p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 16. (4/16/1912)

General Meeting of the Asiatic Division of the General Conference

By F. E. Stafford

THE annual meeting of the China Union Mission, together with the triennial meeting of the Asiatic Division of the General Conference, which was held in Shanghai, January 24 to February 10, was an occasion which will be long remembered by all those who were privileged to attend.

All our workers in China were present, representing the eight provinces in which we have work established; and besides these, delegates were present from Japan, Korea, the Straits Settlements, and the Philippines.

The meeting was marked by great earnestness and careful searching of heart on the part of every one present; and a spirit of unity, harmony, and coöperation prevailed which was good to see.

The Key-Note of Every Service

"Get right with God" was the key-note of every service, and the Holy Spirit was especially manifested on several occasions. Confessions were made, and all sought the Lord together for humbleness of heart and a new experience of reconsecration.

A prayer and praise service was conducted every morning at 9 o'clock, which was followed at 9:30 by a Bible study. Special topics were assigned and presented, such as "The Ministry," "The Holy Spirit," and "The Spirit of Prophecy;" and every one was greatly benefited by the excellent instruction given.

After a short recess, the time till noon was taken up by reports from the various fields and countries represented, and the discussion of papers which had been carefully prepared, dealing with the various problems confronting the mission fields to-day.

The Publishing Work

Under "The Publishing Work," much time was given to discussion of the preparation and circulation of our literature. Reports from the Press showed that marked progress had been made in the circulation of our Chinese paper, the Signs of the Times. During the past year, in spite of floods, famines, and wars, over 300,000 copies were sold, as against 125,000 copies in 1910, and 45,000 copies in 1909. The Korean and Japanese fields also reported much progress along literature lines.

There is a crying need for more books to be translated, and it was felt that definite steps should be taken to prepare, as quickly as possible, such books as "Daniel and the Revelation," "Great Controversy," and "Desire of Ages," and others. "Christ Our Saviour" is now finished, and can be supplied in three different styles of binding. "Steps to Christ" has been translated, and is being revised before printing.

It was also decided to publish a church paper, after the order of the Review and Herald, in which interesting reports and special instructions can be printed that will be helpful to our church-members.

Members present at the conference of the Asiatic Division of our work

Various Branches of Work

Under the head of "Evangelistic Work," much excellent instruction was given on methods of presenting the truth before heathen audiences, how to conduct a series of meetings, how to get believers to work, and other important topics.

The medical, educational, and Sabbath-school work each came in for a share of the discussions, and advance steps were taken in many lines, which we believe will result in more efficient and fruitful labor during the coming year.

The afternoon program commenced at 2:30, with a Bible study for one hour, then a business session until 5 o'clock. In the evening, at 6:30, a song service was conducted, followed by a sermon at 7 o'clock. Many of the workers having been for years isolated at their stations, with no privileges of hearing the Word of God preached in the English language, it was a season of great refreshing.

A Service in Sixteen Languages

On the Sabbath our Chinese brethren met with us, holding a joint Sabbath-school, the opening exercise being conducted in Chinese, with separate classes in English and the various Chinese dialects. Songs were sung in the divers languages represented, and on one occasion sixteen persons stood up and quoted John 3:16, each in a different language or dialect, which were as follows: English, German, Danish, Swedish, French, Korean, Japanese, Malay, Tagalog (Philippine Islands), and the Chinese dialects of Canton, Hakka, Swatow, Fukien, Fuchau, Shanghai, and the Mandarin.

This, it was pointed out, was an evidence of how the prophecy is being fulfilled that the Gospel of the kingdom will be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

Ten years ago there was only one Sabbath-keeper in this whole division — Brother La Rue, at Canton.

Now there are many hundreds rejoicing in the light of the truth, and the people are daily hearing the Gospel presented in their own tongue.

The last Sabbath of the meeting, the ordinances were celebrated, and it was an occasion of rich blessing to all.

The New Republic and Changes in Dress

The notice of the abdication of the emperor came on the last day of the meeting, and thus it seemed safe for all to go back to their stations.

Of course there are many details to be arranged yet. But the war is over, peace is assured, and the republic is a fact, altho not recognized yet by the powers; and it is time for all now to work as never before, and improve the opportunity, when so many new ideas are being adopted, to preach the message of the coming Saviour.

It is a little early yet to speak of the results of the new order of things in the Flowery Kingdom; but it is certain that great changes are going on, and there will undoubtedly be a great revival of foreign commerce, and importation of foreign goods, and adoption of foreign ideas.

Since the cue-cutting started, there has been a startling change in the head-gear of the Orientals. It is an amusing and interesting study in millinery to walk along the streets of Shanghai and notice the variety of hats and caps now in fashion. In fact there seems to be no real fashion, but every one is trying some new idea of his own.

The old conventional round black silk cap with the little red tassel on top is a rare sight now, and is gradually being replaced by the foreign styles. Much preference seems to be given to the cap, and a sort of felt hat shaped something like a straw hat, with a higher crown. These are got up in all shades of gray, greens, blues, and black, and some of them are very dressy looking.

With the foreign hat are coming the foreign shoes, and it is not an uncommon sight now to see a young student with a blue silk gown, a pair of tan pumps covering his feet, and on his head a black Derby hat. They seem to think that the top of the head must fit in the top of the hat, therefore they sometimes get a hat about two sizes too large, so that the brim rests on the ears.

One Chinese gentleman who adopted foreign clothes said it was a fact that he had to get up one hour earlier in the morning in order to dress himself in time for his work.

Officers of the China Union Mission and the Asiatic Division, present at the conference

The Old Wall Coming Down

The work has begun of razing the historical old wall which surrounds the native city of Shanghai. The moat surrounding it will be filled up, and a wide boulevard constructed, covering both the space of the wall and the moat. It is planned to line this boulevard with new up-to-date shops.

Planning a Modern City

No sooner did the fighting cease at Hankow than the citizens and merchants of that place got together, and are planning to build a model city on the ruins of the old. Thirty-four roads will be laid out. Landowners will contribute ten per cent of their acreage for some highways and as sites for public buildings and parks. A new bund with lofty buildings, wharfs, and good new roads are some of the features of the new city.

In case the capital is settled at Nanking, that city will be rebuilt, and Dr. Sun wants to make a model city of it, the best in the world. There has been some talk of hiring Burnham, the Chicago architect, to come and lay out a plan for a model city, to be built on the ruins of the old Ming emperors' palace.

The governors of Manchuria, Mongolia, and Tibet have signified their intention to support loyally the Yuan Shi Kai government. The southern provinces are also falling in line very fast. Thus when Yuan Shi Kai is inaugurated, he will be the first president of United China and all her provinces.

The eyes of all the world are on China just now. A marvelous object-lesson has been worked out over here, showing the power there is in a tiny spark of liberty implanted in the heart of one man. In a few short years it has kindled a blaze that has set on fire the 400,000,000 souls of this nation, so that almost at one stroke of the sword the oldest and most backward nation in the world becomes a modern republic, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ take root in the same way in the hearts of this people, that they may be delivered from the gross bondage of Satan, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God! Pray for the Chinese people.

F. E. STAFFORD.

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THIS new animal book for young folks is receiving an eager welcome by all nature lovers. ELO THE EAGLE is the first of a series of ten interesting stories of animals, wild and otherwise; being, with one exception, the life histories of boyhood friends of the author. Many strange and laughable anecdotes are related by Mr. Bralliar, all of which are strictly true and vouched for by reliable witnesses.

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EVERY CITIZEN

By Editor

Should read the

Thomas Jefferson Number

25 cents a year, 10 cents a copy

Join the Religious Liberty Association by subscribing for this quarterly for one year (25c), and signing its Declaration of Principles.

Many other articles and timely illustrations.

Stands for the complete liberty of every man and woman in the world, whether Protestant, Catholic, Jew, or infidel.

The Vegetarian Cook Book

By E. G. Fulton

By E. G. FULTON

THE 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 419 pages, including a handy and well-arranged index of all the recipes given.

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SPECIAL OFFER ON TEN, ONE YEAR

By Editor

10 or more copies, one year, to one address or to 10 separate addresses, cash with order, only 15 cents each. Sender may include his own name as one of the ten.

A good proposition for agents. Send 10 cents for sample copy.

LIBERTY MAGAZINE

Washington, D. C.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

By Editor

Three months ................................$0.50 Six months .................................. .90 One year (50 numbers) ....................... 1.75 With "Questions and Answers" ................ 2.00

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Sample copies sent on application.

Weekly and Monthly SIGNS one year, combined, $2.25.

DATE OF EXPIRATION

By G. C. Hoskin, Circulation Manager

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.

G. C. Hoskin, Circulation Manager.

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Regarding Unsolicited Papers

By Editor

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.

Meetings at Los Angeles.

By Editor

We did not get to Los Angeles till the closing meeting of the ministerial institute proper, and that was a testimony meeting, a gathering in which souls witnessed to the blessings of the meeting, its instructions, its uplift. A higher standard of the ministry has been seen and appreciated, and ministers and workers have been greatly blessed. The most appreciated of all, it seems, have been the studies by Pastor A. G. Daniells, the president of the General Conference, directly on the minister and his work in all its various phases, together with the many questions answered, and the round table talks with the younger ministers. The consecration, devotional, and meetings for Bible study, conducted by Pastor G. B. Thompson and others, have also been helpful. The near and eternal future ought to show glorious harvest of souls as the result of this institute.

The Pacific Union Conference opened its session Thursday morning, March 20, at 9:30. The president's report showed encouraging progress, as did that of the treasurer. Two new conferences were added to the union; namely, Central California and Northern California-Nevada. The union now consists of six local conferences, as follows: California, Northern California-Nevada, Central California, Southern California, Arizona, and Utah. This union conference has within its territory, under denominational direction, four sanitariums, six affiliated sanitariums, and various treatment rooms. It has one college, one medical evangelist training-school, two academies with normal training departments, and various intermediate and church schools. These vast interests, together with the evangelical work of the conference, made its five days' session a busy meeting. We have not space to summarize even the actions taken and the resolutions passed. In fact we have no copies of the resolutions at hand at this writing. A special issue of the Pacific Union Recorder will give the entire proceedings of the conference. It was a great meeting, especially in its strong evangelical and religious liberty features. The list of officials elected was given in our last issue.

Contained in This Issue

Question Corner

3719—Numbering of Chapters and Verses; 3720—Traditions; 3721—Climate of Bethlehem; 3722—Is It Wrong? 3723—Apostles; 3724—Tithe and Wages; 3725—Will We Know? 3726—Cain's Wife; 3727—Is It Spurious? - - - - - 2

Our Bible Band - - - - - 2

General

"Take My Yoke upon You" - - - - - 3

Man in Death - - - - - 4

The One Lost Sheep - - - - - 5

Studies in Daniel—The Last Vision of the Prophet—Daniel 10-12 - - - - - 6

The Broad and the Narrow Path - - - - - 9

The Outlook

The Religious Aspects of Socialism and Their Significance - - - - - 10

Notes - - - - - 16

Home and Fireside

Patty's Secret - - - - - 12

The Call to Be a Missionary - - - - - 12

Johnny's Reason - - - - - 12

Show Kindness to Animals - - - - - 13

Missions

General Meeting of the Asiatic Division of the General Conference - - - - - 14

Poetry

Progress of the Gospel - - - - - 5

Behold, He Cometh! - - - - - 6

The Palace Outdoors. - - - - - 12

Bible Versions Used in This Paper

By Editor

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 1910, by Thomas Nelson & Sons.

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

The Daniel Studies

By Editor

Our apology for the length of the articles on Daniel in this and other issues is this: we wish to finish our survey of the great apocalyptic book, in this series, which closes May 7. A year's study ought to have been given to the book instead of trying to cover it in six months.

The Darkness of Millennial Dawn

By Editor

Millennial Dawnism is troubling many. Let us say that the Review and Herald Publishing Association, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C., publishes a little tract entitled "The Darkness of Millennial Dawn," by John N. Quinn, which punctures effectually some millennial dawn theories. Price, post free, 2 cents.

Calling Christ Lord

"Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord," said our Saviour, "and do not the things which I say?" The corresponding word to "lord" is "servant." To call Jesus "Lord," is to imply that we are His servants; but a servant is one who does his lord's bidding, obeys his precepts, regards his commands. Should there be less than this in the service of Christ? "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father who is in heaven."

Relief for Famine-Stricken China

By Editor

Copies of the "China Press" note the ravages of famine and the dire distress that exists in some parts of China, especially in the region of Hankow. Fields have been inundated by floods, crops and cattle destroyed, houses rendered uninhabitable, poor people erecting mat sheds and huts on the outskirts, from which children issue daily to beg for bread. There is demanded, first, a supply of material at cheap rate for putting up such huts as the poor are always content to live in; second, clothing made of Chinese calico, wadded with cotton wool; and third, foodstuffs. And the Hankow Relief Committee is planning to give able-bodied people work, and such ones will receive relief only as they are willing to work. Any of our readers who desire to aid the suffering Chinese, may forward their funds through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and we shall be glad to send them on.

Famine Fund

By Editor

Famine Fund.—We have received the following receipt from the China Union Mission, sent by the treasurer, W. E. Gillis:

"Received of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, of California, 18 pounds, 9 shillings, and 8 pence, on account of famine fund."

Dr. Selmon, the first assistant superintendent, writes: "We are using every care possible in the expenditure of this fund, aiming not only to save life temporarily, but to make the funds accomplish something permanent. During the revolution, the region about Pakhoi, where Brother Bach is located, was devastated, and many of the believers lost everything they had in the world. Some barely escaped with their lives. All clothing was stripped from their bodies." He also tells us that we will be glad to learn that "this fund has helped many in the Hankow district also. Fearful famine conditions prevail in parts of the province of Hunan. And one hundred dollars in gold is used in relief work in the section south of Chang-Sha. Several hundred dollars of the famine fund was used to buy grain that is now stored in Ying Shang, and will be used in helping the needy this spring." He closes by "wishing God's richest blessing to all the kind-hearted givers of this fund."

"Historical Bible" and "Date of Creation."

By Editor

We have been furnishing these books to some of our readers and friends for some time, but to no profit to ourselves at all; nor do we wish to stock up with a quantity which we would have to carry for the future; and we would therefore like to say to all who desire these books by Mr. Dimbleby, that they can be secured from the publisher, E. Nister, 28 Paternoster Row, London E. C., England. The cost will not be less than what has been paid the Pacific Press. If our brethren prefer to place the business in the hands of Mr. Alfred Bacon, 84 Upper Tollington Park, London N., we are sure that he will serve them faithfully. "All Past Time" can not be secured in England, and we have but few copies left.

Adventist Growth in the Asiatic Division

The "China Press" of February 11, noting the meeting held by the Seventh-day Adventists in the Asiatic Division, states that more than sixty delegates attended the gathering, and that in China alone during the last year the membership of this body has increased over one hundred per cent. In Korea it has been almost as rapid, while in the Philippines the increase has been more than five hundred per cent. The publishing work and educational work are noted as making rapid progress.

For Their Sake

For Their Sake.—What Jesus Christ our Lord did in His transcendent sacrifice, He did for the sake of others. He gave Himself for us. He died to save us from our sins. There can be no nobler motive in a human heart than for others' sake. Work for the man who is down. If your practise or habit does not harm you and does prove a stumbling-block to him, break from it for his sake. Said that mighty man of God who reflected so much of the life of the Master, "Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh forevermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble." 1 Cor. 8:13. There are many who are not tempted by strong drink, or can take it occasionally themselves seemingly without harm; but their example is fatal to their weaker neighbor, and their own moderate drinking may predispose their own children to an appetite stronger than death. For their sake abstain, for their sake do all that can be done to remove temptation from their pathway.

Preparing for the King’s Homecoming

It is a sad world, in all its wo and misery, all its injustice and oppression, all its sin and crime, all its sorrow and suffering, all its sickness and death. Thank God, it will not always continue thus. The King is away, waiting the time of His home-coming. He would have men prepare for that coming now, that they may welcome Him when He comes. For then will His supernal glory sweep from the sin-cursed earth all sin, all identified with sin. Then, too, all identified with Him and the principles of His blessed rule will be changed to His image, be immortalized in His transcendent glory, and share His kingdom forever.

A Great Loss.

By Editor

A letter from Brother F. E. Stafford, Shanghai, tells of the great sadness which came to the workers in China in the death of Brother Esta Miller, so strong and well a few days before his operation for appendicitis. His work was of special value. He took to the language readily, and the Chinese greatly loved him. From a human view his death is a great loss, but its mystery we may leave with God. He knows. "He buries His workmen, but carries on His work." Sleeping in Him, they shall awake in His likeness. We sympathize with his bereaved widow and with his fellow workers in China. May God stir up other souls to take his place.

Encouragement for Weary Servants

Servant of God, are you weary and worn? Are your labors unrequited, your efforts to save and help others unappreciated? You are not alone. Read the life of "Moses, the man of God," of Jeremiah, the prophet of the captivity. Above all, read the life of the Master. For "the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister," and more than this, to give His life a ransom for sin's captives. Then faint not nor be disheartened. Labor on. You serve the Lord Christ. He has trodden the path before you; He will walk with you.

Share the Signs of the Times

By Editor

A gentleman was handed a copy of this journal the other day by one of our friends. He read the paper, thought of other friends, and sent in four new yearly subscriptions. Let the good work go on. The Signs of the Times has a message for to-day.

Faith and Obedience

That is not true, full, or best faith in God which believes His promise and rejects His precepts; for that soul which turns from divinely enjoined duty is out of harmony with God.

Continue reading: Supporting a Missionary in China