WE next come to the missionary efforts of the Roman Catholics, who entered China about the time the Nestorian propaganda was disappearing, in the thirteenth century. This was during the Mongul rule. These emissaries of a foreign religion were not only allowed to enter China, but in one instance at least the emperor himself sent an ambassador to the pope, who, in turn, sent out four nuncios to China to look after the interests of the church in this empire. But in spite of all this, Catholicism in China seemed to fall to the ground of its own accord.
It was not until the time of the Reformation that a permanent foothold was secured in these oriental lands. This was Rome's shrewd and far-reaching scheme to rejuvenate herself after the crushing shock of the reform movement in Europe. With characteristic foresight and sagacity she sent out men of superior intellect and talents, and by this means gained a firm hold on the official and literary classes. True to the traditional policy of their church, these men sought and obtained imperial favors, which, instead of relinquishing in later years, have been added to, until to-day the Church of Rome in China is officially recognized, her bishops and priests holding official rank, which is by no means an empty honor.
Stone Paved Path in Country Village, China. Fishing Scene.
The Bible is studiously withheld from the common people. Massive buildings which serve the purpose of orphanages and convents are to be found in many parts of China. At the first, ancestral worship was allowed as a harmless rite, but later when the pope decided against it as idolatry, it brought dissension among the different religious orders and relentless persecution from the emperor who had decided that the worship of ancestors was idolatry.
Their converts number over 1,000,000 with some 50 bishops and over 1,000 native and foreign priests. The baptism of dying children is a very ready way of adding to the list of church-members. It must be admitted that the step from heathenism to Catholicism is not in many respects a long one, as the remark of a Chinaman, who had been to Manila, well illustrates, when he said that he found little difference between the gods of that place and those of China, further than that those in Manila stood up while those in China always sat down.
The Long, Narrow Dragon Boat, Engaging in the Ancient Festival. The Lodging Boats, in Canton Harbor. French Cathedral in the Distance.
Protestant Missions
in China began with Robert Morrison just 99 years ago. He entered this empire in the face of tremendous and most forbidding obstacles. The feelings against foreigners were decidedly hostile, and it is marvelous how this man, almost single-handed, performed the gigantic task of translating the Bible and preparing a dictionary of the language; and all this time he was confined within the limits of the foreign factory, living in a go-down, aided by a Chinaman whose secret but determined efforts in behalf of Morrison were a capital crime.
Thus the beginning of Protestant missionary work in China was true to Reformation principles, made on the basis of the eternal word of God; and whatever success has been achieved during the last century must be attributed to that fact. From this wise and hopeful beginning one hundred years ago, the printing and circulation of the Scriptures in China has actually enlarged with each year, until at the close of 1904, the British and Foreign Bible Society showed a total circulation to date of 12,171,083 copies, and this figure is largely augmented by the activities of the two other Bible societies which in the year 1904 circulated over 1,200,000 copies.
The output of tracts and other Christian literature is in proportion to the Bible circulation. One society alone for the year 1904 shows a total of over 2,500,000, and this figure is multiplied many fold by the work of similar societies.
Other auxiliary agencies to the spread of the Gospel, such as schools, hospitals, and orphanages, have come to be regular and mighty forces in the work of evangelizing this race. A steady stream of foreign workers from Europe, Australia, and America continues to pour into this field, so that to-day the total amounts to about 3,200; and these workers are scattered in all the provinces of the empire.
In January 1904, there were 131,000 native Protestant Christians in China to 416,250,000, the total inhabitants, or one to 3,177. It must be admitted that these figures show a vast deal of darkness to mere gleams of light; but when we remember that we are living in the days of God's mighty preparation, we can easily believe that this is the13hour when the finishing work of the Lord shall speedily be accomplished here as in all other lands. Mighty forces are at work in this empire, and we have a right to believe and expect that God will overrule and use these to the accomplishment of His purpose. It only remains with us to advance now when there are so many favoring circumstances urging us to greater zeal and activity. The very fact that the door of opportunity has been swung wide open to us is convincing evidence that God calls us to the work. The harvest is ripe, and the Lord of the harvest waits to see hosts of His faithful and loyal reapers enter upon this work of gathering the grain.
J. N. ANDERSON.
Chinese Sawing Lumber by Man-power.
Our Work and Workers.
By Editor
Six young people were received into the church at Sioux Rapids, Iowa, April 13.
SIGNS and other denominational papers. Address H. G. Emmons, 765 Fraser Ave., Edmonton, Alta, Canada.
BROTHER A. W. KUEHL, assisted by Brother F. E. Rew, baptized five in the church at Minneapolis, Minn., Sabbath, May 4.
THE Pacific Union Recorder reports two baptized at San Diego, Cal., nine at Escondido, and five added to the church at Redlands.
TEN precious souls were baptized at Claremore, I. T., recently as a result of the labors of Brethren M. H. Gregory and Andrew Nelson.
UNDER the labors of Brother N. M. Jorgenson and wife, and Brother J. H. Schmidt at Lake Preston, S. Dak., four souls have been won to the truth.
THE church at Darbyville, Iowa, has been increased by twelve new members, all of whom were instructed in the way by Brother and Sister L. P. Syp.
IN the latter part of April, Brethren Ben Miller and E. A. Merrill organized a church at Versailles, Kan., of thirteen members, all of them new in the faith.
ONE of our most successful old-time canvassers, Brother Walter Harper, is now taking orders for "Great Controversy" in North Carolina, having gone there from the Pacific Coast.
WE expect to give definite information next week in regard to the location of our mission in the hill country of India.
SABBATH, APRIL 13, three were baptized at Bartley, Neb., and in the evening of the same day a church of ten members was organized by Brethren A. T. Robinson and Chas. Thompson.
TWENTY-ONE signed the covenant to keep all God's commandments, April 27, at Humboldt, Iowa, where Brethren R. E. Burke, J. W. McComas, and J. C. Clemens have formerly labored. On the day following twelve were baptized and a church organized.
THE work in Jamaica is encouraging. Last year 252 were baptized. Nearly one hundred received baptism in the month of February of this year, and nearly as many more are ready for the ordinance. Brother W. G. Kneeland writes that the earthquake served to stir the people up, and our own workers are making the most of it.
THE Gospel Herald is the organ of the Southern Missionary Society, the department of colored work for the Southern Union Conference. All our people ought to be intelligent concerning this feature of our denominational work, therefore all should read the Gospel Herald. It is a four-page monthly paper published at ten cents a year, payable in postage stamps. Please send your subscription to Southern Missionary Society, North Station, Nashville, Tennessee. By so doing you will help the work for the colored people.
THE teachers and students of the intermediate school at Leduc, Alberta, have a zeal for advancing the cause in that new country. On April 1 a company of seventeen of them went into the woods a distance of thirty miles and spent a week cutting sawlogs for lumber which is to be placed at the disposal of the conference for the erection of a school, sanitarium, conference headquarters, or whatever is deemed best. They cut about 1,100 logs in all, which will make 75,000 feet of lumber. To have the logs sawed into lumber will cost the conference only about $7.50 a thousand.
ANOTHER old standard-bearer, who has preached the third angel's message for fifty years, was laid to rest April 23, in his eightieth year. Elder T. M. Steward was born in Glenburn, Me., in 1827, and died at his home in Graysville, Tenn. He accepted present truth in 1852, and has preached it almost continuously ever since, besides serving in positions of trust in the denomination. Of those who embraced the truth thru his labors, and all who have been associated with him in labor and fellowship, many will learn of his death with sadness; yet he fell asleep with a bright hope of a soon-coming Saviour and a speedy restoration of the joys of the saints' inheritance, whose glories he has so faithfully set before the world.
Literary Notices.
By Editor
"The Travelers' Handbook; a Manual for Transatlantic Tourists." Compiled by Josephine Tozin. Neatly bound in cloth with side and back designs appropriate to the subject; 200 pages, price, $1.00. Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York and London.
This is a convenient little book to slip into a grip or hand-bag, and it tells by a practical woman in a practical way about all the things that a traveler needs to know. For instance, under "Hints before Sailing" is given information as to expense, the taking of funds, the best ways and means to provide for funds, foreign coins, etc. Most excellent advice is given. Other chapters are, Taking Passage, Dress and Guide Books, On Board Ship, Sea Life, The Destination, English Railroads, Accommodations in England, Traveling in France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Egypt, Homeward Bound, Automobiling. With a minimum of common-sense and these practical suggestions so clearly given by the author, it would seem that one could get along very comfortably indeed. One who has not traveled across the Atlantic would make no mistake in getting this book. It is the best we have seen and practised.
"Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing." By Mrs. E. G. White. 218 pages, illustrated with 27 half-tone engravings. Price, cloth, 60 cents; paper covers, 25 cents. Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.
This is a new print of a book known to many of our readers. It is an unfoldment of the practical, beautiful things of that wonderful sermon of our Lord's on the mount. Its sweet, deep, spiritual truths shine out brightly and strike their clear rays deep into the heart of the sympathetic reader. Such a book would prove a blessing in every household, in every library.
"Capital: A Critique of Political Economy." By Karl Marx. Vol. I. Translated from the German. Cloth bound, 861 pages, including topical index. Price, $2.00. Charles H. Kerr & Co., Chicago.
This is the first of the three volumes of Marx' famous work. The second volume is promised during the first part of this year, and the third is promised for 1908. These volumes have been made the text-book for study in many schools; they are considered by the socialists to be one of the best presentations of their economical theories. Volume One is very valuable because of its presentation of the history of the labor struggle during the last hundred years. The authorities are given for the history presented, thus making it a splendid text-book for the extended study of the subject, while the history presented in the book itself is sufficiently exhaustive for all ordinary research. The clear understanding of present labor problems is much better obtained by knowing the history of the past, and the volume will well repay any one for the time of reading it.
"Spots; or 202 Cleansers." Compiled by Clarice T. Courvoisier. Printed in oblong form, brightly rubricated, and bound in flexible watered buckram. Price, 75 cents. Paul Elder & Company, San Francisco and New York.
A remarkably unique and practical little book, suggestive of a gift book or a fine advertising souvenir (often the best), but it is, on the contrary, a book for use, for every day or as often as needed. Its recipes are said to be thoroughly tested, and the author has marshaled them in such a way that the little book becomes a phalanx of volunteers to aid the busy housewife in her needs and emergencies.
Wanted for Missionary Work,
By Editor
SIGNS, Life Boat, tracts. Address E. J. Popplewell, Gentry, Mo.
CLEAN copies of SIGNS, Review, and Instructor. Address Dr. Laura Thinius, Magnolia and Broadway, Rhyolite, Nev.
LATE, clean copies SIGNS, Life Boat, and tracts on the coming of the Lord and the Sabbath. Address W. B. Jenkins, R. F. D. No. 2, Blythewood, S. C.
Change of Address.—O. E. Reinke's address is now 430 Wales Ave., New York City, instead of 698 E. 138th St., New York.
FRUIT-FARM FOR SALE
A fine, ten-acre fruit-farm in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley of California. The main crop of fruit is cherries, apricots, and prunes, with a few trees each of various other kinds for family use. The place has a seven-roomed house, with bath, hot and cold water, and the usual modern conveniences; good well, tankhouse, tank, windmill, barn, chicken houses, 190 trays for drying fruit, 60 fruit boxes, etc., etc. The crop last year sold for $1,350, cash. This year's crop goes with the place. Will sell for $5,700; $3,500 cash down, the balance can be had on long time, if desired, interest at eight per cent., and the person holding mortgage pays the taxes. It is a very desirable place, in a good community. The owner has a large family of small boys, and desires to move to newer country where he can get a large tract of cheap or government land. Address, F, care Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.
Beautiful Bible Mottoes
No home complete without them
There is no better time than the present to sell them. They sell readily everywhere and agents are making from $4.00 to $8.00 per day. An inspiration to higher living in every home. Heavy cardboard with silver letters and cord for hanging, or heavy paper with colored letters. Samples and full particulars 25c. Address, Home Art Co., Box 114, College View, Neb.
LODI, CALIFORNIA.
By Andrew Hanson
FOR the benefit of many who would like to leave the rigorous climates of the East and North, will say, I came here from Minnesota four years ago, and, after covering the state of California thoroly, I find the Lodi country, in central California, offers much better opportunities than other portions of the state. The land is good, sandy loam, no mud, fine roads, and people are doing well on 5 to 20 acres, in grapes, fruit, and dairying. Five to six crops of alfalfa hay are grown yearly. No irrigation required for grapes and fruit, which net $50.00 to $200 per acre. I have located several of our people, and we have a church here. Will furnish authentic, descriptive booklet to all, and answer all letters of inquiry. Those who can not arrive with as much as $1,500 to $2,000, would not advise to come. Address, Andrew Hanson, Lodi, Cal.
Wanted at Once
Wanted at Once.—Twenty-five young ladies, fifteen young men, all consecrated Seventh-day Adventist Christian workers, to make immediate arrangements to enter the Glendale Sanitarium Training-school for Missionary Nurses. Class begins June 1. Exceptional opportunity to secure a practical missionary training that will fit you for any field in the world. Address Dr. Winegar Simpson, Glendale Sanitarium, Glendale, Cal.
SALESMEN WANTED.
Male or female, for the Western States, to introduce E-Z Washing Tablets to merchants. Salary and commission. For particulars, write, stating experience, if any, to
ALFRED MALLETT
Sacramento, - - - - California.
Studies in the Christ-Life at Brother Eldred's
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
Fifth Evening's Study.
In the Temple.
(Continued.)
BUT didn't Joseph and Mary make some excuse for their careless neglect of the Child? Jack, please read the forty-fourth verse of Luke two."
" 'And they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.' "
"How long did it take them to find Him, Tom?"
"Three days, sir; and it only took them one day to lose Him."
"Where did they find Him at last? Florence, please read the forty-sixth verse."
" 'And it came to pass that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.' "
"I should think, father," remarked Jack, "that those dignified priests would have felt pretty small learning lessons from a Child only twelve years old. I suppose they did not want to admit that He really knew more than they."
"They did not want to admit it, nor would they," replied his father. "Still they did learn many things; indeed, the wonderful Child did all He could to instruct them concerning the coming Messiah. Alice, what did Mary say to her Son when at last they found Him?"
"She asked Him why He had thus dealt with them, and said that His father and she had been looking for Him a long time. But He told her that He must be about His Father's business."
"Florence, did His parents understand what He meant by these strange words? Please read the fiftieth verse."
" 'And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them.' "
"What practical lesson may we learn," continued Brother Eldred, "from this account of the first Passover which Jesus attended, Tillie?"
"I have tried to learn this in particular, father, that we are in just as much danger of losing Jesus as were Joseph and Mary. They were in great anguish of mind until they found Him, and as it took them much longer to find Him than to lose Him, so we, by our careless actions or our hasty words, may quickly banish His sacred presence from our hearts, and we sometimes suffer much sorrow before we find Him again."
"That is very true, my daughter," said Sister Eldred; "but, Jack, where did the Child Jesus go, when He left the temple?"
"I believe He went back home to Nazareth; I'll read the fifty-first verse of Luke two:
'And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them; but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.'"
"What does it mean, Florence, to be 'subject' to your parents?" asked her father.
"I think it must mean to obey them. But truly, father, I can't see why He should have, because they didn't know what He ought to do as well as He did."
"But, Florence, do you not think that if Jesus—the greatest Teacher who ever lived—obeyed His earthly parents, that He meant to set an example for all children to follow?"
"That is true, father; and I suppose that means that children ought to mind the advise of their parents, and obey them until they are old enough to think for themselves," said Florence, sagely.
"Longer than that," interrupted Tillie; "our Saviour was subject to His parents and actually stayed at home with them until He was a grown man."
"True," said Sister Eldred. "We have no record of His child-life, from the time of the first Passover at Jerusalem when He was twelve years old, until His baptism, except that He went home with His parents to Nazareth and was subject to them; and that He increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Tom, will you read the twenty-third verse of Luke three, first clause? This will tell us how old He was at His baptism; and since He stayed with His parents until then, we may know how old He was when He left home and began His public ministry."
" 'And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age.' "
"Then," continued Sister Eldred, "Jesus was subject to His parents until He was at least thirty years old; but not even His love for Joseph or Mary could induce Him to turn aside from the straight path of duty. They were anxious for Him to cultivate the acquaintance of the great rabbis and heed their advise, but He cared not for the inventions of men, for God was His Teacher. These rabbis sometimes were so displeased with the Child that they even complained to His parents of His strange conduct."
"I suppose it was 'strange' to them because it was so different from that of other children," interrupted Jack.
"And so," continued Sister Eldred, "His parents tried to influence Him to adopt the ways, manners, and traditions of these Masters in Israel. But these traditions did not harmonize with the law of God, and He refused them."
" 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.' "
"You see that the first duty of all is to obey God; and just as far as the commands of parents agree with His, the children must obey them."
"Alice, do you find any proof that Jesus worked with His hands while at home with His parents? Please read Mark 6:3, first clause."
" 'Is not this the Carpenter, the Son of Mary?' "
"What lesson do you gain from this, Jack?" asked his mother.
"I think, mother, that it teaches that it is a good and wise idea for boys to learn some useful trade, and to be good workmen, for we are sure Christ did good, honest work, always. Am I not right, father?"
"Indeed, He was the one perfect Pattern, in this as in all else."
"But, father," said Jack, "it never seemed to me that Jesus had all the temptations to do wrong that the boys have now-a-days—honestly, father, do you think He did?"
"He surely did. We learn that the village where He spent His childhood and youth was noted for its wickedness; and we read that He was 'in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.' Yes, my boy, you may rest assured that you will never meet with a single temptation so fierce that Jesus has not passed thru it all. Satan was upon His track every moment; for upon the overthrow of Jesus depended Satan's kingdom. And so every arrow aimed at the Son of God was barbed with Satanic hatred, such as no man or woman or child has ever felt, either before or since. Satan's fiercest shafts were aimed at the divine Son of God."
"I never thought of it in that way, father; it is quite plain to me now," said Jack.
"I am very glad to have you bring up those points which trouble you, my dear children, and we will study them together."
"Next week we will take for our topic the life and mission of John the Baptist, and the wonderful events in connection with the baptism of Jesus."
(To be Continued in Two Weeks.)
"YOUR FATHER CARETH."
By Mary E. Kendrew
THE sparrow falls, a brief life quickly ended;
Some wanton hand has blotted out the sun,
The throbbing pulse of life for aye suspended,
Unheeded and unmourned except by One.
"Your Father careth" for a sparrow falling,
His eye hath marked the dying agony
Which rent the veil of life in throes appalling
And choked forever its sweet symphony.
If He so care for these weak, tiny creatures,
O soul distressed, doth He not care for thee?
Can He not read in all thy anguished features
Thy mute appeal against the things that be?
"Your Father careth," cease thy vain repinings;
All that thou needest He will send to thee—
Mercy and love thru all the intertwinings
Of the mysterious working out of His decree.
—Mary E. Kendrew.
BOOKS
By Editor
For Home Workers
The following books are ready sellers at this time of the year. The discount to those who canvass for them is forty per cent. For additional information address your tract society.
Our Little Folks' Bible Nature
This book contains simple lessons on nature, taking up the subjects in the order of creation. It is designed as a beginner's book in reading, and at the same time to teach beautiful lessons from nature, based on the Bible.
A graphic account of the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, interwoven with many interesting incidents in His life. The story is simply, yet beautifully told, and the lessons taught, inspiring and helpful.
The book is written in a style that will hold the interest of the children, and will so acquaint them with the life and character of the Saviour as to lead them to make Him their personal friend and to desire to be more like Him.
182 pages. Price, board, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents.
Also in German, Danish, and Swedish.
Uncle Ben's Cobblestones
Familiar talks with boys and girls about the common articles of every-day use, such as air, water, sunshine, fire, smoke, glass, coal, salt, paper, matches, etc.
Uncle Ben has a very pleasing way of telling about the origin and use of these various things. There is a ray of sunshine streaming thruout the whole book, and yet it does not touch the Bible so prevalent in books for children.
The purpose of the book, aside from the useful information given, seems to be soul culture, for we observe on every page a moral fragrance that will impress young minds in the right way. Uncle Ben has about more than one hundred different things in all, and intersperses with happy thoughts that bring good cheer to young and old.
221 pages. Price, $1.00.
Story of Daniel the Prophet
A biography of this wonderful prophet of God. Entirely new in its conceptions and designs. The Scriptures narrating the story are printed in parallel columns with the author's delineations and interpretations. This one feature of the book alone renders it very serviceable and desirable.
In connection with the story of this remarkable life, a clear and forcible exposition of the prophecies is also given. The author has endeavored, not to arouse controversy, but to suggest thoughts, both in story and side references, that will create religious interest and further study in the things of God.
The book contains both a scriptural and general index of subjects, has eighteen chapters, and 369 pages. Price, $1.00.
The Vegetarian Cook Book
This book contains about four hundred very carefully prepared recipes of healthful, hygienic dishes, suitable to every taste, and every condition in life. There is also one chapter on the Hygiene of Cooking, explaining the various methods, such as boiling, steaming, stewing, baking, braising, and broiling.
The author has had a broad experience in restaurant work, and has given the results of his experiments and observation in this practical work. We believe the good, wholesome foods, hygienically prepared, will appeal to many who are suffering from the effects of bad foods and wrong combinations.
The classification of foods is so arranged, and the work so thoroly indexed, that any recipe may be referred to instantly.
266 pages. Price, 75 cents.
Steps to Christ
This little work by Mrs. E. G. White, presents in a simple and attractive manner, the steps by which the sinner may find Christ and be made complete in Him.
While the book is an excellent guide to inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those older in the way, who are experiencing difficulties.
The all-pervading spirituality and wholesome counsel blended thruout its pages, cause the book to meet with general acceptance. Once read, it is often re-read and studied as a guide-book in the way of salvation.
An excellent companion volume to "Steps to Christ," by the same author.
This book is an exposition of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, written in beautiful and eloquent language, and bringing out helpful and encouraging thoughts from the Master's words, that were so abundantly laden with Spirit and life.
In imagination the reader is taken back to the scene on the mountain-side, where He sits with the disciples and enters into the thoughts and feelings that filled their hearts. A book for those who enjoy a quiet hour of study.
218 pages. Price, cloth, 60 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
Mountain View, Cal.
285 Salmon St.,
Portland, Ore.
1109 E. 12th St.,
Kansas City, Mo.
SPECIAL RATES.
By Editor
1. One new yearly subscription and one renewal, or two new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $2.50.
2. Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $3.25.
3. Three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or four new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $4.00.
Sample copies sent on application.
SUCCESS OF "SIGNS" AGENTS.
By Editor
Here is a quotation from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES agent who sells 250 copies each week:
"It has been a delight to place in the homes of the people of this our city the first number in the special series of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The subjects have been arranged with much thought and study. O, how happy we ought to be to know that we can go from home to home with a clean, pure, up-to-date missionary paper, telling those whom Jesus died for that He is soon coming to gather them home to Himself."
From another agent:
"I love to sell the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and usually sell my fifty copies in about two hours. I think I could sell one hundred as easy as fifty. I received my first special numbers last week. They are fine. Please send me a SIGNS OF THE TIMES badge."
Thus you see wonderful success is attending the sale of the SIGNS. The number of those who regularly sell the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has more than doubled during the past four months, and we believe there are many more who would be glad to join this corps of missionary workers. We furnish a neat badge to each worker, also keep each informed of the progress being made in this work. On request we will be glad to quote special terms to persons who will individually take up the sale of fifty copies each week.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, California.
