

For Sale.—Ten-acre fruit farm in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley of California. The main crop of fruit is cherries, apricots, and prunes, with a few trees each of various other kinds for family use. The place has a seven-roomed house, with bath, hot and cold water, and the usual modern conveniences; good well, tankhouse, tank, windmill, barn, chicken houses, 190 trays for drying fruit, 60 fruit boxes, etc., etc. The crop last year sold for $1,350, cash. This year's crop goes with the place. Will sell for $5,700; $3,500 cash down, the balance can be had on long time, if desired, interest at eight per cent., and the person holding mortgage pays the taxes. It is a very desirable place, in a good community. The owner has a large family of small boys, and desires to move to newer country where he can get a large tract of cheap or government land. Address, F, care Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.

Winter in California

at the

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Open Every Day in the Year

DATE OF EXPIRATION.

By Editor

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.

BOOKS FOR ALL AGES.

Abiding Spirit, By Mrs. Henry, cloth .....$0.40 Best Stories from the Best Book, board ...... .50 Bible Nature Studies, By M. E. Cady, cloth .. 1.00 Bible Object Lessons for Kindergarten, cloth . 2.00 Bible Readings for the Home Circle, plain, .. 1.00 Bible Text Book, cloth, 30 cents; leather .... .50 Christian Patriotism, cloth ............... .50 Christ Our Saviour, board, 50; cloth ....... .75 Colds, Cause and Cure .................... .25 Coming King, the, cloth, plain ........... 1.00 Consecrated Way, the, paper ............. .25 Daniel and the Revelation, cloth, plain ..... 1.00 Desire of Ages, small type, cloth .......... 1.50 Early Writings of Mrs. E. G. White, cloth ... .75 True Education, By Mrs. E. G. White, cloth .. 1.25 Empires of the Bible, By A. T. Jones ...... 1.50 Empires of Prophecy, By A. T. Jones ....... 2.00 Fathers of the Catholic Church ........... 1.00 Friend in the Kitchen, cook book, cloth .... .25 Good Form and Etiquette, paper ........... .25 Gospel in Creation, board ................ .25 Great Second Advent Movement ............ 1.50 Gospel Primer, board, 25, cloth ........... .50 New Testament Primer, board, 25; cloth ... .50 Our Paradise Home, board, 25; cloth ....... .50 Helps to Bible Study, paper, 25; cloth,...... .50 Heralds of the Morning, old edition, ....... 1.50 Here and Hereafter, Cloth ................ 1.00 His Glorious Appearing, board, 25; cloth .... .50 History of the Sabbath, cloth ............. 1.00 House We Live In, cloth ................. 1.00 How a Little Girl Went to Africa ......... 1.00 Home and Health, cloth ................... 2.50 Last-day Tokens, paper ................... .25

Address your state tract society, or Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.

COOPERATION CORNER.

By Editor

Our brethren engaged in missionary work both in the home field and in foreign lands are continually in need of literature. There are many who would be glad to furnish back numbers of the papers, but who, perhaps, have used all they have on hand. Quite a large number of the SIGNS issued during the winter have not been called for, and we are glad to furnish these at the rate of one cent each. Postage is one cent each on same to foreign countries. By a little cooperation, in a short time we can put all of these truth-filled papers into circulation. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.

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