The American Missionary — Volume 42, No. 03, March, 1888Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 42, No. 03, March, 1888
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
During the month of March, the Chinese worship their ancestors at
their respective graves. This kind of worship has two meanings, one
is to repair and decorate the graves, the other, to worship with
sacrifice, consisting of already cooked chicken and pork, and paper
which represents money and clothing. My father and relatives, of
course, follow the same custom. I accompanied them to the graves,
but I only helped them in repairing the graves. Some of these
relatives were school teachers. They spoke scornfully at me for not
worshiping. They said, "You cannot show honor to your ancestors
without kneeling before them." I then said to them, "Can you tell
me the origin of sacrifice? Who established it, and for what
purpose?" This seemed to strike them like lightning, for they all
stood and had nothing to say. I then said, let me give you the
origin. I told them that after God created heaven and earth and all
things, he finally made a man and a woman, and placed them in Eden,
the paradise, and how they sinned against God's command by eating
the forbidden fruit. This brought death into the world. They were
driven out of Paradise and had to work hard for a livelihood, but
God was so merciful that he promised that the seed of the woman
shall bruise the head of the serpent; that is, he would provide a
Saviour, by which death could be conquered. God told them that when
they sinned again, they must offer sacrifice and confess their
sins, then God would forgive them. From that time on, the people
offer sacrifice. This sacrifice is a type of Jesus, who gave his
life and died on the cross for all who are willing to believe in
him. So Jesus paid it all, and after his crucifixion there is no
more offering required. That is the reason why the Christians do
not offer sacrifice, and why I do not worship in this manner. For
no one deserves our worship but God alone. I only honor the
ancestors with my heart. I love them just as much as you do
yourselves.
When they heard this explanation, they were greatly surprised. Then
they spoke among themselves by saying, "His doctrine is good; this
is all news to us; our Confucius books never tell us about the
origin of sacrifice." This seemed to break down their pride a great
deal, and after this they shew great willingness to listen to the
Word of Life. Oh! how I long to have them learn of Jesus and become
His followers. I not only pray for them, but every one in our
village. May the Lord bless the seed sown in their hearts.
Moreover, may He enlighten every soul in China. Yours in Christ,
CHIN TOY.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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