p. 687 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 43. (11/3/1914)

Experiences with African Savages

By Ross C. Porter

Their Fierce and Barbarous Nature—Courage of Early Missionaries in Visiting Them—Miraculous Transformation of Barbarian Hearts

By ROSS C. PORTER

ELDER PORTER, who is now general superintendent of our work in eastern Asia, with headquarters at Shanghai, was for a number of years in charge of the work in Africa. This is the first of three articles, each complete in itself, in which he tells of some of his most interesting observations and experiences in the "Dark Continent."

IN opening mission work in Africa, we had a much easier time than Livingstone, Moffat, and other pioneers. They found nearly every tribe hostile to their coming with the gospel message. But assured that they were laboring under a divine commission, they penetrated the very heart of the interior.

Not only did they meet difficulties from hostile natives and dangers from wild beasts, but there was little response to their gospel instruction. To break through the darkness and superstition in which heathenism had for centuries enshrouded these ignorant people, was a slow work.

Pushing into the very darkest recesses of heathenism, Livingstone bore the torch of truth where for centuries its light had been extinguished. He planted the gospel banner in lands uncivilized, and its standard became at length the connecting link between the native and civilization, as well as his measuring rod of faith and practise in preparation for the Judgment.

AFRICANER, A FIERCE SAVAGE

One hundred years ago, Africaner, a Hottentot chief, was the scourge of South Africa. He being an outlaw, the colony had offered $500 for his head. Under his father, the old chief Africaner, his people had roamed peacefully over hill and dale within one hundred miles of Cape Town; but the Dutch settlers had repeatedly forced them to move farther inland, to make room for new settlers.

These forced moves created resentment toward the Dutch, which finally ended in an open rupture between the young chief Africaner and his friends, and their Dutch neighbors; and one of the leading men of the Dutch community was shot and killed. After this, Africaner, with his people, fled across the Orange River to Great Namaqualand. The Dutch, with a tribe of bastard Hottentots whom they bribed to accompany them, pursued, and under the leadership of the chief, Berend Berend, they had a series of bitter conflicts. As these encounters ended disastrously for the Dutch, they soon turned back, leaving Africaner in possession of that territory.

HE RAIDED THE COUNTRY

Embittered by his experiences with the Dutch, who had, when they were on friendly terms with him, taught him to steal herds of the Bushmen's cattle, which they appropriated as their own, he now began raiding the country in the same manner for himself. He became the terror of the entire region.

A Namaqua chief long afterward said to Robert Moffat, "I have fled with my people, our wives, and our babes, to a mountain glen or the wilderness, and spent nights among beasts of prey rather than fall into his hands." His character at this time is well illustrated by his treatment of some natives whom he had robbed. They sent to him asking if he would not restore a few of their cows, as their children were starving. To this he agreed on condition that they would come and get them. When they came for the cows, he ordered some of the men shot, and tying others to trees, he had their tongues cut out and their limbs hacked and mutilated.

SHOT THE COW INSTEAD OF EACH OTHER

Berend Berend, the chief who was brought against Africaner by the Dutch, remained his bitterest enemy, and they continued the old hostilities as they met from time to time. Once each sought for hours to capture a herd of cattle. Being on opposite sides of the drove, and protected by the bushes, they kept out of sight of each other, while the cattle were captured and recaptured. At length, by a sudden break in the herd, the enemies were brought face to face across the herd. Each instantly raised his rifle, and taking deadly aim, pulled the trigger. At that instant a cow, running between them, received both balls in her body, and fell dead.

This providential happening deeply impressed both young men. They could never avoid the feeling that they had been spared death that they might make their peace with God, and prepare for a home where a just God reigns, and character rather than color is the basis of respect.

In 1806, a little band of missionaries under the leadership of Christian and Albrecht halted, in their wearisome journey, near Africaner's place. Learning that they had been sent out by the London Missionary Society, he met them with the assurance that they had nothing to fear from him. He said: "As you are sent by the English, I welcome you to the country. Though I hate the Dutch, who oppressed me, I love the English. I have always heard that they are friends of the poor black man."

MOFFAT WARNED OF THE DANGER

On January 26, 1818, Moffat reached Africaner's district. Although the chief was reported to have been converted under the labors of a Mr. Ebner, the report of his conversion was discredited; and when Moffat was invited by Africaner to preach in his kraal, he was warned not to go. One said that Africaner would "set him up for a mark for his boys to shoot at"; another, "that he would strip off his skin and make a drum of it to dance to"; while still another warned him that "Africaner would make a drinking cup of his skull." One kind, motherly woman said: "Had you been an old man, it would have been nothing, for you would have soon died, whether or no; but you are young, and going to become a prey to that monster."

CONVERSION OF TWO BANDIT CHIEFS

Moffat had come to preach a saving gospel to sinners; and on receiving an invitation to visit Africaner's kraal, he accepted the invitation. A half hour after his arrival, Titus Africaner, who still hated missionaries, had an altercation with Mr. Ebner, under whose labors the chief had professed conversion. This resulted in Mr. Ebner's leaving the place. It was under these circumstances that the youthful Moffat began his labors with this partially converted chief. Much patient labor was required before he fully yielded his heart to God and became a child of the kingdom. His conversion proved to be genuine. He would sit for days poring over the word of God. He was a transformed man, and instead of spreading strife and discord as an outlaw, was now a peacemaker.

At a religious gathering he again met his old enemy, the Hottentot chief, Berend Berend, who also had experienced conversion since they had shot at each other and were providentially saved. In place of seeking each other's lives, they reverently bowed together at the same altar of prayer, and as Christian brothers, poured forth their heartfelt praises for the transforming power of the gospel. The native people were profoundly impressed. They said that a gospel that could change such deadly enemies into friends, and such bandits into law-abiding citizens, was a good and powerful gospel.

The conversion of Africaner and his enemy Berend Berend was the signal for the first great religious awakening in Namaqualand. Having been notorious outlaws, their conversion became as famous as their brigandage had been notorious.

When Africaner afterward accompanied Moffat to Cape Town, the Cape government, on seeing the change Christianity had made in his character, turned over to him the $500 previously offered for his capture, to be used by him in providing better equipment for making an honest livelihood as a transformed man. This incident illustrates the infinite sources at God's command in support of His work.

The days of miracles have not passed. A greater miracle than changing desperadoes into children of faith is not recorded in apostolic times. It is the climax of all miracles. We devoutly thank God for such forerunners as were the faithful pioneers who blazed the trail in Africa. Now their successors, in comparative safety, reap the harvest, the seed for which was sown in sacrifice during the pioneer days of mission work.

People Are Asking Questions

By Editor

A STUPEFIED WORLD

"Writers who can tell a stupefied world what this fearful portent means, who can throw light on the great fundamental problems of the race, and can give some hint as to its destiny, will have an attentive and even anxious hearing."—Springfield Republican.

Men Said the world was growing better, the arming of the nations insured peace; and now some say perpetual peace will follow the present European war.

The Bible Says the world will grow worse and worse; there shall be "wars and rumors of wars"; Armageddon will be fought before the Lord's second coming.

The masses are losing confidence in their former leaders of thought. They have found their opinions to be unreliable, valueless. Such persons will now gladly give "an attentive and even anxious hearing" to writers who can throw light on present-day conditions. They want the truth; they wish to know.

Signs of the Times

WILL ANSWER THEM

During the next six months the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will be all that its name implies — a "Signs of the Times Series." From the great prophecies of Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Amos, the Gospels, and the Revelation, it will answer conclusively, and to the satisfaction of all open-minded readers, those physical, moral, social, and political questions of the day which uninspired man has proved himself unequal to.

In addition, the publishers will thoroughly cover other important though little understood subjects, such as the Sure Word of Prophecy, the Coming of the Lord, the Law of God, the Sanctuary, the Sabbath, the Nature of Man, the Angels, Spiritualism, and kindred subjects.

This journal has correspondents in England, Germany, Switzerland, and others of the European countries. They will furnish our readers with fresh and reliable articles on conditions and developments in their respective countries. Arrangements have also been made for the latest and best pictures from these war-stricken countries, for illustrating purposes.

It will be the earnest endeavor of editors, contributors, correspondents, and printers to make this series the very best ever issued.

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THE BIBLE IN THE HOME

By Mary Alice Hare Loper, M. S.

It Should Be Daily Studied by the Family — Its Stories Never Grow Old to the Children — Bible Characters Have Molding and Uplifting Influence

By MARY ALICE HARE LOPER, M. S.

“From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures.”

IN closing His memorable Sermon on the Mount, Christ gives the impressive story of the house built upon the rock and the house built upon the sand. The former withstood the severe storm in which the latter became a heap of ruins.

The story fittingly illustrates the home founded upon the word of God and the home founded upon the sliding sands of unbelief. The former has for its foundation stones "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." These stones withstand all the storms of life, and the lapse of ages never causes them to crack or crumble to decay. They are as lasting as eternity, and are found only in the quarry of truth. But they are easily available, and the supply is ample to meet every demand. They may be had without money and without price. Therefore the poor as well as the rich may avail themselves of this sure foundation.

GLEAMS OF LIGHT SHINE OUT

From the home where God's word is revered, gleams of light penetrate the darkness of the world around, revealing smooth-running domestic machinery, and cheerfulness in the performance of the menial duties of life. There is the family altar, where, morning and evening, are offered prayers of faith, which reach the throne of the Infinite. The atmosphere of such a home is laden with the perfume of loving service to needy humanity; and when the evening shadows gather, after the toils and cares of the day are done, He sweetly "giveth His beloved sleep."

The old custom of having a "family Bible" as an object familiar to childhood, was uplifting in its tendency; and the children who were reared under its hallowed influence, received impressions for good which time can never obliterate. But the Bible is so easily obtained in these days, that every child should possess a copy of his own as soon as he is old enough to appreciate its worth, and should be taught to form the habit of reading it daily. No companionship can take its place for the growing child in the home, or for the youth who is about to bid adieu to familiar scenes and pass out into the great needy world.

A POWERFUL INFLUENCE GOES WITH IT

In some way a silent but powerful influence always goes with the Bible, so that one can not help feeling that it is not like any other book. Its stories are different from all other stories. They never become stale. Its history antedates every other authentic history. Its prophecies are not visionary. They always come true. Its biographies are true to life — are not colored to suit the occasion. Its poetry touches the very soul of the reader, and appeals to him with a fervor unknown to the most classic lore of men. The culmination of divine love for lost humanity is seen in its great tragedy; and to comprehend its length, its breadth, its depth, its height, is beyond the capabilities of men.

The Bible is the only book that retains its place in the hearts of men from age to age — the only book that can not be destroyed. Although many copies have been committed to the flames in an effort to annihilate it, the blessed ashes have proved but living seeds of a greater harvest. The earth is thickly strewn with dead books — books that lived a brief life, and passed away. Mere books, like their authors, are transient, and soon forgotten; but the word of God is living, is eternal, and abides forever.

The Bible is the only source of real consolation in times of war and trouble, in times of sorrow and bereavement, when earthly ties are rudely severed, and the weight of grief seems almost too great to bear.

"One of the sweet old chapters After a day like this! The day brought tears and trouble, The evening brings no kiss, No rest in the arms I long for— Rest and refuge and home; But, weary and heavy-laden, Unto Thy Book I come. "One of the sweet old chapters The loving thought blossoms through — The care of birds and lilies Out in the meadow dew. This evening lies softly round them, Their faith is simply to be. O, hushed be the tender lesson! My God, let me trust in Thee."

FOR EVERY DOMESTIC DIFFERENCE

The Bible is an unfailing remedy for every domestic difference, for every family grievance, for every wrong feeling of the human heart. The family that will persistently devote a reasonable length of time every day to the unprejudiced study of the Bible and to prayer, will find real joy in walking in the light that comes to them. They will be saved from making mistakes, will have wisdom to act aright.

That soul who refuses to study the Bible, for fear he may find something therein with which his daily life does not harmonize, is in a sad condition spiritually, and is rejecting the only means of his salvation. The Bible is a personal letter from heaven to every individual, and each one should study it prayerfully for himself, and not merely depend upon others to tell him what it contains. God is just as ready to help the poor peasant to understand His word, as He is to help the king upon the throne. But conscientious study and earnest prayer are required on the part of the learner.

ITS INSPIRING ASTRONOMY

Fathers and mothers may be learned in the wisdom of this world — may be acquainted with Copernicus, with Kepler, with Galileo, with Newton, with the whole list of astronomers given in the popular text-books; but unless they study Job — unless they are acquainted with the great divine Text-book — they are not prepared to instruct properly the little child who queries: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star! How I wonder what you are!"

Parents may have studied the theories of creation — may have wearied themselves with a laborious investigation of ages and eons of time; but unless they study the beginning of things as recorded by Moses, they will never be able to answer intelligently many of the inquiries of little children.

KINDERGARTEN TEXT-BOOK

The Bible is the only text-book needed in the home kindergarten. No other book can possibly take its place. Little children listen eagerly to the simple stories of the Bible. They are glad to take as their favorite heroes such characters as Joseph, Moses, Samuel, Daniel, and the child Jesus. It requires little time for children to learn Bible stories, which are of highest worth in character building; and the child whose mind is thus stored, has a mine of truth in which he may delve through time and eternity, and never exhaust his resources.

In teaching Bible stories to children, one should be careful to know that the child learns the facts exactly as they are. A small boy had just been telling the thrilling story of how Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, when an interested listener inquired, "Where is he now?" "O," said the little fellow confidently, "he died long ago!" Children should be requested to tell the stories over and over, until they learn them correctly.

The Water of Life

By Eliza H. Morton

I HAVE somewhere seen a picture of the crucified Christ stretched in His mother's arms. From a rock beneath their feet abundant waters flowed into a great cistern, from which men and women of all classes in life were filling vessels with the water and passing them all to each other. A stream flowed from the cistern to a lower place, where little children could reach it, and they were drinking with smiling lips.

This is a beautiful illustration of the salvation of Christ. It is for all, rich and poor, high and low, bond and free, young and old. Jesus said, "He that believeth on Me shall never thirst."

ELIZA H. MORTON.

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If You Believe the Message

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it bears, and care to give some time to circulating the Signs of the Times Magazine we want to hear from you

This magazine is read by thinking men and women, because, unlike most others, it does not leave the reader in doubt about the meaning of world conditions. This one fact, probably more than any other, accounts for the unusual number of subscriptions received of late, and for the three editions, aggregating 50,000 copies, of the October number which were sold.

A friend recently wrote as follows: "For your encouragement I will also state that one of the leading ministers here, to whom I had sent a copy, preached nearly twenty minutes from its contents—had several paragraphs committed to memory, and referred to the writer of the article as a 'great writer.'"

The November number is a good one to begin with. 5 to 40 copies, 5c each; 50 or more, 4c each. Send orders to your tract society. See depositories.

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Above is a list of our authorized agencies and depositories, and we invite you to communicate with them if you wish to secure any books or periodicals advertised in this journal.

COOKING OIL

Pure vegetable white summer cooking oil, none better. One 5-gal. can, $3.85; 2 5-gal. cans, $7.60; 30 gals., $20.00; 50 gals., $32.00. All half barrels and full barrels will be shipped direct from our storeroom in Chicago. Other shipments will be sent from Nevada, Iowa. Send money with your order. Address the Hampton Art Co., Nevada, Iowa.

We are also headquarters for fine Bible mottos.

Don't Throw Away Your Money

Well-meaning but thoughtless people sometimes buy books of fairy tales and the like for their boy and girl friends. Much better would it be if they actually threw their money away. Such books create a taste for light, trashy reading, and a distaste for wholesome, character-building reading.

Our Books for the Home — 16 of them — beautiful in every way, and just as entertaining and interesting as "trash" books, may be had at prices ranging from 50 cents to $1.25. Over 2,000,000 sold. In the collection are some for every member of the family — adults, youth, children.

Send to our depository in your state (see list on this page) for descriptions and prices.

Hundreds of persons sell these books from house to house in their spare time, and most of them do really well. Previous experience is not necessary. A commission of 40 per cent is allowed such ones. Why not canvass your neighborhood?

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"Listen!"

By Editor

Ain't I a dandy? Would you not be proud to call me father, or son, or brother? O, you needn't laugh at my rags and poverty! If these prohibition folks don't vote the saloon out of business pretty soon, your boy may be among the thousands of recruits to the drunkards of to-morrow."

DUTY CALLS

Not only must you vote for prohibition, but you should work for it too. You don't have to mount the lecture platform, nor is it necessary to stand on the street corner and argue and wrangle with the "wets." But you can do something, and it will be quite as effective. Get some right-to-the-point prohibition literature, and place it in the hands of your neighbors. We know of nothing better to recommend than the little documents that follow:

THEY APPEAL

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