God is what he himself says he is—a God of love and mercy. We receive a share of his mercy, and acknowledge it with thankful hearts. We are lonely here in the midst of heathendom and darkness, but not alone. We meet with trials, disappointments, and discouragements of many kinds, but we are glad to walk in the footsteps of our fathers as they walked with Him who is the Way.
I have been out traveling some this spring. Every week, and sometimes every day, we have urgent calls to preach the truth to the people at different places. We have, through the help of God, been able to open three preaching stations in other cities, besides our headquarters here in Sin Iang. To-day I have a letter from a place about three hundred li from here (a li is about one third of a mile), asking me to come speedily and teach the people the Bible truth. In that place we have a company of ten, who willingly have received the word of truth. In another place, one hundred and twenty li from here, also a large city, we have rented a preaching chapel for about one dollar gold a month. There we have meetings regularly. About ten Bible students meet once each day and twice on the Sabbath. I send them Bible lessons written on a sheet of paper, and in that way they are able to study by themselves when I have no time to be with them.
In another city fifty li from here, we have a good street chapel, which we have rented for $1.40 gold a month. There are also a few there who are walking in the light of the Bible. At still another mountain village we have rented a street chapel for $1.50 gold a year. We have in that place ten Bible students.
You can see from this what an opening we have here; and at the same time we have the boys’ school at our station, and daily meetings for the people who will attend. The staff of workers are the school-teacher—Mr. Fan—and the evangelist, Chai. He is a true Christian. My wife also takes part in the work. While I am out traveling, she leads the meetings at home. She also travels with me sometimes. Then she and the two girls ride on the wheelbarrow while I walk. There are no sleeping cars this route, only shaking, dust, and mud. We are here to work, not to seek pleasures. I am glad we are able in this way to proclaim the last warning message to China’s dying millions. We may be able to add one or two men to our staff of helpers to fill some of the vacant places. I am doing all I can to teach and train good Christian men to help me in the work.
SABBATH CALENDAR
By this mail I send you three copies of our new hymn-book, “Songs of Truth,” also a few copies of the first Sabbath calendar issued in China. We have an edition of two hundred hymn-books and two hundred Sabbath calendars. The hymn-books contain one hundred and thirty hymns. Care has been taken to make the hymns true. I have compared every word in the book with the Bible. We want to sing the truth, as well as preach it here. The hymns are printed from wooden blocks. I employed a man to engrave on wood the hieroglyphics, which were over twenty-three hundred, for the book. The calendars are cut and printed in the same way. The text on the calendar on the upper side is a testimony given by the evangelist. Below are the ten commandments, in Wenli.
Now what we want is more missionaries for China—not for the coast. We want missionaries who can become Chinese. We need a doctor here. There is one in the province now; but the population of Honan is over twenty-two16millions—is it too much? We hope that Dr. Selmon, of Battle Creek, will come here.
We need a printing press very much. Almost all the Chinese can read. We do not want to print large books, but small tracts containing only Bible readings. The people must have the Bible and learn how to study it. The other missionaries will not print any Adventist literature. Then we have boys in the school who are large enough and are willing to work at printing a few hours every day. Kindly do what you can to send me some sort of a hand-press, with a small assortment of English type and figures. The Chinese can be bought cheaper here, either in Shanghai or in Japan. If the press is large enough to print two pages of the new hymn-book, it will help us along splendidly. If a missionary is to be sent out early this year, then the press may be sent with him.
We desire to be remembered before the throne of grace. We need the fitness of Christians, so that we may be able to work on a few days more.
Below I give you a translation of the text on the Sabbath calendar:—
“I, the servant Chai, my surname is my Litsie, my present name is Li-kie, used to be the prodigal son of Sin Iang Cheo, Honan. When I was a young man, aged twenty, I graduated and became a B. A. At that time I was involved in all kinds of unrighteous acts.
“From the time my mind was changed to some degree, I went from one preaching hall to another, and listened to the doctrine. I noticed that in all the different halls the ten commandments of God were hanging on the walls. I noticed that the fourth said: ‘Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.’ At that time I, the servant, was very stupid, and could not understand the saying of the Sabbath commandment.
“Last year in the early spring I went down to Shanghai for a trip. After returning to Sin Iang Cheo I was invited by a foreigner (Norwegian Lutheran missionary) to go east from here to a place called Ulitien and open a preaching chapel, and teach those who might come to listen, lessons from the catechism. There I found this sort of teaching: ‘The seventh day of seven is called Sabbath, this day was kept holy by the Jews only. The first day of the seven is kept holy by the followers of Jesus.’ I did my best to teach this, but still I was in thick darkness, and did not understand its meaning.
“Then I commenced to read the book of Genesis the second chapter first and second verses. I also read Matt. 5:17, 18 and Rom. 3:29, 31. Although I read these clear statements, still I did not understand its teaching because I was in darkness. Still I kept the teaching in the Bible in mind for some time.
“Last year the eighth month (September) I took leave of my place and went back to Sin Iang Cheo. There I found Pastor Pilquist, a Swedish missionary, distributing Bibles. One day as I was in a certain place another man by my side pointed to Pilquist as he passed by, and said, ‘That man [Pilquist] keeps the Sabbath.’ As soon as I heard this, it was as though a flash of lightning had come down from heaven. I went forward and found it accordingly. My heart was pacified, and I found that we were of the same mind.
“Before long I was invited to help Pilquist to write characters. Then we used one half of the day writing, and the other half we studied the Bible. Things which formerly were so cloudy in my mind were cleared up so that I could understand and see things about the Sabbath perfectly clear and bright like the morning.
“Every Sabbath when we gathered for worship and knelt down in prayer, my heart was exceedingly sorrowful by thinking that I, in former days, had not kept the Sabbath, also by knowing that to destroy the commandments of God is a great sin, I felt condemned. But the Saviour is my Redeemer. He gave his life for me. On the third day he rose from the grave. In forty days’ time he was with his disciples, and guided their minds by explaining the books of Moses and the prophets. He also commanded his disciples to go forth and teach all nations the doctrine of repentance. From the Mount Olivet, in the broad daylight he went up to heaven. At the end of this dispensation he will in like manner return, to give all those who believe in him life everlasting.
“From this time my heart is fixed, and I will reverently keep the commandments of God. Therefore I will now openly in this Sabbath calendar bear my testimony, and I wish to let all those who know me, and those who do not know me, hear of my conversion.”
Mission Notes
A SILK factory in Japan is carried on by Japanese Christians. They not only observe a day of rest, but conduct daily morning and evening devotional services in the factory, which have proved a great blessing to the employees.
A MISSIONARY of the Church of England writes from northern Nigeria: “From my house I can walk straight away until I have walked the whole length of England and Scotland combined five times before I could see another missionary; and if I then saw one, he would be in a ship going to Uganda.”
SLOWLY but surely the shackles of popery are being loosed from that most Catholic of the South American countries, Ecuador. “The minister of war,” says a late report from that republic, “has willingly granted the Protestant missionaries permission to labor without hindrance among the soldiers in the barracks and in the military hospitals. The same privilege is extended to them for work in the prisons by the minister of the interior and police. This official has also given special orders that the public authorities are to maintain order at Protestant meetings, and to see that the evangelists are respected, and that freedom and safety in their work is guaranteed to them.”
A CENTURY ago foreign missions were unknown. There were only 170 missionaries of all Protestant denominations, while now there are over 15,000. The contributions then amounted to about $250,000 annually, while now the sum raised by the church for foreign missions is $15,000,000. The work of the missionary was then the subject for the sneers and witticisms of the world, and many in the church, as well; but lately it has been solemnly declared that missions are “the primary work of the church, the work for which the Christian church was consecrated by our Lord.” The testimony of hundreds of thousands of converts bears witness above all other human utterances to the century’s missionary triumphs.— Union Gospel News.
A STRONG anti-foreign sentiment prevails throughout China. Foreigners everywhere are under the protection of Chinese soldiers, who may turn Boxers loose at any time. But never has there been a more hearty welcome to the missionary than at the present time. There is a manifest searching after truth on the part of some, which only the Word of God will satisfy. The Lord will have his message to go to the ends of the world, and China is not to be neglected. We have evidence that the time has come to enter China, because of the increased interest in missionary efforts in that field.
A goodly company of our own young people have volunteered for service in Inland China, among them being four physicians. Help is needed for the transportation of the workers and for securing supplies. Every one may have a part in giving the last message to the four hundred millions of China.
Church Buildings
By F. I. Richardson
Jamaica
Eighteen months have passed since my last report relative to the progress of the great message in Jamaica. The silence has not been because of nothing to report; far from it, for the Lord has certainly been blessing the work. From a mission field Jamaica has grown into a conference, which was organized by Elder W. A. Spicer at the beginning of this year. At the present writing, all branches of the work, which are being handled here, have fallen into line, and are running well under the new arrangements. In fact, never since my connection with the work here, has it made such progress as during the last six months. Over one hundred have been baptized, making the number of baptized Sabbath-keepers now in the island about thirteen hundred. Only those who, so far as we know, are trying to live up to the light of the truth are counted; many others not yet baptized are keeping the Sabbath. The opposition that waxed strong last year has largely given way, and a spirit of inquiry and investigation seems to be quite general throughout the island. It is impossible to fill a tithe of the invitations that are received to “come and teach us the truth.” In many places the lay members are urged to tell what they know about the soon coming of the Saviour. A spirit of devotion has taken possession of the majority of the members. The tithe and offerings since the first of January have amounted to about one thousand four hundred dollars, which is fifty per cent more than for any corresponding period in the past. There is no excitement; that condition of mind seems to be taking possession of the people, that I have thought would exist under the outpouring of the latter rain.
A JAMAICAN CHURCH
Church Buildings
Whenever a company is raised up in any place, in order to establish the work it has seemed to be a necessity to erect a church building; for halls are unknown, and the schoolhouses, being controlled by the different denominations, can not be obtained, and the people object to attending services in private dwellings. To erect places of worship to accommodate the rapidly increasing members has demanded quite a share of attention, and much perseverance. There have been as many as eleven churches building at the same time. At several places where the buildings were nearing completion, the brethren, on hearing of our contemplated departure from the island, said they would put forth extra efforts and finish them, that we might have the privilege of participating in the dedication; and in the short space of seven weeks, eight buildings were completed and dedicated,—at Warsop, Santa Cruz, Contented Hall, Big Woods, Glengoffe, Trinityville, Moore Park, and John’s Hall. These buildings have an average size of about thirty by eighteen feet, with walls ten feet high. The material is Spanish walling, in imitation of cut stone on the outside, and hard finish on the inside; the roofs are of shingles or corrugated iron; the woodwork is painted in two or more colors, making a very neat as well as durable building.
SCENE IN THE BOTANICAL GARDENS, KINGSTON, JAMAICA
The expense of putting up one of these buildings is well told in the words of the chairman of the building committee of John’s Hall church. “The materials for a lime kiln were obtained one and one-half miles from here down in the valley.” The wood was cut from six to eight feet long, and was piled in a circle to the height of six feet. The limestone was piled on top of the wood, then the wood was fired, and the lime was burned in that way. “All the timbers and boards for the building were sawed out of the trees by hand. The whole of the materials were conveyed to the spot on the heads of the brethren and sisters, from far distances and over difficult places. Thus the whole church has been carried on their heads. Not one farthing has been paid for labor; about one hundred and ten dollars in cash was used.” The expense of putting up one of these buildings is nearly equal to that of one twice the size in Michigan. Not a penny of assistance has been received from outside the island. The completion of so many churches in so short a time has caused considerable talk among some not of our faith, and it is a real source of encouragement to our people, for they see what can be accomplished when they roll up their sleeves and go to work. There are now twenty churches in the island, and five more are building.
The Sabbath-Schools
At the close of 1901, the Sabbath-schools numbered twenty-nine, with a membership of 1,053; at the present time there are thirty-nine schools, with a membership of 1,172, being an increase of ten schools, and 119 in membership. The donations have increased from $136.25 in 1901 to $299.22 in 1902, and $157.89 for the first six months of this year. At the close of 1902, the expenses of the schools were all paid, and the treasurer turned over $96.70 to the field.
Four day-schools are in operation, with an attendance of about one hundred and twenty. At the present time teachers are needed for at least twelve other schools. How much we need a school for the training of teachers and laborers in all branches of the work.
The Canvassing Work
Three times under the old system of the canvasser paying for the books after making his delivery, has the canvassing work gone to the wall in this island, leaving a debt against the canvassers of over $2,000; and at the close of 1901 there was not one canvasser in the field; all had become discouraged, and said it was impossible to deliver the books. About18one year ago we began experimenting on the cash system, by requiring that the money accompany the order for books. It succeeded so well that the new conference voted for the cash system. It has been adhered to without deviation. The results have been truly gratifying. There are now nine canvassers in the field, and all are profuse in their praises of the new plan. Some of them deliver one hundred per cent of their books, and none have reported a delivery of less than eighty per cent. The people take the books and pay for them without complaint. It seems evident that the Lord is approving of the carrying out of his plan to “owe no man anything.”
Now comes the regrettable part, to me at least. I had thought to remain permanently in this island, unless called away by the Mission Board. But six years of rugged mountain traveling, together with increasing age, has told upon me to that extent that I decided after much prayer and deliberation to resign, and take a short period of rest. I do not expect again to find a field where the associations with the laborers will be any more agreeable, or the people any more willing to accept the blessed message.
So I can truly say, It is with feelings of deep regret and sorrow that I sever my relations with the brethren and sisters, and bid good-by to the beautiful island of Jamaica. F. I. RICHARDSON.
Michigan
By B. HAGLE
MENDON.—To the glory of God, I would say that the Holy Spirit is working in the church at this place. I spoke Sabbath, June 20, on the importance of being honest with God in tithes and offerings. At the close of the discourse a lively testimony meeting followed, when many said they would be more faithful in paying the Lord his own. At the close of the meeting we gathered on the bank of the beautiful St. Joe River, where one sister was buried with her Lord in baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life. May God's Spirit continue to work upon the hearts of his chosen people.
Sabbath, June 27, I again spoke on the tithe, and the blessing of God came over us. Let us be faithful to the Lord, who has promised to bless abundantly. I believe that unfaithfulness in the payment of tithe is one reason why many of us do not receive the Holy Spirit. How can God pour out his Spirit upon us when we are not honest with him?
Sabbath, July 4, was another good day for us. The Spirit of God visited us again, and some who had been on the background renewed their covenant with God, and two others for the first time asked for prayers. This being the day for quarterly meeting, a goodly number took part in the ordinances. I spoke on the importance of uniting as one in Christ. May God's chosen people arouse and do all they can to spread the last message. My soul cries out, Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly. B. HAGLE.
A. W. KUEHL
By A. W. Kuehl
JOHANNESBURG.—I have just returned from a trip up north. Brother De Beer and myself left here May 11, at 7 A. M., for Pietersburg, traveling all day by rail over rolling prairies and around hills. We arrived in Pietersburg at 8:20 P. M., found a place for the night, and next morning started early on our bicycles for Brother De Jager's. We traveled all day in the glaring sunshine, but to start with had taken the wrong path, so after going twenty-four miles on a fair road, it finally ended in a Kafir's path. We followed this path for twenty miles or so, and during this time became very thirsty, so turned into a Kafir kraal and got a refreshing drink. We forgot all about the color of the water or the people, our thirst was so intense. Passing kraal after kraal, we finally reached the main road again, but toward evening, through some misunderstanding, turned on the wrong road again, and went about nine miles out of our way. It was now dark, and we were far from home. We had about concluded to remain out of doors all night, when a young man came along with his wagon, two yoke of oxen, and five Kafirs, on his way to Pietersburg, and he kindly put us on the right track again. When we reached the main road, it was 10 P. M., but here we found a little store. The storekeeper gave us a few blankets, which we spread on the bare ground in a Kafir's hut, thanking God for this resting-place. In the morning we rose up early, and continued our journey until noon, when we reached our destination.
We found two families rejoicing in the truth. They had been waiting for several years for some one to come and administer baptism. They were Dutch people, but Brother De Beer was with me to interpret. Six children and one son-in-law of Brother De Jager's were buried with the Lord in baptism. The Lord came very near, and we had a blessed time together. They are all earnest, devoted Christians, walking in all the commandments of the Lord. Their home is on the mountainside about seventy miles from the railroad station.
Sunday at 2 P. M. we started on our journey homeward, traveled twenty-six miles by moonlight, reaching Pietersburg toward evening, and Johannesburg the day following. The Lord's work is onward. Remember us in your prayers.
A. W. KUEHL
The Iowa Camp-Meeting
By B. L. DIEFFENBACHER
In the Review of July 7 quite a full report was given of the business proceedings of the Iowa Conference during our last session at Colfax, May 28 to June 7; but nothing has appeared giving the spiritual part of the meeting. To many of us it seemed the most spiritual meeting ever held in Iowa, so far as our knowledge goes. During the three days' meeting for the workers, which preceded the regular meeting, each laborer sought to put away everything that could separate from God, that he might be baptized anew with the Holy Spirit for the service.
It rained almost continually from the beginning of the workers' meeting till the close of the camp-meeting. For two days all railroad traffic from both east and west was cut off from Colfax. Many of our people who expected to attend the latter part of the feast, did not come when they could, and therefore could not come when they would. May it not be thus in the gathering to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
From outward appearances it would seem that this stormy and rainy period was a most deplorable condition of affairs at this time when God's people were to assemble. Satan would have been pleased had we made the conditions19even more disagreeable by grumbling and fault-finding. “Howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.” For the ten days we were shut in from the outside world by the hand of God, that by prayer and supplication we might put away sin, and be of one mind, of one accord.
The camp-meeting was held on the Chautauqua grounds, less than a mile from the city. Situated on the hilltop, the abundance of rain soon ran off, and left the grounds in a fairly good condition.
Elders Geo. I. Butler and S. N. Haskell were with us several days. These aged and tried servants of the Lord came to us full of faith and hope, and their messages were full of courage and good cheer. This being Elder Butler's home State, he was received with extended arms and open hearts, especially by those who had known him in former years. We pray that the power of our God may continue with these aged servants till Jesus comes.
Elder Luther Warren came on the grounds during our workers' meeting, and remained throughout the camp-meeting. His labor was more especially bestowed upon the young people, of whom about one hundred and fifty were present. He spoke once each day in the large pavilion. The converting power of God was with his servant from the first, and as the Spirit of God did its office work in reproving “of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” there was a turning to God with fasting and weeping. The heart was rent, and not the garment. Sins were confessed and put away. The hearts of the fathers were turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers.
The first Sabbath was a day of gloominess, a day of clouds and storm from the elements without. But God's people were shut in with him, his glory overshadowed them. The Sun of righteousness had driven the storm clouds from the soul, and the whole congregation with but few exceptions moved forward toward the mercy seat. This blessed work continued until the close of the meeting. As this regenerating work went on in the large pavilion in the hearts of parents, the sons and daughters were separated from the large congregation and taken to the youth's tent. Here the converting power of God rested upon the youth, the “hope of the third angel's message.” As this melting, convicting power of the Spirit came upon them, convincing of sin, they gathered in companies of from three to five in different parts of the tent, pleading for victory over besetting sins. Glorious victories were gained by many. The wearing of gold, feathers, and flowers, that outward adorning of the body to satisfy pride, was put off, and the Lord Jesus Christ was put on with no provisions for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Rom. 13:14.
Such earnestness was manifest on the part of the youth to be free in Jesus that the meeting on two occasions continued until after midnight. After the last service Sunday night the youth went to their tent for a parting service, while the older ones remained in the large pavilion. This youths' meeting was one never to be forgotten by those present. Those who had gained glorious victories over besetting sins, and those who longed for deliverance, could be seen here and there in little companies in the wood surrounding the tent, and also in the tent, pleading for complete deliverance from every sin. And from the testimony borne, and the sweet peace resting on the countenance, it was evident that God had given the heart's desire. Each told of the bands with which Satan had bound them, and claimed the victory in Jesus' name. This meeting continued until two o'clock in the morning, and thus the meeting closed with the shout of those who had obtained the mastery.
May God help us as ministers and people in our churches to put no stumbling-block in the way of our consecrated youth; but together may we press forward in the glorious work of the third angel, and at last have a triumphant entrance into the city of our God. Forty-four were baptized as the result of this meeting. B. L. DIEFFENBACHER.
St. Vincent, West Indies
By E. Van Deusen
KINGSTOWN.—After the close of the meeting at Trinidad, I accompanied Brother D. E. Wellman to Antigua, and was present at the dedication of the meeting-house just built in that place. We left Port of Spain, on Monday, February 16, and arrived at Antigua, Thursday. The dedicatory services took place on Sunday, the 22d, at 2 P. M., when the house was well filled. A program had been prepared, and all present seemed to enjoy the occasion.
Brother Wellman has accomplished a good work for Antigua, but not without close planning and hard work. He has combined a living place with the meeting-house, which will be a saving of many dollars for rent. No debt has been left on the premises, to burden the members and cause discouragement.
We were made glad by the many who have recently yielded to the claims of the living God, by obeying his truth for this time. The Lord be praised for it all. E. VAN DEUSEN.
Nebraska
By George H. Smith
SABBATH, July 4, I attended the quarterly meeting at Red Cloud. It was a day of much encouragement to the church. Four were baptized, and three united with the body of Christ. Letters were received from absent members, telling of their love for the truth. It had been feared that these had given up their hope, and their names were about to be dropped from the record. How much perplexity it would save the church if every absent member would report once a quarter!
Sunday, the 5th, quarterly meeting was held at Alma. Sickness hindered some from attending. July 6 I met with the Ragan church, at the home of one of the brethren. All seemed of good courage. A church has been purchased from the Lutherans at this place, and will soon be moved into town, making a central place for worship. So the work moves steadily on. May the Lord help us all to “keep tenting toward the highlands.”
GEO. H. SMITH.
South Africa
By J. V. Willson
KIMBERLEY.—Many times the work here has looked as if it would go down on account of financial difficulties, but the prospect now is the best it has ever been since we arrived here three years ago. Our bath and treatment rooms were rebuilt at a cost of more than nine thousand dollars. A large share of the expense is paid, and the debt of six thousand dollars has also been paid. With our new treatment rooms comes an increased patronage from a better class of people. Our income for the past few months has been about six hundred dollars a month.
But what gives us great joy is that the medical side of our work is coming up rapidly. Calls are coming for medical treatment. Seven physicians are sending us patients. We are called to the homes of some of the best and most influential people, to give treatments. Among these are government officials, members of the legislative assembly, merchants, and mine managers.
Our health remains good, although the summer heat is trying. We are deeply interested in our work, and rejoice to see it advance. There is no other place so attractive to us as our field of labor.
