"Hold the fort, for I am coming,
Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven,
By Thy grace we will.
See the mighty host advancing,
Satan leading on:
Mighty ones around us falling,
Courage almost gone!
See the glorious Banner waving,
Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader's Name we'll triumph
Over every foe!”
P. P. Bliss.
The Chinese Christians had awaited the coming of the Communists with terror. Many had expected immediate execution or imprisonment; many of the leaders lived with a case packed, and never went to bed 'without putting all ready, in case they were suddenly seized in the night. They had good reason for this fear. Not only had they heard of the terrible things done in Russia; but the Communists had done terrible things in China, especially in Shantung and Kiangsi. The Communists had been perfectly clear in their statements. In the "New Democracy" by Mao Tzu Tung, published I think in 1949, he says "Whoever chooses to oppose Communism must be prepared to be mauled and torn to pieces by the people. If you have not yet made up your mind about being mauled and smashed to smithereens, it would be wise of you not to oppose Communism. Let the Anti-communist heroes accept this piece of sincere advice from me therefore." We can thank God that He enabled many such heroes to "count all things but dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus" Phil. 3:88Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:8). They literally fulfilled our Lord's condition, of discipleship, and hated their own lives Lu. 14:26, 27. They stood loose from all earthly things and so were the only people in China free from fear.
It was a relief and an amazement when nothing happened when the Communists first entered Shanghai. The evil one was using the tactics of the serpent, not of the roaring lion, and they were perhaps more effective, and more deadly. The Communists have used the professing Church to destroy Christianity. They do not know that the true Church cannot fall, "for it was founded upon a Rock" and "that Rock was Christ" 1 Cor. 10:44And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4). When "the floods came and the. winds blew", how often one was upheld by our Lord's own words, "Upon this Rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" Matt. 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).
There were those who saw the danger from the beginning, and asked for prayer that the Church might be delivered from those within. I remember how earnestly one Pastor said to me, Tell them at home to pray that the Christians be delivered from the fear of man, and be filled with the fear of God, which, will make them bold as a lion-"Be not afraid of them which kill the body... but fear Him, Which... hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him." Lu. 12:4, 5. One had "great heaviness and continual sorrow in heart" as one heard of one after another slipping away, giving up the faith, compromising; saw the growing restrictions and sufferings of the Christians. But we were reminded that we are waiting for the Bridegroom; the bride must be made ready, and "raiment of wrought gold" Ps. 45:13 must be prepared in the fires. "He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" Job 23:1010But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10). This was the special promise given to one brother; and he asked me to write in his Bible the lines "If I should grow weary of toiling, And burdensome grow Thy demands, Lord, show me Thy hands.”
The Church in Communist China is under the direction of the Government Board of Religion. This manages the affairs of all religions, Buddhism, Taoism, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism. The head of this Board is an atheist, so he is not biased in favor of any of them. The Protestant Churches are under the control of the Three Self Movement, set up by themselves. The "Three Selfs" are self-government, self-support, and self-propagation, or self-teaching, and their motto is Love your country, love your church: God is not mentioned, and is definitely in the second place. To this is often added Resist Imperialism, which means free yourself from the control of the missionaries, and all western influences. It is hard to know how much of their activity is of their own volition; how much they are acting for the State. One thing is sure: they are not free. This movement was planned, and is under the control of the modernist procommunist intellectuals in the Church. Some of these enthusiastically welcomed the Communist regime, and have worked heart and soul with it. Others looked forward to it with fear, and thought they had found in the Three-self a way of living in peace with Communism, and preserving the Church. So some good sound men joined the Three-self, some from fear, some from patriotism, some hoping to influence them for good, some feeling that they must compromise so as to make it possible for Christian work to continue.
The first move was to cleanse the Church of Imperialism. Everywhere "accusation meetings" were held, when Church workers must accuse the foreign missionaries with whom they had worked. Some refused to do this. For some the result of this refusal was imprisonment; for others, nothing was done against them at the time, but it was held against them. Church workers also had to criticize themselves, and each other. These accusation meetings were broadcast, and one would hear them from the loud speakers, a confused clamor, sometimes rising to a roar as of a bloodthirsty wild beast. If the accusations and criticisms were not severe enough they must be done again and again. I know of at least one good man who died under the strain. Of course taking part in these meetings, especially for those who made accusations, was very bad for their spiritual life. It was not only a sin against charity, but generally a sin against truth. A schoolteacher from a former mission school said to me, We had to accuse the Principal. We know he is a good man, but if we had not accused him, we would have lost our jobs, and been in trouble ourselves. In those first months they were so busy preparing accusations, there was little time left for any Christian activity.
At first not all joined the Three-self, and it was said not to be compulsory. But gradually more and more were drawn in, until by about 1955 they said there were only five groups not associated with them. Bible schools and Theological seminaries were united under the direction of the Three self. About twelve were joined in Nanking; for a time at any rate this seminary was divided into Modernist and Fundamentalist, and had some studies separate, some together. The Spiritual Food Seminary still continued separate, and continued to train truly spiritual and devoted young men and women.
Already a special point of attack was separation from the world. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" 1 John 2:1515Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15) is so clear that it had to be explained away by all manner of devices. And how unsatisfactory the Three-self knew these explanations to be was proved by their being repeated in almost every number of their organ, the "Heavenly Wind" magazine, and special books were written about it. Once when I quoted that verse, a devoted Christian, who believed it as firmly as I did, hushed me up at once, saying, If that is overheard, it would get us into prison. Our brother in the Southwest wrote, "I am practicing 2 Cor. 6:1414Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14) (Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers). He truly did, and before long he was in prison. But at the same time he had said he was resting on Heb. 4:15,15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) the "grace to help in time of need" that we may obtain from our great High Priest.
Another doctrine hated by the Communists was the Coming of the Lord. In some places it was forbidden to mention it. In Shanghai, which for long was more free than elsewhere, the pastors were warned not to stress it in any special meetings. One Pastor in the south was imprisoned after a series of addresses on Matthew 13. One mark of our Lord's care over us was that we were always able to carry a good stock of books on the Coming of the Lord. There was a steady demand for them, for the Blessed Hope was very dear to many Christians.
Throughout the country parts many, perhaps most Churches were closed, and in many places the buildings were taken for Communist use, and Bibles and Hymn books destroyed. There is a story that in one place when the Communists took possession, and began to hold their meeting, angels appeared on the platform, and the Communists were so frightened they never used that Church again. The closing of the country churches was said to be a temporary measure, while land reform was going on; because all meetings were forbidden, while arrangements were being made for seizing and destroying the landlords, and dividing up their property. But when these arrangements were completed, there were many excuses for the churches not to reopen.
In Shanghai services continued in the churches much as usual; many Christians found that opportunities for personal work were better than ever before; the rich were especially ready to listen, for they had already lost much, and all was uncertainty before them. At this time I was often reminded of Bunyan's simile in the Pilgrim's Progress. The flame burned hotter and brighter, in spite of the water cast upon it, because out of sight stood a man secretly casting in oil. The water of persecution may seem now to have almost quenched the flame, but the Holy Spirit cannot be driven away. "He Who letteth will let until He be taken away." 2 Thess 2:7.
Special evangelistic meetings were often held. In November 1953 there were special revival meetings in a large Church. Many Christians went each morning at 3 A.M. to pray, and prayed all day. In the evening at five, and again at seven they had Gospel preaching, and there were crowded meetings, and good results. At new year many prayed all night; one year I heard of eleven groups who did this. Even, up to 1957 I know of one group of young people who began their year in this way: before the year was out, I think all except two of that group were in prison.
We heard too of blessing in country parts. A Baptist Pastor told me that wherever he went people were eager to hear the Gospel. Some churches were reopened, souls were saved, and people baptized. We had a big order of posters to go to Szechuen, for the farmers to put up in their houses; they said they looked so bare since taking down the idol posters and shrines.
In 1954, in July and August, the Department of Religion called a Conference of 232 Pastors in Peking. The interest centered round Wang Ming-tao, who was especially invited to attend, but refused; he would have no fellowship with those who did not believe the truths of the Bible. One heard various reports. It seems that he was accused of all manner of wickedness, without any proof. It was generally admitted that his life had been so blameless, there was nothing to take hold of against him. Twelve men stood up to defend him; I was told that the Government representative insisted that they should have a hearing, and said that if he was a Christian he should certainly believe the whole Bible, as that is supposed to be the Christian rule of life. There was a long article about the conference in the Peking News, pointing out the splendid liberty of the Church in China!
When the representatives returned from Peking, all Church workers from Shanghai and surrounding parts were called to attend special indoctrination classes. These were held in the former Union Church, just opposite to the Christian Book Room, or at the Missions building, just down the street. I used to watch them going back and forth, and a good number used to come in to buy books. One of them used to spend his noon hour in the shop, reading and taking notes from Trench's Synonyms of the New Testament. Many had very sad and perplexed hearts; some few spoke out bravely for the truth.
Special evangelistic meetings were held each year as usual at Chinese new year for three or more days. In 1955 one church had moved into a larger building, but this too proved too small, and in six days meetings over 300 put down their names as wishing to believe. At another gathering there were three days of meetings, and each day more than 100 expressed a desire to believe. This was followed by many baptisms at Easter. At the same time there were many who fell by the way, discouraged or deceived. And there were those who sowed tares: Jehovah's Witnesses were very active, many foreigners were following Christian Science; some very earnest young Chinese were taken up with Benjamin Newton, probably they did not know how evil were his teachings about our Lord Jesus.
One group of Chinese Christians was doing splendid work at this time, and making a definite stand for the truth of the Scriptures. They had a little bookshop in Shanghai where they sold sound Chinese books; and workers went out to the fax parts of the land, to the North and West-Mongolia, Sinkiang, etc. They supported themselves by manual work, or some small business, making and selling candies, photograph shops, cutting firewood, any form of "tent-making" for which they were suited. At the same time they preached the Gospel, and encouraged the little scattered communities of Christians. They walked, or traveled by bicycle. One or more of them struggled through the desolate districts round the Gobi desert, scorched by the hot winds in summer, and frozen by the bitter cold in winter.
I think we need not be surprised that there were special signs and wonders at such a time, when Christians were experiencing conditions very similar to the early days of the Apostles. I heard many stories of miraculous healing, accompanied by the conversion of whole households. One man told me a charming story of his little boy. In the night he heard the Lord calling him by name, "Little friend, I want you." A few days later he said to his Father, I cannot remember what the Lord Jesus said to me. You ask Him, said his Father, and He will tell you again. So the child prayed, and again the. Lord called him, saying, Little friend, I want you. The last time I saw the Father he was looking very thin and worn. I fear he was suffering persecution, but I did not venture to ask. But he brightened up at once when we spoke of the Lord's return. He was laying in a stock of good books for each of his children.
There was a remarkable story of a girl of 18, an ardent Communist. I believe she had been at a Mission school, but now she had joined the youth group, and was preaching ardently against our Lord. She suddenly died, and was put in her coffin, but the funeral was delayed until the arrival of a cousin who was very fond of her, This cousin stood crying beside the coffin, calling to her to come back. She took her hand, and found that it was warm. The girl was quickly taken out of the coffin, and revived. She told them that she had been taken down to hell, and there she saw people, row after row, suffering terribly. She begged not to be taken there, and at last they took her up to Heaven. She was stopped at the gate and questioned: Have you been washed with the blood? No. Have you the seal of the Spirit? No. Five things she was asked, and none of them she had, so they said, You cannot come in here. Oh, she said, do not send me back to hell! Jesus, Jesus, save me! The Lord appeared and said, I cannot save you here. That must be done on earth. But you will be given another chance, you may go back to earth. She went about the churches, preaching and testifying; but a foolish prominence was given her, and she was soon silenced, and disappeared.
I quote the following story from a letter of March 1957. I had just met the monk at supper at a friend's house. He showed me the nine scars on his head, where he had been burned by the nine cones of incense which is the initiation into the Buddhist priesthood. But I am not sure just when he became a Christian. "A Buddhist monk had a very sore foot. Once when he was out he met an evangelist who offered him a tract, and urged him to believe. The monk said, I believe in Buddha, I do not need your Jesus; but he read the tract and was much impressed. The Christian asked him if Buddha could heal his foot? No. Let us ask my Jesus, said the Christian. They prayed, and the foot was healed, and the monk believed. When he went back to the monastery he said he would not recite the Buddhist Scriptures any more, but asked to help in the kitchen. Thus he thought he could get food before it was offered to the idols. But the cook accused him of stealing food, and beat him. So he left the monastery, and after some time found a Gospel hall. He was very hungry, and asked the Pastor for food, saying he wanted to be a Christian. The Pastor refused, but a Christian man heard it, and said, We should certainly help him, and took him home. Soon after the Christian was going somewhere to preach, and the ex-monic asked if he might go with him. They had to pass his old monastery. It was a dark cold night, and the Christian missed the monk. He went back searching for him, and found him lying by the monastery, apparently dead. But he was still warm, so he had him carried home. For three days he lay unconscious, when he awoke, he said that just as he was passing the monastery a devil struck him down; then for three days he had wonderful visions of heaven and hell. Now he is preaching the Gospel. There was another wonderful story of a woman healed of cancer after prayer by a Christian servant, and the whole family are now Christian. I think there is a great struggle in the heavenlies at this time over this land, and it is most urgent to help by prayer.”
In May 1955 the Three-self held another great meeting for Church workers in Shanghai. This caused great searching of heart. A committee of ninety members was elected. Among these, there were some very good men, who felt that they should cooperate as far as they could. The Principal of the Spiritual Food Bible Seminary accepted a position on this committee, and was received with great enthusiasm, for he was a leader of the fundamentalists. His argument was, hold your position, but go as far as you can with them. Many of his students and teachers felt they could make no compromise with unbelievers, and with great sorrow they left their school. The old Principal could not long be satisfied with the Three-self, nor they with him. He was accused of never having changed his heart, and was soon outside. Only his great age and bodily weakness saved him from being "inside"-in prison. Many felt that this was the only way they could continue to work for Christ, and they hoped they might get control of the movement. Of course it only meant that they were forced to compromise more and more. We who have never been so tested have no right to judge them. Some are still doing good work. I heard there were sixty-one baptisms in the church of one of them in 1959.
Several missionaries have asked me, What can we say or do to help our native converts if they must pass through such a trial as in China today? The question is: shall we compromise and survive? or, hold our principles and suffer? There is no doubt that the Scriptural way is to suffer. Our Lord predicted it, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." John 16:3333These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33). The Apostles confirm it, "Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name". Acts 5:44Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:4); "Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation". 1 Pe. 1:66Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (1 Peter 1:6); but matching the manifold temptation we may draw on the "manifold grace of God" 1 Pe. 4:1010As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10); and it is "not strange", and cause for grief, but we should "rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings" 1 Pe. 4:12, 1312Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12‑13) Paul makes the sweeping statement "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:1212Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12). It is not only in the days of the Apostles, or in Communist China, that we may be tempted to compromise to avoid suffering, or seek the easy path to avoid discomfort. Our Lord "suffered being tempted" Heb. 2:1818For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18). Most of us yield to the temptation rather than suffer; of course we may have to suffer remorse afterward, that is a suffering our Lord never felt. The only strength is personal contact with Christ. No organization can help; the bigger the organization, the greater the danger. Fine hospitals and schools only arouse the greed of the oppressor, and they tend to inspire confidence in human resources instead of in Christ.
If we are to stand we must have Christ. It was only the house founded upon the Rock which could stand when "the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew". This safety depends on two things: "whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them" Matt. 7:2424Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matthew 7:24). We must know and hold fast the Scriptures; and we must practice their teaching.
Constantly we lamented over those who like Peter denied their Lord. They were afraid. But they were not like Judas, they could be restored just like Peter. "The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord". Lu. 22:61. But, if Peter had not been looking at the Lord, he could not have known that the Lord turned, and looked at him. So if we want restoration, we must look to Him, just as we looked to Him first for salvation. "The, first look at Christ gives life; every after look the power of living" He is "able to save" Heb. 7:2525Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25); "able to keep" 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12); "Able to deliver" Dan. 3:1717If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. (Daniel 3:17); "able to succor" Heb. 2:1818For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) and able to "restore" Is. 57:18; Jer. 30:1717For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. (Jeremiah 30:17).
It was in 1955 things got definitely harder for the Church. There were very violent attacks on the Roman Catholic church. I was told that twenty foreign priests and nuns were deported, only about six were left. Several suffered torture and imprisonment; some died in prison. Everywhere posters were put up, caricaturing them. We were asked to put one up in our Book Room, which of course we refused to do; but they were posted in many Christian institutions. There were plays and movies slandering them, and I do not know how many Chinese were arrested. They made a very good stand; even children of twelve and thirteen held their faith in spite of threats of imprisonment. Because they made a braver stand than many Protestants, not a few earnest young people turned Roman Catholic.
For the Protestants the trouble was headed up in the attack on Wang Ming Tao. In June there was a long article in his magazine setting out the present condition of the Church. He said that those do not deserve the name of Christian who deny the virgin birth, the atonement, the bodily resurrection, the Lord's return, and the inspiration of the Bible; or who call these five things unimportant details, as had been done in a recent book by a leader of the Three-self movement. There was a great demand for his books, and I could hardly keep stocks in the Book Room. Of course his stand was answered by bitter attacks on him, and on those who were known to favor him. In July came out his last article "We are for Faith" or "We, Because of our Faith". This was bitterly attacked. One of the attacking articles in the "Heavenly Wind" was entitled "We are for Anti-imperialism". There were the opposing positions summed up!
In August, Wang Ming Tao, his wife and some companions were arrested. The end of October the Government issued a statement to be read to all church workers about Wang Ming Tao. He was accused of setting up independent bands for Bible teaching; of utterances contrary to the Government-these might be such as "Love your enemies", "your citizenship is in Heaven" "Love not the world'„ etc. He was also accused of favoring the Japanese, because when they were in power he had preached that we should always rejoice; he was accused of corrupting the youth of China. There is no doubt he had great influence. More than a thousand attended his services weekly, and it was said that most of them were young people.
These meetings for Church workers were held everywhere, and each individual must condemn Wang Ming Tao, and renounce him and all his works; if not, they would lose their position, and there might be worse to follow. Very, very few ventured to make a stand. This was one of the saddest results of the persecution; people dared not tell the truth, and so their whole moral character suffered. I was told how Pastors would come home from these and other meetings, and cry bitterly, saying, "We have to tell lies, it is impossible to tell the truth" Then was literally fulfilled "Truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey"; and the margin reading was equally true: "is accounted mad". "And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him... and He wondered that there was no intercessor". Is. 59:15,16. I have the date 1955 beside this, and the marginal reading marked. But there were some ready to suffer the loss of all things, knowing that they had "in Heaven a better and an enduring substance" Heb. 10:3434For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. (Hebrews 10:34).
From the beginning there had been great talk of unity, and now there was a further urge that all churches must join the Three-self, all must be one. Of course there were plausible reasons, especially that this would do away with distinctions only introduced by the western imperialists, but one could not help remembering the ruler who wished that all his subjects had but one neck, so all could be executed at one stroke.
At this time there was an article in the Heavenly Wind, peaking of Mary anointing the head of our Lord. It compared this with Psalm 133: "For brethren to dwell together in unity is like the precious ointment upon the head"; and it concluded, So if you join the Three-self you are doing as good a deed as Mary did.
In the beginning of 1956 all churches were supposed to register. This was said not to be compulsory, but when one must volunteer, it is hard to distinguish between voluntary and compulsory.
In February the attack was turned on the great group of Christians meeting at Nanyang Road, often known as the "Little Flock". About 60 I think were arrested. Many were released very soon, but others were accused of terrible crimes, and given sentences up to fifteen years. There were special meetings everywhere for Christians. Everyone who had attended meetings at Nanyang Road had to receive special indoctrination for several weeks. The many students who had attended were not allowed to go home for the new year holiday, but had to undergo special political training and brainwashing.
Of course much fear followed these arrests. Up to this time a little group of Christians had met in the Gospel Hall in our grounds. After this we felt we could meet no longer. We knew we could not register. This would involve having a flag and a picture of Mao Tzu Tung in the hall; meetings would be under the control of the Three-self, and a representative must be appointed to attend the weekly meetings of the Three-self, where he would be told what to teach on Sunday. That was a sad morning, as the brothers departed with the tears running down their faces, but comforting each other with the hope of soon meeting on the Cloud. I have the date Feb. 1956 in my Bible beside Joshua 7:99For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? (Joshua 7:9) "And what wilt Thou do unto Thy great Name"? My great comfort was the promise of personal, individual fellowship with our Lord, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:2020Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20).
One Sunday morning a woman and her son came to see me. They had heard that there was a gathering at our house to worship the Lord according to the Scriptures, and they were hungry and searching for the truth. We had a time of Bible study together, and recalled how the Lord hearkened, and remembered "them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His Name." Mal. 3:1616Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16). She showed me that the verse was marked in her Bible. Later the young man came for a time to help in the Sunday School in our house. There were many such, seeking for the true Church, seeking to worship the Lord according to His will, not according to the traditions of men. We may be sure the Lord comes in to sup with them. The verse before this was also very comforting: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" There is no doubt there was much evil to be repented of in the Church in China.
But the Lord still loved it. This is not 'agapao', the more formal word for love, but 'phileo', the tender natural term of family relationship and friendship. The same word is used in John 16:27,27For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. (John 16:27) "The Father Himself loveth you". The troubles come because of His love, because He is "the Father", Who would have us to be holy, as He is holy. 1 Pe. 1:14-1714As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Peter 1:14‑17). Pray that the suffering ones may never doubt His love. The Lord sits very close, very carefully watching, when His silver is passing through the refiner's fire. Mal. 3:33And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3). His heart is very specially occupied with His suffering saints in China now, and so our hearts should be there too, if we are in harmony with Him. I used to notice the fathers in the bus with their children. The child might not seem very attractive to me, but each one was precious to its father. The more incapable and foolish they were, the more carefully he looked after them. If one was weak or sickly, how tenderly he carried it. And how gentle they were with the frightened ones! He did not scold them, he could not always remove the cause of their fear, or even explain it. But how lovingly he comforted and cared for them. And "the Father Himself loveth you". If His frightened children do not behave very well, He is very understanding. But we must pray that none be frightened into sin.
The Nanyang Road Book shop was closed. Soon after, that other true little shop which was not under the Three-self was closed, and its manager was imprisoned. It had sold Wang Ming Tao's books, and was active in sending out Literature to far parts. I too was selling those books, and sending out Literature; but the Lord still covered the Christian Book Room under His wings, and held open the door. The manager's "crime" probably was having written, or published an article on "Love not the world". I suppose it was at this time that most of those brave workers along the border were imprisoned; and many died in prison.
It was about this time that the Bishop of Hong Kong, and later the Bishops from Australia were invited to visit China. It was amazing how they swallowed down everything they were told, and seem really to have believed that the Church was free, and not suffering! I saw a man from one of the institutions these clergy visited. You had so and so visiting you, I said. Oh yes, he replied, but of course we could not tell him anything true.
Of course it is very difficult to estimate the situation. Any one who knows China knows it is impossible to generalize. What is true in one part is absolutely different in another. Sometimes the Church seemed dead and hopeless, and I used bitterly to think of Browning's lines-"So with a sullen, All's for best, The (Church) seems settling down to rest".
There was a Baptist Pastor elected to one of the Government bodies; "He had such a good influence on the young people, grounding them in politics", they said. That perhaps was typical of one group. But there were others, the "seven thousand" who would not bow to any Baal. 1 Ki. 19:1818Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:18). From the north came a letter from a little group, so happy and steadfast, full of trust in the Lord. They wrote, When the missionary left, we did not see how we could continue, with no one to shepherd us. But the Lord Himself has been our Shepherd, and has added many to the assembly. From various places came grateful letters for parcels of shopworn books, telling how eagerly they were received by the Christians. From the south came news of country churches being revived; of simple farming folk who had held fast with prayer and praise, when there was no outside help.
In 1957 there seemed a definite turn for the better. It had perhaps begun the autumn before when several Christians had been released. We had a letter from a girl in the south west, telling of her Father's release after he had three times collapsed, no pulse to be found. He was suffering from stomach ulcer, enlarged heart, his right side apparently paralyzed, very thin., and with a throbbing in his head. But he still held fast his faith, and was constantly singing the hymn beginning "Begone, unbelief! My Savior is near", and ending "And since all we meet must work for our good, The bitter is sweet, the medicine is food: Though painful at present, 'twill cease before long, And then how triumphant the conqueror's song. Everything he accepted from the Lord, quoting "Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above" John 19:1111Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (John 19:11) and "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Phil. 1:2929For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29). Two or three months later we heard that he was improving, and was again going about visiting, and had started a Bible reading in a home.
In October it was definitely confirmed that Wang Ming Tao was free. There were so many reports and rumors, it was hard to know what to believe. A little before, we had most circumstantial accounts of his wife's death of T.B., but they were all false,-she was released with him. What is certainly true is that his mind was gone. I was told this by the police. The report was that there had constantly been two men in the cell with him, questioning and brainwashing him, until his mind gave way, and he recanted. There was an article in the Heavenly Wind, withdrawing his previous heterodox teaching; but it is certain it was not really written by him, for at the time his mind was gone, and he could not write. The Department of Religion had a tea party for 300 Christians at which it was announced that Pastor Wang had now "repented", so the Christians must comfort him and give him work.
Poor Wang Ming Tao was terribly depressed. We were told that he went about beating his breast, and saying that he was Judas, he had sold his Lord. Gradually, as his mind cleared he said, No, he was like Peter, and he could repent. And finally, due they say to the prayers of his wife and her mother, his mind cleared, his soul was restored. Then, perhaps in June 1958, he and his wife returned to the police to withdraw his recantation. And so they returned to prison.
But during 1957 things certainly seemed easier. My Scripture was, "Mightily grew the Word of God, and prevailed" Acts. 19:20. The Government had announced its policy of Let a thousand flowers blossom, and different schools of thought contend. Criticism of the Government was invited; magazines and other Literature were allowed to come in; Of course political interference did not stop. There were more meetings for Pastors for political training; but this was almost constant; every week they were gathered to be instructed in what they should preach about the following Sunday. Some of them still preached the Gospel, but there must be some politics with it. Where a true Gospel was preached, there was a ready response. At new year special meetings were again held in most of the churches. At one of these 120 said they wished to believe.
There were three days of special Gospel meetings at the Gospel Hall on our compound. The little group of brothers gathered at my house for prayer that new years day. They read in Matthew 26 of our Lord in Gethsemane. All spoke of the need to "watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation". They did not venture to meet again then. They said it might be all right as far as the Government was concerned, but the Three-self required a leader, and none felt that a man could be put in that place, when the Holy Spirit is our Leader. So they concluded by deciding to pray more about it. In August we gathered again. On that happy Sunday two women and several young people were baptized. Three had asked for their place at the Lord's Table, and we ate the Lord's supper together. We continued to gather once a month until the tyranny again showed its strength the following February.
One of the women baptized then, died six months after. She had been won by the testimony of a dear old woman in the matched village, who was almost blind and almost deaf. She could not read and she knew almost nothing; but she loved her Lord, and she loved her neighbor. Through her testimony her old husband was saved just before he died, and now this neighbor. There are many like her: I heard of one country woman who was used to bring more than fifty souls to the Lord in one year. We should pray for such women, that the Lord will use them at this time when so many have been silenced. The other woman baptized was the wife of a Christian. I think she truly believed, but she was still a babe needing to be fed with milk. There are many like her, and there is no one to feed them. But the Holy Spirit is still there, and can bring to mind what they have learned. And our prayers can help.
It seemed that the organized church and trained Pastors which had so sadly compromised was being set aside, and the Lord was raising up His independent witnesses. I knew a woman at a Bible school. When she was born her father had dedicated her to the Lord as a Nazarite, never to cut her hair, or to drink wine. He had been among those sent to Europe in the first world war, and while there had become a Christian. This girl was born after his return, the only one of eight children to live. Her parents died when she was young, and missionaries had her trained as a nurse. All her life she desired to devote herself to the work of the Lord, but she was already forty when she was able to enter Bible school, and she found it hard to work with the younger ones. In the holidays the students were sent out to do evangelistic work, and she returned to her home town. She came back overflowing with joy. She had carried on 36 cottage meetings, as many as 200 at some of them She had visited in the homes, and taught unnumbered children. They begged her to come again, but she was afraid she would not be able and was training a young man to help them, and sending him books. I fear she has been taken "inside", but I am not sure.
In a certain district fourteen churches had been closed and about seven hundred people used to come to a Christian woman for help and teaching. At our first contact I had sent this "Deborah" sixty "Words of Comfort" and some other books. Two months later they came to tell me how much blessing these books had been, especially a little book on the Lord's Coming. One woman was devil possessed, and had baffled many doctors; but the Christian woman prayed for her, and she was restored and three of her family became Christians. They asked for another 100 Words of Comfort, and some more books on the Lord's Coming. She also wanted Scripture expositions, and how thankful I was to supply them.
Then there was a carpenter, who came in for a big print Bible. He was ministering to another group left without a Shepherd. And there were many others.
Many Pastors who had refused to join the Three-self or to teach as they directed were removed, some imprisoned, some confined to their homes, or given other work. One Pastor was set to selling vegetables. He went round selling at the homes of the Christians; and at each house he had prayer, and spoke to the people. The Christians saw to it that all his vegetables were sold. In that little mountain Church there was a wonderful work of the Holy Spirit. Many of them had been in prison, and when some of them were allowed out the number of the Christians increased tenfold, from 300 to 3000. They were greatly needing Bibles. One morning a woman came in with some Bibles. She told me that her Mother used to have a Bible class, and these had been lying by since her death, and she said to send them any where inland that there was a need. Next day the brother-in-law of the Pastor of this Church came in, and was delighted when I shewed him the eight Bibles she had brought. He said that he had very much wanted to get some, but had no money, so could only pray. So I got 6 more Bibles and some portions, and some Words of Comfort, and sent them off with a parcel of books and one of posters. I will quote from a letter of a month later. "On Wednesday I was thinking it would be nice to send some Bibles to that church which has grown from 300 to 3000; I counted up that I might be able to send forty three Bibles and New Testaments with a certain sum, but asked for a token that it would be the right thing to do. In a few minutes the dear young man, with the sweet little girl who studies Greek, came in, bringing his brother and nephew. The nephew was saved last week, such a bright faced boy, about fifteen. The brother was leaving that night for that very place, and they were wanting Bibles and Hymnbooks. So they bought five Bibles and New Testaments and nine hymn books. There is no question about more being needed. So I have twenty five here waiting to go, and will get more tomorrow. We are combing the shop for wrapping paper, as there is none to be bought. It is wonderful how much we can scare up, and the devil will not hold up Bibles by that move.”
The little Church carried on bravely. Even in 1958 it dared to hold special evangelistic meetings at the new year. The brave young Pastor would not join the Three-self. He was imprisoned, and his wife struggled on, trying to care for the Christians, and to bring up their three children.
Her brother was one of the most Christ-like young men I ever met. His face shone with such a light that I never saw him without thinking that I was having a glimpse of my Lord. Other Christians facing persecution had that same light in a greater or less degree. One such said, If we want the crown, we must have the light affliction. We pampered folk in the West might not think the affliction so very light. I
know what Stephen looked like when "all... saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." This young man had been Pastor of a little country Church, but he too would not join the Three-self. He was not imprisoned, but for over a year he was mostly confined to his house, and constantly questioned. Of course he could not continue at his Church, and they were left, simple farming folk, without a human shepherd. But he spent his time in prayer for them, and when, very occasionally, he had a visit from them he found that they were growing in grace more than when, he was with them. He was like Epaphras, "always laboring fervently... in prayers." Col. 4:1212Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12). Once he asked me how long I spent in prayer each day, and I was ashamed to confess that it was less than an hour, when I knew that he sometimes spent whole days and nights in prayer.
The Communists fear and hate prayer, which is surely an incentive to us to persevere in it. One of the charges against me was that I had supplied information used by the imperialists as subjects for prayer. It shows that although they profess to believe there is no God, they really know in their hearts "that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" Heb. 11:66But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). The Communists would reward those that pray with imprisonment, for it shows that they confess and trust in a Power outside and above Communism. There was a young man in prison, in the far west of China, the only son of his mother, a widow, who lay ill of an incurable disease in Shanghai. He might have been released if he would stop praying; but he would not give it up, and his mother blessed him for it and prayed with him. I heard of another who refused to give up praying as the price of his release. One of the other prisoners was so impressed by this that when he was released he sought out a Gospel Hall and became a Christian. I am sure there was much fruit from the witness of our fellow Christians in prison. One young man kept in prison for a year on suspicion, came out saying, They "thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" Gen. 50:2020But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20). He was rejoicing because he had "two Onesimuses" in prison, two sinners saved. Of course there was no disgrace in going to prison, the best people were there.
The Father of the young man who looked like Stephen was Pastor in an inland province. He too stood fast for the truth, and was turned out of his church, and forbidden to leave his house. He wrote to his son that formerly he had three or four meetings a week; now that he was confined to his house he had four or five a day. The Christians came all day long to visit him, and with each he had prayer, and expounded the Scriptures. He was once baptizing 17 converts. They were so happy, they sang and rejoiced too loudly, and soldiers came in and arrested them all, and marched them off to the city. One of them, a girl of fifteen, was just alight with the joy of the Lord, and when told to hold out her hands to be handcuffed, said "I am not worthy of so great an honor." An elderly man had suffered six years from arthritis, and his arms, bound behind him, were very painful. He asked the guard to loosen his bonds a little, but instead they bound him more tightly. Then, just as they passed through the city gate, the ropes suddenly fell apart, and he held out his arms for the guard to see, saying, You see, my God has released me. At the same time his arthritis left him, and did not return. They were all imprisoned that night; in the morning nothing could be found against the seventeen converts, and they were released. The Pastor was kept in prison, and like Peter, was sleeping between two soldiers. The one on guard suddenly saw two tall men in white, standing beside their prisoner. He wakened his companion, who also saw them, and they were so frightened they hurried out of the cell. They went to the Pastor's wife, and told her, asking Were those your Jesuses? No, she replied, They were not; but I can tell you who they are, they are His messengers. (In Chinese 'messenger' and 'angel' are the same word) Well, said the soldier, I will never persecute the Christians again. And we cannot have such goings on in the prison, so your husband can come home. And you tell him, not to have so many people at his meetings, and not to have them so publicly, and with so much noise.
There was a demand for Bibles from many parts. The Bible House said they had many orders from up-country; in many places where churches had been closed, and Bibles and hymn-books destroyed, they were opening up again. A young Baptist Pastor came in to get ten Bibles. He told me that they were to be sent to a little Church with eight members, who had been sent to that distant place, just five li, less than two miles, from the Russian border. He brought in two old Bibles, and three hymn books which a brother was sending from his own home, as he had no money to give. We were able to send some Russian books along with them.
There were some wonderful revival meetings for Christians held in two places not far south of us. In one place it began with some meetings held by a local man, and attended by about 250 persons. The authorities were suspicious, and had him up for trial and decided they had better cut off his head. The sword was brought, and he just stood there, and said, That is quite all right. So they let him go. In the other place the work seems to have begun with an old gatekeeper, who just went faithfully on with his work, studying the Bible in all his spare time. Then a Christian woman, another Deborah, with her little child, went at Chinese new year and had meetings, five days in each place. Eight hundred people came; some walked fifty English miles, carrying a little food and bedding on their shoulders. From six to seven they had Quiet Time; from nine to ten they sang hymns; from ten to twelve they had preaching; from two to three they sang hymns; from three to four-thirty preaching, and again in the evening. The church building could not accommodate them, so they were allowed to use the military center, and cook in their kitchen. Two Communists were sent to watch, and at first were very suspicious. But they were much impressed with how happy they were. What makes them so happy? they said, so poor, nothing good to eat, just sit there in the cold on those hard benches, with their eyes shut, saying Jesus, Jesus, Lord, Lord! When the brief glimpse of freedom was shut off, "Deborah" was called up for questioning, and after some anxious weeks was sentenced to eight years in prison. Her sister was able to visit her, and found she was busy ten hours a day making soldiers' uniforms, but kept in perfect peace of heart.
There was much dissatisfaction with the Three-self. Two old men were in the shop discussing Christian work. "And what do you think of the Three-self? asked A. I don't think, said B, I express no opinion, it is not for me to judge them. I go on the principle of the second clause of Revelation 22:11,11He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. (Revelation 22:11) "He who is filthy, let him be filthy still"; and he repeated it several times with great satisfaction. Many did not feel free to attend any of the churches, and longed for a place where they could meet according to the Scriptures. One earnest young man told me that there were many young men sitting at home doing nothing. In other days they would have become Pastors, but they felt they could not enter the State-controlled church. If they took up any secular work there was absolutely no time for anything else, such long working hours, and then political meetings, and preparation for them. He asked special prayer for them. Of course now, all such young people would be compelled to work for the State.
The "thousand flowers" called on to blossom by the Government were soon nipped by the frost. Many people had been so foolish as to rise to the bait, and there had been a storm of criticism of the Government. Of course the result was many arrests. In September the Rectification Campaign set in. Once again everyone had to confess. Everyone again had to write an autobiography from the age of eight, analyzing his thoughts and confessing any feeling against the Government. The general form of this was: Before the Communists came I was very much afraid of them, for we had been told many lies by the capitalists. Since they have come we see how good they are, and now I am very happy under their rule.
I was warned by many that there were hard times ahead. One Chinese friend sent me a tiny note, The fiery trial is coming: pray for us. I never heard from her again, but I have been told that she is in prison.
At the end of 1957 the Department of Religion called another conference of about 130 Pastors, and all were looking forward with much fear to what would happen when they returned. This Conference was The Tenth Plenary Session of the Standing Executive Committee of the Chinese Christian Three-self Patriotic Movement. Its final resolutions, as reported in the Heavenly Wind, were as follows: It confessed the sins of the Chinese Christians in the past in allowing themselves to be used as tools of Western Imperialism in its aggression in China.
It promised unconditionally to accept the leadership of the Chinese Communist party.
It made a solemn vow to join the great "Leap forward" movement toward Socialism, and to join in the Government's "Socialist Education". Finally, it commanded all churches to call similar conferences to eradicate the capitalistic viewpoint, and establish the socialist viewpoint.
On New Year’s Eve I had the privilege of having supper with a little group of young people who were determined to stand for the Truth, no matter what happened. It was a very happy evening, they were so cheerful and loving. How earnestly they prayed.
And later I think they all spent the whole night in prayer. Before the end of the year almost half of them were in prison.
Immediately after Chinese New Year 1958 the Pastors were gathered for political training. The country pastors were brought into central towns for six weeks or two months, or longer. We had letters begging for prayer. The Heavenly Wind was full of reports of wicked things discovered. Especially it stormed against faith healing, and casting out of demons. I wonder how the Pharisees would have written, if they had had such a paper in 30 A.D. It was also full of lists of Pastors imprisoned. Many of the older Pastors were dismissed or imprisoned; younger ones who had refused to join the Three-self were sent to work in mines, or to the far North West. There were terrible stories of suicides. One did not know whether to mourn most over those accused, or those who made the accusations.
In Shanghai there were so many church workers that they were divided into two groups. The first group had the more important members, and its meetings lasted five months. The reports of the accusations and debates were terrible. Against one Pastor more than three hundred accusations were brought. Accusations would be of favoring foreigners, speaking well of missionaries, favoring Wang Ming Tao, receiving letters or money from abroad; others would be of mismanagement of church funds or property; of signs of arrogance and superiority; lack of sympathy with the Communist policy, etc. Any protest or criticism was a crime, and the speaker was branded as an anti-revolutionary. There were also many baseless accusations of immorality etc.
Bitter accusations were again brought against all foreign missionaries and missionary societies. Most of all Hudson Taylor and the C.I.M. were denounced. Billy Graham was another object of attack. Many Chinese leaders were attacked, including those who had tried to conform to Communism, and had written in praise of it and of the Three-self. Every article in the Heavenly Wind spoke of the "Anti-revolutionaries hiding under the cloak of religion". Another special attack was on the "independent, illegal evangelists" working throughout China, especially" those who claimed to cast out spirits or trust in faith healing.
One was constantly reminded, when reading or hearing these attacks, of the Spanish inquisition and Torquemada. These men, some of them real Christians, were worked up into believing they were acting righteously in accusing their brethren. Then the church handed them over to the civil arm for punishment. One read of tens of men, sentenced to two, five, eight, ten, fifteen years of imprisonment, and after that, loss of civil rights (if there are any rights in Communism).
The State was no longer executing criminals, except for very glaring crimes. They needed slave labor for their great irrigation works, and other grandiloquent plans for the great leap forward. These condemned men were mostly sent to slave in labor camps, removing by hand thousands of tons of earth. Some of my special friends were taken at this time.
The Heavenly Wind published reports of the resolutions passed by the conferences in various places. These generally were, Against all teaching of separation from the world; against depressing hymns and sermons, such as those referring to sin and judgment; against any mention of the end of the world; against any Literature from Hong Kong or elsewhere which might be subversive. One of the churches in central China issued its manifesto: these were the five "goods" which all must follow-support the upright man, work hard, help everybody, study politics, be careful of hygiene. And the five "nots"-no preaching outside the church, no house meetings, no faith-healing and casting out demons, no contempt for this world, not to allow the observance of Sunday or other church services to hinder work.
At such a time of testing of course the Lord gave special encouragement. Some one wrote referring to Rev. 7:1,1And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. (Revelation 7:1) and it was indeed a great comfort to remember those strong angels controlling the winds of the earth, those fierce winds trying to overthrow, but powerless against those founded on the Rock. Some one else spoke of the safety of the individual in the "place by Me", standing "upon a Rock", hidden in "a cleft of the Rock" covered "with My hand". Ex. 33:21-2221And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: (Exodus 33:21‑22). I was told that at this time Psalm 18:1-61<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,>> I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. 2The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 5The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. 6In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. (Psalm 18:1‑6) came to many as by a voice from Heaven: "The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer... the sorrows of death compassed me... in my distress I called upon the Lord... and my cry came before Him, even into His ears". Also Isaiah 43:1-4,1But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. (Isaiah 43:1‑4) especially the last verse, "Thou wast precious in My sight... and I have loved thee". Also Psalm 12-the "flattering lips" and "double heart" were indeed terribly abundant those days, and the exaltation of "the vilest men". But the "seven thousand" were still there, and they are still there, many in prison, many still free, and how they all need our prayers.
The Lord gave to me Daniel 11:3535And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. (Daniel 11:35); the date May, 1958 is against it. Many "of understanding" that seemed pillars, many that we loved, fell in those days, and it was a comfort to know that it was "to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end". God works even that together for good. The margin reads "to try by them", and that was also true; by their fall, others were purged. The "fall" might not be only fall into error; it was only too true that it also had the meaning of verse 33: they fell "by captivity and by spoil". Another comfort was Isaiah 58:11,1211And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:11‑12). In that time of drought the Lord did guide and satisfy. One knew of those who were like a "watered garden", and who, one felt, were being trained by the Lord to be "the repairer of the breach". But it was a sad, sad time, and our hearts kept crying "How long, Lord, how long"? It was at this time Wang Ming Tao was again imprisoned. Reports had to be sent in from our compound, about the Sunday school, the Gospel preaching, and a. list of those who met to take the Lord's supper. There was no action taken, and all still continued for a time.
The outstanding result of the Shanghai conference was the amalgamation of the churches. By September 1958 the churches in Shanghai were reduced from about 150 to about 20; in Peking 64 were reduced to 4, and about the same in Canton. Those taken were turned into schools, factories, etc. Those left, had several services on Sunday. I do not know how far denominational differences were allowed to remain. The Anglican church still used the prayer book, and followed its ritual in the Cathedral, and probably in other places. But then the Bishops were leaders in the Three-self movement, and might in a measure direct its policy. The Three-self by no means was equal-or perhaps some were "more equal than others". When the ordinary Pastors were being paid about $25.00 a month, the Y.M.C.A., who were the controllers of the movement were having expensive central heating installed, a luxury they had not had even under the Imperialists.
Someone told me about the first joint service in the Youngallen Memorial church. Nothing was said about or from the Bible. The Preacher explained that up to 1949 the Christians had been very much in the dark, and very bad. But now at last the light has come, and all is fine. My informant said he would never go again. Though the number of churches was so greatly reduced, they were not nearly filled. Many of the poor and old who had been the most faithful attendants could not now accomplish the long distance to some strange church. In all the Kiangwan and Hongkew districts of Shanghai there were only the Darroch Road Church and the Youngallen Memorial, and Cantonese services in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Many felt they could get their political training better in other places than the church. In a few places a true Gospel was still preached with a minimum of politics as an introduction; but in many it was all politics, hung to a twisted Scripture text. Some were afraid to go. Many had no leisure: some worked seven days a week, and those who did work only six days might have their holiday any day of the week; or Sunday might be filled with political meetings.
It was said at this time that everyone fell into one of four classes: they were either farmers, or workers, which were good; or those seeking their own enrichment, or living on others, which were bad. Church workers were said all to belong to the last, parasites, living on others-so they must quickly try to become farmers or workers. Old Pastors and Bible women were sent to factories, many of them learning to make hats or toys. Younger ones were sent to the country. A few of the former Pastors still continued at their churches, but by this time the young men educated in the Government controlled seminary were ready, and the Three-self could put in their own people wherever Mr. Valiant-for-the-Truth was ejected. Pressure came down heavily on any that would not fall into line. One after another men and women who had held unauthorized meetings were gathered into prison. The Sunday school and other meetings in our compound stopped. The teachers were lads who had counted the cost, and had deliberately chosen to obey God rather than man. One after another they were taken. After some months they were tried and sentenced to five, eight, fifteen, twenty years in labor camps. After their sentence the prisoners were allowed a visit from their friends. Most of them came out weeping and lamenting. But these Christian, lads came out laughing and joking, cheering up the friends who had come to see them, still rejoicing to be counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. There were many, many others. There was the old man who would give away tracts, and speak to people on the streets: he was sentenced to eight years; the woman who had told the Gospel to her neighbors; the young women who would not work in the Bible School controlled by the Three-self; over forty students from the Spiritual Truth Seminary; John Sung's daughter who had worked among students; the Principal of John Sung's Bible School; there was an older man, a beloved brother, who had preached the Gospel without their permission; he wrote to his wife, God is keeping me in perfect peace. God can do that for them all; but consider what it means as the days and years pass, carrying away their youth; working ten or twelve hours a day, shoveling earth, sleeping on the ground, very poor food, no Bible-and going on five, eight, ten, fifteen, twenty years. We who are free, who have all things, who have the Scriptures and freedom to worship God according to our conscience, can we fail in praying for them?
In August the second group of church workers began their training. These included all students from the Spiritual Truth Seminary and the workers in the Bible Society. The result was the Bible Society was closed, except for a couple of hours weekly.
Towards the end of 1958 there was another movement which took in everyone in China, therefore all the Christians. This was the Hand over your heart campaign. This was zealously taken up by the Three-self. In June 1958 its leader Wu Yao Tsung contributed an article to the Heavenly Wind entitled "Let the Christian circle all hand over our hearts to the Communist Party". In the same number is quoted an article by a Communist, giving the oath of some young University man: We swear-That we shall eternally and without any limits faithfully obey the communist party, and surrender our living strength to socialism". This doctrine was exalted in the churches, even sometimes expressed in the words "Thou shalt love the communist party with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
This is the policy of the Three-self as expressed in their organ the Heavenly Wind. The Editor of the China News Bulletin has analyzed the contents of the magazine for 1958.
Secular propaganda from communist newspapers-48%
Religious propaganda to suppress Christian opposition to communism, and draw them into enthusiastic support of it-36%
Devotional and Bible study materials-12%
Items of Chinese news-1%
Editorial comment-3%
Yet there still were many Christians leading quiet and peaceable lives. I often wondered why some escaped, when others were taken. Perhaps some were too insignificant, perhaps some were too valuable. But however it was, there still were many. Now that all are being forced into the Communes, it must be much more difficult. The Christians need our prayers; but after all, their sufferings are "but for a moment" and work "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" 2 Cor. 4:1717For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17). In far greater need are the more than six hundred million souls still in the dark, "without God and without hope". The burden of their fellow countryman, whom they are not allowed to help, lies heavy on the Chinese Christians. So listen to them calling to us: "Finally brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith". 2 Thess. 3:1-31Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:1‑3).
"But the Lord is faithful.”