p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 7. (2/15/1910)

Is Christianity Progressing in China?

By E. H. Wilbur

[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.

As 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.,

E. H. WILBUR.

Canton, October 29.

Korea

By Riley Russell, M.D.

As I read the stirring appeals for men and means which are constantly made, I wonder what more can be done to stir our young people to greater activity.

We in these fields can not begin to tell of the needs; for in every direction and from every quarter we have urgent calls that we are unable to fill.

I have just finished a rapid tour among our churches, in the interest of our school; and every place I visited, the people urged me to stay longer, but I had to make the trip after the wet season and before school time.

I rode 350 li (a li is about three eighths of a mile) over cow-paths and mountain trails, walked about 75 li; and one night after the evening meeting I had about one hundred patients. They kept coming until eleven o'clock with every conceivable illness.

At one place I found a company of about thirty just out of heathenism, but rejoicing in the light of the great threefold message.

They were very anxious that some one should come and teach them; but whom can we send?

I had hoped to get away for the winter and study the language; but there is such need for a school at Soonan, and at present no one to take charge of it, that we felt our duty was very plain.

Seeing patients only in the afternoon, and making no outside calls, we ask God to help us as we try to train workers for Him and help our students to get a burden to see the work finished.

Riley Russell, M.D.

Christ the Lord's Return

By John Francis Olmsted

WHAT caused the saints in days of old To wage the battle dire, And gave them hope beyond this life 'Mid persecution's fire? What prompted them to faithful be, And caused their hearts to burn? O, was it not the glorious hope Of Christ the Lord's return?

A royal heir to all the world, With all the faithful here, A promise made by God Himself To those His name revere; If we are Christ's we're Abram's seed, And heirs to Canaan too, A land of joy and peace divine For every worthy true.

This hope e'er thrilled the prophets true Who penned God's Holy Word, Who spoke with strength and power divine Of judgments long deferred; Then where are we in Heaven's sight, And in our own as well? Can we with faithful Abraham This wondrous promise tell?

This hope that once inspired the church To high and holy aims, Should yet inspire the militant Who still His mercy claims; Then let us walk with solemn tread, And not the promise spurn, But look with anxious, waiting hearts For Christ the Lord's return.

Marengo, Ohio.

Duty-Doing Better than Resolutions

By S. S. Times

Good resolutions are never a short cut to good works. Carefully thought-out plans and earnestly made resolves are valuable only as they bring into plain sight the duties that we ought to be doing. They are worse than useless when we let them take the place of duty-doing, as we so often do. A man will, on his way from his house to his office at the beginning of the day, make such good plans and resolves for that day that by the time he reaches his office he has unconsciously let himself think that the hardest part of the work is already done; and then the real doing of it evaporates in the glow of the plan-making. It is better for most people to spend more of their time on what needs to be done than on planning when and how they will do it. An unplanned duty done is better than a duty that always remains planned for.

Church in History

By Observer

THE church of Jesus Christ is a factor in history, but it is also meant to be a factor in the world. It is intended to sustain reformatory and remedial relations with society, and to be helpful in making the world a more habitable place in which to live. No church can content itself with being a mere passive reality, but should become an active force in social, economic, and political life. A local church is properly a point of departure for broadly reaching religious, philanthropic, and missionary efforts; and when it is faithful to this prospectus of spiritual efficiency, it will also be sure to effect very practical reforms in society and the state.—Observer.

Prosperity and Adversity

By Thomas Carlyle

For one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.—Thomas Carlyle.

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Daily News Bulletins

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Colds

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Colds.—By G. H. Heald, M.D. A treatise on the causes, prevention, and cure of colds. White leatherette binding. 58 pages, 25c.

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School at Cabanas, Cuba

By Editor

A report from Brother S. H. Carnahan, located with the school at Cabanas, San Claudio Colony, Cuba, states that their new school is now under operation. The first building which they erected was leveled to the ground by a tornado in last July, but the material of that was used for the constructing of another schoolroom a little smaller but more substantial. That, however, was sorely tried by a cyclone in October. The opening of the school was therefore put off until November 1, opening with seven pupils, two of whom were Cabanoes. The attendance since that time has increased to fourteen, half of whom are natives. The room is crowded, and attendance is still increasing. They find that there are those who are anxious to send their children and pay for the instruction rather than to send them to the public schools. Calls come in for the teaching of English and music in the town.

He also tells us that vegetables do splendidly there and bring good prices, and grow much better from seed than they do in the States. So any of our people who can send seeds — for as seeds they can be sent cheaply if so marked — would confer benefit upon the school. Send to the address as given above. The postage is the same as in the United States.

Cuban Mission Field

Elder E. W. Snyder, superintendent of the Cuban mission field, writes under date of January 10, "It seems almost needless to say that we are of good courage in the Lord, being convinced that there will be no better time than the present to compass this land with the great threefold message. Doors for us to enter are opening on every hand. The sad lack is for laborers."

Seventh-Day Baker Needed

By Editor

U. E. Lloyd, of Willow Hill, Illinois, believes that a Seventh-day baker could do well in that town. Any one interested can write him as above.

Wanted

For missionary purposes, copies of SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Watchman, Life Boat, and Life and Health, sent to

J. Gregory, Paradise Valley San., National City, Cal.

Mrs. James F. Woods, 322 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, Ind.

Belle Waterman-Findley, Phoenix, Ariz.

Scriptural Evidences

By Editor

Bible Texts on Doctrinal Subjects Collated, Classified, and Compared

How often we hear the remark, "I would like to teach my neighbor the truth, but am unable to find the texts readily or know how to arrange them, and do not have time to study up."

With this book in his possession, the intelligent lay member can quickly compose as convincing a Bible study on any Bible doctrine as can the professional worker. Regular workers will also find it a valuable help and a time-saver in preparing sermons and readings.

Send for a copy and you will find the texts already gathered together, difficult texts made plain, and the objection you are likely to meet explained away. Pocket size. Prices: Leather ......................................................$0.60 Cloth ............................................................ .30

Address this office.

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Ferry's Seeds

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The Vegetarian Cook Book

By E. G. Fulton

By E. G. FULTON

T HE author has had years of experience in vegetarian cookery and in the management of vegetarian cafes and cafeterias. With its aid the chef, cook, or housewife is able to prepare appetizing, healthful meals without the use of any flesh food.

This book contains 268 pages, including a handy and well-arranged index of all the recipes given.

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Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing

By Editor

Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing.—An exposition of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. It has 218 pages and six chapters: On the Mountain-side, The Beatitudes, The Spirituality of the Law, The True Motive in Service, The Lord's Prayer, Not Judging but Doing. A new edition just printed on fine enameled paper, new type, and reillustrated with 27 beautiful half-tone engravings specially prepared for the book by eminent New York artists. It will be found full of comfort and blessing by all fortunate enough to obtain and read it. A beautiful gift book. Fine cloth cover, 75 cents.

Address this office.

A Mark of Character.

There is more to the mark of the beast than a mere doctrinal matter. It is the mark of character. Two great opposing powers have stood out before the world during the ages. The one is the great apostasy allying itself with civil power, issuing its tyrannous edicts, demanding homage and worship, apotheosizing patriotism, defying man. On the other side has been the infinite God, asking for the worship of His children; pleading, with all the hoarded love of eternity manifest in Jesus Christ, for them to come to Him and be saved. Those who yield to Him, receive of His character. Those who turn from Him, surely sooner or later yield to the beast-power; and in the last days before Christ shall come, the line of demarcation will be drawn as it has never been drawn in all the ages. To that time the prophet looked when he said, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." So men are deciding to-day; and that decision stamps irrevocably upon the soul that decides, the character of the one of these great powers or the other. Hence the mark becomes, in its last essential, that which we desire, the character which we choose,—the character of God on the one side, or of the beast power representing the acme of apostasy on the other. How is it with you, reader? Whose mark will you choose? Whose stamp of character do you wish shall be found upon you when the great Judge shall call all to account? Whatever may have been our past, it is possible now to come to the great power of divinity and let His creative energy change us into His own divine likeness; or we may identify ourselves with sin and apostasy, and meet the penalties. The choice rests with us. The inevitable consequence is revealed to us in His Word.

The New Comet A 1910

Many in different parts of the country, and especially in the West, have been interested in a new comet seen very close to the horizon immediately after sunset. It has been spoken of as Halley's comet, but this is not the case. Halley's comet is in a different part of the sky, and yet too faint to be readily observed with the naked eye. It shows also without a tail; but this new comet, called by astronomers "A 1910," because it is the first one which has appeared this year, is really a sort of marvel. Its tail streams up one third of the way from the horizon to the zenith. Besides that it is a dual or split tail. The cause of this is unknown. Astronomers call it a celestial phenomenon. From Guadalajara, Mexico, we learn that with the appearance of the comet pilgrimages to the Virgin of Talpa are being organized, many of the pilgrims making the journey for miles on their knees. This comet has been called a tramp comet, wandering out of its course in some way, and observed for the first time. Astronomers predict ten other visitants of this character during the year. Among them are Encke's comet, which comes every three and one fourth years; Temple's comet, first appearing in 1867, and every six years nearly since; D'Arrest's comet, which comes about every six and one half years; and Brook's comet, which appeared for the second time in 1867, and now comes once in a little over every seven years. How many of these will be visible we are not told, and perhaps the astronomers themselves know as little about it as do we.

The Mark of the Beast

By Editor

The Mark of the Beast.—There is much said in this paper concerning the mark of the beast. It is important. We need no other excuse in presenting it. Eight times Inspiration refers to it in the book of the Revelation. God gives the strongest of warnings against its reception, pronounces the direst penalties upon those who receive it. Ought not men to know what it means, especially when it comes before us in the book called "The Revelation"? Ought we not to know its meaning, that we may escape the awful penalties of its reception? Would God warn for naught? Does He mock us in the warning?—No, reader. It is all to be known, and it is possible for men to shun its reception and escape its penalty; for God means all He says, and "the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." The same book which contains the warning, also declares a blessing upon those who read the book and do what is contained therein. As God is no respecter of persons, the blessing is for every one.

Our Next Issue

By Editor

Is on religious liberty. It is a tremendous theme. The whole world has either rejected it or groaned for lack of it, from the time when Cain slew Abel to the present time. What are man's rights? What rights has God given him? What things are inalienable? In what way are men equal? What is the teaching of Christ respecting this? What is primitive Americanism? Are we still with it, or have we wandered from it? These and other things will be considered in our next issue. There will also be found in our next paper the teachings of Lincoln and Washington regarding this. Both of these great Americans have their birthday in this month, and it is but fitting that expression should come from them regarding the principles which are now agitating this country.

Pacific Union Conference Meeting

By Editor

The Pacific Union Conference closed its meetings at noon January 30. The new committee consists of president, George A. Irwin; secretary and treasurer, John J. Ireland; auditor, John J. Ireland; other members of the committee, W. C. White, C. H. Jones, J. O. Corliss, C. W. Irwin, Maria L. Edwards, M.D. The last four represent respectively the publishing work, the religious liberty work, the educational work, and the health work. Besides these there are the regular presidents of the conferences composing the union, who serve on the union conference committee by virtue of their position as presidents of the union. These at present are S. N. Haskell, California and Nevada Conference; E. E. Andress, Southern California Conference; H. G. Thurston, Arizona Conference; S. G. Huntington, Utah Conference. H. W. Cottrell, the former president, overworn with heavy burdens carried for the last few years, retires with the complete confidence of all his brethren. There were present at the conference, representing the General Conference, G. A. Irwin and I. H. Evans. Mrs. E. G. White was also present, and gave precious instruction in regard to present duties resting upon God's people. We hope that great good will result from this conference, and that large success may follow this important meeting.

Progress in Tuberculosis Work

The National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, headquarters of which is 105 East 22nd Street, New York City, reports that 1909 was the banner year in their work; and for that we are glad. Before 1905 there were 115 hospitals and sanatoriums established for the betterment of tuberculosis patients. During 1905 there were 19 added; the next year, 17; the next, 35; in 1908, 71; 1909, 133. The total number January 1, 1910, was 386. Associations and dispensaries have multiplied in about the same ratio. There are now 394 associations working along the same lines, and 265 special tuberculosis dispensaries. In the past year over 31,000 patients were treated in these sanatoriums and hospitals, giving a total of more than three million hospital days' treatment; and of the 31,000 patients treated, about one half were discharged as improved to a greater or less extent, and a large percentage of the incipient cases as cured.

There was expended in these sanatoriums and hospitals $5,292,289.77. The associations expended over $975,000, and the dispensaries an amount exceeding $640,000; while various municipalities spent more than $1,100,000. More than ten million pieces of literature were distributed; which would certainly indicate that the people were becoming much more intelligent regarding the prevention and cure of the great white plague. The most of this work was done in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts; in fact, far more in these three states than in all the rest of the United States. Surely it is a good work which is being done; and every one, according to his means and opportunities, ought to help it along.

Coloring Diamonds by Cathodic Rays

A new discovery has been made in France by which diamonds can be so exposed to the cathodic rays as to take on a delicate rose tint; still further exposure gives them the color of Madeira wine. These tints can not be removed except by an exposure to 300 degrees of heat.

A Pocket Telegraph Instrument

An Italian priest, Cerebotani, has invented a telegraph instrument consisting of transmitter and receiver which can be carried comfortably in one's pocket. It can be attached to any wire, and, it is thought, will revolutionize present field work for military purposes.

El Amigo de Los Niños

By Editor

From the city of Mexico comes a bright little child's paper entitled El Amigo de Los Niños, which literally translated is “The Friend of the Children,” or “The Children’s Friend.” In the republic this little paper is published at 50 cents; foreign subscriptions, 40 cents in gold.

Bible Versions Used

. Our authority is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. When the Common ("King James" or "Authorized") Version or the American Standard Revised Version is used, the version will not generally be designated in reference. Any Bible quotation in this paper, therefore, differing from the Common Version, unless otherwise indicated, will be almost invariably from the American Standard edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons.

For further particulars, subscription rates, etc., see page 15.

Contained in This Issue

Question Corner

Question Nos. 3036 to 3044 - - - - - 2

General

The Aims of Romanism - - - - - 3 Encroachments on Freedom - - - - 4 The Bible Sabbath - - - - - 6 The First Day of the Week - - - - 7 Good Motives and Bad Methods in Education - 9

Our Bible Reading

The Mark of the Beast - - - - - 5

Editorial

What Is the Mark of the Beast? - - - - 8 The Preparation and the Conflict - - - 8 Our Bible Band - - - - - 9

The Outlook

Suffering Paris - - - - - 10 Great Land Holdings in England - - - 11 Commerce and Religion - - - - - 11 The Dollar Displaces the Flag - - - 11 Making Anarchists - - - - - 11 A Disgrace and Insult to Womanhood - - 11 Notes - - - - - 11

Home

Responsibility of Parents - - - - 12 Pure Air and Correct Breathing — Their Value - - - - - 12

Missions

Duty-Doing Better than Resolutions - - 14 Korea - - - - - 14 Is Christianity Progressing in China? - - 14

Poetry

The Truest Friend - - - - - 12 Christ the Lord's Return - - - 14