Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1912-05-22
CHRISTIAN EaDEAvOR
Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Beginning May rs, 1912

Beginning May 20. lslZ
Topic Missionary progress In Asia
Acts XIII, I-s. xiv. 1917 Edited BY Rev.
Sherman H. Doyle .. D.
Asia was the birthplace and the era
die OF the human race. In Asia also
the great religions OF the world. which
number their adherents by the mil
lions. had their origin. Here were born
and lived the founders of Brahma nism,
Buddhism. Confucianism. Mohammed-
anism and. supreme over all. Chris
tianity. In Asia today a gigantic
struggle is taking place among these
world religions for the final suprema-
ey. Under such circumstances we may
well study the signs of missionary
progress in this great continent. even
as the early church assembled to listen
TO the reports OF the first missionaries
who had gone to the gentiles In the
western part of Asia-Asia Minor, All
opposition to Christianity in Asia is
not ended The worshipers of false
gods have not all abandoned their
faith. All ruling dypasties have not
sworn allegiance TO King Jesus, and
yet great progress is being made.
Slowly but surely the Kingdoms Of
Asia are becoming a part OF the king
dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ
The signs of the times clearly indi-
cate missionary progress in Asia. no
matter from what standpoint we view
them:
/. Political changes in Asia indicate
missionary progress. The character
of the government has much to do
with the progress of Christianity in
any country. The freer the people the
more opportunities they possess under
the government; the greater the hber-
ty they enjoy to follow their own re-
igious inclinations and convictions the
more rapid win be the progress of
Christianity Many political changes
which will therefore advance the in
terests of the Christian religion have
been made In Asia In recent years.
China has become republic. Japan
is more and more adopting the ways
OF western civilization. In India the
rule OF Great Britain is acquiesced in
with less hatred and opposition. Tur-
key and Persia have constitutional
governments The old orders are pass
ing away, and with the coming of the
new the prospects for the more rapid
advancement of Christ's kingdom
greatly increase.
2. Religious changes in India Indicate
missionary progress. Many changes
have taken place In the religious prac-
tees and customs OF the people Of
Asia. The worst practices of the reii-
gions have been discontinued by law
or as result of enlightenment and ed
ucation. The antagonism to Christian
ity as rival religion is not so general
or so pronounced The spirit of tolera.
ton prevails more widely. All such
changes foreshadow missionary prog
ress.
g. Commercial changes in Asia indi
cate missionary progress The peoples
OF the world are today more closely to-
gether than ever before. The CONNER
cial ties that bind eastern and western
nations together are particularly
strong This new and higher CONNER
cial relationship is undermining the
Asiatic hatred of the foreigner which
has so obstructed Christian progress.
The intense hatred OF the oriental to
all that Is foreign has been one Of the
greatest obstacles to missionary prog
ress, and hence as it passes away the
outlook brightens perceptbly.
y L. Every branch Of direct missionary
activity in Asia indicates progress.
The educational work Is progressing
BY leaps and bounds Medical work.
which has always been such an impor-
tant factor. is most prosperous. The
number of churches, Of schools and Of
converts is ever increasing In India
the mo caste" people or outcasts are
finding refuge In Christianity. China
has adopted the educational systems OF
Christians. and Korea. though polit-
fcally controlled by Japan. is still faith
full to Christianity. The signs of the
times in Asia are most encouraging
from every standpoint No matter in
which direction We look. every pros
pect pleases." and II the church rises to
its great opportunities and takes ad-
vantage of the favorable conditions,
brought about by modern and varied
changes, Christianity will make enor'
nous strides toward gaining the as
cendancy in Asia. the continent of re-
uuiors