ONE of the men who are now attending our meetings regularly was formerly a police captain. During the revolution, he was shot, but not seriously injured. As a result of this, he decided that life was a very uncertain affair, and so he began attending some religious meetings that were conducted in a near-by mission chapel. But he was not convinced of the reality of the gospel, and so continued to worship the idols of his forefathers.
One day, he chanced to pass our chapel door. Brother Hwang was standing at the door, and engaged him in conversation. Following this, the man came regularly to our gospel meetings. He said there was a certainty about the things he now heard, that convinced him of the reality of Christianity. He soon decided to destroy the idols that were in his home, but to this his wife most strenuously objected.
One day, when she had gone out to visit a neighbor, he seized a hatchet, and made kindling wood of the goddess of mercy, and of all his ancestral tablets as well. I now have in my possession some of the broken fragments of his former idols.
This incident is a striking evidence of the power of God's living gospel message. It meets the needs of the pagan of to-day, and leads him to destroy his idols, just as the message that Paul preached led the Ephesian sorcerers to burn their books of sorcery. He has found something far superior and truly satisfying.
Nanchang.
Five Chinese Blessings
By Byron A. Meeker
BYRON A. MEEKER
ABOVE many of the doorways in China may be seen four Chinese characters, which, translated, read, "Five blessings descend upon this house." The five blessings which the Chinese people want are long life, riches, soundness of body and serenity of mind, love of virtue, and an end crowning the life.
As a matter of fact, nearly every one of these blessings is sadly lacking in most households. The Chinese people do not know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the source of every blessing. Only the Saviour can supply their needs. Honest hearts are waiting to hear the story of Jesus' love.
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Light Bursts upon Chinese
By Bess L. Hankins
BESS L. HANKINS
A YOUNG Chinese business man had large interests in the Straits Settlements, where he amassed a fair fortune. He returned to Fuchau to live with his family. But his health was almost entirely broken down through disobedience to God's law, and he was without hope and without God. "All was dark and dreary, and life was not worth living," he said.
One day, a friend came to him, and said: "There is a minister over at the new chapel who speaks your dialect. How would you like to walk over and see him?"
The two were met by the pastor with warm greetings. He soon detected the young man's hopelessness. He prayed for him, improved every opportunity to visit and help him in his illness, and studied the Word and prayed with him.
Soon a great light broke upon the young man's understanding. Being a scholar, he began studying the Word for himself. Beginning at Genesis, he eagerly read and studied; and "all the while," as he said, "the Spirit within me was bearing witness of the truth," till at last he joyfully accepted the blessed Son of God as his personal Saviour from sin.
He now says that as soon as God heals him, he is going to give his life, his means, and all that he has, to God's service.
One Letter Did It All
By O. A. Hall
O. A. HALL
ABOUT seven years ago, a Chinese brother with a real missionary spirit wrote a letter to a former associate, inclosing some small leaflets.
The person to whom the letter was written, told me a few days ago that he attributes his conversion to the influence of that letter and the leaflets. He entered the evangelistic work, and success has crowned his efforts, in that many have been led to the Saviour by him. He also has carried on missionary correspondence, which has been blessed to the salvation of souls.
That missionary letter was the beginning of the work in the Anhwei province, where now there are one hundred and thirty-five church members, and thirty evangelists, colporteurs, and teachers devoting their full time to the spread of the gospel. In addition to this, the missionary spirit has led some of these faithful workers to leave their native province, and go into the neighboring provinces of North Kiangsu, Shan Dung, and Chili as pioneers in opening the work in these places.
Nanking.
CHAU WAN HEUNG, WHO ENDURES CRUEL PERSECUTION FOR CHRIST
Thirteen Hundred Miles by Cart and Horseback
By Frederick Lee
FREDERICK LEE
AS I have traveled about the past few months, especially in North Honan, along the borders of Shansi and Chili, I have been impressed with the fact that now is our opportunity in these places. As I talked with Chinese appealing for help, I have wished that I could say something to stir up the people at home to send us more workers.
This is not a selfish appeal, for it will not relieve our bonds; but it is because of the great opportunities we see about us.
I have thirty-five places to visit in this province alone. This year, I have traveled 2,652 miles, about half of it being by cart and horseback. We have baptized one hundred and seven new believers this year. So you see we have plenty of work for more than one or two foreign workers.
Honan Province.
China's Outposts
By F. A. Allum
F. A. ALLUM
WE have recently secured a new chapel located in the center of Chungking, on a very busy street. Day by day, the hall has been crowded to its utmost capacity with interested listeners. As we have appealed to them to give their hearts to God, and receive salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice, many have given in their names, stating that they were desirous of studying further the gospel message. We hope to see some become true, loyal Christians. We have chapels in two other towns where good interests are being developed, and the prospects are good for permanent results.
We are operating, this year, three day schools, with an enrollment of seventy-three. In Chungking we have one boys' school with thirty-one students, and a girls' school with twenty-five. We have another school at a market town near, opened after repeated requests from the parents. We are earnestly praying that through these schools, many of these bright Chinese children shall be led to give their hearts to Jesus, before they become hardened by the sin and wickedness around them.
His Measure Was Longer than His Neighbor's
By Mrs. O. A. Hall
MRS. O. A. HALL
A CERTAIN shopkeeper in China had for years been using a measuring rule that was short according to the standard. He measured off cloth for his customers, knowing, all the time, that it was short measure, but thinking nothing of it.
One day, his conscience condemned him. He could find no peace of mind. So he slipped his measure up his sleeve, and cautiously stepped into a shop across the street, to compare his stick with that of his neighbor. He found his own to be longer by the fraction of an inch.
He was greatly pleased, and went back to his shop to continue using the same old rule, flattering himself that he was a much better man than his fellow shopkeeper across the way, for even though his rule was short, it did not lack as much of being up to the standard as did that of his neighbor.
The illustration is very apt, and leads us to think of the text found in Rom. 14: 12: "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." The standard is God's holy law, and not the lives of those around us. Whatever may be the faults of others, each must give account of himself to God.
Nanking.
Idol Worshiper Blinded
By W. C. Hankins
ONE of our candidates for baptism here at Fuchau is an old white-haired blind man. His story is an interesting one. He is a well educated heathen man, and earlier in life was very devoted in his worship of idols. One day, while worshiping the idols, he suddenly became blind. From that time on, he worshiped idols no more, but began seeking after the true God.
When we opened our chapel in Fuchau, he heard of the meetings, and came to learn about the true God that made heaven and earth. He now rejoices in the light of the gospel.
FIRST MANCHURIAN CONVERTS
Waiting for the King
By G. G. Lowry
ONE day, while I was preaching to the heathen in the shade of a big banyan tree near the center of a village in South India, an old man, who had been listening carefully for some time to what was said, came near and wanted to know if he might ask a question.7Upon receiving permission, he said: "Sir, it sounds good to hear you tell about the great King who is soon to come to the world. And if all you say about the new earth is true, it will certainly be a good place to live, and I want to be there. But what troubles me is, I am such an old man; I will not be here very much longer. You see how gray my hair has grown. All these men standing around here I have known since they were children. My days are about over, and I shall soon have to go. Do you really think that the King of whom you speak will come soon?"
I told him I was sure that His coming is not very far away.
"Do you think it will be a month until He comes?" he questioned.
"I hardly think it will be as soon as that," I replied; "but I am sure that it will not be very long."
"Will it be a year? If it is more than a year, there is no hope for me; for I shall pass away before that time. I am ready to meet Him now if He comes; but I am afraid that if He does not come very soon, it will be too late for me."
Then I told him of the resurrection. His face lighted up; for he had not heard of that before, and therein he saw his hope. After I had explained to him how the righteous will be brought even from the grave to meet the Lord, and will be taken to heaven, he said: "Sir, it is well, it is well. I am glad you came and told the good news to me."
Trichinopoli.
Girl's Thrilling Experience
By Kherdda Bose
How She Found Christ — Escape from a Persecuting Home
I WAS given in marriage according to Hindu custom at the age of ten years. When I was thirteen, I went to the home of my mother-in-law, where I passed a few happy years, for I was loved by my husband's people.
One day, while I was standing on the veranda talking with my mother-in-law, a European lady, accompanied by a Bengali, came up. I had never seen a white woman before, and I exclaimed, "See, a mem-sahib is coming!"
She stopped at our door, and asked if we would like to have her study the Bible with us; but my mother-in-law's "No" was very positive, and she turned away. She had gone but a few steps when mother-in-law asked her if she taught sewing. She said she would teach the child sewing if the child were permitted to study the Bible with her.
"No," said mother-in-law, "my daughter-in-law cannot study your Bible. As you have your book, so we have ours; why should you teach us your Bible?"
"Yes," said the missionary, "there are many so-called holy books; but there is one God, and His word is one only. Your book is written by men, and much of it is false."
"If she will teach me sewing, let her come," I said; "for if I can learn to make my own clothes, I can save you much. Why should I be afraid of her Bible?"
After a moment's thought, my mother-in-law replied: "Yes, I want you to learn to sew, but the men will not like it. They have forbidden me to open the door to any Christian."
"But," I answered, "what is the harm of letting a mem-sahib in? Bengalis who come to sell books and preach are to be feared; but just think, she will teach me sewing for nothing!"
"Girl, keep still," mother-in-law said; "this woman will not teach you without something in view."
When she saw my disappointment, however, she told the missionary that if she would come when the children were in school, and the men in the office, she might do so; therefore from twelve to two was appointed for my lesson. She told her she must leave exactly at two o'clock; for if the men should come home and find her there, she would not answer for the consequences.
One day, we did not notice the time, and the missionary remained longer than usual. Suddenly, from above the veranda where we were sitting, a brick came down with a crash, striking the missionary on the foot, and cutting it badly. We attempted to stop the flow of blood, but could not, whereupon I began to cry.
Leaders school for natives in India, sent several leaders.
"Do not cry," she said; "I am glad to suffer for Christ's sake. Your husband [for it was he who had thrown the brick] does not understand. Christ has suffered, and He has told us we will be persecuted for His sake; so I am thankful to have the privilege of suffering for Him." We had just been studying about Christ's death on the cross; so I understood her words, and marveled. I had never seen the like before.
She left, and I did not see her again for a year. Then I went with my husband's people to Kashi for a change. One day, a woman came to the door; and on looking up, I was overjoyed to see my missionary. She told us the reason she had not been back to see us was because she had been transferred to Kashi. As she was about to leave, I asked her where she lived.
"Not far from here," she said; "just over in the missionary cantonment. But why do you ask? Will you come to see me?" Then looking me straight in the face, she said: "Do you love Jesus? Will you forsake all for Him who forsook all for you?"
I said nothing; but I marveled that Jesus had forsaken all for me, and I longed to forsake all for Him.
A few days later, while the family were taking their noonday rest, I opened the gate, and with great trembling, started down the street in the direction of the mission. As I walked, I prayed, "Lord, I am forsaking all for You; show me the road to the missionary's home." I had never been on a street alone in my life, and I knew not where to go. I saw a gharri, and called it, and told the driver to drive very fast to the missionary's home.
TREE WORSHIPERS
We had scarcely started when my missionary threw a tract into my gharri. I called, "Mem-sahib! Mem-sahib!" and she stopped the gharri. "God has answered my prayer," I said, "and brought me to you."
"How did you get here?" she said, when she recognized me. "Have you run away?"
"Yes," I said. "Take me somewhere before they discover I am gone."
She got into the gharri, and told the driver to drive quickly to the station, where she bought tickets, and we took the train for a two days' journey to another mission. I was now far from home, and safe to serve Him whom I had chosen.
My people, upon learning that I had left the house, went at once to the mission, and demanded that I be brought out. But no one there knew anything about me, and could give no information. Then they called the police, who searched until they learned of my whereabouts. We were called into court, and on the witness stand I was asked if the missionary had stolen me away. "No," I said; "I ran away from home to her." As I was now of age, the case was dismissed, and I was left free to serve God.
Most Fertile of Countries
By F. H. Loasby
CHUHAR KANA is a thriving little town, twenty-nine miles from the great city of Lahore. It is the market place for this district; and the people come from scores of villages round about, bringing their bullock carts loaded with grain, cotton, and all kinds of seeds, to be shipped to the large centers, and perhaps abroad.
On one side of the land on which we are constructing our mission buildings, is one of the great canals of the Punjab, which, like great arteries, flow through the land, spreading life and fertility over what would otherwise be a great desert. As a result of this wonderful scheme of irrigation, the Punjab is rapidly becoming one of the richest and most fertile countries in the world.
Multan Road, Lahore.
"Shall I Put Confidence in Such Gods?"
By L. G. Mookerjee
L. G. MOOKERJEE
SEVERAL years ago, a Hindu young man began to visit our mission in East Bengal. He became interested in Christianity, but although almost persuaded, never took his stand fully for Christ.
I recently visited the place where this young man lived, and inquired about the interested ones. But, oh, the sad news!
ONE OF THE GREAT IRRIGATING CANALS OF THE PUNJAB
This young man had died. And sadder still, he had left his young wife to meet the sorrowful fate of a Hindu widow.
One day, this poor widow, whose picture is given at the top of the opposite page, came to visit us. In a very pathetic way she told of her misfortune.
"My poor husband died after just three days' sickness, without any medical help," she said. "The villagers asked him to have faith in the village god for healing, although my husband repeatedly told them that he had no faith in a dumb idol. But what could I do alone, with no one to help? I saw my poor husband breathe his last without any medical help, simply depending on the mercy of the Hindu gods.
"And now shall I put confidence in such gods for both my soul and my body? — Never any more! I have learned a very sad lesson. I want to accept Christ, about whom my husband used to teach me, after having instruction from you from time to time. My husband did not openly accept Christianity, although he wanted to do so. But I want to fulfill his desire and become a Christian."
Reader, what can you do toward saving from oppression and degradation such helpless widows in India? We have a girls' school in Calcutta, where such dear souls may be rescued from heathenism. Two and a half dollars a month will wholly support a girl widow in our school. Will you provide for one?
Calcutta.
A Training School in Nine Languages
By I. F. Blue
INDIA has many languages, and a training school is confronted with this difficulty. In the picture on the preceding page are represented the following: Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Panjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Burmese. Later, Bengali will be added. So we teach in English; yet these men will represent all these languages, and can teach their own people. In nearly every division, we have schools for younger students; but for those desiring further education and special training, this school is designed. India has need of all the workers we can put into the field; and the earnest native worker who is filled with the love of Christ, can do more for his own people than can the foreigner.
The picture represents converts from Mohammedanism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism,—three of the most ancient, custom-binding religions of the world. Some of these men know by experience the fierceness of persecution. Two of them paid a visit to their homes just before the school opened. Each received, not a parting blessing, but a severe beating, with the loss of all things earthly. Even their wives were taken from them.
Lucknow.
Appreciates Her Rescue
HERE is an exact copy of a letter written by a Burmese convert to Christianity:
"Dear Friends:
"I am so thankful to our dear Lord for taking me out of the heathens, and the privilege to know that He gave His only dear Son to save us. I do wish you all to pray for me that I may get sufficient strength to work for Him and to lead little children to Him as I am teaching. I am so sorry to say that all my people are Buddhist, and I hope I will be able to lead them too. I think we need more workers for our country, as there are so many who have not heard of Him.
"Your sister in Christ,
Rangoon. "MA SAIN."
Seven in One Thousand Can Read
According to the government census of 1910, of India's 144,000,000 women, only 500,000 of the 35,400,000 between the ages of five and fifteen are in school; only seven out of every thousand can read and write; 2,273,345 girls under ten years of age are wives; social and caste law enforces widowhood upon 26,000,000 women; or in other words, the number of widows in India is sufficient to constitute two thirds of the population of England, or almost one third the entire population of the United States.
In the Japanese Empire
By Mrs. H. Kuniya
Won by Her Kindness
MRS. H. KUNIYA
IN the mikado's empire, a few months ago, a young lady from a country district attended our gospel meetings, and accepted Christianity.
When she returned to her native village, the news was spread far and wide that Higuchi San had accepted "Yasu" — Christianity. Her parents and relatives, and all her former associates, combined to destroy her peace, and to cause her to give up her new-found faith.
Among these was a young man who was especially bitter in his hatred of Christianity. "Any one who accepts Christianity in Japan should be killed," he said. All this was borne patiently by Higuchi San, until finally the young man became ashamed of himself, and asked her what was the source of such kindness as she had shown, even in persecution. She answered that Christ is the source of all good. Now the young man is studying the faith of the one he persecuted.
Tokyo, Japan.
How Korea Moves Forward
By C. L. Butterfield
C. L. BUTTERFIELD
GOD has especially blessed the work in Korea the past year. There were 189 baptisms, and the Sabbath school attendance increased to 1,360. Two new churches were organized, and four companies are ready to be organized into churches, making a total of seventeen churches and thirty-nine companies of believers.
We were pleased to have our force of foreign workers increased by the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Owen, of Loma Linda, California. Our work has also been strengthened by the ordination of two Korean workers.
Must Ask the Government
During the year, regulations governing religious propaganda in Korea were published, and accordingly all gospel workers and all places of meeting must be reported to the government. This does not hinder the work; but in the future, we must apply for permits when new places of worship are to be established.
ENTRANCE TO GROUNDS OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE, TOKYO, JAPAN
Seoul, Korea.
A Buddhist Girls' School
By F. H. De Vinney
F. H. DE VINNEY
WHILE at Yuzawa last summer, one of our mission stations in the northern part of Japan, I received an invitation from the principal of a large girls' school to address the pupils.
Upon reaching the school at the appointed time, I was received very cordially by the principal, and taken to the reception room, where the usual ocha and cakes were served; and one by one, the different teachers dropped in to be presented before the talk. Then I was taken into the assembly hall, and found, to my surprise, that though the notice had been short, all the teachers, the president of the educational board, and some of the leading men of the city were present.
There were over four hundred girls seated upon the mat floor, in perfect line and order. As we came before them, at a word from a teacher, they gave, with military precision, the Japanese salutation, a bow with the face to the floor. It was an interesting and never-to-be-forgotten sight, possible only in Japan.
The school work was entirely suspended for an hour, and the time was given to me to talk upon any subject I might choose. By means of a large map of the world, I took them upon a trip around the world, the route our party took from Japan to Washington in 1913, to attend our World Conference. We spent a good share of the time in the Holy Land, thus setting Christianity, and many of the incidents of our Lord's life, before the young ladies and officials of a Buddhist school without arousing their prejudice.
They all listened with evident interest and pleasure; and at the conclusion of the talk, the young ladies gave me hearty applause in the American style. The officials of the school gave us a cordial invitation to come again. The principal and a number of the teachers afterwards attended my Bible studies.
Tokyo, Japan.
OUR PUBLISHING HOUSE NEAR TOKYO
MISSION COMPOUND NEAR TOKYO
Opposed by Her Brother
By P. A. Webber
P. A. WEBBER
ONE day last summer, a native worker and I called at the home of a young lady who had been attending our meetings at the gospel tent. Her mother was sick, and was just preparing to leave for the hospital.
I noticed that the young lady seemed somewhat agitated; and in just a moment, we heard some one coming down from the second floor. This proved to be an elder brother, and he was very angry because I had come to teach his sister Christianity.
I asked him if he had ever studied Christianity. He answered that he knew nothing about it; that they had one religion, Buddhism, in the home, and that was all that was needed.
I tried to show him the better way of faith in a true and living God, rather than in dumb idols, and that even though he himself had no desire to learn of Christ, it was wrong to forbid his sister to do so.
In very impolite language, he asked me to visit the home no more, and I promised to comply with his request.
The sequel is most interesting. For months, the mother grew worse, and finally passed away, with the request upon her dying lips that her daughter should never become a believer in "Yasu" (Jesus).
But the Spirit of the Lord worked upon the heart of the young woman; and from time to time, she was able to attend our public meetings. Now she is secretary of our Sabbath school; and in just a few days, she will receive baptism. It fills our hearts with gladness to extend the right hand of fellowship to this dear sister, so recently from heathenism.
